Last night at Hull New Theatre I had the absolute pleasure of seeing the world premiere of Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock, Eternal Love the Musical, and what a treat it was! I’ve not seen any of the other shows that they have done and didn’t quite know what to expect but what I watched was brilliant. Steve is an excellent songwriter, these were all original songs from two of his albums, and as a fan of rock music I really enjoyed listening to them. The songs helped the story move along and they fitted the storyline really well.
The story starts in the graveyard were Bosley (John Evans) sees Baron Von Rockula (Steve Steinman) again after a long time, things have changed, especially for the Baron, the love of his life, Pandora, is no longer around so he seems very lost. Bosley deicides to change the castle into a diner along with help from vampires Medusa (Tanyth Roberts, Drusilla (Olivia Doherty-Marks), Ursula (Victoria Farley) and Elivria (Amy Jackson). When Xena Rock-Heart (Claire Zamore) turns about at the diner looking for work The Baron is shocked to see how much she looks like Pandora and decides to make her into his wife. What follows is a rollercoaster of problems for the poor Baron, from a wedding to vampire hunters!
All of the songs were excellent and I particularly enjoyed Northern Star and I will Survive Without You. The band (Jamie Hiscox, Harry Garbutt, Pete Jean, Dan Stevens and Joe Brierley) were outstanding, I would go and watch them gig any time. The set was really good, with the background changing and being at different levels with the band on stage it was very effective. I did like the “paintings” of the long-lost relatives on the walls Uncle Mick, Uncle Keith, Uncle Ozzy and Uncle Alice, that was clever!!
The show is very funny, Steve Steinman and John Evans worked together so well and their banter (scripted or not!) was hilarious, it has brilliant, original, music, fabulous singers, dancers and actors. I really enjoyed it, and judging by the standing ovation at the end so did the audience. Would I recommend it? Yes absolutely, a great night and definitely shows how a musical should be done!
(New York, NY) Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions are thrilled to announce the cast for the Broadway production of the Olivier Award-winning, “mega five-star hit” (Sunday Times) play STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW, which is now in rehearsals in New York. STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW will begin performances Friday, March 28, 2025 and officially open Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre (210 West 46th Street).
STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW will feature the previously announced Rosie Benton (Patriots) as Virginia Creel, Alex Breaux (“Stranger Things” Season 5) as Dr. Brenner, Andrew Hovelson (Lucky Guy)as Principal Newby, Alison Jaye (“Shameless”) as Joyce Maldonado, Emmy Award nominee T.R. Knight (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as Victor Creel, Louis McCartney reprising his universally acclaimed performance as Henry Creel (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, West End), Emmy Award nominee Gabrielle Nevaeh (Nickelodeon’s “That Girl Lay Lay”) as Patty Newby and Burke Swanson (Back to the Future: The Musical) as James Hopper, Jr.The cast of 34 also includes Janie Brookshire (The Philanthropist), Kelsey Anne Brown (Broadway Debut), Malcolm Callender (Broadway Debut), Ta’Rea Campbell (The Hills of California) as Patty’s Mom, Juan Carlos (Broadway Debut)as Bob Newby – replacing Nicholas Eldridge, – Antoinette Comer (Mamma Mia!), Robert T. Cunningham (Broadway Debut) as Charles Sinclair, Ayana Cymone (Broadway Debut) as Sue Anderson, Tom D’Agustino (Apple TV+’s “Dear Edward”), Victor de Paula Rocha (Broadway Debut), Ian Dolley (The Holdovers) as Walter Henderson, Dora Dolphin (Broadway Debut) as Karen Childress, Nya Garner (Broadway Debut), Logan Gould (Netflix’s “The Corps”) as Lonny Byers, Shea Grant (Broadway Debut) as Claudia Yount, Rebecca Hurd (Broadway Debut), Ted Koch (To Kill a Mockingbird)as Chief Hopper, Timothy Lawrence (Broadway Debut), Jamie Martin Mann (Broadway Debut) as Ted Wheeler, Patrick Scott McDermott (Flying Over Sunset), Stephen Wattrus (Take Me Out), Maya West (Broadway Debut) and Eric Wiegand (Plaza Suite) as Alan Munson and Graham Winton (The Ferryman).
Based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, and rooted in the mythology and world of the Netflix global phenomenon, STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW is a new play written by Kate Trefry, directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin.
THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON COMES TO LIFE ON STAGE IN AN AWARD-WINNING, JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLE.
STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW astonished the West End, winning the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment. Critics hailed it as “a game-changing experience” (Daily Telegraph) that makes the unimaginable real and “takes theatre to the next dimension” (The Observer). From Netflix and multi-award-winning Broadway producer Sonia Friedman Productions, and directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Stephen Daldry alongside Justin Martin, this pulse-racing new adventure will turn Broadway upside down.
Are monsters born… or made?
In 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, the Creel family seeks a fresh start, especially their teenage son Henry, who is eager to escape his troubled past. Initially, things go well — he finds friendship and joins the school play. But when a wave of shocking crimes strikes the town, Henry is forced to confront a terrifying truth: is there something inside him that connects him to the horrors unfolding around him?
As this thrilling mystery races forward, shadows of the past are unleashed, relationships are tested, and the town of Hawkins faces the ultimate question: can the power of friendship outshine the darkness within?
With an incredible cast of 34, this gripping stand-alone adventure will pull you deep into the world of STRANGER THINGS. Experience the heart-pounding excitement of STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW—where suspense and spectacle lurk at every turn.
Click here to watch and embed the official trailer for STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW.
STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW will feature set design by Miriam Buether, costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting design by Jon Clark, sound design by Paul Arditti, original music composition, orchestration, arrangements and supervision by D.J. Walde, illusions design & visual effects by Jamie Harrison & Chris Fisher, video design & visual effects by 59, choreography by Coral Messam, movement direction by Lynne Page, wigs, hair and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates, technical direction by Gary Beestone for Gary Beestone Associates, casting by Jim Carnahan, UK casting by Jessica Ronane CDG.
Hailed by the Daily Telegraph as “The West End Event of the Year” and the recipient of nineteen 5-star reviews and twelve 4-star reviews,STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW opened in its world premiere production at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End, where it is currently breaking box office records and is now on sale through September 7, 2025. The West End production recently won several awards including two Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment and Best Set Design, the Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Set Design and Most Promising Newcomer, and the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play. Click here to see more from the star-studded West End Opening Night.
STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW is produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions. The Duffer Brothers act as creative producers, with 21 Laps Entertainment as associate producer.
Octagon Theatre, Bolton – until Saturday 1st February 2025
Review by Rebecca Hampson
5*****
Based on the original novel of the same name this modern take on the classic, Animal Farm, stuns audiences at the Octagon Theatre Bolton.
Following the uprising of a group of farm animals upon their master and farmer who stage a revolution to create a brave new world, Animal Farm has been adapted for the stage by Ian Wooldridge in a spectacularly Brechtian way. No other staging of this novel would suit so perfectly.
From the very start I was wowed with the staging and lighting design by Ciarán Bagnall. The use of black light and footlights created an eerie atmosphere across the stage which emphasised the facial expressions of all actors seamlessly. The stage could be broken down and rebuilt to create everything the Animals needed throughout their journey to freedom, meaning each scene would flow into the other with brilliant cohesion and pace.
Characterisation was flawless, and emphasised beautifully with the use of props and costume. Su Newell’s genius meant that each animal was easily identifiable whilst allowing the actors to remain neutral when necessary. The head pieces used to distinguish between animals were simply wearable works of art.
As an avid lover of all things Brechtian I found myself completely and utterly enthralled in the magic of this piece despite the moments where the fourth wall was broken. Whilst each actor worked tirelessly and spectacularly I found myself most enamoured by the roles of Snowball, played by Soroosh Lavasani and Clover, played by Natalia Campbell. There was a moment in particular that stood out when it almost felt like Snowball had made direct eye contact with me and Lavasani’s piercing gaze was uncomfortable yet entrancing.
This adaptation was a pleasant surprise, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since leaving the theatre.
Running until 1st February, this is not one to miss.
Curve Theatre, Leicester – until 25th January 2025
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
5****
Curve’s brand-new production of Kinky Boots stitches new soul into the heartwarming tale which is based on true events. Through Harvey Fierstein’s book and Cyndi Lauper’s music and lyrics, we are drawn into the lives of two seemingly different people who serendipitously meet one fateful night. Charlie, having inherited the families struggling shoe factory in Northampton after his father’s death, fears he has no choice but to sell the factory and let down his loyal workers. Lola/Simon, is the most glamourous drag queen who, whilst confident and fabulous, still continuously faces prejudice and has to remind people that they have a right to be accepted as they are. Believing they are worlds apart, but discovering they have much in common, we are taken on their most beautiful journey of self-discovery and self-affirmant, both of which make for an unforgettable adventure and a spectacular show.
Johannes Radebe set the stage alight as Lola. The moment she appears, we know we are in the presence of a true showgirl. Commanding the stage not just with incredible dance moves but also sass, we are mesmerised. Yet, throughout the performance as a whole, there shone such beauty and vulnerability, with moments of light and dark through Lola/Simon’s story that meant this wasn’t a pastiche of drag but a homage to the art and struggle, a celebration of the power and strength. Dan Partridge as Charlie Price had a wonderful connection with Radebe, working through a range of emotions as he came to terms with his paternal struggles which paralleled those of Lola/Simon. Watching them both sing ‘Not My Father’s Son’ was incredibly moving and displayed how director Nikolai Foster and choreographer Leah Hill made genius choices on how to evoke emotions from the players and the audience with subtle grace. Courtney Bowman is an absolute delight as Lauren, the factory worker turned exec, who has a huge crush on Charlie. Belting out ‘The History of Wrong Guys’ with perfect comic timing shows that she is an incredible talent. The complete cast are amazing, from Lola’s drag angels to the factory workers, the dancing, singing and performing is utterly entertaining through and through.
Stunning set and costume design by Robert Jones accompanied by lighting designer Ben Cracknell meant that every scene shone. Drag costumes and wigs are opulent and glorious which balances perfectly with the muted tones of the factory attire. The set is made up mainly to reflect the industrial Northampton shoe factory, with a hanging carousel of shoes descending at certain intervals, and machines which would slide in and out. Then a quick switch to streets, a night club, a pub, a catwalk, all seamlessly done.
But behold the boots! Glorious, red, shiny and a pair to fit everyone, no matter what your age, shape, size, colour, gender…the list could go on. The boots accept people for who and what they are, so why can’t we. What a fantastic message for a spectacular show. Kinky Boots has a tremendous cast, sublime choreography, amazing costumes, funky music and an engaging, uplifting story. These boots put the sole into soul, so get yourself to see this show.
Disney Theatrical Group today announces full casting for Herculeswhich opens at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 24 June, with previews commencing on 6 June.
Joining the previously announced Luke Brady as Hercules are, as the Muses, Candace Furbert (Thalia), Sharlene Hector (Clio), Brianna Ogunbawo (Melpomene), Malinda Parris (Calliope), Robyn Rose-Li (Terpsichore), and Kamilla Fernandes (Standby Muse); Mae Ann Jorolan (Meg), Trevor Dion Nicholas (Phil), Stephen Carlile (Hades), and Craig Gallivan and Lee Zarrett (in the roles of Bob and Charles), with Rhianne Alleyne, Lana Antoniou, Daisy Barnett, Felipe Bejarano, Sarah Benbelaid, Joel Benjamin, Jack Butcher, Nicole Carlisle, Francessca Daniella-Baker, Jemal Felix, Marie Finlayson, Ryesha Higgs, Cruz-Troy Hunter, Travis Kerry, Stefan Lagoulis, Jason Leigh Winter, Jordan Livesey, Harriet Millier, Ellie Mitchell, Saffi Needham, Ingrid Olivia, Matt Overfield, Patrick Robinson, Ope Sowande and Rhys West.
With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by David Zippel, and a brand-new book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah, Casey Nicholaw’s production of Hercules, co-choreographed with Tanisha Scott, is inspired by the 1997 animated film of the same name from Walt Disney Studios. The feature film, directed by The Little Mermaid filmmakers John Musker and Ron Clements, and written by Clements, Musker, Donald McEnery, Bob Shaw and Irene Mecchi, won Best Animation Feature at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards and was nominated for the Academy Award® for Best Original Song for Go the Distance.
DISNEY’S
HERCULES
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by David Zippel
Book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah
Cast: Luke Brady (Hercules), Candace Furbert (Thalia), Sharlene Hector (Clio), Brianna Ogunbawo (Melpomene), Malinda Parris (Calliope), Robyn Rose-Li (Terpsichore), and Kamilla Fernandes (Standby Muse), Mae Ann Jorolan (Meg), Trevor Dion Nicholas (Phil), Stephen Carlile (Hades), and Craig Gallivan and Lee Zarrett (in the roles of Bob and Charles), with Rhianne Alleyne, Lana Antoniou, Daisy Barnett, Felipe Bejarano, Sarah Benbelaid, Joel Benjamin, Jack Butcher, Nicole Carlisle, Francessca Daniella-Baker, Jemal Felix, Marie Finlayson, Ryesha Higgs, Cruz-Troy Hunter, Travis Kerry, Stefan Lagoulis, Jason Leigh Winter, Jordan Livesey, Harriet Millier, Ellie Mitchell, Saffi Needham, Ingrid Olivia, Matt Overfield, Patrick Robinson, Ope Sowande and Rhys West
Director and Choreographer: Casey Nicholaw; Co-Choreographer: Tanisha Scott;
Scenic and Additional Video Design: Dane Laffrey; Costume Design: Gregg Barnes, Sky Switser;
Lighting Design: Jeff Croiter; Sound Design: Adam Fisher; Video Design: George Reeve;
Special Effects Design: Jeremy Chernick; Dance Music Arrangements: David Chase;
Hair and Wig Design: Mia M. Neal; Make-Up Design: Kirk Cambridge- Del Pesche
The musical, inspired by the animated film, based on the ancient myth.
It’s what classical civilisation would have wanted.
Ancient Greece. A time of gods, mortals… and Hercules, who isn’t quite either. But if he’s not a god, how can he possibly save the world from Hades? It’s one thing flexing those pecs, but going from zero to hero requires a different kind of strength.
Get ready for a wise-cracking, column-shaking, underworld-rocking ride of adventure, self-discovery, and love. In tunics.
Luke Brady plays Hercules. For theatre, his work includes As You Like It (RSC), SuperYou (Lyric Theatre), Assassins (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Prince of Egypt (Dominion Theatre), Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice, The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare’s Globe), St George and the Dragon (National Theatre), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Adelphi Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre), Vernon God Little (Young Vic), The Fantasticks (Duchess Theatre), and Tarantula in Petrol Blue (Aldeburgh Music). For television, his work includes Fresh Meat and Miracle Workers: Dark Ages; and Murder on the Orient Express.
Candace Furbert plays Thalia. For theatre, her credits include The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre), Shrek the Musical (UK tour), The Color Purple (Ruth Seaton James Theatre), Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre), Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Aldwych Theatre), and Once Upon a Time – The Lyrics of Robert Gould (Union Theatre).
Sharlene Hector plays Clio. For theatre her work includes A Strange Loop (Barbican Theatre), Dreamgirls, Here and Now (UK tours), Hairspray (London Coliseum), and Standing at the Sky’s Edge (National Theatre, Gillian Lynne Theatre). Her television credits include Derren Brown’sShowman and Alan Carr’s Epic Game Show: Name That Tune.
Brianna Ogunbawo plays Melpomene. Her theatre credits include The Lion King, Hairspray, Crush: The Musical, Dreamgirls (UK tours), Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre), The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre), Merrily We Roll Along (Harold Pinter Theatre), Rogers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Hadestown (Lyric Theatre).
Malinda Parris plays Calliope. Her theatre credits include The Enormous Crocodile (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Little Big Things (sohoplace), & Juliet (Shaftesbury Theatre), Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), Matilda (Cambridge Theatre, RSC), Aladdin (Lyric Hammersmith Theatre), Caroline, Or Change, The Light Princess (National Theatre), Anansi Trades Places (Shaw Theatre), Little Shop Of Horrors (New Wolsey Theatre), Parade (Donmar Warehouse). Her film credits include Wicked and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Robyn Rose Li plays Terpsichore. Her theatre credits include The Baker’s Wife (Menier Chocolate Factory), Tammy Faye (Almeida Theatre), Hairspray (London Coliseum), Fly More Than You Fall (Southwark Playhouse), and The Book of Mormon (Prince Edward Theatre); and for film, Wonka.
Kamilla Fernandes’ (Standby Muse) theatre credits include Grease (Dominion Theatre), Newsies (Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre), Groundhog Day (The Old Vic), Sunset Boulevard (Savoy Theatre)and Guys & Dolls (Bridge Theatre).
Mae Ann Jorolan makes her West End debut as Meg, she will create the role anew for the London production having originated the role in Hamburg. Her other international theatre credits include Disney’s Aladdin (Stage Theater Neue Flora, Hamburg), and Hamilton (Stage Operettenhaus, Hamburg).
Trevor Dion Nicholas plays Phil. For theatre, his work includes Hadestown (Lyric Theatre), Next to Normal (Donmar Warehouse, Wyndham’s Theatre), Hamilton (Palace Theatre), Bonnie & Clyde (Theatre Royal Drury Lane),Disney’s Aladdin – WhatsOnStage Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (Prince Edward Theatre, New Amsterdam Theatre and US tour), Big River (US tour), The Wiz, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Ragtime, The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz, Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, Rent, The Exonerated and This is the Life (ETA Hoffman Theatre, Germany).His television credits include Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, Panellist/Judge on All Star Musicals, Moley and The Americans. As a presenter, his credits include The Show Must Go On, Friday Night is Music Night, Magic at the Musicals, The Fight of the Century: Ali v Frazier.
Stephen Carlile plays Hades. For theatre, his work includes The Lion King (Minskoff Theatre, New York, European tour), The Go Between (Apollo Theatre), Peter Pan 360, Evita (International tours), My Fair Lady (National Theatre), Twelfth Night (UK tour), The Wizard of Oz (New Vic Theatre), Next Door’s Baby, The Pirates of Penzance (Orange Tree Theatre), Park Avenue (Sadler’s Wells Theatre), By Jeeves (UK tour), The Producers (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), The Importance of Being Earnest (Jermyn Street Theatre), The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre) and Noël (National Opera House). His television credits include Girls5eva; and for film, Perfectly Good Moment, The Invisible Atomic Monsters from Mars and Brideshead Revisited.
Craig Gallivan’s theatre credit include Frozen (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), 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.
Lee Zarrett’s theatre credits include Harmony (Ethel Barrymore Theatre), My Fair Lady (Lincoln Center, US tour) On Your Feet! (Marquis Theatre), Peter and the Starcatcher, Les Misérables, (US tours), Jane Eyre (Brooks Atkinson Theatre), and Hair (St James Theatre, US tour). His television credits include High Fidelity, Gotham and Broadwalk Empire.
ACCLAIMED PERFORMER LAYTON WILLIAMS TO EXTEND RUN IN NEW HIT WEST END MUSICAL
“Layton Williams virtually stops the show as the Iceberg” – Daily Express NOW PLAYING CRITERION THEATRE UNTIL 8 JUNE 2025 london.titaniquemusical.com
Eva Price and Michael Harrison are delighted to confirm that Layton Williams will extend his run in the new hit West End musical Titanique at the Criterion Theatre until 8 June 2025. The show officially opened on 9 January to rave reviews.
Layton, who plays The Iceberg among other roles, will continue to perform alongside fellow original West End cast members, Lauren Drew as Celine Dion, Darren Bennett as Victor Garber / Luigi,Jordan Luke Gageas Cal, Stephen Guarino as Ruth, Rob Houchen as Jack, Kat Ronney as Rose and Charlotte Wakefield as Molly Brown.
On stage background vocalists Adrianne Langley, Madison Swan and Rodney Vubya, as well asoffstage understudies Freddie King and Kristina Walz, complete the cast now playing the Criterion Theatre in London’s West End until Sunday 8 June 2025.
Layton Williams said:“When the chance came to extend my run in Titanique I immediately took it. I’m having the most iconic time alongside this stellar original West End cast. The energy from audiences has been everything. Y’all have really been showing up and showing out and we’re so grateful. It’s such a wild, hilarious ride, and I’m buzzing to be able to slay as the Iceberg for another three months.”
★★★★★
The Times, Daily Mail, Sunday Express, Sunday Mirror, Gay Times, London Theatre
When the music of Céline Dion makes sweet Canadian love with the eleven-time Oscar®-winning blockbuster film Titanic, you get Titanique, off Broadway’s most award-winning splash hit that turns one of the greatest love stories of all time into a hysterical musical fantasia.
Want to find out what really happened to Jack and Rose on that fateful night? Just leave it to Céline Dion to enchant the audience with her totally wild take, recharting the course of Titanic’s beloved moments and characters with her iconic song catalogue. Sailing on fierce powerhouse voices in show-stopping performances of such hits as My Heart Will Go On, All by Myself and To Love you More – backed by a full live band – Titanique is a one-of-a-kind theatrical voyage bursting with nostalgia, heart and campy chaos. “Sensational. You won’t see anything funnier this year”. (Sunday Mirror)
Co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli, Titanique celebrated its Off-Broadway premiere in June 2022 at Asylum Theater, starring the musical’s co-authors Mindelle and Rousouli as Céline Dion and Jack Dawson. After several sold-out extensions, the musical transferred to the Daryl Roth Theatre on November 20, 2022 where it continues to play.
Titanique is directed by Tye Blue and choreographed by Ellenore Scott. Music Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations are by IRNE Award-Winner Nicholas James Connell. Scenic Design for Titanique is by Gabriel Hainer Evansohn and Grace Lauchbacher for Iron Bloom Creative Production; Costume Design is by Alejo Vietti; and Lighting Design is by Paige Seber; and Sound Design is by Lawrence Schober with casting by Pearson Casting CDG.
Titanique won seven major awards during the 2022/23 theatre season, including three Lucille Lortel Awards, the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical, Las Culturistas’ Culture Award for Best Indoor Performance and two Dorian Awards.
The London production of Titaniqueis co-produced by Eva Price and Michael Harrison, Winkler & Smalberg, Diamond Dog Entertainment LLC, Echo Lake Entertainment, Jay Marcus, Sonia Friedman Productions, Willette and Manny Klausner and Lorne Michaels.
Heartfelt celebration of the iconic late Beatle’s life and music comes to 26 venues in 2025
TV and stage star Daniel Taylor fronts the new must-see biopic stage show
A compelling new celebration of the life and music of legendary Liverpool icon John Lennon is set to embark on a major UK tour in 2025.
Something About Lennon – The John Lennon Story comes from the same team behind the acclaimed shows Something About George, which salutes the talent of the late George Harrison, and Something About Simon which showcases the music of singer-songwriting genius Paul Simon.
The show will embark on its inaugural tour from May to July 2025, visiting 26 locations across the country.
It opens in Wrexham on May 19 before three dates in Scotland – at Arbroath on 20 May, Airdrie on 21 May and Dundee on May 22. From there the tour arrives at Ulverston on 23 May, Wolverhampton (25 May) and StHelens (27 May) before travelling to New Brighton (28 May), Southport (31 May), Crewe (1 June), Birmingham (4 June) Yarm (6 June), Hull (7 June), Cheltenham (10 June), Blackburn (12 June), Leeds (13 June), Alnwick (14 June), Hexham (15 June), Blackpool (18 June), Coventry (19 June), Shrewsbury (20 June), Swindon on 24 June, Peterborough (25 June), Sale (26 June) and Lincoln (4 July). The tour ends in Wakefield on 5 July.
West End performer and musician Daniel Taylor fronts the production’s band of five and tells the fascinating story of Lennon along with performing his best-known, best-loved hits. The band are Joe Smithson (MD, Guitar and Vocals), Callum Macmillan (Percussion/Drums), Jesse Eigen (Bass Guitar and Vocals)and James Breckon (Keyboard and Vocals).
Weaving together songs and stories, Something About Lennon is not a tribute show as we know it, but rather one musician authentically telling the tale and honouring the music of another in a story that will reveal a life that wasn’t always filled with peace and love.
A tale of controversy, genius, politics and protest, Something About Lennon charts John’s life from the breakup of the Beatles at the end of the 1960s to his shocking murder in New York in December 1980 and features an irresistible soundtrack of incredible songs including Woman, Instant Karma and Imagine – although of course the story wouldn’t be complete without a few of those Fab Four classics along the way too.
Something About Lennon is brought to audiences by producers Bill Elms, Jon Fellowes and Gary Edward Jones of Something About Productions.
It has also been announced that The Beatles Story is on board as a production partner.
Daniel Taylor trained at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London and is an actor, producer, and director. He has previously played John Lennon in the award-winning Lennon Through a Glass Onion, and is also known from his many years in Blood Brothers, along with The Very Best of Tommy Cooper, Twopence to Cross The Mersey and most recently in By The Waters Of Liverpool. He also played Peter Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in New York’s Central Park.
Daniel Taylor says: “Following the huge success of Something About George, I’m really looking forward to creating the same magic with Something About Lennon which tours to venues across the UK in 2025.
“It’s lovely as a performer and actor to have people put so much trust in you to tell such an incredible story, and to celebrate someone as unique and timeless as John Lennon.
“And of course there are all those iconic songs which have formed the soundtrack to so many people’s lives, and which will be performed live with a brilliant band of musicians.
“I can’t wait to revisit the man and the legend in this fantastic new show.”
And co-producer Bill Elms adds:“John Lennon was a fascinating, and a multi-faceted character, and more than 40 years after his untimely death he continues to be a towering presence both within popular culture and beyond.
“Something About Lennon explores the decade between the breakup of the Beatles and Lennon’s death – a time that saw him re-examining his life and career, pursuing new passions, finding domestic contentment and, tragically, being taken from his family and the world just at the moment he had started what was set to be an amazing and creatively fulfilling new chapter.
“I’m excited to be able to present this stunning new show to audiences across the UK, and I’m also really delighted that The Beatles Story has joined us as a production partner for what I’m certain is going to be a fantastic tour.”
Dial M for Mayhem is a comedy following a theatre troupe performing a play in a village hall in a rural town in Scotland. They are performing, as the name suggests, Dial M for Murder. The stage is set with a small sitting room and walls towards the edge of the stage. There are spotlights at the front of the stage suggesting that we are watching a play within a play. The scene opens with a murder, one character hides behind a curtain and attempts to strangle another. She in turn reaches for a pair of scissors and stabs him. From this opening scene, you could be lead to believe that you had bought tickets for a murder mystery but the actor (Julian, played by Joey Lockhart) begins an over-exaggerated, comedic death sequence and you remember that this is a comedy. The lights come up, there is a shout of “cut” and the characters begin squabbling about Julian’s poor performance in the death scene.
As the characters argue, many things begin to go wrong, owing to the shows limited budget, the drafty village hall or the many different personalities of the actors. Some of this is indeed funny but a lot of it felt awkward instead. A few of the jokes were met with laughter from the audience but many with silence. A recurring joke in the play is that Rupert, played by Alasdair Baker, keeps farting. While a fart joke can be funny, I felt that this was overused. Everything that could go wrong, goes wrong while the producer played by Luke Rhodri tried his best to keep everything together.
In the second act the play begins and the set has been flipped so we can see the Mayhem backstage. The props are mislaid and the wrong sounds are queued and this is already funnier than the first act. However much like the first act, the performance is lacking polish
While this was an enjoyable night at the theatre, this play felt unfinished. It had all the makings of a very good comedy but was lacking something. It felt very much like a first draft, with all the potential to be good. Some of the acting felt a little awkward and amateur. Despite this, I found myself laughing out loud at moments
Based on the film by MICHAEL POWELL and EMERIC PRESSBURGER
and the HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN fairytale
Music by BERNARD HERRMANN
TO RETURN FOR THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SEASON
AT SADLER’S WELLS
2 DECEMBER 2025 – 18 JANUARY 2026
AS PART OF A UK TOUR
New Adventures is delighted to announce that Matthew Bourne’s double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of THE RED SHOES will return for the annual Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells as part of a 2025/26 tour, for the first time since its 2020 tour was cut short due to the pandemic.
The production will play the seven-week Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells, London, from 2 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, marking New Adventures’ 23rd consecutive Christmas season at the venue. Further tour dates and casting will be announced shortly.
Matthew Bourne said today: “The Red Shoes was the culmination of a twenty-year ambition to bring Powell and Pressburger’s seminal 1948 film to the stage. It was also, in many ways, a personal love letter to a life in theatre and dance.
When we created the show in 2016, we were not prepared for the overwhelming response from audiences everywhere we went both at home and internationally. The production went on to win two Olivier Awards and was honoured by the LA Critics Awards for both choreography and for Lez Brotherston’s memorable set and costume design.
This production was certainly a landmark event for New Adventures, becoming an instant classic and a beloved addition to our repertoire. I’m so happy to see it return this year, especially as our last tour in 2020 was sadly cut short by the pandemic and left many of our loyal audiences throughout the UK disappointed.
So, welcome back to the Ballet Lermontov and to paraphrase the great impresario himself… ‘It’s time to put on the red shoes, Vicky, and dance for us again….’”
A sell-out before its world premiere season opened in 2016, Matthew Bourne’s triumphant adaptation of the legendary film went on to win Best Entertainment at the 2017 Olivier Awards, with Matthew Bourne winning the award for Best Theatre Choreographer. The show then returned for a national tour in 2019.
A timeless fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red Shoes has captivated audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a fierce struggle between the two men who inspire her passion.
Matthew Bourne’s magical double Olivier Award-winning production of the legendary Powell and Pressburger film is set to a score orchestrated by Terry Davies, featuring the mesmerizing music of golden-age Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann, with sumptuous designs by Lez Brotherston (set and costumes), Paule Constable (lighting) and Paul Groothuis (sound).
An intoxicating drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences, The Red Shoes will dazzle your senses and break your heart.
THE RED SHOES is supported using public funds by Arts Council England.
David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce that former Strictly Come Dancing professional and TV Presenter Janette Manrara will join the UK and Ireland tour of CHICAGO as Roxie Hart, making her musical theatre debut. Janette will open at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on Monday 3 March 2025.
Janette said today, “This is a dream come true! To have my musical theatre debut be playing the iconic Roxie Hart is so exciting. She is a beautifully complex character, and I cannot wait to bring my ‘Roxie’ to the stage. I truly look forward to working with the incredible cast and the whole team of one of the best musicals of all time. Looking forward to seeing everyone that comes to the show and giving them a real ‘razzle dazzle’ of a show!”
Janette joins West End leading lady Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, alongside Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart and Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
The cast is completed by Bethany Adamson, Victoria Anderson, Josh Crowther, Joe Dale, Jessica Keable, Robin Kent, Annabelle Laing, Jacob McLay Reid, Jonathan Milton, George Olney, Oliver Ramsdale, Elly Shaw, Lucy Anne Stacey, Matthew Sweet and Ria Tanaka.
Janette Manrara is best known for having been on Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the finals with HRVY, as well as co-hosting BBC2’s It Takes Two and hosting the Strictly Live tour across the UK. Her previous theatre credits include the Broadway and international tour of Burn the Floor, as well as UK touring productions A Christmas To Remember, Remembering Fred, Remembering the Movies and a streamed version of Remembering the Oscars, all with her husband Aljaž Škorjanec. Janette is also an author, having released her debut book, ‘Tiny Dancer, Big World’.
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.
Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, CHICAGO’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”. Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, CHICAGO is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history.
Since it opened in New York in 1996, CHICAGO has played in 38 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch, German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese and Korean. Worldwide it has been seen by an estimated 34 million people, grossed over $1.7 billion has played over 35,000 performances.
CHICAGO, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The current 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO is choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.
