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
Lee Mead announces October concert tour Lee Mead – The Best of Me UK Tour: October 2023
Lee Mead, award winning stage and screen actor, singer and West End leading man, is thrilled to unveil his all-new October concert tour, set to captivate audiences across the country. Mead, known for his powerful voice and magnetic stage presence, will embark on a series of unforgettable performances, showcasing some of his favourite songs.
His concert promises to be a sensational musical experience, with Mead taking centre stage alongside his live band to perform a repertoire that spans various genres from his musical influences, including musical theatre classics, contemporary hits, soulful ballads and a sneak peek at his brand-new EP. Audiences can expect an evening of extraordinary vocal performances, infused with Mead’s witty charm and heartfelt emotion.
Kicking off at The Apex Bury St Edmunds (17 Oct), the show will also play these unmissable dates: Redhill’s Harlequin Theatre (18 Oct), Watford’s Palace Theatre (19 Oct), Clacton-on-Sea’s West Cliff Theatre (20 Oct), Portsmouth’s New Theatre Royal (24 Oct), Newbury Corn Exchange (25 Oct), Taunton Brewhouse Theatre (26 Oct) and Worcester’s Swan Theatre (28 Oct).
Currently in rehearsals for the West End’s summer revival of We Will Rock You, Lee Mead’s talent has garnered him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base over the years. From his breakthrough win on the BBC talent show Any Dream Will Do, to his subsequent career in the West End, including Wicked, Legally Blonde, Chicago, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mead has consistently delivered exceptional performances as one of the most remarkable voices in the industry. Lee has also enjoyed TV regular roles on Casualty and Holby City
Mead said, I am absolutely thrilled to announce my October concert tour. I’m excited to journey back through some of my musical influences and it’s a chance for me to connect and share with my fans my passion for music and live entertainment. We have put together an exciting setlist that I hope will resonate with audiences and be a fun night out for all.
To purchase tickets and for more information about the tour dates and venues, please visit Lee Mead’s official website: www.leemead.co.uk
The Leeds Playhouse was overflowing with love, laughter and big-hearty chuckles last night as the fabulous Katherine Dow Blyton wowed the audience by embodying Kay Mellor’s ‘Betty’. This new production of A Passionate Woman, as it’s 30 years since Leeds born Kay’s gem of a drama was first staged in the Courtyard theatre, must have had her family and friends swelling with pride as yet again; it was a rip-roaring success! Obviously, due to her passing in 2022, there was a tinge of sadness along with the giggles but her positive presence was much stronger and felt through her profound and straight-talking tongue-in-cheek dialogue.
Kay’s Mellor’s play (directed by Tess Seddon) is about a woman called Betty who’s son (Mark) is getting married and although she doesn’t realise it; she’s in deep pain. What she perceives as losing Mark (Tom Lorcan) is just the precipice of a something bigger that needs unearthing. This process is one in which a chain of events, energised by the trials we face in life, accumulate and finally explode so that we can get to the heart of the matter – which is always fear based. For Betty, what’s got to her is that she’s feeling old and Mark getting married has made her feel worried that she’ll become useless – just like the rubbish in the loft, forgotten. Not having a married son makes her feel like a younger person and that means she’s still alive! Alive means that she’s still got time to take a chance on life again and to go and live it – to be once more: A Passionate Woman! Now feeling like this and realising she’s stuck with her hapless and lacklustre husband Donald – Betty runs scared – and heads for a break-down. But what Betty and her family don’t realise is that the word and concept that’s been attached to the word, ‘break-down’, has been inverted and it’s actually a breakthrough!
At the beginning of the play, poor Mark, who is getting married in an hour, tries to coax his mum down from the loft she’s placed herself in and they go through some poignant exchanges where the roles of parent and child interchange. Mark is a beautiful human who is like his mum, passionate, and he displays this very clearly through showing his love for his mother and his future wife. He respects, loves and understands their strengths and vulnerabilities. And just as it seems like we’re going to have a predictable ending where by ‘they all lived happily after’ – Betty does something incredible – she manifests Craze! This life can’t go on for Betty anymore and so the puzzle needs solving. In order to experience her epiphany and thus smash the barriers to live life in freedom (instead of living like what’s expected of her sitting with Donald as he flicks through the TV channels) Betty wants PASSION. This frequency of passion that Betty conjures is a memory – one of music, lust and love. These are presented to her by the spirit of Craze (Michael Bijok); an old lover who she sometimes wonders about. When he ‘appears’, as he was back then and she was his ‘Beautiful Betty’, right there in front of us – Katherine Dow Blyton actually reverses her whole appearance through her aura. Without any tricks or props her essence goes back to when she was in her early 20s. It’s quite a scene.
Without giving too much away, secrets, betrayals and a broken, monotonous marriage start to unfold. Betty’s husband, Donald, played very authentically by David Crellin, enters into the drama and although it might be easy to just champion Betty and her struggles within their relationship, I really felt for him too. Donald’s also forgotten who he is in the rat-race of a system and that ground hog day existence so many of us end up in. Betty refuses to do it any more – enough is enough! The line Mellor wrote for her, ‘Do you know something, we’ve got to live life for every moment because this might be all we’ve got’ rings so true. Every moment is a gift – a present – and the more we live in the present then the more we are likely to live in love, harmony and happiness – the true design for humankind.
This play can appear light-hearted and fun – which it is – however it goes deep and makes you think about your own mortality. “Am I living my life to the full?” and “If not then what can I do about it?” are the questions that start to swim around in one’s mind? I love that about theatre and live performances – they stay with you because unlike Donald you don’t immediately switch to another channel once it’s finished and forget about it – you talk about it with the person next to you. This of course is unless they’re immediately on their phone straight as the appreciation of clapping starts which tragically some were and I’ve been guilty of this myself in the past. If you do talk about what you’ve just experienced then you start to mull it over and might even be encouraged to start your own epiphany. “What did you think?” and “I liked the bit when … ” begin the thought processes that lead us to Mellor’s purpose for writing the play – which is obviously open to interpretation. For me it was about witnessing a woman’s awakening through exploring and ‘bottoming’ her shadow side and letting go of the concept of ‘time’. Betty had the incorrect view point that time is ‘slipping away from her’. Through her journey of – not so much ‘the dark soul of the night’ but more like ‘the crazy (Craze) woman in the loft’ – Betty transcends, literally into the clouds to find her pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Her face is lit up with joy and it’s coming from inside her – not outside or from another person.
A Passionate Woman is a play we need right now as more and more people are ‘tiring’ before they retire. Mellor is trying to tell us that it’s not too late – seize the day! Unfortunately for Betty this happens to be on the day of her son’s wedding but that’s why it worked for her, as barmy as it may seem. It had to be dramatic to ignite her into taking this big but necessary step which was leaving her old life behind her. Change was needed, a change of perspective about herself and her freedom of choice and will. A Passionate Woman is funny, surprising and makes you think and best of all feel. This is a big sparkly diamond of a show, that you’ll be so glad you went to see, and grateful for Kay and her wisdom to write it.
TO THE WEST END FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED RUN THIS AUTUMN
“Broadway’s greatest comic storyteller” (Deadline) Mike Birbiglia brings his latest one man show The Old Man & The Pool to the West End for a strictly limited 4 week run, following sell out performances across the US, including a Broadway run at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center. The show opens at Wyndham’s Theatre on 15 September, with previews from 12 September, and runs until 7 October, following performances at Underbelly at McEwan Hall at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 22-27 August.
Priority on-sale for DMT members is open now, with public on-sale from 10am tomorrow, 25 May.
Mike Birbiglia said today, “I love everything about London. I love being there. I love performing there. I love walking there. Last summer I got to take my daughter to see Matilda in the West End and it was one of the greatest days of her and my life. I hope that my show The Old Man & The Pool can be your Matilda. With your kids. Or your parents. Though my show is nothing like Matilda. And don’t bring your kids if they’re 7. But I’d like to think of my show as an event you could bring anyone age 12 through 112 to. It’s a series of jokes and stories about life and death and mortality that add up to a single story that will hopefully make you happier about your life than you were when you walked in. Sounds like what Matilda does, right? Maybe the shows do have something in common! In closing, if you see one show this fall in the West End, see Matilda. If you can see two shows, go to Matilda and The Old Man & The Pool. It’s got my heart and soul in it. And about 1,000 jokes. See you there, my London friends.”
Producers Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Patrick Catullo, and Seaview commented, “Working with Mike is a joy and we are thrilled to bring his hilarious and life-affirming comedy to the West End this Autumn. Mike had Broadway audiences roaring with laughter nightly and we look forward to the laughter rolling on to London.”
Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Patrick Catullo, and Seaview present
THE OLD MAN & THE POOL
Written and performed by Mike Birbiglia
Directed by: Seth Barrish
General Managed by: Wessex Grove
Acclaimed comedian and storyteller Mike Birbiglia plays a strictly limited run in the West End this Autumn with his hit show The Old Man & The Pool.
Chronicling his coming-of-middle-age story Mike asks the big questions: Why are we here? What’s next? What happens when the items at the doctor’s office that you thought were decorative become functional? This tale of life, death, and a highly chlorinated YMCA pool resonates with audiences ages 12 to 112, and won rave reviews whilst playing to sold-out houses in the US. Now “the best comedy of the year” (The New York Times) promises to charm London audiences.
The Old Man & The Pool is a hilarious reminder for all of us recovering from failing bodies and a flailing world that laughter is indeed the best medicine. Get your tickets now, and remember: Mike’s here for a good time, not a long time. This strictly limited run plays at Wyndham’s Theatre for just 4 weeks.
Mike Birbiglia is a comedian, storyteller, director, and actor who has performed in front of audiences worldwide, from the Sydney Opera House to Carnegie Hall to Broadway. His solo shows Sleepwalk with Me, My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend, Thank God For Jokes, and The New One enjoyed successful runs on and off Broadway. My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show, and The New One received the Drama Desk Award as well as the Outer Critics Circle award for outstanding solo performance. Birbiglia is also a filmmaker who wrote, directed and starred in the films Sleepwalk with Me and Don’t Think Twice. As an actor, Birbiglia has appeared in the films Trainwreck, The Fault in Our Stars, Popstar, A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks, Taylor Swift’s music video for Anti-Hero, as well as TV roles in Orange Is the New Black and Billions. He is the host of the podcast Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out.
LISTINGS
THE OLD MAN & THE POOL
Wyndham’s Theatre
Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DA
Tuesday 12 September – Saturday 7 October 2023
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 7.45pm (and Wednesday 13 September)
Wednesday and Saturday at 6.30pm and 9pm
Ticket Prices: From £15 (£10 standing)
Preview prices: save up to £20 from 12-14 September
Spongebob the Musical is based on the hit Nickelodeon children’s TV program Spongebob Squarepants.
When the people of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their home, Spongebob and his friends come together to save their undersea world.
The storyline isn’t what makes this show it’s the actors, the scenes, costumes and songs. You might think this is a musical just for the young, but it is enjoyable for us big kids.
The cast all enjoyed themselves and the smiles on their faces and pure enjoyment were felt throughout. At times it felt like the stage was very chaotic, but this just adds to the craziness of this great show. The costumes were bright and colourful and just right for this show., I especially liked Squidward’s (Tom Read Wilson) four legged trousers. The creativeness of the headwear for the Electric Skate Band using plastic cups and plastic straws was very effective.
Screens on the stage gave news bulletins from the famous tv presenter Richard Arnold who played Perch Perkins. Although it was nice to see someone of his stature on the show it didn’t add anything that couldn’t have been achieved by anyone playing the role.
Spongebob played by Lewis Cornay sang a solo (Just a) Simple Sponge which was very good, and the neon dancing sponges added to this routine. The only thing I would say is it would have been better had the spotlight not been quite as bright as you could see some of the faces of the cast moving the sponges when it was supposed to look like the sponges were dancing on their own. Lewis played the part of Spongebob brilliantly with lots of energy and enthusiasm. He kept Spongebob’s accent throughout and at times sounded very much like the tv character Spongebob.
Irfan Damani played Patrick and was very funny. The best part for me was Patrick is a Star song which really made you want to get up and dance.
Sarah Freer who played Pearl is an excellent singer, very strong and shone in the song Daddy Knows Best.
The creativity in the Jelly Fish scene with Squirrel (Chrissie Bhima) was simple but effective.
I’m not a Loser was another song worthy of a mention, the tap routine to this was brilliant and faultless.
The show finished by everyone getting up to the theme song Who lives under the pineapple under the sea Spongebob Squarepants
Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle – until Saturday 3rd June 2023
Reviewed by Sandra Little
3***
Directed by Matt Jamie and Produced by Ellis McGowan, The Lies is written and performed by Degna Stone. Degna is a poet and poetry editor based in the North East. This 45 minute play questions the lies we tell our children, the lies we tell ourselves and the the lies that are told to us.
The Lies is Degna’s debut theatrical performance and in this performance Degna is joined by Luca Rutherford. Luca plays the part of such mythical beings as a very exuberant Easter bunny, a disillusioned Santa and a forthright tooth fairy!
The play begins with video footage of national and global events and the audience are presented with three definitions of “truth”. The stage set is simply a table and 2 chairs covered in newspaper and newspapers displaying bold headlines are strewn around the floor. Against this backdrop a story unfolds of the difficult relationship between a mother and daughter and the lies that are told within this relationship. Whilst considering lies told to children relating to such fictitious characters as the tooth fairy, the question, “was it the magic of childhood or a form of control?” is asked.
The play also highlights how people fall into the trap of accepting lies as part of everyday life. Through video presentation and narrative it hints at wider national and political issues relating to lies. It is suggested for example, that we are led to believe that we are part of a tolerant society, “a society so tolerant that poverty and obscene riches exist side by side”. Issues regarding lies relating to race are also explored from a personal perspective.
Within the comedy of an Easter bunny, a disgruntled Santa and a feisty tooth fairy serious issues regarding truth and lies are explored in this work. We are told that there is no such thing as a harmless lie and we are also reminded that we all remember things differently. I would suggest that both of these assertions could be great material for an after theatre discussion.
I enjoyed this performance and left the theatre thinking about the notion of lies and the assertion that we are all complicit in this deception.
