Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham – until 30th December 2025
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
The Old Joint Stock Theatre’s festive production of Pinocchio is an inventive and warmly delivered reimagining of Carlo Collodi’s classic tale of the little wooden boy. The production is perfectly suited to the venue’s intimate setting and immediately benefits from the close proximity between performers and audience. In a space as compact as the Old Joint Stock, this could easily feel limiting, but instead it enhances the sense of involvement and playfulness. Before the show even began, the five performers appeared and interacted with the audience, showing the children the various musical instruments they would use during the show. This added a lovely informal start to proceedings.
The show follows Pinocchio’s (Jasmine Metcalfe) familiar journey as an impulsive and inquisitive puppet that comes to life after being carved from a wooden log by Geppetto (Miyu Potin-Sawada). As Pinocchio prepares to attend his first day at School he meets many characters along the way. He comes across a cat (Caoimhe De Brun) and a Fox (Morwenna Brown) who trick him into meeting the Puppetmaster (Miyu Potin-Sawada) who locks Pinocchio in a cage. Pinocchio is helped by The Girl with Azure Hair (Caoimhe De Brun) who discovers Pinocchio’s nose grows when he tells a lie, which he then uses to unlock the cage. Throughout the show, a mysterious storyteller called Jim (Edie Milton Williams) offers guidance to Pinocchio, as well as telling others about the wooden boy.
The cast of five performers is small, but perfectly formed. They portray multiple roles without any confusion. Their performances are confident and full of charm. Pinocchio himself is portrayed with a naive and gentle nature, while the other characters bring lots of humour. The cast’s evident enjoyment creates a lively and engaging experience for the audience. Writer/Composer Holly Mallett’s intention to connect the story to nature is evident throughout, from the recurring wooden imagery to the beautifully crafted wooden stage area, which also serves as the backdrop for the Old Joint Stock Theatre’s other Christmas show It’s A Wonderful Knife- Christmas Dundee. Musical elements add a magical edge to the production. The folk-inspired songs are lively and played by the performers on a variety of instruments.
George P Martin’s set design choices are imaginative and well-judged. Without elaborate sets, the show uses props and physical storytelling to take us into Pinocchio’s world, particularly in the more fantastical sequences. This approach encourages audience imagination to fill in the gaps. Martin’s costumes are also exquisite, and really add to the whole feel of the story. The puppets (directed by Ellie Begley) used throughout are inventive. Ranging from tiny marionette puppets, shadow puppets and a beautifully crafted donkey that the children in the front row especially enjoyed getting to meet up-close. Pinocchio is depicted as a traditional wood-carved puppet, with visible wood grain and movable limbs. Jasmine Metcalfe’s puppetry skills are outstanding at portraying how Pinocchio is feeling as he moves about the whole theatre, interacting with the cast and audience alike. The only flaw I could possibly point out, is that the puppet was initially a little unsettling for the very young children sitting near me, but they were soon captivated by the performance.
Overall, Pinocchio at the Old Joint Stock Theatre is a heart-warming and joyous festive offering. With humour, imagination, and warmth at its core, Director Emily Susanne Lloyd and Writer Holly Mallett have succeeded in capturing the magic of a beloved story without relying on spectacle. For audiences seeking a thoughtfully staged, engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable Christmas experience in Birmingham, Pinocchio is worth a visit this Christmas season.
Robin Hood rode into Birmingham Hippodrome this week for a high-energy, star-packed festive run. Produced once again by Crossroad Pantomimes and featuring scenery and costumes from last year’s London Palladium production, the show is given a distinctly Brummie adaptation. Robin Hood showcases why the Hippodrome remains one of the UK’s most reliable homes of large-scale panto.
Leading the production is Birmingham panto favourite Matt Slack as Robin Hood. Back for his 12th Pantomime at the Hippodrome, Slack brings warmth, charm and boundless energy to the role, and judging by the rapturous applause when he first took to the stage, the audience are clearly pleased to see him. His natural comic timing helps drive the show forward. Alongside him, Faye Tozer delivers a confident and modern turn as Maid Marion. She gives the character strength, independence and warmth, while still preserving the romance audiences expect. The chemistry between the pair works well, especially during later scenes when they are attempting to sing a duet together.
The supporting cast adds plenty of sparkle. Gok Wan clearly relishes his role as Gok Scarlet, bringing charisma and playful humour that quickly wins over the audience. His infectious laugh just makes the crowd love him more, especially when he mistakenly called our title hero Kevin! Matt Cardle embraces his villainous turn as the Sheriff of Nottingham, delivering exaggerated menace and encouraging enthusiastic boos in true pantomime style. Comedy is in particularly safe hands with Andrew Ryan as Henrietta Hood. His sharp comic timing, physical humour and confident audience interaction generate many of the evening’s biggest laughs. Sandra Marvin captivates as The Spirit of Sherwood, bringing elegance and a touch of magic to the production, and what a voice!
A highlight is the special appearance from pantomime legend Christopher Biggins as King Richard. His presence adds a sense of occasion, and his experience shines through in every scene. A role that is notoriously played as a fleeting cameo, here Biggins randomly pops up throughout declaring he is “back from the war”, only to be met with a chorus of “Not yet Biggins”. He throws himself into the spirit of the show and wears an array of hilarious outfits including a Baywatch-inspired red swimming costume!
Visually, the show impresses from the moment the curtain rises. The set design by Mark Walters transitions smoothly between Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle, supported by colourful lighting (Rory Beaton) and Karen Bruce’s direction and choreography keep the pace lively and the action clear. There is always something happening to hold the audience’s attention. The costumes (Teresa Nalton/Ron Briggs) are big, bold and joyfully over-the-top in the very best pantomime tradition, while the musical numbers are bursting with energy.
What really makes this production work is its connection with the audience. There are plenty of opportunities to join in, cheeky jokes aimed squarely at the grown-ups, and enough silliness to keep younger theatre-goers laughing throughout. It may not be the most faithful re-telling of the Robin Hood tale, but the entire ensemble ensure we are thoroughly entertained from start to finish.
Overall, Robin Hood at Birmingham Hippodrome is exactly what you want from a pantomime. It is chaotic, colourful and full to the brim with festive laughs. Birmingham Hippodrome’s pantomime just keeps getting bigger and better each year.
Full casting is revealed for the highly anticipated West End production of William Nicholson’s beloved and deeply moving play SHADOWLANDS, directed by Rachel Kavanaugh. which opens at London’s Aldwych Theatre with performances from Tuesday 5 February to Saturday 9 May 2026.
As previously announced, Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington, W1A) will play C.S. Lewis — the celebrated author of The Chronicles of Narnia — whose orderly academic life is upturned and transformed by the unexpected love of American poet Joy Davidman, played by Maggie Siff (Mad Men, Sons of Anarchy, Billions).
They will be joined by Jeff Rawle (Drop the Dead Donkey, Doc Martin, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) as Major W.H. Lewis (Warnie), Tony Jayawardena (Nye at the National Theatre, Bend It Like Beckham The Musical, RSC’s The Tempest) as Rev. Harry Harrington, and Timothy Watson (The Archers, A Man For all Seasons, Murder on the Orient Express) as Professor Christopher Riley, with Rebecca Blackstone, Nigel Fyfe, Jemma Geanaus, Sharan Phull, Leighton Pugh, Fode Simbo, Ernest Stroud and Giles Taylor.
Ayrton English, Nathan Jago and Louis Wilkins will alternate the role of Douglas (Joy Davidman’s 8-year-old son).
What begins as a meeting of minds becomes an uplifting and powerful journey of love and the fragile beauty of life.
Based on a true story, SHADOWLANDS is written by William Nicholson and was adapted from his own original BAFTA Award-winning TV Movie. It soon became a West End smash-hit winning the Evening Standard Award for Best Play, followed by a triumphant Tony Award-winning Broadway transfer. In 1993 the play was adapted into a major feature film directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger, which subsequently won the BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film.
Jonathan Church Theatre Productions, Trafalgar Theatre Productions and Tilted present SHADOWLANDS by William Nicholson, directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, designed by Peter McKintosh with lighting designs by Howard Harrison, sound designs by Fergus O’Hare and casting by Annelie Powell CDG and Jim Carnahan. Originally produced by Chichester Festival Theatre.
Performances at the Aldwych Theatre from 5 February 2026. A new performance schedule including Tuesday to Saturday evening performances and matinee performances on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 17 February. Further information, full performance schedule and access to tickets at shadowlandsplay.com.
Broadway and television star Daniel Breaker will play Hermes in the critically acclaimed West End production of Hadestown from 29 December 2025. He joins the London cast having played the role at the Walter Kerr Theatre on Broadway since February this year. Other credits include the Broadway productions of Hamilton, The Book of Mormon and Shrek the Musical as well as Billions and Girls5Eva on television.
Breaker (who takes over the role of Hermes from Cedric Neal) joins Desmonda Cathabel as Eurydice; Chris Jarman as Hades; Nicola Roberts as Persephone (until 18 January 2026); Joy Wielkens as Persepone (from 20 January – 8 March 2026) and Dylan Wood as Orpheus.
Melanie Bright, Allie Daniel and Lauran Rae play the Fates; Femi Akinfolarin, Michelle Andrews, Ollie Bingham, Laura Delany and Sebastian Lim-Seet play the Workers, with Lucinda Buckley, Juan Jackson, Oisín Nolan-Power, Lindo Shinda and Jasmine Triadi as Swings.
Hadestown is currently booking until 27 September 2026, at the Lyric Theatre, London. Casting for performances from 10 March 2026, will be announced soon.
Blending American songwriting traditions, from indie folk, to pop, blues, and New Orleans-inspired jazz, Hadestownhas music, lyrics, and book by acclaimed Tony® and Grammy®-winning singer-songwriter and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winner Anaïs Mitchell whooriginated Hadestownas anindie theatre project and acclaimed album, before transforming the show into a genre-defying new musical alongside artistic collaborator and Tony® Award-winning director Rachel Chavkin.
Hadestowntakes you on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back, intertwining two mythic love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone. A deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience, Hadestowninvites you to imagine how the world could be.
The Hadestown creative team includes David Neumann (Choreography), Rachel Hauck (Scenic Design), Michael Krass (Costume Design), Bradley King (Lighting Design), Nevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz (Sound Design), Liam Robinson (Music Supervision and Vocal Arrangements), Michael Chorney and Todd Sickafoose (Arrangements and Orchestrations), Ken Cerniglia (Dramaturgy), Maria Crocker (UK Associate Director), and Tarek Merchant (Musical Director & Associate Music Supervisor). Casting by Jacob Sparrow. Additional casting by Rob Kelly.
Hadestownis produced in London by Mara Isaacs, Dale Franzen, Hunter Arnold, Tom Kirdahy and the National Theatre in association with JAS Theatricals.
All biographies for the cast, as well as information on Hadestown and how to buy tickets, can be found at uk.hadestown.com
Daniel Breaker is appearing with the support of Equity UK, incorporating the Variety Artistes’ Federation, pursuant to an exchange program between American Equity and Equity UK.
Beauty and the Beast at The Hexagon, Reading – A Roaring Pantomime Success
The Hexagon’s Beauty and the Beast is a dazzling festive treat, bursting with colour, comedy and classic pantomime charm. Performed on a magically immersive digital set, the production instantly transports the audience into a vibrant fairy-tale world, blending modern theatrical technology with traditional panto fun. From the moment the curtain rises, it’s clear this is a show designed to delight audiences of all ages.
Children’s TV legend Justin Fletcher shines as Arthur Pint, Nanny Pint’s lovable son and Belle’s loyal best friend. Fletcher’s warmth, impeccable comic timing and infectious energy have the audience eating out of his hand, particularly during the many moments of audience participation. Equally outstanding is Paul Morse, Reading’s award-winning Dame, who brings heart, hilarity and larger-than-life personality to Nanny Pint, the landlady of the Just Inn. Morse’s sharp wit and confident rapport with the crowd ensure laughter never strays far away.
Samantha Dorrance delivers a charming and spirited Belle, while Carl Tracey’s Hunky Dory is perfectly preened and playfully pompous, aided brilliantly by Adam Pettigrew as the mischievous Smudge. Strong support comes from Ally Cox as Mother Meadow and Eloise Lord as the Enchantress, adding depth and sparkle to the fairy-tale magic.
Packed with slapstick comedy, sing-along moments and enthusiastic audience interaction, Beauty and the Beast at The Hexagon is a joyful, fast-paced pantomime that captures the true spirit of Christmas entertainment. A must-see for families looking for laughter, magic and festive fun.
Mayflower Theatre Southampton – until 4th January 2026
Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock
4****
Peter Pan is in Southampton and he needs your help to find the pixie dust keeping Neverland alive, in order to help him fly again! Captain Hook has mysteriously escaped the dreaded croc and is set on causing mayhem, stopping Peter and his friends, but with your help – I think Hook can be defeated!
Noah Harrison and Carly Joan Furlong as Peter and Tink lead the story, navigating us through Neverland to complete their mission. With multiple songs and brilliant dances, this duo are superb. Furlong is the perfect Tink, bringing magic and excitement, whilst Harrison is the epitome of Peter Pan – a little bit wild, but altogether magically charming. Alexandra Burke stars as Captain Hook – and my goodness does she play a perfect villain! She was revelling on stage and completely entrancing, with her magnificent vocals to boot, she is a perfect cast. With the added addition of some of her most well known songs (sung with Captain Hook’s flair!), it was hard to take your eyes off her on stage. Dr Ranj makes an appearance as the Magical Merman, one I was confused about prior to entering the auditorium but it quickly became clear as to why he was cast. He was elaborate, elegant and vocally he was extremely good! The star of the show for me however, was Max Fulham as Smee, accompanied by his monkey friend Gordon. These two were incredibly funny, with Fulham having me believe that Gordon was an independent person as he used his fabulous ventriloquism skills to entertain the audience. At points, I was unable to comprehend how he was doing it, he certainly is a master of his craft. He managed to get the audience onside within a split second and kept us completely engaged until the very end-it was truly magical!
As always, the costumes in Mayflower Pantomimes are mind blowing. From Crossroads Pantomimes, they are the perfect mix of pantomime camp, sequins, glittering and extravagance!
This is a perfect example of pantomime and one that will have you and your family entranced. The songs are modern and easy to recognise, the audience participation is just as expected (and even better!) but above all, the entire company looked as if they were enjoying every second-there was not a moment on stage when a smile quivered or dropped, it was superb! A definite add on to your Christmas Plans this year!
DAME MAUREEN LIPMAN will star in the world premiere of ALLEGRAa new comedy by Peter Quilter
Touring the UK from Tuesday 12 May, 2026 prior to the WEST END
Thomas Hopkins Productions and SAMS Entertainment are delighted to announce that national treasure Dame Maureen Lipman DBE will tour the UK for the first time in 20 years, opening at Theatre Royal Brighton in the week she celebrates her 80th birthday.
Dame Maureen will star in the world premiere of Allegra, a new comedy by Tony Award and double Olivier Award nominated playwright Peter Quilter. Following her acclaimed performance in Rose in the West End in 2023, Dame Maureen now leads this joyful heartwarming comedy on her first major UK tour in many years.
Dame Maureen said today: “To find a comedy which can turn our current face of gloom into an upturned grin of happiness, is rare. Allegra is about a woman who is relentlessly upbeat – in more ways than one. Ibsen it isn’t’’
Allegra (Maureen Lipman) is full of joy. So much of it that she cannot stop herself from bursting into song. At home, in the street, even in shops and restaurants. Sometimes the music is only a fantasy in her head. But at other times, it results in a loud and disruptive performance that causes chaos in the village where she lives. Allegra’s brother, Ronen, and her carer, Anna, must somehow control her eccentricities and avoid angry visits by the local policeman. But is this possible without destroying the great happiness that fills Allegra’s heart?
Allegra is a moving comedy with spectacular song and dance sequences, but is also a touching and emotional examination of how, sometimes, the most beautiful of minds can start to disappear.
Peter Quilter said: “Maureen is one of the great theatrical treasures of this country, and to have her bring Allegra to life is a joy and an honour.”
Producer Thomas Hopkins said: “Working again with Maureen after the remarkable West End success of Rose is an absolute privilege. Allegra is sure to be one of UK theatre’s highlights of 2026.”
Playwright Peter Quilter will have the rare distinction of four plays running across the UK in 2026: Allegra; the 20th anniversary tour of Glorious! starring Wendi Peters and Matthew James Morrison; Step By Step on UK tour with an all-star cast; and Jinkx Monsoon will star as Judy Garland in a revival of End of the Rainbow at Soho Theatre in Walthamstow.
More cast and creative team to be announced. Dame Maureen Lipman DBE At the start of a long and distinguished theatre career in theatre, Dame Maureen Lipman DBE spent three years with the National Theatre Company at The Old Vic led by Sir Laurence Olivier. Her acclaimed one-woman tribute to Joyce Grenfell, Re: Joyce, ran several times over five years in the West End. Other self-written one-woman shows include Live and Kidding (Duchess Theatre) and Up For It (Edinburgh Fringe and Purcell Room). Other theatre credits include: See How They Run (Shaftesbury Theatre): As You Like It (RSC); Outside Edge and Martin Sherman’s Messiah (Hampstead); Aunt Eller in the National Theatre’s Oklahoma!; Lost in Yonkers (Strand Theatre); Daytona (Park Theatre & Theatre Royal Haymarket); Harvey (Birmingham Rep & Theatre Royal Haymarket) and The Best Man (Playhouse Theatre). She has been nominated for seven Olivier Awards across categories commending acting in plays, musicals and comedy, winning in 1984 for See How They Run. Her film credits include: Oklahoma!, the Oscar-winning The Pianist and Educating Rita. Her extensive TV credits include playing agony aunt Jane Lucas in the groundbreaking series Agony (1979 – 81); playing Evelyn Plummer in Coronation Street since 1981 (winning seven TV awards including Best Soap Actress in the TV Choice Awards, and Celebrity Gogglebox alongside Gyles Brandreth.She was married for thirty-three years to the late writer Jack Rosenthal, appearing in three of his TV plays including the Emmy-winning The Evacuees. She was awarded a Damehood in 2021. Peter Quilter – Playwright Peter Quilter’s plays have been presented in 50 countries around the world and translated into over 30 languages. He has had a hit show on Broadway and three successful plays in London’s West End. Peter has twice been nominated for the Olivier Award (Best New Play and Best New Comedy) and his Broadway debut was nominated for three Tony Awards. His best known works are End of the Rainbow (a musical drama about the life of Judy Garland), Glorious! (the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the worst singer in the world) and Duets (a comedy for two actors). Peter’s first movie Judy starring Renée Zellweger received the Golden Globe, the Bafta and the Oscar for Best Actress. His first international success was End of the Rainbow (a musical drama about Judy Garland) which had its premiere in 2005 at Sydney Opera House. The show later played a sold out run in the West End starring Tracie Bennett. The play transferred to the Belasco Theatre on Broadway in 2012, where it was nominated for three Tony Awards. It has since been performed worldwide and in 2019 was adapted as the movie Judy, which won Renée Zellweger the Bafta, Golden Globe and the Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role. Glorious!, the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the worst singer in the world, premiered at Birmingham Rep in 2005 before transferring to the Duchess Theatre in the West End starring Maureen Lipman. The comedy has since been seen by over two million people in theatres across five continents. There will be further new productions this year in China, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Estonia, the USA and Spain. Peter’s other work includes the two-actor comedy Duets which has been performed in 20 countries and was broadcast “live” on television in Paris. The show is currently enjoying the third year of a record-breaking success in Brazil. He is also author of the all- female comedy Step By Step and the 1999 West End show Boyband (Gielgud Theatre). Official website for Peter Quilter www.peterquilter.net
Thomas Hopkins Productions (THP) – Producer Thomas Hopkins Productions (THP) was founded in 2019 by award-winning theatre, film, television, and radio producer Thomas Hopkins. Since its inception, THP has worked on over 150 live theatrical productions and numerous productions created and filmed specifically for platforms such as Sky, BBC, Amazon Prime, BroadwayHD, Broadway On Demand, and the educational platform Digital Theatre Plus. THP is recognised as an industry leader, specialising in transatlantic partnerships and supporting productions through its full-service organisation.
THP’s recent productions include; the critically acclaimed UK tour of The Talented Mr. Ripley and on Broadway; Robert Icke’s Oedipus, new musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake) Across New York, Liberation and seven-time Tony®-nominated John Proctor is the Villain. In London, THP produced This Bitter Earth, directed by Grammy Award, Emmy, and three-time Tony Award®-winning Billy Porter, at Soho Theatre in London’s West End; as well as the highly regarded Rose, starring Dame Maureen Lipman at the Ambassadors Theatre.
THP is passionate about creating new theatrical experiences and productions. Among THP’s current slate of development, some of the highlights include a new version of Boy George’s autobiographical musical Taboo, with plans to open in 2027; a new family musical by Olivier Award-winning composer Vikki Stone, based on the iconic BAFTA-winning BBC TV show Maid Marian and Her Merry Men by Sir Tony Robinson.
In 2026, THP will be producing the 20th Anniversary tour of the hit comedy Glorious! starring Wendi Peters, along with the major UK revival of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s hit musical Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Tony®-nominated Carrie-Anne Ingrouille.
SAMS Entertainment- Producer Sam Houlihan & Sam Biondolillo are Tony Award winning producers based in New York City. Previous Broadway productions include: Thornton Wilder’s Our Town; Merrily We Roll Along; Gutenberg! The Musical and Hell’s Kitchen. Most recently, the Sams produced Stephen Sondheim’s The Frogs at Southwark Playhouse and The Talented Mr Ripley on UK tour. www.samsent.com
ALLEGRA 2026 UK TOUR DATES
Brighton Theatre Royal Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 May
High Wycombe Wycombe Swan Monday 18 – Saturday 23 May
Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 May
Malvern Malvern Theatre 1 – 6 June
LONDON Richmond Theatre Monday 8 – Saturday 13 June
Windsor Theatre Royal Monday 15 – Saturday 20 June
Glasgow Theatre Royal Monday 22 – 27 June
Bath Theatre Royal Monday 29 June- Saturday 4 July
Alphabetti Theatre Newcastle – until 20th December2025
Reviewed by Sandra Little
3***
A Queermas Carol is billed as, “The gayest ghost story ever told,” and is very loosely based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. This production gives this traditional story a modern twist and explores issues relating to the gay community. This version of Dickens’ story is predominantly told by two Marley’s ghosts played by Mack Sproates and Rhianne Bowes meanwhile Charles Dickens (Micky Cochrane) is also presented as a ghost who complains about this interpretation of his “traditional and melancholy ” story.
The production begins with a high energy rap style dance routine from Marley and Marley and the audience are told that they will be embarking on a, “chain shrinking” journey with some audience participation included in the process. At one point in the interpretation of Christmas past, Marley (Mack Sproates) is dressed as a combination of a Tamagotchi and a Furby. He performs a dance routine to, “Push the Button” and then the other Marley (Rhianne Bowes) takes part in an episode of Mastermind where she is asked intrusive and uncomfortable questions about her past. This was quite a poignant moment included in a generally light hearted show.
Part two of this production introduces the audience to the ghost of Christmas present. Rhianne changes into a traditional Victorian dark green costume and gives a great version of, “Santa Baby.” Meanwhile Mack becomes Bob Cratchit with his son being played by a puppet. There are lots of references in this sketch to ‘80s films including Terminator and Indiana Jones and also intense emotions are explored with references to issues faced by young people struggling with identity and sexuality. Eventually it becomes clear that Bob Cratchit’s son is trans gender and chooses to be called Tim.
As the story moves to the future and Christmas yet to come, the traditional phantom is played by Carmen Silk, who was the guest artist on Wednesday evening. A different artist will perform this part each evening for future performances. Carmen ditched her black garb and informed everyone that she was bringing hope and joy to the future. The audience were then treated to three great traditional songs including, “Life is a Cabaret” and “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
The final part of this production involved a conversation with a puppet of a ghostly Charles Dickens and the final message from Marley and Marley was that we need space to tell everyone’s story and we shouldn’t listen to voices that dim our light.
Needless to say, this was an interesting version of a tale everyone knows so well and I must say there were some serious issues explored, however for me the contrast between light hearted and serious was too sharp and there were times when I wasn’t sure what the intention was.
However if you are looking for alternative Christmas entertainment then this could be for you.
The West End’s original Elphaba in Wicked Whatsonstage Award winner
Broadway.com Audience Award winner KERRY ELLIS
completes the star cast for the world premiere semi-staged West End concert of Jo – The Little Women Musical
Sunday January 25, 2026 at 7pm Theatre Royal Drury Lane Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF Final star casting is announced today for the world premiere semi-staged concert of Jo – The Little Women Musical in Concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Sunday January 25, 2026.
Kerry Ellis will play Marmee.
Kerry, widely recognised as a leading lady of West End and Broadway musicals, with a number of starring roles in London, New York, and around the world, made musical theatre history as the first British Elphaba in the worldwide smash, Wicked, for which she won the 2008 Whatsonstage.com Award for ‘Best Takeover in a Role’. She then headed to Broadway to play Elphaba, where she won the Broadway.com Audience Award for Favourite Female Breakthrough Performance, before returning to London in the role.
Kerry originated the role of Meat, in Queen’s We Will Rock You and her other leading West End credits include Grizabella in Cats, Nancy in Oliver!, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Ellen in Miss Saigon, Fantine in Les Miserables, Sara in Murder Ballad and Alice in Wonderland. In 2022 Kerry played Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes at the Barbican to huge acclaim. She continues her long term working relationship with Brian May and they have toured the UK and Europe extensively.
She joins the previously announced GRAMMY Award® nominee Christine Allado (Hamilton) as Jo March. Double Olivier Award® winner Tracie Bennett (Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow) as Aunt March. Eleanor Grant (Avatar LIVE) as Beth March. Chris Mann (Phantom in 25 The Anniversary Tour of The Phantom of the Opera) as Professor Bhaer. West End star Kelly Mathieson (The Phantom of the Opera) as Meg March. Miyuki Miyagi (Beau the Musical) as Sallie Gardiner. Julian Ovenden (from TVs Bridgerton and The Crown) as Father. TV star Sophie Pollono (the Showtime series, I Love That For You) as Amy March. Yazdan Qafouri (The Kite Runner) as Fred Vaughn. Tobias Turley (Mamma Mia!) as Theodore ‘Laurie’ Laurence. Liam Tamne (Ramses in Prince of Egypt, Raoul in Phantom Of The Opera) as John Brooke. Barry James (West End roles include Ladislav Sipos in She Loves Me – Olivier nominated; Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd – Olivier nominated) as Grandfather/Mr. Laurence.
Ensemble/chorus performers will be provided by Vocals Unlimited with Tom Pearce serving as Choirmaster.
Orchestral management is by Isobel Griffiths Ltd.
General Managers are New Road Theatricals. The concert, featuring a 27-piece orchestra, follows the global release in May of a Studio Album released on Center Stage Records and recorded at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios, produced by five-time GRAMMY Award® nominee and three-time Emmy winner Nigel Wright and Dan Redfeld. The album is available on all platforms including Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and Amazon Music and as a special 2-CD set available on Center Stage Records.
A Universal Story. A Cultural Moment. Jo – The Little Women Musical in Concert is a once-in-a-lifetime star-studded event that will bring Louisa May Alcott’s classic story Little Women to life in a bold new musical adaptation with a sweeping, timeless score that will leave you spellbound.
At the heart of this iconic coming-of-age story is Jo March, the original literary heroine – a fiercely passionate young writer whose grief over losing her sister inspires a story that continues to resonate with audiences everywhere. This enchanting new musical is for anyone who has dreamed big, questioned their path, or yearned to share their story.
Jo – The Little Women Musical has music by Dan Redfeld, book and lyrics by Christina Harding and John Gabriel Koladziej, and is directed and choreographed by JoAnn M. Hunter (20 Broadway shows to her credit as a choreographer including Bad Cinderella and School of Rock).
Randy Jones Toll & Steven Toll (Broadway: Waiting for Godot, Glengarry Glen Ross, Our Town, The Hills of California), 2 On The Aisle BDWY, LLC (West End: The Producers, Broadway: Just In Time, Chess) and award winning actress, Peri Gilpin and her daughter, graphic artist, Ava Vincent, have joined as Associate Producers for the concert.
LISTINGS INFO
March Hare Entertainment, LTD., Little Women Enterprises, LLC., Brian Purcell (4 Times Entertainment, Inc.), Rob O’Neill (O’Neill/Snow, LLC.), Willette and Manny Klausner (WMK Productions), Pulau Sisters, LLC present
Jo – The Little Women Musical in Concert
Music by Dan Redfeld Book and Lyrics by Christina Harding and John Gabriel Koladziej
Directed & Choreographed by JoAnn M. Hunter
Musical Director Dan Redfeld
Theatre Royal Drury Lane Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF
