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Birmingham Repertory Theatre- until 8th October 2022

Reviewed by Emma Millward

4****

Ramps on the Moon is a collaborative partnership, led by the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, of six leading regional theatres- including Birmingham Repertory. They aim to enrich the stories they tell and the way they tell them by normalising the presence of deaf and disabled people both on and off stage.

From the outset, it is very clear this is a totally unique kind of production. The cast congregate upstage in a log cabin with patio doors. They wave to the audience and emerge excitedly, coming forward to speak to the crowd. One by one, they introduce themselves and describe their outfits and their surroundings onstage. They make it clear the performance is for all, and that everybody should feel free to make noise, move around and use electronic devices if it will help them feel more comfortable in the auditorium. There is a lot of information to take in during the show. British Sign Language (BSL) is used throughout, often translated by other actors onstage. The log cabin roof doubles as a captioning screen, slowly scrolling with the entire dialogue of the play.

William Shakespeare’s comedy revolves around the relationship of Claudio (Taku Mutero) and Hero (Claire Wetherall), and the match making of other characters determined to get Beatrice (Daneka Etchells) and Benedick (Guy Rhys) together, despite their joint denial of being capable of love. The whispers and eavesdropping that follows are fast-paced and often silly. Director Robert Hastie adds quite a few modern twists to the tale. The ‘Masquerade Ball’ becomes a line dancing masked ‘hoedown’. While Benedick utters the immortal line “I pity the fool” as he describes those who fall in love! 

The second half of the show definitely feels less frenetic than the first half, and we get to know the other characters better. Hero’s parents, Leonato (Gerard McDermott) and Antonia (Karina Jones), in particular shine as they endeavour to prove their daughter’s innocence when she is wrongfully accused of adultery. While Dogberry (Caroline Parker) and Verges (Lee Farrell) make a funny and camp duo who cause lots of confusion as the Constables.

Although the whole ensemble work brilliantly together, Daneka Etchells and Guy Rhys definitely stand out as Beatrice and Benedick. The scene when they finally declare their love for each other is both touching and heart breaking in equal measure. Etchells, who is autistic, doesn’t hold back their physical stims and taps on their arms ever more aggressively as Beatrice gets increasingly upset. As the parent of a daughter with Autism, I found it refreshing to see this occurring onstage, but also found myself very emotional watching this overwhelming scene.

At almost three hours long (including a short interval), it can begin to feel a bit laboured in places, but the ensemble’s obvious enthusiasm and charisma helps to draw the audience back in. All in all, it is a brilliantly modern and diverse take on a classic production that proves Shakespeare can be accessible to all. 

Grand Opera House, York – Wednesday 5th October 2022

Reviewed by Aimee Liddington

4****

Travel back in time for this fabulous ABBA extravaganza performed by the magnificent Thank You for the Music. As a tribute band, this foursome is a delight and certainly take us back in time with their recreation of the sounds and sights of one of the biggest bands in pop history. The audience are catapulted back to the 70s and 80s with Björn and Benny’s bell-bottomed trousers and Agnetha and Anni-Frid’s white platform boots. If you only looked once, the uncanny likeness of the band to the real deal would have you believing you were really there.

The 70’s dance moves are choreographed impeccably to reflect the style of the time and the girls have the audience bopping and swaying along with them throughout. Agnetha and Anni-Frid never miss a note and their crisp vocals and tuneful harmonies ensure that those sweet tunes we all know so well sound just how we expect them to.

Björn and Benny steal the show visually as they lose themselves in the music and actually make their musical genius look like an easy feat. They charm the audience in particular in their rock rendition of ‘Does Your Mother Know’ – whilst the girls have a wardrobe change the men are left alone to ‘do their thing’ and the audience is not complaining. Björn throws himself across the stage like a true rockstar and Benny flings himself around as much as he can whilst frantically tickling the ivory keys (as he is so well known for doing).

The flirtation amongst the band members in between songs coupled with their Swedish accents has you believing that you’re really there with them in the 70s – they create realistic relationships whilst also playing on the love stories that shaped the band’s musical career through the decades.

Mamma Mia, what a show! Stick on your dancing shoes and become a ‘Dancing Queen’ – ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ it’s the best you can do!

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until Saturday 8 October 2022

Reviewed by Lottie Davis Browne

5*****

Last night I was fortunate enough to catch the touring production of Fat Rascal’s UNFORTUNATE: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch.

There were two reasons I just HAD to see this fresh new musical. Firstly – ever since being introduced to the musical genius that is Fat Rascal a few years ago, with laugh out loud musical – “Buzz – The History of the Vibrator” – I’ve been left wanting more. Just as with Buzz, I knew to expect copious amounts of adult humour, side splitting one liners and fresh pop style musical numbers. Unfortunate did not fail to deliver on all elements.

My second (and main reason) I was so eager to see this show was down to their latest recruit – George Whitty (aka King Tritan), who I met by chance some ten years or so ago he was part of a youth performing arts company a friend of mine was a chaperone for. George was studying Performing Arts at college at the time with the plan to then gain a place at one of London’s many prestigious Performing Arts and Music Schools. After seeing his performance as Jean Val Jean in Les Miserables I was blown away by his voice, matched with his acting and dance skills and was keen to see him perform again, so much so I enrolled with the group as chaperone for their next production – Phantom of The Opera; again with George in the lead role.

Watching George develop and grow as a performer was something truly magical and I knew he was destined to go far.

Just as with Wicked we we get to see Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West) from a different perspective and see her in a whole new light – to the point where the audience end up favouring her over any other character in the Wizard Of Oz.

Unfortunate does the same. Although to be fair she’s literally the most adored Disney Villain there is.

Fresh from Edinburgh Fringe, with just a cast of six – most playing several roles with heaps of lightning fast costume changes, this is a true fringe show. Each actor performs each role so convincingly, that the show has already earned a cult following and has the soundtrack on Spotify, and the show is usually met with standing ovations (last nights opening performance at Sheffield’s Lyceum – a near sell out), was no different.

Written by Robyn Grant and Daniel Foxx, Unfortunate is a wickedly sexy new musical with killer costumes, copious amounts of adult humour, the story tells of how Ursula came to be and what twenty years of mistaken identity and a deal promise between two star crossed lovers. We get to see Ursula in a different light, whilst finding Ariel both irritating yet so funny with it.

It’s woke, it’s vulgar, it’s fishy, it’s pure genius!

At this evenings performance we got to see Robyn Grant (alternate Ursula) in the title role – which is exactly who I was hoping to see in this role out of the cast of six. Ursula is a mix between Bette Midler and Dolly Parton – just as voluptuous but with eight tentacles. She’s a saucy temptress who knows exactly what she wants and just how to get it. Every other line she says had the audience in loud roars of laughter – this is a role Grant was born to play – I could’ve listened to her filthy humour all night long. Miracle Chance brings to life an Ariel you both love and loathe at the same time – with an annoying voice and the singing voice of an X Factor reject, Ariel is a dim witted Daddies girl who dreams of going to the “land of dick” and live a life on land where she’d be able to get as much dick as she can handle (which we get the feeling is a hell of a lot!). Think Stacey Solomon on crack and you’re halfway there. Allie Dart plays Sebastian the Crab, along with various other roles, often with speedy costume changes, Sebastian seems to suddenly be Irish and not the best friend Ariel believes him to be, when she, Tritan and Ursula devise a plan against Ariel’s behaviour.

George Whitty shows that his years of vocal training and theatre studies have been worth his while – his voice is truly something spectacular that has to be seen to be believed. This guy could easily take on any vocally challenging West End lead role with ease. The pairing of Whitty and Grant is pure heaven – it’s been years since such raw talent has come to Sheffield and I hope to see more of Fat Rascals productions in Sheffield – minus the long gap following their last Sheffield visit for “Buzz”.

My only criticism – and this is more down to the theatre than anything- is something I’ve had issues with for some time now – the lack of sound in the stalls on the far side (closest to the accessible toilets and the only wheelchair accessible seats in the stalls) to the point we often found ourselves missing the jokes or song lyrics which obviously took some of the enjoyment out of the otherwise outstanding musical. Had we been closer to the front (and not under the Dress circle) this most likely wouldn’t have been an issue – but it’s getting a long running issue for myself in this particular theatre. If only this production was here for more than a week, I’d be doing all I could to get back and see it again sitting closer to the stage or speakers but I don’t have any free time for the rest of its run. Despite this technical issue which is out of the hands of the production company, I highly recommend this fresh new musical. Just leave the kids at home…!

I now eagerly sit following Fat Rascal on social media – thirsty for my next fix.

Playing at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 8th October 2022.

Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Saturday 8th October 2022

Reviewed by Steph Lott

5*****

Most of us have a soft spot for classic rock songs. We enjoy belting them out at the top of our lungs while playing air guitar. From Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” to Starship’s “We Built This City”, they are timeless, and guaranteed to feature on any rock anthems playlist. This is perhaps why Rock of Ages works so well. It is a jukebox musical which uses the best of these songs as the backdrop to its love story.

Set in the late 80s, the show moves along with high effervescent energy right from the start. The audience is introduced to the story by narrator Lonny Barnett, played by the talented Joe Gash. This is a lynchpin role and Gash channels a mixture of Justin Hawkins and Frank N. Furter in his depiction of Lonny, the Bourbon Room’s sound guy. Initially I thought Gash’s performance would really irritate me as it’s a bit shrieky at times. However ultimately Gash turned out to be a standout star. There is a lot of innuendo in his role that comes close to being cringeworthy, but he performs it brilliantly and keeps it (narrowly!) on the right side of the line. He is embraced by the audience who loved his bawdy buffoonery and plays the flamboyant character to perfection. There is no fourth wall in this show! Gash picks on a member of the audience (well done Gillian and her husband the vicar!), refers to an “Acting for Dummies” book, comments on reviews of the show and calls on the ensemble for jazz hands. He delivers some killer ad-libs which had the crowd in stitches. And let’s not forget what a fantastic voice he has, which is perfectly showcased in “I Can’t Fight this Feeling”

Through Lonny, we meet Drew, played by Sam Turrell, who is working in the Bourbon Room, a famous Hollywood bar which is much loved by everyone who goes there. Drew has bigger dreams of becoming a rock star, while his love interest, Sherrie, played by Gabriella Williams, has escaped her small town to pursue her ambition to become an actress. Of course, this romance is not going to be straightforward. With the bar under threat from evil developers, owner Dennis Dupree, played by Kevin Kennedy, (who most will remember as Curly Watts in Coronation Street) calls on rock star Stacee Jaxx (Cameron Sharp) to perform one last show with his band Arsenal to boost the Bourbon Room’s finances.

The story-line and songs are woven together effectively, and at times to great comic effect. There are some wonderful performances here by the whole cast who are not simply great comedians but fabulous singers too. Everyone gets a shot at the limelight but here are a few bits that stood out for me. David Breeds and Vicki Manser as mismatched duo, Franz and Regina, are brilliant when singing Pat Benatar’s, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”. REO Speedwagon’s, “I Can’t Fight This Feeling” is another highlight. This charming duet between Dupree and Lonny showcases a sweet little subplot. It’s funny, but genuinely tender. And I particularly enjoyed the final moment as the two lie on the floor, outstretched arms touching fingers, just for a second, like Michelangelo’s painting in the Sistine Chapel!

There are loads of silly funny bits which cracked me up. Wannabe rocker Drew arrived for his first-date picnic with Sherrie on a heroic motorbike, but a tiny mini version. And Dupree performs an amazing feat, cartwheeling across the stage. Who knew that Curly Watts had it in him?! Stacee Jaxx has an unusual approach to seduction when he suggests to a smitten Sherrie “This place is noisy – maybe you’d like to hang out in the men’s bathroom and talk about our dreams?”

Directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, Rock of Ages is a cracking show. The cast brings a tremendous energy to the stage, supported by a fabulous live band and an ensemble that’s second to none. The choreography Is sparking and vivacious, and Morgan Large’s set, sprinkled with spotlights and stacked with amps, takes you right back to the 80s. He cleverly uses three levels to keep your eyes moving and there’s always something amusing happening in the background, which makes every bit of the stage come alive.

This gloriously bonkers jukebox musical never takes itself too seriously. Full of ridiculous humour and self-parody, it is very funny and provides a fabulous platform to showcase just how great these songs are. From the choreography to the vocals, every song was performed with the high energy it demands. Rock of Ages isn’t a dignified classy show. It’s chaotic, it’s crude, and it’s very enjoyable. A great show with a strong cast, classic rock songs, and lots of laughter. One not to be missed.

James L. Nederlander, Jamie Wilson, Hunter Arnold, Crossroads Live, Playful Productions and the English National Opera
present
the Lincoln Center Theater production of

LERNER & LOEWE’S
MY FAIR LADY
Book and Lyrics by ALAN JAY LERNER
Music by FREDERICK LOEWE
Directed by BARTLETT SHER

www.myfairladymusical.co.uk
@MyFairLadyUK

• NEW VENUES ANNOUNCED FOR THE UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF BARTLETT SHER’S MY FAIR LADY
   
• FOLLOWING A CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED RUN AT THE LONDON COLISEUM, THIS SUMPTUOUS PRODUCTION IS NOW TOURING ACROSS THE COUNTRY
   
• LED BY EASTENDERS’ ADAM WOODYATT, THE CAST INCLUDES MICHAEL D. XAVIER, CHARLOTTE KENNEDY, HEATHER JACKSON, JOHN MIDDLETON AND TOM LIGGINS

Today further venues have been announced for the UK and Ireland tour of Bartlett Sher’s critically acclaimed and multi award-winning production of Lerner & Loewe’s much loved MY FAIR LADY. 

The sumptuous production will visit Sunderland Empire (1st – 11th February), Bristol Hippodrome (14th – 25th February), Birmingham Hippodrome (8th – 19th March) and finally Manchester Palace (22nd March – 1st April).

My Fair Lady recently opened at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford and today begins performances at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin (6 – 30 October), before going on to visit Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (8 – 26 November), Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh (14 December – 7 January), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (12 – 29 January). 

“A Rolls Royce of a revival”

Evening Standard
 

“A joyous musical” 

Daily Mail
 

“A reminder of why we go to West End shows”

Sunday Times

The cast includes Michael D. Xavier as Henry Higgins, Charlotte Kennedy as Eliza Doolittle, Adam Woodyatt as Alfred P. Doolittle, Heather Jackson as Mrs Higgins, John Middleton as Colonel Pickering and Tom Liggins as Freddy Eynsford-Hill

They are joined by Dammi Aregbeshola, Bernadette Bangura, Joseph Claus, Jordan Crouch, Jamie Cruttenden, Francessca Daniella-Baker, Barry Drummond,  Bethany Huckle, Emma Johnson, Sinead Kenny, Jenny Legg, Rebekah Lowings, Carl Patrick, Tom Ping, Dominique Planter, Joseph Poulton, John Stacey, Joshua Steel, Oliver Tester, Adam Vaughan, Annie Wensak and Paul Westwood as the ensemble. 

Directed by Bartlett Sher, this sublime production, which premiered in the spring of 2018 at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater, was the winner of the Tony Award for Best Costume Design,  5 Outer Critics’ Circle Awards including Best Musical Revival, the Drama League Award for Outstanding Musical Revival, and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Musical Revival and Costume Design.

Bartlett Sher’s spectacularly well-dressed production

The Times

My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady”. But who is really being transformed?

With a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, MY FAIR LADYboasts a score including the classic songs “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Get Me to the Church on Time,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” 

“Thrilling! Glorious and better than it ever was! A marvellous and transformative revival.”
New York Times

Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s play and Gabriel Pascal’s motion picture Pygmalion, Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY premiered on Broadway in March 1956, winning 6 Tony Awards including Best Musical, and becoming the longest-running musical in Broadway history at the time. Following this success, the production transferred to London in 1958, where it played in the West End for five and a half years. 

MY FAIR LADY has seen many notable revivals and adaptations, including the acclaimed 1964 film starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, which won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Most recently on the London stage, Cameron Mackintosh’s 2001 revival at Theatre Royal Drury Lane won three Olivier Awards, and later toured across the UK and Ireland in 2005.

James L. Nederlander, Jamie Wilson, Hunter Arnold, Playful Productions and the English National Opera present the Lincoln Center Theater production ofLerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY. Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, Music by Frederick Loewe, sets by Michael Yeargan, costumes by Catherine Zuber, lighting by Donald Holder, sound by Marc Salzberg, hair & wigs by Tom Watson, UK music supervision by Gareth Valentine, UK musical direction by Alex Parker, musical supervision by Ted Sperling, choreography by Christopher Gattelli, directed by Bartlett Sher.

LISTINGS

My Fair Lady
www.myfairladymusical.co.uk
Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner
Music by Frederick Loewe
Sets by Michael Yeargan
Costumes by Catherine Zuber
Lighting by Donald Holder
Sound by Marc Salzberg
Hair & wigs by Tom Watson
UK music supervision by Gareth Valentine
UK musical direction by Alex Parker
Musical supervision by Ted Sperling
Choreography by Christopher Gattelli
Directed by Bartlett Sher

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin
Thursday 6 October – Sunday 30 October

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Tuesday 8 November – Saturday 26 November
 

Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh
Wednesday 14 December – Saturday 7 January

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
Thursday 12 January  –  Sunday 29 January 2023

Sunderland Empire

Wednesday 1 – Saturday 11 February 2023

Bristol Hippodrome

Tuesday 14 – Saturday 25 February 2023
 

Hippodrome, Birmingham
Wednesday 8  – Sunday 19 March 2023

Manchester Palace
Wednesday 22 March – Saturday 1 April

DETAILS OF THE WATERMILL THEATRE’S 2023 SPRING SEASON

NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND – BRAND NEW ADAPTATION OF BILL BRYSON’S SMASH-HIT MEMOIR

THE WATERMILL YOUTH ENSEMBLE TO PRESENT THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

THE FIRST MAJOR UK REVIVAL OR VISITORS – WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY BARNEY NORRIS

THE SUSPICIONS OF MR WHICHER– THE ORIGINAL VICTORIAN WHODUNNIT, ADAPTED FROM KATE SUMMERSCALE’S BEST-SELLING NOVEL

AN OUTDOOR PRODUCTION OF JANE AUSTEN’S MANSFIELD PARK CO-PRODUCED WITH ACCLAIMED ZIMBABWEAN COMPANY TWO GENTS EXPLORING CONNECTIONS TO NEW WORLD SLAVERY

BOOK ONLINE AT WATERMILL.ORG.UK OR VIA THE BOX OFFICE ON 01635 46044

TICKETS ON SALE TO FRIENDS OF THE THEATRE FROM WEDNESDAY 12TH AT 12PM

GENERAL ON SALE WEDNESDAY 19 OCTOBER AT 12PM

Artistic Director Paul Hart, Executive Director Claire Murray and the team at Newbury’s The Watermill Theatre today announce the programme of work from February to July 2023, a season with one major revival and four new adaptations that explores the deep joys and troubling complexities of life on our shores.

The season begins with a brand-new adaptation of Bill Bryson’s smash-hit memoir NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND, affectionately celebrating the quirks and eccentricities of British life., adapted by Tim Whitnall (Morecambe – West End, Best Possible Taste: The Kenny Everett Story – BBC4), directed by Paul Hart, designed by Katie Lias, and in association with Simon Friend Productions, Notes from a Small Island will run from Friday 3 February until Saturday 18 March.

The Watermill Youth Ensemble return with an adventurous reimagining of Lewis Carrol’s Alice Through the Looking Glass, adapted by Writer in Residence, Becca Chadder (The Poison Belt – Jermyn Street Theatre, Cabildo – Wilton’s Music Hall). The Watermill Youth Ensemble is a diverse group of talented local performers who take part in The Watermill’s weekly programme of activities for young people. Featuring captioning, audio description and integrated BSL, THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS will run from Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 March.

This is followed by the first major UK revival of Barney Norris’s award-winning portrayal of learning to live and love with dementia, VISITORS, set in his beloved rural Wiltshire. Also directed by Barney Norris (The Wellspring– Royal and Derngate, Nightfall – The Bridge Theatre), Visitors will run from Friday 31 March to Saturday 22 April.

THE SUSPICIONS OF MR WHICHER, based on the best-selling novel by Kate Summerscale and adapted for the stage for the first time by playwright Alexandra Wood (Silence – Donmar, Wild Swans – Young Vic) will run from Friday 5 May to Saturday 10 June. A dramatic tale of real-life murder that inspired the birth of modern detective fiction, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher is the original Victorian whodunnit.

The season ends with a brand-new co-production with acclaimed Zimbabwean company Two Gents (The Moors – Tara Theatre, Kupenga Kwa Hamlet – The Watermill and UK tour), which explores connections to New World Slavery in Jane Austen’s classic novel MANSFIELD PARK. An outdoor production touring first to rural locations in Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire, Mansfield Park – directed and adapted by Tonderai Munyevu and Arne Pohlmeier – will complete its run at The Watermill gardens, from Wednesday 28 June to Saturday 8 July.  

Artistic Director Paul Hart said, “In this diverse combination of work we’re reinventing how we see ourselves as we explore and celebrate the life and history of our nation. With Bill Bryson’s acerbic observational wit, Notes from a Small Island invites us to see the UK afresh from the viewpoint of a critical friend, while in the topsy turvey world of Through the Looking Glass the relatable young Alice finds reality in absurdity. We’re ripping up Mansfield Park in collaboration with Two Gents Productions, uncovering buried conversations in a much-loved classic text. A brand-new production of Visitors takes on new resonance post pandemic as we assess the damage to individual lives and the impact on the care system, and domestic extremes are explored further in the first ever stage adaptation of The Suspicions of Mr Whicher which delves into a fascinating murder in Victorian England which led to a national outcry.”

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED

FOR UK PREMIERE OF

NEWSIES, THE AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY MUSICAL

IN A NEW REIMAGINED PRODUCTION

AT LONDON’S TROUBADOUR WEMBLEY PARK THEATRE

STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON FROM 29 NOVEMBER 2022

OPENING NIGHT THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2022 

The producers of Disney’s NEWSIES, the award-winning Broadway musical with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and book by Harvey Fierstein, are delighted to announce that Michael Ahomka-Lindsay (Emmett in Legally Blonde at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre for which he has received a 2022 Black British Theatre Award nomination) and Bronté Barbé (Oklahoma Chichester Festival Theatre, Beautiful UK Tour) will star as Jack Kelly and Katherine Plumber respectively in the UK premiere, opening at London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre on Thursday 8 December 2022 for a strictly limited season, following previews from 29 November.  All preview tickets are priced at £30.

The full cast of NEWSIES includes Michael Ahomka-Lindsay as Jack Kelly, Moya Angela as Medda Larkin, Lindsay Atherton as Ensemble, Samuel Bailey as Specs, Imogen Bailey as Swing, Bronté Barbé as Katherine Plumber, Josh Barnett, as Race, Cameron Blakely as Joseph Pulitzer, Jack Bromage as Tommy Boy, Bobbie Chambers as Ensemble, Alex Christian as Buttons, Arcangelo Ciulla as Ike, George Crawford as Morris Delancey, Ross Dawes as Snyder, Joshua Denyer as Mush, Ross Dorrington as Splasher, Matthew Duckett as Crutchie, Kamilla Fernandes as Ensemble, Jacob Fisher as Albert, Jamie Golding as Wiesel, Damon Gould as Finch, Zack Guest as Swing, Jordan Isaac as Swing, Alex James-Hatton as Oscar Delancey, Clarice Julianda as Ensemble, Barry Keenan as Nunzio, Ryan Kopel as Davey, Sion Lloyd as Bunsen George Michaelides as Romeo, Mukeni Nel as Jo Jo, Joshua Nkemdilim as Elmer, Mark Samaras as Mike, Bradley Trevethan as Swing, Matt Trevorrow as Henryand Lillie-Pearl Wildman as Ensemble.

The role of Les will be played by Nesim Adnan, Haydn Court, Oliver Gordon and Ethan Sokontwe.

Based on a true story, NEWSIES is set in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It’s the rousing tale of a ragged band of teenage newspaper sellers, who dream of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. After newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer hikes up the prices for his papers charged to the newsies, Jack Kelly rallies his fellow newsies in an attempt to protest the change, falling in love with young reporter Katherine along the way. These young newsies from across the city come together and rise up against the exploitation of wealthy publishing tycoons and fight for justice using the only power they have – solidarity. 

The original production of NEWSIES opened on Broadway in 2012 and was slated to play only 100 performances but went on to play over 1,000 performances before touring and winning two Tony Awards®, including Best Original Score. The original production was filmed live on stage and released in cinemas in 2017.

Now for the very first time, audiences in the UK have a chance to enjoy the thrill of one of the biggest Broadway hits of recent years. In an innovative and brand new production at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, theatregoers will be thrust right inside the action as the newsies dance, sing, jump and fly around the streets of a booming 19^th century New York City. 

NEWSIES will be Directed and Choreographed by Olivier nominee Matt Cole, with Set Design by Morgan Large, Musical Supervision, Dance Arrangements & Musical Direction by Nigel Lilley, Costumes by Natalie Pryce, Lighting by Mark Henderson, Sound by Tony Gayle, Orchestrations by Simon Hale, Performer Flying by John Maddox for Suspended Illusions Ltd, Casting by Lucy Casson, Children’s Casting by Jo Hawes,  Fight Directors Rachel Bown-Williams & Ruth Cooper-Brown for RC Annie, Associate Director Rachael Nanyonjo, Associate Choreographer Jane McMurtrie, Associate Musical Director Chris Ma and Production Management by Lee Batty and Andy Fox for Setting Line.

NEWSIES is produced by Tristan Baker & Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Gavin Kalin, Hunter Arnold, Kater Gordon and Dianne Roberts, by permission of Disney Theatrical Productions.

Website: newsiesthemusical.co.uk

Instagram: @newsies_uk

Facebook: @newsiesuk

Twitter: @newsies_uk

LISTINGS

Disney’s NEWSIES

Strictly Limited Season from 29 November 2022

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

3 Fulton Rd

Wembley Park

London HA9 0SP

Performances: Wednesday-Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm, Sunday at 1pm & 5:30pm*

*no 2.30pm matinee 1 & 8 December, no performance 4 & 9 December, extra 7.30pm performances 5 & 13 December 2022

Christmas 2022/23 Performance Schedule

Monday 19 December                NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 20 December               7.30pm 

Wednesday 21 December          2.30pm & 7.30pm 

Thursday 22 December              7.30pm 

Friday 23 December                   2.30pm & 7.30pm 

Saturday 24 December              2.30pm & 7.30pm 

Sunday 25 December                NO PERFORMANCE 

Monday 26 December                NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 27 December               7.30pm

Wednesday 28 December          2.30pm & 7.30pm 

Thursday 29 December              7.30pm 

Friday 30 December                   2.30pm & 7.30pm 

Saturday 31 December              2.30pm 

Sunday 1 January                      NO PERFORMANCE 

Suitable for age 5+

CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR THE EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF
DOLLY PARTON’S
SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS CAROL
A NEW MUSICAL

‘COLD FEET’ AND ‘TOAST OF LONDON’ STAR

ROBERT BATHURST

LEADS THE CAST AS

SCROOGE

AT THE

SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL
FROM 8 DECEMBER 2022 – 8 JANUARY 2023

EXTRA PERFORMANCES ADDED

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND

Producers Fiery Angel Entertainment and Red Tail Entertainment are delighted to announce casting for the European Premiere of Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol – A New Musical at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall from 8 December 2022 to 8 January 2023. Extra performances have been added on 22 and 29 December due to popular demand. www.dollyschristmascarol.com

‘Cold Feet’ and ‘Toast of London’ star Robert Bathurst will lead the cast as Scrooge. He is joined by Halle Brown, Iona Fraser, Richard J Hunt, Vicki Lee Taylor, Olivier Award winner George Maguire, Ediz Mahmut, Sarah O’Connor, Christopher Parkinson, Minal Patel, Annie Southall, Carole Stennett, Danny Whitehead and Mitchell Zhangazha. Playing the role of Tiny Tim will be Daniel Lee, Alexander Quinlan and Samuel Sturge. Also in the children’s cast will be Elliot Marsden, George Menezes Cutts and Dereke Oladele.

Robert Bathurst is a TV and stage actor best known for Cold Feet, Toast Of London, Joking Apart and Downton Abbey. He played John Le Mesurier in the biopic Hattie and Sergeant Wilson in Dad’s Army – The Lost Episodes. Numerous West End and touring theatre productions include plays by Chekhov, Shaw, Shakespeare, Wilde, Ibsen, Michael Frayn, Joe Penhall, Steven Thompson, Michael Wynne and Claire Luckham. In Chicago he played the title role in King Charles III by Mike Bartlett. With the ex-professional jockey Nathan Horrocks he wrote and directed The Fall, a film drama about jockeys. He devised and produces the staging of Love, Loss & Chianti by Christopher Reida two-actor play in verse with cartoon animation. He has written articles and book reviews on showbiz and horseracing and as a reader of audiobooks he won the Audie for Best Male Narrator in 2020.

Set during the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, this heart-warming and truly unforgettable production imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys and gifts of the season. As a Christmas Eve snowstorm approaches, Scrooge is visited by the spirit of his deceased business partner and three ghosts who compel him to see life anew and discover that love and family are the greatest and most precious gifts we have. Dickens’ classic characters and Parton’s heart-felt songs beautifully reimagine this timeless story in a whole new light.  

Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol is an adaptation by David H. Bell, Paul T. Couch and Curt Wollan. The book is by David H. Bell with music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton.  It is produced by Fiery Angel Entertainment and Red Tail Entertainment.

Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol is directed and choreographed by Alison Pollard, with musical direction by Andrew Hilton. Set design is by Scott Davis, Costume design by Linda Roethke, Props design by Eleanor Kahn, Lighting design by David Howe and Sound design by Richard Brooker. The Assistant Director and Choreographer is Andrew Margerison, the Associate Musical Director is Leigh Stanford Thompson and the Associate Sound Designer is Kelsh Buckman Drudge. Casting is by Pearson Casting.

THE OTHER PALACE ANNOUNCES NEW MUSICAL

GLORY RIDE

BOOK, MUSIC & LYRICS BY VICTORIA & TODD BUCHHOLZ

DIRECTED BY SHAUN KERRISON

AT THE OTHER PALACE
RUNNING FROM 14 – 16 NOVEMBER 2022

A new, original musical based on an amazing, true story from the Second World War, Glory Ride, will have its world premiere in the main theatre at The Other Palace as a staged concert for three performances this November. 

How did a Cyclist, an Accountant, and the Cardinal of Tuscany join forces to pull off one of the most remarkable rescue operations of the War? Glory Ride reveals the untold tale of an Italian Tour de France winner who uses his fame and his bicycle to save hundreds of children from Mussolini’s Fascists. The show takes place in Tuscany and features soaring, memorable songs, along with a witty book and comic relief.

Backed by members of the original producers of Jersey Boys, Glory Ride features some of the West End’s biggest stars and has developed through workshops in New York and Los Angeles featuring top Broadway talent.

Victoria Buchholz, writer, has said, “we call it Les Mis meets Ocean’s Eleven…This fascinating story could rewrite how the world remembers the Italian Resistance during World War II.”

Combining heist, history, humour, and humanity, Glory Ride transports the audience to the golden hills of Tuscany for a journey more timely today than ever before.

Featuring music, lyrics and a book by the daughter and father team Victoria and Todd Buchholz and direction by Shaun Kerrison, Glory Ride will play at The Other Palace from 14 November 2022 for three performances.

They have tanks. He has a bicycle. Pick a side.

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR BALLO ARTHUR PITA’S LONDON PREMIERE OF TEN SORRY TALES  

Family entertainment for the October half term holiday

Ballo Arthur Pita presents

TEN SORRY TALES

By Mick Jackson

Directed & choreographed by Arthur Pita

Co-Commissioned by DanceEast and Sadler’s Wells

Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells, London

27 – 29 October 2022

Award-winning Director and Choreographer Arthur Pita returns to the Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells this month to present the London premiere of TEN SORRY TALES, a dance theatre production with live music on stage based on the book of short stories by Mick Jackson. Playing from Thursday 27 to Saturday 29 October with two shows daily, TEN SORRY TALES offers the perfect half term treat for children and adults alike (ages 8+).

The cast includes: Danielle Downey, Karl Fagerlund Brekke, Nathan Goodman, Frank Moon, Simon Palmer, Faith Prendergast and 
Joshua James Smith.

With music and lyrics by Frank Moon and Bev Lee Harling, designs are by Yann Seabra, lighting by Mark Doubleday and projections by Michele Cadei.

Celebrated for his surreal take on storytelling, Pita’s TEN SORRY TALES presents a collection of modern-day fables for the curious minded, combining dance, theatre, live music and song. From the child who sleeps for many many years, to the sinister sisters who prey on trespassers, and the boy who brings butterflies back to life, these tales are by turns inquisitive, moving, macabre and humorous. 

Presented by Ballo Arthur Pita, co-commissioned by DanceEast and Sadler’s Wells and supported by Arts Council England, TEN SORRY TALES was first performed at DanceEast, Ipswich in December 2019. Its 2020 London transfer was postponed due to the pandemic. 

Ballo Arthur Pita’s other critically acclaimed productions include: God’s Garden, The Little Match Girl which has enjoyed UK and international touring plus five Christmas seasons at Sadler’s Wells, The World’s Greatest Show and Stepmother/Stepfather.