Reviewed by Carly Burlinge and daughter Brooke Burlinge aged 14
4.5 ****
Windsor brings you the musical Heathers- based on the 1988 cult hit starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater that we all know and love. You’re welcomed to Westerberg High where Veronica Sawyer (Jenna Innes) is just another girl trying to survive high school. Then there are theHeathers, Heather Chandler (Verity Thompson), Heather Duke (Elise Zavou) and Heather Mcnamara (Billie Bowman) who float above them all, are beautiful, popular and everyone wants something to do with them. On the downside, they are brutal, fierce, nasty, spiteful and won’t stop at anything to get what they want. When Veronica uses her forgery to get the Heathers out of trouble, they decide to take her under their wing as they feel she could be beautiful and beneficial to their group. Therefore, creating the new and popular Veronica where things become much easier for her but at what price? When the mysterious rebel, JD (Jacob Fowler) turns up, he catches Veronica’s eye yet hidden beneath is a darkness that she knows nothing about…
Jenna Innes played her part as Veronica extraordinarily well providing exquisite vocal skills that had the audience captivated. I especially loved her in, ‘Fight for me’ and ‘Dead Girl Walking’, pure brilliance.
Verity Thompson as Heather Chandler executed her role with much confidence as the leader of Heathers, her rudeness and cruelty was played well and on point, also offering great ability and technique within her song, ‘The Me Inside of Me’.
Jacob Fowler as JD provided a very distinctive role that came across very sinister and eerie as the show began to unfold. He showed a great connection with Veronica making their chemistry more believable which we see in ‘Seventeen’. Along with solos such as, ‘Freeze your brain’ which was remarkable to watch.
The stage was simple and compact yet effective with parts of the set being pulled out to produce a completely new setting. Small props were used to create an impact to the scenes.
Through the use of costumes, you can clearly tell what cliques’ people are in and whether they are popular or not.
Heathers was a truly captivating production to watch while offering a compelling storyline with many intriguing plot twists added in. The show manages to balance various dark themes with humour throughout. It also really puts forward the message that love can be a powerful yet murderous thing.
It was lovely and personal visiting Windsor Theatre with the director coming up on stage at the beginning to say it was a privilege to be at this gorgeous, historical area for the first time. He emphasised this with great emotion, making us all smile and laugh, it was a nice touch.
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 18 February 2023
Reviewed by Gemma Gibson
4****
It’s o-fish-ial – Fisherman’s Friends The Musical has finally docked at Southampton Mayflower. An energetic, wholesome tale of love, community and the magic of the sea shanty.
Fisherman’s Friends is Cornwall’s answer to a famous ‘bouy band’ – a group of seafarers that bring historic sailor chants and song to the mainstream. Their irresistible story has been on the big screen since 2019 and has finally made it to the stage.
The story revolves around Jim, fisherman and unofficial leader of the musical group, played by James Gaddas, and his relationship with hometown Port Issac, his bandmates, daughter Alywyn (Parisa Shahmir) and parents Jago (Robert Duncan) and Maggie (in the 14 February production, played by Janet Mooney).
When washed up music manager Danny, played exquisitely by Jason Langley, stumbles on to the scene and catches the acapella group in action, he is at first bewildered, then starstruck. It becomes his mission to record a demo and get Fisherman’s Friends the recognition they deserve. A slot at Glastonbury even.
It’s a storyline we’re used to – London underdog finds the answer to his problems through a community that captures his heart – but it’s done so refreshingly well.
And, of course, it’s the wonderful music that makes this production a stand out and two hours of toe-tapping fun.
After watching Fisherman’s Friends, I can confidently say you have not heard a sea shanty until you have heard it live. Watching the group in a semicircle belting their beloved chants on sailing, love, and the sea, complete with rhythmic stomps, claps and cheers, you are transported to their world.
The power and soul of hearing the group’s catalogue of sea shanties live, you can feel the ancestors, the history, the emotion, and the magic that these Cornish seafarers are so protective and passionate about. Little Liz I Love You was a personal favourite.
With minimalist and casual set and costume, stripping away the normal musical ‘razzle-dazzle’, Fisherman’s Friends is clever and sensitive in how it transports sea shanties and their candid nature to the stage.
I thought incorporating the band into the Port Issac world was just genius. Watching the musicians perform their upbeat tunes while immersed in the storyline and expertly executed choreography really hammered the sense of community home.
Shahmir stole the show with her fiery personality and powerful voice to match. Her rendition of Village by the Sea was enchanting.
The somewhat simple storyline is aided by emotional sub plots that allow the story to swim along nicely, in doing so further depending our connection with the Fisherman’s Friends community and characters.
In a large and charismatic cast, this also brought important characters to the spotlight including new father and pub owner Rowan (Dan Buckley) and the talented and hilarious Leadville (Pete Gallagher).
Opening night at The Mayflower ended with a very deserved standing ovation. Fisherman’s Friends will make you laugh, cry and try to sing along. It had us hooked.
Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce new casting for the critically acclaimed new production of LES MISÉRABLES at the Sondheim Theatre from Monday 27 March 2023.
Joining the company from 27 March 2023 will be JoshPiterman as Jean Valjean, Stewart Clarke as Javert, Lucie Jones as Fantine, Claire Machin as Madame Thénardier and Harry Chandler as Enjolras. They join Gerard Carey as Thénardier, Robert Tripolino as Marius, Nathania Ong as Éponine, Lulu-Mae Pears as Cosette.
From 28 February to 25 March 2023 Dean Chisnall will return to London to play the role of Jean Valjean for a strictly limited season, following the completion of the LES MISÉRABLES UK and Ireland tour.
The company is completed by Hazel Baldwin, Brad Barnley, Emma Barr, Will Barratt, Cameron Burt, Natalie Chua, Matthew Dale, Matt Dempsey, Bryony Duncan, Louis Emmanuel, Sophie-May Feek, Melad Hamidi, Harry Jack, Christopher Jacobsen, Will Jennings, Benjamin Karran, Yazmin King, Bart Lambert, Sarah Lark, Adam Robert Lewis, Georgie Lovatt, Ellie Ann Lowe, Donald Craig Manuel, Jodie Nolan, Sam Peggs, Jo Stephenson, Phoebe Williams and Ollie Wray.
Josh Piterman is an established Australian musical theatre performer and classical crossover artist, who made his West End debut in 2019 as The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre. He is currently reprising the role at the Arts Centre in Melbourne, having recently played the Sydney Opera House to critical acclaim with a “star performance” (Australian Arts Review) described as “nothing short of perfection” (Broadway World). Josh’s musical theatre credits include Tony in West Side Story, Jamie in The Last Five Years, Edward in Blood Brothers and Gerry Goffin in Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, all in his native Australia. He also played Bustopher Jones/Gus/Growltiger in the Australian 2016 season of Cats, a role for which he won the Green Room Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. Josh’s UK theatre credits include playing Corny Collins in the UK Tour of Hairspray.
Stewart Clarke most recently appeared in Mandela at the Young Vic. His previous credits include the role of Ersnt Ludwig in the original cast of the multi-award-winning Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Be More Chill at The Other Palace, Fiddler on the Roof at the Playhouse Theatre for which he received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, and Loserville at the Garrick Theatre. He also appeared in Assassins at the Menier Chocolate Factory and The Rink at the Southwark Playhouse.
Lucie Jones returns to the role of Fantine following her recent WhatsOnStage award winning appearance as Elphaba in Wicked at the Victoria Apollo. Her London theatre credits include Jenna in Waitress, also on tour, Fantine in the Les Misérables Staged Concert and Cosette in the original production of Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre, Victoria in American Psycho at the Almeida and Maureen in RENT at The Other Palace. Her other credits include Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at Leicester Curve, on UK Tour and at the South Korea Opera House, Molly in the International tour of Ghost, Meatloaf in the International Arena tour of We Will Rock You and Holly in the UK tour of The Wedding Singer.
Claire Machin was recently seen as Mrs Brill in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre. Her previous theatre credits include her Olivier-nominated performance as Cora in Girls the Musical at Phoenix Theatre, Gladys in the original London cast of Memphis at the Shaftesbury Theatre, for which she was nominated for a WhatsOnStage award, Claire in Amour at the Charing Cross Theatre, Violet Butterfield in Flowers for Mrs. Harris at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Alice Beane in Titanic (UK Tour), Barbara Castle in Made in Dagenham at the Queens Theatre Hornchurch, Mabel in The Pajama Game at the Chichester Festival Theatre and Shaftesbury Theatre, Mrs. Metcalf in Betty Blue Eyes at the Novello Theatre, and Widow Corney in Oliver! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and on tour.
Les Misérables marks Harry Chandler’s West End debut, having recently played Feuilly in the UK and Ireland tour of the production.
Dean Chisnall most recently played the role of Jean Valjean in the UK and Ireland tour of Les Misérables, having also closed the original production of Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre and appeared in the West End Staged Concert version of the show. His previous theatre credits include George Mole in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole at the Menier Chocolate Factory, the Narrator in Blood Brothers (UK tour), Working at Southwark Playhouse, Shrek in Shrek The Musical at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and National Tour, Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre, La Cage aux Folles at the Playhouse, Never Forget at the Savoy and on tour, Evita at the Adelphi Theatre and The Woman in White at the Palace Theatre.
Since Cameron Mackintosh first conceived this acclaimed new production of LES MISÉRABLES in 2009, to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary, it has taken the world by storm. The UK and Ireland tour recently concluded its acclaimed run and the record-breaking tour of North America relaunched in 2022. A new tour of The Netherlands and Belgium opens in March this year at the Royal Theater Carré in Amsterdam.
Boublil and Schönberg’s magnificent iconic score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs, I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing?, One Day More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Master Of The House and many more. Several of its songs have become real life anthems of revolution wherever in the world people are fighting for their freedom. Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 53 countries and in 22 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular and contemporary musicals.
Cameron Mackintosh’s production of LES MISÉRABLES is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Orchestrations are by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke and Stephen Brooker with original orchestrations by John Cameron. The production is directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, projections realised by Finn Ross & Fifty Nine Productions, musical staging by Geoffrey Garratt, and music supervision by Stephen Brooker and Alfonso Casado Trigo.
DAVID IAN FOR CROSSROADS LIVE AND WORK LIGHT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
THE REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE PRODUCTION OF
THE AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTION OF THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
TO TOUR THE UK IN 2023/2024
“A gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical.”
– The Guardian
“Hallelujah! An almighty revelation.”
– The Daily Telegraph
Following several acclaimed and sold-out runs in London as well as an extensive tour of North America, the Olivier Award-winning reimagined production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s celebrated musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTARwill embark on a UK tour in 2023/2024.
Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew LloydWebber, this production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where it originated and is helmed by director TimothySheader and choreographer Drew McOnie. Completing the creative team is design by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Nick Lidster and music supervision by Tom Deering.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTARis set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.
Producer David Ian said: “I am thrilled to be taking this award-winning production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s much loved musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR on tour in 2023/2024. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has created a fresh and bold new version of a beloved classic which will enthrall both longtime fans of the show and delight those seeing it for the very first time”.
This production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version during the summer of 2020.
The 2023-2024 UK Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is produced by David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions. The original production was produced by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
The Play That Goes Wrong, the Olivier Award-winning smash hit, today announces a brand new cast at the Duchess Theatre from Tuesday 4th April 2023 as well as a new booking period until 28 April 2024.
The new cast – the majority making their West End Day-Boos – will include Rolan Bell as Robert, Daniel Cech-Lucas as Chris, Luke Dayhill as Jonathan, Lucy Doyle as Sandra, Gavin Dunn as Trevor, Iona Fraser as Annie, Keith Ramsay as Dennis, and Ross Virgo as Max. The company is completed by Harry Bradley, Elliot Goodhill, Rosie Meek, Hisham Abdel Razek, and Tommi Vicky.
The Play That Goes Wrong is the longest running play at The Duchess Theatre (since the theatre opened in 1929), and is the longest running comedy in the West End – now crashing through its 9th chaotic year. Last month Mischief celebrated 3000 performances of The Play That Goes Wrong at the West End’s Duchess Theatre.
Awarded the 2014 WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Comedy, the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and a Tony Award for the Broadway transfer, The Play That Goes Wrong continues to delight audiences in the West End and around the world. The show’s success is a testament to the hard work and determination of a group of drama school graduates who became friends, set up a company under the name ‘Mischief’ and created an extraordinary body of work. The Play That Goes Wrong shows no signs of slowing down since its first performance at The Old Red Lion 10 years ago with only four paying customers. Since then, it has played to an audience of over two million and now has productions in over 30 countries.
The Play That Goes Wrong is co-written by Mischief company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields and is directed by Mark Bell, with set designs by Nigel Hook, costumes by Roberto Surace, lighting by Ric Mountjoy, original music by Rob Falconer, sound design by Andy Johnson, the associate director is Sean Turner and the resident director is Amy Milburn. The Play That Goes Wrong is produced in the West End by Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – until 18 February 2023
Reviewed by Susan Portman
5*****
Written at the end of the Second World War and set before the First, An Inspector Calls is a compelling and haunting thriller. The story begins when Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home. Their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives and challenge us all to examine our consciences. More relevant now than ever, this is a must-see for a whole new generation.
Since 1992, Stephen Daldry’s production of An Inspector Calls has won a total of 19 major awards, including four Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards, and has played to more than 5 million theater goers worldwide. An Inspector Calls is the most internationally lauded production in the National Theatre’s history
I attended this show on St. Valentine’s Day. Not for me the scent of flowers then, more the whiff of suspicion and guilt in this dark and thought-provoking play. In essence the story is about a police Inspector who appears one night and calls suddenly upon the well-heeled Birling family to ask questions about the suicide of a young girl called Eva Smith. It transpires that this family all knew her, and all played a part in making decisions that affected her life but they are in denial that they could in any way be responsible for her death.
However, as Inspector Goole (played by Liam Brennan) questions each person, they are compelled to accept (individually and to a degree collectively) that Eva’s death could be inextricably linked with them and the Inspector astutely exposes truths about the family that they have hidden from one another. The skeletons fall one by one from the family cupboards. Just as each member of the family displays outward disgust and accuses one another, so the Inspector turns the spotlight on them individually, and the more they try to distance themselves from their possible role in Eva’s death, the more the inspector pushes them to accept some responsibility. The family display classic raw human emotions such as anger, denial and eventually acceptance as the convivial and civilized beginning to the family’s evening descends into a combustible, finger-pointing train wreck.
There’s no escape. The inspector is just too clever (how does he know so much about them?) and will find them all out in turn. But hold on – there’s a beastly Priestly twist. Just after the Inspector departed leaving the Birling’s world in chaos, one of the group (Gerald Croft, who is not a Birling but the fiancée of Sheila Birling) ascertains from a local policeman that there is no Inspector Goole, he doesn’t exist. The relieved parents think that all is fine again, and they can carry on with life as before, but the younger Birlings examine their consciences and regardless of whether or not the Inspector is genuine, know that their lives will never be the same again.
As they reflect on the evening’s events there’s a collective feeling of ‘did that really just happen?’ The inspector had disappeared as quickly as he arrived, and they begin to think about putting this behind them. It isn’t over yet…
The silence is shattered by the sound of the telephone ringing – and it is a call from the local police station saying that there has just been a suicide, that they are taking a local girl into the infirmary after she swallowed disinfectant – and that an inspector is coming round to ask them some questions!
Goodness gracious me – let’s pause for a moment.
As for my experience tonight, I don’t want to begin with the characters, but the actual stage set. After a two-hour struggle to get to the venue (thanks to HS2 work) I took my seat with a couple of minutes to go until curtain up. When it rose, it revealed a quite astonishing scene, difficult to describe. It wasn’t the typical ‘Inspector’ scene from an Edwardian drawing room but (and I quote from the programme) a sort of ‘fairy tale house, which sagged slightly on stilts as if in a surrealist dream.’ The spiral staircase wound down to a bleak cobbled street below. The back-light was a night sky and there was a small house with a light on in the distance and a big street light, both of which looked bleak through the fog.
Then something amazing happened. As children scrabbled around the cobbles on the stage it actually began to rain. In fact it poured. From where I was sitting I have no idea how they created this onstage but I have never witnessed this before. As the saying goes I was literally ‘gob smacked’ with this effect and the whole construction of the set. This, alongside the excellent acoustics and the unique surroundings of the Waterside Theatre itself, combined to trick my brain into forgetting that I was in a seat in a building, but that I was right there, in the scene. It was exhilarating.
What then of the actors?
Inspector Goole was played by Liam Brennon who has, made plenty of TV appearances. I quickly warmed to him as he revealed the inspector’s character in a polished, professional and believable manner. Slim and angular, he filled the stage with his presence at times, as he looked out towards the audience asking us indirectly (in character) what role we might play in other people’s lives. I can see exactly why he got the part. I could not choose one favourite character in this play – they were all first-class. These are professional actors that amateur dramatists can happily aspire to. Their timing, delivery and body language was spot on. The sum was greater than its parts and the message of the play was clear – we are what we think, and say and do.
As I say, all of the main cast were terrific. Unsurprising then that several have made TV appearances. Jeffrey Harmer (Arthur Birling), Christine Kavanagh (Sybil Birling), Chloe Orrock (Sheila Birling), George Rowlands (Eric Birling), Simon Cotton (Gerald Croft and Frances Campbell (Edna) were never ‘working at it’ to deliver their lines, and there was a natural chemistry between them all. There were nonspeaking parts for supernumeraries also, including a young lad (Oscar Batham) who had a sweet if brief interaction with the inspector. One of the main cast members also had a non-speaking part and this should not be underestimated. When you don’t speak on stage, the audience focuses even more on every expression and movement and Frances Campbell, playing the old maid Edna was tremendous. The audience warmed to her immediately. She was a forceful, yet silent presence on stage. Sometimes up front peering out into the audience, and at other times almost anonymous in the background, as she quietly observed the thin veneer of an outwardly civilised Birling family began to peel away, minute by painful minute around her.
Just as Charles Dickens asked us to examine our consciences when he wrote about greed and avarice in ‘A Christmas Carol’ so J B Priestly did with ‘An Inspector Calls.’
Who was this Inspector Goole character? A devil? An angel? He put me in mind of ‘Clarence’ the angel from ‘It’s a Wonderful life’ who was sent to earth to warn us that our actions affect others, our part in the play of life is important and we are responsible and accountable for what we do. If we had our time again, would we do certain things differently? Do we learn from our mistakes or perpetuate them?
The parting line from Inspector Goole (delivered masterfully by Brennan facing the audience) was one where he asserts that mankind must change and if it doesn’t then man will be taught in fire and blood and anguish. Was Priestly referring to the horrors of the World Wars, or something even sinister such as hell? Either way, I came away from the Waterside Theatre in a sombre and reflective mood, which meant that the play had done its job. Please go and see it whilst you can – and contemplate the powerful message that it delivers.
Anthology Theatre Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Patrick Gracey, and David Wolstencroft
present The Watermill Theatre Production of
BLEAK EXPECTATIONS
By Mark Evans
Directed by Caroline Leslie
WEST END DEBUT SEASON ANNOUNCED FOR MARK EVANS’ HILARIOUS AND HIGH-OCTANE DICKENS MASH-UP
EACH WEEK A SPECIAL GUEST STAR WILL TAKE ON THE ROLE OF NARRATOR, SIR PHILIP BIN, IN CAROLINE LESLIE’S RIOTOUS PRODUCTION
NAMES CONFIRMED SO FAR INCLUDE TOM ALLEN, ADJOA ANDOH, ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG, JO BRAND, JACK DEE, STEPHEN FRY, NISH KUMAR, LEE MACK, STEPHEN MANGAN, BEN MILLER AND SUE PERKINS
ADAPTED FROM THE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL AND AWARD-WINNING RADIO COMEDY, BLEAK EXPECTATIONS TRANSFERS DIRECTLY FROM ITS RUN AT THE THE WATERMILL THEATRE IN 2022. BLEAK EXPECTATIONS PROMISES TO BE THE SILLIEST SHOW IN TOWN – BY FAR
PREVIEWS BEGIN ON 3 MAY WITH A PRESS NIGHT ON 18 MAY AT THE CRITERION THEATRE
Producers today have announced that Caroline Leslie’s irresistible production of Mark Evans’ glorious comedy mash-up Bleak Expectations will open in preview at the Criterion Theatre from 3 May. The production will have a press night on 18 May and performances will run until 3 September. This stage adaptation of the award-winning BBC Radio 4 comedy of the same name, will feature each week a very special guest star in the role of Sir Philip (“Pip”) Bin.
Among those confirmed so far to make an appearance are: Tom Allen, Adjoa Andoh, Alexander Armstrong, Jo Brand, Jack Dee, Stephen Fry, Nish Kumar, Lee Mack, Stephen Mangan, Ben Miller and Sue Perkins.
Adjoa Andoh said: “I was excessively fond of this presentation on the wireless and cannot wait to glory in the misadventures of Pip Bin Esquire and his hapless band of acolytes. Bridgerton/Smidgerton – here is the pony for this game dame…”
Jo Brand said: “Bleak Expectations is the motto by which I have always lived my life, so delighted I can continue to live the dream.”
Jack Dee said: “I’m appearing as The Ghost of Comics Past”.
Stephen Fry said: “I’m so excited about this coming gig that I simply can’t keep any solid food down. Sounds a bit grim, but I only throw up for really prestige projects. I heaved slightly before my last appearance on the Graham Norton Show, and pacing nervously backstage at the Platinum Jubilee Party at the Palace last year I regurgitated as much as a full serving of Rice Krispies. But this Bleak Expectations guest slot already has me spewing colossal arcs of sick every morning. A really good sign.”
Nish Kumar said: “ I am as excited to do whatever this is as any human being has ever been about doing anything in the entire human species.”
Ben Miller said: “Few things, I contend, may afford an actor such pleasure as joining the cast of Bleak Expectations for a glorious week of their knicker-wettingly funny Criterion run.”
A full schedule of dates for these appearances will be released at a later date.
Bleak Expectations follows young Pip’s extraordinary exploits with sisters Pippa and Poppy plus best friend Harry Biscuit as they attempt to escape the calculating clutches of the dastardly Mr Gently Benevolent, defeat the hideous Hardthrasher siblings, and deflect disaster at every turn!
Will evil be vanquished by virtue? Can love triumph over hate? Escape with this joyfully anarchic comedy featuring barbarous boarding schools, contemptible conspiracies, roaring romances, devilish disguises, and definitely, probably, hopefully, a happy ending!
Full casting for the production will be announced soon. And tickets to the run are on sale now, starting at £15 with over 16,000 tickets available across the run at £30 or under.
Ahead of the productions first performance this week at Bromley, producer Josh Andrews has today announced that Katie McGlynn, will be joining the lead cast for the UK tour of Peter James’ Wish You Were Dead, from May this year. Katie, best known for her seven-year starring role as Sinead Tinker in Coronation Street (for which she won a National Television Award), as well as Waterloo Road, Hollyoaks and the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing – will be taking over the role of Cleo Morey from Giovanna Fletcher, who will be performing the role on tour from February 16th through to April 29th. Tickets for all tour venues are on sale now from PeterJames.com.
Katie will be making her professional stage play debut in this World Premiere production of Wish You Were Dead, playing the role of Cleo Morey from 2nd May at the Leeds Grand Theatre, and then performing at top theatres across the UK until the tour concludes on 29 July at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre.
Katie will join other star cast members, George Rainsford (Casualty, Holby City, Call The Midwife) as DSI Roy Grace and Clive Mantle (Game of Thrones, The Vicar of Dibley, Sherlock, Casualty) as Curtis. Other cast include Rebecca McKinnis, Callum Sheridan-Lee, Alex Stedman and Gemma Stroyan and Leon Stewart will reprise his role as DS Glenn Branson, having previously starred in another Peter James stage adaptation, Looking Good Dead. The understudies are Lizzie Grace, Jayda Kariuki and Christopher Killik
Katie McGlynn said: “I can’t think of a better way to make my stage play debut than with this brilliant and thrilling Peter James masterpiece and am so excited to be performing alongside such an incredibly talented cast. I’m really looking forward to visiting theatres all over the country, witnessing the audience reaction to the many twists, turns and edge-of-your-seat moments in the show.”
Wish You Were Dead follows five successful stage plays and the critically acclaimed smash-hit primetime ITV series ‘Grace’, which are all based on the best-selling novels by the UK’s number one crime author Peter James. This will be the sixth stage adaptation of James’ novels – making it the most successful crime thriller stage franchise since Agatha Christie.
The stage play of Wish You Were Dead follows DSI Roy Grace and Cleo Morey as they take a much-needed holiday together. They are hoping for a few days away from their dark worlds of murder and the mortuary. But their dream escape turns out to be the holiday from hell, as the past comes back to haunt them.
Produced by Josh Andrews and Peter James and adapted by award winning writer Shaun McKenna, who has adapted the five previous Peter James plays, the production will also reunite the creative team from Looking Good Dead, with Jonathan O’Boyle directing, Design by Michael Holt, Lighting by Jason Taylor and Sound by Max Pappenheim.
Previous Peter James novels brought to the stage include: ‘Looking Good Dead’ which premiered last year starring Adam Woodyatt and Gaynor Faye; ‘The House on Cold Hill’ starring Joe McFadden and Rita Simons in 2019; ‘Not Dead Enough’ starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore in 2017; ‘Dead Simple’ starring Tina Hobley in 2015 and ‘The Perfect Murder’ starring Les Dennis and Claire Goose in 2014.
The gripping television series ‘Grace’ was an immediate success with audiences when it launched on ITV in 2021, with almost nine million viewers tuning in to watch the primetime drama starring John Simm as DSI Roy Grace. Series two returned to TV screens last year, with five more thrilling episodes being the most watched programme across all channels on each of the Sundays they were broadcast. A third series returns to ITV later this year.
Peter James is a number one bestselling author of crime and thriller novels and the creator of the much loved Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. He has topped the Sunday Times bestseller list 19 times and has achieved global book sales of over 21 million copies which have been translated into 37 languages. Synonymous with plot twisting page turners, he has garnered an army of loyal fans throughout his storytelling career which also included writing for TV and producing films. He has won over 40 awards for his work, including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award, Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger and a BAFTA nomination for The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons, which he also executive produced.
‘Wish You Were Dead’ – UK Tour 2023
16 – 18 February Bromley: Churchill Theatre
20 – 25 February Norwich: Theatre Royal
28 February – 4 March Nottingham: Theatre Royal
6 March – 11 March Cambridge: Arts Theatre
13 March – 18 March Newcastle: Theatre Royal
20 March – 25 March Brighton: Theatre Royal
28 March – 1 April Glasgow: Theatre Royal
3 – 8 April Edinburgh: Festival Theatre
18 – 22 April Richmond: Richmond Theatre
25 April – 29 April Milton Keynes: Milton Theatre
2 – 6 May Leeds: Grand Theatre
8 – 13 May Shrewsbury: Severn Theatre
16 – 20 May Cardiff: New Theatre
23 – 27 May Salford: The Lowry
30 May – 3 June Dartford: Orchard Theatre
6 – 10 June Southampton: Mayflower Theatre
12 – 17 June Malvern: Malvern Theatre
19 – 24 June Birmingham: Alexandra Theatre
27 June – 1 July Sheffield: Lyceum Theatre
3 – 8 July Southend: Palace Theatre
10 – 15 July Worthing: Connaught Theatre
18 – 22 July Leicester: Curve Theatre
25 – 29 July Woking: New Victoria Theatre
* Giovanna Fletcher will perform up to and including Milton Keynes, and Katie McGlynn will perform from Leeds onwards
Richmond brings you the adapted version of Pride and Prejudice, winning the Olivier Award for best comedy and I can totally see why! Originally from Jane Austen’s well known love story. It’s the 1800 ‘s where much matchmaking seems to be apparent, whilst partying seems to be the attraction and throw in some karaoke and humour and you end up with a fantastic production that is well worth a watch an all-round great evening out.
I love how it was done from a different perspective but yet stays faithful to the book, with some modern language and great comedic timing throughout.
Each and every cast member although only being a total of five, were just fascinating and spectacular to watch. They had an exceptionally great connection on stage together that worked tremendously well. From so much comedy to singing and switching characters at a fast pace. Again, this was done at speed and with skill. The simple outfits used, defined their roles clearly so that there was no mix up between characters. All this whilst continually getting the full attention from the audience, who from start to finish laughed beyond control. What an awesome atmosphere to be a part of, as well as a standing ovation at the end and well deserved it was.
The set consisted of a sweeping staircase along with many props which were used effectively creating a chaotic manor with so much wit its defiantly worth a watch.
I can assure you this production will not let you down but will still have you in laughter once you’ve walked out of the theatre doors!!!
COMEDY ROMP WITH HELEN LEDERER AND MICHAEL STARKE OPENS IN MAY
WITH A HEART AS BIG AS THE LAUGHS IT BRINGS. IT’S THE BEES’ KNEES!
With Spring just around the corner John Stalker for BIRDS&BEES LTD announces a UK tour of hilarious comedy The Birds and the Bees, Starring Helen Lederer and Michael Starke which will open at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford on 10 May 2023.
On Sarah’s East Anglian farm, the honeybees are dropping like flies – just like her love life. She hasn’t slept with anyone since her husband bolted years ago. Her daughter’s marriage is going bust just like her turkey farm. Neighbour Earl is fighting a losing battle with his sugar beet yield and his ‘no strings’ relationships. Can bio-student Ben perk up the pollinators and give the turkeys a helping hand? Perhaps all they need is some local mead and the annual Turkey Day’s Dance to help them discover that the best way out of a crisis is to commit to those closest to you. Just don’t get stung!
“Sweet as honey” The Times
“A razor sharp, steamy and sexually charged new comedy” What’s On Stage
The smash-hit Canadian comedy written by Mark Crawford has been reimagined for a UK audience, relocating the play from modern-day Canada to Norfolk with additional material by James McDermott . Following a short critically acclaimed UK premiere in 2022, it will now visit Guildford, Southend, Malvern, Norwich, Richmond, Milton Keynes, Glasgow, Swansea, Cheltenham, Barnstaple, Blackpool, Birmingham, Bromley and Darlington with additional dates to be announced.
Helen Lederer is best known for her role as the dippy ‘Catriona’ in ‘Absolutely Fabulous’. Helen was part of a group of early 1980’s comedians, including Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, the late Rik Mayall and Ben Elton who made their names at London’s Comedy Store and continues to perform her on stand up to this day.
Her vast appearances on TV include ‘The Young Ones’, ‘French and Saunders’, ‘Happy Families’, ‘One Foot in the Grave’, ‘Bottom’, ‘Love Soup’ and ‘Miss Marple’ among many more. A comedy writer with an extensive portfolio, Helen is a regular panellist on radio on shows such as ‘The News Quiz’, ‘Just a Minute’, ‘Quote…Unquote’, ‘A Good Read’, ‘Open Book’ and ‘Woman’s Hour’ as well as a prolific columnist. Theatre work includes ‘Educating Rita’, and Alan Bleasdale’s ‘Having a Ball’. She has been in ‘The Vagina Monologues’, ‘Calendar Girls’, and ‘The Killing of Sister George’, in London’s West End.
Michael Starke remains universally known and loved for creating the role of Thomas ‘Sinbad’ Sweeney in Channel 4’s Brookside, a loveable rogue role he was to play for sixteen years. Michael’s countless further TV appearances include ITV’s ‘The Royal’ and ‘Coronation Street’ and on the BBC ‘Stig of the Dump’, ‘Casualty’, ‘Benidorm’, ‘Holby City’, ‘Moving On’ and ‘The Responder‘. He also appeared in ‘The Virtues’ on Channel 4 and ‘Tin Star ‘ on Sky Atlantic.
Michael has also become well known as a leading actor in musical and plays, both in the West End and in theatres across the country. His theatre credits include White Christmas, Waitress, Sister Act, Hairspray, The Rocky Horror Show, Bouncers, The Play What I Wrote and Hamlet.
Michael’s films credits include: The 51st State, Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit,No Surrender and Stephen.
Helen Lederer said:
‘I am so looking forward to getting out on tour and channelling my middle aged ‘karma’ on stage with the fabulous Michael Starke. The Birds and the Bees is not only very funny, it is about ‘awakenings’ – It’s been worth the wait’
Michael Starke said:
‘The Birds and the Bees is a Valentine to nature in all its glory! I’m delighted to be part of this magnificent company and to be touring with the fantastic Helen Lederer and friends old and new’
The Birds and the Bees is a New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich, Norwich Theatre and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds co-production presented by John Stalker for BIRDS&BEES LTD. It is written by Mark Crawford with additional material by James McDermott and directed by Peter Rowe. Set & Costume Designer is by Dawn Allsopp with Lighting Design from Richard G Jones. The Casting Director is Debbie O’Brien. Further casting to be announced.
Producer John Stalker said:
“The Birds and the Bees is one of the funniest plays I have come across in a long time. Having seen the belly laughs from audiences during our short run in 2022 and with spring around the corner, I’m delighted to take this gem of a comedy to share with many more across the UK and I can’t imagine the play in better hands than this stellar cast”
Set in an East Anglian farm, the hilarious comedy romp tackles topics of sex, love, science, family, and the artificial insemination of turkeys. This hilarious comedy romp has a heart as big as the laughs it brings. Indeed it’s the bees’ knees!
Find out more at thebirdsandthebeesplay.com and follow us on Instagram/ Facebook and Twitter @birdsbeesplay
The show contains strong language, adult themes and partial nudity – recommended for ages 14+
