TWO-TIME TONY AWARD® WINNER & TWO-TIME EMMY AWARD® WINNER
MATTHEW BRODERICKSARAH JESSICA PARKER
IN
NEIL SIMON’S HIT COMEDY PLAZA SUITE
DIRECTED BY TONY AWARD WINNER JOHN BENJAMIN HICKEY AT THE
SAVOY THEATRE FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON FROM 15 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH 2024
PRODUCTION TO MARK SARAH JESSICA PARKER’S LONG-AWAITED WEST END DEBUT
On sale dates are now confirmed for the West End transfer of Neil Simon’s hit comedy PLAZA SUITE.
Priority on sale is Thursday 14 September at 10.00am, with general on sale on Friday 15 September at 10.00am.
There is still time to sign up for Priority on sale at plazasuiteuk.com. The sign up list closes on Wednesday 13 September at 4.00pm.
In addition to tickets going on sale this week, a limited number of £40 tickets will be available for every performance as part of an online weekly lottery. More details on the lottery will be announced in due course.
Plaza Suite
By Neil Simon
Directed By John Benjamin Hickey
Sarah Jessica Parker
Mathew Broderick
PLAZA SUITE will star two-time Tony Award® winner Matthew Broderick and two-time Emmy Award® winner Sarah Jessica Parker. It is directed by Tony Award® winner John Benjamin Hickey and will play a strictly limited season at the Savoy Theatre from 15 January to 31 March 2024.
Matthew Broderick returns to the West End stage following his acclaimed run in The Starry Messenger in 2019. PLAZA SUITE will mark Sarah Jessica Parker’s West End debut.
In New York, PLAZA SUITE became the must-have ticket for Broadway audiences. The production played to sold-out houses and shattered multiple box-office records at the Hudson Theatre, becoming the third-highest grossing play revival in Broadway history during its limited 19-week engagement.
In PLAZA SUITE, these two world-class actors play three different couples in one famous hotel room. Matthew Broderick plays Sam Nash/Jesse Kiplinger/Roy Hubley and Sarah Jessica Parker plays Karen Nash/Muriel Tate/Norma Hubley.
Plaza Suite
By Neil Simon
Directed By John Benjamin Hickey
Sarah Jessica Parker
Mathew Broderick
Karen and Sam are a long-married pair whose relationship may be headed for an early checkout. Muriel and Jesse are former high school sweethearts who seem destined for an extended stay. And Norma and Roy are the mother and father of the bride, ready to celebrate their daughter’s nuptials – if only they can get her out of the bathroom.
The creative team includes two-time Tony Award® winner John Lee Beatty (set design), Tony Award® winner Jane Greenwood (costume design), five-time Tony Award® winner Brian MacDevitt (lighting design), Tony Award® winner Scott Lehrer (sound design), Tony Award® winner Marc Shaiman (incidental music), and Jim Carnahan (casting director).
Plaza Suite
By Neil Simon
Directed By John Benjamin Hickey
Sarah Jessica Parker
Mathew Broderick
PLAZA SUITE is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Hal Luftig, with James L. Nederlander, Douglas L. Meyer, Elizabeth Armstrong, Hunter Arnold, Caitlin Clements, Eilene Davidson Productions, Jeffrey Finn, Terry Schnuck, Smith and Brant Theatricals, Sherry and Kirk Wright, and Mike Isaacson.
Zoe Birkett announced as host for 2023 UK Theatre Awards
Musical Theatre star Zoe Birkett will host this year’s UK Theatre Awards, set to take place on Sunday 8 October at London’s Guildhall. The UK Theatre Awards are the only nationwide awards to honour and celebrate outstanding achievements in theatre throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland by UK Theatre members.
Zoe has built an impressive career as an actress and singer and is currently in rehearsals for The Witches at the National Theatre, playing the role of Pippa. She has built a stellar reputation and garnered an array of rave reviews for her performances in an abundance of hit West End shows, including The Great British Bake Off Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, Hair, Rent and Tommy, as well as originating the female lead in in Thriller Live. Zoe has just finished starring as Rachael Marron in The Bodyguard UK Tour, and in 2022 she won the BroadwayWorld UK / West End award for ‘Best Supporting Performer in a Musical’ for her portrayal of ‘Arabia’ in Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
Prior to her time in musical theatre, Zoe’s career began at just sixteen years old, when she captivated the nation on ITV’s talent show Pop Idol. As the highest placing female contestant on the show, she was signed by Simon Fuller’s 19 Management and her solo single Get Happy shot straight up the charts to number one. A natural on screen, she’s since presented for the Top of the Pops Awards, the iconic CD:UK and ITV’s Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
Her other career highlights include performing in concerts at the iconic Royal Albert Hall singing alongside Annie Lennox and performing live with a twenty-piece orchestra for the BBC’s landmark coverage of the 60th VE Day celebrations in London’s Trafalgar Square, where she entertained crowds of over 25,000 people.
Claire Walker, Co-CEO of SOLT and UK Theatre, said:
“We’re so pleased to announce Zoe Birkett as our host for the 2023 UK Theatre Awards. Her incredible career in the arts and experience in touring theatre productions make her the perfect presenter for this year’s ceremony.
We are looking forward to celebrating another fantastic year of theatre across the UK. After challenging times in recent years, it’s never been more important to honour our national members for their incredible productions, and the contributions they make to their local communities.”
Full nominations for the 2023 UK Theatre Awards are to be announced on Thursday 14 September.
A VOYAGE ROUND MY FATHER ANNOUNCES FULL CAST ALONGSIDE RUPERT EVERETT
AT RICHMOND THEATRE TUE 10 – SAT 14 OCTOBER
BAFTA and Golden Globe nominee Rupert Everett will star in John Mortimer’s celebrated autobiographical play A Voyage Round My Father, which will open at Theatre Royal Bath, with performances from 28 September, before embarking on a UK tour to Richmond, Cambridge, Cardiff, Malvern, Chichester, and Nottingham.
Joining Rupert Everett on stage will be Jack Bardoe, Eleanor David, Allegra Marland, Julian Wadham, Heather Bleasdale, Zena Carswell, John Dougall, Calum Finlay, and Richard Hodder with Leoni Kibbey and Rob Pomfret.
Growing up in the shadow of a brilliant and eccentric barrister, a man whose tea-time conversation could take in music hall, adultery, evolution, the ridiculous inconvenience of sex, Shakespeare, and the importance of avoiding anything heroic in wartime, the son continually yearns for his father’s love and respect.
In shining a light on this delicate relationship between a young man and his father who adored his garden and hated visitors, and whose blindness was never mentioned, A Voyage Round My Fatherintroduces us to a gallery of unforgettable and often hilarious characters.
John Mortimer was a novelist, playwright and a barrister in his own right, renowned for his political dramas and creator of Rumpole of The Bailey.
Rupert Everett’s leading roles have included the multi award-winning film My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Importance of Being Earnest, An Ideal Husband, Dance With A Stranger and The Happy Prince. His stage roles have included Blithe Spirit on Broadway, Pygmalion and The Judas Kiss in the West End and Uncle Vanya in the Theatre Royal Bath Summer Season.
The world class artistic team for A Voyage Round My Fatherwill include former Director of the National Theatre, the multi-award-winning film, television, opera and theatre Director Richard Eyre, alongside Olivier® and Tony® Award-winning creatives Bob Crowley (Designer) and Hugh Vanstone (Lighting Designer).
Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
THE CREW ARE BACK NEXT YEAR FOR ANOTHER ROAR-SOME ADVENTURE!
Zog and his crew are flying back to the stage in 2024! Based on the bestselling sequel by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Zog and the Flying Doctors will once again tour the UK in 2024, opening at the Leeds Playhouse on 15 February and visiting theatres around the country until July. Full tour dates can be found at http://ZogLive.com
Zog, super keen student turned air-ambulance, still lands with a bang-crash-thump. Together with his Flying Doctor crew, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout, they tend to a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with one too many horns and a lion with the flu. However, Pearl’s uncle, the King, has other ideas about whether princesses should be doctors, and she’s soon locked up in the castle back in a crown and a silly frilly dress!
With a bit of help from some friends and half a pound of cheese, can Pearl make her uncle better and prove princesses can be doctors too?
Zog and the Flying Doctors is one of the best-loved creations of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the UK’s number one picture book pair behind many modern classics including The Gruffalo which has been published in 75 languages. Together their books have sold over 75 million copies.
First published in 2016, Zog and the Flying Doctors is the smash-hit sequel to Zog, which has sold over 1.5 million copies. On Christmas Day 2020, Magic Light Pictures premiered an animated film of Zog and the Flying Doctors on BBC One featuring an all-star cast including Sir Lenny Henry and Rob Brydon.
Zog and the Flying Doctors is brought to the stage by Freckle Productions in association with Rose Theatre Kingston. Freckle Productions are pioneers in imaginative storytelling for children and the team behind smash -hit stage hits including Stick Man and Zog.
Zog and the Flying Doctors is co-directed by Katie Beard and Bobby Delaney, with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe, choreography by Katie Beard, set and costume designs by Lucy Bradridge, lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, and with puppetry by Edie Edmundson The musical director will be Bobby Delaney and the musical supervisor & orchestrator will be Paul Herbert. Casting will be announced in due course.
Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are thrilled to announce today that JLS star Aston Merrygold will play TheTin Man and Liverpool-raised, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing on Ice finalist, The Vivienne, The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz at the Liverpool Empire this Christmas. The new musical, based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum, opens its UK and Ireland tour at the venue following a celebrated run at the world-famous London Palladium, playing an extended festive season from Tuesday 13th December – Sunday 7 January 2024.
Further news to follow on additional casting for Liverpool and all casting for later venue dates.
Aston Merrygold became known for his incredible stage presence during his time with X Factor-formed band JLS, who went on to sell out countless arena tours and sell over 10 million records, including five Number 1 hits and numerous awards. Whilst the band took a seven-year break, Aston made strides in his career appearing on the West End, Strictly Come Dancing and released his platinum debut single ‘Get Stupid’ and most recently ‘Overboard’ and ‘Share a Coke’. JLS made their comeback last year and performed to sold-out arenas all over the UK and Ireland.
The Vivienne is undoubtedly the UK’s No.1 drag superstar, after emerging as the original champion of the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Since then, she has become a huge star both in the UK and internationally appearing on TV regularly and releasing music for fans across the globe. 2022 saw The Vivienne’s TV career go global when she appeared on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars All Winners’ on US TV.
2023 saw The Vivienne make history as the first drag star to appear on a major UK reality competition series, competing in ‘Dancing On Ice’ on ITV. Viv made it all the way through the Top 3, with breathtaking performances in the final. 2023 also saw The Vivienne become the face and voice of the BBC’s Eurovision Song Contest trailers. In addition, she performed ‘Waterloo‘ at the massive Eurovision opening ceremony in Liverpool city centre.
Following it’s Christmas season at the Liverpool Empire, complete dates for The Wizard of Oz’s UK and Ireland tour are today confirmed as: New Theatre, Oxford; Mayflower Theatre, Southampton; New Theatre, Hull; Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield; Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury; Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh;Cliffs Pavilion, Southend; Theatre Royal, Norwich; Venue Cymru, Llandudno; Alhambra Theatre, Bradford; Theatre Royal, Plymouth;Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol; Theatre Royal, Nottingham; Theatre Royal, Newcastle;Palace Theatre, Manchester; New Victoria Theatre, Woking; Grand Opera House, Belfast; Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin;Hippodrome Theatre,Birmingham; King’s Theatre, Glasgow; His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen; Milton Keynes Theatre; Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff;Grand Theatre,Wolverhampton, beforeconcluding it’s run at the Sunderland Empire next August.
Michael Harrison, the producer of the smash-hit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which thrilled audiences on its UK Tour in 2022, now presents Curve’s brand-new production of one of the world’s most beloved musicals. For more information and to book tickets, go to www.wizardofozmusical.com.
Join Dorothy, Toto and friends on an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old land of Oz.
Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, including Over The Rainbow,Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We’re Off To See the Wizard – with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice – this spectacular production will be a truly magical experience for all the family.
Directed by Nikolai Foster (Billy Elliot The Musical, A Chorus Line) The Wizard of Oz has choreography by Shay Barclay, Set Designer is Colin Richmond, Projection Designer is Douglas O’Connell,Costume and Puppet Designer is Rachael Canning, Lighting Designer is Ben Cracknell, Sound Designer is Adam Fisher, Creative Consultant is Mark Kaufman, Musical Director and Musical Supervisor is George Dyer, casting by Debbie O’Brien, Props Supervisor is Marcus Hall Props, and Wigs, Hair and Makeup Designer is Elizabeth Marini.
Aston Merrygold who joins the cast as The Tin Man said: “‘Liverpool is such a special place to me and my family, it was only a year ago that I got married there! The Wizard of Oz is such an iconic story with such timeless characters and audiences of any age will delight in this new production full of laughter, excitement and a lot of colour. I can’t wait to return to the city for a fantastic festive season this Christmas as The Tin Man, it’s going to be incredible!’
The Vivienne, who will perform as The Wicked Witch of The West, adds: “It is quite literally a dream come true to be asked to play The Wicked Witch of the West and to bring this amazing character to life this Christmas. The Wizard of Oz means everything to me, it’s the ultimate story of overcoming adversity. I first saw the movie aged five and I’ve probably seen it about 100 times since. I played The Tin Man at primary school and got to skate to ‘Over The Rainbow’ on Dancing on Ice so it’s fair to say I’ve had a life-long love affair with the story. Your favourite characters are all there, telling the story you know and love … but with SO much more added to this new production. Prepare to be whisked into an amazing new world of colour. Performing in Liverpool is always a complete joy, and this will actually be my first-time stepping foot on the Empire stage after years of seeing productions there, so it’s a complete honour!
The Wizard of Oz on tour is presented Michael Harrison, Gavin Kalin Productions, David Mirvish, Crossroads Live, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Nick Thomas, Rupert Gavin and Mallory Factor, Jake Hine and Playing Field, by arrangement with the Really Useful Group Ltd.
“Frozen is an awesome spectacle with more heart, depth and darkness than the film.”
Time Out
DISNEY’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF
FROZEN
EXTENDS UNTIL JUNE 2024
As the production celebrated its 2nd birthday in the West End, and on the eve of the anniversary of the much-loved film on which it is based, Disney Theatrical Productions today announces that their critically acclaimed production of Frozen extends booking until June 2024. With music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, book by Jennifer Lee, and directed by Michael Grandage, the production opened at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in August 2021, receiving 7 WhatsOnStage Awards – the most of any production – and 4 Olivier Award nominations, including Best New Musical. Priority booking opens today, with public booking opening on 15 September from 10am.
The current cast is Jenna Lee-James (Elsa), Emily Lane (Anna), Djavan van de Fliert (Kristoff), Craig Gallivan (Olaf), Oliver Ormson (Hans), Richard Frame (Duke of Weselton), and alternating the role of Sven, Mikayla Jade and Ashley Birchall (alternating the role of Sven), with Rhianne Alleyne, Marianne Bardgett, Jeremy Batt, Danny Becker, Rebecca Botterill, Char Burnett (Bulda), Collette Coleman, Laura Emmitt, Davide Fienauri, Jemal Felix, Jordan Fox, Molly Francis, Matt Gillett, Ben Irish (Pabbie), Justin-Lee Jones, Aoife Kenny, Jordan Livesey, Joshua Robinson, Harriet Samuels, Jacqui Sanchez (Queen Iduna), Isabella Glanznig Santos, Jak Skelly (Oaken/Bishop), Kerry Spark (King Agnarr), Caitlin Tipping, Rodney Vubya, Anna Woodside, and Luke Fraser Yates.
The cast from 27 September is Jenna Lee-James (Elsa), Laura Dawkes (Anna), Jammy Kasongo (Kristoff), Craig Gallivan (Olaf), Oliver Ormson (Hans), Richard Frame (Duke of Weselton); and alternating the role of Sven, Mikayla Jade and Ashley Birchall. Continuing as part of the ensemble are Rhianne Alleyne, Marianne Bardgett, Rebecca Botterill, Gabrielle Cocca, Laura Emmitt, Jemal Felix, Jordan Fox, Molly Francis, Matt Gillett, Dominic Adam Griffin, Jordan Livesey, Isabella Glanznig Santos, Ben Irish (Pabbie), Justin-Lee Jones, Aoife Kenny, Harriet Samuels, Jacqui Sanchez (Queen Iduna), Jak Skelly (Oaken/Bishop, Caitlin Tipping, Anna Woodside, and Rodney Vubya; who will be joined by Oliver Brenin, Ashley J Daniels (King Agnarr), Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly (Bulda), George Hinson, Jonathan Milton, and Ed Wade.
★★★★★
“Frozen is one hot hit”
Daily Mail
Frozen was released in cinemas in 2013, winning multiple awards, including two Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Let It Go”), the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film and the BAFTA for Best Animated Film. It was written and directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, withmusic and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Frozen 2, which debuted in November 2019 is the highest-grossing animated film of all time.
Jenna Lee-James plays Elsa. Her theatre credits include Cats (European tour), Mamma Mia, Tonight’s the Night, Boogie Nights (UK tours), We Will Rock You (Arena tour and Dominion Theatre), Street of Dreams – The Coronation Street Years (MEN Arena Manchester), Sleeping Beauty (Theatre Royal Nottingham), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Adelphi Theatre), Peter Pan (Theatre Royal Newcastle and Grand Theatre, Swansea), and The Boyfriend and The Wizard of Oz (Glasgow). Lee-James toured the world with Hugh Jackman as his featured vocalist on his World Arena Tour – The Man, The Music, The Show; and also released her debut album on the edge. Her television includes The Max Proms, Ruth Jones’ Summer Holiday, Parkinson, Party at the Palace, Party in the Park, and Al Murray’s Happy Hour.
Laura Dawkes plays Anna – this marks her professional stage debut.
Craig Gallivan plays Olaf. For theatre his work includes School of Rock (New London Theatre), Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace Theatre), Crime and Punishment (National Theatre), Days of Significance (RSC), The Long, The Short and The Tall (Sheffield Theatres), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Oliver! (UK tours). For television, his work includes Stella (as series regular Luke), Torchwood, Footballer’s Wives (as series regular Callum Watson) and Care; and for film, The Edge of Love.
Oliver Ormson plays Hans. For theatre, his work includes Back to the Future The Musical (Opera House Manchester), High Fidelity (Turbine Theatre), Cats (Kilworth House), Nerds, Protagonists (The Other Palace), The Addams Family (UK and international tours), The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre), Sopranos vs Tenors (European tour), and Hairspray (Aberystwyth Arts Centre). Television includes West Side Story (Reef Television/BBC Symphony Orchestra).
Jammy Kasongo plays Kristoff. For theatre, his credits include Brief Encounter (New Wolsey Theatre), Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre), Hair (Waterloo Vaults), Grand Hotel (Southwark Playhouse), and Superior Donuts (Capitol Stage Sacramento CA). For television, his work includes The Diplomat; and for film, Cassette.
Richard Frame plays Weselton. For theatre, his work includes The Lion King (as Timon from 2013 to 2018, Lyceum Theatre), Blue Remembered Hills (Theatre on the Fly), Pocket Comedy (UK tour), Richard III, The Comedy of Errors (The Watermill Theatre), London Assurance (National Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice (Propeller), Absolute Beginners (Lyric Hammersmith), Promises, Promises (Sheffield Theatres), Love’s Labour’s Lost and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). For television, his work includes The Beast Must Die, Outnumbered, The Hollow Crown – Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, Family Affairs (as series regular Damian), Wire in the Blood, Hearts and Bones, and Hope and Glory; and for film London Road.
Mikayla Jade makes her professional stage and West End debut playing Sven. Originally from Australia, she is an actress and stuntwoman. For film, her work includes Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, The Old Guard and Wonder Woman 1984.
Ashley Birchall plays Sven. For theatre, his work includes Joseph and the Amazing TechnicolorDreamcoat, Oklahoma! (Kilworth House), Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre), Pet Shop Boys: Inner Sanctum (Royal Opera House), Tommy (Greenwich Theatre), Starlight Express (Germany), We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre). For film, his work includes Mary Poppins Returns.
Upper Hand Theatre’s production of Laura Wade’s thought-provoking and funny play is a real treat. While non-traditional burials are more common since the play was first performed in 2005, the anxieties and awkwardness around conversations about dying still persist.
Myra (Laura Fitzpatrick) has incurable cancer and has begun to make decisions about her funeral. Her family find this difficult enough, but when her plans (presented to the family via PowerPoint) include woodland burial in a cardboard coffin their unease is amplified.
This is a family that seems to talk at each other rather than converse, and as the play progresses, the distances between the family members and the family dynamics are mirrored in the state of the family home – closed doors, cracks in the walls and a broken boiler. Dad Alec (Michael Tuffnell) keeps everyone at arm’s length, only becoming animated about his beloved music and his mission to get the boiler fixed. Wade keeps you wondering why on earth this couple have stayed together, until a beautifully written scene where they talk honestly and actually touch each other.
Their daughters Jenna (Lisa Minichiello), used to being the centre of any drama, constantly oversharing, and Harriet (Emma Riches), solid and dependable, have opposite trajectories dealing with their mother’s approaching death, and the switching of roles and resilience is amusing, although the audience are under no illusions that either will cope without the other.
There are some wonderfully comic moments tackling Western society’s taboos around death, the family’s repeated responses to first seeing the cardboard coffin in the middle of the living room are a joy. The family are experts in avoidance and watching them all realise that this situation is something that cannot be ignored highlights the cleverness of Wade’s writing – never sentimental but showing the coolness in their relationships thaw and allowing glimmers of hope that the trio will be able to support each other when Myra is gone.
The cast work well together and are completely believable as a fractured family trying to navigate through dark times. Laura Fitzpatrick’s portrayal of Myra’s anger, fear and concern for her family is subtle and never overwrought. Director Jenny Easton allows each scene to drift into the set changes – the living room furniture is moved around by the two daughters and draped with green and brown material to represent a series of burial sites – and while this seemed overlong at first, the change of pace enhanced the rhythm and flow of the production. Classical music from their father’s collection adds a wonderful atmosphere and Matthew Karmios’s lighting evokes the changing seasons beautifully.
Poignant, witty and wonderfully acted, Colder Than Here is well worth a look.
Another night and another spectacular opera from the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company, this time the ever popular The Pirates of Penzance (1879). From the first notes the outstanding National Festival Orchestra, under their superb Conductor Murray Hipkin, were on sparkling form and had the audience toe-tapping and singing or humming all the tunes, of which the overture gave us the most glorious of previews!
The opening number presents us with the titular pirates and our hero Frederic, pirate apprentice extraordinaire played with wonderfully naive, boyish charm by Sam Marston. The plot is outlined in the opening exchanges when Ruth (Frederic’s faithful maid wrought with zeal by Gaynor Keeble) outlines how she misheard that he should be trained to be a ship’s pilot as “ship’s pirate”. Young Frederic has an unusually strong sense of honour which will be tested sorely by some upcoming revelations…
Soon The Pirate King (Matthew Siveter) appears to regale us with one of the many (many) highlights of the show; the song “Oh, better far to live and die” complete with side splitting camp theatrics, the first of the evening’s dance routines (big gruff pirates, my eye!) and a joie de vivre that was infectious. What a voice and acting skills Matthew has – I saw him last night playing the jailer but tonight it was like looking at a totally different actor (not just a different role). Breathtaking.
The chorus is more a group of stars than a supporting cast. All amazing and having so much fun! Nothing against the many G&S amateur societies (for they keep the flame alive) but seeing vibrant pirates and General Stanley’s daughters as young adults is rather more believable. This young cast gave the production ample opportunity for slapstick and physicality, especially during the interactions between the young ladies and the pirates who came to carry them away (several of whom were carried away by the eager young ladies – very amusing). It gave the production lots of energy, making the production trip along with the forward momentum of a rock concert. Mabel (Emily Vine) soared in her opening song “Poor wand’ring one!”. Apart from the vocal fireworks, her more restrained moments sparkled like summer sunlight reflecting off a gently undulating brook. One of the most famous patter songs “I am the very model of a modern Major-General” was perfectly delivered by Major-General Stanley (Simon Butteriss, who also directed again). I really enjoyed his “Pirates of Penzance, I’ve always wanted to meet them” vocal outburst, attesting again to his finely honed comic sensibilities. This work is liberally sprinkled with more core repertoire G&S hits than you can shake an unhappy-lotted policeman’s truncheon at, including another song you will know and love; “When a felons not engaged in his employment ” which had many in the audience again singing along to the “happy one” basso-profundo refrain. A show which deserves its place in our hearts, a production that unequivocally proves the genius of these works and performances that make us thank God for live theatre. An absolute triumph of an evening. My only regret is that they are not carrying on next week at Malvern with the next set of G&S classics.
Gilbert & Sullivan’s masterpiece The Yeomen of the Guard (1888) is set in the Tower of London in the 16th Century, it tells the story of Colonel Fairfax, due to be executed within the hour. He marries gypsy Elsie Maynard to prevent his posthumous estate from going to his accuser. Elsie’s lover, Jester Jack Point, is content to allow this arrangement as Fairfax will soon be dead, but when the prisoner escapes all manner of skulduggery ensues.
Around the time of the opera, composer Sullivan was exploring more mature styles and you can sense this from the outset as the overture isn’t just a mere preview of the show’s tunes but a fine classical composition in its own right. The orchestra was tight, sonorous and played with elan under the expert direction of conductor Murray Hipkin.
The curtain rose revealing a set of impressive grandeur, coupled with lavish costumes it was a feast for the senses and at once transported us to that era; as did the faux Shakespearean dialogue.
I have seen many a G&S and the opening chorus has certainly been a feature but this work, unusually, opens with Phoebe (Meriel Cunningham) alone. Her voice had an ageless beauty and she excelled at the dramatic too – this young starlet has the lot. Being G&S there were a multitude of principals and the next soon appeared; Wilfred Shadbolt (Matthew Siveter). A powerful voice and an acting talent that had impressive range, I loved Shadbolt’s interactions with other characters throughout. Both these wonderful leads comic timing during the key stealing scene was impeccable with sidelong and surprised glances and that last line in “Were I thy bride”… Hilarious! All of the cast were exceptional but I’ll just highlight two – Fairfax (Stephen Anthony Brown) being a fine leading man with a commanding presence and requisite range from stoic to selfish (via befuddled and overjoyed) and Point (Simon Butteriss) who had more than a glorious touch of Austin Powers about him. I found his scenes later on with Shadbolt particularly amusing, an odd couple caught in events giving them common goals. The Chorus was nothing short of wonderful all night, they added much to the action and produced an impressively massive sound for the key dramatic moments, the finales being particularly stunning.
Act 2 gave us many highlights of the show. I adored Fairfax teaching Point to woo, where it all started unravelling for two of our leads. But it was the aria “Strange Adventure!” that was the absolute zenith of the evening’s entertainment. Mighty impressive composing (an acappella quartet with orchestral interludes) and sublime singing (from Fairfax, Sergeant Meryll (Bruce Graham), Dame Carruthers (Gaynor Keeble) and Kate (Phoebe Smith)) which was most affecting! Worth the price of the ticket to hear that alone!
Yeomen has been called the “darkest” of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operas; with some justification thanks to a tragic ending. Our director (Buttriss) wrought every last ounce of emotion from the work and his character (Point). Truly heartbreaking and painfully realistic. I highly recommend you see it and one I know I will again (and again). Bravo to all concerned.
The Mix, Theatr Clwyd, Yr Wyddgrug – Friday September 8th 2023
Reviewed by Julie Noller
4****
On a very warm night in Mold, northeast Wales; we somewhat reluctantly gathered inside leaving the cool air and magnificent views of the hills outside. James was outside enjoying his customary preshow cigarette and warned us it was warm inside but the air con was running.
The air inside may be somewhat stale but Piece of Work brings a freshness to the stage straight from The Edinburgh Fringe, this being performance number 1 of the tour to follow. James as he did the previous night was mingling, walking in and out of the theatre, The Mix is perfect for an intimate gathering… James doesn’t disapear upon stage but brushes past audience members as they search for seats and take in surroundings. The set up is similar, table and chair but I see papers, clothes and am reminded of my teenage sons bedroom. James starts to move about stage, stripping off I start to giggle, I know it’s warm but. Alas it’s to put on flannelette Pyjamas and red trainers which just threw me into Mum mode, those will be far too hot!
There’s a warning before any dialogue begins but I like to think this is James’ way of connecting to the audience, the content may affect us and if needed please just get up and leave no questions, no pointed fingers after all we are paying to be there and not forced to sit we should be free to leave at any time; suicide tends to always hang in the air darkly.
There’s also a warning that the following hour may contain traces of Shakespeare as every play comes from the same factory. Equally swearing may be used, hopefully no one is of a sensitive disposition, no apologies as swearing is just words and plays are made up of words. It begins with a seed, not the thistle of Scotland but what looks suspiciously like a dandelion (which is the flower of the military child) thrown into the air my eyes follow its slow decent to the ground. Without retelling James’ story and not doing it justice I will refrain from spoilers; the content sparks alive with humour, touches your heart with a tale that involves mental health and suicide.
It is a bold performer who asks for the house lights to be switched on and then encourage everyone to embrace talk of suicide and James is both brave and entertaining. He reads a letter from Dick an old friend of his fathers offering him a bed following a show, Dick who lives in a very big house in York is also the father of his brother Chris who arrived when Jim was 10 and became a beloved younger brother following his mothers suicide.
What follows from that simple act of offering a bed is Piece of Work a title itself that is somewhat a play on words is it the act of writing or his belief that the older men are the said Piece of Work? It’s the little things throughout that pull you into what is an intimate story, they ground you and connect us; maps strewn across the floor showing us where both Jim and Chris live, why they behave the way they do. On the map of Didsbury I notice Kansas and my brain immediately floats to Dorothy mode, alas it’s a fried Chicken shop!! But we do get a heal tap of those red trainers aha that explains it’s like a light bulb moment nothing is by chance everything has a meaning including the hot flannelette pyjamas; chosen because he used to read young Chris his bedtime story and the younger brother insisted on both wearing pyjamas. James brings his Father to life in an old recording to celebrate a milestone birthday, you sense he has a way with words much as his son does, you can argue for nature vs nurture as the 2 brothers are perfect examples of, they may not look alike but they talk and ultimately act alike. But you can’t outrun DNA and each brother has those strands that illuminate them one struggling mentally one realising that dispite not desiring it he is his fathers son.
So to bring Piece of Work full circle, James highlights the lows of loss but highlights that sense of belonging, that warmth and strength we gain from simply feeling home. He pauses to play us a voicenote to end and it’s the gurglings of Chris’ son Aneurin I am not the only one to feel the joy and smile and despite feeling that the story is stopping short of a true ending I am struck by those words uttered throughout that life is infact simply “bigger than that”
