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ALL-STAR LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR THE UK’S BIGGEST
REGIONAL PANTOMIME AT BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

MARTI PELLOW, MATT SLACK, DR RANJ, SUZANNE SHAW, DOREEN TIPTON
AND ANDREW RYAN TO STAR IN DICK WHITTINGTON

Birmingham Hippodrome today announced an exciting all-star cast line-up for the ultimate pantomime adventure, Dick Whittington. The show will see the return of one of Britain’s most celebrated stars Marti Pellow as The Ratman, Birmingham Panto favourite Matt Slack as Dick Whittington, TV Doctor and presenter Dr Ranj as Spirit of the Bells and musical sensation Suzanne Shaw as Alice.

The UK’s biggest regional panto, which will feature sets and costumes from The London Palladium, will also see the return of Birmingham favourites Doreen Tipton as The Cat and Andrew Ryan as The Dame.

Marti Pellow makes a return to panto in Birmingham after a much-celebrated season at the theatre in 2015 as Abanazar in Aladdin. Marti is one of Britain’s best-loved stars, and together with his songwriting partner and musical director, Grant Mitchell, Marti will write several of the songs for this year’s pantomime where he will star as the evil Ratman. The pantomime comes after a busy couple of years for Marti. Even while fans were forced to stay home, Marti performed his enormously popular online Lockdown Sessions, which became a real source of solace, enjoyed by over 12 million people. In March of 2021, Marti released Stargazer, his latest major label studio album. In 2022, Marti undertook the second leg of that Greatest Hits tour, visiting another fourteen prestigious venues across the country. He has also announced the 40-date Pellow Talk tour for late 2022.

Marti joins Matt Slack, who has established himself as one of the country’s leading pantomime comics. Matt returns to Birmingham Hippodrome for a record-breaking ninth consecutive year, with Dick Whittington marking his 20^th pantomime.

Dr Ranj is known to a generation of children for his CBeebies’ series Get Well Soon and Get Well Soon Hospital and to young and old alike for his fancy footwork in the ballroom in the 2018 series of Strictly Come Dancing, where he made it through to the seventh week. Alongside his work as a practicing doctor working in the NHS, Dr Ranj appears on ITV’s This Morning, is a columnist and writer, and proved his needle skills in the 2020 Christmas Special of The Great British Sewing Bee. He has fronted ITV1’s Dr Ranj: On Call, Save Money: Good Health, Save Money: Lose Weight and his new series, Extreme Food Phobics for W Channel.

Suzanne Shaw rose to fame in 2001 after she auditioned for ITV’s Popstars and won a place in the band Hear’say. The group’s debut single was the fastest selling non-charitable record in UK chart history, selling over 1.3 million copies. When the band split in 2003, Suzanne returned to her roots and has gone on to carve out a successful career in musical theatre, plays and television, where highlights include Roxie Hart in the West End production of Chicago and Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Suzanne returns to Birmingham Hippodrome panto after playing the title role in Cinderella back in 2017.

Marti, Matt, Ranj and Suzanne will be joined by regional treasure Doreen Tipton, who over the past few years has morphed effortlessly from YouTube sensation to Queen of the Black Country. This year she will grace the stage as Dick Whittington’s trusty sidekick, Doreen the Cat. Completing the line up as The Dame is Andrew Ryan, who’s return will mark his 36^th pantomime and 32^nd year as Dame.

Chief Executive of Crossroads Pantomimes, Michael Harrison, who will produce and direct Dick Whittington said: “The Birmingham Hippodrome pantomime is a real jewel in the crown of pantomimes in the UK. It’s fitting to be announcing such a stellar and talented cast today to bring to life our epic production of Dick Whittington. With the combined talents of Marti, Matt, Ranj, Suzanne, Doreen and Andrew, together with the magnificent sets built for The London Palladium, this will be a very special trip to the theatre for all the family”.

On the casting, Birmingham Hippodrome Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer Jon Gilchrist, said: “We’re delighted to have such an amazing cast on board for Dick Whittington, including the return of Hippodrome favourites Marti, Matt, Suzanne, Doreen and Andrew along with Dr Ranj who will make his Birmingham panto debut. Birmingham Hippodrome’s pantomime is a highlight of the festive season for so many. After seeing last year’s show as a visitor, I cannot wait to experience my first panto since joining the team earlier this year.”

Join Dick Whittington and his trusty cat as he seeks fame, fortune, and happiness journeying to become the Lord Mayor. Dick Whittington will run at Birmingham Hippodrome from Saturday 17 December 2022 and will play until Sunday 29 January 2023.

Tickets for Dick Whittington can be booked at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling 0844 338 5000*

 *0844 calls will cost you 4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

FIRST LOOK

REHEARSAL IMAGES RELEASED FOR

SPIKE

IAN HISLOP AND NICK NEWMAN’S COMEDY

TOUR LAUNCHES ON 6 SEPTEMBER AT THE EVERYMAN CHELTENHAM

AND TOURING TO MALVERN, GUILDFORD, OXFORD, SALISBURY, BRIGHTON,

DARLINGTON, AYLESBURY, GLASGOW, RICHMOND, BLACKPOOL AND CARDIFF

Robert Wilfort (Gavin and Stacey, Bridgerton) will take over the role of ‘Spike Milligan’, Patrick Warner (‘Peter Cook’ in The Crown, One Man, Two Guvnors and Play that Goes Wrong) will also join the production to play ‘Peter Sellers’, and Jeremy Lloyd (The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, Trial by Laughter) will return to his critically acclaimed role as ‘Harry Secombe’

TV comedienne and podcaster Margaret Cabourn-Smith (Motherland, Miranda, Buffering) will reprise her role as ‘Janet’, as will James Mack (The Watermill’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Rivals, Macbeth and Journey’s End) as ‘Denis Main-Wilson / Peter Eton’,  Ellie Morris (The Play That Goes Wrong, Mischief Movie Night, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery for Mischief Theatre company) as ‘June’, and Robert Mountford (The Habit of Art, The Haunting of Alice Bowles for Original Theatre Company, House and Garden for The Watermill) as ‘BBC Executive’.  Peter Dukes will join the company as ‘BBC Announcer’, as will Tesni Kujore as ‘Myra’, and Sam Ducane as ‘Doctor’.

Susan Wokoma announced as host of
The Stage Debut Awards 2022 alongside
a roster of performers and presenters
8 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BY
Sunday 18th September 2022, 6pm

BAFTA Award-winning actor Susan Wokoma has been announced as the host of The Stage Debut Awards 2022, in association with Ambassador Theatre Group. The Stage Debut Awards celebrate the very best breakthrough talent in theatre, from actors and directors to designers, writers, composers and lyricists, all of whom have made their professional debuts in the past two years.

Wokoma won BAFTA Breakthrough Brit in 2017, the same year she made her West End theatre debut in the Olivier Award-winning comedy Labour of Love. She was a member of The National Youth Theatre, making her professional acting debut in the BAFTA-winning That Summer Day before going on to train at RADA aged 19. On stage, her work includes productions at the Royal Court, Bush Theatre, Almeida Theatre, National Theatre, Donmar Warehouse and St. Ann’s Warehouse in New York. In 2019, she played the role of Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, with The Daily Telegraph calling her performance sheer bliss and praising it as one of the most endearing and effortlessly funny Bottoms I’ve ever seen. Her film and TV credits include E4’s Chewing Gum, Netflix’s Enola Holmes and E4/Netflix’s Crazyhead. Most recently she led the cast of BBC One’s Cheaters.

Wokoma comments, I am absolutely THRILLED to host The Stage Debut Awards and welcome all the fresh faced theatre huns into our magical world. It’s so important to lift up young talent as well as people of any age conquering theatre for the first time. YOU ARE ALL WELCOME! See you on 18th September!

Those presenting awards on Sunday 18th September include Amanda Abbington (Sherlock, BBC; The Son, Almeida/Duke Of York) whose sparkling career spans beloved TV, film and theatre appearances. She will present Best Performer in a Play. Olivier and Tony Award-nominated director Jamie Lloyd will present Best Director. Lloyd is known for the work of his eponymous company including Betrayal at the Harold Pinter Theatre and The Seagull and A Doll’s House both at the Playhouse Theatre. Best Creative West End Debut will be presented by singer, songwriter and performer Louise Redknapp (Fatal Attraction, UK Tour; 9 to 5, Savoy Theatre; Cabaret, UK Tour).

Scottish actress Sharon Small (The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, BBC; Law & Order: UK, ITV) known for her work in film, radio, theatre, and television will present Best West End Debut Performer. Olivier Award-winning singer and actor, Matt Henry, who co-created and started in The Drifters Girl will also present, alongside multi-award-nominated theatre designer Anna Fleischle. They will present Best Performer in a Musical and Best Designer respectively. Best Writer will be presented by critically acclaimed playwright Roy Williams OBE. Singer, performer and Strictly Come Dancing winner, Jay McGuiness, will present Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer

There will be a performance from Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen) and Shan Ako (Hamilton), who will sing an original song by Jim Barnes and Kit Buchan, who won The Stage Debut Awards’ Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer prize in 2020. Performances will also include Natalie Paris, an original cast member and previous queen of Six the Musical.

The Stage Debut Awards highlight breakthrough actors, writers, directors, designers, composers and lyricists, helping cement their position in the industry. This year’s awards, in association with Ambassador Theatre Group, will take place on Sunday 18th September 2022, 6pm. The ceremony will also be available to watch live on The Stage’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thestage/

The inaugural The Stage Debut Awards took place in 2017. Previous winners include Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen), Miriam-Teak Lee (& Juliet), Jac Yarrow (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Bush Theatre artistic director Lynette Linton, and composers Femi Temowo (Death of a Salesman) and Dan Gillespie Sells (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie). For full details on eligibility and the judging process see The Stage Debut Awards website: https://bit.ly/3mb94RZ

The full shortlist of Stage Debut Award 2022 nominees is available here: https://bit.ly/3dEpG4S

QUEENZ – THE SHOW WITH BALLS IS COMING TO LONDON THIS MONTH! 

   Following a successful run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, QUEENZ – The Show With BALLS! will feature Union J and X-Factor superstar Jaymi Hensley.

Producer, David Griego, is thrilled to announce Queenz – The Show with Balls will be strutting in to London this September.

Queenz – The Show with Balls will open at London Clapham Grand on Friday 16^th September 2022 before heading out on a UK Tour.

Queenz – The Show with Balls is the trailblazing, life affirming drag extravaganza that has taken the UK by storm, fresh from their phenomenal debut on ITV’s Walk The Line and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This iconic new show features mind-blowing LIVE vocals and not a lip-sync in sight!

On their massive UK tour this autumn, join these death-dropping divas for a sequin-clad pop party featuring classics from The Spice Girls, Lady Gaga, Little Mix, Beyonce, Shakira, and everything in between.

Show creator and producer, David Griego, said: “Alongside the most talented live singing Queens you’ll ever hear this show is all about fun… giving people across the country a chance to live for the moment, celebrate life and party with our incredible drag divas for a night like no other!”

Union J pop star Jaymi Hensley aka Dior Monte, said: “Myself and my gorgeous Queenz are living our best lives, becoming the fierce girl group us little ‘boys’ always wanted to be. Queenz may be the ultimate feel-good night out, but it’s also a show with a message; life is for living, love is for giving and most importantly, always let you true colours shine”

From backstreet bars to West End stars, the Queenz cast are a mix of phenomenal singers and dancers who have joined forces to create the world’s number one Drag Vocal Supergroup. They have gained superstar followers, sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe and played to thousands in central London this year and now they’re on a mission for world domination.

Josh aka Candy Caned explained: “I still have to pinch myself for this beautiful opportunity, working with West End choreographers and performing in front of TV royalty is a dream come true. Us Queenz can’t wait to share our singing, sassiness and party with you all”

Birmingham Hippodrome – until 3rd September 2022

Reviewed by Emma Millward 

5*****

Beautiful charts the early years of Carole King from a 16 year old girl writing her first hit single, to her first solo concert in front of an audience at Carnegie Hall in June 1971. Carole King would go on to become the most successful female American songwriter of the latter half of the 20th Century, writing or co-writing 118 hit songs, 61 of which charted in the UK.

We are introduced to a young Carole (Molly-Grace Cutler) who loves to play piano and write her own songs. Although her Mother Genie Klein (Claire Greenaway) wants her to become a music teacher, (“Girls don’t write music, they teach it!”). She heads off to 1650 Broadway to meet Donnie Kirshner (Garry Robson), a record producer, to play him her song ‘It Might as Well Rain Until September’. Donnie likes her despite her shy demeanour and asks her to write more songs. Later at College Carole meets and falls in love with Gerry Goffin (Tom Milner) and they start to write songs together and ultimately fall in love and quickly marry after Carole falls pregnant. The show depicts the ups and downs of their marriage and Gerry’s many infidelities.

Working alongside Goffin and King are Cynthia Weil (Seren Sandham-Davies) and Barry Mann (Jos Slovick) as rival songwriters. They wrote such hits as ‘We Gotta Get out of This Place’ and ‘On Broadway’, made famous by the Drifters and performed perfectly in the show,.The foursome became great friends and the chemistry between them is obvious onstage. 

The stand out feature of the show for me was the fact that all the actors sing and play the music live on the stage. Various instruments are hung up on walls for the characters to pick up and play. Most of the show takes place on a recording studio set that added to the atmosphere of the music as the characters were seen recording their various demos of songs. The wings of the stage were quite open and the backstage crew moving about could potentially be distracting to the audience, but I am always fascinated by what happens backstage, so I enjoyed this aspect of the set design. 

The cast work really well together and are all talented musicians as well as actors. Molly-Grace Cutler especially stood out as Carole. Her vocals were perfect, especially during songs like ‘One Fine Day’ and ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’, both were big songs that wowed the audience. Dan-De-Cruz also caught the eye as onstage Musical Director as well as playing an extra cheeky version of Bobby Hatfield from the Righteous Brothers. 

Whether you are a massive Carole King fan or not, there is something for everyone in this show, and you may actually find yourself surprised by just how many songs Carole King was responsible for writing. It’s definitely not ‘Too Late’ to book your tickets for an absolutely ‘Beautiful’ night out. 

Bristol Hippodrome – until 10 September 2022

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

3***

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s creation of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat has hit Bristol Hippodrome for a 10 day run.

Widely anticipated with a large following and promise of glitz and glamour, this show has been heavily publicised, but this led to a disappointing end. The show is overhyped and left me dissatisfied and disappointed – not to detract from the performers. Linzi Hately as the narrator has a difficult job with hardly any breaks but I found her performance to be a little too cheesy towards the end, turning the show into a slight pantomime feel. Jac Yarrow is the eponymous Joseph, with a decent performance and vocals, he adds to the piece. However, with all of the soloists, it was hard to understand and hear their lyrics over the ensemble and band. If you don’t know the show beforehand, there’s a large chance you will leave in the same boat. Unfortunately, all the cast have a difficult job of creating a perfect performance with this show due to the confusing and ‘cabaret’ like story line.

Jason Donovan is on stage for a 10 minute fleeting visit, where he does what I can only describe as an Elvis tribute act. His song was overdone, with 3 pauses for applause before continuing with the next verse, giving me the impression that the show was focused around this one song.

Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, ‘Joseph’ has no dialogue breaks and during the first act I was wishing for some dialogue to bring the piece to reality. A simple story line – Joseph is disliked by his brothers and is cast aside, becomes a slave and manages to become the Pharaohs aide, before being welcomed back into his family. Unfortunately, there was no bite or grit with this and the performance was on the same level throughout, there were no peaks and troughs for an opportunity for the audience to process what they had seen. Both the first and second act were continuous songs, interspersed with cancan, tap, jazz, ballet and many other varieties dance, leaving me confused and frustrated that the story wasn’t progressing.

The cast did a good job working with the script, it was just a shame that they were unable to showcase their talents. The children in this show were the driving force, with some comedic elements in songs that were a breath of fresh air. I can’t wait to see where these children will end up!

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 3rd September 2022

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5****

This is the third instalment in the Dreamboats & Petticoats stage franchise. The story follows the continuing trials and tribulations of Bobby and Laura.

The story opens (rather satisfyingly) in a dusty attic with an even dustier tape recorder leading us into a conversation about an era before streaming, CDs etc… It’s the conversation those of us of a certain age will quickly recognise. We are soon transported back to St. Mungos Youth Club where the fictional band Norman and the Conquests are exploring some creative differences. Fame beckons for our heroine (in Torquay, naturally) contrasting with a summer season at Butlins for her beau, keeping them far apart. There’s obviously a back story from previous segments but it’s explained enough so you don’t lose out if this is your first show in series. The narrative feels genuine, interesting and of it’s time! It isn’t, however, just a thin excuse to play some classic tunes. The band were well drilled, tight and exciting and I was particularly impressed with the lady backing singers wielding the saxes, which made me realise every band should have them. An intoxicating combination! The “Blue Moon” acapella was another highlight. There’s a lot of saucy humour present throughout. Indeed, the entire cast’s timing was as flawless in comedic and dramatic terms as it was in musical ones. David Benson’s impression (unseen) of Kenneth Williams was impeccable and made me grin from ear to ear. The undoubted star comic turn was Norman (played by Joseph Lukehurst) with genuinely lol-worthy moments with a pram and also his breakup song’s histrionics. His mean, moody rocker showed he has an impressive breadth of characterisation up his sleeves.

The couples (both married ones and our two leads) were particularly strong vocally. Bobby (Jacob Fowler) and Laura (Elizabeth Carter) made a likeable couple in a superb piece of casting giving us a believable dynamic we genuinely cared about.

The absolute standout performance of the night was Lauren Anderson-Oakley (playing Sue) singing “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself” which was so wrought with passionate emotion it made me cry. A powerhouse performance that showcased a wonderful talent to its fullest effect. In a word, stunning! “Venus In Blue Jeans” was showcased in both a knowing joke (which I won’t spoil) early in the show as well as a welcome return, along with several other hits, from tonight’s bona fide 60’s star turn Mark Wynter (playing Larry the impresario) – proving himself as pleasing an actor as he is a singer. “At The Hop” closed the show in a genuine party atmosphere in the best tradition of The Young Ones! A rousing send off for a fantastic show with a lot to endear it with the music (obviously) but also reveling in the 60s innocent attitude, the clothes etc etc. A feel good show that I have no hesitation in wholeheartedly recommending.

The Cockpit announces New York Voices season
including classic revival and new musical
The Cockpit, Gateforth St, London NW8 8EH
Thursday 13th October – Tuesday 31st January 2022

Marylebone’s The Cockpit will look across the Atlantic this Autumn, bringing a season of New York plays to the heart of London. Two major productions lead the season: one, a classic revival of Lanford Wilson’s Talley’s Folley; the other, an exciting new musical based on the life and legacy of Rita Hayworth. There will also be theatrical readings of a diverse range of plays by Pulitzer Prize-winning New York based playwrights such as Annie Baker, Jeremy O. Harris and Sarah Ruhl.

The 20th century saw New York shine as a beacon of theatre writing and avant-garde performance. Writers from Tennessee Williams to David Mamet and Lorraine Hansberry wrote alongside the live art of Laurie Anderson and Merce Cunningham, and companies such as The Wooster Group and Richard Foreman’s Ontological-Hysteric Theatre pushed boundaries in form and theatre aesthetics. The Cockpit’s New York Voices programme asks to what extent New York still leads the way. Is the city still producing powerful theatre voices for the 21st century? If so, what are they saying? And how are they saying it?

USA-based Burning Coal Theatre Company is joining forces with The Cockpit to bring Lanford Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning work Talley’s Folly back to the London stage, 40 years after its last professional production in the capital. A timely revival for a seminal work, the play is a visceral reminder for today’s audience that love and connection are the timeless human qualities that can see us through hard times. The greatest playwright you’ve never heard of; Lanford Wilson occupies a premier position as a hugely influential and prolific member of New York’s off-Broadway theatre scene of the late 1950s, his one-act play deals with the heroic resilience of the American heartland folks he grew up with. Identifying the struggle, dignity and authenticity of those living in the ‘flyover states’, Wilson examines that most American of subjects – immigration – through the relationship between a Jewish refugee and a lonely, embittered and brilliant outcast.

Love Goddess – The Rita Hayworth Musical is the world premiere of a new production about Fred Astaire’s all-time favourite dance partner, and the bride Orson Welles wanted more than any other woman in the world. Considered by many to be the most beautiful woman of her day, Rita Hayworth is revered as one of the greatest movie starts who ever lived. Originally a solo play written and performed by Almog Pail entitled Me, Myself and Rita, and then Love Goddess, the Cabaret, this production has evolved into a full-length musical by Pail and co-writer Stephen Garvey (The Bardy Bunch: The War of the Families Partridge and Brady, Off Broadway). It features five cast members portraying over 40 characters, 12 original songs by Broadway pianist Logan Medland (Fingers and Toes, NYMF), as well as thrilling jazz, tap, and Flamenco dance sequences by award-winning choreographer Lorna Ventura. Audiences can expect to delve deeper into Hayworth’s story, including her experience with Alzheimer’s and her quest to find a partner who would truly love her for who she was.

The Cockpit will also present theatrical readings of the works of a diverse range of New York playwrights. The readings kick off with Late: a cowboy song from award-winning playwright, author, essayist, and professor Sarah Ruhl (Eurydice; The Clean House), followed by Brooklyn based playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury’s (Marys Seacole) Really. In November, Christopher Shinn’s (Dying City) Against will be presented along with double Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and screenwriter Lynn Nottage’s (Sweat; Ruined) Intimate Apparel. December will see Lear from Artistic Director of her own not-for-profit theatre company Young Jean Lee (Straight White Men). In the new year, Annie Baker’s (The Flick; Circle Mirror Transformation) The Aliens is followed by Yell: A Documentary of My Time Here by Tony-nominated Jeremy O.Harris (Slave Play; “Daddy”: A Melodrama).

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

TOURING THE UK THIS AUTUMN

DIRECT FROM ITS TRIUMPHANT WEST END RUN

“This Saturday Night Fever is a creature of wild explosive beauty. Not only a gold plated hit but a bulls eye”

The Spectator

“This is magnificent, joyous, life-enhancing theatre”

The New European

“You should be dancin’. Surely the greatest soundtrack of all time”

Daily Mail

“Absolute perfection. The hottest ticket in town”

West End Best Friend

“A thunderous, feelgood finale brough the audience to its feet”

The Times

Direct from the West End, Bill Kenwright’s production of Saturday Night Fever returns this year, hitting the road this September, allowing audiences up and down the country a chance to experience the best-selling Bee Gees soundtrack live on stage in this spectacularly reimagined musical which promises to have you grabbing your boogie shoes and dancing in the aisles!

Saturday Night Fever follows the story of Tony Manero, as he embarks on a reckless yet thrilling road to dancing success. It’s a homage to the 1977 John Travolta classic with more drama, more music, and hot new choreography and features onstage actor-musicians in the roles of the Bee Gees, singing all your favourite hits!

Jack Wilcox will lead the cast in the role of Tony Manero joined by Rebekah Bryant as his dance partner Stephanie including the onstage presence of the Bee Gees, played by Drew Ferry, Oliver Thomson and AJ Jenks.

Completing the glittering line-up are: Harry Goodson-Bevan (Bobby C); James Brice (Gus); Liam Morris (Double J); Dominic Gore (Joey); Billie Hardy (Annette); Tosca Fischer (Connie); Emily Bolland (Linda); Phillip Aiden (Frank Senior); Marios Nicolaides (Frank Junior); Melody Jones (Flo Manero); Faizal Jaye (DJ Monty); Yiota Theo (ensemble); Ashley Luke Lloyd (ensemble); Anthony Starr (ensemble); Joshua Clayton (ensemble); Helen Gulston (ensemble) and James Cohen (ensemble).

Featuring songs from the one of the bestselling movie soundtracks of all time, including the 70s disco classics, Stayin’ Alive, How Deep Is Your Love, Night Fever, Tragedy, and many more, Saturday Night Fever promises to be a night to remember!

Saturday Night Fever is produced and directed by Bill Kenwright, with choreography by Bill Deamer, design by Gary McCann, lighting by Nick Richings, and sound by Dan Samson. The stage adaptation is by Robert Stigwood in collaboration with Bill Oakes. 

LISTINGS

Bill Kenwright presents 

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

UK TOUR
Adapted by Robert Stigwood

Directed by Bill Kenwright
Design by Gary McCann

Lighting Design by Nick Richings

Dates: 5 September – 26 November 2022

Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes                      miltonkeynes-theatre.co.uk

5 Sep – 10 Sep 2022                                                    0333 009 6690

Grand Opera House, Belfast                                      goh.co.uk

19 Sep – 24 Sep 2022                                                  028 9024 1919

Palace Theatre, Manchester                                      atgtickets.com/manchester

26 Sep – 1 Oct 2022                                                    020 7206 1174                                             

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury                                     theatresevern.co.uk

3 Oct – 8 Oct 2022                                                      01743 281281

New Theatre, Oxford                                                 atgtickets.com/oxford

10 Oct – 15 Oct 2022                                                  0333 009 6690

Regent Theatre, Stoke-On-Trent                               atgtickets.com/stoke

24 Oct – 29 Oct 2022                                                  0844 871 7615

The Playhouse, Edinburgh                                         atgtickets.com/edinburgh

31 Oct – 5 Nov 2022                                                   03330 096 690

The Alhambra, Bradford                                            bradford-theatres.co.uk

7 Nov – 12 Nov 2022                                                  01274 432000

Princess Theatre, Torquay                                         atgtickets.com/torguay

14 Nov – 19 Nov 2022                                                0333 009 6690

The Alexandra, Birmingham                                         atgtickets.com/birmingham

21 Nov – 26 Nov 2022                                                0844 871 7615

Grand Theatre & Opera House, Leeds – until Sunday 4 September 2022

Reviewed By Sal E Marino 

5*****

The world-renowned, critically acclaimed musical Bugsy Malone was a sensational hit on every score at the magnificent Grand theatre (where one always receives the warmest of welcomes), Leeds, last night!  The whole production was undeniably slick and every second was filled with the best, high-quality entertainment I’ve seen in a long time.  This gem of a show was brilliantly directed by Sean Holmes with superb, pin-sharp choreography from Drew McOnie and all one needed was a first-class cast – which we certainly had in the form of: Shaun Sharma (Bugsy), Delilah Bennett-Cardy (Blousey), Isham Sankoh (Fat Sam), Fayth Ifil (Tallulah), Elliot Arthur Mugume (Fizzy), Kayla-Mai Alvares (Lena / Babyface), Kit Cranston and with a multi-talented ensemble and swing. 

This modern classic musical show is based on the hit 1976 movie by Alan Parker and one that has been reproduced in many high schools all over the world.  One of my guests concurred this and lovingly remembered putting together a performance with her class and colleagues back in the 1980s.  The original film launched the careers of Jodie Foster and Scott Baio and received eight BAFTA nominations and three Golden Globe nominations including Best Motion Picture for a Musical.  Having grown up with the film myself, I personally knew every lyric and my fourteen year old daughter is now very eager to see it too after thoroughly enjoying this spectacular show!

Set in the prohibition era of New York, a city full of: mobsters, showgirls and dreamers sees two rival gangster bosses (Fat Sam and Dandy Dan) who are at loggerheads – battling with custard pies and Dan’s new-fangled ‘splurge’ gun.

Enter our hero, Bugsy Malone, a penniless failed boxer due to a ‘glass chin’ and all-round nice guy who wants to take his girlfriend, Blousey, to Hollywood and so to fulfil her dreams of stardom he needs money and fast! Bugsy comes into the gangster limelight when he becomes the last resort for Fat Sam, who after his gang is wiped out, needs a miracle in the form of someone who is savvy as opposed to his lovable but feckless mob!

Bugsy Malone is a fast-paced and inventive family show and this production works on every level –  from the up-beat songs to the funny quips and one liners delivered to us by Tallulah and Bugsy.  There is much comedy too from Sam’s ‘Bad Guys’ and the gag where ‘Knuckles’ keeps cracking his knuckles never fails to produce a giggle.  

I can honestly recommend this show to EVERYONE as it brims over with energy and if you don’t already know the songs you soon will, as they’re infectiously fantastic!  During these current times, where we could all do with some laughs and and entertainment, Bugsy Malone won’t disappoint but only uplift because it’s dazzling and a riot of fun!