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FOUR-TIME OLIVIER AWARD WINNER

IMELDA STAUNTON

TO HEADLINE NEW PRODUCTION OF THE ICONIC MUSICAL

The show reunites Imelda with DOMINIC COOKE,

the director of their acclaimed production of Follies

Production also stars ANDY NYMAN,

JENNA RUSSELL, TYRONE HUNTLEY & HARRY HEPPLE

Jerry Herman’s unforgettable score includes

Put On Your Sunday Clothes, Before the Parade Passes By,

It Only Takes a Momentand Hello, Dolly!

Performances begin at The London Palladium on Saturday 6 July 2024

(Thursday 2 November) Michael Harrison is thrilled to announce that Imelda Staunton will be back where she belongs in Hello, Dolly! next summer, as one of the most iconic musicals of all time comes to The London Palladium.

With an unforgettable score by the legendary Jerry Herman, Hello, Dolly! will begin performances at The London Palladium on Saturday 6 July 2024 for a strictly limited 10-week season.

To register for more information, visit www.HelloDollyLDN.com

Multi-Olivier and BAFTA Award-winning Staunton plays meddlesome socialite turned matchmaker Dolly Levi, as she travels to Yonkers, New York to find a match for the miserly, unmarried ‘half-a-millionaire’ Horace Vandergelder. But everything changes when she decides that the next match she needs to make is for herself.

With music and lyrics by Jerry Herman (La Cage aux Folles, Mack and Mabel, Mame) and book by Michael Stewart (42nd Street, Mack and Mabel, Barnum), Hello, Dolly! is one of the most iconic musicals of all time. Jerry Herman’s timeless score includes ‘Put On Your Sunday Clothes’, ‘Ribbons Down My Back’, ‘Before the Parade Passes By’, ‘Elegance’, ‘It Only Takes a Moment’ and of course, ‘Hello, Dolly!’.

This brand-new production reunites Imelda with director Dominic Cooke,following their spectacular, critically acclaimed production of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies at the National Theatre.

Imelda Staunton commented: “I’m delighted that we are announcing our new production of Hello, Dolly!, which is a truly joyous show. I am also thrilled to be working again with Dominic Cooke and Michael Harrison. Dolly Levi is one of the great characters in musical theatre, and I can’t wait to join the company in bringing our new production to the iconic London Palladium.”

The production today also announces further casting:

Andy Nyman – who will play Horace Vandergelder – is a multi-award-winning actor, writer and director. Most recently he won unanimous acclaim for his memorable portrayal of Tevye in the celebrated production of Fiddler On The Roof at the Menier Chocolate Factory and its subsequent transfer to the Playhouse Theatre.

Nyman’s acting credits include the Royal Court production of Hangmen and the West End hit Ghost Stories, which he also created and starred in the film adaptation. His various TV roles include Winston Churchill in Peaky Blinders and he has frequently collaborated with illusionist Derren Brown, co-writing and co-directing four of his stage shows.

Olivier Award winner Jenna Russell will play Irene Molloy. Jenna recently starred in the UK premiere of The Bridges of Madison County. She won an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2006 for her performance in Sunday In The Park With George at the Menier Chocolate Factory (a performance she later reprised on Broadway) and was nominated for her work in the Menier’s 2012 revival of Merrily We Roll Along. She also appeared in the acclaimed, London premiere production of Fun Home the Young Vic.

Tyrone Huntley, who will play Barnaby Tucker. Tyrone was nominated for an Olivier Award for his performance as Judas in the widely acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. He was also previously in the original London casts of Dreamgirls and The Book of Mormon.

Harry Hepple, who will play Cornelius Hackl, has previously performed in Follies at the National Theatre and Romantics Anonymous at Bristol Old Vic.

Hello, Dolly! also reunites Imelda Staunton with producer Michael Harrison. Their production of Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre was awarded the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, and for which Imelda also won the Olivier Award for Best Actress In A Musical for her acclaimed portrayal of Momma Rose.

Further casting for the production will be announced at a later date.

Hello, Dolly! is produced by Michael Harrison, Gavin Kalin, Jonathan Church Theatre Productions & Crossroads Live.

Blackpool Grand Theatre – until Saturday 4 November 2023

Reviewed by Debra Skelton

5*****

If it is a ghost story that you want, then The Grand Theatre Blackpool has just what you need and that is ‘The Woman in Black’ which is showing until Saturday 4th November 2023.

This production is presented by PW Productions and is the adaptation by the late playwright Stephen Mallatratt and directed by Robin Herford.

‘The Woman in Black’ is a ghost story written by Susan Hill where Arthur Kipps the main character relates his haunting experiences at Eel Marsh House.

On Christmas Eve the stepchildren of Arthur ask him to tell them a spooky ghost story, but he decides that it best to write the only story that he knows down as to avoid being disturbed by his memories by telling the story out loud.

The story is about a young Arthur Kipps a junior solicitor who is sent by his employer to Eel Marsh House to settle the affairs of the late Mrs Alice Drablow. At the funeral he sees a sickly-looking young woman dressed in black with which no one else does, however he witnesses her again when he reaches Eel Marsh House which is creepy as its cut off from the mainland at high tide.

Whilst sorting through Mrs Drablow’s papers, Arthur is haunted by the sound of a pony and trap and continues with sightings of the woman. A local man, Sam Dailey reveals to Arthur who the woman is that is haunting the house, Jennet the sister of Alice Drablow.

He ends up staying overnight with Sam’s dog Spider for company where they are spooked by cries, rumblings, and bumps in the night. A door mysteriously unlocks, and Arthur finds a nursery filled with toys and a rocking chair in motion.

Sam rescues Arthur from the house and tells him how every time the woman in black is seen, a child dies by accident.

Unfortunately, the story does not have a happy ending for Arthur as in the future he sees the woman in black again whilst in London and minutes later his wife Stella and child die in a terrible accident.

This production has only two actors, Malcolm James who plays Arthur Kipps and Mark Hawkins who plays The Actor. Their performances can only be described as totally breath taking and their presence on the stage keeps you in your seats the whole way through the play and the rapturous applause at the end was well deserved.

Special thanks are also needed to Antony Eden the Associate Director, Michael Holt the designer, Sebastian Frost for the eerie, scary, and jumping out of your seat sounds and Kevin Sleep for the spooky lighting.

Leeds Grand – until Saturday 4 November 2023

4****

The King and I waltzes into Leeds as part of the UK tour.  Directed by Bartlett Sher, this Lincoln Centre Theatre production was shown at the London Palladium in 2018.

Annalene Beechey and Darren Lee lead a huge cast as Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam.  Widowed Anna was employed to teach the royal children and many wives.  Accompanied by her son Louis (Josh Bortoloso, Fin Goodman, Louis Levy and Charlie McGuire sharing the role), they pack up all their belongings and sail to Siam to work for £20 a month and live in a house adjacent to the palace.  When they arrive, they are met by Kralahome (Kok-Hwa Lie), the Prime Minister who is initially hostile to Anna and her son.  He says there is no house and she must reside in the palace.  After a month, she finally gets to meet the King, Lady Thiang (Cezarah Bonner) the chief wife and the favoured wives and royal children (William Alsina, Alexander Chin, Cody Concha, James Javier, Alanha Baharil Koppen, Kanaho Kurihara, Sanna Kurihara, Caitlin Lau, Ruby-Mae Lewis, Khun Cho Lwin, Grace Mugridge, Angelica Quynh, An Nguyen, Sabri Leonel Puci, Myles Tullett, Phoebe Zhao-Welsh) and Crown Prince Chulalongkorn (Caleb Lagayan).  She also meets Tuptim (Marienella Phillips), who was sent as a gift to the King from the King of Burma and Lun Tha (Dean John-Wilson) her lover.

The show starts with the entrance of a magnificent boat sailing into Siam, but the scenic budget clearly all went on the boat, as the rest of Michael Yeargans set consists of a back wall and drop down columns.  Catherine Zuber designed some magnificent costumes and some of Anna’s dresses needed an acting credit of their own. The live orchestra led by Christoper Mundy excelled with Rogers and Hammersteins songs and the audience appreciated Beecheys clear and exquisite vocals in “Whistle a Happy Tune”, “Hello, Young Lovers”, “Getting to Know You” and “Shall we Dance?” with an enthusiastic Lee.  Phillips and John-Wilson shone during their duets, John-Wilson particularly having a stunning voice.

For all the fabulousness, the show is incredibly long and full of dubious politics.  The Small House of Uncle Tom ballet staged for SIr Edward Ramsay (Sam Jenkins-Shaw) just extends an already epic production. However Christopher Gattelli and Jerome Robbins have choreographed beautifully.

This is a monumental show in all respects.  Outstanding singing and acting but I’m not sure it performs well in this day and age.  However, if you can gloss over the niggles and doubts and length; to just appreciate the performance, then you will have, in the words of Lady Thiang, “Something Wonderful”

Adam Paulden and Sue Gilad & Larry Rogowsky

Steven Antin and Christina Aguilera

present

By

Steven Antin

FEATURING SONGS BY

Christina Aguilera, Sia & Diane Warren

ADDITIONAL SONGS BY

Jess Folley and Todrick Hall

Additional material by Kate Wetherhead

Based on the Sony Pictures/Screen Gems film

Manchester Opera House | Thursday 13 June – Saturday 29 June 2024

Sign up for advance information and priority access – www.burlesquethemusical.com

Burlesque the Musical – the first ever stage adaptation of Steven Antin’s crowd-pleasing musical sensation, Burlesque, which starred Christina Aguilera, Cher, Kristen Bell and Stanley Tucci – will have its World Premiere at the Manchester Opera House.

Performances will begin on Thursday 13 June and run through until Saturday 29 June 2024. Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 8 November 2023.  Sign up for advance information and priority access to tickets at www.burlesquethemusical.com

Burlesque the Musical has a book by Steven Antin, with additional material by Kate Wetherhead.  The music and lyrics are by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Todrick Hall & Jess Folley.

Christina Aguilera, who will serve as the Executive Producer of Burlesque the Musical, said:

“Burlesque was my first feature film — and creating the role of Ali along with co-writing the music was a part of my career that I will always cherish.  I am so happy to be reunited with Steven, this time behind-the-scenes as an Executive Producer and contributing songwriter for our new stage version.  Recreating Burlesque as a live theatre experience is something I always hoped would happen, and here we are!”

Steven Antin added:

“To say that I’m excited is an understatement. ‘Peel me off the ceiling’ is more accurate. Getting Burlesque the Musical to the stage has been an ambition and a dream of mine for over 10 years.  I’m working with the best creative and producing team in the world, and we are all beyond thrilled that Christina has chosen to come on board as Executive Producer.  It’s a privilege to be working with her again. Her unrivaled experience, intuition and artistry continues to elevate everything. So exciting to be on this new journey with Xtina.”

Welcome to Burlesque the Musical, the glamorous, gritty and outrageously fun new musical based on the much-loved hit movie.

Discover a club like no other…a place beneath the city lights where the sequins sparkle, seduction shimmers, and a life can change in the flick of a feather boa.

When Ali heads to the bright lights of New York in search of her long-lost mother, she finds herself drawn into a dazzling underground world where the beat of the music and the heat of the dance moves will change her life forever. Among this unlikely family of misfits, dreamers and schemers, Ali will unwittingly find her real voice, discover her talent, and find where she really, truly belongs.

Written by Steven Antin, with additional material by Kate Wetherhead, and directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL is a scintillating journey of self-discovery that absolutely sizzles with songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia and Diane Warren, alongside additional songs by Todrick Hall and Jess Folley.

Burlesque is the big new musical that says life isn’t fair…it’s fabulous!

The full creative team for Burlesque the Musical is: Steven Antin (Book Writer), with additional material by Kate Wetherhead, Music and Lyrics by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Todrick Hall & Jess Folley, Nick Winston (Director and Choreographer), Soutra Gilmour (Set Designer), Tom Curran (Musical Arrangements and Orchestrations), Ryan Dawson Laight (Costume Designer), Phil Bateman (Musical Supervisor), Chris Poon (Musical Director), Robin Antin (Creative Co-Producer/Associate Choreographer), Harry Blumenau (Casting Director), Sarah-Jane Price (Casting Associate) and Lloyd Thomas (Production Manager).   Further information about the show will be announced in due course.

Burlesque The Musical is produced and general managed by ADAMA Entertainment:

ADAMA Entertainment produces, manages and programmes outstanding live theatre and events in the UK and across the world. Adopting a down-to-earth approach, the company has won numerous accolades for its work, including 3 Olivier awards, a South Korean DIMF award and the coveted WhatsOnStage.com award for Best New Musical.

The company offers theatrical management and programming services to other producers, promoters and companies. It also owns high-quality production sets that are available for hire, and programmes a flexible central London space for rehearsals, photo shoots and more. ADAMA is co-owner of the North East’s leading performing arts college, Musical Theatre Studio (MTS).

Founder-Managing Director: Adam Paulden

Chairman: Jason Haigh-Ellery

BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL

Manchester Opera House

3 Quay Street

Manchester

M3 3HP

Performances

Thursday 13 June – Saturday 29 June 2024

For Thursday 13, Friday 14, Saturday 16 June – 7.30pm only

Monday 17 – Saturday 29 June:

• Mon – Sat 7.30pm
• Matinees 2.30pm on Thursdays & Saturdays

Box Office

www.burlesquethemusical.com

Tickets:  From £11.25 – £73.25

Social Media

FaceBook

https://www.facebook.com/burlesquethemuscialuk/

TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@burlesquethemusicaluk

Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/burlesquethemusicaluk/

Twitter
https://twitter.com/BurlesqueStage
 

“The Brits have made the year’s funniest musical…a hit in London’s West End and may head across the Atlantic…rewriting the playbook for originality.…Against the odds, the “Operation Mincemeat” gang has found its way to the big time.”

Peter Marks, The Washington Post

“irrepressible wartime musical is a West End triumph”
Emma John, The Guardian

“Hilarious tale makes Mincemeat out of its rivals…Before curtain I talked to a fan seeing this for the seventh time. I wondered why anyone would see the same show seven times. Now I know”

Neil Armstrong, The Mail On Sunday

“LAUGHING so hard I could barely breathe is not what I expected for a musical about a World War II top-secret plan.…the perfect invasion of the West End. Long may they occupy it.”
Thea Jacobs, The Sun

“the feel-good West End musical of the summer…The reviews for the show have been ecstatic… the overwhelming impression is of hopefulness, expansiveness, possibility and joy.”

Alexis Soloski, The New York Times

65 ★★★★★ reviews and counting

Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical – 65 five-star reviews and counting – “a hilarious new musical that rivals The Book of Mormon for laughs”  (Vogue), has extended its West End run for the sixth time through 15^th June 2024. Operation Mincemeat follows thirty-three hugely successful years of The Woman In Black at the Fortune Theatre.

Extension tickets will be available on general sale on Friday 10^th November at 10am from the Official Box Office here

After the success of the first ballot, the second Monday night ballot returns by popular demand. Every week Monday night shows are sold-out. Ticket prices are frozen at £39.50 for the new booking period from Monday 22^nd April – Saturday 15^th June  2024. To ensure fair access for fans tickets will be available through the ballot here. The first draw will take place on Thursday 9^th November.

The fortnightly £25 ticket lottery continues here (next draw on Monday 13^th November). Access to exclusive perks is available via the Official Operation Mincemeat mailing list here.

Now starting to gain international acclaim including titles from the USA -“My far-and-away favorite production” (The New Yorker), Israel – “A story about the impossible that was possible…The guys who put on a show with zero budget conquered the most coveted goal of all. The mouse that roared… Fly to London now, right now” (Shlomut by Globes) and Germany –“stands out from the plethora of West End productions…The current must-see show” (Musicalzentrale), the extraordinary debut musical is written and composed by SpitLip – David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts.

After five sold-out development runs at the New Diorama Theatre in 2019 and Southwark Playhouse in 2020, 2021 & 2022, plus an extended Riverside Studios run last summer, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical is back.

The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse. 

Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler? 

The production is directed by 2023 Olivier Award nominated  Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre – 2023 Best New Musical Olivier Award winner), following providing directorial support for the Riverside Studios run, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. Also from Standing at the Sky’s Edge at theNational Theatre on the creative team are: 2023 Olivier Award nominated  Ben Stones (Sylvia, The Old Vic) as Set and Costume Designer, Tony Award, six-time Olivier Award and Bafta Award winning Mark Henderson (Girl From the North Country, Broadway & Noël Coward Theatre) as Lighting Designer and Olivier Award winning Mike Walker (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) as Sound Designer. Grammy Award winning and Tony, Emmy, Olivier award nominated Steve Sidwell (Beautiful: The Musical, Broadway & Aldwych Theatre) is Orchestrator and Vocal Arranger, while 2023 Stage Debut Award ‘Best creative West End debut’ nominated Joe Bunker is Musical Director. Georgie Staight joins as Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles as Associate Choreographer. Casting is by Pearson Casting.

Operation Mincemeat won The Stage Debut award for Best Composer/Lyricist and the Off-West End award for Best Musical Production and Best Company Ensemble. Following the first New Diorama Theatre run, Operation Mincemeat was listed in The Observer’s Top 10 shows of the year and most recently was listed in The Independent’s Top 15 shows of the year.  The show is currently featured in the V&A’s Re:Imagining Musicals display, exploring how musicals have continuously reimagined, reinvented and reinterpreted themselves over time.  

The 2023 Off-West End Best Musical Production Award winning returning cast (Southwark Playhouse/ Riverside Studios), David Cumming, Claire-Marie Hall, Natasha Hodgson, Jak Malone and Zoë Roberts, are joined by: Seán Carey (returning from Riverside Studios), Geri Allan, Christian Andrews and Holly Sumpton.

Operation Mincemeat is presented in the West End by Avalon (in association with SpitLip), who have supported since the Southwark Playhouse runs. The show was commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and also supported by the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat.

Hull New Theatre – until 4th November 2023

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5 *****

Adam Kenwright for Kindred Partners presents The Official Take That Musical Greatest Days based on the book by Tim Firth and music and lyrics by Take That.

The story starts with five 16-year-old friends from school who are massive fans of The Band and their music. We see how their life is and we hear about their hopes and dreams. Young Rachel (Olivia Hallett) wins tickets to see the band in Manchester and takes her friends with her, Debbie (Mary Moore), young Heather (Kitty Harris), young Zoe (Hannah Brown) and young Claire (Mari McGinlay). They see the band and decide to go and try and meet them afterwards missing their train back home which causes a chain of events which ends in tragedy for the girls.

The next time we meet the girls it’s 25 years later. Rachel (Jennifer Ellison) lives with her partner Jeff (Christopher D. Hunt) and they hear on the radio that she has won a competition for 4 people to watch The Band in Athens with a meet and great with them as well. Jeff decides to ask two of their friends to go with them but Rachel wants to get in touch with her friends from school to take them instead.

At the airport we meet Heather (Rachael Marwood), Zoe (Karen Holmes) and Claire (Jamie-Rose Monk) and they have had very different lives to how they thought they would have lived and how the tragedy when they were younger affected them. They board the plane to Athens where things don’t exactly go to plan!

The Band (played by Kalifa Burton, Benjamin Cameron, Jamie Corner, Archie Durrant and Alexanda O’Reilly) were on stage for most of the production and were brilliant. Their singing was so good and the certainly had the moves of Take That!

Alan Stocks plays Every Dave and he plays lots of different characters, school janitor, roadie, Greek policeman and a few more, and he, along with the sets and costumes (designed by Lucy Osborne) made a simple set come alive.

Take That’s back catalogue is amazing, and I say this as a fan of many years. The musicians (under musical director Josh Cottell) played it so well last night and it brought back lots of memories. The music and words fit in well with the story line and it really made me think of what the lyrics meant and how they fitted the story.

This production is heartwarming, poignant, funny and heartbreaking in equal measures. The acting, singing, dancing and storytelling is superb. You really don’t have to be a fan of Take That’s music to go and see this show but I can probably guarantee by the end of it you will be!

OLD FRIENDS HELPING MAN’S BEST FRIEND

ELAINE PAIGE AND BERNADETTE PETERS

TO HOST
LONDON’S FIRST LIVE

“WEST END WOOFS”

(AND MEOWS)

ON SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER
AT ST PAUL’S CHURCH, COVENT GARDEN

Following the success of Broadway Barks across the pond, stage icons Elaine Paige and Bernadette Peters are thrilled to host the first live WEST END WOOFS (AND MEOWS) on Saturday 18 November from 10.00am – 12.30pm at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden bringing together much-loved talent of the West End and their four-legged friends for a dog and cat adoption event.

www.westendwoofs.dog

Elaine and Bernadette previously teamed up to co-host the first virtual edition of WEST END WOOFS during lockdown in 2020.

Elaine Paige said today “When Bernadette and I first presented West End Woofs online it was such a success! We raised money and awareness for many shelters caring for animals in need of adoption.  Here’s hoping this year’s West End Woofs is even more successful for our neediest four-legged friends!”

Bernadette Peters said today “Nothing thrills me more than to be doing West End Woofs ‘live’ for the first time at St. Paul’s Actors Church with my dear friend Elaine Paige and my cast members from ‘Old Friends’.  Looking forward to finding many dogs and kitties their forever homes”.

The adoption event on Saturday 18 November begins at 10.00am with a ‘meet and greet’ with all the adoptable pets. From 11.30am adoptees make their West End debut on stage alongside some of the West End’s favourite stars, with guests to be announced, including a special performance of ‘Old Friends’ by the company of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends.

WEST END WOOFS is free and open to the public. It will feature adoptable pets from the following participating shelters and rescue groups with all proceeds from the event benefitting the great work they do.

• Helping Dogs and Cats UK
• Pro Dogs Direct
• Home Run Hounds
• Saving Saints Rescue
• Noah’s Ark Dog Rescue
• German Shepherd Rescue South
• All Dogs Matter

Full details of each organisation below.

Over the past 25 years in New York, more than 2,100 dogs and cats have grabbed Broadway’s spotlight and the hearts of all who come to Broadway Barks. Approximately 85% of these furry friends have successfully found forever homes.

WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS RETURN FOR THEIR

24^TH YEAR WITH THE CEREMONY TAKING PLACE

ON SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2024

WhatsOnStage today announces that the 24^th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards will take place on Sunday 11 February 2024, at a West End theatre to be revealed very soon.

As well as seeing the winners crowned across a range of categories, theatregoers will also enjoy a host of exclusive live performances from top stage talent. The event is co-produced with creative directors Alex Parker and Damian Sandys.

Now in their 24th year, the WhatsOnStage Awards are the only major theatre awards decided by the theatregoers themselves.

Nominations are now open and will close on Thursday 23 November 2023 ahead of the shortlist being announced on Thursday 7 December 2023. Voting will then open at the same time, closing on Thursday 11 January 2024, with the winners being announced at the ceremony on Sunday 11 February 2024.

WhatsOnStage’s Alex Wood and Darius Thompson-Smith said today: “The WhatsOnStage Awards have been going from strength-to-strength every year, and we’re excited to keep that momentum going into 2024. The last 12 months has seen some revelatory productions that have both enchanted audiences and brought new theatre fans into the fold. We can’t wait to both see who our readers nominate and celebrate together in our sparkling West End concert ceremony next February!”

The awards categories will continue as before. Performance categories will be gender-free and, for each of the following, readers will be able to nominate and vote for one individual:

•            Best Performer in a Play

•            Best Performer in a Musical

•            Best Supporting Performer in a Play

•            Best Supporting Performer in a Musical

Additional audience-nominated categories include Best New Play, Best New Musical, Best Play Revival, Best Musical Revival, Best Regional Production, Best Takeover Performance, Best Professional Debut, Best Concert Event, Best West End Show and Best Off West End Production. Eligibility criteria are available on the WhatsOnStage Awards website (awards.whatsonstage.com).

The shortlist for the technical categories (Choreography, Costume Design, Direction, Graphic Design, Lighting Design, Musical Direction/Supervision, Set Design, Sound Design, Casting Direction and Video Design) will be decided once again by an independent panel of industry experts from across the UK appointed by WhatsOnStage, taking the total number of categories to 24. Shortlists will then be voted on by the general public.

awards.whatsonstage.com

Twitter @WhatsOnStage #WOSAwards
Instagram @WhatsOnStage

TikTok: @WhatsOnStage

So fetch.

Tickets on sale for West End run of MEAN GIRLS. 

Broadway’s SMASH HIT musical to begin performances at the Savoy Theatre, London, from 5 June 2024!

www.MeanGirlsMusical.com

“We’ll let you in on a little secret, because we’re such good friends: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!” – USA Today

●          Public booking now open!

●          Previews start at the Savoy Theatre on 5 June 2024

Lorne Michaels, Sonia Friedman Productions, and David Ian for Crossroads Live – producers of MEAN GIRLS in the West End – are delighted to announce that tickets go on sale today for MEAN GIRLS at the Savoy Theatre! The smash hit musical comedy based on the Paramount Pictures film of the same name will debut at the West End’s Savoy Theatre on 5 June 2024, with opening on 19 June 2024.

It’s gonna be a little bit dramatic…

Get in, loser, MEAN GIRLS is coming to London! Broadway’s hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team including writer Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), composer Jeff Richmond (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon), opens at the Savoy Theatre late next spring.

Meet The Plastics –Regina, Gretchen and Karen. They rule North Shore High and will burn anyone who gets in their way. Home-schooled Cady Heron may think she knows a thing or two about survival of the fittest thanks to her zoologist parents, but high school is a whole new level of savage. When Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung.

Expect iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs. Grab your friends and your cool mom, this is going to be fetch – and YES London, we’re making it happen!

The reign begins June 2024. If you want to sit with us, book your tickets and don’t forget… on Wednesdays, we wear pink.

Casting will be announced at a later date.

Working with ATG’s Creative Learning Department, MEAN GIRLS will be providing a selection of matinees for schools and community groups who otherwise may not be able to access the show.  To complement this, workshops and Q&As will be made available to these groups that centre around anti-bullying and empowerment. A weekly ticket access scheme will also be announced closer to performances.

MEAN GIRLS had its world premiere in 2017 at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C and opened on Broadway in April 2018 at the August Wilson Theatre to ecstatic responses, where it played to packed houses. The show then went on a hugely successful US tour in 2019 and is currently on its second US tour. The upcoming MEAN GIRLS musical film adaptation from Paramount Pictures will debut in UK cinemas in early 2024.

Originally released in 2004, the film Mean Girls has had a profound impact on pop-culture for nearly 20 years. Tina Fey’s hilarious and relatable portrayal of high school life struck a chord with audiences across the globe and the film’s whip-smart satire, iconic catchphrases, and unforgettable characters made it a phenomenon that remains a cultural touchstone to this day.

Peacock Theatre – until 4^th November 2023

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

4****

The genius choreography of Matias Jamie is in full flight throughout this dynamic performance. He has captured the Argentine spirit in the traditional dance of The Malambo, soaring it beyond its avant-garde origins, combining it with flamenco and urban percussion.

The impact of the opening number with the full award-winning company on stage with drums and bare chests is sustained into every performance. The 13 strong all men troupe, build up to a crescendo time and again with more complex and faster footwork, maintaining the proud and strong stance we are so used to seeing in the Argentine tango. The Zapateo is different from any tap dance or foot stomping you have ever seen, keeping the audience completely engaged. The skilful display of Boleadoras, a hunting weapon used by the gaucho of La Pampa, is unique and introduces an unexpected level of jeopardy. The dance captains, Miguel Flores and Ariel Pereyra, keep the synchronicity and accuracy of the troupe at a mesmerising level and pace.

The incorporation of the band into the performance is a great reflection of how The Malambo happens in its traditional South American setting. Like the dance, there is a fusion of traditional and modern music, with an impressive Bandoneon – the longest squeeze box I have ever seen!

Matias Jamie has given all the artists involved in Malevo more than an opportunity to proudly display traditions of their country, he offers a way of life that incorporates their cultural heritage. Come and be immersed into this fantastic fusion of past and present Argentine culture.