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IF YOU LOOK FOR IT, I’VE GOT A SNEAKY FEELING YOU’LL FIND…ANOTHER MUSICAL PARODY AT THE OTHER PALACE THIS CHRISTMAS

Last year’s hit parody Christmas offering, Homo Alone, became The Other Palace, Studio’s best-selling show in the venue’s history, and so Jodie Prenger (Coronation Street, I’d Do Anything) is back for a third time – it’s a charm, much like Hugh Grant as our Prime Minister – along with Neil Hurst (Fat Friends The Musical, Casualty) with a new festive extravaganza, Lovers Actually.

If you want belly-laughs and to be wooed by some cardboard cue cards, then this hilarious show is one to put down on your Christmas list! Lobsters welcome!

All I want for Christmas is… filthy fun, fabulous festivities, and enough naughty cheer to make Santa blush! This Christmas, The Other Palace is serving up everything you could actually want – and then some, with this cheeky musical parody of Love Actually!

Will the Prime Minister finally get his Christmas wish? Will Mark steal his best friend’s new wife? Will we give the nation’s most beloved Christmas film a cheeky, festive kick in the mistletoe?! You’re damn right we will!

Following on from the success of last year’s Homo Alone, get ready for another hilarious and downright dirty Christmas adventure. From Downing Street to The Other Palace, this naughty musical parody will remind you that, deep down, we’re all just Lovers Actually.

Not only was Jodie’s last festive show, Homo Alone, the best-selling Christmas show at The Other Palace Studio, with All That Dazzles commenting, “..it is unashamedly silly, creating a world of joy from its irreverent take on the original story,” but her first, A Very Very Bad Cinderella, also received rave reviews, “I came out at the end with a great big grin on my face,” from WhatsOnStage.

She has said, “Come on, Christmas isn’t Christmas without watching Love Actually back-to-back at least five times. We’ve taken everything we love about the film, the music, the iconic moments, and combined them to create a festive parody that’s sure to bring you big laughs, ridiculous characters, and a few unexpected naughty surprises!”

Lovers Actually is written by Jodie Prenger and Neil Hurst. Cast and creatives to be announced.

All you need is love at Christmas! Wait! ‘Actually’ all you need is the hit musical parody….’Lovers Actually’.

PROFESSIONAL DANCERS DIANNE BUSWELL AND VITO COPPOLA
ANNOUNCE A BRAND-NEW SHOW
‘RED HOT AND READY’ TOURS THE UK IN 2025!
 
Strictly Come Dancing’s superstar professional dancers, 2024 winner Dianne Buswell and 2024 runner up Vito Coppola are to star in a brand-new stage show Red Hot and Ready.
Created by Jason Gilkison, Red Hot and Ready will dance its way round the UK in June and July 2025, visiting 30 venues including the Shaftesbury Theatre, London on 22 June.  

The tour will be presented by international dance phenomenon Burn the Floor, as the company makes a welcome return to the UK as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. 

A dynamic new dance show-with-a-difference, Red Hot and Ready builds on the acclaimed performance legacy created by Burn the Floor over more than two decades. The show brings together Strictly Come Dancing professionals Dianne and Vito, with their incredible ability to deliver show-stopping performances, and a cast of multi-disciplined Burn the Floor dancers from around the world who are nothing short of spectacular, as well as sensational vocalists and live band. 

Red Hot and Ready will be the ultimate high-voltage dance extravaganza, exploding with jaw-dropping choreography, heart-pounding music and breath-taking moves, from seriously sexy to irresistibly charming, and celebrating the pure joy of dance. 

Dianne Buswell has been a two-time finalist during her seven years with Strictly Come Dancing, and this year won the show’s coveted Glitter Ball Trophy with partner Chris McCausland and is hugely popular thanks to her fun, quirky personality and dynamic dance style, not to mention her flaming red locks! Winner of last year, Vito Coppola, who was one of the runner ups in this year’s show, has become a firm favourite with audiences in his two years with Strictly, renowned for his outstanding talent as well as his cheeky sense of humour. 

Dianne added “I am truly excited to be going on tour with our magnificent new show with the most phenomenal partner Vito, and to sharing the love and the energy as we dance for you.” 

And Vito said “I can’t wait to be on tour with the amazing, beautiful, vibrant Dianne Buswell! It’s going to be Red, it’s going to be Hot, and we are going to be super Ready and bring to you so much joy and smiles and happiness.” 
 
Show creator and choreographer Jason Gilkison said today “I am feeling blessed to be coming home to Burn the Floor and creating a new show for the first time in 10 years. To have Dianne and Vito leading this dynamic cast really guarantees an unforgettable experience for our audience.” 
 
Red Hot and Ready is presented by Burn the Floor, the dance company widely credited with kick-starting the modern ballroom dance revolution following its 1999 World Premiere in Bournemouth. The explosive show was ahead of its time in combining the art and tradition of ballroom with rock and roll technology. 

Now in its 26th year, Burn the Floor has revolutionised Ballroom style on stages around the world with its mesmerising choreography, ground-breaking moves, and dazzling costumes and sets, bringing its now famous, infectious and rebellious energy to audiences every single night. 

Italian-born Vito Coppola has a stellar record as a professional dancer and began dancing at the age of 7 and is a three-time World Championship finalist and a European Cup Winner. 

A former Australian Open champion and four-time Amateur Australian Open finalist, Dianne Buswell joined Burn the Floor in 2007.

Internationally renowned choreographer, and BAFTA award recipient Jason Gilkison’s involvement with Burn the Floor dates back more than two decades to 1999 as lead dancer. In 2001 he took up the coveted role of Choreographer and Artistic Director, leading the show on several successful world tours and visiting more than 40 countries, including a box-office-smashing season on Broadway in 2009/10 followed by a season on London’s West End. Jason went on to become Creative Director for the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.

Jason is also known for his work as a television Judge and Choreographer on the hugely successful international TV series So You Think You Can Dance both in Australia and the USA. Over the years Jason has choreographed for artists including Cher, Celine Dion, Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, Kylie Minogue, Take That, Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett and many more. 
 
Tickets available now from £44.50.
All details listed at: www.DianneandVito.co.uk
 

11/06/2025 Theatre Severn – Shrewsbury
12/06/2025 Theatre Severn – Shrewsbury
13/06/2025 G Live – Guildford
14/06/2025 G Live – Guildford
15/06/2025 The Marlowe – Canterbury
17/06/2025 Wyvern Theatre – Swindon
18/06/2025 Wyvern Theatre – Swindon
19/06/2025 Churchill Theatre – Bromley
20/06/2025 Wycombe Swan – High Wycombe
21/06/2025 Wycombe Swan – High Wycombe
22/06/2025 Shaftesbury Theatre – London 
24/06/2025 Cliffs Pavilion – Southend
25/06/2025 Cliffs Pavilion – Southend
26/06/2025 Kings Theatre – Portsmouth
27/06/2025 Lighthouse – Poole
28/06/2025 ICC Wales – Newport
29/06/2025 ICC Wales – Newport 
01/07/2025 Corn Exchange – Cambridge
02/07/2025 Royal and Derngate – Northampton
03/07/2025 New Theatre – Peterborough
04/07/2025 Symphony Hall – Birmingham
05/07/2025 Royal Concert Hall – Nottingham
06/07/2025 Barbican – York
08/07/2025 Venue Cymru – Llandudno
09/07/2025 De Montfort Hall – Leicester
10/07/2025 Lyceum Theatre – Crewe
11/07/2025 Bridgwater Hall – Manchester 
12/07/2025 Opera House Winter Gardens – Blackpool
13/07/2025 Hippodrome – Darlington
15/07/2025 Floral Pavilion – New Brighton
16/07/2025 Floral Pavilion – New Brighton
17/07/2025 Auditorium – Grimsby
18/07/2025 Grand Theatre – Leeds
19/07/2025 Grand Theatre – Leeds
20/07/2025 Churchill Theatre – Bromley 
22/07/2025 The Hawth – Crawley
23/07/2025 The Hawth – Crawley
24/07/2025 Grove Theatre – Dunstable
25/07/2025 Orchard Theatre – Dartford
26/07/2025 Congress Theatre – Eastbourne

FURTHER DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

BETTIE PAGE, QUEEN OF PIN-UPS
– THE MUSICAL (IN CONCERT)
STARRING SHONA McGARTY

MONDAY 9 JUNE 2025 | THE LYRIC THEATRE

Producer Tegan Summer is today delighted to announce Bettie Page, Queen of Pin-Ups – The Musical in concert will be staged for one night only on Monday 9 June 2025, 7.30pm at the Lyric Theatre starring Shona McGarty.

Tickets are on sale now via nimaxtheatres.com/shows/bettie-page-queen-of-pin-ups-the-musical/

Shona McGarty (Eastenders, 2:22 A Ghost Story) will star in the titular role of Bettie Page. McGarty is a distinguished English actress widely recognized for her portrayal of Whitney Dean in the iconic BBC soap opera EastEnders. Most recently, she starred in 2:22 A Ghost Story at 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin. McGarty’s exceptional talents as both an actress and vocalist have earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following.

Shona McGarty said: 
“Bettie’s era of the 1950s has always fascinated me, the fashion, the hairstyles etc. Burlesque is an art form and embodies the empowerment of women, and Bettie shone a light on that. I’m excited to be given this opportunity to bring Bettie to life and hope to do justice to her character and her story.”

Director Rachel Klein commented:
“It’s absolutely thrilling to be able to tell this story of Bettie Page, undoubtedly one of the most influential style and countercultural icons of the 20th century, and to explore the tragic and beautiful layers of this remarkable life.”

Mark Roesler, President of the Bettie Page Estate remarked:
“Bettie Page’s legacy transcends the pin-up era; she remains a symbol of unapologetic sensuality, female agency, and the enduring power of a unique and captivating persona. We are delighted to be premiering the concert version of our Bettie Page musical in London’s West End.”

Producer and Book Writer Tegan Summer added:
“Bettie Page was a trailblazer who defied societal norms and embraced her unique identity. I am thrilled with my continued collaboration with the Bettie Page Estate, and hope our show offers a deeper understanding of Bettie as an artist and a woman, ensuring her powerful story continues to inspire, as it has done for decades”
 

She Was Never The Girl Next Door.

This revealing new bio-musical tells the story of the original revolutionary pin-up model, and pop culture icon, Bettie Page.

All Bettie wants is to escape her circumstances and live a normal life, yet when she discovers glamour photography in the 1950s, all she wants is the right to be able to do it. Bettie’s iconic status is born out of her fierce feminism and fight for personal liberties.

Bettie Page, Queen of Pin-Ups – The Musical chronicles her quest for freedom of expression through seminal moments in history, original songs, and the greatest hits of the 50s and 60s.

Bettie Page: Queen of Pin-Ups – The Musical is produced by Tegan Summer Theatricals in association with Mark Roesler.

LIDLESS THEATRE ANNOUNCES MAJOR REVIVAL
OF PHILIP RIDLEY’S THE PITCHFORK DISNEY
AT KING’S HEAD THEATRE
 WITH FULL CREATIVE TEAM ALSO ANNOUNCED

Lidless Theatre, Zoe Weldon and King’s Head Theatre today announces major revival and the full creative team for their new production of Philip Ridley’s seminal work The Pitchfork Disney,directed by Lidless Theatre’s Co-Artistic Director Max Harrison. Completing the creative team, following their previous work with Lidless Theatre, are Kit Hinchliffe (Designer – Co-Artistic Director of Lidless Theatre), Ben Jacobs (Lighting Designer – 2025 Olivier Award Winner for Oliver!) and Sam Glossop (Sound Designer), among others.

This will be the fourth collaboration between Lidless Theatre and Philip Ridley, following their productions of Ridley’s Moonfleece (Pleasance Theatre), Tender Napalm (King’s Head Theatre) andLeaves ofGlass (Park Theatre, OFFIE Award winner for Best Performer), with the latter breaking box office records and returning for a second sell-out run.

Ridley’s first professional stage play, ThePitchfork Disney,premiered at Bush Theatre on 2 January 1991 and was instrumental in launching the In-Yer-Face theatre movement. A dark and unsettling play, ThePitchfork Disney follows the relationship of two siblings and an encounter they have with an unexpected visitor.

Philip Ridley said today, “I’m so thrilled and honoured that my play, The Pitchfork Disney, is to be seen at the wonderful King’s Head Theatre. And in the hands of the truly remarkable theatre company, Lidless Theatre, who have done several of my plays, including Leaves of Glass at the Park last year, and Tender Napalm at the King’s Head in 2021. People often ask me what The Pitchfork Disney is about. I tell them it’s about fear. And fear. And fear. And fear. And fear. It seems an apt time to be doing the play.”

Sofi Berenger, Acting CEO and Executive Producer of King’s Head Theatre added, “Max Harrison has such a brilliant understanding and knack with Philip Ridley, his revival of Leaves of Glass at Park Theatre and Tender Napalm at King’s Head pub in 2021 was gripping and fresh. So for Lidless Theatre to be returning to our new larger main stage, with our Angels of Angel production fund as co-producers, is a really exciting addition to our Autumn season. The Pitchfork Disney was one of Ridley’s seminal pieces and most renowned, and there’s no better time for a revival of this incredible play.”

The production opens on 2 September 2025, with previews from 27 August and runs until 4 October at King’s Head Theatre.

Lidless Theatre, Zoe Weldon and King’s Head Theatre present

THE PITCHFORK DISNEY

By Philip Ridley

27 August – 4 October 2025

Director: Max Harrison
Designer: Kit Hinchcliffe
Lighting Designer: Ben Jacobs
Sound Designer: Sam Glossop
General Manager: James Quaife
Production Manager: Carrie Croft

You know why the ghost train is so popular? Because there are no ghosts. Once you’ve learnt that you can make a fortune.

Ten years ago something terrible happened to Presley and Haley. Since then they’ve lived alone in their dead parents’ house, doors bolted against the terrors of the world. But, one night, Presley sees a beautiful stranger on the street outside. And while his sister sleeps…he invites in their worst nightmare.

Darkly comic and deeply unsettling, Philip Ridley’s seminal masterpiece single-handedly changed the course of British drama. Its exploration of ‘a climate of fear’, living in ‘alternate worlds’, and persistent thrum of sexual anxiety has continued to act as a tuning fork for the zeitgeist. It is a play whose relevance is forever in the now.

Philip Ridley’s plays include The Pitchfork Disney (now published as a Methuen Modern Classic), The Fastest Clock in the Universe (winner of a Time Out Award, the Critics’ Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright, and the Meyer-Whitworth Prize), Ghost from a Perfect Place, Vincent River (nominated for the London Festival Fringe Best Play Award), the highly controversial Mercury Fur, Leaves of Glass, Piranha Heights, Tender Napalm, Shivered, Dark Vanilla Jungle (winner of an Edinburgh Festival Fringe First Award), Radiant Vermin (now published as a Methuen Modern Classic), Tonight With Donny Stixx, Karagula, The Beast of Blue Yonder, The Poltergeist, and Tarantula, plus several plays for young people (collectively known as The Storyteller Sequence): Karamazoo, Fairytaleheart, Moonfleece (named as one of the 50 Best Works About Cultural Diversity by the National Centre for Children’s Books), Sparkleshark (the first of the Connections Festival plays for young people to be staged professionally by the National Theatre), and Brokenville; also, Feathers in the Snow (shortlisted for the Brian Way Best Play Award).

Max Harrison is a freelance theatre director and Co-Artistic Director of Lidless Theatre. His directing credits include Miss Julie, Leaves of Glass (Park Theatre), Tender Napalm (King’s Head Theatre), Vesper Monologues (Arcola Theatre), and In Place of Fear and Moonfleece (Pleasance Theatre). As Associate Director, his credits include Waiting for Godot (Theatre Royal Haymarket), and as Assistant Director, Five Characters in Search of a Good Night’s Sleep (Southwark Playhouse).


LISTINGS

THE PITCHFORK DISNEY
King’s Head Theatre
116p Upper St, London N1 1QP

Box Office: 0207 226 8561
https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/29/by-philip-ridley-directed-by-max-harrison/the-pitchfork-disney
27 August – 4 October 2025

Tickets from £10

EXTENSION ANNOUNCED FOR UK TOUR OF

ANNE-MARIE CASEY’S NEW STAGE ADAPTATION OF

LITTLE WOMEN

Lee Dean and Daniel Schumann today announce eight further venues for their hit UK tour of Anne-Marie Casey’s new stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s much loved novel Little Women directed by Loveday Ingram.

The tour, which was originally scheduled to conclude at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 21 June, will now continue to eight further venues this autumn, beginning at Salisbury Playhouse from 3 – 13. Little Women will now finish its run at Liverpool Playhouse from 4 – 8 November.

Belinda Lang best known for her roles in Sister Boniface Mysteries and 2point4 Children and Foyles War’s Honeysuckle Weeks will reprise their roles as Aunt March and Marmie respectively. Full cast to be announced.

Lee Dean and Daniel Schumann present

LITTLE WOMEN

Adapted by Anne-Marie Casey

Cast includes Belinda Lang (Aunt March) and Honeysuckle Weeks (Marmee)

Director: Loveday Ingram; Designer: Ruari Murchison; Lighting: Mike Roberston; Composer and Sound Designer: Mathew Bugg; Movement: Mike Ashcroft

Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women was an immediate critical and commercial success. The book was inspired by Alcott’s experiences growing up and is one of the best loved novels of all time.

Experience the enduring journey of the March sisters – tomboy Jo, beautiful Meg, sensitive Beth, and spoilt Amy, as they as they navigate the challenges of the Civil War era, forging unbreakable bonds of love and family. Step into the world of sisterhood, courage, ambition and follow them as they progress into womanhood. 

Still as relevant today Little Women is a celebration of women proving that women can be heroes of their own story, can be bold, persistent, self-assured to stand strong in who they are, and what they desire for themselves in their present and future. 

Anne-Marie Casey’s masterful new adaptation of the classic story offers a captivating rendition of Little Women that breathes new life into a cherished classic. 

The recent success of the Greta Gerwig film, the nostalgia of the classic book, combined with a beautiful adaptation provides an exciting theatrical experience guaranteed to be a night (or afternoon!) filled with laughter, tears, and a heart-warming lifting of the spirits. 

Anne-Marie Casey’s play adaptations include Wuthering Heights – adapted from the novel by Emily Brontë and Tess – the circus adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel. For television, her credits include Miss Haversham, The Shockers, The Story of Lucy Gault – adapted from the novel by William Trevor, Wild Irish Girl, The Master

Belinda Lang plays Aunt March. Her theatre credits include Duet For One, Single Spies, Ladies in Lavender, The Reluctant Debutante, Present Laughter, Duet For One (National tours), The Country Wife (Chichester Festival Theatre), Humble Boy (Orange Tree Theatre), Oklahoma (Albert Hall Prom) ,The Constant Wife (Gate Theatre, Dublin), School For Scandal (Park Theatre), The Letter of Last Resort (Traverse Theatre) The Bomb (Tricycle Theatre), The Killing of Sister George (Arts Theatre), An Hour and A Half Late (Bath Theatre Royal), Hayfever (Manchester Royal Exchange/ Haymarket Theatre) Liberty (Globe Theatre) and What The Butler Saw (Criterion Theatre), Dead Funny (Savoy Theatre), Mrs Klein (National Theatre). Her television credits include Sister Boniface Mysteries (as series regular Mrs Clam), This England, Citizen Khan, My Family, Three Minute Moments, Rosemary & Thyme, Justice in Wonderland, Midsomer Murders, 2point4 Children (as series regular Bill Porter), Second Thoughts (as series regular Liza), The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (as series regular Agatha Troy), Dear John (as series regular Kate)and To Serve Them All My Days.

Honeysuckle Weeks plays Marmee. Her theatre credits include Accolade, Calendar Girls, Absurd Person Singular (UK tours), The Best Man (Playhouse Theatre), These Shining Lives (Park Theatre), and A Daughter’s A Daughter (Trafalgar Studios, Theatre Royal Windsor). Her television credits include Frankie Drake Mysteries, Lewis, The Five, Death in Paradise, and as series regular Samantha Stewart in Foyle’s War.

Loveday Ingram’s directing credits include Room 13 (Barn Theatre), Rebus: A Game called Malice,  Fatal Attraction (UK tours), Dinner with Groucho (Dublin Theatre Festival, Belfast International Festival and Arcola Theatre), The Girl on the Train (Salisbury Playhouse) The Rover (RSC), My One and Only, Pal Joey (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Blue Room (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Liverpool Playhouse), Baskerville (National Centre for the Performing Arts, China) Julius Caesar, Henry V (Storyhouse Theatre), Macbeth (Theatre Severn), Boston Marriage and Hysteria (B*Spoke Theatre Company). Additional directing credits include the original Assistant Director for Mamma Mia! and Associate Director at Chichester Festival Theatre. Her writing credits include a short film selected to represent Women’s Aid internationally for the campaign for Elimination of Violence Against Women.

LITTLE WOMEN

LISTINGS

Malvern Festival Theatre

Until 19 April

Box Office: 01684 892277 / https://malvern-theatres.co.uk/

Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne 

22 – 26 April

Box Office: 01323 412000 / https://www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk/whats-on

New Theatre, Cardiff 

29 April – 03 May

Box Office: Office: 0343 310 0041 / https://trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff/en-GB

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

6 – 10 May

Box Office: 0114 249 6000 / https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/lyceum

His Majesty Theatre, Aberdeen

13 – 17 May

Box Office: 01224641122 / https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/his-majestys-theatre/ 

Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham

20 – 24 May

Box Office: 0121 236 4455 / https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/

Oxford Playhouse, Oxford 

27 – 31 May

Box Office: 01865 305305 / www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Richmond Theatre, London

3 – 7 June 

Box Office: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/

Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House, Leeds  

10 – 14 June 

Box Office: 0113 243 0808 / https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/

Theatre Royal Plymouth, Plymouth

17 – 21 June

Box Office: 01752 668282 / https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/

Autumn tour:

Salisbury Playhouse

3 – 13 September

Box Office: 01722 320333 / https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

On sale: Friday 16 May

Lighthouse Poole

16 – 20 September

Box Office: 01202 280000 / https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/

Darlington Hippodrome

7 – 11 October

Box Office: 01325 405405 / https://www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/

Chelmsford Theatre, Chelmsford

7-11 October

Box office: 01245 606 505 / https://www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/

Storyhouse, Chester

21 – 25 October

Box Office: 01244 409 113 / https://www.storyhouse.com/

On sale: Friday 25April

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

21 – 25 October

Box Office: 01483 44 00 00 / https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/our-venue/contact-us

Bath Theatre Royal

28 October – 1 November

Box Office: 01225 448844 / https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/

Liverpool Playhouse

4 – 8 November

Box Office: 0151 709 4776 / https://everymanplayhouse.com/

The Birmingham Rep – until 3rd May 2025

Reviewed by Nadia Dodd

5*****

A Thousand Splendid Suns is based on the book by Khaled Hosseini, and tells the story of the last fifty years of Afghanistan through one family: Rasheed (Jonas Khan), his two wives Mariam (Rina Fatania) and Laila (Kerena Jagpal) and Laila’s children, Aziza (Humera Syed) and Zalmai (Noah Manzoor).

The play opens up in Kabul, the young Laila’s family is packing up to seek refuge until a bomb drops on their house killing her parents and leaving Laila an orphan.

Their neighbour, Mariam, takes Laila in, and the story develops from there. Including getting to know Mariam’s husband Rasheed.

The play flashes back to Mariam’s childhood and jump forward to Aziza and Zalmai grown up, over the performance and covers a lot of ground and Afghan history.

You are never really told what years the play is based although depending on your age you can roughly work out some of the information yourself. There is a delightful comic interlude in which Aziza celebrates her love of the film Titanic, which led me to approx. 1997. The programme says the final scene unfolds in 2001 although this is not spoken about on stage.

After reading the book many years ago, I thought the play by Ursula Rani Sarma has been put together so well, obviously you are unable to really get to know the characters in as much detail in the play compared to the book although the flashback and jump forward scenes were easily followed and just flowed perfectly.

The staging designed by Simon Kenny, was a whole carpet filling the entire stage. Used for characters to pray on, sit on eating food with family or even entertaining guests. It worked perfectly no matter what was happening on stage at the time. The atmospheric lighting was simply gorgeous.

A tough watch at times with scenes of violence, domestic and sexual abuse and of course war, this is also why it wouldn’t be advised to be viewed by the younger audience.

Watching the relationship develop between Laila and Mariam both woman who have been thrown together was beautiful, helping each other eventually in deciding to flee their evil and controlling husband Rasheed. Mariam had a great sense of humour in some scenes raising some light-heartedness’ with the audience.

The standing ovation, the applause and cheers showed the nine cast members how much we had all be engrossed in the scenes that had unfolded in front of our eyes for the past 2 hours plus.

A fantastic production, suffering and resilience, tears and laughter, sadly many women have lived and still live like this. I would recommend that you also take tissues along to the show there are teary moments a plenty.

Octagon Theatre, Bolton – until Saturday 10th May 2025

Reviewed by Rebecca Hampson

3***

Adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and the movie by Alfred Hitchcock, The 39 Steps follows Richard Hannay as he embarks on an adventure of romance and murder.

This new production at the Octagon allows its 4 strong cast to perform a variety of characters (over 150 in total!) charming the audience with comedy and whit.

In this production Mateo Oxley takes on the illustrious role of Richard Hannay, and his performance is close to swoon worthy with the impeccable RP accent we know so well to Hannay.

The stand out performance for me was from Phil Yarrow in the role of Mrs Jordan. This slapstick performance left me giggling as I watched others in the audience laughing along too.

Having taught this play, I found it a great joy to finally see it on stage, even if it was not quite what I had dreamt up.

Whilst this new take on a classic was enjoyable I did find myself confused by certain choices made. I couldn’t tell if things were meant to be going wrong, in the way of the fantastic “The Play That Goes Wrong” or if these were elements that needed fine tuning.

That being said the consistent laughter from the audience proved that if intentional, the audience were lapping it up.  

Theatre Royal Windsor – until Saturday 19th April 2025

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge

4****

Windsor brings you Alan Bennett’s well known and loved play – The Lady in the Van, a funny yet heartfelt true story. About the unlikely and unwanted relationship, that springs up between Miss Shepherd (Nichola Mcauliffe) and Alan Bennett (Robert Duncan). Miss Shepherd is  living in her van on Mr Bennetts road in Camden, but seems to be  continuously  moved along by many of the residents who seem to have had enough of her eccentric,  irritating and unsanitary ways. Things take a different direction when  Miss Shepherd is scared in the night by thugs tapping at her window and shouting abuse, causing Mr Bennett concern about how safe Miss Shepherd really is. Due to this Mr Bennett offers for Miss Shepherd to park her van in his front garden.

With many  neighbours and a social worker (Sara Crowe) always popping by and with interest from others. A lady from the church then offers to buy her a new van which ends up on Bennett’s driveway supposedly on a temporary basis but she actually ends up staying there for 15 years! Mr Bennett has an ageing mother, who he regularly makes comparisons of to Miss Shepherd in a satirical and melancholy way, however despite his prickly exterior, he gradually begins to care about Miss Shepherds welfare. All the above forming a quirky yet strange friendship where over time they begin to learn more about each other; for instance Miss Shepherds ability to speak fluent French and her dislike of any music! She also becomes aware of his skills  as a writer all these things filling  a loneliness that they both have within their lives.

The play is narrated by Alan Bennett (Matthew Cottle) as if he is writing the story and looking back upon the past, sometimes questioning his younger self (Robert Duncan), his memories and the emotions he experienced during his encounters with Miss Shepherd.

Rather than presenting this play in the usual way with different scenes, changing scenery, costume changes and a large cast this performance was delivered in the style of the classic radio drama – set in an intimate studio, with the cast reading their parts in front of microphones and a foley artist (Michael Workman) using props to recreate sound effects and create atmosphere. By presenting the play in this way the director (Roy Marsden) gives us a nostalgic view of vintage radio dramas, whilst ensuring that the words of Alan Bennett are enhanced by the simplicity of the performance and not detracted from.

The cast used a limited number of simple props to help them to get into their characters, especially when the actor played more than one part. A pair of glasses, a hat and a tote bag were some of the props used and helped the audience to distinguish between the characters with ease. The foley artist used a wide range of props to recreate sound effects, ranging from traditional props such as a piano and door knocker, to the more obscure rear of a van, including doors! These sound effects really brought the performance to life as if you were hearing the drama over the radio waves.

I really enjoyed this production in its simplicity with its nostalgic feel. That shows the versatility available within the theatre. A classic play with serious, comedic and satirical moments that drew the audience in. Well worth a watch.

The Kings Theatre, Portsmouth- until 20 April 2025

Reviewed by Lorna Hancock

5*****

With book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Stouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. The story of Annie, originates all the way back to the 1885 poem ‘Little Orphant Annie’. It’s developed over the years through comics, radio dramas and films to the Broadway musical we know and love today. This production, brilliantly directed by Timothy Quinlan follows the original Broadway production. It tells the heartwarming story of the lively eleven-year-old orphan Annie (Sienna Salter), her hard life in the orphanage, with luck leading her to meet billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Steve Reading) and her desperate longing to be reunited with her real parents.

The show opens in the orphanage, where we meet a very lively bunch of orphans with an energetic rendition of ‘Hard Knock Life’. It was great to see the children’s characters shining through, a special mention goes to Savana Murray for her very cheeky yet lovable portrayal of Molly. This is also when we first meet Annie, wonderfully played by Sienna Salter, she beautifully encapsulates the iconic character. From the moment she bounded on to the stage, red curls bouncing and eyes shining with hope, she was Annie. 

Miss Hannigan played by Andee Jordan gave a dazzling performance as the cruel alcoholic proprietor of the orphanage, delivering a villain the audience loved to loathe. Later teaming up with Lily (Fenn Trodd) and Rooster (Curtis Mclennan) both with a magnetic stage presence, the dastardly trio really captured the spotlight.

The ensemble was strong throughout, I especially enjoyed their animated performance of ‘Hooverville’. Playing a smaller part, I also loved the comedic interjections from Drake (Nigel James). 

With an obvious array of local talent, there is no ‘Maybe’ that this run will be a shining success. It lights up the stage with heart and hope, and ended with a resounding standing ovation.

YASH RAJ FILMS RELEASE

THE TITLE TRACK OF

ADITYA CHOPRA’S

DEBUT MUSICAL

COME FALL IN LOVE

– THE DDLJ MUSICAL

SET FOR ITS UK PREMIERE

AT MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE

29 MAY – 21 JUNE 2025

From Punjab to Paddington, Vishal and Sheykhar are asking everyone to ‘Come Fall In Love’ with the title track of Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical. Directed by Aditya Chopra, Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical is set to premiere in the UK at Manchester Opera House from Thursday 29 May to Saturday 21 June 2025.

The new musical comedy is based on one of the biggest blockbuster films in the history of Indian cinema, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) and will star Jena Pandya and Ashley Day, who will play the role of Simran and Roger respectively. 

Ahead of the musical’s premiere, YRF released the title track ‘Come Fall In Love’ featuring renowned music duo Vishal-Sheykhar. Come Fall In Love beautifully blends the essence of both Eastern and Western influences. Vishal and Sheykhar seamlessly weave together traditional Indian instruments, like the dhols, with the vibrant energy of the West which is bound to be an earworm for everyone, including musical theatre lovers. The lyrics of this title track have been written by Nell Benjamin.

Speaking about the song, Sheykhar Ravjiani said,

“I have enjoyed every moment of the experience of creating the music for ‘Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical’, and I’m glad Aditya Chopra got us onboard for this project. This song is incredibly special – I’m sure the audience will absolutely love it and that it will heighten their anticipation for the show. This high-energy anthem captures the beautiful spirit of India and celebrates the cross-cultural connection of East meets West. It is sure to connect with everyone regardless of who they are and where they’re from!  I can definitely say we’ve created this song with all our heart and if you wish to know more about India and its vibrant culture, then you must go and watch Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical.”

Vishal Dadlani echoed similar sentiments.

He said, “Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical celebrates India’s culture, tradition and everything India is loved for. Working on the musical has been hugely satisfying. For the Come Fall In Love song title track, we wanted to arouse a strong sense of nostalgia for someone who has roots in India and, at the same time, would introduce people in the West to India’s great heritage, which is prevalent in its food, music, cinema, and culture. Nell Benjamin wrote the song as an energetic glorification of India, an India that is even more than just colours and festivals, an India that resides in her people. I’m thrilled to have that thought so beautifully evident in our song. Come Fall In Love is a musical made with a lot of heart and will resonate with a diverse audience – the Come Fall In Love track is just a teaser to what’s in store for you.”

Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical premieres in the UK this May. It is directed by Aditya Chopra, the original director of the record-breaking, award-sweeping Hindi-language film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, also known as DDLJ. Come Fall In Love, the song, is one of the 18 all-new English songs created for the production.

The award-winning creative team for Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical includes Book and Lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Mean Girls with Tina Fey, Olivier Award winner for Legally Blonde with Laurence O’Keefe), Music by Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani (popularly called Vishal & Sheykhar in India), Choreography by Rob Ashford (Tony, Olivier and Emmy Award winner whose credits include Frozen, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Broadway), Co-Choreography – Indian Dances by Shruti Merchant (Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl, Taj Express), Scenic Design by Derek McLane (two-time Tony Award winner whose credits include MJ the Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway and West End), Casting is by David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting, Lighting Design by Japhy Weideman, Sound Design by Tony Gayle, Video Design by Akhila Krishnan, the Musical Supervisor and Arranger is Ted Arthur and Musical Direction is by Ben Holder.

Tickets are on sale at comefallinlovemusical.com.