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ACCLAIMED NEW MUSICAL MEETS PUBLIC DEMAND, EXTENDING WEST END SEASON TO NEXT YEAR

NOW BOOKING TO 12 FEBRUARY 2023

Hit songs include Stand By Me, Saturday Night at the Movies,

Under The Boardwalk, Save The Last Dance For Me

and Kissin in the Back Row of the Movies

At Garrick Theatre, Londonwww.thedriftersgirl.com

Michael Harrison and David Ian are thrilled to announce today that The Drifters Girl – the new musical which tells the remarkable story of one of the world’s greatest vocal groups and the woman who made them – is to extend its run at Garrick Theatre in London to Sunday 12 February 2023.

The Drifters Girl has been thrilling audiences since beginning in Newcastle in October 2021. The show transferred to London in November 2021, and has continued to play to packed houses and nightly standing ovations.

The musical tells the story of Faye Treadwell, the legendary manager of The Drifters who, alongside her husband, fought for three decades to turn Atlantic Records’ hottest vocal group into a global phenomenon.

From the highs of hit records and sell out tours to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, The Drifters Girl charts the trailblazing efforts of the world’s first African American, female music manager and how she refused to ever give up on the group she loved. Thirty years, and hundreds of hit songs later, there is no doubt that Faye Treadwell was and always will be, The Drifters Girl.

The UK’s Queen of Soul Beverley Knight plays Faye Treadwell, with Adam J Bernard, Tarinn Callender, Matt Henry and Tosh Wanogho-Maud as the iconic group. Beverley continues in the role through to Saturday 2 July, with casting from that date to be announced.

Adam J Bernard exploded into the West End limelight when he originated the role of Jimmy ‘Thunder’ Early in Dreamgirls, for which he was awarded an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical.

Tarinn Callender originated the roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in the West End production of the international musical phenomenon Hamilton. His other credits include the Olivier Award winning production of Come From Away.

Award-winning actor, singer, songwriter and artist Matt Henry won an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance as Lola in Kinky Boots, for which he also received a Grammy Award nomination for the London cast recording.

As a finalist on the BBC’s The Voice, Matt’s performance of Ray LaMontagne’s ‘Trouble’ racked up over four million hits on YouTube and the original ‘Trouble’ re-entered the UK charts that week, testament to Matt’s performance.

Tosh Wanogho-Maud played Jimmy in the West End musical Dreamgirls. His other West End credits include ShowBoat, TheBookof Mormon and playing the role of Simba in The Lion King.

The cast is completed by Marcus Ayton, Ashford Campbell, Ethan Davis, Vanessa Ela Young, Michael James Stewart, Alanna Leslie, Curtis Scott, and the young actors are Aurora Baptiste, Amari Brown, Savanna Musoni, Savannah Skinner-Henry and Shanyia Tsoto.

The Drifters Girl boasts an incredible soundtrack of some of the most famous songs in history, including Save The Last Dance For Me, Under The Boardwalk, Kissin In The Back Row Of The Movies, Stand By Me, Come On Over To My Place, Saturday Night At The Movies and many more.

The Drifters Girl, with abook by Ed Curtis, based on an idea by Tina Treadwell, and which is co-created by Beverley Knight, Adam J Bernard, Tarinn Callender, Matt Henry and Tosh Wanogho-Maud is directed by Jonathan Church, with set design by Anthony Ward, choreography by Karen Bruce, costume design by Fay Fullerton, orchestrations and musical supervision by Chris Egan lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and video design by Andrzej Goulding. Associate Director is Tyrone Huntley and Associate Choreographer is Myles Brown with casting by Stuart Burt and children’s casting by Jo Hawes.

The Drifters Girl is produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian.

ROLL UP! ROLL UP!

MATT BAKER JOINS THE CIRCUS IN

AT RICHMOND THEATRE FROM 3 – 31 DECEMBER 2022

Richmond Theatre have today, 8 March, announced that their annual pantomime, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, will star TV-favourite Matt Baker. Matt will star as Joey the Clown, reprising the role he originated in the critically acclaimed 2019 London Palladium production.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears will be a panto like Richmond has never seen before, bringing all the magic of the Big Top to the Theatre featuring international circus acts combined with all the comedy you’d expect from the perfect family Christmas show.

Matt Baker is best known as a presenter of Countryfile on BBC One and Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales on Channel 4. Previously, he has presented The One Show, Blue Peter and was a finalist on Strictly Come Dancing. He has been seen on stage as Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

On returning to the circus spectacular, Matt Baker said: “I’m thrilled to be back in panto, working with Crossroads Pantomimes again to bring the glitz and magic of the Goldilocks Circus to the beautiful Richmond Theatre.”

Goldilocks and the Three Bears is produced by the World’s biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes, whose Chief Executive Michael Harrison said: “I am so pleased to have Matt back with us this year at Richmond Theatre. Not only is Matt a star on screen, but his charisma, charm and impressive circus skills make him a fantastic addition to this show. With this dazzling circus-themed pantomime, I know that our audiences in Richmond are going to be in for a real treat this Christmas”

Rachel Crocombe-Lane, Theatre Director of Richmond Theatre said: “We are massive fans of Matt at Richmond Theatre, and when we heard he was available to join us for our 2022 panto season we were ecstatic. I’m confident the Richmond audiences will love what he brings to the stage.”

Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their madcap circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang…

With further casting to be announced, don’t miss your chance to grab your tickets to the biggest and the best circus in town this Christmas, and be swept away by a pantomime spectacular that’s just right!

Goldilocks and the Three Bears replaces the originally announced production of Jack and the Beanstalk.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

LAUNCHES ALL RISE £15 TICKET INITIATIVE

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TODAYTIX

PREVIEWS BEGIN THURSDAY 10 MARCH

Ahead of previews starting this Thursday 10 March, To Kill a Mockingbird today announces the launch of the All Rise ticket scheme in an exclusive partnership with TodayTix, offering £15 seats for every performance across the run. The initiative aims to provide access at affordable prices to as wide an audience as possible.

More than 1,400 tickets will be released each month. The first release of tickets is on 8 March, for performances up to and including 2 April. In addition to the All Rise initiative, there will be an opportunity to purchase £15 tickets via Today Tix daily rush – where a limited number of additional seats will be available on each performance day via the app. The TodayTix app can be downloaded onto iOs or Android devices for free via the app store; or you can access online via TodayTix.com.

To Kill a Mockingbird opens at the Gielgud Theatre on 31 March 2022, with previews from 10 March. This new play by Aaron Sorkin isbased on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, and directed by Bartlett Sher.

Set in Maycomb, Alabama in 1934, To Kill a Mockingbird has provided American literature with some of its most indelible characters: lawyer Atticus Finch, the tragically wronged Tom Robinson, Atticus’ daughter Scout, her brother Jem, their housekeeper and caretaker Calpurnia and the reclusive Arthur “Boo” Radley. For the past six decades and for every generation, this story, its characters and portrait of small-town America have helped to, and continue to, inspire conversation and change.

Harper Lee’s enduring story of racial injustice and childhood innocence has sold more than 45 million copies of the novel worldwide. 2020 marked the 60^th anniversary of its publication. 

The full cast is Harry Attwell (Mr Cunningham/Boo Radley), Amanda Boxer (Mrs Henry Dubose), Poppy Lee Friar (Mayella Ewell), John Hastings (Bailiff), Simon Hepworth (Mr Roscoe/Dr Reynolds), Laura Howard (Miss Stephanie/Dill’s Mother), Lloyd Hutchinson (Link Deas), Gwyneth Keyworth (Scout Finch), Tom Mannion (Sheriff Heck Tate), David Moorst (Dill Harris), Pamela Nomvete (Calpurnia), Jim Norton (Judge Taylor), Patrick O’Kane (Bob Ewell), Jude Owusu (Tom Robinson), Harry Redding (Jem Finch), Rafe Spall (Atticus Finch), David Sturzaker (Horace Gilmer) and Natasha Williams (Mrs Dubose’s Maid), with Helen Belbin, Laurence Belcher, Paul Birchard, Ryan Ellsworth, Rebecca Hayes, Danny Hetherington, Matthew Jure, Anna Munden and Itoya Osagiede making up the ensemble.

Joining Sher and the original Broadway creative team – Miriam Buether (Set), Ann Roth (Costume), Jennifer Tipton (Lighting), Scott Lehrer (Sound), Adam Guettel (Original Score), Kimberly Grigsby (Music Supervision) and Campbell Young Associates (Hair & Wigs) – are Serena Hill as Casting Director, Hazel Holder as Voice & Dialect Coach, Titas Halder as Associate Director, Candida Caldicot as Musical Director, Tavia Rivée Jefferson as Cultural Coordinator and Rasheka Christie-Carter as Assistant Director.

The West End production is produced by Barry Diller and Sonia Friedman Productions.

MARIA FRIEDMAN & FRIENDS

Legacy

EXTENDS UNTIL 17 APRIL

The Menier Chocolate Factory, in association with Sonia Friedman Productions, today announces the extension of the world première of their brand-new show Maria Friedman & Friends – Legacy, celebrating the brilliance of Marvin Hamlisch, Michel Legrand and Stephen Sondheim, until 17 April due to popular demand.

The extension comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Friedman will direct Daniel Radcliffe as Charley in Merrily We Roll Along at New York Theatre Workshop this Autumn, in a production based on her multiple award-wining production at the Menier.

Three-time Olivier Award winner Maria Friedman was a friend of and collaborator with these extraordinary composers. This unique event will see her showcase many of their greatest works – including Broadway Baby, Losing My Mind, A Piece Of Sky and Nothing – with entertaining and personal memories that make a Friedman cabaret a night to remember.

Collaborating with musical director and pianist, Theo Jamieson, and with fellow performers Matthew White, Ian McLarnon, Alfie Friedman and Desmonda Cathabel, and a choir from the Royal Academy of Music, this show promises to be a celebration worthy of some of the greatest composers of the 20^th century. Jamieson will be accompanied by Paul Moylan on Double Bass, and James Powell on Percussion.

Maria Friedman & Friends – Legacy sees Friedman and the Menier renew their collaboration following the critically acclaimed Maria Friedman Re-arranged – which transferred to the West End, her appearance as Golde in the Menier’s production of Fiddler on the Roof at the Playhouse, and of course, Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, which saw her make her directorial debut, and also transferred to the West End, winning the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Revival of a Musical and the Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical.

Maria Friedman is a three-time Olivier Award winner for Maria Friedman By Special Arrangement at the Donmar Warehouse (1995), Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Fosca in the West End production of Stephen Sondheim’s Passion (1996), and for Ragtime (2003), and nine-time Olivier Award nominee. Her other theatre credits include Fiddler on the Roof, Merrily We Roll Along, Blues in the Night, Chicago, The Witches of Eastwick, Anna in The King and I at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Lady in the Dark. In 2004 she originated the role of Marian Halcombe in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Woman in White, both in the West End and on Broadway. She is regularly associated with the work of Stephen Sondheim, having performed principle roles in Merrily We Roll Along, A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, as Mrs Lovett in concert performances of Sweeney Todd (Royal Festival Hall), as Sally in Follies (Palladium) as well as other concert performances as Desiree Armfeldt, Countess Charlotte Malcolm and Petra in A Little Night Music. She also appeared in New York, Washington and the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in celebration of Stephen Sondheim’s 80th birthday. She has performed her critically acclaimed one-woman shows – Maria Friedman – By Special Arrangement and Maria Friedman – By Extra Special Arrangement in venues around the UK and in New York including several seasons at the Café Carlyle, and has most recently performed her new solo show From the Heart to sell-out audiences at Crazy Coqs. She has featured on many cast recordings and released several solo albums including Maria Friedman, Maria Friedman Live, Now and Then, and Maria Friedman Celebrates The Great British Songbook. On screen, her roles include Elaine Peacock in EastEnders, Trish Baynes in Casualty, Red Dwarf, the Narrator in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (DVD), and the Mother Abbess on ITV’s Sound of Music Live. In 2013, she made her directorial debut at the Menier Chocolate Factory with Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along. Her other directing credits include High Society (The Old Vic), Stepping Out (Vaudeville Theatre) and the world première of the new musical Dusty (Theatre Royal Bath). During lockdown, Friedman and Adrian der Gregorian launched Doorstep Productions to take live musical theatre to front doors across the UK and the company continues to entertain guests at parties and events all over the country.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU

MARIA FRIEDMAN & FRIENDS – LEGACY

Until 17 April

Box Office:                         020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

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

Tickets:                               Prices vary, as below from discounted preview tickets to premier seats. With the emphasis on ‘the sooner you book, the better the price’:

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory

Instagram: @menierchocolatefactory

Pitlochry Festival Theatre announces Ensemble for 2022 season

Pitlochry Festival Theatre is delighted to announce its Ensemble for its 2022 season which takes place this summer between May and October.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s exciting 20-strong Ensemble will feature Keith MacPherson (The Yellow Door, Lyceum/ Edinburgh International Book Festival; Waiting for Godot, Citizens Theatre and Stan and Ollie, BBC Films); Alyson Orr (Cinderella, Pavilion Theatre Glasgow);  Keith Jack (runner up on Any Dream Will Do, BBC, Fame, UK Tour and Only The Brave, Edinburgh Festival ) Rhiane Drummond (Dreamgirls and 9-5 The Musical, both Savoy Theatre and Heathers, UK Tour); Connor Going (Wind in the Willows, Pitlochry Festival Theatre and The Choir of Man, Australia and USA tour); Richard Colvin (Sunshine on Leith, UK Tour and A Christmas Carol, Bolton Octagon);  Deirdre Davis (Eileen Donachie in River City, BBC Scotland, Bold Girls, Citizens Theatre and Monarch of The Glen, Pitlochry Festival Theatre); Lanna Joffrey (The Times of Our Lies, Park Theatre); Nalân Burgess (Welcome to Iran, Royal National Theatre and Theatre Royal Stratford East and the forthcoming The Sandman, Warner Brothers and DC Comics); Amelia Donkor (As You Like It and The Taming of the Shrew, Royal Shakespeare Company and Eastenders, BBC) and Rachael McAllister (A Christmas Carol, Pitlochry Festival Theatre).

The Ensemble will also feature Blythe Jandoo (Aladdin, SEC Armadillo;  Bend It Like Beckham, North American Premiere; Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat; The London Palladium and Aladdin, The Prince Edward Theatre); Jessica Brydges (Peter Pan, Maltings Theatre); Meg Chaplin (Arrival, imPOSSIBLE and The Midnight Child, UK Tour) Anna Fordham (The Borrowers, Watermill Theatre and The Athena, Sky); James Hudson (Saturday Night Fever, West End/UK Tour and The Choir of Man, West End); Kit Orton (Spamalot, West End & UK Tour and Oliver, Watermill Theatre); Tom Richardson (Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Storyhouse Chester; The Prince and the Pauper, New Vic Theatre); Marc Small (Barefoot in the Park, Pitlochry Festival Theatre; Richard II , Almeida and the TV series The IT Crowd, Jonathan Creek and Emmerdale); and finally, making his professional acting debut, Richie Spencer.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman said about the talented Ensemble:

“We are so excited to welcome our 2022 Ensemble to Pitlochry this year. We cannot wait to start rehearsals for productions which will also see us return to producing theatre inside our building as well as outside and online. This fantastic Ensemble of incredibly talented actors will perform some extraordinary dramas, comedies, new works, and musicals in repertoire throughout our Summer Season including in our brand new Studio. The team of Directors Amy Liptrott, Ben Occhipinti, Brigid Lamour, Caitlin Skinner, and I cannot wait to make the plays with them for our wonderful audiences. During their time with us, you will be able to see this talented group in different roles. I look forward to our audience enjoying them transforming from production to production. We are also thrilled that this year their work will be seen in Pitlochry and in Edinburgh, London and toured across Scotland, as three of our 2022 summer productions are being co-produced with leading organisations – Stellar Quines Theatre Company, Capital Theatres and Watford Palace Theatre. Pitlochry is known for its Ensemble, and I am excited for us to continue this brilliant tradition.”

Running throughout the summer in the Theatre’s Auditorium, new Studio, as well as outside in the theatre’s Amphitheatre and riverside Bandstand, the 2022 season will include a staging of the much-loved musical Sunshine on Leith (20 May – 1 October), co-produced with Capital Theatres; the premiere, co-produced with Watford Palace Theatre, of Anne-Marie Casey’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel Little Women (21 July – 29 September); Michael Frayn’s iconic backstage comedy Noises Off (May 27 – 1 October) which celebrates its 40^th anniversary; and a revival of Noël Coward’s classic 1930s comedy of manners, Private Lives (17 June-30 September).

The Theatre’s new studio with see the premieres of three news plays Helping Hands (23 June-9 July) by Cathy Forde; Sara Shaarawi’s (Niqabi Ninja) Sister Radio (25 August – 28 September) – a co-production with Stellar Quines Theatre Company; and Martin McCormick’s new play The Maggie Wall (9 – 29 September).

The 2022 season will also see the premiere of two exciting new productions performed in the Theatre’s picturesque amphitheatre, nestled within its Explorers Garden and in the shadow of Ben-y- Vrackie. From 8 June – 7 July, the Theatre will stage Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Lipstick, Ketchup and Blood,playwright and actor Lesley Hart’s (The Lemon Tree, Òran Mór) brand new adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective tale A Study in in Scarlet and in August, the world premiere of David Greig’s (The Adventures with the Painted People) adaptation of Charlotte Higgins’ acclaimed book, Under Another Sky(10 Aug – 23 Sept).

Finally, there will be a terrific line up of entertainment for all the family including a brand new adaptation from the creative team behind last year’s successful production of The Wind in the Willows of Jules Verne’s family adventure Around the World in 80 Days (8 July-17 September).

For further information and tickets for the Pitlochry Festival Theatre 2022 season visit pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com

Hope Mill Theatre’s UK theatrical premiere of the Broadway musical version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella set to go ahead this November

Tuesday 1^st November – Sunday 11^th December 2022

On Sale Now

Cinderella will finally go to the ball! Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester is to stage the UK theatrical premiere of the Broadway musical version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

The musical’s previously postponed 2020 run will be staged later this year at Hope Mill Theatre, from  Tuesday 1^st November until Sunday 11^th December.

Leading the creative team for this new production are venue founders Joseph Houston (he/him) and William Whelton (he/him), with Houston directing and Whelton co-directing and choreographing.

Completing the creative team is Musical Supervisor Leo Munby (he/him), Musical Director Audra Cramer (she/her), featuring New Musical Arrangements by Jason Carr (he/him), Set and Costume Designer Elly Wdowski (she/her), Projection Designer George Reeve (he/him), Lighting Designer Aaron J Dootson (he/him), Wig Designer Richard Mawbey (he/him), Casting by Jane Deitch (she/her) and Artwork by Steph Pyne (sher/her).

Cinderella is the only musical written for the television by legendary duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II (South Pacific, Carousel, The Sound of Music). Originally broadcast live in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, the broadcast was watched by more than 100 million people, before subsequently being remade for TV again in 1965 and 1997 (starring Whitney Houston and Brandy).

A new Broadway version with a Tony-nominated book by Douglas Carter Beane premiered in 2013 featuring several fresh characters and songs. This will be the first time a fully staged version of the show has been performed in the UK (following a 2019 one-night concert version in London).

The smart and beautiful young Ella lives in the care of her wicked, self-absorbed stepmother Madame and her two stepsisters Charlotte and Gabrielle. In another part of the kingdom, Prince Topher is trying to find himself and learn his place in the world. When his scheming advisor Sebastian suggests throwing a ball so the Prince can meet potential brides, Ella and Topher’s different worlds come together. Expect the unexpected in this clever retelling of the beloved fairy tale.

Full Casting as well as wider production team to be announced.

Back in 2020 Hope Mill launched First Curtain, a ticket initiative set up to provide funded tickets for local young people to have their first theatre experience. The ticket scheme, which was launched alongside the announcement of Cinderella, raised almost £5,000 and allowed 8 local schools and over 100 young people to come and watch their production of The Wiz in 2021. They aim to raise the same amount again, or more, to offer the same access to this production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

Bill Gaden, President of Concord Theatricals, said: “We’re delighted that Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella will make its UK theatrical premiere at the Hope Mill Theatre. The modern Broadway adaptation of the classic musical features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and an unforgettable score from Rodgers & Hammerstein. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews to a viewership of 107 million, the largest in history at the time, the title has been charming audiences ever since. We look forward to Manchester theatregoers experiencing the updated incarnation today.”

Joseph Houston, Artistic Director, said: “It was devastating having to make the decision to cancel our production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella in 2020, due to the outbreak of Covid. The incredible creative team we have assembled, worked so hard to create a stunning and truly exciting new version of this beloved musical, from wonderful new orchestrations to beautiful set design, and we are thrilled that we are able to finally bring this show to life at Hope Mill Theatre later this year. We can’t wait to welcome audiences of all ages through our doors, to enjoy this truly magical musical, proving that nothing is Impossible!”

LISTINGS

Hope Mill Theatre’s production of

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Hope Mill Theatre, Pollard Street, Manchester

Tuesday 1^st November until Sunday 11^th December

To book visit: www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk

Production Credits:

Directed by Joseph Houston 

Co-Director & Choreographer William Whelton 

Produced by Hope Mill Theatre 

Casting by Jane Deitch

Musical Supervisor Leo Munby

Musical Director Audra Cramer 

New Arrangements by Jason Carr

Set and Costume Designer Ellie Wdowski 

Wig Design by Richard Mawbey

Lighting design by Aaron J Dootson 

Projection Designer George Reeve

Artwork Steph Pyne 

Music by Richard Rodgers

Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

New Book by Douglas Carter Beane      

Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II    

Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of R&H Theatricals

Greenwich Theatre – Saturday 5th March 2022

Reviewed by Aisa Nerva-Culley

4****

Setting the stage with an eerie atmosphere, the wooden set sticking out in a menacing way gave an intriguing insight to what was to come. Starting with a powerful scream into the dark the show began captivating the audience from the get go. 

The use of live sound and music played by the cast absorbed the audience into a world of horror. The cast took on multiple roles making the troop of five feel like twenty. Most notably was Max Gallagher whose main part was Henry Clerval but gave all other parts he played such individual character which was a joy to watch. 

The use of puppetry was fantastic and really gave the story a depth that made you want to see more. Though at times scenes where slightly drawn out, the cast brought back focus to the plot smoothly. Overall a very enjoyable adaptation of Mary Shelley’s  Frankenstein. 

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

NEWSIES, THE AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY MUSICAL

TO HAVE UK PREMIERE

IN A NEW REIMAGINED PRODUCTION PERFORMED IN THE ROUND

AT LONDON’S TROUBADOUR WEMBLEY PARK THEATRE

STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON FROM 28 NOVEMBER 2022

Producer Runaway Entertainment is delighted to announce that Disney’s NEWSIES, the award-winning Broadway musical with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and book by Harvey Fierstein, will have its UK premiere at London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, where the strictly limited season will run from 28 November 2022.

Based on a true story, NEWSIES is set in New York City at the turn of the 19th 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 newsboys 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 immersive production ‘in the round’ 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. 

Alan Menken said: “I am OVER THE MOON about Newsies opening in London!! I’ve been wishing and waiting for this for soooo long.  I truly cannot wait!”

Matt Cole, Director & Choreographer, said: “As a huge fan of the original Disney film and the Broadway production, I am extremely honoured and thrilled to be reimagining this brand new version for London and the UK. With an incredible score by the legendary Alan Menken and book by Harvey Fierstein we will bring this all-singing, all-dancing show to Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. This site-specific version of the show provides an exciting opportunity to present the piece in a non-traditional format. Set in the round, the audience will be thrust into turn-of-the-century New York, where the action and choreography will weave its way in and out of the audience. I cannot wait to work with this talented creative team on delivering this wonderful and exciting show to the UK.” 

This new production of NEWSIES will be following on the recent successes of large scale shows at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre such as the National Theatre’s productions of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Oliver Royds, CEO of Troubadour Theatres, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the UK Premiere of Disney’s much loved musical in Wembley and look forward to showing audiences just how versatile and flexible our venues are. We are sure this will be one of the theatrical events of the year.“

Casting is to be announced.

Tickets will be going on sale in May 2022. To receive priority booking sign up at www.newsiesthemusical.co.uk

NEWSIES will be Directed and Choreographed by Olivier nominee Matt Cole, with Set Design by Morgan Large, Musical Supervision, Dance Arrangements & Musical Direction by Nigel Lilley, Costumes by Natalie Pryce, Lighting by Mark Henderson, Sound by Tony Gayle, 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 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 with 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

Strictly Limited Season from 28 November 2022

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

3 Fulton Rd

Wembley Park

London HA9 0SP

JGH Academy Press Release

Canterbury’s JGH Academy of Theatre Arts are thrilled to present their first season of live performances from their 2022 cohort featuring a mixture of continuing and graduating students. The Academy will present SHOUT! the Mod Musical and their 2022 Musical Theatre Showcase at Canterbury’s stunning Malthouse Theatre, from 30 March – 1 April.

JGH Academy opened its doors in Canterbury last September (2021) to provide exceptional full-time vocational training in musical theatre performance in Kent, led by theatre producers Joseph Hodges and Jay Gardner and an incomparable faculty of performing arts professionals and boasts a whopping 45 hours of practical training per week!

From September 2022 they have three courses on offer for students aged 16+, a One-Year Intensive Course, a Two-Year Sixth Form Course (accompanied by a level 3 extended diploma) and a Three-Year Diploma Course (accompanied by a Level 6 Diploma.

Their patrons are Strictly Come Dancing Winner, Joanne Clifton, and Olivier Award-Winning Actress, Jenna Russell, both of whom have scholarships named after them. Layton Williams, who is a friend of the academy, also has a full scholarship named after him which is still available to one lucky male identifying student for September 2022 admission. All scholarships are awarded via their free application / audition process which can be found on their website, www.jghacademy.co.uk/apply.

Tickets for SHOUT! and their Musical Theatre Showcase are available via the Malthouse Theatre website, www.malthousetheatre.co.uk. Industry tickets can be booked by emailing [email protected].

You can find JGH Academy on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @JGHCanterbury.

Festival Theatre, Malvern – Sunday 6th March

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

Ellen Kent operas are known for their outstanding productions and tonight’s Madama Butterfly is no exception. It was way beyond superb!

Set in 1904 in Nagasaki, an American naval officer enters into a marriage of convenience with a young Japanese girl. He intends to divorce her when he finds an American wife and shortly after sails off on his naval ship…. She, meanwhile, devotes herself entirely to her new husband in the expectation of a new American life, waiting dutifuly for his return. Because of this she is disowned by her Japanese friends and family.

Both the principles (Elena Dee as Butterfly and Vitalii Liskovetskyi as Pinkerton) had gorgeous tone and strong projection, conveying the libretto with impactful assurance. They particularly shone together during their scenes at the end of act one, in anticipation of the wedding night with all it’s attendant hopes and fears. A lushly romantic piece of writing from Puccini. In fact his entire score has a lovely languid sensuality.

Dee has an effortless mastery of sustain and quiet notes and her anguished outpourings (those massive high notes that Italian opera is famous for) were spine tingling. The aria “One Fine Day” was especially moving. A masterful performance.

All the cast were fantastic but special mention should go to mezzo soprano Katerina Timbaliuk (playing Butterfly’s maid, Suzuki) whose acting, tone and vocal power were especially thrilling. She and Dee have a wonderful onstage presence and were utterly convincing in their roles. Their acting in the final scene was incredible, producing heartbreakingly sensitive performances from both!

The set was a sumptuous Japanese garden complete with running water and a house which was particularly well employed with backlighting to display some key moments in silhouette, an effect that was highly effective. The female chorus made a beautiful, mellifluous sound that was very beguiling, especially seeing them resplendent in their antique wedding kimonos, which were a real treat for the eyes.

Opera isn’t just music of course; it’s musical drama. This is the Italian verismo style where the composers wished to convey the realism of the situation, with all its consequences, hurt and pain. Powerful stuff. There is none of the English G&S nicety where abandonment ends well, in a return of love and a happily ever after. The orchestra (conducted by Vasyl Vasylenko) sounded rich and full, equally impressive in the subtle, romantic sections as the more strident harrowing ones, transporting us faithfully to the inner turmoil of the characters, through their sonorous playing.

Those few who were not already on their feet for a standing ovation were up when the Ukrainian flag came out and the cast sang the Ukrainian National anthem, complete with messages of support for the people of Ukraine on the surtitle screens! I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved during a night out.

A highly charged, emotional performance that deserved double the 5 stars I have to give it! I cannot wait to see their next production at this fine theatre.