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Dublin born actress Gina Costigan sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 Questions. Gina is currently starring as Grace in Faith Healer by Brian Friel at The New Vic.  Tickets can be found here

Let’s start with a few favourites

Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?

 Oh many of these are too hard to definitively call but my mother Maria McDermottroe is an actress and was in an incredible production and Australian tour of Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa and I hold that dear to my heart. She brought my sister and myself out on tour with her, so not only is it a brilliant play but I have such great memories of it 

Favourite book? 

Star of the Sea by Joseph O’Connor 

Favourite theatre? 

The Irish Repertory Theatre, NYC 

Favourite song? 

Very hard to say but Come on Eileen by Dexy’s Midnight Runners has to be up there 

Favourite music? I will listen to anything and don’t consider myself the most educated on the music front. Do love Doo-wop and in turn then many of those 60s girl bands. 

Favourite food? There’s pretty much nothing that I don’t like on the food front. I’ve been going through a big Tuna and Sweetcorn buzz of recent and I’m know as one of life’s great crisp eaters. I often will just have one of those big bag of crisps on me in most situations, just in case like. 

Favourite drink?

 Ohhh again too hard but Aperol Spritz, Wine, Margaritas, Manhattans, the list is endless 

What is your favourite role? 

Grace who I am currently playing and also Dolly in Crackskull Row by Honor Molloy and Hannah in The Seedbed by Brian Delaney. Sorry, I know the question was ‘role’. 

What was your first role? 

My first stage role was that of a street child in the production of The Risen People, directed by Jim and Peter Sheridan, it was a hoot and in on film Molly in Veronica Guerin 

And what role would you really like to play? 

There’s so many but staying on the Friel theme, I’d love to play Agnes in Dancing at Lughnasa 

If you weren’t a performer what would you be? 

Not entirely sure but unlike others who go into casting etc. I think if I wasn’t acting I would be doing something totally unrelated to the industry but not sure what. 

What made you decide to be a performer? My mum’s a performer and although she by no means pushed me into it (quite the opposite really!) I do wonder if I followed her in. I’m mad about the vocation though, hook line and sinker 

Do you enjoy touring? I really really really enjoy touring, love getting to see new places, love being in transit and I love being on the road 

What advice would you give 16 year old Gina? 

Hold on tight, there’ll be ups and downs, feelings aren’t necessarily facts (that’s a great one from my sister), try not to be afraid to reach out at times, help others, help others, help others. – I’m still always in need of good advice. 

Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing?

 I don’t have enough confidence in my own opinion in the arts to direct, I don’t think, but I have done a bit of producing and enjoyed it big time 

What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed? 

The Frank McGuinness adaptation of Tartuffe that was on at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin 

Favourite line from any show? I’m not sure on this one, however my sister and I always quote ‘It’s nice to have a little checkeen’ in everyday life Which is a line from The Lonesome West by Martin McDonagh 

If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be? Right now, maybe Brian Friel, so that I would know the answers to all the questions I have on Faith Healer! 

What are the nicest/weirdest things you have ever received from fans? 

My mother is probably the only person mad enough to be my fan and fair play to her, she’s forever giving me nice things, particularly in the meals she cooks when I go home, salivating here at the thought. 

Can you tell us what you will be up to next?

 I am hoping to travel to Vietnam when I have saved up enough!

Duke of York’s Theatre – until 9 September 2023

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

After touring the UK, Nick Mohammed’s brilliantly bonkers creation has a residency back at the Duke of York’s Theatre.

Addressing fans of hit show Ted Lasso in the audience who have never seen Mohammed’s alter ego before with a sharp intake of breath and “this is a VERY different show”, Mohammed’s squeaky-voiced character effortlessly wins over the audience with his disconcertingly chaotic show.

This is a “Best of” (and, Mr Swallow admits, “Worst of” show) so some of the content has been seen on his appearances on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, but the material is so insanely brilliant that it never gets old. (Some of the audience were chuckling in anticipation of the upcoming jokes). Audiences who have seen Mr Swallow’s Houdini and Christmas Carol live shows may miss the more manic and egotistical side of Mr Swallow as he berates his co-stars, but this tour showcases the more mild-mannered, but still snarky know-it-all pedant as seen on TV.

Split into two parts with low tech presentations on numbers, then improving your memory, Mr Swallow begins with an increasingly irate examination of the cumulative reality of receiving all those gifts in “The 12 days of Christmas” before taking the audience down a rabbit hole critiquing the plot of “Les Mis”. The audience breathlessly follow Mohammed on various insane and seemingly random meanderings and he even manages to make nonchalantly solving a Rubik’s cube funny. Watching him use the memory linking method he has showcased in ridiculous fashion to recall a set of cards shouldn’t really be this entertaining – and if he makes the wrong (right?) choice of audience member to help him it becomes a masterpiece of polite frustration.

Mr Swallow’s original libretto for Jurassic Park is a highlight that gets funnier each time you see it, and the failed number demonstrations and tricks throughout the show aren’t the disasters they appear, with Easter eggs that the audience missed revealed with glee as Mr Swallow pulls the rug out from under you in a whirlwind mind-melting reveal that highlights the intricate and clever writing and skill behind this seemingly chaotic hour.

Mr Swallow is a unique comedy character that can make you howl with a simple grimace and shrug.

The absurd energy – he performs on roller skates, never explaining why – and ridiculous analysis carries the audience along on waves of laughter leaving them wanting more of this strange little man.

This preposterous but weirdly charming persona is comedy gold – a show full of belly laughs and silliness. Grab a ticket while you can!

Dance sensations Flawless, returning favourite Clare Gray and new Scottish talent join the cast of The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at the Festival Theatre, sponsored by Taylors Snacks

Street dance collective Flawless, Clare Gray and two young Edinburgh performers will appear in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan alongside the previously announced Grant Stott, Allan Stewart and Jordan Young.

• Britain’s Got Talent finalists Flawless bring their jaw-dropping dance routines to the Festival Theatre stage
• Two young Edinburgh performers return to their home turf to take on the roles of Wendy and Tink
• Taylors Snacks is the proud sponsor of this year’s panto which returns to Festival Theatre for the second year, while a major redevelopment is underway at the traditional home of the King’s Theatre

7 September, Edinburgh: Street dance collective Flawless and two Scottish rising stars are set to join the cast of The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at the Festival Theatre (25 Nov – 31 Dec) which is sponsored by Taylors Snacks . These new cast members star alongside fan favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott, Jordan Young and the returning Clare Gray in the capital city’s number one pantomime.

Renowned for their exceptional technical abilities and slick, charismatic style, Flawless became household names in 2009 when they reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent. They have since appeared in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert, the opening ceremony for the London Paralympic Games, collaborated with English National Ballet and worked with some of the biggest names in music. Flawless will be adding more swashbuckling fun to Peter Pan as the Pirate Crew.

Edinburgh-born Robyn Whyte, cast as Wendy, returns to the Festival Theatre after making her professional debut there in 2016, as a child in the ensemble of in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Robyn is newly graduated from Urdang Academy and has appeared in BBC’s The Greatest Dancer.

Leith actress Rebecca Stenhouse appears as Tinkerbell, following up her previous visit to the Festival Theatre in the UK tour of Legally Blonde. Rebecca trained at Edinburgh’s MGA Academy of Performing Arts and also appeared in Grease, Columbus the Musical and Rock of Ages.

Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Flawless to our panto family and can’t wait to see their incredible dance routines in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan this year. It is also really special to have Robyn and Rebecca returning to their home city to take on leading roles in the production – and fulfilling their childhood dreams in the process. They will join our beloved pantomime legends Allan, Grant, Jordan and Clare at the Festival Theatre, which plays host to the panto for the second year as the King’s Theatre’s exciting redevelopment is ongoing.

We are also delighted to have Taylors Snacks on board as our sponsor. Their focus on family fun makes them an ideal partnership for us and we look forward to working together to offer our audiences a brilliant and ‘flavoursome’ experience.”

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is produced by the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes.

In September 2022, the traditional home of pantomime in Edinburgh, the King’s Theatre, closed for a £35.6 million capital redevelopment to improve facilities and preserve the heritage of the beautiful building for years to come. While the King’s undergoes this transformation, the city’s beloved panto has found a new home at Capital Theatres’ other large venue, the Festival Theatre. 

James Taylor, Managing Director Taylors Snacks, said:

“At Taylors snacks, we’re all about fun, family and festivities – oh yes we are! Which is why we’re getting right BEHIND YOU and Capital Theatres as headline sponsors of this year’s Edinburgh Panto. The Panto draws crowds from across Scotland and beyond – giving us a great chance to rub shoulders with different generations, as they embark on a journey to Neverland. Great snacks and the theatre go hand in hand – oh yes they do! We’re planning all sorts of exciting giveaways and sampling with our world-famous festive crisps and popcorn – and can’t wait to be part of all the fun.”

Capital Theatres is excited to have Scottish family business Taylors Snacks on board as the sponsor for this year’s pantomime. Produced near the fourth-generation Taylor farm in Perthshire, Taylors Snacks boasts award-winning crisps and a growing product range including popcorn and lentil waves. It has a continued dedication towards making high-quality and delicious thick-cut crisps with a signature texture which are cooked gently to create a unique flavour.

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is at the Festival Theatre from 25 November to 31 December. Tickets are available to book here.

TWO WEEKS TO GO:

UNBELIEVABLE OPENS AT LONDON’S WEST END AT THE CRITERION THEATRE ON 19^TH SEPTEMBER

Vaudeville Productions and Kenny Wax Ltd presents Unbelievable

EVERYONE YOU MEET IS PERFORMING A KIND OF MAGIC TRICK –

PRESENTING THE PARTS OF THEMSELVES THEY WANT YOU TO SEE,

THEIR ‘EFFECT’ –

AND HIDING THE PARTS THEY DON’T,

THEIR ‘METHOD’

Tickets: https://unbelievablelive.com 

Brand new magic show, UNBELIEVABLE, will open in London’s West End at the Criterion theatre on the 19 September 2023 fusing together the best of theatre with illusion, sleight of hand and mind reading.

UNBELIEVABLE features a live band and a magic company of multi-talented performers with extraordinary gifts who bring to life, on stage, an evening of trickery that will leave audiences amazed.  

The audience will become an essential element of the show from the moment they set foot in the theatre – the beating heart of the production. No two performances will be the same.  

Created, written and directed by UK stage and screen phenomenon Derren Brown, and long-time collaborators Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor. After decades of appearing on stage solo, this will be the first time that one of Derren’s shows will be performed by a cast rather than himself.

Speaking on UNBELIEVABLE, Derren Brown said: “We have reimagined what a night of illusion could be. We have taken the love and experience we’ve put into my own stage work over twenty years and created, from the ground up, a proper, original, theatrical experience. I think we have liberated the magic show. It’s going to be a glorious thing.”  

Derren Brown will not appear on stage in Unbelievable.

A co-production with Colchester Mercury Theatre Ltd

FIRST PERFORMANCE OF

“STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS” WITH ALL STAR CAST

LED BY BERNADETTE PETERS AND LEA SALONGA

DELAYED BY FOUR DAYS

AS HAYDN GWYNNE

IS FORCED TO WITHDRAW FROM PRODUCTION

FIRST PERFORMANCE NOW THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

It is with great sadness that, owing to sudden personal circumstances, Haydn Gwynne has been forced to withdraw from STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS, Cameron Mackintosh’s latest musical production, which was due to commence previews at the Gielgud Theatre on Saturday 16 September. 

The rehearsal period must therefore be extended whilst a replacement for Ms Gwynne is found to join and rehearse with the all-star ensemble cast, and preview performances will now commence on Thursday 21 September. We hope to announce Ms Gwynne’s replacement in the coming days. 

Cameron Mackintosh said today: “Matthew Bourne and I were naturally very distressed, along with our brilliant cast headed by Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, to learn that Haydn Gwynne must suddenly withdraw from the production, for the immediate future at least. Haydn gave an unforgettable performance of Ladies Who Lunch during the OLD FRIENDS Gala Premiere in May 2022 and has been an integral part of this very close-knit company ever since. Haydn will be very much missed and we all send her our love. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused to our patrons who had bought tickets for the first few performances, particularly those coming from afar. All affected ticket holders will be contacted directly by the box office to make arrangements for you to see an alternative performance as quickly as possible”. 

York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 9th September 2023

Reviewed by Janina Cairns

5*****

The House with Chicken Legs is a heartwarming story inspired by author Sophie Anderson’s love of Slavic folklore and fairytales. It is designed for ages 9+ and the show comprises of a mixture of actors and puppets with a running time of 2 and half hours. If you are considering it, please know it does have a bit of smoke effect and some flashing lights – but not all the time.

The story primarily centres around a young girl called Marinka (Eve De Leon Allen) who wants nothing more than to stay in one place, make friends, have a normal 12 year old’s life, and not have a house that moves when it feels like it. Marinka has a Jackdaw friend (worked by Dan Willis) who has its own humorous character at times. During the play we also meet a young boy, Ben (Michael Barker), an older Yaga called Tatiana (Stephanie Levi-John) and a young girl called Nina (Elouise Warboys) who intertwine into Marinka’s story.

The play introduces us to death and grief in a wonderful way. Sounds a little dark and morbid? Far from it! It is humorous in parts, heartfelt all the way through and Marinka’s character has you enthralled throughout. Raised by her Baba (Lisa Howard), Slovak for grandmother, you learn that Baba has the role of a Yaga who is a Guardian of the Gate. The Yaga’s job is to guide the spirits of the newly departed, through the gateway from our world to the stars where the cycle becomes complete. This is portrayed with such compassion, fun, and empathy and the stage effects are lovely. At one point, Marinka decides to do, what she thinks is a nice thing, for Nina a girl spirit of her own age, and we learn why that was a bad idea.

At certain times during the play, we see some puppets play the scenes out. Now, although this was expertly done, from where we were sitting, you couldn’t see many features of the puppets as they were quite small. You did get the gist of what was being played out and for me, that didn’t take away from the story at all. The shadow play was very clever and again, done so well that you felt the emotions. All the characters relationships on stage came across strong and you quickly started to feel for each one and felt the bonds they had. Not always easy to do when you have a cast of only 6 players. Other than Marinka, the cast not only played their characters, but also played “the deceased” and “the houses”. Every cast member also helped move the stage sets around – which in itself was a feat of precision. It was the first night, and some of the stage changes were a little slow, but they will soon get this smoother and quicker. There are quite a few moving parts and changes and it was impressive to see how they had done the stage sets.

I was privileged to review this play at the York Theatre Royal. It itself is over 250 years old and continues to produce all kinds of theatre shows making a favourite of theatre goers. There are 3x car parks within approx. 10 mins walk of the theatre should you need one.

This play is visually and emotionally impressive. It is heartwarming and heart wrenching. Looking around, the children in attendance tonight loved it too. A great family outing. So, if you want a feel good play, definitely go see this one. You won’t be disappointed.

THE PLOTTERS HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED, AS THE FULL CAST IS ANNOUNCED FOR
THE FULLY STAGED WORLD PREMIERE OF 

EXPLODING INTO
EDINBURGH, SHEFFIELD, LONDON
AND DARTFORD 

FROM 25 OCTOBER – 25 NOVEMBER 2023

“…shines iridescent in its music…”
Guardian

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

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

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

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

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

The plot now thickens as casting for the original British musical’s autumn tour is complete, led by Sam Ferriday (The Cher Show, Jersey Boys)as Thomas Percy and Oscar Conlon-Morrey (Mother Goose, Only Fools And Horses) as Robert Cecil.

Joining them as our Plotters are Gabriel Akamo (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Fawkes, Kyle Cox (Ain’t Too Proud) as Jack Wright, Lewis Edgar (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Little Wintour, Connor Jones (Les Miserables) as Robert Catesby and Alfie Richards (Whistle Down The Wind) as Big Wintour.

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

They will be joining the previously announced Nicole Raquel Dennis (Dreamgirls, Dear Evan Hansen) in the pivotal role of Martha Percy, Joe McFadden (Holby City, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) swapping his Strictly crown for that of King James and Emilie Louise Israel (Hamilton, Once on This Island) Anne Vaux, re-joining the Plot from the Theatre Royal Drury Lane Treason concerts last year.

This October, the plotters will travel to the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Sheffield Lyceum and London’s Alexandra Palace, with the tour ending at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford on 25 November. Now see the fully staged world premiere of Treason the Musical this autumn.

Creator Ricky Allan, Director: Hannah Chissick, Choreographer: Taylor Walker, Musical Supervisor and Musical Director: Nick Pinchbeck, Designer: Philip Witcomb, Lighting Designer:Jason Taylor, Sound Designer: Tom Marshall, Casting Director: Harry Blumenau CDA, Orchestrator: Matthew Malone, Production Manager:John Rowland, Company Stage Manager: Luciano Macis, Associate Orchestrator & Copyist: Fran Warren, Assistant Musical Director: Siân Campbell, Musicians Fixer: Oli Briant, Casting Assistant: Laura Seaborn.

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

New cast announced for the Spectacular, Spectacular!
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL

Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life

Tanisha Spring to play Satine and Dom Simpson to play Christian
as the hit musical enters its third year at the Piccadilly Theatre, London

Thursday 7 September 2023: Global Creatures, Producers of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, are delighted to welcome a new cast of bohemians and aristocrats as the hit show enters its third year at the Piccadilly Theatre in London.

From 16 October 2023, Tanisha Spring (Groundhog Day)will play Satine (having previously alternated the role) and Dom Simpson (The Book of Mormon) joins the cast as Christian.

“It is so exciting to announce today that Tanisha Spring and Dom Simpson will lead our company of Moulin Rouge! The Musical in London into its third year” says Director Alex Timbers. “Dom is a superb musical theatre performer, and I know he will bring tremendous wit, warmth, and great depths of emotion to his portrayal of Christian. And I am delighted to welcome Tanisha back to the show, having been such a memorable part of our original West End company. Her talent is boundless, and her star wattage is blinding. We are blessed to have her returning to play Satine.”

Continuing in their roles, Matt Rixon (Hairspray UK Tour) will play Harold Zidler, Ian Carlyle (Disney’s The Lion King, Porgy and Bess) will play Toulouse-Lautrec and Ben Richards (Emmerdale) will play The Duke. Joining them will be Ivan De Freitas (& Juliet) as Santiago and Charlotte Gooch (Dirty Dancing) as Nini, with Anthony Cragg (Starlight Express) who continues with the cast and steps into the role of Baby Doll, Hannah Jay-Allan (Beautiful – The Carole King Musical) as Arabia, Rochelle Sherona (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) who also remains with the cast as Arabia (maternity cover), Bernadette Bangura (My Fair Lady) as La Chocolat, and Angela Marie Hurst (TINA: The Tina Turner Musical) who will play Alternate Satine.

The full cast will also include Oliver Adam-Reynolds, Erin Bell, Emily Bolland, Ross Chisari, James Chisholm, Katie Deacon, Fletcher Dobinson, Serenar Douch, Rola Elliott, Davide Fienauri, Zack Guest, Natorii Illidge, David King-Yombo, Jasmine Leung, Kira McPherson, Melissa Nettleford, Chris Otim, Joshua Robinson, Callum Rose, Ben Rutter, Gavin Ryan, Craig Ryder, Jamie Shields, Catrin Thomas, Matt Trevorrow, Charley Warburton, Sasha Woodward, and Luke Fraser Yates.

Set in Paris, 1899, a world of indulgent beauty and unparalleled extravagance, of bohemians and aristocrats, of boulevardiers and reprobates, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the story of a lovesick American writer, Christian, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub. 

When their lives collide at the Moulin Rouge, they fall hopelessly in love, only to be thwarted by the nightclub’s host and impresario, Harold Zidler, and The Duke of Monroth, the wealthy and entitled patron of the club who thinks he can buy anything he wants, including Satine. Together with his Bohemian friends – the brilliant and starving artist Toulouse-Lautrec, and the greatest tango dancer in all of Paris, Santiago – Christian stages a musical spectacular in an attempt to save the Moulin Rouge and win the heart of Satine.

Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film comes to life onstage, remixed for today in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Moulin Rouge! The Musical invites you to enter a world of passionate romance and eye-popping splendour… a place where Bohemians and aristocrats revel together in electrifying enchantment… a place where all your wildest dreams come true! 

FULL ‘WICKED’ TOUR CAST ANNOUNCED

Sarah O’Connor, Donna Berlin, Jed Berry, Megan Gardiner, and

Casey Al-Shaqsy to join Laura Pick, Carl Man, and Simeon Truby

Spectacular Tour opens 7 December 2023

www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

WICKED,“one of the most successful musicals of all time” (BBC News), will fly to cities in England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland from 7 December 2023 and producers today announce that Sarah O’Connor (Glinda), Donna Berlin (Madame Morrible), Jed Berry (Boq), Megan Gardiner (Nessarose), and Casey Al-Shaqsy (Standby for Elphaba) will join the previously announced Laura Pick (Elphaba), Carl Man (Fiyero), and Simeon Truby (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond).

The full cast for all tour dates is confirmed as Laura Pick (Elphaba), Sarah O’Connor (Glinda), Carl Man (Fiyero), Donna Berlin (Madame Morrible), Simeon Truby (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), Jed Berry (Boq), Megan Gardiner (Nessarose), Casey Al-Shaqsy (Standby for Elphaba), Thomas Charles, Julie Cloke, Charlotte Coggin, Freddie Conway, Áine Curran, Jade Davies, Kamau Davis, Russell Dickson, Maddison Firth, Lydia Gerrard, James Gower-Smith, Shoko Ito, Holly Lawrence, Nick Len, Stephanie Lindo, Will Lucas, Will Luckett, Rozz Mbwembwe, Georgia McElwee, Conor O’Hara, Shereen Osman, Stuart Rouse, Christina Shand, Adam Stickler,and Frazer Woolcott.

Laura Pick (Elphaba), Carl Man (Fiyero), Simeon Truby (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), Nick Len, and Will Lucas have all previously appeared in the West End production of Wicked, which continues its open-ended run at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre where it is now flying into its incredible 18^th year.

Wicked UK Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: “As we embark on this third tour of cities in England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland, we’re delighted to announce a truly stellar cast of 33, led by Laura Pick and Sarah O’Connor as Elphaba and Glinda, who form part of the 100+ company that will be delivering all the spectacle and magic of this gigantic production on stage and behind the scenes.”

The 2023-2025 Wicked tour opens at the Edinburgh Playhouse on 7 December 2023 and continues to Bristol, Birmingham, Bradford, Southampton, Liverpool, Dublin, Sunderland, Cardiff, and Manchester. Tickets are now on sale at all venues. For full details and booking visit www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

The must-see musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz is already the 12^th longest-running production in West End history. Wicked has won over 100 awards, including three Tony Awards; six Drama Desk Awards; two Olivier Awards; eleven WhatsOnStage Awards; six Australian Helpmann Awards, and a Grammy.

Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s musical, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, revealing the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming ‘Glinda The Good’ and the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’.

Wicked has now been seen by 65 million people worldwide, and 2023 marks the 20^th Anniversary of its Broadway premiere. Productions continue on Broadway, in the West End, and on tour across North America. This year, Wicked also returns to Sydney, Australia and Tokyo, Japan. The two-part Universal Pictures film version of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, is in production.

Wicked features songs by multi-Oscar and Grammy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (‘Godspell’, ‘Pippin’, ‘The Prince of Egypt’, Disney’s ‘Pocahontas’, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’and ‘Enchanted’). It is based on the multimillion-copy best-selling novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’by Gregory Maguire and written by Emmy and Tony Award nominee Winnie Holzman (creator of the landmark American television series ‘My So-Called Life’). Musical staging is by Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento with direction by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK & Ireland) Michael McCabe.

Twitter: @WickedUK  |  Facebook: /WickedUK  |  Instagram: @WickedUK 

Nottingham Theatre Royal until Sat 9th September 2023

Reviewed by Amy V Gathercole

4****

“Full to the brim of heart and humour – a new show to remind us to ‘Never Forget‘”

Greatest Days was initially released as The Band in 2017 and has recently been revamped to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Take That’s first UK number 1 single, ‘Pray‘. It coincides with the summer 2023 release of the film Greatest Days too. I much preferred the energy and emotion of the show to the film.

Capturing a similar vibe and feel to Mamma Mia, with songs from an iconic band and an attractive European setting, Greatest Days takes you on a memorable journey full of heart and humour. I’ve never seen a jukebox musical that’s so clever with how the band’s lyrics play out alongside the plot. There’s credit here to Tim Firth writer and co-director.

Greatest Days is a heartfelt, warm and fuzzy story about friendship, growing up, and never letting go of your childhood dreams and memories. Sharing the joy of your first band obsession, thumbing through the pages of Smash Hits, taping Top of The Pops and always singing their hits (at top volume, of course) all are recaptured brilliantly by a vibrant and energetic cast on this nostalgia trip filled with love and music.

Act 1 and Act 2 differ in tone. The first half showcases the friendship, fun, 90s-era obsessions, and ambitions of five 16-year-old girls attending their first gig to see ‘The Boys’. The 5 young friends are headed up by Rachel (Olivia Hallett) -the biggest fan of all and are made up of, Debbie (Evangeline Jarvis-Jones) – a wannabe dancer; Heather (Karen Holmes) – a budding fashion designer; Zoe (Hannah Brown) – the book-obsessed smart girl and Claire (Mari Mcginlay) the sporty one, who has dreams of diving in the Olympics one day.

Tragically, a life-changing incident drives the girls apart, as they come to terms with the changes in their lives and their group dynamic. They sadly lose touch and progress in their lives without each other. The show’s second half is about how the rifts are fixed and what everyone’s lives turned out to be 25 years later. The catalyst for the unexpected reunion is because adult Rachel (Jennifer Elison) wins tickets in a radio competition to Greece, Athens, to see a reunion gig of ‘The Boys’. After some soul searching, she reaches out to her old friends to see if they want to join her for the ultimate comeback to see their favourite band again. Once the adult ladies unite, they let down their barriers and share some secrets and honesty, as they are all reminded of why their friendships were so strong and significant.

‘The Boys’ (Jamie Corner, Archie Durrant, Regan Gascoigne, Kalifa Burton and Alexander O’Reilly) are all great, playing multiple characters throughout and adding life and emotion to the lyrics of Take That. By having them as a background soundtrack to Rachel’s life, you see them take on multiple roles, from Greek statues to airport staff. Their matching costumes are nostalgic, and their dance routines are choreographed to perfection by Aaron Renfree. Their vocals are harmonised wonderfully as they perform renditions of fan faves, including ‘Shine’, ‘Back for Good’, ‘Pray’, ‘Patience’ and of course, ‘Greatest Day’, among many other
songs from their extensive back catalogue.

The set looks minimal at first glance, but it’s very cleverly designed and is created from what seems like one central block on the stage. Throughout the show, it transforms into many things, including a fountain in Athens, an airport, a school corridor and a backdrop for any concert scenes, among many other iterations. It rotates, lights up and impresses throughout the show.

So do you need to be a fan of Take That to enjoy the show? It helps, as you are treated to a mini concert every few scenes from ‘The Boys’, and it’s a massive focus of the show. However, if you just love a story focusing on female friendships, lots of humour and fancy a fun night giggling along with your mates, then in that case, you will find lots to enjoy, despite the somewhat predictable plot