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York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 13^th May 2023

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 A FIERYLIGHT & LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE CO-PRODUCTION

THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN

NOMINATED FOR AN OLIVIER AWARD

FOR BEST FAMILY SHOW

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

WILL COME TO THE WEST END FOR CHRISTMAS!

RUNNING AT THE ST MARTIN’S THEATRE

FROM 02 DECEMBER – 07 JANUARY 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Leeds Playhouse –  3^rd May 2023

Reviewed by Sal Marino

5*****

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hull New Theatre – until 6th May 2023

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 6 May 2023

Reviewed by Gill Gardiner

5*****

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

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

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

By order of the Peaky Blinders! Rambert and Birmingham Hippodrome’s sell-out show returns for one week only

Rambert and Birmingham Hippodrome’s dance theatre show, Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is back by popular demand at Birmingham Hippodrome between Tuesday 23 and Saturday 27 May.

Written and adapted for the stage by Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight, and choreographed and directed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer, the show had its world premiere at co-producing partner venue Birmingham Hippodrome in 2022. Following sell-out performances at the Hippodrome and a London premiere at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby embarked on its UK tour earlier this year. 

Jon Gilchrist, Artistic Director & CEO of Birmingham Hippodrome said: “It seems only right to finish the UK tour of our spectacular co-production in the city where this story began. After a phenomenal run last September we’re really excited audiences have another opportunity to enjoy this special production.”

Featuring live musicians performing a score written by Roman GianArthur, the show is led by Musical Director Yaron Engler as well as a new track by Laura Mvula. GianArthur’s soundtrack for the production also features iconic songs from the television series and music from Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, Anna Calvi, The Last Shadow Puppets, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, to name a few.

Guillaume Quéau and Joseph Kudra alternate the role of Thomas Shelby, with Naya Lovell and Seren Williams alternating the role of Grace, within the production that features the permanent Rambert dance company on stage. Birmingham-born writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah who played street preacher Jeremiah Jesus in the TV series, provides pre-recorded narration for the production.

Through dance theatre Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby picks up the story of the Peaky Blinders at the end of World War One, following Tommy Shelby and Grace Burgess through their passionate love affair.  While Tommy is building his empire, Grace is operating as an undercover agent for Special Branch on a mission to get close to the heart of Tommy’s gang. As the story unfolds, many hearts are broken. 

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight said: “This is dance for people who don’t usually watch dance and what I’ve written has been transformed into something startling by consummate dancers and choreographers. If the concept of a Peaky Blinders dance seems strange, reserve judgement and reserve a ticket.”

Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is at Birmingham Hippodrome between Tuesday 23 May and Saturday 27 May.

Tickets can be booked online at birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling the box office on 0844 338 5000*

*0844 calls will cost you 4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, is a Rambert production in association with Birmingham Hippodrome, co-produced with The Lowry, Executive Producers Rambert, Robin Saunders and Simon Sinek, inspired by the television series Peaky Blinders created by Steven Knight in association with official brand owners and series producer Caryn Mandabach Productions. Peaky Blinders TM © Caryn Mandabach Productions 2022. Licensed by Caryn Mandabach Productions. Rambert is supported by Arts Council England.

TONY! [THE TONY BLAIR ROCK OPERA]

BY HARRY HILL & STEVE BROWN

PERFORMANCES SOLD OUT IN TONY BLAIR’S FORMER CONSTITUENCY OF SEDGEFIELD

NEW DATES ADDED TO UK TOUR

‘Look anyone will tell you, I’m a pretty straight sort of guy.’ Tony Blair

A reckless reappraisal of the life of former Ugly Rumours front man and Britain’s first pop Prime Minister Tony Blair.

In the week Harry Hill and Steve Brown’s hilarious musical TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] opened in London’s West End at the Leicester Square Theatre, and with dates now sold out at Sedgefield Parish Hall in Tony Blair’s former constituency, new dates have been added to the UK Tour at Derby Theatre (12-16 September), Bromley Churchill Theatre (21-23 September), Eastbourne Devonshire Park Theatre (26-30 September) and Liverpool Playhouse (10-14 October, the same week the Labour Party Conference is in Liverpool).

TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] is playing a limited season at the Leicester Square Theatre until 21 May.  The musical will then tour the UK from 25 May, including four weeks at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in association with Pleasance.

The musical tells the story of how one man went from peace-loving, long-haired hippy and would-be pop star to warmongering multimillionaire in just a couple of decades. Throw in a stellar cast of larger-than-life characters – Cherie Blair, Princess Diana, John Prescott, Peter Mandelson, Alastair Campbell, Osama bin Laden, George W Bush, Saddam Hussein and Gordon Brown – it’s Yes, Minister meets The Rocky Horror Show and a musical like no other.

Please note: Neither Tony Blair, the Tony Blair Institute, nor any other person featured in this production have endorsed the production or its marketing materials and are in no way affiliated with the production.

Harry Hill and Steve Brown said, “It’s a show for Tony Lovers and Haters everywhere – and everyone in between – don’t expect a history lesson – in our world Tony’s born singing and dancing, Saddam Hussein is played as Groucho Marx and Gordon Brown occasionally turns into the Incredible Hulk – let’s just say all the facts are there… but not necessarily as they occurred!  Tony hasn’t yet replied to our invite to see the show, but we do hope he’ll pop along to his old stomping ground of Sedgefield to give his verdict when we open there at the Parish Hall. Tony? If you’re reading this we’ve put a couple of tickets in your name on the door.”

The full cast is Jack Whittle as Tony Blair, Howard Samuels as Peter Mandelson, Tori Burgess as Cherie Blair, Phil Sealey as Gordon Brown, Martin Johnston as Neil Kinnock, Rosie Strobel as John Prescott, Sally Cheng as Robin Cook, Emma Jay Thomas as Princess Diana and William Hazell as on-stage cover.   Other characters featured in the musical, who are played by the cast, include Saddam Hussein, Liam Gallagher, Alastair Campbell, Osama Bin Laden and many more.

TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] is directed by Peter Rowe, with set and costume design by Libby Watson, lighting design by Mark Dymock, sound design by Richard Brooker, choreography by Francesca Jaynes and casting by Debbie O’Brien.  The Park Theatre production of TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] is produced in the West End and on tour by Nicholson Green Productions.

For more information, visit www.tonyblairrockopera.co.uk

Twitter and Instagram: @tonyrockopera

LISTINGS INFORMATION

15 April – 21 May 2023

Leicester Square Theatre

6 Leicester Place

London WC2H 7BX

Performances vary, so please check the website

Box Office: 020 7734 2222

Website: leicestersquaretheatre.com

Tickets: from £26.50

Running Time at Leicester Square Theatre: 2 hours (inc. interval)

Suitable for 14+

TOUR SCHEDULE

25 May – 3 June              Guildford Yvonne Arnaud                                                                   01483 44 00 00                

                                   www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 

7 – 10 June                      Birmingham Rep                                                                                  0121 236 4455

                                   www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

14 – 17 June                    Cardiff New Theatre                                                                            0343 310 0041

                                          www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

21 – 24 June                    Richmond Theatre                                                                                 

                                          www.atgtickets.com/Richmond                                                      

27 June – 1 July               Brighton Theatre Royal                                                                        

                                          www.atgtickets.com/Brighton                                                                     

3 – 8 July                           Bath Theatre Royal                                                                              01225 448844

                                           Theatreroyal.org.uk 

11 – 15 July                      Chester Storyhouse                                                                              01244 409113

                                          storyhouse.com                                                                                      

18 – 22 July                      Malvern Festival Theatre                                                                    01684 892277

                                          www.malvern-theatres.co.uk                                                          

24 – 26 July                      Darlington Hippodrome                                                                      01325 405405

                                          www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk                                                

27 – 29 July                      Sedgefield Parish Hall                                                                           

                                          www.eventbrite.com/e/tony-the-tony-blair-rock-opera-tickets-537360799617    

2 – 27 August                 Edinburgh Pleasance at EICC (Venue 150)                                      020 7609 1800/0131 556 6550 

                                         www.pleasance.co.uk                                                                          

12 – 16 September       Derby Theatre                                                                                       01332 593939

                                         derbytheatre.co.uk                                                                               on sale 12 May

21 – 23 September       Bromley Churchill Theatre                                                                  0343 310 0020

                                         churchilltheatre.co.uk

26 – 30 September       Eastbourne Devonshire Park Theatre                                               01323 412000

                                         www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk                                                     

2 – 7 October                 Salford The Lowry                                                                                0161 876 2015

                                          www.thelowry.com                                                                              

10 – 14 October            Liverpool Playhouse                                                                             0151 709 4776

                                         www.everymanplayhouse.com

Dave Willetts joins West End revival of Aspects of Love

to play George at every Monday performance

from 29 May 2023

Dave Willetts, one of the UK’s most critically acclaimed musical stars joins the cast of the West End revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Aspects of Love, which opens on 13 May 2023 at the Lyric Theatre in London.   He will play the role of Sir George Dillingham at every Monday performance from 29 May 2023, the role played by Michael Ball at every other performance.

Willetts joins a cast which also includes 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), Soophia Foroughi (Alternate Giulietta), 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 (Ensemble), Michael Matus (Marcel), Anna Unwin (Jenny) and sharing the role of Young Jenny are:  Indiana Ashworth, Millie Gubby and Katie Mitton.

Performances for the production begin on 13 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. 

www.aspectsoflove.com

Fiery Angel and The Shed are pleased to announce the

Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company’s production of

William Shakespeare’s

KING LEAR

Kenneth Branagh will direct and play the title role in William Shakespeare’s King Lear at Wyndham’s Theatre previewing from 21 October 2023.

The production will run for 50 performances only. 

Tickets for the London season will go on sale on 5 June at 12 noon. 

For further information and to sign up to the mailing list for priority booking please visit www.kinglearbranagh.com

The production will transfer to The Shed’s Griffin Theater in New York for autumn 2024.

Full cast and creative news will be announced in due course.