Home

Rehearsal photos released for the National Theatre’s new musical Hex, based on Sleeping Beauty, with Rosalie Craig, Kat Ronney, Michael Elcock and Tamsin Carroll  

Rehearsal photos have been released for Hex, a new musical based on Sleeping Beauty, that will open in the Olivier theatre for previews on 4 December.

Rosalie Craig plays the fairy in this vividly original retelling of Sleeping Beauty: a mythic, big-hearted musical that goes beyond the waking kiss.

Deep in the wood, a lonely fairy longs for someone to bless. When she is summoned to the palace to help the princess sleep, her dream turns into a nightmare and her blessing becomes a curse. Soon, she is plunged into a frantic, hundred-year quest to somehow make everything right.

The cast is led by Tamsin Carroll as Queenie, Rosalie Craig as Fairy, Michael Elcock as Bert and Kat Ronney as Rose.     

Rufus Norris directs with music by Jim Fortune, book by Tanya Ronder, lyrics by Rufus Norris, designs by Katrina Lindsay and choreography by Jade Hackett.

The cast also includes Christopher Akrill, Delroy Atkinson, Esme Bacalla-Hayes, Madeline Charlemagne, Ebony Clarke, Sonya Cullingford, Hanna Dimtsu, Tamsin Dowsett, Joe Foster, Ben Goffe, Eleanor Kane, Daisy Maywood, Kody Mortimer, Joseph Prouse, Shaq Taylor and Sargon Yelda.

Orchestrations by Simon Hale, music supervision by Marc Tritschler, music direction by Tarek Merchant, lighting design by Paul Anderson, choreography by Jade Hackett with consultant choreography by Bill Deamer, sound design by Simon Baker and video design by Ash Woodward.

Hex will be in the Olivier theatre from 4 December 2021 until 22 January 2022. It is recommended for ages 8+.

Hex will be broadcast to cinemas as a National Theatre Live from Thursday 17 March in the UK and Thursday 5 May internationally.

Northern Ballet announces major national tour of new ballet for children

New ballet for children Pinocchio

will tour nationally February – April 2022

northernballet.com/pinocchio

Northern Ballet has announced that its new ballet for children, Pinocchio, will embark on a major national tour throughout spring 2022, following its world première in Leeds last month. The production will tour from February to April 2022, visiting more than 20 theatres.

In this original retelling of the Italian story by Carlo Collodi, a lonely carpenter wishes for their puppet Pinocchio to come to life. After their dream comes true by the magic of a wishing well, Pinocchio sets out to prove himself worthy of becoming a real boy. This child friendly 40 minute ballet has been created especially for children and their families to experience live dance, music and theatre together.

Pinocchio follows in the footsteps of the Company’s seven previous children’s ballets, which have achieved huge popularity live on stage, in CBeebies TV adaptations and in cinemas nationwide. With a choreographic debut by Northern Ballet’s Junior Soloist Gavin McCaig, Pinocchio will be performed to music by Ian Stephens, played live by members of Northern Ballet Sinfonia at every venue. Sets are designed by Frankie Bradshaw, lighting by Abbi Fearnley, and costumes designed by Carley Marsh and Kim Brassley.

Gavin McCaig said: ‘Having premiered Pinocchio this autumn, I am thrilled the show will now be touring so extensively across the country next spring. Northern Ballet’s children’s ballets have been enchanting families across the UK for several years, creating a truly magical live dance experience for all ages to enjoy together, and it is both a privilege and a pleasure to be creating for the next generation of audiences and artists.’

For venues, updates to on sale dates and details on how to book, please visit northernballet.com/pinocchio

Cast announced for queer canine cabaret
Dog Show at The Pleasance this Christmas
The Pleasance, Carpenters Mews, North Road, London, N7 9EF
Wednesday 24th November – Sunday 19th December 2021

The cast has been announced for Dog Show, a late-night canine cabaret that cocks its leg at the fetishisation of queer bodies and queer culture, co-written and co-directed by Ginger Johnson (Escape from Planet Trash, Sink the Pink; How to Catch a Krampus, Pleasance Theatre Trust) and David Cumming (Operation Mincemeat, SpitLip; Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster, BAC Beatbox Academy).

The show features stand-out performers from across the queer cabaret scene, including Rudy Jeevanjee (The Cocoa Butter Club; ‘Legend in the Making 2019’, Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival), Azara (Just Another Day and Night; Sadler’s Wells; Talawa Theatre Company) and Mahatma Khandi (Escape from Planet Trash, Sink the Pink; How to Catch a Krampus, Pleasance Theatre Trust). Together, they bring an award-winning arsenal of skills including drag, comedy, breakdancing, burlesque, rap, spoken word, lip-sync and song.

Drawing heavily from the Weimar cabaret tradition, which grew in response to increasing division in society, this show is a dog’s dinner of skits, songs, sketches, spoken word, socialism and sex. Dog Show is a love letter to all the bits of queer culture that are too dirty, drippy, complex and confrontational to be ‘accepted’ by ‘polite society.’ This is modern Queer Theatre: By Queers, For Queers. (Allies must be kept on a lead at all times *wink*).

Drawing on the visual language of kink to explore the idea of sexual shame and the modern fetishisation of queer culture, Dog Show unpacks the themes of freedom, control, dominance and power, all while serving up a spectacularly silly and sexy drag show.

Set amongst the flickering neon and steaming drains of what might, in another life, be old Soho, Dog Show features eye-popping set pieces designed by Ginger Johnson that give the Moulin Rouge a run for its money. The design pulls visual inspiration from all the most outrageous corners of late-night queer culture – from club kids to kinksters, and the dance floor to the darkroom. Think Leigh Bowery goes to Crufts. Dog Show features an original musical soundtrack that is just as much a mongrel as the characters themselves, with costume design from Kelli Des Jarlais and lighting design by Rachel Sampley.

It’s time for the muzzles to come off.

Co-writers and directors, David Cumming and Ginger Johnson, comment, Fascism is on the rise, communities are being divided, and the rich just keep getting richer – so of course we’ve decided to tackle all this through the medium of a Christmas show full of sexy, silly drag dogs. Part fantastical escapism, part satirical skewer, this kinky canine cabaret is our response to an increasingly hostile world where difference is discouraged, and freedom is conditional. And after the year we’ve just had, we think we all deserve some raucous, raunchy, revolutionary fun. It’ll be the dog bollocks – we promise – maybe even literally!

Wales Millennium Centre – until 20 November 2021

Reviewed by Rhys Payne

4****

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie recently landed at the Wales Millennium Centre and I have to admit it was not what I was expecting at all! I thought that this musical would have been an extremely camp and high-energy drag celebration with Jamie discovering his inner drag Queen and showing off as much as possible. I don’t know why but I was kind of expecting a Priscilla Queen of the Desert style show but instead, it was a show focused on Jamie’s relationship with his mother, father, friends and classmates. For those who don’t know, this musical is based upon the story of Jamie Campbell who decided he wanted to go to his school prom in drag which gained a lot of media coverage at the time. (To read the full story of Jamie’s protest you can follow this link https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/e3ebeab8-a351-4289-8b44-7be088b365d4)

Due to this non-fictional inspiration, the musical is heavily based in the real world which many people in the audience will be able to relate to. As a teacher, I am fully aware of the type of language and profanity that students spout throughout the course of a lesson and this musical manages to capture that very well, also there are many references to social distancing and mask-wearing which help brings the show into the modern-day which in turn helps the audience to relate to the characters even more! This more realistic portrayal of the story allows the characters to not only be more likeable and relatable but also shows drag performers as real people who experience real-world things which is often not shown in media.

This show was headlined by the iconic Layton Williams (playing Jamie himself) who is probably most well known for his performance in BBC three Bad Education alongside Jack Whitehall. I personally have seen Layton in Hairspray, where he played the macho seaweed, and as Angel in Rent. I know that Layton really excels in these more camp dance-based roles especially if they include a pair of high heels! The way that he is able to perform the whole show and dance the way he does in these extremely high heels is incredible just in itself. Layton managed to perfectly balance the more emotional moments in the plot with the more high-energy sections with his performance of “the wall in my head” being very emotionally powerful. The other highlight for me was the performance of “ugly in this ugly world” which comes at a critical point in the narrative where Layton becomes overwhelmed with some of the relationships in his life. My only qualm was that at times it was quite difficult to hear what Layton was saying (especially during the higher-pitched sections of songs) but I think this was a general issue with microphones as many performers experienced the same thing!

I also really enjoyed Rhys Taylor’s performance as Hugo/ the drag icon Loco Chanelle. The song “The Legend of Loco Channel” was so wonderfully camp and theatrical that you could help but laugh at how over-the-top everybody was taking this origin story. The character always maintained this fabulousness throughout which made it a joy every time they graced the stage! I was also very surprised to hear that George Sampson would be involved in this show by playing the school bully Dean. George is probably most well known for his time on Britain’s Got Talent where he showcased his incredible break-dancing skills and performed that iconic singing in the rain number. I was really surprised by George during this performance as I remember him being a very adorable and likeable person on BGT but in this role, he was very easy to despise. Every time George grace the stage I boo’d inside my head which means that George did an excellent job of capturing the bully. Both Layton and George are both known for being very talented dancers so it was very interesting to see how they interact on stage with one another with neither flattering at all!

The highlight performance for me would have to be Sharan Phull as Pritti Pasha who is Jamie’s closest friend in school. Pritti is a very shy, reserved character who has big dreams of becoming a doctor and Sharon managed to performed the introverted aspects of this character so well that when this character reaches her eventual boiling point that I was actually surprised by the way she acted. This means that Sharon had perfectly performed the character with Pritti gaining more and more confidence as the show progresses! Their performance of “It means beautiful” was incredibly moving and powerful but still maintained the softness that this character begins the story with. I also thought that Amy Ellen Richardson’s performance as Margaret New (Jamie’s mother) was excellent throughout! As you would expect there are moments through the show where Margaret and Jaime do not see eye-to-eye and on top of this Margaret has to deal with Jaime’s often absent father! This character really demonstrates the extent that mothers will go through to make sure that their children are achieving their dreams and really does highlight to the audience the importance of having a supporting family truly is! Her performance of “He’s my boy” was absolutely out of this world with many people in the audience being brought to tears. I also found the performance “If I met myself again” not only amazing to listen to but also explored as a very interesting idea. The story talks about the mistakes Margaret has made throughout her life and how she regrets falling in love with her ex-partner but towards the end of the song she has a realisation that if this had not happened she would not have had her song that she loves so dearly! This number was accompanied by two incredible dancers who delivered an almost interpretative dance that related to the message that Amy was so beautifully singing about. She is clearly a very talented vocalist who knows how to evoke emotion through her singing from the audience!

After experiencing all the emotions throughout the course of this show we were treated to a wonderfully camp series of songs to end the show. During the finale number, the entire chorus and three fabulous drag queens grace the stage to wrap up the musical which was a very fun and energetic number that allowed the audience to leave feeling uplifted and full of joy! Not only was this number entertaining but it also contains a wonderful full-circle moment with Jamie taking the bins out in his new heels which was a nice touch.

Overall, this is a very fun musical that is firmly based in a world in which everyone is familiar with. It sticks heavily to the original story of Jamie Campbell and functions as an almost dramatised biography of the story of Jaime New and his protest again the dress code. I would encourage everyone (if they can) to have a look at the movie that has recently been released on Amazon Prime movie before seeing the show so you are aware of what sort of show you are going to witness beforehand!

JANETTE MANRARA

TO HOST

STRICTLY COME DANCING LIVE UK ARENA TOUR!

20 JANUARY – 13 FEBRUARY 2022

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM

WWW.STRICTLYCOMEDANCINGLIVE.COM

Strictly’s own Janette Manrara will be dazzling crowds across the UK as she Cha Cha Chas into her new role as host of the 2022 Strictly Come Dancing Live Arena Tour. Janette will preside over proceedings at 33 FAB-U-LOUS shows across the country in January and February next year. She will be reunited with tour judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, who is making his return to the judges’ desk for this tour. Tickets are on sale now!

The former Strictly Professional Dancer and new co-host of BBC Two’s ‘Strictly: It Takes Two ’will waltz to some of the biggest entertainment venues across the UK. Opening at the Utilita Arena Birmingham on 20 January, the tour will then visit Leeds ’First Direct Arena, Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, the AO Arena Manchester, Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool, The OVO Hydro in Glasgow and Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, before culminating with five shows at London’s O2 Arena from 11-13 February.

Janette Manrara said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be hosting the 2022 Strictly Arena Tour! It’s a dream come true. It’s been two years since the last tour so the expectation and build-up has been huge. We’ve been desperate to return to venues around the UK and now we’re finally back. The show is going to be bigger than ever – with lots of glitter, lots of sparkles, lots of excitement and lots of incredible dance routines! And you never know…you might just see me taking to the dance floor myself – I can’t wait, I’ve really missed it!”

The live show will also be directed by Craig Revel Horwood and feature many of the celebrities and professional dancers from the current series of the multi-award-winning BBC One show. Further casting announcements will be made over the coming weeks.

Arena audiences are in for a real treat, as they enjoy a fantastic evening of entertainment, showcasing all the amazing choreography and incredible live music that Strictly is famous for. They will experience a host of breathtaking dance routines guaranteed to leave them spellbound, together with all the glitz, glamour and magic of the TV show live on stage. This is a must-see spectacle for fans of all ages.

As well as enjoying the glittering routines, arena audiences have the power to decide who wins the coveted Live Tour Glitterball Trophy at the end of each show. After each celebrity couple has performed, the Judges will provide their invaluable critique and scores – but the audience can also vote via text for their favourite couple and ultimately they will decide who wins!

STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR 2022

20–23 January Birmingham Utilita Arena

(Thursday 20th at 7.30pm, Friday 21st at 7.30pm, Saturday 22nd at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 23rd at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

25-26 January Leeds First Direct Arena

(Tuesday 25th at 7.30pm, Wednesday 26th at 7.30pm)

27-28 January Newcastle Utilita Arena

(Thursday 27th at 7.30pm, Friday 28th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

29-30 January Manchester AO Arena

(Saturday 29th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 30th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

01-02 February Sheffield Utilita Arena

(Tuesday 1st at 7.30pm, Wednesday 2nd at 7.30pm)

03-04 February Liverpool M&S Bank Arena

(Thursday 3rd at 7.30pm, Friday 4th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

05-07 February Glasgow The OVO Hydro

(Saturday 5th at 3.00pm & 8.00pm, Sunday 6th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm, Monday 7th at 7.30pm)

09-10 February Nottingham Motorpoint Arena

(Wednesday 9th at 7.30pm, Thursday 10th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

11-13 February London The O2 Arena

(Friday 11th at 7.30pm, Saturday 12th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 13th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

Tickets: £35 – £95 (bands venue dependent)

All ticket prices are subject to a booking fee and may be subject to a venue facility fee

For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.strictlycomedancinglive.com

Twitter: @SCD_Live_Tour

Instagram: @Strictlycomedancinglive

Facebook: /strictlylive

STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR is produced by Stage Entertainment UK and Phil McIntyre Live, in association with BBC Studios.

A Fierylight & Little Angel Theatre co-production

THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN

Based on the bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

• A 2022 UK TOUR IS ANNOUNCED FOR THE CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN AS THE MUCH-LOVED BOOK CELEBRATES 20 YEARS SINCE PUBLICATION NEXT SPRING
• BASED ON JULIA DONALDSON & AXEL SCHEFFLER’S CLASSIC STORY AND CO-PRODUCED BY FIERYLIGHT AND LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE, THIS HEART-WARMING TALE WILL OPEN IN WOKING ON 9 FEBRUARY 2022 AND TOUR THROUGH TO MAY 2022.

Following a critically acclaimed run at Little Angel Theatre over the summer, producers Fierylight and Little Angel Theatre are delighted to announce a UK tour of The Smartest Giant in Town which will commence on 9 February and continue through to May 2022.

Celebrating 20 years since publication next Spring, The Smartest Giant in Town is a heart-warming and vibrant tale about friendship and helping those in need.  Bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure and following on from Little Angel Theatre’s bestselling adaptations of Julia Donaldson’s picture books, including The Singing Mermaid and The Everywhere Bear, the show will visit the following theatres across the country: Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking (9-12 Feb), The Lowry, Salford (14-19 Feb), Swan Theatre, Worcester (22-23 Feb), Corn Exchange, Newbury (25-27 Feb), Grimsby Auditorium, Grimsby (1-2 Mar), Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham (5 Mar), The Spotlight, Broxbourne (6-7 Mar), Lanark Memorial Hall, Lanark (10-11 Mar), Horse Cross Theatre, Perth (12-13 Mar), Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle (14-15 Mar), The Maltings, Berwick-Upon-Tweed (17 Mar), Blackheath Halls, London (19-20 Mar), Redgrave Theatre, Bristol (23-24 Mar), Lichfield Garrick, Lichfield (26-27 Mar), artsdepot, London (2-5 Apr), Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury (7-9 Apr), Brewhouse, Burton (11-13 Apr), Norwich Theatre Playhouse, Norwich (16-18 Apr), Torch Theatre, Pembrokshire (23-24 Apr), Albert Hall, Wales (26 Apr) Uppingham Theatre, Rutland (28-29 Apr), Theatre Royal, Winchester (30 Apr-1 May).

Julia Donaldson says: “I wrote The Smartest Giant in Town twenty years ago but the theme of generosity and kindness seems just as relevant today. The story really comes to life in Little Angel’s adaptation, which is also very faithful to Axel Scheffler’s brilliant illustrations. I saw the show last summer and the whole audience – including me – love the puppets and enjoyed the songs. I’m so pleased that now more children around the country will be able to experience live theatre as the show goes on tour.”

Axel Scheffler says: “I am very fond of George the giant and his friends in The Smartest Giant in Town; I enjoyed creating his world with its mix of town and countryside, and range of animal characters in a place where everyone lives together harmoniously. The creative team at Little Angel with Fierylight has brought my artwork to life in 3D in a brilliant way and their production is great fun. I really recommend it.”    

The Smartest Giant in Town has been adapted and directed for the stage by Little Angel artistic director Samantha Lane, and award-winning musician Barb Jungr, who has also composed new music for the production.  Set and costumes are designed by Kate Bunce, puppets are designed by Judith Hope and lighting is designed by Sherry Coenen. 

George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town . . . until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the UK’s leading picture book partnership. Their books together, which include modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, are popular globally and have sold over 75 million copies worldwide. The Smartest Giant in Town was first published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2002.   

PERFUMERIES, PIXIES AND PANTO: THIS YEAR’S FESTIVE SEASON AT SHEFFIELD THEATRES

Sheffield Theatres prepares for the Christmas season across all three of its theatres. With a sublime musical comedy, a spectacular panto and a sprinkling of puppetry magic for little ones, the shows are set to delight all ages this festive season.

PERFUMERIES, PIXIES AND PANTO: THIS YEAR’S FESTIVE SEASON AT SHEFFIELD THEATRES

Sheffield Theatres prepares for the Christmas season across all three of its theatres. With a sublime musical comedy, a spectacular panto and a sprinkling of puppetry magic for little ones, the shows are set to delight all ages this festive season.

In the Crucible, the Christmas musical She Loves Me runs from Saturday 11 December 2021 to Saturday 15 January. A glorious romantic comedy musical from the songwriters of Fiddler on the Roof, and the writer of Cabaret, and based on the story that inspired You’ve Got Mail.

Amalia and Georg work together in a parfumerie in a picturesque Hungarian town. Constantly clashing, the two colleagues are at odds on the shop floor. But they do have one thing in common. They’ve both answered a lonely hearts advert and now live for the letters they exchange, unaware of the identity of their true loves. As they count down the shopping days to Christmas, love and snowflakes are in the air.

With a fantastic cast including Alex Young (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), David Thaxton (The Phantom Of The Opera) and Adele Anderson (Fascinating Aïda), She Loves Me will warm even the chilliest of winter evenings.

Over in the Lyceum legendary Dame, Damian Williams, returns in Sleeping Beauty, alongside comedy great Janine Duvitski (Benidorm), from Friday 3 December 2021 to Monday 3 January. Written and directed by Paul Hendy and produced by Evolution, the same team behind the smash hit, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty has lavish sets, hilarious jokes and fun for the whole family!

Sleeping Beauty issponsored by CityGrab.

For the younger family members, Little Angel Theatre presents The Pixie and the Pudding in the Studio from Saturday 11 December – Sunday 2 January.

When Charlie and her dad move to the farm from the city, everything seems to go wrong. Dolly the cow’s in a grump, there’s not an egg to be found, and even the cockerel has stopped crowing! If only they’d paid attention to the mysterious note left on their windowsill about a curious pixie and the pudding she likes to eat on Christmas Eve…

This brand new musical brings a tale from Scandinavian folklore to life with puppetry, original music and a sprinkling of pixie magic. Directed by Samantha Lane with music and lyrics by Barb Jungr.

All three Christmas productions are on sale now. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.

IMMERSIVE EVERYWHERE – PRODUCERS OF THE GREAT GATSBY AND DOCTOR WHO TIME FRACTURE – AND BUTTERFLY THEATRE COMPANY LAUNCH FIRST

IMMERSIVE ACTING SCHOOL

COURSES START JANUARY 2022 AT WEST END VENUE IMMERSIVE LDN

immersiveldn.com/training/

Immersive Everywhere – led by Olivier Award-winning producers Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook – and Butterfly Theatre are combining their expertise and experience in all aspects of immersive theatre to launch the first bespoke Immersive Acting School. Courses will launch in January 2022 at West End venue Immersive LDN, the home of The Great Gatsby and Doctor Who Time Fracture, and are built on a new method of actor training –The Gonsalves Method, which is rooted in The Meisner Technique, and has been developed exclusively over 10 years by Butterfly’s immersive industry professionals. It is led by Aileen Gonsalves – RSC Director and Artistic Director of Butterfly Theatre.

There are 3 part time courses on offer that will run over a 6-week period. A Foundation Immersive Acting Course (for non-professional actors), A Specialist Immersive Acting Course (for Graduate level professional actors) and an Intensive Immersive Acting Course (for experienced immersive actors).

These courses will bring professionally trained, conventional theatre actors into a different world of acting, as well as giving an opportunity for newcomers to the industry, to get a taste of immersive theatre acting, in a real, functioning west end immersive theatre venue.

A free taster day will be held 2 – 4.30pm on Monday 13 December for prospective students – sign up here

Aileen Gonsalves said, “Immersive Theatre is the new way of doing theatre and is more popular now than ever before. From Punchdrunk to The Great Gatsby, more and more companies are creating immersive productions and are constantly developing new ideas and better ways of immersing audiences into storytelling.

Immersive theatre comes with added risks that differ from conventional theatre, due to the increased proximity and interaction with the space and the audience. It requires skilled, brave, reliable and open minded actors. For this reason, immersive companies look for immersive experienced actors when casting their shows. This training will give you all the skills you need in order to be a great immersive actor, will enable you to build on skills you already possess and gain confidence to use them in this new fast-growing area of theatre.”

Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook said “we are so excited to be partnering with Aileen and Butterfly on this unique new venture. When we launched Immersive LDN in 2019, it was the first West End venue dedicated to developing and staging theatre-led immersive experiences, and we think it’s the perfect environment for the new and existing generations of immersive acting talent to hone their craft. We can’t wait to welcome them in, and to support them in their professional development and future careers”

Those joining the Immersive Acting School will also enjoy the following benefits:

– Becoming part of the Hartshorn – Hook and Butterfly Theatre communities

– Inclusion on our website graduate page for industry professionals seeking trained immersive actors.

– First invitations to audition for Hartshorn-Hook and Butterfly Theatre productions.

– Access to ongoing weekly Gonsalves Method drop in evening classes

– Discounts on food and drink in The Lucky Club

– Invites to Hartshorn-Hook and Butterfly open dress rehearsals.

Olivier Award winning producers Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook, who are currently co-producing the immersive production of DOCTOR WHO TIME FRACTURE – launched a new company in 2019, IMMERSIVE EVERYWHERE, entirely dedicated to developing and staging theatre-led immersive experiences, and IMMERSIVE | LDN was the first of their network of venues, housing cafes, bars and rehearsal and workshop spaces to help the development of new work.

Butterfly Theatre Company specialise in immersive theatre with a focus on truthful, authentic and moment to moment performance. They perform live, site-responsive theatre shows in a host of unusual, extraordinary and beautiful locations across the UK, Europe and beyond. They have a particular specialism working with Shakespeare, making his work authentically connected, relevant and accessible. Butterfly’s work includes immersive productions in underground caves, castles and ancient woodlands, a unique performance amidst Luke Jerram’s art installation Withdrawn in leigh woods, Bristol, commissioned by the National Trust, and a special collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican, which immersed Shakespeare scenes with a stunning, live soundtrack inspired by his work. For more info: www.butterflytheatre.com

Aileen Gonsalves trained as an actor at the Central School of Speech and Drama and has worked professionally across the industry for over 25 years, in theatre, film, television, radio and education. She has worked extensively at the RSC across her career.  Assistant Director to Tim Supple on Midnight’s Children, Greg Doran on All’s Well That Ends Well and also with Greg she was the associate director on the groundbreaking motion capture production of The Tempest in 2017. She also directed The First Encounters The Tempest for The Swan and UK tour. She has been the RSC International and National Youth Ensemble director since 2008, as well as an RSC education associate practitioner.

Aileen teaches her new method of acting The Gonsalves Method at various drama institutions nationally and internationally. She was Head of the MA in Acting at ArtsEd Drama School 2011-2015, Head of Acting at Drama Studio London 2018-19, as well as teaching actors and directors at RADA and UWL. She is also Associate Director of Kali Theatre. Aileen co-wrote Shakespeare and Meisner with Dr Tracy Irish, a new book published by Bloomsbury for the Arden Performance Companions series.

“To experience Aileen’s method is to be given tools for life! It’s no exaggeration to say that she is one of the foremost performing arts innovators of our age.”

Dr Chris Laoutaris, Lecturer at the Shakespeare Institute and author.

IMMERSIVE | LDN is a 32,000sq ft historic building in the heart of Mayfair, which was home to the Queen Victoria’s Rifles Association until 2017. It includes three floors of immersive theatre and event spaces designated for performance, live gaming, events, escape rooms and private parties. For information about programming and venue hire visit www.immersiveldn.com

VENUE SOCIAL @ldn_immersive

HighTide presents:

When The Long Trick’s Over

By Morgan Lloyd Malcolm

Directed by Chinonyerem Odimba

running time: approx 75 minutes

TOURING FROM 11^th FEBRUARY TO 10^th MARCH

“I’m so scared. And yet…I’m also looking. … Just in case I see her… 

Even though by now there wouldn’t be that much to see…”

Two sisters. One dream. The hardest open-water swim in the world. 

HighTide and New Wolsey Theatre are delighted to present this triumphant play from Olivier Award winning Morgan Lloyd Malcolm – a work which moves forwards and backwards in time across the 21 miles between Dover and Calais as a young swimmer harnesses her mind and body to make the crossing. 

Tackling what it means to grieve, both physically and mentally, how we deal with loss and all the ways in which those we have lost paradoxically remain present in our lives as we struggle through our world without them. With grief and joy, 90’s pop-songs and lists, When The Long Trick’s Over encapsulates the fact that love persists whatever the distance, and however perilous the journey to the other side. And that, sometimes, it means swimming against the tide and against the things that hold you back: the old memories and oil tankers, jelly fish and jelly babies. 

Focusing on the untapped strength of our bodies and family connections, Morgan’s East of England debut production is very much a piece for our times and a step change for HighTide as it produces its first full scale tour since the pandemic, and continues in the organisation’s mission to produce quality new work across Suffolk.  

Writer Morgan Lloyd Malcolm said, “I am so excited about touring my play around the East of England.  It’s a piece that is close to my heart and having visited but never worked in the communities we will be visiting; I’m so looking forward to getting the chance to spend some proper time there creating this piece with the HighTide team.  I can’t wait to take audiences on this journey through the waves of the English Channel.  It’s going to be magical.”

HighTide’s Artistic Director and CEO, Suba Das; and New Wolsey’s Chief Executive, Sarah Holmes and Artistic Director Peter Rowe joint statement: We’re delighted to be launching the first co-production between HighTide and the New Wolsey; and HighTide’s first full-scale production since lockdown.  

This world premiere production marks the first time Morgan Lloyd Malcolm – a real star of contemporary British theatre – has had her work produced in the East of England and we’re delighted that HighTide and the New Wolsey’s new partnership means that our audiences will have their first encounter with one of our greatest theatre talents. We’re even more excited that with touring dates to Aldeburgh, Lowestoft, Diss, Halesworth and Bury St Edmunds, work being made in Ipswich is really reaching out across the whole of Suffolk. For HighTide especially, it’s an honour that this new production, led by the trail blazing Chinonyerem Odimba, sees HighTide return to friends and audiences in previous festival homes in Aldeburgh and Halesworth. 

This world premiere follows HighTide’s Inventing the Future festival in October, which showcased six brand new plays and formally launched HighTide’s partnership with the New Wolsey, supporting new writing in the East of England.

We’re particularly proud to present this lyrical and funny play about how family, your favourite pop songs, and the physical act of swimming, can all help overcome grief as we all continue to recover from the pandemic. We hope our audiences will all find joy and strength in a story that celebrates the indomitable fortitude of the human spirit. 

HighTide Associate Artist and playwright, screenwriter, poet and director Chinonyerem Odimba, (*Medea at Bristol Old Vic, We Too, Are Giants for Kiln Theatre, Unknown Rivers at Hampstead Theatre, Prince and the Pauper at Watermill Theatre), will direct the work by Olivier Award winning playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (Emilia, West-End, and Mum at Soho Theatre.

Chinonyerem said, “It’s a very special piece of writing about all the beautiful ways we can be both wholly in pursuit of life, but also standing still in grief. I am thrilled to be directing this, and to be making work as a HighTide  Associate Artist. I can’t wait to meet audiences on tour with this new play!”

The tour kicks off with four dates (Fri 11^th – Tuesday 15^th Feb at The New Wolsey theatre before touring to Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh, Oxford Playhouse, Norwich Arts Centre, The Corn Hall, Diss, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Mercury Theatre, Colchester, Marina Theatre, Lowestoft and The Cut, Halesworth.

RSC ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF STRATFORD CHRISTMAS WINDOW TRAIL

The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced the return of the Stratford Christmas Window Trail. Following its popularity and success in 2020, the trail will again comprise 24 fun and engaging window displays created in partnership with local shops, community groups and independent businesses based in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre.

Launching on Thursday 25 November – the same day as Stratford’s Christmas lights switch on – all 24 windows will respond to the themes of hope and magic from the RSC’s current family musical, The Magician’s Elephant, and will feature a hidden elephant to spot.

Participating businesses and organisations include The Dog’s Trust Charity Shop, Escape Arts, For Something Different, The Flower Shop, Roly’s Fudge Shop, Shakespeare Distillery, Stratford Library, Sue Ryder Charity Shop, and Vaughan Reynolds Estate Agents (working with and supporting the Fred Winter Centre).  

The RSC will work with Photography, Art and Media students from Stratford College on creating a display in the window of the former Debenhams store, which will feature a large elephant artwork.  In an imaginative use of space, the RSC’s own window will be the phone box by the Swan Theatre.

Geraldine Collinge, RSC Director of Creative Placemaking and Public Programmes, said: “I’m delighted that the RSC is working with the town of Stratford again on the Christmas Window Trail. There’s something particularly magical about Stratford during this season.  We hope the trail will encourage everyone to come into town and have fun visiting each of the windows, and support the rich mix of independent businesses based in the town.”

A full schedule for the Christmas Trail featuring a list of participating businesses and locations can be found at www.rsc.org.uk/christmas-trail