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UNDERBELLY AND SOHO ESTATES

ANNOUNCE

UNDERBELLY’S FIRST EVER PERMANENT VENUE

IN THE HEART OF SOHO

A NEW LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE FOR

MUSIC, CABARET AND VARIETY

OPENING SEPTEMBER 2023

Underbelly and Soho Estates are delighted to announce today that Soho Estates have agreed to lease the Boulevard Theatre to Underbelly, which will become Underbelly’s first ever permanent venue, UNDERBELLY BOULEVARD.In the heart of Soho, formerly known as the Boulevard Theatre and renovated by Soho Estates, the venue will open in September 2023.

Operated by Underbelly, producers of the seven-time Olivier award-winning Cabaret and iconic live entertainment events, UNDERBELLY BOULEVARD will be a brand new home for the hottest cabaret, variety and music, comprising of a 200 capacity performance venue, a rehearsal room for hire, daytime hire for events, readings and workshops, a bar and a 100 cover restaurant.

Full details and on-sale information for the opening programme of shows will be announced in July. Sign up now at www.underbellyboulevard.com to be the first to know more and for priority on-sales.

Underbelly’s Directors, Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood said today, “We couldn’t be more thrilled and honoured to have been chosen by Fawn and Soho Estates to take on the lease for this extraordinary and iconic venue. Not only does this mark a major milestone for Underbelly as our first permanent venue in London, but the venue is also perfectly suited to our style of programming and live entertainment ethos. We look forward to making Underbelly Boulevard a vital and captivating part of Soho’s already wonderful cultural offer and we can’t wait to share further details of what we’ve got in store in July.”

Fawn James from Soho Estates said today “The Boulevard Theatre was a wonderful chance for me to amalgamate my love of the arts and my family’s long history with the area. Having invested heavily into reinstating the theatre in Walkers Court, it is hugely important to me that its legacy is continued with just as much care and dedication. I have a lot of passion and belief in this building and the heritage behind it, and I couldn’t be prouder to be passing this on to Underbelly and for the Boulevard to be their first permanent venue. Underbelly’s ethos fits perfectly with the history of the venue and I am incredibly excited to see them develop the Boulevard into the space it should be.”

The original Boulevard Theatre site began as a sister venue to the Raymond Revuebar in the late 1950s, before becoming a small theatre in its own right, the ‘Elle et Lui’ theatre. In the late 1970’s, it was renamed the Boulevard Theatre, and was home to a wide variety of productions, most famously to ‘The Comic Strip’, but also included ‘The Collector’ by John Fowles, adapted by David Parker, ‘Infidelities’ starring Jill Bennett and Eddie Izzard’s ‘Raging Bull’ comedy club before closing its doors in theearly 1990’s. In 2010, Soho Estates began an extensive regeneration of the Walker’s Court area which included the reopening the Boulevard Theatre in October 2019.

Underbelly are internationally renowned producers, whose work on the Edinburgh Fringe began in the year 2000 and has continued to this day. Their iconic purple cow, Violet, has been seen in Edinburgh, on London’s Southbank, in Hong Kong and more. Their theatrical arm, Underbelly Productions presents, produces and promotes a diverse programme of work including the multi award winning Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, La Clique Live in Leicester Square, Austentatious at The Fortune Theatre, Five Guys Named Moe at the Marble Arch Theatre and more.

Fawn James is a Director of Soho Estates.  Her grandfather was Soho Estates’ founder Paul Raymond, an entertainment impresario and property investor, who staged revue and variety shows at countless Soho venues from the 1950s onwards. Fawn intends to honour her grandfather’s legacy by helping to promote Soho as an arts and entertainment district. Fawn is also a Trustee for ‘Soho Theatre’ and a member of the Executive Committee of the ‘Royal Variety Charity’.

ANDREW SCOTT REUNITES WITH SIMON STEPHENS AND SAM YATES FOR

VANYA

FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED RUN IN THE WEST END

Wessex Grove, Gavin Kalin Productions and Kater Gordon today announce that Andrew Scott will return to the West End with VANYA, in a brand new adaptation of Chekhov’s masterpiece by Simon Stephens, and directed by Sam Yates. Designed by Rosanna Vize, the production opens at the Duke of York’s Theatre on 21 September, with previews at Richmond Theatre from 28 August to 2 September and previews in the West End from 15 September, running until 21 October. Public booking opens at 8.30am on Friday 9 June.

This Autumn, Andrew Scott will play every role in Simon Stephens’ definitive new version of Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece of love, art, sex and attempted murder.

The production reunites Scott and Stephens who previously collaborated on Sea Wall and Birdland; and Scott with Yates following their work together on the short film, The Hope Rooms; and producers Benjamin Lowy and Emily Vaughan-Barratt from Wessex Grove after working with Scott on Sea Wall and Hamlet respectively.

The first performance at the Duke of York’s Theatre on 15 September will be for under 30s. All tickets are priced at £10, and patrons can apply for two tickets in a ballot. Further details of this will be announced shortly.

Andrew Scott: “Heartbreaking, hilarious, sexy, devastating- the genius and extraordinary humanity of Mr Chekhov just knocks me out. It’s a genuine honour and a singular challenge to bring this giant of a play to life in the West End in this new way and I’m so excited to be doing it alongside such brilliant, playful and talented people.”

Simon Stephens: “Anton Chekhov is my favourite writer. Andrew Scott is as good an actor as there is in the world. Sam Yates is an artist of the highest order. To work with these people in the heart of the West End; to be fearlessly creative and exploratory there; to have only the impulse to make art is all utterly thrilling. This is work that reminds me again and again that theatre is our greatest art form. The most alive. The funniest. The sexiest. The most heart breaking. The most human.”

Sam Yates: “It is a joy to collaborate again with Andrew Scott, an actor of singular sensitivity and power, on Simon Stephen’s adaptation of VANYA. Chekhov’s play is life-affirming and heart-breaking, and places human behaviour under the microscope. VANYA will push this examination to a new level, harnessing the power of the unique connection between actor and audience possible only in the theatre. Andrew’s inexhaustible invention and heart will be central to telling this story, a celebration of the multitudes we contain within ourselves, that we may collectively laugh at our imperfections, de­spair at our failures, and celebrate our compassion. I am delighted to be working with dynamic and daring Emily Vaughan-Barratt and Benjamin Lowy of Wessex Grove to bring VANYA to the West End and introduce this play to a new generation of audiences.”

Wessex Grove’s Benjamin Lowy and Emily Vaughan-Barratt: “At its heart, theatre is all about collaboration. When we began to collaborate with Andrew, Sam, and Simon on this project, we knew this illustrious trio would create something incredibly special.  These three are artists at the top of their game, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring Simon’s VANYA to the West End. As producers, the creative team pushed us to think outside the box and help create a new generation of theatre-goer. Therefore, we are happy to announce an exclusive performance for under 30s with tickets at £10, enabling greater access to this incredible production.”

www.vanyaonstage.com

Twitter and Instagram: @vanyaonstage

Wessex Grove, Gavin Kalin Productions and Kater Gordon present

VANYA
After Anton Chekhov

Adapted by Simon Stephens

Performed by Andrew Scott

Directed by Sam Yates

Designed by Rosanna Vize

RICHMOND THEATRE 28 August – 2 September

DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE 15 September – 21 October

BAFTA and Olivier-award winning actor, Andrew Scott’s recent theatre includes Three Kings (Old Vic: In Camera), Present Laughter, Design for Living (The Old Vic), Hamlet (Almeida Theatre and Duke of York’s Theatre), The Dazzle (Found111), Birdland (Royal Court), Aristocrats, Emperor and Galilean (National Theatre), Sea Wall (Paines Plough, The Old Vic, Bush Theatre), as well as numerous plays in Dublin, London and New York. For television his work includes School of Roars, The Pursuit of Love, Ripley, His Dark Materials, Modern Love, Black Mirror: Smithereens, as The Priest in Fleabag, Quacks, as Moriarty in Sherlock, The Town and The Hollow Crown. His recent films include Strangers, Catherine Called Birdy, Oslo, Sam Mendes 1917, A Dark Place, The Delinquent Season, Hamlet, King Lear, Cognition, Handsome Devil, Denial, Swallows and Amazons, This Beautiful Fantastic, Sam Mendes’ Spectre, Alice: Through the Looking Glass, Frankenstein, Ken Loach’s Jimmy’s Hall, Matthew Warchus’ Pride, (BIFA for Best Supporting Actor), Locke and The Stag.

Simon Stephens’ plays include Cornelia Street, Morning Sun, Fortune, Light Falls, Maria, Fatherland, Rage, Heisenberg, Nuclear War, Song from Far Away; Birdland, Carmen Disruption, Blindsided, Morning, Three Kingdoms, Wastwater, Punk Rock, The Trial of Ubu, Marine Parade,  Sea Wall, Harper Regan, Pornography, Motortown, On the Shore of the Wide World, One Minute, Country Music, Christmas, Port, Herons, and Bluebird. He has adapted Jose Saramago’s Blindness for the stage and also Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. He has written English language versions of Jon Fosse’s I Am the Wind; Odon Von Horvath’s Kasimir and Karoline (titled The Funfair); Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House; Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard and The Seagull and Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s Threepenny Opera. He has presented four series of the Royal Court Playwright’s Podcast. His book “A Working Diary” is published by Methuen. Stephens has been an Associate at the Royal Court, London and Steep, Chicago and a board member of Paines Plough. He has been an Associate Artist at the Lyric, Hammersmith, a Professor of Scriptwriting at Manchester Metropolitan University and an Associate Professor at the Danish National School of the Performing Arts, Copenhagen.

Sam Yates directs. His theatre credits include The Two Character Play (Hampstead Theatre), A Separate Peace (Curtain Call & Platform Presents), Incantata (Irish Rep, Gate Theatre, Dublin, Galway International Festival & Jen Coppinger), The Starry Messenger (Wyndham’s Theatre), Company, Merrily We Roll Along, Assassins (Royal Academy of Music), The Phlebotomist (Hampstead Theatre, nominated for Olivier Award for Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre),  Glengarry Glen Ross (Playhouse Theatre and UK tour), Desire Under The Elms (Sheffield Crucible), Murder Ballad (Arts Theatre), Cymbeline (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse), East is East (Trafalgar Studios and UK tour), The El. Train (Hoxton Hall), Outside Mullingar (Ustinov), Billy Liar (Royal Exchange Theatre), Cornelius (Finborough Theatre, 59E59 New York), Mixed Marriage (Finborough Theatre), and Purgatory by W.B. Yeats, and Macbeth: The Hour (Edinburgh Festival Fringe). His screen work includes the forthcoming Magpie (2023, feature film debut, written by Tom Bateman, produced by Werewolf Films and Kate Solomon for 55 Films, with Daisy Ridley, Shazad Latif, Matilda Lutz), Agatha and the Curse of Ishtar, The Hope Rooms, (Winner Grand Prize Future Filmmaker Award, RIIFF 2016), Cymbeline, All’s Well That Ends Well, and Love’s Labour’s Lost (The Complete Walk, Shakespeare’s Globe); and music videos Emeralds and Auld.

Rosanna Vize’s theatre credits include Julius Caesar (Royal Shakespeare Company), The Glass Menagerie, The Almighty Sometimes (Royal Exchange Manchester), King Priam (ENO), Britannicus (Lyric Hammersmith), Brown Girls Do It Too (Soho Theatre), Mavra and Pierrot Lunaire (Royal Opera House, Covent Garden),Gulliver’s Travels (Unicorn Theatre), Camp Siegfried, Midsummer Party (The Old Vic), Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (Leicester Curve Theatre), The Two Character Play (Hampstead Theatre, Upstairs), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Curve Theatre and UK tour), Shedding A Skin (Soho Theatre), The Enemy (National Theatre of Scotland), Harm (Bush Theatre), The Comeback (Noël Coward Theatre), Incantata (Irish Rep Theatre, NYC), Hedda Gabler (Sherman Theatre), The Phlebotomist, Yous Two (Hampstead Theatre), The Audience (Nuffield Theatre, Southamption), Don Carlos (Exeter Northcott), Incantata (Galway Festival), An Adventure, Leave Taking (Bush Theatre), King Lear (Shakespeare’s Globe), Earthworks and Myth (RSC), Low Level Panic (Orange Tree Theatre), After October (Finborough Theatre), Henry I (Reading Between the Lines), and Girls (Soho Theatre, Hightide & Talawa Theatre). For film, Harm Film. Her up-coming productions include The Turn of the Screw (Royal Danish Opera, Copenhagen), and Macbeth (Donmar Warehouse).

Listings Information

VANYA

Duke of York’s Theatre

St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4BG

www.atgtickets.com

www.vanyaonstage.com

TICKETS

From £15

RICHMOND THEATRE 28 August – 2 September

Performances at 7.30pm

DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE 15 September – 21 October

Monday to Saturday at 3pm and 7pm

Access performances:

BSL interpreted performance 3 October 2023 at 7pm

Audio Described performance 5 October 2023 at 7pm

At every London performance, a limited number of £30 tickets will be available via a weekly lottery in partnership with Todaytix. 

Grand Theatre, Leeds – until 10 June 2023

Reviewed by Katie Brewerton

4****

Dirty Dancing is back on tour and has come to Leeds! After the release of the film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in 1987 Dirty Dancing became a huge hit and this production does not disappoint whether you’re a fan of the film or new to the story.

This fantastic production tells the story of Johnny Castle (Michael O’Reilly), a dance teacher at a family friendly holiday resort and Francis ‘Baby’ Houseman (Kira Malou), who is visiting for the summer with her parents. Set in the US in the summer of 1963, just as the world is beginning to change and the civil rights movement was reaching its pinnacle. 17-year-old Baby visits Kellerman’s with her family. Baby is introduced to the secret, raunchy dance scene by Billy (Danny Colligan), where the staff at the resort spend their spare time and she soon finds herself mesmerised. After finding out Penny (Georgia Aspinall), Johnny’s fellow dance teacher and friend is in trouble and is unable to attend a dance performance crucial for her and Johnny to keep their jobs Baby is willing to do what she can to help. This results in her becoming Johnny’s dance partner, from two completely different backgrounds Johnny and Baby quickly form a close relationship as Johnny teaches Baby all she needs to know to complete the routine and the chemistry between them quickly builds as feelings blossom.

There can’t be a show about dancing without a whole load of dance numbers, which don’t disappoint. The talent of both O’Reilly and Aspinall is evident from the moment they step on stage and the rest of the cast and ensemble have no problem keeping up. We also have the pleasure of seeing Kellerman’s band performing on stage, as they provide music for both the characters and the audience to enjoy. 

This feel good musical is bound to leave you wanting more, the cast is fantastic and a special mention must go to Danny Colligan who’s rendition of ‘(I’ve had) the Time of My Life‘ was phenomenal and with hits including ‘Hungry Eyes‘ and ‘Do you Love Me?‘ you’ll be sure to have ‘the time of your life’ at this show. 

Kids go free to over 45 top West End shows this August as much-loved Kids Week campaign returns

OfficialLondonTheatre.com/Kids-Week

Tickets on sale 10am on 13 June 2023

London’s world-famous theatres are preparing to welcome families this summer, as long-running audience development initiative Kids Week returns.

Throughout August, a child aged 17 and under can see a show for free when accompanied by an adult paying full price, plus an additional two children can attend for half price – and there’s no booking fees. Kids Week tickets go on sale at 10am on 13 June, only via OfficialLondonTheatre.com.

From 24 exciting productions participating for the first time like Ain’t Too Proud, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, Mrs. Doubtfire, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, The SpongeBob Musical and The Wizard Of Oz, to established Kids Week favourites including Disney’s Frozen, Grease The Musical, Les Misérables, Disney’s The Lion King, Mamma Mia, RSC’s Matilda The Musical, The Smeds And The Smoos, Wicked and The Tiger Who Came To Tea, there is something for all the family to enjoy.

Alongside the performances, shows are offering a wide range of free activities for Kids Week ticketholders, so look out for ‘Kids Week Curtain Calls’ where all Kids Week bookers in attendance can stay for a post-show Q&A or demonstration after the show, as well as many more show specific offerings from dance and musical theatre workshops to backstage tours. Also, families travelling into London to see a show can take advantage of restaurant deals via OfficialLondonTheatre.com/Deals.   

Kids Week bookers with access requirements can complete the Access Priority Request Form before general on sale. The form will be available on the Kids Week website from 9 June to 11 June. Eligible bookers who have completed the form will be contacted by the theatre box office on the morning of 13 June.

List of shows participating in Kids Week 2023

Accidental Death Of An Anarchist

Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations

Aspects Of Love

Back To The Future: The Musical

Bleak Expectations

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour (Alexandra Palace)

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour (Rose Theatre, Kingston)

The Choir Of Man

Crazy For You

The Crown Jewels

The Crucible

Dinosaur World: Live

The Dream

Elephant And Piggies

Everywhere Bear

Fireman Sam Saves The Circus

Disney’s Frozen The Musical

Grease The Musical

Hairy

Heathers

Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors

I Believe In Unicorns

I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical

Jersey Boys

Disney’s The Lion King

Mamma Mia!

RSC’s Matilda The Musical

Mermaid’s & Pirates

Les Misérables

The Mousetrap

Mrs. Doubtfire

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!

The Phantom Of The Opera

The Play That Goes Wrong

Matthew Bourne’s Romeo & Juliet

The Smeds And The Smoos

SpongeBob: The Musical

Tales From Acorn Wood

The Three Billy Goats Gruff

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

The Verge Of Forever

We Will Rock You The Musical

Wicked

Witness For The Prosecution

The Wizard Of Oz

Age recommendations and restrictions for participating shows will vary. Please check the show listings on OfficialLondonTheatre.com for more information.

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#KidsWeek

TILTED WIG PRESENT

FRANKENSTEIN

A NEW STORY INSPIRED BY THE CLASSIC NOVEL

BY MARY SHELLEY

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY SÉAN AYDON

ON A UK TOUR FROM 16 SEPTEMBER 2023

A brand-new adaption of Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein will start a major UK theatre tour at the Churchill Theatre Bromley on 16 September, before playing 10 further venues around the country.

This new thriller inspired by the classic gothic novel and complete with a stunning original score explores the very fabric of what makes us human and the ultimate cost of chasing “perfection”.  

Casting will be announced at a later date.

1943. Whilst Europe tears itself apart, two women hide from their past at what feels like the very end of the world. And one of them has a terrifying story to tell…

“I created life. You don’t believe me but it’s true. I didn’t start from scratch of course but out of portions and odd ends I made something –alive. But what I created… it wasn’t a superhuman. It was a monster.”

Frankenstein is an electrifying reimagining of the world’s favourite horror story that will send shivers down the spine and ignite the imagination.

The production is unsuitable for under 12s.

Frankenstein is adapted and directed by Séan Aydon who was assistant director on the world premiere of Tom Fletcher’s The Christmasaurus at the Hammersmith Apollo and recently adapted and directed the national tour of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

The production has design by Nicky Bunch (Potted Panto costumes, Apollo Theatre & Garrick Theatre), lighting by Matt Haskins (Peter Pan Goes Wrong – Broadway, West End, Canada, The Empress – RSC) and a score by Eamonn O’Dwyer (Brief Encounter at Watermill Theatre, Lady Chatterley’s Lover UK Tour; Twelfth Night & Henry V at Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre, York).

Frankenstein is produced by Tilted Wig Productions, formed by Katherine Senior and Matthew Parish in 2017. Their inaugural production of Great Expectations was co-produced with Malvern Theatres and in 2019 they coproduced The Picture Of Dorian Gray and Philip Meeks’ play Murder, Margaret And Me with Malvern Theatres and the Churchill Theatre, Bromley. 2020 began with a tour of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, adapted by Ciaran McConville which was sadly was cut short due to COVID-19. 2021 saw them back on the road with a haunting production of The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow and they are currently on a 25 week tour with York Theatre Royal’s Around the World in 80 Days.

www.tiltedwigproductions.com/book-now

Twitter @tiltedwiguk

Facebook @TiltedWigProductions

Insta @tiltedwig

FRANKENSTEIN TOUR DATES 2023

16 – 18 September                Churchill Theatre Bromley

19 – 23 September               Derby Theatre

26 – 30 September              Exeter Northcott

3 – 7 October                        Albany Theatre Coventry

10 – 14 October                     Theatre By The Lake, Keswick

17 – 21 October                      Darlington Hippodrome

24 – 28 October                   York Theatre Royal

31 October – 4 November  Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds ON SALE 19 JUNE

7 – 11 November                    Ipswich New Wolsey Theatre

14 – 18 November                 Malvern Theatres

21 – 25 November                Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne

The famous marmalade loving bear is heading to Blenheim Palace this summer!

PADDINGTON^TM LO-COMMOTION!

JOIN THE IMMERSIVE ADVENTURE

FROM 27 JUNE TO 3 SEPTEMBER 2023

TICKETS ON-SALE NOW WWW.PADDINGTONTRAINADVENTURE.COM

This Summer, join Paddington^TM in an immersive outdoor adventure staged across the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace! PADDINGTON LO-COMMOTION is the perfect day out for families who love to immerse themselves in live performance, puppetry, and outdoor adventure.

Created by Histrionic Productions in collaboration with The Copyrights Group (a STUDIOCANAL company), PADDINGTON LO-COMMOTION will preview from Tuesday 27 June 2023, and play throughout the summer holidays, ending on Sunday 3 September 2023.

The show will take audiences on foot through the UNESCO World Heritage Site to meet their favourite characters from the Paddington stories and search for ‘buried treasure’. There will also be an opportunity to hop on board a real locomotive subject to availability on the day.

At the end of the 55-minute adventure, families can enjoy free arts and crafts-based activities, and visit the Paddington gift shop, as well as delicious food and drink at the many restaurants and cafés around Blenheim Palace.

Additionally, everyone can add an official photo with Paddington and the chance to drive a mini ROVER emergency vehicle for younger audiences, aged 4 – 10, to the standard cost of the show ticket.

To make a full day of the unique experience, tickets to enter Blenheim Palace, Park, Gardens and Adventure Play within the Walled Garden will need to be purchased and booked separately.

Adam McKenzie Wylie, Founder, Histrionic Productions said “After a hugely successful inaugural show at Blenheim Palace last summer for The Peter RabbitGarden Adventure, Histrionic Productions is delighted to be staging PADDINGTONLO-COMMOTION this Summer. The combination of Paddington, a cracking new story, full of entertainment, mishap and interactivity, and the beautiful surroundings of Blenheim Palace is perfect theatrical-alchemy for this family, immersive adventure for 2023. We are delighted to be back. It’s the perfect summer day out for the whole family! Sheer excitement for all ages and perfect for lovers of trains, fire engines and of course, Paddington himself.”

Heather Carter, Managing Director, Visitor Attraction at Blenheim Palace, said: “It’s fantastic to be hosting another memorable and unique family experience at Britain’s Greatest Palace, following on from the success and popularity of Peter Rabbit last summer.”

Polly Emery, Senior Vice President Brand and International Licensing, The Copyrights Group (a STUDIOCANAL company) said “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Histrionic Productions for a second Paddington adventure, this time on the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace. PADDINGTON LO-COMMOTION is the perfect summer day out for all Paddington fans and little adventurers who share Paddington’s appetite for discovery and outdoor fun.”

The show will be directed and written by Calum Finlay and designed by Damien Stanton, both of whom collaborated with puppetry designer Jimmy Grimes.

The show is supported by GWR and Jaguar Land Rover Classic.

ON SALE AND PERFORMANCE DATES ANNOUNCED FOR

THE JAMIE LLOYD COMPANY’S

NEW WEST END PRODUCTION OF

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

SUNSET BOULEVARD

STARRING NICOLE SCHERZINGER

WITH 5,000 STALLS AND DRESS CIRCLE TICKETS

AVAILABLE ACROSS THE RUN FOR £20

The Jamie Lloyd Company, the successful partnership between Ambassador Theatre Group and Artistic Director Jamie Lloyd, alongside Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, today announce the on sale and performance dates for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard starring Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond, with further casting to be announced. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, with book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, based on the Billy Wilder film.

Opening 30 years after the original West End production, Sunset Boulevard runs for a strictly limited 16 weeks at the Savoy Theatre from Monday 18 September 2023 – Saturday 6 January 2024.

Tickets go on sale to ATG Theatre Card Members and those signed up for priority booking on Tuesday 13 June at 10am; general booking opens Wednesday 14 June at 10am. Sign up for priority booking here:sunsetboulevardwestend.com

The Jamie Lloyd Company also continues its commitment to accessibility, with 5,000 stalls and dress circle tickets priced at £20 available across the run exclusively for under 30s, key workers and those receiving government benefits. These tickets will be released weekly from September, with further information to be announced. 

Nicole Scherzinger said: “It is always such an honour working with the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, and I have so much respect for the incomparable, innovative, cutting edge director, Jamie Lloyd. To be able to work with both of them on such an iconic musical feels very special. This is a pinnacle role in the theatre world, and I’m excited for me and Jamie to think outside the box and to explore and create something new; to breathe a whole new life into the character – and the musical itself.”

SUNSET BOULEVARD

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Book and Lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton

Based on the Billy Wilder film

Director: Jamie Lloyd

Savoy Theatre

18 September 2023 – 6 January 2024

Nicole Scherzinger stars as the immortal Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary Sunset Boulevard. This thrillingly atmospheric musical, which features an iconic score including the songs With One Look, The Perfect Year and As If We Never Said Goodbye, is reimagined by visionary director Jamie Lloyd for a new generation.

Haunted by her memories and dreams, movie star Norma Desmond (Scherzinger) yearns to return to the big screen. A struggling screenwriter who can’t sell his scripts to the Hollywood studios may be her only hope, until their dangerous and compelling relationship leads to disastrous circumstances.

Drenched in champagne and cynicism, Sunset Boulevard scrutinizes the ambitions and frustrations of its characters and their intoxicating need for fame and adoration.

The Jamie Lloyd Company production of Sunset Boulevard is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, Gavin Kalin Productions and Wessex Grove.

Sunset Boulevard is produced by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd and is based on the original Paramount film by Billy Wilder.

Instagram:          @sunsetblvdmusical

Twitter:               @sunsetblvd

Facebook:           @SunsetBoulevardTheMusical

Nicole Scherzinger plays Norma Desmond. Sheis a multiple award-winning, multi-platinum selling performer, singer, actress, dancer and television personality, selling over 37 million singles worldwide and 16 million records as a solo artist. Formerly a member of one of the world’s best-selling music groups of all time, selling over 55 million record worldwide, she has graced the stages of London’s West End, performed at Madison Square Garden, voiced the character Sina in Disney’s animated blockbuster ‘Moana,’ starred in ABC’s remake of ‘Dirty Dancing,’ and most recently was the resident panellist on the runaway TV phenomenon, The Masked Singer on FOX. On May 7, 2023 Nicole Scherzinger performed at Windsor Castle for the official concert for the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla. Accompanied on stage by esteemed pianist Lang Lang, the pair performed the Disney Mulan classic “Reflection.”

Don Black received two Tony Awards for Best Book and Lyrics of a Musical for his work (with Christopher Hampton) on Sunset Boulevard, which marked his third collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber. They first joined forces to write the song cycle ‘Tell Me On A Sunday,’ which developed to form the basis of the stage show Song and Dance. They were reunited again for Aspects of Love. He also wrote the lyrics for the Andrew Lloyd Webber produced Bombay Dreams. Awards include an Oscar for his song ‘Born Free;’ five Academy Award nominations; two Tony Awards and three Tony nominations; six Ivor Novello Awards; a Golden Globe, and many platinum and gold discs. He has written a quintet of James Bond theme songs: ‘Thunderball,’ ‘Diamonds Are Forever,’ ‘The Man With The Golden Gun,’ ‘Surrender’ from Tomorrow Never Dies and ‘The World Is Not Enough’. Among his many popular songs are two U.S. number ones – ‘Ben’ for Michael Jackson and ‘To Sir With Love’ for Lulu. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008. In The Queen’s Honours List he received the Order of the British Empire. Earlier this year he was awarded an Olivier award for his outstanding services to theatre. Most recently he wrote his critically acclaimed memoir ‘The Sanest Guy In The Room,’ which featured in the Sunday Times Bestsellers list. His musical of Bonnie and Clyde had a successful West End run at the Garrick Theatre and his next project which he wrote with Christopher Hampton and George Fenton is a musical version of the classic film The Third Man.

Christopher Hampton became involved in theatre while studying French and German at Oxford University, and wrote a play in his first year. The Royal Court’s subsequent production was so successful that it transferred to the Comedy Theatre while he was still a student, making him the youngest writer ever to have a play performed in the West End – a record which still stands. He said at the time that he also hoped to become the oldest writer to have a play in the West End, an ambition he has yet to achieve.

His plays, musicals and translations have so far garnered four Tony Awards, three Olivier Awards, four Evening Standard Awards and the New York Theatre Critics; Circle Award; prizes for his film and television work include two Oscars, three BAFTAs, a Writer’s Guild of America Award, the Prix Italia, a Special Jury Award at the Cannes Film Festival, Hollywood Screenwriter of the Year, and The Collateral Award at the Venice Film Festival for Best Literary Adaptation. His musicals include Sunset Boulevard, Dracula: The Musical, Stephen Ward and most recently, The Third Man, all with Don Black. Many translations include the German musical based on Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, opening September 2023. Hampton’s screenplays include The Son, The Father, Perfect Mothers, A Dangerous Method, Chéri, Atonement, Imagining Argentina (which he also directed), The Quiet American, The Secret Agent (which he also directed), Mary Reilly, Total Eclipse and Carrington (the first film he also directed).

Jamie Lloyd directs. His credits for the company include A Doll’s House (Hudson Theatre, New York – – nominated for six 2023 Tony Awards including Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), The Seagull (Harold Pinter Theatre), Cyrano de Bergerac (Playhouse Theatre/Harold Pinter Theatre/Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York – Olivier Award for Best Revival), Betrayal (Pinter at the Pinter, Harold Pinter Theatre/ Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre – nominated for four 2021 Tony Awards including Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), Pinter One, Two, Three, Six and Seven (Pinter at the Pinter, Harold Pinter Theatre), The Maids, The Homecoming, The Ruling Class, Richard III, The Pride, The Hothouse, Macbeth (Trafalgar Studios).

SUNSET BOULEVARD

LISTINGS

Savoy Theatre: 18 September 2023 – 6 January 2024

Savoy Court, The Strand, London WC2R 0ET

Sunset Boulevard goes on sale to ATG Theatre Card Members and those signed up for priority booking on Tuesday 13 June at 10am; general booking opens Wednesday 14 June at 10am. Sign up for priority booking here:sunsetboulevardwestend.com

Performance Schedule:

Monday – Saturday, 7.30pm (excluding Thursday 28 September and Monday 25 December)

Thursday and Saturday matinees, 2.30pm (excluding Thursday 21, Saturday 23, Thursday 28 and Saturday 30 September)

Nicole Scherzinger will not be performing on Thursday 5 October (2.30pm performance), and Monday performances from 9 October. The role of Norma Desmond for these performances will be played by an alternate, to be announced.

Access Performances:

Audio Described:                                            Wednesday 8 November, 7.30pm

Captioned and BSL interpreted:                 Wednesday 15 November, 7.30pm          

Original cast and writers of BAFTA® and EMMY® Award-winning TV comedy, reunite for a brand-new stage adaptation of

DROP THE DEAD DONKEY:
THE REAWAKENING!

By Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin

Starring Stephen Tompkinson, Neil Pearson, Susannah Doyle,
Robert Duncan, Ingrid Lacey, Jeff Rawle,and Victoria Wicks

Touring the UK from January 2024
dropdeaddonkey.co.uk

BREAKING NEWS: 30 years since the launch of the trailblazing, smash-hit TV series, Drop The Dead Donkey, the Globelink News team are back, and now live on stage for the very first time.

Starring the original cast members Stephen Tompkinson, Neil Pearson, Susannah Doyle, Robert Duncan, Ingrid Lacey, Jeff Rawle, and Victoria Wicks, the iconic BAFTA and Emmy award-winning TV comedy is reimagined for the stage in this brand-new production which will tour the UK from January 2024, directed by Lindsay Posner.

Bursting with razor-sharp wit and classic British humour, this hot off the press production is written by the same award-winning writing team as the original hit sitcom Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin,who say:

“We’re overjoyed to be working again with the original cast of Drop The Dead Donkey, after a brief hiatus of about 30 years. It’s going to be hugely enjoyable to watch those 7 funny, flawed characters from Globelink News being plunged into the cutthroat world of modern 24-hour news gathering and trying to navigate their way through the daily chaos of social media, fake news, and Interim Prime Ministers.” [Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin]

Drop The Dead Donkey: The Reawakening! exposes the underside of the broadcasting industry in all its riotous glory. Whether you’re one of the legions of die-hard fans of the TV sitcom that was watched by millions, or a British comedy fanatic, come and experience this hilarious revival of an all-time comedy classic.

Produced by Hat Trick and Simon Friend Entertainment, Drop The Dead Donkey: The Reawakening by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin will be directed by Lindsay Posner, and designed by Peter McKintosh, with lighting designs by Peter Mumford.

Information on tickets, tour schedule, and cast and creative team biographies for Drop The Dead Donkey: The Reawakening! can be found at dropdeaddonkey.co.uk

DAVID IAN

FOR CROSSROADS LIVE

PRESENTS

A NEW PRODUCTION OF THE

MOST FANTASMAGORICAL MUSICAL OF ALL TIME

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

OPENING AT

MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON

ON 30 APRIL 2024
AHEAD OF A UK TOUR

David Ian for Crossroads Live is delighted to announce a new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG,opening at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on 30 April 2024 where it will play until 12 May 2024 ahead of a UK tour. chittyontour.com

Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children and later made into the famous 1968 film, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG features the unforgettable songs by the Sherman Brothers including Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious and the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

This new production will be directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic, Parade), choreographed by Karen Bruce (BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, The Bodyguard) with Set and Costume design by Morgan Large (Newsies, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat), Orchestrations and Musical Supervision by George Dyer (The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Billy Elliot) and casting by Debbie O’Brien.

In CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG we meet absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious, the family end up on a hilarious fantastical adventure to far off lands.

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG has Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Music by Special Arrangement with Sony/ATV Publishing and is Adapted for the Stage by Jeremy Sams. Based on the MGM Motion Picture the Licensed Script is adapted by Ray Roderick. It was Originally produced by Eon Productions, Dana Broccoli, Frederick Zollo, Nicholas Paleologos, Jeffrey Sine, Miriam Productions and Michael Rose at The London Palladium.

This production is presented by permission of Music Theatre International.

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

UK TOUR LISTINGS

chittyontour.com

TUESDAY 30 APRIL – SUNDAY 12 MAY 2024

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

www.mayflower.org.uk

ON SALE 19 JUNE 2023

WEDNESDAY 15 – SUNDAY 19 MAY 2024

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre

ON SALE 8 JUNE 2023

TUESDAY 21 – SUNDAY 26 MAY 2024

New Wimbledon Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre

ON SALE 8 JUNE 2023

TUESDAY 28 MAY – SUNDAY 2 JUNE 2024

Edinburgh Playhouse

www.atgtickets.com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse/

ON SALE 8 JUNE 2023

MONDAY 3 – SATURDAY 8 JUNE 2024

Theatre Royal, Newcastle

www.theatreroyal.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 11 – SATURDAY 15 JUNE 2024

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 25 – SUNDAY 30 JUNE 2024

Churchill Theatre, Bromley

www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 2 – SUNDAY 7 JULY 2024

Milton Keynes Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/

ON SALE 8 JUNE 2023

TUESDAY 23 JULY – SATURDAY 3 AUGUST 2024

Grand Opera House, Belfast

www.goh.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 6 – SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2024

Princess Theatre, Torquay

www.atgtickets.com/venues/princess-theatre-torquay/

ON SALE 8 JUNE 2023

TUESDAY 13 – SUNDAY 18 AUGUST 2024

Venue Cymru, Llandudno

www.venuecymru.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 27 AUGUST – SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2024

Kings Theatre, Glasgow

www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow/

ON SALE 8 JUNE 2023

TUESDAY 10 – SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2024

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness

eden-court.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 24 – SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2024

Theatre Royal, Norwich

norwichtheatre.org

ON SALE 8 JUNE 2023

TUESDAY 1 – SUNDAY 6 OCTOBER 2024

New Theatre, Oxford

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford/

ON SALE 8 JUNE 2023

TUESDAY 8 – SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER

Empire Theatre, Liverpool

www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire/

ON SALE 8 JUNE 2023

TUESDAY 22 – SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER 2024

Regent Theatre, Stoke

www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre/

ON SALE 8 JUNE 2023

MONDAY 4 – SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2024

Curve Theatre, Leicester

www.curveonline.co.uk/

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 19 – SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2024

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk/venue/congress-theatre

ON SALE 8 JUNE 2023

TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER – SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2024

Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth

www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

National Theatre’s critically acclaimed ‘The Ocean at the End of the Lane’ to return to London’s West End from 11 October 2023 for a strictly limited 7-week run

A video message from Neil Gaiman here

Following a highly acclaimed tour across the UK and Ireland, the National Theatre’s smash-hit production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane will return to London’s West End for a strictly limited 7-week run this autumn.  Based on a best-selling novel by Neil Gaiman, adapted by Joel Horwood and directed by Katy Rudd, this thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, will play at the Noël Coward Theatre from 11 October until 25 November 2023. Tickets go on sale on 7 June available via oceanonstage.com.

This first major stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s work blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it.  Currently on tour, visiting 29 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, the full cast will transfer with the show into London’s West End.

This year marks 10 years since Neil Gaiman’s best-selling novel, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, was first published. The novel won Book of the Year at 2013 National Book Awards and has sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide. 

The Ocean at the End of the Lane production received its world premiere at the National Theatre in 2019.  It made its West End debut at the Duke of York’s Theatre in 2021. 

Writer Neil Gaiman said, “10 years since my novel was first published The Ocean at the End of the Lane won lots of awards and people loved it, then the National Theatre turned it into the most amazing play. I am thrilled, overjoyed and absolutely delighted that this glorious adaptation of my book is going to be returning to the West End on St Martin’s Lane. It makes audiences laugh and cry and wonder. If you wanted to see it, now is your chance.”

National Theatre Director, Rufus Norris said: “Audiences across the UK and Ireland have been immensely enjoying this beautiful story from Neil Gaiman’s incredible imagination for the last seven months.  We are so pleased that this magical production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane, first created by Joel Horwood, Katy Rudd and their formidable creative team for our Dorfman Theatre, continues its wonderful journey, delighting audiences of all ages.”

The 17-strong ensemble cast are: Charlie Brooks (Ursula), Daniel Cornish (alternate Boy), Trevor Fox (Dad), Emma-Jane Goodwin (understudy), Paolo Guidi (ensemble), Millie Hikasa (Lettie Hempstock), Lewis Howard (understudy), Kemi-Bo Jacobs (Ginnie Hempstock), Jasmeen James (understudy), Ronnie Lee (ensemble), Aimee McGoldrick (ensemble), Laurie Ogden (Sis), Keir Ogilvy (Boy), Domonic Ramsden (ensemble), Joe Rawlinson-Hunt (understudy), Risha Silvera (understudy) and Finty Williams (Old Mrs Hempstock). 

The award-winning creative team includes set designer, Fly Davis; costume and puppet designer, Samuel Wyer; movement director, Steven Hoggett; composer, Jherek Bischoff; lighting designer, Paule Constable; sound designer, Ian Dickinson; magic and illusions director and designer, Jamie Harrison; puppetry director, Finn Caldwell and casting director, Naomi Downham. The associate creative team includes associate director, Sophie Dillon Moniram; associate set designer, Tim Blazdell; associate movement director, Jess Williams; associate lighting designers, Rob Casey (for Ammonite) and Tom Turner; associate sound designer, Chris Reid; associate magic and illusions director, John Bulleid; and associate puppetry director, Gareth Aled.

Neil Gaiman is known for his graphic novels, including The Sandman series (a major new Netflix series which in its first 10 days was watched for over 198 million hours by audiences around the world); his novels for adults and children including Stardust, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book; and multiple film and television projects including Good Omens (season 2 is due to appear on Amazon Prime from 28 July) and Anansi Boys.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is currently on a 39-week UK and Ireland Tour until 7 October before it transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre.  Tickets are available via oceanonstage.com.  Assisted performances are available at every venue.