Titanic The Musical (presented by Danielle Tarento in association with Mayflower Theatre, Southampton and Harmonia) got a very deserved standing ovation at Hull New Theatre last night.
The story of the ill-fated RMS Titanic, the White Star Lines luxury liner, is very well documented. The “un sinkable” ship did the unthinkable and sank on 15th April 1912 on its maiden voyage to New York, after hitting an iceberg, with a loss of over 1500 people.
Based on the book by Peter Stone the musical tells the story of the journey of the liner from the view of the passengers and crew, from the 3rd class steerage passengers looking for a new life in America, the 2nd class passengers begin able to afford a holiday and some also looking for a new life and the 1st class passengers enjoying the opulence and grandeur on the White Star Lines brand new, ultra-modern ship.
In the first half of the show, we meet the passengers and find out why they are on board, we see them enjoying parties, see them happy and looking forward to arriving in America. Also, we saw the crew, some on their first voyage and some on their last before retiring. I felt uneasy watching them knowing, how soon, disaster would befall the liner. We could only imagine what the people went through when the ship hit the iceberg and knowing, that for some, there was no hope.
In the second half we see the aftermath of the collision and how it suddenly dawns on everyone how big the unfolding tragedy is.
You would think that this could make this production depressing or sad but Titanic The Musical is an absolutely beautiful piece of theatre. The score for this musical is outstanding (music and lyrics by Maury Yeston) played by the wonderful band (Thomas Leate, Bridget Mansfield, Gemma Connor, Jack Cherry and Craig Apps led by Musical Director Ben Papworth). I found it impossible to single anyone in the cast as they were all just brilliant, they were obviously very well-rehearsed and looked to be enjoying every minute. Their singing and acting was sublime and their movement around the stage was breath-taking.
This show is something not to be missed, it is a thought provoking, heart-breaking true story brought to life by this amazing production.
Opera North, Phoenix Dance Theatre and two South African companies, Jazzart Dance Theatre and Cape Town Opera, collaborate ON Requiem, Journeys of the Soul. Opera North and Phoenix Dance Theatre. They have previously collaborated back in 2021 on West Side Story Symphonic Dances and the idea of doing Mozart’s Requiem arose then.
The programme begins with Requiem (Mass for the Dead, K626) which was composed by Mozart up to his death and was completed by Franz Xaver Süssmayr in 1792. Franz Von Walsegg originally commissioned Requiem to commemorate the first anniversary of his wife’s death. Mozart’s Requiem is extremely popular and universally links to mourning by anyone anywhere and have given other composers impetus to make requiems after tragic events.
The second piece of work in the double bill, Neo Muyanga’s After Tears (After a Requiem) is next performed. The contemporary piece of work is having its world premiere and links to new and existing traditions with experiences of loss in South Africa. This vibrant and colourful piece also emphasises the need to move forward collectively and after loss. Dane Hurst, the director and choreographer, discusses the roots of this work which goes back to the Covid-19 pandemic where numerous emotions were triggered particularly with the loss and sorrow. Hurst feels it is appropriate to stage this work in response to this.
A multicultural cast, singers, and dancers, from the four companies, perform to Mozart’s sublimely ingenious Requiem and Muyanga’s After Tears through song and contemporary dance, which triggers feelings evocatively and profoundly, to present post-modem contexts. It is certainly very well put together and all supported with the Chorus of Opera North and under the baton of Garry Walker.
Requiem: Journeys of the Soul, through these excellent works, resonates with regards to remembering and reviving the next steps. Opera North, Phoenix Dance Theatre, Jazzart Dance Theatre and Cape Town Opera have successfully staged this international collaboration with contemporary dancing and soulful singing to moving music. Both works are creatively supported with ambient staging and visuals courtesy of Joanna Parker and Peter Mumford
As I sit in the café, I listen with interest at the thrum of excited theatre goers awaiting the show they are about to watch, unaware that this absolute gem is being performed at the same time. Saving Face is the future of theatre, a Kakilang production, co-produced by Curve and co-commissioned by The Place. It mixes comedy, hip-hop and contemporary dance with physical theatre to tell the tale of four office workers, chained to the daily grind, struggling to find the balance between showing up for work and showing up in their lives. What happens when the two things collide? What happens when you are no longer able to hide, in plain sight?
Each person is so different, yet connected by invisible illness, private struggles, invisible threads, treading water to get the job done. Lesley the office manager, attempts to maintain the demands of her position, her family and the omnipresent boss David, but what of her happiness. Drew, with his phone always on the go, but it’s not quite what it seems. Jackie, meticulous, diligent, ever reliable but at what cost. Sam, laidback, laissez faire, lollygagger, but is this by choice or is there something else afoot.
Saving Face deals with some pretty emotive subject matter, but in an extremely humorous way. Using an office setting works perfectly, especially in the light of all the connotation with covid, hot desking, office politics and conformity. The juxtaposition between dance and office is stark, yet performer, director and writer Si Rawlinson brings dance into the office seamlessly, with pieces performed on office chairs, desks and even an office fridge. I’m not sure I can go back into my office and look at the photocopier in the same way.
The attention to detail in this piece was a gift, little moments that added and amplified the story, the characters, the humour and the overall message. Lookout for the octopus amongst other small touches. There were some incredible moments of artistic humor. Jackie box filing to ‘Zorba the Greek’ was committed and enthralling. The soundtrack was on point and lent so much to the performance.
All four performers, Si Rawlinson (Sam), Yukiko Masui (Lesley), Jamaal O’Driscoll (Drew), Lisa Chearles (Jackie), were mesmerising to witness. They built the stage, then built the tension, then built the office world we were drawn into. There were moments when communication moved into movement, when words were simply not enough, and these were the most powerful points. A standout for me was Lesley’s solo piece. I have no words to describe it, it needs to be seen and felt.
A fifth performer is the set itself, personified as an oppressor, walls and desks, contracting and expanding, drawing the characters back in and not allowing them to leave the office behind. Designed by Christine Ting – Huan 挺歡 Urquhart, its wonderfully constructed, simple and mobile, deceptively, effortlessly moved into place by each character, a dance in itself, it gave a true sense of claustrophobia.
The beauty of Saving Face is that we can all see ourselves in these characters. Whether in an office or any workplace, we have all, at some point felt the shift in equilibrium and the need to wear a mask, pretending everything is ok and we are able to deal with things on our own. We fear reaching out or exposing who we really are and talking about our struggles. Humanity is demonised, vulnerability is weaponised. The importance of this piece is that it is a conversation starter, one that starts with ourselves.
Saving Face is fresh theatre. It is pushing the boundaries of storytelling. The combination of theatre, dance and comedy is captivating. It’s themes are relevant and profoundly thought provoking but it’s also really funny and was an absolute joy to watch. I urge you to experience this show, it will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.
Mark Stratford’s entertaining show about William Charles McCready is densely detailed but always engrossing.
Macready’s theatrical legacy is vast – abandoning traditional gestures and poses, pioneering professionalism and thorough rehearsals, introducing numbered seats in Drury Lane, along with backs to the seats in the stalls to encourage women to sit there to increase respectability of the theatre. Stratford covers Macready’s early life – born to theatrical parents, so knowing the precarious financial status as well as the lowly social status from a young age. Wanting more for their boys, the Macreadys sent William and his younger brother to Rugby, but their father’s financial woes mean that the boys must leave the prestigious school and give up dreams of being respectable gentleman. Instead, Macready takes charge of his father’s acting company at sixteen, and when his father is released from debtors’ prison, starts to act himself.
Macready’s rise from provincial to London actor is full of fascinating anecdotes, with his performances alongside the legendary Sarah Siddons and the advice she gives the passionate young actor being a wonderful highlight. The conflict between Macready’s love of acting and his contempt for the acting profession (his friends are literary, rather than the actors he views as vagabonds) makes for some amusing asides. Macready’s feuds as actor and actor-manager are fantastically entertaining (with one leading to a full-blown riot in New York) and Stratford doesn’t hold back on the ridiculous pettiness of the egotistical men involved.
Stratford’s Macready is bombastic, passionate and relentless in his mission to legitimise theatre as a profession for gentleman – unforgiving and sometimes cruel to his company to reach his goals. Away from the theatre, Macready’s private life is portrayed as quieter, kinder, with few, but fiercely firm, friends and a family life touched by tragedy as he outlives most of his children. Stratford’s account of Macready’s life is a brisk 75 minutes that whizzes by in the company of one remarkable actor sharing the story of another. Stratford is a master at playing multiple characters with precise differentiation, and he ensures that it is always clear who is addressing the audience in this informative and impressive production.
Europe’s largest free musical theatre festival returns on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 June
The impressive line-up of shows includes West End LIVE favourites, like Cabaret, Grease The Musical, Hamilton, Les Misérables, Disney’s The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, RSC’s Matilda The Musical, SIX, We Will Rock You and Wicked
Ain’t Too Proud, Aspects Of Love, Rodger & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, and The Time Travellers Wife: The Musical are among those performing at the event for the first time
A packed line-up featuring nearly every single musical playing in the West End has been unveiled ahead of this year’s West End LIVE. This free celebration of London’s world-leading theatre scene comes to Trafalgar Square on the weekend of 17 and 18 June.
Tens of thousands of theatre fans are expected to flock to the capital for this year’s musical theatre spectacular, enjoying free performances from dozens of top shows – from West End LIVE favourites Back To The Future The Musical, The Book Of Mormon, The Choir Of Man, Disney’s Frozen, Jersey Boys, Heathers The Musical, Magic Mike Live, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Phantom Of The Opera, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and to productions making their West End LIVE debut, such as 42nd Street, Crazy For You, Glory Ride, Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical, Operation Mincemeat, The SpongeBob Musical, A Strange Loop and The Wizard Of Oz.
This unique event, run by Westminster City Council in partnership with the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), and with the support of the Mayor of London, brings people of all ages into central London to experience the best of the West End – from the city’s unparalleled theatre and culture scene to food, drink, fashion, nightlife, retail and more.
The event this year, would not be possible without the on-going commitment shown by Westminster City Council and the support of key theatre owners and organisations: Ambassador Theatre Group, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, Disney Theatrical Group, LW Theatres, Nimax Theatres, Theatre Royal Haymarket and Trafalgar Entertainment. They join other key partners including Edwardian Hotels, Shaftesbury Capital, Ontix, Art of London, The Crown Estate, FM Conway, Regent St and St James’s, Veolia, New West End Company, The Northbank BID and Shaftesbury Capital.
Councillor Tim Roca, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Young People, Learning and Leisure, said:
“West End Live is a highlight of the Westminster calendar so we’re very excited to invite fans to another weekend of incredible live performances in Trafalgar Square. Westminster City Council is committed to making live theatre, culture and the arts accessible for all of our communities, and events like this are a fantastic celebration of the world class theatre we have right on our doorstep.”
Official London Theatre will be backstage throughout the West End LIVE weekend sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content across our social channels.
West End LIVE remains free as in previous years. The event will be BSL interpreted by Omoyele Davey, Marco Nardi and Caroline Richardson.
List of shows appearing at West End LIVE 2023
42nd Street
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life And Times Of The Temptations
Aspects Of Love
Back To The Future The Musical
La Bamba!
The Barricade Boys
The Book Of Mormon
Cabaret
The Choir Of Man
Crazy For You
Death Note: The Musical
Disney’s Frozen
Glory Ride
Grease The Musical
Hamilton
Heathers The Musical
I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical
Jersey Boys
Disney’s The Lion King
Magic Mike Live
Mamma Mia!
RSC’s Matilda The Musical
Les Misérables
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!
Operation Mincemeat
The Phantom Of The Opera
Queenz: The Show With Balls!
Roles We’ll Never Play
Six
Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical
The SpongeBob Musical
A Strange Loop
Tarantino Live
Then, Now & Next
The Time Traveller’s Wife: The Musical
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
We Will Rock You
Wicked
The Wizard Of Oz
More shows and acts will be announced in the lead-up to the event.
The Menier Chocolate Factory today launches a brand-new access scheme exclusively for under 25s – Choc Chips. At £20 per year, this gives access to benefits and discounts across all Menier Chocolate Factory productions.
The new scheme enables members to purchase tickets for £25 for any Menier production at its home base (subject to availability), advanced notifications of forthcoming productions and events, and half price programmes for all productions.
Artistic David Babani said today, “It is essential for the future of theatre to foster younger audiences, and to provide access to quality theatre productions. Here at the Menier, we wanted to make a long-term commitment to the audiences of tomorrow through our newly launched Choc Chip scheme aimed at everyone under the age of 25.”
Mischief today announces the release of a brand new series of their podcast MISCHIEF MAKERS hosted by original Mischief member Charlie Russell who willhelp us discover everything (well almost) about Peter Pan Goes Wrong. Five new episodes will be released throughout Summer 2023 and will be recorded live in New York City and Los Angeles.
Episode 1 of the new season will be available on Saturday 27 May across all podcast streaming platforms. Listen to Peter Pan Goes Wrong original cast members Charlie Russell, Henry Shields, Greg Tannahill and Nancy Zamit discuss returning to the show, performing on Broadway, working with Neil Patrick Harris, and why this show is one of their favourites.
MISCHIEF MAKERS delves into the hilarious world of Mischief on stage and screen to find out what makes it so mischievous! The podcast launched in 2020 during lockdown with original host Dave Hearn, giving Mischief fans an insight into how a Mischief production is created from the people behind the comedy.
Charlie Russell commented: ‘To be in New York on Broadway with Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a bit like a magical fairy-tale in itself, and of course, a privilege. Getting to host the MISCHIEF MAKERS podcast and document some of this adventure is the cherry on top! Or should I say acorn?’
Find the latest episode, and all previous episodes of the MISCHIEF MAKERS podcast at MischiefComedy.com.
Also available on most podcast streaming platforms.
Join our original company members Charlie Russell, Henry Shields, Greg Tannahill and Nancy Zamit as they talk about returning to Peter Pan Goes Wrong, working with Neil Patrick Harris, and why this show is one of their favourites.
FOURTH WALL LIVE is delighted to announce West End and Broadway star RACHEL TUCKER live at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 5 November 2023 at 6.30pm, following the release of her latest studio album on Friday 27 October through the record label Westway Music. Tickets are on sale now at www.fw-live.com and www.cadoganhall.com
An Olivier Nominated and multi-award-winning performer, Rachel Tucker will present a concert celebrating her most iconic roles, some of her favourite tunes in musical theatre and some original music.
RACHEL TUCKER most recently starred in Come From Away at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Broadway, playing the role of Annette/Beverley Bass, the role she originated in London at the Phoenix Theatre. She received an Olivier Nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical and won the 2020 What’s On Stage Best Supporting Actress in a Musical award for her performance. She is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, her other West End credits include Meat in We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre, Songs For A New World and Annie Get Your Gun, both at the London Palladium. She made her Broadway debut as Meg Dawson in Sting’s The Last Ship, and has performed in concerts at the Sydney Opera House, The Arts Centre, Melbourne and at the Orb Theatre, Japan.
Rachel said today, “I am thrilled to be launching my third album at the gorgeous Cadogan Hall, a venue I’ve wanted to play for years! I’ve experienced a lot since I last performed my own show in London so I’m very excited to share what I’ve been working on for the past 8 months. This album and show is about the music that has helped carve out my life over the past few years moving from London to New York to Belfast and back! My life and my love of music from my head and my heart and I can’t wait to show you it all!”
FOURTH WALL LIVE is an entertainment company that produces events, concerts and on-stage shows. In January 2022 FWL presented Bonnie and Clyde The Musical In Concert for two nights to a sold-out audience at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, starring Broadway favourite Jeremy Jordan. The concert broke Drury Lane box office records selling out a two-night run in less than six minutes.
In recent months Fourth Wall Live has presented Audra McDonald at the London Palladium, Jeremy Jordan at Theatre Royal Drury Lane and most recently Ariana DeBose at the London Palladium. FWL regularly presents concerts featuring stars of the West End and Broadway including Keala Settle, Sierra Boggess, Matthew Morrison and Hannah Waddingham among others.
Fourth Wall Live is also a producer of the What’s On Stage Award winning Bonnie & Clyde The Musical which is currently running at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End.
Children’s Creativity Celebrated on Stage at The Lowry
The winners of The Lowry’s first annual Creative Writing Challenge were announced at a special celebration event on Thursday 18th May.
Presented by Manchester-based actor, writer, and director Carla Henry, with performances by poet Tony Walsh, the 16 shortlisted entries were performed on the Quays stage at The Lowry, Salford.
Open to children aged 7-11 (Key Stage 2) from across Salford and Greater Manchester, the judges, who included actor Carla Henry, writer and actress Samantha Giles, performance writer and spoken word activist Emma Rogerson, playwright Simon Stephens, poet Tony Walsh, screenwriter and children’s author Frank Cottrell-Boyce, and Programme Manager at the National Literacy Trust, Mike Leyland, had the difficult task of shortlisting from almost 400 entries in three categories – Script, Poetry and Short Story.
Winners and runners-up include; in the Script category – (winner) Salome Samuel (age 10) for Freya’s Amazing Adventures and (runner-up) Ruby Lee (age 10) for Alien in Manchester. In the Poetry category – (winner) Layla Wood (age 11) with The Journey, and (runner-up) Peter McColgan (age 10) for The Lonely Man. And in the Short Story category – (winner) Gabriela Kulacz (age 11) for In The Box, and (runner-up) Maryam Akram (age 10) with Return To Kandahar.
A special Founders Prize was awarded by Beryl Jones to (winner) Hawa Chowdhury (age 9) for their piece The Adventure of The Oak Tree and (runner-up) Charlie Grieve (age 10) for The Rivers Adventure.
All shortlisted children and runners-up each received a certificate and book token, with the winners also receiving an original illustration created by artist and illustrator Catherine Booth.
Other shortlisted entries who performed on the night included: Maariyah Ahmad (age 10), William Maher (age 11), Eve Bennet-Mould (age 10), Andaz Amin (age 11), Éowyn McDonald (age 9), Isla Hickey (age 11), Kaio Devine Dos Santos (age 7), and Rosanna De Martiis (age 9).
Layla, a pupil at Marlborough Road Academy (Salford) whose poem ‘The Journey’ was inspired by refugees traveling to unknown places said“My school teacher entered my piece into the competition. It was fun. I made a lot of new friends and enjoyed watching the other pieces being performed. Getting up on stage was nerve-racking but the moment I began to read my poem all the nerves disappeared. This has inspired me to write even more and enter more writing competitions. The whole experience has boosted my confidence.”
Carla Henry said“What a pleasure and privilege to have been part of The Lowry’s first ever Creative Writing Challenge. Fabulous memories were made! It was beautiful to see such creative and talented young people sharing their words with such confidence and joy. I felt so proud and inspired!”
Tony Walsh said“It’s been a delight and an inspiration to be involved with the first Creative Writing Challenge with The Lowry. The competition uncovered a huge wealth of young writing talent in all parts of Greater Manchester. To see many of them visiting The Lowry, some of them for the first time, and even taking to its famous stage to share their work, was a night which will live long in the memory.”
The Lowry’s Creative Writing Challenge is delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, an independent charity dedicated to raising literacy levels across the UK.
Jenny Riding, Director of Learning and Engagement at The Lowry “We work with thousands of young people every year and we have seen the devastating impact the pandemic has had on those who were already facing the biggest challenges. Our Creative Writing Challenge has inspired children to use their imagination and develop literacy and oracy through creativity. We could not have done this alone; it has been wonderful to work with teachers and artists in schools and to begin a new partnership with the National Literacy Trust.”
Mike Leyland, Programme Manager, National Literacy Trust:“It was an absolute privilege to join as a judge for this fantastic creative writing challenge and meet the young writers at the awards ceremony. It was so inspiring to see the incredible work they produced as research from the National Literacy Trust shows that children who enjoy writing outside school are seven times more likely to write above the expected level for their age. Our partnership with The Lowry is invaluable as projects like this play a vital role in supporting children’s literacy, encouraging them to find a love of reading, writing, speaking and listening, that will last a lifetime.”
The competition has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Beryl Jones, who along with her husband Trevor is a Gold Patron of The Lowry. The launch of this new award is timely given the post-pandemic need for support in education and creativity being greater than ever.
Julia Fawcett OBE, CEO of The Lowry said“We feel so passionately about the creation of this prize, to be able to encourage the creativity and confidence of the next generation of writers and performers is a true privilege. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Beryl and Trevor Jones whose generosity has made this possible.”
Beryl Jones, Gold Patron of The Lowry said“I am passionate and dedicated to children’s creativity and removing any barriers they may experience to enjoying and creating great literature and performance. Thank you to the team at The Lowry for launching the Creative Writing Challenge this year and I look forward to working with them to grow it in the future. Seeing the children present their work on stage at The Lowry was a true joy and my dream come true.”
The Creative Writing Challenge is a 5-year project. Related to the competition a support scheme is available to primary schools in Salford and Greater Manchester, to register your interest please email [email protected]. The Lowry has also developed free downloadable lesson plans for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 which can be accessed here visit thelowry.com/creativewritingchallenge
Finalists announced for the 15th annual STEPHEN SONDHEIM SOCIETY Student Performer of the Year 2023 competition
Alex Young will host the event at the Sondheim Theatre, Sunday 11 June
Royal Academy of Music, The Guildford School of Acting, Leeds Conservatoire, Hammond School, Italia Conti, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to field the 12 finalists and 2 reserves
Judges to include JENNA RUSSELL and JULIA MCKENZIE
The 12 finalists: Sara Bartos, Emily Botnen, Lucy Carter, Harry Lake Josh Lewindon, Ritesh Manugula,Tom O’Kelly, Emily Ridge Pétur Svavarsson, Isobel Twist, Harry Warburton, Milly Willows
The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition – affectionately known as SSSSPOTY – was inaugurated in 2007, and in 2023 returns for its 15th year. The gala final will be held, fittingly, in the Sondheim Theatre, on the afternoon of 11 June 2023.
The final will be hosted by Alex Young, whose Sondheim credentials include Young Sally in the recent National Theatre cast of ‘Follies’, The Baker’s Wife in Terry Gilliam’s ‘Into The Woods’ at the Theatre Royal Bath and Cora Hoover Hooper in ‘Anyone Can Whistle’ at Southwark Playhouse. Alex is a former winner of the event, taking home the SSSSPOTY prize in 2010 after her hilarious rendition of ‘Sunday in the Park with George’ from the musical of the same name.
This year, The Stephen Sondheim Society (a charitable trust founded in 1993) asked for the first round of auditions to be made via video. More than 250 submissions were received, 80 of which qualified for a live, in-person audition with critic and broadcaster Edward Seckerson (Chair of the Judges) and Musical Director Nigel Lilley (‘Follies’, National Theatre; ‘Fun Home’, Young Vic). 12 finalists were selected, with 2 students held in reserve.
The 12 finalists are:
Sara Bartos (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) Emily Botnen (Royal Academy of Music) Lucy Carter (Royal Academy of Music) Harry Lake (Guildford School of Acting) Josh Lewindon (Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama) Ritesh Manugula (Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama) Tom O’Kelly (Royal Academy of Music) Emily Ridge (Leeds Conservatoire) Pétur Svavarsson (Royal Academy of Music) Isobel Twist (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School) Harry Warburton (Guildford School of Acting) Milly Willows (Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts)
The Stephen Sondheim Society Trustees and judges also agreed to select two reserves:.
El Haq Latief (Royal Academy of Music) Thom Foster (The Hammond School)
The winner will receive a £1,000 first prize, and the chance to headline their own Sondheim-infused cabaret in London. The runner-up is also awarded £500.
Reserves – El Haq Latief and Thom Foster
The competition has an impressive track record for identifying young talent. Finalists have included Cynthia Erivo, Oscar Conlon-Morrey and Shaq Taylor, and winners include Alex Young, Taron Egerton, Turlough Convery, Erin Doherty, Stuart Thompson and, most recently, Desmonda Cathabel, who made her professional debut as Lorene in ‘From Here To Eternity’ at Charing Cross Theatre, and who also performed in ‘Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends Concert’ at the Sondheim Theatre and ‘Maria Friedman and Friends’ at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
Alex Young will host proceedings, becoming the first person in SSSSPOTY history to have been a competing student, a winner, a competing song-writer (her song ;Haus Potsdam’ from the musical ‘Here’ was entered in the 2015 competition), a judge (she joined the panel in 2017), a guest performer (2022), and now host.
Previous MCs include Hannah Waddingham, Julian Ovenden, Maria Friedman and Joanna Riding.
The Final will be directed by Hannah Chissick (‘Marry Me A Little’, ‘Pack of Lies’, ‘Amour’).
The students will perform for a panel of highly respected judges drawn from West End directors, MD and performers, including Jenna Russell.
The Prize Giving will be led by Julia McKenzie, a founding patron of The Stephen Sondheim Society and one of the most celebrated interpreters of Sondheim’s work.
More judges to be announced.
Previous judges include John Wilson, Imelda Staunton, Don Black and Andrew Lippa.
Craig Glenday, Chair of The Stephen Sondheim Society, said: “We’re very excited to be back in the Sondheim Theatre for the 15th annual competition that bears his name, so a massive thanks to Sir Cameron Mackintosh for his generous support of the event. Steve was absolutely passionate about encouraging new talent across all aspects of theatre – his mantra was “Teaching is a sacred profession” – so as well showcasing the student performer finalists – literally the best the country has to offer – we’re thrilled to be sharing the stage with this year’s influx from the National Youth Music Theatre. We’re also delighted to be offering opportunities to young, emerging creatives in roles supporting direction, stage management and musical direction. The invaluable support we receive from our membership across the UK and beyond means we can offer these emerging talents a West End stage from which to show off their amazing abilities. You can say, ‘I saw them here first!’”
Each finalist will be required to sing one song by Stephen Sondheim, plus a new song chosen by them from the selection at NEW UK MUSICALS – the organisation founded by composer Darren Clark to showcase the UK’s best new musical-theatre writing for the stage. It was the express wish of Mr Sondheim that for every one of his songs selected by the finalists, a new song is performed, in order to encourage and support the creation of new work.
The Society is also excited to partner this year with the National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT), and look forward to featuring a performance by a chorus drawn from the current cohort of young performers.
PREVIOUS WINNERS Arts Ed currently leads the field with three winners, with a chance this year to extend their total to four, as their BA Musical Theatre student Caitlyn Allen is included in the final 12.
2022: Desmonda Cathabel (Royal Academy of Music) 2019: Stuart Thompson (Mountview) 2018: Alex Cardall (Arts Ed) 2017: Izuka Hoyle (Arts Ed) 2016: Courtney Bowman (Guildford School of Acting) 2015: Erin Doherty (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School) 2014: Corrine Priest (London School of Musical Theatre) 2013: Turlough Convery (Guildford School of Acting) 2012: Kris Olsen (Guildhall School of Acting) 2011: Taron Egerton (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) 2010: Alex Young (Royal Academy of Music) 2009: Michael Peavoy (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) 2008: Adrian Grove (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School) 2007: Carl Au (Arts Ed)
THE STEPHEN SONDHEIM SOCIETY Registered Charity Number 1142092 Chair: Craig Glenday ([email protected]) Events: Tina Foote ([email protected]) www.sondheim.org The Stephen Sondheim Society is a registered Charity regulated by the Charity Commission (Registered Number 1142092). Its charitable aims are stated as being: to promote the public knowledge and appreciation of the works of Stephen Sondheim by such means as are charitable; and to advance the public education in music, particularly but not exclusively, to young people by holding an annual music competition. The Society produces cabarets, educational events such as workshops and masterclasses, maintains the Sondheim Archive at Kingston University, and publishes Sondheim The Magazine. The jewel in the Society’s crown, however, is SSSSPOTY, which gives students of musical theatre invaluable experience working with established Directors and Musical Directors, and provides them with a chance to perform on a West End stage. Recent events include Alex Young & Friends and Merrily We Sing Along with Ellie Nunn (Upstairs at the Gatehouse), The Art of Making Art: Staging Sondheim (V&A).
LISTINGS INFO
Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year
Sondheim Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue London W1D 6BA
