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CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT

LEGENDARY COMEDIAN BEN ELTON

TO MAKE STAGE ACTING DEBUT

AS ‘THE REBEL LEADER’ IN

2 JUNE – 27 AUGUST 2023

LONDON COLISEUM

TICKETS ON SALE NOW: WEWILLROCKYOULONDON.CO.UK

Legendary comedian, writer and director Ben Elton will make his stage acting debut this summer as ‘The Rebel Leader’ in the smash-hit sensation ‘We Will Rock You’ at the London Coliseum. The rock theatrical, written and directed by Ben and featuring the songs of Queen, returns to London 21 years after it first exploded into the West End for a strictly limited 12-week season from 2 June – 27 August.

Ben Elton’s multi-award-winning career spans more than 40 years, and includes seminal and groundbreaking television shows, West End plays, West End musicals, best-selling novels and feature films.

Ben Elton said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the incredible London Coliseum cast in the role of The Rebel Leader. The character is a massive Queen fan, rock tragic and general old fart who still plays air guitar to his bedroom mirror – so basically I’m perfect for the role! My ambition is to nail all the laughs and not mess up my song.”

Co-starring with Ben at the London Coliseum are Brenda Edwards (Chicago / Hairspray) as Killer Queen, having previously played the role in the UK tour and the record-breaking Dominion Theatre run and Lee Mead (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang / Wicked) who will play Khashoggi.

Following critical acclaim for their performances in the UK tour, Olivier award nominated actor Ian McIntosh and Elena Skye, reprise their roles as Galileo Figaro and Scaramouche respectively. The cast

is completed by Christine Allado (Meat), Adrian Hansel (Brit), Jenny O’Leary (alternate Killer Queen) and the ensemble comprises Glenn Adamson, Laura Ava-Scott, Esme Bacalla-Hayes, Liam Buckland, David Burilin, Victoria Collins, Isaac Edwards, Leanne Garretty, Lucy Glover, Ryesha Higgs, Ellis Linford-Pill, Shak Mancel James, David McIntosh, Danny Nattrass, Jarryd Nurden, Sam Robinson, Madison Swan, Karen Walker and Rebecca Wickes.

It has been 21 years since ‘We Will Rock You’ premiered at London’s Dominion Theatre in 2002, where it was seen by six million people over 4600 performances during an astonishing 12-year run, becoming one of the most successful musicals in West End history and the longest runner at the Dominion by a margin of nine years. It also found unprecedented popularity around the world, playing to a global audience of 20 million across 28 countries. Featuring 24 of Queen’s greatest hits and a hilarious script by Ben Elton, We Will Rock You succeeds in its promise of delivering a rocking good night revisiting one of the greatest songbooks in history.

‘We Will Rock You’ tells the story of a globalized future without musical instruments. A handful of rock rebels, the Bohemians, fight against the all-powerful Globalsoft company and its boss, the Killer Queen; they fight for freedom, individuality and the rebirth of the age of rock. Scaramouche and Galileo, two young outsiders, cannot come to terms with the bleak conformist reality. They join the Bohemians and embark on the search to find the unlimited power of freedom, love and rock!

‘We Will Rock You’ is produced by Phil McIntyre Live, Queen Theatrical Productions and Tribeca Theatrical Productions.

“Magnifico!”

The Sun

“One of the best shows I’ve seen in yonks. An evening of sheer entertainment and enjoyment”

Daily Mirror

“The sheer power of the best Queen numbers strikes hard”

Financial Times

“There was wild applause at the climax of the show…and it only got louder”

Daily Telegraph

“Spectacular”

Daily Express

Listings Information:

London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4ES

First show: 2 June

Final show: 27 August

Evening performances: Monday*, Wednesday* – Saturday at 7:30pm

Matinees: Thursday* and Saturday at 2:30pm, Sunday at 3pm

*Ben Elton will not perform on Mondays during July and August

*Brenda Edwards will not perform on Wednesday evenings (except 7 June & 23 August), Thursday matinees and June 8 & 24 August

Website: wewillrockyoulondon.co.uk

Twitter: @WWRYMusical

Instagram: @WWRYMusical

Facebook: facebook.com/wwrymusical

QUEEN WILL ROCK YOU IN 3-D

Just a five-minute walk from We Will Rock You, Proud Galleries, in collaboration with Sir Brian May, present a new exhibition QUEEN WILL ROCK YOU IN 3-D, capturing the history of the band through Brian’s own stereoscopic (3-D) camera lenses. From an early age Brian travelled with a 3-D camera in hand, so on tours and during recordings he was able to capture rare behind-the-scenes moments of one of the world’s greatest rock bands. Decades later these are now being shared for the first time in a public exhibition. The magic of Queen Will Rock You in 3-D is that the images will be brought to life in three dimensions with the ingenious OWL Stereoscopic Viewer designed by Brian himself.

Queen Will Rock You In 3-D at Proud Galleries, 32 John Adam Street, Embankment, London WC2N 6BP runs from 2nd June to 23 Sept 2023. Tickets on sale now: https://proudgalleries.com/pages/exhibitions-programme

The book, Queen in 3-D, by Brian May, published by The London Stereoscopic Company is available to buy from the merchandise stand at We Will Rock You or online from: https://shop.londonstereo.com

The UK Pantomime Association announces the winners of the 

The Pantomime Awards 2023 in association with Butlin’s   

with Su Pollard receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award,  

and Ian McKellen, Cast, Doncaster, and Theatre Royal Stratford East  

taking home Special Recognition Awards 

The UK Pantomime Association (UKPA) has announced the winners of The Pantomime Awards 2023 in association with Butlin’s at a star-studded ceremony which took place at the Trafalgar Theatre in London’s West End on the evening of Tuesday 11 April 2023.  

Su Pollard was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award for her many decades of passion and commitment to treading the boards in pantomimes around the country. 

The Special Recognition Awards, which celebrate productions and individuals representing the values that the Association seeks to promote, were given to Ian McKellen for passionate advocacy and services to the artform of pantomime, Cast, Doncaster, for their ongoing commitment to integrated BSL signing in pantomime and Theatre Royal Stratford East for their continued innovative and inclusive practice in the field of pantomime. 

The full list of winners is: 

• Best Choreography: Stillie Dee – Jack and the Beanstalk, Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (Crossroads Pantomimes) 
• Best Comic sponsored by Santa Himself: Adam C Booth – Cinderella, Grand Opera House, Belfast (Crossroads Pantomimes) 
• Best Costume Design: Jasmine Swan – Beauty and the Beast, Mercury Theatre, Colchester (In-House) 
• Best Dame sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment: Brian James O’Sullivan – Maw Goose, Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling (In-House) 
• Best Director (sponsored by John Good Ltd): Estelle van Warmelo – Beauty and the Beast, The Courtyard, Hereford (In-House) 
• Best Ensemble sponsored by Stagecoach: Mairi Barclay, Adam Brown, Gabriel Fleary, Becca Francis, Shailan Gohil, Richard Leeming, Genevieve Nicole and Laura Tyrer – Mother Goose, Duke of York’s Theatre, London (Ambassador Theatre Group) 
• Best Lighting Design sponsored by Production, Light & Sound: Sally Ferguson – Dick Whittington, Nottingham Playhouse (In-House) 
• Carmen Silvera Award for Best Magical Being: Jo Osmond – Beauty and the Beast, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury (Evolution Productions) 
• Best Contribution to Music sponsored by Howden Insurance Brokers: Emma Fraser – Dick Whittington, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil (Evolution Productions) 
• Best Early Career Newcomer sponsored by Staffordshire University: Neha Eapen – Cinderella, Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds (Paul Holman Associates) 
• Best Newcomer to Pantomime sponsored by Staffordshire University: Vernon Kay – Cinderella, Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe (Imagine Theatre) 
• Barbara Windsor Award for Best Principal Lead: Jasmine Triadi – Cinderella, Salisbury Playhouse (In-House) 
• Best Script: Joyce Branagh – Jack and the Beanstalk, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell (In-House) 
• Best Secondary Lead: Ohaana Greaves – The Further Adventures of Peter Pan, Fairfield Halls, Croydon (UK Productions) 
• Best Set Design: Mark Walters, Nina Dunn and Matt Brown – Beauty and the Beast, Swansea Grand Theatre (Imagine Theatre) 
• Best Sisters: Andrew Pollard and Alim Jadavji – Cinderella, Lighthouse, Poole (In-House) 
• Best Sound Design: James Cook – Aladdin, Derby Arena (Little Wolf Entertainment) 
• Best Supporting Artist: Anna-Jane Casey – Mother Goose, Duke of York’s Theatre, London (Ambassador Theatre Group) 
• Best Villain sponsored by Breckman & Company: Ben Locke – Robin Hood, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House) 
• Best Pantomime (Under 500 seats) sponsored by Butlin’s: Robin Hood, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House) 
• Best Pantomime (500 – 900 seats) sponsored by Butlin’s: Mother Goose, Duke of York’s Theatre, London (Ambassador Theatre Group) 
• Best Pantomime (Over 900 seats) sponsored by Butlin’s: Beauty and the Beast, Swansea Grand Theatre (Imagine Theatre) 
• Special Achievement Awards: Ian McKellen, Cast, Doncaster, and Theatre Royal Stratford East 
• Outstanding Achievement Award: Su Pollard  

The ceremony was hosted by the UKPA’s President Christopher Biggins. The Pantomime Awards presenters included Nigel Clarke, Max Fulham, Derek Griffiths, Amanda Lovett and Theo Mayne, Debbie McGee, Gracie McGonigal, Scott Mitchell and Vikki Stone. There were performances from Anna-Jane Casey, Gigi Zahir, Myra DuBois and a specially curated performance from Butlin’s.  

Simon Sladen, Chair of the UK Pantomime Association said: “Congratulations to all our nominees and winners. The Pantomime Awards celebrate an array of outstanding talent and demonstrate an industry alive and thriving. The commitment, creativity and passion on show each season makes pantomime one of the most thrilling of all theatrical genres. The UK Pantomime Association is proud to recognise and acknowledge the outstanding skill, expertise and excellence upon the pantomime stage.” 

Butlin’s is the principal sponsor for the UK Pantomime Awards 2023. Entertainment Director Mike Godolphin said: “A huge congratulations to everyone nominated for an award and of course the winners. We’re proud to be supporting the industry by sponsoring these awards for the second year in a row. Pantomime is an important part of Butlin’s and as the home of entertainment, our cast perform in front of thousands of guests live at our three resorts on every family break.” 

Founded in 2021, the UK Pantomime Association is a charity that explores, shares and celebrates pantomime by investigating the genre’s rich past, engaging with contemporary practice and inspiring the future.   

During the 2022/23 pantomime season, the second year in which The Pantomime Awards have taken place, the UK Pantomime Association’s 64 judges attended over 240 venues to see over 700 performances, far and wide across the United Kingdom.   

For more information, visit: https://pantomimeassociation.co.uk. 

WORLD PREMIERE OF

MURDER IN THE DARK BY TORBEN BETTS

STARRING TOM CHAMBERS

TO TOUR UK & IRELAND FROM 7 SEPTEMBER 2023

The award-winning Original Theatre has teamed up with Trafalgar Entertainment for the first time to produce a new Torben Betts thriller, Murder in the Dark, directed by Philip Franks and starring Tom Chambers.  The UK & Ireland Tour will open at Churchill Theatre, Bromley on 7 September 2023.

New Year’s Eve.  A car crash on a lonely road brings famous but troubled singer Danny Sierra and his extended family to an isolated holiday cottage in rural England.  From the moment they arrive, a sequence of inexplicable events begins to occur… and then the lights go out.

This thrilling new ghost story by acclaimed writer Torben Betts will thrust you into darkness and have you on the edge of your seats until the final chilling twist.

Torben Betts said, “I’m really thrilled to be working with Original Theatre again. This will be my fourth project with them, after their tours of Invincible, Caroline’s Kitchen and the online play Apollo 13: The Dark Side of the Moon. Their reputation continues to grow while their commitment to touring theatre around the country has not faded, despite the battering our industry has taken over the last few years. I am thrilled that I will be part of their next ghostly theatrical adventure.”

Tom Chambers is known for his roles as Sam Strachan in Holby City and Casualty, Max Tyler in Waterloo Road and Inspector Sullivan in Father Brown. He also won the sixth series of Strictly Come Dancing with his partner Camilla Dallerup.  In theatre, he most recently appeared in the West End in Elf the Musical.  He originated the role of Jerry Travers in Top Hat, which earned him an Olivier nomination.  He also starred in Original Theatre’s lockdown film of Torben Betts’s Apollo 13: The Dark Side of the Moon.

Tom Chambers said, “I’m really thrilled and excited to be a part of this brand new piece of theatre, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.  It should be a great night out, if you can find your way out!”

Murder in the Dark will be directed by Philip Franks (The Mirror Crack’d, The Habit of Art, The Haunting of Alice Bowles, The Croft and A Cold Supper Behind Harrods) and designed by Adrian Linford, with lighting design by Olivier Award-winner Paul Pyant, original music and sound design by Max Pappenheim.

The UK & Ireland Tour will be produced by Alastair Whatley and Tom Hackney for Original Theatre in association with Trafalgar Entertainment. Original Theatre’s recent productions include The Mirror Crack’d, The Time Machine, The End of the Night, The Hound of The Baskervilles, Birdsong and Originals,a new playwriting competition held over the summer at Riverside Studios. Their forthcoming work includes New York runs of their acclaimed productions of The Habit of Art and Being Mr Wickham at 59e59 and the world premiere of Stumped at Hampstead Theatre from June.

Website: www.originaltheatre.com

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @OriginalTheatre / @InTheDarkPlay / #MurderInTheDark

Age Guidance 14+

TOUR SCHEDULE

7- 9 September                       Bromley Churchill Theatre                                            0343 310 0020

                                               churchilltheatre.co.uk                                                    on sale 21 April

12-16 September                    Guildford Yvonne Arnaud                                             01483 44 00 00

                                               www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk                                            on sale

19-23 September                    York Theatre Royal                                                       01904 623568

                                               www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk                                          on sale

25-30 September                    Oxford Playhouse                                                         01865 305305

                                               Oxfordplayhouse.com                                                   on sale soon

2-7 October                            Salisbury Playhouse                                                      01722 320333                                                

                                                       www.salisburyplayhouse.com                                       on sale 12 May

10-14 October                        Gaiety Theatre, Dublin                                                  00 353 1 646 8600

                                               www.gaietytheatre.ie                                                     on sale 21 April

16-21 October                        Northampton Royal & Derngate                                    01604 624811

                                               royalandderngate.co.uk                                                on sale

24 – 28 October                      Orchard Theatre, Dartford                                            0343 310 0033                                               

                                                        orchardtheatre.co.uk                                                    on sale 21 April

31 October – 4 November      Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe                                  0343 310 0060

                                               wycombeswan.co.uk                                                     on sale 21 April

7-11 November                       Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham                                   

                                               www.atgtickets.com/birmingham                                         on sale

Further dates to be announced

DARLINGTON HIPPODROME REVEALS LINE-UP OF SHOWS FOR SUMMER 2023 AND BEYOND

The new spring/summer season of shows at Darlington Hippodrome includes The Commitments, Abigail’s Party, Frankenstein and Calendar Girls The Musical.

The curtain has gone up on Darlington Hippodrome’s new spring/summer season of shows which is packed with an array of showstopping performances for audiences to enjoy through the summer months and beyond.

The new season includes the best of the West End, traditional family favourites, thought-provoking dance productions and thrilling drama as part of its extensive list. Here is just a snap-shot of the shows on offer.

If you are a fan of musicals you will be spoilt for choice. In April DarlingtonOS present Grease – a show that needs little introduction. In May we present The Commitments, the fabulous stage adaptation of the classic 1991 film telling the story of the trials and tribulations of putting a new soul band together in Dublin.

In October Heathers The Musical hits the stage. Winner of the 2019 What’s On Stage Best New Musical, Heathers is a black comedy rock musical based on the 1988 smash hit film.

In November the music of Gary Barlow will be ringing around the Hippodrome’s auditorium with Calendar Girls The Musical. Inspired by the true story of a group of friends and their drive to create a charity calendar that raised more than a few eyebrows!

In May Darlington Hippodrome will again welcome BalletLorent with two unique and very different interpretations of the Rapunzel story. Rapunzel After Dark is exclusively for adults with a passion for the horror and hope of humanity. On the flip side, Rapunzel is the family friendly version with emotional storytelling at its heart.

In June, we go back in time to the garish 1970s for a brand new stage adaptation of Abigail’s Party – a ruthless and achingly funny examination of British suburban life where an innocent drinks party with neighbours leads to emotional breakdowns and tragedy.

In August Comedy Drama fans will love The Birds and The Bees starring Helen Lederer (Absolutely Fabulous, French & Saunders) and Michael Stark (Brookside, The Royal, Benidorm). Set on a farm in East Anglia this hilarious comedy romp has a heart as big as the laughs it brings.

If you prefer more thrills in your drama then a new stage adaptation of Frankenstein (October) is a must. This thriller, inspired by the gothic novel, explores the very fabric of what makes us human and the ultimate cost of chasing perfection.

There are family shows in abundance this season. Dinosaur World in April, The Ministry of Science, Fireman Sam and a hilarious half term panto in May, Zog in June, In The Night Garden in July and a week of classic family film screenings in August.

Strictly Come Dancing fans will have a field day in July with Anton Du Beke and Giovanni teaming up for one night only in their spectacular dance show Him and Me.

Comedy fans can enjoy several nights of stand-up over the next few months with visits from Patrick Monahan, Carl Hutchinson, Justin Moorhouse, Emmanuel Sonubi and Scott Bennett.

There is a mix of one night only tribute acts coming to Darlington over the summer including The Diana Ross Story, Totally Tina Turner, The Illegal Eagles and Back To Bacharach. If you prefer the real thing then we have Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, The Drifters and The Searchers.

Did someone mention Christmas? Even though we are heading towards the summer months the annual family pantomime is always on our minds. This year we present Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring Gareth Gates (Pop Idol, Les Miserables, Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Footloose) and Jenny Ryan – the Vixen from ITVs The Chase – who also made the final of The X-Factor: Celebrity and appeared in The Masked Singer Live.

The Spring/Summer 2023 season at Darlington Hippodrome is being sponsored by Babul’s Darlington. For more information on the new season and beyond at Darlington Hippodrome or to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE’S

MOREoutdoor

SUMMER 2023 EVENTS ANNOUNCED

·       COMEDIANS ALISTAIR GREEN, TIM KEY, BRIDGET CHRISTIE AND SARAH PASCOE CONFIRMED

·       AUSTENTATIOUS WILL RETURN FOR 2023

·       LIVE OUTDOOR MUSIC FROM THE BBC BIG BAND

·       THE LUNA CINEMA PRESENT OUTDOOR SCREENINGS OF ELIVIS AND THE 45th ANNIVERSARY SCREENING OF GREASE

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre have today announced MOREoutdoor events showcasing comedy, theatre, music and outdoor cinema for summer 2023.

Alistair Green: What Are We Like Eh?

Sunday 28 May 2023, 8.45pm

“This spring join me, viral sensation and highly successful (got asked to be the voice of a cartoon dog on an advert for Tesco bank last week whatevs 😎) entertainment legend Alistair Green as I present, in person, my definitive portrait of modern Britain. Followed by a Q&A afterwards, like you’d do with a proper film-maker (which I am).” 

Tim Key: Mulberry

Sunday 4 June 2023, 8.30pm

Tim Key (Alan Partridge, The Witchfinder, Tim Key’s Late Night Poetry Programme) is back with an all-new show. Ruminations about the great indoors with a bit of stamping around. Velour tracksuit, continental lagers, some “poetry”.

“The greatest stand-up response to Lockdown so far” ★★★★★ Times
★★★★ Guardian

Tim Key’s new book, Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush is available to buy at all good bookshops and at www.utterandpress.co.uk.

Bridget Christie & Friends

Sunday 9 July 2023, 7.45pm

The multi award-winning comedian, Taskmaster icon, and star of her acclaimed BBC Radio 4 series and hotly-awaiting upcoming Channel 4 sitcom (The Change) – BRIDGET CHRISTIE – plays the Open Air Theatre, alongside performances from several specially-chosen special guests (to be revealed soon).

Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, Rose d’or Award winner, Southbank Arts Award winner

‘A masterclass in tub-thumping, political clown comedy’

★★★★★ The Guardian

‘The tenth best living comedian’

★★★★★ The Times

Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel

Sunday 16 July 2023, 7.45pm

The award-winning smash-hit comedy, as seen in the West End and heard on Radio 4. The all-star Austentatious cast will improvise a hilarious new Jane Austen novel, inspired entirely by a title from the audience. Performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment, it’s a riotous, razor-sharp show where swooning is guaranteed.

The revolving Austentatious cast include numerous, award-winning TV and Radio starring performers, including Rachel Parris (The Mash Report, Live at the Apollo), Cariad Lloyd (QI, Inside No.9, Griefcast, The Witchfinder), Joseph Morpurgo (Radio 4, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee), Andrew Hunter Murray (No Such Thing As A Fish) and more.

‘Ridiculously silly…wickedly funny’

★★★★★ The Times

‘A joy to behold’

★★★★ The Guardian

‘Brilliant, barmy improv’

★★★★ The Telegraph

‘Sheer unbridled silliness’

★★★★ Evening Standard

Sarah Pascoe: Success Story

Sunday 13 August 2023, 7.45pm

Sara decided she wanted to be famous at 14 years old. Since then, she has auditioned for Barrymore, scared Pete Burns and ruined Hugh Grant’s birthday – but look at her now… (please look, she needs you to look. And clap. And laugh. And then clap again).

The star of BBC2 stand-up special Sara Pascoe: LadsLadsLads is back with a brand-new stand-up show! Sara Pascoe is a highly acclaimed comedian, writer, and actor. She wrote and starred in her recent BBC2 sitcom Out Of Her Mind, and is the celebrated host of BBC2’s The Great British Sewing Bee, BBC’s Last Woman On Earth, Dave’s Comedians Giving Lectures and Comedy Central’s Guessable.

Sara also wrote and performed the BBC Radio 4 series Modern Monkey and the BBC2 short Sara Pascoe vs Monogamy, which was inspired by her first book Animal. Her second book, Sex Power Money, was a Sunday Times bestseller, and the accompanying podcast of the same name garnered millions of listens and multiple award nominations during its run.

“She is a comic in her prime” ★★★★ The Times

“Whipsmart… winningly funny” ★★★★ The Guardian

★★★★ Daily Telegraph

★★★★ The Sunday Times

★★★★ Evening Standard

★★★★ The Scotsman

Saraontour.com | showandtelluk.com

BBC Big Band: Summer Swing

Sunday 3 September, 7.45pm

Featuring special guests Claire Martin OBE and Iain Mackenzie 

The internationally acclaimed BBC Big Band, are joined by the incredible vocal talents of Claire Martin and Iain Mackenzie, for an evening of swinging classics in the unique setting of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

A truly world-class evening of music, inspired by the legendary stars of Swing and Big Band – including the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darrin, and Nat ‘King’ Cole, through to Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee. Also featured will be music celebrating the great Swing Bands and composers of the 20^th Century, such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Benny Goodman

A unique evening of feel-good music inspired by the great swing and jazz artists, from one of the world’s finest jazz orchestra’s!

“A wonderful band!”  Tony Bennett

“They brilliantly continue the tradition of Big Band music. As such they are important, as well as marvellous!” Michael Parkinson

“World-class musicians … a brilliant musical force”  The Telegraph

Luna Cinema Presents

ELVIS

Sunday 20 August 2023, 8.15pm

Baz Luhrmann’s latest sensation Elvis explores the life and music of Presley from childhood to the ‘King of Rock N’ Roll’. Packed with glittering outfits, stellar acting and the iconic tunes to match, the pop-biopic delivers a masterpiece of colossal measures – one you won’t want to miss! 

GREASE

Sunday 10 September 2023, 7.45pm

The iconic black spandex outfit, the hickey from Kenickie, the way they hit that note at the end of “Su-u-mmer Niiiiiiiii-iiiiights“…. join Danny, Sandy, Rizzo, Kenickie and the gang as they navigate high school romances and friendships, accompanied by a soundtrack we all know inside out. It’s Greased Lightning!!!

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s 2023 season also includes the award-winning musical Once On This Island (10 May-10 June) directed by Ola Ince. Ben Okri’s Every Leaf A Hallelujah (22 May – 10 June), adapted by Chinonyerem Odimba for ages 4+ and their families, performed on the Theatre Lawn. Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written (17 June – 22 July) written by Carl Grose andcommissioned by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre with direction by Melly Still. The Tempest re-imagined for everyone aged six and over (30 June – 22 July), revised and directed by Jennifer Tang in a co-production with the Unicorn Theatre. Musical La Cage aux Folles (29 July – 16 September),directed by Artistic Director Timothy Sheader with a book by Harvey Fierstein, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, andbased on the play by Jean Poiret. Finally, this summer, Nicoll Entertainment’s Dinosaur World Live (11 August – 3 September) returns to the Open Air Theatre, written and directed by Derek Bond.

Tickets for Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 2023 are now on sale www.openairtheatre.com.

Full cast announced joining double Olivier Award winner, four-time
Olivier Award nominee and Tony Award nominee Tracie Bennett
in a thrilling new London production of the classic satire
of big business, Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows’
‘How to Succeed in Business’ Without Really Trying’

Southwark Playhouse (Borough)
77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD

Friday 12 May – Saturday 17 June, 2023

The full cast is today announced for a thrilling new production of Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows’ ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ at Southwark Playhouse (Borough) from 12 May – 17 June.

‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ is a comic gem that took Broadway by storm in 1961, winning both the Tony Award for Best Musical and a Pulitzer Prize. It boasts an exhilarating score by Frank Loesser – one of America’s great composer/lyricists, also responsible for ‘Guys & Dolls’ (currently a massive hit at the Bridge Theatre) – including ‘I Believe in You’, ‘Brotherhood of Man’ and ‘The Company Way’.

A satire of big business and all it holds sacred, it follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch, who uses a little handbook called How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying (voiced in the Southwark production by Michelle Visage of ‘Ru Paul’s Drag Race’ fame) to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive, tackling such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant “company man”, the office party, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction and, of course, true love.

Joining the previously announced Tracie Bennett, who will play the male role of  J.B. Biggley, President of the World Wide Wicket Company, are:

Annie Aitken (she/her) as Hedy LaRue.
An Australian music theatre leading lady, Annie’s many leading roles include Millie Dumont in ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ opposite Marina Prior, and Cunégonde in ‘Candide’ at the Sydney Opera House opposite Caroline O’Connor, Paulette in ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’, Nellie Melba (lead role) in ‘Melba: A New Musical’ and the original cast of ‘Muriel’s Wedding the Musical’. In the UK she was Madame in ‘Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ at Hope Mill Theatre.

Taylor Bradshaw (he/him) as Mr Bert Bratt.
Taylor was in the recent acclaimed production of ‘Spring Awakening’ at Almeida Theatre and ‘42nd Street’ at Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris. He will be seen in the upcoming ‘Barbie’ feature film.

Allie Daniel (she/her) as Rosemary Pilkington.
Allie’s recent credits include ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’, directed by Lucy Moss at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, ‘Happy Meal’ (Theatre Royal Plymouth), ‘Priscilla Queen Of The Desert’ (UK tour), and ‘Rent’ (Hope Mill Theatre).

Gabrielle Friedman (she/they) as J. Pierrepont Finch.
A recent graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, Gabrielle was in the ‘Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends’ West End gala and ‘Maria & Friends: Legacy’ (Menier Chocolate Factory). While training she played Mary Flynn in Sondheim’s ‘Merrily We Roll Along’.

Elliot Gooch (he/him) as Bud Frump.
Elliot’s recent credits include Dorian Gray in ‘Dorian: A Rock Musical’ (The Other Palace), 1st Cover Danny & Kenickie in ‘Grease’ (UK tour), ‘Once On This Island’ (Southwark Playhouse). He can be see in the film ‘All Those Things’.

Grace Kanyamibwa (she/her) as Miss Jones.
A recent graduate of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Grace’s credits include ‘The Book of Mormon’ (UK tour). While training she played The Player in ‘Pippin‘ and Rose in ‘Gypsy’.

Danny Lane (he/him) as Mr Twimble/Mr Wally Womper.
Danny recently appeared in the West End as Dating Agency Agent  in ‘Only Fools and Horses the Musical’. He was Comptroller Schub in ‘Anyone Can Whistle’ (Southwark Playhouse), ‘Soho Cinders’ (Charing Cross Theatre) and Kris Kringle in ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (UK tour).

Milo McCarthy (they/them) as Mr Milton Gatch.
A recent graduate of Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Milo recently toured the UK as Billy in ‘Birds and the Bees’, and was in ‘Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ (Hope Mill Theatre). While training they played the title role in ‘Pippin’.

Verity Power (she/her) as Smitty.
Verity’s recent credits include ‘Trump L’Oeil’ (Upstairs at the Gatehouse), Marilyn Monroe in ‘Blonde’ and ‘Zombies: The Musical’ (The Other Palace)

Tracie Bennett (she/her) as J.B. Biggley
Last seen in London as Carlotta in the National Theatre production of ‘Follies’, Tracie recently played Alice in ‘Hangmen’ on Broadway and starred as Mame in ‘Mame’ at Hope Mill Theatre. She is also well known for playing the role of Sharon Gaskell in ‘Coronation Street’ from 1982 to 1984, returning to the role in 1999 and again in 2021. Among her many musical theatre starring roles, she received two Olivier Awards for Best Supporting Role in a Musical for her performances in the musicals ‘She Loves Me’ and ‘Hairspray’ with additional nominations for her work in ‘High Society’ and ‘Follies’. She was also nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical as Mrs Henderson in ‘Mrs Henderson Presents’, while her performance as Judy Garland in ‘End of the Rainbow’ earned her an Olivier nomination for Best Actress in a Play and a Tony Award nomination in the same category when the production transferred to Broadway.

Creative Team:
Director Georgie Rankcom (they/them)
Choreographer Alexzandra Sarmiento (she/her)
Musical Director Natalie Pound (she/her)
Set and Costume Designer Sophia Pardon (she/her)
Lighting Designer Lucía Sánchez Roldán (she/her)
Sound Designer Joshua Robins  (he/him)
Orchestrator Stuart Morley (he/him)
Stage Manager Waverley Moran (she/they)
Production Manager Misha Mah (they/them),
Casting Director Peter Noden (he/him)
Producer / General Manager Jodee Conrad (she/her).

LISTINGS INFIO

Big Con Productions and The Grey Area
present

Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows’

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS
WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

Music & Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock
& Willie Gilbert

Based on the novel by Shepherd Mead

Southwark Playhouse (Borough)
77-85 Newington Causeway,
London
SE1 6BD

12 May – 17 June 2023

7:30pm Mon-Sat
3pm Tues & Sat

Tickets
£16 Previews
£28 Concessions
£35 Standard

Social Media:

Twitter/Instagram/ TikTok
@SucceedLDN

Originally presented by Cy Feuer and Ernest H. Martin in association with Frank Productions

Presented by arrangement with
Music Theatre International

St Helens Theatre Royal – until 26th April 2023

Reviewed by Jen Daley

5*****

Regal  Entertainments Ltd are nominated four times at this week’s Pantomime Awards in London. And with their production of Beauty and the Beast at St Helens Theatre Royal this Easter, it’s easy to see why.

Writer Liam Mellor’s story hits all the main plot points you’d expect from the classic children’s tale, but weaves in elements of other fairy-tales and panto must-haves with Maria Lovelady’s ultra-northern Fairy Rose filling the role of narrator and fairy godmother. It also sees a hilarious return to the Theatre Royal of Lewis Devine with his high-energy, slapstick performance as French Frank having the kids bawling with laughter, and enough double-entendres to keep the grown-ups on their toes! If you’re in the front rows Frank WILL get you involved, and the frog scene had me roaring with laughter.

Lauren McCrory gives an excellent Belle with a wonderful voice befitting the Disney Princess. Benjamin Keith gives two very distinct performances as the foppish Prince and bad-tempered Beast. Abigail Middleton’s enchantress Madame Botox was deliciously villainous, with a highlight being her rendition of I’ll put a spell on you worthy of the Sanderson Sisters.

It wouldn’t be a pantomime without a dame, and Richard Acout’s experienced performance as Potty Polly is everything you’d want in one – brash, rude and gloriously OTT.

The standout performance for me was Auguste Voulton as Gaston. He’s the conceited, abrasive antagonist you expect, but with added cowardly mummy’s boy as Madame Botox’ son. Voulton chews the scenery in the best possible way and with so many bicep flexes and lunges you can’t keep your eyes off him. Pure Rik Mayall / Lord Flashheart vibes – Woof!

Regal Entertainment’s production is second-to-none. The set design and costumes are outstanding, and special mention must go to Nazene Langfield’s choreography and the dancers from Dynamix, who had my little one pirouetting all the way back to the car.

Beauty and The Beast is the perfect family night out this Easter. So much fun, so much laughter. I can’t wait for Aladdin in December!

Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford-Upon-Avon – until 8th April 2023

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

4****

Shakespeare’s timeless political thriller, Julius Caesar, tells a woeful tale of a group of Roman senators who plot to assassinate Caesar as they fear his growing power and ambition. Brutus joins a conspiracy led by Cassius to assassinate Caesar, to prevent him from becoming a tyrant. Despite warnings from a soothsayer and the dreams of his wife, Caesars defiance results in his betrayal and he is overthrown. The aftermath leads to a power struggle in Rome as the conspirators are hunted down by those who seek justice for Caesar.

Julius Caesars arresting opening, with sinister music, lupine shrieks, projections depicting disturbing monochromatic images and unsettling dance, sets the tone for a haunting and raw experience. In director Atri Banerjee’s bold interpretation, you will not find anything traditionally Roman, no togas, laurel wreaths or sandals. This is a modern, minimalist, moody take on the machinations and misdeeds of men… and in this production, women.

Still controversial to some, the decision to cast actors regardless of their gender is completely validated. Thalissa Teixeira played Brutus with a clarity and conflict which brought layers to the performance. When presented with the task of killing for one’s beliefs and the greater good, she is tormented. Her character unfolds as things unravel yet her dignity never waivers. Tonight, Cassius was played by Annabel Baldwin. They usually play the role of Soothsayer, but due to the indisposition of Kelly Gough, they slotted seamlessly into the role. Baldwin’s Cassius was persuasive and powerful, but in an understated way, building in increasing emotional despair as the play progressed. There was a beautiful moment when the two, faced with impending defeat, alone on stage, connected and delivered a performance so powerful, I was dumbstruck for a moment.

Gina Isaac’s Decius was deliciously deceptive. The charismatic combination of cunning and charm was played to perfection. A standout was Ella Dacres as Octavius Caesar. Poised, measured and commanding, every word she spoke held gravitas.

William Robinson was a youthful Mark Antony and played him with a fiery verve. He delivered the ‘Friends, Romans, countrymen’, speech to perfection and he combined well with Dacres to play the grief stricken right handman of Caesar. Jamal Ajala’s Lucius performance and his interactions with Brutus and Portia was amongst the production’s most original moments. He doesn’t speak throughout the play and instead uses sign language. This added an interesting dimension to the performance as a whole.

This production of Julius Caesar is a seriously stripped-down performance, focusing more on the connection between characters than on elaborate costume, props and sets. The main set consists of a revolving cube. On one side is a wall which images are projected upon, the internal structure of the cube shifts but is sparse, the characters give these spaces meaning and context. For the slaying of Caesar, hands replace blades and black fluid is blood. A stained shirt is left in place of Caesar’s dead body and the rest is left to our imagination.

This production is creative and original but there are some areas which leave room for improvement. The consequences of plotting and conspiring against Caesar was lacking and rushed. It was missing the clarity needed to understand the motivations of the conspirators whose actions are pivotal to the narrative. This may be, in part, because the portrayal of Caesar did not convey his mass appeal, power, and despot spiralling. Without those fundamental underpinnings the rest of the play can come across as confusing to audiences.

This aside, the production is dynamic and refreshing. Atri Banerjee’s directorial debut for the company is a brave, brilliant and bold experience, bringing this 400-year-old play bounding on to the stage in a way that has never been seen before but is most definitely a must see.

Julius Caesar is on a 9 date UK Tour:

Thursday 20 – Saturday 22 April, The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Tuesday 25 April – Saturday 29 April, Hall for Cornwall, Truro

Tuesday 2 May – Saturday 6 May, Alhambra, Bradford

Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 May, Theatre Royal, Newcastle

Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 May, Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 May, Theatre Royal, Nottingham

Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 June, Theatre Royal, Norwich

Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 June, York Theatre Royal

Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 June, The Lowry, Salford

Liverpool Epstein Theatre – until Sunday 16 April 2023

Reviewed by Jen Daley

4****

What an Easter treat for the whole family this Easter Panto was!

The whole cast gave in 100% to whip up the (initially, lukewarm!) crowd into an old school panto frenzy!  Kudos must go to Chester the Jester (Reece Sibbald) and Dame Queenie (Mark Two) for mastering this so adeptly with their adlibs and tremendously troublesome tongue twisters. The lively, topical and funny script treads familiar family friendly ground but no panto would be complete without a quick-fire double entendre for the adults! 

Costumes, hair and make- up were second to none and the multiple Queenie costumes were a sheer delight. Yes Queenie, I do like y’gear!

The sound engineering and lighting were not taken for granted by this reviewer. Faultless throughout. Always standing by for any freestyling that may happen.

Choreography and dancers (Nazene Langfield & dancers from Dynamix) were a step above and beyond a regular panto ‘step, kick, twirl’ effort. These routines were delivered with flair, precision, skill and a heck of a lot of panto pizazz!

Faultless too, were the musical arrangements (Callum Clarke) in this production. Nothing here from these well-known songs felt shoehorned in and the cast all shone in their musical numbers, especially Carabosse (Rachael Wood)   whose voice was phenomenal…for a villain!  

An all-round ideal Easter Extravaganza for the whole family. We were all hoarse from laughing, screaming and booing! Will you be disappointed? Oh no you won’t!

Hull New Theatre – 7th April 2023

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Dada Masilo’s The Sacrifice was performed at Hull New Theatre last night. Inspired by Pina Bausch’s the Rite of Spring and Igor Stravinsky’s score.

The all-South African cast were magnificent in their portrayal of the struggle of the sacrificial victim which was danced by Dada Masilo.

The production is a mixture of contemporary and traditional Tswana dance. The movement made by the dancers was so moving and powerful accompanied by musicians Leroy Mapholo, Mpho Mothiba and Nathi Shongwe, who were brilliant and who had composed the original score. Ann Masina (an opera and gospel choir singer) was such a magnificent singer. I would run out of superlatives to describe her voice and powerful stage presence. Her part as the mother who sacrificed her daughter was heartbreaking at times and you could hear a pin drop in the theatre.

The set was plain with bare trees as the backdrop and the musicians were on stage interacting with dancers, there was sometimes music, sometimes clapping, stamping of feet and signing which accompanied the dancers as they told the story of ritual, atonement and ritual.

All the cast of this amazing production seemed to dance as one. From the joyous rhythms to the deeply moving sacrifice. There were whole cast numbers, duets and solos and all the time they captured the audience’s attention. Dada’s magnificent chorography was something to be seen and simple stunning and her dancing was heartfelt.

We were also treated to a Q and A after the performance with Dada, Lerory Mapholo (musician) and Tshepo Zasekhaya (dancer) hosted brilliantly by Darren Lethem. The questions were asked by some of the very knowledgeable audience and allowed the cast to explain the dance in more detail.

I would thoroughly recommend this glorious piece of dance theatre.