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“MAMMA MIA!”

NEW BOOKING PERIOD TO SATURDAY 2 MARCH 2024

AT LONDON’S NOVELLO THEATRE

Producer Judy Craymer is delighted to announce that the global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! has extended its booking period at London’s Novello Theatre to Saturday 2 March 2024, with tickets now on sale.

The London cast is led by Mazz Murray as Donna, Josie Benson as Tanya, Gemma Goggin as Rosie, Norman Bowman as Sam, Christopher Dickins as Harry, Stephen Beckett as Bill, Meg Hateley as Sophie, Miles Henderson as Sky, Natasha Heyward as Ali, Olivia Lallo as Lisa, Lucca Chadwick-Patel as Eddie and Jake Bailey as Pepper, with Jennifer Adab playing Donna at certain performances.

Also in the cast are Zac Adlam, Victoria Anderson, Gemma Atkins, Sinéad Courtney, Ellie-Grace Cousins, Lawrence Guntert, David Haydn, Jennifer Hepburn, Frankie Jones, Olivia Neville, Annell Odartey, Jessie Odeleye, Callum Rose, Jack Rose, Robert Slatter, Michael Storrs, Chloe Way, Simon Willmont, Dan Wilshire and Jacob Young.   

Since premiering in London in 1999, the irresistible feelgood musical has captured the hearts of millions around the globe.  The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island idyll, all unfolding to the magic of ABBA’s timeless pop masterpieces, has now been seen live on stage by 65 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies – MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again.

To date, MAMMA MIA! has been seen in 50 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than $4 billion at the box office.  In 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China.   

MAMMA MIA! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004, and then to the Novello Theatre in 2012.  The London production of MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 10 million people, played over 9,300 performances and has broken box office records in all three of its London homes.  It is the fifth longest running musical in West End history.

Produced by Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008.  A second film, MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN, opened in July 2018 and is the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time.

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Novello Theatre

Aldwych

London WC2B 4LD

Ticket Prices: from £17.75*

*All prices include a £2.75 per ticket booking fee and £1.50 restoration levy

Early Bird Pricing – anyone booking 16 weeks or more in advance of the performance they are attending (Monday to Thursday performances only) will save £20 on Band B, Band A and Premium tickets, but only through Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, either online or by calling the Novello Theatre Box Office.

Family Ticket Rate – £199 for a group of four on Band B or Band A tickets (up to a saving of £151), OR £99 for a group of four on Band D and Band C tickets (up to a saving of £111), for Monday to Thursday performances, excluding peak performances, but only through Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, either online or by calling the Novello Theatre Box Office.

Performance Times:

Monday, Wednesdays – Saturdays 7.30pm

Matinees – Thursdays & Saturdays 3.00pm, Sundays 2.30pm*

*Extra 3pm matinee on Wednesday 12 April, Wednesday 2 August, Wednesday 16 August, Monday 2 October, Wednesday 25 October 2023 and Wednesday 14 February 2024; no matinee on Thursday 5 and Sunday 8 October 2023.

Christmas 2023/24 Performance Schedule

Monday 18 December                3pm & 7.30pm

Tuesday 19 December               NO PERFORMANCE

Wednesday 20 December          7.30pm

Thursday 21 December              3pm & 7.30pm

Friday 22 December                  7.30pm

Saturday 23 December              3pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 24 December                NO PERFORMANCE

Monday 25 December                NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 26 December               NO PERFORMANCE

Wednesday 27 December          3pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 28 December              3pm & 7.30pm

Friday 29 December                  7.30pm

Saturday 30 December              3pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 31 December                2pm

Monday 1 January                     7.30pm

Tuesday 2 January                    NO PERFORMANCE

Wednesday 3 January               3pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 4 January                   3pm & 7.30pm

Friday 5 January                       7.30pm

Saturday 6 January                   3pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 7 January                     2.30pm

Currently booking to 2 March 2024

The performance lasts 2 hours and 35 minutes (including a 15-minute interval)

Box Office: 0344 482 5151

http://www.mamma-mia.com/

http://www.facebook.com/mammamiamusical

http://twitter.com/MammaMiaMusical  

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED TODAY

Joining

MICHAEL BALL

in

New West End Revival of

REHEARSALS BEGIN THIS WEEK

New production begins performances Friday 12 May 2023 at Lyric Theatre, London

The full cast has been announced for the West End revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical Aspects of Love, produced by Nica Burns, as the new production began rehearsals this week.

The cast join the previously announced Michael Ball as George, Laura Pitt-Pulford as Rose, Jamie Bogyo as Alex and Danielle de Niese as Giulietta.

The cast is completed by: Rosemary Ashe (Elizabeth), Anthony Cable (Ensemble) Vinny Coyle (Hugo), Chumisa Dornford-May (Ensemble), Sophia Foroughi (Ensemble), Dickon Gough (Barker/Ensemble), Ben Heathcote (Co-Barker/Ensemble), Eu Jin Hwang (On Stage Swing), Daniel Jagusz-Holley (On Stage Swing), Linda Jarvis (Ensemble), Natasha O’Brien (On Stage Swing), Joanna O’Hare (On Stage Swing), Michael Matus (Marcel), Anna Unwin (Jenny) and sharing the role of Young Jenny are:  Indiana Ashworth, Millie Gubby and Katie Mitton.

Performances begin on 12 May 2023, with a press night on 25 May 2023. For more information and tickets, please see www.aspectsoflove.com

In ravaged post war France, beautiful actress Rose Vibert finds herself homeless and penniless after her hoped-for career break play closes early. Invited to a country villa by a love struck young American, Alex Dillingham, she impulsively accepts. When unexpectedly interrupted by Alex’s distinguished uncle George, everything changes.

So begins a tumultuous 20-year love story, entwining the three of them and George’s mistress, the feisty artist Giulietta. Everything changes once again when Rose’s daughter Jenny turns 18.

From the cobbled streets of Paris, through the French countryside to the splendours of Venice, Aspects of Love is a sweeping romantic story of passion, love, betrayal and heartbreak across three generations.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart, based on the novel by David Garnett, Aspects of Love is directed by Jonathan Kent.  Set and costume design is by John McFarlane, Lighting Design by Jon Clark, Sound Design by Paul Groothius, Video Design by Douglas O’Connell, Choreography by Denni Sayers, Musical Supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck and the Musical Director is Cat Beverbridge.

Aspects of Love at The Lyric Theatre is produced by Nica Burns, Max Weitzenhoffer, Adam Blanshay Productions and Tegan Summer by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Limited. 

AL MURRAY, MEL GIEDROYC,

CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER,

NEIL MORRISSEY & JOE THOMAS

TO STAR IN THE ROYAL EVENT OF THE

YEAR

WEST END PREMIERE BEFORE TOURING

CAST ALSO INCLUDES AIDAN MCARDLE AND TANVI VIRMANI

Garrick Theatre

Friday 7 July – Saturday 16 September 2023

Simon Friend Entertainment is delighted to today announce a 24-carat cast for this summer’s must-see West End comic caper, The Crown Jewels which plays at the Garrick Theatre from Friday 7  July – Saturday 16 September 2023 ahead of regional autumn engagements.

Based on the true story of one of British history’s most audacious heist attempts, a super-star cast is confirmed to appear in this raucous royal affair including; Al Murray (The Pub Landlord) as Charles II;  Mel Giedroyc (BBC 1’s The Great British Bake Off, Channel 4’s Light Lunch); Carrie Hope Fletcher (Bad Cinderella, Les Misérables, Heathers in the West End); Aidan McArdle (Leopoldstadt, West End, Ridley, ITV); Neil Morrissey (BBC 1’s Men Behaving Badly, Line of Duty); Joe Thomas (Channel 4’sThe Inbetweeners, Fresh Meat, BBC 2’s White Gold) and Tanvi Virmani (Life of Pi, West End).

Written by BAFTA-nominated creator of ITV’s The Durrells and BBC 1’s Men Behaving Badly, Simon Nye, and directed by multi-Olivier Award winner Sean Foley (Upstart Crow, The Ladykillers) it would be criminal to miss it.

Following its West End premiere The Crown Jewels then tours to

The Lowry, Salford (Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 September), 

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury* (Monday 25 – Saturday 30 September)

and the New Theatre, Cardiff* (Monday 2 – Saturday 7 October 2023).

* Additional casting to be announced.

The Crown Jewels is a riotous new comedy based on the most unbelievable royal caper in British history. Charismatic and unpredictable Colonel Blood is planning the greatest heist of all time: stealing the Crown Jewels in plain sight. With a gang of misfits by his side, what could possibly go wrong? But Charles II can’t afford a royal scandal, and no King likes people handling their Crown Jewels…

Writer Simon Nye says: “I hope audiences will be as titillated and thrilled as I am at the prospect of a riotous comedy-drama about a crown jewels heist that really happened. True crime comes to the West End, 350 years after the event. The cast is an amazing array of comedy talent, and the subject matter absurdly topical. Satire, sword-fighting, love, violence, an examination of the monarchy and Anglo-Irish relations – could you ask for anything more?”

Director Sean Foley continues:“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to direct Simon Nye’s hilarious new play. An entirely modern take on the Restoration Comedy, it transports us to a completely different time – a time when England had a new king…whose name was Charles. I’m excited to be working with our brilliant cast, and we all hope to thoroughly entertain audiences in one of my favourite theatres – the Garrick – over this Coronation summer.”

Producer Simon Friend adds: “The Crown Jewels came out of a mad idea that Simon Nye and I cooked up during lockdown, fantasising about shows we could make if theatres were to ever reopen. We’re incredibly lucky that such a talented cast, with Sean as director, have gathered around for this hilarious play about a famous heist that went awry, and we look forward to bringing some laughter to the West End this summer.”

The creative team is Director, Sean Foley; Writer, Simon Nye; Set and Costume Designer, Michael Taylor; Lighting Designer, Natasha Chivers and Andy Graham,Sound Designer.

The Crown Jewels is produced by Simon Friend in association with Adam Kenwright, Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Jenny King, Gavin Kalin, David Adkin and JAS Productions.

For more information visit www.crownjewelsplay.com or follow FACEBOOK | TWITTER  | INSTAGRAM @CrownJewelsPlay

FULL CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR

WORLD PREMIERE STAGE ADAPTATION OF

ANNIE PROULX’S

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

A NEW PLAY WITH MUSIC

BY ASHLEY ROBINSON, SONGS BY DAN GILLESPIE SELLS

DIRECTED BY JONATHAN BUTTERELL

@SOHOPLACE

• Full cast announced for the world premiere stage adaptation of Annie Proulx’s story, Brokeback Mountain. Emily Fairn makes her stage debut as Ennis’ wife Alma,having recently received acclaim for her role in the BBC series The Responder, Paul Hickey as Older Ennis and Martin Marquez as Joe/Bill/Jack’s Father.
• They join the previously announced Tony and BAFTA Award nominated Mike Faist (Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway, West Side Story film) as Jack, Academy Award nominated Lucas Hedges (Manchester By The Sea, Boy Erased) as Ennis and Eddi Reader (Fairground Attraction) as the Balladeer with her band: Sean Green, Meelie Traill, Julian Jackson and BJ Cole.
• A new play with music, by Ashley Robinson making his playwriting debut, with songs by Dan Gillespie Sells and directed by Jonathan Butterell who reunite with Producer Nica Burns, the team behind the hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
• Shaheen Baig: Casting Director; Tommy Ross-Williams: Intimacy Director; Kevin McCurdy: Fight Director; Phil Wilding: Production Manager; Zeb Lalljee: Costume Supervisor; Sam Cox: Wigs Maker / Supervisor; Lily Mollgaard: Props Supervisor; and Mary Irwin and Ben Furey: Vocal / Dialect Coach join Tom Pye: Set & Costume Designer; David Finn: Lighting Designer; Christopher Shutt: Sound Designer to complete the creative team.
• The first performance is on 10 May, with press night on 18 May. Running for a limited season @sohoplace until 12 August 2023.
• Brokeback Mountain is the first world premiere play to be originated @sohoplace and the fourth production to open at the new venue, following Marvellous, As You Like It and Medea. 
• Brokeback Mountain is produced by Nica Burns with Adam Blanshay Productions, Lambert Jackson Productions, and Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment.
• Tickets are on sale now.

Nica Burns today announces the full cast and creative team for world premiere of Brokeback Mountain, a new play with music, written by Ashley Robinson with songs by Dan Gillespie Sells, based on Annie Proulx’s short story, and directed by Jonathan Butterell. Introducing Emily Fairn (The Responder) making her stage debut as Alma, Paul Hickey (Older Ennis) and Martin Marquez (Joe/Bill/Jack’s Father) joining the previously announced Mike Faist (Jack), Lucas Hedges (Ennis), and Eddi Reader as the Balladeer with her onstage band Sean Green, Meelie Traill, Julian Jackson and BJ Cole.

Completing the creative team alongsidethe previously announced Tom Pye (Set & Costume Design), David Finn (Lighting Design), Christopher Shutt (Sound Design) are Shaheen Baig (Casting Director), Tommy Ross-Williams (Intimacy Director), Kevin McCurdy (Fight Director), Phil Wilding (Production Manager), Zeb Lalljee (Costume Supervisor), Sam Cox (Wigs Maker/Supervisor), Lily Mollgaard (Props Supervisor), and Mary Irwin and Ben Furey (Vocal/Dialect Coach).

Brokeback Mountain @sohoplace opens on 10 May, with press night on 18 May, and runs for a limited season until 12 August 2023.

Wyoming 1963:  a wild landscape where people live in extreme rural poverty in tight, insular and conservative communities. When Ennis and Jack take jobs on the isolated Brokeback Mountain, all their certainties of life change forever as they flounder in unexpected emotional waters of increasing depth. Dan Gillespie-Sells beautiful Country and Western songs weave heartbreakingly through this intense tale of an unresistible and hidden love spanning twenty years and its tragic consequences.

This is a play with original music by Dan Gillespie Sells, performed by the extraordinary singer, Eddi Reader, joined by her onstage Country and Western band: Sean Green (piano/MD), Meelie Traill (upright bass), Julian Jackson (chromatic harmonica), BJ Cole (pedal steel guitar).

ENDS

CAST

(in alphabetical order)

Emily Fairn makes her stage debut as Alma. Her television credits include Rain Dogs and The Responder; and is appearing in the forthcoming film, Chuck Chuck Baby. She trained at Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Mike Faist plays Jack and was most recently seen as Riff in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, for which he received a BAFTA award nomination.  He will next be seen in Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers for MGM and Jeff Nichols’ The Bikeriders for New Regency.  Mike originated the role of ‘Connor Murphy’ in the international megahit Dear Evan Hansen, which earned him a Tony Award Nomination, Grammy Award and Emmy Award.  Additional New York theatre credits include Steven Levenson’s Days of Rage (Second Stage), A Month in the Country (Classic Stage Co.) and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Appropriate (Signature).  Additional films include Fritz Böhm’s Wildling, The Grief of Others (both premiered at SXSW), The Atlantic City Story and upcoming indie Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game.

Lucas Hedges plays Ennis. His credits include Manchester by the Sea (Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Lady Bird, Mid 90s, Boy Erased (Golden Globe Nomination for Best Actor), Ben is Back, Honey Boy, Waves, Let Them All Talk, and French Exit. Hedges can next be seen in John Ridley’s upcoming Shirley. He also appeared in BJ Novak’s Anthology Series The Premise in the episode entitled The Ballad Of Jesse Wheeler. Stage credits include Yen (Lucille Lortel Nomination for Best Actor) at MCC, And Kenneth Lonergan’s The Waverly Gallery at the Golden Theater with Elaine May, Michael Cera and Joan Allen. 

Paul Hickey plays Older Ennis. Theatre includes Waste, Our Class, Children of the Sun, The Playboy of the Western World, Romeo and Juliet, Peer Gynt (National Theatre), Fewer Emergencies, Bang Bang Bang, Crazyblackmuthafukinself, O Go My Man, Who Cares (Royal Court Theatre), Macbeth, The Deep Blue Sea (Royal Exchange, Manchester), The Merchant of Venice (RSC, World Tour), Incognito and Drink Dance Laugh Lie (Bush Theatre), Little Light (Orange Tree Theatre), In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play) (The Ustinov), Fred’s Diner, Wallenstein (Chichester Festival Theatre), Ghosts (Arcola Theatre), Pentecost, In a Little World of Our Own (Donmar Warehouse), Helen and I (Druid), Red Roses and Petrol, Lady Windermere’s Fan and The Ash Fire (Tricycle Theatre), Dealer’s Choice and My Night With Reg (Birmingham Rep), The Last Yankee (The Print Room), The Silver Tassie, The Plough, The Stars (Abbey Theatre). Television includes Red Rock, House of the Dragon, and plays Gary in Apple TV’s New 7-Part thriller, Hijack with Idris Elba, to be released This Summer. Other television includes Catherine The Great, The Last Tsars, Three Girls, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Doctor Who, Father Ted, Nuremberg , Whitechapel, Sunshine, The American, Critical, Doctors, Friends and Crocodiles, The Governor, Murder Squad, Rebel Heart and The Informant. Film includes 100 Streets, Bitter Harvest, Saving Private Ryan, War Machine, Noble, The Matchmaker, Though The Sky Falls, Nora, Spin The Bottle, Moll Flanders, The General, On The Edge and Ordinary Decent Criminal.

Martin Marquez plays Joe/ Bill/ Jack’s Father. Theatre credits include Othello, Husbands & Sons, Love’s Labours Lost, Mother Courage and Her Children (National Theatre), Leopard (Rose Theatre), Guys & Dolls, Blasted (Sheffield Theatres), Sweet Charity, Fool For Love, Front Page (Donmar Warehouse), Still Alice, The Crucible, Don Juan, Of Mice and Men (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Much Ado About Nothing, Imogen (Shakespeare’s Globe), This House, Boeing Boeing (UK tours), Before I Leave (National Theatre Wales), Ah, Wilderness (Young Vic), From Here to Eternity (Shaftesbury Theatre), 4 Knights In Knaresborough (Tricycle Theatre), Anything Goes (National Theatre/Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Brothers Maquez (Soho Theatre), Cleansed, Identical Twins (Royal Court Theatre), Flesh & Blood, Jude The Obscure, Private Lives (Method & Madness), Gondoliers, I Caught My Death in Venice, Insignificance, Pal Joey (Chichester Festival Theatres), Snowball (Hampstead Theatre). Television credits include Kate and Koji, The Chelsea Detective, Dead Pixels, Bounty Hunters, The Crown, Modus, Decline and Fall, Suntrap, The Javone Prince Show, The Job Lot, Woody, Vera, Knifeman, Benidorm, The Whale, Twenty Twelve, Falcon – Blind Man of Seville, Holy Flying Circus, New Tricks, Hotel Babylon, Lead Balloon, Elizabeth, Empire, Dirty Tricks, The Plastic Man, Murder Most Horrid, The Bill and In Suspicious Circumstances. Film credits include: 7 Hours on Earth, The Mercy, After Louise, Girl on a Bicycle, A Louder Silence, Les Miserables and The Business.

Eddi Reader performs as the Balladeer / Jack’s Mother. Celebrating over 40 years as a live performer, she was first brought into the limelight as front woman for Fairground Attraction, who’s #1 single, Perfect and parent album, First of a Million Kisses, both topped the U.K. charts and the charts in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan,  it was Eddi’s subsequent solo albums that signaled her ability to assimilate different musical styles and make them very much her own. Notably, The Songs of Robert Burns (2003) is a timeless interpretation showcasing the poems of Scotland’s national bard and gained her Five honorary degrees from Strathclyde University, Caledonia University, Stirling university, Edinburgh university and Paisley University, plus an MBE for outstanding contributions to the Arts.

Understudies: Rob Alexander-Adams (Understudy Joe Aguirre/Bill/Jack’s Father/Older Ennis), Tom Mahy (Understudy Jack/Ennis) and Sophie Reid (Lureen and Waitress/Understudy Alma/Understudy Balladeer & Jack’s Mother).

Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard announces stellar line-up of presenters and list of confirmed attendees

●        Star-studded presenting line-up includes Milly Alcock, Sheila Atim, Darcey Bussell, Luke Evans, Eddie Izzard, Tim Minchin, Lea Salonga, Sheridan Smith, Mark Strong, Dita Von Teese and Aimee Lou Wood

●        Nominees attending the ceremony include Rose Ayling-Ellis, Jodie Comer, Arthur Darvill, Jean Paul Gaultier, Beverley Knight, Janet McTeer, Paul Mescal, Caroline Quentin, Rafe Spall, David Tennant

Ahead of the ceremony this Sunday (2 April), the Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard today announces its line-up of presenters for the event taking place at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Hannah Waddingham.

Hannah will begin the ceremony with an opening number, written by Pippa Cleary (The Great British Bake Off Musical, My Son’s A Queer, (But What Can You Do?)), featuring many performers from current long-running West End shows.

Among those taking part in the evening are 2023 BAFTA Rising Star nominee Aimee Lou Wood who is currently starring as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Liz Carr who won the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at last year’s ceremony and multi Olivier Award Winner Matthew Bourne. 

Stage stars including Callum Scott Howells, Divina De Campo, Eddie Izzard, Milly Alcock and Sheridan Smith who are currently all performing in or preparing for London and touring shows will also be presenting awards.

Further presenters on the star-studded line-up include Sheila Atim, Darcey Bussell, Es Devlin, Luke Evans, Helen George, Cush Jumbo, Ronan Keating, Tim Minchin, Anne Reid, Golda Rosheuvel, Lea Salonga, Harriet Scott, Mark Strong, Meera Syal, Sindhu Vee and Dita Von Teese.

Nominees on the sustainable ‘Green Carpet’ will include Rose Ayling-Ellis, Jodie Comer, Arthur Darvill, Jean Paul Gaultier, Beverley Knight, Elliot Levey, Janet McTeer, Paul Mescal, Caroline Quentin, Clive Rowe, Sharon Small, Rafe Spall, Marisha Wallace, David Tennant and Giles Terera.

AWFC football icon and Mastercard ambassador Alex Scott will also be in attendance to enjoy the show. Other VIP guests include Louise Redknapp, Charlotte Tilbury and Amber Davies.

The Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercardare also delighted to announce a new partnership with makeup brand, ICONIC London.

Nominations were announced on 28 February and celebrated during a special Nominees event at The Londoner, a super boutique hotel in the heart of London’s theatre district from Olivier Awards partners Edwardian Hotels London. The full list of nominations is available to view on the Olivier Awards website.

officiallondontheatre.com/olivier-awards

THE EPIC MONGOLIAN PRODUCTION THE MONGOL KHAN TO RUN AT THE LONDON COLISEUM THIS NOVEMBER FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON

• WITH A COMPANY OF OVER 70 ACTORS, DANCERS & MUSICIANS, THIS PRODUCTION HAS PLAYED TO SOLD OUT HOUSES IN ULAANBAATAR FOR OVER A YEAR
   
• INSPIRED BY HISTORICAL EVENTS, THIS PLAY FUSES A HAUNTING ORIGINAL SCORE WITH DRAMATIC STORYTELLING, DANCE AND PUPPETRY
   
• THE PRODUCTION’S ARRIVAL IN THE UK MARKS THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANGLO- MONGOLIAN DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
   
• PERFORMANCES RUN FROM THE 17 NOVEMBER – 2 DECEMBER & ARE ON SALE NOW

Website  www.themongolkhan.com

Mongolia. 2000 years ago. A brutal succession battle threatens the very heart of the Empire. As the great Khan struggles to maintain his supremacy, a plot unfurls that will forever alter the balance of power.

The Mongol Khan is a lavish, large-scale production, with an ensemble of over 70 performers, that has played to packed houses in Mongolia for over a year. Based on historical events, the show explores the evolution of Mongolian culture through a gripping story, brought to life with a stunning original score, dance, puppetry, and elaborate sets and costumes inspired by traditional nomadic culture. 

The Mongolian creators are now collaborating with an international team of world-renowned artists and practitioners on the show’s development, including prolific historian and travel writer John Man, an expert in Mongolian history and culture.

This spectacular production celebrates 60 years of Anglo-Mongolian relations and cultural exchange. Bordered by China and Russia, Mongolia is one of the world’s best kept secrets as a travel destination for adventure-fuelled people and lovers of luxury alike. Captivating, rugged expanses, stunningly beautiful landscapes, a vast unspoilt wilderness, extremely welcoming people and nomadic tribes with rich traditions, Mongolia has it all. The Mongol Khan serves as an introduction to the country and its history, giving audiences and would-be travellers a taste of the rich culture of this remarkable nation.

The Mongol Khan has all the ingredients of a classic tragedy: jealousy, mistaken identity, adultery, rivalry, sacrifice, succession and the struggle for power. With the stability of an empire at stake, the story culminates in an epic battle for the future of the Hunnic Empire. It’s a multi-sensory feast, the like of which audiences will have never experienced before.

Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, The Prime Minister of Mongolia said: ‘Welcome to Mongolia! 2023-2025 are ‘The Years to Visit Mongolia’. We are landlocked, but not mind-locked so come and see what we have to offer and enjoy a holiday of a lifetime. 

‘To celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Mongolia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the classic play The Mongol Khan will play at the London Coliseum. The very first time a Mongolian play has been presented to a European audience, The Mongol Khan offers audiences a unique insight into the mentality and philosophy of early eastern civilisations.’

The Mongol Khan was written in 1998 by renowned Mongolian writer and poet Lkhagvasuren Bavuu and was revived in April 2022 at the Mongolian State Academic Theatre of Drama. The production takes inspiration from historical events, archaeological findings, traditional nomadic dances, and the music of the ancient Hun culture of Central Asia from the period of the Hunnic Empire.

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 1st April 2023

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

The Time Machine: A Comedy comes to Malvern! Or is that returns to Malvern? Or is it yet to come to Malvern? No, luckily for all of us close to Malvern, I can confirm it is indeed here and was well worth the wait.

The show is very loosely based on H.G. Wells famous novel but this is just the launching off point for a roller coaster ride of epic proportions encompassing stage and rehearsal space and time as the actors attempt to mount a production given a most peculiar set of circumstances and tribulations.

The cast is small but perfectly formed. Unfortunately, it’s hard to say too much without spoiling the tortuously convoluted plot but I’ll just mention that (amongst their other attributes) Dave Hearn was every inch the comic genius you know and love from the Goes Wrong franchise, here in a meatier role than usual, with a surprising family connection… Amy Revelle is the accident prone love interest with a penchant for song and Michael Dylan the romantic, perpetual victim with all the right moves. Individually all master comedians; together a finely honed comic ensemble! Also present is Noah Marullo who has a couple of important supporting functions, which he played to perfection.

If you’re a fan of astonished glances breaking the fourth wall, this show will have your boat floated. There’s some pseudo science that I thoroughly enjoyed – testament to the quality of writing, making the driest of material positively drip with hilarity. Pay attention – there may be questions later. There’s even a surprise guest appearance. This clever show throws in locally flavoured jokes, has slapstick and showtunes… In fact, there’s very little this show doesn’t have – it even weaves in a cliffhanger! The second half is way funnier than the first – and that’s some feat! There literally isn’t a moment where the laughter eases up.

Audience participation features heavily and it’s without doubt the funniest I’ve ever seen. I’m guessing that this part of the show is very ad-libbed, with the actors reacting to the audience members “helpful” input. They certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves and I know we were. So be prepared to join in (or take a show-off friend along you can duck behind).

I had astronomically high hopes when I saw that Dave Hearn was in this because I have loved his previous work. My hopes were more than exceeded. I could happily watch this show time and again and I’m certain it would get funnier and funnier.

A thoroughly enjoyable romp through the sands of time, casting inopportune footprints in the literary shoreline of a revered classic whilst dropping its comedy choc ices into the sandcastles of science fact (or something). An absolute classic making its live debut before transferring (I’m sure) to the small screen. A must see show. Every inch the play that goes right and one I have no hesitation in recommending you rush out and see asap!

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 1st April 2023

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

4****

From the very beginning of this production, the scene is set to discover the complications of a 1950s fantasy lifestyle. As soon as the lights come up and nostalgia music plays, you are drawn into the home of a modern-day couple living out a 1950s ‘arrangement’, also referred to as a marriage.

For three years, Judy (played by Jessica Ransom) and her husband Johnny (Neil McDermott) have been living the dream that Judy constructed for herself as a child. Dressed in full skirts, bright colours and perfectly styled hair, Jessica Ransom portrays Judy initially as a perfectionist; dancing around the house with duster in hand, decanting food into 50s style containers and tending to every whim and fancy that she perceives her husband to have. Only a few modern touches are allowed into the house, quietly introducing the convenience and benefits of change.

As we move through the play, we discover that Judy is also a victim of her own perfectionism. Judy’s desire to stay in the 50s and live it to perfection soon unveils some cracks in their plan and their marriage. Johnny begins to discover that he can’t expect his world of work to adjust to his ‘50s style expectations of promotion and simultaneously discovers joy in eating pizza. Faced with mounting debts and growing tension between them, Judy and Johnny have to decide whether sticking with the ‘50s life should win over their love for each other. Judy struggles most with the idea that having lived so long in a bygone era she may not be able to adjust, likening the experience to returning to school after an illness.

Other cast members add extra dimension to the thread of the play, nimbly contributing to scenery changes and dance routines. Friends Fran (Cassie Bradley) and Marcus (Matthew Douglas) enjoy 1950s themed activities and still enjoy the benefits of the modern day, including a ready meal or two. Judy’s mother, Sylvia and Johnny’s manager, Alex are both firmly fixed in the 21st Century and both are clear on the pitfalls of the 1950s; discrimination and fewer rights as a starting point.

This production did have me questioning the role we all play in setting out norms and the judgements we make about people, lifestyle choices and assets but it was certainly not a gloomy comment on any of that. All in all it was a perfect combination of vintage style, jive and humour.

MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO RETURNS TO THE BARBICAN THIS AUTUMN

Today (Thursday 30 March), Executive Producer Joe Hisaishi and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), in collaboration with Improbable and Nippon TV, announce that the record-breaking production of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro will return to the Barbican Theatre for a strictly limited run in Autumn 2023.

The global stage premiere of Hayao Miyazaki’s celebrated 1988 animated feature film, adapted by Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer), was first announced in April 2022 and broke the Barbican’s Box Office record for most tickets sold in a single day. The production opened at the Barbican in October last year, where it received both critical and audience acclaim, winning five What’s on Stage Awards, and being nominated for nine Olivier Awards, the most nominations for any production this year.  My Neighbour Totoro will return to the Barbican from Tuesday 21 November to Saturday 23 March 2024,with priority booking opening on Tuesday 11 April and public booking open on Friday 21 April 2023.

Griselda Yorke, RSC Executive Producer, said:

‘The most extraordinary group of artists have come together from all over the world to adapt this iconic film for the stage, and I am delighted that the production will return to the Barbican in 2023.

My Neighbour Totoro is a story of imagination and courage which asks us to trust the youngest amongst us to see further than most of us dare to dream. With our return to the Barbican, many more audiences will be able to experience the joy of Totoro and we can’t wait to welcome them.’

Directed by Improbable’s Phelim McDermott with production design by Tom Pye, costume design by Kimie Nakano, lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun, and movement by You-Ri Yamanaka. Puppetry design and direction is by Basil Twist, created with puppetry associate Mervyn Millar’s Significant Object and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. The production features music from Joe Hisaishi’s iconic score in a new orchestration by Will Stuart, performed live with sound design by Tony Gayle. Video design is by Finn Ross and Andrea Scott. Associate Director is Ailin Conant.

Artwork for the stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro includes a hand drawn title by Toshio Suzuki, Producer for Studio Ghibli, who was involved in the planning and production of the original animated film.

Casting for the 2023/24 run of My Neighbour Totoro will be announced soon.

This enchanting coming-of-age story explores the magical fantasy world of childhood and the transformative power of imagination, as it follows one extraordinary summer in the lives of sisters Satsuki and Mei.

In order to be closer to their mother while she recovers from an illness in a rural convalescent hospital, their father moves the family to the countryside. As the girls explore their beautiful new surroundings, Mei encounters magical creatures and the ancient protector of the forest she calls Totoro.

Although Satsuki doesn’t believe her little sister at first, they are soon both swept up in exciting adventures with their new neighbours – transported to a long-forgotten realm of spirits, sprites, and natural wonder.

Theatr Clwyd, Yr Wyddgrug – until Saturday 1st April 2023

Reviewed by Julie Noller

4****

Heathers originally a 1989 black satirical comedy film that unfortunately flopped but retains a following of those who didn’t want to watch the sickly sweet teen movies that began with the Brat Pack.

I admit I was more than curious, just how would it appeal not just as a theatre production but as a musical. Firstly I was struck by the age of the audience not just those of my age who were teenagers back in 1980s but lots of younger Generation Zs. Not only that but I was impressed by the costumes donned by many who dressed as the Heathers, in brightly coloured suits. I immediately became aware of the buzz; the anticipation of what was to come. It is set in the 1980s – 1989 to be exact yet it doesn’t feel dated or weighed down by the yuppie era. There is a deliberate unpolitical correctness that should be attached to the 80’s, words that are no longer accepted are used to add to the teenage angst. It takes a long deep look at the politics of high school.

What struck me after my initial confusion of trying to settle into the story, is that it’s a musical; this isn’t another teenage movie much as the original film broke the mould then the award winning writing team of Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy have followed suit.

Forget the story just listen to the brilliant songs let yourself get carried away. It is a teenage school musical much akin to High School Musical, yet it isn’t saccharine sweet more like it’s hit the steroids. As I said I watched the audience around me, I witnessed the singing, cheering, whooping; without a doubt Heathers has gained a cult following and is truly set to become a modern classic.

So much is similar to the film, the characters, personalities, setting. Westerberg High School the home of the rottweilers, very apt considering it’s a dog eat dog battle of survival. There’s Veronica Sawyer (Jenna Innes) great singing voice, lost within herself. Facing the battle of wills her good self happy to be supporting her friend Martha Dunnstock (Kingsley Morton) or the other side hitting the popularity highs, the sliding down into the murderous encouragement of boyfriend and new boy the sadistic JD (Tom Dickerson who stepped into the role). Together Jenna and Tom are a power couple he never misses a beat and they gel so well especially with ‘Our Love is God’. Then there are three Heathers, queens of bitches, rulers of Westerberg kingdom. Verity Thompson, Elsie Zavou and Billie Bowman play them to perfection. Verity Thompson as the leader and total dominant Queen Bee shines as a ghost communicating to an extremely guilty Veronica telling her that the highschool system they as the masses and lesser people knew and even hated was breaking down after her death and things would get worse.

I loved the costumes the fact that every student group from punk to emo was represented. The Heathers are dressed in suits of prime colours aiming to stand out as leaders, the only blip being when green changes to red (to some green is not a true prime but a mix of shades) Everyones favourite jocks Kurt (Alex Woodward) and Ram (Morgan Jackson) bring much needed laughs, poking fun at the whole beef before brains, you can’t help but love them. The fact that the homophobic scenes are played down with additions of having a song titled ‘I Love my Dead Gay Son’ brings it smack upto date with today.

Heathers should be added to everyones tick list, a future cult classic that stands out apart from the pack as quirky, fun and comical.