This Summer, join PaddingtonTM in an immersive outdoor adventure staged across the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace! PADDINGTON LO-COMMOTION is the perfect day out for families who love to immerse themselves in live performance, puppetry, and outdoor adventure.
Created by Histrionic Productions in collaboration with The Copyrights Group (a STUDIOCANAL company), PADDINGTON LO-COMMOTION will preview from Tuesday 27 June 2023, and play throughout the summer holidays, ending on Sunday 3 September 2023.
The show will take audiences on foot through the UNESCO World Heritage Site to meet their favourite characters from the Paddington stories and search for ‘buried treasure’. There will also be an opportunity to hop on board a real locomotive subject to availability on the day.
At the end of the 55-minute adventure, families can enjoy free arts and crafts-based activities, and visit the Paddington gift shop, as well as delicious food and drink at the many restaurants and cafés around Blenheim Palace.
Additionally, everyone can add an official photo with Paddington and the chance to drive a mini ROVER emergency vehicle for younger audiences, aged 4 – 10, to the standard cost of the show ticket.
To make a full day of the unique experience, tickets to enter Blenheim Palace, Park, Gardens and Adventure Play within the Walled Garden will need to be purchased and booked separately.
Adam McKenzie Wylie, Founder, Histrionic Productions said “After a hugely successful inaugural show at Blenheim Palace last summer for The Peter RabbitGarden Adventure, Histrionic Productions is delighted to be staging PADDINGTONLO-COMMOTION this Summer. The combination of Paddington, a cracking new story, full of entertainment, mishap and interactivity, and the beautiful surroundings of Blenheim Palace is perfect theatrical-alchemy for this family, immersive adventure for 2023. We are delighted to be back. It’s the perfect summer day out for the whole family! Sheer excitement for all ages and perfect for lovers of trains, fire engines and of course, Paddington himself.”
Heather Carter, Managing Director, Visitor Attraction at Blenheim Palace, said: “It’s fantastic to be hosting another memorable and unique family experience at Britain’s Greatest Palace, following on from the success and popularity of Peter Rabbit last summer.”
Polly Emery, Senior Vice President Brand and International Licensing, The Copyrights Group (a STUDIOCANAL company) said“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Histrionic Productions for a second Paddington adventure, this time on the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace. PADDINGTON LO-COMMOTION is the perfect summer day out for all Paddington fans and little adventurers who share Paddington’s appetite for discovery and outdoor fun.”
The show will be directed and written by Calum Finlay and designed by Damien Stanton, both of whom collaborated with puppetry designer Jimmy Grimes.
The show is supported by GWR and Jaguar Land Rover Classic.
The Jamie Lloyd Company, the successful partnership between Ambassador Theatre Group and Artistic Director Jamie Lloyd, alongside Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, today announce the on sale and performance dates for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard starring Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond, with further casting to be announced. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, with book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, based on the Billy Wilder film.
Opening 30 years after the original West End production, Sunset Boulevard runs for a strictly limited 16 weeks at the Savoy Theatre from Monday 18 September 2023 – Saturday 6 January 2024.
Tickets go on sale to ATG Theatre Card Members and those signed up for priority booking on Tuesday 13 June at 10am; general booking opens Wednesday 14 June at 10am. Sign up for priority booking here:sunsetboulevardwestend.com
The Jamie Lloyd Company also continues its commitment to accessibility, with 5,000 stalls and dress circle tickets priced at £20 available across the run exclusively for under 30s, key workers and those receiving government benefits. These tickets will be released weekly from September, with further information to be announced.
Nicole Scherzinger said: “It is always such an honour working with the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, and I have so much respect for the incomparable, innovative, cutting edge director, Jamie Lloyd. To be able to work with both of them on such an iconic musical feels very special. This is a pinnacle role in the theatre world, and I’m excited for me and Jamie to think outside the box and to explore and create something new; to breathe a whole new life into the character – and the musical itself.”
SUNSET BOULEVARD
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Book and Lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton
Based on the Billy Wilder film
Director: Jamie Lloyd
Savoy Theatre
18 September 2023 – 6 January 2024
Nicole Scherzinger stars as the immortal Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary Sunset Boulevard. This thrillingly atmospheric musical, which features an iconic score including the songs With One Look, The Perfect Year and As If We Never Said Goodbye, is reimagined by visionary director Jamie Lloyd for a new generation.
Haunted by her memories and dreams, movie star Norma Desmond (Scherzinger) yearns to return to the big screen. A struggling screenwriter who can’t sell his scripts to the Hollywood studios may be her only hope, until their dangerous and compelling relationship leads to disastrous circumstances.
Drenched in champagne and cynicism, Sunset Boulevard scrutinizes the ambitions and frustrations of its characters and their intoxicating need for fame and adoration.
The Jamie Lloyd Company production of Sunset Boulevard is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, Gavin Kalin Productions and Wessex Grove.
Sunset Boulevard is produced by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd and is based on the original Paramount film by Billy Wilder.
Instagram: @sunsetblvdmusical
Twitter: @sunsetblvd
Facebook: @SunsetBoulevardTheMusical
Nicole Scherzinger plays Norma Desmond. Sheis a multiple award-winning, multi-platinum selling performer, singer, actress, dancer and television personality, selling over 37 million singles worldwide and 16 million records as a solo artist. Formerly a member of one of the world’s best-selling music groups of all time, selling over 55 million record worldwide, she has graced the stages of London’s West End, performed at Madison Square Garden, voiced the character Sina in Disney’s animated blockbuster ‘Moana,’ starred in ABC’s remake of ‘Dirty Dancing,’ and most recently was the resident panellist on the runaway TV phenomenon, The Masked Singer on FOX. On May 7, 2023 Nicole Scherzinger performed at Windsor Castle for the official concert for the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla. Accompanied on stage by esteemed pianist Lang Lang, the pair performed the Disney Mulan classic “Reflection.”
Don Black received two Tony Awards for Best Book and Lyrics of a Musical for his work (with Christopher Hampton) on Sunset Boulevard, which marked his third collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber. They first joined forces to write the song cycle ‘Tell Me On A Sunday,’ which developed to form the basis of the stage show Song and Dance. They were reunited again for Aspects of Love. He also wrote the lyrics for the Andrew Lloyd Webber produced Bombay Dreams. Awards include an Oscar for his song ‘Born Free;’ five Academy Award nominations; two Tony Awards and three Tony nominations; six Ivor Novello Awards; a Golden Globe, and many platinum and gold discs. He has written a quintet of James Bond theme songs: ‘Thunderball,’ ‘Diamonds Are Forever,’ ‘The Man With The Golden Gun,’ ‘Surrender’ from Tomorrow Never Dies and ‘The World Is Not Enough’. Among his many popular songs are two U.S. number ones – ‘Ben’ for Michael Jackson and ‘To Sir With Love’ for Lulu. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008. In The Queen’s Honours List he received the Order of the British Empire. Earlier this year he was awarded an Olivier award for his outstanding services to theatre. Most recently he wrote his critically acclaimed memoir ‘The Sanest Guy In The Room,’ which featured in the Sunday Times Bestsellers list. His musical of Bonnie and Clyde had a successful West End run at the Garrick Theatre and his next project which he wrote with Christopher Hampton and George Fenton is a musical version of the classic film The Third Man.
Christopher Hampton became involved in theatre while studying French and German at Oxford University, and wrote a play in his first year. The Royal Court’s subsequent production was so successful that it transferred to the Comedy Theatre while he was still a student, making him the youngest writer ever to have a play performed in the West End – a record which still stands. He said at the time that he also hoped to become the oldest writer to have a play in the West End, an ambition he has yet to achieve.
His plays, musicals and translations have so far garnered four Tony Awards, three Olivier Awards, four Evening Standard Awards and the New York Theatre Critics; Circle Award; prizes for his film and television work include two Oscars, three BAFTAs, a Writer’s Guild of America Award, the Prix Italia, a Special Jury Award at the Cannes Film Festival, Hollywood Screenwriter of the Year, and The Collateral Award at the Venice Film Festival for Best Literary Adaptation. His musicals include Sunset Boulevard, Dracula: The Musical, Stephen Ward and most recently, The Third Man, all with Don Black. Many translations include the German musical based on Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, opening September 2023. Hampton’s screenplays include The Son, The Father, Perfect Mothers, A Dangerous Method, Chéri, Atonement, Imagining Argentina (which he also directed), The QuietAmerican, The Secret Agent (which he also directed), Mary Reilly, Total Eclipse and Carrington (the first film he also directed).
Jamie Lloyd directs. His credits for the company include A Doll’s House (Hudson Theatre, New York – – nominated for six 2023 Tony Awards including Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), The Seagull (Harold Pinter Theatre), Cyrano de Bergerac (Playhouse Theatre/Harold Pinter Theatre/Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York – Olivier Award for Best Revival), Betrayal (Pinter at the Pinter, Harold Pinter Theatre/ Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre – nominated for four 2021 Tony Awards including Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), Pinter One, Two, Three, Six and Seven (Pinter at the Pinter, Harold Pinter Theatre), The Maids, The Homecoming, The Ruling Class, Richard III, The Pride, The Hothouse, Macbeth (Trafalgar Studios).
SUNSET BOULEVARD
LISTINGS
Savoy Theatre: 18 September 2023 – 6 January 2024
Savoy Court, The Strand, London WC2R 0ET
Sunset Boulevard goes on sale to ATG Theatre Card Members and those signed up for priority booking on Tuesday 13 June at 10am; general booking opens Wednesday 14 June at 10am. Sign up for priority booking here:sunsetboulevardwestend.com
Performance Schedule:
Monday – Saturday, 7.30pm (excluding Thursday 28 September and Monday 25 December)
Thursday and Saturday matinees, 2.30pm (excluding Thursday 21, Saturday 23, Thursday 28 and Saturday 30 September)
Nicole Scherzinger will not be performing on Thursday 5 October (2.30pm performance), and Monday performances from 9 October. The role of Norma Desmond for these performances will be played by an alternate, to be announced.
Access Performances:
Audio Described: Wednesday 8 November, 7.30pm
Captioned and BSL interpreted: Wednesday 15 November, 7.30pm
BREAKING NEWS: 30 years since the launch of the trailblazing, smash-hit TV series, Drop The Dead Donkey, the Globelink News team are back, and now live on stage for the very first time.
Starring the original cast members Stephen Tompkinson, Neil Pearson, Susannah Doyle, Robert Duncan, Ingrid Lacey, Jeff Rawle, and Victoria Wicks, the iconic BAFTA and Emmy award-winning TV comedy is reimagined for the stage in this brand-new production which will tour the UK from January 2024, directed by Lindsay Posner.
Bursting with razor-sharp wit and classic British humour, this hot off the press production is written by the same award-winning writing team as the original hit sitcom Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin,who say:
“We’re overjoyed to be working again with the original cast of Drop The Dead Donkey, after a brief hiatus of about 30 years. It’s going to be hugely enjoyable to watch those 7 funny, flawed characters from Globelink News being plunged into the cutthroat world of modern 24-hour news gathering and trying to navigate their way through the daily chaos of social media, fake news, and Interim Prime Ministers.” [Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin]
Drop The Dead Donkey: The Reawakening! exposes the underside of the broadcasting industry in all its riotous glory. Whether you’re one of the legions of die-hard fans of the TV sitcom that was watched by millions, or a British comedy fanatic, come and experience this hilarious revival of an all-time comedy classic.
Produced by Hat Trick and Simon Friend Entertainment, Drop The Dead Donkey: The Reawakening by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin will be directed by Lindsay Posner, and designed by Peter McKintosh, with lighting designs by Peter Mumford.
Information on tickets, tour schedule, and cast and creative team biographies for Drop The Dead Donkey: The Reawakening! can be found at dropdeaddonkey.co.uk
David Ian for Crossroads Live is delighted to announce a new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG,opening at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on 30 April 2024 where it will play until 12 May 2024 ahead of a UK tour. chittyontour.com
Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children and later made into the famous 1968 film, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG features the unforgettable songs by the Sherman Brothers including Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious and the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
This new production will be directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic, Parade), choreographed by Karen Bruce (BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, The Bodyguard) with Set and Costume design by Morgan Large (Newsies, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat), Orchestrations and Musical Supervision by George Dyer (The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Billy Elliot) and casting by Debbie O’Brien.
In CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG we meet absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious, the family end up on a hilarious fantastical adventure to far off lands.
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG has Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Music by Special Arrangement with Sony/ATV Publishing and is Adapted for the Stage by Jeremy Sams. Based on the MGM Motion Picture the Licensed Script is adapted by Ray Roderick. It was Originally produced by Eon Productions, Dana Broccoli, Frederick Zollo, Nicholas Paleologos, Jeffrey Sine, Miriam Productions and Michael Rose at The London Palladium.
This production is presented by permission of Music Theatre International.
National Theatre’s critically acclaimed ‘The Ocean at the End of the Lane’ to return to London’s West End from 11 October 2023 for a strictly limited 7-week run
Following a highly acclaimed tour across the UK and Ireland, the National Theatre’s smash-hit production of The Ocean at the End of the Lanewill return to London’s West End for a strictly limited 7-week run this autumn. Based on a best-selling novel by Neil Gaiman, adapted by Joel Horwood and directed by Katy Rudd, this thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, will play at the Noël Coward Theatre from 11 October until 25 November 2023. Tickets go on sale on 7 June available via oceanonstage.com.
This first major stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s work blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it. Currently on tour, visiting 29 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, the full cast will transfer with the show into London’s West End.
This year marks 10 years since Neil Gaiman’s best-selling novel, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, was first published. The novel won Book of the Year at 2013 National Book Awards and has sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane production received its world premiere at the National Theatre in 2019. It made its West End debut at the Duke of York’s Theatre in 2021.
Writer Neil Gaiman said, “10 years since my novel was first published The Ocean at the End of the Lane won lots of awards and people loved it, then the National Theatre turned it into the most amazing play. I am thrilled, overjoyed and absolutely delighted that this glorious adaptation of my book is going to be returning to the West End on St Martin’s Lane. It makes audiences laugh and cry and wonder. If you wanted to see it, now is your chance.”
National Theatre Director, Rufus Norris said: “Audiences across the UK and Ireland have been immensely enjoying this beautiful story from Neil Gaiman’s incredible imagination for the last seven months. We are so pleased that this magical production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane, first created by Joel Horwood, Katy Rudd and their formidable creative team for our Dorfman Theatre, continues its wonderful journey, delighting audiences of all ages.”
The 17-strong ensemble cast are: Charlie Brooks (Ursula), Daniel Cornish (alternate Boy), Trevor Fox (Dad), Emma-Jane Goodwin (understudy), Paolo Guidi (ensemble), Millie Hikasa (Lettie Hempstock), Lewis Howard (understudy), Kemi-Bo Jacobs (Ginnie Hempstock), Jasmeen James (understudy), Ronnie Lee (ensemble), Aimee McGoldrick (ensemble), Laurie Ogden (Sis), Keir Ogilvy (Boy), Domonic Ramsden (ensemble), Joe Rawlinson-Hunt (understudy), Risha Silvera (understudy) and Finty Williams (Old Mrs Hempstock).
The award-winning creative team includes set designer, Fly Davis; costume and puppet designer, Samuel Wyer; movement director, Steven Hoggett; composer, Jherek Bischoff; lighting designer, Paule Constable; sound designer, Ian Dickinson; magic and illusions director and designer, Jamie Harrison; puppetry director, Finn Caldwell and casting director, Naomi Downham. The associate creative team includes associate director, Sophie Dillon Moniram; associate set designer, Tim Blazdell; associate movement director, Jess Williams; associate lighting designers, Rob Casey (for Ammonite) and Tom Turner; associate sound designer, Chris Reid; associate magic and illusions director, John Bulleid; and associate puppetry director, Gareth Aled.
Neil Gaiman is known for his graphic novels, including The Sandman series (a major new Netflix series which in its first 10 days was watched for over 198 million hours by audiences around the world); his novels for adults and children including Stardust, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book; and multiple film and television projects including Good Omens (season 2 is due to appear on Amazon Prime from 28 July) and Anansi Boys.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is currently on a 39-week UK and Ireland Tour until 7 October before it transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre. Tickets are available via oceanonstage.com. Assisted performances are available at every venue.
BROADWAY LEGENDS BERNADETTE PETERS AND LEA SALONGA
AND CO-STARS
CHRISTINE ALLADO, JANIE DEE, BONNIE LANGFORD,
JOANNA RIDING, JEREMY SECOMB, JAC YARROW
MARLEY FENTON AND BEATRICE PENNY-TOURÉ AT THE GIELGUD THEATRE FROM SEPTEMBER
THE SONDHEIM ORCHESTRA WILL BE CONDUCTED BY
ALFONSO CASADO TRIGO
Full casting is announced today for Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre.
Haydn Gwynne, Damian Humbley, Bradley Jaden, Gavin Lee and Jason Pennycooke will join Broadway Legends Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga alongside Christine Allado, Janie Dee, Bonnie Langford, Joanna Riding, Jeremy Secomb, Jac Yarrow, Marley Fenton and Beatrice Penny-Touré. The company will also include Harry Apps, Bella Brown and Monique Young,completing a cast that is truly the best of the West End and Broadway.
Devised and Produced by Cameron Mackintosh, Stephen Sondheim’sOld Friends will run at the Gielgud Theatre for 16 weeks only from 16 September 2023 – 6 January 2024. Tickets are on sale now at sondheimoldfriends.com
Cameron Mackintosh said today “I’m delighted to be welcoming so many old friends from my past productions, most of whom have stopped the show as well as some brilliant new ones, to star in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre this autumn. To have gathered so many West End stars, as well as two legendary Broadway performers together for a new show such as this is rare outside a gala. Only the sublime talents of Sondheim could make this happen. Steve was always a Broadway Baby at heart, so I’m thrilled that this last show he and I started putting together during Covid is having a life beyond its triumphant gala. Featuring 39 of the greatest songs ever written for the musical theatre, performed by an incredible cast, staged by the incomparable Matthew Bourne, side-by-side with Julia McKenzie and choreographer Stephen Mear, audiences are in for a musical evening they will never forget in one great big Broadway show.”
Celebrating the life and work of the great Stephen Sondheim, Old Friends won the Best Theatre Event at the 2023 WhatsOnStage Awards. It sold out within a couple of hours last year leaving thousands of disappointed fans unable to get tickets. Now by popular demand, audiences will have another chance to see the never to be forgotten and one of the most talked about theatrical events of the year.
Directed by Matthew Bourne, side by side with Julia McKenzie, with choreography by Stephen Mear, conducted by Alfonso Casado Trigo, musical supervision is by Stephen Brooker, musical arrangements by Stephen Metcalfe, set design by Matt Kinley, projection design by George Reeve, costume design by Jill Parker, lighting design by Warren Letton and sound design by Mick Potter.
HAYLEY TAMADDON JOINS THE 2023-24 UK & IRELAND TOUR OF AWARD-WINNING HIT MUSICAL
EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the smash-hit and critically acclaimed musical, is pleased to announce the return of Hayley Tamaddon (Coronation Street, Emmerdale) as Miss Hedge, having previously appeared in the West End production at the Apollo Theatre. Hayley is best known for her screen roles as Del Dingle in Emmerdale and Andrea Beckett in Coronation Street as well as for winning the fifth series of Dancing on Ice in 2010. Her musical stage credits include Fame, MAMMA MIA!, A Chorus Line, The Rocky Horror Show, Grease, Spamalot, Chicago and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Hayley will appear in the upcoming tour of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie from 7 September to 25 November 2023.
She joins the previously announced Ivano Turco (Get Up, Stand Up!, Cinderella) as Jamie New, Rebecca McKinnis (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie West End, Dear Evan Hansen, We Will Rock You, Les Misérables) as Margaret New, Shobna Gulati (The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie West End and Film, Coronation Street, Brassic) as Ray, Talia Palamathanan (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Tour and film) as Pritti, with John Partridge (Eastenders, The View Upstairs, La Cage Aux Folles, Chicago, A Chorus Line, CATS) as Hugo/Loco Chanelle (7 September until 11 November 2023 and 16 January until 23 March). Further casting to be announced.
Hayley Tamaddon said “After being part of the West End production in 2019, I’m so excited to be joining the touring company of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. The UK audiences are in for an absolute treat!”
Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency, sold out UK & Ireland Tour and Amazon studios award-winning film the show opens at The Lowry on 7 September 2023 before visiting Sunderland, Nottingham, Bromley, Birmingham, Cardiff, Brighton, Leeds, Blackpool, Llandudno, Oxford, Southampton, Newcastle, Wolverhampton, Woking, London, Bristol, Plymouth, Sheffield, Liverpool, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Northampton and Leicester with further tour dates to be announced.
Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.
This ‘Funny, outrageous, touching’ (Daily Telegraph) musical sensation is to be experienced by all the family and not to be missed!
Set to an original score of catchy pop tunes that will ‘blow the roof off the theatre’ (Mail on Sunday) by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells and writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who). Choreographed by Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Kate Prince (Into The Woods, Some Like It Hip Hop, SYLVIA, Message In A Bottle). This ‘sparkling coming-of-age musical’ (The Times) will have everybody talking about Jamie for years to come.
Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true.
Watch the Everybody’s Talking About Jamietrailer
Music by Dan Gillespie Sells
Book and Lyrics by Tom MacRae
From an idea by Jonathan Butterell
Directed by Matt Ryan from original direction by Jonathan Butterell
Design by Anna Fleischle
Choreography by Kate Prince
Lighting design by Lucy Carter
Sound design by Paul Groothuis
Video Design Luke Halls
Casting by Will Burton
Musical Supervisor Theo Jamieson
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
Ivano Turco plays Jamie New. Early training: Arts 1 School of Performance, The Urdang Academy. Credits while training: Sleeping Beauty (Belgrade Theatre, Coventry). Upon graduating in 2020 he debuted in the Original West End cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella starring as Prince Sebastian (Gillian Lynne Theatre). He was a part of ALW’s Cinderella Original Album Cast Recording which received a GRAMMY Nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album in 2021 with Ivano further receiving a nomination as a Featured Artist. In 2021 he was the winner of the Black British Theatre award for Best Male Actor in a Musical for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, sharing the same nomination at the WhatsOnStage Awards 2021. In 2021 he starred as Mordred in Lambert Jackson’s CAMELOT: In Concert (London Palladium); he was a part of the original London workshop cast of FANGIRLS as Salty/Dance captain. He also appears on the studio album of Footballer’s Wives as Salvo, featuring on the singles ‘Lonely Moon’ and ‘Let’s Dance’. Most recently Ivano was the alternate Bob Marley in Get Up! Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical. (Lyric Theatre).
Rebecca McKinnis plays Margaret New. Her theatre credits include Tessa in Wish You Were Dead (UK Tour), Heidi Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen (Noël Coward Theatre); Joan in You Are Here (Southwark Playhouse); Bridget in St Anne Comes Home (The Actors Church); Margaret in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre); Christina in Women on the Verge of a NervousBreakdown (Playhouse Theatre); Tina Ruston in A Small Family Business (National Theatre Olivier); u/s and Lauren in Viva Forever (Piccadilly Theatre); Les Misérables (25th Anniversary Tour); Teacher and u/s Killer Queen in We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre); u/s Jeanie in Fat Pig (Trafalgar Studios); Susannah Townley in Three Hours After Marriage (Union Theatre); Grumio in The Taming of the Shrew (Changeling Theatre Company); Lucy Lockett in Beggar’s Opera (Changeling Theatre Company); u/s and Donna/Tanya in Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales); Virus/cover Kim and Big Sue in Taboo (UK Tour); Starting Here Starting Now (Upstairs at the Gatehouse); Kitty in Charley’s Aunt (CMC). Other credits include: Sound of Music Live (ITV); Comedy Cuts (ITV2) and Beauty and the Beast (Disney).
Shobna Gulati plays Ray. Shobna will soon be seen returning to the role of Nima in the upcoming second series of Channel 4’s Hullraisers. She became a household name for her role as Anita in Victoria Wood’s dinnerladies and as Sunita, in Coronation Street. She trained at Manchester University, Trinity Laban, Goldsmith’s College, London, Darpana Academy for Performing Arts, India and has a postgraduate in teaching dance from Middlesex University. Theatre credits include The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (UK Tour); Cinderella (Lyric Hammersmith); Richard II (The Globe); Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (The Apollo Theatre and tour ); Daisy Pulls It Off (The Park); Anita & Me (Birmingham Rep/Touring Consortium); Grease (Leicester Curve); Mamma Mia International Tour 2015- 2016, Jon Godber’s April in Paris (Derby Playhouse/ National Tour); B!rth, Hunger for Trade, Come CloserPretend You Have Big Buildings, Cafe Vesuvio (Royal Exchange, Manchester); How High is Up?, The Jungle Book, (West Yorkshire Playhouse); dinnerladies, Girl’s Night (National Tour), The Vagina Monologues (Mark Goucher Ltd); Romeo and Juliet, Crazy Lady (Leicester Haymarket, Contact Theatre ); The Mikado (New, Vic Stoke and Stephen Joseph Theatre) A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Tara Arts/National Tour) , Moti Roti Puttli Chunni, Blaggers, and D’yer Eat with Your Fingers? (Theatre Royal, Stratford East). Film credits includeEverybody’s Talking About Jamie (New Regency/Film4/Warp Films); Finding Fatimah (British Muslim TV); Junkhearts, (Dir. Tinge Krishnan) and BAFTA award winning short film, Shadowscan (BFI/Channel4/Disruptive Element Films). She has also written and directed the critically acclaimed comedy show for young women The Masala Girls. Television credits include Brassic (Sky); Inside No 9 (BBC); My Name is Leon (BBC); Midsomer Murders (ITV); Murder They Hope (UKTV); 4Stories – On the Edge (Blacklight Productions); Doctor Who (BBC); Moving On (LA Productions); River City (BBC Scotland); Treasure Champs (CBeebies) Casualty (BBC); Doctors (BBC); Coronation Street (ITV), Hold The Sunset (BBC), In the Club (BBC), Eastenders (BBC), New Street Law (BBC), Magnolia (BBC), Paranoid (ITV1/Red/Netflix), You, Me and Them (UKTV Gold), The Slammer (CBBC), Jackanory (CBBC), Bedtime Stories (Cbeebies), Coming Up (Channel 4), Where The Heart Is (ITV1)and dinnerladies (BBC). As a panellist she was seen on Call My Bluff, Have I Got News For You, Countdown and was a regular on ITV’s Loose Women until 2014. She appeared in Best Home Cook and was a semi- finalist in Celebrity Masterchef for the BBC and has appeared in Soapstar Superstar and Stars in their Eyes for ITV. Documentaries include: RTS award winning, River Walks, BBC1, Empire’s Children, Channel 4, Back In Time For Tea BBC2, Disappearing and Discovering Britain, More4. Shobna has also worked extensively as a dancer and choreographer in regional theatres and also in community and education settings across the UK. Between 1992 and 1994 she was a dance animateur for Yorkshire and Humberside. She has written her critically acclaimed memoir, REMEMBER ME? Discovering my mother as she lost her memory, published by Octopus Books in September 2020. She is a Doctor from Bolton University, University of Huddersfield, and Sheffield Hallam, and is Chancellor of The Children’s University, Oldham. She is also a Deputy Lieutenant for Greater Manchester.
Hayley Tamaddon plays Miss Hedge.Hayley is a versatile actor and performer with a vast career ranging from TV to stage to arena. On the small screen, Hayley is best known for playing Delilah Dingle in ITV’s Emmerdale and then Andrea Beckett on Coronation Street. She has also made countless other guest appearances with credits including Waterloo Road, The Royal Today,Where The Heart Is, The Royal, Shameless, Jimmy McGovern’s Accused and most recently ITV’s Unforgotten. She was crowned the winner of ITV’s hit show Dancing on Ice alongside her skating partner and childhood friend, Dan Whiston. They then went on tour with Torvill and Dean, where they got to perform their winning routine, Jai Ho every night. The pair were later invited back in to take part in ‘Dancing on Ice, The Champion of Champions’. On the big screen, Hayley starred in the hit comedy movie Eaten by Lions alongside Asim Chaudhry & Johnny Vegas. Written by Jason Wingard and David Issac, it was shown in cinemas all over the U.K and won numerous awards On stage, Hayley has taken on leading roles in plays and musicals in the West End and throughout the UK. Highlights include: Lisa in Mamma Mia (West End); Trish in Boogie Nights (UK tour); Fame (West End / UK tour); Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie (UK tour); Roxie Hart in Chicago (UK tour); The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot (UK tour); Janet in The Rocky Horror Show (UK tour); Diana Morales in A Chorus Line (Sheffield Crucible) and Frenchy in Grease (UK tour). Earlier this year Hayley won a Writers Initiative with UKTV and Female Pilot Club and was one of four women to have her comedy script performed in from of an industry audience. ‘Molly B’ is now in development as a 6 ep TV comedy. Hayley played Miss Hedge in the West End Production and is delighted to be back as part of the touring company.
Talia Palamathanan plays Pritti Pasha. Talia trained at The Brit School and part time at the Laura Bruce Dance Academy and Flawless Dance School. Her theatre credits include Stacey in Pump up the Volume for MTFest (Turbine Theatre), Lizbeth in Original London Cast of Cages (Riverside Studios), Becca/Understudy Pritti Pasha in Everybody’s Talking about Jamie (Original UK Tour, Ahmanson Theatre Los Angeles), Anne Margaret in Teenage Dick (Donmar Warehouse), West End Musical Celebration (Palace Theatre), Hortensia in RSC’s Matilda: the Musical (Cambridge Theatre). Her TV credits include The Late Late Show with James Corden performing with Everybody’s Talking about Jamie (CBS), Pav in Hank Zipzer (CBBC), and Children in Need performing with the cast of Matilda: the Musical (BBC). Her film credits include Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: The Film (Warp Films). Workshops include: Sharmina in Soho Dreams (The Lowry). Music Videos include: Michael Bublé & Idina Menzel ‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’. Other Work Includes: Soho Dreams Cast Workshop Recording, The Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2019 with Drew Mconie & Cush Jumbo, Dancer in Flawless: Chase the Dream Tour, Various Hip-Hop/ Commercial dance works for Flawless, Aston Merrygold, Dance Proms & MOVEIT.
John Partridge plays Hugo/Loco Chanelle. John is a British actor, singer, presenter and writer. John initially trained in ballet at the Royal Ballet School and went on to train in musical theatre at the Bush Davies School of Theatre Arts and Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts. At the age of 16, John left college to join the cast of the original UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical CATS. He went on to join the West End production of the show at the New London Theatre, to star as Rum Tum Tugger. John was subsequently asked to play the role in the official film of the show, opposite Elaine Paige and John Mills. Other West End credits include: Zach in the London revival of A Chorus Line (London Palladium); Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone (Novello Theatre); Gringoire in Notre-Dame de Paris (Dominion Theatre); The Fix (Donmar Warehouse) directed by Sam Mendes; Hawker/Captain Walker in Tommy (Shaftesbury Theatre); Grease (Dominion Theatre); Electra in Starlight Express (Apollo Victoria Theatre); and The Butcher in The Hunting of the Snark (Prince Edward Theatre), Taboo 20th Anniversary Concert (London Palladium) and Daryl Van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick in Concert (Sondheim Theatre). John most recently played Maitland in The Chalk Garden (Theatre Royal Windsor & Yvonne Arnaud Theatre); led the National Theatre & CAST Doncaster production of The Doncastrian Chalk Circle as Azdak; toured the UK as The Emcee in the Rufus Norris production of Cabaret; played Buddy in The View Upstairs (Soho Theatre); Turai in Tom Stoppard’s Rough Crossing (UK Tour); and Chief Superintendent Tanner in The Case of the Frightened Lady after having starred as Albin, who moonlights as star drag act Zaza, in a brand new version of La Cage Aux Folles. He played Billy Flynn in Chicago (UK Tour); Prospero in The Tempest (Northcott Theatre); John in Miss Saigon (UK Tour); Roger in Rent (European Tour); appeared in Black Goes With Everything (Churchill Theatre, Bromley); and Marilyn in Boy George’s musical Taboo (The Venue). Screen credits includes: Julius Caesar in African Queens (Netflix), Felipe in Involuntary Activist (Iris Prize/BBC); and the long-running and much-loved role of Christian Clarke in EastEnders (BBC, 2007-2016). A well-known TV personality, John was crowned Winner of Celebrity MasterChef (BBC); bared all on The Real Full Monty (ITV); was a judge on Taking The Next Step (CBBC); competed in Battlechefs with Marco Pierre White (Watch) and gymnastics show Tumble (BBC). John was a celeb judge on the hugely successful Over the Rainbow (BBC); regular guest host of The National Lottery Draws (BBC); and is frequent guest contributor on Jeremy Vine (Channel 5). John has worked with several rock and pop acts, including: U2, Pet Shop Boys, Kim Wilde, Neneh Cherry, Pete Townshend, Mica Paris and Ultra Naté. In 2009, John won the Inside Soap Award for the Sexiest Male and, in 2010, he was awarded the Entertainer of the Year Award at the annual Stonewall Awards ceremony. In 2013, John performed his first live one-man show Dames ‘n’ Dudes at The Matcham Room, Hippodrome. Following its success, John released Dames, Dudes + Cowboys Too, his debut album featuring original songs alongside classic covers. In 2018, he premiered his all-new live show John Partridge: Stripped at The Other Palace Studio. Following its success, he revived the show in August 2018 at Assembly Checkpoint, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, returning back to London for a final performance at The Pleasance. Following his Celebrity MasterChef win, 2020 saw the release of his debut book, There’s No Place Like Home.
The play is set in the study/bedroom of James Agate’s apartment located in Holburn the period being World War 2. James Agate was a well known diarist and theatre critic who wrote for, amongst others the Manchester Guardian and the Sunday Times. He also worked at the BBC. He was briefly married in his early life but after the marriage ended all his intimate relationships were homosexual which I only mention due to it’s relevance to the play.
The characters were played by, Jeremy Booth as Agate, Barbara Wilshere as Gwen an actress, David Acton as Leo an exiled Austrian Jew who was James secretary, and last but not least Sam Hill as Spike the houseboy. All the actors gave first class performances ,their timing being impeccable as was their dialogue. Both Gwen and Leo were also depicted as being gay.
The play itself has many funny moments most being the result of James gay activities, involving amongst others Guardsmen and a flight from a male brothel as a result of a police raid, but there are moments of real pathos as well including when James was nearly fired from his employment at the Sunday Times as a result of the tyrannical owner finding out about his gay activities, as being a theatre critic was his raison d’etre.
In respect of the pathos, I would particularly mention Leo, who was a classical pianist, describing his last concert in Vienna which caused him to suffer from extreme stage fright and being unable to play in public again. His description of what happened really tugged at the heartstrings! Gwen helping him to overcome his stage fright and perform again in public was uplifting.
Sam Hills performance as the confident, unshockable houseboy Spike, was masterful and really added humour to the play.
This is a theatre over the Tabard Public House, Bath Road, London W4 1LW, about 5 minutes walk from Turnham Green Underground Station. It is accessed by a set of steps leading up from the pub garden but with no wheelchair access. It has 96 seats on an incline so the stage in front of the seats is in full view from all seats. Unfortunately during the quieter moments of the play the voices of the pub patrons downstairs were audible which I found distracting.
Gareth Armstrong, the author, has written a jewel of a play which he obviously researched extremely well. His depiction of the homosexual elements of the play were in context with the story line and were neither shocking or sensational.
I enjoyed the play immensely and would recommend it wholeheartedly.
Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadlers Wells, London – 2nd June 2023
Reviewed by Dawn Bennett
5*****.
Ballet Central are the touring company of Central School of Ballets 3rd year degree students. The school was formed in 1982 by Ann Stannard and the late Christopher Gable CBE in London. Now under the tutorage of Kate Coyne (Artistic Director) and Hannah Rudd (Artist in Residence) they are taking part in a 14-date tour that finishes at the Britten Theatre on 13th July 2023.
Working with renowned chorographers the students perform the 6 following pieces and last night I had the pleasure of watching them.
Monotones 1 (Choreography by: Sir Frederick Ashton, Music: Erik Satie, Staging: Lynn Wallis) was danced at this performance by Nina Aizawa, Xavier Andriambolanoro-Sotiya and Nicola Kilmurry. This piece was first performed in 1966 at the Royal Opera House. The dancers were lovely to watch, their timing poise and movements were both elegant and together. The Pas de Trois was beautifully portrayed with excellent characterisation and strength.
The Two Pigeons (Choreography by: Sir Fredrick Ashton, Music by: André Messager. Staging Isabel McMeekan) was danced at this performance by Samuel Pitman and Jasmine Whitford. The dancers gave us a beautiful, heartfelt performance with lovely lines and emotion. They were very expressive and fabulous to watch.
Blind Optics (Choreography by: Darshan Singh Bhuller, Music by: André Messager) Darshan trained at London Contemporary Dance School is a renowned Artistic Director, Choreographer, Teacher, Dancer Film Director and Editor. The piece last night was brilliantly performed by the group of dancers. From music to the sound of the sea the dancers moved like water. Fluid at times and angular at others, I really enjoyed this choreography and there was movement all across the stage, I found it hard to know where to look to capture and take in all the dancing.
Mirror Mirror (Choreography by: Michael Pink, Staging: Jayne Pink, Music: Philip Feeney). The work by Michael Pink is a contemporary adaptation of Snow White that was created in 2014 for Milwaukee Ballet (where Michael is Artistic Director). This piece was fabulous to watch, it was joyfully danced with each dancer playing their parts brilliantly. Their timing and team work was excellent and the story was easy to follow and told really well with some great acting taking place.
Dextera (Choreography by: Sophie Laplane, Staging: Thomas Edwards, Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart). Sophie Laplane is a Franco-British Chorographer who is Chorographer in Residence with Scottish Ballet. This piece was really clever and quirky with the male dancers moving the female dancers into different shapes, moving them like puppets or mannequins, The costumes were simple and effective and really added to the piece.
The Queue (Choreography by: Morgann Runacre-Temple, a freelance choreographer from London, Music; Philip Feeney and ABBA). This piece was great fun, we know how people like to queue and how you always end up in the slow one, or the wrong one…oh and the queue jumpers! It was funny and brilliantly danced!
This show is danced by students but it is a very professional production. This is a very talented company and well worth a watch to see the dancers of the future.
From the colourful programme to the well-crafted scenery and opulent costumes, Nell Gifford’s legacy lives on. Nell created an award winning village green circus that has become a family to all involved. You get a sense of this as soon as you arrive at the circle of circus wagons, in the Gifford livery.
The title theme ‘children of the gods’ links to the sometimes ethereal and seemingly super-human qualities of circus performers. You walk into the big top to find a cleverly crafted 1830’s derelict theatre that holds memories of its past performers. The house band create the atmosphere for every performer, whether that be funny, full of jeopardy or love, they are part of the performance.
Every act has its own special place in the hearts of the audience, who roar their appreciation throughout. The combination of Gifford’s old friend Tweedy the Clown (BEM), the beautiful ponies, the artistry of the juggler, jeopardy of trapeze and skywalks and high energy of the acrobatic troupe and skaters, sets the scene for the magic created by the ariel hoop. The breath taking final act that brings the story together is delivered by Antony Cesar, a fifth generation circus performer that combines the beauty of dance with the gymnastics of ariel straps, in his own unique style. Sublime!
This is my 6th year in the audience of Gifford’s Circus. Amongst us are stars of TV and music, all regulars. Director Cal McCrystal and his team, his circus family, deliver a show to remember.
