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CASTING UPDATE

DAN BURTON AND DARREN DAY

TO STAR AS ‘BILLY FLYNN’

SINITTA

TO STAR AS ‘MAMA MORTON’

IN THE

UK AND IRELAND TOUR

OF

THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING

David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce that West End leading man Dan Burton and West End and TV star Darren Day will return to share the role of Billy Flynn, alongside international recording artist and pop star Sinitta as Mama Morton, in the UK and Ireland tour of CHICAGO.

Dan Burton will play Billy Flynn in Bournemouth, Nottingham, Birmingham, Truro and Llandudno. Darren Day will play Billy Flynn in Wimbledon, Leicester, Wolverhampton, Hull, Eastbourne, Norwich, Blackpool, Woking, Sunderland, Crawley, Glasgow and Salford.

Kevin Clifton continues to perform as Billy Flynn in Canterbury and Bristol.

Sinitta will play Mama Morton in Bournemouth, Canterbury, Norwich, Woking, Crawley and Glasgow.

Brenda Edwards will continue to perform as Mama Morton in Nottingham, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, Wimbledon, Leicester and Salford.

Further casting for Mama Morton at certain venues to be announced.

Faye Brookes will return to the role of Roxie Hart for Canterbury and Bristol. For all other venues the role of Roxie Hart will be played by former Strictly Come Dancing professional and TV Presenter Janette Manrara.

Dan Burton was nominated for an Olivier Award for his performance as Tulsa in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre. His other West End credits include the role of Giles Ralston in The Mousetrap at St. Martins Theatre, Phil Davis in White Christmas at the Dominion Theatre, and on tour, Earl in The Pajama Game at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Joe Pesci in Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre, the original London cast of Betty Blue Eyes at the Novello Theatre, the original London cast of Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre, Amos Hart in Chicago at the Cambridge Theatre, the original London cast of Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych Theatre, and Guys and Dolls at the Royal Albert Hall.

Darren Day previously returned to the role of Billy Flynn in November 2024, having been part of the 2021 UK and Ireland and Dubai tour of Chicago. His many West End credits include the title role in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium, Tony Parker in Copacabana at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Danny Zuko in Grease at the Cambridge Theatre, and Michael Witney in the world première of Close-Up – The Twiggy Musical at the Menier Chocolate Factory. His UK touring theatre credits include the roles of Hugo/Loco Chanel in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Rev. Shaw Moore in Footloose, Kashoggi in We Will Rock You, Frank n Furter in The Rocky Horror Show, Tick in Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical and Don in Summer Holiday. Darren’s numerous TV credits include Danny Houston in Hollyoaks, David Wilde in Doctors and Will Morgan in Stella. He was a contestant on the very first series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! and a finalist on Celebrity Big Brother.

Kevin Clifton is best known as a professional dancer and winner of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, competing in seven series and five finals. He was most recently seen as Hugo/Loco Chanelle the UK tour of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. His other theatre credits include Scott Hastings in Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom, Cosmo Brown in Singin’ in the Rain at Sadler’s Wells and on tour, Stacee Jaxx in Rock Of Ageson tour, Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer at Troubadour Wembley Park, The Artilleryman in Jeff Wayne’s The War Of The Worlds UK arena tour, Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych Theatre and Burn the Floor on Broadway, making his Broadway debut as a principal dancer.

Sinitta is an international recording artist having released 15 hit pop records including So Macho, Toyboy and Cross My Broken Heart. No stranger to the stage, she has appeared in the West End productions of Cats, Little Shop of Horrors, Hair, Smokey Joe’s Café and as the female lead in Mutiny! She most recently appeared in the UK and Ireland tour of Now That’s What I Call A Musical. Since the mid-00s Sinitta has remained in the spotlight becoming a mentor to young emerging talent as Simon Cowell’s right-hand woman on The X Factor.

Brenda Edwards gained public acclaim as a semi-finalist on The X Factor before turning her attention to the stage, making her West End debut as Mama Morton in CHICAGO, a role she recently reprised for the 2021/2022 UK and Ireland tour. Her additional theatre credits include Motormouth Maybelle in the UK tour of Hairspray, Nettie Fowler in Carousel at the London Coliseum, Killer Queen in We Will Rock You both the West End and original UK Tour and Pearl Pastor in Carmen Jones at the Royal Festival Hall. Brenda is also a regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women as well as presenting BBC1’s Songs of Praise.

Faye Brookes is best known for her role as Kate Connor in ITV’s Coronation Street, for which she won a National Television Award. Her theatre credits include Fran in Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical, Princess Fiona in Shrek and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, all on national tour, Ann/Edna in That Day We Sang directed by Victoria Wood at Manchester’s Royal Exchange, Liesl in The Sound of Music at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Frenchy in Grease at the West End’s Piccadilly Theatre. Faye’s was runner up on ITV’s Dancing On Ice in 2021, her other TV credits include Agnes Franklin in Our Zoo and Helena in Atlantis, both for the BBC.

Janette Manrara is best known for having been on Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the finals with HRVY, as well as co-hosting BBC2’s It Takes Two and hosting the Strictly Live tour across the UK. Her previous theatre credits include the Broadway and international tour of Burn the Floor, as well as UK touring productions A Christmas To Remember, Remembering Fred, Remembering the Movies and a streamed version of Remembering the Oscars, all with her husband Aljaž Škorjanec. Janette is also an author, having released her debut book, ‘Tiny Dancer, Big World’.

They join West End leading lady Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, alongside Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart and Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine.

The cast is completed by Bethany Adamson, Victoria Anderson, Josh Crowther, Joe Dale, Jessica Keable, Robin Kent, Annabelle Laing, Jacob McLay Reid, Jonathan Milton, George Olney, Oliver Ramsdale, Elly Shaw, Lucy Anne Stacey, Matthew Sweet and Ria Tanaka.        

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.

Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, CHICAGO’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”.  Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, CHICAGO is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history.

Since it opened in New York in 1996, CHICAGO has played in 38 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch, German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese and Korean.  Worldwide it has been seen by an estimated 34 million people, grossed over $1.7 billion has played over 35,000 performances.

CHICAGO, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.  The current 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO is choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.

CHICAGO UK TOUR – 2025 TOUR LISTINGS

MONDAY 31 MARCH – SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2025

PAVILION THEATRE, BOURNEMOUTH

www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, Dan Burton as Billy Flynn and Sinitta as Mama Morton.

MONDAY 7 – SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2025

ROYAL CONCERT HALL, NOTTINGHAM

www.trch.co.uk

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, Dan Burton as Billy Flynn and Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton.

MONDAY 14 – SATURDAY 19 APRIL 2025

THE ALEXANDRA, BIRMINGHAM

www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, Dan Burton as Billy Flynn and Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton.

MONDAY 21 – SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2025

HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO

www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, Dan Burton as Billy Flynn. Casting for Mama Morton to be announced soon.

TUESDAY 29 APRIL – SATURDAY 3 MAY 2025

VENUE CYMRU, LLANDUDNO

www.venuecymru.co.uk

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart and Dan Burton as Billy Flynn. Casting for Mama Morton to be announced soon.

MONDAY 5 – SATURDAY 10 MAY 2025

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF

www.wmc.org.uk

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart and Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton. Casting for Billy Flynn to be announced soon.

MONDAY 12 – SATURDAY 17 MAY 2025

MARLOWE THEATRE, CANTERBURY

www.marlowetheatre.com

Starring Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart, Kevin Clifton as Billy Flynn and Sinitta as Mama Morton.

MONDAY 19 – SATURDAY 24 MAY 2025

BRISTOL HIPPODROME

www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome

Starring Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart, Kevin Clifton as Billy Flynn and Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton.

MONDAY 9 – SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2025

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, Darren Day as Billy Flynn and Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton.

MONDAY 16 – SATURDAY 21 JUNE 2025

CURVE, LEICESTER

www.curveonline.co.uk

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, Darren Day as Billy Flynn and Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton.

MONDAY 23 – SATURDAY 28 JUNE 2025

GRAND THEATRE, WOLVERHAMPTON

www.grandtheatre.co.uk

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart and Darren Day as Billy Flynn. Casting for Mama Morton to be announced soon.

MONDAY 30 JUNE – SATURDAY 5 JULY 2025

HULL NEW THEATRE

www.hulltheatres.co.uk

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart and Darren Day as Billy Flynn. Casting for Mama Morton to be announced soon.

MONDAY 7 – SATURDAY 12 JULY 2025

CONGRESS THEATRE, EASTBOURNE

www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart and Darren Day as Billy Flynn. Casting for Mama Morton to be announced soon.

MONDAY 14 – SATURDAY 19 JULY 2025

THEATRE ROYAL, NORWICH

www.norwichtheatre.org

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, Darren Day as Billy Flynn and Sinitta as Mama Morton.

MONDAY 21 – SATURDAY 26 JULY 2025

WINTER GARDENS, BLACKPOOL

www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart and Darren Day as Billy Flynn. Casting for Mama Morton to be announced soon.

MONDAY 28 JULY – SATURDAY 2 AUGUST 2025

NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, Darren Day as Billy Flynn and Sinitta as Mama Morton.

MONDAY 4 – SATURDAY 9 AUGUST 2025

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart and Darren Day as Billy Flynn. Casting for Mama Morton to be announced soon.

MONDAY 11 – SATURDAY 16 AUGUST 2025

HAWTH THEATRE, CRAWLEY

www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/the-hawth

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, Darren Day as Billy Flynn and Sinitta as Mama Morton.

MONDAY 18 – SATURDAY 23 AUGUST 2025

KING’S THEATRE, GLASGOW

www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, Darren Day as Billy Flynn and Sinitta as Mama Morton.

MONDAY 25 – SATURDAY 30 AUGUST

LOWRY, SALFORD

www.thelowry.com

Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, Darren Day as Billy Flynn and Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton.

Theatre Royal, Nottingham – until 29th March 2025

Reviewed by Chris Jarvis

4****

10 years since the previous theatre production of Calamity Jane and based on the 1953 film musical starring the legendary Doris Day, Carrie Hope Fletcher and the rest of the cast gave a brilliant performance tonight. Most of the actors are also musicians playing a whole variety of instruments while dancing and jigging round the stage, including a huge double bass! They accompanied themselves as we enjoyed the great songs immortalised by the original film, including The Deadwood Stage, The Black Hills of Dakota, Just Flew in from the Windy City, the beautiful Secret Love and many others written for the musical.

The fictional character Calamity Jane (Carrie Hope Fletcher) is based on Martha Jane Canary (May 1 1852 – August 1 1903) who was a buckskin-clad, sharp-shooting, foulmouthed cowgirl whose affinity for alcohol was legendary, even among men. She was also known for her compassion and kindness towards others.

The lights go down with a banjo hanging on the stage curtain and on lumbers a scruffy hillbilly dressed in denim dungarees who turned his back on the audience to take hold of the banjo while scratching his backside! The first laugh before the curtain even went up, immediately placing Rattlesnake (Richard Lock) firmly into the hearts of the audience.

The curtain rises in the Golden Garter saloon where its owner Henry Miller (Peter Peverley), affectionately known as Millie, was promoting a beautiful actress named Frances Fryer and preparing for her arrival on the Deadwood Stage that very night. Calamity Jane, dressed in her usual masculine clothing arrives full of exaggerated tales of escorting the stagecoach safely through dozens of gunslingers ready to ambush. She is mocked by Wild Bill Hickock (Vinny Coyle) who has always had a soft spot for Calamity that is hidden beneath their long-term love hate relationship, for her lack of femininity and for being ‘careless with the truth’!

Minutes later Francis – with an ‘i’ – Fryer (Samuel Holmes) rocks up – clearly a man! Millie’s desperate attempt to pass him off as a woman to his audience of local gold diggers resulted in chaos, only appeased by Calamity cooling the situation and promising an even bigger act – their heart-throb Adelaide Adams (Molly-Grace Cutler)

The simple stage set was transformed into a stagecoach, then a train transporting Calamity to the ‘Windy City’ to persuade Adelaideto return with her. Arriving after she had left for her tour of Europe, Calamity mistakenly thought that Adelaid’s maid, Katie Brown (Seren Sandham-Davies), was in fact Adelaide. Desperate for fame, Katie headed for Deadwood City!

Once the locals discover that Katie isn’t Adelaide, Calamity again takes control and persuades the audience to give her a chance. They do and we enjoyed listening to Serens’ beautiful voice and her radiance shone through. Katie wins the heart of every man in town – including Lt. Danny Gilmartin (Luke Wilson) who has unknowingly captured Calamity’s heart and Bill Hickock.

Calamity and Katie become friends, and Calamity is persuaded to shed her masculine clothes for a more feminine look. However, this doesn’t last long as Katie and Danny fall in love and jealousy takes over. While Bill tries to console Calamity they both realise their love for each other. A great show that just got better, finishing with a hoedown as the finale, with the audience up on their feet singing and dancing!

STRATFORD EAST – UNTIL 12th APRIL 2025

Reviewed by Jackie Thornton

5*****

Freshly transferred from its Cardiff debut, The Women of Llamnumney, from exciting new writing talent Azuka Orforka, sets out to shine an unflinching spotlight on the realities of slavery in 18th century Jamaica, where sugar plantations were exporting their riches to the world. Told through the perspective of women, those who benefited from it, those who were brutalised by it and those who fought to destroy it, my goodness does it deliver.

Stella-Jane Odoemelam’s evocative set locates us entirely in the dining room of Llanrumney’s slightly rundown palatial home, where plantation owner Elisabeth is served a conveyor belt of meals, including second breakfast, by her enslaved housemaids Annie and Cerys. Here we witness the stifling reality for these three women which isn’t just down to the heat.

Odoemelam’s costumes not only feel authentic but also capture the flamboyance of the ruling class with bright oranges and pinks reflecting the island’s fruit whereas the enslaved women wear achingly white aprons and hats with muted blues.

Suzanne Packer is magnificent as scheming housekeeper Annie, who’s convinced her loyalty will eventually earn her freedom, and Shvorne Marks as the more rebellious Cerys, fresh in from the fields, delivers the stoicism and resolve needed to survive such a harsh existence with a believable dignity.

They make a wonderful double act with Patricia Logue’s detailed and measured direction skilfully employing humour to ridicule the obscene lifestyles of the plantation owners. There’s confidence in allowing Nia Roberts as Elisabeth to just sit and be waited on for lengthy periods and it’s testament to Nia’s physicality and vocal range that from that seated position, she controls the scene.

The dynamic between Elisabeth and Annie is incredibly well-managed and so absorbing as statuses shift and vulnerabilities surface. And not forgetting three brilliant and distinctive performances from Matthew Gravelle playing Elisabeth’s potential suitors.

The Women of Llanrumney is a difficult and harrowing watch in places but it is certainly worth it. An eye opener to a highly uncomfortable period of history.

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen – until 29th March 2025

Reviewed by Fiona Leyman

5*****

Who doesn’t enjoy a gripping ‘Who Dunnit’ thriller? J.B.Priestley’s Multi-Award Winning An Inspector Calls is once again touring and delighting audiences across the UK. Having originally appeared on London’s West End in 1946, this timeless tale never fails to hook an audience from its opening scene.

The Birley’s are celebrating their daughter Sheila’s (Leona Allen) engagement to Gerald Croft (Tom Chapman) when a mysterious Inspector calls at their door. The death of a young lady has brought him to their household in the middle of the night and as the story unfolds, each member of the family has secret links leading to the tragic suicide of this poor girl. So, who’s most at fault?

Ian MacNeil, who designed the West End and International set for this production is back with this touring company. The Birley House is the focal point of this productions striking set. A remarkable structure that unfolds to reveal a working Birling’s dining room inside. The simplicity of the rest of the set, including a red phone box, the iconic streetlamp synonymous with this story and its cobbled street characteristic of those in the 1910s all complemented the stage and gave the home the attention it deserved. The added feature of pouring and misty rain gave this thriller the tension it required. It is common knowledge that touring companies sometimes struggle with their set design due to having to move them so frequently, but MacNeil was able to give this little theatre a taste of a large West End production.

The lighting in this performance is another noteworthy aspect. Having first worked on this production in the 1990s for the National Theatre, Award-Winning Lighting Designer Rick Fisher uses straightforward but impactful lighting to evoke mystery and drama. He adds intensity by using spotlights to draw attention to the characters shadows, giving this thriller the atmosphere it needed.

In his role of enigmatic Inspector Goole, Tim Treloar (Silent Witness, Maleficent) excels. His appearance on stage captivates you with the drama playing out in front on stage. Where necessary, his witty remarks to the Birley’s answers, injects humour into this serious drama. Trelour, in my opinion, was the ideal casting for this role.

Leona Allen (Amazon Prime’s The Devil’s Hour, The Crucible) as Sheila Birley was another outstanding performance. Having seen her previously on stage at Alexander Palace, London in Mark Gatiss’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story, she did not disappoint in this role. The light-hearted character who first appears on stage abruptly develops feelings of regret about her role in this young girl’s death. Her portrayal of this part lends credibility to the talent of this young actress.

From its debut on the West End in the 1940s to its continued popularity across the nation today, An Inspector Calls has shown itself to be a timeless production. An intense thriller where simple actions of those in a higher socioeconomic class can have devastating effects of those of a lower class. A message from real life that is still relevant in today’s culture.

Southwark Playhouse (Borough), London – until 19 April 2025

Reviewed by Phil Brown

4****

I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a theatre programme say “Spoiler Alert – we advise you to read this article after seeing the play – not before”.  It’s a very good piece by the way, but an interesting approach to introducing what is certainly an intriguing event.

However, it seems unlikely that anyone planning to see Jonathan Maitland’s extraordinary play isn’t already acquainted to some degree with Wilko (well played by Willis Johnson).  But for the record, John Wilkinson, otherwise known as Wilko Johnson, (and “don’t ever call me John ‘cos I’ll hit you”), was a guitarist/songwriter that came to prominence as a key member of Dr Feelgood  – a four piece band that stormed to the front of the burgeoning pub rock scene in the mid to late 1970s with a take no prisoners, kick-ass show.  

Although musically much more derivative of the 60s R&B era, the band is often cited as influential on the nascent punk rock scene thanks to Wilko’s unique guitar style and the frantic on stage energy .  In a remarkable eruption of creativity matching output levels of earlier times, the Feelgoods recorded 4 albums in the two year period 1975-1977 – ‘Down by the Jetty’, ‘Malpractice’, ‘Stupidity’ (Live) and ‘Sneaking Suspicion’ – all based around Wilko’s songs and selected cover material.  

The brutal truth is though, Wilko’s relatively brief spell in Dr Feelgood was the highpoint of his music career, at least until his farewell tour in 2013 with Roger Daltrey.  He removed himself from his own band over the time-honoured musical differences (actually more lyrical than musical).  As a consequence, the core music in Maitland’s play all comes from that period, and casting wise, the play is built around performers who can also play the Feelgoods music, even though it covers a much broader sweep of Wilko’s life.  Of the remaining Feelgoods, singer Lee Brilleaux is played brilliantly by Jon House who also blows a mean gob-iron, whilst bass player Sparko (Georgina Field) and drummer Big Figure (David John) form a powerful rhythm section.  (Following Wilko’s departure, the Feelgoods carried on successfully, surviving Lee Brilleaux’s death in 1994, and like Trigger’s broom, continue to this day but with none of the original parts). 

Maitland has done a thoughtful job of structuring this fascinating play to present and link the decisive episodes in Wilko’s life dramatically and smoothly.  You are hooked from the opening scene and it doesn’t let go until the very end.  It starts with Wilko getting the news he has pancreatic cancer and his decision to eschew chemotherapy in order to properly enjoy his remaining days.  The apparent certainty invigorates him, lifting a predisposition to depression.  

This leads to moments of reflection where we see teenage Wilko seeing the beauty in home (Canvey Island), meeting his future wife Irene Knight (a superbly convincing Georgina Fairbanks), locking horns with his dad (Jon House), challenging his English teacher at Westcliffe High School for Boys (also Jon House) and as a member of the Jug Band playing a charming skiffle version of “Route 66” outside the Monico on Canvey to impress Irene.  They marry as teenagers and Wilko goes off to study English Language and Literature at Newcastle University (not Cambridge – “they don’t have people who speak like me – bastards”).  It was a happy time –  Wilko quoting Wordsworth says “bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, But to be young was very heaven”.  Maitland makes good but sparing use of such poetic quotations to underline Wilko’s deep love of literature.  Apparently, he knew all of Shakespeare’s sonnets by heart. 

Regarded as an English eccentric, this sequence highlights some key facets of Wilko’s personality – his romanticism, his literary and artistic aspirations and his childlike impatience with conventional attitudes and authority.  But for all his scholarship (poetry and later astronomy), he was far from being a sophisticate and this play gives an unvarnished view of a someone who was fundamentally lacking in maturity – he could be naive, selfish, impulsive, prickly, arrogant, unfaithful and contrarian.

The remainder of Part 1 whisks us through the post Feelgood bands – Solid Senders and the Blockheads (who were too musical for him) – and as a solo artist until the life changing moment Irene dies of cancer in 2004. 

Part 2 opens with Wilko, still not over the death of Irene in 2013, having 12 months to live.  Cue more philosophical reflections on the Feelgoods – the perfect four piston engine, and life in general – “be not afraid of death, be afraid of a life unlived”.  Determined to follow this philosophy, Wilko undertakes a pilgrimage to Japan and then returns to record and tour the “Going Back Home” album with Roger Daltrey.  Meanwhile, part time rock photographer and cancer doctor Charlie Chan notices something unusual at the final Camden gig – Wilko seems far too healthy to be sprauncing around on stage with terminal pancreatic cancer.  This leads to a second opinion and an entirely successful 12 hour operation at Addenbrookes to remove the growth along with several other internal organs.  The play concludes with more Dr Feelgood regrets, neatly bringing the band back to the stage for a couple of concluding songs.

In truth, no performer could have choreographed a better ending to their career than Wilko. It has certainly confirmed his place amongst the legends of rock music.  Whilst I think the balance of music to speech was a little uneven (ie not enough), Jonathan Maitland’s play, well directed by Dugald Bruce-Lockhart is a fond and touching fan’s tribute to a singular character.  An unusual, immaculately produced real life drama with superb music.

THE MULTI OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING HIT MUSICAL

SUNNY AFTERNOON

RETURNS FOR A 2025/2026 UK TOUR

OPENING AT THE

MANCHESTER PALACE THEATRE

ON 10 OCTOBER 2025

Sonia Friedman Productions and ATG Productions are delighted to announce that the multi Olivier Award-winning hit musical SUNNY AFTERNOON will return for a 2025/2026 UK tour opening at the Manchester Palace Theatre on 10 October 2025, where it will play until 18 October 2025. Tour schedule below with further dates and casting to be announced soon. thekinksmusical.com/uktour

Ray Davies said today, “In these times of political uncertainties, it is a relief to know that SUNNY AFTERNOON is on the horizon to lift our spirits”.

Producer Sonia Friedman said today, “From the moment Ray Davies, Joe Penhall, Ed Hall, and I began developing this musical, I knew it was something extremely special, and it proved to be so as we opened to rave reviews and won many awards. Now, I’m thrilled that we’re bringing back our joyous, celebratory, Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical for a new UK tour. Ray Davies’ music and lyrics capture the poetry and poignancy of everyday life with honesty and wit, and The Kinks’ music, attitude and vibe shaped a generation. Their astonishing legacy continues to resonate, making SUNNY AFTERNOON as exhilarating and relevant today as ever. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or experiencing it all over again, I can’t wait for audiences across the UK to see it — I’ve truly missed it.”

SUNNY AFTERNOON celebrates the raw energy, passion and timeless sound of one of Britain’s most iconic bands, THE KINKS. Charting the euphoric highs and agonising lows, it tells their story through an incredible back catalogue of chart-toppers, including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “All Day and All of the Night.” 

SUNNY AFTERNOON was the recipient of four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical and Outstanding Achievement in Music for Ray Davies

Set against the backdrop of Britain on the cusp of the rebellious ’60s, SUNNY AFTERNOON is an exhilarating and moving celebration of the music, life, and the band that changed it all. 

Following a sell-out run at Hampstead Theatre, SUNNY AFTERNOON opened to critical acclaim at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End where it ran for two years ahead of its sensational sell-out tour of the UK and Ireland throughout 2016/17.

SUNNY AFTERNOON has music and lyrics by Ray Davies with a book by Joe Penhall and original story by Ray Davies. It is directed by Edward Hall and designed by Miriam Buether with choreography by Adam Cooper. Lighting design is by Rick Fisher with sound design by Matt McKenzie. Musical and vocal adaptations are by Ray Davies and Elliott Ware based on original Kinks’ recordings.

 

SUNNY AFTERNOON 2025/2026 UK TOUR LISTINGS

thekinksmusical.com/uktour

10 – 18 OCTOBER 2025

MANCHESTER PALACE THEATRE

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/palace-theatre-manchester

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

21 – 25 OCTOBER 2025

BIRMINGHAM ALEXANDRA THEATRE
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham 

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

28 OCTOBER – 1 NOVEMBER 2025

GLASGOW KING’S THEATRE

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/kings-theatre-glasgow

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

4 – 8 NOVEMBER 2025

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/sunderland-empire

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

11 – 15 NOVEMBER 2025

GRAND OPERA HOUSE, YORK

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/grand-opera-house-york

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

18 – 22 NOVEMBER 2025

NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/new-victoria-theatre 

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

25 – 29 NOVEMBER 2025

WIMBLEDON NEW THEATRE

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/new-wimbledon-theatre

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

2 – 6 DECEMBER 2025

SWANSEA BUILDING SOCIETY ARENA

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/swansea-arena

ON SALE 21 MARCH 2025

17 DECEMBER 2025 – 3 JANUARY 2026

BRIGHTON THEATRE ROYAL

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/theatre-royal-brighton
ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

15 – 31 JANUARY 2026

ALEXANDRA PALACE, LONDON
https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/sunny-afternoon/ 

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

3 -7 FEBRUARY 2026

MARLOWE THEATRE, CANTERBURY

ON SALE 7 APRIL 2025

10 -14 FEBRUARY 2026

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/milton-keynes-theatre

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

17 – 21 FEBRUAURY 2026

NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL
https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/sunny-afternoon/ 

ON SALE 31MARCH 2025

24 – 28 FEBRUARY 2026

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/sunny-afternoon-2026

ON SALE 4 APRIL 2025

3 – 7 MARCH 2026

MALVERN THEATRE
https://malvern-theatres.co.uk/ 

ON SALE 4 APRIL 2025

17 – 21 MARCH 2026

PRINCESS THEATRE, TORQUAY
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/princess-theatre-torquay 

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

24 – 28 MARCH 2026

NEW THEATRE, OXFORD
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/new-theatre-oxford 

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

31 MARCH – 4 APRIL 2026

RICHMOND THEATRE
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/richmond-theatre 

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

7 – 11 APRIL 2026

NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, STOKE ON TRENT

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/regent-theatre

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

14 – 18 APRIL 2026

STOCKTON GLOBE

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/stockton-globe

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

21 – 25 APRIL 2026

CURVE, LEICESTER
https://www.curveonline.co.uk/ 

ON SALE SOON

28 APRIL – 2 MAY 2026

BLACKPOOL GRAND
https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/event/sunny-afternoon

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

5 – 9 MAY 2026

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/edinburgh-playhouse 

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

12 – 16 MAY 2026
EDEN COURT, INVERNESS
https://eden-court.co.uk/event/sunny-afternoon

ON SALE 4 APRIL 2025

10 – 23 MAY 2026

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunny-afternoon/liverpool-empire

ON SALE 28 MARCH 2025

26 – 30 MAY 2026

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF
https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2026/sunny-afternoon

ON SALE 4 APRIL 2025 

FURTHER CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

★★★★★

“Fresh, subversive, essential”

Daily Telegraph

The producers of Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical the Rocky Horror Show, have added further casting for the 25 major UK Tour.

An exceptional cast will be bringing their biggest party yet to audiences across the country. Adam Strong (We Will Rock You / Disney’s Aladdin) will be making his Rocky debut, playing Frank. Motherland star Jackie Clune is set to bring 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.

Completing the cast are Phantoms Ryan Carter-Wilson, Arthur Janes, Hollie Nelson, Erica Wild with on-stage swing Alex Hetherington and on-stage swing/dance captain Stacey Monahan. 

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.

The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs. It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80.

Since it first opened, the Rocky Horror Show has become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world. The show has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages as it continues to delight audiences on its sell-out tour.

In 1975 it was transformed into a film called ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history. Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan and Meatloaf have appeared in the Rocky Horror Show over the past 50 years.

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 comes to Richmond Theatre 28th April – 3rd May.

TREVOR ASHLEY IS LIZA IN TYPSY

AT THE MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

FOR 5 NIGHTS ONLY

“I had a drink…”

Legendary, unpredictable and utterly fabulous—Liza Minnelli is back… well, almost! Trevor Ashley returns to the Menier Chocolate Factory after his unforgettable turn as Roger De Bris in The Producers, bringing his signature wit, powerhouse vocals and dazzling impersonation to LIZA in TYPSY! running from 7 to 11 May.

Described by The Guardian as elevating comedy to a “hysterical pitch,” Ashley has wowed audiences as Liza from the Sydney Opera House to New York’s Sony Hall and the West End’s Vaudeville Theatre. Now, he takes it to the next level with outrageous gags, jaw-dropping vocals and more sequins than Studio 54—all with a few too many cocktails.

Backed by a sensational live seven-piece band, this is Liza as you’ve never seen her before—dazzling, decadent and delightfully drunk!

Trevor Ashley’s Australian theatre work includes Les Misérables, Hairspray, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His television work includes RFDS – Royal Flying Doctor Service, Les Norton and Significant Others; and for film, Seriously Red. Also a renowned cabaret performer, he has performed Liza (on an E), I’m Every Woman and Diamonds are for Trevor. He was the runner-up on Queen of the Universe. He will reprise his role of Roger De Bris for the West End transfer of The Producers later this year.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

DRACULA, A COMEDY OF TERRORS

Until 3 May

LIZA in TYPSY!

7-11 May

Box Office: 020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking) Public booking from 26 March

Website: www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory

Instagram: @menierchocolatefactory

TALKING FRANKLY WITH ADAM STRONG

North East born Adam Strong will be donning his best pair of fishnet stocking as he struts on to the Darlington Hippodrome stage as Frank n Furter in the UK Tour of The Rocky Horror Show at the end of March. We spoke to Adam about the show, his role and his stage highlights.

Age, partner, kids, pets?? Where you live now? When did you first realise you had some talent – was it encouraged at school? At home?

I have 5 dogs at the family home, I’m based just outside of Durham, but I’m always on the tour. My sister was a dancer for many years, and I used to love watching her, especially in the Panto at the Sunderland Empire, which she did for many years. She was the one who encouraged me to get started in musical theatre and helped me land my first role in South Pacific at the Sunderland Empire.

Tell me a bit about your childhood, growing up in the North East. Do you still consider yourself a North-Easterner? Do you still have your Sunderland accent?

I very much consider myself as someone from the North East. My accent is quite mild now. But it certainly comes out when I speak to my Mam, or when I’m at home.

What was the first major role you played and where?

My first musical as an adult was Jesus Christ Superstar, the Arena tour, Starring Tim Minchin and Mel C, I played a priest and understudied the role of Annas. I had the most amazing time touring the world with that show and performing in an arena was just unbelievable.

You’ve performed all over the world. What have been the highlights (venues and roles).

I have many career highlights, I think performing opposite Brian May for our Gala Performance of We Will Rock You will always stick out as being one of my proudest moments. The North East always has a special place in my heart, so anytime I get to come home to perform is a blessing.

Have you played Frank n Furter before – what do you love about the role?

I haven’t played Frank before until this tour, it has always been a dream and goal of mine. It’s such an empowering role and I get to sing all of my favourite songs and be part of the cult musical’s history.

Are you looking forward to performing back in the region and will you be visiting family while you are here? Do you get to come back home to Sunderland much? And when you do, what are your favourite places in the region to visit?

I can’t wait to bring the show back to the North East, I’ve got a lot of friends and family who are coming to support me. I’ll be staying at my house which is rare and my parents live on the same street as me, so I can’t wait for some home cooked food and to get to see the dogs. I get back home when I can, it just all depends on my tour schedule, I’m quite south for a lot of this tour, so not as much as I’d like. I’m looking forward to getting some fresh sea air when I’m home and having some proper fish and chips, nobody does it like we do.

What’s next on the Adam Strong agenda?

As for what’s next, it’s way too early to say, I’m with Rocky Horror until the end of August, so I haven’t even started auditioning for the next project as yet.

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

WEST END SHOW ALERTLeave reality at the door and step into the surreal world of

The Rock‘n’Roll Alien
A multi-visual voyage into the music and artistry of David Bowie
featuring a cast of amazing singers, dancers and live band

One night only in the West End!

ADELPHI THEATRE
410 Strand
London WC2R 0NS

Tuesday 27 May, 2025 at 7.30pm

The Bowie Show sold out its West End debut at the Lyric Theatre and at venues across the UK earlier this year earning 5★ rave reviews. 

Now this multi-visual voyage into the music and artistry of David Bowie will return in triumph to the West End’s Adelphi Theatre for one night only on Tuesday May 27 with a new name – The Rock‘n’Roll Alien.

From the alter-ego of Ziggy Stardust, through the dark and desolate years of Berlin, the pure joy of Let’s Dance to the genius of Blackstar, this is a theatrical reimagining of Bowie’s artistry. Featuring world-class musicians, dancers, elaborate costumes, and stunning visuals, experience a night of breathtaking and otherworldly performances that celebrate his ever-evolving genius in a  way you’ve never seen before.

At the beating heart of this sensational show is an exceptional live band performing arguably the most sonically accurate versions of David Bowie’s greatest records with one or two surprises mixed in for good measure. The music at the core of the show has garnered praise from illustrious Bowie alumni such as longest serving bandmate Mike Garson, iconic Bowie producer Ken Scott and the legendary Rick Wakeman who – few know – played piano on the recording of Bowie’s  Life on Mars.

Exploring the fashion and musical treasure trove of a man who recorded the classic album Hunky Dory at only 23, this production respectfully curates his legacy and in so doing delivers a kick-ass rock n roll show. It is an absolute must for the “Kooks” and Bowie curious alike.

Created & Directed by Simon Gwilliam
Costume Director Sadie Yukon
Producers Simon Gwilliam and Sadie Yukon
Executive Producer John Dalston
Critical reaction to the show, reviewed at Golders Green Hippodrome

LISTINGS INFO

Tuesday 27 May, 2025
at 7.30pm

ADELPHI THEATRE
410 Strand
London
WC2R 0NS

Tickets:
from £25

Booking:
https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/the-rock-n-roll-alien/

www.therocknrollalien.com

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