‘PETER PAN GOES WRONG’ ANNOUNCES BRAVE NEW CAST FOR UK TOUR
UK TOUR: 23 SEPTEMBER 2023 – 14 APRIL 2024
Mischief, the multi award-winning company responsible for the global comedy phenomenon, The Play That Goes Wrong, and the BBC One television series, The Goes Wrong Show, today announces full casting for its forthcoming UK Tour of Peter Pan Goes Wrong.
The touring production reunites returning Mischief cast members with some courageous new recruits. The full cast line-up includes: Jake Burgum (Trevor), Jack Michael Stacey (Chris), Matthew Howell (Robert), Jean-Luke Worrell (Francis), Ciara Morris (Sandra), Theo Toksvig-Stewart (Max), Clark Devlin (Dennis), Jamie Birkett (Annie), Gareth Tempest (Jonathan) and Rosemarie Akwafo (Lucy). With understudies: Romeo Mika, Clare Noy,Consuela Rolle and Phil Yarrow. Opening at Richmond Theatre on 23 September, the production will visit Aylesbury, Nottingham, Liverpool, Southampton, Wolverhampton, Bath, Leeds, Cardiff, Canterbury, Newcastle, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Woking, Birmingham, Manchester and Cheltenham.
Co-penned by Mischief’s celebrated writing trio, Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a highly physical comedy packed with finely-tuned farce and Buster Keaton inspired slapstick, delivered with split-second timing and ambitious daring. The play sees the ‘Cornley Drama Society’ back on stage battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present J.M. Barrie’s much-loved tale. But will they ever make it to Neverland?
Meanwhile across the pond, the original Mischief team have just completed a four-month run of Peter Pan Goes Wrong on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City, where it received eight award nominations, winning the Drama Desk Award for ‘Best Unique Theatrical Experience’ and the Broadway.com Audience Choice Award for ‘Favourite New Play’. The production now heads to Los Angeles for a strictly limited five weeks at the Ahmanson Theatre, from 8 August to 10 September.
Nominated for an Olivier Award for ‘Best New Comedy’ in 2016, Peter Pan Goes Wrong has enjoyed two West End runs, a season on Broadway, a tour of Australia and New Zealand and two UK tours. BBC One broadcast a one-hour version of the show on primetime television in December 2016, starring David Suchet as the guest narrator, watched by an audience of over six million worldwide.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong is directed by Adam Meggido, with set designs by Simon Scullion, costumes by Roberto Surace, lighting by Matt Haskins and sound by Ella Wahlström. Original compositions by Richard Baker and Rob Falconer. The Associate Director is Fred Gray. Peter Pan Goes Wrong is produced by Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd in arrangement with Mischief Worldwide Ltd.
Mischief’s other stage successes include The Play That Goes Wrong (West End, Broadway and on tour across the UK and internationally with productions staged on every continent – with the exception of Antarctica), Mind Mangler – Member of the Tragic Circle, Magic Goes Wrong,Groan Ups, A Comedy About A Bank Robbery and Mischief Movie Night. Their ‘Royal Television Society’ award-winning BBC One series The Goes Wrong Show aired in December 2019 with a Christmas special, with further episodes in early 2020, and a hit Nativity special last Christmas. The second series aired in September 2021 on BBC One and iPlayer
PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for the UK And Ireland tour of Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black. The production will star Malcolm James as Arthur Kipps and Mark Hawkins as The Actor, opening at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Wednesday 6 September 2023. Following Wolverhampton, the tour will visit Cardiff, Billingham, Buxton, Aylesbury, Southend, Blackpool, Malvern, Richmond, Poole, Nottingham, Liverpool, Swindon, Norwich, Truro, York, Birmingham, Bradford, Brighton, Ipswich, Bath, Glasgow, Milton Keynes, Dartford, High Wycombe, Crewe, Coventry, Belfast, Derry, and Dublin.
Malcolm James returns to The Woman in Black having first played Arthur Kipps on a UK Tour and then at the Fortune Theatre. His other West End credits include The Mousetrap at St. Martin’s Theatre and Volpone at the National Theatre. His on-screen credits include HBO’s My Dinner with Herve, Secret Invasion on Disney+, the BBC’s Doctors and EastEnders, ITV’s Coronation Street and The Bill. On radio he has been heard on Letters to an Icon, The History Man and several afternoon dramas all on BBC Radio 4.
Mark Hawkins first played The Actor in The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre and The Madinat Theatre. His other theatrical credits include The Railway Children at Kings Cross Theatre, Julius Caesar at The Globe, the uk tour of Lady Chatterley’s Lover and the international tour of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. His television credits include HBO’s The Nevers and ITV’s Vera.
The tour cast is completed by Jon de Ville (The Sound of Music UK Tour, Netflix’s Scoop, BBC’s Strike) as understudy Arthur Kipps and Dominic Price (The Woman in Black) as understudy The Actor.
Over 33-years THE WOMAN IN BLACK played over 13,000 performances in the West End and has been seen by over 7-million people in the UK. In June 2019 the production celebrated its 30th Anniversary in London’s West End with a special gala performance.
A scene from The Woman In Black tristram@tristramkenton.com
Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s best-selling novel tells the story of a lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over his family by the spectre of a ‘Woman in Black’. He engages a young actor to help him tell his story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. It begins innocently enough, but as they delve further into his darkest memories the borders between make-believe and reality begin to blur and the flesh begins to creep.
Following a Christmas production in 1987 at a pub in Scarborough, THE WOMAN IN BLACK was brought to Hammersmith’s Lyric Theatre in January 1989. Reviews were sufficiently encouraging (apart from The Independent, who regretted the production’s inability to incorporate a live dog) to warrant a West End run. Its West End tour started at the Strand (now Novello) Theatre in March and moved to the Playhouse in April, finally lodging at the Fortune on June 7, 1989.
Throughout the production’s run in the West End and during its many tours the producer has been determined to keep ticket prices within the range of students and young people. This policy will continue in whatever form the play and production take in the future.
THE WOMAN IN BLACK is directed by Robin Herford, with designs by Michael Holt and lighting by Kevin Sleep.
Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Saturday 5th August 2023
Reviewed by Steph Lott
5*****
On the opening night of Blood Brothers at Cambridge Arts I witnessed, and was part of, a standing ovation unlike any other I have experienced. There was almost a roar of appreciation from the audience. I had tears in my eyes and I’m sure that I was not alone.
Willy Russell initially wrote Blood Brothers as a school play, and it was first performed in November 1981. This 40-year-old phenomenon tells the story of Mrs Johnstone, a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet. Finding herself pregnant with twins, she realises that she can only afford to keep one of the babies so enters a pact to give one of the children to a well-to-do neighbour who she works for, Mrs Lyons. Despite the best efforts of their respective mothers, by a twist of fate the boys meet and become best friends, never knowing that they were twins secretly separated at birth. But as they grow up their lives take very different paths, leading to tragedy.
Blood Brothers blends music, comedy, tragedy and social commentary. As well as being a great musical, the show is a biting social commentary on the issue of class, of the ‘nature versus nurture’ debate and on the opportunities afforded or denied to families due to socio-economic circumstances.
This production was directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright. Although Blood Brothers is a musical, you almost don’t notice as the songs blend so well into the overall story.
Danny Whitehead as The Narrator gave a wonderfully haunting performance as he foreshadowed the dark events at the end of the show. Blending menace in with compassion, he carried the narrative along with great vocal talent.
There are pivotal pairings in the play which are so well performed by the actors in this production. Firstly, there are the mothers, Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons. Sarah Jane Buckley plays Mrs Lyons with finesse and admirably portrays her sadness at not being able to conceive, her joy at finally having a son and her ultimate descent into paranoia.
The contrast between Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons is excellently conveyed here and Niki Colwell Evans’ Mrs Johnstone was a favourite of mine. She played the role with strength and grit, yet her vulnerability shone through. She gave some stunning vocal performances with a voice made for musicals.
Then we meet Mickey and Eddie. The relationship between the two boys is funny, touching and ultimately heart-breaking.
Mickey is played by Sean Jones, and what he does with the role of Mickey is truly extraordinary. Watching him take Mickey from a child into adulthood is an almost visceral experience.
Eddie is played by Joe Sleight. His moments with both mothers are heart-stopping. Caught between both women without even realising, Joe Sleight handles the role of Eddie with delicacy and charm.
Mention must be made also of the fabulous supporting cast who swop between roles seamlessly and provide a solid foundation for the main characters.
This is an extraordinary show. There are tears and laughter, sometimes at the same time. The humour is still fresh and not forced, with moments of genuine laughter shared between the cast and the audience. Poignant and powerful, it’s impossible not to be moved by this performance of a compelling and memorable tale. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. Go and see it.
GROSVENOR PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE – UNTIL 27TH AUGUST 2023
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
5*****
This summer season from the 1st of July until the 27th of August, two magical timeless tales are running at the Grosvenor Park Open Theatre. With a magical festival atmosphere and theatre-in-the-round, these stories are brought to life under the starry skies, by the Storyhouse. This year, they have extended their programme to include live music, comedy, children’s theatre and more.
This year Deborah McAndrew’s adaption of the beloved American classic, The Great Gatsby makes its world premiere at the Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre. Based on the magnificent novel by F Scott Fitzgerald, it explores international themes, including indiscretion, societal standards, morality, fate and destiny. Each character represents a common identity everyone can connect with.
Set in roaring 20’s. Gatsby (Daniel Burke) is a man who successfully, if unethical, worked his way to fortune and hosts extravagant soirees. The host, however, is never seen during these parties and is never completely known by any one person. Gatsby’s neighbour, Nick Carraway (Thomas Cotran) narrates Gatsby’s tragic and ultimately fall from the world of the rich and famous. Gatsby hopes to pursue Nick’s cousin Daisy (Molly-Grace Cutler), with whom he had a love affair that he never forgotten. But Daisy is married to the violent and savage Tom Buchanan (Laurie Jamieson), who has a mistress, Myrtle (Alyce Liburd) on the side. As the love triangle threatens to tear their lives apart, the glamour of pretentious living proves to be no more than an appearance covering their emptiness.
Performing in-the-round and on bark is not an easy task but the cast utilizes the floor area and appears from all corners of the theatre. In the beginning, we the audience are asked to rise as the magistrate comes onto the stage. Then Cotran’s character, Nick appears from a seat in the audience, and he engages every person in the auditorium and ensures we see everything that unfolds through his eyes.
Most of the cast and supporting ensemble not only act but play musical instruments live on stage and perform simple dance movements. Some of the audience members got invited to join the cast on the stage, dancing the Charleston, making the evening an immersive experience. A particular mention must go to all the cast as they also play characters simultaneously in Shakespeare’s A Midsummers Night Dream at the Open Air Theatre, during their run this summer.
Part of making this theatre accessible to all, the actors’ spoken words are converted into visible text via two display screens, making it easy to follow with the action on stage and helps to still follow the story when noises from the park interferes.
There is a lovely atmosphere in the audience with it being held outdoors. Whether you are a fan of the book, the film or play in general, you will find something wonderful here.
Unique York Guest House Unveils Refurbishment Project
The Bar Convent Guest House is located within the oldest living convent in the UK.
The renovation project involved refurbishment of all rooms and development of seven new rooms to create
en-suites throughout.
The guest house is ideally located just a five minute walk from York Train Station and a ten minute walk to
York City Centre.
There is a kitchen, seating area and garden on site for guests.
Book direct to receive an award-winning breakfast included in your stay.
The Bar Convent Guest House on Blossom Street, York, is pleased to announce the completion of its two-year renovation project.
All rooms have been refurbished and upgraded with bespoke hand-finished furnishings, seven brand new rooms have been launched and we now offer en-suite throughout in addition to a fully equipped kitchen, seating area and laundry facilities.
As the oldest living convent in the UK, established in secret during the reformation, the Bar Convent Guest House offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. It is the perfect combination of modern facilities with beautiful original features against the backdrop of a Grade 1 listed building that is steeped in history.
James Foster, Chief Operations Officer at the Bar Convent, said: “We are thrilled to be able to unveil the recent renovations made to our guest house.
“The guest house has always been renowned for it’s unique location within this beautiful historic convent and for it’s warm welcome and award-winning breakfast.
“Following this extensive work, our new rooms have a fresh new look, while remaining sympathetic to this special heritage house, with all the facilities to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Hannah Wilkinson, Guest House Manager at the Bar Convent, added: “We have the rare advantage of offering self-catering facilities and an ideal location just a five minute walk from York Train Station and stone’s throw from the Royal entrance to the City Walls.
“This is the perfect spot for those looking for a friendly, independent guest house with the option of self-catering in the stunning city of York.”
Make sure you book direct to receive our award-winning cooked breakfast included in your stay. To book directly with the Bar Convent and for more information please visit the website or call our reception team on 01904 643238.
The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre
The convent was established in 1686 in complete secrecy when Catholicism was illegal. The sisters also founded the first ever schools for girls in the country- the second in this house- while hiding their true identities. Guests can discover more about the history of our house with discounted admission to our fascinating exhibition. There is also a garden, café, shop and C18th chapel on site.
Reviews
Friendly staff, very clean room, fantastic breakfast” – Booking.com
“Historic and lovely building. A privilege to be able to stay there. Excellent location for old city and station”- Booking.com
‘Welcoming Friendly. Amazing history and building. Great breakfast’- Booking.com
“Fantastic stay at the Bar convent whilst visiting York and friends. Will definitely be back. Hospitality in all ways was fantastic and staff were so welcoming and lovely. It is really close to the city centre and room, food and facilities were all great.”- Google Review
“Lovely place to stay, friendly helpful staff, amazing room with comfortable bed and most definitely a great breakfast.”- TripAdvisor
Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 5 August 2023
Reviewed by Louise Ford
3***
It’s always the quiet ones!
Tabs Productions started back in 1989 and took on The Colin McIntyre Thriller Season in 2012 ,so they have a long history with their Nottingham audiences. This summer’s Classic Thriller series kicked off with a psychological thriller. Love from a Stranger is by the Queen of Crime herself Agatha Christie and Frank Vosper (an actor and dramatist ). The story was first made into a film in 1937 staring Basil Rathbone and Ann Harding (although some of the characters’ names were changed).
The set opens in a London flat with Aunty Lou (Susan Earnshaw), bustling around helping and hindering the packing up of the family silver. Whoops, butter fingers! It’s 1950s London and two girls who share a flat Mavis (Kia Pope) and Cecily (Lara Lemon) have had the most incredible luck. They have won a sweepstake.
One of the flat mates is taking advantage of the winnings to free herself from the grind of her office job and is going to travel for three months. Hence the flat packing. The other is anxiously awaiting the return of her fiancée Nigel (Pavan Maru), from the Sudan for their wedding. I’m not quite sure why the Sudan was chosen, it’s not clear what he’s been doing there. Suffice to say that they haven’t seen each other for several years and Cecily is getting cold feet.
Back to the packing. The advert has been placed for temporary tenants and the telephone calls lead to some amusing exchanges and misunderstandings. Aunty Lou decides to take a break and heads off for a lovely lunch. Cecily is alone in the flat and enter a mysterious stranger. His arrival puts the cat amongst the pigeons . Suffice to say a whirlwind romance, a quiet wedding and a move to an isolated cottage in the country (without a telephone) are not necessarily the ingredients for marital bliss.
All of the characters are at one level firmly rooted in the tradition of the suspense genre and at another abit of a characature. The role of the daft country maid, Ethel (Juliette Strobel), is a bit laboured . There are however some nice touches, Cecily’s clipped vowels and reserve are very Brief Encounter, Aunty Lou has more than a touch of Hyacinth Bucket and Hodgson (Sarah Wynette Korda) as the creepy gardener who finds the buried bottles.
It all picks up the pace towards the end and finishes with a flourish. No plot spoilers please.
ANTONY COSTA OF BRITISH BOY BAND BLUE JOINS THE NEW CAST OF MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY AT THE O2, LONDON FROM THE END OF AUGUST.
THE AWARD-WINNING SINGER-SONGWRITER AND ACTOR WILL PLAY THE ROLE OF NIKOS IN BJÖRN ULVAEUS’ THEATRICAL DINING EXPERIENCE.
THE NEW CAST WILL BEGIN PERFORMANCES FROM 31 AUGUST.
2024 MARKS THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ABBA’S WIN AT THE 1974 EUROVISION SONG CONTEST WITH ‘WATERLOO’.
Antony Costa (Photo credit: Mamma Mia! The Party)
MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is delighted to announce the new cast arriving at Nikos Taverna on the Greek island of Skopelos, including British pop star Antony Costa who will play the role of Nikos.
Antony Costa said: ‘I am thrilled to have been given such a unique opportunity to be a part of MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY. Being a massive ABBA fan myself, I cannot wait to get stuck into such a fun project and immerse myself into the world that Björn Ulvaeus and Sandi Toksvig have so masterfully crafted. See you in the Taverna!’
Antony Costa formed the boyband Blue in 2000 with members Lee Ryan, Simon Webbe and Duncan James, going on to sell 15 million records worldwide and winning the prestigious Brit award for best British Pop Act in 2003. The band recently sold-out arenas across the UK on tour in 2022. Alongside his music career, Costa’s theatre credits include leading roles in Blood Brothers (West End), Boogie Nights (UK Tour), Rock of Ages (UK Tour), Zorro (Hope Mill Theatre), The Cat and The Canary (UK Tour), Popstars: The Musical (UK Tour), Aladdin (De Montfort Hall, Leicester) and Beauty and the Beast (Grand Opera House, York).
The rest of the new cast of London’s premier dining experience includes Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Palace Theatre) as Debbie, Jacob Dachtler (Halls The Musical, Turbine Theatre) as Adam and Sarah Drake (From Here to Eternity, Charing Cross Theatre) as Nina. Adam Redford (The 12 Tenors, Europe Tour) joins the lineup as Ruben/Swing, Emanuel Alba (Man of La Mancha, London Coliseum) as Carlos/Swing, Deschenes Graham (‘Alice’ in Mad Hatter’s Circus) as Joyce/Swing, Lucy-Anne Stacey (We Will Rock You, Royal Caribbean) as Sue/Swing and Gemma McLean (Only Fools and Horses, Theatre Royal Haymarket) as Kate (at certain performances).
They join existing cast members Molly Cleere who will be playing the role of Konstantina, Kimberly Powell who will continue as Kate (at certain performances), Dawn Spence as Grandma, Oscar Balmaseda as Fernando, Robban Hogstrom as Robin/Swing and Claudia Bradley as Loretta/Swing whilst Rosie Rowlands and Allie Ho Chee share the role of Bella, along with the musicians, John Donovan, Luke Higgins, Kathryn Tindall, Steve Rushton and Luke Roberts.
Due to extraordinary demand, MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is now booking until 3 March 2024 at The O2, London. 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s legendary performance of Waterloo at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and a trip to Nikos Taverna on the Greek Island of Skopelos (the stunning location where most of the exteriors of the first MAMMA MIA! film were shot) is the perfect way to celebrate this milestone. Created by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus, with the English book by Sandi Toksvig, MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is a unique and magical experience, bringing ABBA’s hits to life more vividly than ever before. Over the course of four glittering hours, guests can immerse themselves in a spectacular musical extravaganza, a set four-course Greek feast and an ABBA disco, all in one unforgettable evening of dancing, dining and singing!
Nikos and his wife Kate run the exotic and wonderful Nikos Taverna together with their family and friends. Told through dialogue and timeless ABBA songs, a warm, romantic and funny story evolves and unfolds during the evening, taking place around the guests as they enjoy a gourmet Greek meal. The evening ends with a 1970s disco, where audience members are encouraged to stay to sing and dance to ABBA’s greatest hits.
MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY has music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (some songs with Stig Anderson), and a story by Calle Norlén, Roine Söderlundh and Björn Ulvaeus, with the English book by writer, comedian and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig.
The London version of MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY, which originally opened in Stockholm in January 2016, is co-directed and choreographed by Stacey Haynes and Roine Söderlundh, with set designed by Bengt Fröderberg, lighting designed by Patrick Woodroffe, sound designed by Gareth Owen, costumes designed by Annsofi Nyberg, music supervision by Robin Svensson and casting by David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting.
MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is executively produced by Björn Ulvaeus and produced by U-Live.
MATHEW HORNE AND TAMZIN OUTHWAITE TO STAR ALONGSIDE FELICITY KENDAL, JONATHAN COY AND ALEXANDER HANSON.
SASHA FROST AND PEPTER LUNKUSE WILL REPRISE THEIR ROLES WITH OSCAR BATTERHAM JOINING THE PRODUCTION.
DIRECTED BY LINDSAY POSNER NOISES OFF RETURNS TO THE WEST END FROM 27 SEPTEMBER FOR A 12 WEEK SEASON AT THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET.
Theatre Royal Bath Productions has today announced further casting for the upcoming West End run of Michael Frayn’s multi award-winning farce, Noises Off which will play at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 27 September – 16 December 2023. Tickets are on sale now via www.trh.co.uk.
Mathew Horne
The 40th anniversary production directed by Lindsay Posner (God of Carnage, Hay Fever, Stones in his Pockets), will return to the West End with Mathew Horne (Gavin & Stacey, Rain Man, Pride) as Garry Lejeune and Tamzin Outhwaite (EastEnders, The Tower, Sweet Charity) as Belinda Blair alongside the previously announced Felicity Kendal (The Good Life, Relatively Speaking, Hay Fever) as Dotty Otley, Jonathan Coy (Anatomy of a Scandal, Relatively Speaking, Ink) as Frederick Fellowes and Alexander Hanson (Killing Eve, Follies, 42nd Street) as Lloyd Dallas. Sasha Frost (His Dark Materials, Folk)and Pepter Lunkuse (Hamlet, Nell Gwynn) will reprise their roles as Brooke Ashton and Poppy Norton-Taylor with Oscar Batterham (Richard III, The One That Got Away)joining the production as Tim. Further casting will be announced in due course.
Tamzin Outhwaite i (Photo by Pal Hansen/Contour by Getty Images)
Felicity Kendal says: ‘I am so happy to be revisiting Noises Off and especially at the beautiful Theatre Royal Haymarket.’
Mathew Horne says: ‘I am utterly and totally thrilled to join the now legendary company and production of this masterpiece of a play. I’m celebrating my return to the West End with sardines!’
Pepter Lunkuse
Posner’s celebrated production opened to critical acclaim at Theatre Royal Bath in Autumn 2022 before transferring to London’s Phoenix Theatre in January 2023. Alongside its upcoming West End season, Theatre Royal Bath Productions has recently announced that the 40th anniversary production will embark concurrently, on a major UK tour from 23 August 2023 – 13 January 2024. The tour will star Liza Goddard, Matthew Kelly and Simon Shepherd.
Oscar Batterham
One of the greatest British comedies ever written, Michael Frayn’s celebrated play serves up a riotous double bill – a play within a play. Hurtling along at breakneck speed, Noises Offfollows the on and off-stage antics of a touring theatre company as they stumble their way through the fictional farce, Nothing On. From the shambolic final rehearsals before opening night in Weston-super-Mare, to a disastrous matinee in Ashton-under-Lyne seen entirely, and hilariously silently, from backstage, before we share their final, brilliantly catastrophic performance in Stockton-on-Tees.
Noises Off is written by Michael Frayn. The creative team for this 40th anniversary production includes Lindsay Posner (Director), Simon Higlett (Designer), Paul Pyant (Lighting Designer), Greg Clarke (Sound Designer), Will Stuart (Composer), Ruth Cooper-Brown (Movement and Fight Director), George Jibson (Associate Director), Ginny Schiller (Casting Director).
Winnie the Pooh is a short and sweet show and is perfect for introducing children to the theatre.
The characters of the 100 Acre Wood are brought to life on stage in the form of puppets and after a few moments it is easy to ignore the humans and just focus on the puppets. Winnie the Pooh and all his friends are there, including Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger.
The set is part of the 100 Acre Wood and features a tree with a bee hive, Rabbit’s garden and a little stream, perfect for playing Pooh Sticks.
The main story that runs through the show is Pooh bear is looking for some honey to have as a snack because Christopher Robin has gone off to school. In Pooh’s world a whole year passes before Christopher Robin returns, and this is shown by Pooh and Piglet getting caught on a blustery day, snow falling in the 100 Acre Wood and the bees returning in the spring. Throughout the show Pooh and his friends go on an adventure, including helping Eeyore look for his house, Piglet trying to get honey straight from the bees and Tigger and Roo accidentally destroying Rabbit’s garden.
There are a few downsides to the show in that the microphones don’t pick up everything that is being said and the height difference in the characters can be off putting. Rabbit is a lot taller than Kanga and Tigger but in the films the three are of a similar height.
All in all a brilliant show which will capture the hearts and imagination of children everywhere.
Cast announced for the UK tour of TWELVE ANGRY MEN
Bill Kenwright Ltd announces the cast for the return of record-breaking production Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose.
This stage adaptation of the classic title stars Patrick Duffy (Man from Atlantis, Dallas), Tristan Gemmill (Coronation Street, Casualty), Michael Greco (EastEnders), Ben Nealon (Soldier Soldier), Gary Webster (Minder, Family Affairs) and Gray O’Brien (Coronation Street, Peak Practice) with further casting to be announced.
Probably best remembered as the 1957 three-time Academy Award nominated movie starring Henry Fonda as the juror who fights for justice, Twelve Angry Men has recently completed two west end seasons at London’s Garrick Theatre starring Martin Shaw followed by Tom Conti. Considered one of the great ‘must-sees’ of all time, this gripping knife-edge courtroom thriller follows a jury who have murder on their minds and a life in their hands as they decide the fate of a young delinquent accused of killing his father. But what appears to be an open and shut case soon becomes a huge dilemma, as prejudices and preconceived ideas about the accused, the trial, and each other turn the tables every which way, until the nail-biting climax…
This powerful production returns to theatres across the UK with the most star-studded line up this show has ever seen, opening at Theatre Royal Windsor in October 2023, with further tour dates tobe announced.
Patrick Duffy stars as Juror number 8 – the role that Henry Fonda made famous in the 1957 film. Patrick has captivated audiences on televisions for more than 45 years, from playing Bobby Ewing in Dallas over 14 seasons, the ABC sitcom Step by Step as Frank Lambert, Mark Harris in The Man from Atlantis, and as Stephen Logan in CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful. Recent stage credits include Catch Me if You Can (UK Tour), Love Letters (UK Tour) Art (West End).
Tristan Gemmill stars as Juror number 3. Best known for his long-running roles as beleaguered Bistro owner Robert Preston in Coronation Street, and Emergency Consultant Dr Adam Trueman in BBC’s flagship medical drama Casualty. Tristan also appeared in London’s Burning, The Bill, Poirot, Atlantis, Strictly Confidential, Cape Wrath, Where the Heart Is, Grass, Death in Paradise, and Call the Midwife. Tristan’s most recent appearance in the West End was playing the title role in The Bodyguard opposite Beverly Knight and Alexandra Burke. Other West End credits include Rope, Dangerous Corner and Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell. Film credits include: The Jacket, with Keira Knightley and Adrian Brody, Flying Blind opposite Helen McCrory.
Michael Greco returns to the stage as Juror number 7. Most recently, Michael appeared in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Due for release this Autumn) and in Wolverhampton Grand’s pantomime as Abanazar in Aladdin. Best known for his role in EastEnders as Beppe Di Marco, and The Dumping Ground (BBC), African Queens (Netflix), Chasing Shadows (ITV), Doctors (BBC), Revenge (ABC TV), Golden Hour (BBC) amongst others. Michael also starred as Billy Flynn in Chicago (West End), as well as many feature films.
Ben Nealon stars as Juror number 12. Best known for his 4-year stint in Soldier, Soldier (ITV) as Captain Jeremy Forsythe, Ben also appeared in The Bill (Talkback Thames); Dream Team (Sky One); Kidnapped in the Killing Fields (Channel 4); Doctors, Casualty and Eastenders (all BBC). Stage credits include Catch Me If You Can (UK Tour), The Cat and the Canary (UK Tour), The Case of the Frightened Lady (UK Tour), And Then There Were None (UK Tour) amongst others. On the silver screen, his film credits include The Loneliest Boy in the World (Future Artists Entertainment); The Rising (Kaleidoscope Films); The Locker (Freeform Films); When Only Love Still Counts (FFP Media).
Gary Webster plays Juror number 6. Known for his roles in Real Women, Hollyoaks, The Bill, EastEnders and for playing Gary Costello in the Channel 5 soap Family Affairs for which he won a prestigious British Soap award for ‘Best Storyline’ and probably best remembered for playing Ray Daley opposite George Cole in ITV’s Minder series for 4 years. Gary’s stage credits include: Kay Mellor’s A Passionate Woman (West End, Harold Pinter Theatre), The Cat and The Canary (UK Tour), and Dial M for Murder and Pygmalion at Theatre Royal Windsor.
Gray O’Brien stars as Juror number 10. Gray is known for regular television roles including Coronation Street, Peak Practice, Casualty, The Loch and Doctor Who, as well as extensive stage credits including The Case of the Frightened Lady (UK Tour), The Sound of Music (UK Tour), Dead Simple (UK Tour), The Perfect Murder, Sleuth (West End, Apollo Theatre), The Slab Boys, Don Juan and Catch Me If You Can (UK Tour).
The tour will continue in 2024, with further dates and casting to be announced.
“The classiest, most intelligent show in the West End” **** The Sunday Telegraph
“Holds the audience in a vice like grip” **** Sunday Express
“A moving, intensely gripping revival” **** Financial Times
“Twelve Angry Men commands your attention” **** The Independent
Theatre Royal Baththeatreroyal.org.uk Mon 27 Nov – Sat 02 Oct 2023 01225 448844
LISTINGS
Bill Kenwright presents TWELVE ANGRY MEN 2023 UK Tour
Written by Reginald Rose Directed by Christopher Haydon Associate Director Tim Welton Design by Michael Pavelka Lighting Design by Chris Davey Sound design by Andy Graham
Website:kenwright.com Social Media: @BKL_Productions
