Home

JENNIFER ELLISON JOINS

THE OFFICIAL TAKE THAT MUSICAL

GREATEST DAYS

UK TOUR

Producer Adam Kenwright is delighted to announce that Jennifer Ellison is joining The Official Take That Musical GREATEST DAYS, with a book by award-winning playwright Tim Firth. Jennifer will join as Rachel from 21 August at the Kings Theatre, Glasgow.

The musical embarked on a major UK tour on 6 May 2023, coinciding with the summer 2023 release of the official movie version of this smash-hit musical, starring Aisling Bea and Jayde Adams.

Actress, singer, dancer and businesswoman Jennifer Ellison rose to prominence playing Emily Shadwick in the television soap opera Brookside and secured her place as a household name by playing Meg Giry in her international film debut, the 2004 adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera. Jennifer played Tracey in British horror movie The Cottage alongside other film and TV projects such as Lynda La Plante’s The Commander: Abduction, Liverpool Nativity forBBC Three, Hotel Babylon for BBC1, The Verdict, New Street Law, and The Brief. Jennifer’s other many TV appearances include the most recent series of SAS Who Dares Wins (Channel 4), Dancing On Ice (Semi-Finalist & National Tour), Hell’s Kitchen (Winner), Celebrity challenge show – With a Little Help From My Friends (ITV), as judge on Dirty Dancing – Time of your Life (Living TV) and as a frequent guest on the ITV daytime show Loose Women. Jennifer also fronts the UK version of the hit US series Dance Moms for the Lifetime channel, which follows Jennifer at her very own dance school The Jennifer Ellison Fame Academy. 

Her other theatre credits include: Lina Lamond in Singin’ In The Rain (Palace Theatre), Paulette in Legally Blonde (UK Tour), Cora and Celia in Calendar Girls (UK Tour), Gloria in Boeing Boeing directed by Matthew Warchus (The Comedy Theatre) and Beth in The War Of The Worlds (UK Arena Tour). Pantomime includes Cinderella with Cilla Black and Les Dennis (Liverpool Empire), Wicked Queen in Snow White (Milton Keynes & Opera House, Blackpool) and Roxie Hart in Chicago (Adelphi Theatre, Cambridge Theatre, UK Tour & 10th Anniversary Gala). 

Also joining the company is Olivia Hallett, who will be performing the role of Young Rachel from 24 July at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham.

Olivia Hallett trained at Emil Dale Academy and The Urdang Academy. She originated the role of Marge in ‘KIN’ – A New Musical (The Factory Playhouse Hitchin) and appeared as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (The Other Palace). Other credits include: What I Go to School For – The Busted Musical (Theatre Royal Brighton), The Goodbye Girl (Upstairs at the Gatehouse) Jill in Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime (Little Wolf – The Assembly Halls Tunbridge Wells), Quinn in ‘Chosen’ – A New Musical (BEAM 2023) and The Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair (BEAM 2023). Olivia provided the singing voice of Joy in The Secret of Joy (IMDB).

They join existing cast members Taylor Alman, Holly Ashton, Hannah Brown, Kalifa Burton, Benjamin Cameron, Jamie Corner, Archie Durrant, Regan Gascoigne, Kitty Harris, Bayley Hart, Keith Henderson, Karen Holmes, Christopher D. Hunt, Evangeline Jarvis Jones, Rachel Marwood, Mari McGinlay, Jamie-Rose Monk, Mary Moore, Alexanda O’Reilly, Charlotte Anne Steen and Alan Stocks.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Take That’s first ever UK number 1 single Pray, GREATEST DAYS features more than 15 record-breaking Take That songs alongside a heart-warming and hilarious story of love, loss and laughter from award-winning writer Tim Firth (Calendar Girls, Kinky Boots). The musical follows a group of five best friends in the 1990’s who are obsessed with their favourite boy band. The girls reunite more than 20 years later with a plan to see their heartthrobs one last time in what could be the Greatest Days of their lives.

GREATEST DAYS was originally produced as The Band by David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers + Take That. The UK tour of The Band originally opened at Manchester Opera House in September 2017, breaking box office records along the way.

The book of GREATEST DAYS is written by Tim Firth, with co-direction by Stacey Haynes and Tim Firth, Choreography by Aaron Renfree, Set & Costume Design by Lucy Osborne, Lighting Design by Rob Casey, Sound Design by Tony Gayle, Casting by David Grindrod for Grindrod Burton Casting, Musical Supervision by John Donovan, Costume Supervision by Martin Rodges.

The UK Tour of GREATEST DAYS by Tim Firth – The Official Take That Musical is produced by Adam Kenwright for Kindred Partners.

Website: greatestdaysmusical.com

Facebook: @GreatestDaysMusical

Twitter: @Greatest_Days

Instagram: @Greatest_Days

London, Thursday 29 June 2023: Global Creatures, Producer of Moulin Rouge! The Musical announces that they will be opening the doors of the multi award-winning production at the Piccadilly Theatre in London on Thursday 10 August 2023, to give anyone aspiring to a career in theatre a glimpse behind the curtain. Get Technical! is presented in partnership with the Piccadilly Theatre and Ambassador Theatre Group Creative Learning.

Get Technical! offers the chance to meet members of the production’s backstage and technical teams, see live demonstrations and learn more about what goes into the making of the West End’s leading musical Spectacular!

Get Technical! will take place at the Piccadilly Theatre, London at 2pm on Thursday 10 August 2023. Tickets are £5 and registration is open here

From wigs to wardrobe to sound to stage management, the event aims to motivate and inspire young people to consider a career in backstage positions in the performing arts industry. Attendees will be shown how the different technical departments work together to create the production and be given a sneak peek of some of the stage secrets and magic behind the show.

Backstage and technical team members will share stories from their own career journeys and tips for getting into the industry. The event will round off with a live Q&A.

Get Technical! was first staged by Global Creatures in December 2022 in Sydney as part of the Bohemian Project, an initiative which aims to give back to the community and share the Bohemian Values espoused in Moulin Rouge! The Musical by supporting emerging artists and creatives through arts education and work force training and development. Get Technical! has been staged in cities alongside the Australian tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, including events in Perth in March 2023 and Brisbane in June 2023.

From Producer Carmen Pavlovic (Global Creatures):
“Backstage is where all the magic happens. We, and all producers, are constantly on the lookout for great crew and backstage company members. We’re after stage managers, lighting technicians, hair, wig and makeup artists, wardrobe assistants, set automation and mechanists to name a few. We hope Get Technical! will encourage young people to consider the many potential career pathways into working in live theatre.”

From ATG Creative Learning Producer Conor Hunt:
“We are facing a huge demand in the theatre sector for new talent in backstage and offstage roles and it’s more important than ever to inspire the next generation to see these roles as viable career opportunities. We are so proud to be working with Global Creatures and Moulin Rouge! The Musical on this incredible event, opening up the doors to all the roles that people may not even know exist.”

Presented by Global Creatures in partnership with ATG Creative Learning and the Piccadilly Theatre.

Supported by Go Live Theatre Projects and the National Saturday Club.

GET TECHNICAL EVENT INFORMATION:

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023

Start 2pm (Doors open from 1.30pm)

Running time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

Tickets: £5

Registration is essential as seats are limited.

There are a number of free bursary places available, please indicate on the form if you’d like to be considered for a free space.

Please register your attendance by 21 July 2023 here

Suitable for ages 14+

Anyone who wants to sit in the auditorium to watch the event must purchase a ticket (including parents, carers or guardians). Those under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

There will be limited space in the theatre bars for parents, carers or guardians who wish to accompany a young person but not watch the event. No ticket required.

THE BOHEMIAN PROJECT

Moulin Rouge! The Musical aims to give back to the community and share the Bohemian Values espoused in the story by supporting emerging artists and creatives through arts education and work force training and development.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical honours the artist in all of us by celebrating creative expression across multiple disciplines. We support the freedom for everyone to pursue their dreams to create a meaningful life for themselves and others.

LISTINGS FOR MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL

For further information and tickets, please visit www.moulinrougemusical.com

Piccadilly Theatre
16 Denman Street,
London, W1D 7DY

★★★★★

“Big, blinding, breathtaking. Frozen’s triumphant musical debut”

The Guardian

NEW CAST JOIN DISNEY’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

FROZEN

★★★★

“Frozen is an awesome spectacle with more heart, depth and darkness than the film.”

Time Out

Disney Theatrical Productions today announces that Laura Dawkes and Jammy Kasongo join the company as Anna and Kristoff. With music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, book by Jennifer Lee, and directed by Michael Grandage, the production opened at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in August 2021 and will shortly be celebrating its second birthday in the West End, with the much-loved film on which it is based turning 10 later this year. The production has been playing to capacity houses, and received 7 WhatsOnStage Awards – the most of any production – and 4 Olivier Award nominations, including Best New Musical.

Laura Dawkes makes her professional stage debutas Anna and Jammy Kasongo as Kristoff will, from 27 September, play alongside Samantha Barks (Elsa), Craig Gallivan (Olaf), Oliver Ormson (Hans), Richard Frame (Duke of Weselton); and alternating the role of Sven, Mikayla Jade and Ashley Birchall. Continuing as part of the ensemble are Rhianne Alleyne, Marianne Bardgett, Rebecca Botterill, Laura Emmitt, Jemal Felix, Jordan Fox, Molly Francis, Matt Gillett, Dominic Adam Griffin, Jordan Livesey, Isabella Glanznig Santos, Ben Irish (Pabbie), Justin-Lee Jones, Aoife Kenny, Harriet Samuels, Jacqui Sanchez (Queen Iduna), Jak Skelly (Oaken/Bishop, Caitlin Tipping, Anna Woodside, and Rodney Vubya; who will be joined by Oliver Brenin, Ashley J Daniels (King Agnarr), Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly (Bulda), George Hinson, Jonathan Milton, and Ed Wade.

★★★★★

“Frozen is one hot hit”

Daily Mail

Frozen was released in cinemas in 2013, winning multiple awards, including two Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Let It Go”), the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film and the BAFTA for Best Animated Film. It was written and directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, withmusic and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Frozen 2, which debuted in November 2019 is the highest-grossing animated film of all time. 

Samantha Barks plays Elsa. For theatre, her work includes Chess (Umeda Arts Theater Main Hall / Tokyo International Forum Hall), Pretty Woman (Chicago and Broadway), The Last Five Years (St James Theatre), Amelie (Berkley Rep), City of Angels (Donmar Warehouse), Chicago (Hollywood Bowl), Oliver! (UK tour), Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre), and Cabaret (Birmingham Rep). She was one of the participants on the BBC series I’d Do Anything. For film, her credits include Tomorrow Morning, Chocolate Cake, For Love or Money, Bitter Harvest, The Revenger, Interlude in Prague, The Devil’s Harvest, The Christmas Candle and as Eponine in Les Misérables (recipient of Empire Award for Best Female Newcomer; and nomination for Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture). She also reprised her performance as Eponine for Les Misérables in Concert: The 25^th Anniversary.

Laura Dawkes plays Anna – this marks her professional stage debut.

Craig Gallivan plays Olaf. For theatre his work includes School of Rock (New London Theatre), Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace Theatre), Crime and Punishment (National Theatre), Days of Significance (RSC), The Long, The Short and The Tall (Sheffield Theatres), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Oliver! (UK tours). For television, his work includes Stella (as series regular Luke), Torchwood, Footballer’s Wives (as series regular Callum Watson) and Care; and for film, The Edge of Love.

Oliver Ormson plays Hans. For theatre, his work includes Back to the Future The Musical (Opera House Manchester), High Fidelity (Turbine Theatre), Cats (Kilworth House), Nerds, Protagonists (The Other Palace), The Addams Family (UK and international tours), The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre), Sopranos vs Tenors (European tour), and Hairspray (Aberystwyth Arts Centre). Television includes West Side Story (Reef Television/BBC Symphony Orchestra).

Jammy Kasongo plays Kristoff. For theatre, his credits include Brief Encounter (New Wolsey Theatre), Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre), Hair (Waterloo Vaults), Grand Hotel (Southwark Playhouse), and Superior Donuts (Capitol Stage Sacramento CA). For television, his work includes The Diplomat; and for film, Cassette.

Richard Frame plays Weselton. For theatre, his work includes The Lion King (as Timon from 2013 to 2018, Lyceum Theatre), Blue Remembered Hills (Theatre on the Fly), Pocket Comedy (UK tour), Richard III, The Comedy of Errors (The Watermill Theatre), London Assurance (National Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice (Propeller), Absolute Beginners (Lyric Hammersmith), Promises, Promises (Sheffield Theatres), Love’s Labour’s Lost and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). For television, his work includes The Beast Must Die, Outnumbered, The Hollow Crown – Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, Family Affairs (as series regular Damian), Wire in the Blood, Hearts and Bones, and Hope and Glory; and for film London Road.

Mikayla Jade makes her professional stage and West End debut playing Sven. Originally from Australia, she is an actress and stuntwoman. For film, her work includes Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, The Old Guard and Wonder Woman 1984.

Ashley Birchall plays Sven. For theatre, his work includes Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oklahoma! (Kilworth House), Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre), Pet Shop Boys: Inner Sanctum (Royal Opera House), Tommy (Greenwich Theatre), Starlight Express (Germany), We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre). For film, his work includes Mary Poppins Returns.

Twitter @FrozenLondon

Facebook /FrozenLondon

Instagram @FrozenLondon

frozenthemusical.co.uk

LISTINGS

FROZEN

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF

Tickets from £29.50

Group rates and education rates are available – please see the website

PERFORMANCES:

Wednesday and Thursday             2pm

Thursday and Friday                       7pm

Saturday                                            2.30pm & 7pm

Sunday                                               1pm & 5.30pm

From 14 August:

Wednesday – Friday                       7pm

Thursday                                            2pm

Saturday                                            2.30pm & 7pm

Sunday                                               1pm & 5.30pm

ACCESS & RELAXED PERFORMANCES:

Audio Described Performance                    30 July at 5.30pm

Captioned Performance                                20 August at 5.30pm      

Signed Performance                                      Date to be announced shortly    

Relaxed Performance                                    3 September at 1pm

 The Kings Theatre Portsmouth – until 1st July 2023

Reviewed by Emma Barnes 

5*****

This production has its roots in The 1960 Little Shop of Horrors cult classic American B movie directed by Roger Corman.  The stage version is wacky and hilarious albeit a bit creepy and macabre.  Skid Row natives Seymour (Charlie Frame) and Audrey (Georgia Deloise) lead hapless lives as assistants in a flower shop. Dorky Seymour discovers a succulent which thrives on human blood.  The only way for him to impress his secret work crush Audrey is to nurture his bloodthirsty creation.  The result is the rollercoaster of clever juxtaposition between gruesome murder and genuine heartfelt romance.

The small cast delivered unwaveringly top quality vocals throughout, but the moment that truly showcased the talents of Charlie Frame and Georgia Deloise was the soaring duet Suddenly Seymour. A moment eliciting real goosebumps when the two unlikely heroes finally find love. 

Tom Wood is captivating as sadistic dentist Orin Scrivello who loves to deliver pain. 

It is however the strange and unusual plant, Audrey II that’s the real scene stealer. Stuart Warner provided killer vocals, and it was given real character by puppeteers Taylor Walter-Field and Euan Millar. The relationship between the voice and the puppet was seamless, with excellent comedy timing that really brought the alien plant to life. 

The final scenes are delightfully cringeful as the show comes to a dramatic conclusion when Audry finally finds her green place inside the vicious vegetation.    We were not sure whether to be happy or sad about the irony of this,  but it was thoroughly entertaining. 

This is local theatre at its best, another amateur production from The Kings delivering first class entertainment.

This mean green mother from outer space is bringing camp spoof, horror and fantastical comic book creepiness to the Kings Theatre until Saturday 1st July. Catch it before it catches you!

Grand Theatre, Blackpool – until 1st July 2023

Reviewed by Debra Skelton

5*****

“Reyt Good” says it all about Quality Street.

The original Quality Street is a comedy about two sisters, Phoebe and Susan Throssel who, during the Napoleonic War, end up starting a school for the children of the upper class in their home on Quality Street. This was to both help the children but also for the sisters who found themselves, through bad investments and lack of betrothal for Phoebe, at risk of losing their home. When her so called ‘suiter’ Captain Brown returns from the war, Phoebe realises she is tired of being an old spinster and so adopts an alluring alter ego ‘Miss Livvy’ – a flirtatious, energetic version of herself and one with whom Captain Brown falls for. Almost like Cinderella, Captain Brown, and indeed the rest of society, fail to recognise that Miss Livvy and Phoebe are one and the same and thus the contrast between her personae results in some brilliant slapstick comedy and class-based humour.

The history of Quality Street is as rich as the chocolates; it was written by J M Barrie in 1901 before he wrote Peter Pan. Due to the success of the play (especially in London where it ran for 459 performances) two films were produced, one in 1927 as a silent movie and then again in 1937 starring Katherine Hepburn. Such was the popularity that in the depression era of the 1930’s, Mackintosh chocolate factory in Halifax took the opportunity to use the sentimentality of all things regency and launched (my favourite) their perennial Christmas chocolates Quality Streets. The tin had bows and ribbons and featured on the lid images of Miss Sweetly and Major Quality, characters from the play.

Fast forward to 2020 and in preparation for revising Quality Street, Northern Broadside and New Vic Theatre decided to invite past workers from the Halifax Chocolate factory to watch rehearsals and get their view on their interpretation of the play. During rehearsals, the workers would tell stories of their time with the factory which prompted the idea to incorporate some of them into this new version.

The opening scene therefore begins with workers from the factory telling their stories and referring to the play that is taking place. This is kept up in various scenes which brings a nice touch to the inspiration of the chocolates themselves.

The cast themselves portray their characters superbly with a mixture of a scouse Prince Charming, Benny Hill and Bridgerton ladies.

Special thanks also needs to go to Laurie Sansom the director, Joe Price for original Lighting, Nick Sagar as Sound Designer/Composer, Ben Wright for Choreography and Lis Evans for the wonderfully exquisite costumes.

In short Quality Street is both delightful escapist entertainment and a critical behind-the-scenes look at Regency England. Well worth a watch.

Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 1 July 2023

Reviewed by Louise Ford

3***

Whoop-De-Dooper Bounce…

I’m sure everyone has a childhood memory of Winnie the Pooh, whether it’s the Disney film or the original books, written by A A Milne. This new musical production created by Jonathan Rockefeller uses music by the Sherman Brothers with some additional songs by AA Milne. It is a Rockefeller production with ROYO and in association with Disney Theatrical Productions. The show is touring the UK during 2023.

The production uses puppets to bring the story and characters to life. Everyone skips, hops or bounces onto the stage . The puppets are attached to the actors who merge seamlessly with their characters. The actors worked very hard and manage to convey the distinctive characteristics of each of the well loved characters. From the puzzled  Winnie the Pooh wondering where his friend Christopher Robbin is or where his next pot of honey is coming from, the  nervous Piglet, the melancholic Eeyore, the exuberant Tigger, the bossy Owl, the excitable Roo and caring Kanga to the irritable Rabbit they all make an appearance.

The set is deep in the hundred acre wood and starts with Christopher Robbin searching for Pooh. The air is full of birds, butterflies and most importantly, bees.

The storyline is a little confusing, it loosely follows the seasons. It includes snippets from the books and the Disney films; Pooh sticks, pots of honey, bouncing and Eeyore looking for his home, it just doesn’t hang together very well. Having said that I’m not sure any of the excited audience minded at all. They just loved the excitement of Tigger teaching Pigglet to bounce and of course singing along to The Wonderful Thing about Tiggers. It’s a gentle introduction to the world of theatre for all young children. So get ready for an early years adventure to the theatre.

JULIAN CLARY TO PLAY HEROD IN

THE AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTION

OF THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR UK TOUR

It is today announced that Julian Clary will play the role of Herod for the launch of the UK tour of the Olivier Award-winning reimagined production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Julian joins the previously announced lead cast, Ian McIntosh (Jesus), Shem Omari James (Judas) and Hannah Richardson (Mary), playing Herod from 11 – 30 September and from 10 – 28 October, in Manchester, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Liverpool. Further casting to be announced.

Julian Clary said: ‘I am so thrilled to be a part of this amazing production and look forward to presenting my crazed, queer, imperious King Herod. I’m thinking Putin meets Cleopatra with a hint of Biggins.’

Produced by David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions who present the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR embarks on a 2023/24 UK tour opening at Manchester’s Palace Theatre from 11 September 2023. It will then visit Newcastle, Hull, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Plymouth, Wolverhampton, Bradford, Nottingham, Ipswich, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leicester, Stoke, Bristol, Crawley, Southampton, Norwich, Eastbourne, Birmingham, Oxford, Wimbledon, Woking, Sunderland, Canterbury, Sheffield, Llandudno, Torquay, Dartford, Cheltenham, Blackpool, Bromley, Inverness and Truro*. Further tour dates are to be announced.

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where it originated and is helmed by director Timothy Sheader and choreographer Drew McOnie. Completing the creative team is design by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Nick Lidster and music supervision by Tom Deering.

A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’S iconic 1970s rock score was originally released as a concept album and opened on Broadway in 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre.

The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. Jesus Christ Superstar has been reproduced regularly around the world in the years since its first appearance, with performances including a Broadway revival in 2012, an ITV competition TV show called Superstar that led to casting Ben Forster as Jesus in an arena tour of the show, and a production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre celebrating 45 years since the musical’s Broadway debut.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTARis set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

This production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version during the summer of 2020. The UK Tour runs in tandem with the hugely successful North America tour of the production which has to date played over 700 performances in over 90 venues since the tour opened in October 2019.

The 2023-2024 UK Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is produced by David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions. The original production was produced by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

For additional information about this production, please visit www.jesuschristsuperstar.com

Facebook & Instagram: @JesusChristSuperstar | Twitter: @JCSTheMusical

*Julian Clary plays the role of Herod in Manchester, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Liverpool. Casting for other venues is to be announced.

Footloose the Musical brings a stellar cast to the stage

Award-winning north east theatre company, DarlingtonOS, is thrilled to announce the highly-anticipated casting of the beloved musical Footloose. This electrifying stage adaptation of the 1984 hit film will feature a stellar ensemble of talented performers who will bring the energetic and iconic story to life.

Set in the small town of Bomont, Footloose the Musical follows the rebellious teenager Ren McCormack as he challenges the town’s strict ban on dancing. This high-energy production promises to captivate audiences with its unforgettable music and heart-warming message of self-expression and the power of youth.

Leading the cast as Ren McCormack, the charismatic young protagonist, is Ben Connor. Known for his remarkable talent and captivating stage presence, Ben is the perfect fit to embody the rebellious spirit and infectious energy that Ren embodies.

Playing the role of Ariel Moore, the pastor’s daughter who becomes Ren’s love interest and partner in rebellion, is the immensely talented Rachel Geddes. With her remarkable vocal range and acting prowess, Rachel is set to deliver a powerful and emotionally charged performance, capturing Ariel’s fiery spirit and determination.

Joining the cast is the versatile Julian Cound who will portray the role of Reverend Shaw Moore, Ariel’s strict father and the enforcer of the dancing ban. Julian’s commanding stage presence and ability to convey complex emotions will add depth and complexity to this pivotal character.

Playing the spirited Rusty, Ariel’s best friend, is the talented Abbie Hand. Known for her exceptional singing voice, Abbie will bring a light-hearted and endearing quality to the character, making her an audience favourite.

Supporting this exceptional ensemble are a group of talented performers who will bring the vibrant townspeople of Bomont to life. The ensemble will showcase their diverse skills and dynamic chemistry in a range of memorable roles. The full cast list is as follows: Ben Connor, Rachel Geddes, Julian Cound, Sam Morrison, Joe Connor, Abbie Hand, Andrew Hamilton, Eddie Taylor-Jones, Nathan Walker, Lucy Adams, Lucy Ivison, Nathan Thompson, Grace Mansfield, Luke Oldfield, Scott Edwards, Zoe Kent, Neil Harland, Sarah Harland, Barry I’Anson, Ellen Dunbavin, Matthew Pegden, Jess Williams, Fran Hague, Carly Harris, Zoe Bellamy, Phil Bargewell, Ellis Crosby, Selena Blain, Jenny Davis, Joe Hodgson, Kyle Macdonald, Bethany Hill, Sam Morton, Sally Ivison, Adele McNally, Bertha Moyo, Darrien Wright, Madison Parkinson, Becky Porter, Annika Tang

Under the expert direction of Joanne Hand, the creative team is working tirelessly to create a visually stunning and emotionally charged production. With musical direction by Steven Hood, Footloose the Musical promises to be an exhilarating theatrical experience that will have audiences coming back for more.

DarlingtonOS Chairman Julian Cound said: “We are incredibly excited about the phenomenal cast we have assembled for Footloose. Each member brings a unique talent and passion to their roles, and we can’t wait to share their exceptional performances with our audiences.”

Footloose will open at Darlington Hippodrome on Wednesday 25 October and run to Saturday 4 November. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at darlingtonos.org.uk or by calling the Ticket Hotline 01325 244659.

Theatre Royal, Brighton – until 1^st July 2023

Reviewed by Sue Bradley

4****

Written by Harry Hill and Steve Brown, this is a journey through the almost operatic arc of Tony Blair’s story, from peace-loving frontman of a college rock band, through becoming the Labour Party’s (or should that be ‘New Labour’s’?) most successful Prime Minister, to ending up a national outcast.

Sounds like it might be a bit grim? Well, it isn’t. Harry Hill’s telling of the story is shot through with his trademark adult version of schoolboy humour, with lots of one-liners and light-hearted banter. And Steve Brown’s songs are witty, clever and tuneful. It is slightly unusual to find a skilled composer who is also such a talented lyricist.

 Jack Whittle is a wide-eyed, handsome, and somehow perpetually shiny, presence as Tony Blair. Howard Samuels engages the audience regularly, playing a number of characters, most notably as a comically Machiavellian Peter Mandelson. With the exception of Tony, the entire cast take multiple roles and, interestingly, several of the key male characters are played by women, to great comic effect. Rosie Strobel’s Osama Bin Laden is particularly memorable.

We have become used to musicals having complex and colourful sets and  lavish costumes. This show is the complete opposite – the set is almost completely black, with only a couple of flashes of red. Almost all of the characters are in black suits, with one of the flashes being Tony’s red socks. I am almost surprised that the guitarist with the onstage band wasn’t instructed to play black guitars! The three piece band were effective and never over-loud – this is quite an achievement as the drummer sits centre-stage and is not screened off in any way. Impressive.

On reflection, I wonder if this monochrome approach to set and costume design is a coded message to suggest that things in politics are rarely as black-and-white as they seem?This is very much a show of two halves; the first is a whistle-stop tour through the years where Tony became the Labour Party’s darling and perhaps tries to cram in too much. The second half is a more measured affair as the problems in the Middle East and Tony’s approach to dealing with them lead to his eventual downfall. It also contains some of the strongest songs; the titles ‘Kill The Infidel‘, ‘Special Relationship‘ and ‘Whole Wide World‘ might give you a clue as to what’s in store.

Perhaps we have become so used to slick productions that the slightly madcap antics, deliberately ridiculous wigs, accents  and occasional ludicrous costumes give the show the feel of a highly rehearsed school production; the players all give top-notch performances, the choreography works beautifully, the sound design is excellent. It is just that somehow occasionally the show didn’t gel completely.

Nevertheless, this is an excellent night’s entertainment. The audience was brought to its feet well before the curtain call and we all found ourselves singing along happily in the last song. And there is a neat twist right at the very end.

This is a very good show that can only get better. Do yourself a favour; go and be reminded of what went on during the Blair years and have a good laugh at the absurdities of modern politics.

Greenwich Theatre – until 15th July 2023

Reviewed by Ben Jolly

3***

Philip Ridley’s classic play takes another outing, this time to Greenwich Theatre, just in time for this year’s Pride celebrations.

Vincent River is not a light, easy watch; this intense two-hander is told in real time and is set in a closed environment with no interval, add a heart breaking subject matter and you’ve set yourself up for a pretty painful night of events. The beauty of this play however, is that it doesn’t allow the subject matter to swallow it, instead the masterful Philip Ridley uses elements of humour, human emotion and a strong narrative to ride the wave.

We open half way through a stark and awkward conversation between two strangers, we soon learn that Anita has recently left her Hackney home and upped sticks to Dagenham where she sees the familiar face of the man who has been following her the past few weeks. Inviting him into her home, she plans to interrogate him (unbeknown to the stalker) on his intentions and find out where this recent fascination with her has come from. Through a slow but meaty conversation between the two characters we learn of the common interest and notice that both players are hiding their true motives. This compelling use of storytelling keeps us on the edge of our seats for the 90-minute run as Ridley drip feeds us just enough to want more and more as time goes by.

The cast of two are played by Kerrie Taylor as Anita and Brandon Kimaryo as Davey. Both are showing acts of bravery as they bare their raw emotion on stage, they have impeccable chemistry and ease which mirrors the characters as they in turn grow closer. Kimaryo is a masterful physical actor and will be one to watch when he is out of drama school (he is currently studying at Guildford School of Acting). Taylor, who thus far is mostly known for her work in television, plays the role of Anita with great emotional range and flawless character work. Some work on her physicality could be given attention, at times there were long moments of statuesque standing with hands on hips, half turned toward the audience – this stood out as someone just needing that dash of theatre craft. What let the production down somewhat was the lack of direction and use of environment; from the shoulders up the show was tight, but some more work within the physical space and making use of it instead of hiding behind would have elevated this production to the next level.

Whether on purpose or accidental, I’m not sure, but a common theme in the London theatre scene recently seems to be reviving plays that are well over a decade or two old (this play was originally staged back in 2000), but the themes and lessons are still, if not more relevant to today’s world – this production of Vincent River was no exception. You’d best be warned this play, the cast and the haunting imagery Ridley conjures up linger in the mind for some time.