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Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 8th January 2023

Reviewed by Josie Armand Smith

4****

Dick Whittington is a Gloucestershire hero. Join him and his feline sidekick Tweedy on their journey to London and beyond.

There are all of the Everyman favourites; including Sam Holmes as Fairy Bow Bells, Kevin Brewis as Sarah The Cook, who has the most fabulous costumes. Phoebe Samuel-Gray as Alice Fitzwarren. The Queen Rat is played by Lara Denning who has a suburb voice. Then of course there is Tweedy who is Gloucestershires favourite clown who delivered laugh after laugh. He even brings along Keef whose role gets bigger and bigger…

There are many clever puns. Lots of jokes the children laughed at and many more that the adults laughed at (that thankfully went over the heads of the children!). This was a hugely enjoyable and laugh out loud pantomime.

So what do Bea (aged 10) and Emmie (7) say about the performance:
“It was excellent. We really enjoyed it. The part where Tweedy did the mouthing with the singing, telling the story of his date, was so funny. Me and my sister loved it. The singing and dancing was incredible. Some of the actors laughed at the jokes other actors said. The audience participation was fab. It is a must watch panto”

Tickets are selling fast but there are still some available. There are also these special performances:
AUDIO DESCRIPTION: Friday 16th December at 2pm
BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE: Monday 2nd January at 2pm
RELAXED PERFORMANCES: Wednesday 4th January at 10.30am and 4.30pm.

Reading Rep Theatre – until 31 December 2023

Reviewed by Joanna Huggett 

5***** 

My friend and I went to see the show to kick off Christmas. The production made excellent use of the small space and the use of the moving set as props was very clever. The costumes were simple but effective, they needed to be given that there are only 5 cast members in the first half and 6 in the second. They were all on stage for most of the show which left very little time for costume changes! 

Each cast member gave their all and was excellent throughout, I really couldn’t pick a stand out member.  The lighting and sound were used to great effect.  The theatre seats weren’t the most comfortable but the warm welcome from everyone at front of house made up for that. 

In terms of performances, they really were all great. Jeremy Drakes transformed himself from the mean, imposing Scrooge at the beginning of the show through being scared by what he saw to the happy and kind character at the end. Charlie Warner as his long suffering assistant Bobbie Cratchit was both strong in standing up to him in places and vulnerable when being Tiny T’s worried mother. Nathalie Codsi as Belle showed Scrooge what his life could have been had he made different choices but their connection never left and was clear to see. Elijah Ferreira as Fred and Rick Romero as Hopkins both brought expertly timed humour to the production as well as drama. The young actress who played Tiny T has a bright stage future. She already has stage presence at a young age and that will only develop further with productions like this. 

The story line was unchanged from the original but setting it in Reading at Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory was a stroke of genius. We really enjoyed the references to Reading Gaol and the local areas. It felt like the performance whizzed by and before we knew it it was over. We thoroughly enjoyed our night out and now Christmas has officially started.

21 YEARS SINCE IT ALL BEGAN,

THE WORLD’S FAVOURITE ROCK THEATRICAL

RETURNS HOME TO LONDON’S WEST END

2 JUNE – 27 AUGUST 2023 AT THE LONDON COLISEUM

TICKETS ON SALE FROM 10AM ON 6 DECEMBER AT

WEWILLROCKYOULONDON.CO.UK

21 years after it first exploded into the West End, Queen and Ben Elton’s sensational smash hit show ‘We Will Rock You’ returns to London next year for an historic, strictly limited 12-week residency at the London Coliseum – the same iconic stage which saw Freddie Mercury’s Royal Ballet gala performance in 1979.

Featuring 24 of Queen’s greatest hits and a hilarious script by Ben Elton – who returns to the director’s chair for this London homecoming – ‘We Will Rock You’ rivals the scale and spectacle of the band’s legendary live performances. Queen superstars Brian May and Roger Taylor are delighted that the show will soon be wowing London fans once again.

Brian May said: “I’m thrilled we finally have this opportunity to put We Will Rock You back on stage in London, where it was born. The show’s original message of the fight to re-establish individuality in a dystopian corporate world is even more relevant now than when we began. It will be a completely new production that will burst on to the prestigious London Coliseum stage – but the story, the humour, and of course the Queen music, will hit you harder than ever. We WILL Rock You – again!!”

Roger Taylor said: “Bigger, better, faster, funnier! Here we go again… yeaaaaaaaah!”

Ben Elton said: “I hope somebody’s squared this with English Heritage because the fabulous London Coliseum is a Grade II listed theatre and We Will Rock You is gonna blow the roof off.”

First premiering at London’s Dominion Theatre in 2002, ‘We Will Rock You’ was seen by six million people over 4600 performances during an astonishing 12-year run, becoming one of the most successful musicals in West End history and the longest runner at the Dominion by a margin of nine years. It also found unprecedented popularity around the world, playing to a global audience of 20 million across 28 countries.

‘We Will Rock You’ tells the story of a globalized future without musical instruments. A handful of rock rebels, the Bohemians, fight against the all-powerful Globalsoft company and its boss, the Killer Queen; they fight for freedom, individuality and the rebirth of the age of rock. Scaramouche and Galileo, two young outsiders, cannot come to terms with the bleak conformist reality. They join the Bohemians and embark on the search to find the unlimited power of freedom, love and rock!

‘We Will Rock You’ is produced by Phil McIntyre Live Ltd, Queen Theatrical Productions and Tribeca Theatrical Productions.

Website: wewillrockyoulondon.co.uk

Twitter: @WWRYMusical

Instagram: @WWRYMusical

“Magnifico!”

The Sun

“One of the best shows I’ve seen in yonks. An evening of sheer entertainment and enjoyment”

Daily Mirror

“The sheer power of the best Queen numbers strikes hard”

Financial Times

“There was wild applause at the climax of the show…and it only got louder”

Daily Telegraph

“Spectacular”

Daily Express

Theatre Royal Concert Hall Nottingham – until Sunday 8 January 2023

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

4****

A pantomime is a traditional fairy tale complete with songs, dances, jokes, exaggerated characters and lots of audience participation. This production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs delivers spectacularly on all counts. With a stellar cast bringing the Brothers Grimm story to life, its comedy, costumes and capers were in abundance. With a twist on the traditional tale, you are kept guessing and not allowed to collapse into complacency, only fits of laughter with the never-ending gags.

There was a truly magical mirror, a taxi, a flying car, seven dwarfs, a motorised toilet, a prince, a princess, an evil queen, Muddles and his Dame of a mother, a fair bit of corpsing, and did I mention a lot of laughter? The costumes were stunning, the sets were sublime, and the musical numbers were spectacular. Standouts were a Lizzo remix alongside some of the traditional Disney Snow White songs, and then there was the mother of all endings to any show I have ever been to (calling all Steps fans!)

Joe Pasquale who played Muddles, was absolutely phenomenal. He truly embodied Panto being controlled mayhem. He served the show, but threw the script out of the window at the same time and adlibbed like a pro, sending his co-stars in to fits of laughter which added to the audiences enjoyment.

Steps singer and West End performer Faye Tozer played the wicked Queen Lucretia to perfection. Funny, engaging and at times a little evil, her vocals were on point.

Playing the dame was David Robbins. His portrayal of Mrs Nelly Nightnurse was a delight. He had more costume changes then we have had cabinet shuffles. Elaborate, garish, horrific at times but so, so amazing and they all added to the mirth of the show.

Jamal Kane Crawford who played the Prince, Lucy Ireland who played Snow White, and Natalia Brown who played the Spirit of Pantomime were fantastic and held their own against the ‘Stars’, and they, alongside the ensemble cast ensured every song and dance performance was executed to perfection.

What kind of a review would this be if I didn’t mention the magnificent 7. The dwarves, played by Simeon Dyer, Karen Anderson, Willie Coppen, Blake Lisle, Andrew Martin, Katarzyna Męczyńska and Alireza Sarebani were brilliant. Their singing, dancing and overall performance brought the show to life.

This performance loses a star because there were no warnings about the flashing lights during the performance for those who have photo sensitivity. Also, there was an excessive amount of smoke coming from the stage at some points which caused audience members to cough.

Other than that, this production of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs is a rip-roaring romp which will have you rolling in the aisles. Could this be the best pantomime you will ever see, other panto’s might not agree, but repeat after me ‘Oh Yes It Is’!

Newcastle Theatre Royal – until January 15th 2023

Reviewed by Stee Leahy

4****

It’s panto time! My absolute favourite time of the year and what better way to start off panto season 2022 than with this cracker, the Fairy Godmother’s…. Sorry, I mean the Fairy Godfather’s of all pantomimes, the most magical of them all, Cinderella. 

This show started with an absolute bang, in every sense of the word. We were welcomed to the story by an ensemble of fairies, dressed in wonderful costumes and performing perfectly executed choreography led by the Fairy Godfather himself, the show stopping Joe McElderry. Surrounded by glittering sets, Joe’s voice serenaded and entertained every single audience member from the moment he began to sing. 

It was wonderful to see Joe back at the theatre royal for his 2nd year, a tradition I hope continues for many years to come. Joe is possibly one of the most likeable performers I’ve ever seen on the stage. He comes across incredibly well. His charm, whit and charisma make a perfect fit for pantomime, not to mention his perfectly crisp and utterly enthralling vocals are hard to beat. I’d love nothing more than for Joe to become a permanent fixture at the Theatre Royal’s pantomime, along with Danny Adams, Clive Webb and Chris Hayward. 

Speaking of Danny Adams, what is there to say about this incredible performer. From the moment he arrived in his father’s (Clive Webb) pumpkin truck, he had the audience eating out of the palm of his hands. Adams plays Buttons, the lovable, yet very silly sidekick to the leading lady herself – Cinderella, played perfectly by the beautiful Oonagh Cox. 

Britains Got Talent’s ‘Flawless’ were a great addition to this already stellar cast, providing hip hop routines as the Prince Charming’s palace guards. 

Mick Potts was hilarious as usual, playing Dandini, the royal advisor. With nothing more than his physicality and facial expressions, he had the audience in stitches. 

Watching Danny and his father Clive perform together on stage is wonderful. There’s something magically captivating about their relationship, there is no wonder that this is the pairs 17th pantomime at the Theatre royal. I can’t wait to watch Pinocchio next year. 

The Theatre’s resident dame, Chris Hayward took and delivered the role of the wicked Stepmother with conviction and flamboyance. A true pro. 

The set was an absolute spectacle, sparkling from start to finish with glitter and delicate artworks. 

The special effects were like something I’ve never seen before, in particular, Joe McElderry’s Fairy Godfather’s magical painting, literally painting on Cinderella’s ballgown before our very eyes. 

I would definitely recommend Newcastle Theatre Royals ‘Cinderella’, truly one of the most magical story’s ever told.  

Greenwich Theatre – until 8 January 2023

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Taking over the writing reins for this year’s Greenwich panto, Anthony Spargo’s version of Robin Hood hits the bullseye for festive fun.

Robin Hood and his merry men are busily foiling the Sheriff of Nottingham’s money grabbing endeavours and longing for the return of King Richard when the arrival of Marian puts Robin in a spin. Marian is on a mission to confront the Sheriff about his treatment of the poor, and teams up with Robin. This sets up the big archery tournament, the capture and insane rescue of Friar Tuck and the Sheriff’s comeuppance. That’s it plot wise, setting up a parade of chaotic comic schtick and musical numbers that will warm the wintriest heart.

The musical choices are inspired – with Friar Tuck and Little Joan’s hilarious performance of a Bonnie Tyler classic and the Sheriff’s frankly insane Oasis number brilliant highlights. The inclusion of Mister Cellophane could jar in lesser hands than Louise Gielecki’s, but she endears Mutley, the sympathetic doggy henchman, to the audience so perfectly that this quiet moment hits hard. The band – Uncle Steve Markwick, Chris Wyles and Gordon Parrish – are onstage throughout.

Anthony Spargo steals the show as the Sheriff – channelling Rik Mayall, Mick Jagger, Kenneth Williams, Bernie Clifton and a host of other icons as he chews the scenery in true panto villain style. Louise Gielecki as Mutley is the perfect hapless henchman, easily distracted by a ball. Phil Sealey’s Little Joan works the audience brilliantly with innuendoes galore and OTT mooning over lost love Friar Tuck (Martin Johnston). David Breeds and Amy Bastiani play Robin and Marian with energy and are great fun, and Sam Rowe and Mirren Scrivener complete the cast as merry men and guards.

Judith Croft’s design is more green than garish, with simple woodland scenery ensuring that the actors are the main focus of attention. Director Matt Aston keeps the flow of the comic sketches smooth, with expositional scenes moving swiftly and allowing the onslaught of terrible puns and great physical gags to continue. The traditional confectionary cart gag is wonderful and Spargo and Gielecki’s massage and lie detector scenes are so silly they will make your cheeks ache.

With jokes, songs and silliness to satisfy all generations, Robin Hood is another festive triumph for Greenwich Theatre.

RECORD-BREAKING BOX OFFICE SUCCESS ADDS

MUCH-LOVED COMEDY TREASURES

TESSA PEAKE-JONES, RUTH MADOC AND BELINDA LANG

GRAHAM SEED ALSO JOINS THE CAST ALONGSIDE PAUL NICHOLAS WHEN THE SECOND LEG OF THE TOUR OPENS AT

CHELTENHAM’S EVERYMAN THEATRE ON TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY2023

Simon Friend Entertainment is today delighted to announce the latest additions to the cast of the box office sensation The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Simon Friend, producer of the show, commented: “It has been an incredibly heart-warming experience touring this wonderful production, filling theatres with audiences who have otherwise been slower to come back to plays following the pandemic. While touring a play with a large cast in this climate was a considerable risk, this show has demonstrated that regional play-going audiences are certainly hungry for theatre, and never before has this life-affirming story been more relevant.”

Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel in BBC 1’s Only Fools and Horses, ITV’s Grantchester), Ruth Madoc (Gladys Pugh in BBC 1’s Hi-de-Hi! and Little Britain; Calendar Girls UK Tour), Belinda Lang (ITV’s Second Thoughts;BBC 1’s 2point4 Children) and Graham Seed (Nigel Pargetter in BBC Radio 4’s The Archers) are to join the cast of Deborah Moggach’s celebrated show, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Tessa Peake-Jones will perform as Evelyn, Ruth Madoc will appear as Muriel, Belinda Lang joins the cast as Madge and Graham Seed as Norman from Tuesday 28 February 2023 when the play opens at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham.

Today’s newly announced cast members join Paul Nicholas (Jesus Christ Superstar, BBC 1’s Just Good Friends, Eastenders) who continues in the role of Douglas having joined the tour in September 2022 alongside Tiran Aakel (The Kite Runner, UK and Dubai Tour; Umm Kalthoum and The Golden Era, Dubai Opera House) who performs as Mr Gupta, Rekha John-Cheriyan as Mrs Kapoor (Kerbs, Tomb Raider, Dream Horse); Shila Iqbal (East Is East, Octagon Theatre; Eaten by Lions); as Sahani, Kerena Jagpal (Mismatch and Twitch, Birmingham Rep; Circle Game, Southwalk Playhouse) as Kamila, Nishad More (King Lear, Royal Shakespeare Company) as Sonny Kapoor, Anant Varman (who makes his professional UK stage debut with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) as Mohan and Adam Morris (Dial M for Murder and The Messiah, UK Tours); and Julie Wood (Brave New World, Harrogate Theatre) who join the company as male and female understudies.

Further casting to be announced.

TESSA PEAKE-JONES

Television includes: Mrs Chapman, series regular in Grantchester (ITV); Raquel, series regular and Christmas specials in Only Fools and Horses (BBC) and a variety of TV shows including Unforgotten (ITV), Legacy (UPN); Poirot (ITV);  Poppy Shakespeare (Channel 4); Dalziel and Pascoe (BBC); A Summer in the Suburbs (BBC); Births Marriages and Deaths (Tiger Aspect Productions); Holby City (BBC); Tom Jones; Midsomer Murders (Bentley); Two Gentleman of Verona (BBC); The Bell (BBC) and Quartermaine’s Terms (ITV).

Theatre includes: Ladies of Letters (The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre); The Winslow Boy (Chichester Festival Theatre and UK Tour); Bang Bang! (Northcott Theatre and Tour); While We’re Here (Bush Theatre and Tour); Beacons (Park Theatre); Home (Arcola); Brimstone and Treacle (Arcola); Park Avenue Cats(The Arts Theatre); The Five Wives of Maurice Pinder (National Theatre); Shirley Valentine (Haymarket Theatre); The Park (RSC); Pride and Prejudice (Old Vic); Hamlet and Comedy of Errors(RSC) and a year at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in the Round. Tessa was a founder member of Tight Assets Theatre Ltd and has done numerous radio plays.

Film includes: Bonobo (Fable Films); The Devil Went Down to Islington (Skinned Productions and Reelscape Films) and First Night (Scorpio Films).

RUTH MADOC

Ruth Madoc is well known for the iconic roles of Gladys Pugh in nine series of Hi-de-Hi! for the BBC & Dafydd’s Mum in Little Britain (also BBC). Other recent TV appearances include Alice in The Tuckers (BBC), Millie Faulkner in Casualty (BBC) and Jean March in Doctors (BBC).

Theatre credits include: Jessie in Calendar Girls (Calendar Girls: The Musical); Grandma Rose in The Wedding Singer(UK Tour); Matron in Be My Baby (Autumn tour 2016); Ada in You’re Never Too Old (Edinburgh Fringe); Older Dorothy Squires in Say it with Flowers (Sherman, Cymru); Marie in Calendar Girls (Various UK Touring); Miss Hannigan in Annie (UK Tour); The Vagina Monologues(UK Tour); Dorothy Brook in 42^nd Street (UK Tour); Mrs Bardell in Pickwick The Musical (Apollo Leisure) & Mama Rose in Gypsy (Newpalm Productions).

Film work includes: the short films Cardiff (Alpha Productions) and Skinny Fat (BBC Wales); Journey Man (Wild Films) and feature films Very Annie Mary (Film Four/Dragon Pictures); Crossed Swords (Warner Bros); Prince and the Pauper (Miramax); Fiddler on the Roof (MGM).

BELINDA LANG

Most recent theatre credits include: Duet For One (National Tour); Humble Boy (Orange Tree); The Country Wife (Chichester); Oklahoma! (Royal Albert Hall and UK tour) and The Constant Wife (Gate, Dublin).

London Theatre credits include: The Letter of Last Resort (Tricycle/Traverse Edinburgh); Liberty (Globe); The School For Scandal (Park Theatre); The Killing Of Sister George (Arts Theatre); Hay Fever (Haymarket Theatre); Forgotten Voices (Riverside Studios); Ring Round The Moon (Playhouse Theatre); The Secret Rapture (Lyric) Theatre); What The Butler Saw (Hampstead Theatre/Criterion); Life x 3 (Savoy Theatre); My Boy Jack (Hampstead Theatre); Things We Do For Love (Duchess Theatre); Dead Funny (Savoy) and Mrs Klein (Apollo).

For her company, Haig Lang Productions she has done National tours of My Boy Jack and Private Lives. Other tours include Single Spies, Gabriel, Ladies in Lavender and A Song at Twilight.

Her leading roles on television include Bill in 2 Point 4 Children, Agatha Troy in The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries, Christine Hamilton in Justice in Wonderland and she can most-recently be seen as Mrs Clam in The Sister Boniface Mysteries and as Josephine McAfee in the Sky drama This England.

She has translated numerous French plays, film scripts and television dramas.

Her work as a director includes Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children for Salisbury Playhouse; national tours of An Hour and A Half Late, Present Laughter, The Reluctant Debutante, and also This Was a Man at the Finborough Theatre. Her next project is to be Rocchiccioli’s Letters From the Heart due to open in Sidney in 2023.

GRAHAM SEED

Theatre credits include: Bloody Difficult Women (Riverside Studios and Edinburgh Festival); Dead Sheep, (Park Theatre and National Tour); An Audience with Jimmy Savile (Park Theatre); Bedroom Farce and Separate Tables (Salisbury Playhouse); Jim Hacker in Yes Prime Minister (National Tour); Basket Case(National Tour); The Mousetrap (60th Anniversary tour and India); Toad of Toad Hall (WestEnd); Me and My Girl (Adelphi Theatre); The Ladykillers, Journey’s End, Flare Path, Translations, Design for Living, Relatively Speaking, A Chase Maid of Cheapside and Confusions (National Tours); Someone to Watch Over Me (Frankfurt); The Skin Game (Orange Tree); Nelson (Nuffield, Southampton); Present Laughter(Theatr Cymru); Accolade (Finborough Theatre). He has also played many repertory seasons including: Birmingham, Greenwich, Library Theatre, Manchester, and Perth.

TV credits include: Doctors, Casualty, The Durrells, I, Claudius, Edward VII, Brideshead Revisited, Mike Leigh’s Who’s Who, Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV, Jeeves and Wooster, The Cleopatras, Crossroads, Coronation Street, Brookside, Prime Suspect, Nature Boy, Dinnerladies, Station Jim, Band of Brothers, The Chatterley Affair and Midsomer Murders.

Film credits include: Peterloo, Gandhi, Good and Bad at Games, Honest, Little Dorrit, These Foolish Things and Wild Target.

Radio credits include: The Archers. Words and Music (Radio 3) Pick of the Week and What the Papers’ Say (Radio 4), The Pargetter Triptych (Podcast)

He was awarded Broadcaster of the Year and the Voice of Listener and Viewer Special Award 2010 for his portrayal of Nigel Pargetter in The Archers for 27 years.

PAUL NICHOLAS

Paul Nicholas became a household favourite in the role of Vince Pinner in the celebrated British sitcom Just Good Friends which won the BAFTA award for Best Comedy Series. Paul has continued to star in many TV series including the evil Gavin Sullivan in EastEnders and can be seen as himself in the BAFTA-nominated series The Real Marigold Hotel and Marigold On Tour.

On stage, Paul’s theatrical success began more than fifty years ago in 1968 when he originated the role of Claude in the London premiere of Hair. Following this, in 1972 he originated the role of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. He starred as Danny Zuko in the original West End production of Grease with Elaine Page and as the Rum Tum Tugger in the original production of Cats. His other leading role musical credits include Jekyll & Hyde; Barnum; 42nd Street; Singing In The Rain; Dr. Doolittle; A Christmas Carol; Pirates of Penzance; Tale of Two Cities; Fiddler On The Roof and Jerry Herman’s Dear World.

Most recently, Paul’s theatrical ventures have included leading roles in The Exorcist directed by Sean Mathias for a UK tour; Quartet directed by Peter Rowe for the Cheltenham Everyman Theatre and a UK tour; And Then There Were None directed by Joe Harmston for a UK tour Paul has also co-produced numerous shows including Grease, Singing in the Rain, Evita, Pirates of Penzance, Chess and Saturday Night Fever. In 2021 Paul published his autobiography Musicals, Marigolds & Me and a three-CD boxset Paul Nicholas Gold featuring his pop and musical career including Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Hair, and Grease.

Deborah Moggach adapts her bestselling novel 2004’s These Foolish Things for the stage, it previously having inspired the BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated film. Directed by Lucy Bailey (Oleanna, UK Tour & West End); Gaslight, UK Tour; Witness for the Prosecution,London’s County Hall) the rest of the creative team comprises Costume and Set Designer, Colin Richmond; Lighting Designer, Oli Fenwick; Sound Designer, Mic Pool; Composer, Kuljit Bhamra; Casting Director, Ginny Schiller CDG; Associate Director, Breman Rajkumar; Movement Director, Lucy Hind; Costume Supervisor, Chris Cahill; Production Manager, Digby Robinson;Props Supervisor, Lizzie Frankl and Associate Props Supervisor, Zoe Wilson.

Based on the Sunday Times bestseller which inspired one of this century’s most treasured films, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes us on a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life. The luxury residence is far from the opulence they were promised, but as their lives begin to intertwine and they embrace the vibrancy of modern-day India, they are charmed in unexpected and life-changing ways.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a joyous, feel-good comedy about taking risks, finding love, and embracing second chances, even in the most surprising of places.

The film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (directed by John Madden) saw its UK theatrical release in 2012. Within two weeks of its cinematic distribution, the film had topped the UK Box Office and went on to become a hit internationally performing as one of the highest-grossing films of 2012 in Australia and New Zealand in addition to the United Kingdom.

The interwoven stories of the film’s stellar ensemble, which included Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilson, Tom Wilkinson, Celie Imrie, and Ronald Pickup – with Dev Patel as the put-upon owner of a past-its-best hotel for ‘the elderly and beautiful’ – shone a light on issues such as the outsourcing of care and NHS treatments, the complexity of family relationships around the world, love, compassion, and companionship in our twilight years.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is produced by Simon Friend, Jenny King, Trafalgar Entertainment, and Gavin Kalin.

Get ready for the journey of a lifetime.

www.marigoldshow.com

TONY! [THE TONY BLAIR ROCK OPERA]

BY HARRY HILL & STEVE BROWN

TO OPEN IN LONDON’S WEST END

AT THE LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE ON 15 APRIL 2023

AHEAD OF UK TOUR

‘Look anyone will tell you, I’m a pretty straight sort of guy.’ Tony Blair

A reckless reappraisal of the life of former Ugly Rumours front man and Britain’s first pop Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Following its critically acclaimed, sold-out world premiere at Park Theatre this summer Harry Hill and Steve Brown’s musical, TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera], will run in London’s West End at the Leicester Square Theatre from 15 April to 21 May.  Following the West End limited season, the musical will tour the UK from 25 May to 29 July, including Tony Blair’s previous constituency of Sedgefield, where it will play from 27 to 29 July in the Parish Hall, with further dates to be added.

The musical tells the story of how one man went from peace-loving, long-haired hippy and would-be pop star to warmongering multimillionaire in just a couple of decades. Throw in a stellar cast of larger-than-life characters – Cherie Blair, Princess Diana, John Prescott, Peter Mandelson, Alastair Campbell, Osama bin Laden, George W Bush, Saddam Hussein and Gordon Brown – it’s Yes, Minister meets The Rocky Horror Show and a musical like no other.

Please note: Neither Tony Blair, the Tony Blair Institute, nor any other person featured in this production have endorsed the production or its marketing materials and are in no way affiliated with the production.

Harry Hill and Steve Brown said, “After the great response from audiences on its launch this summer, we’re thrilled that TONY! is going on the road in 2023. It’s a show for Tony Lovers and Haters everywhere – and everyone in between – don’t expect a history lesson – in our world Tony’s born singing and dancing, Saddam Hussein is played as Groucho Marx and Gordon Brown occasionally turns into the Incredible Hulk – let’s just say all the facts are there… but not necessarily as they occurred!  Tony hasn’t yet replied to our invite to see the show, but we do hope he’ll pop along to his old stomping ground of Sedgefield to give his verdict when we open there at the Parish Hall. Tony? If you’re reading this we’ve put a couple of tickets in your name on the door.”

TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] is directed by Peter Rowe, with set and costume design by Libby Watson, lighting design by Mark Dymock and choreography by Francesca Jaynes.  The Park Theatre production of TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] is produced in the West End and on tour by Nicholson Green Productions.

For more information, visit www.tonyblairrockopera.co.uk

Twitter and Instagram: @tonyrockopera

LISTINGS INFORMATION

15 April – 21 May 2023

Leicester Square Theatre

6 Leicester Place

London WC2H 7BX

Performances vary, so please check the website

Box Office: 020 7734 2222

Website: leicestersquaretheatre.com

Tickets: from £26.50

Running Time at Leicester Square Theatre: 2 hours (inc. interval)

Suitable for 14+

TOUR SCHEDULE

25 May – 3 June             Guildford Yvonne Arnaud                                                                   01483 44 00 00                

                                  www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk                                                                on sale

14 – 17 June                    Cardiff New Theatre                                                                            0343 310 0041

                                          www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk                                                           on sale

21 – 24 June                    Richmond Theatre                                                                                 

                                          www.atgtickets.com/Richmond                                                       on sale

27 June – 1 July              Brighton Theatre Royal                                                                        

                                         www.atgtickets.com/Brighton                                                           on sale             

3 – 8 July                          Bath Theatre Royal                                                                             01225 448844

                                          Theatreroyal.org.uk                                                                            on sale soon

11 – 15 July                      Chester Storyhouse                                                                            01244 409113

                                          storyhouse.com                                                                                   on sale 5 December   

18 – 22 July                      Malvern Festival Theatre                                                                   01684 892277

                                          www.malvern-theatres.co.uk                                                            on sale 5 December

24 – 26 July                      Darlington Hippodrome                                                                     01325 405405

                                          www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk                                                  on sale

27 – 29 July                      Sedgefield Parish Hall                                                                         on sale details soon

Further dates to be added

Adjoa Andoh directs and stars in

RICHARD III

Rose Theatre and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres in association with Swinging the Lens

6 – 22 April 2023 at Liverpool Playhouse

26 April – 13 May 2023 at Rose Theatre

Rose Theatre and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres today announce a new production of William Shakespeare’s Richard III. Following her critically acclaimed production of Richard II at Shakespeare’s Globe, Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury in Bridgerton) returns to the stage to direct and star as Shakespeare’s iconic antihero, Richard III. Richard III opens at Liverpool Playhouse on 11 April with previews from 6 April 2023 and plays at Rose Theatre from 26 April – 13 May 2023.

Rose Theatre today also announce Lord of the Flies (18 – 22 April 2023) and Peter Pan (1 December 2023 – 7January 2024).

Priority booking is now available for Richard III, Lord of the Flies, and Peter Pan, with general booking open from Monday 5 December 2022.

A tale of ambition and manipulation, Richard III charts the rise of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, as he deceives and murders anyone who stands in his path to becoming King. 

Reflecting on her own childhood in rural England in the 1960s, Adjoa Andoh sets out to explore how pathologising the body and ascribing evil intent due to a person’s physical appearance can wear away at the soul. 

Adjoa Andoh said:

“When Christopher Haydon, Artistic Director of the Rose Theatre, asked me what I might be interested in directing for their 2023 spring season, Richard lll was top of my list. 

Richard is a character I have loved since childhood. Growing up in a tiny Cotswold village in the 1960s & 70s, I immediately felt a connection to someone singled out because of their appearance.

On first reading Shakespeare’s play as a child, I was outraged at the way Richard was portrayed, but now appreciate one of the questions Shakespeare posits – what happens to a person and their sense of self, if throughout their life bad intentions are ascribed to them based solely on their appearance? I call this body pathologising. It happens to many people in many circumstances across the world to this day, and in this production, I want to explore the story, and that question through the lens of race.

I’m delighted that the show is a co-production with Liverpool Playhouse, as my mother is a Liverpudlian, and finally I get to perform in her beloved city; our childhoods united on stage. I can’t wait to whip off the corsets and share this production with audiences in Liverpool and London next spring.”

Christopher Haydon, Artistic Director of Rose Theatre said:

“Starting with Richard III, the Rose continues to offer audiences fiercely fresh perspectives on familiar stories. I last collaborated with Adjoa Andoh in 2017 when I ran the Gate Theatre. I’m thrilled that she’s now bringing her ferocious intellect and incandescent stage presence to the Rose, in the first Shakespeare we’ve presented in my tenure here as Artistic Director. Adjoa will both direct and star in a no doubt powerful and provocative production, that will both entertain and challenge.

I’m delighted that we are partnering with Leeds Playhouse and the Belgrade Theatre to present Amy Leach’s startling new production of this epic and visceral story. Amy is a champion of creating accessible theatre, and this show will have creatively integrated audio description available at every performance. 

Our youth theatre will remain integral to our Christmas production which in 2023 will be a new version of Peter Pan. I’ve wanted to work with Evan Placey for many years – he is a terrifically talented writer with a particularly strong understanding of family audiences. I’ve no doubt that he and director Lucy Morrell, will be taking us on a very special trip to Neverland.”

Suba Das, Creative Director of the Liverpool Playhouse and Everyman said:

“Both the Playhouse and the Everyman have had a long history of incredible Shakespeare performances by Liverpool acting royalty from Pete Postlethwaite to David Morrissey to Kim Cattrall treading our boards in some of the bard’s most iconic roles. It’s an honour in my first year here to continue this proud tradition and with the team at Rose Theatre to entice Adjoa off the Bridgerton set and back to Liverpool (where her mum grew up) to take on Richard III, one of the greatest plays and characters ever written.  As both lead actor and director, Adjoa is assembling a stunning cast and creative team around her for a production that will examine race and trauma. It’s a timely reimagining and I’m so very proud our audiences at the Playhouse will be the first in the world to experience what will be one of the year’s theatrical highlights.”

2023 at the Rose continues with a contemporary staging of Lord of the Flies, adapted by Nigel Williams from the novel from William Golding, will be directed by Amy Leach, and is a Leeds Playhouse and Belgrade Coventry co-production in association with Rose Theatre.

Lord of the Flies made an immediate impact when it was first published as a novel in 1954 by Nobel Prize-winning British author William Golding. Almost 70 years later, its searing iconoclastic gaze remains intact, giving us the chance to reflect anew on modern society.

Next Christmas, an enchanting adventure awaits. 

Award-winning writer Evan Placey adapts J.M. Barrie’s children’s classic Peter Pan in a brand-new version directed by Lucy Morrell (Beauty and the Beast). Packed with song, dance, magic and featuring members of our talented Rose Youth Theatre, we promise to have you hooked.

Chasing his runaway shadow, a mischievous young boy crash lands through an open window and meets a headstrong young girl not yet ready to face growing up. With a sprinkle of fairy dust, they take flight on a whirlwind festive voyage across pirate ships, through mermaid lagoons and into the heart of Neverland.   

SUSAN STROMAN’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION
TRANSFERS TO LONDON

Charlie Stemp,
Carly Anderson & Tom Edden to lead cast

Performances begin on Saturday 24 June 2023,
Gillian Lynne Theatre

www.CrazyForYouMusical.com

oey Parnes, Sally Horchow and Michael Harrison are thrilled to announce the transfer of the smash hit Chichester Festival Theatre Production of Crazy For You. Susan Stroman’s celebrated new production of the classic Gershwin musical, which played a sold-out season in Chichester this summer, will transfer to London next year.

Crazy For You, which received critical acclaim across the board when it opened in Chichester, will play a strictly limited 6-month season at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London, with performances beginning on Saturday 24 June 2023. Tickets are now on sale at www.CrazyForYouMusical.com

He’s a fish out of water and she’s a real catch.

Theatre-mad Bobby Child is torn between his show-business dreams and running the family bank. He reluctantly heads west to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a theatre’s mortgage, only to fall for the theatre owner’s daughter, Polly. Desperate to prove his good faith, Bobby decides to put on a show – complete with dancers from the glamorous Zangler Follies in New York City – to save the theatre, renew the town and hopefully win Polly’s love.

With a riotously entertaining book by Ken Ludwig and overflowing with glorious Gershwin melodies (including Someone to Watch Over Me, I Got Rhythm and They Can’t Take That Away from Me), this production is a joyful celebration ‘blessed with ingenious, sparkling choreography from Susan Stroman, which sends you out on a high from the joy of music and dance’ Financial Times. The original production of Crazy For You won several Tony and Olivier Awards, including Best Musical.

Directed and choreographed by multi-Tony and Olivier award winner Susan Stroman, with book by Olivier Award winning Ken Ludwig, this spectacularproduction transfers from a sell-out season at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Starring Charlie Stemp, the Olivier-nominated star of Half a Sixpence and Mary Poppins as Bobby, Carly Anderson, star of Wicked as Polly, and Drama Desk Award winner Tom Edden as Bela Zangler.

Producers Joey Parnes, Sally Horchow and Michael Harrison said:
“Susan Stroman’s exuberant production of Crazy For You was the most infectiously joyful show of the year. Charlie and Carly’s performances brought both great romance and spectacle to its heart, and Tom Edden was absolutely hilarious! We are so thrilled that London audiences will now be able to experience this dazzling musical in the superb setting of the Gillian Lynne Theatre.”