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Runaway Entertainment presents

2:22 – A GHOST STORY

The hit play by Danny Robins

Directed by Matthew Dunster

@222AGhostStory #222AGhostStory 

• 2.22 – A GHOST STORY TRANSFERS TO THE GIELGUD THEATRE FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON OF 10 WEEKS ONLY FROM 4 DECEMBER 2021

• THE PRODUCTION IS DIRECTED BY MATTHEW DUNSTER AND WRITTEN BY AWARD-WINNING WRITER DANNY ROBINS

• TICKETS ARE ON SALE FROM 12 NOON on 28 OCTOBER 2021 FROM WWW.222AGHOSTSTORY.COM

Producer Runaway Entertainment is delighted to announce that the edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller 2:22 – A Ghost Story returns for a new season at the Gielgud Theatre. After breaking all box office records for a new play at the Noel Coward Theatre; described as the theatre event of the year and the hottest ticket in the West End; and after weeks of sell-out performances, the show will play at the Gielgud Theatre for ten weeks only until 12 February 2022. The all new star cast will be announced soon.

“Danny Robins’ tense and slick play” The Telegraph

2.22 – A Ghost Story is written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist and it is directed by Matthew Dunster. Intriguing, funny and scary, it takes audiences into one adrenaline fueled night where secrets will emerge and ghosts may appear….What do you believe? And do you dare to discover the truth?

“There’s something in our house. I hear it every night, at the same time.”

Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and her new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they are going to stay up… until 2.22am… and then they will know.

Danny Robins said “I was blown away by the response to the play this summer, both from the critics and our amazing audiences, so I am hugely chuffed to be able to bring the show back so quickly and to this beautiful, historic theatre. Slipping from Autumn into Winter, it feels the perfect time for a ghost story, so I can’t wait to spook a whole load of new audiences at the Gielgud. I’m hoping you’ll laugh, jump, be on the edge of your seat, and then spend the rest of the night talking about whether ghosts exist!”

2:22 – A Ghost Story features set design by Anna Fleischle, costume design by Cindy Lin, lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph Sound, casting by Jessica Ronane CDG and illusions by Chris Fisher.

“A cracking supernatural thriller” Time Out

2:22 – A Ghost Story is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Isobel David and Kater Gordon. 

2:22 – A Ghost Story
By Danny Robins
Directed by Matthew Dunster

Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 6AR

0844 452 5151

www.222aghoststory.com

First performance 4 December 2021 at 7.30pm

Final performance 12 February 2022 at 7.30pm

Monday – Saturday – 7.30pm

Saturday matinee – 2.30pm

Sunday – 2pm and 6pm

Tickets from £15

Age limit 14+

The Original Theatre Company in association with Martyn Hayes presents 

INTO THE NIGHT by Frazer Flintham 

Based on the book Penlee: The Loss of a Lifeboat by Michael Sagar-Fenton 

A unique theatrical performance broadcast live on Saturday 18 December at 5.30pm 

On Saturday 19 December 1981, the Penlee lifeboat ‘Solomon Browne’, was launched in hurricane conditions to go to the aid of the coaster ‘Union Star’ that had engine failure and was being swept towards the southern coast of Cornwall. It was an attempted rescue which ranks not only with the greatest in the history of the RNLI, but with any human achievement. Marking 40 years since the event, INTO THE NIGHT is a unique theatrical performance broadcast live on Saturday 18 December 2021 at 5.30pm. 

INTO THE NIGHT has been adapted by playwright and screen writer Frazer Flintham from Penlee RNLI volunteer and author Michael Sagar-Fenton’s book Penlee: The Loss of a Lifeboat. It is directed by Original Theatre Company’s Alastair Whatley. 

The cast will include: Hubert Burton(The Inheritance), Tom Chambers(Father Brown, Holby City, Apollo 13: The Dark Side of The Moon), Cornish actor Robert Duncan (Drop The Dead Donkey, Casualty, Twelve Angry Men), Cornish actresses Susan Penhaligon(The Mousetrap, A Fine Romance, Emmerdale) and Hazel Simmons, and Tim Treloar (Birdsong, The Haunting of Alice Bowles, Bombshell). Further casting is to be announced. 

The production is presented by Original Theatre Company (the team behind Birdsong Online and Apollo 13: The Dark Side of The Moon) in association with Martyn Hayes. It is designed by Michael Pavelka with camera direction by North South Culture, sound by Dominic Bilkey and music by James Findlay.  

INTO THE NIGHT will be an unforgettable performance remembering the courage, dedication and heroism of the Penlee lifeboat crew. 

Frazer Flintham said: “It can be easy to forget that crew members on lifeboats in the UK are all volunteers. Electricians, teachers, builders – all willing to drop everything to go out into all weathers, and rescue people they’ve likely never met. I was drawn to this story for its humbling and very human reminder, of what bravery can really mean.” 

Alastair Whatley said: “The story of the Penlee Lifeboat is one of the most humbling, awe inspiring stories of ordinary people being thrust into unimaginable conditions and risking everything to save others. It’s a story that touches all who hear it and our hope is to share this incredible story all over the world in what is without doubt one of our most ambitious live broadcasts yet attempted.” 

To book for the live streamed production, visit: https://originaltheatreonline.com/productions/32/into-the-night-live-streaming-saturday-18-december-530pm-gmt.

Live stream tickets: Super early bird until 14 November – £12; Early bird until 28 November – £14; Standard – £18; Supporter (includes a credit on the final film and programme) – £40 (available until 5 December); Premium (includes a script signed by the cast, a credit on the final film and programme) – £100 (available until 5 December).  

“If ever there was an example of the sea at its worst and humanity at its best, then it is the story of the loss of the Penlee Lifeboat”Peter Goss MBE, Sailor and Adventurer 

“The greatest act of courage that I have ever seen, and am ever likely to see, was the penultimate courage and dedication shown by the Penlee crew. They were truly the bravest eight men I’ve ever seen” Lt Cdr Russell Smith, US Navy 

LISTINGS 

Title: INTO THE NIGHT 

Dates: 18 December 2021 at 5.30pm GMT 

Running time: 80 mins plus post show Q&A 

Age guidance: 12+ 

Tickets:  https://originaltheatreonline.com/productions/32/into-the-night-live-streaming-saturday-18-december-530pm-gmt.  Super early bird until 14 November – £12; Early bird until 28 November – £14; Standard – £18; Supporter (includes a credit on the final film and programme) – £40 (available until 5 December); Premium (includes a script signed by the cast, a credit on the final film and programme) – £100 (available until 5 December).

Access: Subtitles are available 

Trigger warnings: See the booking page for trigger warnings (this does contain spoilers). 

HIPPODROME, BIRMINGHAM – UNTIL SATURDAY 30 OCTOBER.

REVIEWED BY NADIA DODD

5*****

The play, now on it’s 4th UK tour, performed by Mischief had the audience in stitches before the 7.30pm start – try not to be late as you will miss at least 10 minutes of the ‘stage crew’ setting up the stage scenery that quite isn’t going to plan…….looking around our seats and in our bags for the missing dog, Winston, goodness knows where he got to…..

The name of the play says it all really, nothing in the play goes correctly, it’s so much fun, British slapstick humor really at it’s best.

The timing and acrobatics especially from Tom Babbage who plays Cecil Haversham was just perfect, you can really see the amount of rehearsing that has gone into this performance.

The show is a play within a play and has recently celebrated its 7th birthday. Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are putting on their 1920’s murder mystery show called ‘Murder at Haversham Manor’. The scenes that start to unfold are a mixture of missed, dropped lines, extremely well timed collapsing sets and stage hands that end up becoming part of the show.

Many scenes I likened to watching episodes of the TV comedy series Fawlty Towers, the timing for all the stunts were just so impeccably carried out, without as far as we know, actually injuring anyone!

The other highlight for myself was the 2 females of the show attempting to play the same part (Florence Colleymoore) both Sandra, played by April Hughes and Annie, played by Laura Kirman were just hilariously literally bouncing off each other, amazing personalities.

There’s nothing much like being within an audience where the whole room is belly laughing at what is happening on stage.

Expect some audience participation and heckling too, be careful if you get up to visit the toilet as they will notice and it makes it all the funnier for the rest of the audience.

As it’s half term too currently for some lucky youngsters it’s the ideal opportunity to book and bring them along to enjoy the theatre experience, the show is on in Birmingham until Saturday

Soho Theatre – until 20 November 2021

4****

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s emotional and unsettling new play will leave you shaken with its portrayal of early motherhood.

Nina (Sophie Melville) loves her 3 month old son Ben, but after a traumatic birth soon after the death of her mother she is not coping and can’t bring herself to ask for help. Her husband and brother-in-law give her something that she’s been dreaming of – a night to herself – as they take Ben to Pearl’s house for the night. Nina’s friend Jackie (Cat Simmons) comes over for pizza, wine and a catch up. Wine, guilt and exhaustion combine to produce a tsunami of confessions and truths from Nina, as she finally finds an outlet to voice the turmoil of conflicting emotions that come with motherhood. A phone call from Pearl soon turns their world upside down as Ben is rushed to hospital and an investigation begins. The structure of the play fractures along with Nina’s life, and scenes that could be flashbacks, misremembered events twisted by emotions and time or hallucinations intercut with the present.

Director Abigail Graham sensitive direction showcases the astonishing actors and writing. The simple set – a giant cloud mobile hanging above the stage – is lit brilliantly, working with excellent sound design to enhance the tension and confusion.

Morgan Lloyd’s writing is at it’s best during Nina’s descriptions of childbirth and her loss of her sense of self. Melville is devastating as Nina – full of frenetic energy and utterly convincing in her ambivalence, letting slip the things she would like to do to her baby in her darkest moments and the next second overflowing with adoration for him. The early scenes with Simmons are laugh out loud funny as Nina opens up about the reality of motherhood. Simmons is full of warmth as friend Jackie, a health professional, laughing reassuring Nina that all of the dark thoughts she is having are normal, but gently reminding Nina that she can get help. When Jackie has to choose between friendship and what is best for Nina and Ben, Simmons portrays the misery, frustration and professionalism of the character quietly and naturally. Denise Black plays mother-in-law Pearl and Nina’s mother brilliantly. The two are at opposite ends of the maternal spectrum with Nina’s mother honest never missing an opportunity to tell her that motherhood ruined her life, while Pearl is in the smotherhood camp, resulting in David being a man child whose absence from the play indicates his impact as a parent and partner. Pearl’s unconditional love for her son soon turns to suspicion of Nina, and the pair face off in a memorable encounter.

The final scene may be decisive, but it was thrilling to hear so many audience members chatting about their different interpretations of the play’s ending. An emotional rollercoaster of a play, Mum is a funny, devastatingly honest exploration of mental health and motherhood.

If you or anyone you know has been affected by the themes and issues explored in MUM, we have provided a number of helplines and charities below which you may find helpful for further information and support.

Perinatal Mental Health

Pandas Foundation – provides emotional and practical support for families and their networks who may be suffering with or affected by perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression. pandasfoundation.org.uk

Maternal Mental Health Alliance – provides extensive resources and links to national and local charities which can provide support on the link below maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/resources/mums-and-families

Mental Health

Samaritans – provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. samaritans.org 08457 90 90 90

Mind – provides information and advice to people with mental health problems and lobbies government and local authorities on their behalf. mind.org.uk

Bereavement and Grief At A Loss – the UK’s signposting website for bereaved people, ensuring they and those supporting them find information and services appropriate to their loss ataloss.org

Marie Curie – provides a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement. They also provide frontline nursing and hospice care throughout the UK. mariecurie.org.uk

LONDON’S ‘SHOW OF THE YEAR’

THE MULTI-TONY AWARD WINNING

ANYTHING GOES

COMING TO UK CINEMAS – FOR TWO NIGHTS ONLY

28 NOVEMBER & 1 DECEMBER 2021

TICKETS ON SALE FROM FRIDAY 15 OCTOBER AT ANYTHINGGOESMUSICALCINEMA.COM

The smash hit musical ANYTHING GOES, ‘the show of the year’ (★★★★★ Daily Telegraph) and a ‘fizzing tonic for our times’ (★★★★★ The Guardian) will sail into over 450 cinema screens nationwide for two nights only on Sunday 28 November and Wednesday 1 December in a live recording filmed at London’s renowned Barbican Theatre.

Tickets will go on-sale from Friday 15 October at anythinggoesmusicalcinema.com

Presented by the Barbican and filmed live in London – during the show’s 15 week residency at the theatre, which continues until 6 November – his major new five star production of the classic musical comedy features an all-star cast led by renowned Broadway royalty Sutton Foster reprising her Tony Award-winning performance as Reno Sweeney, alongside three-time Olivier Award and Tony Award winner Robert Lindsay (My Family) as Moonface Martin, Evening Standard Theatre Award winner Felicity Kendal (The Good Life) as Evangeline Harcourt and beloved West End Legend Gary Wilmot (Chicago) as Elisha Whitney. A heart-warming romance with spectacular dance routines and some of theatre’s most memorable songs, ANYTHING GOES is ‘a joyously shipshape revival’ (★★★★★ The Observer).

Since ANYTHING GOES opened this summer at the Barbican, audiences have been on their feet night after night giving this multi-Tony Award winning show multiple standing ovations at every performance. Featuring a 50 strong cast and ensemble of the finest there is to offer on the London stage, including tap dancing sailors and a full-sized live orchestra, this critically acclaimed production ‘immediately joins the pantheon of great classic musical revivals’ (Daily Telegraph). ANYTHING GOES continues to play to sell out houses, as audiences flood through the Barbican Theatre doors to witness this truly spectacular musical comedy. Plans for an international cinema release will be announced soon.

When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love… proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, a comical disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. This hilarious musical romp across the Atlantic, directed by the multi-award-winning Broadway director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall, features Cole Porter’s joyful score, including I Get A Kick Out of You, You’re the Top and the show stopping Anything Goes. The ‘musical equivalent of sipping one glass of champagne after another’ (★★★★★ The Times), ANYTHING GOES will take you back to the Golden Age of high society on the seas from the comfort of your cinema seat.

ANYTHING GOES has music and lyrics by Cole Porter, an original book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton with Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse and a new book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman. The musical also stars Samuel Edwards (Les Misérables / Wicked) as Billy Crocker, Nicole-Lily Baisden (The Book of Mormon / Let’s Face The Music) as Hope Harcourt, Haydn Oakley (A Christmas Carol / An American in Paris) as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh and Carly Mercedes Dyer (West Side Story/Chicago) as Erma.

Producer Howard Panter says: “The multi-Tony Award winning glorious production of Anything Goes, directed by Kathleen Marshall, is not to be missed. London audiences already cannot get enough of this energetic and uplifting classic musical which has been sold out night after night. From four outstanding leading actors – Sutton, Robert, Felicity, Gary – to the spectacular supporting company, the glorious set design, the breathtaking choreography and of course the wonderful score. It really is ‘the show of the year’ that everyone should experience and I am delighted that via this two day cinema release the show will get an even wider audience across the UK.”

Trafalgar Releasing’s CEO Marc Allenby says: “We’re delighted to be working with our partners within the Trafalgar Entertainment Group to bring this entertaining and uplifting five star musical to cinemas across the UK. Musical theatre has a proven track record of box office success on the big screen, and with its all-star cast, spectacular dance routines and instantly recognizable songs, Anything Goes is the perfect production to bring laughter and joy to cinema audiences.”

★★★★★

‘Makes you gasp in wonder and laugh till it hurts. Pure class.’

Daily Telegraph

★★★★★

‘The show of the year. I would give it six stars if I could’

Daily Telegraph

★★★★★

’The musical equivalent of sipping one glass of champagne after another’

The Times

★★★★★

‘When a musical packs this much energy and spectacle, nothing else goes!’

Daily Mail

★★★★★

’Bubbly wit and stylish fun. It shimmers and sparkles.’

The Times

★★★★★

‘Anything Goes offers the delirious delight of a musical in full sail’

Financial Times

CREATIVE TEAM

Kathleen Marshall – Director & Choreographer

Stephen Ridley – Music Supervisor & Director

Derek McLane – Set Designer

Jon Morrell – Costume Designer

Hugh Vanstone – Lighting Designer

Jonathan Deans – Sound Designer

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Screening Dates: Sunday 28 November & Wednesday 1 December

Website: AnythingGoesMusicalCinema.com

Twitter: @AnythingGUK

Facebook: @AnythingGoesUK

Instagram: @AnythingGoesUK

A statement from Julian Bird, Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, following today’s Budget 2021 announcement:

‘The Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre welcome the support that Rishi Sunak and HM Treasury have shown the theatre sector in the Autumn 2021 Budget.

‘The increase in rates of relief for Theatre Tax Relief from 27 October 2021 to 45% and 50% (for touring productions) will provide producers and investors with greater confidence in developing our world-leading theatre and drive the cultural recovery from the pandemic. The relief will taper down from 1 April 2023, reducing to 30% and 35% and will return to 20% and 25% on 1 April 2024.

‘The temporary business rates relief for theatre buildings in 2022-23, a 50% relief up to a £110,000 cap per business, will provide venue operators with the cushion of a lower cost base as they reopen and develop an audience post-pandemic. The 100% improvement relief for business rates, providing 12 months relief from higher bills for occupiers where eligible improvements to an existing property increase the rateable value, from 2023 will encourage innovation and enhancement of our theatre buildings.

‘Finally, the welcome news that core funding for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Local Authorities is set to increase will reassure the venues and performing arts companies up and down the country that rely on their support in delivering culture to their local communities.

‘Over the next few days, we will be analysing the detail of the budget, continuing to work with government to promote the values of this £4.5bn sector as we get greater clarity on all the measures announced today.’

MARK ROBERT PETTY PRESENTS A MUSICAL THEATRE CHRISTMAS

AT THE ACTORS’ CHURCH, COVENT GARDEN

Mark Robert Petty today announces A Musical Theatre Christmas at the Actors’ Church – a one-night only festive concert in the heart of Covent Garden. Featuring festive favourites from the musical theatre cannon, traditional carols, and more, the concert will be hosted by Tom Read Wilson and Dolly Diamond, with musical direction by George Francis and BSL translation by Paul Whittaker alongside a host of West End stars. A Musical Theatre Christmas is on 5 December 2021, with tickets from £30 at: https://actorschurch.org/event/?show=15&id=873621181 and proceeds benefitting The Actors’ Church Benevolent Fund and The Royal Theatrical Fund.

The line-up of performers includes Roshani Abbey, Lewis Asquith, Lizzie Bea, Nikki Bentley, Kieran Brown, Phoebe Fildes, Daisy Greenwood, Alex Hammond, Kim Ismay, Sooz Kempner, Charlie Kristensen, Georgia Lennon, Oliver Lidert, Carolyn Maitland, Jessica Martin, Paige Miller, Nadim Naaman, Rosa O’Reilly, Laura Pick, Sara Poyzer, Jon Tarcy, Helen Woolf, The Westenders and the students of Laine Theatre Arts.

Dolly Diamond has been a drag artist for over 15 years. As well as performing in The Dolly Diamond Show, impersonations include Tina Turner, Kylie Minogue, Dame Shirley Bassey, Diana Ross and Sia. Other characters such as Carmen Miranda, Liza Minnelli and Cilla Black all make regular appearances in The Dolly Diamond Show, which has toured internationally. She was the Artistic Director of the 2017 and 2018 Melbourne Cabaret Festival, and has had successful cabaret seasons part of Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Fringe World Perth, Melbourne Cabaret Festival, Ballarat Cabaret Festival and Broken Heel Festival. She is an Ambassador for Guide Dogs Victoria, Movember, the Children’s Tumor Foundation and the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation.

Tom Read Wilson is an actor and presenter, best known as the receptionist on Celebs Go Dating. His theatre credits include Sleeping Beauty (Wellingborough Castle Theatre), Alice in Wonderland (Madinat Theatre, Dubai), Cat in The Hat (Everyman Theatre, Cork/The Palace Theatre, Manchester/Hull Truck/Watford Colosseum), in concert with The Fingask Follies (Fingask Castle, Perth/Chelsea Arts Club) and Sweet Revenge (Theatre Royal Windsor).

George Francis is a musical director and pianist. His theatre credits as musical director include Miracle on 34^th Street, Fiddler on the Roof (Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse), Amelie (Watermill Theatre/UK tour/Criterion Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (Storyhouse Theatre); and as assistant musical director, Blood Brothers, The Sound of Music and Flashdance (UK tours).

Paul Whittaker is a deaf musician and founder of Music and the Deaf, a charity to help deaf people enjoy music. He has provided BSL signage for shows such as Les Misérables, Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Carousel, My Fair Lady, and more. He has also signed for The Sixteen Choir, Rambert Dance Company, Opera North, and at the Edinburgh International and Aldeburgh Festivals. In 1992, he was awarded a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship, spending almost 2 months researching music among deaf communities in the USA. In 2007, he was awarded an OBE for Services to Music and holds Honorary degrees from the University of Huddersfield and the Open University.

LISTINGS

A VERY MUSICAL THEATRE CHRISTMAS

The Actors’ Church

Bedford Street
London
WC2E 9ED

Box Office: 020 7836 5221 / https://actorschurch.org

Tickets: £30 / £40 / £60

Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes

The venue is wheelchair accessible. Please wear a mask (unless exempt) and use the hand sanitizer provided. Public toilets are located just outside the church in the Piazza.

The Alexandra, Birmingham – until Saturday 21 October 2021

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

5*****

You would think it difficult to review a show, where there is an explicit rule to not reveal any of its contents, but this is not the case with Derren Browns Showman.

In an era where immersion and entertainment, are thought only to be achievable through virtual means, Derren brings it back to the human experience and does so in such an entertaining and poignant way which leaves you buzzing. Surrounded by strangers, by the end you feel the connection, Derren weaves a golden thread which pulls everything thing together but still leaves you with more questions than answers, but that’s ok. With the red lights you’re back in the room, and all is as it should be…or is it?

Derren commanded our attention throughout the 2 hour and 20 minute extravaganza, including interval, with his combination of theatrics and mesmerising word play. Ever the showman, his charisma and charm are not to be confused with the immense skill and thought that has be poured into Showman. Inviting audience members up at random, to partake in his beguiling and bewildering illusions, added to the ambiguity and had you turning to your neighbour asking ‘How did he do that!?’

The amazing creative combination of Derren Brown, Andrew O Conner and Andy Nyman deliver a well crafted and thoroughly enjoyable night. However, I believe, this is perhaps the first of Derren’s shows, where we get a glimpse behind the showman. Sharing his own humanity, Derren’s pathos will have you laughing and crying and leave you wanting more. More from Derren, more from live theatre and more from life.

The takeaway from Showman is that we tend to lose focus, get caught up in the small stuff and miss out on the important moments as life passes us by. One thing I urge you not to miss out on is Showman. Its truly spectacular and Derren doesn’t disappoint as he delivers another hit show.

NEW PRODUCTION PHOTOGRAPHY RELEASED AS PART OF THE 10TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS FOR THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL AT THE CAMBRIDGE THEATRE, LONDON.

As part of the 10th birthday celebrations for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre, the show has released new production photography of the London cast. There will also be a special performance as part of this year’s Royal Variety Performance to mark 10 years since the London opening, which will air this December on ITV.

This iconic British musical has won 99 international awards including 24 for Best Musical and has been seen by more than 10 million people across more than 90 cities worldwide. The production is now booking through to 29 May 2022 for individuals, and through to 16 December 2022 for groups and schools. For further information visit www.matildathemusical.com.

A tonic for audiences of all ages, this anarchic production about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination has welcomed almost 4 million audience members in London. Adapted from the much-loved Roald Dahl book and commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the musical premiered at the RSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon home in 2010, before transferring to the West End in October 2011, where it opened to rave reviews.

Matilda The Musical swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, and won four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway. It has since toured North America, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland, South Africa and China and played its first non-English language production in Seoul, South Korea in 2018/19.  Matilda The Musical will also play the Netherlands for the first time, translated into Dutch for a run at the Oude Luxor Theater Rotterdam. Tickets are now on sale for Matilda De Musical in Rotterdam at matilda-demusical.nl

Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand, and change her own destiny.

Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the theatre production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.

With the upcoming film adaptation from the same core creative team as the theatre production (direction by Matthew Warchus, adapted for the screen by Dennis Kelly, with the music and lyrics of Tim Minchin), Roald Dahl’s themes of bravery and standing up for what you believe in will continue to inspire young audiences all over the world. Produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title, Jon Finn, and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company. Sony Pictures U.K. and Tristar Pictures will release Matilda across the U.K. and Ireland exclusively in cinemas on 2nd December 2022 for Christmas. Netflix will release the film in the rest of the world in December 2022.

Matilda The Musical is produced by Executive Producers Denise Wood and Griselda Yorke for the Royal Shakespeare Company.  The production was developed with the support of Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.

André Ptaszynski had worked as one of the Executive Producers of the production from 2011 until his untimely death in 2020.  He is much missed by all his colleagues.

Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 30 October 2021.

Reviewed by Louise Ford.

3***

Pour myself a cup of ambition 

The power of Dolly Parton is all around, in a good way. From the writing of the music and the lyrics to the cameo appearance setting the scene and moving the plot along. We all need a touch of Dolly in our lives.

The 1980’s film, based on the book by Patricia Resnick has been adapted for the stage and is currently touring the UK. It’s an up beat tale that touches on some important issues that sadly haven’t gone away today.  However in the musical the baddies get their comeuppance, thanks to Girl Power.

The story follows the office lives of three co-workers, all with different backgrounds, different stories but one common foe; the  old boys’ club that dominates their workplace and their bigoted boss in particular.

So we have Violet (Louise Redknapp), Judy (Vivian Panka) and Doralee (Stephanie Chandon), all at different stages of life, working hard to manage their ambitions, their home lives and their families. All three are played sympathetically with just the right amount of feistiness, naivety and drive. Violet ties the scenes together in a gentle understated way.  Doralee is a toned down Dolly all big hair, high heels and a push up bra! Work those assets. Judy is the naive new comer who under the care and tutelage of her co-workers blossoms into a career woman of the 80’s.

The villain of the piece is Franklin Hart Jnr (Sean Needham) the CEO of Consolidated Companies a proper pantomime baddie who slimes,  gropes and ogles his way through the company. 

The sets are outlined by 80’s computers which nicely frame the scenes which range from the offices, the roof top and the bedroom. The costumes are bright 1980’s suits with lots of gold buttons and lapels! There are some good ensemble dance routines which enhanced the moving scenery and set changes.

The production is book-ended by the eponymous 9 to 5 which has the audience singing and clapping along in appreciation and enjoyment. Some of the humour and one-liners are a little Carry-on in nature (I still miss Dick. I’m going nuts with my nuts in a truss) which for me jarred but I think I’m in the minority there. The audience loved the slap stick elements and innuendos! Note to self must get out more. So gather around the coffee machine, add an extra spray of girl power and keep on workin’ until your dreams come true!