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THE ACCLAIMED NEW LONDON PALLADIUM PRODUCTION OF

COMES TO THE EMPIRE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL

FOR ONE WEEK ONLY

6^th -11^th JUNE 2022

LINZI HATELEY, Joseph’s original, Olivier Award-Nominated Narrator

will be reunited with

JASON DONOVAN in the role of Pharaoh.

JAC YARROW will wear the Dreamcoat, following his

critically acclaimed professional stage debut in the iconic lead role.

Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are delighted to announce that direct from two triumphant seasons at The London Palladium, the sensational brand-new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat comes to the Empire Theatre, Liverpool from Monday 6th – Saturday 11^th June 2022. Jason Donovan will reprise the role of Pharaoh, which he performed at the London Palladium in 2019 and 2021, sharing the stage once again with Linzi Hateley as Narrator and Jac Yarrow as he prepares to don the famous coat in the titular role on tour.

Linzi Hateley is an Olivier Award nominee and Theatre World Award winner who has starred on Broadway, in the West End, with the RSC, and at the National Theatre. She now returns to the role of the Narrator, having first starred in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1991 opposite Jason Donovan and Phillip Schofield at the London Palladium – for which she received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.

Jason Donovan will return in the role of Pharaoh. He was originally in the show when he made his defining stage performance as the title character of Joseph in the 1990s, in a sold-out 18-month run which produced a No.1 single and best-selling soundtrack album. Jason raised the roof of the London Palladium during the show’s 2019 and 2021 engagements as Pharaoh, who rocks ‘Song of the King’ in the musical.

Jac Yarrow caused a sensation when he made his professional stage debut playing Joseph, following in the footsteps of a line of stars who have previously played the title character. His portrayal of Joseph won him unanimous acclaim and an Olivier Award nomination, with his rendition of ‘Close Every Door To Me’ regularly stopping the show with standing ovations.

Producer Michael Harrison says of today’s announcement:

“After two sensational runs at The London Palladium, I am delighted to bring this joyous show to the Empire Theatre, Liverpool next summer as JOSEPH prepares to unite audiences and spread happiness across the UK. Our ‘dream team’ casting will enchant newcomers and longstanding fans alike; Jac Yarrow has wowed audiences and critics with his spectacular debut and attendees should be prepared for the roof to be raised when Jason Donovan steps on stage. Linzi Hateley is confirmed to return to her role as Narrator when we perform in Liverpool having delivered a delightful dose of nostalgia to audiences at special performances of Joseph at the London Palladium this summer. GO! GO! GO! JOSEPH!”

Audiences and critics were unanimous in their acclaim for the legendary musical – the first major collaboration by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber – when it returned to the London Palladium in 2019 and again in 2021.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is directed by Laurence Connor. Laurence’s credits include the acclaimed London production of School of Rock and the Tony-Award nominated production on Broadway, the recent London productions of Miss Saigon and Chess, the international arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and he is also the Co-Director of the new version of Les Misérables which has enjoyed worldwide success including Broadway, UK and US tours. He is the director of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of Cinderella at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

JoAnn M Hunter (who has 20 Broadway shows to her credit, including School of Rock and On A Clear Day You Can See Forever) is the show’s choreographer, set and costume design are by the award-winning Morgan Large with Ben Cracknell as Lighting Designer and Gareth Owen as Sound Designer.

Released as a concept album in 1969,the stage version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has become one of the world’s most belovedfamily musicals. The multi-award-winning show, which began life as a small-scale school concert, has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, international number one tours, and productions in over 80 countries as far afield as Austria and Zimbabwe and from Israel to Peru! The show features songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre standards, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me, Jacob and Sons, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go Go Go Joseph.

Told entirely through song with the help of the Narrator, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat follows the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his eleven brothers. After being sold into hardship by the brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled showman, the Pharaoh. As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s famine, he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man and eventually reunites with his family.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is produced by Michael Harrison.

For further information, please see www.josephthemusical.com

FULL CAST &

EXTRA DATES

ANNOUNCED FOR

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A MUSICAL COMEDY

WITH NEW DATES ADDED TO THE UK & IRELAND TOUR

BEGINNING 5 NOVEMBER 2021

Aria Entertainment and Music & Lyrics are delighted to announce the final ensemble cast members for the UK and Ireland tour of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A Musical Comedy. The tour will open at Theatre Royal, Nottingham on 5 November 2021 with new dates added in 2022.

The final members of the ensemble are Jessica Keable, Sario Solomon and Ying Ue Li.

They join the previously announced, Joanne Clifton (Morticia Addams), Cameron Blakely (Gomez Addams), Scott Paige (Uncle Fester), Kingsley Morton (Wednesday Addams), Grant McIntyre (Pugsley Addams), Valda Aviks (Grandma), Sean Kingsley (Mal Beineke), Kara Lane (Alice Beineke), Ahmed Hamad (Lucas Beineke), Dickon Gough and Ryan Bennett (sharing the role of Lurch), Abigail Brodie, Sophie Hutchinson, Castell Parker, Matthew Ives and Sean Lopeman.

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows; she’s fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family! Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.  Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.  All the usual clan are present – Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley et al.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A Musical Comedy, will be directed by Matthew White, with choreography by Alistair David, production design by Diego Pitarch, orchestrations by Richard Beadle, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Richard Brooker and casting by Jane Deitch. Book is by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, based on the characters created by Charles Addams.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2021 UK Tour is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Music & Lyrics Limited, and is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

For further information, please visit www.theaddamsfamily.co.uk

Twitter: @AddamsFamilyUK

Facebook: @TheAddamsFamilyUK

LISTINGS INFORMATION

5 – 13 November                              Nottingham Theatre Royal                                        0115 989 5555                                                                                                                                      www.trch.co.uk                                                       

16-20 November                              New Theatre, Cardiff                                               029 2087 8889

                                                         www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk                                  

23-27 November                              Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                                        0114 249 6000

                                                         www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

2022 Dates

11- 15 January 2022                        Milton Keynes Theatre                                             0844 871 7615*

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre

18-22 January 2022                         The Alexandra, Birmingham                                    0844 871 7615*

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

25-29 January 2022                         Festival Theatre, Edinburgh                                     0131 529 6000

                                                         www.capitaltheatres.com

1-5 February 2022                           Alhambra Theatre, Bradford                                     01274 432000

                                                         www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

8-12 February 2022                         Newcastle Theatre Royal                                         0191 232 7010

                                                         www.theatreroyal.co.uk

15 – 19 February 2022                     New Wimbledon Theatre                                          0844 871 7615*

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon                               

22 – 26 February 2022                     The Orchard Theatre, Dartford                                 0343 310 0033

                                                         www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

1 March – 5 March 2022                  Churchill Theatre, Bromley                                       0343 310 0020                                                                                                                                       www.churchilltheatre.co.uk                                     

8-12 March 2022                              Liverpool Empire                                                      0844 8717615

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

15 – 19 March 2022                         Hull New Theatre                                                     01482 300 306

                                                         www.hulltheatres.co.uk

29 March – 2 April 2022                   Stoke Regent Theatre                                           0844 871 7615*                                                                                                                                     www.atgtickets.com/stoke

5 – 9 April 2022                                Dublin Gaiety Theatre                                              00 353 1 646 8600

                                                         www.gaietytheatre.ie

12 – 16 April 2022                            Hall for Cornwall                                                       01872 262466

                                                         www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

19 – 23 April 2022                            Manchester Opera House                                        08448717615*

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/manchester                              on sale 13 October

10 – 14 May 2022                            Eastbourne Congress Theatre                                 01323 412000

                                                         www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk/venue/congress-theatre           

24 – 28 May 2022                            New Theatre, Oxford                                               0844 871 7615*

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/oxford

7 – 11 June 2022                             His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen                             01224 641122

                                                         www.aberdeenperformingarts.com                         

*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

Further tour dates to be announced.

Young Vic Associate Company Crying in the Wilderness Productions present Conundrum

Tickets on sale to YV Friends today / Public booking opens tomorrow

A Crying in the Wilderness Production in Association with the Young Vic

Conundrum – An intimate tale of self-discovery, liberation and bliss

Written & Directed by Paul Anthony Morris

From 14 January – 4 February 2022, Maria Theatre, Young Vic

The Young Vic is delighted to present Conundrum, the debut production from Crying in the Wilderness Productions as a Young Vic Associate Company. This evocative new drama, written and directed by Paul Anthony Morris, dives headlong into a powerful exploration of one man’s trajectory of embracing then owning self-acceptance. Conundrum opens in January 2022, having been delayed due to the pandemic.

Anthony Ofoegbu (Barber Shop Chronicles) plays Fidel, who prompted by old diary entries, conducts a personal life review to identify his greatest challenges. Possessing an unusually high IQ and initially critiquing society, Fidel becomes alarmed by the prospect that he too, is responsible for undermining his own wellbeing. Perplexed by this conundrum, Fidel embarks on a reflective journey seeking answers to some of life’s most relatable questions: Who am I and why am I here?

Kwame Kwei-Armah, Artistic Director of the Young Vic, said: “I am delighted that Crying in the Wilderness Productions are finally getting to bring their debut piece to our stage, having been delayed by the pandemic. The show’s introspective and philosophical nature asks urgent questions that we as a country are grappling with – arguably more than ever before”.

Paul Anthony Morris, Writer, Director and Artistic Director of Crying in the Wilderness Productions said: “Performing Conundrum at the Young Vic, provides us with a great opportunity to showcase our theatrical style which we call ‘Theatre of the Soul’ in its entirety, for the very first time. The prospect of being able to finally share our creative ideas, especially after the past 18 months, to a live and new audience is very exciting”.

Anthony Ofoegbu said: “Playing Fidel will be a tremendous undertaking. Not only will it nourish me as an actor, but also we hope nourish the audience coming to share the experience of his story”.

Written and directed by Crying in The Wilderness Productions’ ArtisticDirector Paul Anthony Morris,Conundrumutilises Ofoegbu’s verbal and physical dexterity to full effect in this tightly woven 70-minute performance.

The cast includes Anthony Ofoegbu, with Filip Krenus and Voice Work by Rachel Summers. Conundrum is Designed by Sean Cavanagh,with Lighting Design by Jack Weir, Choreography by Shane Shambhu and Associate Direction by Angela Ekaette Michaels.

Conundrum goes on sale to Young Vic Friends today, 12 October at 12noon.

Public Booking opening tomorrow, 13 October at 12noon.

Young Vic – until 13 November 2021

5*****

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Cush Jumbo’s magnificent performance as Hamlet is unmissable. If you can’t get to the Young Vic, book for the live stream on 28 – 30 October.

Jumbo’s androgynous Hamlet is dynamic and full of energy; even in the quieter, more reflective moments she has the energy of a tiger ready to spring. She is mesmerising in the famous soliloquies, and effortlessly switches from bullish bravado to childlike helplessness.

In this modern setting, Elsinore’s golden pillars are sumptuous but sterile. Hamlet and his young friends have contemporary mannerisms and accents (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern take selfies and vape as they enter the castle) while the more mature characters are more traditionally Shakespearean.

Director Greg Hersov has cut the scenes with Fortinbras, so this play is focussed entirely on the familial drama with the politics taking a back seat. This enhances the portrayal of each character’s struggles with grief and creates a more empathetic production. The cast manage the tragedy and comedy with equal skill – Joseph Marcel has a ball as pompous and pernickety Polonius, and the gravedigging scene is actually funny, with Jumbo nearly slam-dunking poor Yorick’s skull.

Adrian Dunbar plays Claudius as a CEO mounting a hostile takeover, while Tara Fitzgerald’s Gertrude is stoic and blank until events begin to snowball and her façade crumbles. Norah Lopez Holden is astonishing as Ophelia – full of rage as the madness of her grief takes over. When Laertes first sees her in her madness, the gentle interplay between Holden and Jonathan Ajayi is exquisite as he tries to comfort her.

There are many modern touches in this production, but they are not the main selling point. The outstanding cast and superlative lead actor could probably hold an audience spellbound performing this play on a street corner. A masterclass in acting.

Darlington Hippodrome – 11 October 2021

5*****

George Wickham is 60, however on a good day – a VERY good day – he can pass for 40.  After an argument with Lydia, his wife, he regales us with tales of his life since they eloped and Elizabeth Bennett married Mr Darcy.

This one hour, one man show starring Adrian Lukis (who can most certainly pass for 40 every day) is one of those rare joys, where you could sit and listen for much longer.  Because the time passed so quickly whilst we were enthralled by his tales.

Written by Lukis and Catherine Curzon, Wickham sits alone reminiscing.  He is still a rogue, but with good looks, a twinkle in eye and his charm it’s easy to ignore the roguish qualities that Jane Austin wrote about in Pride and Prejudice.  Sat in his favourite room, watching the comings and goings of the neighbours, drinking claret and telling us all his story, acknowledging the audience and making us laugh along the way.

We learn about his childhood, his mother abandoning him, his miserable time at school and how he always had an eye for the main chance.  How Mr Darcy Snr wanted him to go into the Church, but Mr Darcy junior paid him off and how he spent that money on wine, women and song.

His marriage with Lydia lasted because they understand each other and make themselves laugh.  They’re children are ones he can be proud of and his relationship with his in-laws (The Bennetts and the Darcy’s) have endured.  

This is certainly not a man feeling sorry for himself.  The high jinx and lows sit together comfortably as we hear about his heroics at Waterloo, where he lost his best friend Denny and followed by a bawdy story of seduction.

“Am I to be the villain of my own story?” Wickham asks, the answer is most certainly not

Being Mr Wickham is on tour around the UK now, make sure you get the chance to watch it

INITIAL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

WORLD PREMIERE OF

THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL

UK & IRELAND TOUR OPENING AT CURVE IN FEBRUARY 2022

The actors who will be playing the five Osmond brothers in the world premiere of THE OSMONDS: A New Musical are Ryan Anderson as Merrill Osmond, Jamie Chatterton as Alan Osmond, Alex Lodge as Jay Osmond, Danny Nattrass as Wayne Osmond and Joseph Peacock as Donny Osmond.  The UK &  Ireland Tour begin at Leicester’s Curve on 3 February 2022 and will run through to 3 December 2022.

THE OSMONDS: A New Musical with story by Jay Osmond tells the true story of the five brothers from Utah who were pushed into the spotlight as children and went on to create smash hits, decade after decade.  From their star residency on The Andy Williams Show from 1962 to 1969, to pop stars and ‘Osmondmania’ from 1971 to 1975, to the arrival of The Donny & Marie Show, a popular variety TV show, from 1976 to 1979, The Osmonds lived a remarkable life recording chart-topping albums, selling out vast arena concerts and making record-breaking TV shows – until one bad decision cost them everything. 

Ryan Anderson (Merrill Osmond) most recently starred in the title role in Stephen Schwartz’s Pippin at Charing Cross Theatre.  Other theatre credits include A-Rab in West Side Story (Curve Theatre), Roger in Grease (Curve Theatre, UK Tour), Blake in Bat Out Of Hell (Dominon Theatre) and Sasha in Fiddler on the Roof (Chichester Festival Theatre).

Jamie Chatterton (Alan Osmond) will be making his professional debut in The Osmonds: A New Musical, having graduated from Arts Ed this year.

Alex Lodge (Jay Osmond) played the role of Jay Osmond throughout the development workshops for the musical.  Recent credits include Young Marley in A Christmas Carol (Dominion Theatre), Ledoux in Bat Out of Hell(International Tour) and Alternate Elder Price in The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales).

Danny Nattrass (Wayne Osmond) most recently appeared in Laurence Connor’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium, where he also was understudy Joseph, and previously appeared as Pepper in Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre) and as Wilfred in Matthew Bourne’s Lord of the Flies.

Joseph Peacock (Donny Osmond) has played Young Gideon in Sting’s The Last Ship (US Tour), Rick in Scarborough(BBC), appeared in Bat Out of Hell (Dominion) and played the lead role of Pete in Burnt Park Boys (Park Theatre).

Jay Osmond said, “I am thrilled that we have found such dynamic and talented performers to play my brothers and me.  We saw some brilliant actors in the auditions and I was so impressed at the work people put in throughout the process.  When these five guys walked in, they lit up the room with their smiles and raised the roof with their voices; I knew we’d found our boy band.  It is an honour to welcome Ryan Anderson, Jamie Chatterton, Alex Lodge, DannyNattrass and Joseph Peacock to the family and I can’t wait for audiences to see what they can do.  Their style, charm and talent will bring our music and story to a whole new generation and you will ‘love them (for a reason)’ as much as we do.” 

The musical features a list of 1970s anthems, including One Bad Apple, Down by the Lazy River, Crazy Horses, Let Me In, Love Me for a Reason, (We’re) Having a Party, Puppy Love, Long Haired Lover From Liverpool, Paper Roses and many more. 

The Osmonds have sold over 100 million records worldwide and won 59 Gold & Platinum awards, and now Jay Osmond pulls back the curtain to reveal the real family behind all these hits: parents George and Olive Osmond and their nine children, Virl, Tom, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie and Jimmy.

THE OSMONDS: A New Musical has a story By Jay Osmond and book by Julian Bigg and Shaun Kerrison, and will be directed by Shaun Kerrison, with choreography and musical staging by Bill Deamer, set & costume design by Lucy Osborne, lighting design by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Dan Samson.

Further casting is to be announced.

The World Premiere of THE OSMONDS: A New Musical is produced by ROYO in partnership with Twins Entertainment, with Vicky Nojesproduktion, Krall Entertainment, Aria Entertainment and Guy James Theatrical.

Website:  TheOsmondsMusical.co.uk 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theosmondsmusical/

Twitter:  @OsmondsMusical 

Instagram:  Theosmondsmusical                   

2022 TOUR SCHEDULE

Thurs 3 – Sun 6 February                             LEICESTER Curve                                                       0116 242 3595

                                                                               curveonline.co.uk                                                   

Tue 8 – Sat 12 February                                IPSWICH Regent Theatre

                                                                            ipswichtheatres.co.uk                                           

Tue 15 – Sat 19 February                             GLASGOW King’s Theatre                                     0844 871 7615

                                                                             www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow*   

Tue 22 – Sat 26 February                             OXFORD New Theatre                                           0844 871 7615

                                                                             www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford *      

Tue 1 – Sat 5 March                                       WOKING New Victoria Theatre                          0844 871 7615

                                                                             www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre*      

Tue 8 – Sat 12 March                                      CHELTENHAM Everyman                                       01242 572573

                                                                             everymantheatre.org.uk

Tue 15 – Sat 19 March                                   WOLVERHAMPTON Grand Theatre                  01902 42 92 12

                                                                             grandtheatre.co.uk                                                

Tue 22 – Sat 26 March                                   DUBLIN Bord Gáis Energy Theatre                   

                                                                              bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                                            

Tue 29 March – Sat 2 April                           BLACKPOOL Opera House                                    0844 856 1111

                                                                             Wintergardensblackpool.co.uk                         

Tue 5 – Sat 9 April 22                                     STOKE-ON-TRENT Regent Theatre                    0844 871 7615

                                                                              www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre*  

Tue 12 – Sat 16 April                                      BELFAST Grand Opera house                              028 9024 1919

                                                                              goh.co.uk                                                                   

Tue 19 – Sat 23 April                                      PETERBOROUGH New Theatre

                                                                              newtheatre-peterborough.com                       

 Tue 26 – Sat 30 April                                     BROMLEY Churchill Theatre                                 020 3285 6000

                                                                              churchilltheatre.co.uk                                             

Tue 3 – Sat 7 May                                           NORTHAMPTON Royal & Derngate                  01604 624811

                                                                               www.royalandderngate.co.uk                          

Tue 26 – Sat 30 Jul                                          SOUTHEND Cliffs Pavilion                                   

                                                                               thecliffspavilion.co.uk

Tue 2 – Sat 6 August                                      YORK Grand Opera House                                    0844 871 7615

                                                                               www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york*              

Tue 9 – Sat 13 August                                     MANCHESTER Palace Theatre                             0844 871 7615

                                                                              www.atgtickets.com/manchesterr*

Tue 23 – Sat 27 August                                  LONDON New Wimbledon Theatre                  0844 871 7615

                                                                             www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre*

 Tue 30 Aug – Sat 3 Sept                               TORQUAY Princess Theatre                                 0844 871 7615

                                                                             www.atgtickets.com/venues/princess-theatre-torquay*             

Tue 6 – Sat 10 September                            LIVERPOOL Empire                                                  0844 871 7615

                                                                           www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire*

Tue 13 – Sat 17 September                          SUNDERLAND Empire                                             0844 871 7615

                                                                               www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire*         

Tue 20 – Sat 24 September                          EDINBURGH Festival Theatre                              0131 529 6000

                                                                             capitaltheatres.com

Tue 27 Sept – 1 Oct                                        BRIGHTON Theatre Royal Brighton                   0844 871 7615

                                                                               www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton*   

Tue 4 – Sat 8 October                                     CARDIFF New Theatre                                           0343 310 0041

                                                                              newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

Tue 11 – Sat 15 October                               HIGH WYCOMBE Swan Theatre

                                                                               wycombeswan.co.uk                                            

Tue 18 – Sat 22 October                                HULL New Theatre                                                  01482 300 306

                                                                             hulltheatres.co.uk

Tue 25 – Sat 29 October                                BIRMINGHAM The Alexandra                             0844 871 7615

                                                                             www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham*

Tue 1 – Sat 5 November                               ABERDEEN His Majesty’s Theatre

                                                                             aberdeenperformingarts.com

 Tue 8 – Sat 12 November                            SOUTHAMPTON Mayflower Theatre               02380 711811

                                                                             mayflower.org.uk

Tue 15 – Sat 19 November                           DARTFORD The Orchard Theatre                       01322 220000

                                                                             orchardtheatre.co.uk

Tue 22 – Sat 26 November                           BRADFORD Alhambra Theatre 01274 432000

                                                                             bradford-theatres.co.uk

Tue 29 Nov – Sat 3 Dec                                 LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru                                 01492 872000          

                                                                               venuecymru.co.uk                                                 

^*Subject to booking / transaction fees

Further dates to be added.

THE PEGGY RAMSAY FOUNDATION & FILM4

ANNOUNCE THE 2022 PLAYWRIGHTS‘ SCHEME BURSARY WINNERS

Six new theatre writers awarded £10,000 bursary plus 12 month theatre placement

The Peggy Ramsay Foundation with Film4 and the Maria Bjornson Memorial Fund are delighted to announce the six winners of the Peggy Ramsay/Film4 Awards which celebrate and support emerging British writing talent.  

The initiative awards sixbursaries a year to new theatre writers. Four bursaries are supported by The Peggy Ramsay Foundation (one is dedicated to the memory of literary agent Tom Erhardt) and two by Film4.  Each bursary is worth £10,000. 

The recipients of the bursaries for 2022 are –

Karis Kelly for Consumed

Lyric Theatre Belfast

Amy Trigg for Reasons You Should(n’t) Love Me

Kiln Theatre

Natasha Brown for I Am (Not) Kanye West

Boundless Theatre

Hannah Lavery for Lament for Shiku Bayo

Traverse Theatre

Yolanda Mercy for Quarter Life Crisis

High Tide Theatre

Nina Segal for O, Island!  (The Tom Erhardt Bursary)

Royal Shakespeare Company

In 2022 the successful writers will embark upon one-year attachments with the theatres outlined above, giving them the opportunity to meet a variety of theatre practitioners and to have first- hand experience of a working theatre. Their principal task during the 12 months of the bursary is to write at least one new full-length play.   

This year’s Panel, chaired by Sir Richard Eyre CH CBE, included:Jack Bradley (Sonia Friedman Productions);  Ben Coren (Film 4);  Dinah Wood (Faber & Faber);   Will Mortimer (Bridge Theatre);  Georgia Gatti (Jonathan Church Productions);  Indhu Rubasingham (Kiln Theatre); Nicholas Wright (Playwright).  The scheme is administered by Sue Higginson OBE.

The writers will also have the opportunity to submit their play for The Sonia Friedman Productions Award in the year following their bursary.  This Award is also judged by the same selection panel chaired by Sir Richard Eyre.  

Sir Richard Eyre (Chairman of the Panel) said:  “We had a very good year for entries – very inventive and very diverse. It was so satisfying to see that people are so hopeful about the future of theatre after the misery of lockdown.”

Neil Adleman (Chairman of The Peggy Ramsay Foundation) said:  “We are delighted that our support has enabled the continuation of the Playwrights’ Scheme, which is unique in its wide-ranging support of emerging British playwrights.  It forms part of our wider mission of providing direct support to writers for theatre.”

Ben Coren (Head of Development for Film4) said: “It was a real pleasure to be introduced to so many exciting new writers, especially after not being able to attend shows in person for so much of the pandemic. So many of our best writers come from theatre and Film4 are proud to continue to support the scheme.”

About The Peggy Ramsay Foundation

Peggy Ramsay was one of the best-known play agents in the United Kingdom during the second half of the Twentieth Century.  When she died in 1991 her estate was left for charitable purposes to help writers and writing for the stage.  The Peggy Ramsay Foundation was established in pursuance of this objective.  The Foundation seeks to perpetuate Peggy Ramsay’s ideals, by directly helping dramatists at very different stages of experience in ways which we are determined to keep as quick and unbureaucratic as possible.  These include a grant programme for playwrights, support for the Alfred Fagon Award and the Peggy Ramsay Foundation/Film4 Awards.

About Film4

Film4 is Channel 4 Television’s feature film division. Film4 develops and co-finances films and is known for working with the most distinctive and innovative talent in UK and international filmmaking, both new and established.

Film4 has developed and co-financed many of the most successful UK films of recent years, Academy Award®-winners such as Florian Zeller’s The Father, Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Favourite, Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, Alex Garland’s Ex Machina, Asif Kapadia’s box office record breaking documentary Amy, Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave, Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire and Phyllida Lloyd’s The Iron Lady, in addition to critically-acclaimed award-winners such as Sarah Gavron’s Rocks, Pawel Pawlikowski’s Cold War, Lynne Ramsay’s You Were Never Really Here, Andrea Arnold’s American Honey, Rungano Nyoni’s I Am Not a Witch, Chris Morris’s Four Lions, Shane Meadows’ This is England, Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin and Andrew Haigh’s 45 Years.

Film4’s recent releases include Jonathan Butterell’s Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Prano Bailey-Bond’s Censor, Ben Sharrock’s Limbo, Cathy Brady’s Wildfire, Euros Lyn’s Dream Horse, Rose Glass’s Saint Maud and Armando Iannucci’s The Personal History of David Copperfield. Forthcoming releases include Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho, Rebecca Hall’s Passing, Eva Husson’s Mothering Sunday, Will Sharpe’s The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, Lucile Hadzihalilovic’s Earwig, Michael Pearce’s Encounter and Julia Ducournau’s Titane. Films in production or post include Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest, Steve McQueen’s Occupied City, Aml Ameen’s Boxing Day, Mark Jenkin’s Enys Men, Jim Archer’s Brian & Charles, Oliver Hermanus’ Living and The Real Charlie Chaplin from Peter Middleton and James Spinney. 

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE UK TOUR OF EMMA HEMINGFORD’S FLINCH!

Liam McLaughlin Productions is pleased to announce the cast for the UK tour of Emma Hemingford’s Flinch.

Writer Emma Hemingford will be playing the role of Jess and Benjamin Aluwihare will be playing the role ofMark.

The UK Tour of Flinch will open at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford on Saturday 6^th November, before heading to Bristol, Bradford, Scarborough, and Leicester. It will then return to London, at the Pleasance Theatre, for a limited run.  

Emma Hemingford, on playing Jess said: “I’m so excited to be back on stage and to be performing in venues across the UK! Flinch is a dark comedy about the way gender roles affect a young couple’s relationship. Jess and Mark both say and do some ugly (relatable?) things behind closed doors – but that’s what makes them such fun characters to play. I can’t wait to get going, and thanks to the Arts Council for making it all possible!”

Benjamin Aluwihare, on playing Mark said: “I’m thrilled to be playing Mark and look forward to exploring some of the play’s trickier questions, like, when push comes to shove, do you dare to be the hero?”

Directed by Gemma Aked-Priestley, Flinch is a darkly comic examination of a modern relationship.

Jess is an actor, or will be, as soon as she hears back from her latest audition. Mark works in the city, an up-and-coming trader who’s never really made it past the starting line. The pair are definitely fine, almost-some-of-the-time – until the night they have an experience that threatens to change everything.

When Mark reacts unexpectedly in the face of a violent mugging, his girlfriend Jess is left questioning the cornerstones of their relationship. Is she right to feel betrayed by Mark’s refusal to defend her – even when the incident turns out to have been a harmless prank? As the young couple try to mend their relationship, rom-com sparring reveals something more sinister: a thorny and unsettling discussion of gender politics that refuses to take sides.

A raw, unsettling comedy, Flinch is anintense 80-minute show that forces you, the audience, to occupy an uncomfortable space as both jury and accomplice. By presenting us with recognisable characters rather than moral pariahs, the play holds up a mirror up to our own most private instincts.

Flinch is generously supported by Arts Council England.

Tickets for Flinch are on sale now.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR 

CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S

RECORD-BREAKING TOUR OF

“LES MISÉRABLES”

OPENING AT GLASGOW THEATRE ROYAL ON 23 NOVEMBER 2021

Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce full casting for his acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s “LES MISÉRABLES” as the UK and Ireland tour reopens at Glasgow Theatre Royal on 23 November 2021 where it will run until 31 December 2021. Full listings below.

Joining the previously announced Dean Chisnall as ‘Jean Valjean’, Nic Greenshields as ‘Javert’ and Katie Hall as ‘Fantine’ will be Ian Hughes as ‘Thénardier’, Will Callan as ‘Marius’, Nathania Ong as ‘Eponine’, Helen Walsh as ‘Madame Thénardier’, Barnaby Hughes as ‘Enjolras’ and Paige Blankson as ‘Cosette’.

The cast is completed by George Arvidson, Aidan Banyard, Will Barratt, Adam Boardman, Rebecca Bolton, Emily Olive Boyd, Olivia Brereton, Earl Carpenter, Harry Chandler, Rebecca Ferrin, Aimee Good, Steven Hall, Jenna Innes, Tessa Kadler, Damien Kneale, Caleb Lagayan, Abel Law, Joseph McDonnell, Zabrina Norry, Emily Owens, Jordan Simon Pollard, Jamie Pritchard, Dean Read and Rebecca Ridout.

Since Cameron Mackintosh first conceived this acclaimed new production of LES MISÉRABLES in 2009 to celebrate the show’s 25^th anniversary it has taken the world by storm continuing to enjoy record-breaking runs in countries including North America, Australia, Japan, Korea, France and Spain.

★★★★★  ‘This reborn dream of a production looks and sounds fresher than ever. Sends shivers of excitement racing down the spine – You emerge feeling stirred and exhilarated’ Daily Telegraph

‘A production of awesome power and mind-blowing restaging’ Irish Times

★★★★★ ‘Les Miserables is arguably, the greatest musical of all time” 

Edinburgh Evening News

‘A thrilling inspiration’ The Guardian

‘Packs an almighty punch and brings audiences to their feet every night’ The Independent

★★★★★  ‘A five-star hit – Astonishingly powerful’ The Times

★★★★★  ‘The mighty Les Mis is still revolutionary.  This new staging of one of the world’s longest-running musicals remains fit to burst the seams of the mightiest of stages’ Daily Mail

Boublil and Schönberg’s magnificent iconic score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs, I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing?, One Day More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Master Of The House and many more. Several of its songs have become real life anthems of revolution wherever in the world people are fighting for their freedom. Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular and contemporary musicals.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of LES MISÉRABLES is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Orchestrations are by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke and Stephen Brooker with original orchestrations by John Cameron. The production is directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, musical staging by Michael Ashcroft and Geoffrey Garratt, and music supervision by Stephen Brooker and Alfonso Casado Trigo.

CASTING AND ADDITIONAL TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED
FOR THE NATIONAL THEATRE’S 10th ANNIVERSARY TOUR OF

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

PRESENTED BY THE NATIONAL THEATRE AND TRAFALGAR THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

• DAVID BREEDS AND CONNOR CURREN SHARE THE ROLE OF CHRISTOPHER BOONE, WITH KATE KORDEL AND SOPHIE STONE PLAYING ALTERNATE WEEKS AS JUDY, REBECCA ROOT MAKING HER NATIONAL THEATRE DEBUT AS SIOBHAN AND TOM PETERS JOINING THE CAST AS ED.
   
• CURIOUS INCIDENT WILL VISIT 19 VENUES IN 2021 – 22, MARKING TEN YEARS OF THE OLIVIER AND TONY AWARD®-WINNING PRODUCTION.
   
• TOUR INCLUDES A LIMITED SEVEN WEEK RUN AT THE TROUBADOUR WEMBLEY PARK THEATRE FROM 20 NOVEMBER 2021.
   
• A RELAXED PERFORMANCE WILL TAKE PLACE AT WEMBLEY PARK THEATRE ON WEDNESDAY 5 JANUARY AT 2PM, WITH A PLANNED RELAXED PERFORMANCE ON TOUR TO BE ANNOUNCED.

Back by popular demand, the Olivier and Tony Award®-winning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, adapted by Simon Stephens from the novel by Mark Haddon, and directed by Marianne Elliott (War Horse, Angels in America, Company) will open at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre on 20 November before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour, marking ten years of the production which originated at the National Theatre in 2012.

As rehearsals begin today, the full cast joining the production is Marc Benga (ensemble), David Breeds (Christopher), Jacob Coleman (understudy Christopher and swing), Connor Curren (Christopher), Kofi De-Graft-Jordan (Mr Thompson), Ashley Gerlach (Mr Shears), Joanne Henry (Mrs Alexander), Siu-See Hung (Punk Girl), Kate Kordel (Judy on alternate weeks), Sibylla Meienberg (ensemble), David Monteith (Reverend Peters), Tom Peters (Ed), Joe Rawlinson-Hunt (ensemble), Rebecca Root (Siobhan), Hannah Sinclair Robinson (Mrs Shears), Sophie Stone (Judy on alternate weeks) and Rebecca Wilson (ensemble).

David Breeds most recently appeared in the West End premiere of Dear Evan Hansen. Connor Curren makes his professional stage debut in Curious Incident and is soon to appear in the NBCUniversal series Dodger. Kate Kordel’s recent television appearances include Coronation Street. Rebecca Root is known to audiences for the BBC Two sitcom Boy Meets Girl, The Queen’s Gambit and Doctor Who. Sophie Stone returns to the NT following her appearance in Mother Courage and Her Children. Her recent stage appearances include Emilia (Globe and West End) and television appearances include This Way Up and Jimmy McGovern’s Moving On. Tom Peters’ recent stage appearances include Girl from the North Country (West End) and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Access All Areas took part in the audition panel and offered Creative Support in the audition room during the casting process. Access All Areas will continue to provide Creative support on the tour.

Alongside previously announced venues, the production will also visit Truro Hall For Cornwall (19 – 23 April), The Orchard Theatre Dartford (10 – 14 May), Wycombe Swan (17 – 21 May), and Bromley Churchill Theatre (31 May – 4 June) in 2022. The full touring schedule detailed below also includes Cardiff New Theatre, Belfast Grand Opera House, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Nottingham Theatre Royal, Sheffield Lyceum, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Manchester Opera House, Liverpool Empire, Birmingham Hippodrome, King’s Theatre Glasgow, Leeds Grand Theatre, the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin, and Norwich Theatre Royal. For further information and on sale dates for all venues, visit curiousonstage.com.   

A Relaxed Performance is announced for London at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre at 2pm on Wednesday 5 January, with tickets available via curiousonstage.com soon. Relaxed Performances are perfect for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed performance environment and sensory adaptions. These performances allow for noise and movement in the auditorium, re-entry when needed and a chill-out space for patrons who may need time away from the performance, as well as adjustments to light and sound effects for those with sensory sensitivities. A second Relaxed Performance will take place on the tour, with details announced soon. Captioned, Audio Described and British Sign Language performances are available across the tour. For more information visit venue websites.

Since 2012, Curious Incident has been seen by more than five million people worldwide. The winner of seven Olivier Awards, following its New York premiere in September 2014, it became the longest-running play on Broadway in over a decade, winning five Tony Awards®.

Mark Haddon’s novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was published in 2003 and is the winner of more than 17 literary awards, including the prestigious Whitbread Book of the Year Award. The novel has been translated into 44 languages and has sold more than 5.5 million copies world-wide.
 

The production is designed by Bunny Christie, with lighting design by Paule Constable, and video design by Finn Ross. Movement is by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett for Frantic Assembly, music by Adrian Sutton and sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph. The Associate Director is Anna Marsland. Casting is by Jacob Sparrow Casting, and casting assistant is Chloe Blake.
 

Alongside the tour, a programme of activity including discussions on depictions of neurodivergence in fictional characters will be available online, with further details to be announced.
 

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is supported by American Express, the National Theatre’s Preferred Card Partner.