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★★★★★

“Punchy, playful and sexy, this Oklahoma! is an absolute knockout” The Telegraph

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED

SMASH-HIT PRODUCTION OF RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S OKLAHOMA!

★★★★★

“Oklahoma! is stunningly reimagined” Financial Times

Eva Price, Sonia Friedman Productions and Michael Harrison in association with the Young Vic Theatre today announce full casting for the West End transfer of the critically acclaimed production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!. Georgina Onuorah (Ado Annie) and Phillip Olagoke (Cord Elam) join the previously announced cast who reprise their roles from the run at the Young Vic: Raphael Bushay (Mike), Arthur Darvill (Curly McLain), James Patrick Davis (Will Parker), Stavros Demetraki (Ali Hakim), Greg Hicks (Andrew Carnes), Rebekah Hinds (Gertie Cummings), Anoushka Lucas (Laurey Williams), Marie-Astrid Mence (Lead Dancer), Liza Sadovy (Aunt Eller) and Patrick Vaill (Jud Fry) with Andrew Berlin, Arthur Boan, Shani Cantor, Anna-Maria de Freitas, George Maddison, Brianna Ogunbawo, Finlay Paul, Helen K Wint. The production opens at Wyndham’s Theatre on 28 February 2023, with previews from 16 February, and runs until 2 September 2023.

Listed as the most recommended show of 2022 and 2023, the production recently won Best Musical at the Evening Standard Awards 2022, and Best Musical Performance for Patrick Vaill, and is nominated for 8 WhatsOnStage awards, including Best Musical Revival.

The Producers have set aside a number of £10 tickets for Monday – Wednesday performances that are offered directly to those currently under-represented in West End theatre audiences. These are made available via an outreach programme run by Sita McIntosh of Inclusive Audiences – www.inclusiveaudiences.com.

Reimagined for the stage by Daniel Fish, the production played a sold-out run at the Young Vic last year, having previously transferred to Broadway from St. Ann’s Warehouse winning the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival.

★★★★★

“Your heart will soar. Exceptional.” Metro

Eva Price, Sonia Friedman Productions, Michael Harrison

in association with the Young Vic Theatre

present

The Bard Summerscape production of

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s

OKLAHOMA!

Music by RICHARD RODGERS

Book and Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

Based on the play “Green Grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs

Original Choreography by Agnes de Mille

Director: Daniel Fish; Orchestrations, Arrangements and Co-Music Supervision: Daniel Kluger; Choreographer: John Heginbotham; Scenic Designers: Lael Jellinek & Grace Laubacher;

Costume Designer: Terese Wadden; Lighting Designer: Scott Zielinski; Sound Designer: Drew Levy;

Projection Designer: Joshua Thorson; Co-Music Supervision and Additional Vocal Arrangements: Nathan Koci; Casting Director: Jacob Sparrow

Forget what you think it is… this is Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! as you’ve never seen it before – re-orchestrated and reimagined for the 21st century. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, Daniel Fish’s bold interpretation recently enjoyed a sold-out run at the Young Vic following sold-out runs in New York and across the U.S. on tour.

Oklahoma! tells a story of a community banding together against an outsider, and the frontier life that shaped America. Eighty years after Rodgers & Hammerstein reinvented the American musical, this visionary production is funny and sexy, provocative and probing, without changing a word of the text.

Raphael Bushay plays Mike. His theatre work includes The Crucible (National Theatre), Red Riding Hood (Theatre Royal Stratford East), The Tempest, Henry V (Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre), Don Quixote (Royal Shakespeare Company), As You Like It (The Lamb Players), Peter Pan, Henry V (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Queen of Chapletown (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox (UK / UAE tour, NST / Lyric Hammersmith / Leicester Curve), and Kampala (The Miniaturists / Arcola Theatre). For television, his work includes Holby City.

Arthur Darvill plays Curly McLain. His theatre work includes Rare Earth Mettle (Royal Court Theatre), Been So Long (Young Vic), The Antipodes, Treasure Island (National Theatre), Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse), Once (Broadway and West End), Genesis INC. (Hampstead Theatre), Hir (Bush Theatre), Elevenses/Beginning To End (Somerset House), Our Boys, Swimming With Sharks (West End), Marine Parade (Brighton Festival), Doctor Faustus (Shakespeare’s Globe), White Rabbit Red Rabbit (Gate Theatre), Is Everyone OK? (Nabokov), Stacey (Arcola Theatre), and Terre Haute (Edinburgh Fringe Festival/West End/tour). For television, his work includes Grace, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, World on Fire, Danny & the Human Zoo, Broadchurch, Doctor Who, The White Queen, The Paradise, Little Dorrit, He Kills Coppers, and The Verdict; and for film, Fairytale Sect, Minutes Past Midnight, Robin Hood; Sex Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Pelican Blood.

James Patrick Davis plays Will Parker. His US theatre credits includeOklahoma! (Theatre World Award recipient for Breakthrough Performance on Broadway, also at St. Ann’s Warehouse and Bard Summerscape), The House of Blue Leaves (Broadway), We Are Proud to Present a Presentation… (Soho Rep), The Mother of Invention (Abingdon), The More Loving One (La MaMa),  Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare Theatre Company), Richard II, Long Day’s Journey into Night, As You Like It (Quintessence Theatre Group), Clybourne Park (Long Wharf Theatre), and American Buffalo (Studio Theatre). For television, his work includes Search Party.

Stavros Demetraki plays Ali Hakim. For theatre his work includesPeter Pan (Birmingham Rep), The Vote (Donmar Warehouse), Timon of Athens, Antigone, She Stoops To Conquer, The Kitchen (National Theatre), Adventures In Wonderland, Supermarket Shakespeare (Teatro Vivo), As You Like It (Dash Arts / Curve), Blood Wedding (Liverpool Everyman), By The Way (Chopped Logic), Gilgamesh (Belgrade Theatre / UK tour), and Birds Without Wings (Eastern Angles). For television, his work includes Miss Scarlett & The Duke, Doctor Who, Tyrant, and White Van Man; and for film, The Phantom Warrior, Hampstead, Risen, Dracula Untold, The Hope Rooms, Blush Furiously, and The Simple Equation.

Greg Hicks plays Andrew Carnes. His theatre work includes Dinner with Groucho (Civic Theatre Dublin, Belfast International Festival, Arcola Theatre), The Open House (Bath/Print Room), Richard III, The Kreutzer Sonata, Clarion (Arcola Theatre), Play Strindberg (Ustinov Studio), All’s Well That Ends Well, Hamlet, Little Eagles, Anthony & Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, A Winter’s Tale, King Lear (RSC), Angels in America (Headlong), Venice Preserved (Citizens), Coriolanus (The Old Vic – Critics’ Circle Award and Olivier nomination Best Actor). For television, his work includes  Domina, Citizen Charlie, Burton & Taylor, and The Bible; Midsomer Murders; and for film, The Mercy,and Snow White and the Huntsman.

Rebekah Hinds plays Gertie Cummings. Her theatre work includes Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder (Paines Plough’s Roundabout – Winner of Best Musical Edinburgh Fringe), What’s New Pussycat? (Birmingham Rep), Paradise (Hampstead Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (Watford Palace), Grotty (The Bunker), Humble Boy (Orange Tree), Anita & Me (UK tour), The Government Inspector (Birmingham Rep/Ramps on the Moon UK Tour – Olivier Award Nominated), Billy Liar (Royal Exchange), Around the World (Sadler’s Wells & Mint Theater, New York), The Little Prince – Concert (Savoy), and Sondheim Prom (Royal Albert Hall). Hinds won the Audience Favourite Award in the Musical Comedy Awards 2019 as half of comedy duo Maris Piper. For television, her work includes Scarborough, Inside No. 9, The Syndicate, Trollied, Shameless, Aunties, and Stains of Staines; and for film, Who Fired That Cannon?, Shandyland, The Public Benefits, and Woman of the Night.

Anoushka Lucas plays Laurey Williams. Her theatre credits include Elephant (Bush Theatre – also playwright), Henry V (Donmar Warehouse), After Life (National Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Chiaroscuro (Bush Theatre), Faces in the Crowd (Gate Theatre), and Sparks (Edinburgh Fest / Vault Festival). For film, her work includes Murder on the Orient Express and Been So Long. Her recording work includes her debut album Dark Soul (debut album); and her composition includes Sparks (BBC Radio 4 / Edinburgh Festival / Vault Festival), The Ballad of Klook and Vinette (Park Theatre / NAMT Festival NYC), and The Etienne Sisters (Theatre Royal Stratford).

Marie-Astrid Mence is Lead Dancer. Her theatre work includes Then Or Now, Table Talk, The Waiting Game, Courage, Like Water, Click, Pendulum, Captured, Washa, Ingoma, House Of Dream, The Suit, Red Riding Hood, Storyville, A Dream Within A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Dépouillement, Tearfall, Melt, Mapping, Until Without Enough, Undivided Love. For television, her work includes Find me in Paris, L’Opera, and Spellbound.

Phillip Olagoke plays Cord Elam. His theatre credits include The Glass Menagerie (Duke of York’s Theatre), A Number (The Old Vic), Farewell Leicester Square (The Talking Horse at The Place) and David Copperfield (Barn Theatre).

Georgina Onuorah plays Ado Annie. Her theatre credits include The Wizard of Oz (Curve Theatre), Millennials (The Other Palace), Cinderella (Gillian Lynne Theatre) and Dick Whittington (National Theatre).

Liza Sadovy plays Aunt Eller. Her theatre credits include Cabaret (KitKatClub at The Playhouse Theatre – Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical), Living Newspaper, A Separate Reality (Royal Court), Present Laughter (The Old Vic), I’m Not Running, Absolute Hell, Tales from the Vienna Woods, The Heiress (National Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (Chichester Festival Theatre), Pygmalion (Headlong), Wicked (Victoria Apollo), Oliver! (Sheffield Crucible), Mrs Klein (Northampton Theatre Royal – winner of TMA Best Supporting Actress), La Bête (Comedy Theatre and Music Box Theatre New York), Annie Get Your Gun, The Good Soul of Szechuan, Six Characters Looking for an Author (Young Vic), Sunday in the Park with George (West End and Menier Chocolate Factory), Secret Rapture (Bristol Old Vic), Richard II (Berkoff Productions), The Dresser and the UK première of Into The Woods (West End), Alice (RSC), The Slow Drag (Whitehall Theatre), Broken Glass (Manchester Library Theatre), Company (Donmar Warehouse and West End), and Sugar Hill Blues (Hampstead Theatre). For television, her work includes A Small Light, Outlander, Ridley Road, Vera, Babylon, The Honorable Woman, Emma, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Extras, Prime Suspect, Tonight at 8:30, Castles,and I Remember Nelson; and for film, Kativta & Teresa, Disobedience, The Knot, Sweeney Todd, Topsy-Turvy, and Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire.

Patrick Vaill plays Jud Fry – reprising the role he has played in Daniel Fish’s production since its conception. He is currently nominated for Best Musical Performance at this year’s Evening Standard Awards. His US theatre credits include I’m Revolting (Atlantic Theatre Company), Oklahoma! (Broadway, St. Ann’s Warehouse, Bard SummerScape – Drama Desk and Grammy Award Nominations), Macbeth (Lincoln Center Theatre), Peter Pan (Bedlam), Cabaret (national tour, Roundabout Theatre Company), Edward II (Red Bull), Camelot, Othello, Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, Henry V, Richard II, As You Like It, Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Shakespeare Theatre Company, DC), and also work with Bay Street Theatre, Capital Rep, amongst others. For television, his work includes Dash & Lily; and for film, Bleecker, Xmas In July, and short films The Lovers and Research.

After long and highly distinguished careers with other collaborators, Richard Rodgers (composer, 1902-79) and Oscar Hammerstein II (librettist/lyricist, 1895-1960) joined forces in 1943 to create the most successful partnership in American Musical Theater. Prior to joining forces, Rodgers collaborated with lyricist Lorenz Hart on musical comedies that epitomized wit and sophistication (Pal Joey, On Your Toes, Babes in Arms and more), while Hammerstein brought new life to operetta and created the classic, Show Boat, with Jerome Kern. Oklahoma!, the first Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, introduced an integrated form that became known as “the musical play.” Their shows that followed included Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music. Collectively, the Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals have earned Tony, Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, Pulitzer and Olivier Awards. The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization is a Concord Company.

Daniel Fish is a New York-based director who makes work across the boundaries of theatre, film, and opera. He draws on a broad range of forms and subject matter including plays, film scripts, contemporary fiction, essays and found audio. His 2019 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! transferred to Broadway from St. Ann’s Warehouse and won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. Other recent work includes White Noise, inspired by the novel by Don DeLillo (Ruhrfestspiele Recklingshausen, Theater Freiburg, Skirball NYU), Most Happy, based on Frank Loesser’s “The Most Happy Fella” (Williamstown Theater Festival), Michael Gordon’s opera, Acquanetta (Prototype Festival/Bard SummerScape), Don’t Look Back (The Chocolate Factory), Who Left This Fork Here (Baryshnikov Arts Center, Onassis Center), Ted Hearne’s The Source (BAM NEXT WAVE, LA Opera, San Francisco Opera), and Eternal, a video installation. His work has been seen at theatres and festivals throughout the U.S. and Europe including, The Walker Arts Center, PuSH, Teatro Nacional D. Maria, Lisbon/Estoril Film Festival, Vooruit, Festival TransAmériques, Noorderzon Festival, The Chocolate Factory, The Public Theater’s Under The Radar, Opera Philadelphia/Curtis Opera Theater, American Repertory Theater, Richard B. Fisher Center at Bard College, Yale Repertory Theater, McCarter Theater, Signature Theater, The Shakespeare Theater Company, Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus, Staatstheater Braunschweig, and The Royal Shakespeare Company. Residencies and commissions include The MacDowell Colony, Baryshnikov Arts Center, Mass MOCA, and LMCC/ Governor’s Island. In December 2022, he will première a new production of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide for Opera National de Lyon. He is graduate of Northwestern University’s Department of Performance Studies and has taught at The Juilliard School, Bard College, and The Department of Design for Stage and Film at NYU Tisch School of the Arts.  He is the recipient of the 2017 Herb Alpert Award in the Arts for the Theater.

www.OklahomaWestEnd.com

Instagram: @Oklahoma.WestEnd

Twitter: @OklahomaWestEnd

Facebook: @OklahomaWestEnd

#OklahomaMusical

OKLAHOMA! 

LISTINGS:

Wyndham’s Theatre

Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DA

Box Office: 0344 482 5151 / www.OklahomaWestEnd.com

Groups booking: 0344 482 5100

Access booking: 0344 482 5137

Tickets from £10

★★★★★

“Big, blinding, breathtaking. Frozen’s triumphant musical debut”

The Guardian

HAVING BROKEN THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

BOX OFFICE RECORDS ACROSS CHRISTMAS

DISNEY’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

FROZEN

EXTENDS DUE TO PUBLIC DEMAND

MARKING THE 10^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RELEASE OF THE FILM

★★★★★

“Frozen is one hot hit”

Daily Mail

Disney Theatrical Productions today announces that their critically acclaimed production of Frozen is extending until October 2023 due to public demand – having broken box office records at Theatre Royal Drury Lane across November, December and through Christmas. Public on-sale for the new dates is from 10am on Friday 20 January.

This latest extension for the blockbuster musical marks the 10^th anniversary of the release of the much-loved award-winning film – Frozen was released in cinemas in 2013, winning multiple awards, including two Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Let It Go”), the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film and the BAFTA for Best Animated Film. Frozen 2, which debuted in November 2019 is the highest-grossing animated film of all time. 

With music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, book by Jennifer Lee, and directed by Michael Grandage, the production opened at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in August 2021, and has been playing to capacity houses since, receiving 7 WhatsOnStage Awards – the most of any production – and 4 Olivier Award nominations, including Best New Musical.

The company are Samantha Barks (Elsa), Emily Lane (Anna), Djavan van de Fliert (Kristoff), Craig Gallivan (Olaf), Oliver Ormson (Hans), Richard Frame (Duke of Weselton); and alternating the role of Sven, Mikayla Jade and Ashley Birchall; with Rhianne Alleyne, Jeremy Batt, Marianne Bardgett, Rebecca Botterill, Char Burnett (Bulda), Collette Coleman, Laura Emmitt, Davide Fienauri, Jemal Felix, Jordan Fox, Ben Irish (Pabbie), Aoife Kenny, Jordan Livesey, Molly Francis, Matt Gillett, Isabella Glanznig Santos, Justin-Lee Jones, Joshua Robinson, Harriet Samuels, Jacqui Sanchez (Queen Iduna), Jak Skelly (Oaken/Bishop), Kerry Spark (King Agnarr), Caitlin Tipping, Rodney Vubya, Anna Woodside, and Luke Fraser Yates.

★★★★

“Frozen is an awesome spectacle with more heart, depth and darkness than the film.”

Time Out

Frozen has scheduled the following access performances – Audio Described Performance (Wednesday 18 January, 7pm, and Sunday 30 July at 5.30pm), Signed Performance (Wednesday 25 January, 7pm, and Sunday 18 June, 5.30pm), Captioned Performance (Wednesday 8 February, 7pm, and Sunday 20 August at 5.30pm), and Relaxed Performance ((Sunday 3 September, 1pm).

Twitter @FrozenLondon

Facebook /FrozenLondon

Instagram @FrozenLondon

frozenthemusical.co.uk

LISTINGS

FROZEN

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF

Tickets from £20

Group rates and education rates are available – please see the website

PERFORMANCES:

Wednesday – Friday                       7pm

Thursday                                            2pm

Saturday and Sunday                     1pm & 5.30pm

From 1 March:

Wednesday – Thursday                  2pm

Thursday – Friday                            7pm

Saturday and Sunday                     1pm & 5.30pm

ACCESS & RELAXED PERFORMANCES:

Audio Described Performance    Wednesday 18 January, 7pm

                                                            Sunday 30 July, 5.30pm

Captioned Performance                Wednesday 8 February at 7pm

                                                            Sunday 20 August, 5.30pm

Signed Performance                       Wednesday 25 January, 7pm

                                                            Sunday 18 June, 5.30pm

Relaxed Performance                    Sunday 3 September, 1pm

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

AT HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE

ANNOUNCES NEW CASTING

JON ROBYNS AS ‘THE PHANTOM’

HOLLY-ANNE HULL AS ‘CHRISTINE DAAÉ’

PAIGE BLANKSON AS ALTERNATE ‘CHRISTINE DAAÉ’

EARL CARPENTER TO RETURN FOR A LIMITED RUN AS

‘THE PHANTOM’

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Her Majesty’s Theatre today announces Jon Robyns as ‘The Phantom’ from Monday 3 April 2023, Holly-Anne Hull as ‘Christine Daae’ from Monday 23 January, having been the production’s alternate Christine Daaé since 2021, and Paige Blankson who joins the production as alternate ‘Christine Daaé’ from Monday 13 February, playing the role at certain performances.

From Monday 13 February to Saturday 1 April, Earl Carpenter will reprise his role as ‘The Phantom’.

The Phantom of the Opera is currently booking until Saturday 30 September 2023.  

They join Matt Blaker as Raoul and Kelly Glyptis as Carlotta, Matt Harrop as Monsieur Firmin, Adam Linstead as Monsieur André, Greg Castiglioni as Ubaldo Piangi, Francesca Ellis as Madame Giry and Ellie Young as Meg Giry.

The cast is completed by Hollie Aires, Connor Carson, Corina Clark, Michelle Cornelius, Edward Court, Lily De-La-Haye, Hywel Dowsell, Serina Faull, James Gant, Eilish Harmon-Beglan, Emma Harris, Yukina Hasebe, Thomas Holdsworth, Olivia Holland-Rose, Jacob Hughes, Grace Hume, James Hume, Tim Morgan, Michael Robert-Lowe, Eve Shanu-Wilson, Tim Southgate, Anouk Van Laake, Jasmine Wallis, Ralph Watts, Skye Weiss, Simon Whitaker, Lizzie Wofford and Andrew York.

Jon Robyns can currently be seen as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, a role which he has played to great acclaim since the reopening of the new production at the stunning Sondheim Theatre following its total rebuild and restoration. In addition, he played Valjean in the Staged Concert, also at the Sondheim. He recently played King George in Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre. His other West End credits include Huey in Memphis, Adam Nehemiah in Dessa Rose, Galahad in Spamalot, Marius in Les Misérables and Princeton/Rod in Avenue Q. His other theatre credits include Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer, Eddie Southern in Sister Act, Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde, Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Jamie in The Last Five Years and Mark Cohen in Rent. He has appeared in the BBC’s Holby City and the Working Title film, Nativity Rocks. He has also released two solo albums, titled Open Book and Musical Direction. Jon also performed at Sondheim’s Old Friends Gala, which was recently broadcast on the BBC over Christmas.

Holly-Anne Hull has played select performances as alternate Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre since the production reopened in July 2021, Holly also played the role of Christine in the UK & Ireland Tour of Phantom before it was cut short due to Covid. Her other theatre credits include Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends Gala, Les Misérables, Loserville, Copacabana and Robin Hood. As part of her band, Remember Monday, she reached the quarter finals of The Voice UK.

Paige Blankson made her professional debut in 2021 as Cosette in the UK and Ireland tour of Les Misérables.

Earl Carpenter returns to The Phantom of the Opera having performed as The Phantom at Her Majesty’s Theatre and on tour. He is perhaps best known for his performance as Javert in Les Misérables and the Les Misérables 25^th Anniversary Production. His most recent theatre credits include Prime Minister in the world premiere of Mandela at the Young Vic, Dubdhara in The Pirate Queen at the London Coliseum, the Bishop of Digne and Bamatabois in the 2019 Les Misérables The Staged Concert at the Gielgud and Sondheim Theatres, Lionel Solomon in The Dreamers, Maskew and Turnkey in Moonfleet at the Salisbury Playhouse and Father in the award winning production of Ragtime at the Charing Cross Theatre. His other musical theatre credits include We Will Rock You, Zorro, The Secret Garden, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group Ltd. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Charles Hart, and Additional Lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the novel ‘Le Fantôme de l’Opera’ by Gaston Leroux, with Orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Musical Supervision is by Simon Lee. The Production Design is by Maria Björnson and the Set Design is adapted by Matt Kinley with Associate Costume Design by Jill Parker, Lighting is by Andrew Bridge with Associate Lighting Design by Warren Letton, Sound is by Mick Potter. The Musical Staging and Choreography is by Gillian Lynne, recreated and adapted by Chrissie Cartwright. Originally Directed by Harold Prince, this production is Directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn.

Since opening in London in 1986, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has played to over 145 million people in 183 cities in 17 languages. Over 36 years after opening in London’s West End, and 35 on Broadway, in 2023, the show will play in 15 countries, across 4 continents and in 7 languages. 

CABARET THE MUSICAL
2021 CAST RECORDING

LISTENING PARTY
WITH EDDIE REDMAYNE

AND
LAUREN LAVERNE

FRIDAY 20 JANUARY 7.00PM GMT

To celebrate the release of the CABARET THE MUSICAL 2021 CAST RECORDING, Eddie Redmayne, who won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance as The Emcee in this production, speaks to music and culture journalist Lauren Laverne about his experiences in the show, whilst they listen to each number from the newly released cast recording.

Tune in via:

Instagram Live (@kitkatclubldn)

or

YouTube Live (https://www.youtube.com/@kitkatclubldn)

THE 2021 LONDON CAST RECORDING OF CABARET IS RELEASED ON DECCA RECORDS

ON 20 JANUARY 2023

2021 London Cast of Cabaret – Tracklist:

1. Willkommen (Eddie Redmayne as ‘The Emcee’)

2.  So What (Liza Sadovy as ‘Fraulein Schneider’)

3.  Don’t Tell Mama (Jessie Buckley as ‘Sally Bowles’)

4.  Mein Herr (Jessie Buckley)

5.  Perfectly Marvellous (Jessie Buckley, Omari Douglas as ‘Cliff Bradshaw’)

6.  Two Ladies (Eddie Redmayne, Sally Frith as ‘Frenchie’, Sophie Maria Wojna as ‘Rosie’)

7.  It Couldn’t Please Me More (Liza Sadovy, Elliot Levey as ‘Herr Schultz’)

8.  Tomorrow Belongs To Me (Eddie Redmayne)

9.  Maybe This Time (Jessie Buckley)

10. Money (Eddie Redmayne)

11. Married (Elliot Levey, Liza Sadovy, Anna Jane Casey as ‘Fraulein Kost’)

12. Tomorrow Belongs To Me – Reprise (Anna Jane Casey, Stewart Clarke as ‘Ernst Ludwig’)

13. Kickline

14. If You Could See Her (Eddie Redmayne)

15. What Would You Do? (Liza Sadovy)

16. I Don’t Care Much (Eddie Redmayne)

17. Cabaret (Jessie Buckley)

18. Finale (Omari Douglas, Eddie Redmayne)

Musical supervision and direction is by Jennifer Whyte

This unique production of CABARET opened in December 2021 to critical and audience acclaim, widely praised as the ultimate theatrical experience. In April 2022 the production won a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards, the most for any musical revival in Olivier history. The production has also won three prestigious Critics Circle Awards and most recently the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Design for designer Tom Scutt.

Transforming one of London’s most famous theatres with an in-the-round auditorium and reimagined spaces, before the show guests are invited to enjoy and explore the Kit Kat Club with pre-show entertainment, drinks and dining all on offer. When booking, guests receive a ‘club entry time’ to allow enough time to take in the world of the Kit Kat Club before the show starts. But of course, the show really starts when you first join us in the club…

One of the most successful musicals of all time CABARET features the songs Wilkommen, Don’t Tell Mama, Mein Herr, Maybe This Time, Money and the title number. It has music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, book by Joe Masteroff. Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood.

CABARET is directed by Rebecca Frecknall, set and costume design is by Tom Scutt with choreography by Julia Cheng. Musical supervision is by Jennifer Whyte and musical direction is by Ben Ferguson with lighting design by Isabella Byrd and sound design by Nick Lidster. The casting director is Stuart Burt and the associate director is Jordan Fein.

CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions and Underbelly.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre – until 21^st January 2023

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

4****

Writer Nick Lane’s adaptation of this well known tale has taken the essence of the story, delivering it at a fast pace, full of intrigue and brilliant deductions. This perfectly reflects the familiar character of Sherlock Holmes (Luke Barton).

With a cast of 5 and 12 characters, you are kept on your toes throughout, as they switch between accents and quite distinct personalities. It is impressive! Barton captures the intense concentration of Holmes and the highly volatile, often irrational nature of Baldwin. Joseph Derrington (Dr Watson) is the perfect narrator, bringing levels of light and shade to counterbalance Holmes. The tip tap of Watson’s typewriter draws you into the room, whether on set or in the soundtrack. The intensity was accented by the moments of humour, often delivered by Derrington (Watson/Stanger) and Alice Osmanski (Mrs Hudson). Jack McGinty (Gavin Malloy) is the linchpin to the plot, providing a steady level of confidence and calm. You are caught in a cold grip in the moment there is a brief, accidental meeting between Sherlock and Moriarty.

In the second half you are slightly distracted by players having to talk towards the back of the stage, to address the character sat at the table. Although the delivery still carries that same intensity, you feel less connected with the dialogue.

This is the third time Barton has played Sherlock and he is a treat for any fans of Arthur Conan Doyle’s work.

Hull New Theatre – 17th January 2023

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

4****

Varna International Ballet (presented by Raymond Gubbay) are bringing four ballets to Hull New Theatre. Coppelia (17/01/23) Giselle (18/01/23) Swan Lake 19-20/01/02 and The Nutcracker (21/01/23).

Coppelia tells the story of Dr Coppelius (Federico Farina) the Toy taker who likes to dabble in magic, he makes a Coppelia Doll (Andrea Conforti) that he wants to pass off as his daughter as she’s so realistic.

Franz (Marrcello Pelizzoni) notices Coppelia in the window at Dr Coppelius house and he waves at her so Dr Coppelius makes her move and wave and throw a flower to Franz. His girlfriend Swanilda (Anastasia Leedy) is very upset at him seeming to flirt with a beautiful girl and is upset. Later, a group of friends and the couple hear a noise from Dr Coppelius’s house and the toymaker tries to get Franz into his house which he refuses to do.

Swanilda and her friends find a key, that Dr Coppelius has dropped and go into his house and see that Coppelia is a doll and all the rest of the wonderful inventions that the Toymaker has made. Franz then climbs through the window and Swanilda decides to dress up as Coppelia to trick Franz and teach him a lesson. When the toymaker returns, he is amazed how lifelike his doll has become and tries to get Franz to leave. His soon realises that Swanilda is not his doll and gets angry, so the couple quickly leave.

The final act of the ballet sees the couple get married and the audience were treated to a number of solos, duets, group dances and Pas des Deux by the company.

The Varna International Ballet Orchestra, with Peter Tuleshkov as their conductor, were particularly good and the dancers provided the appreciative audience with a very good evening of ballet.

As the Company are doing four different ballets in Hull there should be ballets for all tastes. An enjoyable night watching some talented dancers.

Piccadilly Theatre, London – until 3rd June 2023

Reviewed by Liberty Noke

4****

Moulin Rouge! Opens quite spectacularly with an incredibly talented ensemble performing Welcome to the Moulin Rouge. Every single member of the cast was performing with high energy, large exaggerated facial expressions and wonderful vocals. During this number there was something happening in every corner of the stage. It was impossible to be looking everywhere at once but everywhere you did look was mesmerising. The costumes, hair and makeup were unbelievable. The bright colours colours filled the stage. All the ensemble numbers were amazing I would say they were the highlight of the show. Every member of the ensemble was so talented.

This staged version of Moulin Rouge! Is an updated version of Baz Lurman’s movie. It still tells the story of the nightclub the Moulin Rouge and songwriter Christian (Jamie Muscato) who comes to Paris and meets Satine (Melissa James’) there but she is expected to show interest to only the Duke (Ben Richards) whose money may be the only way to save the struggling Moulin Rouge. One of the main changes is the addition of some more modern songs. Some of these worked very well while others I felt were a mistake. During a moment of reflection and self-doubt Satine sings Katy Perry’s Firework. This almost feels like a parody of a jukebox musical. It was almost humorous and was even met my some snickers by the audience as they realised what song it was. The fact that this is a jukebox musical makes it more accessible to a wider audience, appealing especially to those watching a muscial for the first time but I feel not all of the songs chosen were appropriate.

Jamie Muscato gave a sensational performance as Christian his vocals were a standout among the cast and he performed with such emotion you genuinely believed him to be the lovesick, tortured artist. He has a very expressive face and was able to create some small, comical moments. Of course the real comedians were Toulouse (Ian Carlyle) and Santiago (Elia Lo Tauro) they both kept up an accent throughout the entire performance, even while singing, and formed an endearing double act.

Matt Rixton played the divinely camp Harold Zidler. He was a sensational ringmaster leading the company and perfectly embodied the character.

Melissa James’ made a sensational entrance as Satine and while her performance was good I found that Satine didn’t stand out. With so many sensational performers on the stage. I was not blown away by this performance.

A despicably good performance was given by Ben Richards as the Duke. Everything from the way he moved and carried himself to the way he spoke was unpleasant he really was the perfect villain.

Overall, Moulin Rouge! is a dazzling, exuberant fun-filled show oozing with passion. It makes for wonderful evening but is, in my opinion, a little way from perfection.

Liverpool Empire Theatre – until Saturday 21^st January 2023

Reviewed by Carla Whittaker

4****

The Cher Show hits Liverpool Empire Theatre this week and if the show last night was anything to go by it sure will be a huge success in Liverpool.

The Cher Show was first staged in Chicago in 2018 before running for nine months in Broadway, it tells the story of the singer and actress Cher’s life; highs, lows and love as well as her many come backs told through over thirty five of Cher’s many hits including If I Could Turn Back Time, Strong Enough, Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves, The Shoop Shoop Song, I Got You Babe, and, of course, her triumphant 90s floor filler Believe.

The narrative was unique as the role of Cher was shared between three actresses; Millie O’Connell as ‘Babe’ who plays Cher in the 1950s and 1960s, Danielle Steers at ‘Lady’ in the 1970s and Debbie Kurup as ‘Star’ in the in the 1980s and 1990s. The three ladies are on stage most of the time; interacting with each other adding a fantasy element to the story and allowing for some fittingly moments. Each ‘Cher’ had a singing style bosting energy, diva attitude and effortless performances. These three really take you on a roller-coaster ride through Cher’s life from a young kid with big dreams to a pop icon!

Lucas Rush is marvellous playing the role of ‘Sonny’, really looking the part and ageing as the years pass as he launched Cher in the music scene dominating the pop charts in America and Britain.

The show is supported by an incredible exemble of dancers who really help bring the show to life with amazing vocals and flawless choreography really make this show one to watch.  The set design is simple; a full height of the stage row of hanging costumes in grey bags, with fantastic lighting effects, complimented by the dazzling and effective costumes designed by Gabrella Slade.

This show was really like a glittering nonstop party for people of all ages. A particular highlight for me ( and I think others!) was at the end when all three Chers sang a melody of all Cher’s classics; it got the audience up on the feet; singing, dancing and just having a really good night! Everyone had a smile on the face!

If you want a night full of style, wit, with the feel-good factor I recommend getting tickets for Cher the Musical playing at Liverpool Empire Theatre until Saturday 21 January 2023; you won’t be disappointed!

Theatre Royal Concert Hall Nottingham – until Saturday 21st January 2023

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

4****

I cannot describe the atmospheric, eerie opening to this play, it’s something you simply must experience, and it sets the tone for what can only be described as a riveting and thought-provoking piece of theatre. This production of An Inspector Calls at the beautiful Theatre Royal Concert Hall Nottingham is stunning. Surrounded by swaths of excited school children, I was transported back to my own days of study when this story hit home hard, and it’s certainly a production which reflects the zeitgeist of today. Set in a single night in 1912, An Inspector Calls cements JB Priestley’s position as a cutting-edge mover in a socialist movement, believing ‘We must stop thinking in terms of property and power and begin thinking in terms of community and creation’. As the curtain lifts, your senses are assaulted by rain, smoke and booming drums. Lowly slums skirt a house that stands high, announcing the divide which becomes ever more apparent between the classes as the story unfolds.

The garish Birling family home, standing centre stage like Baba Yaga’s hut, hosts a boastful dinner party which is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Inspector Goole. Shattering the equilibrium with his incessant investigations into the demise of a young woman, his ever-shocking revelations unravel the very core of the family, forcing them to question behaviours, actions, motives and perhaps, challenging us all to examine our consciences.

The stark contrast of an entitled, greedy, family who had it all, against the story of a poor, hardworking, young woman who had nothing, except courage and morals is not an unfamiliar one, but Priestly tells it so well. Then, when she tried to do the right thing, protect others at the cost to herself and sought support from those who had more than enough to help, she had everything stripped from her and was left with no option but to take drastic action, the tale is gut wrenching in every sense. Think ‘Columbo’ as the Inspector establishes that each of them has played a part in the girl’s decline and ultimate demise, either through selfishly pursuing their own interests or through careless disregard or cruelty. We know the crime, but we don’t know who was responsible, and how. The twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat throughout and there were audible gasps more than once from the audience.

With no interval and a limited cast, the production was intimate and intense, which added to the tension. The staging from Ian MacNeil’s, with his brilliantly intricate design, never failed to surprise and impress. Unfolding before your eyes the set came to life and then became undone, as if it were a player in itself. The cast utilised the stage to perfection, and what could have been a dialogue heavy, stilted production, was instead, dynamic and punchy.

Liam Brennan as Inspector Goole, Simon Cotton as Gerald Croft and Jeffrey Harmer as Mr Birling gave powerful performances, bringing to life and fleshing out each character. Christine Kavanagh as Mrs Birling and Chloe Orrock as Sheila Birling were sublime as mother and daughter, but George Rowland as Eric Birling stole the show. His development and nuances were perfection.

There is no doubt in my mind why An Inspector Calls is a Winner of 19 major awards and hailed as the theatrical event of its generation worldwide, and this particular adaptation is a must-see performance.

Richmond Theatre – until Friday 13^th January 2023 

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge  

5***** 

Richmond Theatre brings you Swan Lake presented by Nerubashenko Ballet in collaboration with The International Classic Ballet Theatre, with a hand-picked company of international ballet artistes. The well-known classic composed by Tchaikovsky that is adored by audiences across the world.  

Swan Lake unravels a beautiful, timeless story of love and betrayal; Prince Siegfried, admired by many, but none who catch his attention. Until a beautiful, flawless, crowned swan, Odette, captures his vision as well as his heart. However, the evil magician Rothbart has enchanted Odette along with other young ladies, to spend their lives as swans, except for a few hours every night, when they return to their human form. The only way to break the spell is with true love and fidelity, which the Prince declares with his eternal love for her. Later Prince Siegfried is tempted by another, Odile, the daughter of Rothbart, and breaks the vow leading to Odette’s death. With nothing but despair and guilt on the Princes part, he ends his life in order for Odette to be freed.  

Throughout this production Odette offered much structure and elegance entwined with beauty along with a nicely balanced pairing with the Prince, who offered a supporting yet phenomenal performance. Together they portrayed perfection and excellence for all to see.

Rothbart floats across the stage embodying darkness with dishonourable intent.  

The Jester, on the other hand, with his bright, colourful presence I feel held the story together with a touch of comedy and light entertainment, gaining much laughter from the audience.  

Although there weren’t many scene changes, those that were used made a big impact and enhanced the story being told. I loved how all of the scenes offered great shadowing with the use of lighting. To be able to view the orchestra was sensational! Listening to every gentle, yet powerful tune being played live before me was dramatic and outstanding. The orchestra often took my eye away from the stage. So many talents in one production!  

This was the first time that I have ever experienced the ballet, I had no preconceived notions or expectations and I can truly say that the experience for me was breathtakingly beautiful.