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MATTHEW BOURNE’S SLEEPING BEAUTY COMES TO NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

Audience favourite New Adventures make a triumphant return to Newcastle Theatre Royal with the gothic romance Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty which takes to the stage for a stunning two week run (Tue 18 – Sat 29 Apr 2023).

The stellar cast includes several original cast members as well as a young generation of performers new to this beloved production which in 2022 celebrated 10 years since its premiere at Sadler’s Wells, when it became the fastest-selling production in the company’s history.

We caught up with Matthew Bourne on how it felt to be bringing back his production of ‘Sleeping Beauty for its 10th anniversary…

“Sleeping Beauty is interesting because I felt I had to find an original way of approaching this piece. I love the music, but it did feel very grand and very famous and very difficult to approach in many ways.

“So, I read everything around Sleeping Beauty, the fairy tale versions, there a several, and various books about fairy tales that give insight into the story. I watched lots of version of the ballet. The thing that’s interesting about the story is that it covers a long period of time with the 100-year sleep of Aurora. But it was really the time-period that influenced me the most. The ballet was created in 1890 and I said, ‘Why don’t we set the piece to begin in 1890?’ Then we go forwards in time to Auroras 21st birthday which is 1911 and with the 100-year curse we are brought right up to the present day. Unfortunately, that was 10 years ago! So now we’re sort of 110 years later, but we get around it somehow by being a little vague about the time period when she wakes up!

“What’s great about recreating a classical ballet, is you’ve got this incredible score that was all written to dance to. The music becomes your script and tells you what the feeling and the emotion of each scene should be. Because Tchaikovsky and Petipa, who was the original choreographer, told their story through dance, its easy then to find a slightly different story through dance but using the emotions written into the music to guide you.

“We use the same piece of music at the beginning of Act 1 and Act 2 to represent the baby Aurora and then the grown-up Aurora. The baby is very naughty, a real hand full, and so is more grown-up Aurora in a way, she’s a real wild child. By using the same piece of music, I thought that would tie them together. It’s different than in the ballet, but it sounds absolutely right.

“Lez Brotherston, who is the designer I’ve worked with on most of the shows that we do, does similarly detailed research to me. He likes the sense of history in pieces, so this piece really appealed to him, resulting in an enormous number of costumes and wigs! Because it’s not only the reality of those time periods, but also fantasy with fairies and wings and characters that are flights of fancy. Lez came up with amazing costumes for the fairies, all designed around different bird feathers. It gives Lez a chance to really be inventive and creative with those costumes and they’re not referencing anything historical. Something I’ve also noticed with Lez’s design, is that he loves to be true to history. It’s a wonderful thing because it makes you understand why people held themselves in a certain way because of a corset or whatever it might be, and how that affects movement.

“When we originally developed the piece ten years ago, we decided to set up the love story of Aurora and Leo. Leo is an invented character of ours and is her first love. He works in the gardens of the royal estate. When Aurora is cursed by Carabosse to sleep for 100 years, I realised that the question is, how can they be together in 100 years’ time? By turning the Lilac fairy, who is called Count Lilac in our version, into a vampire, he is able to give Leo the gift of eternal life. For me that was a very romantic idea and perfect for this story because it allows Leo to be there when she wakes up. Of course, there are consequences as he now is a vampire himself, but we sort of play with the idea that you can have a good vampire and bad vampire and this story is very much about good versus evil. Good and evil, it plays with it all the time, that’s what Sleeping Beauty is about.

“One of the interesting ideas that Lez and I came up with early on for the piece was I always felt when I saw the classical ballet, there is always sort of a baby in the cot and she is the main character in the piece, you know, she is the leading character in this story Aurora, so I thought it would be great if we could give her a personality. So, the idea of puppets came up – could we represent Aurora with a puppet? I love to inject a bit of humour into the early part of the show so people relax, who may be coming to dance for the first time or thinking they’re not to get the story and if they laugh, they’re happy. In order to achieve the effect several dancers are covered in black body suits, manipulating puppet Aurora, bringing her to life, and through the lighting you can’t even see they’re there. It’s incredible really.

“It’s wonderful to see the different generations of dancers pass on their knowledge of the show and that’s why I also like a mix in a cast of people who’ve done a show before and new people who bring a fresh light to it. Unlike other companies we get our dancers to work together on a role. They will share their experience of it and the new person will bring some new ideas that will go into the role as well, so it becomes very rich because of the input of lots and lots of people.

“The story is about the power of love, it’s about love across time that’s indestructible. That’s why I call it a gothic romance because the overriding emotion is love, and how two people be together despite everything.”

Now established as a firm favourite in the New Adventures repertoire, the award-winning Sleeping Beauty has enchanted audiences throughout the UK and across the globe.

With an unforgettable score by Tchaikovsky, sumptuous sets and costumes, evocative lighting and masterly storytelling, the beloved fairy tale is brought to life by the uniquely talented New Adventures company. Get ready to be transported in time from the halcyon days of the late Edwardian era through to the modern day in this dazzling gothic romance.

Sleeping Beauty is directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne working with his regular collaborators and New Adventures Associate Artists, Lez Brotherston (Set and Costumes), Paule Constable (Lighting) and Paul Groothuis (Sound Design).

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 18 – Sat 29 Apr 2023. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

ALLY PALLY THROWS ITS 150TH BIRTHDAY PARTY ON 27 MAY – AND EVERYONE IS INVITED!

To celebrate 150 years since London’s iconic Alexandra Palace first opened its doors back on 24 May 1873, Ally Pally will be hosting a massive free party, for all ages, featuring family entertainment, music and cinema, amongst a host of other activities.

Taking place on Saturday 27 May, the Birthday Party will offer an amazing opportunity to explore all corners of the Palace and the award-winning 196 acre Park. Celebrate the birthday of this cultural landmark, as we swing towards summer, in style.

Amongst the activities for people to enjoy are live music, DJs, cinema screenings, silent discos, a family rave, tours of the Palace’s Theatre and former BBC studios, a farmer’s market, makers market, ice skating sessions, plus street food, rum bar and beer garden. There will also be an array of workshops and entertainment for families and young people, hosted by the Palace’s very own Creative Learning team and partners.

The Party runs from midday until 9pm. Entry is free, with a limited number of paid-for activities that require booking.

For full information visit www.alexandrapalace.com/150party

Emma Dagnes, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust CEO, says: ‘It is amazing to be celebrating Ally Pally turning 150 years old. We’ve been here since before the light bulb was invented – and we’ve certainly packed a lot into that time. The Birthday Party is a chance for people to come together, discover all that the Park and Palace has to offer and, more than anything else, enjoy themselves! We were built to provide entertainment and leisure to the masses, and over a century and a half later we are still doing just that, plus plenty, plenty more.’

In its 150 years, Alexandra Palace has hosted seminal moments of entertainment history, from being the birthplace of the world’s first regular television station to major live music performances. It was built as ‘The People’s Palace’, with the purpose of bringing leisure and entertainment to the masses – a mission that continues to this day, with over five million people expected to visit the venue this year, and more than 250 events and activities on offer. Run by a charity, the Palace also continues to play a vital role in supporting the local community through its Creative Learning programme. The Birthday Party kickstarts the 150th anniversary year which will see a series of celebratory events for visitors to enjoy, as well as Alexandra Palace’s ever-growing programme of live music, theatre and sport.

PIGS MIGHT FLY

FROM MICHAEL MORPURGO’S

MUDPUDDLE FARM

A MUSICAL ADAPTATION

BY CAROLINE WIGMORE & JEN GREEN

TO EMBARK ON UK TOUR FROM 30 MAY 2023

DEM Productions are delighted to announce that the musical adaptation of PIGS MIGHT FLY from Michael Morpurgo’s Mudpuddle Farm with book, music & lyrics by Caroline Wigmore and Jen Green will embark on a UK Tour from 30 May 2023, directed by Kate Golledge.

Casting to be announced.

This bold and energetic new musical follows the air-raising adventures of Pintsize, the youngest and most daring piglet on Mudpuddle Farm. Pintsize loves nothing more than playing with his neighbour and best friend Diana the sheep, until one day Pintsize wakes up to discover a tall fence built between their two farms. Devastated by the loss of playtime with his best pal, Pintsize resolves that he will figure out how to fly over it instead.

Can his determination and ingenuity defy the laws of physics? Will crotchety Farmer Rafferty finally make peace with his neighbour, Farmer Brightwell? Can Albertine the clever goose keep Pintsize from hurting himself as he tries to fly?

Based on the book by Michael Morpurgo, PIGS MIGHT FLY brings the farmyard to life with catchy songs, puppetry, and plenty of frolicsome fun.

PIGS MIGHT FLY has choreography by Chris Whittaker (Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Gatsby) and set and costume design by Stewart J Charlesworth (From Here To Eternity, The Dark).

PIGS MIGHT FLY is produced by Deus Ex Machina Productions.

Instagram: @pigsmightflymusical

Facebook: @ pigsmightflymusical

Twitter: @PMF_Musical

Running Time: 50 minutes

Age Guidance: 3-11

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Weds 24 – Fri 26 May           LONDON Theatre Peckham                    020 7708 5401

                                              [www.theatrepeckham.co.uk]www.theatrepeckham.co.uk

Tue 30 – Wed 31 May           WOKING New Victoria Theatre                                

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

Sat 3 – Sun 4 June                LONDON New Wimbledon Theatre              

                                               www.atgtickets.com/new-wimbledon-theatre           

Sat 10 – Sun 11 June             TORQUAY Princess Theatre                                    

                                               www.atgtickets.com/torquay

Sun 18 June                           RICHMOND Theatre                                     

www.atgtickets.com/Richmond

Fri 7 – Sat 8 July                    BRIGHTON Theatre Royal                           

www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton

Sun 16 July                            MILTON KEYNES Theatre                           

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

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

• AHEAD OF THEIR PERFORMANCE ON BBC ONE’S BIG NIGHT OF THE MUSICALS ON SATURDAY 25 MARCH, NEW IMAGES OF THE CAST OF SHREK THE MUSICAL’S UK AND IRELAND TOUR ARE RELEASED.
• ANTONY LAWRENCE PLAYS SHREK, JOANNE CLIFTON PLAYS FIONA, JAMES GILLAN PLAYS LORD FAQUAAD AND BRANDON LEE SEARS PLAYS DONKEY IN THE BRAND-NEW TOURING PRODUCTION OF SHREK THE MUSICAL.
• DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY NICK WINSTON AND CO-DIRECTED BY SAM HOLMES, THE SHREKTACKULAR PRODUCTION WILL PAINT THE TOWN GREEN THIS SUMMER, OPENING IN PLYMOUTH ON 21 JULY 2023 AND TOURING THROUGH TO APRIL 2024

Shrek-tastic images have been released today of some of the principal cast in character ahead of the upcoming Shrek The Musical UK and Ireland Tour. Previously announced by producers Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale, the Shrektacular principal cast line-up includes Antony Lawrence (Shrek), Joanne Clifton (Princess Fiona), James Gillan (Lord Farquaad) and Brandon Lee Sears (Donkey) in the brand-new production of Shrek the Musical. Opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 21 July 2023, the smash hit musical will tour through to April 2024 to a total of 31 venues.  

The cast of Shrek the Musical perform on BBC Big Night of the Musicals which airs on BBC One on Saturday 25th March at 7:50pm.  The programme will also be broadcast on BBC Radio 2.

Antony Lawrence (Shrek) recently played Scar in The Lion King (International Tour) as well as performed in Mary Poppins (National Tour), Matilda the Musical (Cambridge Theatre/RSC) and We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour).

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

Olivier Award-nominee James Gillan (Lord Farquaad) most recently created the role of Tray in Everybody’s talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue) – a role he stayed with through the show’s entire West End run. He also performed in Everybody’s talking About Jamie at the Ahmanson Theatre in LA for its six-week run.

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

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

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

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

Based on the Oscar winning DreamWorks film, the Broadway and West End smash hit Shrek the Musical is a fun filled and hilarious musical comedy with a cast of vibrant characters and a ‘shrektackular’ score.

Featuring the beloved Princess Fiona, the evil Lord Farquaad, a host of magical fairy-tale characters and fabulous songs including the smash hit ‘I’m a Believer’, Shrek the Musical is a ‘musical extravaganza for big kids and little kids alike’.

Come join the adventure as Shrek and Donkey endeavour to complete their quest, finding unexpected friendships and surprising romance along the way.

Theatre Royal Windsor – until 30 March 2023

Reviewed By Carly Burlinge

4****

Bill Kenwright presents The Classic Thriller Theatre Company A Murder Has Been Arranged by Emlyn Williams.

The show is set in the 1930’s, a ghost story told whilst on stage of St James theatre. Charles Jasper (Gary Webster) who is about to inherit an exceptional amount of money being two million dollars. He decides to throw a dinner party for his 40th birthday inviting his nearest and dearest, this including his wife Beatrice (Hannah Arterton) who’s a lot younger than himself and her mother Mrs Arthur (Marti Webb) who comes across as if she’s all about the money and likes to be heard. His secretary Miss Groze (Louisa Clein)  comes across on edge, the whole thing is spooking her and she is sensing weird creepy ghostly goings-ons. Joining the party also is Charle’s old loyal maid Mrs Wragg (Deena Payne) She plays a character very on point know what her job entails and believes she is seeing ghosts around the theatre, this offering slight humour throughout the show. Also, there’s Jimmy North (Leon Ockenden) who gate-crashes the party at the beginning and it seems he has an eye for Charles Wife Beatrice.

Charles Jasper is an eccentric author and also enjoys the paranormal, so where else better to celebrate than in a old haunted theatre, where mysterious deaths have happened in the past! However, if anything were to happen to Charles his fortune will then fall into the hands of nephew Maurice Mullins (Ben Nealon) a missing relative, that just happens to turn up on the evening of his birthday. Funny enough this begins to take a turn for the worst on his arrival. He discloses that he is a novelist and as the evening unveils, he later involves his uncle into writing down words for a chapter of a novel for his is new book, although all is not as it seems but in a fact a suicide note, now written by his very own hands. With many twists and turns, A Murder Has Been Arranged offers you a classic thriller that will keep you engaged throughout.

I loved the opening scene of a piano being played beautifully offering a calm setting with candlelight only for an outrageous scream to take hold, shocking the whole audience and drawing them in cleverly done certainly made me jump.

I did enjoy the production although I did find the first half a little slow on the uptake with the second picking up the pace extremely quick, drawing in your observation. Despite this an entertaining, amusing evening was had at the theatre.

I also feel that the theatre which is gorgeous with much character and its staff need a mention, I can’t emphasis just how wonderful the staff are changing my seats at the last minute and finding two end seats for me and my partner too be more comfortable whilst on crutches. It wasn’t a problem at all and they handled it with care and a smile on their faces making me feel totally at ease! This making my visit an even better relaxing experience! Thank you

FROM THE CREATORS OF
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

FLYING BACK INTO THE WEST END

By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields

Based on Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Mischief, creators of the multi award-winning sell-out success The Play That Goes Wrong, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery and the BBC TV comedy series The Goes Wrong Show, announce the return of Peter Pan Goes Wrong to the West End for 7 ½ weeks only at the Lyric Theatre this Christmas (Thursday 23 November 2023 – Sunday 14 January 2024, with a Gala Performance on Tuesday 28 November). Tickets go on sale via Mischief and the Box Office at www.PeterPanGoesWrongLive.com at 10am on Friday 24 March, with public on sale at 10am on Monday 27 March. Full casting will be confirmed at a later date.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong embarks on a UK tour from September 2023 and can currently be seen around the globe, with original members of the Mischief company now previewing on Broadway, officially opening on Wednesday 19 April.

Kenny Wax, Producer, today said: “What a wonderful day for Mischief, announcing a return to the West End over the Christmas holidays, as the original Mischief Company preview PETER PAN GOES WRONG at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway. Whichever way you look at it, they must inadvertently be doing something right!”.

Co-penned by Mischief’s celebrated writing trio, Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a highly physical comedy packed with finely-tuned farce and Buster Keaton inspired slapstick, delivered with split-second timing and ambitious daring. The play sees the ‘Cornley Drama Society’ back on stage battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present J.M. Barrie’s much-loved tale. But will they ever make it to Neverland?

Nominated for an Olivier Award for ‘Best New Comedy’ in 2016, Peter Pan Goes Wrong has enjoyed two West End seasons, a tour of Australia and New Zealand and two major UK tours. The production is currently previewing on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, playing for a strictly limited 16 and half week run. BBC One broadcast a one-hour version of the show on primetime television in December 2016, starring David Suchet as the guest narrator, watched by an audience of over six million worldwide.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is directed by Adam Meggido, with set designs by Simon Scullion, costumes by Roberto Surace, lighting by Matt Haskins and sound by Ella Wahlstrom. Original music by Rob Falconer and Richard Baker. Peter Pan Goes Wrong is produced by Kenny Wax Ltd. and Stage Presence Ltd. by arrangement with Mischief Worldwide Ltd.

Turbine Theatre, London – until 28th May 2023

Reviewed by Mitzi Luck

5*****

Eugenius takes the audience on an adventure through 80s pop culture, which shows that following your dreams can take you to some very interesting places.

Our adventure starts with Eugene, played by Elliot Evans, at home dreaming up the latest instalment of his hand drawn comic book, about a character called ‘Tough Man’, played by Dom Andersen, and his love interest ‘Super Hot Lady’, played by Maddison Firth.

Eugene is a self-confessed geek and his song ‘G.E.E.K’ transports the audience into Eugene’s life with a wonderful vocal performance by Evans. The story starts to develop as we meet Janey, played by Jaina Brock-Patel, and Feris, played by James Hameed, two of Eugene’s best friends. They are wonderfully adorable characters brought to life with so many funny references to well-loved films and characters of the 80s. As Eugene takes on Hollywood, his dreams become all too real and he is called on to prove if he really is afraid to stand up to bullies and reliant on ‘Tough Man’ or if he himself has what it takes.

Every character brings so much life and humour to the stage. The Evil Lord Hector, played by Joseph Beach, is a delightfully funny evil nemesis, who could make the audience laugh with a facial expression alone. The story at the heart of the musical is one of love and bravery of the heart. The songs are catchy and the lyrics by Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins are well worth listening to carefully. The set by Andrew Exeter is an excellent reference to an 80s comic book and helps to transport us from an Ohio high school to Hollywood, to space and back again. The whole musical is so high-spirited that it was impossible to leave without a smile.

Pleasance Theatre, London – until 25th March 2023

Reviewed by Bobbi Fenton

5*****

‘Trade’ is an absolutely phenomenal work of art, portraying the horrors of human trafficking and the impact that this has on its victims. The story follows Jana (Katarina Novkovic) as she falls in love with a man called Stefan (Ojan Genc) who convinces her to move to England with him. In her naivety, after only knowing him for three weeks, she agrees. After meeting up with Stefans cousin in a bar and drinking some red wine, Jana wakes up in a room with the door locked, covered in blood. Over the course of the next three years, Jana is trained by Nikola (Ojan Genc) to work as a sex worker and cleaner. Jana works her way up the ladder, eventually reaching a position where she has a phone, and is responsible for answering the phone to customers and taking bookings. Towards the end of the play, she is forced to help smuggle more girls from the boats into a van, and we see her guilt as she is being forced to do to other girls what was done to her when she was first brought into the organisation.

The play uses multi-role for the male roles of Stefan, Nikola, and two unnamed men (Ojan Genc), as well as for the female roles of Katerina (Jana’s sister), and two other girls that are in the organisation, called Elena and Iona (Eleanor Roberts). Because of the multi-role, we see the other actors changing costumes regularly throughout, which contrasts Jana wearing the same outfit for the whole play, which over time becomes stained with various substances at key moments during her ordeal. This is my favourite part of the play, as the blood, mud, and vomit that are on her at the end are a brilliant way of showing how victims of human trafficking are ‘stained’ by their horrendous experiences. It is also very effective in showing a contrast between the beginning of the play, where we see Jana wearing a pristine white jumpsuit, and the ending where she is wearing the same jumpsuit, but now it is stained. This combined with the repeating of the first scene is brilliant in showing that we the audience didn’t know the full story at the beginning, but now we do. We see the guilt that Jana feels over participating in trafficking girls, despite not having any choice in the matter, even commenting on how pretending to be one of these girls when the police show up wouldn’t be the ‘complete story’. The actors also use accents to portray speaking in different languages, using their usual voices when the characters are speaking Bosnian, and using a Bosnian accent and speaking in broken English when their characters are speaking English.

This play is an ingenious piece of writing by the brilliant Ella Dorman-Gajic, and expertly performed by Katarina Novkovic, Eleanor Roberts, and Ojan Genc. There is not a single actor I could think of that could have portrayed these characters better. This is an experience that definitely shouldn’t be missed.

Fifteen-year-old Nellie Regan to stage fundraiser for the Union Theatre

Nellie Regan is on a mission to save the Union Theatre with a fundraising concert at The Other Palace, on Monday 27^th March at 7:30pm.  The impressive fifteen-year-old daughter of Sasha Regan, award-winning producer, artistic director and founder of the Union Theatre, has brought together some of the hottest West End names in musical theatre. The glittering star-studded evening will be co-hosted by Arran Bell and Michael Mather.

“This show will mean a lot to me and a lot to those who know and love the Union Theatre,” Nellie explains.  “The Union has a special place in a lot of people’s hearts.  It’s also my mum’s theatre.  I grew up there.  It’s not just a theatre but home-from-home to many…it nurtures talent, brings together communities and gives artistic people a start in life.  Many return and some never leave.  It also provides a support network for those in the arts.”

Nellie is striving to keep that community spirit alive, something her mother, Sasha, has striven for since she founded the theatre 25 years ago. Everyone who steps through the doors is welcomed and treated like family.  However, since Covid, it has become much harder for this theatre to survive.  “It’s so important for our theatre community that we keep our doors open,” says Nellie.  “Many award-winning shows that start at the Union transfer to larger venues in the West End and some have even toured in the UK and abroad.  It’s given so many people a chance and a great start in this business.” 

Nellie’s mother, Sasha Regan, has directed and produced a huge number of multiple award-winning shows at her theatre, including the much-loved All-Male Gilbert & Sullivan series, including the All-Male H.M.S. Pinafore and All-Male The Pirates of Penzance which regularly tour and transfer to larger venues such as Wilton’s Music Hall, the Palace Theatre and regional theatres such as Winchester’s Theatre Royal.  Cate Blanchett was so impressed she invited them to perform in Australia and this summer Sasha Regan’s All-Male The Mikado is set to run at Wilton’s Music Hall followed by a tour. Many actors and creatives have started their careers in her shows, receiving awards and returning time and time again.

 “The Union Theatre gives people a fair go,” says Nellie.  “Times are tough and we don’t pretend otherwise – we just want everyone who comes into The Union to have a go, get noticed and use our theatre as a base to showcase their talents.  Theatres like this are so important right now and The Union is a community.  That support is crucial.  We all look out for each other and after the initial trauma and havoc caused by Covid, many in our arts community are still struggling, especially small businesses, which is why I want to raise as much as I can to keep theatre and opportunities to perform alive.  My mother, Sasha Regan, works so hard for everyone around her and does this for the love of theatre and those who work in theatre.  She helps countless young people and gives actors and creatives a platform.  Now more than ever we need our theatre to keep its doors open.”

Nellie will also be appearing in the concert.  As well as helping her mother to run the Union Theatre, she is studying musical theatre at The Brit School and has been involved in productions such as Whistle Down The Wind (Union theatre), When I Grow Up (Lyric theatre) and even appeared in the Jim Jams Chocolate Spread advert. 

“Let’s all come together to have the most magical night and raise some funds to save our home,” says Nellie.  “See you there”. 

The Union Theatre Fundraising Concert will take place at The Other Palace on Monday 27^th March at 19:30. Tickets from £17.50.  Running time 2 hours

Tickets: 25 Years Of The Union – The Other Palace Theatre

Box office: 020 7592 0302

Address:  The Other Palace, 12 Palace Street, London SW1E 5BJ

Age recommendation: 12+.  Trigger warnings: Flashing lights, Haze

Cast includes: Michael Ahomka-Lindsay; Bronté Barbé; Pearce Barron; Kyle Birch; Michael Burgen; Erin Caldwell; Owen Clayton; Amy Di Bartolomeo; Tom Duern; Alex James Ellison; Andrew Ewart; Luke Friend; Collette Guitart; Billie Kerr; Sam Kipling; Hannah Lawton; Emma Lindars; Michael Mather; Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky; Kayleigh McKnight; Alex Okoampa; Ayesha Patel; Nellie Regan; Rodney Vubya

Creative Team:

Musical Director & Pianist: Michael Bradley
Hosts: Arran Bell and Michael Mather

Anyone who can’t attend but who would like to help can donate through the following Go Fund Me link: Fundraiser by Nellie Regan : The Union Theatre (gofundme.com)

Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard announces broadcast details and show line up. 

–       Evening will include performances from all Mastercard Best New Musical nominees including The Band’s Visit, Standing At The Sky’s Edge, Sylvia and Tammy Faye 

–       The cast of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! and Sister Act (Magic Radio Best Musical Revival nominees) as well as Disney’s Newsies (Best Theatre Choreography nominee) will also perform  

–       There will be a special performance from multi–Olivier Award winner The Book Of Mormon as the production celebrates 10 years in the West End  

–       Special Award winner Arlene Philips will be honoured with a tribute from the cast of Grease The Musical 

–       The Olivier Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday 2nd April and will be broadcast on ITV at 10.15pm with full live coverage on Magic Radio from 6pm 

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The Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard have officially announced the shows performing in this year’s ceremony. The Awards will take place on Sunday 2 April at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Hannah Waddingham. 

There will be performances from all of the Mastercard Best New Musical nominees – The Band’s Visit, Standing At The Sky’s Edge, Sylvia and Tammy Faye. There will also be performances from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! and Sister Act, both nominated for Magic Radio Best Musical Revival. 

Additionally, there will be performances from Disney’s Newsies, whose choreographer Matt Cole is nominated for the Gillian Lynne Award for Best Theatre Choreographer, multi-Olivier winner The Book Of Mormon will be celebrating with a performance marking 10 years in the West End. Special Award winner, Dame Arlene Phillips, will be honoured on the night with a special performance from Grease the Musical. 

The Olivier Awards continues its partnership with ITV, which will broadcast a highlights programme the same evening at 10:15pm on ITV1 and ITVX. The full ceremony will be broadcast live from the Royal Albert Hall on Magic Radio, the Official Radio Partner, hosted by Ruthie Henshall and Alice Arnold from 6pm. Viewers from outside the UK can tune in on Official London Theatre’s YouTube channel. 

TikTok will also be hosting a live stream on the Green Carpet, with theatre performer and content creator Hannah Lowther (Heathers, Snow White: Pantomime, SpongeBob: The Musical) as their host.

officiallondontheatre.com/olivier-awards 

Sunday 2 April 2023