This much loved show was witty and expertly performed by Tessa Peake-Jones as Irene Spencer and Gwyneth Strong as Vera Small. Adapted by Jonathan Harvey and directed by Joanna Read, the play looks at the juxtaposition of two middle class ladies now in their 60’s who meet under a table at the wedding of Irene’s daughter.
These ladies become ‘frenemies’ from a simple hand written thank you note from Vera, in an age of technology where a thank you note was much appreciated by Irene.
You have an insight into their lives of now being free from family commitments and throwing caution to the wind, as their lives unfold with ‘insanity’ and ‘destruction’, to a carefree existence wanting to travel the world in a camper van.
It was lovely to see the actresses, as they are much loved from their previous roles, including Only Fools and Horses, showing again their ability to deliver comedy, a fine art, in which they are masters in performing. With a friendship which has been over 30 years these ladies have a bond which is reflected in this production, bouncing off each other delivering an excellent script in this production.
The stage set created by Francis O’Connor was amazing in its simplicity with props expertly changing to create a reflection of their surroundings. The lighting designed by Chris Davey, was innovative and drew you completely to the characters. I was very impressed.
The first act I found a little slow, having to set the scene of their lives, it took a while to appreciate the wit but moving to the second act, I was laughing all the way through until the end, leaving me wanting more. My worries, as reaching the same age as the ladies, is which one will I become!
Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre – until 28th May 2022
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge
4.5****
The Dickens Theatre brings you the story of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde.
In 1886 Robert Louis Stevenson (Ryan Philpott) was having money problems after originally writing the classic – Treasure Island. He needed to produce another read that would hopefully become a hit and would get him out of financial trouble. One night when a fever took hold and his brain became muddled and his thoughts out of control, he experienced the strangest of dreams where a story was developed and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde were created. Telling the story about an evil presence that appears to be on the loose in Soho, London with the name of Mr Hyde (Rob Gull). He plays his part well, as a character with a deep darkness within, that’s evil as well as an antagonistic mastermind. Not to mention, he also happens to have a murderess streak. His transition between his Jekyll and Hyde characters offers much impact with a distilled, belligerent voice that comes across frightening. On the other hand, his Dr Jekyll character plays a well respectable doctor who is an outstanding pillar of the community that is intelligent, ambitious and well spoken. He portrays both characters well and was powerful and interesting to watch.
When a murder takes place and is linked to Mr Hyde. Dr Jekyll’s closest friends Utterson (Dave Keeling) and Dr Lanyon (Louise Faulkner) begins to wonder what the connection between the two could be. Mr Utterson who plays his part as a lawyer has an interest in the crime, joins the dots with his persistence. Leading him to discover the truth that his oldest friend is also a monster. He plays his part on point with a solid vision and determination but also has compassion and always plays by the book. He was an absorbing character to take in and entertaining to watch. Dr Layon plays a deeply scared character when he finds out that his friend Jekyll has experimented in something so unnatural and has a great difference of opinion. that later embarks on his downward fall! The Character plays at a stable and constant pace throughout as well as taking on many other roles in the production. His change of characters was impressive to watch.
Then we come to Robert Louis Stevenson who narrates throughout telling the story in great detail with the use of rhyme which came across entrancing and was satisfying to watch.
Although there were only four cast members to this production each one gave a remarkable change in character for the duration of the show.
This production was a gripping and compelling one to watch and I thoroughly enjoyed myself throughout. I loved the fact that the venue was small and you were able to engage with the cast members at the end of the show. Definitely worth a visit a marvellous night had.
I feel a mention is needed for the lighting and sound for this small venue as it was done remarkably well during dramatic parts of the show. Along with using red lighting to enhance certain scenes this giving it more depth, madness and terror. Showing a darker side and offering a change of mood to each situation! I particularly liked the sound effects of potions bubbling away in the background giving the feeling you were in the laboratory was quite fun.
BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME – UNTIL SUNDAY 29TH MAY 2022
REVIEWED BY NADIA DODD
4****
Mischief who brought us the ‘goes wrong’ plays and also the famous magicians Penn and Teller they have put a twist to their ‘Goes Wrong’ masterpieces by adding magic into the mix.
From the moment you step into the auditorium you see the ‘stage hands’ setting up the scene starting the show off before it actually commences, the laughs start immediately, and so do the disasters!
We get introduced to ‘Sophisticato’ played by Sam Hill who is carrying on the family tradition being a magician and he is hosting a charity fundraiser for all performers who have lost their lives whilst carrying out some kind of act on the stage. This sets the scene for the evening. He introduces all the performers who will be taking part in the fundraiser and we then get treated to their individual acts that obviously are not going to go to plan.
We see the ‘Mind Mangler’ played by Rory Fairburn who can read peoples minds plus many other special talents. Lots of audience participation involved especially if you are sat within the first 5 or 6 rows of the stalls, so please don’t be shy.
‘The Blade’ played by Keifer Moriarty is addicted to danger and his act is to prove just how dangerous he can be, knives, rat traps and a water chamber all involved, what on earth could go wrong?
The final act are a duo, sisters Spitzmaus and Bar played by Jocelyn Prah and Chloe Tannenbaum, dancers and gymnasts that try to outdo each other thoughout the show, which one is the best?
A total of nine cast members that you see throughout the show and they are all as hilarious as each other in their own way. From the stage hands coming on carrying ladders to help fix something or clearing up the numerous white doves who come to a tragic end, their timing is spot on to raise a laugh, cheer and applause from the audience. No actual live white doves were harmed during the performance, just to make that clear !
Majority of the show is good humoured slapstick comedy but there are a handful of good tricks where my son and I looked at each other and both mouthed ‘How did they do that?’ Perfect night out for families but not very young children due to a couple of squeamish scenes, but otherwise hilarious, harmless fun.
Red Ellen tells the story of Labour MP Ellen Wilkinson, one of the first MPs in the country. The play starts with Ellen already a member of the labour party with big dreams about ending fascism, poverty, unemployment etc. Beginning in the 1930s and continuing until Ellens death in 1947 with learn of her involvement with the Communist party and her journey to become Labour MP for Jarrow where she helps organise the Jarrow Crusade. We see her visiting Spain during the Spanish civil war and Berlin just before the second world war. She then finds herself in charge of air raid shelters, visiting women during the Blitz and suffering her own personal tragedies. She becomes overworked, trying to help everybody and keep her personal life in check.
Caroline Birds play is based on facts but also some educated guesses as Ellen’s personal papers were all burned after her death. In the play she is seen having affairs with multiple married men including Russian Spy Otto (Sandy Batchelor) and government minister Herbert (Kevin Lennon). Ellen is played by Bettrys Jones who has to deal with a very fast paced show, barely leaving the stage for the almost 3-hour performance. It would have been nice to see more of a focus on what Ellen achieved during her political career with some of the information about her personal life, which was more speculation cut down.
With costume changes taking place on stage with the cast doubling as stage hands and playing different characters, the play is a little disjointed in places with some parts being difficult to follow but the story it interesting and shows the passion of Ellen Wilkinson and her desire to change the world. Before seeing this play I had no knowledge of Ellen Wilkinson or what she did, her’s is definitely a story which should be shared.
Chelsea Halfpenny and Matt Willis astound in the perfect pick me up musical ‘Waitress’.
Sara Bareilles musical score is well known and from this cast is performed with such raw emotion and heart, that you will not leave the auditorium dry eyed! Chelsea Halfpenny as Jenna, the waitress of a pie shop who discovers she is expecting a baby with her abusive husband Earl (Tamlyn Henderson), excels and is the perfect casting for this show. The emotion that was put into the performance was incredible and left me with a tear through the whole of Act 2. She was completely loveable and the audience were truly taken by her. A tour de force, she showcased incredible vocals and was exquisite during the highly anticipated ‘She used to be Mine’. When faced with her dreamy gynaecologist who she embarks upon an affair with, Dr Pomatter (Matt Willis) this pairing was stupendous. The two had the perfect chemistry, mixed with nervous energy and passion, they carried the show perfectly. Willis had incredible stage presence and during ‘You Matter to Me’ filled the stage with his soaring singing.
Wendy Mae Brown and Evelyn Hoskins as Becky and Dawn, Jenna’s best friends, created a perfect harmony both in song and stage. Hoskins showed a sweet and awkward demeanour that blossomed as the show unfolded, giving us the perfect coming of age performance. Wendy Mae Brown as Becky, was an incredibly sassy and soulful character with her highlight being ‘I didn’t plan it’. This was superb, with her effortless riffs and ability blowing the audience away. George Crawford as ‘Ogie’ Dawn’s new boyfriend and soon to be husband managed to steal his scenes, giving an uplifting performance with such comedic timing that the audience couldn’t help but love him. During ‘Never ever getting rid of me’, the first time we meet Ogie, we were completely taken by him, making Crawford a stand out in our minds.
Every member of this cast is fabulous, with Micheal Starke, Scarlet Gabriel and Christopher D Hunt as Joe, Nurse Norma and Cal were the perfect support to provide depth, sass and humour to the show.
The other fabulous thing about this show is the integration of the band on stage with the characters, so we were able to appreciate the music fully. This is a truly expert piece, that should not be missed.
Make sure you make it to the diner and find out what’s inside this show, you will not be disappointed and will want to come back for another slice!
Strictly Come Dancing finalist and much loved former EastEnders star, Maisie Smith, will make her musical theatre debut later this year, as she co-stars in the 2022/23 UK tour* of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical in the lead female role of Fran, alongside her former Strictly dance partner, Kevin Clifton, who she waltzed her way to victory with in the Strictly Come Dancing 2019 Children In Need Special.
The musical, based on the award-winning global film phenomenon of the same name, inspired the world to dance and spawned the smash hit TV series Strictly Come Dancing. And now, new for 2022/23, this all-singing, all-dancing and all-glitteringshow – directed and co-choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood – is set to dazzle audiences once more with this glittering cast. Kicking off in Portsmouth on 26 September, the musical will then waltz around the UK before culminating in Bristol in July 2023. Tickets are on sale now from strictlyballroomtour.co.uk
Maisie first wowed Strictly fans with her dancing in 2019 in the Children In Need TV special with Kevin Clifton. After winning the hearts of the public, the following year she danced her way into the BBC One Strictly Come Dancing final. Earlier this year, Maisie joined the cast of the Strictly Live Arena Tour. She will now add another jewel to her Strictly crown, as she makes the move into musical theatre in Strictly Ballroom The Musical.
Maisie Smith said: “Dancing in Strictly has been a huge part of my life, and been so much fun. I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to continue that journey in Strictly Ballroom The Musical. Not only do I get to make my musical theatre debut with my former partner in crime, Kevin Clifton, but I get to work with Craig Revel Horwood and Jason Gilkison again too – I can’t wait.”
Kevin Clifton said: “I’m beyond excited to be performing with Maisie again – she’s amazing! And I’ll finally be fulfilling my lifelong ambition to play Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom The Musical. When I was 10 years old I first watched the movie that would become my favourite film of all time. This is my dream role. I can’t wait to don the golden jacket and waltz all over the UK with Maisie in what’s set to be an incredible show!”
Craig Revel Horwood said: “I’m delighted that the super talented Maisie Smith is joining Kevin Clifton on the Strictly Ballroom UK tour. I can’t wait to see them dance together again. Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening! I know that they’ll both be FAB-U-LOUS!”
Strictly Ballroom The Musical, co-choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Creative Director Jason Gilkison, tells the beguiling story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer – played by former Strictly Come Dancing professional and 2018 champion, Kevin Clifton. When Scott’s radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he finds himself dancing with Fran (Maisie Smith), a beginner with no moves at all. Inspired by one another, this unlikely pair gather the courage to defy both convention and their families – and discover that, to be winners, the steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom.
Featuring a show-stopping book by Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce, and bringing together a sublime cast of over 20 world class performers, Strictly Ballroom brings to life iconic songs, including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time with dynamic and joyous verve. This tour will also feature some amazing new songs by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.The show’s scintillating singing, dazzling dancing and eye-popping costumes will combine together to bring audiences a story of heart, comedy and drama, and promises to be an unforgettable night under the glitter ball.
This uplifting and courageous musical originated as a stage play that Baz Luhrmann devised with a group of classmates at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1984. Eight years later he made his screen directorial debut with ‘Strictly Ballroom’, the first instalment in Luhrmann’s acclaimed Red Curtain Trilogy. The vibrant film enjoyed staggering success, winning three awards at the 1993 BAFTA awards and a 1994 Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture, going on to become one of the most successful Australian films of all time, earning more than $80 million at the box office. In April 2014 Strictly Ballroom The Musical had its world premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.
Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom the Musical is a fabulous, feel-good evening full of sequins, singing and salsa. This unmissable kaleidoscope of glitz and glamour is a tonic for the soul and will send your heart soaring and toes tapping long after you leave the theatre!
Europe’s largest free musical theatre festival returns on Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 June
Biggest ever line-up of shows including Back To The Future – The Musical, The Book Of Mormon, Disney’s Frozen, Hamilton, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Six, Wicked and many more
Build-up to the event will see surprise, pop-up West End performances on iconic London rooftops starting today
A packed line-up of 34 hit West End shows has been unveiled so far ahead of this year’s West End LIVE, a free and unticketed celebration of London’s world-leading theatre scene which comes to Trafalgar Square on the weekend of 25 and 26 June. More acts are due to be announced in the next few weeks, as London gears up for the biggest ever West End LIVE.
Tens of thousands of theatre fans are expected to flock to the capital for this year’s musical theatre spectacular, enjoying free performances from dozens of top shows – from long-running favourites Hamilton, Les Misérables, Wicked, Six, The Book Of Mormon, Disney’s The Lion King and Matilda The Musical, to new shows making their West End LIVE debut, such as Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Legally Blonde, My Fair Lady, Disney’s Beauty And The Beast, Back To The Future – The Musical and Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical.
This unique event, a joint production by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), unites London’s theatre industry every year and brings people of all ages into central London to experience the best of the West End – from the city’s unparalleled culture scene to food, drink, fashion, nightlife, retail and more.
As excitement builds for West End LIVE, anyone visiting central London in the next couple of weeks – and who happens to look up – might catch one of a series of surprise, pop-up performances by West End shows on iconic London rooftops, an opportunity to get a feel for things to come from one of the world’s most spectacular outdoor theatre events. Details for these ‘Sing it from the Rooftops’ events will be teased before each appearance on the West End LIVE and Official London Theatre social channels, and anyone lucky enough to witness one will be in with a chance of winning a West End LIVE queue jump. The first pop-up performance will take place today (Wednesday 25 June) at 4pm, in Covent Garden’s famous piazza on the SUSHISAMBA balcony.
Sky VIP are welcomed back as sponsor for West End LIVE 2022, having also supported last year’s event. Once again, they will be offering their customers the chance to watch from the exclusive Sky VIP viewing area onsite, plus win some fabulous prizes.
They join returning partners The Northbank and Edwardian Hotels and sponsors Art of London, Capco Covent Garden, The Crown Estate, Derwent London, Great Western Railway, Heart of London Business Alliance, New West End Company, The Portman Estate, Regent Street & St James’s, Shaftesbury, Veolia, Victoria Business Improvement District, Victoria Westminster Business Improvement District and Whitehall Business Improvement District.
Eleanor Lloyd, President of SOLT, said:
‘London’s theatres are the envy of the world, and West End LIVE is a highlight of the theatrical calendar for so many – not just the countless fans who converge on Trafalgar Square to enjoy a wealth of incredible live entertainment, but also the hundreds of performers and crew involved in putting on what is always an unforgettable weekend. We are delighted to continue to work so closely with Westminster to deliver West End LIVE, and hugely grateful for the support of Sky, who have a long history as champions of theatre and the arts.’
Cllr Tim Roca, Deputy Leader at Westminster City Council, said:
‘West End LIVE is a much-loved annual event that brings together the musical theatre community in celebration of the world-class theatre we have right on our doorstep. One of the main aims the new administration has for the council is to make culture, arts and leisure accessible to everyone living in Westminster, not just the few. We want to encourage all residents, especially those in disadvantaged communities, to participate and join in cultural opportunities and big, fun events such as West End LIVE so we can bring all our communities in Westminster together.’
Joel Keoghan, Head of Brand Partnerships at Sky said:
‘Sky is delighted to be part of West End LIVE again. This annual celebration of London’s world class theatre is a fantastic event and a highlight in the arts calendar. It’s a great opportunity for us to host and thank our customers, getting them closer to the entertainment they love through Sky VIP.’
WEL2019SATPR
Pamela Raith Photography
Official London Theatre will be backstage throughout the West End LIVE weekend sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content across our social channels.
West End LIVE remains free and unticketed as in previous years. The event will be BSL interpreted by Sue MacLaine, Marco Nardi and Caroline Richardson.
List of shows appearing at West End LIVE 2022
More shows and acts will be announced in the lead-up to the event
& Juliet
Back To The Future – The Musical
Disney’s Beauty And The Beast
Bonnie And Clyde The Musical
The Book Of Mormon
Chess, Kinky Boots and Treason at Drury Lane
The Choir Of Man
Come From Away
Dear Evan Hansen
The Drifters Girl
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World The Musical
Rock of Ages is the hilarious musical comedy featuring more than 25 classic rock anthems, including Don’t Stop Believin’, We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Wanted Dead or Alive, Here I Go Again, Can’t Fight this Feeling and I Want To Know What Love Is, all performed by an awesome live band.
Starring X-Factor winner Matt Terry as rock God Stacee Jaxx, this larger-than-life musical tells the tale of big dreams in Hollywood. Soon after hopping off a bus from the Midwest, aspiring singer Sherrie Christian immediately finds herself in trouble. Coming to her rescue is Drew, a bar-back at the legendary club the Bourbon Room. With stars in their eyes, the young lovers chase their dreams, but a misunderstanding involving rock god Stacee Jaxx threatens to tear them apart.
As someone who grew up with this sort of music in the eighties, I might have been a difficult person to please. I mean, this is replicating what I saw and heard originally. Therefore I had some reservations but also looked forward to seeing how it would be presented. I shouldn’t have worried. Right from the get-go I was into the groove.
When Lonnie (Joe Gash) hit the stage as narrator for the evening he instantly captivated this audience. He has a talent for connecting with the audience with his mischievous manner, and boy, can he sing too. When the familiar tones of Cum on Feel the Noize auditioned at my ears from the speakers above, my leg was already twitching. The musical features songs from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Asia, Whitesnake, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and Europe, among other well-known rock bands. The sound quality and musical interpretation were first-class. It is far from easy to try to incorporate rock music into a cohesive storyline but this was seamless. Twisted Sister happen to be one of my favourite bands and I was filled with joy to hear ‘We’re not gonna take it’ in a live setting.
The team sang all of the songs with gusto and if I could have melted every one of them down and injected them into my veins I would have. The Final Countdown (Europe) was especially enjoyable and the audience rose at the end to sing ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ the hit Journey number. Ooooh, it was great fun.
At certain moments I forgot that I was going to write a review about this show – as I would usually pay more attention to detail, but sometimes I just got so lost in the fun that I had to jolt myself back into ‘review mode.’ It was just that good.
The main characters were Drew (Sam Turrell) whose rapport with Sherrie (Gabriella Williams) built steadily to the climax of a kiss that the audience were begging for! You wanted to shout out ‘FOR GOD’S SAKE KISS THE GIRL’ Matt Terry played Stacee Jaxx, the cocky, womanising front man of a band with great aplomb as the audience decided whether or not to love or hate him, and then there was Dennis Dupree (Kevin Kennedy) the hippie owner of a bar who, interacted with the febrile Lonny as they shared the pain and travails of trying to save the Bourbon Bar from closing when German corporate giants (the fascists!) were trying to knock it down in the name of ‘progress’ by tempting them with hard cash.
Kevin Kennedy was of course best known as the lovable ‘Curly Watts’ from Coronation Street. He can act for sure, but I had no idea just how good a singer he was! Then again he was the bass player with the legendary band ‘The Smith’s’ so he knows a thing or two about music. One scene between him and Lonnie had me (and the people around me) in tears of laughter and one never expected ‘our Curly’ to use the ‘F’ word but it was all in context and splendid entertainment at that.
Vicki Manser adroitly played Regina, the freedom fighter trying to save the bar (and way of life) from the dirty fascists Herts Klinemann (Vas Constanti) and his son Franz, superbly played by Andrew Carthy. The killer line when everyone in the cast thought he was gay and told him sowas to declare ‘I am not gay, I am German.’ Brilliant. In fact on the night, Carthy was my favourite character but be in no doubt, everyone else was outstanding too.
Constanti played the older father figure in a way that endeared him to the audience despite him initially being the baddie. Aaw, he was just misunderstood after all. Billy Roberts (The Mayor) and Erin Bell (Dance Captain) delivered polished performances which added to the enjoyment and presentation of this fantastic musical.
A note in the programme said that the role of ‘Justice’ would be played by Jenny Fitzpatrick and she stunned the audience into willful submission with an absolutely awesome singing voice, and she reminded me of Tina Turner in her prime. That’s the best compliment that I can give. Scott Hayward played Joey Primo and Darius James was Ensemble and again both gave splendid performances alongside everyone else. All of the dancers were seriously good. The musical would have been diminished without them.
There was one scene, where Lonnie and Drew were engaging, and they went off script as Lonnie spontaneously laughed at something funny, (from the audience, perhaps) and Drew went as well. This is a live event and for me it makes it even more fun when things like this occur. Well done to both actors for picking it back up and carrying on. This was the first night of five at the Waterside, and indeed the opening night of the whole tour going through to May 2023 so they were finding their feet in front of an actual audience.
A video screen at the back of the stage was used to subtly aid scene changes, transporting the audience instantly from one scenario to another, supporting the script nicely. I have never seen the audience as engaged as they were tonight at the Waterside Theatre. When we left the venue, everyone wore a broad smile and there was a collective buzz as we squeezed through the doors into the night air. Now that’s the sign of a successful show. I must add that the Waterside Theatre is a first-class venue. It is friendly, clean and airy with plenty of leg room that counts for a great deal. Having just been squashed in at a venue in Birmingham (I won’t name it) I was delighted to be here! Try it for yourself.
Congratulations then to the whole team from the Director to the person who swept the stage! This production is for adults, or at least not for children that’s for sure, with some colourful language and very sexy (wonderful!) outfits. I do need to mention the choreography and the dancers. The sequences were stunning and clever. They would have been physically demanding, requiring the energy and precision of Olympic athletes and I was absolutely mesmerised with it all. The stage set was perfectly constructed to support the storyline and the lighting was intelligently created to draw the audience right into the very heart of the scenes.
One of the songs in the musical was Pat Benatar’s ‘Hit me with your best shot.’ Trust me, the cast did just that, delivering a thunderous performance that delighted and dazzled. I just want to find my old tee shirts and keep on rocking.
I do not give 5 stars very often, as there is always room for improvement in any field, but I have every confidence that fans of rock of this type, and musicals in general will simply love this. Rock of Ages is packed with great music, and dance, side-splittingly funny moments and clever one-liners. You will need all your wits about you to absorb everything that is going on. You should get your ticket whilst you can. Now where is that Whitesnake tee-shirt?
★★★★★ Financial Times, The Daily Mail, The Sunday Mirror, The Daily Mirror, The Stage, The Sunday Express, Gay Times, WhatsOnStage, The Express, Broadway World
“a buzz louder than a doodlebug surrounds Operation Mincemeat…a kind of genius declares itself”
Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph
★★★★ The Sunday Times, The Observer, The Telegraph, The i, The Independent
“a little show with a very big future” David Benedict, Variety
25th May – It was announced today that Operation Mincemeat, a new musical, has extended its run by two weeks until 23rd July at Riverside Studios.
The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse.
After sold-out runs at the New Diorama Theatre in 2019 and Southwark Playhouse in 2020, 2021 and earlier in 2022, Operation Mincemeat is back for a 10-week run in its new home Riverside Studios. Having spent lockdown rewriting the show, weeping and eating biscuits, SpitLip has extended the run of this newer, bigger and (somehow) even better version.
Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler?
Operation Mincemeat won The Stage Debut award for Best Composer/Lyricist, the Off-West End award for Best Company Ensemble and was listed in the Observer’s Top 10 shows of the year. The show was commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and supported by the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat with additional support from Avalon.
Riverside Studios is a multi-arts venue, situated in a beautiful location on the banks of the Thames in Hammersmith, west London. For over 45 years, it has been the home of an extraordinary mix of theatre, film, comedy, art, dance, music and television. It reopened fully in 2020 after a total redevelopment.
Aria Entertainment and Lambert Jackson Productions present
OLIVIER-NOMINATED PLAY ‘CRUISE’ RETURNS TO THE WEST END FOR A LIMITED RUN AT THE APOLLO THEATRE FROM 13 AUGUST – 4 SEPTEMBER. TICKETS ARE NOW ON-SALE AT CRUISETHEPLAY.CO.UK
‘CRUISE’ WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PRODUCTIONS TO PREMIERE IN THE WEST END WHEN THEATRES REOPENED IN MAY 2021 WINNING GREAT CRITICAL ACCLAIM AND AN OLIVIER NOMINATION FOR BEST NEW PLAY.
‘CRUISE’ IS WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY JACK HOLDEN, DIRECTED BY BRONAGH LAGAN AND FEATURES AN ORIGINAL ELECTRONIC SOUNDTRACK PERFORMED LIVE BY JOHN PATRICK ELLIOTT.
SET IN 1980’S SOHO AND INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY, ‘CRUISE’ IS A CELEBRATION OF QUEER CULTURE AND A POWERFUL TRIBUTE TO THE VETERANS OF THE AIDS CRISIS.
Producers Aria Entertainment and Lambert Jackson are delighted to announce Olivier-nominated play CRUISE will return to the West End for a strictly limited run at the Apollo Theatre this summer from 13 August – 4 September. CRUISE is an urgent, moving and inspirational play written and performed by Jack Holden (Ten Per Cent, Amazon Prime Video; War Horse, National Theatre), directed by Bronagh Lagan (The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, UK Tour; Little Women, Park Theatre), with original music composed and performed live by John Patrick Elliott (The Little Unsaid).
CRUISE was one of the first productions to premiere in the West End when theatres reopened in May 2021 and marked West End debuts for the producers and playwright Jack Holden. The production won widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike and was nominated for Best New Play at the 2022 Oliviers.
Based on a true story Jack was told whilst volunteering for Switchboard, the LGBTQ+ Listening Service, CRUISE plays tribute to a generation decimated by HIV and AIDs. Bringing to life 1980’s Soho, this kaleidoscopic musical is a celebration of queer culture with an uplifting 80s electronic soundtrack performed live by John Patrick Elliott.
Following CRUISE, Jack Holden went on to play the role of Kevin in Amazon Prime Video’s Ten Percent, a British remake of the French TV series Call My Agent. This autumn he will star alongside Sean Bean and Nicola Walker in Stefan Golazsewski’s Marriage for BBC One. Jack is also collaborating again with composer John Patrick Elliott on a new musical play for Aria Entertainment The Isle which is currently in development. Since CRUISE, John has scored two feature films released this year Three Moons of Biyangdo and Wild Isles and is currently composing new solo work after being awarded the ‘Do It Differently Fund’ from Help Musicians UK. He is also producing a new album with his alt-folk/ electronic band The Little Unsaid, with whom he’ll perform at festivals this summer, including Glastonbury, before an extensive UK tour in October.
‘Rhythm of Us’ an original track from CRUISE is available to listen to here. Written and recorded by John Patrick Elliott, ‘Rhythm of Us’ is a love note to synth-drenched 80s pop and features guest vocals from Jack Holden and Jamie Lambert.
Jack Holden and John Patrick Elliott said: “We’re ecstatic that CRUISE is coming to the Apollo Theatre for a limited run this Summer. Our first run reopened the West End with a bang. Audiences had been cooped up indoors for a long time, and we all needed a reason to come together, to laugh, to cry and to have a little dance – CRUISE was just that. This incarnation of CRUISE will be bigger, brighter, louder and prouder. We can’t wait to get back on stage, make one hell of a noise, and take our audiences back to 1980s Soho.”
Producer Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment said: “To have the opportunity to bring CRUISE back to the West End this summer is an absolute privilege. What a journey we have all been on from a brilliant first run at Duchess Theatre to an Olivier nomination for Best New Play. More audiences will now get to share this powerful and gripping musical drama and be taken back to the 80’s to be immersed in such an important part of history. We can’t wait to arrive at Apollo Theatre and continue our journey.”
Producers Jamie Lambert and Eliza Jackson of Lambert Jackson said: “CRUISE holds an incredibly special place in our hearts. It’s electric, it’s exciting, and it’s coming to the Apollo Theatre, right in the heart of the historical setting for the play. What an honour to be involved in such an important queer piece of theatre – and to continue to celebrate the show after its well-deserved Olivier Award nomination.”
Nica Burns, Chief Executive Nimax Theatres and producer of Rising Stars Festival said: “CRUISE was the stand-out star of Nimax’s ground-breaking Rising Stars Festival, which spearheaded the reopening of our six theatres post pandemic. A gem of a play and an incredible writing debut from its star, actor Jack Holden, which went on to win a nomination for Best New Play at the 2022 Olivier Awards. We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jack and his producers back to the West End to give audiences another chance to see this intoxicating evening.”
~ February 29th, 1988. Soho, London. ~
CRUISE is the true story of what should have been Michael Spencer’s last night on Earth. When Michael is diagnosed with HIV in 1984, he’s told he’ll have four years to live – at most. So, with the clock ticking, he and his partner, Dave, decide to sell their house, flog the car, spend everything they have and party like it’s the last days of Rome. When Dave dies two years later, Michael doubles down on his hedonistic ways, spending what little he has left and drowning himself in drink and drugs.
On the last night of his four-year countdown – the 29th February, 1988 – Michael decides to go out with a bang. He puts on his favourite jacket, heads for Soho, and embarks on a long night of farewells. He says his goodbyes to friends, enemies and strangers; old haunts, dive bars, cafes, clubs and pubs; his brothers, sisters, allies and exes. He dances, sings, and says yes to everything and everyone. Then, with all his affairs taken care of, Michael promptly… survives. Michael got lucky, and he goes on to live to a ripe old age. Michael has been given the gift of life; but what kind of life can he now live?
The full creative team includes Jack Holden (writer and performer), John Patrick Elliott (Music and Sound Design), Bronagh Lagan (Director), Nik Corrall (Design), STUFISH Entertainment Architects (Co-Design), Jai Morjaria (Lighting Designer) Sarah Golding (Movement) and Max Pappenheim (Additional Sound Design).
Initial development supported by Help Musicians Fusion Fund and Shoreditch Town Hall.
