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CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR NICHOLAS HYTNER’S

IMMERSIVE PRODUCTION OF

G U Y S   &   D O L L S

AT THE BRIDGE THEATRE FROM MARCH 2023

Making their Bridge Theatre debuts will be Daniel Mays (Nathan Detroit), Andrew Richardson (Sky Masterson), Celinde Schoenmaker (Sarah Brown), Marisha Wallace (Miss Adelaide) and Cedric Neal (Nicely-Nicely Johnson). Also appearing are Cornelius Clarke (Lieutenant Brannigan), Cameron Johnson (Big Jule), Anthony O’Donnell (Arvide Abernathy), Mark Oxtoby (Benny Southstreet), Adam Pearce (Harry the Horse), Ryan Pidgen (Rusty Charlie) and Katy Secombe (General Cartwright). Completing the cast are Simon Anthony, Lydia Bannister, Kathryn Barnes, Callum Bell, Cindy Belliot, Petrelle Dias, Ike Fallon, Leslie Garcia Bowman, George Ioannides, Robbie McMillan, Perry O’Dea, Charlotte Scott, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, Isabel Snaas, Sasha Wareham and Dale White in the ensemble.

This immersive production will now run from 3 March 2023. Tickets are initially on sale through to 2 September 2023.

Nicholas Hytner will direct this 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 – with set by Bunny Christie, choreography by Arlene Phillips, costumes by Deborah Andrews and Bunny Christie,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.

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. 

London Theatre Company Bridge Theatre

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 2023, 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance – Saturday 10 June 2023, 2.30pm

Website:                            www.bridgetheatre.co.uk

Twitter:                              @_bridgetheatre

Instagram:                          _bridgetheatre

Facebook:                           facebook.com/bridgetheatrelondon

DISNEY’S THE LION KING UK & IRELAND TOUR WELCOMES NEW CAST MEMBERS INCLUDING KYLE RICHARDSON AS ‘SIMBA’

The UK and Ireland Tour of Disney’s The Lion King will welcome 12 new members to its cast of over 50 actors, singers and dancers this winter. The award winning landmark musical is currently playing a season at Manchester Palace until 11 March, where over 300,000 people will experience the show during the only North West dates.

The newcomers join a talented international company from 17 countries around the world. 

Kyle Richardson will be stepping into the role of Simba. From St Kitts in the Caribbean, Kyle has previously performed in the show as part of the ensemble in Madrid and is in the current UK & Ireland production. 

THE LION KINGalso welcomes Alex Bloomer as Ed and Candida Mosoma as Shenzi and current ensemble cast member Jorell Coiffic-Kamall will be taking on the roleof Banzai. The ensemble cast will be joined by Tanisha-Mae Brown, Asmara Cammock, Zodwa Mrasi, Felipe Flores, Reece McKenzie, Aphiwe Nyezi, Peace Nzirawa and Ebby Sama. The new cast will join the production from Sunday 11 December.

The newly announced cast members join principals Matthew Forbes as Zazu, Jean-Luc Guizonne as Mufasa, Richard Hurst as Scar, Nokwanda Khuzwayo as Nala, Alan McHale as Timon, Thandazile Soni as Rafiki and Carl Sanderson as Pumbaa.

The UK & Ireland tour cast also includes: Khanyisani Beato, Tanisha-Mae Brown, Mamido Bomboko Souchu, Asmara Cammock, Bethany Chan, Tau-En Chien, Elisa Chou, Tevin Daniel, Lwandolwethu Dennis Bam, Tim Driesen, Felipe Flores, Oraine Frater, Adebunmi Gabriel, Brian Gilligan, Daniel Griffith, Gavin Hart, Caleaf Henson, Dillan Hope Suttle, Olivia Jones, Melvin Le Blanc, Reece Mackenzie, Zanele Mazibuko, Zodwa Mrasi, Zanele Ndlovu, Buhle Nkomo, Aphiwe Nyezi, Peace Runyararo Nzirawa, Ebby Sama, Cristiane Santos De Jesus,  Francesca Thompson, Vuyelwa Laura Tshona, Ricardo Walker, Maria Yim and Bukiwe Zinganto.

The tour is currently in Manchester until 11 March before seasons in Sunderland, Bristol and Birmingham. 

The story of THE LION KING roars into life using spectacular masks, puppets and costumes to tell the story of Simba’s epic adventures, as he struggles with the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming king.

Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation of THE LION KING opened on Broadway in 1997 and 25 global productions in nine different languages have been created since then (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese). THE LION KING is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher. 

The previous tour of THE LION KING broke attendance records across the nation, including at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. Since the UK premiere in 1999, THE LION KING London has entertained more than 18 million theatregoers and is the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time. 

The stunning artistry of the production is the work of a team of designers which drew on diverse cultural influences to recreate the rich colours and vast expanses of the African savanna in this daring and inspiring reinvention of one of the most successful animated feature films of all time. 

Julie Taymor, one of the world’s most innovative directors, brought a vast array of disciplines to THE LION KING, including extensive experience staging epic theatre and opera productions, exploring classic myths through ritualised puppetry, mask, and movement. The Lion King was the first musical Taymor directed in the commercial theatre and she made Broadway history by becoming the first woman to win the Tony Award® for Best Director of a Musical.   

The Broadway show’s full creative team, which won five Tony Awards® for its work on THE LION KING, reunited in 1999 to recreate the show in London. Julie Taymor and Michael Curry created hundreds of masks and puppets. 

Scenic design is by British designer Richard Hudson and lighting is by Donald Holder. Costume design is by Julie Taymor, and choreography by Garth Fagan. The book was adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated feature and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay. 

The original score from the animated film was expanded for the stage and now features 15 musical numbers.  As well as writing completely new songs, South African composer Lebo M created an evocative blend of African rhythms and chorales, with additional material by Julie Taymor and Mark Mancina. 

Elton John and Tim Rice have added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the award-winning score of the animated film. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, including the Academy Award®-winning Can You Feel The Love Tonight and the haunting Shadowland. 

TONY AND OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

EXTENDS ITS RUN AT TRAFALGAR THEATRE

NOW BOOKING UNTIL 1ST OCTOBER 2023

“Too good to be true” New York Post

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM WWW.JERSEYBOYSLONDON.COM

The smash-hit Tony and Olivier award-winning musical Jersey Boys is delighted to announce that its run at London’s Trafalgar Theatre has been extended, and is now booking until 1st October 2023. This musical extravaganza goes behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the multi award-winning, true-life phenomenon, Jersey Boys.

They were just four guys from New Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect onstage, off stage it was a very different story—a story that has made them an international sensation all over again.

The show is packed with the hits of The Four Seasons, including Beggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true.

Luke Suri stars as Frankie Valli, Adam Bailey as Bob Gaudio, Karl James Wilson as Nick Massi and Benjamin Yates as Tommy De Vito. The cast also includes: Joey Cornish as Joe Pesci, Kevin Fullinick as Barry Belson, Matthew Goodgame as Gyp De Carlo, Gracie Lai as Lorraine, Carolyn Maitland as Mary Delgado, Rosie Needham as Francine, Tom Oliver as Norm Waxman/Hank Majewski and Joseph Peters as Bob Crewe. The cast is completed by Elliot Allinson, Jack Campbell, Huon Mackley, Bonnie Page, Danny Knott and Andy Smith.

Howard Panter, producer for Trafalgar Entertainment Productions, said: “I am delighted to announce that booking has been extended for the Olivier and Tony award-winning Jersey Boys. Having reopened the multi-million-pound refurbished Trafalgar Theatre last year, it is magnificent to see that audiences can’t get enough of this smash-hit musical, featuring a miriad of toe-tapping, legendary songs, performed by our incredibly talented and vibrant cast.”

Jersey Boys is written by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. Recipient of Broadway’s Tony, London’s Olivier and Australia’s Helpmann Awards for Best New Musical, Jersey Boys is the winner of 65 major awards and has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide. The musical opened to rave reviews at the newly refurbished Trafalgar Theatre in July 2021.

Jersey Boys originally opened on Broadway on 6 November 2005 and ran for more than 11 years. It was the 12th longest running show in Broadway history. It ran in London’s West End from 2008 to 2017 – nine amazing years – and, at the time, was the sixth longest musical running in the West End.

Jersey Boys is now on its third UK & Ireland tour running until April 2023, having previously played two record-breaking tours from 2014-2016 and from 2017-2019.

Jersey Boys at the Trafalgar Theatre is staged by the original Broadway creative team, led by the Tony Award-winning team of director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, with scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Steve Canyon Kennedy and projections design by Michael Clark. The orchestrations are by Steve Orich and the music supervision and vocal arrangements by Ron Melrose. Casting Director is Jill Green CDG.

Jersey Boys is produced in London by the Dodgers and Trafalgar Theatre Productions, with BB Investments, Kevin Kinsella, Pelican Group in association with Latitude Link and Eilene Davidson Productions.

Listings Information:

Website: www.jerseyboysmusical.co.uk

Twitter & Instagram: @JerseyBoysUK

Facebook: @JerseyBoysLondon

Trafalgar Theatre, 14 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY

Performance Schedule:

Monday, Wednesday – Saturday 7:30pm

Thursday & Saturday 2:30pm

Sunday 4:00pm

Tickets from £25

DISNEY’S NEWSIES

EXTENDS BOOKING PERIOD

AT LONDON’S TROUBADOUR WEMBLEY PARK THEATRE

TO 16 APRIL 2023

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

The producers of Disney’s NEWSIES are delighted to announce a new booking periodat London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre due to overwhelming demand and sold-out previews. NEWSIES will now run through to Sunday 16 April 2023. Previews, which were all priced at £30, begin tomorrow, Tuesday 29 November, with the show’s official opening night taking place on Thursday 8 December. Tickets for the new booking period are on sale now.

The full cast of NEWSIES includes Michael Ahomka-Lindsay as Jack Kelly, Moya Angela as Medda Larkin, Lindsay Atherton as Ensemble, Samuel Bailey as Specs, Imogen Bailey as Swing, Bronté Barbé as Katherine Plumber, Josh Barnett, as Race, Cameron Blakely as Joseph Pulitzer, Jack Bromage as Tommy Boy, Bobbie Chambers as Ensemble, Alex Christian as Buttons, Arcangelo Ciulla as Ike, George Crawford as Morris Delancey, Ross Dawes as Snyder, Joshua Denyer as Mush, Ross Dorrington as Splasher, Matthew Duckett as Crutchie, Kamilla Fernandes as Ensemble, Jacob Fisher as Albert, Jamie Golding as Wiesel, Damon Gould as Finch, Zack Guest as Swing, Jordan Isaac as Swing, Alex James-Hatton as Oscar Delancey, Clarice Julianda as Ensemble, Barry Keenan as Nunzio, Ryan Kopel as Davey, Sion Lloyd as Bunsen George Michaelides as Romeo, Mukeni Nel as Jo Jo, Joshua Nkemdilim as Elmer, Mark Samaras as Mike, Bradley Trevethan as Swing, Matt Trevorrow as Henryand Lillie-Pearl Wildman as Ensemble.

The role of Les is played by Nesim Adnan, Haydn Court, Oliver Gordon and Ethan Sokontwe.

Based on a true story, NEWSIES is set in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It’s the rousing tale of a ragged band of teenage newspaper sellers, who dream of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. After newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer hikes up the prices for his papers charged to the newsies, Jack Kelly rallies his fellow newsies in an attempt to protest the change, falling in love with young reporter Katherine along the way. These young newsies from across the city come together and rise up against the exploitation of wealthy publishing tycoons and fight for justice using the only power they have – solidarity.

The original production of NEWSIES opened on Broadway in 2012 and was slated to play only 100 performances but went on to play over 1,000 performances before touring and winning two Tony Awards®, including Best Original Score. The original production was filmed live on stage and released in cinemas in 2017.

Now for the very first time, audiences in the UK have a chance to enjoy the thrill of one of the biggest Broadway hits of recent years. In an innovative and brand new production at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, theatregoers will be thrust right inside the action as the newsies dance, sing, jump and fly around the streets of a booming 19^th century New York City.

NEWSIES is Directed and Choreographed by Olivier nominee Matt Cole, with Set Design by Morgan Large, Musical Supervision, New Dance Arrangements & Musical Direction by Nigel Lilley, Costumes by Natalie Pryce, Lighting by Mark Henderson, Sound by Tony Gayle, New Orchestrations by Simon Hale, Performer Flying by John Maddox for Suspended Illusions Ltd, Casting by Lucy Casson, Children’s Casting by Jo Hawes, Fight Directors Rachel Bown-Williams & Ruth Cooper-Brown for RC Annie, Associate Director Rachael Nanyonjo, Associate Choreographer Jane McMurtrie, Associate Musical Director Chris Ma and Production Management by Lee Batty and Andy Fox for Setting Line.

NEWSIES is produced by Tristan Baker & Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Gavin Kalin, Hunter Arnold, Kater Gordon and Dianne Roberts, by permission of Disney Theatrical Productions.

Website: newsiesthemusical.co.uk

Instagram: @newsies_uk

Facebook: @newsiesuk

Twitter: @newsies_uk

LISTINGS

Disney’s NEWSIES

Previews from 29 November 2022

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

3 Fulton Rd

Wembley Park

London HA9 0SP

Performances: Wednesday-Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm, Sunday at 1pm & 5:30pm*

*no 2.30pm matinee 8 December, no performance 1, 4 & 9 December, extra 7.30pm performances 5 & 13 December 2022

N.B a relaxed performance will be added in the new booking period. Please keep an eye on the website for more information.

Christmas 2022/23 Performance Schedule

Monday 19 December           NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 20 December          7.30pm

Wednesday 21 December     2.30pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 22 December         7.30pm

Friday 23 December              2.30pm & 7.30pm

Saturday 24 December         2.30pm

Sunday 25 December           NO PERFORMANCE

Monday 26 December           NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 27 December          7.30pm

Wednesday 28 December     2.30pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 29 December         2.30pm & 7.30pm

Friday 30 December              2.30pm & 7.30pm

Saturday 31 December          2.30pm

Sunday 1 January                  NO PERFORMANCE

Suitable for age 5+

The Mill at Sonning Theatre, Reading – until 30th December 2022

Reviewed by Amber Mills

5*****

Warmly welcoming me to The Mill at Sonning Theatre was Sally Hughes, (the Managing and Artistic Director). It’s the complete package here at The Mill at Sonning. The experience included a two-course buffet in which they cater to gluten and dairy allergies. The food was divine and the staff was very accommodating, generous and polite.

The Mill at Sonning Dinner Theatre launched the first Hydro Electric Scheme to be powered by the natural resources of The River Thames. This scheme generates enough electric energy for the theatre’s lights, the restaurant dining rooms, bars, ovens, as well as backstage corridors, dressing rooms, wardrobe areas, set construction workshops, and control box, in addition to its many, many offices. So as well as being a beautiful vintage building it is also Eco friendly.

This semi-round theatre seats 215 people. Bearing in mind how small this theatre is, the Top Hat set/ stage design is classy, with an imaginative art deco design. The set designer Jason Denvir has done an excellent job to factor in every little detail to do with the show. I know the director Johnathan O’Boyle wanted to make sure they could still change the set twelve times in each act seamlessly from New York to London, and then to the Lido in Venice. I think how the stage has been designed is very clever and imaginative and still conveys the story clearly to the audience.

As well as the set design, the lighting is simple but effective and it complements the actors. The costumes were classy and very well thought out to suit each character’s personality. In addition the make-up and hair yesterday were immaculate.

In my personal opinion, I thought the show was very sophisticated and glamorous with seamless scene changes. Every one of the ensemble, multi-roled depending on what country they were in. There was never a dull moment as there were always characters either moving set or dancing.

Top Hat is predominantly a tap-heavy show and I thought the choreography was imaginative and intricate. The ensemble all moved as one and every dance number was slick, smooth, and stylish.

I especially enjoyed watching Jonny Labey who played Jerry Travers. Every time he tapped it looked like he was floating on air. I feel he really embraced the tap-dancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He just glides across the floor effortlessly and is a pleasure to watch.

Top Hat features fourteen of Irving Berlin’s famous songs such as “Cheek to Cheek“, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” and “Let’s Face the Music and Dance“. These iconic songs were sung with class and elegance in the show. I especially loved when Billie-Kay, who plays Dale Tremont sang “Better Luck Next Time”, as she has a luxurious legit sounding voice which emotionally moved me.

Top Hat also has many comedic moments and I personally found Beddini played by Andy Rees really amusing.

Overall I think Top Hat is a flawless production and I thoroughly recommend it

Dominion Theatre, Tottenham Court Road, London until 7 January 2023

Reviewed by Marcia Spiers

4****

We thoroughly enjoyed this show and it put us both in a festive mood. The start of the show is very comical and sets the scene for what is good old fashioned family entertainment.

The orchestra led by Alan Williams was absolutely brilliant and they played some fantastic swing tracks. The ensemble/swing dancers were very polished. We particularly enjoyed the scenes with the Christmassy props including candy canes and boxes.

Simon Lipkin played a very credible Buddy, full of fun and yet able to show the vulnerable side of Buddy as someone who felt unloved and unwanted. His father Walter (Tom Chambers) did a great job of being so selfish and only interested in his work.

His team of office staff were desperately trying to keep their jobs and his secretary Deb played by Kim Ismay was one of my favourite characters portraying immense efficiency but with a sense of mischief.

Walter’s long suffering wife Emily (Rebecca Hobbs) was excellent at trying to persuade him to be a bit more interested in his son Michael, played by Logan Clark who definitely has a great future. His performance particularly in the second half was amazing. He has a great singing voice as does Rebecca Hobbs. Their duo together was memorable and well sang.

We particularly loved the Christmas shop scenery and the Manager ably played by Dermot Canavan. His character reminded me very much of all those stressed retailers out there hoping that everything will go to plan. His double act as the grumpy hot dog vendor was also superb.

The costumes were lovely and colourful and there is a huge surprise for everyone at the end which was wonderful and all the audience were in awe. We enjoyed all the songs and will be seeking out the sound track to play over the Christmas period!

This show is perfect for the Christmas season and if you are not keen on panto this is a great alternative because it has all the magic without the terrible jokes. A must see for all the family – be sparkly I felt underdressed!

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre – until 7th January 2023

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

4****

Co -written by Jude Christian and Sonia Jalaly, this production is a perfect combination of all the elements of pantomime. We all associate pantomime with Christmas but enjoying Christmas is not an essential part of enjoying this production. From start to finish, the performance is charged with energy; fast dance routines, adventure, skateboarding, innuendo, slapstick and audience participation.

Fleshcreep (Jodie Jacobs) wants money from Jack (Leah St Luce) and her Mum, Dame Trott (Emmanuel Akwafa), with the threat of being fed to the giant in the sky if they don’t. To save them from their fate, Jack swaps their beloved Daisy the cow for a bag of magic beans. A perfect platform for adventure, moral and clever twist.

The set design, costume design and lighting blend together to conjure up the feeling of being in an arcade with reference to Hammersmith throughout. Bright lights, bright colours, outrageous outfits and flamboyance. Imagine milkshakes, singing cows, arcade machines and custard pies.

Being in the audience for this production brings pure joy and all ages are catered for. Everyone has something to talk about as they leave, whether it’s the fantastic performance and energy brought to the roles of Jack and Dame Trott, the confetti explosion and other special effects, seeing the excitement and engagement of children in the audience or being able to sing to your heart’s content. ‘Glory, Glory, Hammersmith!’.

New Vic Theatre, Newcastle Under Lyme – until Saturday 28th January 2023

Reviewed by Lesley Eagles

3***

The unique setting being a ‘theatre in the round’ means that you immediately feel immersed in the story from the outset.

The story begins on the family barge with a short bobbed, brown haired Alice rather than the more traditional version that you may be more familiar with.

Echoes of the story being set in the heart of Stoke are created with the surrounding imagery being that of smoking pottery kilns.

Alice, played by Eleanor Fransch, is a young girl who is extremely inquisitive asking an incessant amount of questions. Her character is likeable and irritating in equal measures, much like most children you meet! She displays the innocence and naivety of a young girl but also the know-it-all attitude that also comes with a child of that age who is learning to navigate life in a confusing adult world.

The barge soon turns into a street market stall where Alice meets a magician, The Great Blanco. An outstanding performance is given by Peter Watts who also plays the part of the White Rabbit. It is here that Alice begins her journey into a wonderland of adventure.

Alice follows the magician into a theatre where she finds herself tumbling through a trap door (rather than a rabbit hole) that she had been warned about on more than one occasion. Obviously In true child like fashion she had chosen to ignore this advice.

From here she goes on to meet an array of eccentric and entertaining characters, where she is often confused and battles to understand what is reality and what is fantasy.

What sold it to me was the versatility and clever design in which the story was told with many means of storytelling and outstanding puppetry of many styles. The shrinking and growing of Alice left the little girl in front of me in awe and I was equally entertained by her wonderful response.

The creative team have outdone themselves as the use of staging and props allowed fluidity throughout.

Purvi Parmar delivers an enthusiastic and determined performance of a vicious Red Queen threatening to behead her subjects and as a result gained the dislike of her audience. Opposite her, Victoria Brazier offered a beautiful vocal performance as the White Queen.

Danielle Bird plays the part of the mad hatter who, during the tea party, delivered a nonsense song with a great response from the audience, both young and old alike, who were thoroughly entertained.

In what was a magical performance, quite how they managed to overcome the challenges of performing some of the illusions in a theatre in the round is beyond me! However credit goes to Darren Lang for making it happen.

As always Theresa Heskins’ remarkable directorial style brings together a super performance from all those involved.

Although at times I found the story confusing, it is much like the original, nonsensical story which emphasises the many bewildering twists and turns of life in an often crazy adult world

Wonderfully entertaining and a truly magical performance

EMPIRE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – FRIDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 2022

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

4****

Following the success of last year’s Handel’s Messiah Concert, the Glyndebourne Tour returned this autumn with performances across the country, giving audiences the opportunity to enjoy world class opera on their doorstep and making opera more accessible to people all over the UK. The Tour, founded in 1968, enables the company to take operatic productions around the country and today Glyndebourne reaches around 150 000 people a year with over 120 live performances and extends to new audiences with digital innovations such as online streamings.

Last night I had the chance to watch one of three Operas currently entertaining audiences at the Empire Theatre, a double bill of The Anonymous Lover by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges and Mozart’s Requiem concert. Also being performed during their tour at the Empire is Michael Grandage’s popular 2012 staging of Mozart’s classic comedy The Marriage of Figaro and Dutch Director Floris Visser’s brand new production of Puccini’s La bohème.

Last night’s special concert of instrumental and vocal works, pairs music by French composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges with that of his better-known contemporary and rival Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Writer and director Simone Ibbett-Brown brilliantly created the production in part 1. It cleverly tells the story of composer Joseph Bologne’s extraordinary life through readings of his powerful diaries, interwoven with the narrative and music from his most successful and lone surviving opera, The Anonymous Lover (first performed in 1780). Baritone, Luthando Qave as Ophèmon and Soprano, Mariam Battistelli as Jeanette, gave an outstanding performance last night, leaving the audience with goose bumps.

The Glyndebourne Chorus takes the limelight in part 2 with Mozart’s legendary Requiem, which was unfinished at the time of his death in 1791. The beautiful and haunting Requiem in D minor is one of Mozart’s great musical works, not only is it a masterpiece but it carries with it much speculation and myth. Along with the splendid sound of the Glyndebourne orchestra conducted by Stephanie Childress and first-class vocals, there were superlative solo performances by Soprano, Alexandra Lowe and Bass, William Thomas. You could hear the audience gasping in wonderment at their sublime voices. The multi sectioned movement Sequentia is filled with vivid and often terrifying imaginary, dramatic stuff indeed. Sequentia: Confutatis and Sequentia: Lacrimosa are my favourite movements, and they did not disappoint!

Fifty four years later and The Glyndebourne Tour is still fulfilling Sir George Christie’s original vision and giving audiences varied ways to experience exceptional operas, most definitely making the Tour no ordinary opera!

Leeds Playhouse – until 28 January 2022

Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

5*****

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical comes to Leeds Playhouse for the festive season. The musical invites one into a world of imagination of Charlie’s plight and Willy Wonka’s confectionery wonders at his chocolate factory. The musical is based on David Greig’s book with Marc Shaiman’s musical composition and his and Scott Wittman’s lyrics.

Charlie (Amelia Minto) is introduced, and one observes the harsh reality of a family whose resilience to survive is supported by Charlie’s creative will to dream and hope for better things to come. Charlie’s creativity and optimism ripples through the family and is particularly encouraged to pursue this by Grandpa Joe (Michael D’Cruze). Fate suddenly changes when Charlie wins the last golden ticket to be invited to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory where it deems a once in a lifetime opportunity to be astonished and to reaffirm the belief that is seen.

Accompanied by four other spoilt children and their parents, Charlie and Grandpa Joe embarks on a tour of the factory by none other than the eccentric Willy Wonka (Gareth Snook), whose unrestricted creations imagine the unimagined. Supported by Simon Higlett’s stunning and eye-catching staging and Simon Wainwright’s visuals, the musical is combined effectively with Mike Walker’s soundscapes, Chris Fisher’s illusions and Tim Mitchell’s lighting. This contributes to creative story telling as stipulated in Roald Dahl’s narration of the characters and the plot.

The musical numbers by Wittman and Shaiman and is set to the latter’s composition unravels the story from A letter From Charlie Bucket to the prophetic You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet/It Must Be Believed to be Seen and to the fulfilment of Pure Imagination.

The cast perfectly portrays the characters which is led by Minto’s Charlie and Snook’s Willy Wonka. The excellent and talented cast are supported by the company and the creative team combined with James Brining’s direction, Ellen Campbell’s musical equivalent and Emily Jane Boyle’s choreography.

A combination of chocolate and candy are being imagined physically and figuratively as these are the perfect ingredients to make this musical a sweet success. One is transfixed from the start and transported to escapism throughout. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical is a joy of “pure imagination” and a pleasure to view and consume the spectacular.