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CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS

By Ursula Rani Sarma
Based on the book by Khaled Hosseini
Directed by Roxana Silbert

A Birmingham Rep, Nottingham Playhouse &
Leeds Playhouse co-production.

Friday 11 April – Saturday 3 May 2025

Casting is announced today for Birmingham Rep’s new production of A Thousand Splendid Suns, Ursula Rani Sarma’s play based on Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling spiritual sequel to The Kite Runner.   It opens at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Friday 11 April and runs until Saturday 3 May 2025. 

Roxana Silbert, who directed the critically acclaimed European Premiere of the play at The Rep in May 2019, and returns to helm this new production said:

“I’m really delighted to be returning to the brilliant Birmingham Rep stage, which I love, and I’m honoured to be revisiting this beautiful adaptation of A Thousand Splendid Suns,one of the final plays I directed at The Rep before I ended my tenure as Artistic Director in 2019. This is a new production in response to the evolving challenges women face in Afghanistan – and sadly even more urgent and necessary today than it was 6 years ago”.

The cast for this new production is:  David Ahmad (Babi, Mullah Faizullah Zaman and Militiaman), Rina Fatania (Mariam), Kerena Jagpal (Laila), Jonas Khan (Rasheed), Jonny Khan (Tariq, Wakil and Driver), Noah Manzoor (Zalmai and Wakil’s Wife), Peyvand Sadeghian (Nana, Fariba and Doctor), Tahir Shah (Jalis, Abdul Sharif, Interrogator and Militia Man) and Humera Syed (Young Mariam, Asia and Nurse).

Joining Roxana on the creative team are:  Set and Costume Designer Simon Kenny, Lighting Designer Matt Haskins, Sound Designer Clive Meldrum, Composer Elaha Soroor, Movement Director Kuldip Singh Barmi, Fight Director Rachid Sabitri, Fight Director Jessica Hrabowsky, Casting Director Helena Palmer and the Assistant Director is Massi Safa.

Khaled Hosseini’s international best-selling novel is the powerful story of three generations of women discovering strength in unity and finding hope in the unlikeliest of places. Set in 1992 in an Afghanistan ravaged by war, an orphaned Laila is left alone in an increasingly threatening world.  Her older neighbour Rasheed is quick to open his home and takes Laila as his second wife.

Rasheed’s first wife Mariam has no choice but to accept her younger, and now pregnant, rival. As the Taliban take over, life for all of them becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, and the two women find themselves unlikely allies.  In A Thousand Splendid Suns, love grows and sustains the human spirit even during the hardest of times.

Playwright Ursula Rani Sarma said:

 “This play is about the immense strength and endurance of women and how they can survive tremendous suffering to keep those they love alive. It is also about how even in the darkest of times and places, love can grow and sustain the human spirit beyond all pain and hard-ship. It’s about friendship and loyalty, courage and selflessness, grief and violence. What the play has to say about love, endurance, and survival is very much worth listening to for a contemporary audience. There is beauty and strength at the heart of A Thousand Splendid Suns, and I feel so proud to be part of its evolution from novel to stage.’ 
 

Ursula Rani Sarma is an award-winning scriptwriter for stage and screen of Irish Indian descent. Her credits include feature film In The Shadows (Sleeper/ Affine Films / True Brit), Bodkin (Netflix/Higher Ground/Wiip), Smother (Treasure/BBC Studios/ RTE), Delicious (Sky One/Bandit), and Red Rock (Element/TV3)amongst others.

Ursula is currently Writing and Exec Producing The Split Up a series for television with Sister Pictures for the BBC as well as developing projects forBad Wolf/ Sky, George Clooney’s Smokehouse andGillian Anderson’s Fiddlehead / Netflix amongst others.

Ursula has written numerous award-winning plays which have been produced around the world. They include Yerma (West Yorkshire Playhouse), The Dark Things (Traverse Theatre), Birdsong (The Abbey Theatre), Joanne (Clean Break) and The Magic Tree (Everyman Theatre) amongst many others. Her work is published by Oberon, Faber and Faber, Nick Hern and Penguin Random House. She is currently writing plays for The National Theatre, The Abbey Theatre and EON Productions.

Ursula was the Programme Leader of the MA in Scriptwriting at Bath Spa University for ten years until 2019. Ursula lives in the West of Ireland.

Khaled Hosseini is one of the most widely read and beloved novelists in the world, with over 38 million copies of his books sold in more than seventy countries. The Kite Runner was a major film and was a Book of the Decade, chosen by The Times, Daily Telegraph and Guardian. A Thousand Splendid Suns was the Richard & Judy Best Read of the Year in 2008. Hosseini is currently a Goodwill Envoy to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN Refugee Agency and the founder of The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which provides humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. He was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and lives in northern California.

ADAM STRONG HEADS THE ROCKY HORROR CAST AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Dust off your fishnets, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock’n’roll musical The Rocky Horror Show will see north east born Adam Strong leading the cast when the show comes to Darlington Hippodrome at the end of March.

UK theatre-goers have been thrilled by the current UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show which recently announced an extension beyond May 2025. North east born actor Adam Strong will be making his Rocky Horror Show debut as Frank N Furter when the tour comes to Darlington Hippodrome. Adam, 35, from East Herrington, appeared in his first production at the age of eight, appearing in South Pacific. He’s gone on to have a hugely successful career, performing in hit shows such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, We Will Rock You and Rock of Ages.

Motherland star Jackie Clune is set to bring her star power to the show, stepping into the spotlight as The Narrator. Brad will be played by Connor Carson, Janet by Lauren Chia, Riff Raff by Job Greuter and Magenta / Usherette by Natasha Hoeberigs. Columbia will be played by Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli, Rocky by Morgan Jackson and Eddie / Dr Scott by Edward Bullingham.

The Rocky Horror Show defies space and time as it continues to captivate audiences around the world featuring all the outrageous characters and infectious energy that has made the show a global phenomenon for over five decades. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the smash hit show features all the famous musical numbers which have made the Rocky Horror Show such a huge hit for 50 years and counting, including “Sweet Transvestite”, “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and, of course, the timeless floor-filler, “Time Warp”.

The show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their favourite college professor. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits. The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation – meaning, of course, getting dressed-up in the most outrageous fancy dress.

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, the Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!

The Rocky Horror Show runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Monday 31 March to Saturday 5 April. For full details or to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405

King’s Head Theatre – until 23 March 2025

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Seattle’s most luxurious ladies’ loo is the setting for Liesl Wilke and Andy March’s fantastic new musical. Ever-present cleaner Maggie (Lauren Ward) observes the regular visitors as she chats with her daughter Robin (Rebecca-Jo Roberts) and, despite Robin’s protestations, can’t help but get involved and try to help them.

Mother daughter relationships and conflicts are explored through extreme examples. Uptight alcoholic Cynthia (Josie Benson) is afraid that she is following her mother’s parenting blueprint as she struggles to cope with the unpredictability of her neurodiverse daughter Emma (Grace Venus), computer programmer Krystal (Regina Co) anxiously hides her true self from her overbearing mother (Cezarah Bonner) for fear of disappointing her, and teenager Serena is dealing with an unhealthy relationship and pregnancy scare alone. Maggie butts in and tries to heal the relationships, even as she hides from her own trauma. The bare bones of Maggie’s situation are obvious early on, but the story of her grief and her stalled life is revealed through each encounter.

There is a lot to unpack alongside 15 songs in just 90 minutes, meaning that sometimes the book can be a little abrupt moving on to the next character, but if the show were expanded these issues could be easily solved with conversations and characters being more fleshed out. Even so, there are wonderful moments of connection and humour amongst the dramas and there are some astute observations – Serena’s spoken word performances capture the intensity and pretentiousness of a teenager’s burgeoning creativity. We see the characters’ first steps towards understanding and reconciliations rather than any solid solutions, but this would still be satisfying in a longer version as those first steps are the hardest to take.

Musical director Livi Van Warmelo and musicians Saran Davies, Isis Dunthorne and Amy Shaw perform Wilke and March’s songs brilliantly. These range from catchy poppy numbers “1-800 Help Me” with the entire cast dancing onstage – to intimate soaring heartbreakers like “Fly“. “Different Not Broken” sung by Josie Benson is an emotional highlight of the show, along with Regina Co’s powerhouse performance of “Fall From Grace“. Emily Bestow’s gorgeous set is perfect, with Vikki Stone’s slick direction allowing the performances to shine. And what a cast! Lauren Ward is phenomenal as Maggie, and there is not a weak link in the cast. The vocals are glorious.

Stalled is an emotional and arresting musical tackling hard subjects with a deft and tender touch – take tissues!

THE NATIONAL THEATRE’S SMASH-HIT PRODUCTION

DEAR ENGLAND TO EMBARK ON A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED

TOUR FROM SEPTEMBER 2025

 VISITING 16 VENUES ACROSS ENGLAND, JAMES GRAHAM’S OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING ‘BEST NEW PLAY’ WILL TOUR UNTIL MARCH 2026

The National Theatre today announces a highly anticipated tour of its smash-hit production, Dear England.Written by the multi-award-winning stage and screen writer, James Graham (Sherwood, BBC One; Quiz, ITV) anddirected by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold (Patriots, King Charles III),Dear England tells the uplifting, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager in this gripping examination of nation and game.  The Olivier Award-winning ‘Best New Play’ will tour to 16 venues across England from 15 September 2025 until 14 March 2026 in a co-production with Josh Andrews and Stuart Galbraith for JAS Theatricals. 

Opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth (15 – 20 September), Dear England will then tour to Nottingham Theatre Royal (23 – 27 September), The Marlowe, Canterbury (7 – 18 October), Sheffield Lyceum (21 – 25 October), Leeds Grand Theatre (4 – 8 November), Theatre Royal Newcastle (11 – 15 November), Chichester Festival Theatre (20 – 29 November) and in 2026, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (13 – 17 January), Milton Keynes Theatre (20 – 24 January), New Theatre, Oxford (27 – 31 January), Norwich Theatre Royal (3 – 7 February), New Victoria Theatre, Woking (10 – 14 February), The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (17 – 21 February),  New Wimbledon Theatre (24 – 28 February),  Liverpool Empire (3 – 7 March) and Birmingham Hippodrome (10 – 14 March).  For more information and to sign up for priority booking visit dearenglandonstage.com.

Playwright James Graham said:

“I am beyond delighted and grateful that Dear England is heading out on a nation-wide tour across England.  To put the national game on the stage of the National Theatre and then into the West End back in 2023 was an utter dream.  Now, to head out on a nationwide tour feels like winning the treble.  As someone from a community that had limited access to culture growing up, I’m especially aware of how vital it is to share work of such a scale beyond the capital.  And as a lifelong theatre and England fan, the chance to tell a story about the beautiful game and through the prism of Gareth Southgate’s transformative term has been a privilege.  I think he has been a remarkable leader, and it fills me with great excitement and joy that we get to share Rupert’s euphoric and entertaining production, with all its incredible movement and music, once more with audiences around the country.”

Kate Varah, Executive Director & Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, said:

“Dear England by James Graham is our award winning, brilliant play that takes the much-loved topic of football and opens up a lens on so much more: English identity, masculinity and what it means to be a leader.  We had a tremendous reaction to Dear England when it was with us on the South Bank, and in the West End.  Director Rupert Goold has crafted such a wonderful production that will leave you wanting to sing and smile in the stalls and gasp at the penalty shoot-outs.  We are delighted to be working with JAS Theatricals and our partner venues across England to deliver this important nationwide tour so that more people will have access to this incredible show.  Whether you are a football fan or not, Dear England will bring you joy and hope for all we can achieve in this country.”

It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men’s team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.

Goold is joined by set designer, Es Devlin; costume designer, Evie Gurney; lighting designer, Jon Clark; co-movement directors, Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf; video designer, Ash J Woodward; co-sound designers, Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons with additional music by Max Perryment.

Dear England was originally commissioned by the National Theatre and developed with the theatre’s New Work department.  Its world premiere was on 20 June 2023 in the Olivier theatre.  Following a sold-out run,Dear England transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre, in London’s West End, from 9 October 2023 to 13 January 2024, where it broke box office records.  Dear England was subsequently released to cinemas through National Theatre Live on 24 January 2024 and has been screened almost 2,500 times across the UK.  In February 2024, the BBC announced it had commissioned a four-part drama of Dear England based on the stage production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.  Dear England won ‘Best New Play’ at the 2024 Olivier Awards.

Dear England will be staged at the National Theatre from 10 March to 24 May 2025, followed by a 4-week run at the Lowry in Salford from 29 May to 29 June 2025. The play has been updated following the 2024 UEFA EURO tournament to reflect Gareth Southgate’s final chapter as England manager, and Gwilym Lee (SAS Rogue Heroes, Bohemian Rhapsody) will play the iconic role of Southgate.  Casting for thetour to be announced.

The 2025/2026 national tour of Dear England is a co-production between National Theatre Productions and JAS Theatricals.  Assisted performances are available throughout the run at each venue.  Check individual venue websites for information and booking details. 

LISTINGS 

Dates: Performances from 15 September 2025 – 14 March 2026 (full tour schedule below)  

Assisted Performances: Check individual venue websites for information and booking details

Age Recommendation: 10+ 

Social Platforms:  

Follow on Instagram @dearenglandplay

X @dearenglandplay

Facebook Dear England Play

#DearEnglandOnStage
 

TOUR SCHEDULE FOR 2025-2026
 

Theatre Royal Plymouth   15 – 20 September
theatreroyal.com
On sale from 3 March

Nottingham Theatre Royal   23 – 27 September
trch.co.uk
On sale from 3 March

Marlowe Theatre Canterbury  7 – 18 October
marlowetheatre.com/
On sale from 7 April

Sheffield Lyceum     21 – 25 October
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/lyceum
On sale from 8 March

Leeds Grand Theatre    4 – 8 November
leedsheritagetheatres.com
On sale soon

Newcastle Theatre Royal   11 – 15 November
theatreroyal.co.uk
On sale from 4 April

Chichester Festival Theatre   20 – 29 November
cft.org.uk
On sale from 7 July

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton   13 – 17 January 2026
mayflower.org.uk
On sale from 25 February

Milton Keynes Theatre   20 – 24 January
atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre
On sale soon

New Theatre Oxford     27 – 31 January
atgtickets.com/new-theatre-oxford
On sale soon

Norwich Theatre Royal   3 – 7 February
norwichtheatre.org
On sale soon

New Victoria Theatre, Woking   10 – 14 February
atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
On sale soon

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford  17 – 21 February
bradford-theatres.co.uk/alhambra-theatre
On sale from 10 March

New Wimbledon Theatre   24 – 28 February
atgtickets.com/new-wimbledon-theatre
On sale soon

Liverpool Empire     3 – 7 March
atgtickets.com/liverpool-empire
On sale soon

Birmingham Hippodrome   10 – 14 March
birminghamhippodrome.com
On sale from 7 April

ONNEN PRODUCTIONS PRESENT
‘12’
AN ORIGINAL SHOW DEPICTING LIFE WITH OCD AT
NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

Onnen Productions, a theatre company that portrays queer and Welsh stories are debuting in London with ‘12’ an original drama about OCD showing at the New Wimbledon Theatre from 4 to 8 March 2025 with the press night on 5 March 2025.

A one woman show written by Martha Ifan, an emerging writer from Carmarthen in west Wales and directed by Natalya Micic, ‘12’ depicts life with OCD.

‘12’ is a development of the original script ‘Dan Orfod’ that was submitted for the Drama Medal competition at the Urdd Eisteddfod in 2021.

The audience follow Mel, played by Catrin Mai Edwards, as she navigates a relationship breakdown and dropping out of university. ‘12’ dismantles the stereotypes that are often associated with OCD to help audiences see how some people with the condition live.

The drama also gives a voice to people living with the condition in Wales and the specific cultural dynamics which affect the way the disorder is talked about and dealt with.

Writer Martha Ifan said: “This piece originated as a 5 minute monologue and to have the opportunity to develop this into a full-length play is a great opportunity to shine the light on OCD and how it affects people. I can’t wait to see how it resonates with audiences, those with OCD and those that don’t.”

Director Natalya Micic added: “Coming on board to Direct this production has been an educational experience, it has opened my eyes to the real experiences of someone living with OCD. It has given me dedicated time to research the condition, in depth, to help create a world in which OCD is truly represented but in an approachable lighthearted portrayal.”

The production is supported by the Wales in London Philanthropic Fund and Community Foundation Wales.

Onnen Productions presents…

12

An original play written by Martha Ifan

Directed by Natalya Micic

Written by Martha Ifan; Directed by Natalya Micic; Produced by Onnen Productions; Lighting design by Efa Jane; Set and Costume design by Oli Fuller.

1, 2, 3… Why is Marian so annoying? 4, 5, 6… Why is Lea doing so well? 7, 8, 9… Why does everyone need coffee all the time? 10, 11, 12…

Follow Mel as she tries to survive her 20s, with OCD making sure she does everything 12 times—because, you know, the world might implode otherwise. Her intrusive thoughts? Oh, just the usual: catching mouth cancer, her mum’s death, and the end of the world… all while serving coffee to an overly curious customer.

Funded by the Wales in London Philanthropic Fund, and Community Foundation Wales.

Catrin Mai Edwards is Mel. Catrin is a bilingual actor and musician from Flintshire, North Wales. She trained at the Royal Academy of Music and The University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Theatre Credits include A Christmas Carol (Sherman Theatre); Mae Gen Ti Ddreigiau (Taking Flight, Touring); Jemima (Arad Goch, Touring); The True Adventures of Marian and Robin Hood (The Barn Theatre); Nyctophilia (Haywire Theatre, Buxton and Edinburgh Fringe); 10 Minute Musicals (Leeway Productions) and Curtain Up (Theatr Clwyd).

Martha Ifan is the writer. From Carmarthen, West Wales, she’s particularly interested in mental health and strives to portray it honestly and truthfully. Theatre credits include Chwilio’r Chwedl (Urdd Gobaith Cymru & Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, 2023); Cynllun Artistiaid Newydd (Frân Wen, 2022); Dan Orfod (Urdd Gobaith Cymru & Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru & S4C, 2021).

Natalya Micic directs. Natalya trained at London School of Dramatic and a recent graduate of Mountview with an MA in Theatre Directing. Her directing Theatre credits include: Seven (Mountview); Savage Heart (Pleasance, London and UK tour); A Final Act of Friendship (White Bear Theatre); The Loudest Mind (Tramshed); Alternative Therapy (Theatro Technis); Seen and Not Heard (Lion and Unicorn); Checkovian (Theatro Technis).

Efa Jane is lighting designer. Originally from Aberystwyth but now living in London, Efa is a freelance lighting programmer. She trained at Mountview Academy of Dramatic Arts. This is her debut as a lighting designer but programmes for Royal College of Music, Arcola Theatre, Riverside Studios, Southwark Playhouse and Arcola Theatre.

Oli Fuller is the Set and Costume Designer. a Queer Theatre Designer set out to create joyful art. Their design credits include: In The Basement (The Glory, 2023); 10/10 Would Trans Again or Having Fun with Gender (The Golden Goose Theatre, 2023); All The Fraudulent Horse Girls (The Glory and Edinburgh Fringe 2024); eNBy City (Theatre Deli, 2022/2023); Remote (The Southwark Playhouse, 2022).

CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW CHAIR FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TRUST AND NEW CHAIR AND TRUSTEES FOR THEATRE MANAGEMENT TRUST 

Cambridge Arts Theatre is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chair to its Property Management Trust, as well as the appointment of a new Chair and a team of Trustees to its Theatre Management Trust. 

In a significant move to support the ongoing success of the theatre as well as the planned improvements to the venue, Sir Richard Dearlove has been appointed as the new Chair of the Property Management Trust. A former Master of Pembroke College Cambridge and former Chief of The Secret Intelligence Service, Sir Richard Dearlove brings valuable expertise and a vision to the role, ensuring that the theatre’s development continues to be managed with the utmost care and efficiency. 

Nigel Hugill (CEO of Master Developer, Urban&Civic, Chair of Centre for Cities, former Chair of The Royal Shakespeare Company, and Board Member of the London School of Economics) has been named the new Chair of the Theatre Management Trust to replace the outgoing Ian Mather, who is stepping down after 15 incredible years on the board, including 10 years as Chair. Nigel Hugill will bring a wealth of experience as well as a passion for the arts, which will support the venue’s ambitions for broader community participation and continue Cambridge Arts Theatre’s dedication to bringing the best in live performance to the region. 

Nigel Hugill will be joined by a group of new Trustees, Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz (former Cambridge University Vice Chancellor, Chairman of Diamond Light Source Ltd, Trustee of Wolfson Foundation and former Chair of Cancer Research UK), Elizabeth Newman (Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, former Artistic Director at Pitlochry Festival Theatre), Kate Pakenham (Independent Producer and consultant, former Executive Director at Donmar Warehouse), Charles Prideaux (Chair of Go Live Theatre Projects, former board member of Gate Theatre Notting Hill and former CEO at  Schroders Investment Management Ltd), Nicky Shepard (CEO at Abbey People), Dixi Stewart(MD of SandStone Global Productions, former BBC radio and TV journalist and producer) and Professor Sir Mene Pangalos (formerly Executive Vice President at AstraZeneca). This new group of trustees brings together a mix of skills and experience across theatre, business, and community engagement, reinforcing the theatre’s commitment to all areas of their operation. 

Ian Mather, outgoing Chair of the Theatre Management Trust, said “I am immensely proud to have served as Chair of the Theatre Management Trust at one of the leading regional theatres in the country. Work is now underway to refurbish the auditorium to a high standard and, funds permitting, build a second performing space. Credit goes to our incredible staff, past and present, and our supporters. As I step down from my role, I am confident that the theatre will continue to flourish under the leadership of our new Chair and Trustees.” 

Nigel Hugill, incoming Chair of the Theatre Management Trust, enthused “I am delighted to join Cambridge Arts Theatre at such a pivotal time. Works on the transformation are now well underway, and the benefits of that investment will become marvellously obvious on reopening later this year. We are more determined than ever to keep faith with the founding vision of John Maynard Keynes that the theatre should be integral to the vibrant cultural landscape of an internationally reputed city.  The platform is so well laid.  We build from here.” 

Sir Richard Dearlove, incoming Chair of the Property Development Trust, said “I am delighted to be taking on this position during such an important period for Cambridge Arts Theatre and look forward to working with the theatre team to deliver successfully this truly transformational building project which I believe will be of great benefit to the local community.’ 

New York, NY (February 17, 2025) – Saturday night’s first preview of Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical was inarguably a bright spot of the theatrical season, as a roaring a crowd of fans from around the world came out to witness London’s 2024 Best New Musical Oliver Award Winner take its first bows on Broadway. Decidedly less bright was the show’s retro, 1940s-style marquee, which had to remain unlit for the occasion – an unheard-of occurrence in glittering Times Square, and one that is directly tied to President Donal Trump’s latest trade policies. As originally reported in the Associated Press, the specialty lightbulbs (Satco Decorative 11W LED Ceramic Yellow Indicator bulbs) required are primarily sourced in bulk from a China-based vendor, and the shipment of which has been held up by customs due to a delay related to the recently enacted tariffs.

The darkened marquee didn’t dim the excitement for the performance, which received a 5-minute standing ovation. Immediately following the curtain call, the cast was rapturously greeted outside The John Golden Theatre, where a band of loyal fans – affectionately dubbed as ‘Mincefluencers’ – 300 of whom had flown to New York City for the first preview, sang Sail On, Boys, the musical’s signature theme.

In Operation Mincemeat, it’s 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they’ve got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal parts farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), Operation Mincemeat tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII.

Directed by Robert Hastie, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical’s official opening night is set for Thursday, March 20 at the Golden Theatre (252 West 45^th Street), after recently securing its twelfth extension in the West End through 7^th June 2025, and entering its third consecutive sold-out year.

Starring in Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical is David Cumming, Claire-Marie Hall, Natasha Hodgson, Olivier Award-winner Jak Malone and Zoë Roberts, who will reprise their original acclaimed performances for the musical’s Broadway (American) premiere. Brandon Contreras, Sam Hartley, Jessi Kirtley, Gerianne Pérez and Amanda Jill Robinson round out the cast as understudies.

West End tickets are available now at OperationMincemeat.com, while Broadway tickets can be found at OperationBroadway.com.

This extraordinary debut musical is written and composed by the comedy troupe, SpitLip, comprised of David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts. The decision to write it was the last roll of the dice from the quartet of young British creatives after years of performing sketch shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and echoes the journey of Beyond the Fringe from the world-famous quartet Alan Bennett, Peter Cook, Jonathan Miller, and Dudley Moore, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1960, before moving to the Fortune Theatre and later to the Golden in 1962.

Operation Mincemeat began as a tiny (and tiny-budgeted) production at London’s New Diorama Theatre. The show quickly gained a devoted following, spurring sold-out runs at venues including Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. It finally premiered in the West End on May 9, 2023, at the Fortune Theatre, where it has since received 74 five-star reviews and counting, becoming ‘the Best Reviewed Show in West End History.’ The show continues to play to standing-room-only crowds and has cultivated one of one of London’s most fervent fanbase.

Operation Mincemeat went onto earn six 2024 Olivier Award nominations, winning Best New Musical and Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical. It was also named the Best New Musical at the 2024 WhatsOnStage Awards. Earlier in the show’s journey, Operation Mincemeat picked up the Off-West End award for Best Musical Production and Best Company Ensemble, as well as The Stage Debut Award for Best Composer/Lyricist.

Operation Mincemeat is produced on Broadway and in the West End by Avalon (in association with SpitLip). The show was commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and also supported by the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat.

WEST END UNSCRIPTED!
A SERIES OF CELEBRITY Q&A EVENINGS,
DONATING £10,000+ TO CHARITY
EVERY SINGLE NIGHT 

HOSTED BY SEAN FOLEY

SPECIAL GUEST STAR LINE-UPs INCLUDING:
NICK MOHAMMED,
PHIL DUNSTER, SARAH HADLAND, ANDY NYMAN
 on Sunday 23 March 2025
with further guests and dates to be announced
AT THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on

Monday 17 February 2025, London: Producer and director Tegan Summer is today delighted to announce West End Unscripted! – an exclusive new celebrity Q&A series donating to charity, and bringing theatre lovers closer to their favourite stars, announcing Sunday 23 March at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with further dates and guests to be announced. Tickets go on sale today via lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on.

Double Olivier award-winning director and writer Sean Foley (Dr. Strangelove) will host an all-star lineup of Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso), Phil Dunster (Ted Lasso), Sarah Hadland (Miranda) and Andy Nyman (Fiddler on the Roof) on 23 March. With more special guests to be announced.

Sunday 23 March at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Host: Sean Foley
The Evening’s Honouree: Nick Mohammed 
Special Guest Moderator: Phil Dunster
Special Guests: Sarah Hadland & Andy Nyman

Each night, West End Unscripted! will serve as a charitable event, donating £10,000+ to a charity personally selected by the evening’s Honouree. Audiences will not only leave inspired and entertained but will also contribute to meaningful causes that make a difference.

Producer and Director Tegan Summer said:
“Bringing together such an extraordinary group of artists for West End Unscripted! is truly an honour. This series is about more than just storytelling—it is about connection, inspiration, and giving back to the community. I am incredibly proud to create a platform where these talented individuals can share their journeys, while supporting causes that matter deeply to them. It is going to be an enriching, entertaining, and unforgettable experience; I cannot wait to share it with audiences.”

This one-of-a-kind Q&A series will offer audiences an intimate evening of captivating stories, personal anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes insights from some of the most celebrated actors, directors, and producers in the industry.

With their celebrity friends as special guest moderators, these unique evenings will feature two additional guests—and perhaps even a musical number or two.

LEE MEAD

THE BEST OF ME

VAUDEVILLE THEATRE, MONDAY 10 MARCH, 7.30PM

THE FIRST CONCERT IN THE WESTWAY SESSIONS SERIES – WHERE LEADING STARS OF THE WEST END AND BROADWAY PERFORM EXCLUSIVE CONCERTS AT THE VAUDEVILLE THEATRE ON MONDAYS

Westway Music is pleased to announce further details of Lee Mead’s concert The Best of Me, the first of the Westway Sessions, a series of Monday night concerts with leading stars of the West End and Broadway at the Vaudeville Theatre.

TV star and award-winning West End actor Lee Mead will bring his brand-new show The Best of Me, to the Vaudeville Theatre on Monday 10 March at 7.30pm.

He will introduce audiences to some of the musical influences that help define him as a performer, with numbers such as Music of the Night, Any Dream will Do, From Now On, Bring Him Home, and Close Every Door; classic songs including Faith, Englishman In New York, Paint It Black, Free Falling, Walking In Memphis.

And audiences will also get to hear tracks from his EP, The Best of Me, released in October 2023: The Power of Love, A Different Corner, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, and Immortality, plus his self-penned single Let The River Flow, co-written with Steve Balsamo and Lee’s musical director, Adam Dennis. 

Lee Mead said, “Following my recent successful sell out tour of the UK I’m thrilled that I’ve been approached to bring my show to the heart of the West End again. The last time I played London with my show was four years ago at the London Palladium. I’ve always wanted to play the Vaudeville after performing there with a concert called The West End Men in 2013. It will suit my more intimate show perfectly, so I hope to see you all there for a great evening of music and another sell out!”

Lee shot to fame in 2007 on the BBC reality TV show ‘Any Dream Will Do’. Beating 10,000 other hopefuls in the live finals to be crowned as Joseph in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Lee has since starred in a wide range of stage productions, including Wicked, Legally Blonde, Chicago, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, We Will Rock You at the London Coliseum and most recently Sister Act at the Dominion Theatre.. He has also released several successful albums that showcase his powerful vocals and impressive range.

Westway Sessions celebrates the very best talent of musical theatre and the recording label Westway Music that in the past three years has become the home to leading stars of the West End, Broadway, and musical theatre. 

Subsequent Westway Sessions will be Cassidy Janson (Monday 7 April), Kerry Ellis (Monday 21 April), Aimie Atkinson (Monday 23 June), with further details to be released.

Tickets for all concerts are available here.  All Concerts Start at 7.30pm, with tickets from £25.

For more information about Westway Music please visit www.westwaymusic.com

Soho Theatre – until 1 March 2025

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Airlock Theatre’s third big queer musical extravaganza is a silly, soft-hearted romp through horror and teen movie tropes.

Count Dykula (Rosanna Suppa) is happy living alone in her gothic castle and terrorising people behind the big Asda but decides that enrolling in Scare University could hone her vampire skills and image.

She is horrified to discover the vamp dean, Scarlett Fang’s (Eleanor Colville) vision for Scare U – co-ed with humans. Scarlett’s curriculum pushes the human ideals of monster stereotypes, and butch Dykula certainly doesn’t fit into the stereotypical image of a lesbian vampire – thanks to James Corden.

Dykula stumbles across a club for misfits and together with her new friends – a Shakespeare-loving zombie, a friendly ghost and a werepug – decide to bring Scarlett down. The jokes come thick and fast, ranging from filthy to dad jokes, with tremendous commitment to a running joke about Dykula’s pronunciation of silent letters. It’s great fun, with a heartfelt message about being yourself amongst the silliness.

The cast of three writer/performers – Eleanor Colville, Rosanna Suppa and Robbie Taylor Hunt – play multiple roles. School announcements filled with groansome jokes cover the scene changes as they dash on and off stage for quick costume changes. Under Robbie Taylor Hunt’s madcap direction, the show digs deep into panto and is funny and frantic. Musician and occasional scenery Meg Narongchai accompanies the musical numbers with a gloriously deadpan air contrasting with the chaos ensuing around her. Colville, Suppa and Taylor Hunt have brilliant chemistry and comic timing – Suppa and Taylor Hunt are a hoot as they try to answer in synch while improvising as a two headed dragon.

Count Dykula is an absolute blast – a spooky spoof that will have you howling with laughter.