Home

Second date announced for UK premiere of

IF/THEN by Tony Award-winning writers plus

John Owen-Jones will complete star cast

Savoy Theatre, Savoy Court, Strand, London WC2R 0ET

Monday 17th February 2025, 7:30pm

Adam Blanshay Productions and Daniel Hinchliffe have announced, due to popular demand, a second night for this exciting, staged concert, which will now take place on Monday 17th February. They have also revealed that musical theatre legend John Owen-Jones will join the cast for IF/THEN, the hit musical by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning creators Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal).

With tickets now on general sale, the second show will have a strong focus on accessibility with BSL interpretation. This is a huge and important commitment for a stage concert and shows the producer’s desire for the production to be as inclusive as possible.

John Owen-Jones is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables and the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Alongside his extensive credits, he is also a successful recording artist and has performed in musicals such as The Great British Bake Off Musical and La Cage aux Folles. He joins the cast in the role of Stephen.

The concert version stars Adam Garcia as Josh, Kerry Ellis as Elizabeth, and David Hunter as Lucas.

Two-time Olivier Award nominee, Adam Garcia’s distinguished career spans stage and screen; he is known for his standout performances in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Coyote Ugly and The Serpent Queen. His extensive theatre credits also include 42nd Street, Wicked and Saturday Night Fever, while his film career features notable roles in Kangaroo Jack and Riding in Cars with Boys.

Kerry Ellis is renowned for her performances in Wicked, Anything Goes, We Will Rock You and Les Misérables, as well as her highly successful recording career. This will be the first time Garcia and Ellis have shared the stage since their performances in the original West End run of Wicked.

The final leading man will be played by critically acclaimed David Hunter, following his celebrated performances in multi-award-winning West End productions such as Waitress, Kinky Boots, and The Time Traveller’s Wife.

Joining the leads is a remarkable cast, including Olivier-award nominated Preeya Kalidas (Bombay Dreams, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, West End) as Kate, and Jenny Fitzpatrick (Oliver, Leeds Playhouse; Christmas Carol, Old Vic Theatre) as Anne. Carl Man (Wicked, UK and Ireland Tour; Death Note, West End) will play David and Joni Ayton-Kent (Priscilla The Party, Here at Outernet; Dead Hot, Amazon) will be Elena.

The ensemble line-up features Christian Maynard (Miss Saigon, Sheffield Theatres; & Juliet, West End) and Kayleigh Thadani (Crazy for You, Chichester Festival Theatre/West End; Cats, UK Tour). As well as Lauren Hall (Mamma Mia!, West End; Sister Act, West End) and Sario Solomon (Grease, UK and Ireland Tour; Pacific Overtures, Menier Chocolate Factory). Completing the cast are M-Jae Cleopatra Isaac (Hairspray, UK Tour; The Book of Mormon, West End/UK and European Tour) and Danny Becker (Chicago, UK Tour; Disney’s Frozen the Musical, West End).

This is the first time UK audiences will have the chance to experience the celebrated musical – presented in a staged concert format. The production will be directed by acclaimed award-winning West End director Bill Buckhurst (101 Dalmatians The Musical; Sister Act; The Time Traveller’s Wife). The musical staging is by Olivier Award nominee Alistair David (Kiss Me, Kate, Show Boat), with music direction by acclaimed Michael England (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables).

IF/THEN follows Elizabeth, a 38-year-old city planner returning to New York after twelve years, ready to rebuild her life in the wake of a recent divorce. Standing at a pivotal crossroads, Elizabeth faces a choice that will send her down two parallel paths, each leading to a radically different future. On her first day back, she reconnects with Lucas, an old friend, and meets Kate, her vibrant new neighbour. Lucas invites her to join him in the world of activism, while Kate offers a lighter diversion—coffee, music, and the temptation of a charismatic guitarist nearby. As the story unfolds, audiences follow Elizabeth’s journey along these parallel lives, exploring how every decision, no matter how small, shapes the course of destiny.

There will be limited meet and greet tickets with Kerry Ellis and Tom Kitt on sale in line with the dates below. This will be an exclusive opportunity for fans to meet her in person following the performance.

IF/THEN comes to London after opening on Broadway in 2014 and is produced by Adam Blanshay Productions and Daniel Hinchliffe in association with The Savoy Theatre. Audiences can still watch the phenomenal and exclusive music video Always Starting Over from IF/THEN, performed by Kerry Ellis, here, with special thanks to The Theatre Channel.

Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S SPRING SEASON AT

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME OPENS WITH

SIR DAVID BINTLEY’S ACCLAIMED CINDERELLA

14 PERFORMANCES ACROSS 11 DAYS INCLUDING HALF TERM

Audiences across the West Midlands and beyond are in for a ballet treat as Sir David Bintley’s acclaimed production of the classic fairytale Cinderella returns to the Birmingham Hippodrome stage from Wednesday 19 February to Saturday 1 March 2025.

Cinderella is a wonderful mix of dance, comedy, spectacular scenery and a cast of characters that include mice, lizards and a dancing frog making it the ideal ballet experience for all the family this Half Term.

Cinderella received its world premiere at the Hippodrome in 2010 as a gift to Birmingham from BRB’s former Director Sir David Bintley, marking the 20th anniversary of BRB’s move to the city.  The production received critical acclaim, later winning the 2011 Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Classical Choreography

Cinderella, one of the largest classical ballet productions in the company’s repertoire, features sumptuous sets and costumes designed by acclaimed artist John Macfarlane, famous for his designs for BRB’s The Nutcracker, and is danced to Prokofiev’s sweeping musical score played live by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

Alongside BRB’s world-class dancers, the Company is delightedto welcomeformer BRB Soloist and now Royal Ballet Principal Dancer William Bracewell as a guest performer.  William will be dancing the role of The Prince, partnering BRB Principal Dancer Momoko Hirata (Cinderella) on Thursday 20 and Saturday 22 February at 7.30pm.

Following the success of BRB’s Relaxed Performance of The Nutcracker last December, a Relaxed Performance of Cinderella will be performed on 25 February at 12.45pm.

The Relaxed Performance is designed for individuals who may experience challenges in traditional theatre settings and are supportive of people with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, or sensory and communication differences. Audiences can expect a 15-minute introduction to the characters and the story followed by a performance of Acts II and III.  Additional changes have been made to the staging and front of house to create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe and comfortable and is able to enjoy the show.

For further information and to book tickets go to www.birminghamhippdrome.com

Cinderella at Birmingham Hippodrome is part of a wider UK tour visiting Southampton, Salford, Sunderland, Bristol and Plymouth. This has been partly supported by the generous donations from the public to last year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge.  Over £70,000 was raised which will help meet the rising costs of touring ensuring BRB can deliver their commitment to taking world-class ballet around the UK. 

Following the UK tour, BRB will be taking the name of Birmingham to Japan where Cinderella will be performed at Toyko’s Bunka Kaikan (27- 29 June).

For further information go to www.brb.org.uk

CRUCIBLE THEATRE

A Sheffield Theatres production

SHEFFIELD THEATRES ANNOUNCE FULL CAST AND
CREATIVE TEAM FOR

CRUCIBLE THEATRE

A Sheffield Theatres production

SHEFFIELD THEATRES ANNOUNCE FULL CAST AND
CREATIVE TEAM FOR

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Director Josh Seymour

Designer Frankie Bradshaw

Lighting Designer Howard Harrison

Sound Designer and Music Arrangements Alexandra Braithwaite

Musical Director Lauren Dyer

Movement and Intimacy Director Chi-San Howard

Casting Director Christopher Worrall

Associate Designer Ceci Calf

Assistant Director Natalie Simone

Dialect Coach Aundrea Fudge

Vocal Coach Tess Dignan

Fight Director Bethan Clark

Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Saturday 1 – Saturday 29 March 2025

Sheffield Theatres today announce the full cast for Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, which runs from Saturday 1 – Saturday 29 March 2025.  This new production of the award-winning play will be directed by Josh Seymour (Spend, Spend, Spend).

Joining the previously announced Joanna Vanderham who is playing Blanche are Bridgette Amofah playing Eunice; Lia Burge playing Neighbour/Flower Seller/Nurse; Nuhazet Diaz Cano playing Pablo; Jake Dunn playing Stanley; Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong playing Mitch; Jack Ofrecio playing Allan/Young Man/Doctor;Amara Okereke playing Stella and Dominic Rye playing Steve. All members of the castmake their Sheffield Theatres production debuts with A Streetcar Named Desire.

“How strange that I should be called a destitute woman! When I have all of these treasures locked in my heart.”

In the sultry back streets of 1940s New Orleans, fading Southern belle Blanche DuBois seeks solace with her estranged sister Stella.

Blanche’s delicate sensibilities create instant suspicion in Stella’s unrestrained husband Stanley, as they collide in a struggle for Stella’s heart. As their simmering feud escalates, past truths begin to surface and both sisters must choose between fantasy and reality.

Passions ignite and illusions are shattered in Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

Tickets for A Streetcar Named Desire are on sale now. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.

West End lead actors Collette Guitart and Tobias Turley
announced to head the cast for
the UK premiere of the Off-Broadway hit musical

WHITE ROSE THE MUSICAL

Marylebone Theatre
Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London NW1 6XT

Fresh from West End starring roles in Why Am I Still Single? and Mamma, Mia!, Collette Guitart and Tobias Turley are today announced to head the cast for the UK premiere of the Off-Broadway hit, White Rose: The Musical.

Collette Guitart (Sophie) was the alternate lead in Why Am I So Single? at the Garrick Theatre and previously she played Maria in Just for One Day (Old Vic). Other credits include SIX, &Juliet and Bat Out of Hell (West End), and Rock Follies (Chichester Festival Theatre).

Tobias Turley (Hans) won the lead role of Sky in the West End production of Mamma Mia! on ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream. Named one of HELLO Magazine’s Rising Stars 2024, his other credits include Kurt Kelly in Heathers the Musical (Other Palace), and Diesel in West Side Story (Ljubljana Festival).

Having received its Off Broadway premiere earlier this year, White Rose: The Musical has book & lyrics by Brian Belding, music by Natalie Brice, with direction by Will Nunziata. It will get its UK premiere as the first musical staged at  London’s Marylebone Theatre, Thursday 27 February – Sunday 13 April, 2025.

White Rose: The Musical is based upon the inspiring true story of a small group of university students in Munich, Germany, who secretly met to write, print and distribute leaflets exposing Hitler’s lies and Nazi deception. Their courage in the face of tyranny would ultimately lead to them paying the supreme sacrifice.

Sophie Scholl arrives in Munich to join her brother, Hans, and study at university. Inspired by a rebellious professor, Sophie and Hans form a small group of students to resist Nazi rule and doctrine. In passionate and articulate leaflets – printed in secret – the White Rose resistance group provides instructions for passive resistance and, ultimately, sabotage. Sophie is passionate, impulsive and bold… dangerous traits in Hitler’s Germany. The words and actions of a nation’s youth defy an oppressive government and would inspire others to do the same.

Creator, Book Writer and Lyricist Brian Belding said: “The true story of the White Rose has inspired me for years. These students were the privileged few who benefited from unjust laws and discrimination and yet they were the ones who ultimately stood up for those who no longer had a voice. They chose to use their privilege for good, risking everything while doing so I created White Rose:The Musical so this amazing story might inspire those struggling to find their own way to take action where they see injustice.”

More cast and full creative team to be announced.

Casting Director Harry Blumenau CDG

Produced by Samsational Entertainment and JLWN Productions LLC.

Executive Producer / General Management Thomas Hopkins Productions.

Brian Belding – Creator, Book Writer and Lyricist                                                                      ..
San Francisco and NYC-based playwright and lyricist Brian Belding combined his love of musical theatre and resistance movements to create White Rose: The Musical. After successful industry presentations in May and October 2022, the musical is currently being developed in New York with a Broadway creative and production team. A proud member of the Dramatists Guild, Belding taught high school history in the San Francisco Bay Area for 20 years before becoming a full­-time writer for the theatre.

Natalie Brice – Composer
Natalie is a musician with the tenacity for bringing original work to life. She recently music directed the new musical Happily Even After with performances in California and a run at Don’t Tell Mama NYC. In 2020, Natalie Music directed Hell On Earth, a new musical performed at 54 Below featuring Laurie Metcalf and Anthony Rosenthal. She was the music director and pianist on Asher Child, an original musical in California. She wrote, composed, and co-directed the musical film Go With Me in 2019. For White Rose: The Musical, she is committed to musically encapsulating the camaraderie, youth, adrenaline, celebration, and heart of the resistance group.

Will Nunziata – Director
Will is a NYC-based award-winning director, writer, and producer of film, television, theatre, and concerts. Film: The Old Guitarist (Writer, Director) starring Dominic Chianese (Uncle Junior in The Sopranos). Awards: London Movie Awards (Best Short Film, Best Director), New York Movie Awards (Best First Time Director of a Short), Paris Film Awards (Best First Time Director of a Short), among others. Film: Lillith (Winner of Best Original Screenplay, 2023 Hollywood Blood Horror Festival and Winner of Best Horror Screenplay, 2024 New York Screenplay Competition). Other films in development: Débora (Writer, Director) – based on the life of Colombian painter Débora Arango; We Had Love (Writer, Director) – a father-son drama; Rhapsody – an original musical drama; We All Fall Down (Writer, Director) – a psychological thriller. Television in development: Forty-licious (Creator, Writer). Theatre: Figaro: An Original Musical (Director, Co-Book Writer, Co-Creator – The London Palladium 2025), White Rose: The Musical (Director – Off-Broadway 2024, Marylebone Theatre UK 2025), Faygele: A New Play (Director – King’s Head Theatre UK 2025). Theatre/Opera in development: Van Gogh: An Original Musical (Co-Creator, Director), An Entirely Ordinary Town: A New Musical (Director), By The End Of Tonight: A New Play (Director), Little Black Book: A New Musical (Co-Creator), The Waves: A New Opera (Librettist), Miss Peggy Lee (Director, Writer, Co-Creator) starring Tony Award winner Cady Huffman; Award: Broadway World Best Director. Concerts: Will has written and directed shows for Tony Award winner Lillias White, Soul Train Award winner Nicole Henry, and Grammy Award nominee Clint Holmes, to name a few. Through his production company 23 Productions, Will is a lead producer on the West End (Figaro: An Original Musical), off-West End (White Rose: The Musical) and is on the producing teams of three world premiere albums (Little Black Book: A New Musical on Broadway Records, White Rose: The Musical on Yellow Sound Label, and Figaro: An Original Musical on Center Stage Records). For twenty years Will performed professionally, singing across the country and around the world with his twin brother, singer-songwriter Anthony Nunziata, culminating in co-headlining Carnegie Hall with the NY Pops Symphony Orchestra. Will is a proud graduate of Boston College.
For more, please visit www.WillNunziata.com and @willnunzofficial on Instagram.

LISTINGS INFO

White Rose The Musical
Book & Lyrics by Brian Belding
Music by Natalie Brice

Director Will Nunziata

Thursday 27 February – Sunday 13 April

Marylebone Theatre
Rudolf Steiner House
35 Park Road
London NW1 6XT

Box office: 02077237984

[email protected]

Performances:
Wednesday – Saturday at 7:30pm
Thursday & Saturday at 2:30pm
Sunday at 1pm and 5pm

Tickets from £25
£2.25 Booking Fee on all tickets

Previews: all seats 50% discount

Running time:
2 hour 15 mins

Age recommendation 10+

Content warning: This performance contains the use of prop weaponry and explores mature themes relating to armed conflict, including violence and its impacts.

Social media

Website: https://whiterosethemusical.com/
Twitter: @whiteroseplay
Facebook: whiterosethemusical
Instagram: whiterosethemusical

Playhouse, Sheffield – January 25th 2025

Reviewed by Sharon Farley

5*****

“Playschool meets The Slits”

Hold onto your D-rings for this fun-filled, high-energy, but relaxed performance. On entry, the audience is warmly welcomed with the beaming smile of Sarah Blanc – who is also responsible for the show’s conceptual and artistic direction – as she reminds us that a ‘relaxed performance’ means that the usual theatre etiquette of remaining still and seated is not required here, directing the audience, “You do You!”

These are not hollow words, we are also invited to contribute to the performance in numerous ways; flags, t-shirts and pens are distributed as we take our seats. Following the character intros, it soon becomes clear this is all about fun and self-expression – “You do You” doesn’t only exist as permission to go to the toilet, it’s a mantra.

However, this isn’t just a raucous dance party. As the on stage punk band, Lazur Tuts, riffs through its set list, the lyrics are displayed on screen so you can sing along and dialogue breaks lead the audience through a number of world topics, unafraid to acknowledge the stresses of modern life. You might ask yourself ‘what do children know about war or debt?’, but you’d be surprised. As a former teacher, I can assure you that kids are extremely sensitive to big issues and take on a great deal of information, but general society dismisses their opinions. Punk Alley lets them know it’s ok to have concerns and also that they are not completely powerless in the shadow of a big, scary world.

More workshop than play, Punk Alley revives the ethos of punk, which emerged in the mid 1970s as a visually aggressive but socially focused movement. Punks were not content to just maintain the status quo, they railed against injustice and questioned authority; the Lazur Tuts encourage their young audience to express what’s on their minds and ask questions. There’s no political indoctrination being preached here, just the notion that all questions are valid and the cast are there to listen. But that’s not all, audience contributions are included in a letter and paraded out into the street to the nearest post box, where they are posted by an audience member to the local MP – art in action. The message definitely landed with some audience members; en route home I encountered a cluster of people waving their Lazur Tuts flags and commemorating their day out with group photos. One of them told me the performance, “Shows you can start small, but it spreads and gets bigger”. Mission accomplished!

At a time when peaceful protest is often vilified, this mission matters. I can see this performance striking a chord in schools and community hubs, where it could open up avenues to rich discussions, as it undoubtedly will for many of its theatre attendees. The audience were motivated, engaged and, most importantly, enjoying every minute. The action is well crafted and periodically rolls through some quiet numbers to ensure any young spectators are able to regulate their emotional energy to manageable levels.

Performed by the fabulously talented award-winning dance troupe, Moxie Brawl, Punk Alley bounces along like Playschool meets The Slits, whilst also ticking all the boxes for progressive 21st Century theatre by being diverse, inclusive, educational, and empowering, whilst also including BSL interpretation and ear protectors Difference is boisterously celebrated, making it as relevant for adults as it is for kids, so break out your safety pins and go and make some noise with the Lazur Tuts on their UK Tour

Barons Court Theatre – until 1^st February 2025

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

5*****

Another exceptional piece of modern play writing by Aaron Thakar. He has the ability to take real and relevant situations and twist them to show the underbelly of human nature. This four part reflection on sex, money, politics and religion intertwine, to take you to an uncomfortable place that questions your own morals and ethics or at least those of the society that we live in today.

Each part explores the abuse of power by people and how that can quickly dissipate. In part one, the vulnerability of Fraser (Fraser Kelsey) is so well expressed by Kelsey you are left in no doubt it is real. The well played interaction with Sam (Harry Jarvis), the lighting box technician, so innocent to begin with, draws you in until the questions become more intense and demanding. You feel present and want to warn Fraser (Kelsey)!

The twists and turns in the radio broadcast in part two, sends your mind into a spin, as you see the different perspectives, particularly at the end. The interaction between Rick (Paul Giddings) the DJ and Julia (Ella Jarvis) the radio guest, feels like you are sitting in on a podcast – you can be forgiven for forgetting you are watching a play!

The very real situation of Khalil (Demi Idowu) the disconnected electorate in part three, struggling with mental health and wanting to be heard, can be recognised by many people in this country. Accentuated by the extreme lengths he goes to, it does not feel so extreme in today’s political climate. Idowu delivers a strong performance. 

The final part goes deep into the hearts of those who live with fear, who carry prejudice, those with the power to create ugliness. You are given a glimpse into a world most of us shy away from, delivered by the playwright himself, Thakar as Hassan. Sasha Jagsi (Nazia) gives a commanding performance as his sister. 

This is a not to be missed, an intense, compelling play that has many shades and levels. I will be thinking about the questions it throws up for a long time. Thakar is an inspiration and I look forward to seeing what he does next.

Hull New Theatre – 24th January 2025

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Last night at Hull New Theatre I had the absolute pleasure of seeing the world premiere of Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock, Eternal Love the Musical, and what a treat it was! I’ve not seen any of the other shows that they have done and didn’t quite know what to expect but what I watched was brilliant. Steve is an excellent songwriter, these were all original songs from two of his albums, and as a fan of rock music I really enjoyed listening to them. The songs helped the story move along and they fitted the storyline really well.

The story starts in the graveyard were Bosley (John Evans) sees Baron Von Rockula (Steve Steinman) again after a long time, things have changed, especially for the Baron, the love of his life, Pandora, is no longer around so he seems very lost. Bosley deicides to change the castle into a diner along with help from vampires Medusa (Tanyth Roberts, Drusilla (Olivia Doherty-Marks), Ursula (Victoria Farley) and Elivria (Amy Jackson). When Xena Rock-Heart (Claire Zamore) turns about at the diner looking for work The Baron is shocked to see how much she looks like Pandora and decides to make her into his wife. What follows is a rollercoaster of problems for the poor Baron, from a wedding to vampire hunters!

All of the songs were excellent and I particularly enjoyed Northern Star and I will Survive Without You. The band (Jamie Hiscox, Harry Garbutt, Pete Jean, Dan Stevens and Joe Brierley) were outstanding, I would go and watch them gig any time. The set was really good, with the background changing and being at different levels with the band on stage it was very effective. I did like the “paintings” of the long-lost relatives on the walls Uncle Mick, Uncle Keith, Uncle Ozzy and Uncle Alice, that was clever!!

The show is very funny, Steve Steinman and John Evans worked together so well and their banter (scripted or not!) was hilarious, it has brilliant, original, music, fabulous singers, dancers and actors. I really enjoyed it, and judging by the standing ovation at the end so did the audience. Would I recommend it? Yes absolutely, a great night and definitely shows how a musical should be done!

ADDITIONAL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

THE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING THEATRICAL EVENT

STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW

Performances Begin Friday, March 28, 2025

Officially Opens Tuesday, April 22, 2025

At Broadway’s Marquis Theatre

www.StrangerThingsBroadway.com

Visit TUDUM.com to Learn More

(New York, NY) Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions are thrilled to announce the cast for the Broadway production of the Olivier Award-winning, “mega five-star hit” (Sunday Times) play STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW, which is now in rehearsals in New York. STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW will begin performances Friday, March 28, 2025 and officially open Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre (210 West 46^th Street).

STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW will feature the previously announced Rosie Benton (Patriots) as Virginia Creel, Alex Breaux (“Stranger Things” Season 5) as Dr. Brenner, Andrew Hovelson (Lucky Guy)as Principal Newby, Alison Jaye (“Shameless”) as Joyce Maldonado, Emmy Award nominee T.R. Knight (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as Victor Creel, Louis McCartney reprising his universally acclaimed performance as Henry Creel (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, West End), Emmy Award nominee Gabrielle Nevaeh (Nickelodeon’s “That Girl Lay Lay”) as Patty Newby and Burke Swanson (Back to the Future: The Musical) as James Hopper, Jr.The cast of 34 also includes Janie Brookshire (The Philanthropist), Kelsey Anne Brown (Broadway Debut), Malcolm Callender (Broadway Debut), Ta’Rea Campbell (The Hills of California) as Patty’s Mom, Juan Carlos (Broadway Debut)as Bob Newby – replacing Nicholas Eldridge, – Antoinette Comer (Mamma Mia!), Robert T. Cunningham (Broadway Debut) as Charles Sinclair, Ayana Cymone (Broadway Debut) as Sue Anderson, Tom D’Agustino (Apple TV+’s “Dear Edward”), Victor de Paula Rocha (Broadway Debut), Ian Dolley (The Holdovers) as Walter Henderson, Dora Dolphin (Broadway Debut) as Karen Childress, Nya Garner (Broadway Debut), Logan Gould (Netflix’s “The Corps”) as Lonny Byers, Shea Grant (Broadway Debut) as Claudia Yount, Rebecca Hurd (Broadway Debut), Ted Koch (To Kill a Mockingbird)as Chief Hopper, Timothy Lawrence (Broadway Debut), Jamie Martin Mann (Broadway Debut) as Ted Wheeler, Patrick Scott McDermott (Flying Over Sunset), Stephen Wattrus (Take Me Out), Maya West (Broadway Debut) and Eric Wiegand (Plaza Suite) as Alan Munson and Graham Winton (The Ferryman).

Based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, and rooted in the mythology and world of the Netflix global phenomenon, STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW is a new play written by Kate Trefry, directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin.

THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON COMES TO LIFE ON STAGE IN AN AWARD-WINNING, JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLE.

STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW astonished the West End, winning the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment. Critics hailed it as “a game-changing experience” (Daily Telegraph) that makes the unimaginable real and “takes theatre to the next dimension” (The Observer). From Netflix and multi-award-winning Broadway producer Sonia Friedman Productions, and directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Stephen Daldry alongside Justin Martin, this pulse-racing new adventure will turn Broadway upside down.

Are monsters born… or made?

In 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, the Creel family seeks a fresh start, especially their teenage son Henry, who is eager to escape his troubled past. Initially, things go well — he finds friendship and joins the school play. But when a wave of shocking crimes strikes the town, Henry is forced to confront a terrifying truth: is there something inside him that connects him to the horrors unfolding around him?

As this thrilling mystery races forward, shadows of the past are unleashed, relationships are tested, and the town of Hawkins faces the ultimate question: can the power of friendship outshine the darkness within?

With an incredible cast of 34, this gripping stand-alone adventure will pull you deep into the world of STRANGER THINGS. Experience the heart-pounding excitement of STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW—where suspense and spectacle lurk at every turn. 

Tickets are now on sale at www.StrangerThingsBroadway.com and start at $59.75.

Click here to watch and embed the official trailer for STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW.

STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW will feature set design by Miriam Buether, costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting design by Jon Clark, sound design by Paul Arditti, original music composition, orchestration, arrangements and supervision by D.J. Walde, illusions design & visual effects by Jamie Harrison & Chris Fisher, video design & visual effects by 59, choreography by Coral Messam, movement direction by Lynne Page, wigs, hair and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates, technical direction by Gary Beestone for Gary Beestone Associates, casting by Jim Carnahan, UK casting by Jessica Ronane CDG.

Hailed by the Daily Telegraph as “The West End Event of the Year” and the recipient of nineteen 5-star reviews and twelve 4-star reviews, STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW opened in its world premiere production at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End, where it is currently breaking box office records and is now on sale through September 7, 2025. The West End production recently won several awards including two Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment and Best Set Design, the Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Set Design and Most Promising Newcomer, and the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play. Click here to see more from the star-studded West End Opening Night.

STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW is produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions. The Duffer Brothers act as creative producers, with 21 Laps Entertainment as associate producer.

Follow STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X.

For more information visit www.StrangerThingsBroadway.com.

To read more about STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW, visit TUDUM.com.

#    #    #

Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions present

STRANGER THINGS: 

THE FIRST SHADOW

By Kate Trefry

Original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne & Kate Trefry

Based on the Netflix Series, Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers

Octagon Theatre, Bolton – until Saturday 1st February 2025

Review by Rebecca Hampson

5*****

Based on the original novel of the same name this modern take on the classic, Animal Farm, stuns audiences at the Octagon Theatre Bolton.

Following the uprising of a group of farm animals upon their master and farmer who stage a revolution to create a brave new world, Animal Farm has been adapted for the stage by Ian Wooldridge in a spectacularly Brechtian way. No other staging of this novel would suit so perfectly.

From the very start I was wowed with the staging and lighting design by Ciarán Bagnall. The use of black light and footlights created an eerie atmosphere across the stage which emphasised the facial expressions of all actors seamlessly. The stage could be broken down and rebuilt to create everything the Animals needed throughout their journey to freedom, meaning each scene would flow into the other with brilliant cohesion and pace.

Characterisation was flawless, and emphasised beautifully with the use of props and costume. Su Newell’s genius meant that each animal was easily identifiable whilst allowing the actors to remain neutral when necessary. The head pieces used to distinguish between animals were simply wearable works of art.

As an avid lover of all things Brechtian I found myself completely and utterly enthralled in the magic of this piece despite the moments where the fourth wall was broken. Whilst each actor worked tirelessly and spectacularly I found myself most enamoured by the roles of Snowball, played by Soroosh Lavasani and Clover, played by Natalia Campbell. There was a moment in particular that stood out when it almost felt like Snowball had made direct eye contact with me and Lavasani’s piercing gaze was uncomfortable yet entrancing.

This adaptation was a pleasant surprise, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since leaving the theatre.

Running until 1st February, this is not one to miss.

Curve Theatre, Leicester – until 25th January 2025

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

5****

Curve’s brand-new production of Kinky Boots stitches new soul into the heartwarming tale which is based on true events. Through Harvey Fierstein’s book and Cyndi Lauper’s music and lyrics, we are drawn into the lives of two seemingly different people who serendipitously meet one fateful night. Charlie, having inherited the families struggling shoe factory in Northampton after his father’s death, fears he has no choice but to sell the factory and let down his loyal workers. Lola/Simon, is the most glamourous drag queen who, whilst confident and fabulous, still continuously faces prejudice and has to remind people that they have a right to be accepted as they are. Believing they are worlds apart, but discovering they have much in common, we are taken on their most beautiful journey of self-discovery and self-affirmant, both of which make for an unforgettable adventure and a spectacular show.

Johannes Radebe set the stage alight as Lola. The moment she appears, we know we are in the presence of a true showgirl. Commanding the stage not just with incredible dance moves but also sass, we are mesmerised. Yet, throughout the performance as a whole, there shone such beauty and vulnerability, with moments of light and dark through Lola/Simon’s story that meant this wasn’t a pastiche of drag but a homage to the art and struggle, a celebration of the power and strength. Dan Partridge as Charlie Price had a wonderful connection with Radebe, working through a range of emotions as he came to terms with his paternal struggles which paralleled those of Lola/Simon. Watching them both sing ‘Not My Father’s Son’ was incredibly moving and displayed how director Nikolai Foster and choreographer Leah Hill made genius choices on how to evoke emotions from the players and the audience with subtle grace. Courtney Bowman is an absolute delight as Lauren, the factory worker turned exec, who has a huge crush on Charlie. Belting out ‘The History of Wrong Guys’ with perfect comic timing shows that she is an incredible talent. The complete cast are amazing, from Lola’s drag angels to the factory workers, the dancing, singing and performing is utterly entertaining through and through.

Stunning set and costume design by Robert Jones accompanied by lighting designer Ben Cracknell meant that every scene shone. Drag costumes and wigs are opulent and glorious which balances perfectly with the muted tones of the factory attire. The set is made up mainly to reflect the industrial Northampton shoe factory, with a hanging carousel of shoes descending at certain intervals, and machines which would slide in and out. Then a quick switch to streets, a night club, a pub, a catwalk, all seamlessly done.

But behold the boots! Glorious, red, shiny and a pair to fit everyone, no matter what your age, shape, size, colour, gender…the list could go on. The boots accept people for who and what they are, so why can’t we. What a fantastic message for a spectacular show. Kinky Boots has a tremendous cast, sublime choreography, amazing costumes, funky music and an engaging, uplifting story. These boots put the sole into soul, so get yourself to see this show.