Home

WISE CHILDREN ANNOUNCES THE FULL CAST OF
EMMA RICE’S WORLD PREMIÈRE ADAPTATION OF
NORTH BY NORTHWEST

Wise Children today announces the full cast for the world première of Emma Rice’s adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest. Rice directs Mirabelle Gremaud (Anna), Patrycja Kujawska (Eva Kendall), Simon Oskarsson (Valerian), Katy Owen (The Professor), Karl Queensborough (Philip Vandamm) and Ewan Wardrop (Roger Thornhill).

North by Northwest is a co-production with York Theatre Royal, HOME Manchester and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, opening on 26 March at York Theatre Royal, with previews from 18 March, before touring to HOME Manchester, Liverpool Playhouse, Bath Theatre Royal, Everyman Theatre Cheltenham, and concluding its run at Alexandra Palace Theatre on 22 June.

Additional venues and dates to be announced.

A Wise Children, York Theatre Royal, HOME Manchester and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse co-production

ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

Adapted and directed by Emma Rice

Director: Emma Rice; Set and Costume Designer: Rob Howell; Sound Designer: Simon Baker;

Lighting Designer: Malcolm Rippeth; Choreographer and Movement Director: Etta Murfitt;

Creative Consultant: Mark Kaufman

It would be strange, would it not, if, in a city of seven million people, one man were never mistaken for another…

But that is exactly what happens to Roger Thornhill, reluctant hero of North by Northwest, when a mistimed phone call to his mother lands him smack bang in the middle of a Cold War conspiracy. Now he’s on the run, dodging spies, airplanes and a femme fatale who might not be all she seems.

Emma Rice takes on film legend Alfred Hitchcock in this riotously funny reworking that turns the original thriller on its head. With just six shape-shifting performers, a fabulous ‘50s soundtrack and a LOT of hats, this dazzling production plays with the heart, mind and soul. Join us for a night of glamour, romance, jeopardy and a liberal sprinkling of tender truths.

Based on the Turner Entertainment Co. Film North by Northwest

Produced by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Kay & McLean Productions

North by Northwest is a 1959 film, produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason.

Emma Rice is the Artistic Director of Wise Children and is an internationally respected theatre-maker and director. For Wise Children she has adapted and directed The Buddha of Suburbia, Blue Beard, The Little Matchgirl and Happier Tales, Wuthering Heights, Bagdad Café, Angela Carter’s Wise Children, Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers and Romantics Anonymous. As Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe: Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Little Matchgirl (and Other Happier Tales). Rice worked for Kneehigh as an actor, director and Artistic Director, creating critically acclaimed productions including: The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, The Wild Bride, The Red Shoes, Cymbeline (in association with RSC), A Matter of Life and Death (in association with National Theatre), Brief Encounter (in association with David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers Productions), Don John (in association with the RSC and Bristol Old Vic), Wah! Wah! Girls (in association with Sadler’s Wells and Theatre Royal Stratford East for World Stages), and Steptoe and Son. She received the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre award at the 2019 UK Theatre Awards.

Mirabelle Gremaud returns to the company to play Anna and Others – she previously appeared in Blue Beard (UK tour), Wise Children (Old Vic Theatre/UK tour), Malory Towers (Bristol Passenger Shed/UK tour), and Wuthering Heights (Bristol Old Vic/National Theare/UK tour).Her theatre credits as an actress/dancer and contortionist includeLe Conte des Contes (Théâtre Kléber-Mélau), Peter Pan (Birmingham Rep), Swan Lake (The Lost Estate), Acrojou (Roundhouse), Falling (Complicité), and her solo show Sombre Sloughing (UK and European tour).

Patrycja Kujawska returns to the company to play Eve Kendall and Others – she previously appeared in Blue Beard (UK tour), Bagdad Cafe (Old Vic Theatre), and Wise Children (Old Vic Theatre/UK tour). Her other theatre credits include Cyrano, The Grinning Man (Bristol Old Vic), The Tin Drum, Midnight’s Pumpkin, 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips (Kneehigh), The Red Shoes, The Wild Bride, Tristan and Yseult (Kneehigh/UK tour/US tour), Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and Other Love Songs) (Kneehigh/UK tour/Shanghai tour), Don John (RSC), Drop Dead Gorgeous, Let The Mountains Lead You To Love, Punch Drunk, Fairy Tale, Test Run, If We Go On, Underworld (Vincent Dance Theatre), Broken Chords and Motherland (Vincent Dance Theatre/UK tour/US tour).

Katy Owen returns to the company to play The Professor and Others – she previously appeared in The Little Match Girl and Happier Tales, Blue Beard (UK tour), The Buddha of Suburbia (RSC/Barbican Centre), Wise Children (Old Vic Theatre/UK tour), and Wuthering Heights (Bristol Old Vic/National Theatre). Her other theatre credits include UBU Karaoke!, Rebecca (Kneehigh), David Copperfield (Riverside Studios), The Little Matchgirl and Happier Tales (Bristol Old Vic/Shakespeare’s Globe), Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe), 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tipps (Kneehigh/Shakespeare’s Globe/UK tour), The World of Work, The Night Before Christmas (Chapter Arts Centre), Apparitions of Spirits with the Forsythe Sisters (Gaggle Babble), Maudie’s Rooms, Plum – and Me, Will!, Cinders (Sherman Theatre), Ill Met by Moonlight (Wales Millennium Centre)and The Tempest (Theatr Iolo). Her television credits include The Story of Tracy Beaker; and for film, Cyrano and Daddy’s Girl.

Simon Oskarsson plays Valerian and Others. His theatre credits include Hadestown (Lyric Theatre), The Book Thief (Curve Leicester/Belgrade Coventry), Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written, 101 Dalmatians, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Claus (The Lowry, Salford), Assassins (The Watermill Theatre), Kiss Me Kate (Sheffield Theatres), Return to the Forbidden Planet (Upstairs at the Gatehouse – Stage Debut Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical); and his international theatre credits include Kärlek Skonar Ingen, Julia Capulet and Ögonblick. His television credits include Lotta På Liseberg – Kärlek Skonar Ingen and So Awkward.

Karl Queensborough plays Phillip Vandamm and Others. His theatre credits include Lady M (Shanghai Culture Square), The Big Life – The SKA Musical (Stratford East), Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre), White Teeth, A Wolf in Snakeskin Shoes (Kiln Theatre), Sylvia (Old Vic Theatre/Zoo Nation), The Little Matchgirl and Happier Tales (Shakespeare’s Globe/Bristol Old Vic), The Machine Stops (York Theatre Royal/Pilot Theatre), Only the Brave (Soho Theatre/Wales Millennium Centre/Bird Song), Aladdin, Cinderella, Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk (Lyric Theatre Hammersmith), Dayglo, Mind the Gap, (Y Touring); Morning (Lyric Theatre Hammersmith/Traverse Theatre), 365 (National Theatre of Scotland), and Ignition Out of Reach (Frantic Assembly). His television credits include The Talent, The Crown, Enterprice, Misfits, Wednesday’s Child, and Sex, Lies and DVDs.

Ewan Wardrop returns to the company to play Roger Thornhill – he previously appeared in The Buddha of Suburbia (RSC/Barbican Theatre) and Bagdad Café (Old Vic Theatre). His other theatre credits include A Monster Calls (UK tour, US tour), The American Clock (Old Vic Theatre), Formby, Rebecca, Far From The Madding Crowd, Treasure Island (UK tours), Much Ado About Nothing, 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Wind in the Willows (Vaudeville Theatre/Duchess Theatre), The Deep Blue Sea, Rattigan’s Nijinsky (Chichester Festival Theatre), Enron (Noël Coward Theatre/Royal Court Theatre/UK tour), Johnno (Derby Playhouse/Brisbane Powerhouse), Up from the Waste (Soho Theatre), Promises Promises (Sheffield Theatres), Beauty and the Beast (RSC), On Your Toes (Royal Festival Hall), Play Without Words (National Theatre) and Dick Whittington (Sadlers Wells). His television credits include Matthew Bourne’s Christmas and Greek Vase.

Listings

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

York Theatre Royal

18 March – 5 April

HOME Manchester

29 April – 10 May

Liverpool Playhouse

20 – 24 May

https://www.everymanplayhouse.com/

Bath Theatre Royal
27 – 31 Mayhttps://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/

Everyman Theatre Cheltenham

3 – 7 June
https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/

Alexandra Palace Theatre

11 – 22 Junehttps://www.alexandrapalace.com/

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – until the Saturday 18th January 2025

Reviewed by Rachel Clark

5*****

You felt like you were sat in the The Deadwood Stage.

Calamity Jane the musical is based on the 1954 Doris Day film musical. I haven’t seen the Doris Day movie and didn’t need to, to enjoy this wonderful show. Calamity Jane lives in Deadwood and is a hard wild west heroine who dresses as a man and acts as though she an indestructible person. She lives in Deadwood and brings in the local stage coaches safely. On the stage coach there was meant to be a beautiful woman actress that would be showing on stage at Deadwood, but the actress is actually a man, Francis rather than Frances which doesn’t go down to well with the locals. Calamity who often stretches out her stories to Wild Bill Hickok and the rest of the bar and to prove herself after an incidence at the Deadwood stage Calamity goes to Chicago to bring back Adelaide Adams , but Calamity being Calamity mistakes her maid Katie Brown for her and brings back the wrong actress.

This musical is brilliant, you feel like you are in the Wild West and sat in the Deadwood Stage. The show starts with a Buck on stage played by Tomas Wolstenholme a proper wild west Hillbillie that gave the character his all. Calamity is played by Carrie Hope Fletcher and I can’t sing her appraises enough, she was brilliant, so clear and you clearly heard every word she sang or said, such clarity and projection. Calamity arrives of the stage in a whirlwind from just seeing the latest stage coach in. Carrie not only has played in theatre, television and concerts she has also written books including a children’s book . Alongside Calamity was Wild Bill Hickok played by Vinny Cole who has also done extensive theatre work. Calamity believes she is in love with Danny Gilmartin played by Luke Wilson. All actors in this musical have a great background in theatre and all performed a top class show. The audience also enjoyed the sense of humour and there were plenty of laughs at the capers and one liner comments.

The array of musical instruments were a delight, from banjo to guitar, trumpet to piano all played on stage that you couldn’t fault.

Katie Brown who put on an outstanding and enjoyable performance was played by Seren Sandham-Davie and again same a Carrie the clarity of her voice was superb and I couldn’t fault her.

Well worth going out in these dark , foggy nights to brighten up the evening, it took me a while to get to sleep after the show and I was still singing and humming away to whip crack away!

In this production Francis Fryer was played brilliantly by Samuel Holmes replacing Isaac Savage.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR MAJOR NEW UK TOUR OF
ANNE-MARIE CASEY’S NEW STAGE ADAPTATION OF

LITTLE WOMEN

BELINDA LANG, HONEYSUCKLE WEEKS, JACK ASHTON AND GRACE MOLONY

LEAD THE COMPANY

Lee Dean and Daniel Schumann today announce the full cast for Anne-Marie Casey’s new stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s much loved classic novel Little Women – starring Belinda Lang best known for her roles in Sister Boniface Mysteries and 2point4 Children (Aunt March), Foyles War’s Honeysuckle Weeks (Marmee), Call the Midwife’s Jack Ashton (Brooke and Bhaer) and, The Great’s Grace Molony (Jo).

Completing the company are Cillian Lenaghan (Laurie), Jade Kennedy (Meg), Catherine Chalk (Beth), Imogen Elliott (Amy).

Directed by Loveday Ingram, Little Women opens atBelgrade Theatre, Coventry on 19 March, before playing Grand Theatre, Blackpool 25-29 March and then touring to a further 10 venues across the UK and concluding its run at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 21 June.

Lee Dean and Daniel Schumann present

LITTLE WOMEN

Adapted by Anne-Marie Casey

Cast: Belinda Lang (Aunt March), Honeysuckle Weeks (Marmee), Jack Ashton (Brooke/Bhaer), Grace Molony (Jo), Cillian Lenaghan (Laurie), Jade Kennedy (Meg), Catherine Chalk (Beth), Imogen Elliott (Amy)

Director: Loveday Ingram; Designer: Ruari Murchison; Lighting: Mike Roberston; Composer and Sound Designer: Mathew Bugg; Movement: Mike Ashcroft

Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women was an immediate critical and commercial success. The book was inspired by Alcott’s experiences growing up and is one of the best loved novels of all time.

Experience the enduring journey of the March sisters – tomboy Jo, beautiful Meg, sensitive Beth, and spoilt Amy, as they as they navigate the challenges of the Civil War era, forging unbreakable bonds of love and family. Step into the world of sisterhood, courage, ambition and follow them as they progress into womanhood. 

Still as relevant today Little Women is a celebration of women proving that women can be heroes of their own story, can be bold, persistent, self-assured to stand strong in who they are, and what they desire for themselves in their present and future. 

Anne-Marie Casey’s masterful new adaptation of the classic story offers a captivating rendition of Little Women that breathes new life into a cherished classic. 

The recent success of the Greta Gerwig film, the nostalgia of the classic book, combined with a beautiful adaptation provides an exciting theatrical experience guaranteed to be a night (or afternoon!) filled with laughter, tears, and a heart-warming lifting of the spirits. 

Anne-Marie Casey’s play adaptations include Wuthering Heights – adapted from the novel by Emily Brontë and Tess – the circus adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel. For television, her credits include Miss Haversham, The Shockers, The Story of Lucy Gault – adapted from the novel by William Trevor, Wild Irish Girl, The Master

Belinda Lang plays Aunt March. Her theatre credits include Duet For One, Single Spies, Ladies in Lavender, The Reluctant Debutante, Present Laughter, Duet For One (National tours), The Country Wife (Chichester Festival Theatre), Humble Boy (Orange Tree Theatre), Oklahoma (Albert Hall Prom) ,The Constant Wife (Gate Theatre, Dublin), School For Scandal (Park Theatre), The Letter of Last Resort (Traverse Theatre) The Bomb (Tricycle Theatre), The Killing of Sister George (Arts Theatre), An Hour and A Half Late (Bath Theatre Royal), Hayfever (Manchester Royal Exchange/ Haymarket Theatre) Liberty (Globe Theatre) and What The Butler Saw (Criterion Theatre), Dead Funny (Savoy Theatre), Mrs Klein (National Theatre). Her television credits include Sister Boniface Mysteries (as series regular Mrs Clam), This England, Citizen Khan, My Family, Three Minute Moments, Rosemary & Thyme, Justice in Wonderland, Midsomer Murders, 2point4 Children (as series regular Bill Porter), Second Thoughts (as series regular Liza), The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (as series regular Agatha Troy), Dear John (as series regular Kate)and To Serve Them All My Days.

Honeysuckle Weeks plays Marmee. Her theatre credits include Accolade, Calendar Girls, Absurd Person Singular (UK tours), The Best Man (Playhouse Theatre), These Shining Lives (Park Theatre), and A Daughter’s A Daughter (Trafalgar Studios, Theatre Royal Windsor). Her television credits include Frankie Drake Mysteries, Lewis, The Five, Death in Paradise, and as series regular Samantha Stewart in Foyle’s War.

Jack Ashton plays Brooke/Bhaer. His theatre credits include Strangers on a Train (UK tour), The Guinea Pig Club, Twelfth Night, The Homecoming, End of Desire, Escaping Alice (York Theatre Royal), A Streetcar Named Desire (Donmar Warehouse), Our Boys(Criterion Theatre), Unscorched(Bristol Old Vic) andA Thrashing(Southwark Playhouse). His television credits include Flight 103, Professor T, Waterloo Road, Call the Midwife (as series regular Reverend Tom Hereward), and Broadchurch. 

Grace Molony plays Jo. Her theatre credits include The Enfield hunting (Ambassador Theatre), The Watsons (Menier Chocolate Factory/Chichester Festival Theatre), The Glass Piano (The Coronet Theatre), Lady Windermere’s Fan (Vaudeville Theatre), and The Country Girls (Chichester Festival Theatre). Her television credits include The Great (as series regular Queen Agnes); and for film, We Live in Time, Morning Sickness and Mary Queen of Scots.

Cillian Lenahan plays Laurie. His theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Little Women, Blackout (The Lyric Theatre), The Steward of Christendom (Gate Theatre), Dubliners (Dublin Theatre Festival), The Lieutenant of Inishmore (The Gaiety Theatre. His television credits include Small Town Big Story, The Women in the Wall and The Spectacular.

Jade Kennedy plays Meg. Her theatre credits include Rebus: A Game Called Malice, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World (UK tours), Fun Home (Gate Theatre), The Snow Queen (Brighton Open Air Theatre), and Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace). Her television credits include Winter Place.

Catherine Chalk Plays Beth. Her stage credits include The Circle (UK tour), and Dear Elizabeth (Gate Theatre). Her film credits include Hilma.

Imogen Elliott plays Amy. Her theatre credits include The Voice of the Turtle (Jermyn St Theatre), for which she was nominated for a Stage Debut Award. Her television credits include Grantchester.

Loveday Ingram’s directing credits include Room 13 (Barn Theatre), Rebus: A Game called Malice,  Fatal Attraction (UK tours), Dinner with Groucho (Dublin Theatre Festival, Belfast International Festival and Arcola Theatre), The Girl on the Train (Salisbury Playhouse) The Rover (RSC), My One and Only, Pal Joey (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Blue Room (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Liverpool Playhouse), Baskerville (National Centre for the Performing Arts, China) Julius Caesar, Henry V (Storyhouse Theatre), Macbeth (Theatre Severn), Boston Marriage and Hysteria (B*Spoke Theatre Company). Additional directing credits include the original Assistant Director for Mamma Mia! and Associate Director at Chichester Festival Theatre. Her writing credits include a short film selected to represent Women’s Aid internationally for the campaign for Elimination of Violence Against Women.

LITTLE WOMEN

LISTINGS

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry 

19-22March

Box Office: 024 7655 3055 / https://www.belgrade.co.uk/ 

Grand Theatre, Blackpool 

25-29 March

Box Office: 01253 290190 / https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh

1 – 5 April

Box Office: 0131 529 6005 / www.capitaltheatres.com

Lowry, Salford 

8 – 12 April

Box Office: 0161 876 2000 / https://thelowry.com/whats-on

Malvern Festival Theatre

15 – 19 April

Box Office: 01684 892277 / https://malvern-theatres.co.uk/

Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne 

22 – 26 April

Box Office: 01323 412000 / https://www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk/whats-on

New Theatre, Cardiff 

29 April – 03 May

Box Office: Office: 0343 310 0041 / https://trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff/en-GB

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

6 – 10 May

Box Office: 0114 249 6000 / https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/lyceum

His Majesty Theatre, Aberdeen

13 – 17 May

Box Office: 01224641122 / https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/his-majestys-theatre/ 

Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham

20 – 24 May

Box Office: 0121 236 4455 / https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/

Richmond Theatre, London

3 – 7 June 

Box Office: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/

Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House, Leeds  

10 – 14 June 

Box Office: 0113 243 0808 / https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/

Theatre Royal Plymouth, Plymouth

17 – 21 June

Box Office: 01752 668282 / https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/

AMANDA ABBINGTON AND ROSIE DAY

REUNITE FOR THE WORLD PREMIÈRE OF

(THIS IS NOT A) HAPPY ROOM

AT KING’S HEAD THEATRE

Amanda Abbington and Rosie Day reunite to lead the company for the world première of (This is not a) Happy Room at King’s Head Theatre, which Day has also written. Hannah Price directs this brand-new dark comedy, which opens on 31 March, with previews from 26 March and runs until 27 April.

Full casting will be announced shortly.

Amanda Abbington said today “I have admired Rosie’s writing since Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon, so when she mentioned she was creating a brand-new play I had to read it. The script is hilarious and utterly gripping, I can’t wait to further explore the Henderson’s chaotic family dynamic and bring them to life on stage.”

Rosie Day added “(This is not a) Happy Room is a very farcical dark comedy about the most dysfunctional of families, it’s going to be a riot to put on. I can’t wait to bring it to the King’s Head Theatre.”

Katy Galloway Productions presents

The world première of

(THIS IS NOT A) HAPPY ROOM

By Rosie Day

Cast includes Amanda Abbington, Rosie Day

Director Hannah Price; Sound Design: Adrienne Quartly; Lighting Design: Rory Beaton; Set and Costume Design: Georgia de Grey

26 March – 27 April 2025

Meet the Hendersons, a happily dysfunctional family, reuniting for their dad’s third (or fourth?) wedding. Nobody expects the death of his bachelorhood to become an actual funeral… but it would be a waste of the buffet not to repurpose it, right?

Following the West-End run of her critically acclaimed Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon, and hailed as Saltburn meets Schitt’s Creek, Rosie Day’s new searingly sharp dark comedy premieres at the King’s Head in March 2025.

Amanda Abbington plays Esther. Her theatre credits include When it Happens to You (Park Theatre),

The Unfriend (Criterion Theatre), The Son (Kiln Theatre, Duke of York’s Theatre), The Little Princess (Royal Festival Hall), The God of Carnage, Abigail’s Party (Theatre Royal Bath), God Bless the Child (Royal Court Theatre) and Love Me Tonight (Hampstead Theatre). Her television credits include Desperate Measures, Wolfe, The Net, Sherlock, I Hate Suzie, Mr. Selfridge (as series regular Miss Mardle), Cuffs, The Queen and I, Unsaid Stories, Safe, Married Single Other and After You’ve Gone; and for film, The Lost King, Three Pints and a Rabbi, Decrypted, The Six Days of Sistine, Crooked House, Another Mother’s Son and Ghost.

Playwright Rosie Day also plays Elle. As a writer, her debut play Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon opened in the West End in Spring 2024 and is now being produced for television by BBC3 and Emma Thompson. Her theatre credits include When It Happens to You (Park Theatre), The Fellowship (Hampstead Theatre), Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon (Southwark Playhouse), Again, The Girl who Fell (Trafalgar Studios), Spur of the Moment (Royal Court Theatre), Velocity (Finborough Theatre), A Winter’s Tale, Playboy of the Western World and Summerfolk (National Theatre). Her television credits include Outlander, Living the Dream, Good Omens, Urban Myths, The Sandman and Prime Suspect 1973; and for film, All Roads Lead to Rome, Down a Dark Hall, The Seasoning House, Good Night and Butterfly Kisses.

Hannah Price directs. Her directing credits include The Girl Who Fell, Boa, Again (Trafalgar Studios), End of the Pier, The Dead Monkey (Park Theatre), Down and Out Live (Stone Nest, London/La Generale, Paris), Permanence (Tarragon Theatre, Toronto), Escape the Scaffold (Theatre503/ The Other Room), Run the Beast Down (Marlowe Theatre/Finborough Theatre), 1984 Live (Senate House), Rainbow Class (Bush Theatre/Assembly Rooms), TEST (Scala Theatre, Basel),  Cello/Fragile (Yard Theatre), Bud Take the Wheel, I Feel a Song Coming On (Shaw Theatre/Underbelly), That Moment (King‘s Head Theatre & UK tour).

For Theatre Uncut her credits include Refugee (Teater Grob, Copenhagen), In Opposition (Paines Plough Roundabout), Knowledge is Power: Knowledge is Change (Traverse & tour), Referendum Plays (Traverse), TU Istanbul: Power and Protest (Dot Tiyatro/Istanbul International Theatre Festival/Traverse), TU 2013: The Rise of the Right (Young Vic), The Cuts Plays (Southwark Playhouse/ Soho/Latitude/Traverse).

Instagram, Facebook:     @thisisnotahappyroom

TikTok:                                @notahappyroom

(This is not a) Happy Room)

LISTINGS

King’s Head Theatre

116p Upper St, London N1 1QP

Box Office: 0207 226 8561

www.kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/this-is-not-a-happy-room

26 March – 27 April 2025

Ticket from £10

Award-winning cast announced for
explosive musical comedy Miss I-Doll at
The Other Palace
The Other Palace Studio, 12 Palace Street, London SW1E 5JA
Tuesday 18th February – Sunday 9th March 2025

What would happen if during a live reality TV show final one of the contestants
simply revealed…the truth?

West End performer Daisy Steere (Dirty Dancing, UK Tour; JERSEY BOYS, UK and Ireland Tour; JACKIE THE MUSICAL, UK Tour) will star in the electric one-woman musical comedy Miss I-Doll, playing the seemingly perfect reality TV show contestant Mia. Steere’s central role also offers a powerful multi-rolling performance as she takes on twelve other characters in the reality TV show. Natalie Casey (Legally Blonde, Savoy Theatre; Rock / Paper / Scissors, Sheffield Crucible; In The Next Room, The Other Palace) brings her TV background to the musical comedy, as she personifies the reality show as a voiceover, guiding Mia and the audience through the production. This modern tale of capitalism gone wrong, staged for a limited three-week run, is an entertaining, satirical statement of resilience, showing how women can be valued for who they truly are.

Mia enters the Miss I-Doll competition with the singular aim of fulfilling her dreams to become a global superstar but, on the night of the final, Mia’s world is disrupted as she loses her filter. As Mia speaks her mind on the true nature of the prime-time show’s feminine stereotypes, green washing, unethical marketing and pink washing, the show spirals out of control in a satirical, ruthless exploration of reality TV and the complex pressures often placed on women in today’s media age.

Protagonist Daisy Steere comments, I feel totally inspired to be a part of this production which I hope to do justice to, by bringing stereotypical versions of ourselves to life! The witty writing allows us to laugh as we reflect on modern days’ engagement with reality television. I can’t wait to take on the challenge of Miss I-Doll, it certainly will be a humorous journey.

Director Ruthie Stephens adds, I think now more than ever it is important to shine a light on how we, the British public are so easily drawn in and hooked to reality TV and social media and how that has an impact on society and the pressures of women and young girls today.

WICKED ANNOUNCES 2025/26 LONDON CAST

EMMA KINGSTON (ELPHABA) AND ZIZI STRALLEN (GLINDA) TO LEAD THE COMPANY

JOINED BY PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

CARL MAN, SARAH INGRAM, MICHAEL MATUS, HANNAH QURESHI, DAVID McKECHNIE, ROSS CARPENTER, LAURA EMMITT AND LYDIA GERRARD

Download the Wicked Trailer Here

www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

WICKED, the West End stage musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, is proud to announce its full new London cast who are set to begin performances at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre on Tuesday 25 March 2025. Leading the company are Emma Kingston (Heathers: The Musical) as Elphaba, opposite West End sensation Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins) as Glinda. The current 2024 / 25 company’s final performance will take place on Sunday 23 March 2025.

Wicked London welcomes back Carl Man (& Juliet) as Fiyero. Carl played Fiyero to sensational reviews across the UK and Ireland 2023 – 2025 tour, having previously covered the role in London’s 15th-anniversary cast. Sarah Ingram (whose many and varied credits include Legally Blonde: The Musical through to Richard III) joins the principal cast as Madame Morrible alongside Michael Matus (known for his Oliver Award-winning relationship with the RSC and musicals including Singin’ in the Rain and Stephen Schwartz’s The Baker’s Wife) as The Wizard. Wicked marks the fourth production that Sarah and Michael have worked on together. Hannah Qureshi (Hamilton) will star as Nessarose, David McKechnie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) as Doctor Dillamond and Ross Carpenter (Book of Mormon) as Boq. Laura Emmitt (Frozen: The Musical) returns to Wicked London as Alternate Elphaba having previously covered the role in the West End and Lydia Gerrard (The Phantom of The Opera, UK & Ireland Tour) joins as Standby for Glinda having covered the role on the recent tour.

The 2025/6 company is completed by Iroy Abesamis, Zac Adlam, Steph Asamoah, Meg Astin, Rebecca Bowden, Shaun Chambers, Erin Gisele Chapman, Grace Durkin, Onyemachi Ejimofor, Aaron Elijah, Aimee Hodnett, Nat Ingham, Holly Lawrence, Jemima Loddy, Josh Lovell, Rory Maguire, PaddyJoe Martin, JoJo Meredith, Ayden Morgan, Rina Punwani, Abbie Quinnen, Jemma Revell, Jeanie Ryan, Charlotte Anne Steen, Chris Tarsey, Hannah Taylor, James Titchener and Jacob Young.

Emma Kingston’s theatre credits include: The Purists (Kiln Theatre), The Band’s Visit (Donmar Warehouse); Carousel (Kilworth House); Heathers: The Musical (The Other Palace); Evita (International Tour); Children of Eden (Cadogan Hall); The Last 5 Years (Minack Theatre); Fiddler on the Roof (Chichester Festival Theatre); In the Heights (King’s Cross Theatre/Southwark Playhouse); Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre); Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Grease (UK Tours). Her television credits include Sound of Musicals with Neil Brand; and for film, BKLYN The Musical (Lambert Jackson) and Been So Long (Netflix).

Zizi Strallen is best known for playing Mary Poppins in Cameron Mackintosh’s West End production at the Prince Edward Theatre, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Other stage credits include; Cake (The Other Palace and Lyric Theatre); Nine (The Hopemill); Rock Follies (Chichester Festival Theatre); Oklahoma in Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Sunset Boulevard (Royal Albert Hall); Follies (National Theatre); Strictly Ballroom (Piccadilly Theatre); Pippin (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Matthew Bourne’s The Carman (Royal Albert Hall);  CATS (London Palladium); Hairspray (Leicester Curve); Rock of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre); Merrily We Roll Along (Menier Chocolate Factory and Harold Pinter Theater); Dirty Dancing (Aldwych Theatre); The Music Man (Chichester Festival Theatre). Screen work includes: CATS (universal and working title); Dinotopia (Hallmark); Victoria and Albert (ITV); and Bramwell (ITV).

“One of the most successful musicals of all time” (BBC News), Wicked opened in London in 2006 and is already the 10^th longest-running West End production in history. Winner of more than 100 global awards, the production has now been seen by more than 12 million people in London alone and celebrated its 7000^th performance at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on Friday 15 November 2024.

Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s celebrated stage musical is based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire and imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Wicked reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming ‘Glinda The Good’ and the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’.

Wicked has music and lyrics by multi-Oscar® and Grammy® Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, The Prince of Egypt, Disney’s Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Enchanted). It is based on the multimillion-copy best-selling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire and written by Emmy® and Tony Award® nominee Winnie Holzman (creator of the landmark American television series ‘My So-Called Life’). Musical staging is by Tony Award® winner Wayne Cilento with direction by two-time Tony Award® winner Joe Mantello.

Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman have collaborated on the two-part Universal Pictures film version of Wicked, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Part 1 of the blockbuster opened on November 22^nd, 2024, and has become the highest-grossing film, based on a stage musical, in history.

Performances continue Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm, and Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2.30pm. The following twelve added shows are also on sale, including Christmas 2025: Thursday 20 February 2:30pm, Thursday 17 April 2:30pm, Thursday 7 August 2:30pm, Thursday 21 August 2:30pm, Thursday 30 October 2:30pm, Friday 19 December 2:30pm, and Monday 22 December 7:30pm, Tuesday 23 December 2:30pm, Monday 29 December 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Tuesday 30 December 2.30pm 2025 and Friday 2 January 2:30pm 2026.

A spectacular touring production of Wicked recently concluded a year-long, critically acclaimed tour in Manchester – where it closed the tour having completed a Christmas season at the Palace Theatre on Sunday 12 January 2025.

The stage musical Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK) Michael McCabe.

The Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1L 

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk 

Education programme: www.WickedActiveLearning.co.uk

‘X’ (Twitter): @WickedUK  |  Facebook: /WickedUK  |  Instagram: @WickedUK

Royal & Derngate Northampton – until 18th January 2025

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

4****

Dear Evan Hansen centres around themes of isolation, pressure, sadness, frustration, loss and most importantly hope. Evan Hansen is an adolescent struggling with fitting into school, making friends, talking to girls and coping with his lonely home life. A twist of circumstances finds him making some sudden decisions which catapult him into a world he never thought he would find himself in and building friendships and relationships he could have only dreamed of. With well-meant intentions, its only a matter of time before things begin to unravel. Afraid to go back to what once was but understanding he can no longer continue with this house of cards, Evan is caught in character purgatory. What will he decide to do?

Evan is played sensationally by Ryan Kopel who convincingly and passionately navigates his way through a myriad of emotions. His physical touches of anxiety, the nuanced nods, finger flicks and slight stutters are utter perfection. The other members of the cast are not as well fleshed out. Their emotional responses to situations occasionally fall flat or are not realistically sustained. But as a whole they all come together to pull off a thought-provoking piece of theatre.

The staging is sparse, with sets rolled in and out. Utilising mirrors and sliding frosted doors, designer Morgan Large appears to be embracing masking motifs. Ravi Deepres’ video designs show us, on occasion, numerous screens descending from the heavens and side of the stage, helping us to engage with what the characters are seeing on their phone’s, laptops and tablets. A live band directed by Michael Bradley gives wonderful performances of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s score, consisting mostly of solos and ballads. Accompanied by the gorgeous singing voices of the cast, they all fully deserved the rapturous applause they received after every song.

Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s rendition of Adam Penford’s story divide’s opinion by theatre goers. There are those who wholeheartedly identify with the poignant topics presented and have steadily enabled Dear Evan Hansen to have achieved cult status, whilst others wonder why a musical would explore such themes, occasionally making light of such painful subjects and they just don’t get it. Whichever side you fall, it’s an interesting production, peppered with incredibly strong performances, wonderful vocals and a strong message to those experiencing difficulties. There is hope that things will get better.

AS IT CLOSES FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF ITS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE CELEBRATES A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR PANTOMIME

CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE HAS WRAPPED UP ITS MOST SUCCESSFUL PANTOMIME SEASON EVER WITH THE MAGICAL PRODUCTION OF CINDERELLA, WELCOMING OVER 32,500 FAMILY AUDIENCE MEMBERS AND SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM ACROSS CAMBRIDGESHIRE

THE THEATRE NOW PREPARES FOR A NEW CHAPTER AS IT TEMPORARILY CLOSES FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF A MAJOR £30MILLION REDEVELOPMENT.

Cambridge Arts Theatre is delighted to announce a record-breaking year for its annual home-produced pantomime, Cinderella. The production was not only Cambridge Arts Theatre’s highest-grossing pantomime ever but also received the most extraordinary press and audience feedback in its history.

Cinderella welcomed over 32,500 attendees of all ages, including families, schoolchildren and groups from across Cambridgeshire. Cambridge Arts Theatre’s charitable project, Panto Wheels, also played a pivotal role in making theatre accessible by welcoming over 3,300 children and young people who experience barriers accessing the performing arts.

Interim Co-Chief Executive Rachel Tackley said “It’s been a delight to end the year on such a high note with a production that truly captured the hearts of our audience. The success of this pantomime underlines the enduring importance of theatre in bringing communities together.”

Following the resounding success of Cinderella, as previously announced, Cambridge Arts Theatre has closed its doors to embark on a transformative redevelopment project. This significant investment will safeguard the theatre’s legacy and enhance its facilities to meet modern standards and future audience needs. The first phase of the redevelopment, funded by a £16 million gift from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, will include:

• A full refurbishment of the 666-seat auditorium, featuring upgraded technical infrastructure, improved sightlines, and environmentally-sound air conditioning systems.
• Enhanced audience facilities, ensuring greater comfort and accessibility.

Chairman Ian Mather said, “This redevelopment will ensure that Cambridge Arts Theatre continues to be a vital cultural landmark for the region. We’re incredibly grateful to our supporters, especially the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, for enabling this vision to become a reality.”

To honour this momentous transition, and launch the fundraising campaign for a new 200-seat studio theatre on the roof of the existing building, a private event was held on Sunday 12 January 2025, hosted by Lord David and Dame Susie Sainsbury, alongside Sir Ian McKellen. Esteemed guests, including Dame Harriet Walter, Sir Derek Jacobi, and Sir Richard Eyre, joined in celebrating the theatre’s past achievements and bright future.

The theatre is set to reopen its beautifully refurbished auditorium in autumn 2025 with a new pantomime, heralding a fresh chapter for one of the UK’s most beloved regional playhouses.

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until Saturday 18 January 2025

Reviewed by Sharon Farley

5*****

In this adaptation of the Jane Austen classic, actor, writer and director Isobel McArthur (Quiz!, Kidnapped, How to Sing it) has pulled out all the stale stuffiness of a Regency England period drama and repacked it with the joyful bounce of a boisterous girls night out. McArthur’s inventive synthesis of some dark, central themes carried high on the shoulders of fizzing entertainment shakes up your perspectives of the space occupied by women in society whilst also leaving you wanting to dance in the aisles. Little wonder it earned her awards from both Olivier and Them Evening Standard.

Both cast and crew have capitalised on the comedic element of Austen’s original and supercharged it with something that sits between music hall slapstick and the alternative brilliance of The Comic Strip Presents. We are still treated to the human stories of romance and rejection, love and longing, but with the heart wrenching messages between parties swapped out for karaoke classics. I know, this sounds wrong, but somehow it’s just so right – and I say that as someone whose very idea of hell is a karaoke night.

Beyond the rip roaring fun of it all, the layers underpinning this production’s ethos are sturdy and admirable. The tale is a stark reminder of the dominance of the patriarchal and class driven society endured by Austen in the 1800’s – unable even to write under her own name – where every woman’s fate was sealed by the willingness of a man to take charge of her (and her family) through marriage. That the company has chosen to make this an all female cast is genius, which is doubled by the narration being put into the hands of the servants’ characters.

Changes in accent and costume allow all the actors to take multiple parts to great effect, and everyone has the opportunity to shine; there are no bit parts here. Emma Rose Creaner (Lobster Bisque, Tartuffe, Power Ballad) is particularly noticeable as the effervescent burst of energy powering some of the most comical moments. Naomi Preston Low (The Sound of Music, Mudlarks, Bridgerton) delivers the essence of sass into her portrayal of the rebellious Elizabeth Bennett, while Rhianna McGreevy (Twelfth Night, Nell Gwynn, The Witcher) flips between the melodrama of Mrs Bennett and the cool, misunderstood aloofness of Mr Darcy with ease. The gentle, lovestruck Jane Bennett is played brilliantly by Eleanor Kane (A Monster Calls, The Duchess (of Malfi), The Invincibles), who also takes the part of the debauched George Wickham in other scenes. The well studied diligence of all members of cast and company is clear in the excellent use of props, footwork, and timing. It is pure theatre at its best and no surprise that it has been rewarded with an Olivier Best Comedy Award.

In Sheffield, the first night performance received a standing ovation. No matter how you feel about Jane Austen, or karaoke, this phenomenally energetic interpretation cannot fail to win you over.

Kings Theatre, Portsmouth – until 18 January 2025

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

4****

Meatloaf’s legacy lives on in Jim Steinmans musical Bat Out Of Hell!

This fantastic musical, set in a world where there are ‘Lost’ people, running from the authorities is sure to get your heart pumping, foot tapping and leave you wanting more.

We meet Raven played by Katie Tonkinson, who wishes to be with Strat, Glenn Adamson, one of the lost boys. Her father, Falco (Rob Fowler) is against this idea and stops her from going to be with him, however, Sloane (Sharon Sexton) her mother encourages leading to a dramatic end plot!

Having seen the show before, I’m pleasantly surprised to say I enjoyed it thoroughly! The cast were superb, with the most incredible vocals from both Tonkinson and Adamson which worked in harmony together alongside their acting. Tomlinson’s portrayal of Raven was the best I’ve seen, really giving a character arc and leaning into the role with ease. She was truly spectacular in the second half, whilst singing some of the most well known Meatloaf songs – she excelled! Adamson was, as always, great but he had adapted his role to give a more sincere performance which I thoroughly enjoyed. The connection and chemistry between the two was palpable and I was engrossed at all points. Fowler and Sexton were exquisite. It was the first time I had seen Sexton in the role and she blew me away – she was the perfect characterisation of Sloane which led me wanting more of her onstage! She sang with absolute clarity and devoured her delicious harmonies with ease. Together with Fowler, this was a perfect match and they were ‘the moment’ whenever they were on stage! I couldn’t believe my ears when they were gliding in seamless harmony.

The ensemble were superb, utilising the set which was incredible, to their maximum gain. My only criticism, was that during the dance sequences, one of the members was continuously off beat which was distracting, however the rest of the cast were stunning.

I was so enthralled by this show and grateful I gave it another chance – leading me to be pleasantly surprised …. to the point that I would book again!! A fast paced, extravaganza celebrating the works of Meatloaf – I can assure you that there are some songs in there you didn’t even know you knew!!!