Home

DAVID TENNANT AS MACBETH AND THE EUROPEAN PREMIÈRE OF LYNN NOTTAGE’S CLYDE’S CONCLUDE DONMAR WAREHOUSE’S 2023 PROGRAMME

With the sold-out production of Noël Coward’s Private Lives currently running until 27 May, Artistic Director Michael Longhurst and Executive Director Henny Finch today announce the final two shows in the programme for 2023, and the conclusion of Donmar’s 30th birthday season. The European première of Clyde’s reunites double Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and director Lynette Linton as a follow up to their Donmar smash hit Sweat which transferred to the West End. The production opens on 19 October, with previews from 13 October and runs until 2 December.

The season concludes with William Shakespeare’s Macbeth starring David Tennant in the title role, directed by Donmar Associate Director Max Webster, which opens on 15 December, with previews from 8 December, and runs until 10 February 2024.

Michael Longhurst’s final season of shows before he steps down as Artistic Director next year will be announced in Autumn 2023.

Also announced today is the schools’ tour of William Shakespeare’s Henry V, directed by Donmar’s former Resident Assistant Director Dadiow Lin. Inspired by the critically acclaimed 2022 Donmar Warehouse production directed by Max Webster, and supported by headline partner Howdens and Westminster City Council, the production tours for four  weeks in June and July, with performances offered free of charge reaching up to 3000 young people in Camden and Westminster. 

Later this year, the Donmar will host the launch of a new paper by Climate Dramaturg and Donmar Associate Artist Dr Zoë Svendsen. This report represents the culmination of an 18-month research period during which Zoë and the Donmar, together with freelance artists, have worked to create a new, climate-conscious model for production, which they intend to make freely available to the industry along with key resources to share their learnings and new ways of working.

Donmar Warehouse also announces today the second cohort of playwrights who will receive The Theatre Royal Haymarket Writers Award, in partnership with Access Entertainment, owner of the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

The  Award  commissions two new writers each year to support the development of their careers on main stages. Each writer will receive a full commission to write a play as well as access to the Donmar’s creative talent who will offer support for the research and development of the writers’ ideas, through readings and workshops with professional actors. The 2023 recipients of the Theatre Royal Haymarket Writer’s Award are Mufaro Makubiku and Hannah Shury-Smith.

This season is generously supported by Charles Holloway, Season Supporter.

Michael Longhurst says today “For my penultimate season announcement I am thrilled to share two more productions to round off our 30th birthday year. First, we have the European première of Lynn Nottage’s hilarious and uplifting CLYDE’S directed by Lynette Linton, fresh from her Critics’ Circle Best Director win.  CLYDE’S follows their astonishing production of SWEAT staged at the Donmar, and the West End, in 2019. And I am so excited to witness David Tennant’s portrayal of Macbeth, in what will be an unmissable production directed by Max Webster. We are also proud to share an adapted version of our last Shakespeare production HENRY V with young people in Camden and Westminster in our next Schools’ tour, created by artists from our training programme. With the continued cuts to schools’ arts provision, touring productions like this are essential, to help nurture the next generation of audiences and theatre makers. Finally I am delighted to have Mufaro Makubiko and Hannah Shury-Smith under commission, thanks to our Theatre Royal Haymarket Writers Award”

Forbes McNaughton, Howdens Company Secretary said, “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Donmar’s Henry V Schools Tour this year, building on last year’s successful support of their ‘Take the Stage’ programme.  Supporting local communities, and inspiring young people within them, is one of Howdens’ key values.  Access to inspiration should be available to all, and our ongoing support of this exciting initiative means that young people, who may not have previously considered a career in performing arts, for cultural, geographical or socio-economic reasons, have access to some of theatre’s leading creative minds.”

As part of its continued 30th birthday celebrations, and with generous support from Associate Sponsor Barclays, the Donmar continues to offer £10 tickets on all of its productions in 2023 for audiences under the age of 30. Six tickets will be available for every performance of Clyde’s and ten on every performance of Macbeth.

Speaking about supporting the Donmar to continue to offer these discounted tickets on Macbeth, Tom Corbett, Managing Director, Sponsorship, from Barclays said: “We are incredibly proud of our long-standing affiliation partnership with the Donmar Warehouse and anticipate that this production of Macbeth will be a must-see event. We are delighted to be able to offer audiences aged under 30 the opportunity to experience the show for just £10.”

www.donmarwarehouse.com

Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: @donmarwarehouse

CLYDE’S

By Lynn Nottage

Directed by Lynette Linton

13 October – 2 December 2023

Designer: Frankie Bradshaw
Lighting Designer: Oliver Fenwick
Sound Designer: George Dennis
Movement Director: Kane Husbands

Composer: Duramaney Kamara

Casting to be announced.

It’s kind of a ritual, we speak the truth. Then, let go and cook.

In the bustling kitchen of a run-down Pennsylvania truck stop, the formerly incarcerated staff have been given a second chance. Under the tyrannical eye of their boss Clyde, this unlikely team strives to create the perfect sandwich, as they dream of leaving their past mistakes behind for a better life.

Double Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Lynn Nottage (Ruined, Sweat, The Secret Life of Bees) and director Lynette Linton (Critics’ Circle Best Director for Blues for an Alabama Sky) reunite for the European premiere of the hilarious and hopeful CLYDE’S,the follow up to their Donmar five star production of SWEAT which transferred to the West End.

“Lynn Nottage is remarkable and uniquely exhilarating.” The Washington Post on Clyde’s

“Lynette Linton’s superbly calibrated production excels from start to finish” ***** The Guardian on Sweat

Lynn Nottage is a playwright and a screenwriter, and the first woman in history to win two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama. Her plays have been produced widely in the United States and throughout the world. Recent work includes the book for MJ the Musical (Broadway), the libretto for the Intimate Apparel Opera (LCT), and Clyde’s (Broadway, 2ST, Goodman Theater), and co-curating the performance installation The Watering Hole (Signature Theater). Past work includes Sweat, Ruined, the book for The Secret Life of Bees; Mlima’s Tale; By the Way, Meet Vera Stark; Intimate Apparel; Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine; Crumbs from the Table of Joy; Las Meninas; Mud, River, Stone; Por’knockers; and POOF!. She has also developed This is Reading, a performance installation in Reading, Pennsylvania. Ms. Nottage is a member of the Theater Hall of Fame, and the recipient of a MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellowship (among other awards). She is also an Associate Professor at Columbia University School of the Arts and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

Lynette Linton is the Artistic Director of the Bush Theatre. She was previously Resident Assistant Director at the Donmar Warehouse. For the Donmar, her credits include Sweat (also West End; Best Director, Black British Theatre Awards).Her other productions include August in England, House Of Ife and Chiaroscuro (Bush Theatre), Blues for an Alabama Sky (National Theatre, Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Director and Critics Circle Award for Best Director), Richard II (co-directed with Adjoa Andoh, marking the first ever company of women of colour in a Shakespeare play on a major UK stage) (Shakespeare’s Globe), Assata Taught Me (Gate Theatre) Function (National Youth Theatre) This Is (Arts Educational School), Indenture (Dark Horse Festival), Naked (Vault Festival), This Wide Night (Albany Theatre). She was also co-director on Chicken Palace (Theatre Royal Stratford East). As assistant/associate director her credits include The York Realist, Belleville, The Lady from The Sea and Knives in Hens (Donmar Warehouse), Torn (Royal Court), Image of An Unknown Young Woman, The Christians (Gate Theatre), Gutted (Theatre Royal Stratford East), and The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Noel Coward Theatre). As a writer her productions include Hashtag Lightie (Arcola Theatre), and Chicken Palace and Step (Theatre Royal Stratford East). For television, her credits include My Name is Leon; and as writer: Look At Me.

MACBETH
By William Shakespeare

Directed by Max Webster

8 December 2023 – 10 February 2024

Sound Designer: Gareth Fry
Movement Director: Shelley Maxwell

Cast: David Tennant

“O, full of scorpions is my mind”

A spellbinding story of love and murder, the renewing power of nature, and of the internal struggles of a damaged man as he tries to control his destiny. This bracingly fresh production of the Scottish play places us inside the mind of Macbeth, asking are we ever really responsible for our actions?

Shakespeare’s most extraordinary psychological drama is led at the Donmar this winter by David Tennant, who plays the title role for the first time in his illustrious stage career. Donmar Associate Director Max Webster (Henry V, Life of Pi) directs.

David Tennant returns to the Donmar to play Macbeth – he previously appeared in Lobby Hero (Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor). His other theatre credits include Good (Harold Pinter Theatre, Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor); Don Juan in Soho (Wyndham’s Theatre,winner of WhatsOnStage Award for Best Actor); Much Ado About Nothing (Wyndham’s Theatre); Richard II (RSC/Barbican/BAM, winner of WhatsOnStage Award for Best Actor); Hamlet (winner of Critics Circle Award for Best Shakespearean Performance); Love’s Labour’s Lost; Romeo and Juliet; Comedy of Errors; The Rivals; As You Like It; The Herbal Bed; The General from America (RSC); Look Back in Anger (Royal Lyceum Edinburgh/Theatre Royal Bath, CATS Award); The Pillowman; What the Butler Saw (National Theatre); Push Up (Royal Court); Comedians (Exeter/Oxford); King Lear; An Experienced Woman Gives Advice (Royal Exchange Theatre); Vassa (Albery); The Real Inspector Hound/Black Comedy (Comedy Theatre); Hurlyburly (Queen’s Theatre); Long Day’s Journey into Night; The Glass Menagerie (Dundee Rep). TV includes Doctor Who (BAFTA Wales Best Actor, TV Times award, four National Television Awards and three TV Choice awards for Best Actor); Des (International Emmy Award for Best Actor, Broadcasting Press Guild Award for best actor, and National Television Award, Most Popular Drama Performance); Litvenenko; Good Omens; Inside Man; Staged; Around the World in 80 Days; Criminal; Deadwater Fell; There She Goes; Jessica Jones; Camping; Broadchurch (three TV Choice awards for best actor, Crime Writers Association award for Best Actor); W1A; Gracepoint (People’s Choice Award); The Escape Artist (BAFTA Scotland Award); The Politician’s Husband; Spies of Warsaw; Playhouse Presents: The Minor Character; True Love; Twenty Twelve; This is Jinsy; United; Single Father (TV Choice Award for Best Actor); The Sarah Jane Adventures; Hamlet; The Catherine Tate Show; Einstein and Eddington; Extras; Learners; Recovery (Royal Television Society Award nomination for Best Actor); The Chatterley Affair; Secret Smile; The Quatermass Experiment; Casanova; Blackpool; He Knew He Was Right; Terri McIntyre; Posh Nosh; Trust; Foyle’s War; People Like Us; Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased); The Mrs Bradley Mysteries; Love in the 21st Century; Duck Patrol; The Tales of Para Handy; Dramarama; Rab C Nesbitt; Takin’ Over the Asylum; and for film, Mary Queen of Scots; Bad Samaritan; You, Me & Him; Mad to Be Normal; What We Did on Our Holiday; Fright Night; The Decoy Bride; Glorious 39; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; Bright Young Things; Being Considered; The Last September; LA Without A Map; Jude.

Max Webster is an Associate Director at the Donmar Warehouse where he has directed Henry V. Max’s other work as a theatre director includes Life of Pi (Sheffield Crucible/West End/Boston/Broadway, Olivier Award nomination for Best Director); Antigone; As You Like It; Twelfth Night (Regent’s Park Open Air); The Lorax (The Old Vic/Children’s Theatre, Minneapolis/Old Globe, San Diego), Fanny and Alexander and Cover My Tracks (The Old Vic), The Sea of Fertility and Mary Stuart (Parco, Japan), The Jungle Book and King Lear (Royal & Derngate, Northampton/UK Tour), The Winter’s Tale (Lyceum, Edinburgh), The Twits (Curve, Leicester), Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare’s Globe/World Tour), James and the Giant Peach and My Generation (WYP), Orlando, To Kill a Mockingbird and My Young and Foolish Heart (Royal Exchange, Manchester), The Chalk Circle (Aarohan Theatre, Kathmandu) and Carnival Under the Rainbow and Feast Kakulu (Hilton Arts Festival, South Africa). Film Credits include The Lorax: In Camera (Old Vic) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical (Sky Arts/NBC). Opera credits include La Bohème (Goteborg Opera, Sweden) and The Merry Widow (ENO). Nominated for the Olivier Award, Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Director.

Henry V Schools’ Tour Creative Team:

Inspired by the Donmar Warehouse production of HENRY V directed by Max Webster
Director: Dadiow Lin
Designer Roisin Jenner
Movement Director: Liam Francis
Fight Director: Philip d’Orléans
Sound Designer and Composer: Dom Coyote
Assistant Director Alessandra Davison
Education Pack: Jordana Golbourn & Studio Certain

The Theatre Royal Haymarket Writers Award:

Hannah was awarded the 2022 Alfred Fagon Award for her play GO BACK HOME! and received the 2022-3 Sky Arts RSL Writers Award for Playwriting. She is also an alumnus of the Royal Court Introduction to Playwriting Group and a graduate of the 2020-1 4Screenwriting scheme, on which she wrote her first TV pilot LIMBO.

Mufaro’s first play, SHEBEEN, opened at the Nottingham Playhouse in June 2018 and then transferred to the Theatre Royal Stratford East. SHEBEEN was the winner of the Alfred Fagon Award for best new play 2017. His most recent play, MALINDADZIMU, opened at the Hampstead Theatre in September 2021.

DONMAR WAREHOUSE

LISTINGS

41 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9LX

Members Priority Booking:

Patrons (Steel, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum) Friday 5 May from midday online and on the phone

Best Friends: Wednesday 10 May from 9am online and midday on the phone

Friends: Friday 12 May from 9am online and midday on the phone

Public booking:

Tuesday 16 May from 9am online and midday on the phone

Box Office: www.donmarwarehouse.com / 020 3282 3808     

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Private Lives
Evenings Mon – Sat: 7.45pm
Tuesday matinees (2, 9, 23 May) 2.30pm
Wednesday matinee (17 May) 2.30pm
Thursday matinees (4, 11, 25 May) 2.30pm
Saturday matinees (15, 22, 29 April, 13, 20, 27 May) 2.30pm

When Winston went to War with the Wireless, Next to Normal, Clyde’s
Evenings Mon – Sat: 7.30pm
Matinees Thu & Sat: 2.30pm

Macbeth
Evenings Mon – Sat: 7.30pm
Tuesday matinee (2 Jan) 2.30pm
Thursday matinees (4, 11, 25 Jan, 8 Feb) 2.30pm
Saturday matinees 2.30pm
No performances 24 Dec – 1 Jan

TICKET PRICES

Private Lives, When Winston went to War with the Wireless, Clyde’s

£60 / £55 (£50) / £41 (£38) / £21 (£19)

£10 standing tickets

*Preview discounts apply to the first four performances only

Next to Normal

£65 / £60 (£55) / £45 (£41) / £23 (£21)

£10 standing tickets

*Preview discounts apply to the first four performances only

Macbeth

£69 (£64) / £48 (£43), £25 (£23)

£15 standing tickets

*Preview discounts apply to the first four performances only

For Macbeth, standing tickets will be released for purchase online from 12pm on the day of the performance. Please note you will not be able to purchase standing tickets  in person or over the phone.

*Bookers of Under 30s £10 tickets will be required to show photo ID to collect their tickets at Box Office and must be aged under 30 at the date of attendance.

Every booking made online, via telephone or in person is subject to a £1.50 transaction fee

YOUNG+FREE

YOUNG+FREE tickets for 16-25 year olds released by ballot. Sign up at www.donmarwarehouse.com.

Generously supported by IHS Markit.

DONMAR DAILY

New tickets on sale every day at the Donmar. Allocations of tickets will be made available every day for performances 7 days later. Tickets will be available across the auditorium at every price band.

ACCESS

The Donmar Warehouse is fully wheelchair accessible. Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome in the auditorium. There is a Loop system and a Radio Frequency system fitted in the main auditorium and there are also hearing loops at all the front of house counters.

Wheelchair space prices vary across all price bands, check the website for details

ASSISTED PERFORMANCES

If you require a companion to attend the Donmar, their ticket will be free. To book call 020 3282 3808 or email [email protected].

For all other access enquiries or bookings call 020 3282 3808.

CAPTIONED PERFORMANCES (captioned by Stagetext)

Private Lives: Monday 22 May 7.45pm

When Winston went to War with the Wireless: Monday 17 July 7.30pm

Next to Normal: Monday 25th September 7.30pm

Clyde’s: Monday 20 November 2024 7.30pm

Macbeth:  Monday 29 January 2024, 7.30pm

AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE – 2.30pm (audio-described by VocalEyes)

Private Lives: Saturday 27 May

When Winston went to War with the Wireless: Saturday 8 July

Next to Normal: Saturday 30th September

Clyde’s: Saturday 25 November

Macbeth: Saturday 27 January 2024, 2.30pm

BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES

Private Lives: Saturday 13 May 2.30pm

When Winston Went to War with the Wireless: Saturday 22 July 2.30pm

Next to Normal: Saturday 23rd September 2.30pm

SEASON AT A GLANCE:

PRIVATE LIVES

Until 27 May 2023

Captioned: Monday 22 May 7.45pm

Audio-Described: Saturday 27 May 2.30pm

British Sign Language Interpreted: Saturday 13 May 2.30pm

WHEN WINSTON WENT TO WAR WITH THE WIRELESS

2 June – 29 July 2023

Captioned: Monday 17 July 7.30pm

Audio-Described: Saturday 8 July 2.30pm

British Sign Language Interpreted: Saturday 22 July 2.30pm

NEXT TO NORMAL

12 August – 7 October 2023

Press night: Tuesday 22 August

Captioned: Monday 25 September, 7.30pm

Audio-Described: Saturday 30 September, 2.30pm

British Sign Language Interpreted: Saturday 23 September, 2.30pm

CLYDE’S

13 October – 2 December 2023

Captioned performance: Monday 20 November 2024, 7.30pm
Audio described performance: Saturday 25 November, 2.30pm

MACBETH

8 December – 10 February 2024

Captioned performance: Monday 29 January 2024, 7.30pm
Audio described performance: Saturday 27 January 2024, 2.30pm

Blackpool Grand Theatre – until Saturday 6 May 2023

Reviewed by Debra Skelton

5*****

Spring has certainly sprung so come join in this riotous celebration of Jane Austen’s classic, brought up to date and thrust firmly into the modern consciousness with total hilarity.

A unique and audacious retelling of one of the most iconic love stories opened this week to rapturous applause and a full house standing ovation. Blackpool Grand Theatre is currently playing host to the Oliver Award-winning comedy Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) and it was an absolute blast.

Continuing on its whistle-stop tour, the multi-award-winning Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) by Isobel McArthur (and in a small way, Jane Austen) first graced regional theatre at Northern Stage in 2019 where it attracted critical acclaimed and five star reviews. Since then, it has been to Edinburgh, won a host of awards and left audiences up & down the land in the throes of hilarity.

Re-telling the intertwined love stories of Mr Darcey, Mr Bingham, Mr Whickham and the Bennet family, it is packed with in-jokes, observations and more innuendo than you can shake a feather quill at. The cast of 5 uber-talented actresses play all the parts, making for some wickedly imaginative portrayals, fabulous costume changes and tonnes of off-the-cuff witticisms.

Men, money and microphones are fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance. If you’re any sort of fan of the original (which is pretty good on its own merits) then you will LOVE this version. With similar feelings to the first forays of Mischief Theatre and their ‘Goes Wrong’ catalogue, this is sure to become a modern comedy classic, sought after and re-watched time and time again.

The cast includes Leah Jamieson as Anne, Mary Bennet, Lydia Bennet and Mr Gardiner, Lucy Gray who reprises her role as Tillie, Charlotte Lucas, Charles Bingley and Miss Bingley, Emmy Stonelake as Effie and Elizabeth Bennet, Megan Louise Wilson as Clara, Jane Bennet, and Lady Catherine de Burgh and Dannie Harris as Flo, Mrs Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy.

The show features a string of pop classics including ‘Young Hearts Run Free’, ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ and ‘You’re So Vain’, all played and sang by the cast and making for some hilarious yet surreal interludes. Austen-style prose is interjected with some pretty ‘modern day’ language (if only the original was written this way, I’m sure more students would have paid attention in English Literature) all sat under the duvet of familiarity which makes it feel like the whole audience is at a sleep-over watching their favourite movie.

It’s the 1800s. Its upper-class England and there’s romance in the air (or is it pine fresh flash?). Grab your tickets and hold your sides, it’s party time.

WHATSONSTAGE ANNOUNCES THE TOP 100 FAVOURITE MUSICALS

AS VOTED FOR BY THE PUBLIC –

LES MISÉRABLES TAKES THE TOP SPOT

WhatsOnStage today announces the top 100 musicals as voted for by the theatregoing public, who have been voting across the month of April.

The poll see Les Misérables crowned the number 1 most popular musical, with The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Hamilton and West Side Story making up the top 5, with only the latter not currently running in the West End.

Stephen Sondheim proves the most popular composer/lyricist with 11 entries in the top 100 – West Side Story, Company, Into the Woods, Merrily We Roll Along, A Little Night Music, Follies, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, Gypsy and Assassins. He is closely followed by Andrew Lloyd Webber (who shares Sondheim’s birthday of 22 March) with The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, Starlight Express, Joseph and His Technicolor Dreamcoat, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Alex Wood from WhatsOnStage said today, “Musicals are the lifeblood of theatre, and readers have voted in droves to anoint Les Misérables their favourite musical of all times. Not a critic favourite when it opened, it has proved a solid gold hit with audiences, and remains the longest running musical in the West End.”

THE FULL LIST OF TOP 100 MUSICALS:

1             Les Misérables

2             The Phantom of the Opera

3             Wicked

4             Hamilton

5             West Side Story

6             Blood Brothers

7             Rent

8             Cabaret

9             Come From Away

10           Jesus Christ Superstar

11           Sweeney Todd

12           Company

13           Six

14           Miss Saigon

15           Starlight Express

16           The Sound of Music

17           Into the Woods

18           Dear Evan Hansen

19           Guys and Dolls

20           The Rocky Horror Show

21           Heathers

22           Jersey Boys

23           Waitress

24           Newsies

25           Mamma Mia!

26           Little Shop of Horrors

27           The Lion King

28           Hadestown

29           Spring Awakening

30           Kinky Boots

31           Hairspray

32           Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

33           The Book of Mormon

34           Oklahoma!

35           In the Heights

36           Matilda the Musical

37           Cats

38           Evita

39           Chicago

40           Follies

41           Bat Out of Hell

42           Mary Poppins

43           Gypsy

44           The Last Five Years

45           Hello Dolly

46           The King and I

47           Anything Goes

48           Chess

49           42nd Street

50           Carousel

51           Grease

52           Fiddler on the Roof

53           South Pacific

54           Merrily We Roll Along

55           Legally Blonde

56           Groundhog Day

57           Sunset Boulevard

58           Ragtime

59           Aspects of Love

60           My Fair Lady

61           Once

62           Billy Elliot

63           Sunday in the Park with George

64           Moulin Rouge!

65           Annie

66           & Juliet

67           The Producers

68           Sister Act

69           Hair

70           A Chorus Line

71           Fun Home

72           We Will Rock You

73           Avenue Q

74           Oliver!

75           Hedwig and the Angry Inch

76           Singin’ in the Rain

77           La Cage aux Folles

78           Crazy for You

79           Dreamgirls

80           Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

81           Assassins

82           Back to the Future the Musical

83           Barnum

84           A Little Night Music

85           Frozen

86           Falsettos

87           Next to Normal

88           Bonnie and Clyde

89           Half a Sixpence

90           The Music Man

91           Parade

92           The Color Purple

93           Aladdin

94           The Scottsboro Boys

95           Priscilla Queen of the Desert

96           From Here to Eternity

97           Top Hat

98           A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

99           Sweet Charity

100        Pippin

Playful Productions presents

the Sheffield Theatres and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre production of

Accidental Death of an Anarchist

Written by Dario Fo and Franca Rame in a new adaptation by Tom Basden

Directed by Daniel Raggett

• IRRESISTIBLE PRODUCTION OF DARIO FO AND FRANCA RAME’S RIOTOUS FARCE STORMS THE THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET FOR THE SUMMER SEASON
   
• THIS ADAPTATION BY TOM BASDEN, DIRECTED BY DANIEL RAGGETT,  TAKES RUTHLESS AIM AT THE UK’S POLICE FORCE AT A TIME WHEN THE MET’S REPUTATION IS IN TATTERS
   
• BAFTA AWARD-WINNING DANIEL RIGBY RETURNS IN A SCINTILLATING, SHOW-STOPPER OF A PERFORMANCE
   
• PREVIEWS BEGIN ON 12 JUNE, WITH A PRESS NIGHT ON 26 JUNE. THE RUN MUST END ON 9 SEPTEMBER
   
• TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.ANARCHISTWESTEND.COM, WITH ALL PREVIEWS PRICED FROM JUST £15 – £55

Playful Productions is delighted to announce that Daniel Raggett’s production of Accidental Death of An Anarchist will transfer to the West End, following a critically acclaimed, sell out season at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.

Tom Basden’s razor sharp adaptation of Fo’s classic farce is directed by Daniel Raggett. The production will star Daniel Rigby and Tony Gardner. Full casting will be announced soon.

The production will open in preview at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, which is owned by Access Entertainment, on 12 June and play a strictly limited season until 9 September. Press night will be 26 June and will be in partnership with the charity Inquest.

Given a bang up to the minute reworking by Tom Basden, the production takes laser targeted aim at the ineptitude of the police force, ruthlessly exposing the corruption and incompetence of the institution. Rigby’s central performance is a comic tour de force, creating an hilarious lightning rod around which the rest of the company spin in ever more ridiculous circles. Audiences are left breathless at the comedy and speed with which the play eviscerates the police force, judiciary and metropolitan elite.

An Anarchist has fallen to his death from a police station window. The question is: did he jump or was he thrown?

As the police attempt to avoid yet another scandal, a mysterious imposter is arrested and brought in for questioning.

Seizing the chance to put on a show, he leads the officers in an ever more ridiculous reconstruction of their official account, hilariously exposing the cover-ups, corruption and profound idiocy at the heart of the police.

Tickets are on sale now from www.anarchistwestend.com

York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 13^th May 2023

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

Mayflies is a new musical, written and composed by Gus Gowland, making its world premiere at York Theatre Royal. Inspired by the life of mayflies, who only live for one day but exist in water, sometimes for years, before gaining their wings.

It’s a modern-day romance, two strangers meet online, communicating frequently. Overtime they connect, forming a special bond, but it takes them two long years to take the leap and meet face to face. You see their friendship blossom after the first tentative hello, culminating in “I love you”, but there is still some reticence for that physical contact.

We follow May (Nuno Queimado) and Fly (Rumi Sutton) through their relationship, via flashbacks, flash forwards, there are no chronological barriers here. These are achieved using lighting and sound, jumping from one brief moment in time, to another and to the present, in a stark hotel room.

Looking at their relationship playing out on stage was at times uncomfortable, you could see something was not quite right, why wait so long to truly connect? Perhaps they knew deep down that something was amiss. When they do meet there is a lot of awkwardness, not sure how to react when you think you know the other person so well, to realise that you don’t. They both put up barriers that never fully come down. There are tender moments, where you really want the happily ever after, but alas this love story is long in the making, but quick to burn out.

The stage is dimly lit by hanging lights, shades reminding you of the mayflies’ wings. There is a staircase just to the right which leads off to balcony above the hotel room. The stage has different levels, with platforms scattered about. The actors used this to great effect when telling their story, using the platforms, which also contained various props, ingenious. The lighting and sound enhanced the storytelling, with a quick burst as the timeline changed.

What makes this show work is the rawness and pure emotion shown by both actors, it was mesmerizing to watch. They really brought the characters to life. The music is the real powerhouse behind the story telling, Gowland’s musical numbers were outstanding and original.

Though this is a two man show there are three actors involved, Queimado, Sutton and Emma Thornett. Depending on when you see the show depends on what combination you get, as May and Fly change. Sutton plays both May and Fly, with Queimado as May and Thornett as Fly. This changes the dynamics, with different personalities but the same script, showcasing the versatility of the cast. Though I have only seen the one show I am sure that the other variations would be just as dynamic.

This tale is not just full of serious moments, but is spattered with joy, and with some laugh out loud moments, from the simple things and comments of life. I left the theatre on a high after enjoying 90 minutes of entertainment and a smile on my face. What more could you ask for? A new fresh piece of theatre that you should watch.

 A FIERYLIGHT & LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE CO-PRODUCTION

THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN

NOMINATED FOR AN OLIVIER AWARD

FOR BEST FAMILY SHOW

AND BASED ON THE BESTSELLING PICTURE BOOK BY JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER

WILL COME TO THE WEST END FOR CHRISTMAS!

RUNNING AT THE ST MARTIN’S THEATRE

FROM 02 DECEMBER – 07 JANUARY 2024

Fierylight and Little Angel Theatre are delighted to announce a new West End run for their musical adaptation of The Smartest Giant in Town, adapted from the classic story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 

Nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Family Show, the production has just completed a successful UK tour where it was enjoyed by children across the country.

The Smartest Giant in Town, will return for Christmas at the St Martin’s Theatre from 02 December – 07 January where it will once again play in tandem with The Mousetrap which has run at the theatre since 1974. 

The Smartest Giant in Town is a heart-warming and vibrant story about friendship and helping those in need. Little Angel artistic director Samantha Lane, and award-winning musician Barb Jungr bring the bestselling book to life in this musical, puppet-filled adventure. This production previously toured during 2022, and the most recent tour ran until February 2023.

George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town . . . until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!

Julia Donaldson says: “I wrote ‘The Smartest Giant in Town’ twenty years ago but the theme of generosity and kindness seems/continues to be just as relevant today. The story really comes to life in Little Angel’s adaptation, which is also very faithful to Axel Scheffler’s brilliant illustrations. I saw the show when it first opened at Little Angel Theatre and the whole audience – including me – loved the puppets and enjoyed the songs. I’m so pleased that now more children will be able to experience it.”

Axel Scheffler says: “I am very fond of George the giant and his friends in The Smartest Giant in Town; I enjoyed creating his world with its mix of town and countryside, and range of animal characters in a place where everyone lives together harmoniously. The creative team at Little Angel with Fierylight has brought my artwork to life in 3D in a brilliant way and their production is great fun. I really recommend it.”    

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the UK’s leading picture book partnership. Their books together, which include modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, are popular globally and have sold over 75 million copies worldwide. The Smartest Giant in Town was first published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2002.   

The Smartest Giant in Town has been adapted and directed for the stage by Little Angel artistic director Samantha Lane, and award-winning musician Barb Jungr, who has also composed new music for the production.  Set and costumes are designed by Kate Bunce, puppets are designed by Judith Hope with lighting design by Sherry Coenen.

The Leeds Playhouse –  3^rd May 2023

Reviewed by Sal Marino

5*****

Brave and bold, Dunstan Bruce bared his soul and body, which he described as being ‘battered, broken and bruised’, to a packed audience at the Playhouse (Leeds) last night.  Reflecting on his life, using a large TV screen to engage in a dialogue with himself, Dunstan pondered on the meaning of his life – our lives – as human beings on this troubled planet.  He travelled back in time and faced his once youthful self, the arrogant ego.  He wanted to “change the world” then but now, expressed feelings of being ‘stuck’, in a ‘rut’ and consumed with anxiety. Bruce asked, “Why does life do this to us – why are we not thriving?”

Courageously, stripping off at one point, Dunstan stood in front of a large image of his former, younger-self, and confronted his age and present body image (which in my opinion was in fine shape and something he should be proud of!).  For someone who had been in the limelight during the late 90s and was on that trajectory of fame and glory, he really put himself out there and exposed his ego, laid himself (literally) bare.  That is not easy to do, yet he did it and did it with honesty and authenticity. 

Dunstan then shared some footage of young people who have recently voiced their opinions about the unfair things that are happening in the world right now and who are saying, ‘enough is enough’ through their music and protests. Speaking out about this ‘emergency’, the state we are in (which is not a good one), inspired Bruce to then start shouting, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!”   As he marched around the venue, I personally think he missed an opportunity to invite the audience to get up and join him – I would have been up for it in a shot and we could have had our own mini revolution right there!  I’m sure health and safety rules will probably have not allowed this and it’s not the theatre’s fault, it’s just how we are now – compliant – afraid of our own shadows and seem to need to be told where to sit, how far to stand away from each other, when to laugh, clap and how to live our lives!  What have we become?  Invisible?

However, there is hope!  As Dunstan said (and I agree with him 100%), we can ‘reset’ (and I don’t mean the ‘Great Reset’ we keep hearing about) but we can ‘start again’.  As corny as it may sound, we can ‘change’ – we just need to ‘press the button’ and start the process of renewal.  We can ‘get back up again’ after being ‘knocked down’!  If we dig deep inside ourselves and become braver, we can create a new Earth that is sustainable – built on kindness and love, which is the original design for humankind – not a technological one.  The show ended with an over whelming sense of hope and love and so if you’re feeling a little ‘battered and bruised’ with life too, go and see this show because as it unfolds, so will your furrowed brow .  You’ll relate to Bruce’s show title banner and ask ‘Am I Invisible yet?’, feel a little disheartened maybe at first but by end of this hour long journey, end up smiling inside and finally come out of the auditorium feeling ready again – to face this world as the brave soul you are and always have been.  Thank you Dunstan, your performance was inspiring and I think you have definitely shown that you are ‘not invisible’ and neither am I. 

Kacey Ainsworth joins the cast of ‘Leaves of Glass’ at Park Theatre

Kacey has had a phenomenal career across stage & screen including six years and 515 episodes as ‘Little Mo’ on EastEnders and as series regular Cathy Keating from 2014 – 2022 in ITV’s ‘Grantchester’.

Kacey has been working in the entertainment industry since 1978. Originally starring in the West End cast of Annie. Reprising her role for a further 3 years. She then went on to study at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama gaining a BA (Bachelor of Arts for Drama).

After graduation Kacey worked at The National Theatre, The Royal Court Theatre, The Bush and for the RSC. She continued to successfully mix working in both Musical and Non Musical theatre roles. In 1998 Kacey appeared in Mike Leigh’s Gilbert and Sullivan movie “Topsy Turvy” which went on to win an Oscar for Make Up Design.

In 2000 Kacey was cast as Little Mo in the BBC’s top rated continuing drama EastEnders. A role which won her 5 acting nominations. She was awarded Most Popular Actress at The National Television Awards and collected the award for best continuing drama the the BAFTAS.

Her theatre credits incude ‘LAVA’ (Soho Theatre & UK Tour); Mrs Lovett  in ‘Sweeney Todd’ (Liverpool Everyman); Holes (Nottingham Playhouse); Feed the Beast (Birmingham Rep/New Wolsey Theatre, Stephen Joseph Theatre); Miss November in ‘Calendar Girls’ (National Theatre Tour); Anelle in ‘Steel Magnolias’ (ATG); Carrie’s War (Apollo West End); Attempts on Her Life (Royal Court); Sleep With Me (Royal National Theatre); Serving It Up (Bush Theatre); and Pale Horse (Royal Court Upstairs).

Voice work includes ‘Torchwood’ and ‘Dr Who’ (Big Finish).

LEAVES OF GLASS
Following its critically acclaimed premiere at Soho Theatre in 2007, master storyteller Philip Ridley’s four-hander is a gripping narrative of memory, manipulation, and power – now regarded as a modern classic – returns for the first time in 16 years with a new production by longtime collaborators, Lidless Theatre.

East London. 2023. Steven has always tried to be a good person. He works hard. He looks after his family. But, suddenly, everyone starts accusing him of things. His wife accuses him of being unfaithful. His mother accuses him of being coercive. And his brother, Barry, accuses him of…what exactly? Barry won’t say. Or can’t. Or perhaps…Steven hasn’t done anything at all.

Philip Ridley is one of the country’s greatest living playwrights. His first play,’ The Pitchfork Disney’, changed the course of British drama.

‘Leaves of Glass’, directed by Max Harrison, will run at Park Theatre, London Thursday 11 May –  Saturday 3 June.

‘Leaves of Glass’ will then tour to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford (15 – 17 June) and
Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre (3 – 8 July) with tickets going on sale soon.
Cast also features Katie Buchholz, Ned Costello and Joseph Potter.
Creative team:
Director Max Harrison
Set & Costume Desinger Kit HinchcliffLighting Designer Alex Lewer
Sound Designer Sam Glossop
Casting Consultant Nadine Rennie CDG
Producer Zoe Weldon / Lidless Theatre

Hull New Theatre – until 6th May 2023

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

The Lincoln Center Theater Production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I got a very well-deserved standing ovation last night at Hull New Theatre.

Directed by Bartlett Sher it tells the story of Anna Leonowens (Annalene Beechey) who travels to Siam to be the teacher to the King of Siam’s (Darren Lee) many children and wives. We follow the story from Anna arriving in Siam with her young son, Louis (Dexter Barry) and she becomes part of the Kings plan to modernise his country.

Annalene Beechey was magnificent as schoolteacher Anna, her voice was so clear and precise. Darren Lee (The King) was made to play this part; he was very convincing as the King who was torn between tradition and bringing his country up to date. Cezarah Bonner (Lady Thiang) and Kitt Pakapom (Prince Chulalongkarn) played their parts with conviction. Marienella Phillips (Tuptim) and Dean John-Wilson (Lun Tha) romance was beautifully played and their duets were heart-breaking and Tuptims solo piece was so good you could hear a pin drop in the theatre. Kok-Hwa Lee who played Kralahome with just the right amount of menace and he was a very imposing character.

The orchestra played the very recognisable Rodgers and Hammerstein’s score so well, and songs such as Shall We Dance, Getting to Know You, I Whistle a Happy tune and many others. The sound levels between the orchestra and the cast were so well balanced that I could hear every word that was sung and spoken. The costumes (Catherine Zuber) were stunning and the sets (Michael Yeargan) were simple and effective.

I was surprised to see, at the curtain call, how small this multi-talented cast was. They all played their parts so well, the ensemble is some of the best I’ve seen, from the adults to the fabulous children they were all brilliant.

It has been quite hard to put into words how good this production is, so I will describe it in one word…superb!

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 6 May 2023

Reviewed by Gill Gardiner

5*****

A joyous show full of comedy, glorious music and fine acting. Based on the iconic movie this is the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier (Sandra Marvin) a disco diva who is forced into protective custody when she she witnesses a murder. She gets the better of an organised crime syndicate by putting on a habit and blending in with a convent load of nuns. Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior (Lesley Joseph), Deloris helps the sisters find their voices, raise money to save the convent and in the process finds herself.

It is the music and the comedy that make this show. The gospel songs of the movie are replaced by an original score of 70’s disco music with stand out performances by Sandra Marvin (Deloris), Clive Rowe (as Eddie Souther) who raised the roof at times, and Lizzie Bea (as Sister Mary Robert) who delivered soaring solo vocals. Comedy permeates the production with Lesley Joseph leading the way with her masterful portrayal of Mother Superior, comedy acting at its very best. But this is not just a show about outstanding performances, it would be wrong to ignore the other actors, the show is often at its best with the big choir numbers delivering beautiful harmonies and group comedy sketches which had the audience in stitches.

The finale had the audience on their feet with  a well deserved standing ovation. A first rate show which pays tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music – a joy to watch.