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Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale present
SHREK THE MUSICAL

• PRINCIPAL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR SHREK THE MUSICAL UK AND IRELAND TOUR.
• ANTONY LAWRENCE WILL PLAY SHREK, JOANNE CLIFTON WILL PLAY FIONA, JAMES GILLAN WILL PLAY LORD FAQUAAD AND BRANDON LEE SEARS WILL PLAY DONKEY IN THE BRAND-NEW TOURING PRODUCTION OF ‘SHREK THE MUSICAL’
• DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY NICK WINSTON AND CO-DIRECTED BY SAM HOLMES, THE SHREKTACKULAR PRODUCTION WILL PAINT THE TOWN GREEN THIS SUMMER, OPENING IN PLYMOUTH ON 21 JULY 2023 AND TOURING THROUGH TO APRIL 2024.
• SHREK THE MUSICAL WILL PERFORM ON BBC1’S BIG NIGHT OF THE MUSICALS ON 27 FEBRUARY

Producers Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale are delighted to announce a Shrektacular principal cast line-up including Joanne Clifton (Princess Fiona), James Gillan (Shrek) and Brandon Lee Sears (Donkey) in the brand-new production of Shrek the Musical. Opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 21 July 2023, the smash hit musical will tour through to April 2024 to a total of 31 venues.  

Anthony Lawrence (Shrek) recently played Scar in The Lion King (International Tour) as well as performed in Mary Poppins (National Tour), Matilda the Musical (Cambridge Theatre/RSC) and We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour).

Best known for her time on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, after winning the World Professional Showdance Champion and the European Professional Ballroom Championship, Joanne Clifton (Fiona) joined the iconic TV show as a professional dancer. During her time on the show she won the Christmas Special with McFly’s Harry Judd and went on to win the glitterball trophy as the 2016 champion with her partner Ore Oduba.  On stage Joanne Clifton was most recently seen in Windfall (Southwark Playhouse) and The Addams Family (UK Tour).  

Olivier Award-nominee James Gillan (Lord Faquaad) most recently created the role of Tray in Everybody’s talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue) – a role he stayed with through the show’s entire West End run. He also performed in Everybody’s talking About Jamie at the Ahmanson Theatre in LA for its six-week run.

Brandon Lee Sears (Donkey) most recently played the role of Jimmy Early in Dreamgirls (UK tour).  His previous theatre credits include the original West End productions of Be More Chill (Shaftesbury), Come From Away (Phoenix); Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket); Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury); and On the Town (Regents Park).

On 27 February 2023, the cast of Shrek the Musical will perform at BBC Big Night of the Musicals at Manchester’s AO Arena. The programme will be shown in a special 90-minute presentation on BBC One and on BBC Radio 2 in the spring.

From the producers of Hairspray and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Shrek the Musical brings together a new creative team to re-image this award-winning Broadway and West End hit show for a new audience, featuring all the classic characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks animated film and the iconic songs and story from David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s original musical.

Shrek the Musical opens at Plymouth Theatre Royal on 21 July 2023 and then tours to Manchester, Dublin, Bristol, Southend, Carlisle, Aberdeen, Oxford, Wimbledon, Dartford, Northampton, Bradford, Woking, Eastbourne, Cardiff, York, Blackpool and in 2024: Glasgow Kings, Edinburgh Playhouse, Coventry Belgrade, Sunderland Empire, Liverpool Empire, Southampton Mayflower, Milton Keynes Theatres, Hull New, Cheltenham Everyman, Nottingham Playhouse, Norwich Theatre Royal, Grand Opera House Belfast, The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham and The Millenium Forum, Derry. For full listings, please see the notes to editors below.

The team joining forces to re-create the bright and beautiful world of Shrek the Musical includes acclaimed director and choreographer Nick Winston (Bonnie and Clyde, Arts Theatre; Beauty and the Beast, UK tour), co-director Sam Holmes (Club Tropicana the Musical), who returns to the swamp having played Lord Farquaad in the previous UK tour. He is joined by Set and costume design will be by Philip Witcomb (Bonnie & Clyde (Garrick Theatre); Jack & The Beanstalk, Everyman Theatre Cheltenham). Further creative team includes Ben Cracknel (Lighting), Jim Arnold (Casting) and Ben Harrison (Sound).

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, the Broadway and West End smash hit Shrek the Musical is a fun-filled and hilarious musical comedy with a cast of vibrant characters and a ‘shrektackular’ score.

Featuring the beloved Princess Fiona, the evil Lord Farquaad, a host of magical fairy-tale characters and fabulous songs including the smash hit ‘I’m a Believer’, Shrek the Musical is a musical extravaganza for big kids and little kids alike.

Come join the adventure as Shrek and Donkey endeavour to complete their quest, finding unexpected friendships and surprising romance along the way.

The Lowry, Salford – until 25th February 2023

Reviewed by Jen Hughes

4*****

The biggest secrets shared, and the telling of neighbourhood gossip , wrapped up in a 1980’s perm-tastic explosion …..  is everything you need to know about this Robery Harling classic, directed by Anthony Banks. Ten minutes in, and I wasn’t sure if I’d stepped back into the set of the  Dolly Parton Louisiana hit, or if  ITV’S Loose Women were doing a Southern Belle Special – the flow of  conversation and content was that good, that emotive and that kind of cup of coffee chit chat humor!  Interestingly,  not much changes in terms of the set, other than a  clever reversal of the stage salon and the funky 80’s neon lights, but that compliments  perfectly the fact that the audience attention is firmly fixed on the enthralling conversation and one liners  which were delivered perfectly by the amazing cast.  Lucy Speed as the blonde bombshell Truvy Jones was Dolly Parton reincarnated . She walked like her and talked like her, so much so, I’m pretty sure she would sing like her if production allowed. 

The chemistry between the women ensured that comedy timing was delivered effortlessly, every  blue lined eye roll, every shoulder padded shrug and every shake of a permed bouffant  represented true friendship. Truvy’s salon is a safe space for the six strong female characters to show their vulnerabilities. Their transformations are not only cosmetic, they are meaningful and poignant in terms of  the challenges women face both then and now. In a clear stand out moment, Laura Main’s delivery of M’lynn Eatenton’s monologue, depicting a mothers heartache, was hard hitting and full of passion. Some real gritty, emotive  topics are covered in this play  and then instantly blown away by a genius comedy one liner, very much like the juxtaposition of its  Steel Magnolias title, something hard and strong yet so delicate and short living. 

This play is a real easy watch, it’s like being a fly on the wall behind the mirror of a tight community salon. A perfect night out and a fun trip down 1980’s memory lane. 

MAUREEN LIPMAN IN

ROSE

BY MARTIN SHERMAN

TRANSFERRING TO THE WEST END FOR 28 PERFORMANCES ONLY

THE AMBASSADORS THEATRE

TUESDAY 23 MAY – SUNDAY 18 JUNE

The award-winning, critically acclaimed production of Martin Sherman’s ROSE transfers to the West End this summer, playing at the Ambassadors Theatre for 28 performances only from Tuesday 23 May. Following sell-out runs at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester, and Park Theatre in London, Maureen Lipman will once again take the role of ‘Rose’ – a performance described as one of ‘unassailable greatness’ (Whatsonstage.com).

Rose, a woman whose tumultuous journey through anarchic times takes her from the devastation of Nazi- occupied Europe to the allure of the American dream. Through the life of one woman, Rose tells the story of a century where everything changed except the violence of the strong against the weak.

The original production of Rose was produced at the National Theatre and on Broadway in 1999. It is perhaps even more relevant today, with the plight of refugees and allegations of antisemitism continuing to dominate the news. This powerful production – described as ‘a masterpiece’ (The Spectator) – is a moving reminder of the harrowing events that shaped the last century. 

Olivier Award winning Maureen Lipman has performed with The National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, and has starred in innumerable West End productions including, Messiah, Wonderful Town, ReJoice, Glorious, Oklahoma, & Daytona. For the last five years she has been delighting television audiences as ‘Evelyn Plummer’ on Coronation Street.

Maureen Lipman said, “I am delighted to be putting Rose back on her bench for a limited run at the Ambassadors in May. I thought I could never have the power to revisit Martin Sherman’s mystical, magical deeply philosophical and wildly funny creation, but Rose is in my blood, and she has to be revived.”

Written by award-winning Martin Sherman whose other plays include Bent, Messiah, A Madhouse In Goa, When She Danced, Gently Down The Stream, as well as the Broadway musical The Boy From Oz and the films Alive and Kicking and Mrs Henderson Presents.  

Martin Sherman said, Maureen Lipman’s performance as Rose is the greatest gift a playwright could ever dream of. Performance is perhaps the wrong word; she totally inhabits the role, the woman, the space, the language, the times, the events. I’m so happy that her astonishing alchemy has the opportunity to be witnessed again, for four weeks (only!) at the Ambassadors Theatre.”

Rose is directed by Scott Le Crass, designed by David Shields with musical composition and sound design by Julian Star with lighting design by Jane Lalljee.

Theatre503 Battersea – until 4th March 2023

Reviewed by Carol Crann

5*****

A stark set greeted us as we walked into this intimate theatre… Walls that appeared to have been cut from rock, and a few plants in the corners were all that were on show – aside from a slightly raise circular platform in the centre which would serve as a focal point throughout.

The lighting was minimal; fluorescent tubes above each actor that changed colour and were used to emphasise some aspects of the play. A set of lights framed the stage as the only other means of illumination.

The story starts at a bus stop in the seaside town of Margate, where two Nigerian brothers, Aman (Tapiwa Mugweni) and his older brother Hassan (Tito Williams), are waiting. Margate is their new home, as designated by the Home Office.

The difference between the brothers is apparent from the onset. Hassan appears older than his 21 years as he talks about the relationship between the two of them, his promise to his mother, and the responsibility he feels to look after his younger brother. Aman, meanwhile, still has the impetuousness of youth and views the world through much more self-absorbed eyes. 

We are then introduced to three of the residents of this seaside town; Bill Bradley, a struggling hotelier played by Philip Wright, as well as his son Aidan (Oscar Adams) – who is clearly dealing with his own demons. You also meet Bill’s long-term friend, Linton (Peter Eastland), who wastes no time in displaying his outdated and racist viewpoints.

This play is not an easy watch as it tackles and explores many aspects of everyday people; their prejudices and pre-conceived opinions on immigration, politics, racism, and sexuality.

Characters are brought to life by all of the performers, but those playing the younger generation in particular manage to showcase the real dynamics in their relationships with others. The performances had the audience – which notably displayed the wonderful diversity of this country – gasping in shock and indignation one minute, and the next laughing at the absurdity of some of the situations and retorts from the characters.

Awkward relationships start to develop as mutual interests are discovered, only to then be threatened by other people’s opinions and views. 

This was a real insight into a society where many still feel so vulnerable whilst trying to make their way in a world which is always too ready to see the perceived shortcomings in people. Throughout the performance I felt myself clinging to my belief that attitudes would change, only to see those hopes dashed by another unfounded or inciteful comment.

I would highly recommend a visit to Theatre503 to watch this performance of My Brother’s Keeper. Mahad Ali has written and co-produced an incredibly thought-provoking play, which offers rollercoaster of emotions throughout. At times it makes for uncomfortable viewing as it holds a mirror up to the world we live in, but the perspectives offered make it worth the emotional investment.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre- until 5th March 2023

Reviewed by Emma Millward 

5*****

‘He came out to me as gay, and I came out to him as an ABBA fan’.

The Way Old Friends Do is a brand new play written by Ian Hallard and directed by Mark Gatiss. It tells the story of two Birmingham school friends, Peter (Ian Hallard) and Edward (James Bradshaw), who meet up thirty years later and, after some reminiscing about old times and their mutual love of all things ABBA, discover there has been a recent cancellation of a tribute band at the local Library Theatre where Peter’s friend Sally (Donna Berlin) works. They decide it’s the perfect time to form the world’s first ABBA tribute- in drag. 

At the small library theatre we meet aspiring actor Jodie (Rose Shalloo) and piano player Mrs Campbell/Mrs C (played at this performance by understudy Tariye Peterside), who will assume the roles of Bjorn and Benny in the gender-bending tribute band they have now christened ‘Head Over Heels’.  Mrs C definitely is one of the stand out performances of the show. She hasn’t really got a clue who Benny is (or what day it is!) but she rocks a false beard and is more than capable of sitting at the piano and nodding her head. Tariye Peterside’s calm but always hilarious portrayal of her was definitely a hit with the audience. 

As the story progresses, the band go from strength to strength and get more gigs in and around the Birmingham area. The mention of various local areas such as Acocks Green and Balsall Common were definitely enjoyed by the Midlands audience. We meet fellow super fan Christian (Andrew Horton), who offers to photograph the band. It soon becomes clear his motives are less than innocent as he comes between Peter and Edward. 

The play has a small but perfectly formed cast of six actors, plus the voices of Paul O’Grady as the radio DJ and Miriam Margolyes as Peter’s Nan (with a brilliantly accurate Brummie accent). The stage, designed by Janet Bird, is a small revolving set that is a simple but extremely clever use of space. The central wall with two ‘A’ shaped doors either side of two ‘ B’ shaped shelves spells out (unsurprisingly) ABBA. The set revolves at intervals in the show to provide different backdrops throughout, including Peter’s flat, a cafe and the dressing room backstage at the Library Theatre. Janet Bird’s costumes are also authentically ABBA, including an amazing pair of 5 inch gold platform boots. Andrew Exeter’s clever lighting design throughout the show adds to the disco nostalgia. 

Special mention must be given to writer and actor Ian Hallard. Throughout, you can feel his total love for ABBA.  There are, of course, the inevitable jokes about the band, but they are delivered with an obvious respect for them. Hallard’s script is funny, but also moving and bittersweet. Hardcore ABBA fans may be slightly disappointed that, apart from the play’s title song, there are only snippets of the band’s hits throughout the show.  The play more than holds its own against other ABBA-based productions. The prolonged standing ovation was well deserved after a feel-good evening that made you want to get your platform boots on and thank ABBA for the music!! 

JASON MANFORD & ASHLEY BANJO

TO SOAR OVER THE RAINBOW AND INTO

THE ICONIC LONDON PALLADIUM THIS SUMMER

Comedian, Presenter & Actor

JASON MANFORD to play The Cowardly Lion

Diversity star ASHLEY BANJO

to make West End musical debut as The Tin Man

Further casting to be announced – Performances begin

Friday 23 June 2023

www.wizardofozmusical.com

London, Thursday 23 February: Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are thrilled to announce that Jason Manford and Ashley Banjo will star in the The Wizard of Oz, the musical based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum, which plays a strictly limited season at the world famous London Palladium this summer.

Michael Harrison, the producer of the smash-hit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, presents Curve’s brand-new production of one of the world’s most beloved musicals, beginning performances on Friday 23 June (Press Night: Thursday 6 July).

Jason Manford, who is a multi-award-winning stand-up Comedian, Actor, Singer, Writer, Radio and Television Presenter, will play The Cowardly Lion.

Well known for his critically acclaimed live stand-up tours, Jason also has musical theatre credits that include Signor Pirelli in the Olivier-winning production of Sweeney Todd alongside Imelda Staunton & Michael Ball in 2012, Leo Bloom in Mel Brooks’ The Producers across a UK-wide tour and as Caractacus Potts in the family musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  After a short run as Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls at the Royal Albert Hall, Jason also starred as Detective Frank Cioffi in the Kander & Ebb musical, Curtains. 

Jason has been the regular host of the Olivier Awards for the past five years as well hosting several shows on tv from daytime quiz show Unbeatable to Sunday Night at The Palladium and The Royal Variety Performance. He can currently be seen on ITV1 every Saturday night judging on the new series of Starstruck. Later this month, he will host BBC One’s primetime show Big Night of Musicals for the second time.

Ashley Banjo is the founder, creative director and choreographer for the dance group Diversity who found fame in 2009 after winning Britain’s Got Talent. He will make his West End musical debut in The Wizard of Oz, in the role of The Tin Man.

The BAFTA award-winning group Diversity has achieved what no other dance group has, having sold well over half a million tickets across their 10 sell-out UK tours. Diversity have numerous television performances to their name and won a BAFTA award for the Must See Moment of 2020 for their iconic performance on Britain’s Got Talent. Ashley was recently awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours 2022 for services to dance and last year Ashley and Diversity were privileged to perform for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at her Platinum Jubilee concert.

As well as his own tours with Diversity, on the stage, Ashley starred in the Olivier Award-winning production of Dick Whittington and went on to headline a further five productions, showcasing not only his dance but also his acting and comedic talent. Aside from his on stage achievements Ashley is well known for his television roles; he has presented, judged and produced many award-winning programmes including Britain’s Got Talent, Dancing On Ice and the Emmy and BAFTA award-winning The Real Full Monty.

Further star casting is to be announced.

Join Dorothy and Toto on an unforgettable adventure as they are swept over the rainbow to the merry old land of Oz. 

Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We’re Off To See the Wizard – with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice – this spectacular production will be a magical experience for all the family.

Directed by Nikolai Foster (Billy Elliot The Musical, A Chorus Line) The Wizard of Oz has choreography by Shay Barclay, Set Designer is Colin Richmond, Projection Designer is Douglas O’Connell,Costume and Puppet Designer is Rachael Canning, Lighting Designer is Ben Cracknell, Sound Designer is Adam Fisher, Creative Consultant is Mark Kaufman, Musical Director and Musical Supervisor is George Dyer, Casting Director is Kay Magson CDG, Props Supervisor is Marcus Hall Props and Wigs, Hair and Makeup Designer is Elizabeth Marini.

Follow the yellow brick road next summer to The London Palladium!

Michael Harrison, Gavin Kalin with David Mirvish, Crossroads Live, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Rupert Gavin & Mallory Factor by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Limited, present the Curve production of The Wizard of Oz.

Lyceum, Sheffield – until Saturday 4th March 2023

Reviewed by Alison Beaumont

4****

Jersey Boys is a jukebox musical by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. The show documents the real life story of the creation, success and breakup of the 1960’s group The Four Seasons (Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, Bob Gaudio and Nick Massi), who later became Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

The show starts with a Rap to “Oh What a Night” which was very different and something I had never heard before.

The first act is fast paced with regards to telling the story of how the Four Seasons came to be but is quite slow with regards to engaging the audience. At times it was difficult to hear some of the dialect but I think this could have been down to microphone issues.

In my opinion the show comes to life when the Four Seasons donned on their red jackets and sang “Sherry” followed by “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man” and then the show went from strength to strength and showed the actors enjoyment.

Frankie Valli the most well-known member of the band was played by Michael Pickering and boy what a range of vocals he has. The high-pitched recognisable tone was amazing. I particularly liked the song “My Eyes Adored You” which started with Frankie and saw Mary Delgado (Frankie’s wife played by Emma Crossley) singing a little before being joined by the rest of the Four Seasons.

Bob Gaudio played by Blair Gibson who writes may of the songs for the band covered the song “December 1963 (Oh What a Night)” exceptionally well.

Tommy Devito (Dalton Wood) and Nick Massi (Christopher Short) made up the rest of The Four Seasons group.

The second act was started by another musical rendition of “Oh What a Night”, definitely a song to get you in the mood.

I enjoyed “I Love you Baby” when the brass instruments were on a higher level on the stage.

This show for me was all about the songs and I could quite happily have listened to many more of their famous tracks. Overall, it is definitely worth seeing if only to be transported back in time.

@sohoplace – until 22 April 2023

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Robinson Jeffers’ intelligent adaptation of Euripides’ tragedy is only 90 minutes long, but never feels rushed in Dominic Cooke’s hands. The production often feels calmer and more meditative than longer versions of the play, with Ben Daniels’ prowling silently around the stage as a symbol of the constant threat to the women from the men of Greece.

The production begins traditionally, with Medea’s nurse (the wonderful Marion Bailey) relating what has happened to cause her mistress such sorrow. After falling in love with the adventurous young Jason and using her knowledge and skills to help him acquire the golden fleece, Medea murdered her brother and manipulated the daughters of Jason’s rival into patricide. Living as exiles in Corinth, the couple have two sons but Jason, seeking power and security, leaves “barbarian” Medea and marries the golden haired daughter of Creon, king of Corinth – “a true Greek marriage”.

The women of Corinth (Jo MInnes, Amy Trigg and Penny Layden – all excellent), watching on helplessly, rise from the audience to speak, surprising those around them and adding to the voyeuristic feel of this stylish production set in the round. Vicki Mortimer’s stark but arresting set consists of curved steps rising from below the stage to an oval yard. Medea doesn’t set foot outside this space, while Ben Daniels moves slowly around the outer limits of the stage. Neil Austin’s lighting design and Gareth Fry’s sound design punctuate the invasion of Medea’s space and mind by each male character, and the screams and sirens offstage as Medea’s vengeful plot is carried out heighten the tension and sense of foreboding as we wait for her final act.

Sophie Okonedo is devasting in the title role. Her Medea is heart-breaking as she begs for time from the men who have wronged her, and when wavering between fury and horror at what she has chosen to do. Once decided, Okonedo’s Medea has an otherworldly calm appearance – as the women talk around her, she stands still and silent. It is impossible to take your eyes off her, and then you notice her eyes – darting about with a wild passion as she listens and observes the people watching and judging her. Okonedo’s Medea is so quick-witted, fierce and funny that it is hard to fathom what she saw in Ben Daniel’s posturing Jason as he mansplains why none of this is his fault. Daniels portrays all the male roles expertly, with slight costume tweaks and a change of accent. His entitled Jason is a wonderfully judged portrayal of the weaknesses of a “strong” man, and he is icy cold as the gruff patrician Creon. The lightness he brings to the stage as the foppish Aegeus is a welcome break from the mounting pressure, until he sows the seeds of her final revenge. None of the speaking characters he portrays are quite as intimidating or as full of the potential for violence as his ever-circling presence onstage – menacingly hypnotic.

The murders take place offstage, with the deaths of Jason’s new bride and her father described in satisfyingly bloody detail, while the sound of Medea killing her sons below the stage will haunt you. There is no escape for Medea on a chariot from the gods here – instead the play ends with her calmly standing tall watching Jason brought low literally and figuratively as he lies weeping (for his sons or his loss of status?) on the wet floor. This passionate and stylish production is another triumph for @sohoplace

CAST AND CREATIVES ANNOUNCED FOR UK TOUR OF

NOËL COWARD’S BRIEF ENCOUNTER,

ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY EMMA RICE

A CO-PRODUCTION BETWEEN NEW WOLSEY THEATRE AND WILTSHIRE CREATIVE

New Wolsey Theatre and Wiltshire Creative,in association with Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, today announce the full cast and creative team for Noël Coward’s Brief Encounter, adapted for the stage by Emma Rice. Chief Executive/Artistic Director of New Wolsey Theatre Douglas Rintoul directs Nicola Bryan (Myrtle Bagot), Hanora Kamen (Laura Jesson), Jammy Kasongo (Dr Alec Harvey), Samuel Morgan-Grahame (Albert Godby), Tom Self (Fred Jesson/Stephen Lynn), Lucy Elizabeth Thorburn (Beryl), Luke Thornton (Stanley) andChioma Uma (Dolly Messiter).

Brief Encounter opens on 4 April at Salisbury Playhouse, with previews from 31 March, and runs until 22 April, before touring to New Wolsey Theatre, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds and finally Northern Stage. The production features lighting design by Jessie Addinall, sound design by James Cook, set and costume design by Jess Curtis, video design by Daniel Denton, casting by Debbie O’Brien, wardrobe supervision by Margaret Lock and choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento, with music direction, orchestration and additional music composed by Tom Self.

Douglas Rintoul said today: “I’ve been itching to direct Emma’s adaptation since I saw the original production. It’s a hugely playful and spirited take on the most romantic love story ever told – Emma’s work is thrilling Event Theatre for today’s audiences, so it was a perfect choice for my first big show at the New Wolsey Theatre. I’m thrilled to be working with Wiltshire Creative again and I’m proud that this Ipswich made production will be seen by audiences across the UK with our brilliant partners.”

A New Wolsey Theatre and Wiltshire Creative Production

in association with Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

BRIEF ENCOUNTER

By Noël Coward

Adapted for the stage by Emma Rice

Cast: Nicola Bryan (Myrtle Bagot), Hanora Kamen (Laura Jesson), Jammy Kasongo (Dr Alec Harvey), Samuel Morgan-Grahame (Albert Godby), Tom Self (Fred Jesson/Stephen Lynn), Lucy Elizabeth Thorburn (Beryl), Luke Thornton (Stanley) andChioma Uma (Dolly Messiter)

Lighting Design by Jessie Addinall; Sound Design by James Cook; Set/Costume Design by Jess Curtis; Video Design by Daniel Denton; Wardrobe Supervision by Margaret Lock;

Casting by Debbie O’Brien; Directed by Douglas Rintoul; Choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento;

with music direction, orchestration and additional music composed by Tom Self.

Salisbury Playhouse: 31 March – 22 April

New Wolsey Theatre: 26 April – 13 May

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre:  16 May – 20 May

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds: 23 May – 27 May

Northern Stage: 31 May – 3 June

A dazzling adaptation of the greatest love story of all time.

When a chance encounter in a train station tearoom kindles a timid, yet passionate, love affair between a married doctor and a suburban housewife, the two are forced to question if it’s worth risking everything for the sake of love. Tender and joyous, this show has all the drama of the original masterpiece with added live music, comedy and spectacle, taking you on a rollercoaster ride through all of love’s beautiful complications.

Brief Encounter is adapted for the stage by award-winning theatre-maker Emma Rice, directed by the New Wolsey Theatre’s new Chief Executive/Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul.

Emma Rice is Artistic Director of Wise Children. She adapted and directed the company’s Bagdad Cafe (The Old Vic), Angela Carter’s Wise Children (The Old Vic/UK tour) and Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers (Bristol Passenger Shed/UK tour). For the ENO she directed Orpheus in the Underworld. As Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe (2016-18), she directed Romantics Anonymous, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Little Matchgirl (and Other Happier Tales). For the previous 20 years, she worked for Kneehigh as an actor, director and Artistic Director. Her productions for Kneehigh include The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, Tristan and Yseult, 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, The Wild Bride, The Red Shoes, The Wooden Frock, The Bacchae, Cymbeline (in association with RSC), A Matter of Life and Death (in association with National Theatre), Rapunzel (in association with Battersea Arts Centre), Brief Encounter (in association with David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers Productions), Don John (in association with the RSC and Bristol Old Vic), Wah! Wah! Girls (in association with Sadler’s Wells and Theatre Royal Stratford East for World Stages), and Steptoe and Son. Other work includes the West End production of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Oedipussy (Spymonkey), The Empress (RSC), An Audience with Meow Meow (Berkeley Repertory Theatre) and Wuthering Heights (National Theatre). In 2019 Rice received the UK Theatre Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre.

Nicola Bryan plays Myrtle Bagot. Her theatre credits include The Osmonds, Our House, Tom The Musical, Sister Act, David Essex’s All The Fun Of The Fair, The Full Monty, Me and The Girls (UK tours), Who To Follow, Our Blue Heaven, Sweet Charity, Dick Whittington, Beauty and The Beast (New Wolsey), Mamma Mia – Movies In The Park (Abu Dhabi), Cinderella (Arts Depot, London), Sweet Charity (Watermill Theatre), Dreamboats and Petticoats (Playhouse Theatre), Fame (Edinburgh Playhouse and UK tour), Beauty and The Beast (Coventry Belgrade), Venetian Masquerade (Millennium Point), Return To The Forbidden Planet (Theatre Royal, Lincoln), Jack and The Beanstalk, West End Girls (Jersey Opera House) and KOBA – Man of Steel (Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham).

Hanora Kamen plays Laura Jesson. Her theatre credits include A Gig for Ghosts (Soho Theatre with 45 North), The Ballad of Maria Marten (Eastern Angles), Five Children and It (Theatre Royal Bath), Winners, Riot, 1972: The Future of Sex, Education,  Education, Education, The Wind in the Willows, Eloise and the Curse of the Golden Whisk, Edgar and      the Land of the Lost (The Wardrobe Ensemble), Pippi Longstocking (Royal and Derngate), Rebellion Playground, The Snow Beast, Great Train Robbery, Nel, A Fool’s Proof (Scratchworks Theatre Company), and Chloe and the Colour Catcher (Theatre Ad Infinitum/Bristol Old Vic). Her television credits include The Undeclared War and Breadline.

Jammy Kasongo plays Dr Alec Harvey. His theatre credits include Cassette (Parkhouse Pictures), Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre), Hair (The Vaults), Grand Hotel (Southwark Playhouse) and Superior Donuts (Capitol Stage Sacramento CA).

Samuel Morgan-Grahame plays Albert Godby. His theatre credits include 101 Dalmatians (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Amelie (West End/UK tour/The Watermill Theatre), Sweet Charity (The Watermill Theatre), Sister Act (UK tour), Titus Andronicus, The Taming of the Shrew (New Wimbledon Theatre), Grim (Charing Cross Theatre), Just So (Bridewell Theatre), Cool Rider Live (Lyric Theatre), and Island Song (St James Theatre).

Tom Self plays Fred Jesson/Stephen Lynn. He is an actor and Musical Director. His acting theatre credits include The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾, Robin Hood, Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch), Ordinary People (Parkwood Theatres), Camelot, Sweet Charity (The Watermill Theatre), Barefoot in the Park (Pitlochry Festival Theatre), Noël Coward’s: Me and The Girls (UK tour), Salad Days (Theatre Royal Bath/Union Theatre). As Musical Director, his credits include The Hired Man (Hull Truck, Oldham Coliseum and Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch), Murder for Two (The Watermill Theatre/UK tour/The Other Palace), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch), Salad Days (Theatre Royal Bath/Union Theatre), and Aladdin, Peter Pan, Beauty and The Beast (Malvern Theatre). 

Lucy Elizabeth Thorburn plays Beryl. Her theatre credits include Jack and the Beanstalk (Corn Exchange Newbury), Kinky Boots (New Wolsey Theatre/Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch), SMOOSH! (Paraorchestra) and Jekyll and Hyde (National Theatre).

Luke Thornton plays Stanley. His theatre credits include Goldilocks and the Three Bears (New Wolsey Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Scoot Theatre/UK tour), The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾: The Musical, Love Letters (Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch), Weapons of the Weak (The Other Palace), The Crucible (Pitlochry Festival Theatre), Midnight (Union Theatre), Summer Holiday (Octagon Theatre Bolton/Pitlochry Festival Theatre), Beauty and the Beast, The Panto That Nearly Never Was, Jack and the Beanstalk, Dick Whittington, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin (Theatr Clwyd), A Night at the Musicals (Congress Theatre), Footloose (UK tour), Dusty (Charing Cross Theatre), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium/Sunderland Empire) and The Cunning Little Vixen (Queen Elizabeth Hall).

Chioma Uma plays Dolly Messiter. Her Theatre credits include Cinderella the Rockin’ Panto! (New Wolsey Theatre/ArtsDepot), Kiss Me Kate, Camelot, Othello (The Watermill Theatre), Doctor Who: Time Fracture (Davies Mewes), Dirty Dancing (Secret Cinema), Robin Hood and The Panto That Nearly Never Was (Theatr Clwyd).

Douglas Rintoul directs. He is an award-winning theatre-maker and cultural leader. He was born in Suffolk, grew up in Essex, read Drama and Theatre Arts at The University of Birmingham and was awarded a bursary on the Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme to Salisbury Playhouse where he trained as a director. He is the Chief Executive/Artistic Director of the New Wolsey Theatre, was the Artistic Director of Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch (2015 – 2022), founder of the national touring theatre company Transport (2010 – 2017), and an associate of Complicité (2004 – 2010).

LISTINGS

BRIEF ENCOUNTER

Salisbury Playhouse, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, SP2 7RA

31 March – 22 April

Box office: 01722 320 333 / https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on/main-house/brief-encounter/

New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich IP1 2AS

26 April – 13 May

Box Office: 01473 295900 / https://www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/shows/brief-encounter/

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Millbrook, Guildford GU1 3UX

16 May – 20 May

Box office: 01483 440000 / https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/brief-encounter/ 

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QR

23 May – 27 May

Box Office: 01284 769505 / https://theatreroyal.org/shows/noel-cowards-brief-encounter/

Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RH

31 May – 3 June 

Box Office: 0191 230 5151 / https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/brief-encounter/

Olivier Awards with Mastercard 2023 announce recipients of Special Award and Lifetime Achievement Award

Two individuals have been honoured in the ‘Special Awards’ category of the Olivier Awards with Mastercard 2023, recognising their outstanding contributions to the theatre industry.

Dame Arlene Phillips has been awarded this year’s ‘Special Award’.

Arlene is a world-renowned choreographer and theatre director, honoured as a DBE for her services to dance and charity for over 45 years. Previously nominated for two Olivier Awards in the ‘Best Theatre Choreographer’ category, she is recognised for her considerable involvement with shows such asStarlight Express, Grease and Saturday Night Fever.

Arlene has also choreographed for high profile music videos (Whitney Houston, Elton John, Queen) and films (Annie, Ridley Scott’s Legend, Monty Python). She has been widely celebrated for her work on television, including her time as a judge on talent competitions Strictly Come Dancing, and So You Think You Can Dance, and as an events choreographer (BRIT Awards, The Royal Variety Show, Children in Need).

Sir Derek Jacobi receives this year’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his remarkable 60-year career on stage and screen.

Derek has garnered critical acclaim over his distinguished career and been the recipient of numerous accolades, including two Olivier Awards (Cyrano de Bergerac and Twelfth Night). He is also one of the founding members of the National Theatre, enlisted by Laurence Olivier himself.In 1994, Derek was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to theatre.

His lengthy career has known no bounds, from his famous affiliation with Shakespeare both in film and theatre (Hamlet, Romeo And Juliet, King Lear), to his notable roles on the small screen (Last Tango In Halifax, The Crown, Vicious). His other noteworthy cinema appearances include Gladiator, The Kings Speech and Murder On The Orient Express.

Claire Walker and Hannah Essex, co-CEOs of Society of London Theatre said:

“We would like to offer an enormous congratulations to the two recipients of the Special Awards – Dame Arlene Phillips, for her inspiring work in dance and choreography, and Sir Derek Jacobi, for his incredible, life-long service to the theatre as an actor.”

“This year’s honourees have inspired generations with their work, and it is a privilege to be able to publicly recognise them in this year’s awards.”

The Olivier Awards will take place on Sunday 2 April at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Hannah Waddingham.

The full list of nominees will be announced on February 28 at 2PM. Find the nomination announcement here: www.youtube.com/officiallondontheatre

#OlivierAwards