Home

Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale present
SHREK THE MUSICAL

• FULL CASTING HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED TODAY FOR SHREK THE MUSICAL’S UK AND IRELAND TOUR.
• CHERECE RICHARDS WILL PLAY THE ROLE OF DRAGON, JOINING ANTONY LAWRENCE (SHREK), JOANNE CLIFTON (FIONA), JAMES GILLAN (LORD FARQUAAD) AND BRANDON LEE SEARS (DONKEY) IN THE BRAND-NEW TOURING PRODUCTION OF SHREK THE MUSICAL.
• DIRECTED BY NICK WINSTON (WHO ALSO CHOREOGRAPHS) AND SAM HOLMES, THE SHREK-TACULAR PRODUCTION WILL PAINT THE TOWN GREEN THIS SUMMER, OPENING IN PLYMOUTH ON 21 JULY 2023 AND TOURING THROUGH TO APRIL 2024.

The full cast line up for Shrek The Musical has today been announced. Rising star Cherece Richards (Once on This Island, Regent’s Park Theatre) will make her debut in a principal role as the Dragon, joining the Shrek-tacular principal cast line up which includes Antony Lawrence (Shrek), Joanne Clifton (Princess Fiona), James Gillan (Lord Farquaad) and Brandon Lee Sears (Donkey) in this brand-new production. Opening at Plymouth Theatre Royal on 21 July 2023, the smash hit musical will tour through to April 2024 to a total of 31 venues. 

The ensemble cast of Shrek the Musical including Leo Abad, Scotty Armstrong, Imogen Bailey, Jabari Braham, Georgie Buckland, Natasha Cayabyab, Mark Darcy, Jonathan David Dudley, Remi Ferdinand, Sonny Grieveson, Edward Leigh, Bethany Kate, Jessica Lim, Andile Mabhena, Bronte MacMillan, India Thornton. Talia Duff, Gabby Gregorian, Roy Shafford and Jamie Jonathan complete the full cast line-up.

As previously announced, Antony Lawrence will play Shrek. His previous credits include Scar in The Lion King, (International Tour) Mary Poppins (National Tour), Matilda the Musical (Cambridge Theatre/RSC) and We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour).

Joanne Clifton, best known for her time as a professional dancer on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, will play Fiona.  She joined the iconic TV show after winning the World Professional Showdance Champion and the European Professional Ballroom Championship. During her time on the show, she won the Christmas Special with McFly’s Harry Judd and went on to win the glitterball trophy as the 2016 champion with her partner Ore Oduba.  On stage Joanne Clifton was most recently seen in Windfall (Southwark Playhouse) and The Addams Family (UK Tour).  

Olivier Award-nominee James Gillan (Lord Farquaad) most recently created the role of Tray in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue) – a role he stayed with through the show’s entire West End run. He has also performed in productions of Wicked, Starlight Express and Taboo!

Brandon Lee Sears (Donkey) most recently played the role of Jimmy Early in Dreamgirls (UK tour).  His previous theatre credits include the original West End productions of Be More Chill (Shaftesbury Theatre), Come From Away (Phoenix theatre); Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket); Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre); and On The Town (Regents Park Open Air Theatre).

From the producers of Hairspray and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Shrek the Musical brings together a new creative team to re-imagine this award-winning Broadway and West End hit show for a new audience, featuring all the classic characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks animated film and the iconic songs and story from David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s original musical.

Shrek the Musical opens at Plymouth Theatre Royal on 21 July 2023 and then tours to Manchester, Dublin, Bristol, Southend, Carlisle, Aberdeen, Oxford, Wimbledon, Dartford, Northampton, Bradford, Woking, Eastbourne, Cardiff, York, Blackpool and in 2024: Glasgow Kings, Edinburgh Playhouse, Coventry Belgrade, Sunderland Empire, Liverpool Empire, Southampton Mayflower, Milton Keynes Theatres, Hull New, Cheltenham Everyman, Theatre Royal Nottingham, Norwich Theatre Royal, Grand Opera House Belfast, The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham and The Millenium Forum, Derry. For full listings, please see the notes to editors below.

The team joining forces to re-create the bright and beautiful world of Shrek the Musical includes acclaimed director and choreographer Nick Winston (Bonnie and Clyde, Arts Theatre; Beauty and the Beast, UK tour), co-director Sam Holmes (Club Tropicana the Musical), who returns to the swamp having played Lord Farquaad in the previous UK tour. He is joined by set and costume designer Philip Witcomb (Bonnie & Clyde,Garrick Theatre; Jack & The Beanstalk, Everyman Theatre Cheltenham). Further creative team includes Ben Cracknel (lighting), Jim Arnold (casting) and Ben Harrison (sound), Nina Dunn (projection design) and Jimmy Grimes (puppet design).

Leave your troubles Far Far Away and come join the adventure as Shrek and Donkey endeavour to complete their quest of defeating the dragon and saving Princess Fiona. Featuring fabulous songs including ‘I’m A Believer’, ‘Big Bright Beautiful World’ and ’I Know It’s Today’. Shrek the Musical has cemented itself as the “musical extravaganza for big kids and little kids alike”.

The Pallant Centre, Havant – until Sunday 21st May 2023

Reviewed by Sally Lumley

5*****

It isn’t often that the tables are turned and a reviewer has the opportunity to critique a colleague but as Fairy Powered Productions own Lorna Hancock and Emma Barnes took to the stage in Honk! we couldn´t resist the opportunity to find out what all the flapping and late nights have been about.

Curtain Up! Productions has collaborated with South Downe Stage School to present this fabulous, feel-good show, a musical adaptation of the 1843 Hans Christian Andersen story ´The Ugly Duckling´. First hatched in 1993, this Stiles and Drewe musical has winged its way around the world in over 8,000 productions. It has won multiple awards, including the Olivier Award for Best Musical in 2000 (beating the Lion King and Mamma Mia).

The plot is similar to the original story in that the hatchling finds himself outcast from the other farm animals for being ugly, and different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little chick finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery all the while outwitting the very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not such a bad thing to be.

The enthusiastic cast gave it their all, with Hayley Wilson as mother duck Ida showcasing some wonderful vocals, and rising star Maisy Wallace giving a superb performance as the irrepressible Ugly.

This multi-layered story has never been more relevant, with strong themes of diversity and inclusion. However, the message is delivered through memorable, toe tapping songs with plenty of laughs along the way. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the show, and with members of the Fairy Powered team in the flock, how could we not give this show the full five stars!

AWARD-WINNING WEST END SMASH-HIT

BONNIE & CLYDE

THE MUSICAL

ANNOUNCES MAJOR UK & IRELAND TOUR

OPENING AT LEICESTER CURVE IN FEBRUARY 2024

DLAP Group are thrilled to announce that fan-favourite and WINNER of Best New Musical (What’sOnStage Awards 2023), BONNIE & CLYDE THE MUSICAL will embark on it’s first ever UK & Ireland tour, opening at Leicester Curve on Thursday 22^nd February 2024. This follows two hell-raising hit seasons in London’s West End. Tour schedule and on-sale details below with further dates and cast to be announced soon.

Tickets on sale now at www.bonnieandclydemusical.com.

Bonnie & Clyde is the story of two small-town kids from the middle of nowhere who became the biggest folk heroes in all America. They craved adventure—and each other. Fearless, shameless, and alluring, this is the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation.

Featuring music by Tony® nominee Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlett Pimpernell), lyrics by Tony® and Oscar® winner Don Black (Sunset Boulevard, Aspects of Love), a book by Emmy® Award nominee Ivan Menchell (Blended [movie], The Cemetery Club, Death Note The Musical). ‘It would be a crime to miss it’ (Daily Star on Sunday).

BONNIE & CLYDE THE MUSICAL is directed by Nick Winston (Director of the feature film Tomorrow Morning, MAME, The Royal Variety Performance) with Set and Costume Design by Philip Witcomb (Atlantis, Stones In His Pockets, MAME),Musical Supervision from Katy Richardson (SIX, Rent, Jersey Boys), Original Arrangements and Orchestrations by John McDaniel (Patti Lupone: Live, Annie Get Your Gun), Additional Arrangements & Orchestrations by Jen Green (Fantastically Great Women, Vanara), Lighting Design by Zoe Spurr (Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World, Hamlet at Theatre Royal Windsor), Sound Design by Tom Marshall (The Drifter’s Girl, Nativity The Musical, Curtains), Video Design by Nina Dunn (The Shark Is Broken, Lazuli Sky), Wig Design by Darren Ware (Bonnie&Clyde)and Casting Director Jim Arnold CDG (Wicked, The Prince of Egypt).

DLAP Group is an Olivier-Award winning production company with West End and UK Touring works including “Bonnie and Clyde in Concert”, “Rock of Ages,” “Company,” “Fame,” “Curtains,” and “The Wedding Singer.”

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Bonnie & Clyde The Musical UK & Ireland Tour

Thursday 22^nd February-Saturday 24^th February 2024

Leicester Curve – Pre-Sale 23rd – 25th May, General Sale 30th May

Tuesday 27^th February-Saturday 2^nd March 2024

Dartford, Orchard Theatre – Pre-Sale 26^th May, General Sale 28^th May

Tuesday 5^th March-Saturday 9^th March 2024

Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre – Pre-Sale 24^th May, General Sale 26^th May

Tuesday 12^th March-Saturday 16th March 2024

Norwich, Theatre Royal – Pre-Sale 22^nd-24^th May, General Sale 26^th May

Tuesday 19^th March-Saturday 23^rd March 2024

Manchester Opera House – Pre-Sale 22^nd May, General Sale 24^th May

Tuesday 26^th March-Saturday 30^th March 2024

Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre – Pre-Sale 5^th-8^th June, General Sale 9^th June

Tuesday 2^nd April-Saturday 6^th April 2024

Southampton Mayflower – Pre-Sale 22^nd-24^th May, General Sale 26^th May

Tuesday 9^th April-Saturday 13^th April 2024

Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre -Pre-Sale 23^rd-24^th May, General Sale 26^th May

Tuesday 16^th-Saturday 20^th April 2024

Glasgow, King’s Theatre – Pre-Sale 22^nd May, General Sale 24^th May

Tuesday 23^rd April-Saturday 27^th April 2024

Woking, New Victoria Theatre – Pre-Sale 22^nd May, General Sale 24^th May

Tuesday 14^th May-Saturday 18^th May 2024

Nottingham, Theatre Royal – Pre-Sale 22^nd-23^rd May, General Sale 24^th May

Tuesday 21^st May-Saturday 25^th May 2024

Southend, Cliffs Pavilion – Pre-Sale 26^th May, General Sale 28^th May

Tuesday 28^th May-Saturday 1^st June 2024

Belfast, Grand Theatre – On Sale Soon

Tuesday 3^rd June-Saturday 8^th June 2024

Bath, Theatre Royal – On Sale Soon

Tuesday 18^th June-Saturday 22^nd June 2024

Milton Keynes Theatre – Pre-Sale 22^nd May, General Sale 24^th May

Tuesday 25^th June-Saturday 29^th June 2024

Blackpool Opera House – Pre-Sale 22^nd May, General Sale 24^th May

Tuesday 2^nd July-Saturday 6^th July 2024

Edinburgh Festival Theatre – Pre-Sale 24^th May, General Sale 31^st May

Tuesday 9^th July-Saturday 13^th July 2024

Cheltenham, Everyman – On Sale Soon

Tuesday 16^th July-Saturday 20^th July 2024

Dublin, Bord Gais – On Sale Soon

Tuesday 23^rd July-Saturday 27^th July 2024

Eastbourne, Congress Theatre – Pre-Sale 22^nd May, General Sale 24^th May

Further dates to be announced.

Facebook: @bonnieclydeLDN

Instagram: @bonnieclydeLDN

Twitter: @bonnie_clydeLDN

Direct from London’s West End!

Olivier-nominated Best New Play
‘CRUISE’

written and performed by Jack Holden
directed by Bronagh Lagan

will get its regional premiere at HOME, Manchester

20 July – 12 August, 2023

Set in 1980’S Soho, ‘CRUISE’ was the first new play to premiere in the West End when theatres re-opened after the Covid pandemic in May 2021.

Now writer and performer Jack Holden (‘Ten Per Cent’, Amazon Prime Video; ‘War Horse’, National Theatre), and his co-star John Patrick Elliott (The Litle Unsaid), who mixes and performs live an original electronic soundtrack during the show, will bring their stunning West End production to HOME, Manchester from 20 July – 12 August, 2023.

Winning critical acclaim and a coveted Olivier Award nomination for Best New Play, a feature film of ‘CRUISE’ is also currently in development.

Inspired by a true story Jack was told while volunteering for Switchboard, the LGBTQ+ listening and advice phone line, ‘CRUISE’ brings vividly to life 1980’s Soho in a kaleidoscopic musical celebration of queer culture with an uplifting soundtrack.

Jack Holden and John Patrick Elliott said today: “We’re so excited to bring ‘CRUISE’ to HOME Manchester for a limited run this Summer! In 2021, we reopened the West End with a bang, returning for another sell-out run in Summer 2022. Audiences were in desperate need of a release – a reason to come together, to laugh, to cry and to have a little dance – and ‘CRUISE’ gave them just that. HOME is the perfect next stop for our loud, proud, hilarious and heartbreaking show. We can’t wait to get back on stage, make one hell of a noise, and take Manchester back to the 1980s!”

February 29, 1988. Soho, London. ‘CRUISE’ is the true story of what should have been Michael Spencer’s last night on Earth. When Michael is diagnosed with HIV in 1984, he’s told he’ll have four years to live – at most. So, with the clock ticking, he and his partner, Dave, decide to sell their house, flog the car, spend everything they have and party like it’s the last days of Rome. When Dave dies two years later, Michael doubles down on his hedonistic ways, spending what little he has left and drowning himself in drink and drugs.

On the last night of his four-year countdown – the 29 February, 1988 – Michael decides to go out with a bang. He puts on his favourite jacket, heads for Soho, and embarks on a long night of farewells. He says his goodbyes to friends, enemies and strangers; old haunts, dive bars, cafes, clubs and pubs; his brothers, sisters, allies and exes. He dances, sings, and says yes to everything and everyone. Then, with all his affairs taken care of, Michael promptly… survives. Michael got lucky, and he goes on to live to a ripe old age. Michael has been given the gift of life; but what kind of life can he now live?

Creative team:
Bronagh Lagan (Director), Nik Corrall (Set & Costume Designer), Stufish Entertainment Architects (Set & Projection Designer), Prema Mehta (Lighting Designer), Max Pappenheim (Co-Sound Designer), Sarah Golding (Movement Director), Chris Matanlé for Aria Entertainment (General Manager and Assistant Producer), Playing Field (Co-Producer), HOME (Producer), Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment (Producer).

Initial development supported by Help Musicians Fusion Fund and Shoreditch Town Hall.

‘CRUISE’ was originally produced in the West End by Aria Entertainment and Lambert Jackson.

Jack Holden – Writer & Performer
Jack trained as an actor at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He then went straight on to play the lead role of Albert Narracott in the National Theatre’s internationally award-winning production of ‘War Horse’. Since then, Jack has worked at theatres across the country including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Nottingham Playhouse, Leicester Curve, Theatre Royal Bath, Bristol Old Vic, The Yard, the Almeida, the Hampstead Theatre and in the West End. Notable roles include Beverly Goodway in James Graham’s ‘Ink’, Captain Greville in Alan Bennett’s ‘The Madness of George III’, and Lysander in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at the RSC.

On screen, Jack was most recently seen as perky assistant Kevin in Amazon Prime Video’s ‘Ten Percent’, written by John Morton, and alongside Sean Bean and Nicola Walker in Stefan Golazsewski’s ‘Marriage’ for BBC One. Jack has also appeared in British independent films ‘The Levelling’ and ‘Journey’s End’, and in various shows for BBC, ITV and Channel 4. Jack took part in the RoyalCourt Young Writers Programme in 2013.

‘CRUISE’ marked Jack’s debut as a writer. The show opened to rave reviews – ‘A tour de force, the toast of the town’ – ***** The Telegraph – at the Duchess Theatre in London’s West End in May 2021. It was nominated for the Oliver Award for Best New Play 2022. A feature film of ‘Cruise’ is currently in development. The play text is published by Methuen Drama. ‘Cruise’ returned to the Apollo Theatre in August 2022 to further critical acclaim.

For screen, Jack is under commission to Fremantle, Emanata Studios, Endor, Genial Productions, Independent Entertainment and Michael Grandage Company, and is also co-lead writer on a new drama series in development at Channel 4. He is currently developing several new stage shows, including ‘Rave’, a musical play, and ‘Kenrex’, a true crime thriller. Jack has produced award-winning short films and theatre through his company, Watersmeet Productions. ‘Blood Out of a Stone’ (2018), premiered at BFI Flare and won the Best Director award at New Renaissance London; ‘The Rev’ (2021) was funded by Film London and premiered at London Film Festival 2021; ‘Under The Blue’ is currently in post-production.

John Patrick Elliott, Composer, Sound Designer & Performer
John is an award-winning composer, music producer and songwriter from West Yorkshire. He studied theatre at Manchester University before becoming a full-time touring musician and spending the past decade on the road in the UK and Europe, playing major festivals and releasing records with his alt-folk-electronic band The Little Unsaid.

John won the Stage Debut Award for Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer for his original score for ‘CRUISE’, which he performed live on stage for both West End runs in 2021 and 2022. In 2017 he was awarded the Steve Reid InNOVAtion Award for boundary-pushing music creators by a panel of music industry professionals including Gilles Peterson, Four Tet and Floating Points. Recently John has been composing more for the stage and screen and is currently working on several upcoming theatre projects.

Bronagh Lagan – Director
Originally from Northern Ireland, Bronagh has directed around the world, working on classical texts, musicals and new writing. She is passionate about directing new writing, particularly from under-represented communities.

Bronagh’s Olivier nominated production of ‘CRUISE’ by Jack Holden was the first new play to open the West End after the pandemic. CRUISE’  returned to the West End last year for a sold out run at the Apollo Theatre. She also directed a film version of the show in Shoreditch Town Hall’s Ditch which won an ONCOMM award for Best Recorded Show

Bronagh’s production of ‘Rags’, the musical by Charles Strouse and Stephen Schwartz at the Park Theatre received nine Off-West End Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Production. Bronagh worked closely with Stephen Schwartz in reimagining the script for an actor-musician production and curated a cast album of her production of ‘Rags’ which is available on iTunes and Spotify.

Bronagh directed the world premiere of ‘Broken Wings’, the musical first performed at Theatre Royal Haymarket and then at Dubai Opera House and now is on a Middle Eastern Tour. Last year, she directed new Persian musical ‘RUMI’ at the ENO starring Ramin Karimloo; the UK regional touring production of ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’ starring Christina Bianco; and the European premiere of ‘Little Women – The Musical’, which is available on Broadway HD. Bronagh recently directed the world premier of ‘A-Typical Rainbow’ which was nominated for a Visionary Arts Award and ‘Animal’ by Jon Bradfield which recently ended a sell-out run at the Park Theatre and has received 5 Off West End nominations. www.bronaghlagan.com @bronaghlagan

Aria Entertainment – Producer
Aria Entertainment was founded in 2012 by award winning Producer Katy Lipson. In 10 years, she has produced over 80 productions in the West End, Off-West End and across the UK. Her most recent credits include the World Premiere of ‘Brokeback Mountain’ at @sohoplace, ‘Cruise’, which received an Olivier nomination for Best New Play and is now being developed as a film after two sell-out runs at the Duchess Theatre and Apollo Theatre, and the critically acclaimed transfer of ‘The Last Five Years’ to the West End. She is also a producer of several major UK tours including ‘The Osmonds’, ‘The Cher Show’, ‘Hair’,’ The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’ and ‘The Addams Family’. Several of these productions have since been produced internationally, including ‘The Addams Family’ (Singapore), ‘Hair’ (Germany) and upcoming runs of ‘The Last Five Years’, ‘Zorro’ and ‘Broken Wings’ around the world.

For several years, Katy was the Producing Artistic Director of the renowned Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester, creating and producing productions, many of which transferred to London. During her tenure she worked with Stephen Schwartz on creating a re-imagined version of ‘Rags’ and presented the first production of Jerry Herman’s ‘Mame’ in the UK for over 50 years.

In 2017, Lipson was awarded the Best Producer award by the Off-West End Awards and in 2019 was nominated for International Producer of the Year by the League of Professional Theatre Women in New York. She is a recipient of the Stage One Bursary and Start Up Award and works as a mentor on their Bursary and Bridge the Gap programmes. In 2018 she was included in “The Stage 100” list and in 2019 and 2020 for her work at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester and again in 2021 for her work as a solo producer. Lipson is at the forefront of new musical development in the UK, having set up the From Page to Stage festival to support new musicals at all difference stages of development. In 6 years, From Page to Stage has given a platform to over 100 new musicals; many of which have gone on to have full productions and be licensed worldwide. It is a keen passion of hers to cultivate new musicals that can have a long-lasting legacy in the West End, on Broadway and all around the world. Twitter: @ariaents

HOME – Producer
HOME is Manchester’s centre for international contemporary culture. Since opening in May 2015, HOME has welcomed over four million visitors to its two theatres, five cinemas, art gallery, book shop and restaurants. HOME works with international and UK artists to produce extraordinary theatrical experiences, producing an exciting mix of thought-provoking drama, dance, and festivals, with a strong focus on international work, new commissions and artist development. HOME’s ambition is to push the boundaries of form and technology, to experiment, have fun, take risks and share great new art with the widest possible audience. The patrons of HOME are Danny Boyle, actress Suranne Jones, playwright and poet Jackie Kay CBE, artists Rosa Barba and Phil Collins, filmmaker Asif Kapadia, and actress and author Meera Syal CBE. www.homemcr.org | @HOME_mcr | Facebook HOMEmcr

LISTINGS INFO

ARIA ENTERTAINMENT and HOME
present

CRUISE

Written By and Starring Jack Holden

Music And Sound Design
by John Patrick Elliott

Director Bronagh Lagan

20 July -12 August, 2023

HOME
2 Tony Wilson Place
Manchester
M15 4FN

Box 0ffice:
0161 200 1500

Homepage

Age guidance: 16+
parental discretion advised / adult themes

Ticket Prices:
£12.50-£35

Social Media:

Twitter:
CruiseThePlay
HOME_mcr

Facebook:
CruiseThePlay
HOMEmcr

Instagram:
CruiseThePlay
homemcr/

DAVOOD GHADAMI TO STAR AS ‘ABANAZER’ IN FAIRFIELD HALLS ANNUAL PANTOMIME

ALONGSIDE MILKSHAKE FAVOURITE, AND CROYDON LOCAL, KIERA NICOLE AS ‘JASMINE’

PANTO FAVOURITE CHARLIE GUEST AS ‘WISHEE WASHEE’

ALADDIN

16 DECEMBER 2023 – 7 JANUARY 2024
TICKETS AVAILABLE TO BOOK HERE

Will Aladdin save the day? Will Princess Jasmine get her way? Will the Genie be freed? There’s only one way to find out… come see Aladdin, Croydon’s No.1 Pantomime!

UK Productions and BH Live today announce casting for this year’s enchanting pantomime Aladdin, which will play at Fairfield Halls, Ashcroft Theatre from 16 Dec 2023 – 07 Jan 2024.

Join hero Aladdin, his mother Widow Twankey and his brother Wishee Washee as they embark on a magical adventure and try to defeat the evil Abanazar and his plan to become master of the world with help from the Genie of The Lamp and the Spirit Of The Ring.

An enchanting tale of magic, mayhem and misunderstandings live on the famous Ashcroft Theatre stage. Aladdin is a laugh-a-minute extravaganza with stunning sets, musical hits, fabulous costumes and amazing special effects to keep audiences both young and old entertained!

The cast will be led by EastEnders star Davood Ghadami. Since departing Eastenders in 2021 for which he won best newcomer at the TV Choice awards, Davood has most recently been seen in the BBC’s Holby City as ‘Eli Ebahimi’ and in his guest star role in the BBC’s Beyond Paradise.  Previous TV work includes Doctors, Casualty, Life’s Too Short, Law & Order, Skins Redux, Doctor Who, Top Boy, Fast Freddie, Silent Witness, Criminal Justice. Spooks and of course narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot with his professional partner Nadiya Bychova in the 2017 season of Strictly Come Dancing. On stage, he could be seen in 13 at The National Theatre, as well as working for York Theatre Royal and Pilot Theatre. This is Davood’s second pantomime, having been nominated for Best Villain at The Pantomime Awards 2023.

Davood said, “This Christmas the story of Aladdin is going to be told in a way that gives all the festive feels to audience members. There will be magic, laughter, plenty of songs you know and love, and apparently an awesome baddie(!) We can’t wait to give families the ultimate escape this Christmas. It’s time to start practising your booing, and of course to get booking – your magic carpet awaits!”

Milkshake! favourite Kiera-Nicole will star alongside Davood as ‘Princess Jasmine’.  At just 18 years old, Kiera-Nicole became the youngest presenter on Channel 5, regularly hosting its popular children’s strand Milkshake! Kiera is a graduate of the world-famous BRIT school in Croydon, London where Kiera grew up.  Alongside her regular appearances on Milkshake TV, Kiera is currently presenting a live tour that is working its way around a full journey of the UK.

Kiera said, “I am looking forward to playing Princess Jasmine and bringing panto magic to the stage with UK Productions. Not only that but I am super excited to be performing in my hometown, Croydon at Fairfield Halls.”

Panto favourite Charlie Guest will star alongside Davood and Kiera as ‘Wishee Washee’. Charlie’s many stage credits include Beauty and the Beast (Gravesend), Aladdin (Churchill Theatre, Bromley) Jack and The Beanstalk (Sunderland Empire), Aladdin (Anvil, Basingstoke) Snow White ( King Georges Hall, Blackburn) Jack and the Beanstalk ( King Georges Hall, Blackburn). Other notable stage roles include Children of Eden (West End), Club Class (UK Tour), Jubilee (Tabard Theatre, London), Charlie is also a Presenter for an Online children’s TV channel – Cheeky Chimps TV.

Charlie said, “I am so excited to be spending Christmas at Fairfield Halls! Croydon holds a special place in my heart…mainly for meatballs and Billy bookcases but now PANTO! I can’t wait to get started!”

Producer Martin Dodd added “Panto genie-us is on its way, and we are delighted to be returning to the Fairfield Halls following the triumph that was Peter Pan last year. Expect family fun by the lamp-load, stunning costumes, sensational song and dance numbers, and an adventure full of memories to treasure. join us for a magic carpet ride to remember!”

Not to be missed, tickets and group bookings are available from bhlivetickets.co.uk with special early bird rates and super schools offers also available.

fairfield.co.uk

Facebook – @fairfieldcroydon

Twitter – @fairfieldhalls

Instagram – @croydonfairfield

Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford-Upon-Avon – until 27th May 2023

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

4****

An empty stage, bar a huge, full moon. Cymbeline is King of Britain, married to a Queen. They each have a child from previous relationships, The King, a daughter, the wilful and feisty Imogen, The Queen, a son, the boorish, entitled Cloten. Cymbeline adopted an orphan boy, Posthumus Leonatus and brought him up as his own. Imogen and Posthumus Leonatus, become lovers, the King objects as Posthumus Leonatus has no royal lineage and is therefore proclaimed an unworthy match for Imogen. The Queen believes her son, Cloten, should marry Imogen and he would thus secure the crown. She is also ensuring this by commissioning the doctor, Cornelius to supply poison to enable her in her dastardly deeds. Cornelius, suspicious, swaps the poison for a sleeping potion.

Cymbeline, had two sons, Imogen’s brothers, Guiderius and Arviragus, who were taken as babies, by the banished Lord Belarius, as an act of revenge against Cymbeline for the banishment. Cymbeline, a fan of banishing, banishes Posthumus Leonatus to Italy, where he encounters Iachimo, a Roman lord, who, tired of hearing Posthumus Leonatus brag about his lady and her virtues, wagers that he could seduce her with ease. Affronted, Posthumus Leonatus accepts, confident that Imogen would stay true and thus off trots Iachimo to try his best with Imogen, vowing to bring back indisputable evidence of his conquest. His wit and charm not influencing Imogen’s chastity, Iachimo enters Imogen’s bedchamber via a chest and records details about the room and, non-consensually, her body, as well as stealing the bracelet Posthumus Leonatus gave her. Upon receiving these, Posthumus Leonatus orders Pisanio, his loyal servant to kill Imogen. Knowing Imogen to be innocent, Pisanio helps Imogen to disguise herself as a man and flee.

I could continue, there is a lot of story to Cymbeline so it’s difficult to explain it in a nutshell. A headless corpse, a roman battle, and even the god Jupiter descending from the heavens. Cymbeline is one of Shakespeare’s last plays and is akin to a greatest hits album. It’s more plot than play, there is not enough time for all these storylines to be fully realised so you end up with a confusing mash-up of several of Shakespeare’s other plays. Cymbeline’s relationship with his daughter Imogen suggests Lear and Cordelia in King Lear, while Iachimo gives glimmers of Iago in Othello, the sleeping potion taken mistakenly is reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet and Imogen’s cross-dressing recalls Shakespeare’s comedies.

Therefore, Gregory Doran’s production is triumphant in its general coherence. Clearly sectioned into 3 acts it allows the 3 and a half hour play to be told simply and traditionally. A fitting swan song for Doran, its uncluttered with no elaborate sets, sounds, or staging. There are key dramatic moments, a rain-washed battlefield, Gods descending from the heavens, puppets and dream sequences. The paring back of the main set make the staging of these moments really pack a punch. The lighting is effective especially when paired with the full moon.

However, there are elements which missed the mark for me. The performances are excellent throughout, some are outstanding others left me puzzled. Without deviating from the text, these characters could have been given more depth. Alexandra Gilbreath’s Queen was superb but then quickly descended into a pantomime villain, losing an element of true threat. Conor Glean’s Cloten is played with the petulance of a three-year-old. It’s relentless, we never get a sense of the aggressive threat he levies at Imogen. When he describes the act of sexual assault/rape on Imogen, the audience was laughing as there was no sign of his tyranny in this production. Jamie Wilkes puts in a tremendous performance as Iachimo, but so likeable and charming is he, that the audience was laughing when he, without consent, explores Imogen’s body. Strange choices to not pause or find some artistic tell to let the audience know of their sinister machinations. The most troubling though was Amber James’ performance as Imogen, Cymbeline’s daughter. Word perfect, crying on point, but there was no change in energy. Tightly wound, aggressive and always ready for a fight, there was no softness or femininity, no ebb and flow. Therefore, when she disguises herself as a man there is no remarkable change, and this has an impact on the story. For all these characters, beyond the mess of the plot, there is no light and dark to their performances, so it made them difficult to believe.

This aside, this production of Cymbeline is a riotous romp. The last scene may feel interminable, but maybe this was Shakespeare’s intention. At a time when plays were being threatened by other forms of entertainment, up and coming playwrights were hot on his heels, Shakespeare was trying to give you more bang for your buck. It is unquestionably all entirely worth it by the end.

NEW ADVENTURES AND SADLER’S WELLS

ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE CASTING FOR

TOURING TO 13 UK VENUES FROM

3 JULY – 4 NOVEMBER 2023

INCLUDING A FIVE-WEEK SUMMER SEASON

AT SADLER’S WELLS

FROM 1 AUGUST TO 2 SEPTEMBER 2023

AHEAD OF A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL TOUR

New Adventures and Sadler’s Wells are delighted to announce casting for Matthew Bourne’s “ROMEO AND JULIET” which will tour to 13 UK venues including a five-week Summer Season at Sadler’s Wells, ahead of a major international tour next year.

The UK tour will open at Curve, Leicester on Monday 3 July, visiting The Lowry, Salford; Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe and Hull New Theatre, before opening at Sadler’s Wells on 1 August for a five-week Summer Season.

The UK tour continues to Milton Keynes Theatre; The Alhambra, Bradford; Festival Theatre, Edinburgh; King’s Theatre, Glasgow; Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield; Churchill Theatre, Bromley; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen finishing on 4 November 2023.

International tour dates for 2024 will be announced shortly.

‘Juliet’ will be played by Cordelia Braithwaite. Cordelia created the role in 2019 and was nominated for a National Dance Award for this performance. Monique Jonas, last seen as ‘Sugar’ in the 2021/22 tour of Nutcracker! will be making her debut as Juliet.

Paris Fitzpatrick and Andrew Monaghan both return as ‘Romeo’ having created the role in 2019. Paris and Andrew have just finished critically acclaimed roles in our “Sleeping Beauty” tour. Paris was recognised at the 2020 South Bank Show Awards as “Breakthrough Artist of The Year in Dance” for this performance.

Original cast member, Danny Reubens, returns to his created role as the menacing ‘Tybalt’. New Adventures veteran Richard Winsor, who will be making his debut as ‘Tybalt’ returns to the company having last performed as ‘Luca’ in “The Car Man” at the Royal Albert Hall in 2022.

Completing the company are Tanisha Addicott, Matthew Amos, Carla Contini, Tasha Chu, Adam Davies, Gabrielle de Souza, Jackson Fisch, Anya Ferdinand, Cameron Flynn, Euan Garrett, Kurumi Kamayachi, Hannah Kremer, Rory Macleod, Blue Makwana, Leonardo McCorkindale, Eleanor McGrath, Enrique Ngbokota, Bryony Pennington and Harry Ondrak Wright.

New Adventures senior artists, Daisy May Kemp and Alan Vincent will also feature in the production as well as serving as Resident Directors for the tour.

Matthew Bourne said today:

“When our “Romeo and Juliet” was created in 2019, it was primarily as a ‘talent development’ project, offering life-changing opportunities for young dancers and creative artists throughout the UK. As the piece now enters the New Adventures repertoire, I’m excited to say that several of the young performers who were given their first performance experience in this production are now returning to the show as seasoned professionals. I’m also delighted to see many of the phenomenal original cast return, along with some beloved New Adventures legends making their debuts in the production. Our “Romeo and Juliet” was inspired by a desire to listen to and represent young people starting out in their careers as artists, so I’m also thrilled to welcome several very talented recent graduates, making their professional debuts with us, to continue that tradition.”

Matthew Bourne’s “ROMEO AND JULIET” gives Shakespeare’s timeless story of forbidden love a scintillating injection of raw passion and youthful vitality. Confined against their will by a society that seeks to divide, our two young lovers must follow their hearts as they risk everything to be together. A masterful re-telling of an ageless tale of teenage discovery and the madness of first love, “ROMEO AND JULIET” garnered universal critical acclaim when it premiered in 2019, and now joins the New Adventures repertoire alongside the very best of Bourne’s world renowned dance theatre productions.

The 2023 production of “ROMEO AND JULIET” is the first Co-Production between New Adventures and Sadler’s Wells. A relationship that dates back 30 years; New Adventures has been performing at Sadler’s Wells since 1993. In 2005 Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Sadler’s Wells, Alistair Spalding, appointed Matthew Bourne as one of the organisation’s first Associate Artists and in 2006 New Adventures became a Resident Company.

Directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, collaborating with the New Adventures Artistic team; Etta Murfitt (Associate Artistic Director), Lez Brotherston (Set and Costume design), Paule Constable (Lighting Design), Paul Groothuis (Sound Design) and Arielle Smith (Associate Choreographer) with Terry Davies’ thrillingly fresh orchestrations of Prokofiev’s dynamic score.

LISTINGS 2023

MONDAY 3 JULY – SATURDAY 8 JULY

CURVE, LEICESTER www.curveonline.co.uk/

TUESDAY 11 JULY – SATURDAY 15 JULY

THE LOWRY, SALFORD www.thelowry.com

TUESDAY 18 JULY – SATURDAY 22 JULY

WYCOMBE SWAN, HIGH WYCOMBE www.wycombeswan.co.uk

TUESDAY 25 JULY – SATURDAY 29 JULY

HULL NEW THEATRE, HULL www.hulltheatres.co.uk

TUESDAY 1 AUGUST – SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER (Press Night Friday 4 August)

SADLER’S WELLS, LONDON www.sadlerswells.com

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE www.atgtickets.com/

TUESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER – SATURSDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

THE ALHAMBRA, BRADFORD www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/

TUESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

FESTIVAL THEATRE, EDINBURGH www.capitaltheatres.com

TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER

KING’S THEATRE, GLASGOW www.atgtickets.com/

TUESDAY 3 OCTOBER – SATURSDAY 7 OCTOBER

LYCEUM THEATRE, SHEFFIELD www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/

TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER

CHURCHILL THEATRE, BROMLEY www.churchilltheatre.co.uk/

TUESDAY 17 – SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER

WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND THEATRE www.grandtheatre.co.uk/

TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE, ABERDEEN www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

THE McONIE COMPANY ANNOUNCES CO-PRODUCTION WITH THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE STAGE ADAPTATION OF THE BELOVED ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING FILM

THE ARTIST                                                     

Based on the original film by Michel Hazanavicius

Co-adapted for the stage by Lindsey Ferrentino and Drew McOnie

Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie

Producers today announce that the world premiere stage production of Michel Hazanavicius’ multi–Academy Award-winning film The Artist will begin its journey with a strictly limited run at Theatre Royal Plymouth from Saturday 11 May 2024 with public booking from Friday 9 June 2023. Casting to be announced.

The multi award-winning creative team for The Artist includes set and costume designs by Tony and Olivier Award winner Christopher Oram (Wolf Hall Parts I & II, Red, Frozen), music by Tony Award winner Simon Hale (Girl From The North Country, Get Up Stand Up!), lighting by Zoe Spurr (Good, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World), sound by Tony and Olivier Award winner Simon Baker (Matilda The Musical, A Christmas Carol), video by Ash J Woodward (The 47^th, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), puppetry by Maia Kirkman-Richards (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) and casting by Will Burton CDG. The Associate Director/Choreographer is Ebony Molina and the Musical Director is Chris Poon. 

The Artist is a McOnie Company production produced by Theatre Royal Plymouth, The McOnie Company, Playful Productions, Bill Damaschke, Stephen and Nancy Gabriel and Underbelly.

In 1920s Hollywood the business of making dreams come true is in full swing. 

Silent movie icon George Valentin has long been the darling of the silver screen when he falls for aspiring actress Peppy Miller.   

But while her star is about to rise, his might soon flicker out: amidst all the glamour, laughter and romance, the silent movie industry is on the brink of a revolution. 

With the Talkies on their way, George must either find his voice in a brave new world or lose everything he holds dear to a bygone era.  

The Artist has mesmerised film audiences across the world for over a decade, winning five Academy Awards, seven BAFTAs and three Golden Globe Awards. Now the beguiling love story is reinvented for the stage in a dazzling celebration of silent cinema that blends cutting-edge theatre-making with iconic music of the period. 

Drew McOnie, Artistic Director of The McOnie Company, said:

“Creating the world premiere stage adaptation of The Artist marks not only the start of a new era in my life as a theatre maker but also an arrival moment for The McOnie Company. I have held its development close to my heart for many years having been mesmerised by the original film. 

To be joined by such an extraordinary creative team is thrilling and I am so grateful to the team at Theatre Royal Plymouth for supporting our vision of this story and giving us a creative home to launch this special project. Having the support of Michel Hazanavicius, the mastermind behind the original film, is incredibly important to all of us and it’s an honour to bring this beloved story to the stage.

The Artist shows us that even within this noisy world we can find our voice if we listen with our hearts.”

BIGOGRAPHIES

Drew McOnie, Co-adapter, director and choreographer

Drew is the Artistic Director of The McOnie Company and a proud Associate Artist at The Old Vic, London and Birmingham Rep Theatre. Drew won the Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreography for In the Heights and he was nominated for the same award the following year for the ground-breaking production of Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

Theatre credits as director/choreographer include: On the Town (Olivier Award Nomination for Best Musical Revival– Regent’s Park), The Wild Party (The Other Palace),  King Kong (The Broadway Theatre, Broadway), Strictly Ballroom (Piccadilly Theatre, West End / Toronto / West Yorkshire Playhouse), Torch Song (The Turbine Theatre London) CAKE (UK Tour).

Select credits as a choreographer include: Carousel (Regents Park), Jesus Christ Superstar (Olivier Award Nomination for Best Theatre Choreography – Regents Park, Barbican Theatre and American National Tour), In the Heights (Olivier Award Winner for Best Theatre Choreography, Winner of the Off West End Theatre Award for Best Choreography – Southwark Playhouse and Kings Cross Theatre), The Lorax (The Old Vic), Hairspray (BroadwayWorld Award Winner for Best Choreographer – UK Tour), Bugsy Malone (Lyric Hammersmith and National Tour), Oklahoma! (National Tour), Chicago (Curve Theatre, Leicester), Tommy (European Tour).

For the McOnie Company: Jekyll and Hyde (BroadwayWorld Award Winner for Outstanding Achievement in Dance – Old Vic Theatre), DRUNK! (Curve Theatre Leicester/ The Bridewell Theatre London) which led to him being nominated for the ‘Emerging Artist Award’ at the National Dance Awards, Making Midnight (Jermyn Street Theatre/ Latitude Festival), Slaughter (Audience Choice Award Winner – The Place Prize) and Be Mine! (Robin Howard Theatre).

Ballets include: Merlin (Northern Ballet National Tour), Monochrome Suite (Sadlers Wells), The Old Man Of Lochnagar (Sadlers Wells and Hackney Empire), Little Red Riding Hood (Wimbledon Theatre), To You (Sadlers Wells). 

Film credits include: Greatest Days Movie produced by Danny Perkins and Kate Solomon, Me Before You (Directed by Thea Sharrock).

Lindsey Ferrentino, Co-adapter

Lindsey Ferrentino is a prolific playwright and screenwriter who writes with, according to The New York Times, “a muscular empathy which seeks to enter the minds of people for whom life is often a struggle of heroic proportions”. Whether writing about a female burn survivor or the penning the first off-Broadway play with a leading role for a person with Down Syndrome, Lindsey has been called “a brave playwright of dauntless conviction whose unflinching portraits are hard to come by outside of journalism.” 

Her produced plays include Ugly Lies the Bone (Roundabout Theatre Company, The National Theatre, UK, NYT Critics Pick), the “barrier breaking” Amy and the Orphans (Roundabout Theatre Company), This Flat Earth(Playwrights Horizons), and The Year to Come).   Ferrentino is writing the book to a number of musicals including Queen of Versailles, with Stephen Schwartz, starring Kristin Chenoweth. 

Ferrentino is the recipient of the Kesselring Prize, Laurents/ Hatcher Citation of Excellence, ASCAP Cole Porter Playwriting Prize, Paul Newman Drama Award, Catalyst Award for Entertainment Industry Excellence, NYU Distinguished Young Alumna Award, 40 Under 40 at Hunter College, and is the only two-time finalist for the Kendeda Playwriting Prize. 

Lindsey has various film/TV projects. Lindsey is writing and directing the feature version of her stage play Amy and the Orphans, produced by Jason Bateman’s company Aggregate. As a screenwriter, Lindsey has also penned the following features in pre-production: Ugly Lies the Bone, A Very Large Expanse of the Sea (Levantine Films) and Not Fade Awayto name a few. 

She is currently under commission from Roundabout, The Geffen, Manhattan Theatre Club, and South Coast Rep. She holds a B.F.A. from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and has two M.F.A.’s in playwriting from Hunter College and The Yale School of Drama.

Christopher Oram, Set and costume designs

Christopher Oram is a Tony and Olivier award-winning scenic and costume designer. He created the sets and costumes for the original stage adaptation of Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies, for which he won both the Olivier and Tony awards for best costume design.

Recent work includes: Frozen (Broadway / West End), Madama Butterfly (HGO) and Don Giovanni (Met). His many collaborations with Michael Grandage Company include Red, Hughie, Photograph 51, Peter and Alice and The Cripple of Inishmaan. He has also won the Drama Desk, Evening Standard, Critic’s Circle, Garland, Falstaff and Ovation awards. Theatre credits include: Frozen (Broadway); Photograph 51, Henry V, Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Cripple of Inishman (also NYC), Peter and Alice, Privates on Parade, Red, The Lieutenant of Inishmore (MGC/West End); Hughie (MGC NYC); Macbeth (Manchester International Festival & Park Avenue Armory, NYC); Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Richard Rogers/NYC); Company (Sheffield Crucible); The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, A Streetcar Names Desire, Othello, Grand Hotel, World Music, Red, King Lear, Passion, Parade, Frost/Nixon (Donmar Warehouse); Hamlet, Madame de Sade, Twelfth Night, Ivanov (Donmar/Wyndham’s); Man and Superman, Summerfolk, Danton’s Death, Stuff Happens, Power, The Marriage Play/Finding the Sun (National Theatre); Backbeat (Glasgow Citizen’s); Evita (West End & NYC); Guys and Dolls (West End); King Lear / The Seagull (RSC, World Tour); Wolf Hall / Bring UP The Bodies (RSC, West End, NYC); World Tour); Damsel in Distress (Chichester); No’s Knife (Old Vic); The Winter’s Tale, Romeo & Juliet, The Entertainer (KBTC/Garrick). 

Opera credits include: The Wreckers (HGO); The Turn Of The Screw (Garsington); Billy Budd (Glyndebourne/BAM); The Marriage of Figaro (Glyndebourne/HGO); Madama Butterfly (HGO); Don Giovanni (Met).

Simon Hale, Music

Simon Hale is an orchestrator, arranger and musical supervisor. His theatre credits include: Newsies (Troubador Theatre); Girl From The North Country (Old Vic, West End, Broadway, UK & Ireland Tour – Tony Award for Best Orchestrations); Kiss My Aztec (Hartford Stage); Noir (Alley Theatre, Houston), Spring Awakening (Almeida Theatre, Broadway, West End, US Tour); Hex (National Theatre); Get Up Stand Up! (West End – Olivier Award for Best Original Score and Orchestrations); Bedknobs & Broomsticks (UK Tour); Looking A Lot Like Christmas (Donmar Warehouse); Romantics Anonymous (Shakespeare’s Globe, Bristol Old Vic, US Tour); Tootsie (Chicago, Broadway, US Tour); Strictly Ballroom (West Yorkshire Playhouse, Toronto, West End); Guys ‘n’ Dolls (Royal Exchange Theatre); Side Show (Southwark Playhouse); Finding Neverland (A.R.T. Boston, Broadway, US Tour); Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown (Broadway, West End), Company (Sheffield Theatres). His film credits include: Spectre ‘The Writing’s On The Wall’ by Sam Smith.

Simon’s solo album, East Fifteen, led to recordings with many artists, including George Benson, Simply Red, Jamiroquai, Björk, Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys and Sam Smith. In 1996 he orchestrated Duncan Sheik’s first album, and their musical collaboration has continued ever since.

Zoe Spurr, Lighting design 

Zoe is a theatre lighting designer whose work has been seen on the West End, throughout the UK and internationally. She won the 2019 Theatre and Technology Award Lighting Design for The Unreturning (Frantic Assembly UK Tour), Lightmongers’ ALD Award ‘New Talent in Entertainment Lighting’ and the OFFIE award for Lighting Design for her work on Tiny Dynamite (Old Red Lion Theatre).

Recent designs include: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (Southwark Playhouse); The Vortex (CFT); Bonnie And Clyde (West End); Beginning (Royal Exchange Manchester); How Not To Drown (Thickskin UK Tour); Good (Harold Pinter Theatre); The Importance Of Being Earnest (ETT), Migrations (The Welsh National Opera); Our Generation (National Theatre); She Described It To Death (Royal Opera House Linbury Studio); Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World (Kenny Wax Family Entertainment for MAST Mayflower, UK Tour); Hamlet (Bill Kenwright Ltd at Theatre Royal Windsor); The Unreturning (Frantic Assembly UK Tour); Meek (Headlong UK Tour); Emilia (West End). 

Simon Baker, Sound design 

Simon Baker has worked and experienced almost every corner of the theatre sound industry. He has served time in the sound departments of both the RSC and the National Theatre where he held the post of sound supervisor, and in 1999 he joined leading British sound design and rental company, Autograph, where he stayed for 11 years. He is Technical Director for Wise Children and an Associate Artist at The Old Vic. Simon is a Fellow of Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

His theatre credits include Groundhog Day (The Old Vic, Broadway); The Secret Life of Bees (Almeida Theatre); Hex (National Theatre); A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic, Broadway – Tony Award for Best Sound Design for a Play); Woman In Mind (Chichester Festival Theatre); Girl From The North Country (Old Vic, West End, Broadway, UK & Ireland Tour); Wuthering Heights (Wise Children, UK Tour); Bagdad Café (Wise Children, Old Vic); The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk (Bristol Old Vic); Faith Healer, Three Kings, Lungs, Present Laughter, Wise Children, The Caretaker, The Master Builder, Future Conditional, High Society (Old Vic); Standing At The Sky’s Edge (Sheffield Theatres); Brief Encounter (West End, UK Tour); Matilda The Musical (Royal Shakespeare Company, West End, Broadway – Olivier Award for Best Sound, Helpmann Award for Best Sound); Pinocchio (National Theatre) and The Ginning Man (Bristol Old Vic, West End).

Ash J Woodward, Video design

Ash J Woodward specialises in Video and Projection design for live performance. Ash has designed and animated content for large-scale shows in the West End, on Broadway and around the world. Ash’s work includes hand-drawn, 2D and 3D animation, cinematography, visual effects and design work for other live performance genres such as live music, exhibitions, and art installations. Ash is an associate artist at the Squint theatre company. Ash’s work in theatre as Video and Projection designer include Dear England, Hex (National Theatre); Patriots (Noël Coward); Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Worldwide); Local Hero (Chichester Festival Theatre); Famous Five the Musical (Theatre Clwyd); The 47th (Old Vic); The Glass Menagerie (Duke of York); Can I Live for Complicité; The Beauty Parade (Wales Millennium Centre); Bletchley Park Hut 11A (Bletchley Park); Armadillo (The Yard) and Molly (Squint Theatre). 

Maia Kirkman-Richards, Puppetry director and designer

Maia is a Designer and Maker and Director of puppetry and in 2018 was selected for the Old Vic 12 as their first Puppetry Consultant.   

Puppet Director credits include: There’s A Rang-Tan In My Bedroom (Little Angel & UK tour); My Cloud (National Theatre of Qatar); Our Teacher’s A Troll (Ruined Theatre); The Butterfly Lion (The Barn Theatre); A Dickensian Christmas (The Old Library); Look Up (National Tour); A Stone’s Throw (Edinburgh International Festival). 

Puppet Design credits include: There’s A Rang-Tan In My Bedroom (Little Angel); The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Southwark Playhouse); Our Teacher’s A Troll (Ruined Theatre); Wind In The Willows (The Turbine Theatre & UK tour);  My Cloud (National Theatre of Qatar); The Butterfly Lion (The Barn Theatre); The Further Adventures Of The Owl And The Pussycat (The Little Angel); The Slightly Annoying Elephant (The Little Angel); Great Apes (Arcola); Jack Frost (Moon On A Stick – Norwich Theatre Royal and National Tour); Baby Bear (Moon On A Stick – National Tour); Meet The Eastenders (Museum of London Docklands); Metamorphosis (Theatrical Niche – UK Tour); The Dream Factory (National Tour).  

Puppet Maker credits include:My Neighbour Totoro (Barbican); Animal Farm (UK Tour); The Magician’s Elephant (Royal Shakespeare Theatre); Gnomus (BBC Proms); Wizard Of Oz (Birmingham Rep); Peter Pan (Troubadour White City); Beauty and the Beast (Chichester Festival Theatre); Mr Poppers Penguins (International Tour); Wolves in the Walls (Little Angel and National Tour); Doctor Dolittle (UK Tour). Assistant & Associate Puppet Director credits include: 101 Dalmatians (Regents Park Open Air); The Everywhere Bear (Polka).

The McOnie Company

The McOnie Company is the hot-blooded theatre company with ‘Rock n’ Roll swagger’ (The Observer). The company is led by Producer Georgia Gatti and Olivier Award-winning director and choreographer Drew McOnie, whose work has been described as having ‘the explosive feel of barely contained ecstasy’ (Chicago Sun Times).

​

The company was launched to celebrate the power of visual storytelling and holds audiences at the centre of its creative mission. We are committed to creating exhilarating stories for today that push boundaries. Our wild-hearted company presents both known titles reimagined for the stage and screen, alongside brand-new work.

​

The McOnie Company holds a proud association with the Old Vic Theatre and Birmingham Rep.

The company’s productions include the award-winning dance-thriller reimagining of Jekyll and Hyde at the Old Vic Theatre, the song and dance revue Drunk at the Bridewell Theatre, Making Midnight at Jermyn Street Theatre, Slaughter at The Place and Be Mine at the Robin Howard Theatre.

www.mconiecompany.com

Twitter: @McOnieCompany

Instagram: @mconiecompany

TheArtistOnStage.com  

Booking Information:

The Artist

Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR

11 May  – 25 May 2024

General booking opens 9 June 2023

www.theatreroyal.com | Box Office: 01752 267222

MJ will premiere in London with its original lead actor MYLES FROST who won a Tony Award® for his star-making performance 

The acclaimed Broadway musical has a book

by two-time Pulitzer Prize® winning writer LYNN NOTTAGE

Directed and Choreographed by Royal Ballet Associate Artist CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON OBE

Tickets on sale this Wednesday, 24 May 2023 | mjthemusical.com

London, Monday 22 May 2023: Lia Vollack, John Branca and John McClain, producers of the acclaimed Broadway musical MJ, announce today that Myles Frost, who originated the role of Michael Jackson in New York and for which he won the Tony Award® for Best Actor in a Musical, will bring his star-making performance to London.

Frost joins the internationally renowned creative team helmed by two-time Pulitzer Prize® winning writer Lynn Nottage (Ruined, Sweat) and two-time Tony Award® winning director/choreographer and Royal Ballet Associate Artist Christopher Wheeldon (MJ, An American in Paris), as MJ prepares to begin performances in the U.K at the Prince Edward Theatre, London from Wednesday 6 March 2024 (Press Night: Wednesday 27 March 2024 at 7:00pm).

Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, 24 May 2023. For all information see www.mjthemusical.com

Myles Frost said: “Working with Chris has always been amazing. He is a visionary and knowing that we’re now going into his stomping ground, I’m ready for that ride! I’m super excited to bring this show to the West End and to make this a magical experience for everybody”.

Christopher Wheeldon said: “I am naturally thrilled to have Myles opening the London company with his knockout award-winning performance. Myles embodies the artistic spirit of MJ but allows his own glorious talent to shine through his portrayal. Working closely with Myles to achieve this is in part what has made this show such a success on Broadway.”

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to the West End stage direct from Broadway in the multiple Tony Award®-winning new musical MJ.  

Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star to offer a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson to legendary status. 

MJ delivers a theatrical experience like no other, electrifying audiences with dozens of the most iconic songs in music history, including Billie Jean, Beat It, Man in the Mirror, Thriller and Smooth Criminal. 

The creative team for MJ also includes Scenic Design by two-time Tony Award® and two-time Emmy Award® winner Derek McLane (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Lighting Design by six-time Tony Award® winner Natasha Katz (Once), Costume Design by Tony Award® and Emmy Award® winner Paul Tazewell (Hamilton), Sound Design by Tony Award® and Olivier Award winning Gareth Owen (Come From Away), Projection Design by two- time Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen), and Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles LaPointe (The Color Purple). Musical Supervision is by Tony Award® nominee David Holcenberg (Matilda), and the Orchestrations and Arrangements are by David Holcenberg and Tony Award® winner Jason Michael Webb (The Color Purple).

Further casting for the London production of MJ is to be confirmed.

Adam Blanshay Productions in partnership with NHS Charities Together
NHS 75th Anniversary Gala searching for
NHS Stars to celebrate

The search has been launched for NHS Stars to be celebrated at the 2023 NHS Gala, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the NHS this autumn, presented by Adam Blanshay Productions in partnership with NHS Charities Together. Members of the public can nominate themselves or any inspiring NHS workers, volunteers or patients they know to be an NHS Star through an online form or video submission

Adam Blanshay Productions and NHS Charities Together will select several NHS Stars from the nominees later in the year. The NHS Stars will be the inspiration for new songs written about them and their heroic work in the NHS for a new song cycle, Newfound Hope Songs, which has been commissioned specially and will be performed at an epic West End concert gala in the autumn.

Do you know a superstar doctor or nurse, courageous patient, outstanding ambulance worker, health support worker or psychologist? Maybe you’re an exceptional occupational therapist, know a brilliant pharmacist or have a friend who is an amazing paediatrician? Head to the easyto-use online form to submit a nomination and help us find our NHS Stars.

Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive at NHS Charities Together comments, We are so looking forward to this event, which will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible people of the NHS in its 75th anniversary year. The NHS is one of the biggest employers in Europe and everyone has a story to tell about their fantastic friend, neighbour or family member who goes above and beyond to help care for our nation’s health. These people all deserve recognition, and we’re excited to tell their stories in a way that’s never been done before.