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CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE WEST END RETURN OF JOSHUA HARMON’S AWARD-WINNING COMEDY

BAD JEWS

ARTS THEATRE FOR STRICTLY LIMITED 11 WEEK RUN FROM 14 JULY

A talented young company will make their West End debuts in Joshua Harmon’s comedy Bad Jews which returns to the Arts Theatre in London for 11 weeks from Thursday 14 July. They include Charlie Beaven as Jonah, Olivia Le Anderson as Melody, Ashley Margolis as Liam and Rosie Yadid as Daphne, with Danny Becker and Ellie Sager.

Tickets are now available through badjews.co.uk

Daphna Feygenbaum is a “real Jew” with an Israeli boyfriend to prove it. When her cousin Liam brings home his non-Jewish girlfriend Melody, and declares ownership of their grandfather’s necklace, it sparks a viciously hilarious brawl over family, faith and legacy.

Having premiered in New York in 2012, Bad Jews transferred to the UK where it toured nationally before celebratingtwo record-breaking, sold-out engagements in London’s West End. The original production of Bad Jews was described the play as a “blisteringly funny” (Sunday Times) and “ferociously clever” (Evening Standard) comedy about family, legacy and what you choose to believe in.

Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning playwright Joshua Harmon’s other stage credits include Significant Other, Admissions, Skintight, and Ivanka: A Medea For Right Now.

The original production was directed by Michael Longhurst, designed by Richard Kent, lighting design by Richard Howell and sound design by Adrienne Quartly. This revival of that production will be directed by Jon Pashley.

Bad Jews is presented by Simon Friend, Gavin Kalin and Keren Misgav.

JOEL HARPER-JACKSON,
FRANCES MAYLI McCANN AND AKO MITCHELL
JOIN THE CAST OF

AND AN ADDITIONAL DATE HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE PREVIOUSLY SOLD-OUT CONCERT PERFORMANCE

AT THE ICONIC THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE NOW PLAYING ON
1 & 2 AUGUST 2022

WITH FURTHER CASTING ALSO ANNOUNCED

After selling out its previously announced performance in just 7 days, the hotly anticipated Chess the Musical in Concert will add an additional date to its chequerboard, on Tuesday 2 August, alongside the announcement of the further casting of Joel Harper-Jackson as Freddie (Cock, Kinky Boots), Frances Mayli McCann (Bonnie and Clyde, Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour) as Svetlana and Ako Mitchell (Caroline Or Change, The Colour Purple) as The Arbiter.

Chess, with music by ABBA legends Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and lyrics by the incomparable Sir Tim Rice, returns to the West End for the first time since 2018, as part of three star-led musical concerts. They will be accompanied by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra and will be presented at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane this August.

Previously announced casting included Samantha Barks (Frozen, Les Misérables) as Florence and Hadley Fraser (2:22 A Ghost Story, City of Angels) as Anatoly.

The ensemble will be made up of Joseph Craig, Darius J James, Aoife Kenny, Jessica Lee, Nick Len, Natasha May-Thomas, Alice Readie, Stuart Rouse, Phoebe Samuel-Gray, Grant Thresh and Libby Watts, with more to be announced.

Chess’s creative team are as follows — Director and Choreographer: Nick Winston, Associate Director and Choreographer: Alexzandra Sarmiento, Musical Director: Freddie Tapner, Designer: Ruth Sutcliffe, Lighting Designer: Ben Cracknell, Sound Designer: Tom Marshall, Video Projection Designer: Duncan McLean, Casting: Harry Blumenau and Lighting Programmer: Chris Winn.

Chess the Musical in Concert is part of three concerts presented in August at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. It precedes concert stagings of Kinky Boots the Musical in Concert on 8 August and Treason the Musical in Concert on 22 and 23 August.

ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCES SOCIALLY-DISTANCED SEATING AT SELECTED PERFORMANCES IN 2022

• Socially-distanced seating available for performances of Richard III on Wed 27 July at 7:15pm, All’s Well That Ends Well on Wed 21 September at 7:15pm and A Christmas Carol on Tuesday 22 November at 7:15pm in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

The Royal Shakespeare Company has today announced socially-distanced seating for its upcoming productions of Richard III, All’s Well That Ends Well and A Christmas Carol running in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2022.

The news arrives ahead of the opening of the Company’s new production of Richard III, directed by Gregory Doran and featuring Arthur Hughes in the title role; the first disabled actor to take up the role in the RSC’s history.

Catherine Mallyon, RSC Executive Director said; “For some audience members, particularly those with underlying health conditions and those who may consider themselves vulnerable, we understand that attending a theatre performance may feel difficult. To address these concerns, we will provide socially-distanced seating at selected performances in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre throughout 2022. We hope that this offer – alongside our regular programme of Assisted performances, – including our hugely popular Relaxed Performances of Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre – will mean that those who might otherwise feel unable to attend live theatre have the opportunity to do so confidently.”

The venue will operate at a reduced capacity, with a proportion of auditorium seats held off for social-distancing throughout. Audiences who opt for socially-distanced seats will be positioned with an empty row in front of and behind them and with one empty seat between parties. Audiences sat in the socially-distanced seating will be asked to wear a face covering, unless exempt. Adjoining bars and toilets will be socially-distanced and reserved exclusively for those who have requested a socially-distanced seat or seats. To ensure socially-distanced access, these facilities will only open when the auditorium opens.

The decision follows the success of the RSC’s previous socially-distanced stagings of The Comedy of Errors and The Magician’s Elephant in 2021 and Much Ado About Nothing in the Spring of 2022, which were developed in line with the Seven Inclusive Principles produced by #WeShallNotBeRemoved and its partners. The principles have shaped the cultural sector’s pandemic recovery through the lens of disability and relevant equality legislation.

Andrew Miller, RSC Trustee, Cultural Consultant and Broadcaster, added “Covid remains a risk to many disabled and clinically vulnerable people and presents an ongoing barrier to engagement with theatre and other life enhancing events. The RSC’s previous socially-distanced performances provided me with an important bridge from total shielding to becoming comfortable in a full auditorium once again. Whilst many cultural organisations have returned to business-as-usual without mitigations, I warmly welcome the RSC’s commitment to providing much needed access for people to enjoy live theatre in an actively managed environment, and in so doing offering leadership to the wider sector.”

Tickets for all performances with socially-distanced seating are available to book via the RSC Box Office on 01789 331111 from midday to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Tickets for all three productions, including TikTok £10 Tickets for 14-25s, can be booked at www.rsc.org.uk

Matilda The Musical Relaxed Performance

Also taking place this month and following the sold-out success of six previous relaxed performances, the RSC’s next Relaxed Performance of Matilda The Musical will take place at The Cambridge Theatre, London on Sunday 19 June at 3pm.

The relaxed performance provides a comfortable environment for everyone, with

elements of the production adapted to reduce anxiety and stress, including adjustments to lighting and sound levels to soften their impact. The ambience of the auditorium and theatre ‘rules’ will be relaxed, with everyone free to make noise and move around without restriction. Designated ‘chill-out’ areas outside the auditorium will provide soft seating and activities for those who need to take a break. The production will also be captioned and audio-described with an accompanying touch tour.

All theatre staff, crew and company members also receive specialist training to anticipate a wider range of different audience needs.

Tickets for the relaxed performance are at the reduced rate of £15.00, £25.00, £35.00 and £45.00, bookable online at http://uk.matildathemusical.com/tickets/accessibility/ or via telephone (020 3925 2998) with LW Theatres where trained staff are available to speak to bookers to ensure their specific needs are considered when allocating seats. TikTok £10 Tickets are available on the day of performance in person from 10am at the Cambridge Theatre Box Office.

All bookers will be sent a visual story to help familiarise themselves with the plot, characters and setting before arrival. Detailed event and transport information is available from http://uk.matildathemusical.com/tickets/accessibility/

A full list of RSC accessible performances are available at https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access/assisted-performances

THE OTHER PALACE

ANNOUNCES THE PREMIERE OF NEW BRITISH MUSICAL

MILLENNIALS

RUNNING FROM 8 JULY – 7 AUGUST 2022 IN THE STUDIO

It’s time to spill the tea, as continuing the Summer ’22 Studio Programme is the brand-new British musical, Millennials.Written and composed by Elliot Clay, this powerful and uplifting collection of songs runs the gamut of modern pop-music and sends musical theatre hurtling into the 21st Century.

Elliot Clay is an award-nominated composer, lyricist, and actor for musicals, plays and film. He wrote and starred in his debut musical ‘The State of Things’ (Jack Studio Theatre) and has performed on the West End and UK and International Tours including Million Dollar Quartet, Peter Pan, Oliver!, The Wizard of OZ.

Millennials turns up the microphone on the lives, the losses, and the frustrations of young people in the modern world.
A generation that is so often defined by tabloid headlines, tweets and, of course, avocados, has picked up the mic and transported us inside their extraordinarily ordinary lives.

Paul Taylor-Mills said, “I’m so proud to be presenting the world premiere of Millennials, a brand new British musical by first time writer Elliot Clay. The show started its life at MTFestUK and it is brilliant to see that the festival is providing the necessary platform to allow musicals to move into fully produced shows. This is one of four shows to be fully produced from the festival.

Millennials sets the tone for the type of work we want to create at The Other Palace and I’m excited to start creating this brand new musical with an incredible team.”

Elliot Clay said,“After four years of writing, I couldn’t be more thrilled that Millennials is having its premiere at The Other Palace Studio this summer. Some of my favourite musicals growing up were song cycles, so it’s been an exciting challenge putting my own twist on the form and exploring a generation of stories through this collection of pop songs.

The three singles we released during lockdown had a brilliant response online and I’m so happy that everyone will now be able to come and experience them live.

I feel very lucky to be making my professional debut as a writer and to be working with such a fantastic team bringing our show to life!”

Millennials is produced by The Other Palace, andhas book, music and lyrics by Elliot Clay, with direction by Hannah Benson. Orchestration by Auburn Jam and choreography by Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, with design and lighting design from Andrew Exeter.

LISTINGS

MILLENNIALS

THE OTHER PALACE 

8 JULY – 7 AUGUST 2022

GALA NIGHTS – Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 July 2022
Music, Book, and Lyrics by Elliot Clay

Performance times:
Previews:                                Friday 8 July, 6:30pm and 9:00pm

                                     Saturday 9 July, 6:30pm and 9:00pm
                                     Sunday 10 July, 6:00pm
                                     Tuesday 12 July, 8:00pm

Gala Nights:                            Wednesday 13 July, 8.00pm

                                     Thursday 14 July, 8:00pm

From 15 July – 7 August:        Tuesdays – Thursdays, 8.00pm

Fridays and Saturdays, 6.30pm and 9.00pm
             Sundays, 6.00pm

Venue: The Other Palace

Address: 12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA

Website: www.theotherpalace.co.uk

Your ticket to Millennials grants you entry to the Studio, which will be transformed into an immersive theatrical event. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show start. 

If you have any access requirements, including if you require a seat for the duration of the performance, please contact the box office prior to booking your ticket on 0207 592 0302 or email tickets@theotherpalace.co.uk. 

Each ticket includes 1 complimentary can of Vodka & Soda from our friends at &SODA. Soft drink alternatives will be provided.
The venue operates Challenge 25, so please ensure to bring your ID to redeem your complimentary &SODA drink.

Palace Theatre, Manchester – until Sunday 18th June 2022.

Review by Rebecca Hampson

4.5****

Delightful, Delicious, De-Lovely!

With a 50 strong diverse cast of incredible talent, this musical is not one to miss. Featuring Oliver Award winning talent in the form of Denis Lawson and Simon Callow, as well as Musical Theatre Royalty such as Kerry Ellis and Bonnie Langford, this energising performance of ‘Anything Goes’ offers spectacle and wonder in every musical number.

The standout performance of the night was seen in the impeccable number of ‘Anything Goes’ where director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall’s vision shone bright with exceptional timing and staging as well as a delectable lighting design by Hugh Vanstone.

Kerry Ellis as Reno is spectacular in “Friendship” alongside Denis Lawson as Moonface Martin. The chemistry between the two actors in role is mesmerising and offers a comedic element through their rivalry for the spotlight. I particularly enjoyed a moment where the two actors break the fourth wall mid-song address the audience watching allowing us to feel involved in the performance.

Samuel Edwards is fantastic as Billy Crocker, his vocals especially outstanding in the number “Easy to Love” alongside Hope Harcourt played by Nicole-Lily Baisden. This beautifully lit number shows chemistry and desire between the two characters who long to be with one another.

The audience and I enjoyed a comedic moment from Bonnie Langford as Evangeline Harcourt as her character meets Edwards as Billy in disguise. Billy tells her the ship is sinking and melodramatic moment provides a light-hearted beat as we see Harcourt drape pearls over her shoulder in a panic and allows us as an audience to fall more in love with Billy Crocker in his mission to win over Hope Harcourt played by Nicole-Lily Baisden.

Special mention must go to the behind-the-scenes creatives and especially Lighting Designer Hugh Vanstone for the spectacular use of colour and gobos which created the illusion of water placing the audience on board the ship amongst the actors. Notable mention must also go to Costumer Designer Jon Morrell for the exquisite take on 1930s fashion which is complemented with Set Design by Derek McLane

Amongst Theatre Royalty the star of the show in my eyes was Carly Mercedes Dyer as Erma who delighted the audience with her spectacular vocals in ‘Buddie, Beware’. Her charisma and talent radiated off the stage and the audience and I were enchanted by her.

Running in Manchester until June 18th this is one musical you do not want to miss!

Look Who Came To The Kit Kat Club Last Night…

Last night CABARET at the Kit Kat Club was thrilled to welcome the production’s original Emcee, Eddie Redmayne and Sally Bowles, Jessie Buckley who watched the show and met the current Emcee, Fra Fee and Sally Bowles, Amy Lennox, afterwards.

This unique production of CABARET opened in December last year to critical and audience acclaim, widely praised as the ultimate theatrical experience. Last month, the production won a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards, the most for any musical revival in Olivier history, as well as three prestigious Critics Circle Awards.

In a time when the world is changing forever, there is one place where everyone can be free… Welcome to the Kit Kat Club, home to an intimate and electrifying new production of CABARET. This is Berlin. Relax. Loosen up. Be yourself. 

The Kit Kat Club has laid siege to the Playhouse Theatre. The performers have infiltrated the premises. The artists have staked their claim. Who knows for how long they’ll stay, but for now they are enjoying the party. The party at the end of the world.

Transforming one of London’s most famous theatres with an in-the-round auditorium and reimagined spaces, before the show guests are invited to enjoy and explore the Kit Kat Club with pre-show entertainment, drinks and dining all on offer. When booking, guests receive a ‘club entry time’ to allow enough time to take in the world of the Kit Kat Club before the show starts. But of course, the show really starts when you first join us in the club…

One of the most successful musicals of all time CABARET features the songs Wilkommen, Don’t Tell Mama, Mein Herr, Maybe This Time, Money and the title number. It has music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, book by Joe Masteroff. Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood.

CABARET is directed by Rebecca Frecknall, set and costume design is by Tom Scutt with choreography by Julia Cheng. Musical supervision and direction is by Jennifer Whyte with lighting design by Isabella Byrd and sound design by Nick Lidster. The casting director is Stuart Burt and the associate director is Jordan Fein.

NICHOLAS HYTNER TO DIRECT

G U Y S   &   D O L L S

AT THE BRIDGE THEATRE FROM FEBRUARY 2023

Nicholas Hytner will direct Guys & Dolls – the first musical to be presented at The Bridge – a musical fable of Broadway based on the story and characters of Damon Runyon, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. Designs are by Bunny Christie with choreography by Arlene Phillips, associate direction and choreography by James Cousins, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Paul Arditti, musical direction by Tom Brady, orchestrations by Charlie Rosen and casting by Charlotte Sutton.  Casting for Guys & Dolls will be announced at a later date.

This immersive production will run from 27 February 2023, initially booking to 2 September 2023 with opening night on 9 March 2023.  Priority booking for Bridge members opens at 10am on Friday 10 June 2022 with public booking from 10am on Wednesday 23 June 2022. 

Join us for Guys & Dolls as The Bridge transforms for one of the greatest musicals of all time. It has more hit songs, more laughs and more romance than any show ever written.  The seating is wrapped around the action while the immersive tickets transport you to the streets of Manhattan and the bars of Havana in the unlikeliest of love stories.  In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, you raved with us in the forest. In Julius Caesar, you ran wild with us as the mob. Now join us on Broadway for the biggest party yet. 

For the Bridge Theatre Nicholas Hytner has directed Young Marx, Julius Caesar, Allelujah!, Alys, Always, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Two Ladies, Beat the Devil, The Shrine, Bed Among the Lentils, A Christmas Carol, Bach & Sons and The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage. He recently directed Ralph Fiennes in David Hare’s Straight Line Crazy at The Bridge and this month he will direct Alex Jennings in Stephen Beresford’s The Southbury Child at Chichester Festival Theatre and The Bridge. Previously he was Director of the National Theatre from 2003 to 2015.

LISTINGS INFORMATION FOR THE BRIDGE THEATRE

Address:                            Bridge Theatre, 3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG

Box Office:                         0333 320 0051 or boxoffice@bridgetheatre.co.uk

Access:                              0333 320 0051 or access@bridgetheatre.co.uk

Captioned performance Tuesday 6 June 7.30pm

                                        Audio Described performance & Touch Tour Saturday 10 June 2.30pm

Website:                            www.bridgetheatre.co.uk

Twitter:                              @_bridgetheatre

Instagram:                          _bridgetheatre

Facebook:                           facebook.com/bridgetheatrelondon

REHEARSAL IMAGES RELEASED FOR BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL AT CURVE LEICESTER 7 JULY – 14 AUGUST

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage
announces return to the West End
Dominion Theatre, London
Saturday 21st January – Saturday 29th April 2023

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage returns to the Dominion Theatre for another season following its record-breaking one in Spring 2022.

Exploding with heart-pounding music, breathtaking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing, this triumphant stage production, inspired by the hit film, follows the iconic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and thrilling summer of their lives.

Producer Karl Sydow said “We can’t wait to bring this amazing show back to the Dominion Theatre following its incredible audience reception earlier this year. Now more than ever, theatre needs the excitement and joy that Dirty Dancing brings – you’ll have the time of your life!”

Featuring the hit songs ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart-stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage is once again directed by Federico Bellone (West Side Story, Milan; Sunset Boulevard, Milan) and choreographed by Austin Wilks.

The cast will be announced in due course.

Estonian National Ballet comes to Bord Gáis Energy
Theatre for the first time with Swan Lake
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2
Wednesday 11th – Sunday 15th January 2023

For the first time in its 100-year history the Estonian National Ballet is coming to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre with a full-length classic production of Swan Lake. Accompanied by the Irish National Opera Orchestra, the season is strictly limited to seven performances only in January

Presenting ballet since 1922, the Estonian National Ballet has toured across Europe and the USA and is bringing their company of classically trained dancers to Dublin for the very first time with lavish production of Swan Lake. Comprised of a touring company of over 90, sumptuous sets, and magnificent costumes the Estonian National Ballet’s Swan Lake is set to amaze.

Closely following the traditions of the Mariinsky production of 1895, the ballet comes to Dublin direct from their beautiful home theatre, the Tallinn Opera House, renowned as one of the best venues in the Baltic nations.

From the first immortal bars of Tchaikovsky’s score, the Estonian National Ballet’s Swan Lake invites the audience into another world. Ballet fans new and old will be captivated by Prince Siegfried’s love for the Swan Queen Odette and the drama of their battle against the evil sorcerer Rothbart. From the unforgettable corps de ballet moving in magical unison as majestic, glimmering swans to the refined dances in the spectacular ballroom scenes, this romantic fable inspires awe.

The tour producer Andrew Guild comments, For many years I have envied those who have had the opportunity to see this immaculate classical company. The Estonian National Ballet rarely tours from its home base at the historic Tallinn Opera House. I’m thrilled that Artistic Director Linnar Looris is bringing his company’s extraordinary and very special production of Swan Lake to Dublin.

General Manager of Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Stephen Faloon says, It is our mission to bring our audience the finest of live entertainment, and dance forms an essential part of our programme every year. For 2023, we are delighted to partner with Estonian National Ballet as they present their full-length classic production of Swan Lake, and we can’t wait to welcome this talented company of dancers to Dublin for the first time

Outstanding, ravishing and thrilling – Dance Europe