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What makes a serial killer tick? And are there ever tell-tale signs?

Scottish detective David Swindle presents a chilling, thrilling, night at the theatre as he explores famous murder cases from the detective’s perspective – and the clues behind The Makings of a Murderer.

“Serial Killers are cunning, conniving, controlling, careful and – I hate to say it – clever,” says David. “They live apparently normal lives and get away with their crimes for years… until eventually detected.”

Hear about the Britain’s most infamous serial killers, including Jack the Ripper, Peter Tobin, Harold Shipman, Peter Sutcliffe and the ‘killer couples’ – Fred & Rose West and Moors Murderers Ian Brady & Myra Hindley.

With more than 34 years experience as a senior detective, David Swindle shares his unique insight into the mind of a murderer, the famous cases that were never solved, and how murderers got away with it… from someone on the inside.

David, whose ground-breaking Operation Anagram uncovered the activities of Peter Tobin, paints an often-dark picture of how these monsters come to be in a gripping, fully-interactive, audio-visual first.

David also looks at the connections to the local area of the most famous murder cases.

The Makings of a Murderer is a chilling, thrilling, night at the theatre not to be missed.

David Swindle

With over 34 years police service mostly within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), David has been involved in hundreds of murder investigations and was at the forefront of implementing change and developing innovative national crime investigation processes

His work as Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) saw him managing high profile and challenging UK cross border investigations including the Glasgow Airport Terrorist Investigation and the murder of Polish student Angelika Kluk in Glasgow. He also formed Operation Anagram to investigate serial killer Peter Tobin’s involvement in other crimes.

This activity attracted high profile media comment with extensive online coverage and a Chief Constable’s Commendation:

“Following the terrorist attack at Glasgow International Airport on 30 June 2007, you provided drive and inspiration to members of the enquiry team working under incredibly intense difficult circumstances. Under the immense pressure of worldwide media scrutiny, you ensured that the excellent investigative reputation of the Force was upheld.”

As Head of Strathclyde Police Public Protection and SIO, David was responsible for overseeing the investigation of crimes, mitigating risks and formulating policy regarding dangerous offenders, rape and serious sexual assault, vice and human trafficking, child protection and vulnerable persons. As a high profile senior police detective, he was involved in the innovative use of TV, online and social media regarding serious crime investigations; in particular, investigations of the serial killer Peter Tobin, which included creation of the groundbreaking BBC Crimewatch Operation Anagram website.

Since retiring from the police and setting up David Swindle Crime Solutions in June 2011, his skills and strategic vision have been very much in demand by a variety of public and private sector organisations for investigative, advice and case review issues abroad and in the UK.

Entertainers  (Producers)
Entertainers have 20 years experience producing popular entertainment across the UK. Their new Canvey Island HQ, built since lockdown, houses all aspects of production from set building and maintenance to a recording studio and full-size rehearsal space and a fleet of 36 vehicles.

Entertainers stage more than 1,500 separate performances each year, selling over one million seats, with 25 lavish productions that include: ‘Lost in Music’, ‘Fastlove’, ‘The Magic of Motown’,  ‘Cirque: The Greatest Show’, ‘Thank You for the Music’, ‘The Rocket Man’, ‘An Evening of Burlesque’, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’, ‘80s Live!’, ‘90s Live!’, ‘Radio Gaga’, ‘Sweet Caroline’, and ‘Islands in the Stream’,

New shows ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ and ‘The Makings of a Murderer’ mark a move away from music to scripted theatrical productions, and they will both make their West End debut at the Adelphi Theatre in 2023.

LISTINGS INFO

The Makings of a Murderer
Tuesday 18 April
at 7.30pm

ADELPHI THEATR
Strand,
London
WC2R 0NS

Box office: 020 7557 7300

online: lwtheatres.co.uk

age recommendation
18+
Social Media

Facebook:
Facebook.com/TheMakingsOfAMRDR

Instagram:
Instagram.com/TheMakingsOfAMurderer

Twitter:
Twitter.com/MakingsOfMRDR

YouTube:
https://youtu.be/RN9HoXhTvEo

The Makings of a Murderer
is also on a 100-date UK tour

19 & 20 April
The Fire Station, Sunderland

21 April
Venue Cymru (North Wales Theatre),
Llandudno

22 April
Helix Theatre Dublin

25 April
Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow

27 April
Stamford Corn Exchange

9 May
Villa Marina, Douglas

May 11
Playhouse, Whitley Bay

12 May
The Bridlington Spa

17 May
Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre,
Newport

18 May
Cambridge Corn Exchange

19 May
Winter Gardens Blackpool

22 May
Theatre Royal Windsor

May 25
Coliseum Aberdare

26 & 27 May
Mast Mayflower Studios,
Southampton

1 June
Grove Theatre Dunstable

2 June
South Holland Centre, Spalding

3 June
Ashcroft Playhouse, Croydon

8 June
The Hawth Crawley

15 June
Town Hall, Birmingham

June 16
Spa Pavilion Felixstowe

17 June
Buxton Opera House

20 June
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford

21 June
Grand Theatre Wolverhampton

22 June
Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline

23 June
Sheffield City Hall

24 June
The Old Savoy Northampton

26 June
Festival Theatre Edinburgh

29 June
Empire Theatre Consett

30 June
Mansfield Palace Theatre

1 July
Royal Leamington Spa Theatre

6 July
Royal Hall Harrogate

9 July
The Auditorium Liverpool

16 July
Grand Theatre Lancaster

19 July
Theatre Royal Lincoln

21 July
Tyne Theatre Opera House
Newcastle-Upon -Tyne

22 July
Webster Memorial Theatre Arbroath

28 July
Cliffs Pavilion Southend

29 July
Babbacombe Theatre

9 August
Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe

11 August
Granville Theatre Ramsgate

12 August
Churchill Theatre Bromley

13 August
Regent Centre Christchurch

1 September
Swansea Grand

2 September
Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

6 September
Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton

8 September
Bedford Corn Exchange

9 September
The Redgrave Theatre, Bristol

11 September
Regal Theatre Redruth

13 September
Watford Palace Theatre

14 September
Theatre Royal Nottingham

15 September
Palace Theatre Kilmarnock

16 September
Caird Hall – Dundee

19 September
Hull Truck Theatre

21 September
Town House Hamilton

26 September
Epic Studios Norwich

27 September
Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar

28 September
Bath The Forum

3 October
Cast in Doncaster

4 October
Dorking Halls

5 October
Wycombe Swan – High Wycombe

6 October
London Indigo at the 02

7 October
Kendal Leisure Centre

10 October
Portsmouth Guildhall

11 October
Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage

12 October
Corn Exchange Newbury

13 October
Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth

17 October
Hartlepool Town Hall

18 October
Roses Theatre Tewkesbury

19 October
Blackwood Miners Institute

20 October
The Capitol, Horsham

21 October
Walsall Arena and Arts Centre

25 October
Palace Theatre Redditch

26 October
Middleton Arena

27 October
Scarborough Spa

28 October
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

29 October
Winding Wheel, Chesterfield

1 November
Playhouse Theatre Harlow

2 November
Beck Theatre – Hayes

3 November
Medina Theatre, Newport

4 November
Playhouse Theatre,
Weston Super Mare

9 November
The Pavilion Theatre Rhyl

10 November
Dudley Town Hall

11 November
ICC Wales, Newport

12 November
Queen’s Theatre Barnstaple

14 November
The Cresset Peterborough

15 November
Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot

16 November
Exeter Northcott Theatre

17 November
Alban Arena, St Albans

18 November
William Aston Hall Wrexham

20 November
Assembly Rooms Tamworth

23 November
TLT Theatre, Drogheda

24 November
Royal Theatre Castlebar

25 November
The Ulster Hall Belfast

26 November
INEC, Killarney

30 November
Charter Hall Colchester

10 December
Plymouth Pavilions

PAUL KAYE &

MATTHEW TENNYSON

JOIN

LILY ALLEN &

STEVE PEMBERTON

IN THE WEST END PREMIERE OF

MARTIN McDONAGH’S ELECTRIFYING PLAY

THE PILLOWMAN

DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE

10 June – 2 September 2023

It was announced today that Paul Kaye and Matthew Tennyson will join the cast of Martin McDonagh’s electrifying and savagely funny Olivier Award-winning The Pillowman to play Ariel and Michal, respectively. They join the previously announced Lily Allen as Katurian and Steve Pemberton as Tupolski.

Lily Allen plays a writer in a police state who is interrogated about the content of her short stories and their similarities to several murders occurring in the town. The production will run at the Duke of York Theatre in London from 10 June to 2 September 2023, with a press night on 21 June.  This West End premiere of The Pillowman is directed by Matthew Dunster.

Paul Kaye’s previous stage work includes originating the role of the Mr Wormwood in Matilda The Musical for the RSC, for which he was Olivier nominated, and The Suicide and Our Country’s Good for the National Theatre. His extensive TV credits include Game of Thrones, Afterlife, The Stranger, The Third Day, I Am Kirsty, Three Girls, Terry Pratchett: Back in Black, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Spaced, Pulling, Chewing Gum, Lillyhammer and Sexy Beast. Films include the multi award-winning It’s all Called Pete Tong, Woody Allen’s Match Point, Catherine Called Birdy and  Nandor Fodor and The Talking Mongoose.

Matthew Tennyson most recently appeared as Wilfred Owen in Terence Davies’ film Benediction and made his screen debut in Pride directed by Matthew Warchus. His theatre includes Sally Cookson’s A Monster Calls at The Old Vic, Cleansed for the National Theatre and Making Noise Quietly at the Donmar Warehouse. TV credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Humans.

Lily Allen, who made her West End debut in 2:22 – A Ghost Story at the Noel Coward Theatre in a role for which she was awarded Best Female-Identifying Role in a Play at the Whatsonstage Awards and Olivier nominated, will play Katurian, the first time the role has been played by a woman. Up next, Allen will star in the new Sky original comedy Dreamland which will premiere this year. Lily is also an internationally renowned singer and songwriter.

Steve Pemberton is a member of The League of Gentlemen with Reece Shearsmith, Mark Gatiss and Jeremy Dyson. He co-wrote and appeared in Psychoville and Inside No. 9 for which he won the BAFTA for Best Male Comedy Performance in 2019.  His other television credits include: Killing Eve, Good Omens, Worzel Gummidge, Doctor Who, Benidorm, Blackpool, Shameless, Whitechapel, Happy Valley and Mapp and Lucia.  His stage work includes playing Mr Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer at the National Theatre. Steve will play Tupolski.

Further casting is to be announced.

Martin McDonagh recently won the Best British Film BAFTA award for his critically-acclaimed movie The Banshees of Inisherin, which also won the Best Screenplay Award at the Venice Film Festival and is nominated for nine Academy Awards.  He is also the multi-Olivier, BAFTA and Academy Award-winning playwright and screen-writer responsible for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths and Six Shooter.

McDonagh’s Olivier Award-winning Hangmen ran successfully in the West End and on Broadway. His other plays include The Beauty Queen of Leenane, A Skull in Connemara, The Lonesome West, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, The Cripple of Inishmaan, A Behanding in Spokane and A Very Very Very Dark Matter. 

Matthew Dunster is a theatre and film director and writer. He has directed or written over sixty shows, often with major national companies (including RSC, NT, Royal Court, Young Vic, Royal Exchange, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Bridge), as well as directing in the West End, on Broadway and internationally. He has been the Associate Director of The Young Vic and Shakespeare’s Globe. Matthew has been nominated for three Olivier Awards and his Broadway production of Hangmen was nominated for five Tony’s. 

Joining Martin and Matthew on the creative team are: Production Designer Anna Fleischle, the Lighting Designer is Neil Austin, Sound Designer, Ian Dickinson for Autograph and Casting is by Amy Ball.

The Pillowman is produced by Empire Street Productions, the same company that brought the hugely successful Prima Facie starring Jodie Comer to the West End last year, and which went on to break audience records when it was subsequently released in cinemas by NT Live. The production opens on Broadway in 2023. As with Prima Facie, accessibility to The Pillowman is fundamental to the producer, and there will be a Pay What You Can scheme, with 20 tickets per performance for the week, released the Wednesday beforehand.

• 2.22 – A GHOST STORY – FINAL 6 WEEKS AT THE LYRIC THEATRE
   
• STARRING CHERYL (JENNY); JAKE WOOD (BEN); LOUISE FORD (LAUREN) AND SCOTT KARIM (SAM)
   
• OVER 500 PERFORMANCES IN THE WEST END SINCE OPENING IN SUMMER 2021
   
• FINAL PERFORMANCE AT THE LYRIC IS 23 APRIL 2023
   
• TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.222AGHOSTSTORY.COM

The smash hit show 2:22 A Ghost Story is currently in its fifth run in the West End, at its 4th, and biggest, theatre yet. Fans and newcomers alike have just 6 weeks to see Cheryl (Jenny), Jake Wood (Ben), Louise Ford (Lauren) and Scott Karim (Sam) in the critically acclaimed show at its current location. A UK tour was announced earlier this year which will begin in September at Bath Theatre Royal running through until May 2024 in venues all over the UK with cast to be announced.

The production began its life in the summer of 2021 with a record-breaking run at the Noel Coward Theatre starring Lily Allen, Julia Chan, Hadley Fraser and Jake Wood. It then transferred to the Gielgud Theatre for 10 weeks from 4 December 2021. The production there, starring Stephanie Beatriz, James Buckley, Elliot Cowan and Giovanna Fletcher, completed its run on 12 February 2022. The first cast at the Criterion Theatre featured Tom Felton, Mandip Gill, Beatriz Romilly and Sam Swainsbury and the second Criterion Theatre cast including Tamsin Carroll as Lauren; Felix Scott as Sam, Matt Willis as Ben and Laura Whitmore as Jenny, ended its run on 8 January 2023. The US premiere of 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles opened on 29 October and ended its run on 4 December 2022. The current cast have been in the show since 21 January 2023 and the Lyric run ends on 23 April.

2.22 – A Ghost Story is written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist and it is directed by Matthew Dunster. Intriguing, funny and scary, it takes audiences into one adrenaline-fueled night where secrets will emerge and ghosts may appear….What do you believe? And do you dare to discover the truth?

“There’s something in our house. I hear it every night, at the same time.”

Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and her new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they are going to stay up… until 2.22am… and then they will know.

2:22 – A Ghost Story features set design by Anna Fleischle, costume design by Cindy Lin, lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph Sound, casting by Matilda James, CDG, illusions by Chris Fisher, and associate direction by Matt Hassall.

2:22 – A Ghost Story is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Isobel David and Kater Gordon. 

Society of London Theatre seeks to support future industry leaders with ‘Associate membership’ pilot programme

Society of London Theatre have announced their plans to launch a new category of membership. The ‘Associate Membership’ will be designed to identify producers and future theatre industry leaders in London who would not be eligible for other categories of SOLT membership.

The aim of the new membership is to reflect a broader group of future theatre industry leaders in the early-mid-stages of their careers. SOLT are encouraging applications from groups who have historically been under-represented within their membership over the last 114 years, to ensure that the membership becomes more inclusive and representative of society in its broadest sense and reflects the people of London.

SOLT are looking to identify 6 individuals to become Associate Members for a period of 2 consecutive years. After the first cohort have completed their first 12 months, they will recruit a further 6 individuals.  Associate Membership, which will be free of charge, is designed to support career progression for aspiring theatre leaders and to provide experience and access to best working practices. All Associate Producers will be offered a mentor from the wider SOLT membership.

Eleanor Lloyd, independent producer and President of SOLT, commented:

“I hope this pilot programme will give upcoming producers, venue operators and programmers who we hope will become future industry leaders, earlier access to the benefits of SOLT membership such as networking, training and advice.

“With particular focus on those who will diversify our industry, we hope this programme will allow Associate Members to build relationships, develop their knowledge and understanding of how the industry works, and be a steppingstone towards future full membership of SOLT, which will in turn strengthen the theatre community.”

TICKETS ON SALE FROM 11AM TODAY

FOR EXTRA WEEK OF PERFORMANCES

AND NEW TICKET SCHEMES RELEASED FOR

THE WEST END TRANSFER OF

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

STARRING PATSY FERRAN, PAUL MESCAL

AND ANJANA VASAN

DIRECTED BY REBECCA FRECKNALL

RUNNING FROM 20 MARCH TO 06 MAY

AT THE PHOENIX THEATRE

From 11am today, tickets will be released for the extra week of performances for Streetcar, alongside an online lottery for tickets, drawn every Wednesday for the following week, and day seats which are won via a game of chance, in person, on the day of the performance. All details are listed below:

ENTER THE ONLINE LOTTERY
A limited number of £25 tickets are reserved for lottery winners at each performance.  The lottery will be drawn every Wednesday for all performances in the following week. Winners will be sent a unique link and have 24 hours to pay for their tickets. To maximise your chances, you will be automatically entered into the draw every week once you sign up but can unsubscribe at any time. To enter the lottery sign up HERE.

DAY SEATS
Day seats are located in the front rows of the stalls and cost just £10 each.  Day Seats are sold in person from the box office at 4.30pm (evenings) or 11.30am (matinees). The opportunity to buy these seats is allocated via a game of chance that takes place in-person outside the Phoenix Theatre.  There are 10 Day Seats in total and 5 winners will have the opportunity to buy a pair. For safety and security, the ticket draw is limited to no more than 30 people. 

The full cast for Streetcar is Eduardo Ackerman (Pablo), Alexander Eliot (Steve), Patsy Ferran (Blanche), Gabriela García (Mexican Woman), Cash Holland (Eunice), Paul Mescal (Stanley), Tom Penn (Doctor/Drummer), Jabez Sykes (Young Collector), Anjana Vasan (Stella)Dwane Walcott (Mitch) alongside understudies Rob Dempsey, Francesca Knight, Zach Parkin and Constanza Ruff.

A Streetcar Named Desire runs at The Phoenix Theatre from 20 March to 06 May 2023.

The smash-hit production has received six Olivier nominations including:

Sir Peter Hall award for Best Director – Rebecca Frecknall
Best Actress in a play – Patsy Ferran 
Best Actor in a play – Paul Mescal 

Best Supporting Actress in a play – Anjana Vasan 
Best Lighting Design – Lee Curran 
Best Revival – A Streetcar Named Desire

★★★★★

The Times, The Sunday Times, The Observer, The i

“How pretty the sky is! I ought to go there on a rocket that never comes down.”

On a street in New Orleans, in the blistering summer heat, a sister spirals.

When Blanche unexpectedly visits her estranged sister Stella, she brings with her a past that will threaten their future. As Stella’s husband Stanley stalks closer to the truth, Blanche’s fragile world begins to fracture. Reality and illusion collide and a violent conflict changes their lives forever.

Almeida Associate Director Rebecca Frecknall’s “heart-stopping” (The Telegraph)revival of Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece runs in the West End from 20 March 2023.

Paul Mescal (“tremendous” The Times) stars as Stanley alongside Patsy Ferran (“astonishingly good” Time Out) as Blanche DuBois and Anjana Vasan (“outstanding” New York Times) as Stella in this “mesmerising” (The i) production.

A Streetcar Named Desire is presented by special arrangement with The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee.

A Streetcar Named Desire’s creative team is as follows: Director: Rebecca Frecknall; Set Designer: Madeleine Girling; Costume Designer: Merle Hensel; Lighting Designer: Lee Curran; Sound Designer: Peter Rice: Composer: Angus MacRae and Casting Director: Julia Horan CDG.

A Streetcar Named Desire is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions the Almeida Theatre, Gavin Kalin productions, Wessex Grove, GGRS and Los Angeles Media Fund.

LISTINGS

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

DIRECTED BY REBECCA FRECKNALL

RUNNING AT THE PHOENIX THEATRE

20 MARCH – 06 MAY 2023

Extra Performances On Sale timings:

11:00am

Tickets become available to those who have signed up to www.streetcarwestend.com 

13:00pm

General On Sale

Performance schedule: Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm, matinees on Thursday and Saturdays at 2.30pm (N.B no matinee on 23 March)

Ticket Prices: From£15

Running Time: Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes including a 20-minute interval

Age Recommendation: Recommended for ages 14+. This production contains xenophobic language, domestic violence, alcoholism, mental health difficulties including anxiety and depression as well as references to suicide and sexual assault. It also includes sudden loud noises, haze and the smoking of herbal cigarettes.

Address: Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H OJP

Box Office: 03330 096 690

Group Bookings: 020 7206 1174

Access Booking Line: 0800 912 6971

Website: www.streetcarwestend.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/streetcarwestend

Instagram: www.instagram.com/streetcarwestend

Twitter: www.twitter.com/streetcarplay

The Pantomime Awards 2023 nominees are announced,  

with tickets now on sale for the West End awards ceremony  

on Tuesday 11 April 2023 

The UK Pantomime Association has announced the nominations for The Pantomime Awards 2023 in association with Butlin’s, ahead of the awards ceremony at the Trafalgar Theatre, in London’s West End, on Tuesday 11 April 2023 at 7pm, hosted by Christopher Biggins.  

A limited number of tickets (from £30) are on general sale for the event, which will feature live performances, celebrity presenters and of course the winners announcement. Visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-pantomime-awards-2023/trafalgar-theatre/.

During the 2022/23 pantomime season, the second year in which the Awards have taken place, the UK Pantomime Association’s 64 judges attended over 240 venues to see over 700 performances, far and wide across the United Kingdom.   

Founded in 2021, the UK Pantomime Association is a charity that explores, shares and celebrates pantomime by investigating the genre’s rich past, engaging with contemporary practice and inspiring the future. The Special Awards, which celebrate productions representing the values that the Association seeks to promote, as well as the Outstanding Achievement Awards, are to be announced at the ceremony on 11 April.  

This year, for the first time, there are no gendered categories as Principal Boy and Principal Girl become Principal Lead, such as Cinderella and Dick Whittington, and Secondary Lead, such as Prince Charming and Alice Fitzwarren. 

The full list of nominations for the 2022/2023 Pantomime Awards in association with Butlin’s are: 

Best Choreography 

• Eddie Slattery – Beauty and the Beast, Swansea Grand Theatre, Swansea (Imagine Theatre) 

• Josie Lee – Dick Whittington, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil (Evolution Productions) 

• Karen Bruce – Jack and the Beanstalk, London Palladium, London (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

• Kerry Blaskett-Weatherall – Peter Pan, Regent Theatre, Ipswich (Enchanted Entertainment)  

• Stillie Dee – Jack and the Beanstalk, Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

Best Comic sponsored by Santa Himself 

• Adam C Booth – Cinderella, Grand Opera House, Belfast (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

• Adam Colbeck-Dunn – Cinderella, Palace Theatre, Newark (Jordan Productions) 

• Gavin Jon Wright – Sleeping Beauty, The Gaiety, Ayr (In-House) 

• Matt Slack – Dick Whittington, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

• Ruby Ablett – Dick Whittington, Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge (In-House) 

Best Costume Design 

• Adrian Gee – Robin Hood, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House) 

• Becky Minto – Jack and the Beanstalk, Perth Theatre, Perth (In-House) 

• Dawn Allsopp – The Legend of Robin Hood, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Bury St Edmunds (In-House) 

• James Button – Cinderella, Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury (In-House) 

• Jasmine Swan – Beauty and the Beast, Mercury Theatre, Colchester (In-House) 

Best Dame sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment  

• Ben Roddy – Sleeping Beauty, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (Evolution Productions) 

• Brian James O’Sullivan – Maw Goose, Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling (In-House) 

• Clive Rowe – Mother Goose, Hackney Empire, London (In-House) 

• JP McCue – Cinderella, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa (Imagine Theatre) 

• Phylip Harries – Robin Hood, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House) 

Best Director 

• Darren O’Sullivan – Cinderella, South Holland Centre, Spalding (Polka Dot Pantomimes) 

• Estelle van Warmelo – Beauty and the Beast, The Courtyard, Hereford (In-House) 

• Kathryn Rooney – Beauty and the Beast, King’s Theatre, Glasgow (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

• Paul Hendy – Sleeping Beauty, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (Evolution Productions) 

• Tamara Harvey – Robin Hood, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House) 

Best Ensemble sponsored by Stagecoach 

• Briana Craig, Ediz Ibrahim, Grant Thresh, Demi Leigh Foster, Megan Louch, Maxwell Trengove, Belle Kizzy Green, Ciro Lourencio Meulens, Zinzile Tschuma, Sally Jayne Hind, Alexandra O’Reilly, Jaydon Vijn, Emma Hunter, Andrew Lyle-Pinnock, Luke Woollaston and Lauren Stroud – Jack and the Beanstalk, London Palladium, London (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

• Grace Faulkner, Jack Trafford, Lucy Stewart, Molly Thorpe Franklin, Callum Fairfield, Lucy Deakin and Georgia Murray – Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Epstein Theatre, Liverpool (Regal Entertainments) 

• Kieran Lynch, Caitlin Mae and Charlotte Jean Moore – Snow White, Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock (Imagine Theatre) 

• Leo Burke, Nick Pack, Sophie Spencer, Daisy Ewing and Adam Russell-Owen – Cinderella, The Arts Centre, Hounslow (The Arts Centre Hounslow with Ashby Pantomimes) 

• Mairi Barclay, Adam Brown, Gabriel Fleary, Becca Francis, Shailan Gohil, Richard Leeming, Genevieve Nicole and Laura Tyrer – Mother Goose, Duke of York’s Theatre (Ambassador Theatre Group) 

Best Lighting Design sponsored by Production, Light & Sound 

• Ben Cracknell – Cinderella, Grand Opera House, Belfast (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

• Bev Paskell – Cinderella, South Holland Centre, Spalding (Polka Dot Pantomimes) 

• Jamie Corbidge – Beauty and the Beast, Swansea Grand Theatre, Swansea (Imagine Theatre) 

• Kathryn Monkton – Dick Whittington, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil (Evolution Productions) 

• Sally Ferguson – Dick Whittington, Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham (In-House) 

Carmen Silvera Award for Best Magical Being 

• Danielle Jam – The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

• Jo Osmond – Beauty and the Beast, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury (Evolution Productions) 

• Joe McElderry – Cinderella, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

• Lauren Azania – Cinderella, Lighthouse, Poole (In-House) 

• Leonardo Vieira – Aladdin, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (Jordan Productions) 

Best Contribution to Music sponsored by Howden Insurance Brokers 

• Emma Fraser – Dick Whittington, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil (Evolution Productions) 

• Miles Russell – Jack and the Beanstalk, The Hexagon, Reading (Imagine Theatre) 

• Philip Shute – Cinderella, Grand Opera House, Belfast (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

• Rob Green – Red Riding Hood, Everyman Theatre, Liverpool (In-House) 

• Tayo Akinbode – Robin Hood, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House) 

Best Early Career Newcomer sponsored by Staffordshire University 

• Eliza Walker – Peter Pan, Regent Theatre, Ipswich (Enchanted Entertainment) 

• Ewan Grant – The Legend of Robin Hood, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Bury St Edmunds (In-House) 

• Katsie Fong Frydenberg – Jack and the Beanstalk, The Hexagon, Reading (Imagine Theatre) 

• Nay-Nay – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, New Theatre, Cardiff (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

• Neha Eapen – Cinderella, Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds (Paul Holman Associates) 

Best Newcomer to Pantomime sponsored by Staffordshire University 

• Ada Campe – Dick Whittington and his Cat, The Theatre, Chipping Norton (In-House) 

• Carrie Hope Fletcher – Sleeping Beauty, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (Evolution Productions) 

• Finlay McKillop – Rapunzel featuring Puss in Boots, Webster Memorial Theatre, Arbroath (In-House) 

• Gigi Zahir – Cinderella, Theatre Royal Stratford East, London (In-House) 

• Vernon Kay – Cinderella, Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe (Imagine Theatre) 

Barbara Windsor Award for Best Principal Lead 

• David Ribi – The Further Adventures of Peter Pan, Fairfield Halls, Croydon (UK Productions) 

• Harry Goodson-Bevan – Robin Hood, Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden (KD Theatre Productions) 

• Jasmine Triadi – Cinderella, Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury (In-House) 

• Kia-Paris Walcott – Cinderella, Grand Opera House, Belfast (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

• Louis Gaunt – Jack and the Beanstalk, London Palladium, London (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

Best Script 

• Anton Benson, Ryan Greaves and Steve Moorewood – Jack and the Beanstalk, Northwich Memorial Court, Northwich (Anton Benson Productions) 

• Chris Hannon – The Legend of Robin Hood, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Bury St Edmunds (In-House) 

• Joyce Branagh – Jack and the Beanstalk, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell (In-House) 

• Lyndsay Maples – Beauty and the Beast, The Courtyard, Hereford (In-House) 

• Nick George – Cinderella, Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds (Paul Holman Associates)  

Best Secondary Lead 

• Amy Conachan – Maw Goose, Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling (In-House) 

• Keaton Guimarães-Tolley – Red Riding Hood, Everyman Theatre, Liverpool (In-House) 

• Lewes Roberts – Snow White, Alive Corn Exchange, Kings Lynn (Jordan Productions) 

• Ohaana Greaves – The Further Adventures of Peter Pan, Fairfield Halls, Croydon (UK Productions) 

• Sydnie Hocknell – Jack and the Beanstalk, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple (RED Entertainment) 

Best Set Design 

• Becky Minto – Jack and the Beanstalk, Perth Theatre, Perth (In-House) 

• James Button – Robin Hood, Northcott Theatre, Exeter (In-House) 

• Mark Walters, Nina Dunn and Matt Brown –Beauty and the Beast, Swansea Grand Theatre, Swansea (Imagine Theatre) 

• Michelle Marden and Stuart Relph – Jack and the Beanstalk, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield (Evolution Productions) 

• Victoria Spearing – Jack and the Beanstalk, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell (In-House) 

Best Sisters 

• Allie Dart and Frances Knox – Cinderella, The Arts Centre, Hounslow (The Arts Centre Hounslow with Ashby Pantomimes) 

• Andrew Pollard and Alim Jadavji – Cinderella, Lighthouse, Poole (In-House) 

• Anna Phylactic and Aaron Steadman – Cinderella, Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds (Paul Holman Associates) 

• Garnon Davies and Gareth Mitchell – Cinderella, South Holland Centre, Spalding (Polka Dot Pantomimes) 

• John McGlone and Roy McGregor – Cinderella, Motherwell Theatre, Motherwell (Spillers Pantomimes) 

Best Sound Design 

• Conrad Kemp – Cinderella, St Helens Theatre Royal, St Helens (Regal Entertainments)  

• David Hart – Aladdin, Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (UK Productions) 

• James Cook – Aladdin, Derby Arena, Derby (Little Wolf Entertainment) 

• Matthew Williams – Robin Hood, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House) 

• Mike Thacker – Jack and the Beanstalk, The Hexagon, Reading (Imagine Theatre) 

Best Supporting Artist  

• Anna-Jane Casey – Mother Goose, Duke of York’s Theatre (Ambassador Theatre Group) 

• Dan Badrick – Cinderella, New Theatre Royal, Lincoln (In-House) 

• Katy Dean – The All New Adventures of Peter Pan, The Hawth, Crawley (Evolution Productions) 

• Kevin Macleod – Beauty and the Beast, Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline (In-House) 

• Rob Madge – Jack and the Beanstalk, London Palladium, London (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

Best Villain sponsored by Breckman & Company 

• Ben Locke – Robin Hood, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House) 

• Chris Chilton and Hannah Nuttall – Dick Whittington, Theatre Royal Wakefield, Wakefield (In-House) 

• Davood Ghadami – Aladdin, Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (UK Productions) 

• Jodie Jacobs – Jack and the Beanstalk, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, London (In-House) 

• Timothy Lucas – Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Epstein Theatre, Liverpool (Regal Entertainments) 

Best Pantomime (Under 500 seats) sponsored by Butlin’s 

• Cinderella, South Holland Centre, Spalding (Polka Dot Pantomimes) 

• Cinderella, The Arts Centre, Hounslow (The Arts Centre Hounslow with Ashby Pantomimes) 

• Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Epstein Theatre, Liverpool (Regal Entertainments)  

• Robin Hood, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House) 

• The Legend of Robin Hood, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Bury St Edmunds (In-House) 

Best Pantomime (500 – 900 seats) sponsored by Butlin’s 

• Cinderella, Lighthouse, Poole (In-House) 

• Dick Whittington, Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham (In-House) 

• Dick Whittington, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil (Evolution Productions) 

• Mother Goose, Duke of York’s Theatre (Ambassador Theatre Group) 

• Snow White, Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock (Imagine Theatre) 

Best Pantomime (Over 900 seats) sponsored by Butlin’s 

• Beauty and the Beast, Swansea Grand Theatre, Swansea (Imagine Theatre) 

• Cinderella, Grand Grand Opera House, Belfast (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

• Cinderella, Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe (Imagine Theatre) 

• Jack and the Beanstalk, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield (Evolution Productions) 

• Sleeping Beauty, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (Evolution Productions) 

Simon Sladen, Chair, of the UK Pantomime Association said: “After what for many venues was a record breaking pantomime season in 2022/2023, we can’t wait to celebrate the wide array of excellence in the genre at The Pantomime Awards this April. Pantomime is one of the most exciting, vibrant forms of theatre, entertaining millions of people each festive season. Thank you to everyone who brings the pantomime magic to the stage and good luck to all of this year’s nominees!”  

Butlin’s is the principal sponsor for the UK Pantomime Awards 2023. Entertainment Director Mike Godolphin said “Congratulations to everyone that’s been shortlisted for an award. Panto is a huge part of our entertainment offering at all three Butlin’s resorts and we’re very happy to be sponsoring the awards again this year. We’re looking forward to seeing who the winners will be next month.” 

Jack Studio Theatre – until 25 March 2023

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Mari Lloyd’s poignantly funny play about two teenagers trying to find their way in an unforgiving and uncertain world is a real treat. The arrival of Yasmin, who would rather live with her Nan in this small Valleys town than with her parents in Cardiff (not far geographically, but worlds apart for the older generation), has dramatic consequences for Rhys, an aspiring boxer.

Rhys’ mum has gone, but his father cannot stop living in the same routine, buying fish every Friday until the freezer is full, and communicating mostly through Post-It notes with his son. After sitting his A levels, Rhys gets a job in the big Aldi to earn some money while he trains and prepares for his big chance to impress a boxing trainer from Cardiff.

Yasmin, expelled from a private girls’ school in Cardiff, knows she has aced her exams and follows her Nan’s advice to get some volunteering on her CV for university admissions. She begins working in the care home and finds out that Rhys’s mum is one of the patients, and Rhys has never visited her. She also becomes fascinated with boxing, and begins to campaign for women to join the boxing gym, seeing a little too much of Rhys’s best mate Chris for his liking. Rhys sees all of this as a huge intrusion on his life, especially his one safe place of escape – the gym – and becomes increasingly suspicious and belligerent towards her.

Emma Kaler is beautifully nuanced as Yasmin, strong and sharp on the surface but always on the move, trying to find the way to escape her feelings and very funny as she quotes the mantras of Enzo Calzaghe as if he was a prophet. Phillip John Jones is wonderful as Rhys – sardonic and naïve at the same time, and keeping the audiences’ sympathy even when he is being a prat as his layered performance never leaves you in doubt that Rhys is holding something back and has no healthy release.

Director Julia Stubbs skilfully takes Lloyd’s smart script and interweaves the stories of the two damaged teenagers seamlessly, eventually explaining where all of the anger, defensiveness and fear is coming from as the narratives shadowbox with each other – both actors only talking directly to the audience until their accounts collide in a moving and cathartic encounter where they finally face their past and stalled futures. The characters are brilliantly authentic in their speech, attitudes and humour – before it got a bit dark, it was like being back home listening to my young cousins. The dialogue is insightful and touches on many social and mental health issues without being issue-led and the sense of place is evident even on Rachel Rooney’s minimalist set resembling a ropeless boxing ring. Warm and funny, with two excellent performances, Still Here is hugely enjoyable.

Live Theatre Newcastle – until Saturday 11th March

Reviewed by Sandra Little

4****

This one hour performance presented on a simple stage set by two women actors is a powerful piece of theatre! Lasagna is a play written by Catrina McHugh MBE and based on the true life experiences of women who have lost multiple children to the care system. It is co-created with women from Pause North East, a charity working with women who have had children taken into care. The accompanying pamphlet also gives special thanks to several social workers for their contribution for this piece of work.

The two characters in the play are Sally (Beth Crame ) and Jane ( Zoe Lambert). Sally is a mum who has had three children taken into care and Jane is a neighbour who develops a friendship with Sally during the first national lockdown. It transpires that the two women are from very different backgrounds but are still able to forge a very meaningful friendship with the help of lasagna and cake.

I felt that one of the most poignant parts of this play is the argument that develops between Sally and Jane. So many issues are raised in this argument and it lays bare difficulties facing both mothers and social workers when children are at risk. It also highlights the lack of support for vulnerable women and the cycle of failure from one generation to another. The anger and hurt felt by Sally, and to a certain extent Jane, was palpable throughout the play. It was a very emotional piece of theatre, especially when you know that the issues raised are based on fact and the experiences of real women, both social workers and mothers who have had children taken into care.

Open Clasp Theatre Company aim to, “Change the world one play at a time,” and in particular they hope to transform the lives of women and girls. With such powerful writing and very important subject matter we can only hope that the decision makers take note!

After the performances at Live Theatre Lasagna is playing in other parts of the country.

The Grand Theatre, Leeds – until 18 March 2023

Reviewed by Sal Marino

5*****

How does one translate a novel so heavily narrated and rich in language into a ballet? The key to this lies with David Nixon who has mastered the art of fictional story telling through dance in the form of The Great Gatsby. The production is breath-taking, and I mean that literally. My initial thoughts were that many scenes would be shrouded in glitz and excess due to a high razzamatazz feel of the popular film with Leonardo DiCaprio but what Northern Ballet have created is something far more meaningful: deeply moving, beautiful and elegant. The energetic glamorous numbers are there but the tone is classy, not overdone or crass. I loved it and didn’t expect to feel so filled with heart-felt emotion in several places. I would go further in saying that for me, F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby comes alive and communicates more meaning through the art form of dance (along with the music) as opposed to the fast-paced dialogue and over the top flamboyance that we often associate with it. Nixon’s version gives us the raw feelings of angst and yearning in a more reachable and visceral way as the choreography simply goes beyond words – you feel what the characters are feeling via the energy and frequency they emit. No words are needed.

The stage at The Grand Theatre was transformed into 1920s New York within various locations from a garage to bustling streets and lavish parties held by Gatsby. Despite being the host, Gatsby doesn’t really engage in the whole ‘partying’ activities; he’s only focused on one thing – a person – Daisy (Dominique Larose). Gatsby knew and fell in love with her years ago as a young soldier, but the war cut their love short and he never stopped thinking about her, ever. Unfortunately, all these years later, Daisy is in a toxic marriage with Tom Buchanan (Gavin McCaig), who is also having a torrid and abusive affair with Myrtle Wilson (Amber Lewis). Myrtle is also married to a long-suffering mechanic George (George Liang). Daisy’s cousin (Sean Bates) reunites Daisy and Gatsby and although we witness scenes from them of joy and serenity, their rekindled romance initiates a series of dramatic and tragic events.

Every performer, from Gatsby to the background characters are exquisite, pin-sharp – perfection. Liang exudes sheer frustration in his tortured portrayal of George Wilson – you know that he knows something is wrong and he’s being driven mad by it. The twists and turns of his body emanate such pain and longing and also radiating a lower vibrational frequency is Tom (George’s wife’s lover), who’s extremely aggressive and impatient. His body language is alarming at times as McCaig’s strong form moves so vigorously and precisely with each step and gesture. The young Gatsby and Daisy (Harris Beatie and Rachael Gillespie) melt hearts … Beatie alludes such passion and a sweet sadness that your own heart just breaks for him. And then, so cleverly and beautifully through magical synchronised choreography, Taylor as the older and mature Gatsby, becomes entwined in the young couple’s dance as his memories unfold when he looks out across the bay to where Daisy is. A green light in the skyline keeps flashing and rather like the recent green comet we have been experiencing here on earth in the last month or so, it could be a metaphor for being a harbinger of change. Gatsby has been locked in a mindset of endless longing, wanting and waiting as he looks out and reaches across to the mysterious illumination and appears trapped, so something has to give for him to resolve his issues. Indeed ‘change’ does come and if it wasn’t for the collective trauma and separation that the first world war caused perhaps all could have worked out well? But it’s never that simple and when humans don’t follow the sacred laws of love like Tom and Myrtle, discord is bound to ensue.

Every scene is outstanding, and my guest’s personal favourite was George and Myrtle’s provocative dance in the garage, mine is when Gatsby and Daisy (both the younger and older versions), connect and express their love for one another. You couldn’t have had more of a contrast from Gatsby and Daisy with regards to Myrtle and Tom – their dances being edgy and spiky (expertly done) and Daisy and Gatsby expressing a pure love bursting with passion but one that is in complete harmony – in balance and divine. Kudos must be shared with the wardrobe, technical, stage management, artistic staff, front of house staff and of course the phenomenal orchestra! The music was spectacular, and the timing of the dance and music together was just poetic! This remarkable ballet has everything – class, style, an engaging storyline and one that makes you feel and think – you couldn’t ask for more. Thank you!

Dare you spend Halloween in a haunted West End theatre?

Announcing the West End premiere of

DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS?

created by James Taylor and Julian Woolford
directed by Julian Woolford

Adelphi Theatre
Strand, London WC2R 0NS

Tuesday 31 October, 2023
at 7.30pm

Theatres are alive. They have a soul. And they all have supernatural stories to tell….

Every theatre has ghosts and sightings, spectral visions reported back stage by terrified actors, mysterious apparitions that walk the stage at night, coridors and stairwells that are avoided by staff who have experienced a sudden drop in temperature…

Do YOU believe in ghosts? And are YOU feeling brave?

The West End premiere of ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ at London’s Adelphi Theatre on Halloween, October 31 (with more West End dates to be announced), has enough chills and shocks to convince even the most die hard sceptic!

Packed with stories of things that go bump in the night – or the day – and things that just don’t add up, ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ is unlike any other ghost story you may have seen or experienced before in a theatre.

Producer James Taylor, who co-created ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ with award-winning writer and director Julian Woolford, said: “Every theatre has at least one ghost – including the Adelphi. In ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ we promise to raise the hairs on your arms and send chills down the back of your neck. . . Join us for a dark night… we dare you!”

‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ is part of a major West End season of 8 shows at the Adelphi produced by producers Entertainers, including the world premiere of The Makings of a Murderer on Tuesday 18 April, Sweet Caroline The Ultimate Tribute to Neil Diamond (Tuesday 6 June), Lost in Music (Tuesday 13 June), Fast Love – A Tribute to George Michael (Tuesday 20 June), 80s Live! (Tuesday 18 July), Legend – The Music of Bob Marley (Tuesday 19 September) and An Evening of Burlesque (Tuesday 10 October).

Entertainers (Producers)
Entertainers have 20 years experience producing popular entertainment across the UK. Their new Canvey Island HQ, built since lockdown, houses all aspects of production from set building and maintenance to a recording studio and full-size rehearsal space and a fleet of 36 vehicles.

Entertainers stage more than 1,500 separate performances each year, selling over one million seats, with 25 lavish productions that include: ‘Lost in Music’, ‘Fastlove’, ‘The Magic of Motown’,  ‘Cirque: The Greatest Show’, ‘Thank You for the Music’, ‘The Rocket Man’, ‘An Evening of Burlesque’, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’, ‘80s Live!’, ‘90s Live!’, ‘Radio Gaga’, ‘Sweet Caroline’, and ‘Islands in the Stream’,

New shows ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ and ‘The Makings of a Murderer’ mark a move away from music to scripted theatrical productions, and they will both make their West End debut at the Adelphi Theatre in 2023.

Julian Woolford (co-creator /director)
Julian Woolford is an award-winning writer and director. His plays and musicals have been performed around the world. Among his works are ‘The Devil’s Advocate (Netherlands tour); ‘Liberace, Live From Heaven’, (Leicester Square Theatre, Edinburgh, New Zealand tour); ‘The Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ (National tour); ‘The Wind In The Willows’ (Sevenoaks Playhouse, Taunton Brewhouse);  ‘The Railway Children’ (Sevenoaks Playhouse, Taunton Brewhouse and more than 50 productions worldwide). Julian provided the new book for Lionel Bart’s ‘Twang!!’(GSA and Union Theatre); ‘BlueBirds’ (Cochrane Theatre, Kenneth More Theatre and Above The Stag); ‘Beautiful Young Man’ (Pride Encore Benefit Season, New York);. His musical ‘Oh Carol!’ won the Covent Garden Festival Search for a New Musical and his first play ‘The Oedipus Complex’, premiered at Bristol New Vic.

He is the author of the book ‘How Musicals Work’ (Nick Hern Books), which is the standard text book for musical theatre creation and writing, and of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘The Sound of Music’ (Routledge Fourth Wall) and is currently Head of Musical Theatre at GSA (University of Surrey). Previously he was Artistic Director of Sevenoaks Playhouse; Artistic Director of the Global Search for New Musicals at the International Festival of Musical Theatre Cardiff and Associate Director of the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.  

His many directing credits in productions in the West End, any regional theatres, 7 national tours, and work in New York, Australia, Germany, Austria, Poland and the Lebanon. In 2015 he became the first person to direct a commercial musical in Egypt when he staged ‘The Sound of Music’ in Cairo.

James Taylor (co-creator/producer)
James is a director of Essex-based producers Entertainers working alongside his father, Michael.

James began his career as the 16-year-old resident DJ at West Ham United Football Club’s functions and parties. He moved to the US to pursue a modelling and acting career, playing the inventor Nikola Tesla in an Off-Broadway production of ‘Tesla’, and appearing in the TV series ‘Being Mary Jane’, in which he played the boyfriend of the lead Gabrielle Union.  Returning to Britain, James teamed up with his father to produce ‘Fastlove’, a tribute to the then recently deceased George Michael. It has since sold a million tickets, is touring to 25 countries and became the company’s first show to play the West End, at the Lyric Theatre.

LISTINGS INFO

West End season at the Adelphi Theatre

ADELPHI THEATRE
Strand,

London

WC2R 0NS
Box office: 020 7557 7300
online: lwtheatres.co.uk

Do You  Believe in Ghosts?
Tuesday, October 31 at  7.30pm

The Makings of a Murderer
Tuesday 18 April
A chilling, thrilling, night with Scottish Detective David Swindle.on what makes a serial killer tick, the warning signs and clues behind The Makings of a Murderer.

Sweet Caroline
The Ultimate Tribute to Neil Diamond
Tuesday 6 June
The good times never seemed so good… introducing the ultimate tribute to Neil Diamond featuring Gary Ryan from TVs ‘Stars in Their Eyes’. This musical journey celebrates 50 years of a legend.

Lost in Music
Tuesday 13 June
We recreate the magical 70s taking you on a musical journey straight to the heart of Disco. Relive some of the greatest songs of all time from artists including Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Fast Love
A Tribute to George Michael
Tuesday 20 June
The world’s favourite George Michael celebration of one of the greatest musicians the world has seen.

80s Live!
Tuesday 18 July
Bring your jukebox money and get ready to Jitterbug as we spin you around and around for am 80s night to remember.

Legend – The Music of Bob Marley
Tuesday 19 September
The music of Bob Marley in an unforgettable evening celebrating this musical icon.

An Evening of Burlesque
Tuesday 10 October
The ultimate variety show, blending stylish cabaret, comedy,
music, circus and burlesque to light up all your senses.

‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’

embarks on a 100-date UK tour from May 18

full dates can be found at:
https://www.entertainers.co.uk/show/do-you-believe-in-ghosts