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Further casting announced for UK Premiere of IF/THEN by Tony Award-winning writers Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, starring David Hunter and Kerry Ellis Savoy Theatre,Savoy Court, Strand, London WC2R 0ET Monday 10th February 2025, 7:30pm

Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning team Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal) has announced further casting for IF/THEN to play alongside Kerry Ellis.

The critically acclaimed David Hunter will be one of the leading men as Lucas, following his celebrated performances in multi-award-winning West End productions such as Waitress, Kinky Boots, and The Time Traveller’s Wife.

He will play opposite Kerry Ellis as Lucas, renowned for her performances in Wicked, Anything Goes, We Will Rock You, and Les Misérables, as well as her highly successful recording career. Kerry Ellis will portray Elizabeth, a woman torn between two possible journeys, guiding the audience into a world of hope, regret and self-discovery.

Star casting for Josh will be revealed in January.

David Hunter comments, I remember how excited I was when I first heard the cast recording of IF/THEN. It represents so much of what I love about Musical Theatre with its sincere, heartfelt and beautifully crafted music and lyrics. I can’t wait to get my teeth into it, especially alongside this phenomenal cast!

Joining Hunter and Ellis is a remarkable cast, including Preeya Kalidas (Bombay Dreams, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, West End) as Kate, Tim Howar (Rock of Ages, West End; On The Town, English National Opera–ENO) as Stephen and Jenny Fitzpatrick (Oliver, Leeds Playhouse; Christmas Carol, Old Vic Theatre) as Anne. Carl Man (Wicked, UK and Ireland Tour; Death Note, West End) as David and Joni Ayton-Kent (Priscilla The Party, Here at Outernet; Dead Hot, Amazon) as Elena.

With further names to be announced the ensemble line up currently features Christian Maynard (Miss Saigon, Sheffield Theatres; & Juliet, West End) and Kayleigh Thadani (Crazy for You, Chichester Festival Theatre/West End; Cats, UK Tour). As well as Lauren Hall (Mamma Mia!, West End; Sister Act, West End) and Sario Solomon (Grease, UK and Ireland Tour; Pacific Overtures, Menier Chocolate Factory).

Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s poignant and thought-provoking score explores the complexities of chance, choice and consequence

This is the first time UK audiences will have the chance to experience the celebrated musical-presented in a staged concert format, the production will be directed by acclaimed award-winning West End director Bill Buckhurst (101 Dalmatians The Musical; Sister Act; The TimeTraveller’s Wife). The musical staging is by Olivier Award nominee Alistair David (Kiss Me, Kate,Show Boat), with music direction by acclaimed Michael England (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables).

IF/THEN follows Elizabeth, a 38-year-old city planner returning to New York after twelve years, ready to rebuild her life in the wake of a recent divorce. Standing at a pivotal crossroads, Elizabeth faces a choice that will send her down two parallel paths, each leading to a radically different future. On her first day back, she reconnects with Lucas, an old friend, and meets Kate,her vibrant new neighbour. Lucas invites her to join him in the world of activism, while Kate offers a lighter diversion—coffee, music, and the temptation of a charismatic guitarist nearby. As the story unfolds, audiences follow Elizabeth’s journey along these parallel lives, exploring how every decision, no matter how small, shapes the course of destiny

IF/THEN comes to London after opening on Broadway in 2014 and is produced by Adam Blanshay Productions and Daniel Hinchliffe in association with The Savoy Theatre. Audiences can still watch the phenomenal and exclusive music video Always Starting Over from IF/THEN, performed by Kerry Ellis, here, with special thanks to The Theatre Channel.

Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton – until 31 December 2024

Review by Amanda Allen

5*****

What a jolly Christmas romp for all the family this is! Based on the ever popular children’s book by Janet and Alan Ahlberg this enactment of a Christmas eve tale is the perfect introduction to the theatre for small children. The tale is very honest to the original book story, referencing many of the classic children’s tales, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs. It takes us through a Christmas eve delivery round of a very special postman delivering his last few letters before a well earned rest on Christmas day.

The small cast of only 6 were individually and collectively brilliant. Bringing together their skills as musicians and actors to tell a wonderful story in such a way as both 5 year olds and 55 year olds could enjoy it. Samuel Morgan-Grahame who played the Jolly Postman was on stage for 99% of the time, riding his bike, (both a normal one and a static one), singing dancing and telling us the tale. He had a wonderful way of connecting with the audience. The ensemble all played there many parts brilliantly, one of my favourites was the slightly manic Goldilocks played by Jess Lobo who, whilst narrating her letter to Baby Bear got faster and faster as well as louder and louder until she just had to stop and sign off!

I particularly loved the clever writing that had adult jokes that would have gone straight over children’s heads. The reference to Humpty Dumpty in the hospital, claiming to be “just another egg on the wall” was particularly clever. Having the Jolly Postman try to reattach poor Humpty’s limbs in all the wrong places was also really funny for children and adults alike. The limbs being passed round the audience before they could be reattached was a great way of keeping young children involved in the story. The dance number following this scene was fabulous! The whole audience joined in clapping along. In fact one of the best things about this show was the subtle inclusion of the audience throughout the show. Not as obviously as in a pantomime but there all along. I loved the fact that in this ever more digital world the joy of a hand written letter is made so obvious to all, there is something truly special about receiving a piece of paper through the post, the fact that someone has taken the trouble to spend time actually writing to you is always a joy and is something that the younger generation will miss out on if we don’t continue to encourage it.

Mention must be made of the set and costume design team, Abby Clarke has done a great job of designing a set that is colourful, fun and easy to work with for the actors yet tells the story. The letters each opening into the home of the recipient was inspired and the tiny toy town scene with the Gingerbread Man was just brilliant! We will all remember the crumbs from the Jolly Postman’s Jammy Dodger biscuit falling on the Gingerbread Man and almost knocking him out! The use of scale to this effect was truly great.

The show ended, as Christmas must for young children, with Santa in his workshop, rescuing the Jolly Postman and returning him to his own comfortable home just in time for Christmas. We even ended up with snow to the delight of old and young alike. I have to say its one of the best family shows I’ve seen in a long time. An altogether wonderful family treat for Christmas, I urge you to book your tickets and go along , I know you won’t be disappointed.

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – until 5th January 2025

Reviewed by Susan Portman

5*****

It’s panto time and Christmas only ever begins at the Waterside theatre in Aylesbury. I attended with my husband and two friends one of which was a seven-year-old girl who would be better qualified than any adult to describe the events of the evening but let me have a try!

The official press release says this: Starring Bradley Riches, best known for playing James McEwan in Netflix’s Heartstopper, as well as appearing alongside Sharon Osbourne, David Potts and Louis Walsh on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother 2024, Bradley is flying into the Waterside in good company with panto favourite Andy Collins playing Smee and soap star Mark Moraghan (Coronation Street, Holby City, Brookside) playing the villainous Captain Hook!

Join Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell, Emily Darling and Ethyl the Mermaid on a brand-new adventure full of audience interaction, incredible flying effects, giggles galore and … of course, crocodiles! After defeating the evil Captain Hook and his pirate crew, life has been pretty uneventful for Peter Pan. But when a stranger arrives in Neverland, he is forced to question his past and face his future. Will Peter ever grow up? Are the rumours true that Hook is back?!

The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook promises an action-packed adventure not to be missed.

So did it go for me on the night?

What do we want from a panto? Plenty of colour, innuendo, gags and laughs. We demand a flamboyant dame, improbable costumes, a baddie who should be booed each time they appear on stage and some great music and stage props to boot. Did I forget the cast and crew?

Peter Pan has it all except, curiously there is no dame. This would usually be unthinkable, but bear with me. There was no requirement for a dame in this production. The story unfolded naturally and the characters were spot on. It wasn’t the ‘dame’ sort of panto but with Andy Collins involved, the audience as usual had all they could want and more

The first act began with Peter Pan (Bradley Riches) Tinkerbell (on skates) played brilliantly by Leanne Garty and Mrs. Darling/Mermaid played by Emma Jay Thomas setting the scene.

Where was Peter Pan?,

Was Captain Hook alive or dead. More characters appeared? Emily appeared (played by Maeve Byrne) at this early stage we witnessed the magic of fairy dust and the ability to fly when it is carefully sprinkled!

There were three pirates, ably played by Tristan Crabtree, Shane Hampden and Jack Robbins who would change their allegiance as the story unravelled from good guys to baddies and good again. I found Hampden to be particularly engaging and I warmed to his part the most. And then there is Andy Collins, a local actor and star of every pantomime in Aylesbury. He played the part of ‘Smee’ a loveable halfwit who becomes the slave to Hook but in the end, to the delight of the audience is crowned Ship’s Captain himself.

As the drama unfolds we witness a highly professional and captivating stage set with super-creative backdrops and lighting, accompanied with great flair and precision by the band who played their hearts out tonight. The play follows the traditional route of characters ‘revealing’ who they are to the audience as we witnessed the interrelationships unfold both as characters and actors in their own right.

As the storyline goes, Peter Pan had already defeated Captain Hook once – but were rumours that he was alive and coming back actually true? They were indeed and when Hook appears he does so to the accompaniment of a thunderbolt with scary lightning which made my young companion (Francesca) jump out of her skin. There he was – the baddie. Hook was dressed in a Black and silver coat, Black wig and that evil hook prominent and menacing. The booing had begun, though the crowd were slow to give him a tough time, probably because he looked so magnificent for such a malevolent figure.

I should say that all of the costumes were top notch, amongst the best I have ever seen in panto. Not just the main cast but the supporting child dancers, (ensemble) guests and pirates.

It would be a while before Hook and Peter Pan would meet – and fight – but until then we witnessed Hook anoint himself as captain of the Jolly Roger, steal Smee’s mates as crew and go in search of Peter Pan. In between, several beautiful stage sets appear and the characters develop through word and song. All of the main characters sang and all had excellent voices. I was particularly impressed with Maeve Byrne’s fantastic repertoire and she could surely be an opera singer. For me Leanne Garrety was as good and I must comment that being able to sing, remember her lines and choreography and do all of this on skates was quite astonishing, not to mention flawless. In some ways she stole the show.

Bradley Riches starring as Peter Pan was also excellent and he portrayed his character in such as way as to point out to the audience that Pan was greatly troubled – not just the fairy child in the stories but that he was also like any child who never wants to grow up – impudent, temperamental and quite frankly capricious, but one could feel for him and his gentle heart. Riches delivered a lovely performance using subtlety and power in equal measure

Mark Moraghan was a marvellous Captain Cook. His voice carried well, with just the right amount of ‘threat’ in his tone so as not to scare the kids completely but also let the adults decide if they liked his villainous outlook or not. As I said, I thought the audience gave him an easy time tonight for some reason, and even he picked up on this. Anyway, he gave a winning and impeccable performance and J.M Barrie would have been proud of him.

The characters continued to develop their roles and develop a bond with the audience. Emma Jay Thomas, as the mermaid seemed to be the glue that held several scenes nicely together, and testament to how good she was can be told through the eyes of my erstwhile young friend who asked if she really was a mermaid. Her young dancing companions in one scene looked magnificent dressed as different species of fish and she really did give a fine performance.

We were treated to a very clever and enjoyable gymnastic display which though not on an Olympic level was as good as anything I have seen live. It took great energy and doubtless many hours of practice and the choreography with this and throughout the show were amazing.

Andy Collins is a gem and I for one would never wish to witness a panto at Aylesbury without him. His skill, energy and natural talent for acting are unequalled by any I have ever seen in pantomime. This is his arena, and we absolutely adore him. Where to start? He has so many costume changes, brilliant one-liners, moments of interaction with the crowd and the legendary and unrivalled water fights, traditional at any panto. I do not refer to a couple of little pistols here. No, what I am taking about is a man in a wet suit – hooked up and hoisted in the air above the audience – jetting over our heads armed with two big nerf guns, letting fly with all he has. It is a soak-fest and he gets as good as he gives as the kids reveal an array of their own colourful weapons, hitherto concealed underneath their coats ready for the big moment. It is hilarious, it is enthralling – it is pantomime.

We are also treated to the annual rendition of the twelve days of Christmas where items are thrown into the audience and Collins exits the stage to wade unceremoniously into the audience in order to try to retrieve the goodies. This is also hilarious, as each time he approaches, an audience member throws the (in this case) toilet rolls around so he cannot catch it. It’s a hoot and you probably won’t find this at any other panto. Thankfully it is not stifled by self-imposed health and safety regulations and everyone just goes for it.

Then there was a lovely moment towards the end when he pulled four youngsters out to help sing along with the audience and they all offered their best ‘pirates roar’ to proceedings. The smallest of these kids – George – melted our hearts and Collins was masterful at getting the best out of them all, as they were well rewarded with goodie bags.

The usual corny sounds of burping or farting and slapstick cameo scenes brought howls of laughter, especially from a few youngsters around me and this infected the adults who also couldn’t hold back.

Credit must be extended to the director and technical staff for the lighting and the set and to the musicians for their professionalism as we all sang various well-known numbers throughout the performance. The wardrobe was top notch and the Director, Chris Nelson must be congratulated on the production on what I think is the best of all Pantomimes I have yet seen.

Peter Pan truly came alive tonight and the performance provided their own unique take on how Barrie would have seen this magical figure when he wrote the story back in 1902. This story of a little boy who never grew up reminds us all that we should, nay must, retain some sense of youth and magic in our lives. Might we see Pan somewhere in the sky during the next blue moon? Who knows?

Bravo to the Riverside Theatre Aylesbury for a first-class production. It is a 5 star show for me and I implore people to watch it and give themselves the Christmas cheer and magic that they deserve. Merry Christmas.

New Wimbledon Theatre – until Sunday 5^th January 2025 

Reviewed by C Burlinge  

5***** 

Wimbledon brings you this years Panto of Jack and the Beanstalk and what a show it was! 

With a thunderous opening making the whole audience jump in their seats, their attention now grabbed, set and ready for the show! 

The Trot family’s beloved cow, Pat is under attack from Mrs Blunderbore (Alexandra Burke) who wants to capture poor Pat so that she can feed her to her Husband the Giant! Will the family be able to keep Pat and their animals safe or will Mrs Blunderbore get her wicked way, taking poor Pat prisoner and feeding her to her Husband?! 

Alexander Burke plays the evil character, Mrs Blunderbore, with ease, with her infectious laugh and outstanding outfits of darkness and feathers that just oozed evil. She clearly enjoyed taking on as many boos as the audience was willing to give; you could see from her face that she was truly in character and enjoying her time on stage.  

When it came to her singing, what can I say….  Her voice was absolutely outstanding, magnificent, the cheers and audience participation she got whilst singing her well known hit, Bad Boys was amazing and she received much applause and whooping. 

Joe Pasquale who plays Jack’s younger brother, Simple Simon, arrives on stage on a motorised toilet, and followed with many classic panto gags, that had both adults and children doubled over with laughter. He had a great connection on stage with his fellow performers, especially his mother Dame Trot (Ceri Dupree), who held her own around Pasquale and I found it exceptionally funny when they both went off script but managed to hold the performance all together with much amusement. Joe gave a spectacular performance that was brilliant from start to finish. 

Ceri Dupree caught your eye through the whole show with her outrageous, large and bright colourful Panto Dame costumes. His performance of a well-known Cher song, used to distract the giant, was definitely one that will be remembered! To be fair I wish I could pull off that outfit with great legs like that! 

Jack (Benjamin Yates) and Princess Jill (Natalie Chua) also gave a magical performance with fantastic vocals and much humour on stage. 

Leaving Spirit of the Beans (Ria Jones) who is there to lend a magical hand, with her wand of spells, to help to defeat Mrs Blunderbore and the Giant. 

Overall, the production was amazing; the creative team have done extremely well with costumes, set design and, without giving too much away, there were some spectacular special effects. The choreography was also very catching, making this show a great watch for all. 

There also has to be a mention of one of the best renditions of the Twelve Days of Christmas that I have ever seen! With flying balls and uncontrollable laughter from both audience and cast. 

This was one of the best pantomimes I have seen, with great old school humour that offered so much for both adult and child. If you want a kick start to getting into the Christmas spirit then definitely get yourself down to New Wimbledon Theatre to see this show!  

STORYHOUSE, CHESTER – UNTIL SUNDAY 29TH DECEMBER 2024

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

4****

With only 15 days left until Christmas, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the joys of mince pies, mulled wine, and cosy evenings on the sofa. This festive season also ushers in the excitement of pantomimes, making it an excellent opportunity to embrace the chill of December with a visit to one. We’re off to a fantastic start thanks to Storyhouse in Chester.

If you’re searching for a pantomime that captures the essence of festive traditions with great music and an easily comprehensible story line, then “Sleeping Beauty” at the Storyhouse is the perfect choice for you this season. What I appreciate most about the Storyhouse productions is their accessibility for younger audiences and those new to pantomime. This year’s production of “Sleeping Beauty” boasts a vibrant array of slapstick comedy, dazzling costumes, and dynamic choreography, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

As the show began, two fairies appeared on stage. Fauna, portrayed by Tovah Zafrin, and Flora, played by Caitlin Drake, introduced the audience to the upcoming events. Their gestures and costumes, featuring green and pink, subtly referenced the new Wicked movie, creating a playful connection with familiar themes for the audience. A third fairy, Merryweather, played by Pavanveer Sagoo swooped down from above the stage on a flying harness—what a magical moment! Safrin, Drake, and Sagoo were truly fantastic together! Their chemistry on stage was infectious, and they really brought the characters to life.

One of the most hilarious and heartwarming performances was by the two squirrels! Spike, played by Alexander McGonagle, and Susie, played by Hannah Blakeley, totally stole the show. Their lively performance and choreography to “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” truly brought the house down!

Polly Lister brilliantly brought Maleficent to life, and her performance was simply spooktacular! She truly captured the essence of this iconic villain with her captivating stage presence and stunning costume. Her deep voice and those striking, spider-like fingertips made her portrayal unforgettable.

The standout performances of the night, in my opinion, were by Tom Richardson as Duck, Maleficent’s minion, and Will Kirk as the Prince. The audience’s laughter around me seemed to echo this sentiment! Richardson captivated with his fabulous fluttering eyelashes, while Kirk, donning a pink costume complemented by Cressida Cowper’s Bridgerton-inspired sleeves, truly stole the show. Both Richardson’s rendition of “Kiss” and Kirk’s performance of “I Want to Break Free” received the loudest cheers from the crowd!

Grace Venus was a brilliant vocalist as Aurora, and Scott Gutteridge’s performance as Edward really wowed the audience, with his shirt off! Their performance of “Stay” was absolutely beautiful.

A mention must go to designer Laura Ann Price for her amazing set design, especially for the doors (of Durin) leading to Maleficent’s lair!

Just when I thought last night’s show couldn’t get any better, 20 talented dancers wowed the audience with amazing dance routines from the fabulous House of Dance! Such talent!

If the quality of a pantomime is to be rated on how many laugh-out-loud moments are contained in its narrative, then Storyhouse is up there with the best.

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 5th January 2025

Reviewed by Alison Beaumont

5*****

Get yourself ready for an evening of fun and laughter for this year’s panto, Snow White.

You are greeted with a warm welcome and Christmas warm up by the enthusiastic and talented musical director James Harrison. You will not find anyone with as much passion for panto’s as this man. Make sure you don’t leave it to the last minute to take your seats as the musical warm up really gets you into the panto mood.

With a brilliant cast line up this was sure to be a good show.

Sheffield’s very own panto legend Damian Williams plays Nurse Nellie, and as in previous years does an amazing performance, wearing many different funny and bright costumes, my favourite one being the “Oldie Bag for Life”. How he manages to do so many quick changes is beyond me. Alongside Damian giving an equally funny performance is George Akid playing Muddles. The two together make a great double act.

As with all panto’s the cast feed from audience participation which adds to the ad-libbing fun.

Ex Coronation Street star Catherine Tydesley plays the Wicked Queen with grace and embraces the role with great class.

Aoife Kenny plays Snow White and does an outstanding job. Her vocals are beyond amazing and included in the show is the reference to her being in the West End Frozen musical. Matthew Croke plays alongside Aoife as Prince Charming and the two together show a great connection. Vocals by Matthew were equally as impressive.

If you are a fan of Gladiators you will love seeing this Panto as the one and only Viper (Quang Luong) stars as the Henchman.

Marc Pickering returns to Sheffield panto as Herma after playing a role 2 years ago in Jack and the Beanstalk and as in his previous performance adds fun and humour.

The seven dwarfs were played by Dean Whatton, George Coppen, Liam Roche, Simon Charnier, Paddy Holden, Binde Singh Johal and Hassan Taj, all of whom have lots of credits to their profiles. My favourite dwarf was Loopy who was so funny. I really liked the use of the song six (from the musical) changing it to seven, very clever.

The best part for me was the Elton scene, I won’t say anything else as I don’t want to spoil it for you.

All in all this is a great panto which involves the audience all the way through, it is by far one of the best Panto’s I have seen and I can not wait for next year for Aladdin.

Southwark Playhouse – until 11 January 2025

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

Creating a comic romp based on Flaubert’s seminal novel is a big ask, but John Nicholson’s adaptation has “lovingly derailed” the source material and Ha Hum Ah and Minack Theatre’s production is fantastic fun.

The fourth wall is broken almost immediately as two rat catchers arrive in town and realise that they have forgotten the vital ingredient for their secret weapon in the war against rodents – arsenic. When they buy the pharmacy’s entire stock, Emma seeks them out as she is desperate for arsenic to end her life and begins to explain why she wants to die to the ratcatcher.

This framing device is pointed out early on by the cast as a clever way to arrive at a happier ending and works well as Emma describes her life. Marrying Charles Bovary was an escape from her family home, but once she realised what life as a provisional doctor’s wife was like, how could she escape that? Nicholson has written Charles Bovary as a man dedicated to his work but has ramped up his awkwardness to comic heights with Darren Seed giving a wonderful performance reminiscent of John Finnemore’s hapless characters.

As Emma seeks comfort and passion elsewhere – her announcement that they will be having a daughter is met with an incredulous “how?” by her husband – her tastes for the finer things in life become more extravagant and she falls ever deeper into debt with the merchant Lheureux.

With a cast of just four, the number of quick changes of character and costume needed to tell this story is remarkable, and handled brilliantly by the cast, with Stephen Cavanagh displaying a catalogue of delightful comic accents as the various residents of the town. Ben Kernow is a hoot as Emma’s lovers, especially in his dramatic entrances as the rakish Rodolphe.

Georgia Nicholson is wonderful as Emma – exasperated, disappointed, seductive, girlishly romantic or calculating, depending on which man she is reacting to. It is only in her narrative sections with the rat catcher that you feel she realises the true impact of her choices as these are less slapstick and slower paced. Nicholson does get the chance to deliver a promising monologue about the autonomy of female characters in classic literature and Emma’s right to choose death. Her reactions as the men can’t help but ignore her and gleefully carry on with their agenda instead of respecting her decisions are hilarious and very relatable.

Kirstie Davis’s assured direction keeps everything on track, but there are times when easy laughs that aren’t needed have been crammed in and you begin to wonder what this amazing cast could do with a sharper script. There are some wonderful comedy set pieces, and Emma and Rodolpho’s sex scene is worth the ticket price alone – who knew magic could be so sexy?

FURTHER CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR HOPE MILL THEATRE’S NINE THE MUSICAL IN CONCERT STARRING RAMIN KARIMLOO

Announced today is Ruthie Henshall, Amber Davies, Josefina Gabrielle, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, Melissa James, Danielle Steers and Zizi Strallen

1^ST & 2^ND FEBRUARY 2025

LOWRY, SALFORD

Further star casting has been announced for Hope Mill Theatre’s new concert version of Nine the Musical, starring Broadway and West End star Ramin Karimloo, at Lowry, Salford next year.

The concert will be in celebration of Hope Mill’s 9^th Birthday – and will play for two performances only at Lowry, on Saturday 1^st & Sunday 2^nd February 2025.

Joining the previously announced Ramin Karimloo as Guido Contini, will be Ruthie Henshall (Chicago, Billy Elliot) as Liliane la Fleur. Also appearing will be Amber Davies (Pretty Woman, Back to the Future) as Stephanie, Josefina Gabrielle (Les Miserables, Oaklahoma!) as Guido’s Mother, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (HEX, Cinderella) as Luisa, Melissa James (Moulin Rouge, Gypsy) as Claudia, Danielle Steers (Just For One Day, Bat Out of Hell the Musical) as Sarraghina and Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins, Strictly Ballroom) as Carla.

Nine, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, and a book by Arthur Kopit, adapted from the Italian by Mario Fratti, will be co-directed by Hope Mill founders William Whelton and Joseph Houston.

Movie director Guido Contini finds himself struggling to find meaning, purpose, and a script for his latest movie endeavour. With only a week left before shooting begins, he desperately searches for answers and inspiration from his wife, his mistress, his muse, and his mother. As his chaotic profession steadily destroys his personal life, Guido must find a balance between creating art and succumbing to its obsessive demands.

Featuring the songs, ‘Be Italian’, ‘Unusual Way’, ‘Cinema Italiano’ and many more. 

Nine the Musical won the 1982 Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Original Score, and was released as a movie in 2009 and featured an all-star cast including Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Kate Hudson, Fergie, Sophia Loren and Judi Dench. 

Hope Mill Theatre’s co-founder Joseph Houston, co-director of NINE, said: “We are beyond thrilled to finally share our line up of leading women joining the cast of NINE in concert, and what a line up. Along with our casting director Jim Arnold, we have assembled the very best in British Musical Theatre, including many legends of the stage. The story of NINE relies on its strong female stories of perseverance, strength, heartbreak, loss and the many facets of love and we could not have dreamed of such an exceptional group of women bring this story to life. Alongside the wonder that is Ramin Karimloo as Guido, I think this will be a very special concert and one not to be missed.”

This production will be produced by Whelton and Rhianna Swyer for Hope Mill Theatre. Set Design by Justin Williams, Lighting Design by Aaron Dootson, Sound Design by Nick Lodge,

Choreography by Lucy Spencer, Costume Design by Lorraine Parry, Musical Supervision by Katy Richardson, Additional Orchestrations and Associate Musical Supervision by William Parker, Musical Direction by Joseph Clayton, Video Design by Matt Powell, Associate Video Design by Ieuan Watkins. Casting is by Jim Arnold CDG.

Key Artwork Design by FEAST Creative.

It follows Hope Mill Theatre’s concert version of Gypsy, starring Jodie Prenger, in February 2024 which recently was nominated for a What’s On Stage Award for Best Concert.

Further casting to be announced.

LISTING INFO:

Hope Mill Theatre present Nine the Musical

Lowry, Salford

Saturday 1^st February 7.30pm

Sunday 2^nd February 2.30pm

ORIGINAL MISCHIEF COMPANY

MEMBERS STAR IN

WORLD PREMIERE OF

FROM THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING COMPANY BEHIND

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG &

THE COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBERY

PERFORMANCES BEGIN AT THE NOËL COWARD THEATRE

ON MONDAY 14 APRIL 2025

www.spiescomedy.com

Full casting for Mischief’s brand new West End show The Comedy About Spies was announced today.  The production stars members of the original Mischief Company – Dave Hearn, Chris Leask, Henry Lewis, Charlie Russell, Henry Shields, Greg Tannahill and Nancy Zamit. They are joined by Adele James, who is making her Mischief debut. 

Mischief, the multi award-winning company behind The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong and The Comedy About a Bank Robbery bring an uproarious 1960’s spy escapade, bursting with bungled missions, tangled identities, and miscommunication that’s anything but covert to London’s Noël Coward Theatre from Monday 14 April 2025.

When a rogue British agent pilfers plans for a top-secret weapon, CIA and KGB spies converge on London’s Piccadilly Hotel in pursuit of the elusive file. Add to the mix a clueless young couple, a hapless actor angling for the role of James Bond, and enough double agents to confuse even the sharpest operative, and you’ve got a mission that’s hilariously out of control.

Public on sale will take place at 10am on Friday 13 December.  Over 150 tickets are available for £25 or less at every performance available to purchase at www.SpiesComedy.com

Written by original Mischief Company members Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, The Comedy About Spies will have its Gala Night on Tuesday 6 May 2025. 

The director is Matt DiCarlo, set design is David Farley, costume design is by Deborah Andrews, and the sound design and composer is Jon Fiber for JollyGoodTunes.   

A sneak-peek of the opening scene from The Comedy About Spies brought the house down at The Royal Variety Performance in the presence of His Majesty The King at the Royal Albert Hall and will be broadcast on ITV1 on Sunday 15 December.

The Comedy about Spies is presented by Kenny Wax and Stage Presence in association with Jo Danvers.

LLOYD WEBBER HARRISON MUSICALS AND THE JAMIE LLOYD COMPANY

ANNOUNCE

TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

EVITA

AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM

SUMMER 2025

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals andThe Jamie Lloyd Company today announce Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, directed by Jamie Lloyd, opening at The London Palladium. The production runs 14 June – 6 September 2025, with press night on Friday 27 June.

Full cast and creatives to be announced. Tickets to go on sale in 2025, dates to be announced. Sign up for priority booking here: www.evitathemusical.com

Michael Harrison said today, “It’s an honour to return to The London Palladium next summer, with my 14^th production at the theatre. I’m even more delighted, alongside The Jamie Lloyd Company, to be presenting Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s glorious musical, Evita, and to be collaborating again with Jamie following Sunset Blvd.”

Jamie Lloyd said, “After an unforgettable experience on Sunset Blvd., we are excited to continue our collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber, and to take another look at Tim and Andrew’s musical masterpiece Evita. It is a great privilege to do so at the incredible London Palladium alongside Michael Harrison.”

EVITA

Lyrics by Tim Rice; Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Directed by Jamie Lloyd

The London Palladium

Saturday 14 June – Saturday 6 September 2025

“The truth is I never left you”

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary Evita returns to the West End, reimagined by the visionary award-winning director Jamie Lloyd.

Featuring an iconic score including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, Oh What A Circus, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, and the Oscar-winning You Must Love Me.

Fuelled by ambition and passion, Eva Perón rose from poverty to become the most powerful woman in Latin America. A symbol of hope to many Argentines, her star shone brightly as she captured the nation’s heart and divided its soul. 

Produced by Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and The Jamie Lloyd Company by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd.

Jamie Lloyd originally directed Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre as part of their 2019 season.

Instagram:          @OfficialEvita

X:                           @EvitaMusical

Facebook:           /EvitaTheMusical

Tim Rice

Tim Rice has worked in music, theatre and films since 1965 when he met Andrew Lloyd Webber, a fellow struggling songwriter. Rather than pursue Tim’s ambitions to write rock or pop songs they turned their attention to Andrew’s obsession – musical theatre. Their first collaboration, The Likes Of Us, did not set the musicals world alight, but their next three works together did – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.

Tim has since worked with other distinguished composers such as Elton John (The Lion King, Aida), Alan Menken (Aladdin, King David, Beauty and the Beast), Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Chess), and Stuart Brayson (From Here To Eternity). He has also written with Freddie Mercury, Burt Bacharach, Graham Gouldman, Gary Barlow and Rick Wakeman among others. Many of his musicals continue to play around the world in a huge variety of productions, big and small.

In 2024 Tim toured England (22 towns/cities) to present an evening of his songs, mercifully performed by top singers and musicians rather than by him, to which he added reminiscence and comment, recalling their creation, success (or rejection) and the joy (usually) of working with great composers. The show, entitled My Life In Musicals, did so well that it is to be repeated in 2025, this time taking in Wales, Scotland and Ireland too.

Sir Tim’s interests beyond music, film and theatre include cricket and he founded his own team in 1973. Heartaches CC has now played over 750 matches and been on playing tours to the USA, Russia, France, Estonia, Hungary, Germany and South Africa. He was President of the world’s most famous cricket club, MCC, in 2002.

He has recently recorded a series of talks for BBC Maestro on Writing and Performing in Musical Theatre. He writes and presents a podcast (entitled Get Onto My Cloud) about his sixty-year career– playing hits and flops, out-takes and number ones.

He dedicates considerable time to several British educational institutions and charities, many connected with sport for disadvantaged children. He is a patron of the Bob Willis Fund (along with Bob Dylan!), an enterprise inspired by the late great English cricketer, dedicated to raise prostate cancer awareness.

He crops up here and there in all branches of the media drawing on his extensive knowledge of the history of popular music. He has won several awards, mainly for the wrong thing or for simply turning up, but since you ask: 1 Emmy, 5 Grammys, 3 Tonys and 3 Oscars, making him an EGOT. His shows have spent more weeks on Broadway than those of any other British lyricist. He was knighted by Her Late Majesty the Queen in 1994. Despite hints, he is not retiring just yet.

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed the scores of some of the world’s most famous musicals. Lloyd Webber had shows running continually in the West End for 50 years and on Broadway for 43.

When Sunset Boulevard joined School of Rock, CATS, and The Phantom of the Opera he equalled Rodgers & Hammerstein’s record of four shows running simultaneously on Broadway. He is one of the select group of artists with EGOT status, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. 

Lloyd Webber owns six London theatres including the iconic London Palladium and Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Reopened in July 2021, the latter was completely restored and renovated at a cost of over £60 million. It was one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by a private theatre owner in recent times. His mantra is that every penny of profit made from his theatres is ploughed back into the buildings. 

Lloyd Webber is passionate about the importance of musical education and diversity in the arts. The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation provides 30 performing arts scholarships every year for talented students with financial need and supports a range of projects such as the Music In Secondary School Trust and commissioning research into diversity in theatre. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed music for globally significant moments, including Olympic ceremonies and World Cup celebrations. He has been asked to compose for many royal occasions, the most recent being “Make a Joyful Noise”, an Anthem for the Coronation of King Charles III. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber was knighted in 1992, created an honorary life peer in 1997, and made a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter by King Charles III in 2024. 

Jamie Lloyd directs. His credits for The Jamie Lloyd Company include The Tempest (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Romeo & Juliet (Duke of York’s Theatre), Sunset Blvd. (St. James Theatre, New York/Savoy Theatre – winner of seven Olivier Awards including Best Director and Best Musical Revival; Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Director), The Effect (National Theatre/The Shed, New York), A Doll’s House (Hudson Theatre, New York – nominated for six 2023 Tony Awards including Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), The Seagull (Harold Pinter Theatre), Cyrano de Bergerac (Playhouse Theatre/Harold Pinter Theatre/Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York – Olivier Award for Best Revival; Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Director), Betrayal (Harold Pinter Theatre/Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre – nominated for four 2021 Tony Awards including Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play; Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Director), Pinter at the Pinter (Harold Pinter Theatre), The Maids, The Homecoming, The Ruling Class, Richard III, The Pride, The Hothouse and Macbeth (Trafalgar Studios).

LISTINGS

The London Palladium

Box Office: lwtheatres.co.uk / 020 3925 2998

Saturday 14 June – Saturday 6 September 2025

Reviews are embargoed until Monday 30 June 2025 at 00:01.