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Lyric Theatre, London – 17 February 2025

Reviewed by Emily Smith

4****

Taking over the Lyric Theatre (home to Hadestown) for one night only, West End Musical Love Songs offered an evening of beautiful music from some of the West End’s biggest stars. From the producers of West End Musical Brunch, West End Musical Halloween, West End Musical Christmas and Musical Con (to name a few), this particular show was a romantic dive into some of the most well-loved romantic songs from musicals and films.

The show was opened by a saxophonist who delivered a beautiful solo of Can You Feel The Love Tonight from The Lion King. The evening was hosted by Aimie Atkinson (SIX, Pretty Woman: The Musical) who, from the moment she entered the stage, had an infectious energy. Aimie treated us to her version of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow from Beautiful the Carole King Musical before introducing the first special guest. Throughout the evening Aimie kept the audience engaged and encouraged interaction, dancing and signing along, though I’m pleased to say the audience mostly took advantage of this in the second half when the music took a more lively turn.

The special guests (which we’ll come on to!) were well chosen for their individual vocal talents that complemented one another allowing the audience to experience a variety of songs from well-known musicals and films. There was no live band, only the saxophonist, which for me is one thing that could have really elevated the evening. While the first half was full of classic love songs, often ballads, the second half was much more upbeat. Personally, I would have been happy listening to more classic songs throughout the whole show, but this tale of two halves brought a change in pace that made for a fun night out! The stage was simple – covered in red heart helium balloons – which, whilst not particularly ground-breaking, offered a nice backdrop for the performers.

Throughout the evening, four special guests performed a selection of songs, showcasing their adaptability and vocal talent. The absolute standout of the evening was Merryl Ansah (Lion King and Heathers) who perfectly performed a one-woman rendition of Helpless from Hamilton, followed by I Will Always Love You (The Bodyguard, Whitney Houston) with live saxophone accompaniment. In the second half, Merryl continued to demonstrate her phenomenal vocal talents with Love You I Do from Dreamgirls and Believe (Cher). Merryl’s performances were the highlight of my evening and they were delivered with such a confidence… she belonged on that stage!

Luke Bayer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) treated us to Both Sides Now from Love Actually (Joni Mitchell) and When She Loved Me from Toy Story 2 in the first half, both of which demonstrated his impressive vocal range. However, he really came to life in the second half when performing the more upbeat numbers Brown Eyed Girl from Sleeping With The Enemy (Van Morrison) and I Won’t Say (I’m In Love) from soon-to-open-in-London show Hercules.

Laura Pick (Wicked) showcased her powerhouse vocals while performing My Heart Will Go On from Titanic (Céline Dion), Almost Like Being In Love (Brigadoon), Somebody To Love (We Will Rock You, Queen) and River Deep, Mountain High (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, Tina Turner). She also performed a duet with Aimie Atkinson of No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) to open the second half.

Bringing a deeper, baritone voice to the evening was Luke McCall (Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables) who delivered stunning performances of classics such as ‘Til I Hear You Sing (Love Never Dies) and Some Enchanted Evening (South Pacific) before he brought us some more upbeat numbers in the second half such as Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (Jersey Boys) and I’m A Believer (Shrek) which had the audience on their feet and singing along.

To end the evening we were treated to a beautiful duet of (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life (Dirty Dancing) by Luke McCall and Aimie Atkinson, featuring live saxophone (though sadly not the full solo!), which was a great choice of closing number.

So much of the enjoyment of a show like this is in the selection of songs. It feels as though the producers tried to find something for everyone, but I can’t help feeling that there was a missed opportunity in including more love songs from newer musicals. Additionally, I would have loved to have heard more duets between the performers, given the talent on stage. That being said it was a fantastic night out celebrating love with performances from some of the West End’s best talent, ranging from beautiful ballads to get-up-and-dance classics, topped off with live saxophone.

CURVE ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCTION OF

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

22 November 2025 – 11 January 2026

DIRECTED BY NIKOLAI FOSTER

Leicester will be alive with the sound of music this Christmas as Curve theatre announces a brand-new Made at Curve production of classic musical, THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

Running from Saturday 22 November 2025 to Sunday 11 January 2026, this Made at Curve production will be directed by Nikolai Foster, whose recent credits include Lerner and Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY, as well as tours of A CHORUS LINE and KINKY BOOTS. Further casting and creative team members will be announced in due course.

With music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, THE SOUND OF MUSIC first opened on Broadway in 1959. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the multi-award-winning 1965 film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, which remains one of the most commercially successful film musicals of all time.

Speaking about the announcement, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“The life and experiences of Maria and the von Trapp family feel as fresh today as they must have done when Rodgers and Hammerstein’s perfect musical first leapt onto the stage 60 years ago. THE SOUND OF MUSIC really is one of the greats and we are beyond excited to produce the show at Curve for Christmas 2025.

“Through music, celebrating creativity and her courageous spirit, Maria inspires the von Trapp family, transforming their home into a place filled with love, adventure and a feeling anything is possible.

“There aren’t many hills around Leicester’s Cultural Quarter, but the streets of our city really will be alive with the sound of music this Christmas, as families and friends come together to share this magical brand new Made at Curve production of this incredible musical.”

The Made at Curve production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC will be complemented by wraparound learning and engagement activity delivered by Curve’s Creative Programmes team, including a free digital Education Pack and bespoke workshops for school groups, as well as a Theatre Day on Thursday 4 December, where audience members of all ages will be able to learn more about the creation of the production and behind the scenes insights from the show’s team.

A variety of accessible performances are also available across the run, including British Sign Language interpreted (Friday 5 December, 7:15pm), Captioned (Saturday 13 December, 7:15pm and 18 December, 2pm), Dementia Friendly (Tuesday 16 December, 2pm), Audio Described and Touch Tours (Saturday 20 December, 2pm and Tuesday 6 January, 7:15pm) and Relaxed (Thursday 8 January, 2pm).

Maria, a free-spirited novice nun, is sent to look after the rowdy von Trapp children. Defying Captain von Trapp’s strict orders, Maria captures the children’s hearts using creativity and music to educate, inspire and bring order into their lives. Soon the entire family is under the spell of Maria’s unquenchable zest for life and even the Captain’s steely heart begins to soften, as they fall in love. But when Captain von Trapp is commanded to report for duty in the German navy, their Austrian idyl is shattered, as they must flee the Nazis and embark on the most important and dangerous journey of their lives.

This heart-warming tale of family, romance and rebellion features a timeless score including “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and of course, its soaring title number, “The Sound of Music.”

The Made at Curve production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC will run Saturday 22 November 2025 to Sunday 11 January 2026. Tickets will be on sale to Made at Curve Circle, Patrons and Friends from Tuesday 18 February, to Supporters from Wednesday 19 February, to Members, Groups and Access Register Customers from Thursday 20 February and on general sale from Tuesday 25 February, all at 12pm midday. To find out more about Curve Memberships and to book tickets, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3595 or visit Curve’s Box Office in-person.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Music by RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE

Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp

THE SOUND OF MUSIC is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. www.concordtheatretricals.co.uk

H A R R Y   P O T T E R   A N D   T H E   C U R S E D   C H I L D

360,000 NEW TICKETS RELEASED AS 2 MILLIONTH PATRON IS WELCOMED

OVER 50 NEW SEATS INSTALLED AT NIMAX’S PALACE THEATRE

HOUSE PRIDE PERFORMANCES ANNOUNCED

LONDON PRODUCTION PARTNERS WITH WORLD BOOK DAY

WWW.HARRYPOTTERTHEPLAY.COM

The producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions -are delighted to announce that 360,000 new tickets have been released today taking booking for the original two-part multi award-winning London production to 15 February 2026 as the 2 millionth patron is welcomed to the Palace Theatre. The newly released tickets include over 35,000 seats priced at £15 per part.

Over 50 additional seats have been installed at the Nimax Theatres owned Palace Theatre. The new seats will enable more patrons to attend performances of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender, producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, said“It has been an enormous honour to have welcomed over 2 million theatregoers to the Palace Theatre over the last nine years. We’re thrilled that the addition of these new seats will allow even more people to experience the magic of Harry Potter at our London home in the years to come.”

Nica Burns, Nimax Theatres Chief Executive and co-owner, said “We’re delighted to have taken this opportunity to further enhance the customer experience of such a brilliant production with the additional comfort of these new seats at the Palace Theatre.”

Throughout March Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be celebrating House Pride with dedicated ‘house’ performances at the Palace Theatre. The House Pride performances are as follows: Wednesday 5 March – Gryffindor, Wednesday 12 March – Slytherin, Wednesday 19 March – Ravenclaw and Wednesday 26 March – Hufflepuff. Patrons are encouraged to dress up in their house colours with giveaways and other surprises in store at each of these performances!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are delighted to be partnering with the charity World Book Day® this year. As part of the partnership members of the West End cast will visit a London school later this month to give a talk to inspire children to read for fun and hand out copies of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. There is also an opportunity for a school to win a class trip to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre in May.

The current Harry Potter and the Cursed Child cast comprises David Ricardo-Pearce as Harry Potter, Claire Lams playing Ginny Potter and Ellis Rae as their son Albus Potter. Thomas Aldridge plays Ron Weasley with Naana Agyei-Ampadu playing Hermione Granger along with Eve de Leon Allen as their daughter Rose Granger-Weasley. Steve John Shepherd plays Draco Malfoy, with Harry Acklowe as his son Scorpius Malfoy. 

They are joined by Ishmail Aaron, David Annen, Nicole-Lily Baisden, Sabina Cameron,  Rob Curtis, Zijuan Elsol, Gabriel Fleary, Rory Fraser, Tim Hibberd, Sally Jayne Hind, Max Hunter, Dewayne Jameson Adams, Emma Louise Jones, Julia Kass, Debra Lawrance, Tasha Lim, Matty Loane, Sophie Matthew, Jaden Oshenye, Helen Power, Jocelyn Prah, Conor Quinn, Ian Redford, Catherine Russell, Martin de los Santos, Adam Slynn, Benjamin Stratton, Alex Tomkins, Jake Tuesley, Sam Varley and Katie Wimpenny. Oliver Dawson, Layla Duke, Aubrey Hayes, Rhiannon Parry, Aljosa Radosavljevic, Sienna Sibley and Ethan Webster alternate two children’s roles.

19 years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world, they’re back on a most extraordinary new adventure – this time, joined by a brave new generation that has only just arrived at the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Prepare for spectacular spells, a mind-blowing race through time, and an epic battle to stop mysterious forces, all while the future hangs in the balance.

Now booking to 15 February 2026, tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child remain priced from £15 per part. The regular performance schedule is Monday, Tuesday and Thursday – no performance; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 2pm Part One & 7pm Part Two; Sunday – 1pm Part One & 6pm Part Two.

Each Friday 40 tickets priced at £40 (£20 per part) are released for every performance the following week, and located in great seats throughout the theatre. Patrons can enter the ‘Friday Forty’ lottery by downloading the TodayTix app.

The access performances currently on sale are as follows – British Sign Language Performances on Saturday 22 March and Saturday 13 September, Audio Described Performances on Saturday 15 May and Saturday 15 November and Captioned Performances on Saturday 7 June and Saturday 8 November.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the first Harry Potter story to be presented on stage and the eighth story in the Harry Potter series. Now in its ninth year at the Palace Theatre, the production has been seen by 2 million people in the West End and over 11 million worldwide and holds a record 60 major honours, with nine Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Play and six Tony Awards including Best New Play. There are five productions running worldwide in London, New York, Hamburg, Tokyo, and a North American tour which is currently running at Hollywood Pantages, Los Angeles, before visiting Washington DC’s Broadway At The National from 8 July 2025, followed by The Fox Theatre, Atlanta, from February 2026.

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a new play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany with movement by Steven Hoggett, set by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, music & arrangements by Imogen Heap, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Fry, illusions & magic by Jamie Harrison,music supervision & arrangements by Martin Lowe, and casting by Julia Horan CDG and Lotte Hines CDG. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions.

Box Office – 0330 333 4813

WWW.HARRYPOTTERTHEPLAY.COM

Instagram / CursedChildLDN

TikTok / CursedChildOfficial

Facebook / CursedChildLDN

WizardingWorld.com

Access performances:

British Sign Language Performances – Saturday 22 March and Saturday 13 September 2025

Audio Described Performances – Saturday 15 May and Saturday 15 November 2025

Captioned Performances –  Saturday 7 June and Saturday 8 November 2025

Christmas performance schedule 2025:

Wednesday 17 December, Friday 19 December, Saturday 20 December, Monday 22 December – Part 1: 2pm, Part 2: 7pm

Tuesday 23 December – Part 1: 1pm, Part 2: 6pm

Saturday 27 December – Part 1: 2pm, Part 2: 7pm

Sunday 28 December – Part 1: 1pm, Part 2: 6pm

Tuesday 30 December – Part 1: 2pm, Part 2: 7pm

Wednesday 31 December – Part 1: 1pm, Part 2: 6pm

Friday 2 January, Saturday 3 January 2026 – Part 1: 2pm, Part 2: 7pm

Sunday 4 January 2026 – Part 1: 1pm, Part 2: 6pm

ACTING FOR OTHERS ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF
5TH ANNUAL WEST END FLEA MARKET
Also announced today, information on this year’s Golden Bucket Awards, The Big West End Walk, and more

Theatrical charity, Acting for Others, today announces the West End Flea Marketwill take place on Saturday 17 May at St Paul’s Church and Churchyard, Covent Garden running from 10am-2pm. With over £80,000 raised last year for Acting for Others, the West End Flea Market returns for its 5th year. Early bird tickets will be on sale in April with general on-sale announced at a later date.

Top West End shows unite for the event, setting up a variety of uniquely designed stalls offering theatrical memorabilia, signed items, and the chance for selfies and autographs. Each is tailored by the company to celebrate their productions, with themed merchandise and special limited-edition collectables with the Best Dressed Stall judged by a starry panel and the winner will be announced at the event. This year’s Judges, West End Stars and shows will be announced at a later date.

Acting for Others today also announces the return of the Golden Bucket Awards on Thursday 10 April at the Prince of Wales Theatre. The awards celebrate the supporters and fundraisers who have been crucial in raising funds for the charity since its inception in 2020.

After raising over £4,000 for Acting for Others last year, The Big West End Walk will return for 2025 taking place on Sunday 7 September. West End stars and famous faces will take to the streets to join the Acting for Others team in walking to 58 West End theatres covering 16 miles across London.

Further fundraising events for Acting for Others include Players: All the World’s a Stage and Bravo for Dan. Players: All the World’s a Stage – a free art exhibition created by Christine Youldon aiming to celebrate the art of theatre through portraits of talent both on stage and behind the scenes – will take place at North Gallery, Mall Galleries from 18-22 March. All profits from the sale of the paintings and catalogue will be donated to Acting for Others. Bravo for Dan, an event set up by acting student Tash Collins in remembrance of her dad Dan who was a long-time supporter of the arts, will be raising funds for Acting for Others. The evening will feature a Night of Performances, ranging from spoken word, songs, monologues to dance from Tash’s cohort at Boden’s Performing Arts College, with the event taking place on Tuesday 11 March at Boden’s Performing Arts College.

Concurrently, streaming for Backstage Curry, Acting for Others’ podcast series hosted by West End star Mark Curry, is available across all podcast platforms.

To donate to the charity’s website or donations link please donate via this link https://actingforothers.co.uk/donate/.

Twitter: @ActingForOthers

Instagram: @actingforothers

West End Flea Market is organised in aid of Acting for Others, a fundraising organisation for a network of 14 UK theatrical and welfare charities supporting all theatre workers.

For those unable to attend the event, Acting for Otherscan still be supported by donating at www.actingforothers.co.uk/donate

West End Flea Market

Saturday 17 May 2025, 10am – 2pm

St Paul’s Church, Bedford Street, London, WC2E 9ED

Entry £5

Aylesbury Waterside – until the Saturday 22nd February 2025

Reviewed by Rachel Clark

5*****

Hairspray the UK tour – this is based on the New Line Cinema Written and directed by John Waters – an American film director, artist and writer. Music by Marc Shaiman and he also did the Lyrics alongside Scott Wittman. The show has a live band which played faultlessly – you can’t beat live music.

Hairspray in based in Baltimore in the 1960’s. Tracy Turnblad (played by Katie Brace. Brace played the part in the UK tour 2021-22. She was brilliant – word perfect and a fun character) is a teenager who loves dancing and watching The Corny Collins Show. Tracy would love nothing more than to be on the show.

Tracy lives with her Mum Edna (played brilliantly by Neil Hurst who uses his voice to enhance the part from a high itched female to a deep toned male voice along with his 54 double E bust! Hurst has lots of credits for theatre, concert theatre, television and many more ), her mum takes in washing and her Dad Wilbur who owns a joke shop and has plenty of wit and one liners in the show. Wilbur is played by Dermot Canavan, who has numerous credits for TV, theatre and films. Tracy has a best friend Penny Pingleton, who looks a typical schoolgirl with plaits. Freya McMahon plays Penny in her debut show; she was superb, and at the end of the show blossoms into a beautiful young lady.

After watching The Corny Collins Show, Tracy sees they are looking for a new dancer so she shows up for an audition, but is mocked for being plump. Another girl turns up who is black and is also passed over. The show is known for its slim, white dancers.

But, Tracy get the part for being different thanks to the Compere (Delcan Egan) with his shiny white teeth , smile and bright jackets. The show has plenty of colour on the clothes and numerous wigs!.

Tracy becomes an overnight success, a trendsetter with her hairstyle, dance and fun and in her spare time she enjoys also dancing at Motormouth Maybelle’s where she dances with the black society. Tracy doesn’t see why they can’t dance on the show, it’s for all and plots a plan, as they can only currently dance on ‘Negro Day’

I will say the voice of Motormouth Maybelle (Michelle Ndegwa) was amazing, she gave you goosebumps, I am not surprised she is a Soul and Gospel singer and has recorded for Gregory Porter, Rita Ora and more.

In the end Tracy gets her man and what she wants, the final act was all the actors on the stage, and it was so colourful with talented singers and dancers. The stage was full and all gave a sensational performance for us all to enjoy. Despite being a Monday the theatre was heaving and such a buzz, all different age groups just wanting the fun of the show with great songs, even if you haven’t seen the film or show before there will be at least one song you will know.

The show does have a story line that includes integration, and that we should accept all and respect.

I am not surprised they got a standing ovation. Another great show at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre not to be missed.

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS

By Ursula Rani Sarma
Based on the book by Khaled Hosseini
Directed by Roxana Silbert

A Birmingham Rep, Nottingham Playhouse &
Leeds Playhouse co-production.

Friday 11 April – Saturday 3 May 2025

Casting is announced today for Birmingham Rep’s new production of A Thousand Splendid Suns, Ursula Rani Sarma’s play based on Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling spiritual sequel to The Kite Runner.   It opens at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Friday 11 April and runs until Saturday 3 May 2025. 

Roxana Silbert, who directed the critically acclaimed European Premiere of the play at The Rep in May 2019, and returns to helm this new production said:

“I’m really delighted to be returning to the brilliant Birmingham Rep stage, which I love, and I’m honoured to be revisiting this beautiful adaptation of A Thousand Splendid Suns,one of the final plays I directed at The Rep before I ended my tenure as Artistic Director in 2019. This is a new production in response to the evolving challenges women face in Afghanistan – and sadly even more urgent and necessary today than it was 6 years ago”.

The cast for this new production is:  David Ahmad (Babi, Mullah Faizullah Zaman and Militiaman), Rina Fatania (Mariam), Kerena Jagpal (Laila), Jonas Khan (Rasheed), Jonny Khan (Tariq, Wakil and Driver), Noah Manzoor (Zalmai and Wakil’s Wife), Peyvand Sadeghian (Nana, Fariba and Doctor), Tahir Shah (Jalis, Abdul Sharif, Interrogator and Militia Man) and Humera Syed (Young Mariam, Asia and Nurse).

Joining Roxana on the creative team are:  Set and Costume Designer Simon Kenny, Lighting Designer Matt Haskins, Sound Designer Clive Meldrum, Composer Elaha Soroor, Movement Director Kuldip Singh Barmi, Fight Director Rachid Sabitri, Fight Director Jessica Hrabowsky, Casting Director Helena Palmer and the Assistant Director is Massi Safa.

Khaled Hosseini’s international best-selling novel is the powerful story of three generations of women discovering strength in unity and finding hope in the unlikeliest of places. Set in 1992 in an Afghanistan ravaged by war, an orphaned Laila is left alone in an increasingly threatening world.  Her older neighbour Rasheed is quick to open his home and takes Laila as his second wife.

Rasheed’s first wife Mariam has no choice but to accept her younger, and now pregnant, rival. As the Taliban take over, life for all of them becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, and the two women find themselves unlikely allies.  In A Thousand Splendid Suns, love grows and sustains the human spirit even during the hardest of times.

Playwright Ursula Rani Sarma said:

 “This play is about the immense strength and endurance of women and how they can survive tremendous suffering to keep those they love alive. It is also about how even in the darkest of times and places, love can grow and sustain the human spirit beyond all pain and hard-ship. It’s about friendship and loyalty, courage and selflessness, grief and violence. What the play has to say about love, endurance, and survival is very much worth listening to for a contemporary audience. There is beauty and strength at the heart of A Thousand Splendid Suns, and I feel so proud to be part of its evolution from novel to stage.’ 
 

Ursula Rani Sarma is an award-winning scriptwriter for stage and screen of Irish Indian descent. Her credits include feature film In The Shadows (Sleeper/ Affine Films / True Brit), Bodkin (Netflix/Higher Ground/Wiip), Smother (Treasure/BBC Studios/ RTE), Delicious (Sky One/Bandit), and Red Rock (Element/TV3)amongst others.

Ursula is currently Writing and Exec Producing The Split Up a series for television with Sister Pictures for the BBC as well as developing projects forBad Wolf/ Sky, George Clooney’s Smokehouse andGillian Anderson’s Fiddlehead / Netflix amongst others.

Ursula has written numerous award-winning plays which have been produced around the world. They include Yerma (West Yorkshire Playhouse), The Dark Things (Traverse Theatre), Birdsong (The Abbey Theatre), Joanne (Clean Break) and The Magic Tree (Everyman Theatre) amongst many others. Her work is published by Oberon, Faber and Faber, Nick Hern and Penguin Random House. She is currently writing plays for The National Theatre, The Abbey Theatre and EON Productions.

Ursula was the Programme Leader of the MA in Scriptwriting at Bath Spa University for ten years until 2019. Ursula lives in the West of Ireland.

Khaled Hosseini is one of the most widely read and beloved novelists in the world, with over 38 million copies of his books sold in more than seventy countries. The Kite Runner was a major film and was a Book of the Decade, chosen by The Times, Daily Telegraph and Guardian. A Thousand Splendid Suns was the Richard & Judy Best Read of the Year in 2008. Hosseini is currently a Goodwill Envoy to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN Refugee Agency and the founder of The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which provides humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. He was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and lives in northern California.

ADAM STRONG HEADS THE ROCKY HORROR CAST AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Dust off your fishnets, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock’n’roll musical The Rocky Horror Show will see north east born Adam Strong leading the cast when the show comes to Darlington Hippodrome at the end of March.

UK theatre-goers have been thrilled by the current UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show which recently announced an extension beyond May 2025. North east born actor Adam Strong will be making his Rocky Horror Show debut as Frank N Furter when the tour comes to Darlington Hippodrome. Adam, 35, from East Herrington, appeared in his first production at the age of eight, appearing in South Pacific. He’s gone on to have a hugely successful career, performing in hit shows such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, We Will Rock You and Rock of Ages.

Motherland star Jackie Clune is set to bring her star power to the show, stepping into the spotlight as The Narrator. Brad will be played by Connor Carson, Janet by Lauren Chia, Riff Raff by Job Greuter and Magenta / Usherette by Natasha Hoeberigs. Columbia will be played by Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli, Rocky by Morgan Jackson and Eddie / Dr Scott by Edward Bullingham.

The Rocky Horror Show defies space and time as it continues to captivate audiences around the world featuring all the outrageous characters and infectious energy that has made the show a global phenomenon for over five decades. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the smash hit show features all the famous musical numbers which have made the Rocky Horror Show such a huge hit for 50 years and counting, including “Sweet Transvestite”, “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and, of course, the timeless floor-filler, “Time Warp”.

The show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their favourite college professor. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits. The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation – meaning, of course, getting dressed-up in the most outrageous fancy dress.

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, the Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!

The Rocky Horror Show runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Monday 31 March to Saturday 5 April. For full details or to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405

King’s Head Theatre – until 23 March 2025

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Seattle’s most luxurious ladies’ loo is the setting for Liesl Wilke and Andy March’s fantastic new musical. Ever-present cleaner Maggie (Lauren Ward) observes the regular visitors as she chats with her daughter Robin (Rebecca-Jo Roberts) and, despite Robin’s protestations, can’t help but get involved and try to help them.

Mother daughter relationships and conflicts are explored through extreme examples. Uptight alcoholic Cynthia (Josie Benson) is afraid that she is following her mother’s parenting blueprint as she struggles to cope with the unpredictability of her neurodiverse daughter Emma (Grace Venus), computer programmer Krystal (Regina Co) anxiously hides her true self from her overbearing mother (Cezarah Bonner) for fear of disappointing her, and teenager Serena is dealing with an unhealthy relationship and pregnancy scare alone. Maggie butts in and tries to heal the relationships, even as she hides from her own trauma. The bare bones of Maggie’s situation are obvious early on, but the story of her grief and her stalled life is revealed through each encounter.

There is a lot to unpack alongside 15 songs in just 90 minutes, meaning that sometimes the book can be a little abrupt moving on to the next character, but if the show were expanded these issues could be easily solved with conversations and characters being more fleshed out. Even so, there are wonderful moments of connection and humour amongst the dramas and there are some astute observations – Serena’s spoken word performances capture the intensity and pretentiousness of a teenager’s burgeoning creativity. We see the characters’ first steps towards understanding and reconciliations rather than any solid solutions, but this would still be satisfying in a longer version as those first steps are the hardest to take.

Musical director Livi Van Warmelo and musicians Saran Davies, Isis Dunthorne and Amy Shaw perform Wilke and March’s songs brilliantly. These range from catchy poppy numbers “1-800 Help Me” with the entire cast dancing onstage – to intimate soaring heartbreakers like “Fly“. “Different Not Broken” sung by Josie Benson is an emotional highlight of the show, along with Regina Co’s powerhouse performance of “Fall From Grace“. Emily Bestow’s gorgeous set is perfect, with Vikki Stone’s slick direction allowing the performances to shine. And what a cast! Lauren Ward is phenomenal as Maggie, and there is not a weak link in the cast. The vocals are glorious.

Stalled is an emotional and arresting musical tackling hard subjects with a deft and tender touch – take tissues!

THE NATIONAL THEATRE’S SMASH-HIT PRODUCTION

DEAR ENGLAND TO EMBARK ON A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED

TOUR FROM SEPTEMBER 2025

 VISITING 16 VENUES ACROSS ENGLAND, JAMES GRAHAM’S OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING ‘BEST NEW PLAY’ WILL TOUR UNTIL MARCH 2026

The National Theatre today announces a highly anticipated tour of its smash-hit production, Dear England.Written by the multi-award-winning stage and screen writer, James Graham (Sherwood, BBC One; Quiz, ITV) anddirected by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold (Patriots, King Charles III),Dear England tells the uplifting, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager in this gripping examination of nation and game.  The Olivier Award-winning ‘Best New Play’ will tour to 16 venues across England from 15 September 2025 until 14 March 2026 in a co-production with Josh Andrews and Stuart Galbraith for JAS Theatricals. 

Opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth (15 – 20 September), Dear England will then tour to Nottingham Theatre Royal (23 – 27 September), The Marlowe, Canterbury (7 – 18 October), Sheffield Lyceum (21 – 25 October), Leeds Grand Theatre (4 – 8 November), Theatre Royal Newcastle (11 – 15 November), Chichester Festival Theatre (20 – 29 November) and in 2026, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (13 – 17 January), Milton Keynes Theatre (20 – 24 January), New Theatre, Oxford (27 – 31 January), Norwich Theatre Royal (3 – 7 February), New Victoria Theatre, Woking (10 – 14 February), The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (17 – 21 February),  New Wimbledon Theatre (24 – 28 February),  Liverpool Empire (3 – 7 March) and Birmingham Hippodrome (10 – 14 March).  For more information and to sign up for priority booking visit dearenglandonstage.com.

Playwright James Graham said:

“I am beyond delighted and grateful that Dear England is heading out on a nation-wide tour across England.  To put the national game on the stage of the National Theatre and then into the West End back in 2023 was an utter dream.  Now, to head out on a nationwide tour feels like winning the treble.  As someone from a community that had limited access to culture growing up, I’m especially aware of how vital it is to share work of such a scale beyond the capital.  And as a lifelong theatre and England fan, the chance to tell a story about the beautiful game and through the prism of Gareth Southgate’s transformative term has been a privilege.  I think he has been a remarkable leader, and it fills me with great excitement and joy that we get to share Rupert’s euphoric and entertaining production, with all its incredible movement and music, once more with audiences around the country.”

Kate Varah, Executive Director & Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, said:

“Dear England by James Graham is our award winning, brilliant play that takes the much-loved topic of football and opens up a lens on so much more: English identity, masculinity and what it means to be a leader.  We had a tremendous reaction to Dear England when it was with us on the South Bank, and in the West End.  Director Rupert Goold has crafted such a wonderful production that will leave you wanting to sing and smile in the stalls and gasp at the penalty shoot-outs.  We are delighted to be working with JAS Theatricals and our partner venues across England to deliver this important nationwide tour so that more people will have access to this incredible show.  Whether you are a football fan or not, Dear England will bring you joy and hope for all we can achieve in this country.”

It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men’s team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.

Goold is joined by set designer, Es Devlin; costume designer, Evie Gurney; lighting designer, Jon Clark; co-movement directors, Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf; video designer, Ash J Woodward; co-sound designers, Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons with additional music by Max Perryment.

Dear England was originally commissioned by the National Theatre and developed with the theatre’s New Work department.  Its world premiere was on 20 June 2023 in the Olivier theatre.  Following a sold-out run,Dear England transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre, in London’s West End, from 9 October 2023 to 13 January 2024, where it broke box office records.  Dear England was subsequently released to cinemas through National Theatre Live on 24 January 2024 and has been screened almost 2,500 times across the UK.  In February 2024, the BBC announced it had commissioned a four-part drama of Dear England based on the stage production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.  Dear England won ‘Best New Play’ at the 2024 Olivier Awards.

Dear England will be staged at the National Theatre from 10 March to 24 May 2025, followed by a 4-week run at the Lowry in Salford from 29 May to 29 June 2025. The play has been updated following the 2024 UEFA EURO tournament to reflect Gareth Southgate’s final chapter as England manager, and Gwilym Lee (SAS Rogue Heroes, Bohemian Rhapsody) will play the iconic role of Southgate.  Casting for thetour to be announced.

The 2025/2026 national tour of Dear England is a co-production between National Theatre Productions and JAS Theatricals.  Assisted performances are available throughout the run at each venue.  Check individual venue websites for information and booking details. 

LISTINGS 

Dates: Performances from 15 September 2025 – 14 March 2026 (full tour schedule below)  

Assisted Performances: Check individual venue websites for information and booking details

Age Recommendation: 10+ 

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TOUR SCHEDULE FOR 2025-2026
 

Theatre Royal Plymouth   15 – 20 September
theatreroyal.com
On sale from 3 March

Nottingham Theatre Royal   23 – 27 September
trch.co.uk
On sale from 3 March

Marlowe Theatre Canterbury  7 – 18 October
marlowetheatre.com/
On sale from 7 April

Sheffield Lyceum     21 – 25 October
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/lyceum
On sale from 8 March

Leeds Grand Theatre    4 – 8 November
leedsheritagetheatres.com
On sale soon

Newcastle Theatre Royal   11 – 15 November
theatreroyal.co.uk
On sale from 4 April

Chichester Festival Theatre   20 – 29 November
cft.org.uk
On sale from 7 July

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton   13 – 17 January 2026
mayflower.org.uk
On sale from 25 February

Milton Keynes Theatre   20 – 24 January
atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre
On sale soon

New Theatre Oxford     27 – 31 January
atgtickets.com/new-theatre-oxford
On sale soon

Norwich Theatre Royal   3 – 7 February
norwichtheatre.org
On sale soon

New Victoria Theatre, Woking   10 – 14 February
atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
On sale soon

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford  17 – 21 February
bradford-theatres.co.uk/alhambra-theatre
On sale from 10 March

New Wimbledon Theatre   24 – 28 February
atgtickets.com/new-wimbledon-theatre
On sale soon

Liverpool Empire     3 – 7 March
atgtickets.com/liverpool-empire
On sale soon

Birmingham Hippodrome   10 – 14 March
birminghamhippodrome.com
On sale from 7 April

ONNEN PRODUCTIONS PRESENT
‘12’
AN ORIGINAL SHOW DEPICTING LIFE WITH OCD AT
NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

Onnen Productions, a theatre company that portrays queer and Welsh stories are debuting in London with ‘12’ an original drama about OCD showing at the New Wimbledon Theatre from 4 to 8 March 2025 with the press night on 5 March 2025.

A one woman show written by Martha Ifan, an emerging writer from Carmarthen in west Wales and directed by Natalya Micic, ‘12’ depicts life with OCD.

‘12’ is a development of the original script ‘Dan Orfod’ that was submitted for the Drama Medal competition at the Urdd Eisteddfod in 2021.

The audience follow Mel, played by Catrin Mai Edwards, as she navigates a relationship breakdown and dropping out of university. ‘12’ dismantles the stereotypes that are often associated with OCD to help audiences see how some people with the condition live.

The drama also gives a voice to people living with the condition in Wales and the specific cultural dynamics which affect the way the disorder is talked about and dealt with.

Writer Martha Ifan said: “This piece originated as a 5 minute monologue and to have the opportunity to develop this into a full-length play is a great opportunity to shine the light on OCD and how it affects people. I can’t wait to see how it resonates with audiences, those with OCD and those that don’t.”

Director Natalya Micic added: “Coming on board to Direct this production has been an educational experience, it has opened my eyes to the real experiences of someone living with OCD. It has given me dedicated time to research the condition, in depth, to help create a world in which OCD is truly represented but in an approachable lighthearted portrayal.”

The production is supported by the Wales in London Philanthropic Fund and Community Foundation Wales.

Onnen Productions presents…

12

An original play written by Martha Ifan

Directed by Natalya Micic

Written by Martha Ifan; Directed by Natalya Micic; Produced by Onnen Productions; Lighting design by Efa Jane; Set and Costume design by Oli Fuller.

1, 2, 3… Why is Marian so annoying? 4, 5, 6… Why is Lea doing so well? 7, 8, 9… Why does everyone need coffee all the time? 10, 11, 12…

Follow Mel as she tries to survive her 20s, with OCD making sure she does everything 12 times—because, you know, the world might implode otherwise. Her intrusive thoughts? Oh, just the usual: catching mouth cancer, her mum’s death, and the end of the world… all while serving coffee to an overly curious customer.

Funded by the Wales in London Philanthropic Fund, and Community Foundation Wales.

Catrin Mai Edwards is Mel. Catrin is a bilingual actor and musician from Flintshire, North Wales. She trained at the Royal Academy of Music and The University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Theatre Credits include A Christmas Carol (Sherman Theatre); Mae Gen Ti Ddreigiau (Taking Flight, Touring); Jemima (Arad Goch, Touring); The True Adventures of Marian and Robin Hood (The Barn Theatre); Nyctophilia (Haywire Theatre, Buxton and Edinburgh Fringe); 10 Minute Musicals (Leeway Productions) and Curtain Up (Theatr Clwyd).

Martha Ifan is the writer. From Carmarthen, West Wales, she’s particularly interested in mental health and strives to portray it honestly and truthfully. Theatre credits include Chwilio’r Chwedl (Urdd Gobaith Cymru & Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, 2023); Cynllun Artistiaid Newydd (Frân Wen, 2022); Dan Orfod (Urdd Gobaith Cymru & Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru & S4C, 2021).

Natalya Micic directs. Natalya trained at London School of Dramatic and a recent graduate of Mountview with an MA in Theatre Directing. Her directing Theatre credits include: Seven (Mountview); Savage Heart (Pleasance, London and UK tour); A Final Act of Friendship (White Bear Theatre); The Loudest Mind (Tramshed); Alternative Therapy (Theatro Technis); Seen and Not Heard (Lion and Unicorn); Checkovian (Theatro Technis).

Efa Jane is lighting designer. Originally from Aberystwyth but now living in London, Efa is a freelance lighting programmer. She trained at Mountview Academy of Dramatic Arts. This is her debut as a lighting designer but programmes for Royal College of Music, Arcola Theatre, Riverside Studios, Southwark Playhouse and Arcola Theatre.

Oli Fuller is the Set and Costume Designer. a Queer Theatre Designer set out to create joyful art. Their design credits include: In The Basement (The Glory, 2023); 10/10 Would Trans Again or Having Fun with Gender (The Golden Goose Theatre, 2023); All The Fraudulent Horse Girls (The Glory and Edinburgh Fringe 2024); eNBy City (Theatre Deli, 2022/2023); Remote (The Southwark Playhouse, 2022).