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TuckShop & Trafalgar Theatre Productions present

DEATH DROP IS BACK IN THE WEST END!!!

WITH A NEW KILLER DRAG MURDER MYSTERY

NUN OF YOU EXPECTED…

GARRICK THEATRE 8 – 20 NOVEMBER

PRIOR TO 2022/2023 UK TOUR

PRIORITY SALE – WEDNESDAY 24 AUGUST

FROM NIMAXTHEATRES.COM

GENERAL SALE – THURSDAY 25 AUGUST

FROM DEATHDROPPLAY.COM

BASED ON AN ORIGINAL IDEA BY CHRISTOPHER D. CLEGG

WRITTEN BY ROB EVANS

DIRECTED BY JESSE JONES

The smash-hit sold-out killer comedy Death Drop is back and will return to the West End this autumn with a brand-new production: Death Drop: Back In The Habit. Opening at the Garrick Theatre for a limited run from 8 – 20 November, this residency follows three sold-out West End runs and a smash hit UK tour. Tickets are on priority sale from NimaxTheatres.com on Wednesday 24 August, and general sale from DeathDropPlay.com on Thursday 25 August.

From the producers who brought Courtney Act, Monet X Change, Willam, Jujubee and Latrice Royale to theatres across the country, Death Drop: Back In The Habit promises to be another “killer show…that absolutely slays“. The new play is written by Rob Evans and directed once again by Jesse Jones. Casting will be announced soon.

This run at the Garrick Theatre is part a five month UK tour for Death Drop: Back In The Habit, which opens at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre on 27 October. This laugh a minute show will then sashay into Dartford, Wycombe, Cardiff, Crewe, Brighton, Blackpool, Sheffield, Leicester, Aberdeen, Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham.

TuckShop Creative Director and Producer Christopher D. Clegg said: “We cannot wait to return to the Garrick Theatre with an all new Death Drop this Autumn. Audiences have truly fallen in love with TuckShop’s special mix of theatre and drag, and to bring our brand of Murder-Mystery ridiculousness back to the West End with an all new twist, is so exciting.”

Death Drop Back In The Habit sees a gaggle of fabulous Nuns trapped in their Convent with a serial slayer slashing their way through the Sisters. As the clues are unearthed by Sis Marple, you’ll be laughing in the pews as the hilarious, fierce, all-drag killer comedy comes to its thrilling and uproarious conclusion.

Death Drop: Back In The Habit – UK Tour 2022/23

27 – 30 October Bromley: Churchill Theatre

1 – 5 November Dartford: Orchard Theatre

8 – 20 November London: Garrick Theatre

22 – 26 November High Wycombe: Swan Theatre

29 November – 3 December Cardiff: New Theatre

6 – 10 December Crewe: Lyceum Theatre

13 December – 24 December Brighton: Theatre Royal

3 – 7 January Blackpool: Grand Theatre

10 – 14 January Sheffield: Lyceum Theatre

17 – 21 January Leicester: Curve Theatre

23 – 28 January Aberdeen: Her Majesty’s

14 – 19 February Nottingham: Theatre Royal

23 – 25 February Glasgow: King’s Theatre

9 – 12 March Manchester: Opera House

13 – 18 March Birmingham: The Alexandra

West End Listings Information

Garrick Theatre

First Performance: 8 November 2022

Final performance: 20 November 2022

Performances: Tuesday – Thursday at 8pm, Friday & Saturday at 5pm & 8.30pm and Sunday at 4pm

Tickets from £19.50

Website: www.deathdropplay.com

Twitter: @deathdropplay

Instagram: @deathdropplay

Facebook: Facebook.com/deathdropplay

Grandad Anansi is a new co-production from Z-arts and Half Moon Theatre, the team behind Dust, winner of a 2022 Off West End Theatre award.

It is written by emerging writer 52-year-old Elayne Ogbeta, who is mum to Commonwealth bronze medal winner Naomi Metzger and Swansea City defender Nathanael Ogbeta.

Grandad Anansi

A Half Moon and Z-arts co-production for ages 4-9

Touring throughout October 2022 to celebrate Black History Month

Touring from 29 September 2022, with its premiere at Z-arts in Manchester, is a brand new children’s show for Black History Month. Grandad Anansi is a playful celebration of the love between generations and the joy of storytelling. Written for children aged 4-9, it shines a light on Jamaican culture and the Windrush generation.

Abi and her beloved Grandad tell each other stories as they enjoy half term together on his allotment. They play games and sing songs as they work among the beautiful flowers and tasty vegetables.

As they plant seeds – and memories -they share secrets and develop a bond that nothing can break.

Ten-year-old Abi thinks Grandad is as smart and mischievous as wily Anansi; part human, part spider and the subject of many West African and Caribbean folk stories. She gives him the nickname Grandad Anansi.

But as they romp amongst the rhubarb, okra and cauliflowers, Abi suspects crafty Grandad is hiding something from her.

Can Grandad find a way to tell Abi about his plans to return to his Jamaican homeland?

Grandad Anansi is the latest co-production from Half Moon and Z-arts, the team behind Dust, winner of a 2022 Off West End Theatre Award. It is an uplifting tale of love, courage and letting go.

Featuring live music, singing and dancing, it is touring throughout October 2022 for Black History Month.

Grandad Anansi is a contemporary re-telling of traditional folktales, which has particular resonance after the Windrush scandal and conversations brought about by the Black Lives Matters debate. The 40-minute show makes use of a mix of English and Jamaican Patois.

Grandad is played by stage and TV actor Marcus Hercules (Coronation Street, Brookside, Holby City, Casualty, Shameless) who shares his character’s Jamaican heritage. Whilst Jazmine Wilkinson takes on the role of his preteen grandchild Abi. Grandad Anansi is directed by Chris Yarnell (The Outbound Project, Haste Theatre Company) and musical director is Tayo Akinbode, who has created work for The National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company and New York Public Theater.

Grandad Anansi is the first piece of children’s theatre by Elayne Ogbeta, a Greater Manchester writer of Jamaican heritage. Elayne, a former ESOL tutor, lives in Salford with her high-achieving family. Daughter Naomi Metzger is triple jump 10 times British champion and Commonwealth bronze medallist and son Nathanael Ogbeta was signed by Manchester City aged 10 and is currently a defender for Swansea City.

The character of ‘Grandad’ is partly based on Elayne’s own father, 89-year-old Ashley Malcolm, who moved from Jamaica to settle in Preston in the 1960s as part of the Windrush generation.

Elayne Ogbeta said: “I grew up listening to lots of wonderful stories about the roguish spider Anansi told by my dad. He is still a great storyteller to this day and has continued to delight all nine of his grandchildren with gripping versions of the classic Jamaican tales.

“Grandad Anansi takes these oral stories, which have been passed down through generations, and places them on the stage, in front of new audiences. The stories are framed within a wider, universal narrative about intergenerational love, growing up, growing older and the meaning of home.”

Liz O’Neill, principle producer, Z-arts, said: “Grandad Anansi is a story that will resonate with everyone who prizes their family ties.

“It is a show full of fun, laughter, silliness, music and movement, whilst still managing to touch on more serious issues, including the hopes and dreams of the Windrush generation and their families.

“Grandad Anansi is a must watch for children aged 4-9 and their parents and carers this Black History Month.”

Writer: Elayne Ogbeta

Grandad: Marcus Hercules

Abi: Jazmine Wilkinson

Director: Chris Yarnell

Producer (Z-arts): Liz O’Neill

Producer (Half Moon): Chris Elwell
Musical director: Tayo Akinbode

Grandad Anansi tour dates 2022

30 Sep – 1 Oct – Z-Arts, Manchester M15 5ZA
4 Oct – Montgomery Theatre, Sheffield S1 2LG
7-8 Oct – Half Moon Theatre, London E1 0ND
9 Oct – Hat Factory, Luton LU1 2EH
11 Oct – The Met, Bury BL9 0BW
12 Oct – Oldham Library, OL1 1AL (presented by Oldham Library Service)
13 Oct – Eccleston Library, St Helens WA10 5PJ (presented by Wonderarts and St Helens Library Service)
14 -15 Oct – Chester Lane Library, St Helens WA9 4DE (presented by Wonderarts and St Helens Library Service)
16 Oct – Astley Cheetham Gallery, Stalybridge SK15 2BN (presented by Tameside Libraries)
17 Oct – Worksop Library, Nottinghamshire S80 2BP & Mansfield Central Library, Nottinghamshire NG18 1NH (presented by Spark as part of Libraries across Nottinghamshire with Inspire: Culture, Learning, Libraries)
18 Oct – The Grand, Clitheroe BB7 2DL
19 Oct – Sutton in Ashfield Library, Nottinghamshire NG17 1BP (presented by Spark as part of Libraries across Nottinghamshire with Inspire: Culture, Learning, Libraries)
20 & 22 Oct – Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington DL1 1SG
23 Oct – Beeston Library, Nottinghamshire NG17 1AE & West Bridgford Library, Nottinghamshire NG2 6AT (presented by Spark as part of Libraries across Nottinghamshire with Inspire: Culture, Learning, Libraries)
25 – 29 Oct – Lyric Hammersmith, London W6 0QL
30 Oct – Cambridge Junction, CB1 7GX

Malvern Theatre – until August 25th 2022

Reviewed by Kathie Hodges

5*****

The wonderful children’s book The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr, has been cleverly adapted to the stage by director David Wood, and this week it arrived at Malvern Theatre.

The Olivier Award nominated show comes direct from the West End was surely bound to be a hit.

As with any family show, expect a lot of excitement and audience participation.
The show is given the age recommendation of three plus, and it’s safe to say my seven year old was possibly a little old for it but it didn’t stop her joining in with the singing and dancing which is greatly encouraged, and also being a little anxious of the Tigers arrival.

No anxiety is needed though for no sooner has the doorbell rang, and the Tiger makes an appearance on stage, the audience are reassured that the Tiger is in fact extremely friendly and not scary at all just extremely thirsty and very hungry.

Gobbling up the entire contents of little Sophie’s larder and fridge, leaving no supper for Daddy.

The set is simple and eye catching for children, set in Sophie’s kitchen.
The children thoroughly enjoyed the tricks and watched in amazement as the food magically disappeared from the shelves.

The show is fifty five minutes long, with no intervals which is perfect timing for little ones, and all in all a wonderful show which holds the attention of the small viewer throughout.
Full to the brim with singing, dancing, a little ‘he’s behind you’ and a lot of magic.
It’s a wonderful hour spent.

1st look at Elijah Ferreira and Jade Johnson
rehearsing new musical
‘Help! We Are Still Alive’

Following their sold-out smash-hit with Sondheim’s
 ‘Anyone Can Whistle’ at Southwark Playhouse earlier this year

The Grey Area Theatre Company
in association with Seven Dials Playhouse presents
the world premiere of the musicalHelp! We Are Still Alive

Music and Lyrics by Tim Gilvin
Book and Lyrics by Imogen Palmer

Seven Dials Playhouse
5 September – 15 October, 2022

Jass and Finn have survived the apocalypse – but can their relationship take the strain? What do you do when the last person on earth no longer floats your boat?

‘Help! We are Still Alive’, Book & Lyrics by Imogen Palmer (She/They) Music & Lyrics by Tim Gilvin (He/Him) is a hilarious, gig-style queer, comedy musical about keeping the romance alive when everything else is dead as a doornail.

It’s ‘28 Days Later’ meets ‘When Harry Met Sally’ with catchy and heart-breaking songs.

Cast:

Elijah Ferreira (He/Him) as Finn, South African born actor and musician, recently played Hedwig’s husband and roadie Yitzhak in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ at Leeds Playhouse and Manchester’s Home. Other roles include ‘Safe’ at Hackney Empire.

Jade Johnson (She/Her) as Jass was in ‘Book of Mormon’ and the gala of ‘The Pirate Queen’ in the West End. ‘The Color Purple’ at Cadogan Hall and ‘Club Mex: Immersive Club Musical’ at Hope Mill in
Manchester.

Creative team:

Director Georgie Rankcom (They/Them) OFFIE nominated for their blazing (The Guardian) revival of Anyone Can Whistle at Southwark Playhouse

Musical Director Ben McQuigg (He/Him)
Set and Costume Lu Herbert (They/Them)
Lighting Designer Lucía Sánchez Roldán (She/Her)
Sound Designer Simon Arrowsmith (He/They)
Stage Manager Imogen Brown (She/Her)
Photography Danny Kaan (He/Him)
Artwork Jed Berry (He/Him)

The Grey Area Theatre Company
in association with
Seven Dials Playhouse
presents

the world premiere of the musical

Help! We Are Still Alive

Music and Lyrics by Tim Gilvin
Book and Lyrics by Imogen Palmer

Seven Dials Playhouse
1A Tower Street,
London
WC2H 9NP

www.sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk

5 September – 15 October, 2022

Tickets: £15 – £25
ReplyForward

KW

Lowry Theatre, Salford – until Saturday 3 September 2022

4****

Based on Erich Kästner’s novel, Lisa and Lottie which then inspired the Disney film The Parent Trap. This new musical, produced by Kenny Wax and directed by Sir Trevor Nunn, with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe is a treat for the whole family

Originally due its premiere in 2020, Identical was definitely worth the wait.  No Disney magic here, unlike the films where originally Hayley Mills and latterly Lindsay Lohan played both twins, instead we have 3 sets identical of girls: Nicole and Kyla Fox (who performed on press night), Emme and Eden Patrick, Sienna and Savannah Robinson.  Six incredibly talented young ladies.

The story is of two girls, separated at birth when their parents divorce.  They meet accidently at a summer camp and decide to swap places.  Staying faithful to the book and set in 1950’s Austria, it makes it a little bit easier to understand why the girls have no idea about each other, or why the custody arrangements are hard to comprehend!

Robert Jones and Douglas O’Connell, transport us from the stunningly beautiful rolling hills and lakes of summer camp to Munich where their mother Lisalotte (Emily Tierney) lives and Vienna, home of their father Johan (James Darch) and his Ballerina, child hating fiance Irene (Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson). The sets and video’s are so convincing you forget that you’re looking at a screen.

The songs are fun, if verging on saccharine sweet. You’re My Sister seemed to be a hit with the audience and Identical. We Were Young has depth and showcases Emily Tierney’s vocal talents

The musical is verging on the classic, its more The Sound of Music than Matilda, but its packed with emotion and yes I did cry at the end. If it were a tad shorter (a running time of just under 3 hours) it might be more suitable for the younger audiences its aimed at. But this show deserves a long life and I hope it gets one

The Barn Theatre, Cirencester – until 17th September 2022

Review by Win Armand Smith

5*****

Susan Tracy as Miss Daisy, Mensah Bediako as Hoke Coleburn and John Sackville as Boolie
Werthan excel in this charming production of Driving Miss Daisy.

Originally written as a stage play by Alfred Uhry it has definitly stood the test of time. The story of the evolving relationship between Miss Daisy and her long term chauffeur is beautifully staged with the simple lighting effects by Sam Rowcliffe-Tanner. We are transported through different venues with a projected symbol and changing colours on the simple backdrop and instantly you know where you are. Whether it was at the Piggly Wiggly Store, the Synagogue, or at Boolie’s home with Christmas decorations it was a highly effective and very simple staging.

The play takes place in Atlanta, Georgia over the period 1948 to 1973. The rapidly changing politics over this period are illustrated by radio news clips and music of the era. The sound designer was Harry Smith.

There is always a risk of an American accent not quite working but in this case the voice coaches Katherine Heath and Andrea Fudge had done a very successful and convincing job.

This is a very enjoyable and moving production and the standing ovation was well deserved by the whole production team.

53two launch their first season with World Premiere, ‘Things That Divide Us’, directed by Venue Creative Director, Simon Naylor

As 53two move into the next phase of life in their new home beneath Manchester Central, they are starting as they mean to go on with a brand-new one-act play from writer Joshua Chandos and his lived experiences. ‘Things That Divide Us’ follows Kitty and David, both looking to fill a gap in their lives. They strike up an unlikely friendship that blossoms in the stark surroundings of a Calais refugee camp. Over the course of their friendship, they realise that maybe they do have more in common than they first thought, bonding over a shared passion to fix the ever-growing refugee crisis.

“This piece means so much to me. My eye-opening, mind-expanding experiences of European refugee camps and the friendships that are forged across divides and despite borders and inhumane laws will stay with me forever. It is a privilege to work with Simon and the team on this project. The messages and themes of this play are embedded in the foundations of 53two. I’m so honoured to have the piece made by a team that believes in its core.” – Joshua Chandos, Writer

Taking the role of ‘David’ in this funny and moving two-hander is Mancunian actor Callum Sim with the role of ‘Kitty’ being played by Burnley actress Beth Lily-Banks – a recent Manchester School of Theatre Graduate. 53two’s Creative Director Simon Naylor, who has yet to oversee a show in his new venue, is excited to get back to creating theatre beneath the iconic arches.

“I first read Joshua’s play in lockdown as a judge for Capsule Festival. His writing is everything I love – a seemingly simple relationship between two people that allows us to go with them on a journey that is about as ‘human’ as it gets. A beautifully observed piece that will have you laughing out loud and in the next beat smiling through the tears. I can’t think of a better piece to officially launch a full 53two production in the new and improved arches.” – Simon Naylor, Creative Director – 53two

As usual with 53two, access is key and the venue will be offering £2 Unwaged Tickets at every show for those that are currently out of work or receiving any financial support and the venue is fully accessible.

Support dogs are welcome and any carers receive a free ticket. The show will be BSL Interpreted on 17th & 29th September with a relaxed performance on 18th October.

The play previews on 13 & 14th September. ‘Things That Divide Us’ will run until 1st October. Those wishing to attend should check the website for full performance listings at www.53two.com/ttdu

For more information on the venue or Sponsorship Packages & advertising, please contact Simon on [email protected]

To donate to 53two and it’s ongoing developments, visit www.53two.com/donate

LONDON THEATRE WEEK

RETURNS BIGGER THAN EVER THIS AUGUST

ALMOST 60 WEST END, CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SHOWS WILL BE TAKING PART WITH TICKETS FROM AS LITTLE AS £15

LAUNCHES TODAY, AUGUST 22, WITH A 2 WEEK RUN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 4

London Theatre Week is back and bigger than ever before with almost 60 spectacular shows taking part. The annual campaign kicks off with a two-week offering of many of the best and biggest West End shows with prices as low as £15. Launching today until September 4^th, this year’s London Theatre Week includes such high-calibre performances such as Disney’s Frozen, The Lion King, Pretty Woman, and The Book of Mormon.  

Tickets are available from as little as £15, £25, £35, and £45, empowering more audiences to enjoy the West End and continue to support live theatre.

Tickets are now on sale at londontheatreweek.com and via the TodayTix app.

Returning to the campaign this year are classic hit West End shows including The Phantom of the Opera, Back to the Future, and Les Misérables. As part of the offerings this year, TodayTix Group is pleased to welcome newcomers to the West End stage to be a part of the campaign, including The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Eureka Day, The Doctor, and 2:22 A Ghost Story.

On presenting the extended campaign this year, Merritt Baer, Co-Founder and President of TodayTix Group, the global e-commerce leader for cultural experiences, said today,

“We are beyond thrilled by how both audiences and West End shows have responded to the creation of London Theatre Week. We are ecstatic at being able to partner with such high-calibre shows to offer compelling, affordable prices on productions that truly prove what’s magical about live theatre. Whether you’re looking for something that’s family-friendly, a splashy musical, or a thought-provoking play, London Theatre Week has something for everyone.”

For more information about London Theatre Week and to purchase tickets, please visit londontheatreweek.com.

The shows available include: &Juliet, A Christmas Carol, Anything Goes, Back to the Future, Bad Jews, Circus 1903, Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, Demon Dentist, Dirty Dancing, Eureka Day, Disney’s Frozen, Get Up Stand Up, 2:22 A Ghost Story, Grease, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Heathers, Jack Absolute Flies Again, Jersey Boys, John Gabriel Borkman, Les Miserables, Life of Pi, Magic Mike Live!, Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Matilda, Millennials, Much Ado About Nothing, My Fair Lady, Only Fools and Horses, The Phantom of the Opera, Pretty Woman, Punchdrunk’s The Burnt City, Sister Act, The Book of Mormon, The Doctor, The Drifters Girl, The Lion King, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Woman in Black, Tina, Tosca, Walking with Ghosts, Witness for the Prosecution, Wonderville and more.

Theatre Royal Bath Productions present
ELIZABETH McGOVERN in
WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
by Edward Albee
Directed by Lindsay Posner

 Friday 13 January to Saturday 11 February 2023

Theatre Royal Bath Productions present Edward Albee’s masterpiece Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?  starring Elizabeth McGovern (Downton Abbey) and directed by Lindsay Posner, which will play Theatre Royal Bath from 13 January to 11 February 2023.

During the course of one brutal and hilarious night, George, a college professor, and his wife Martha invite a young couple back for late-night drinks after a faculty party. As the alcohol flows, the guests are coerced into witnessing and participating in George and Martha’s sadistic game-playing and vitriolic verbal scrapping which reaches its climax in a momentous revelation.

First staged on Broadway in 1962, Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? was soon established as one of the great plays in post-war American drama, winner of the Tony and Critics’ Circle Awards for Best New Play. Its reputation was further enhanced by Mike Nichols’ multi Academy Award winning 1966 film adaptation, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Sixty years on from its premiere, it is now seen as one of the most influential and highly regarded plays in American literature.

Elizabeth McGovern is best known for playing Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey. She was Academy Award nominated for her portrayal of Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime, and had leading roles in the movies Once Upon A Time In America, The Handmaid’s Tale and The Wings of the Dove. Her recent stage credits include the UK tour of God of Carnage.

Further cast and creative team to be announced.

Listings

Friday 13 January to Saturday 11 February 2023
Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov Studio
theatreroyal.org.uk  

Theatre Royal Bath Productions present
KRIS MARSHALL in
THE WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION OF
CHARLOTTE & THEODORE
by Ryan Craig
Directed by Terry Johnson

Thursday 16 February – Saturday 18 March 2023

The most divisive issues of our generation are tackled head on in Ryan Craig’s timely new play, directed by Terry Johnson. Starring Kris Marshall (My Family, Love Actually), Charlotte & Theodore will play Theatre Royal Bath from Thursday 16 February – Saturday 18 March 2023.

Cancel culture, gender politics, trans rights, online abuse and power struggles are all at play on a University campus which is more like a battleground, where every well-intentioned thought and deed can have unexpected and long-lasting consequences. It is here that we meet two idealistic academics, Lotty and Teddy, as they pick their way through the political and social minefield to embark on a decade long romance.

Teddy is played by television favourite Kris Marshall. Kris has starred in some of the most popular films and television series of the last twenty years, with lead roles in Love Actually, My Family and Death in Paradise. His stage roles include Treats opposite Billie Piper, Fat Pig in the West End with Robert Webb and Joanna Page, and the London revival of Glengarry Glen Ross alongside Christian Slater and Robert Glenister.

Ryan Craig is one of Britain’s most exciting playwrights. He earned a nomination for Most Promising Playwright at Evening Standard Theatre Awards for his debut play What We Did to Weinstein. His follow up works The Glass Room, which deals with Holocaust denial, and The Holy Rosenbergs at the National Theatre earned him a reputation for probing social norms and ethical issues in his plays.

Terry Johnson is one of our most acclaimed playwrights. His plays have earned him a
dozen major theatre awards including two Olivier Awards for Best New Comedy, in 1994 for Hysteria, and in 1999 for Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick. As a highly respected director, his recent hits at the Theatre Royal Bath include The Dresser, Mrs Henderson Presents, Hysteria and The Libertine.

Further cast and creative team to be announced.

Listings

Thursday 16 February – Saturday 18 March 2023
Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov Studio 
theatreroyal.org.uk