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FULL CAST FOR

WORLD PREMIERE OF

SINATRA THE MUSICAL

ANNOUNCED TODAY

ANA VILLAFAÑE and PHOEBE PANARETOS

JOIN MATT DOYLE AS FRANK

TO PLAY

AVA GARDNER & NANCY SINATRA

Birmingham Rep from

23 September – 28 October 2023

The complete cast of over 20 actors who will be performing in Sinatra The Musical – the major new musical based on the life and career of the legendary artist and cultural icon which premieres at Birmingham Rep in September 2023 – was revealed today (Thursday 20 July 2023). 

Joining the already announced Tony Award-winning Matt Doyle as Sinatra are Ana Villafañe as the movie goddess Ava Gardner and Phoebe Panaretos as Frank’s first wife, Nancy Sinatra.  Dawn Buckland will take on the role of Dolly Sinatra, with Vincent Riotta as Marty Sinatra,  Carl Patrick as George Evans and the role of Little Nancy will be shared by Amelia Connor, Effie Gell and Isla Granville.   The cast is completed by Maddy Ambus (Marlene Dietrich), Lindsay Atherton (Swing), Tyler Orphé Baker (Nat King Cole), Greg Bernstein (Gene Kelly), Samara Casteallo (Ensemble), Helen Colby (Hedda Hopper) Alastair Crosswell (Ensemble), Frances Dee (Judy Garland), Alex Gibson-Giorgio (Nelson Riddle), Ryesha Higgs (Billie Holiday), Stevie Hutchinson (Lee Mortimer), Lottie Power (Lana Turner), Spin (Sammy Davis, Jr.) and John Stacey (Mitch Miller).

A group photograph of the cast with Tina Sinatra by Ellie Kurttz 

Matt Doyle won the 2022 Tony Award for ‘Best Featured Actor in a Musical’ for his performance as Jamie in the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company (directed by Marianne Elliott) for which he also won Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and received a Drama League Award nomination. His Broadway credits also include Tony-winning Musicals The Book of Mormon (in the lead role of Elder Price) and Spring Awakening; ‘Best Play’ winner War Horse; and the revival of the beloved musical comedy Bye Bye Birdie. Regionally, he starred in the world premiere of the Huey Lewis musical, The Heart of Rock & Roll at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego; and played Melchoir in the national tour of Spring Awakening. His Off-Broadway and regional credits include Sweeney Todd, West Side Story, A Clockwork Orange, Brooklynite, Giant, and Jasper in Deadland. On screen, he has appeared in The Code (CBS), The Original Gossip Girl, and returned to the show in the HBO Max reboot. He can also be seen in the indie feature Private Romeo, and the short film, The Albatross Cafe. Matt has performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops, at symphonies across The United States and Canada, and continues to headline a sold-out solo show throughout New York City and beyond.  Doyle is currently finishing his run starring as Seymour in the Westside Theatre’s, Off-Broadway production of, Little Shop of Horrors. 

Ana Villafañe  made her Broadway debut originating the role of Gloria Estefan in the Tony-nominated hit musical On Your Feet. She won a Theatre World award for the role and was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Awards. Ana then appeared as Nina Rosario in the Kennedy Center’s 2018 production of In the Heights and made her Off-Broadway debut in MCC’s critically acclaimed Collective Rage: A Play in Five Betties, earning her second Drama League Award in 2019. In 2021, Villafañe returned to Broadway starring as Roxie Hart in Chicago (Broadway re-opening cast). She plays Dr. Valentina Castro on hit medical drama New Amsterdam on Netflix (NBC), and KT on Younger (Paramount+) from executive producer Darren Star. Ana will be making her feature film debut starring as Alina Fernandez in Castro’s Daughter opposite James Franco, directed by Miguel Bardem.

Phoebe Panaretos made international headlines when she was handpicked by Baz Lurhmann to play the lead role of Fran in the World Premiere of the stage adaptation of Strictly Ballroom the Musical directed by Lurhmann.  Her other theatre credits include: Fantastic Mr Fox for Sydney Theatre Company, Zorro at Charing Cross Theatre, Lazarus and Singin’ in the Rain for The Production Company, American Idiot for Shake and Stir and Connie Francis in Dream Lover – the Bobby Darin Musical.  Her TV and film credits include:  Greatest Days and Mr & Mrs Murder.

It is New Year’s Eve, 1942, and a skinny 27-year-old Italian American singer is about to step onto the stage of New York’s Paramount Theatre and give a performance that will change music history. As Frank Sinatra’s career suddenly skyrockets, he struggles with balancing the love of his wife, Nancy, against the demands and temptations of being the most popular singer in America. But when he begins a torrid affair with movie goddess Ava Gardner, his records stop selling and the press turns against him, sending his career into a tailspin. Driven by his devotion to his family, Sinatra employs his peerless artistry and dogged determination to stage the greatest comeback in showbiz history.

Sinatra The Musical is written by the two-time Tony award-winning writer Joe DiPietro (Memphis the Musical, What’s New Pussycat?), directed and choreographed by three-time Tony Award-winning Kathleen Marshall (Wonderful Town, Anything Goes) and the set is designed by Olivier Award-winning Peter McKintosh (Crazy for You, Orlando).  The orchestra of seventeen musicians will be supervised by Gareth Valentine (My Fair Lady, 42^nd Street).  They are joined by Jon Morrell (Costume Designer), Tim Mitchell (Lighting Designer), Paul Groothuis (Sound Designer), Akhila Krishnan (Video Designer), Campbell Young (Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer), Mark Aspinall (Musical Director), Larry Blank & John Clayton (Orchestrators), Ian Eisendrath (Arranger), David Chase (Dance Arrangements), David Grindrod & Will Burton (UK Casting Directors), Jim Carnahan (US Casting Director), Jason Thinger (US Casting (Carnahan)), Stevan Mijailovic (Associate Director), Carol Lee Meadows (Associate Choreographer) and Sam Young (Associate Musical Director).   

Joe DiPietro is the winner of two Tony Awards, a Drama Desk Award and three Outer Critics Circle Awards. His musicals and plays have received thousands of productions across the country and around the world.  His new comedy, Babbitt, starring Matthew Broderick, will premiere at La Jolla Playhouse this autumn. His most recent musical, What’s New Pussycat? played to critical and popular acclaim when it premiered at The Rep last year. His other shows include Memphis (2010 Tony Award for Best Musical); Diana (currently streaming on Netflix), Nice Work If You Can Get It (10 Tony Award nominations including Best Book of a Musical for DiPietro); The Toxic Avenger (Outer Critics Circle Award – Best Off-Broadway Musical); I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (longest-running musical revue in Off-Broadway history); as well as the much-produced comedies Clever Little Lies and Over the River and Through the Woods, amongst others.

Kathleen Marshall is a nine-time Tony Award nominee, winning three times for Best Choreography for the Broadway revivals of Wonderful Town, The Pajama Game and Anything Goes.  She recently received an Olivier Award for her choreography of the West End production of Anything Goes. She has worked on more than twenty Broadway shows and she is the first woman who has directed a play, directed a musical and choreographed a musical on Broadway.  Off-Broadway and regional credits include the New York Shakespeare Festival, Second Stage, Transport Group, Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Old Globe, Long Wharf, Paper Mill,Hollywood Bowl, Boston Pops, Signature Theatre and St. Louis MUNY.  Kathleen served as the Artistic Director for City Center Encores! for four seasons, during which time Encores! received a special Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre.  Her film and television credits include My Week with Marilyn (choreographer), Once Upon a Mattress, The Music Man (choreographer) and 2 Broke Girls.  She has received three Drama Desk Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, an Emmy nomination, the Astaire Award, the George Abbott Award, the Smith College Medal (her alma mater), the Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for the Arts and she has been named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania.  Kathleen previously worked with Matt Doyle on A Jerome Robbins Centennial Concert in New York.

Sinatra The Musical is presented by Birmingham Rep in association with Michele Anthony, Bruce Resnikoff and Scott Landis for Universal Music Group Theatrical and Tina Sinatra and Charles Pignone on behalf of Frank Sinatra Enterprises.

Sinatra The Musical is the first of a series of new projects and initiatives developed by Frank Sinatra Enterprises in partnership with Universal Music Group that will help introduce new audiences and fans to the timeless singer’s rich catalogue and superstar legacy.

Cast announced for the English language premiere of
‘Rebecca’ at Charing Cross Theatre from 4 September

Richard Carson, Lauren Jones and Kara Lane will head the cast for the eagerly anticipated English language premiere of the critically acclaimed musical ‘Rebecca’.

Based on Daphne Du Maurier’s 1938 novel, by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay, two of the most successful German-language musical theatre creators, ‘Rebecca’ has already captivated more than two million people worldwide in hugely successful productions in 12 countries and eight languages.

‘Rebecca’ had its world premiere at VBW’s Raimund Theater in Vienna, Austria, in September 2006, where it went on to play to sold-out houses in three seasons, and where it is currently enjoying a hugely successful revival.

Richard Carson (Maxim de Winter) has appeared in several major West End musicals including ‘Les Miserable’s, ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Miss Saigon’.

Lauren Jones (Second Mrs de Winter, ‘I’) recently appeared in the West End production of ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ as Trish and alternate Bonnie.

Kara Lane (Mrs Danvers) was Alice in ‘The Addams Family – the Musical Comedy’,  Winifred Banks in ‘Mary Poppins’, Reno Sweeney in ’Anything Goes’ at Kilworth House, ‘Mary Magdalene’ in Jesus Christ Superstar’ and Magenta in ‘The Rocky Horror Show’.

The rest of the cast are: Alex James-Ward, Piers Bate, Sarah Harlington, David Breeds, Amanda Minihan, Neil Moors, Nicholas Lumley, Nigel-Joseph Francis, Elliot Swann, Scott McClure, Emily Apps, Melanie Bright, Gail MacKinnon, Tarisha Rommick, James Mateo-Salt, Rosie Glossop.

Rebecca, with an orchestra of 18, will be directed by Alejandro Bonatto (director of the critically acclaimed production of Donizetti’s ‘Rita’ and Francis Poulanc and Jean Cocteau’s ‘The Human Voice’ at Charing Cross Theatre).

It has a new English translation by Christopher Hampton (two-time Tony Award winner Best Score & Best Book for ‘Sunset Boulevard’ and Oscar winner for Best Adapted Screenplay ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ & ‘The Father’) and Michael Kunze.

Featuring 22 original songs, Rebecca is a gripping thriller full of intrigue and surprises that sticks closely to the original novel. Wealthy Maxim de Winter brings his naïve new wife home to his Cornish estate, Manderley, where the manipulative housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, resents the new wife’s intrusion. She persuades her that she is an unworthy replacement for the first Mrs de Winter, the glamorous and mysterious Rebecca, who perished in a drowning accident, with tragic results…

The world-famous novel was also turned into a celebrated Alfred Hitchcock film in 1940, starring Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, Judith Anderson, George Sanders and Gladys Cooper. It was nominated for 11 Oscars, winning two awards; Best Picture and Best Cinematography. Rebecca was recently filmed again by Netflix starring Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas and Keeley Hawes.

Creative team
Original Book and Lyrics: Michael Kunze
Music and Orchestrations: Sylvester Levay
English Book Adaptation: Christopher Hampton
English Lyrics: Christopher Hampton and Michael Kunze
Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier

Director Alejandro Bonatto
Choreographer Ron Howell
Musical Supervisor/Conductor Robert Scott
Production Designer Nicky Shaw
Lighting Designer David Seldes
Sound Designer Andrew Johnson
Projection Designer Matt Powell
Costume Supervisor Jess Richardson-Smith
Casting Stephen Crockett/Grindrod Burton Casting

Produced by Steven M. Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions Limited

LISTINGS INFO

Steven M. Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions
Limited presents

The UK premiere of

REBECCA

A musical by Michael Kunze & Sylvester Levay
Based on the Novel by Daphne du Maurier

Original Book and Lyrics: Michael Kunze
Music and Orchestrations: Sylvester Levay
English Book Adaptation by Christopher Hampton
English Lyrics by Christopher Hampton
and Michael Kunze

Directed by Alejandro Bonatto

Charing Cross Theatre
The Arches
Villiers Street
London WC2N 6NL
www.charingcrosstheatre.co.uk

Box office: 08444 930650
The box office is open from 2 hours before curtain time
on performance days for personal callers

4 September to 18 November

Performances:
Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm
Wednesday at 2.30pm
Saturday & Sunday at 3.00pm
no performances Tuesday 5 September & Tuesday 12 September
no Wednesday matinees on 6 October & 12 October

Tickets from £15.00
Upgrade your ticket to include a glass of bubbly and a programme for just £7.50

A booking fee applies to phone and internet orders; no booking fee to in person over the counter sales.
A restoration levy  applies to all tickets

Social Media

Twitter
@CharingCrossThr

Instagram
@CharingCrossThr

Original Production by Vereinigte Bühnen Wien
Worldwide Stage Rights: VBW International GmbH, Linke Wienzeile 6, 1060 Vienna, Austria
[email protected] / www.vbw-international.at

Martin Shaw to star in world premiere ALONE TOGETHER

Bill Kenwright presents

The second new play in Sean Mathias’ Annual Windsor season

Starring

MARTIN SHAW and JENNY SEAGROVE

Back Together in the sparkling new comedy

ALONE TOGETHER

By SIMON WILLIAMS

Bill Kenwright, together with his Theatre Royal Windsor, are delighted to announce that Judge John Deed stars Martin Shaw and Jenny Seagrove will reunite for the first time in a world premiere of the comedy ALONE TOGETHER – a new, witty, tender and thought-provoking play by Windsor-born actor/writer Simon Williams, for a two week run from Monday 7 August – Saturday 19 August 2023.

Throughout six years and six series of the immensely popular drama series Judge John Deed, the on-screen chemistry between stars Martin Shaw (John Deed) and Jenny Seagrove (Jo Mills) was legendary and attracted close to 9 million viewers for its final episode. Their on-off love affair culminated in one of the greatest romantic cliffhangers in television history and, to this day, no matter what else they might have done, the two stars are relentlessly asked “is Judge John Deed coming back?”…. and it appears the door is still open!

Now Martin Shaw and his co-star Jenny Seagrove both return to the Theatre Royal Windsor in the sparkling new comedy ALONE TOGETHER, with Josh Goulding (Hangman – Broadway, Love And Other Acts of Violence – Donmar Warehouse) making his Windsor debut.

ALONE TOGETHER sizzles as Colin (Martin Shaw) and Angela (Jenny Seagrove) battle together on the verge of their disastrous marriage. And then in a serendipitous moment, Angela meets Jonty (Josh Goulding) on her favourite bench, under the cedar tree in the churchyard and everything starts to unravel…… Three people looking for pathways to excitement, fulfilment and freedom; but what is real and who is real? Was it a chance meeting? What does the young novelist want? And who exactly is manipulating whom – or not? In a world where you can be anyone on social media, can you really escape reality in real life? With secrets to protect and unintended consequences,will they be together alone or ALONE TOGETHER…..

Martin Shaw said: “I love working at the Windsor Theatre Royal, and my old mate Jenny and me just have the most brilliant working relationship. I love the challenge of bringing a new play to life, and in Alone Together  it’s two people trying to find themselves and each other.”

Martin Shaw returns to Windsor for the first time since last appearing in The Cherry Orchard (2021). Alongside Judge John Deed he has been Britain’s busiest actor for four decades including, on TV, Inspector George Gently, The Chief, Always and Everyone, Apparitions, Dalgliesh and The Professionals. In the theatre, he has won awards for A Man For All Seasons, An Ideal Husband, The Country Girl and many more.

His co-star Jenny Seagrove returns to Windsor having previously starred opposite Ian McKellen in Hamlet and The Cherry Orchard and in last season’s The Chalk Garden, all under the direction of Sean Mathias. Her film and TV career has included recently Another Mother’s Son and Off The Rails and started with her groundbreaking role as Emma Hart in A Woman of Substance. Her latest starring role in the movie adaptation of Nuala Ellwood’s bestselling novel My Sister’s Bones will be released this autumn.

Author Simon Williams was born in Windsor. His acting career has included lead roles in Upstairs, Downstairs, Don’t Wait Up and Justin Elliott in the long-running Radio 4 series The Archers. An established playwright whose previous plays have enjoyed national and international tours, Simon is the son of Hugh and Margaret Williams, whose comedy The Grass Is Greener, directed by and starring Tom Conti, was presented at Windsor in March.

2023 is Sean Mathias’ third annual summer season at Theatre Royal Windsor. 2021 saw two classics with Ian McKellen (Hamlet and The Cherry Orchard). The 2022 season had two contemporary plays: an innovative new version of Dial M for Murder followed by Enid Bagnold’s The Chalk Garden. This 2023 season focusses on new writing: Frank and Percy starring Roger Allam and Ian McKellen finishes a 6-week run in Windsor on Saturday 22 July, followed by the premiere of Alone Together on Monday 7 August – Saturday 19 August 2023.

Director Sean Mathias said: “An exquisite piece of new writing is so excitingand Alone Together explores the fragility and joy of relationships in all their different forms, and what forges and strengthens bonds between humans, at a time when more than ever, we all need to love and support one another.”

Producer Bill Kenwright said: “Over the past two years, Sean has firmly established the summer season at Theatre Royal Windsor as one of the highlights of the theatrical year. 2021 saw two classics with Ian’s incredible Hamlet and The Cherry Orchard; last year we had two contemporary plays – an innovative new version of Dial M for Murder followed by Enid Bagnold’s The Chalk Garden. Now in 2023, it is wonderful to be exploring two new plays from these exciting playwrights: shining a light on new writing and solidifying Theatre Royal Windsor’s place as the country’s leading unsubsidised regional producing theatre.”

ALONE TOGETHER

Premieres at the Theatre Royal Windsor

Monday 7 August – Saturday 19 August 2023

Performance Schedule:

                Evenings:                                                             Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm

                Matinees:                                                            Thursdays & Saturdays at 2.30pm

Tickets:                                                                 from £20.00

Website: www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @TheatreWindsor

Address: Theatre Royal Windsor, 32 Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1PS

Box Office: 01753 853888

FULL CAST & NEW TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED FOR WORLD PREMIERE OF

MURDER IN THE DARK BY TORBEN BETTS

STARRING TOM CHAMBERS & SUSIE BLAKE

UK & IRELAND TOUR BEGINS 7 SEPTEMBER 2023

Original Theatre, Trafalgar Theatre Productions and JAS Theatricals are delighted to announce full casting and extra dates for the new Torben Betts thriller, Murder in the Dark, directed by Philip Franks.  The UK & Ireland Tour will open at Churchill Theatre, Bromley on 7 September 2023 and now runs through to March 2024.

Joining the previously announced Tom Chambers as Danny will be Susie Blake as Mrs Bateman, Rebecca Charles as Rebecca, Jonny Green as Jake, Owen Oakeshott as William and Laura White as Sarah.

New Year’s Eve.  A car crash on a lonely road brings famous but troubled singer Danny Sierra and his extended family to an isolated holiday cottage in rural England.  From the moment they arrive, a sequence of inexplicable events begins to occur… and then the lights go out.

This thrilling new ghost story by acclaimed writer Torben Betts will thrust you into darkness and have you on the edge of your seats until the final chilling twist.

Director Philip Franks said, “Horror films have been my guilty pleasure since I was a morbid child. Now is the time to find out whether many years’ worth of jump scares and terrible nightmares can be put to good use. We’ll also see whether my more adult theory – that horror often puts its finger on what worries us most as a society at any given time – will also hold true.“

Torben Betts’s previous work with Original Theatre includes Invincible, Caroline’s Kitchen and the online play Apollo 13: The Dark Side of the Moon.  Other work includes Get Carter, an adaptation of The Seagull for Regent’s Park Open Air, The Unconquered (Best New Play 2007 Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland), The Company Man, A Listening Heaven (nominated for Best New Play at the 2001 TMA Awards) and Mummies and Daddies (shortlisted for the Verity Bargate Award 2000).

Tom Chambers is known for his roles as Sam Strachan in Holby City and Casualty, Max Tyler in Waterloo Road and Inspector Sullivan in Father Brown. He also won the sixth series of Strictly Come Dancing with his partner Camilla Dallerup.  In theatre, he most recently appeared in the West End in Elf the Musical.  He originated the role of Jerry Travers in Top Hat, which earned him an Olivier nomination.  He also starred in Original Theatre’s lockdown film of Torben Betts’s Apollo 13: The Dark Side of the Moon.

Susie Blake has recently delighted audience across the country with her highly acclaimed portrayal of Miss Marple in The Mirror Crack’d. She is perhaps best known for playing the Continuity Announcer in Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV, as well as her regular roles of Bev Unwin in ITV’s Coronation Street and Hillary Nicholson in BBC’s Mrs Brown’s Boys. She has recently appeared in series one and two of Kate & Koji (ITV), Not Going Out (BBC One) and The Real Marigold Hotel (BBC One). Her films include Fierce Creatures and Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?!. Her theatre credits include Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical (Hall for Cornwall), Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em (UK Tour), My Fair Lady (Grange Festival), Grumpy Old Women Live 2 & 3 (UK Tour), When We Are Married (West End), Pygmalion (Chichester Festival Theatre), Madame Morrible in Wicked (West End) and Belinda Blair in Noises Off (National Theatre).

Rebecca Charles’s recent theatre credits include The Dresser (Theatre Royal Bath), An Ideal Husband (Vaudeville Theatre), The Graduate (West Yorkshire Playhouse), The Father (Duke of York’s/Wyndham’s/Tricycle/Theatre Royal Bath), Les Liaisons Dangereuses, (Salisbury Playhouse), The Old Country (English Touring Theatre/Trafalgar Studios), Julius Caesar, (Barbican and Tour) and Great Expectations (Manchester Royal Exchange).  Her film credits include The Heart of Me, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Shakespeare in Love and Mrs Brown.

Jonny Green can currently be seen as Charles in Count Abdulla on ITVX.  He was previously seen playing Jonathan Ellacott in Strike: Troubled Blood on BBC 1, Martin in Russell T Davies’s critically acclaimed series It’s A Sin for Channel 4, and Young David in the Netflix series White Lines, alongside Laura Haddock and Danny Mays.

Owen Oakeshott’s theatre credits include Witness for the Prosecution (London County Hall); Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Two Gentlemen of Verona (Guildford Shakespeare Company); A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, Wars of the Roses (Rose Theatre Kingston); Market Boy, The Royal Hunt of the Sun (National Theatre); Roots (Manchester Royal Exchange); Way Upstream (Derby Playhouse); Antony and Cleopatra, Timon of Athens, The General from America, Henry VI parts 1, 2 and 3, Richard III (Royal Shakespeare Company); The Iceman Cometh (Almeida Theatre); An Inspector Calls (West End).  Recent television credits include House of the Dragon, Outlander and You Me & Them.

Laura White until recently played the regular role of Dr Princess Buchanan on BBC 1’s Doctors.  Other TV credits include Aysha in Silent Witness.  Film credits include Gladys in The Colour Room about the famous potter Clarice Cliff.  Her theatre credits include Nats/Ms Almi in Home Girl (Derby Theatre), Sandra in The Play That Goes Wrong (UK Tour), Sarah in the immersive promenade show C-O-N-T-A-C-T (London) and The Play That Goes Wrong (West End).

Murder in the Dark will be directed by Philip Franks (for Original Theatre: The Mirror Crack’d, The Habit of Art, The Haunting of Alice Bowles, The Croft and A Cold Supper Behind Harrods) and designed by Simon Kenny, with lighting design by Olivier Award-winner Paul Pyant, original music and sound design by Max Pappenheim, sound associate Johnny Edwards and assistant director Bethany West.

The UK & Ireland Tour will be produced by Alastair Whatley and Tom Hackney for Original Theatre with Trafalgar Theatre Productions and JAS Theatricals.

Website: www.originaltheatre.com

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @OriginalTheatre / @InTheDarkPlay / #MurderInTheDark

Age Guidance 14+

TOUR SCHEDULE

2023

7- 9 September                       Bromley Churchill Theatre                         0343 310 0020

                                                churchilltheatre.co.uk                                 on sale

12-16 September                    Guildford Yvonne Arnaud                          01483 44 00 00

                                                www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk                         on sale

19-23 September                    York Theatre Royal                                    01904 623568

                                                www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk                       on sale

25-30 September                    Oxford Playhouse                                      01865 305305

                                                Oxfordplayhouse.com                                on sale

2-7 October                            Salisbury Playhouse                                  01722 320333                                                                               

                                                       www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk                       on sale

10-14 October                        Gaiety Theatre, Dublin                               00 353 1 646 8600

                                               www.gaietytheatre.ie                                  on sale

16-21 October                        Northampton Royal & Derngate                 01604 624811

                                               royalandderngate.co.uk                             on sale

24 – 28 October                      Orchard Theatre, Dartford                         0343 310 0033       

                                                        orchardtheatre.co.uk   on sale

31 October – 4 November       Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe              0343 310 0060

                                                wycombeswan.co.uk                                 on sale

7-11 November                       Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham                

                                               www.atgtickets.com/birmingham                 on sale

2024

15–20 January                        Derby Theatre                                           01332 593939

                                               derbytheatre.co.uk                                     on sale soon         

22– 27 January                       Salford The Lowry                                      0161 876 2015

                                               www.thelowry.com                                      on sale soon

29 January – 3 February        Southend Palace Theatre                          0343 310 0030

                                               palacetheatresouthend.co.uk                     on sale 21 July

27 February – 2 March           Cardiff New Theatre                                   0343 310 0041

                                               www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk                      on sale 21 July

4 – 9 March                             Cheltenham Everyman Theatre                 01242 572573

                                               everymantheatre.org.uk                              on sale soon

12– 16 March                          Floral Pavilion New Brighton                      0151 666 0000

                                               floralpavilion.com                                        on sale soon

19-23 March                           Richmond Theatre

                                               www.atgtickets.com/Richmond                   on sale

25- 30 March                          Pavilion Theatre Glasgow                          0141 332 1846

                                               paviliontheatre.co.uk                                  on sale 28 July

Further dates to be added

NEW CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE RSC’S ‘MATILDA THE MUSICAL’

• NEW CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S ‘MATILDA THE MUSICAL’
• ESTELLA EVANS, SELENA KARIR AND ARABELLA STANTON WILL JOIN SOPHIA GOODMAN IN THE TITLE ROLE OF MATILDA
• NEW PRINCIPAL CASTING INCLUDES KIERAN HILL AS MISS TRUNCHBULL, LYDIA WHITE AS MISS HONEY, ALONGSIDE RAKESH BOURY & AMY ELLEN RICHARDSON WHO CONTINUE IN THE ROLES OF MR AND MRS WORMWOOD

Casting has been announced for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s West End production of Matilda The Musical which is now in its 12th year and continues to play to packed houses at the Cambridge Theatre.

Estella Evans, Selena Karir and Arabella Stanton will join Sophia Goodman in the title role of Matilda, with their first performances from 12 September. 

Kieran Hill will join the company in the role of Miss Trunchbull alongside Lydia White as Miss Honey. Rakesh Boury and Amy Ellen Richardson will continue in the roles of Mr and Mrs Wormwood.

Nolan Edwards, Sean Lopeman, Ruairidh McDonald, Kane Oliver Parry, Deborah Tracey, Esme Bacalla-Hayes, Ronan Burns, Ella Caldwell, Stan Doughty, Karina Hind, Roan Pronk, Gabrielle Davina Smith and Lauren Varnham will join the existing adult cast which includes Thea Bunting, Aaron Jenkins and Sam Lathwood.

The other young performers announced today who join the London company in the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Nigel and the rest of the pupils at Crunchem Hall are as follows:  Sidhant Anand, Charlie Cox, Jack Dennis, Megan Donovan, Rosy Drury, Jake Durant, Phoebe Easom, Jaydon Eastman, Benjamin El Refaie, Jax Fenner, Max Garlick, Lilia Guinoubi, Gina Harris-Sullivan, Coco-Lili Hodder, Elliott Marsden, Sophia McAlister, Charlotte Mellington, Kanon Narumi, Toryn O’Callaghan, Zarian Marcel Obatarhe, Kristiano Ricardo, Harriet Rogers, Azalea-Belle Sharp, Archie Smith, Joshua Wahab.

Since the multi-award-winning production opened in London, this iconic British musical has won 101 international awards including 24 for Best Musical and has been seen by 11 million people across more than 90 cities worldwide. A tonic for audiences of all ages, this anarchic production about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination is now booking through to 15 December 2024. For further information visit www.matildathemusical.com.

Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and special effects and illusions by Paul Kieve.

Sony Pictures U.K. and Tristar Pictures released Matilda across the U.K. and Ireland exclusively in cinemas on 25 November 2022. The two-time BAFTA-nominated film is now available to stream globally on Netflix.

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 22nd July 2023

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

Tony! (The Tony Blair Rock Opera), with music by Steve Brown and lyrics by Harry Hill… Who could resist such a totally bonkers concept? Not I.

The opening number immediately showcased the show’s multi-faceted strengths – ensemble song & dance routines, biting comedy and a “knowing nod” to a greater truth behind the politics all set to a toe-tapping soundtrack. Truly, something for everybody.

Howard Samuels launched tonight’s proceedings with a deliciously camp Peter “Mandy” Mandelson, giving the opening number some appropriate spin on the Blair legend. A truly fantastic concoction that fizzed across the stage like a comedic perpetual motion machine intent upon revealing this impressively talented actor in all his technicolor glory. My favourite role of the entire show, with more than a touch of classic Carry On about it. As U2 might say, “even better than the real thing”.

Fans of Harry Hill’s madcap tomfoolery will be thrilled by our title character’s entrance – of which I’ll say no more so as not to spoil the surprise… As a charming theatre going companion astutely commented on Jack Whittle’s performance as Tony; he “perfected each movement and mannerism, to the point of wearing the character like a tailored suit – that louche dead-eyed grin was magnificent”. Thank you Anne, perfectly put!

The story of Blair wouldn’t be complete without his shadow, Gordon Brown, played with devastating precision by Phil Sealey – especially in nailing that vocal tick. His “Macroeconomics” song (written out word for word from an actual speech) was something you don’t hear wrought in song every day and was a sheer delight.

The entire cast were fantastic and only my paltry word count precludes a paragraph for each performer (which they deserve). I will briefly mention Emma Jay Thomas as Princess Diana neatly weaving in (and out and in again) making hers an enjoyable and pivotal role. And the villainous dictators of the tale are treated in perhaps the only way possible for a piece of family entertainment – like the Nazis in The Producers – which I thoroughly enjoyed. Lastly for my whirlwind mentions, Cherie (Tori Burgess) and Tony’s love scene was worth the price of admission alone! I haven’t laughed that hard for quite a while.

I’m not sure if a serious message behind all the humour was intentional but the song “Bombs Away” was arguably one of the most insightful commentaries on American foreign policy ever. There’s also (given our current geopolitical situation) a particularly apt ending to “The Whole Wide World” routine. Guaranteed to receive a supportive cheer, it will have you humming yet another glorious tune long after you’ve left the auditorium.

As my aching face (from the two hour Blair like grin I had been wearing) and split sides attested, Tony! is a riotously funny piece of musical theatre which I cannot recommend highly enough. Utterly wonderful in it’s absurdity and all the moreso as it was based on true events (well, mostly true anyway), this show is a real tonic! Mr Hill began as a Doctor and in this humble reviewers opinion this show should be prescribed on the NHS as a pick me up. Bravo to all concerned, grab a ticket while you can!

Arts Theatre, London – until 18 February 2024

Reviewer Alec Legge

5*****

To the Arts Theatre to see The Choir of Man. I have never been to this theatre and did not know what to expect! On entering I was offered a drink at the bar in the foyer or a drink on the stage. This is new I thought I’ve never been offered a drink on a stage before! So I opted for a drink on the stage.

Entering the auditorium I saw that the theatre was of small proportions leading to what I would describe as having an intimate feel.

I saw that the stage was set up as the bar of a pub with people milling about on stage and a barman pulling pints. Up we went and ordered a pint which was duly pulled from the tap and handed to me. Tasted it and yes it was real beer, Carlsberg in fact. Spent a few minutes getting the feel of being on stage although with your back to the seating it did feel somewhat similar to a real pub. I realised that some of the cast were intermingling with us punters. This was definitely a first.! Then we took up our seats in the stalls.

Gradually the stage cleared to be filled with the performers. What followed then was to me a truly new and excitingly marvellous experience in a theatre! The cast of nine performers sung and danced as though they were having a night in the pub, the singing was superb and the energetic dancing fabulous.

In between songs one of the players acted as a narrator performing monologues extolling the virtues of pubs and their effect on particularly male friendships, music etc, These monologues were extremely interesting and effective and so enhanced the performance considerably.

There were plenty of funny moments in the show including one bawdy sketch involving a urinal, nothing sexual, but immensely funny.

The singing and dancing did not appear polished in the way musicals normally do or the way choirs normally perform but were full of gusto and verve and also encouraged audience participation. They also involved audience members by taking them on stage to participate in some of the numbers.

I will not single out any of the performers individually for particular praise as they were all equally immensely talented and all did individual songs and played musical instruments They also sung together in harmony most pleasantly. They were backed up by a group of musicians visible on a platform above the stage who were also very good. Their intention was to appear to be a group of friends having a good night out in the pub and they gave that impression in spades!

In the program Ben Norris, the monologue writer, wrote, ‘Above all, we wanted to make a show that puts an arm round people, of all genders, and takes them on a bloody good night out’. They succeed in that magnificently.

To my mind this show does not fit in any of the normal theatre categories with a story line etc, but is in a category of its own. with the performers enjoying a good night out with their friends which includes song, dance and generally having fun and on the way thoroughly entertaining and involving the audience with their antics!

The performers and musicians were as talented a group as I’ve ever seen and truly deserved the rousing appreciation which the audience gave them. This was a fantastically enjoyable evening and I would recommend it wholeheartedly.

Hull New Theatre – until 22nd July 2023

Reviewed by Anne Walker

5*****

This renowned, multi-award winning musical, written by Willy Russell, is unforgettable once seen. With its powerful storytelling and unforgettable melodies. Set against the backdrop of a working-class neighbourhood in Liverpool, this production explores the themes of fate, class divide and the consequences of choices made. Blood Brothers delves into the stark contrast between the lives of two twin brothers, Mickey and Eddie, who are separated at birth and raised in different social classes. The narrative explores the impact of their upbringing on their lives.

Do not be put off and think that it’s all doom and gloom! The scenes when Mickey and Eddie are young are fantastic, funny and so well acted. Playing children who are 7 (nearly 8!) and then to hormone fuelled teenagers takes much skill. From the dark introduction, superbly told by the Narrator (Danny Whitehead), we are then transported back in time to the late 1950’s where the boys Mother, Mrs Johnstone, tells us all about the boy’s father and how they met. We hear our first helping of the song ‘Marilyn Monroe’ at this point, a song that is heard throughout with different intent to symbolise a life etched in tragedy.

The characters were brought to life by an incredibly talented cast. The chemistry between the actors playing Mickey (Sean Jones) and Eddie (Joe Sleight) was remarkable, their friendship and eventual rivalry portrayed with genuine emotion and conviction. The audience were fully invested in their journey, rooting for their happiness while simultaneously dreading the tragic outcome looming over them.

Having seen this musical twice before, this performance was nothing short of extraordinary. The cast, led by a talented ensemble, breathed life into their characters with such conviction and authenticity that it was impossible not to be completely engrossed in their journey. The standout performance came from Mrs Johnstone (Niki Colwell Evans), the resilient and tormented mother of the twins. Her portrayal was a masterclass in emotional depth, capturing the anguish and desperation of a woman caught in the relentless grip of poverty. Her haunting and heart wrenching rendition of ‘Tell Me It’s Not true’ left the audience in tears, a testament to her talent and powerful story telling. The evening ended with a full standing ovation for the whole cast, just wonderful.

Sheffield Lyceum – until Saturday 22 July 2023

5*****

My 13th and final trip (for now at least) trip on the Titanic had me sail into Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre. It’s been an amazing trip too.  Watching the cast grow in confidence, expanding their roles and really giving their character life.

Danielle Tarento has given life to Maury Yeston’s epic music and lyrics and Peter Stones book. Thom Southerlands assured direction, Howard Hudson’s lighting, David Woodheads set and costume design all come together in creating perfection. And there is sheer joy in listening to the live band (Ben Papworth, Thomas Leate, Bridget Mansfield, Gemma Connor, Jack Cherry Craig Apps)

Yes I am probably biased, it is after all my favourite musical, but because I love it so much I seek perfection and I can be left wanting.  But Sheffield gave me what I was looking for and I enjoyed my final sailing

There is humour within the sadness, Barnaby Hughes is pithy as Mr Etches, Bree Smith shines as Alice Beane along side long suffering husband Edgar (Paul Kemball covering for James Darch), Harold Bride (Alastair Hill) is a joy as he sings of his love for the wireless to stoker Barrett (Adam Filipe).  And the three Kates (Emily George, Niamh Long and Abi Hudson covering for Lucie-Mae Sumner) dallying with Jim Farrell (Chris Nevin). Emma Harrold and Matthew McDonald flirt as almost married Lady Caroline Neville and Charles Clarke.

And the serious side too; J.Bruce Ismay (Martin Allanson) fighting with Captain Smith (Graham Bickley) and designer Thomas Andrews (Ian McLarnon. Mr Fleet (Sam Brown), Mr Lightoller (Jack North) and Mr Murdoch (Billy Roberts) trying to avoid the fatal iceberg. Mr Latimer (Luke Harley) Mr Bell (Danny Michaels) and the Head Maid (Janet Mooney) all doomed, listening to music of Wallace Hartley (Joseph Peacock) while Ida and Isidor Straus (Valda Aviks and David Delve) dance together through eternity.

With only 706 survivors this is a show that stirs the emotions and when the list of names of the 1,517 fatalities comes down on the stage, it hits you that these were real people, with real hope and dreams.

Pack your tissues and head over to the Lyceum before Titanic ends, because this is probably the most beautiful show you will see in a long time. Sail on Titanic – I hope you return again soon

Soho Theatre, London – until 29 July 2023

Reviewed by Alun Hood

2**

Naming your show after the self-appointed “Queen of people’s hearts”, while trailing quotes from such queer luminaries as Mx Justin Vivian Bond, and promising a “tour-de-force…one person musical spectacular” in the advertising blurb, sets up a certain anticipation of what audiences can expect from Peter Smith’s Diana. Personally, I was hoping for something queer, camp, outrageous, with a hint of the poignant. What I got was something quite different, and a show that requires a certain amount of processing.

At first appearance, Smith is likeable, fey; a charming American commenting on celebrity, the concept of the late Princess Diana as a global icon, particularly in the light of the infamous Martin Bashir interview, and UK current affairs, including the BBC’s regrettable image problems. However, that’s the tip of the self-indulgent iceberg. Smith is a statuesque presence with a persuasive, idiosyncratic singing voice. However, at least on the strength of this brief yet oddly interminable show, Smith appears desperately in need of a dramaturg and a strong director.

Smith is less interested in Diana than in, well, Smith, and certainly doesn’t seem bothered about giving the bewildered audience much to enjoy, or even cling on to. The show is a confusing, messy, impenetrable. It’s neither particularly funny nor illuminating, seldom clarifying whether we are watching Smith or a version of Diana (there are sinister references to “my ex-husband’s family” and their various misdeeds) as topics such as divorce, AIDS, women’s reproductive organs and celebrities including Elton John, Streisand and the infamous Ghislaine Maxwell, are thrown around. Anybody with an aversion to psychobabble will have a particularly frustrating time.

Far more stimulating than all that is a section where Smith considers the unique relationship and dynamic between performer and audiences, but none of it really catches fire. The songs, which have an electropop disco-y feel, are striking, as is the visual aesthetic of light tubes and elegantly outlandish costumes. The original version of the show apparently featured lip synching to the real Diana, but Smith couldn’t secure the copyright for this iteration, so has created an alternative format here but one can’t help but wonder if hearing the Princess’s actual voice would have helped elucidate what is going on here.

A darling of the New York cabaret scene, Smith is charismatic and talented. It’s just a shame that this sombre, intense show feels more like something that should be bashed out on a psychoanalyst’s coach rather than performed in public for paying customers. “Let’s dance, baby” Smith says at one point, in the midst of referring to Diana’s fabled terpsichorean ambitions…. sadly, I didn’t feel much like dancing after this.