Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 1st April 2023
Reviewed by Jacqui Radford
4****
From the very beginning of this production, the scene is set to discover the complications of a 1950s fantasy lifestyle. As soon as the lights come up and nostalgia music plays, you are drawn into the home of a modern-day couple living out a 1950s ‘arrangement’, also referred to as a marriage.
For three years, Judy (played by Jessica Ransom) and her husband Johnny (Neil McDermott) have been living the dream that Judy constructed for herself as a child. Dressed in full skirts, bright colours and perfectly styled hair, Jessica Ransom portrays Judy initially as a perfectionist; dancing around the house with duster in hand, decanting food into 50s style containers and tending to every whim and fancy that she perceives her husband to have. Only a few modern touches are allowed into the house, quietly introducing the convenience and benefits of change.
As we move through the play, we discover that Judy is also a victim of her own perfectionism. Judy’s desire to stay in the 50s and live it to perfection soon unveils some cracks in their plan and their marriage. Johnny begins to discover that he can’t expect his world of work to adjust to his ‘50s style expectations of promotion and simultaneously discovers joy in eating pizza. Faced with mounting debts and growing tension between them, Judy and Johnny have to decide whether sticking with the ‘50s life should win over their love for each other. Judy struggles most with the idea that having lived so long in a bygone era she may not be able to adjust, likening the experience to returning to school after an illness.
Other cast members add extra dimension to the thread of the play, nimbly contributing to scenery changes and dance routines. Friends Fran (Cassie Bradley) and Marcus (Matthew Douglas) enjoy 1950s themed activities and still enjoy the benefits of the modern day, including a ready meal or two. Judy’s mother, Sylvia and Johnny’s manager, Alex are both firmly fixed in the 21st Century and both are clear on the pitfalls of the 1950s; discrimination and fewer rights as a starting point.
This production did have me questioning the role we all play in setting out norms and the judgements we make about people, lifestyle choices and assets but it was certainly not a gloomy comment on any of that. All in all it was a perfect combination of vintage style, jive and humour.
MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO RETURNS TO THE BARBICAN THIS AUTUMN
Today (Thursday 30 March), Executive Producer Joe Hisaishi and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), in collaboration with Improbable and Nippon TV, announce that the record-breaking production of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro will return to the Barbican Theatre for a strictly limited run in Autumn 2023.
The global stage premiere of Hayao Miyazaki’s celebrated 1988 animated feature film, adapted by Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer), was first announced in April 2022 and broke the Barbican’s Box Office record for most tickets sold in a single day. The production opened at the Barbican in October last year, where it received both critical and audience acclaim, winning five What’s on Stage Awards, and being nominated for nine Olivier Awards, the most nominations for any production this year. My Neighbour Totoro will return to the Barbican from Tuesday 21 November to Saturday 23 March 2024,with priority booking opening on Tuesday 11 April and public booking open on Friday 21 April 2023.
Griselda Yorke, RSC Executive Producer, said:
‘The most extraordinary group of artists have come together from all over the world to adapt this iconic film for the stage, and I am delighted that the production will return to the Barbican in 2023.
My Neighbour Totoro is a story of imagination and courage which asks us to trust the youngest amongst us to see further than most of us dare to dream. With our return to the Barbican, many more audiences will be able to experience the joy of Totoro and we can’t wait to welcome them.’
Directed by Improbable’s Phelim McDermott with production design by Tom Pye, costume design by Kimie Nakano, lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun, and movement by You-Ri Yamanaka. Puppetry design and direction is by Basil Twist, created with puppetry associate Mervyn Millar’s Significant Object and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. The production features music from Joe Hisaishi’s iconic score in a new orchestration by Will Stuart, performed live with sound design by Tony Gayle. Video design is by Finn Ross and Andrea Scott. Associate Director is Ailin Conant.
Artwork for the stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro includes a hand drawn title by Toshio Suzuki, Producer for Studio Ghibli, who was involved in the planning and production of the original animated film.
Casting for the 2023/24 run of My Neighbour Totoro will be announced soon.
This enchanting coming-of-age story explores the magical fantasy world of childhood and the transformative power of imagination,as it follows one extraordinary summer in the lives of sisters Satsuki and Mei.
In order to be closer to their mother while she recovers from an illness in a rural convalescent hospital, their father moves the family to the countryside. As the girls explore their beautiful new surroundings, Mei encounters magical creatures and the ancient protector of the forest she calls Totoro.
Although Satsuki doesn’t believe her little sister at first, they are soon both swept up in exciting adventures with their new neighbours – transported to a long-forgotten realm of spirits, sprites, and natural wonder.
Theatr Clwyd, Yr Wyddgrug – until Saturday 1st April 2023
Reviewed by Julie Noller
4****
Heathers originally a 1989 black satirical comedy film that unfortunately flopped but retains a following of those who didn’t want to watch the sickly sweet teen movies that began with the Brat Pack.
I admit I was more than curious, just how would it appeal not just as a theatre production but as a musical. Firstly I was struck by the age of the audience not just those of my age who were teenagers back in 1980s but lots of younger Generation Zs. Not only that but I was impressed by the costumes donned by many who dressed as the Heathers, in brightly coloured suits. I immediately became aware of the buzz; the anticipation of what was to come. It is set in the 1980s – 1989 to be exact yet it doesn’t feel dated or weighed down by the yuppie era. There is a deliberate unpolitical correctness that should be attached to the 80’s, words that are no longer accepted are used to add to the teenage angst. It takes a long deep look at the politics of high school.
What struck me after my initial confusion of trying to settle into the story, is that it’s a musical; this isn’t another teenage movie much as the original film broke the mould then the award winning writing team of Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy have followed suit.
Forget the story just listen to the brilliant songs let yourself get carried away. It is a teenage school musical much akin to High School Musical, yet it isn’t saccharine sweet more like it’s hit the steroids. As I said I watched the audience around me, I witnessed the singing, cheering, whooping; without a doubt Heathers has gained a cult following and is truly set to become a modern classic.
So much is similar to the film, the characters, personalities, setting. Westerberg High School the home of the rottweilers, very apt considering it’s a dog eat dog battle of survival. There’s Veronica Sawyer (Jenna Innes) great singing voice, lost within herself. Facing the battle of wills her good self happy to be supporting her friend Martha Dunnstock (Kingsley Morton) or the other side hitting the popularity highs, the sliding down into the murderous encouragement of boyfriend and new boy the sadistic JD (Tom Dickerson who stepped into the role). Together Jenna and Tom are a power couple he never misses a beat and they gel so well especially with ‘Our Love is God’. Then there are three Heathers, queens of bitches, rulers of Westerberg kingdom. Verity Thompson, Elsie Zavou and Billie Bowman play them to perfection. Verity Thompson as the leader and total dominant Queen Bee shines as a ghost communicating to an extremely guilty Veronica telling her that the highschool system they as the masses and lesser people knew and even hated was breaking down after her death and things would get worse.
I loved the costumes the fact that every student group from punk to emo was represented. The Heathers are dressed in suits of prime colours aiming to stand out as leaders, the only blip being when green changes to red (to some green is not a true prime but a mix of shades) Everyones favourite jocks Kurt (Alex Woodward) and Ram (Morgan Jackson) bring much needed laughs, poking fun at the whole beef before brains, you can’t help but love them. The fact that the homophobic scenes are played down with additions of having a song titled ‘I Love my Dead Gay Son’ brings it smack upto date with today.
Heathers should be added to everyones tick list, a future cult classic that stands out apart from the pack as quirky, fun and comical.
Lead Producer Colin Ingram is delighted to announce Australian stars Jason Donovan and Peter Andre will return to Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical GREASE at the Dominion Theatre following their highly acclaimed performances last year. Jason will play the role of Teen Angel at certain performances from 14 August to 28 October. Peter will play the roles of Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel at certain performances from 29 August to 19 October. As previously announced, Louise Redknapp will play Teen Angel from 2 June to 29 July, excluding Mondays. Patrons are advised to check the website for specific dates.
Colin Ingram is also happy to announce the full cast joining previously announced 2022 returning cast members Dan Partridge as Danny, Olivia Moore as Sandy and Jocasta Almgill as Rizzo. Soloman Davy will play Kenickie, Callum Henderson will play Roger, Katie Brace will play Jan, 2022 returning cast members Jake Reynolds and Ellie Kingdon will play Doody and Marty respectively, George Michaelides will play Sonny, Olivia Foster-Browne will play Frenchy, Jayd’n Tyrone will play Eugene, Chloe Saunders will play Patty Simcox, Katie Dunsden will play Cha Cha, Liam McHugh will play Johnny Casino, Darren Bennett will play Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel at certain performances and Rachel Stanley will play Miss Lynch. Also in the cast are Michael Anderson, Alicia Belgrade, Kirsty Ingram, Jordan Isaac, D’Mia Lindsay-Walker, Carly Miles, Luke Redmore, Samuel Routley, Darcey Simmons, Sario Solomon, Joshua Steel and Allana Taylor.
GREASE is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Dame Arlene Phillips.
Jason Donovan first appeared as Scott Robinson in the hit Australian series Neighbours in the 1980s. He then followed on as a recording artist and had several hit songs in the late 1980s. His album Ten Good Reasons was the best-selling album of 1989. His hit songs included Too Many Broken Hearts, Especially For You (with Kylie Minogue), Any Dream Will Do, Sealed With A Kiss, and many more. On stage, he had a record-breaking run in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat and subsequently starred in The Rocky Horror Show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The Sound of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, The King’s Speech, Million Dollar Quartet, Jeff Wayne’s The War Of The Worlds and Chicago. In autumn 2021, Jason undertook his first solo music concert in five years with his ‘Even More Good Reasons’ Tour which he performed whilst also filming the BBC hit show Not Going Out. Jason’s recent TV credits also include ITV’s Dial M for Middlesbrough and Dave’s Meet the Richardsons. In 2019 and 2021, Jason spent the summer months at The London Palladium as Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and in 2022 starred in the nationwide tour taking the show to venues throughout the UK. He can currently be seen playing Dr Frank-N-Furter in cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Theatre Royal Sydney in Australia.
Peter Andre has achieved immense success over the years with many No1 hit singles and international awards.
Now a global media star, Peter has diversified into film, theatre and television, as well as continuing to tour all over the world. 2023 sees Peter celebrating an incredible 30 years in show business and he is currently on a UK tour: Peter Andre 30.
In 2022, GREASE was seen by over 500,000 people in the West End, making it the Dominion Theatre’s most successful summer run since We Will Rock You. GREASE recently received 4 WhatsOnStage Award nominations for Best Musical Revival, Best Choreography for Arlene Phillips and Best Supporting Performer in a Musical for original cast members Jocasta Almgill and Paul French.
This production of GREASE is dedicated to the memory of Olivia Newton-John, who sadly passed away in August 2022.
GREASE originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. During the show’s eight-year run at the time, little known actors including Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta all appeared in the production, with Richard Gere understudying many roles before going on to star as Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere. GREASE was first performed at the Dominion Theatre in 1993 before transferring to the Cambridge Theatre in 1996. It returned to the West End, opening at the Piccadilly Theatre in 2007.
The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is the fourth highest-grossing live action musical of all time. The musical features beloved songs, including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted To You and You’re The One That I Want.
GREASE has designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and Richard Brooker, video and projection design by Douglas O’Connell and casting by David Grindrod CDG.
This production of GREASE is produced by Colin Ingram for InTheatre Productions, Donovan Mannato, Playing Field, Gavin Kalin, and Curve.
Roddy Doyle’s well loved book has been transformed into a stage production, directed by Andrew Linnie and brings a taste of Dublin to Southampton.
The story starts in Dublin, with Jimmy Rabitte (James Killeen) wanting to start up a band and so enlists a group of misfits-ending up with a superstar band that becomes successful in their own right. This is a great cast, with some incredible vocal talents. The driving force of the show is undoubtedly Ian McIntosh as Deco, the short tempered lead singer of the band who blows a fuse at almost any given moment! His incredibly infectious energy was radiating and he got the audience on their feet, dancing and singing away. As a natural entertainer, it was a real joy to watch him navigate through his character – ultimately creating one of the greatest encores around! We see Deco spat with almost every member of the band and ends up with some members leaving, causing Jimmy to need to rethink his ensemble.
Tim Blazdell’s set design was great, effortlessly transporting you to a backstreet in Dublin and creates some interesting and smooth transitions through the performance. Along with Emma Stillman’s costuming, it was easy to define who was who, with signature pieces for the 3 girls-Imelda, Natalie and Bernie. This helped aid the understanding of the audience and navigation of the story.
With some great music including hits like ‘Proud Mary’, ‘Papa was a Rolling Stone’ and ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours’, make sure that once you have ‘Heard it Through the Grapevine’, you book a ticket to this rousing success.
I, Daniel Blake stage premiere: cast & creative team announcement
Cast and creative team announced for first stage adaptation of I, Daniel Blake
Adapted by Dave Johns who played Daniel Blake in Ken Loach and Paul Laverty’s multi-award winning film
Premiere at Northern Stage (25 May – 10 June) before touring
The world premiere stage adaptation of I, Daniel Blake that exposes the stark reality behind the cost-of-living crisis headlines will open at Northern Stage (25 May – 10 June) before touring.
The first stage adaptation of Ken Loach’s Palme d’Or and BAFTA award-winning film will be written by actor and comedian Dave Johns who won the Best Actor award at the British Independent Film Awards and Best Newcomer at the EMPIRE Awards for his role in the film. Ken Loach said, “This story is more relevant now than ever. And who better to put it on stage than Dave Johns, the original Daniel Blake?”
David Nellist will play Daniel. Originally from Wallsend in Newcastle, he appeared as Mike Stamford in Sherlock on BBC ONE with Benedict Cumberbatch and was recently in Stonehouse opposite Matthew Macfadyen on ITV. His theatre credits include West End productions Billy Elliott, War Horse, The Pitmen Painters and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and closer to home A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Not Too Tame, Shakespeare North Playhouse, Northern Stage), and Close the Coalhouse Door (Northern Stage). Bryony Corrigan will play Katie. Inspired to become an actor after doing work experience at Northern Stage aged 15, Bryony is best known as series regular Vanessa in Mischief Theatre’s The Goes Wrong Show on BBC ONE. Her theatre credits include the recent stage adaptation of Bill Bryson’s Notes from a Small Island (Watermill Theatre) and My Romantic History at Live Theatre, which she won Performing Artist of the Year for at the Journal Culture Awards. Kema Sikazwe (also known as Kema Kay) will play China, a role he played in the film after being spotted by Ken Loach on a visit to Newcastle. The actor, rapper and singer wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed Shine at Live Theatre – a show about his experience of moving to Newcastle aged three which is about to be adapted for a TV musical drama. The rest of the cast are Janine Leigh who appeared alongside Joanne Froggatt in Channel 4 film In Our Name, Micky Cochrane (Billy Elliot the Musical, Curve), and former Northern Stage Young Company member Jodie Wild making her professional stage debut.
Dave Johns is a multi-award-winning film actor, stage actor and stand-up comic who has written for theatre and radio, including the stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption. He says, “I was thrilled to be asked to adapt Paul Laverty’s screenplay. But I didn’t just want to put the film on stage, I wanted to update the story for 2023, making it contemporary and exploring more of single mum Katie’s journey and the family unit she forms with Daniel. To show the kindness, compassion, humour, and hope that can help us through the toughest of times. Sadly, during my research it was disheartening to find not much had changed since the film’s release. The story is still as relevant as it was in 2016; maybe even more so now with the cost-of-living crisis making it even harder for those who are already struggling. Daniel and Katie’s story could be anyone’s.”
With 14.5m people in the UK now living in poverty*, and more people than ever relying on food banks** Director Mark Calvert says, “It’s a big responsibility to honour the film but also to find ways to raise awareness of the hardship huge numbers of people in our country are facing right now. I’ve spent months volunteering at local food banks, and I can tell you that this is not fiction. It is reality. And the cost-of-living crisis affects even more people now than when the film was released in 2016. For me I, Daniel Blake frames the working-class experience in modern Britain – there’s hope, humour and humanity in the story, but audiences should feel angry and outraged; I know I am.
“When we first started to think about how to adapt the film for the stage we knew that we needed to offer a fresh perspective on the ramifications of 13 years of government cuts. Inspired by activists Led By Donkeys, Cold War Steve and Cassette Boy, the production will feature factual interviews, speeches and social media posts showing the impact of government decisions on people’s lives. We hope reflecting the harsh reality will galvanise audiences and inspire activism.”
I, Daniel Blake will be designed by Rhys Jarman (Gecko), lighting design by Simisola Majekodunmi (Is God Is/Royal Court Theatre and winner of the 2022 Light Recognition Award at the Black British Theatre Awards), original music by Ross Millard (The Futureheads, Putting the Band Back Together/Unfolding Theatre), sound design by Roma Yagnik (The Mare of Easttown/HBO), movement direction by Martin Hylton (Gateway Studio and Phoenix Dance) and AV design by Matthew Brown for PixelLux (Bonnie & Clyde/West End) incorporating creative captioning for all performances.
Composer Ross Millard says, “I vividly remember seeing the film at Tyneside Cinema when it came out – how profoundly moving it was, and how relevant it still feels now. The film has no music, no soundtrack, which means composing for the show has a weight of responsibility but is hugely appealing, too. Presenting the story to an audience in a new context has the potential to be extremely powerful.”
I, Daniel Blake is a Northern Stage, Birmingham Rep, Oldham Coliseum, English Touring Theatre, and tiny dragon Productions co-production, in association with Cardboard Citizens who make theatre for social change with and for homeless people who are working with Northern Stage on a programme of wraparound events.
After its Newcastle premiere at Northern Stage (25 May – 10 June), the production will tour to Birmingham Rep (13 – 25 June), HOME Manchester (27 June – 1 July) and Exeter Northcott Theatre (5-8 July). Confirmed venues for the autumn include Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Leeds Playhouse and the Belgrade Theatre Coventry and a full autumn 2023 tour will be announced soon.
The UK Pantomime Association appoints Derek Griffiths
as its inaugural Vice President
Derek Griffiths MBE, the highly-acclaimed and much-loved actor, children’s television presenter, composer and pantomime performer, has been appointed as the inaugural Vice President of the UK Pantomime Association.
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.
Derek Griffiths has played numerous pantomime roles over the years, both comic and villain, from Dick Whittington which he wrote, directed and composed at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, in 1976 to Beauty and the Beast, at Fairfield Halls, Croydon, in 2021. Special memories include the prestigious London Palladium 1987 pantomime Robin Hood and the Babes in the Woods with actress Barbara Windsor, who has one of The Pantomime Awards named in her memory. This was the final pantomime to play the Palladium until the welcome return of star-studded pantomimes at the venue in 2016. Derek also appeared with the UK Pantomime Association’s President Christopher Biggins in Mother Goose at Theatre Royal Brighton, and its Trustee Chris Jarvis in Peter Pan at The Hexagon, Reading, and in the CBeebies pantomime, A Christmas Carol.
Derek’s countless other stage credits in the West End and around the UK, include The Mousetrapat St Martin’s Theatre, Exit The King at the National Theatre, Driving Miss Daisyon tour, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof alongside James Earl Jones and Adrian Lester at the Novello Theatre, and Miss Saigon at the Drury Lane Theatre playing the Engineer. Family stage highlights include West End roles playing the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and originating the role of Lumière in the West End première production of Disney’sBeauty and the Beast.
Alongside his theatre work, Derek Griffiths has worked in television for many years from his early days on Play School and Play Awayto most recently the hit drama series, Unforgotten.
Derek Griffiths said: “I am delighted and honoured to become the Vice President of the UK Pantomime Association. I understand the importance it holds in the UK Theatre industry. It is critical in introducing children to live theatre. I look forward to working with a great team of people who share the same passion, to help them promote and nurture pantomime for many future generations of theatregoers.”
Simon Sladen, Chair of the UK Pantomime Association, said: “We are delighted to welcome Derek as Vice President of the UK Pantomime Association. He is such an experienced, respected and loved performer, with a wealth of pantomime knowledge. We look forward to working together to champion pantomime; an artform we both care so much about.”
The UK Pantomime Association recently announced the nominations for The Pantomime Awards 2023 in association with Butlin’s. The Awards ceremony will be held at the Trafalgar Theatre, in London’s West End, on Tuesday 11April 2023, hosted by Christopher Biggins.
Nick Mohammed’s brilliantly bonkers creation is touring the UK for the first time – and the country is in for a treat.
Addressing fans of hit show Ted Lasso in the audience who have never seen Mohammed’s alter ego before with a sharp intake of breath and “this is a VERY different show”, Mohammed’s squeaky-voiced character soon has the audience in the palm of his hand as he whizzes through his material. Much of the content has been seen on his appearances on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, but rather than feeling like a rehash, the show is more of a celebration of greatest hits. Audiences who have seen Mr Swallow’s Houdini and Christmas Carol live shows may miss the more manic and egotistical side of Mr Swallow as he berates his co-stars, but this tour showcases the more mild-mannered, but still snarky know-it-all pedant as seen on TV.
Split into two parts with low tech presentations on numbers, then improving your memory, Mr Swallow begins with an increasingly irate examination of the cumulative reality of receiving all those gifts in The 12 days of Christmas before taking the audience down a rabbit hole critiquing the plot of Les Mis. The audience breathlessly follow Mohammed on various insane and seemingly random meanderings and he even manages to make solving a Rubik’s cube exciting. Watching him use the memory linking method he showcased in ridiculous fashion to recall a set of cards shouldn’t really be this entertaining, but the squeaks and grimaces as he does the trick are fabulous. Mr Swallow’s original libretto for Jurassic Park is a highlight that gets funnier each time you see it, and the failed number demonstrations and tricks throughout the show aren’t the disasters they appear, with Easter eggs that the audience missed revealed with glee in a whirlwind mind-melting reveal that highlights the intricate and clever writing and skill behind this seemingly chaotic hour.
Equally annoying and irresistible – but always hilarious – Mr Swallow is a comedy character that can make you howl with a simple grimace and shrug. The absurd energy – he performs on roller skates, never explaining why – and ridiculous analysis carries the audience along on waves of laughter leaving them wanting more of this strange little man. A seriously silly evening of comedy gold – get your skates on and catch Mr Swallow at a venue near you.
TOUR DATES:
01.04.22 EDINBURGH – ASSEMBLY ROXY
02.04.22 GLASGOW – INT’L COMEDY FESTIVAL AT TRAMWAY
Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 1 April 2023
Reviewed by Louise Ford
4****
Do anything rather than marry without affection….
The Tron Company based in Glasgow was set up in 2017 to early critical acclaim. The Company’s writer Isobel McArthur was tasked with adapting Pride & Prejudice for the stage. The adaptation was an immediate hit. With the support of Harriet Mackie ( the producer at The Lyceum in Glasgow), the show was picked up and started touring in the regions. Fast forward a few years and the show was scheduled to hit the West End. Post covid the show won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy.
This is no ordinary bonnet ripper adaptation for a start the, reduced, cast is just six women playing all of the roles. The story is moved along with songs and some choice language. Viewers of a nervous disposition be warned!
This is not, in case you haven’t already guessed, a Sunday evening costume drama . The show opens with some underdressed cleaning ladies doing some final touches to their daily clean of the auditorium, the audience and the grand hallway. They set the scene at Longbourn, the eyes and ears of the servants who watch, help and hinder the pursuit of love and of happiness!
We see the Bennett family at home, with Mrs Bennett (Dannie Harris) lamenting her and her daughters’ fate that when ( the silent but smoking) Mr Bennett dies they will all be homeless and destitute unless at least one of the girls manages to get married. As (unmarried ) woman they cannot inherit property or money in their own right.
So the game is a foot to find a husband. Could it be the cousin, Mr Collins, ( Leah Jamieson) the dull curate obsessed with his benefactor Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Megan Louise Wilson), the nice but dim Mr Bennett, the dastardly George Wickham or the vain and aloof Fitzwilliam Darcy? Through a series of balls, walks through the parks, letters and periods of ennui the matches are finally made.
The opening set is dominated by a sweeping staircase which comes into its own as a stage for the songs. From the landing the scenes unfold with limited props being brought on by the cast . All the time the servants are working and watching the story unfold.
As previously said this is a modern adaptation and a musical one to boot. The choice of songs is at times inspired and I won’t spoil any of the surprises. The songs are performed by different cast members and are accompanied at times by a piano, accordion, saxophone and even a flute!
It’s an energetic and youthful production a little reminiscent of a fringe offering which the audience clearly loved !
So hold on to your bonnets, grab a microphone and let’s all have pride in this adaptation!
‘THE PADDINGTON BEAR EXPERIENCE’ WILL OPEN AT LONDON COUNTY HALL LATER THIS YEAR
A LARGE-SCALE INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE INSPIRED BY THE WORLD OF PADDINGTONTM WILL OPEN AT LONDON COUNTY HALL ON THE SOUTHBANK THIS YEAR, 65 YEARS SINCE MICHAEL BOND’S FIRST PADDINGTON BEAR BOOK WAS PUBLISHED.
EMBARK ON A MISSION TO HELP PADDINGTON AND THE BROWN FAMILY GET OUT OF A STICKY SITUATION IN THIS MULTI-SENSORY, INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE.
The Paddington BearTM Experience is a large-scale interactive experience inspired by everyone’s favourite bear. It will be taking up residence in the iconic County Hall on the Southbank later this year, unfolding across 26,000 square ft. To be the first to know when tickets go on sale sign up at www.paddingtonbearexperience.com
Get ready to be thrown into the thick of the action as you embark on a mission to help Paddington and The Brown family prepare for a very special day. Step into the world of Paddington and become immersed in some of the most iconic locations, culminating in a Windsor Gardens extravaganza. This multi-sensory experience incorporates ground-breaking design, live performance, and video to capture the hearts of the entire family from ages 4-94. Themed food, beverage, and retail will also be available.
About Paddington:
2023 marks 65 years since a kind bear from Peru with a big appetite for marmalade was first introduced to the world. Paddington is a beloved children’s character, created by author Michael Bond in 1958. The first book, “A Bear Called Paddington”, introduced readers to the friendly and polite bear from Peru who is discovered by the Brown family at Paddington Station in London. The series of stories that followed, chronicle Paddington’s adventures in London and around the world. Since its first publication, the Paddington books have sold more than thirty-five million copies worldwide.
The popularity of these books led to numerous adaptations, including television shows and feature films. In 2014, a live-action feature film called “Paddington” was released, which was followed by a sequel, “Paddington 2” in 2017. A third film is in the works. The movies were produced by Studiocanal, part of the international content and media group Vivendi. In 2020, a brand-new Paddington TV series designed for a pre-school audience, ‘The Adventures of Paddington’ launched on Nickelodeon, introducing him to a whole new set of fans.
About ‘The Paddington Bear Experience’:
‘The Paddington Bear Experience’ will be directed by Immersive Octopus, written by Katie Lyons (Peaky Blinders: The Rise, Camden Stables Market), designed by Rebecca Brower (Doctor Who: Time Fracture, West End), with costume design by Stewart J Charlesworth (Respect La Diva, West End), lighting design by Terry Cook (Dubai World Expo 2020) for Woodroffe Bassett, sound design by Luke Swaffield (Saw: The Escape Experience, Tower Hill) for Autograph and video design by Novak (Lumiere Festival, London, Durham and Derry-Londonderry).
‘The PaddingtonBear Experience’ is presented by The Path Entertainment Group and The Copyrights Group in partnership with Lionsgate, Copyrights’ agent for experiences.
