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Wilton’s Music Hall – until 9 April 2021

4****

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

It’s not just the nice girls who love a sailor, everybody who has the chance to see this show will fall in love with the ridiculously talented crew of HMS Pinafore. Sasha Regan’s All-Male productions of Gilbert and Sullivan classics have the perfect home in Wilton’s, with the sublime voices and piano accompaniment washing over the audience without need for microphones.

The silly plot involves sailor Ralph Rackstraw (Danny Becker) who loves Josephine (Sam Kipling), his captain’s daughter. Josephine also loves Ralph, but her father (Juan Jackson) has set his mind to her marrying the first lord of the admiralty, Sir Joseph Porter (David McKechnie). Sir Joseph shares his strong views about equality until he finds out about Josephine and the lowly sailor. Being Gilbert and Sullivan, of course there is a hidden truth that is revealed at the last minute to ensure a happy ending in this bonkers comedy about class.

Using just two bunkbeds, metal lockboxes and rope, the cast transform themselves from a WW2 era crew lolling around below deck into the camp and silly Victorian characters on board HMS Pinafore. Lizzie Gee’s delightful choreography gives the jolly tars a chance to show off their physical prowess with joyous glee, and Juan Jackson’s first entrance as Captain Corcoran is hilarious as he competes with his crew to prove his machismo. Jackson and Scott Armstrong as a very Scottish Little Buttercup have brilliant comedic chemistry and light up the stage. The romance between Ralph and Josephine is sweet and Sam Kipling is hilarious as Josephine tries to resist her true feelings. Danny Becker is strong in the hero role, and Sam Kipling’s phenomenal soprano vocals are a wonder to behold. David McKechnie is king of the patter songs, and there’s more than a touch of Leonard Rossiter in his very funny portrayal of the pompous character. Richard Russell Edwards steals the show as Cousin Hebe, with every expression and move cleverly calculated to draw howls of laughter, even when he is just sitting in the background. The clever use of minimal props and Lizzie Gee’s inspired choreography bring the crazy world to life with fantastic physical comedy and director Sasha Regan allowing the tender moments to settle without losing impetus.

The show wouldn’t work without a cast with gorgeous voices, and musical director Ashley Jacobs’ arrangements are pristine. The production will put a smile on your face within minutes, and that smile won’t disappear for a long while after the show. The playful creativity of this production and the talent on stage ensure an evening of escapism, wonder and joy.

Theatre Royal, York – Until 18^th March 2022

Reviewed by Katie Goldsbrough

4****

Here’s What She Said to Me tells the story of 3 generations of African women trying to find the balance between their careers and their families, Each having to make the choice of marrying the man they love and raising a family, or having a successful career. As each battle with whether their decision was the right one, they pass on their knowledge and advice to the next generation. Written by Oladipo Agboluaje, Here’s What She Said to Me gives a unique insight into what it’s like to grow up in a time and place where men can have control over what their families do and women shouldn’t talk back to their fathers or husbands. 

With the three actresses taking on the roles of Grandmother, mother and daughter we follow their journeys across two continents sharing in their joy, grief and tragedy as they look back on what could have been across the decades. 

Beginning with Agbeke played by Anni Domingo we learn of her struggles in her marriage after she successfully gets a scholarship to study in England. We then move on to Omotola played by Oyin Orija who at times struggles to take her mother’s advice and come to terms with the abuse she suffers as a child. Finally, we learn of Aramide played by Lola May who wants to have it all and build her own business in Nigeria where her family is from as well as having a romantic relationship. All three portray multiple characters as we hear their stories, effortlessly moving from one to the other. They all have excellent abilities and a special mention must go to musician Ayan De First who accompanies the story with traditional African music throughout. 

This story is one that deserves to be told, presented by Utopia Theatre who are a prominent voice in African Theatre, encouraging authentic and minimising stereotypes. 

If you get chance I would recommend giving this a go. It gives a great insight into a world a lot of people in the West have little experience of, showing how strong women can be and the difficulties they may face. 

Orange Tree Theatre – until 16^th April 2022

Reviewed By Carly Burlinge  

5***** 

Tom Fool by Franz Xaver Kroetz tells the story of a family going through the notions of life and how things can change drastically when actions that take place in existence arise, but can’t so easily be taken back! Dad Otto (Michael Shaeffer) likes to discuss his working day to his wife Martha (Anna Francolini), who takes it all in with a smile always listening to the big dreams that he has, his irritation of being stuck in a job that doesn’t seem to give him any excitement or purpose in life. This only makes Martha think about her own unhappy existence, which makes her feel so very frustrated as well as trapped! Their son Ludwig (Jonah Rzeskiewicz) who is currently still living at home. Has no space of his own sleeping on the sofa, has no job and would quite happily start up a career in a different role from what his parents think is acceptable. He doesn’t care how he earns his money but his parents won’t let him venture into his own world. They know what’s best for him! As a result, he feels cornered his father Otto has no worries in telling him if he wants or thinks he’s man enough to give orders he can only do this when he earns himself some money! I think it’s safe to say he only wishes to be as far away from his parents as possible. All the above causes friction within the family dynamics and when thing comes to a head.  Will this family be able to continue how they always have done or will changes need to be made in order for survival! 

What a truly compelling performance to watch some outstanding and overwhelming acting that was so up-close and felt personal.  Giving the audience the feeling that they were there in the moment! This production had so many strengths from having the audience at the edges of their seats with some shocking intense and heart-breaking scenes of rage to then experience laughter and love truly unbelievable. 

The lighting and sound were done exceptionally well throughout sad, angry and dramatic parts. Which set the tone and carried the storyline involving the audience to a deeper level. 

This show was magnificent to watch one that got me thinking and a production that shouldn’t be missed – just amazing!! 

An event was held at the SS Great Britain for the cast of Anything Goes (Kerry Ellis (Wicked/We Will Rock You), Simon Callow (Art/Death in Paradise) and Bonnie Langford (EastEnders/9 to 5). 

CASTING ANNOUNCED

JENNIFER SAUNDERS, BEVERLEY KNIGHT

KEALA SETTLE, LESLEY JOSEPH

CLIVE ROWE, LIZZIE BEA

TO STAR IN A NEW PRODUCTION OF 

AT LONDON’S EVENTIM APOLLO

FROM

19 JULY TO 28 AUGUST 2022

The producers of the new production of SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL are delighted to announce casting for the run at London’s Eventim Apollo from Tuesday 19 July to Sunday 28 August 2022.

Jennifer Saunders will star as ‘Mother Superior’ alongside Beverley Knight as ‘Deloris Van Cartier’, Keala Settle as ‘Sister Mary Patrick’, Lesley Joseph as ‘Sister Mary Lazarus’, Clive Rowe as ‘Eddie Souther’ and Lizzie Bea as ‘Sister Mary Robert’.

Producer Jamie Wilson said today “Hallelujah! We are thrilled to be finally sharing the news of this stellar cast and cannot thank audiences enough for their patience and support for the production since we first announced way back in 2019. I am so excited that the immense talents of Jennifer Saunders and Beverley Knight will be leading the company, with the equally talented Keala Settle, Lesley Joseph, Clive Rowe and Lizzie Bea completing our all star principal cast.”

The cast also includes Jeremy Secomb, Graham MacDuff, Tricia Deighton, Lori Haley Fox, Tom Hopcroft, Bradley Judge, Tanya Edwards, Catherine Millsom, Anne Smith, Emma Ralston, Jermaine Woods, Michael Ward and Caroline Bateson. Complete casting to be announced soon.

Jennifer Saunders is a BAFTA award-winning actress, comedian and writer. She is one half of the highly successful and much-loved comedy duo French and Saunders and also wrote and starred in five series, three specials and a feature film of her hit comedy “Absolutely Fabulous”. Her many other TV credits include writing and starring in “Jam and Jerusalem” and guest starring in “Friends” and “Roseanne”. Her film credits include the voice of the evil ‘Fairy Godmother’ in “Shrek 2”. On stage she has appeared in “Lady Windermere’s Fan” at the Vaudeville Theatre and “Blithe Spirit” at Bath Theatre Royal and the Duke of York’s and Harold Pinter theatres in the West End.

Beverley Knight recently received an Olivier nomination for her starring role as ‘Faye Treadwell’ in “The Drifter’s Girl”, which she is currently appearing in at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End. Beverley can also be seen as a judge on ITV’s highly successful brand new entertainment show “Starstruck”. She is a three-time MOBO Award winner and Mercury Music Prize nominee who has sold over a million albums in the UK, including the platinum selling “Voice: The Best of Beverley Knight”. Her other West End credits include Olivier Award nominated performance as ‘Felicia Farrell’ in “Memphis The Musical”, ‘Rachel Marron’ in “The Bodyguard”, ‘Grizabella’ in “Cats” at The London Palladium and ‘Emmeline Pankhurst’ in “Sylvia” at the Old Vic Theatre. In 2021 she was also seen in Amazon’s live action movie “Cinderella” and in the Channel 4 pilot Big Age.

Tony-Award nominated actress and singer, Keala Settle, is the breakout star of 20th Century Fox’s, “The Greatest Showman”, alongside Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. The Hawaii native’s performance of the film’s Oscar-nominated song “This Is Me” reached Number One on the UK’s charts for a record-smashing 28 weeks. Her Broadway credits include “Hands on a Hardbody”, “Les Misérables” and “Waitress”. She also featured on Hugh Jackman’s world tour concert “The Man. The Music. The Show.”, performing in Europe, New Zealand, Australia and North America. In December 2017, Keala released her EP Chapter One, a compilation of contemporary and R&B infused covers.

Lesley Joseph is best known for playing ‘Dorien Green’ in the hugely successful sitcom “Birds of a Feather” alongside Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson. They recorded over 100 episodes over a period of nine years. Lesley and her co-stars returned to our screens in “Birds of a Feather in 2013. She has been seen on screen in ITV’s “Night and Day” and appeared on BBC One’s “Strictly Come Dancing” and most recently Channel 4’s “Celebrity Coach Trip” alongside Linda Robson. Lesley’s theatre credits include ‘Miss Hannigan’ in “Annie” at the West End’s Victoria Palace and also on national tour, and her Olivier Award nominated performance as ‘Frau Blucher’ in “Young Frankenstein”. Her other touring credits include “Calendar Girls” and “Hot Flush!”. 

Clive Rowe won the Olivier award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for “Guys and Dolls” at The National Theatre and was also nominated for Best Supporting Performance in “Carousel”,also at The National Theatre. At 2009’s Oliviers, he was nominated for the Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre award for “Mother Goose” at Hackney Empire. His many West End and touring credits include “Ladykillers” at the Gielgud Theatre, “Chicago”at the Adelphi Theatre, “Sweet Charity”at the Donmar Warehouse, the UK tour of “The Wind in The Willows” and “Me and My Girl”at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Lizzie Bea is currently starring as ‘Martha Dunnstock’ in “Heathers The Musical” at The Other Palace. She recently received critical and audience acclaim for her portrayal of ‘Tracy Turnblad’ in “Hairspray” at the London Coliseum. Her other theatre credits include ‘Abigail’ in the World Premiere of “Becoming Nancy” at the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta and performing in the UK Tours of “Kinky Boots”, “Fat Friends the Musical”, “Chicken Little”, “The Shakespeare Revue” and “The 3 Little Pigs”.

Based on the iconic movie, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. 

SISTER ACT has direction by Bill Buckhurst, choreography by Alistair David, Set Design by Morgan Large, Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell, Sound Design by Tom Marshall and Musical Supervision by Stephen Brooker. Casting is by Stuart Burt. 

SISTER ACT features original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken(Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted), lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. SISTER ACT is produced by Jamie Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg.

Beverley Knight will not be appearing at the following performances – Sunday 24 July at 3.00pm, Tuesday 26 July at 7.30pm and Thursday 28 July at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

The Girl on the Train

Full casting and creative team have been announced for the London return of THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN which plays at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village, from Wednesday 8 June – Sunday 3 July 2022.

Joining the previously announced Katie Ray (The Mousetrap) as Rachel Watson, are, Tori Hargreaves (Blood Brothers) as Anna Watson, Chrystine Symone (The Magician’s Elephant) as Megan Hipwell, Cavin Cornwall (Star Wars) as D.I. Gaskill, Scott Hume (The Crown) as Scott Hipwell, Kirk Smith (My Only Relative) as Kamal Abdic and Tom Gordon (Romeo and Juliet) as Tom Watson.

Based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and blockbuster DreamWorks film, this new stage adaption by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel tells the story of Rachel Watson, who longs for a different life, her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window everyday, happy and in love, or so it appears. When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.

This new production will be directed by Joseph Hodges, with set design by Richard Cooper, lighting design by Seb Blaber, sound design by Sam Glossop, casting by Jay Gardner and produced by Gardner Hodges Entertainment.

Tickets are available from the Upstairs at the Gatehouse box office by phone on 020 8340 3488 or online at www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com.

You can find ‘The Girl on the Train’ on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @GirlonTrainUK

DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND,

THE MULTI-OLIVIER AWARD

NOMINATED

PRODUCTION

OF

LIFE OF PI

EXTENDS BOOKING TO

4 SEPTEMBER 2022

Following its recently announced nine Olivier award nominations, it was announced today (17 March 2022) that public booking for Life of Pi, Lolita Chakrabarti’s dazzling stage adaptation of Yann Martel’s award-winning book, has been extended until 4 September 2022.

Producer Simon Friend said: ‘‘We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we will once again be extending public booking for Life of Pi, and that audiences continue to flock to this unique show. We are also delighted to have been nominated for nine prestigious Olivier Awards, including the first in history to recognise puppeteers – and when you see them in action you’ll see why!’

The Olivier Nominations for Life of Pi are: Best New Play, Best Actor (Hiran Abeysekera), Best Director (Max Webster), Best Set Design (Tim Hatley, Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell), Best Lighting (Tim Lutkin and Andrzej Goulding), Best Sound Design (Carolyn Downing), Best Original Score (Andrew T Mackay), Best Choreographer (Finn Caldwell) and Best Supporting Actor (The Tiger Puppeteers:  Fred Davis, Daisy Franks, Romina Hytten, Tom Larkin, Tom Stacy, Scarlet Wilderink and Habib Nasib Nader).

Hiran Abeysekera takes the central role of Pi, alongside Mina Anwar as Ma, Nicholas Khan as Father, Payal Mistry as Rani, Tom Espiner as Father Martin and Commander Grant-Jones, Raj Ghatak as Mamaji and Pandit-Ji, Syreeta Kumar as Mrs Biology Kumar and ZaidaKhan, David K.S. Tse as Mr Okamoto, Kirsten Foster as Lulu Chen, Habib Nasib Nader as Cook and Voice of Tiger.

They are joined by the Oliver Award-nominated puppeteers: Fred Davis (Tiger Head), Daisy Franks (Tiger Hind), Romina Hytten (Tiger Heart), Tom Larkin (Tiger Head), Tom Stacy (Tiger Hind) and Scarlet Wilderink (Tiger Heart).

Nuwan Hugh Perera is Pi alternate, and understudies are Alex Chang and Deeivya Meir.

The production is directed by Max Webster, Set and Costume designer is Tim Hatley, the Puppet and Movement Director is Finn Caldwell, the Puppet Designers are Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, the Video Designer is Andrzej Goulding, the Lighting Designer is Tim Lutkin, theSound Designer is Carolyn Downing, the Composer is Andrew T Mackay, Dramaturgy is by Jack Bradley, the Casting Director is Polly Jerrold, the Associate Director is Leigh Toney, the Associate Set Designer is Ross Edwards, the Costume Supervisor is Sabrina Cuniberto and the Props Supervisor is Ryan O’Conner.

For all information, please see www.lifeofpionstage.com

Based on one of the best-loved works of fiction – winner of the Man Booker Prize, selling over fifteen million copies worldwide – Life of Pi is a breath-taking new theatrical adaptation of an epic journey of endurance and hope.

After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, there are five survivors stranded on a single lifeboat – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, a sixteen year-old boy and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger. Time is against them, nature is harsh, who will survive?

Award winning writer Yann Martel’s works include The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios (1993), Self (1996), We Ate the Children Last (2004), Beatrice and Virgil (2010) – a New York Times Bestseller and a Financial Times Best Book, 101 Letters to a Prime Minister (2012) – a collection of letters to the prime minister of Canada; and The High Mountains of Portugal (2016).  

Lolita Chakrabarti OBE is an award-winning playwright and actress. Her writing credits include: Red Velvet which opened at the Tricycle Theatre in London in 2012, returning in 2014 before transferring to New York and the West End; Red Velvet was nominated for nine major awards including two Olivier Awards. Lolita won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright, The Critics Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright and the AWA Award for Arts and Culture; She adapted Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities for MIF in 2019 a collaboration with 59Productions and Rambert; her play Hymn was live streamed in February 2021 from the Almeida, before opening to audiences later in July; she was dramaturg on Message in a Bottle for ZooNation and Sadler’s Wells; she curated The Greatest Wealth for Old Vic, a series of monologues marking the 70th birthday of the NHS. Acting credits include: Vigil, The Casual Vacancy (BBC),  Riviera, Delicious (Sky), Born to Kill, My Mad Fat Diary (Ch4), Criminal (Netflix), Fanny and Alexander (The Old Vic), Hamlet (RADA). She can soon be seen in Showtrial for the BBC and Wheel of Time for Amazon Prime. 

Max Webster was the inaugural Baylis Director at the Old Vic and is now an Associate Director at the theatre where his work includes Fanny and Alexander, Cover My Tracks and Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax. Selected other stage work includes the forthcoming The Merry Widow (ENO), The Jungle Book (Northampton/Fiery Angel UK tour), The Winter’s Tale (Lyceum, Edinburgh), and King Lear (Royal and Derngate, Northampton/UK tour).

The extraordinary animals are brought to life by Puppet & Movement Director Finn Caldwell, who began his career in the original company of the National Theatre’s international phenomenon War Horse. He is the Artistic Director of his own company Gyre & Gimble, for whom work includes: co-director/puppet designer of The Four Seasons: A Reimagining (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Hartlepool Monkey (UK tour) and The Elephantom (National Theatre & West End). His other work includes: director of puppetry/movement for Angels in America (National Theatre & Broadway), The Light Princess (National Theatre), War Horse (West End & Internationally) and Groundhog Day (Old Vic & Broadway).

Life of Pi is produced by Simon Friend in association with Playing Field and Tulchin/Bartner.

Edwardian Hotels London is proud to be the official hotel partner of Life of Pi in the West End. 

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR 101 DALMATIANS

KATE FLEETWOOD PLAYS CRUELLA DE VIL

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre have today announced full casting for their forthcoming production of 101 Dalmatians (12 Jul – 28 Aug), a newly commissioned musical written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris. Based on the book by Dodie Smith, leading the cast as the iconic villain Cruella de Vil is Olivier and Tony Award nominee Kate Fleetwood.

Dalmatians Pongo and Perdi are puppeteered by Danny Collins (Pongo Voice), Emma Lucia (Perdi Voice), Yana Penrose (Perdi Head) and Ben Thompson (Pongo Head).

Also joining the cast are: Jamil Abbasi (Ensemble), Stuart Angell (Captain Head), George Bukhari (Jasper), Sonya Cullingford (Ensemble), Jade Davies (Swing), Karen Fishwick (Danielle), Joseph Fletcher (Ensemble), Taofique Folarin (Swing), Courtney George (Ensemble), Tash Holway (Swing and Dance Captain), CJ Johnson (Ensemble), Kody Mortimer (Ensemble), Simon Oskarsson (Swing), Tom Peters (Captain Voice), Eric Stroud (Dominic), Jonny Weldon (Casper), and Grace Wylde (Madam Doué).

Director Timothy Sheader said:

“We are incredibly excited to finally bring 101 Dalmatians to our stage after postponing the production twice due to the pandemic. I think audiences are going to love reconnecting with this favourite story outside in Regent’s Park; the original home of Pongo and Perdi. The brand new script and music are both packed with fun and joy and I am delighted that Kate Fleetwood’s filming schedule for The Wheel of Time allows us the opportunity to work with her on creating that all time baddie, Cruella de Vil.”

101 Dalmatians is created by: Shanaé Chisholm (Casting Assistant), Josie Daxter (Associate Director),   Jill Green CDG (Casting Director), Tash Holway (Associate Choreographer), Barbara Houseman (Voice and Text & Season Associate Director), Howard Hudson (Lighting Designer), Maia Kirkman-Richards (Assistant Puppet Director), Nick Lidster for Autograph (Sound Designer), Katrina Lindsay (Costume Designer), Ingrid Mackinnon (Season Associate: Intimacy Support), Tarek Merchant (Musical Director), Verity Naughton and Nick Hockaday for Verity Naughton Casting (Children’s Casting Directors), Toby Olié (Puppetry Designer and Director), Colin Richmond (Set Designer), Timothy Sheader (Director), Liam Steel (Choreographer) and Sarah Travis (Musical Supervisor and Orchestrator).

The Open Air Theatre is working with Mousetrap Theatre Projects to create a relaxed performance of 101 Dalmatians on Sunday 14 August (2.15pm). Relaxed performances are designed to provide those with learning disabilities, those who are on the autism spectrum or have other sensory and communication needs who would benefit from a more relaxed environment, the opportunity to experience the production.

Kate Fleetwood currently plays the leading role of Liandrin Guirale in Amazon Prime’s The Wheel of Time. Her previous stage roles include: Lady Macbeth (Chichester Festival/Gielgud/ BAM/Broadway) for which she was nominated for a Tony Award, Medea (Almeida) and Goneril in King Lear (National Theatre). She also appeared in Absolute Hell and Ugly Lies the Bone (National Theatre), Bug (Found111) and Life is a Dream (Donmar Warehouse), for which she received a WhatsOnStage Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Kate received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for London Road (National Theatre), and she also played Tracy Lord in High Society (Old Vic).

Kate’s television credits include: Victoria, War and Peace, The People Next Door, The Widower, Brave New World and Fate: The Winx Club Saga. Her film credits include: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Negotiator, London Road, Philomena, Les Misérables and Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s 90^th Anniversary season also includes the musical Legally Blonde     (13 May – 2 July) directed by Lucy Moss, co-writer and co-director of Six the Musical, and – in a second commission from the theatre in 2022 – Antigone (3 – 24 September) by Barber Shop Chronicles writer Inua Ellams after Sophocles, directed by Max Webster and co-directed by Jo Tyabji.

SIMON RUSSELL BEALE TO PLAY

J O H N   G A B R I E L   B O R K M A N

IN A NEW VERSION OF IBSEN’S CLASSIC BY LUCINDA COXON

Simon Russell Beale will play the title role in Henrik Ibsen’s John Gabriel Borkman in a new version by Lucinda Coxon at the Bridge Theatre.  Directed by Nicholas Hytner with set designs by Anna Fleischle and costume designs by Liam Bunster, John Gabriel Borkman will have its first performance on 24 September 2022 with opening night on 29 September 2022 with the run concluding on 26 November 2022.  Booking opens today at 10am for Bridge Priority members and public booking is from 10am on 22 March 2022.  Further casting and the full creative team will be announced shortly.

John Gabriel Borkman, once an illustrious entrepreneur, has been brought low by a prison sentence for fraud. As he paces alone in an upstairs room, bankrupt and disgraced, he is obsessed by dreams of his comeback. Downstairs, his estranged wife plots the restoration of the family name. When her sister arrives unannounced, she triggers a desperate showdown with the past.

Simon Russell Beale (John Gabriel Borkman) was last at the Bridge in A Christmas Carol and Bach & Sons, both also directed by Nicholas Hytner. His previous theatre credits include The Lehman Trilogy at National Theatre, in the West End and on Broadway. His other collaborations with Hytner include The Alchemist, Much Ado About Nothing, Major Barbara, Collaborators, London Assurance and Timon of Athens, all at the National Theatre. As well as being the recipient of multiple theatre awards, in 2003 he was made a CBE for his services to the Arts and in 2019 he was made a Knight Batchelor.

Lucinda Coxon previously collaborated with Nicholas Hytner at The Bridge on the world premiere of Alys, Always. Her other theatre writing credits include Herding Cats, Happy Now, The Eternal Not, Nostalgia, The Shoemaker’s Wife, Vesuvius, Wishbones, Three Graces, The Ice Palace and Waiting at the Water’s Edge. Her screen writing credits include the award-winning The Danish Girl starring Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander, The Little Stranger starring Domhnall Gleeson and Ruth Wilson, The Crimson Petal and The White starring Romola Garai for the BBC, Wild Target starring Emily Blunt and The Heart of Me starring Paul Bettany and Helena Bonham-Carter.

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. This month he directs Ralph Fiennes in David Hare’s Straight Line Crazy also at The Bridge and in June 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

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

Box Office:                         0333 320 0051 or [email protected]

Access:                              0333 320 0051 or [email protected]

Website:                            www.bridgetheatre.co.uk

Twitter:                              @_bridgetheatre

Instagram:                          _bridgetheatre

Facebook:                           facebook.com/bridgetheatrelondon

THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE IPSWICH AND QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH TO

CO-PRODUCE FIRST UK REVIVAL & REGIONAL PREMIERE OF

KINKY BOOTS

THE MUSICAL

MARKING 10 YEARS SINCE THE

MUSICAL’S DEBUT

NEW WOLSEY THEATRE, IPSWICH:  1 – 24 SEPTEMBER

QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH: 28 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER

The New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich and Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch have today announced that they will be co-producing the first UK revival and regional premiere of the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical Kinky Boots. The production will also mark 10 years since the musical’s debut at Chicago’s Bank of America Theatre in 2012.

The new production, which will be directed by Tim Jackson, will run at New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich from 1 – 24 September and Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 28 September – 22 October.

Based on the Miramax motion picture, the musical adaptation features a Tony-Award nominated book by Harvey Fierstein and Tony and Grammy award-winning music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper.

Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited a struggling shoe business from his ‎dad, which he’s desperate to save. He unexpectedly bumps into a larger than life drag queen Lola, who’s looking for some sturdy stilettos. They think they’ve nothing in common, but as the unlikely pair ruffle a few feathers, designing some fabulous footwear for the factory floor, perhaps they do…

The new production sees Tim Jackson reunite with the two theatres, having previously choregraphed their celebrated revival of Made in Dagenham. Tim Jackson has also previously worked with the New Wolsey Theatre as director and dramaturg of The Stage Debut Award-winning co-production of The Season (Royal and Derngate, New Wolsey).

Tim Jackson is staging the upcoming 2022 Olivier Awards Ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall and will choreograph Merrily We Roll Along, directed by Maria Friedman andstarring Daniel Radcliffe, at New York Theater Workshop later this year.  

Tim Jackson said of the new production, “I’m thrilled to be directing the first UK revival of this fabulous musical. It’s a show that’s got it all: big laughs, a banging pop score and an uplifting story about community, identity and embracing ourselves and each other. Ten years since it took the world by storm, I’m relishing the opportunity to re-explore Kinky Boots in a brand-new production for a new generation. The piece remains as potent as ever, and I cannot wait to join audiences in celebrating our beautiful kaleidoscope of a world.”

Mathew Russell, Executive Director of Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch said, “We’re thrilled to be working with the New Wolsey Theatre again, after a string of brilliant co-productions, including our acclaimed actor musician versions of Made in Dagenham and Once, which we were able to tour together too. We’re equally excited that QTH’s new Creative Associate, Tim Jackson, will be directing, and know that he and the team will do a great job of making a fresh, warm hearted, sassy and gloriously working class take on this hit show, which we’re sure audiences are going to adore”

Douglas Rintoul,Incoming Chief Executive of New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich said “I can’t think of a better way to mark the start of my new role at the New Wolsey Theatre than with this very special regional premiere. Made by my favourite theatres, and directed by a supremely talented director, Kinky Boots is going to be a smart and gloriously uplifting night out.”

Cast and full creative team will be announced at a later date. There will be British Sign Language, Audio Described and Captioned performances available at both theatres.