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FULL CAST ANNOUNCED AS REHEARSALS BEGIN FOR THE CRUCIBLE 

Lyndsey Turner (Under Milk Wood) will direct Arthur Miller’s The Crucible in the Olivier theatre from 14 September until 5 November. The full cast is announced today as rehearsals begin at the National Theatre. 

A gripping parable of power and its abuse, this urgent new staging will feature a cast including the previously announced Brendan Cowell (Yerma) as John Proctor and Erin Doherty (The Crown, My Name is Rachel Corrie) as Abigail Williams, alongside Eileen Walsh (Women on the Verge) as Elizabeth Proctor, Fisayo Akinade (Romeo & Juliet) as Reverend Hale, Karl Johnson (Under Milk Wood) as Giles Corey and Matthew Marsh (Dunkirk) as Danforth.  

They are joined by David Ahmad, Nathan Amzi, Zoë Aldrich, Stephanie Beattie, Raphael Bushay, Sophia Brown, Halle Brown, Anushka Chakravarti, Grace Cooper Milton, Rachelle Diedericks, Hero Douglas, Henry Everett, Nick Fletcher, Jersey Blu Georgia, Aoife Haakenson, Colin Haigh, Una Herrmann, Martin Johnston, Evie Marner, Gracie McGonigal, Alastair Parker, Joy Tan, Ami Tredrea, Tilly Tremayne and Cadence Williams.  

With set design by Es Devlin, costume design by Catherine Fay and lighting design by Tim Lutkin. Sound design by Tingying Dong (content design) and Paul Arditti (system design). Composer and arranger is Caroline Shaw, and arranger and music director is Osnat Schmool. Fight director is Bret Young and Ita O’Brien and Louise Kempton for intimacy on set. Staff director is Blythe Stewart, and dialect coaches are Danièle Lydon and Hazel Holder. 

The Crucible runs from 14 September to 5 November with press night on 21 September. The production will also be broadcast to cinemas across the UK on 26 January and around the world on 2 March.  

ROLL UP, ROLL UP! BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY FOR A FREE CIRCUS SKILLS DAY AT RICHMOND THEATRE THIS SUMMER

Ever wanted to be a juggling clown? Fancy yourself as an expert stilt walker? See a future career in plate spinning?

Richmond Theatre takes you to the circus this summer in advance of our amazing circus-themed pantomime Goldilocks and the Three Bears starring TV favourite Matt Baker (The One Show, Countryfile, Blue Peter).

If you’re looking for something fun and free to do with the family this summer holiday, then come along and try fun circus skills on the Little Green opposite Richmond Theatre on Tuesday 9 August from 11am-3pm.

Families will have the opportunity to try stilt-walking, juggling, plate-spinning, the diabolo and much more, with plenty of other surprises in store…

For those feeling inspired to visit our circus-themed pantomime Goldilocks and the Three Bears this Christmas, the Richmond Theatre box office will be open from 11am-5pm to purchase tickets and find out more about the show.

Details

Circus Skills Fun Day
Little Green, Opposite Richmond Theatre
Tuesday 9 August 2022
11am-3pm

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR KILN THEATRE’S MAJOR REVIVAL OF MOIRA BUFFINI’S HANDBAGGED

With Zodwa Nyoni’s The Darkest Part of the Night currently running at Kiln Theatre, Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham today announces the full company for her major revival of Moira Buffini’s critically acclaimed Handbagged. Reprising their roles are Marion Bailey as ‘Q’, an Older Queen Elizabeth II and Kate Fahy as ‘T’, an Older Margaret Thatcher, and they are joined by Romayne Andrews (Actor 1), Richard Cant (Actor 2), Abigail Cruttenden (Liz) and Naomi Frederick (Mags).

The original production opened at the Theatre in 2013 before transferring to the West End’s Vaudeville Theatre in 2014, ahead of a UK tour in 2015, and performances in New York and Washington in 2019.

Kiln Theatre presents

HANDBAGGED

by Moira Buffini

9 September – 22 October 2022

Directed by Indhu Rubasingham;Designer Richard Kent; Lighting Designer Oliver Fenwick;

Sound Designer Carolyn Downing; Casting Director Briony Barnett CDG

Following the sell-out 2013 season and subsequent West End and New York runs The Queen and the Iron Lady are reuniting on the Kiln stage.

The monarch.

Her most powerful subject.

Born six months apart, each had a destiny that would change the world. But when the stiff upper lip softened and the gloves came off, which one had the upper hand?

Indhu Rubasingham directs the timely return of Moira Buffini’s wickedly funny hit-comedy that imagines what the world’s most powerful women Margaret Thatcher and Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II, talked about behind closed palace doors.

Romayne Andrews plays Actor 1. For theatre, his work includes Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Mischief Theatre), Princess & The Hustler (Eclipse Theatre Company), King Lear (RSC and BAM), Hamlet (RSC and Kennedy Center) and A Fox on the Fairway (Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch); and for television, Breeders.

Marion Bailey reprises her role as ‘Q’, an older Queen Elizabeth II. Her theatre work includes The Deep Blue Sea, Blurred Lines, Grief (National Theatre), A Kind of Alaska (Bristol Old Vic), Death of a Salesman (West Yorkshire Playhouse), for Shared Experience: Mine, War & Peace, Kindertransport  (Hampstead Theatre), The Arab Israeli Cookbook, Dance of Death (Kiln Theatre / Tricycle), Incomplete and Random Acts of Kindness, Blessed be the Tie, This is a Chair (Royal Court), Cloud Nine (The Old Vic), and Holes In The Skin (Chichester Festival Theatre). For television, her work includes All the Light WE Cannot See, Damage, Shakespeare and Hathaway, The Dreamer, This is Going to Hurt, The Crown as The Queen Mother, Britannia, Temple, The Trials of Jimmy Rose, Him & Her, Being Human, Case Histories, Monday Monday, New Tricks, Persuasion, De-Railed, Cherished, Micawber, Shades, The Thing About Vince, Under the Sun and Shine On Harvey Moon. For film, Brighton Beach Scumbags, Peterloo, Dead in a Week, Allied, Lady in the Van, Mr Turner, I’ll Be There, Vera Drake, All or Nothing, Offending Angels, The Family Business, Nasty Neighbours, Psychotherapy, Meantime, Sakharov, Way Upstream, and Coppers.

Richard Cant returns to Kiln Theatre to play Actor 2 – he previously appeared in Wife. For theatre, his work includes The Normal Heart, Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear (National Theatre), Talent (Sheffield Theatres), After Edward, Edward the Second (Shakespeare’s Globe), Maydays, Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing (RSC), Saint Joan (Donmar Warehouse), My Night with Reg (Donmar Warehouse/Apollo Theatre), Medea (Almeida Theatre), The Trial (Young Vic), War Horse (New London Theatre), Salome (Headlong), Troilus and Cressida, Cymbeline (Cheek by Jowl), Original Sin, The Country Wife (Sheffield Theatres), Other People (Royal Court Theatre), Pera Palas (Gate Theatre), The Canterbury Tales (Garrick Theatre) and Charley’s Aunt (York Theatre Royal). His television credits include The Crown, It’s a Sin, Silent Witness, Taboo, Outlander, Bleak House and The Way We Live Now; and for film, My Policeman, Mary Queen of Scots, Stan and Ollie, Sparkle, (Past Present Future) Imperfect and The Lawless Heart.

Abigail Cruttenden plays Liz. Her theatre work includes Swive (Shakespeare’s Globe), Black Chiffon (Park Theatre), Her Naked Skin (Salisbury Playhouse), An Enemy of the People, A Marvellous Year for Plums (Chichester Festival Theatre), Accolade (St James’ Theatre), Drawing the Line, 55 Days (Hampstead Theatre), The Seagull (Headlong), Benefactors, The Crucible (Sheffield Theatres), When Did You Last See My Mother? (Trafalgar Studios), The Knot of the Heart (Almeida Theatre), Afterlife, Flight (National Theatre), The Importance of Being Earnest (Birmingham Rep/The Old Vic), and Tartuffe (Playhouse Theatre). Her television work includes Not Going Out (as series regular Anna), Fresh Meat, The Outcast, The Royal Bodyguard, Benidorm (as series regular Kate Weedon), Sex and the City, Teenage Kicks, The Commander, Foyle’s War and The Robinsons; and for film, Munich: The Edge of War, Denial, Charlotte Gray, The Theory of Everything, Await Further Instructions and Hideous Kinky.

Kate Fahy plays ‘T’, an older Margaret Thatcher. For theatre her credits include A Lie of the Mind (Southwark Playhouse), Winter Solstice, Definitely the Bahamas (Orange Tree Theatre), After Electra (Kiln Theatre / Tricycle), The Goat (Almeida Theatre / Apollo Theatre), Copenhagen (Watford Palace Theatre), Grace, Gaucho and Sparrowfall (Hampstead Theatre), Seduced (Royal Court), Old Flames (Arts Theatre), A Doll’s House (Riverside Studios), Bouncing and Sunday Morning (National Theatre) and Othello (Young Vic). For television her work includes Don’t Forget the Driver, Witless, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, The Marriage of Reason and Squalor, Death in Paradise, Cherished, Pure Wickedness, The Best Man, The House of Elliott, The Jury, Trial and Retribution, The Mozart Inquest, Danton’s Death, Terra Nova, Oxbridge Blues, The Lodger and The Nearly Man. For film, Marriage of Reason and Squalor, Archipelago, Defiance, Brilliance, The Show, The Living and The Dead, The Fourth Angel, Somewhere Sometime.

Naomi Frederick returns to Kiln Theatre to play Mags – she previously appeared in White Teeth for the company. Her other theatre work includes The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage (Bridge Theatre), Agnes Colander, The Mentor and Hobson’s Choice (Theatre Royal Bath), The Heresy of Love, Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare’s Globe), Made in Dagenham (Adelphi Theatre), Emil and the Detectives, Mrs Affleck, Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, The Mandate (National Theatre), The Winslow Boy (The Old Vic), The Master Builder (Chichester Festival Theatre) and Measure for Measure (National Theatre and Complicité – Ian Charles Award 2^nd Prize). For television, her work includes Belgravia, Inspector George Gently, Virtuoso, My Family, On Expenses, and The Trial of Tony Blair; and for film, Father Christmas is Back, The Aftermath and The Children’s Act.

Moira Buffini‘s plays include NW Trilogy (Kiln Theatre), Handbagged (Kiln Theatre / Tricycle / West End / US), Manor (National Theatre), Gabriel (Soho Theatre / UK Tour), wonder.land (MIF / National Theatre), Welcome to Thebes, A Vampire Story (National Theatre), Dying For It, Marianne Dreams (Almeida Theatre), Dinner (RNT Loft / West End / UK tour), Loveplay (Barbican), The Games Room (Soho Theatre) and Blavatsky’s Tower (Machine Room). For television, her work includes Harlots; and for film, The Dig, Jane Eyre and Tamara Drewe.

Indhu Rubasingham is Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre. Her work for the company includes Zadie Smith’s The Wife of Willesden, The Invisible Hand, Pass Over, When the Crows Visit, Wife, White Teeth, Holy Sh!t, Red Velvet (which transferred to New York and later to the Garrick Theatre as part of the Kenneth Branagh Season), Handbagged (winner of the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre – also West End, UK tour, Washington DC and New York), A Wolf in Snakeskin Shoes, Multitudes, The House That Will Not Stand, Paper Dolls, Women, Power and Politics, Stones in His Pockets, Detaining Justice, The Great Game: Afghanistan, Fabulation and Starstruck. Other theatre credits include The Father and the Assassin, The Great Wave, Ugly Lies the Bone, The Motherf**cker with the Hat (Evening Standard Award for Best Play), The Waiting Room (all National Theatre), The Ramayana (National Theatre/Birmingham Rep), Belong, Disconnect, Free Outgoing, Lift Off, Clubland, The Crutch and Sugar Mummies (Royal Court Theatre), Ruined (Almeida Theatre), Yellowman and Anna in the Tropics (Hampstead Theatre), Secret Rapture and The Misanthrope (Minerva, Chichester Festival Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (Chichester Festival Theatre), Pure Gold (Soho Theatre), The No Boys Cricket Club and Party Girls (Theatre Royal Stratford East), Wuthering Heights (Birmingham REP), Heartbreak House (Watford Palace Theatre), Sugar Dollies and Shakuntala (Gate Theatre), A River Sutra (Three Mill Island Studios), Rhinoceros (UC Davis, California) and A Doll’s House (Young Vic).

KILN THEATRE

Listings

Kiln Theatre

269 Kilburn High Road, London, UK, NW6 7JR

Box Office: 020 7328 1000

www.KilnTheatre.com

THE DARKEST PART OF THE NIGHT

Until 13 August 2022

Audio Described Performance 4 August 2022, 7.30pm

Relaxed Performance 6 August 2022, 2.30pm

Captioned Performance 10 August 2022, 7.30pm

HANDBAGGED

9 September – 22 October 2022

Captioned Performance 29 September, 7.30pm

Post Show Q&A 18 October, 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance 20 October, 7.30pm

REASONS YOU SHOULD(N’T) LOVE ME

5 – 26 November
Captioned Performance: 17 November, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performance: 24 November, 7.30pm
Post Show Q&A: 24 November, 7.30pm

THE WIFE OF WILLESDEN

14 December 2022 – 28 January 2023

Media night: 20 December, 7pm
Post Show Q&A: 10 Jan 2023, 7.30pm & 27 Jan 2023, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performance: 12 Jan 2023, 7.30pm
Fundraising Performance: 19 Jan 2023, 7.30pm
Captioned Performance: 23 Jan 2023, 7.30pm

Tickets to all productions now available

Tickets from £15

All tickets for first preview £15

Under 26 – £10 (subject to availability), Access, Over 65, Local, Student and Group rates available, for further details, please see the website

Subsidised tickets

We offer free tickets and exclusive discounts to those who can’t afford to come. If you fit any of the below criteria, get in touch and we can help you get a ticket.

If you are homeless, out of work or receive Housing Benefits, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance (valid ID, statements or proof universal tax credit will be required when collecting tickets).

Or, if you are an employee of the NHS, Police Force, Fire Brigade, Armed Forces, The Coastguard, RNLI, Prison Officers or Social Care Workers (valid ID payslip and name badges will be required when collecting tickets).

Email FreeTickets@KilnTheatre.com

GARETH SNOOK

TO PLAY
WILLY WONKA

IN THE UK AND IRELAND TOUR

OF THE NEW PRODUCTION OF THE SMASH HIT

ROALD DAHL’S
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
THE MUSICAL

TOUR OPENS AT MILTON KEYNES THEATRE ON

9 FEBRUARY 2023

FOLLOWING A SEASON AT LEEDS PLAYHOUSE FROM
18 NOVEMBER 2022 TO 28 JANUARY 2023

Gareth Snook will play ‘Willy Wonka’ in the forthcoming UK and Ireland tour of the new production of the West End and Broadway smash hit Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical.

The tour opens at Milton Keynes Theatre on 9 February 2023 following a Christmas season at Leeds Playhouse from 18 November 2022 – 28 January 2023. Tour schedule and on sale dates below with further casting to be announced soon. www.charlieandthechocolatefactory.co.uk

Gareth Snook’s many West End theatre credits include Monsieur André in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre and also the 25^th Anniversary production at the Royal Albert Hall, Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre, Sunset Boulevard and Made in Dagenham, both at the Adelphi Theatre, Aspects of Love at the Prince of Wales Theatre, My Fair Lady at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and Assassins and Company at the Donmar Warehouse and Noel Coward theatre. He most recently appeared in Wise Children and Bagdad Café at the Old Vic. His other credits include the national tours of The Full Monty and Martin Guerre.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical tells the devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka.

When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it’s a chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets they’ve always dreamed of. But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible and edible delights, the five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.

Featuring memorable songs from the iconic 1970s film including ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination’ as well as a host of new numbers, this sensational musical is choc-full of fantastical treats to dazzle your senses taking you to a world of pure imagination.

Based on the novel by Roald Dahl and the Warner Bros. film, Charlie and Chocolate Factory – The Musical has a book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Mark Shaiman and Scott Wittman. It is directed by James Brining and designed by Simon Higlett.

The Leeds Playhouse production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical is produced by Neal Street Productions & Playful Productions.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre- until 14th August 2022

Reviewed by Emma Millward 

4****

As we arrived at The Rep on a busy Friday evening, we were greeted by the new addition to Centenary Square, as the giant mechanical bull used in the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games has taken up residence there for the next week for anybody who wants to see it while attending the show.

Set in Prohibition era 1920s and based on Alan Parker’s 1976 musical film, the show tells the story of Bugsy Malone (Gabriel Payne), a struggling boxing promoter caught up in a power struggle between rival gang leaders Fat Sam (Albie Snelson) and Dandy Dan (Desmond Cole). A lot of the action takes place at Fat Sam’s Grand Slam Speakeasy, an illegal drinking place. The set for the ‘Speakeasy’ with its bar, bright lights and drinks bottles was cleverly designed to disappear back into the wall when it needed to be hidden away. The Rep itself definitely makes for a fitting setting for Bugsy. Although it has tiered seating, it somehow still feels like it has an intimate feel about it, that definitely suits the ‘speakeasy’ setting of the musical. 

In the midst of all this warfare, Bugsy meets Blousey (Mia Lakha) an aspiring singer who wants to audition for Fat Sam. Bugsy falls for her immediately. Although he has to contend with Tallulah (Jasmine Sakyiama), Fat Sam’s girlfriend and singer who flirts shamelessly with Bugsy, much to Blousey’s disgust. Although the show is packed with show-stopping songs, one of the most well known is ‘My Name is Tallulah’, which Jasmine Sakyiama sang beautifully with just the right amount of sass and razzmatazz for this famous character. 

As in the original movie, the show uses Splurge Guns and pink ‘Angel Delight’- looking pies as weapons. This makes for many family friendly and hilarious shootouts between the rival gangs. The fact that most of the characters say “Oh Man!!” after they had been splurged definitely kept the audience amused. The added touch of Fizzy (Aidan Oti) continually mopping up where the cream and water pistols had been fired amused me more than it probably should.

The cast were all outstanding and you could easily forget just how young some of the actors are, as they all really immersed themselves in their adult roles. Although I feel a special mention should go to Gabriel Payne and Albie Snelson as Bugsy and Fat Sam respectively, who both really shone in their roles. The ensemble’s timing was impeccable during both the dancing and fighting sequences. This is especially evident during the song ‘So You Wanna Be A Boxer’, where their ducking and diving was sleek and perfectly coordinated with each other as Leroy (Mohamed Bangura) is introduced to the world of Boxing. 

All in all, it was a brilliant production of a classic film. The standing ovation and numerous ear-piercing cheers for each character/actor at the end proved this. If you are looking for a feel good, toe-tapping distraction from daily life, you should definitely go and ‘splurge’ on some tickets today!!

* please note that the main character cast rotate in this show. Meaning you may not see the performers reviewed here in those roles. 

Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Sun 31st July 2022

Reviewed by Steph Lott

4****

The Globe Theatre’s production of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar begins with the news that Julius Caesar has defeated Pompey. Right from the start, the audience are required to be part of the action as we are the commoners who are celebrating Julius Caesar’s triumphant return. I thought the beginning sequence, led by Omar Bynon interacting with the audience was an ingenious way to introduce the setting of the play. He had a charming energy that was infectious and charming.

Shakespeare’s epic tale of murderous conspiracy, cunning rhetoric and a divisive struggle for control has never seemed more relevant than now, troubled as we are by untrustworthy politicians.

There will be some however who will be critical of this updated version of Julius Caesar. But I’m not one of them. Shakespeare can be off-putting to those who don’t recognise themselves in the plots or the characters. However I think this production addresses that. Genders of characters have been changed. There is a same sex marriage. The script has been altered to reflect this. I think the effect of those changes is to make this production more accessible, more relevant, to an audience who otherwise may not feel Shakespeare is for them. And that is alright by me. My only comment is that I feel further work should have been done on the script to fully incorporate the necessary changes in gender. There are mentions of “men” left in that are no longer appropriate given the characters are now female.

Fearing for their beloved Rome, Cassius and Brutus, the main conspirators, are now played as and by women. Cassius is played by Charlotte Bate, who convincingly portrays Cassius’ descent from initial firm intention to despair as the conspiracy falls apart.

Brutus is played by Anna Crichlow. She gave a rich performance as the earnest and ultimately troubled co-conspirator.

Both of the above held the stage and gave standout performances robust enough to allow us to believe that it was two women leading this conspiracy which ended in murder.

I was impressed by this cast of eight who managed to carry off a complicated performance with many more than eight roles! Special mention must be made of Omar Bynon and Cash Holland. They performed a multiple of more minor roles, in different clothes and with different voices, and it was never confusing!

If you prefer your Shakespeare to be more traditional, then this production may not be for you. However, if you would like to see how this story might be, seen through a slightly different lens then I would recommend that you go and see it.

Leeds Grand Theatre – until Saturday 6th August 2022.

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

5*****

This was my second visit to this wonderful ornate theatre and the first time I’ve seen Jersey Boys on stage. Though the musical is about The Four Seasons and their music, who were at the height of their fame, at least a generation before me, I was excited at being given the opportunity to review this musical.

Jersey Boys tells the true story of how four ordinary American-Italian boys, from New Jersey, became The Four Seasons and rose to fame in the 1960’s. Starting out on the streets of New Jersey, the boys are eager escape their “wrong side of the tracks” existence, and a life of crime that seems to be their future. Tommy DeVito (Dalton Wood) starts up the band, which undergoes several name and personnel changes. The end result, along with DeVito, is lead singer Frankie Valli (Michael Pickering), Nick Massi (Lewis Griffiths) and Bob Gaudio (Blair Gibson), who wrote many of their hits.

Each member of the band directly addresses the audience, detailing the rise and fall of the band. It is a rollercoaster of a ride, with tales of crime, the mob, never ending touring, huge success and great loss, but also a story of endurance and perseverance, culminating in their induction to the Rock and Rock Music Hall of Fame.

Each of the four leads bring something different to the performance and work so well together. Woods is full of swagger, and mouthy, as the irrepressible DeVito. Griffiths is immaculate as Massi, a wink here and there to the audience, very personable, with some great witty lines. You can’t help but admiring Gibson as Gaudio. Last, but certainly not least, is Pickering. When he first sang Sherry, with his amazing falsetto, I had goosebumps. It can’t be easy singing in that unique voice, but he pulled it off and more. Their vocals as a group were really stunning to hear, and their sharp dance moves were really on point.

The ensemble and supporting cast are incredible, they work extremely hard. They all play various roles, with great vocals and dance moves, all to live music. The staging was simple, but effective. A scaffold style set with staircases on either side and a walkway overhead, with chairs, tables and beds wheeled on and off the stage.

This true story doesn’t shy away from reality, it’s informative and interesting, and left me yearning to find out more. You will be amazed at how many hits they did have, and how many more were written by the Gaudio and Crewe partnership.

Whilst this show is currently touring the UK, the one and only Frankie Valli was performing up the coast in Scarborough last month, a great feat for an 88 year old.

Jersey Boys is a treat of a show, a perfect blend of great music and story, packed full of so many fantastic hits. A sensational musical that is not to be missed. OH, WHAT A NIGHT!

MICHAEL GRANDAGE DIRECTS EMMA CORRIN AS ORLANDO

IN NEIL BARTLETT’S NEW VERSION OF VIRGINIA WOOLF’S NOVEL

The Michael Grandage Company today announces that Emma Corrin will return to the London stage as the title role in Orlando, from the novel by Virginia Woolf in a new version by Neil Bartlett. Michael Grandage directs, reuniting him with Corrin, following their recent collaboration on the feature film My Policeman for Amazon. The production will debut in the West End in late Autumn, with full dates and theatre to be announced shortly.

Michael Grandage said today, “Neil Bartlett’s joyous new adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando dances through time and gender, challenging us to remember that nothing really matters except the courage to be yourself. It is one of the most surprising stories in the English language, and with its inspiring vision of all bodies having equal rights to love, I’m delighted that MGC is returning to the West End with Emma Corrin to bring this timely story to a whole new audience.”

Continuing their commitment to accessible ticket prices across their productions, MGC will have £10 tickets available across the run.

To sign up for advance information and access to priority booking for the production, please register your interest at https://www.michaelgrandagecompany.com/productions/theatre/orlando.

MGC presents

EMMA CORRIN

in

ORLANDO

FROM THE NOVEL BY VIRGINIA WOOLF

ADAPTED BY NEIL BARTLETT

DIRECTED BY MICHAEL GRANDAGE

“Nothing is ever longer one thing”

Emma Corrin returns to the stage to play Orlando, following their Olivier Award nominated performance in Anna X (Harold Pinter Theatre).For television, their credits include playing Lady Diana Spencer in the award-winning The Crown -for which they won a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award, as well as receiving a SAG and Emmy nomination. Emma will go on to star in the upcoming films My Policeman and Lady Chatterly’s Lover and limited-series Retreat.

Neil Bartlett‘s vividly theatrical adaptations, translations and  plays have been staged by the National Theatre (Berenice, The Game of Love and Chance, In Extremis and Or You Could Kiss Me, his collaboration with Handspring Theatre Company, the creators of Warhorse), theRSC ( The Dispute, The Prince of Homburg), the Abbey in Dublin ( The Picture of Dorian Gray), the Royal Exchange, Manchester (Everybody Loves A Winner, Twenty-Four Hours of Peace), Bristol Old Vic (Great Expectations)and the Lyric Hammersmith (Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol). He has also made work for, amongst others, the Drill Hall, the Glasgow Citizens, the Royal Court Theatre and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. From 1994 to 2005 Bartlett was Artistic Director of the Lyric Hammersmith, and his work there earned him both an OBE (in 2003) and a nomination for an Olivier Award for Outstanding Theatrical Achievement (in 2000).  In 2008 he was an awarded an honorary degree by Brookes University Oxford in recognition of his pioneering and longstanding commitment to gay culture and civil rights; this year, his fifth and most recent novel, Address Book, has just been longlisted for the Polari Prize. www.neil-bartlett.com

Michael Grandage is Artistic Director of the Michael Grandage Company (MGC) where he most recently directed the film My Policeman (2022) starring Harry Styles, Emma Corrin, Gina McKee, Linus Roache, David Dawson and Rupert Everett which will be released on 21 October 2022. Previously, his other film work for MGC included Genius (2016) starring Colin Firth, Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, and Laura Linney which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. For MGC in the theatre he has directed Ian McDiarmid in The Lemon Table (UK Tour), Aidan Turner in The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Noël Coward Theatre), Alfred Molina and Alfred Enoch in Red (Wyndham’s Theatre), Nicole Kidman in Photograph 51 (Noël Coward Theatre), Dawn French: 30 Million Minutes (national and international tour and West End), Jude Law in Henry V, David Walliams and Sheridan Smith in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Daniel Radcliffe in The Cripple of Inishmaan, Judi Dench and Ben Whishaw in Peter and Alice and Simon Russell Beale in Privates on Parade as part of the season at the Noël Coward Theatre. In September he directs Dawn French’s new show Dawn French Is A Huge Twat.

His opera work includes Madama Butterfly for Houston Grand Opera and Chicago Lyric Opera, Le Nozzi de Figaro for Glyndebourne and Houston, Don Giovanni for the Met and Billy Budd for San Francisco, Glyndebourne and BAM in New York. He was Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse (2002–2012) and Sheffield Theatres (2000-2005) where his work included Chiwetel Ejiofor in Othello, Frank Langella and Michael Sheen in Frost/Nixon, Derek Jacobi in King Lear, Eddie Redmayne and Alfred Molina in Red (Tony Award for Best Director), Jude Law in Hamlet and Kenneth Branagh in Ivanov. He won three Olivier Awards for his musical productions of Guys and Dolls, Merrily We Roll Along and Grand Hotel. He is President of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. He was appointed CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honors 2011. His book, A Decade At The Donmar, was published by Constable & Robins in 2012. His charity, set up to help young theatre makers, can be found at www.mgcfutures.com. 

www.michaelgrandagecompany.com

Twitter: @michaelgrandage

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Instagram: michaelgrandagecompany

FLUTE THEATRE PRESENT

THE TEMPEST FOR AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES

AT RIVERSIDE STUDIOS, 15 – 19 AUGUST 2022

Flute Theatre today announce The Tempest for autistic individuals and their families, runs at Riverside Studios, 15 – 19 August 2022. Adaptedby Flute Theatre’s Artistic Director Kelly Hunter MBE using the award-winning Hunter Heartbeat method,a series of sensory drama games, which allow autistic individuals to share how it feels to be alive and celebrate their identity, created by autistic individuals and Hunter over the last twenty years.

Up to twelve autistic individuals become the participants for each performance, playing with six actors in a circle on stage. The actors invite the participants to help them unravel Shakespeare’s story of wizards, magic and monsters through sensory games which everyone plays together. Each performance is adapted to the specific needs of the participants, however complex they may be. Their families or carers can join the circle to play or sit just behind to watch.

Kelly Hunter MBE, Artistic Director of Flute Theatre, said today, “The brave new world of our Tempest is a space where autistic individuals and their families are completely accepted for who they are, a magical island where everyone becomes free.”

The Tempestwas the first production for autistic individuals created by Flute Theatre in 2014 as a partnership with RSC and Ohio State University. It has since toured around the world including the US, Spain and Japan. During the pandemic Flute Theatre adapted the production for online, delivering 976 online performances for the international autistic community across four continents and three languages.

THE TEMPEST

LISTINGS

Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, London W6 9BN

Box Office: 0208 237 1000 (No online bookings)

Tickets

£5 per family

All participants and their families are welcome to join the cast for 30 minutes tea and biscuits after the performance in the foyer.

Performance schedule

Ages 4 – 10:

Tuesday 16 – Friday 19 August at 10.30am

Ages 11+:

Monday 15 – Friday 19 August at 2pm

THE ALEXANDRA BIRMINGHAM PRESENTS STAGE EXPERIENCE 2022

LONG-AWAITED STAGE EXPERIENCE RETURNS FOR IT’S 17^TH YEAR!

OVER 60 YOUNG TALENTED INDIVIDUALS FROM THE MIDLANDS PARTICIPATE IN THE ALEXANDRA BIRMINGHAM’S ANNUAL ‘STAGE EXPERIENCE’ PRODUCTION

FOUR PERFORMANCES AT BIRMINGHAM’S ALEXANDRA

FROM THURSDAY 25 – SATURDAY 27 AUGUST

The Alexandra, Birmingham is delighted to announce the return of Stage Experience 2022 featuring the full-scale production of smash-hit musical Fame. Based on the 1980 phenomenal pop culture film, the story follows the final class of New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts through their struggles, fears and triumph as they navigate the worlds of music, drama and dance.

The Alexandra’s annual Stage Experience is open to anyone aged 9 – 24 who is interested in developing performing arts skills or a career behind the scenes in lighting, sound, stage management and wardrobe. The Alexandra, Birmingham is delighted to welcome back Director and Choreographer of Stage Experience, Pollyann Tanner, who holds a wealth of theatrical experience, including the launch of her own musical company, Empire Theatre Production.

During August, over 60 young talented performers and 10 young technicians from the Midlands will be intensively rehearsing, memorizing lines and practicing lyrics to a score of unforgettable songs including Out Here On My Own, These Are My Children, Let’s Play A Love Scene and of course the famous theme song Fame.

Playing the lead role of Iris Kelly is Jasmine Gill from Birmingham, a returning Stage Experience participant, who said;

“The skills and opportunities that we will gain from Stage Experience will help us in every aspect of life, not just in performing arts. To have the confidence to get up on stage, have a named role and be part of a show that is put together in just two weeks takes dedication, commitment and so much effort and I believe these are qualities that you can apply to any area of your life. Stage Experience has also allowed me to make friends for life. I started Stage Experience in my early teens and I am still friends with everyone I started with!”

William Dodd also returns to Stage Experience. William is from Cannock in the West Midlands and is playing the role of Mr. Sheinkopf and he agreed;

“The skills and opportunities that we will gain from Stage Experience will help us to make new friends, experience the ‘family’ atmosphere again and help us to be more experienced performers.  This is really important to me because I want a career in musical theatre.”

Theatre Manager and Stage Experience producer, Becky Peers, commented on why this is such a rewarding experience

“Stage Experience is a highlight of the year for us at The Alexandra because it is completely different from our touring productions during the rest of the year. The young people who make up our performers and technical participants work really hard and always end up with something amazing to show for it. Many of our alumnis, both performers and technical participants, have gone on to work professionally in the theatre industry and have been hugely successful”.

The theatre industry is acknowledged as a hard career to break into and the Stage Experience programme is an invaluable opportunity to kick-start a performing or technical theatre career. Previous Stage Experience stars include Liam Doyle who has since toured across the UK for Mamma Mia, Hairspray, Heathers and Wicked, and Sam Buttery and Grace Wylde who both toured earlier this year to The Alexandra in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardobe. Additionally, since his technical placement for Stage Experience, Harry Preece is now a senior technician for The Alexandra, Birmingham.

See the stars of the future light up the sky like a flame this summer! Tickets are available for the local community to support the Midlands-based stars of tomorrow in FAME at atgtickets.com/Birmingham.