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CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR

WORK-IN-PROGRESS PERFORMANCES OF

BABYFACE – THE FIERCE WRESTLING MUSICAL

BY SEIRIOL DAVIES

AT STORYHOUSE, CHESTER

ON WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2026

AND A NEWLY ANNOUNCED PERFORMANCE AT

PLEASANCE, LONDON

ON FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2026

Casting is announced today for work-in-progress performances of BABYFACE – THE FIERCE WRESTLING MUSICAL, written by Seiriol Davies. The cast includes James Ifan (Kinky Boots), Rex Hayes (To Kill A Mockingbird, Ted Lasso), Genesis Lynea (Six original cast, Sylvia, Dr. Who, Death in Paradise) and Iestyn Arwel. Also joining the cast are musical theatre performers Cadi Mullane, Nic Myers and Elis Myers-Sleight, who are joined by professional wrestlers Nightshade, KM Lane, Cassius The Neon Explosion and Darcy Stone.

The work-in-progress performances will be presented at Storyhouse, Chester on Wednesday 11 February 2026, as part of Storyhouse Queer festival, and at Pleasance, London on Friday 13 February 2026. Tickets are from £15 and on sale now. www.babyfacemusical.com

BABYFACE is the rags-to-spandex story of two tender queer souls from Rhyl, climbing the ranks of an industry where selling your persona is everything. Gruff wants to be a poet but his Nanna Dela needs money to keep the local bailiffs at bay; so Gruff must follow the path of his late grandad, the legendary wrestler Rhyl Dryll. Rezi wants to be the first ever female wrestling world champion. But can their friendship survive this crazy, sweaty, hyper-charged world? Will they turn into villains, or will they be… Babyfaces?

Fusing musical theatre and pro-wrestling (yes, with ACTUAL wrestling in an ACTUAL ring!) it’s a laugh-out-loud thrill ride that asks: in a polarised world, what happens when your need for community conflicts with your urge to WIN? 

BABYFACE has been in development for three years and was presented in May 2025 in Birmingham as part of BEAM2025, a national showcase of new musicals. Producer Jafar Iqbal has now partnered with leading West End production company PW Productions.

It follows the success of Davies’ How To Win Against History, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016, returning in 2025, winning The Stage Edinburgh Award and receiving critical acclaim, including:

★★★★★ 

The Daily Telegraph

‘A work of genius.’ 

★★★★★ 

The Stage

‘A glittering production.’ 

★★★★

The Times

‘Sparkling piece of musical theatre.’ 

Seiriol Davies is a writer, composer and performer from Anglesey. As well as How to Win Against History, Seiriol has written shows including Milky Peaks (Theatr Clwyd and touring), Betty! A Sort of Musical with Maxine Peake (Manchester Royal Exchange) and Branwen:Dadeni for the Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre (as co-writer). They have also created work with companies such as Punchdrunk, English National Opera, The Gate Theatre, Underbling & Vow, The Unicorn Theatre and Le Gateau Chocolat. Currently, Seiriol is developing a musical with Hijinx, a queer medieval Shakespearian epic about Henry the Fifth and Welsh folk hero Owain Glyndwr, entitled Sweet Henry Vee with the Birmingham Rep, and Charles Actual Dickens and the Death Ship of Gold with Francesca Moody Productions.

These work-in-progress performances of BABYFACE – THE FIERCE WRESTLING MUSICAL are directed by Debbie Hannan and Matthew Holmquist, with musical supervision and arrangements by Geraint Owen, musical direction by Sioned Evans, wrestling choreography by Ed Gamester, and casting by Harry Blumenau.

LISTINGS

Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester CH1 2AR

Performance at 7.30pm on Wednesday 11 February 2026

Pleasance, 5 Carpenters Mews, North Road, London, N7 9EF

Performance at 7.30pm on Friday 13 February 2026

Tickets from £15

www.babyfacemusical.com

FULL CAST INCLUDING ALEX LAWTHER, DOON MACKICHAN, PAUL READY AND SOPHIE RUNDLE ANNOUNCED FOR SUMMERFOLK AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE

NEW VERSION OF MAXIM GORKY’S CLASSIC BY NINA RAINE AND MOSES RAINE

The National Theatre today announces full casting for Nina Raine and Moses Raine’s new version of Maxim Gorky’s Summerfolk, a razor-sharp portrait of class, privilege and denial.  Directed by Deputy Artistic Director Robert Hastie, this biting and satirical play will run in the Olivier theatre from 6 March to 29 April 2026.

Full cast includes Rebecca Banatvala as Sasha, Thomas Barrett as Maxim Zimin, Tamika Bennett as Sonya,  Pip Carter as Pavel Sergeyich Ryumin, Peter Forbes as Semyon Semyonich Dvoyetochiye, Brandon Grace as Nikolai Petrovich Zamislov, Arthur Hughes as Pyotr Ivanich Suslov, Sam Jenkins-Shaw as Kropilkin, Gwyneth Keyworth as Olga Alekseyevna, Daniel Lapaine as Yakov Petrovich Shalimov, Alex Lawther as Vlass  Mikhailich, Adelle Leonce as Yulia Filipovna, Doon Mackichan as Kaleria, Justine Mitchell as Maria Lvovna, Paul Ready as Sergei Vassilich Bassov, Sophie Rundle as Varvara Mikhailovna,  Sid Sagar as Kirill Akimovich Dudakov and Richard Trinder as Pustobaika, With Ivan Ivashkin, Aisha-Mae McCormick, Roisin Rae, Ellie Turner and Joe Usher making up the ensemble.

It’s a hot, beautiful summer in 1905, and Russia’s elite retreat to the countryside to swim, sip champagne and start affairs. When they’re having this much fun, why care about anything else? But Varvara just can’t shake the feeling that their holiday idyll is built on borrowed time. As the party continues, how long can they ignore the storm on the horizon?

Director Robert Hastie is joined by set and costume designer Peter McKintosh, lighting designer Paul Pyant, sound designer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, composer Nicola T. Chang, movement director Thomas Herron, Music Director Candida Caldicot, casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG, voice coaches Shereen Ibrahim and Zoe Littleton, associate set designer Joseph Bisat Marshall, and BSL and staff director Lilac Yosiphon..

Playing in the Olivier theatre from 6 March to 29 April 2026, press performance on Tuesday 17 March 2026, 7pm.

Tickets available at nationaltheatre.org.uk.

MATT CARDLE

TO PLAY CHARLIE PRICE IN

KINKY BOOTS

AT THE LONDON COLISEUM

TOSH WANOGHO-MAUD

TO ALTERNATE THE ROLE OF LOLA WITH

JOHANNES RADEBE

17 MARCH 2026 – 11 JULY 2026

Producers ROYO, Runaway Entertainment and Curve are delighted to announce that multi-platinum-selling recording artist and award-winning West End actor Matt Cardle will play Charlie Price alongside Johannes Radebe as Lola, in the brand-new production of the Olivier, Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning KINKY BOOTS The Musical. The show will strut into the spectacular London Coliseum for 17 weeks from 17 March 2026 to 11 July 2026, with a week of previews at Curve, Leicester from 3 March 2026. Tickets are on sale now.

Tosh Wanogho-Maud, who is currently starring as Lola in the European leg of the touring production, also joins the cast as Alternate Lola*.

KINKY BOOTS The Musical features a book by Harvey Fierstein and a score by Cyndi Lauper. It will be directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (My Fair Lady, A Chorus Line, Billy Elliot).

Matt Cardle rose to fame performing with Rihanna in front of a televised audience of over 20 million as the winner of The X Factor’s highest ever rated series in 2010. Since then Matt has soared up the charts and achieved similar success on his own terms releasing four studio albums; Letters (2011), The Fire (2012), Porcelain (2013) and Time To Be Alive (2018). New album, The Great Escape, is released on 10 April 2026.

Matt most recently starred as Shakespeare in the UK and Ireland tour of & Juliet. He played Huey Calhoun in Memphis (Shaftesbury Theatre, West End) alongside Beverley Knight, for which he received the WhatsOnStage Award for ‘Best West End Debut.’ He also appeared as Wally Strand in Strictly Ballroom (Piccadilly Theatre) and Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar (Barbican Theatre).

Matt said “I am absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast of Kinky Boots on London’s biggest stage. Theatre has been a huge part of my career so far, and leading a cast alongside Johannes Radebe at the London Coliseum is a huge honour. Kinky Boots is a show I’ve loved for years so to get the opportunity to step into the role of Charlie Price is a dream come true. Bringing this iconic role to life in the West End is an incredible privilege, and I cannot wait to share this production with audiences.”

Tosh Wanogho-Maud started his career as a child in the iconic shows Whistle Down the Wind and The Lion King. Previous credits include ICEBERG in Titanique(Criterion Theatre) Palladium Pantomime, Oklahoma! in Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Batboy in Concert (The London Palladium), Ain’t Too Proud (Prince Edward Theatre), Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat (Toronto), The Drifters Girl (Garrick Theatre), Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre) and The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre). His film and television credits include Jingle Jangle (Apple TV+), Bridgerton (Netflix) and Roadkill (BBC).

KINKY BOOTS The Musical is a Broadway and West End phenomenon based on a true story and movie of the same name released in 2005.

When Charlie Price inherits his family’s failing shoe factory, saving the company – and his love life – feels like an impossibly tall order. Until, that is, he meets Lola, the sparkling, larger-than-life drag queen with the unlikeliest of answers. Can they work together to reboot the business and save the day? Perhaps they just need to help each other – and everyone around them – to stand a little taller…

A glorious celebration of friendship and individuality, let Kinky Boots raise you up higher than ever at the

legendary London Coliseum for 17 weeks only.

KINKY BOOTS is directed by Nikolai Foster with choreography by Leah Hill, set design by Robert Jones, costume design by Robert Jones & Tom Rogers, musical supervision by George Dyer, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Adam Fisher, casting by Harry Blumenau CDG CDA, wigs, hair and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates, associate direction by Michaela Powell with production management by Setting Line.

KINKY BOOTS is produced by ROYO, Runaway Entertainment and Curve.

Website: KinkyBootsLondon.com

Socials: @kinkyboots_uk

KINKY BOOTS  

Book by Harvey Fierstein

Music and Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper  

Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell  

Based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots Written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth 

Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International

LISTINGS INFORMATION

17 March – 11 July 2026

London Coliseum

St Martin’s Lane

London

WC2N 4ES

Curve preview performances: Tuesday – Saturday 7:30pm

Preview performances: Tuesday – Saturday 7:30pm, Thursday and Saturday 2:30pm

Performances: Monday – Saturday 7:30pm, Thursday and Saturday 2:30pm

Tickets from: £20

Box Office: 020 7845 9300

*Tosh Wanogho-Maud will play the role of Lola on all Monday performances from 6April 2026. Patrons are advised to check the website for further information.

 Michelle Collins, star of stage and screen, 

joins the centenary birthday performance of

Eric and Ern

starring Ian Ashpitel as Ernie Wise & Jonty Stephens as Eric Morecambe

at the Garrick Theatre on Sunday 29 March 2026

Martin Clarkson and The Production Garden, producers of the previously announced Eric & Ern centenary special, are delighted to announce that stage and screen star Michelle Collins (EastEnders) will join the West End performance as a special guest. The show takes place at the Garrick Theatre on 29 March 2026, celebrating the 100th birthdays of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise and their legendary comedy partnership. 

The West End show is one of a series of special performances which have recently been announced for Eric and Ern, the new show from Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens, the Olivier nominated duo behind the critically acclaimed West End hit Eric & Little Ern. 

Eric and Ern takes audiences back to the times when whole families would huddle around the telly to watch the fantastic Morecambe and Wise Christmas specials. This brilliant homage to the two national comedy heroes is crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches, and hits all the right notes. From Greig’s Piano Concerto to Mr Memory, “Arsenal!”, Eric and Ern is a show full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches – and of course their special musical guest. It is suitable for all the family from 8 to 80.

Michelle Collins said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the West End celebration of Morecambe and Wise’s centenary. Eric and Ern are true icons of British entertainment, and to be part of a show honouring their legacy – especially at the Garrick Theatre in the West End – is a real privilege. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate comedy that has brought joy to generations.”

Currently playing a limited run at Curve, Leicester from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 17 January, Eric and Ern will visit the Lowry, Salford from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 March, Garrick Theatre in London’s West End on Sunday 29 March, and Morecambe Winter Gardens on Saturday 16 May for a special performance coinciding with Eric Morecambe’s birthday weekend.

Eric and Ern is created by Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens based on the writing of Eddie Braben.  It is presented by Martin Clarkson and The Production Garden in association with Cube Room Productions. 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Show title: Eric and Ern

Running time: 1 hour and 50 minutes (including a 20 minute interval)

Age guidance: 8+ 

TOUR DATES 

Tuesday 8 – Saturday 17 January 2026                                                                      Curve, Leicester

https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/eric-and-ern

Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 March 2026                                                                  The Lowry, Salford

https://thelowry.com/whats-on/eric-and-ern-xwc6

Sunday 29 March 2026                                                                                 Garrick Theatre, London https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/an-evening-of-eric-and-ern

Saturday 16 May 2026                                                                           Morecambe Winter Gardens

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/morecambe/morecambe-winter-gardens-theatre/an-evening-of-eric-and-ern/e-jzaqek

Will include an afternoon talk with Gary and Gail Morecambe, chaired by Martin Clarkson

Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge until Saturday 17th January 2026

Reviewed by Steph Lott

5*****

Last night at The Cambridge Arts Theatre, the Cambridge Operatic Society—celebrating an impressive 115 years of bringing musical theatre to our city—delivered a thoroughly engaging production of Frank Loesser’s beloved 1950 musical comedy “Guys and Dolls”. While there’s always a risk that a show dealing with gamblers, showgirls, and old-fashioned gender dynamics might feel dated, this production proved that with the right vision and talented performers, the magic of Damon Runyon’s short stories remains as captivating as ever.

Co-directors and choreographers Helen Petrovna and David Barrett opted for simple black sets and lighting. This minimalism worked beautifully, allowing the audience’s imagination to conjure the smoky bars, bustling clubs, and shadowy street corners of 1950s New York City. Rather than being a limitation, the spare aesthetic placed the focus squarely on the performers, who rose magnificently to the challenge.

The ensemble deserves particular praise. As one might expect from an operatic society, their vocal work was exceptional. But beyond their singing, the cast used Barrett and Petrovna’s choreography to brilliant effect, creating the unceasing energy and bustle that Runyon’s stories demand. There’s always a danger that such a familiar show might feel jaded, but this production was anything but—it felt fresh, vital, and genuinely entertaining.

Luke Thomas brought considerable charm and swagger to Sky Masterson, the smooth-talking gambler, while Saskia Edwards-Korolczuk’s Sarah Brown was wonderfully nuanced, showing the Save-a-Soul missionary’s journey from righteous certainty to unexpected romance. The chemistry between Thomas and Edwards-Korolczuk was palpable, making their unlikely love story genuinely touching. Meanwhile, Vikki Jones was superb as Miss Adelaide, the long-suffering nightclub performer, delivering both the comedy and pathos of a woman who’s been engaged for fourteen years. Jones was utterly charming, earning some of the evening’s warmest applause.

Musical director James Harvey and the band deserve considerable credit for their splendid work. Two particular highlights stood out: “Luck Be a Lady,” performed with thrilling intensity during the crucial crap game scene, and the show-stopping “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat”.

Many audience members will have seen “Guys and Dolls” before—it’s one of musical theatre’s most enduring classics. What makes this Cambridge Operatic Society production worth seeing is not just familiarity with beloved songs and storylines but witnessing what this talented local company has accomplished with the material. They’ve created a production that honours the show’s golden age roots while making it feel immediate and alive for contemporary audiences.

This is community theatre at its finest—ambitious, accomplished, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Emerald Theatre – Every Tuesday until April 28th 2026 

Reviewed by Carly 

5***** 

With Van Morrison being a firm fixture in my upbringing I was very excited to see the Alumni Band perform his songs live and what a concert it was! 

The setting itself was just beautiful, a very relaxed and intimate venue with large sofas to relax around tables in front of the stage, as well as a very comfortable stalls area offering comfortable chairs of two with a mini table attached for your drinks and two bars either side with very easy to access. The staff also need a mention as they were very pleasant and happy to help, always adding to the experience making the evening one to remember! 

As for the musicians and their performances all I can say is how talented they all were with such a great connection on stage, their vibe was on point, and you could clearly see how much passion they have for what they do! Alongside all the stories and memories and experiences shared about Van Morrison, gave the whole concert such an engaging personal performance that will stay with me forever and had me smiling from ear to ear from start to finish! 

Leo Green who presented the evening of stories and much enthusiasm gave a performance on the Saxophone throughout that was just exceptional pouring every ounce of energy into the crowd coming off the stage and playing whilst walking through the audience was just outstanding to watch. 

Matt Holland on the trumpet, what a legend with his talent keeping the audience engaged and singing ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ which was so epic and had the whole audience bounce to their feet for a sing along and a good old dance! 

The whole band – Geoff Dunn drums, Robin Aspland piano, Steve Pearce bass, Jim Watson keys, Matt White guitar played with skill as well as a strong sense of rhythm they were just seamless throughout and i felt very honoured to be a part of it all! 

Jess Greenfield what a voice I really enjoyed watching her lose herself to the music, she was fascinating to watch and when she sang ‘sweet thing’ and ‘it stoned me’ sent a chill down my spine what a performer! 

Hayley Sanderson  who opened with Moondance, was just exceptional throughout her talented voice and technique was just beautiful and she took me right back to some great memories. 

Wayne Hernandes whose first song was Brightside of the Road sang with such an energy the man definitely has soul and was just a pure delight to watch and listen too!  

This show was out of this world from start to finish the talent is clearly visible along with friendship. If you’re looking for a night to remember, then get yourself down to The Emerald Theatre for an evening that is sure to blow your mind. 

I’m still smiling thinking about the evening! 

JONATHAN BAILEY & ARIANA GRANDE

TO STAR IN A NEW PRODUCTION OF

Jonathan Bailey & Ariana Grande will star in a new stage production of Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical,Sunday in the Park with George.

Performances will begin at the Barbican Centre, London in Summer 2027.

Sunday in the Park with George has music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine. The production will be directed by Marianne Elliot, with design by Tom Scutt.

Tickets for the season at the Barbican will go on sale in May 2026 and will only be sold via the official Barbican website and box office. To be the first to hear details and all further information about the production, sign-up at www.sundayintheparkmusical.com.

Sunday in the Park with George is produced by Empire Street Productions and presented in association with the Barbican.

All further information about the production will be announced at a later date.

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR THE DOUBLE BILL OF

PAUL BRADSHAW’S AGGY AND TELL ME STRAIGHT

AT PARK THEATRE

SH Productions and telling tales today announce the cast for the double bill of Paul Bradshaw’s tell me straight and the world premiere of aggy, with generous support from ATG through Ian McKellan’s Producers Grant.

Bradshaw will star alongside Buck Braithwaite and Jade Anouka in tell me straight, directed by Imogen Frances; and Frances and Bradshaw will co-direct Matthew Jordan, Jean-Luke Worrell, Jack Gittins in aggy. 

The productions open in Park 90 at Park Theatre from 6 March, with previews from 3 March, running until 28 March.

Paul Bradshaw said today, “To be the first playwright to have a double bill programmed at Park Theatre — especially as someone who grew up on a council estate on benefits — is something I don’t take for granted for a second. Reviving and reimagining tell me straight has been incredibly rewarding, and I can’t wait to share its messy, funny world with a brand-new audience. aggy is shaping up to be a visceral excavation of identity, power and creativity, handled with great sensitivity by our extraordinarily talented company. The whole team is excited to welcome fresh audiences to Park Theatre to experience both pieces.”

SH Productions and telling tales presents

TELL ME STRAIGHT/AGGY

By Paul Bradshaw

Lighting Designer: Cheng Keng; Sound Designer: Eamonn O’Dwyer; Audio and Visual Designer: Matt Powell; Set and Costume Designer: Damien Stanton; Dramaturg: Georgie Rankcom

3 March 2026 – 28 March 2026

TELL ME STRAIGHT

Director: Imogen Frances

Following sold-out runs at The King’s Head and Chiswick Playhouse, Paul Bradshaw’s award-winning debut play tell me straight is back. Him’s long line of hookups have one thing in common; they’re all straight. Best friend Dani thinks he needs to fix up and finally find ‘a gay man who actually likes gay men!’ But straight guys are like buses… A 30-day detox is just what Him needs – no booze, no fast food and no men! Buuuuut will distractions in the form of wide-eyed Lee, fuck boy Ryan and oldest friend Matt prove to be derailing? Or will Him finally change his ways and see what is right in front of him?

AGGY

Co-Directors: Imogen Frances & Paul Bradshaw

Lawrence and Mahlik have been together for a year. It’s going pretty well on all accounts. So when Mahlik’s contract is up at his flat, it’s only logical that they move in together. After a particularly tough rejection, Mahlik makes a risky suggestion for Lawrence’s next project – that he presents as an alter ego to secure more opportunities. As success starts to roll in, this fabricated persona leaves the couple facing uncomfortable truths neither of them can ignore. aggy is a bold one-act play exploring privilege, gender, race and creativity. It’s about art and who gets to make it. The play unflinchingly examines how people freely police one another, and how this can lead to destruction.

Paul Bradshaw (he/him) plays Him in tell me straight. Bradshaw is an award-winning actor, writer and director from London. He self-funded his drama school training at Mountview and since graduating has worked across stage, screen, and voiceover for companies including Disney, ITV, and BBC. His writing credits include tell me straight (King’s Head Theatre, Chiswick Playhouse – Standing Ovation Award for Best New Play and OFFIE commendation), The Barn (Turbine Theatre – OnComm nomination), West 11 (Southwark Playhouse), Feel More (The Space, Lion & Unicorn Theatre) and Two Cities (Criterion Theatre). His short film credits include Fizzy. He currently has several projects in development across stage and screen including state of the nation plays Not Working and Two Cities, a TV adaptation of tell me straight, original dystopian series 33, and short film Influence.

Buck Braithwaite makes his professional stage debut as Matt/Ryan/Lee in tell me straight. His television credits include Alexander:The Making of a God, Masters of the Air, Flowers in the Attic: The Origin, Wreck, and the upcoming second season of David Benioff’s critically acclaimed 3 Body Problem; and for film, Fair Play.

Jade Anouka voices Dani in tell me straight. Her theatre credits include Otherland (Almeida Theatre), Heart (Minetta Lane Theatre, Brixton House, Edinburgh Fringe), Cock (Ambassadors Theatre), Dear Elizabeth (Gate Theatre), Shakespeare Trilogy, The Vote (Donmar Warehouse), Doctor Faustus (Duke of York’s Theatre) Henry IV, Julius Ceasar (St. Anne’s Warehouse), Omeros (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse), Clean (59E59 Theatres, Traverse Theatre), The Phlebotomist (Hampstead Theatre), QueenMargaret, So Here We Are (Royal Exchange Theatre), The Greatest Wealth, Cover My Tracks (The Old Vic), Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare’s Globe), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Shakespeare’s Globe, US tour), CHEF (Soho Theatre), Moon on a Rainbow Shawl (The National Theatre), Twelfth Night (York Theatre Royal), Romeo and Juliet (Bolton Octagon) Wild Horses (Theatre503), Blood Wedding (Southwark Playhouse), The Taming of the Shrew, The Merchant of Venice (RSC), The Penelopiad (RSC, National Arts Centre Canada), and Handa’s Surprise (The Little Angel Theatre). Her television credits include Dune: Prophecy, The Sandman, Fool Me Once, His Dark Materials, Cleaning Up, Turn Up Charlie, Trauma, Small Axe: Education, The Drowning, Beforeigners, Chewing Gum, Lucky Man, The Vote, and Angela Black; and for film, ear for eye, Last Christmas, Fisherman’s Friends, Fisherman’s Friends: One and All, Zebra Girl, The Bower, Her & Her, The Rhythm Section, Baby Gravy and The Dark Channel.

Matthew Jordan makes his professional stage debut as Lawrence in aggy. His television credits include Geek Girl; and for film, The Phoenician Scheme. 

Jean-Luke Worrell plays Mahlik in aggy. His theatre credits include Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Lyric Theatre, UK tour), A Strange Loop (Barbican Theatre), Cluedo (UK tour), The Comedy About a Bank Robbery (Criterion Theatre), Cinderella (Greenwich Theatre), and Robinson Crusoe (Chipping Norton Theatre). His film credits include The Magic Faraway Tree.

Jack Gittins plays Rex in aggy. Their theatre credits include Shooting Star: A Revealing New Musical (The Two Brewers) and Zanna Don’t! A Musical Fairytale (Old Joint Stock Theatre). Gittins is also a drag artist going by the name of Climax – she won The Next Drag Superstar 2025, The Nottingham Drag Pageant 2025 and the Bohemia Ball 2025.

Imogen Frances is a London and Devon-based director, intimacy director, writer, and actor. Their directing credits includetell me straight (King’s Head Theatre, Chiswick Playhouse – Standing Ovation Award for Best New Play and OFFIE commendation), The Immigrant Play (The Bread & Roses Theatre). They’ve directed numerous drama school productions including Yerma, Dogville (Rose Bruford College), The Cherry Orchard and The Seagull (Italia Conti). Their writing credits include Star Cross’d (Rose Bruford College Commission), co-written with Tanya Bridgeman, and (pause before continuing) which was long-listed for the RSC’s 37 Plays Award. Their latest play WOM(b)AN is currently in development and has received support from The Young Vic and Exeter Northcott’s Reclaim Festival. They regularly host queer cabaret nights dedicated to championing FLINTA* artists. 

TELL ME STRAIGHT / AGGY

LISTINGS

Park Theatre, Park90

Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP

Box Office: 020 7870 6876 //boxoffice@parktheatre.co.uk

TICKETS

£15.00 – £20.00

Multibuy discount is 20% 

3 March 2026 – 28 March 2026

tell me straight

Performances Monday to Saturday, 7:00pm evenings, 2:30pm matinees

aggy

Performances Monday to Saturday, 8:45pm evenings, 4:15pm matinees

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR SHEFFIELD THEATRES
WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION OF
THE LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB
By Stefano Massini, Adapted by Tim Firth, Directed by Elizabeth Newman

Sheffield Theatres have today announced casting for the major world premiere production of The Ladies Football Club by Stefano Massini (The Lehman Trilogy) and adapted by Tim Firth (Calendar Girls). The production plays at the Crucible Theatre from Sat 28 Feb – Sat 28 Mar 2026 directed by Sheffield Theatres Artistic Director, Elizabeth Newman with movement by Frantic Assembly’s Scott Graham.

One of the must-see new plays of 2026, The Ladies Football Club comes to the stage from the Tony Award-winning writer of the West End and Broadway hit, The Lehman Trilogy, Stefano Massini in a new adaptation by BAFTA and Olivier Award-winner of the global phenomenon, Calendar Girls, Tim Firth. In this exciting piece of storytelling, The Ladies Football Club is a powerful story of friendship and community directed by award winning Elizabeth Newman, Artistic Director of one of the UK’s most prestigious national producing powerhouses, Sheffield Theatres. Tony and Olivier Award nominated Artistic Director of Frantic Assembly, Scott Graham will create the movement for the production, sharing his unique signature craft of storytelling through movement. With its roots firmly set in Sheffield, this new play is a universal story brought together by some of the leading forces in contemporary theatre.

Announced today, the cast includes Jessica Baglow (Gentleman Jack) as Rosalyn, Leah Brotherhead (Hullraisers) as Hayley, Lesley Hart (Shetland) as Berenice, Bettrys Jones (The Buddha of Suburbia) as Olivia, Ellie Leach (Coronation Street)as Brianna, Clair Norris (EastEnders) as Melanie, Anne Odeke (Princess Essex) as Justine, Krupa Pattani (Mr Bates vs The Post Office) as Cheryl, Cara Theobold (Downton Abbey) as Violet, Chanel Waddock (Othello)as Penelope, Charley Webb (Emmerdale) as Abigail. Joy Adeogun (Romeo and Juliet) and Jamie Randall (The House Party)will perform as Swings for the production.

Sheffield Theatres Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman said: “The cast and creatives coming together for The Ladies Football Club bring extraordinary imagination, rigour, and heart to a story that demands to be seen and heard now. It honours the courage and collective spirit at the root of the history of women’s football, while pushing boldly into the present. The Ladies Football Club does not simply celebrate an important moment in history – it reclaims it. I am so excited to create this piece of storytelling with such a great team of people!”

Stefano Massini added: “I read that the majority of the world’s population is female. But the rules and power are firmly in the hands of us men. This is what my play is about: a moment in time when a group of women, while their husbands were away fighting at the front, took the ball and made women’s football history. It’s a story I loved telling, because it’s the sum of eleven stories, those of each of the workers who made up that dream team.”

Tim Firth said: “The story of the birth of women’s football is intrinsically linked to its disappearance. The excitement I felt on reading Stefano’s funny and lyrical verse drama  was the challenge of creating a play that was a football match: told as much in movement as in words by eleven players who never leave the field, who support each other, fight each other and discover a passion for something forbidden. It is a tale told in two halves with some critical extra time and, tragically for the women involved, no V.A.R.”

With World War One forcing men onto the front line to fight, the women of Sheffield take their place in the factories, constructing the bombs and the bullets.

When they start kicking a football around on their lunch breaks, it soon becomes clear that it’s not just positions on a factory floor these women can fill; it’s on the football pitch too. Finding unexpected strength through their new passion and teamwork they end up playing to crowds of over fifty thousand, all the time unaware something is looming that will blow the whistle on their beautiful game.

The creative team are Writer Stefano Massini, Adaptor Tim Firth,Director Elizabeth Newman,Designer Grace Smart, Movement Director Scott Graham, Lighting Designer Ben Jacobs, Sound Designer Ella Wahlström,Video Designer Joe Ransom, Composers Ella Wahlström, Tim Firth and Steve Parry, Casting Director Juliet Horsley,Associate Director Ben Occhipinti, Associate Sound Designer Pierre Flasse, Assistant Director Flo Gill and Additional Musical Arrangements & Recording Steve Parry

Olivier Awards unveils new Headline and Broadcast Partners for 50^th anniversary 

·         Cunard becomes Headline Partner of the Olivier Awards, elevating their existing partnership with the UK’s most prestigious theatre event 

·         The ceremony will air in a prime-time slot on the BBC, serving as this year’s Broadcast Partner 

OlivierAwards.com 

Wednesday 14 January, 11am: Today, the Olivier Awards unveils partnerships for 2026, including Cunard as new Headline Partner for the event, and the BBC as Broadcast Partner. The ceremony will take place on Sunday 12 April and will mark the 50^th anniversary of the awards, which were established in 1976.  

As Headline Partner, Cunard further strengthens its long-standing connection with world-class theatre and commitment to supporting the arts, prevalent both on board their ships and ashore. Cunard takes the wonder of the West End to the open ocean, both through its core on-board entertainment programme which includes the Olivier Award-winning Come From Away (2019 Best New Musical winner) and Pride And Prejudice* (*Sort Of) (2022 Best Entertainment or Comedy Play winner), and through its dedicated London Theatre at Sea voyages, offering guests exclusive performances from leading talent and sharing behind-the-curtain secrets of the Olivier Awards. Additionally, Cunard gives its name to the Cunard Best New Musical award, marking a new phase for this prestigious partnership. 

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: 

“Cunard has long celebrated the very best in art, culture and exceptional entertainment experiences, and we are incredibly proud to be the Headline Partner of the Olivier Awards – the UK’s most prestigious stage honours. This partnership reflects our shared passion for outstanding performance, storytelling, and British heritage, both on land and at sea.” 

For its 50^th year, the Olivier Awards will be televised in a prime-time slot on the BBC on Sunday 12 April. The programme will be delivered in partnership with Penny Lane Entertainment, producers of numerous event specials across music, comedy and entertainment. The BBC will also broadcast a special episode of Bargain Hunt, featuring a cast of previous Olivier Award nominated and winning contestants, and a look behind the scenes at an iconic West End theatre. 

Kash Bennett, President of the Society of London Theatre, said: 

“I am thrilled that the Olivier Awards are working with the BBC for our 50^th anniversary and that Cunard, stalwart champions of London theatre, will be our Headline Partner. These prestigious partnerships enable us to shine a spotlight on the best of London theatre and the vitality of arts and culture.” 

As part of exciting plans for 2026, the Olivier Awards with Cunard will be celebrating the crucial role that UK theatre plays as an incubator of talent, linking past winners and nominees with the local venues that inspired and nurtured them. A brand-new partnership with The Observer will offer enhanced coverage of the nominations and events surrounding the awards, including an exclusive series of nominee portraits.  

The prestigious Nominees’ Celebration will take place at The Londoner (Official Hotel Partner), where nominees will enjoy an afternoon tea, with a drinks reception provided by Piper-Heidsieck, who are returning as Official Champagne Partner, and celebration partner Famille Perrin. Alongside Cunard as Headline Partner, the Olivier Awards has secured additional partners including Audi, returning as Official Car Partner, Edmunds Cocktails, The Ivy, and Fortnum & Mason, to enhance this year’s ceremony and associated events. 

Tickets for the Olivier Awards 2026 with Cunard are now on sale to the public, available at RoyalAlbertHall.com.  

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