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FROM GREEK MYTHOLOGY TO QUEER AUTOBIOGRAPHY: HERE’S WHAT’S IN STORE
IN THE STUDIO THEATRE THIS AUTUMN

Heading into the autumn, the Studio theatre has an array of brilliant performances running from October to December.

Sheffield People’s Theatre Young Company and Silent Uproar present a raucous, mischievous, and irreverent adaptation of Jason and the Argonauts, set in a not-too-distant post-apocalyptic future. Written by Olivia Hirst in collaboration with the Sheffield People’s Theatre Young Company, directed by Alex Mitchell and designed by Lizzy Leach, The Golden Fleece is a high-speed collision of myth, Northern grit and a future that’s so bleak it’s funny. The Golden Fleece runs in the Studio Theatre from Thursday 7 – Saturday 9 October 2021.

Tanika Gupta (Gladiator Games) returns to Sheffield Theatres with Love ‘N’ Stuff: a hilarious and touching story of love, attachment and what we mean by home. Bindi and Mansoor were star-crossed lovers and now they’re everyone’s favourite couple. They’ve been happily married for years and have built a great life for themselves in the UK. But something’s not right; Mansoor’s decided to move back to India and is waiting in the departure lounge. Bindi’s hatched a plan to get him to stay and half the neighbourhood are involved… From Wednesday 13 – Saturday 16 October 2021.

In November, Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope is in the Studio for one night only. Quentin Crisp was one of the most memorable figures of the twentieth century. Openly gay as early as the 1930s, Quentin spent decades being beaten up for refusing to be anything less than himself. His extraordinary courage and wit inspire to the present day. Naked Hope, Mark Farrelly’s hugely-acclaimed solo play, is a glorious, uplifting celebration of Quentin’s life – and the urgent necessity to be your true self. Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope plays on Tuesday 2 November.

Next, Award-winning HIV+ theatre-maker Nathaniel Hall (It’s a Sin) and Dibby Theatre present their critically acclaimed ‘hilarious’ and ‘heart breaking’ hit autobiographical show about growing up positive in a negative world: First Time. Can you remember your first time? Nathaniel can’t seem to forget his. To be fair, he has had it playing on repeat for the last 15 years. Now the party is over, the balloons have all burst and he’s left living his best queer life: brunching on pills and Googling kangaroo vaginas, ancient condoms and human cesspits on a weekday morning… or is he? Join him as he blows the lid on the secret he’s been keeping all these years. From Friday 19 – Saturday 20 November.

At the end of November, Experience the life-enhancing power of the ballroom as four houses go head to head in the epic Family Vogue Ball. A performer from each house will catwalk, dance and lip sync to be crowned by you the audience, the ultimate house with our interactive event where the audience decides the winner. Whether you just want to join in the fun or have a passion to pose, come along and show off your own magnificence by dressing up and help crown the winning house! Part-theatre show, part-Vogue Ball: glamour, glitz and grace come together in a fabulous celebration of self-expression. Playing on Saturday 27 November.

A Red Ladder Theatre Company production with support from Leeds Playhouse and Oldham Coliseum Theatre present My Voice Was Heard But It Was Ignored: a gripping tussle of power and an urgent interrogation of racial identity, written by emerging playwright Nana-Kofi Kufuor and directed by Dermot Daly. 15-year-old Reece is roughly accosted by the police outside M&S. His young, Black teacher Gillian witnesses it all – but she doesn’t question or intervene in the disturbing scene that plays out. The consequences of her lack of action erupt the following day and the events that unfold will change both their lives forever. From Monday 29 – Tuesday 30 November.

To round off the year, the Christmas production in the Studio is Little Angel Theatre’s The Pixie and the Pudding. When Charlie and her dad move to the farm from the city, everything seems to go wrong. Dolly the cow is 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. From Saturday 11 December 2021 – Sunday 2 January 2022.

Tickets for all shows can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000, or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.

Sheffield Theatres continues to follow the industry-wide safety protocols and government guidance for indoor entertainment. All the latest information is available at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/your-visit.

Underbelly in association with David Bates present

LA CLIQUE

THE CABARET TRAILBLAZER RETURNS TO THE WEST END WITH NEW SHOW AND CAST!

Let the festivities begin, as LA CLIQUE makes its triumphant return to London’s West End this Christmas with an incredible new show in The Leicester Square Spiegeltent. Saturday 13 November 2021 to Saturday 8 January 2022

LA CLIQUE is the perfect Christmas night out with its magnificent melange of award winning, world class circus and cabaret favourites, performing alongside the brilliant La Clique Palais Orkestra, in the beautiful mirrored Leicester Square Spiegeltent.

Funny, cheeky, naughty, gasp inducing and stuffed with plenty of WOW, LA CLIQUE is the ultimate ‘let your hair down’ live show.

Full casting is announced for LA CLIQUE’s 2021 Leicester Square run:

• the fire-breathing, sword-swallowing, Heather Holliday
• quick change artiste and hand balancer Mirko Köckenberger
• the Incredible Hula Boy Craig Reid
• London based aerialists and France Has Got Talent finalists Hugo Desmarais and Katharine Arnold
• Australian burlesque queen J’aiMime
• Hackney born aerial artist LJ Marles
• Acclaimed New York-based saxophonist Leo P
• and the breath-taking, heart-stopping roller skating acrobatic duo Pierre and Steph, the third generation of the world famous The Skating Willers family

Accompanying this stellar line up will be the La Clique Palais Orkestra.

LA CLIQUE is directed by David Bates with musical direction by Dannie Bourne.

LA CLIQUE in Leicester Square Speigeltent is produced by Underbelly in association with David Bates.

Listings Information

The fun and unmissable festive treat!

Expect the unexpected!

Dates: LA CLIQUE is back from November for 8 weeks only!!

SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2021 to SATURDAY 8 JANUARY 2022

Venue: The Leicester Square Spiegeltent

Christmas in Leicester Square WC2H 7NA

Time: Tuesday – Thursday 7.30pm

Time: Friday and Saturday 7pm and 9.45pm

Time: Sunday 5pm

*Some timings change performance to performance. Please check the website for the most up to date times.

Running time: 105 minutes – including an interval

Ticket Prices: from £21.00 (includes £1.50 in fees per ticket)

Box Office: Online or in person at Christmas in Leicester Square from 12 November.

Advice: Recommended for over 16s. Under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Website: lacliquetheshow.com

Facebook        @lacliquetheshow

Instagram       @lacliquetheshow

MINTY FRESH PRODUCTIONS PRESENT THE RETURN OF

GABRIELLE MACPHERSON’S OUTSIDE

AS PART OF LONDON HORROR FESTIVAL

WITH FURTHER DATES AT ROSEMARY BRANCH THEATRE

Minty Fresh Productions today announce the return of Offie OnComm nominated Outside, written and performed by Gabrielle MacPherson. Directed by Laurel Marks, the production will be staged at The Pleasance, Islington, as part of London Horror Festival, on 20 and 21 October; with further performances at Rosemary Branch Theatre from 18 – 20 November. 

★★★★

The Reviews Hub

Gruesome, inventive, and arresting solo performance.

Willa hasn’t left her house for 30 years, until now. 

A dark secret is about to come to light, Willa’s attempt at freedom can lead to nothing but more horrific revelations.

Gabrielle MacPherson is a writer, performer, and a co-founder of Degenerate Fox Theatre. As a writer she has been shortlisted for The Charlie Harthill Special Reserve Fund. Her credits as an actor include Fokin’ Bring It On Lads (Vault Festival), The Dirty Thirty (Rosemary Branch Theatre), What’s In The Box?, Our Time (Haringay Shed) and The Beasts (Courtyard Theatre).

Laurel Marks is an actor and director. As an actor, her credits include Chaplin: Birth of a Tramp, Gentleman Jack, and TARO (Arrows and Traps). As an assistant director, her credits include Fever Pitch (Hope Theatre).

LISTINGS

OUTSIDE

London Horror Festival

The Pleasance, Islington

20 – 21 October 2021

Box Office: www.pleasance.co.uk/event/lhf-outside/performances

Rosemary Branch Theatre

2 Shepperton Road, Islington N1 3DT

18 – 20 November 2021

Box Office – https://www.rosemarybranchtheatre.co.uk/show/outside

Tickets:

£15 (£10 concessions)

Content warning:

Mentions of child and animal abuse and Child Protection Services.

Graphic images of violence

Newcastle Theatre Royal Listings

The Drifters Girl

Sat 9 – Sat 23 Oct 2021

Making its world premiere at Newcastle Theatre Royal prior to its much-anticipated transfer to London’s West End, discover the remarkable story of The Drifters. Faye Treadwell, the legendary manager of The Drifters, who, alongside her husband, fought for three decades to turn Atlantic Records’ hottest vocal group into a global phenomenon.

Tickets from £16.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/the-drifters-girl/

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Mon 25 – Sat 30 Oct 2021

Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation.

Tickets from £15.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/everybodys-talking-about-jamie/

Unnatural Causes: An Evening with Dr Richard Shepherd

Sun 31 Oct 2021

Meet the forensic pathologist, Dr Richard Shepherd. A detective in his own right – who has solved the mystery of sudden and unexplained deaths – takes to the road in his first ever theatre tour.

Tickets £32.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/an-evening-with-dr-shepherd/

Opera North’s Carmen

Wed 3 & Fri 5 Nov 2021 & Fri 25 Mar 2022

This scorching new production of one of the most popular operas ever written will take you deep down into a world where desire and hot-blooded passion reign supreme

Friends discount 10%. Under 30s £10.00. Under 18s 50% off, excluding Gallery, when accompanied by a full paying adult – up to 4 per adult. https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/carmen-2/

Opera North’s Trouble in Tahiti / West Side Story Symphonic Dances

Thu 4 & Sat 6 Nov 2021

American composer Leonard Bernstein was a major influence on the Broadway musical stage and this double bill brings together two of his pieces in a thrilling evening of music, dance and drama.

Friends discount 10%. Under 30s £10.00. Under 18s 50% off, excluding Gallery, when accompanied by a full paying adult – up to 4 per adult. https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/bernstein-double-bill/

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Tue 23 Nov 2021 – Sun 9 Jan 2022

With a brand-new script, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will feature all the sparkle, scale and spectacle Newcastle has come to expect from the North East’s most lavish festive production in a show packed full of laughter, music, special effects and theatrical magic.

Tickets from £12.50 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs/

SIX

Tue 11 – Sat 22 Jan 2022

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power.

Tickets from £15.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/six-2/

Fatal Attraction

Mon 24 – Sat 29 Jan 2022

When happily married New York attorney Dan Gallagher, meets charming editor Alex Forrest on a night out in the city, they both commit to a night of passion they can’t take back.

Tickets from £15.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/fatal-attraction/

Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado

Sun 30 Jan 2022 & Sun 8 May 2022

Double-bill of two new 60 minute sets, from “the world’s greatest living stand-up” (Times). Including new material for 2022.

Tickets from £30.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/stewart-lee-2/

Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Wed 2 – Sat 5 Feb 2022

Costumes plucked from the most gorgeous chocolate box; Tchaikovsky’s score to transport you to a land of dreams; and a story lifted straight from the pages of a classic fairy tale.

Tickets from £20.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/scottish-ballet-the-nutcracker/

The Addams Family

Tue 8 – Sat 12 Feb 2022

Look who’s moved into the neighbourhood! Everyone’s favourite kooky family are coming back on stage in this spectacular musical comedy.

Tickets from £16.50 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/the-addams-family/

Fascinating Aida

Sun 13 & Sun 27 Feb 2022

With a selection of old favourites, songs you haven’t heard before and some you wish you’d never heard in the first place. The songs are hilarious and topical – the glamour is unstoppable.

Tickets £26.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/fascinating-aida/

Fat Friends – The Musical

Mon 14 – Sat 19 Feb 2022

The “weight’ is over! Fat Friends – The Musical is back and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!

Tickets from £15.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/fat-friends-the-musical/

Animal Farm

Tue 22 – Sat 26 Feb 2022

The animals of Manor Farm drive out the farmer and run the farm themselves. A revolution. And then what? Then freedom. Every animal will be free.

Tickets from £10.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/animal-farm/

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Tue 1 – Sat 5 Mar 2022

Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at maths, while everyday life presents some barriers. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbour’s dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world.

Tickets from £15.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/the-curious-incident/

Waitress

Tue 8 – Sat 12 Mar 2022

Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated.

Tickets from £20.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/waitress/

NDT 2

Tue 15 & Wed 16 Mar 2022

For their highly anticipated return to the UK, NDT 2 will perform works by celebrated international choreographers: Marco Goeke, Hans Van Manen and Johan Inger, featuring two UK premieres.

Tickets from £15.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/ndt2/

The Lost Happy Endings

Fri 18 & Sat 19 Mar 2022

What happens when the Happy Endings are stolen? An original story by Carol Ann Duffy retold as dance theatre for family, narrated by Joanna Lumley.

Tickets from £10.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/the-lost-happy-endings/

Johannes Radebe- Freedom

Sun 20 Mar 2022

A celebration of the dances that you love, with Johannes’ signature flair and energy. From elegant Ballroom to fiery Latin, a company of exciting dancers will perform to classic dance arrangements, scorching South African rhythms and huge party anthems.

Tickets from £28.50 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/johannes-radebe/

Opera North’s Rigoletto

Wed 23 & Sat 26 Mar 2022

In a world controlled by the privileged and powerful, Rigoletto is loathed and mocked for his difference.

Friends discount 10%. Under 30s £10.00. Under 18s 50% off, excluding Gallery, when accompanied by a full paying adult – up to 4 per adult. https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/rigoletto/

Opera North’s Alcina

Thu 24 Mar 2022

Welcome to Alcina’s island paradise. All men who set foot there fall under her spell, but soon discover it’s all an illusion: Alcina is an enchantress whose island is nothing but a barren wasteland peopled by her discarded lovers who she has turned into animals, rocks and trees.

Friends discount 10%. Under 30s £10.00. Under 18s 50% off, excluding Gallery, when accompanied by a full paying adult – up to 4 per adult. https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/alcina-2/

School of Rock

Mon 28 Mar – Sat 2 Apr 2022

Get ready to stick it to the man, Newcastle! Posing as a substitute music teacher at an elite prep school, Dewey Finn exposes his students to the rock gods he idolises, transforming them into a mind-blowing rock band.

Tickets from £20.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/school-of-rock/

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!

Tue 5 – Sat 9 Apr 2022

With family-sized helpings of Bourne’s trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy, Nutcracker! follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from a darkly comic Christmas Eve, through a shimmering, ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland.

Tickets from £15.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/matthew-bournes-nutcracker-2/

Remembering The Oscars

Sun 10 Apr 2022

Get ready to celebrate the Oscar-winning songs in this exhilarating new dance spectacular with Strictly’s favourite couple.

Tickets from £28.50 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/remembering-the-oscars/

The Da Vinci Code

Mon 11 – Sat 16 Apr 2022

The curator of the Louvre has been brutally murdered, and alongside his body are a series of baffling clues.

Tickets from £15.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/the-da-vinci-code/

Singin’ In The Rain

Tue 3 – Sat 7 May 2022

Journey back to the glamour of Hollywood during the roaring 20’s. Silent movie star Don Lockwood has it all, a string of hit films and a studio-engineered romance with the most beautiful actress in town.

Tickets from £20.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/singin-in-the-rain/

Oti Mabuse: I Am Here

Sun 15 May 2022

Strictly Come Dancing 2019 & 2020 champion in her brand new production! Prepare for a night of electrifying choreography.

Tickets from £28.50 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/oti-mabuse-i-am-here/

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Tue 24 May – Sat 4 Jun 2022

The sensational brand-new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal for two weeks only!

Tickets from £20.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/joseph/

The Book Of Mormon

Wed 15 Jun – Sat 9 Jul 2022

Following the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent on a mission to a place that’s about as far from Salt Lake City as you can get.

Tickets from £17.50 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/the-book-of-mormon/

Here Come The Boys

Sun 24 Jul 2022

Strictly Come Dancing favourites star in a dancing extravaganza. This dancing extravaganza will feature ballroom, Latin, commercial, contemporary, ballet, acro and tap.

Tickets from £28.50 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/here-come-the-boys/

Bat Out Of Hell

Tue 26 Jul – Sat 6 Aug 2022

This critically-acclaimed musical thunders through Meat Loaf’s legendary anthems. An over the top theatrical spectacle unlike any other.

Tickets from £15.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/bat-out-of-hell/

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

Wed 10 & Thu 11 Aug 2022

Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig – it’s going to be her best day ever! Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures.

Tickets from £14.50, £2 off under 16s, family ticket available https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/peppa-pigs-best-day-ever/

We Will Rock You

Mon 22 – Sat 27 Aug 2022

The worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton returns to the UK. The multi-million-pound show dazzles all the senses in breath-taking style. Guaranteed to blow your mind, this musical phenomenon is not to be missed!

Tickets from £22.50 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/we-will-rock-you/

Jersey Boys

Tue 30 Aug – Sat 10 Sep 2022

They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. 

Tickets from £24.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/jersey-boys/

Derren Brown: Showman

Tue 13 – Sat 17 Sep 2022

The multi award-winning master of mind control and psychological illusion, Derren Brown, is at his very best on stage. His one-man shows have received wide critical acclaim and more Olivier wins and nominations than any other in history!

Tickets from £20.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/derren-brown/

Strictly Ballroom

Mon 1 – Sat 6 May 2023

After falling out of favour with Australian Federation he must dance with beginner, Fran. Together they find the courage to defy tradition and discover that to win your steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom!

Tickets from £15.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/strictly-ballroom/

Sister Act

Mon 19 – Sat 24 Jun 2023

Now set in the present day, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder.

Tickets from £20.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/sister-act/

The Commitments

Mon 26 Jun – Sat 1 Jul 2023

Returning to tour the UK and Ireland, 5 years after a phenomenally successful, record-breaking run in London’s West End and subsequent sell-out tour, The Commitments is based on the BAFTA award-winning film classic.

Tickets from £20.00 https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/the-commitments/

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

LITTLE WOMEN

A MUSICAL BY ALLAN KNEE, MINDI DICKSTEIN & JASON HOWLAND

PREMIERING IN LONDON AT PARK THEATRE,

FROM 11 NOVEMBER FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON

Aria Entertainment, Hope Mill Theatre and Knockhardy Productions in association with Park Theatre, are delighted to announce the full cast for Little Women, the musical based on the critically acclaimed 1868 novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott.

Ryan Bennett (Bob Crewe in Jersey Boys international tour) will play Professor Bhaer, Hana Ichijo (Arts Educational School graduate) will play Meg, Sev Keoshgerian (Dwayne in Little Miss Sunshine: A Road Musical, Arcola and UK Tour)will play Laurie, Anastasia Martin (Legends for FOX21, starring Sean Bean) will play Beth, Mary Moore (Eva in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) will play Amy, Bernadine Pritchett (Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, West End) will play Aunt March, Brian Protheroe (Brabantio in Othello, Aragon in The Merchant of Venice both for the RSC, Saruman in The Lord of the Rings, West End) will play Mr Lawrence, Lejaun Sheppard (Tina the Musical, The Book of Mormon, West End) as John Brooke, Savannah Stevenson (Glinda in Wicked, West End), will play Marmee and Lydia White (Chess and CinderELLA at Nuffield Southampton Theatre; Rags, Hope Mill Theatre) will play Jo. Also in the company is Liv Andrusier (Royal Academy of Music graduate).

Little Women receives its London premiere at Park Theatre, London on 11 November 2021, for a limited season until 19 December, and with an official opening night on 17 November.

Little Women follows the adventures of the four March sisters – Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy. Jo, the second eldest of the March daughters and an aspiring writer, receives yet another rejection from a publisher. Her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells Jo she can do better by making her stories more personal. Begrudgingly, Jo weaves the story of how she and her sisters grew up in Civil War America – a tale of self-discovery, heartache, hope and everlasting love.

Little Women has a book by stage and screen writer Allan Knee (Finding Neverland, The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit), lyrics by Mindi Dickstein (lyricist for Benny and Joon, book writer for Toy Story – The Musical and book and lyrics for Beasts and Saints), and music by Grammy Award-winner Jason Howland (co-produced The Lonesome West, created Handel’s Messiah Rocks for the Boston Pops, arranger and music supervisor for Beautiful – The Carole King Musical and music director for Les Miserables).

Little Women was first produced on Broadway in 2005, starring Sutton Foster as Jo. The musical had its UK premiere at Hope Mill Theatre in 2017, produced by Aria Entertainment, Hope Mill Theatre and Knockhardy Productions and directed by Bronagh Lagan.

Little Women at Park Theatre is directed by Bronagh Lagan with set and costume design by Nik Corrall, musical direction by Leo Munby, orchestrations by Andy Collyer, choreography by Sarah Golding, lighting design by Ben M Rogers, sound design by Paul Gavin and casting by Jane Deitch. It is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Hope Mill Theatre and Knockhardy Productions, in association with Park Theatre. It is co-produced by Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane and Katy Galloway Productions.

Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

LITTLE WOMEN

11 November – 19 December

Park200

Park Theatre

Clifton Terrace

Finsbury Park

London

N4 3JP

Box Office:  020 7870 6876*

*Telephone booking fee applies

Tickets: from £18.50

Performances:  Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday at 3pm*

(*Please note, there will be an additional performance on Sunday 19 December at 3pm)

There will be a captioned performance on Saturday 4 December at 7.30pm

There will be an audio described performance on Saturday 11 December at 3pm with a touch tour at 2pm

Suitable for 8+

Website: www.parktheatre.co.uk

Twitter: @ParkTheatre

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ParkTheatreLondon

Instagram: @parktheatrelondon

THE ACCLAIMED NEW LONDON PALLADIUM PRODUCTION OF JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

COMES TO THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME

FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY

PERFORMANCES BEGIN ON TUESDAY 30^TH AUGUST 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 Bristol Hippodrome from Tuesday 30^th August  – Saturday 10^th September 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 Bristol Hippodrome 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 Bristol 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
To book tickets for The Bristol Hippodrome, please see www.atgtickets.com/shows/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat/bristol-hippodrome/ 

Poet and Theatre Maker Matt Miller and Director Peader Kirk 

bring their co-created solo theatre performance 

 FITTING 

to the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham, on 22 and 23 October 2021 

and the Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton, on 10 February 2022 

A theatrical genderqueer glamour fest, sprinkled with magic and ready to mess with your binaries 

Theatre Makers Matt Miller and Peader Kirk have come together to co-create a solo theatre performance, FITTING, drawing on spoken-word storytelling, autobiographical accounts and physical theatre to explore themes of identity and belonging. Following on from its successful 2019/2020 tour, FITTING plays the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham, on 22 and 23 October 2021 and The Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton on 10 February 2022 (dates rescheduled from Spring 2020). 

Magic is everywhere. Wear a dress and people treat you one way. Try a pinstripe suit and, abracadabra, it’s like you’re a different person. If they say beauty is just skin deep, then why is appearance so important to the way we are treated? FITTING is a solo theatre show about Matt’s adventures in dresses and suits with some magic tricks up its sleeve. From interactions with strangers at bus stops to transgressive explorations in charity shops, follow Matt as they navigate and explode the ground between gender binaries.  

Alongside the show, a free participation activity will take place at both venues called Versions of You, designed to allow the public to engage with the questions which the show asks and to open a gentle, fun and supported dialogue about where they feel they fit. There will be a chance to chat to Matt Miller and Peader Kirk and to devise a playful three-word self-definition, before posing in front of the gold curtain and holding the definition up for the polaroid camera. Photos can be taken home or displayed on FITTING’s ‘board of personalities’. The event will be quick, lively and accessible. Check venue websites for more details. 

Matt Miller is a poet and theatre maker who writes about place, identity and ways of belonging. They learned their craft with Nottingham based poetry collective The Mouthy Poets. In 2014, Matt was selected as one of BBC Radio Three’s Verb New Voices. Matt has been an artist in residence at Alphabetti Theatre and was one of Live Theatre’s inaugural Live Lab Artists. In 2018/19 Matt worked with The Mighty Creatives as a workshop facilitator. Matt has been praised for their ‘powers of urban storytelling’ (Ian McMillan, The Verb). 

Peader Kirk is an Artist and Director working internationally in the fields of Performance and Sound Art. He makes work that engages directly with communities to ask questions about how we meet amidst difference and how we create change. His work has recently been shown at The Southbank Centre and The Institute of Contemporary Arts in London, The National Theatre of Greece in Athens, Academy of Fine Arts in Turin and The Hong Kong Repertory Theatre. Peader trained as a director with Robert Lepage at the National Theatre, London and with Eugenio Barba at CPR, Wales.  

Matt started working with Peader in 2016. Their first solo show together, STICKING performed to sold out audiences and was toured to Contact Manchester, Gala Theatre, as part of the Durham Book Festival, ARC Stockton and Alphabetti Theatre. They now return with the next in the series exploring LGBTQ+ topics questioning existing perceptions of non-binary gender. 

FITTING is supported by ARC Stockton, Arts Council England and New Writing North.  

Age guidance: 14+. Running time: 1 hour. 

For the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, visit: https://www.queenshall.co.uk (Box Office: 01434 652477).  

For the Hat Factory Arts Centre, visit: https://www.culturetrust.com (Box Office: 01582 878100). 

For more information about Matt Miller, visit: https://mattmillertheatre.com/. 

‘A thread of sleight-of-hand magic runs through the show, providing a beautiful visual metaphor for how appearances can be deceptive…’ North East Reviews 

LISTINGS:  

Title: FITTING 

Running Time: 1hr 

Age guidance: 14+ 

HEXHAM 

Dates/Times: Friday 22 and Saturday 23 October 2021 at 7.30pm 

Venue: Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, 1-2 Beaumont St, Hexham NE46 3LZ 

Box Office: 01434 652477 / https://www.queenshall.co.uk 

Ticket prices: £12 

LUTON 

Dates/Times: Thursday 10 February 2022 at 7.30pm 

Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65 – 67 Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY 

Box Office: 01582 878100/ https://www.culturetrust.com 

Ticket prices: £12 / £10 concessions 

BELGRADE THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM

LAURA ELLIOT JOINS THE BELGRADE AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE

CURRENT CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR COREY CAMPBELL APPOINTED AS NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR

The Board of the Belgrade Theatre is thrilled to announce the appointment of the new senior leadership, who will take up their posts in January 2022, succeeding outgoing Executive Director, Joanna Reid and Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Hamish Glen.

Laura Elliot has been appointed as Chief Executive, responsible for overall strategy and to run the commercial side of the Belgrade. 

Corey Campbell – currently one of the three Co-Artistic Directors of the Belgrade for Coventry’s year as City of Culture 2021 – has been appointed to the new post of Creative Director, focusing on the Theatre’s artistic output across both its professional and community areas.

The CEO and Creative Director will lead a restructured senior team of six. This team will lead on producing and programming, technical production, marketing, general management such as fundraising and income generation, financial management and commercial income and operations such as catering and conferencing.

Laura Elliot brings significant senior management and leadership experience to the Belgrade; from her current role as Programme Director of Oxford Playhouse and previous role as Programme Manager at Warwick Arts Centre. A resident of Kenilworth for nearly a decade, she combines strong connections to the regional arts scene with a real passion for the importance of culture, particularly as part of Coventry’s UK City of Culture legacy.

Corey Campbell is Artistic Director of Strictly Arts Theatre Company, formerly supported by the Belgrade’s Springboard talent development programme. Through productions such as Green Leaves Fall and the critically acclaimed, Edinburgh sell-out show Freeman, Strictly Arts have used their collaborative, devising process to bring stories from real people to the stage, building long-lasting relationships with audiences through targeted workshop and outreach programmes, with a particular focus on African and Caribbean communities.

Corey’s flagship production for the City of Culture year has been SEAVIEW, a new digital television series created, produced, and filmed in the West Midlands using a unique Writers Room project which involved local emerging writers from the region. SeaView was created using theatrical devising techniques, from an original, pre-pandemic idea by Campbell. It celebrates a Black working class aspirational family and all the things they come up against on their journey to achieve great things. SeaView will premiere at the Belgrade in November.

In 2022, as his final project for Coventry City of Culture and as his tenure as Co-Artistic Director comes to an end, Corey will be co-directing FIGHTING IRISH with Hamish Glen, due to play at the Belgrade in March.

Laura Elliot said,“I’m delighted to be taking up the role of CEO, alongside Corey Campbell as Creative Director. The Belgrade Theatre has been my local producing theatre for nearly a decade. I’m inspired by its deep rooted, nationally renowned commitment to community engagement, diversity, learning, talent development and high quality entertainment. I look forward to collaborating with the team to build on the Theatre’s plentiful past achievements, and propel it into an exciting, ambitious future.”

Corey Campbell said, “Let’s get it in, let’s get it done.”

Chairman of the Board, David Hanson said, “I’m delighted with the new appointments we’ve made. Laura is an exceptional leader, and I have no doubt that she will inspire all those that work with her as she leads a newly refurbished and invigorated Belgrade. Corey has been a huge creative asset to the Theatre during the City of Culture Year and I’m hugely excited to see what he will bring to the post of Creative Director. This is a new post for The Belgrade which draws together our theatre programme, the creation of new productions and our community and education work so that we can better achieve our ambition to improve life for the people of Coventry and beyond.”

Arts Council England Area Director, Peter Knott said, “We’re delighted to welcome Laura Elliot and Corey Campbell in their new roles and look forward to working with them. We’re sure that both their experience and expertise will benefit the Belgrade Theatre in the long term in an exciting time for creative venues in Coventry. We’d also like to thank Joanna Reid and Hamish Glen for their fantastic work over the last 18 years, including their part in this year’s City of Culture programme.”

Joanna Reid and Hamish Glen announced their departure from the venue and the senior leadership team restructure in July this year, with the changes driven by two issues: the need to address the financial challenges of the pandemic and its aftermath, and the desire to develop a new vision and way of working for a 21^st century theatre.

Important to this new vision will be the legacy of Coventry’s year as City of Culture and Hamish Glen’s KEYS project. This was inspired by the story of Ira Aldridge, a young African-American actor, who came to Coventry in 1828 to manage a short season of plays at the old Coventry Theatre.  Not even 21 years of age, he became the country’s first theatre manager of colour at time when slavery was still widespread throughout the British Empire. To honour this unusual event, Glen wanted to ‘hand the keys’ of the theatre over to the next generation of young and diverse theatre-makers.

Corey Campbell, Balisha Karra and Justine Themen were appointed as Co-Artistic Directors of the Theatre for 2021, bringing with them a unique perspective that celebrates Coventry’s diversity and drives positive change. The three Co-Artistic Directors have driven the City of Culture programme of work with their own individual projects, as well as learning from Glen about the processes and challenges of running a major venue. Campbell will now take that legacy forward with his new appointment.

Cast announced for new 1950s gig-theatre
musical Punchy!
Courtyard Theatre, Bowling Green Walk, 40 Pitfield Street, London N1 6EU
Tuesday 2nd November – Sunday 21st November 2021

The cast has been announced for Punchy! The Musical, a brand new musical at The Courtyard Theatre. This raucous, affecting piece of gig-theatre brings the soulful sounds of the 1950s to the heart of Hoxton. Robert Hook (Peaky Blinders, BBC; The Milkman’s on His Way) will take on the lead role of the wayward and conflicted George ‘Punchy’ Armstrong. As he attempts to overcome the crimes of his young adulthood in post-war London, Punchy’s path to transformation is witnessed by the alarming appearance of his Ego and Soul and their struggle to influence his decisions. Punchy’s Ego will be played by Jaymes Sygrove (Blithe Spirit, Studio Canal; Alan Menken’s A Christmas Carol) whilst his Soul will be brought to life by Peter Parker Mensah (The Informer Citadel, Amazon; Bolan’sShoes).

Conceived by Sylvia Anderson Award-winning composer Jack Terroni, with production consultancy provided by Joan Lane (The King’s Speech), the soundtrack is produced by triple platinum-selling producer/composer Steve Brown (Laura Mvula/Magic Goes Wrong). Playwright Kevin McMahon has adapted Punchy! from Richard Barrett’s thought-provoking work What My Soul Told Me.

They will be joined by Lucy Penrose (Judy!, West End) as Edith Jameson, Amy Mitchell as Doreen Lofthouse, Fiona Kelly as Olive Jameson, Phillip Gill as Manny Cohen, Robert Allen as James Armstrong/Mickey Flynn and Richie Brett as Frankie Brown.

Blending a contemporary mix of soul, indie rock and pop songs, Jack Terroni’s soundtrack is played by an onstage band. This eclectic soundscape sets the tone for the curious characters of Soul and Ego to play with the very fabric of time, in the heart of an ordinary working-class London community.

Terroni drew upon stories from his mother’s childhood in 1950s Islington, telling the tales of everyday people, and one particular ‘lost soul’: the inspiration for the character Punchy lived in his mother’s building.

Composer Jack Terroni commented, I didn’t set out to write a musical as I’ve always been put off by the thought of jazz hands and glitter! If I was writing one, it had to rip up the rulebook! Punchy! was inspired by the real story of my mother’s working-class childhood in 1950s Islington. I was moved at how a young man with mental health challenges left home one day never to be seen again. Punchy! imagines what could have been if he followed the voice of his Soul and asks you to be courageous enough to do the same.

Cast announced for Black British retelling of
‘The Wiz’ at Hope Mill Theatre this Christmas

Following its sold-out, critically acclaimed production of ‘Rent’, Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre in association with Ameena Hamid Productions announces the cast for a radical new version of the 70s musical The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical “Wonderful Wizard of Oz”.

The Wiz will run from Wednesday 24 November 2021 to Sunday 16 January 2022.

Directed by Matthew Xia (‘Into the Woods’, Royal Exchange), The Wiz is a joyous retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s novel ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ reflecting contemporary African-American culture. Its 1975 Broadway premiere production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Matthew Xia said: “The Wiz is approaching its 50th anniversary, it now exists within the canon of mainstream musicals and it’s due time for some bold reinvention. Originally a funk and soul-based analogy for the African-American experience, in 2021 Manchester we’re offering a contemporary take on the discovery of self-determination and Black joy with this celebration of Black culture across the African diaspora.”

Cast: Cherelle Wiliams is Dorothy; Tarik Frimpong, Scarecrow; Llewellyn Graham, Tin Man; Jonathan Andre, Lion; Cameron Bernard Jones, The Wiz; Anelisa Lamola, Addaperle; Bree Smith, Aunt Em & Glinda; Kofi Dennis, Lord High; Ashh Blackwood, Evillene. Ensemble: Andile Mabhena, Shayna McPherson, Dylan Gordon-Jones, Samantha Shuma, Marisha Morgan.

The show is produced by Hope Mill Theatre, Ameena Hamid Productions & Chuchu Nwagu Productions.

Creative team: Director Matthew Xia; Musical Supervisor and Orchestrations Sean Green; Musical Director Ehsaan Shivarani; Choreographer Leah Hill; Design Simon Kenny; Associate Costume Design Maybelle Laye; Lighting Design Simisola Majekodunmi; Sound Design Tony Gayle; Casting Director Ryan Carter; Casting Mentor Anne Vosser.

Musical Supervisor Sean Green has created new orchestrations. “In thinking about how much the music is loved, I had the thought What if the music was a love letter to black music? I started hearing all sorts of music within the DNA of the score. This exploration has allowed me to incorporate various genres from across the African Diaspora in the new orchestrations which, alongside the funk and soul in the original, really adds depth and colour to the world that we’re creating with this production.”

Jonathan Andre (he/him) was in ‘The Lion King’ (West End) and ‘Fela!’ (Broadway, US Tour, NT).
Kofi Dennis (he/him) joined Creation Theatre’s digital rep company in 2021 appearing as Romeo in ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Grimm Tales for Fragile Minds and Broken People’, ‘The Duchess of Malfi’ and ‘Keeping up with Kassandra’.
Tarik Frimpong (he/him) His theatre credits include ‘Aladdin’ (West End), ‘Bring It On’, ‘The Lion King’ (Australia, China), and he was ‘Angus’ in the Disney feature film ‘Mary Poppins Returns’. He is ‘Prince Abdullah’ in ‘Aladdin Live!’ to be released soon on Disney+.
Dylan Gordon-Jones (he/him) was in ‘Grease – The Musical’ (UK Tour).
Llewellyn Graham (he/him) ‘The Wiz’ is his professional debut.
Cameron Bernard Jones (he/him) was in ‘South Pacific’ (Chichester Festival Theatre) and his West End credits include ‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’ (Aldwych), ‘Motown the Musical’ (Shaftesbury).
Anelisa Lamola (she/her) was Heather in ‘Sunset Boulevard’ (Alexandra Palace Theatre), ‘The Color Purple’ (Curve/Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre) and ‘Some Like It Hip Hop (UK Tour/Peacock).
Shayna McPherson (she/her) ‘The Wiz’ is her professional debut.
Andile Mabhena (he/him) ‘The Wiz’ is his professional debut.
Marisha Morgan (she/her) ‘The Wiz’ is her professional debut.
Samantha Shuma (She/her) ‘The Wiz’ is her professional debut.
Bree Smith (she/her) was in ‘Book of Mormon’ in the West End, 1st Cover Anita in ‘West Side Story’ (Royal Exchange Theatre) and ensemble in ‘Evita’ (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).
Cherelle Williams (she/her) her West End credits are Young Nala in ‘The Lion King’ (Lyceum) and Mary Wilson/cover Diana Ross in ‘Motown the Musical’ (Shaftesbury)

Matthew Xia (Director) is the Artistic Director of ATC (Actors Touring Company). He was previously Associate Artistic Director at the Royal Exchange Theatre. His credits include ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘Frankenstein’ (Royal Exchange), ‘846 Live’ (Stratford East), ‘Amsterdam’ (ATC/Orange Tree/Plymouth Theatre Royal), ‘One Night In Miami’ (Nottingham Playhouse); ‘Blue Orange’ (Young Vic).

Sean Green (Orchestrations and Musical Supervisor) is currently Musical Director on the new West End musical ‘Get Up! Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical’. Other credits include Musical Director of ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’ (UK Tour); ‘Leave To Remain’ (Lyric Hammersmith); ‘Twelfth Night’ (Young Vic); ‘The Wedding Singer’(UK Tour); ‘Murder Ballad’ at Arts Theatre West End; ‘The Buskers Opera’ (Park Theatre); ‘Into the Woods’ (Royal Exchange Theatre).

Simon Kenny (Designer) Musical theatre credits include: Dave Molloy’s ‘Ghost Quartet’ (Boulevard Theatre); and the multi award-winning ‘Sweeney Todd’ in a purpose-built pie shop (West End and Off-Broadway – Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Set Design of a Musical).

Leah Hill (Choreographer) In addition to a plethora of experience on stage and screen as a performer in the West End and internationally, her credits include the Disney live action film ‘Aladdin’ as assistant choreographer.

The Wiz local outreach plans include: an audio described performance; Touch Tour; BSL Performance; Dance or Singing workshops for schools in our Community Hub with members of the cast; Wiz-themed workshops in schools with our facilitation team; The Hope Mill Theatre School will receive a Wiz workshop and Q and A with members of the cast and crew; a Wiz dance workshop with members of the cast for the general public – also available to join on zoom; a Schools Pack which will be available to schools with extension work for the classroom; careers social media videos featuring interviews with
the Wiz creatives about how they got into their chosen career path; careers in the arts webinar with members of the creative team available for school/members of the public; free tickets through our first curtain scheme for local children who haven’t been to the theatre before/or couldn’t access it.

Hope Mill Theatre

The award-winning Hope Mill Theatre was the dream of couple Joseph Houston and William Whelton, who, after a career in Musical Theatre and living in London, became inspired by the highly regarded off-West End theatres and the high-quality work they were producing. With the growing theatre industry blossoming in Manchester and no medium-sized venues producing musicals, they set up and established the independent venue in November 2015. The venue has firmly placed itself on the northern map for its ambitious in-house musical productions, which include: Rags; Parade; Hair – the Musical (London, UK Tour); the UK premiere of Yank! (Charing Cross Theatre, London); the European premiere of Little Women, Spring Awakening, Pippin (Southwark Playhouse, London); Aspects of Love (Southwark Playhouse); The Return of the Soldier, Putting It Together, Rags (The Park Theatre) and most recently Mame (starring Tracie Bennett) and the World Premiere of the new musical The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit. In October 2016, Joseph and William were awarded the Hospital Club Award for contribution to theatre and performance. In 2017, they picked up a Special Achievement Award at the Manchester Theatre Awards. The venue was nominated for the Peter Brook Empty Space Award, won a Northern Soul Award for small theatre of the year and won the prestigious The Stage Fringe Theatre of the Year Award in 2018. The venue was also awarded the WhatsOnStage Awards’- WhatsOffStageAward for Best Front of House Team and Favourite Theatre in 2018. They were also recently nominated for a Manchester City Council Culture Award for Outstanding Contribution.

Joseph and William joined forces with Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment to spearhead the venue as a regional home for new musicals and musical revivals, and their successful collaboration saw them named on The Stage 100 list in 2018/19 and 2019/20. William Whelton is a recipient of the Stage One young producers bursary for emerging producers. The venue has recently transitioned into a charity – A Factory of Creativity CIO – allowing the venue to continue its extraordinary work, including supporting emerging artists and new work, working with young people and offering mentorship in the arts, as well as securing their future in the UK Theatre landscape.

Ameena Hamid Productions

Ameena Hamid Productions Ltd is a London-based theatrical production company specialising in creative production, general management, research, and development. Ameena Hamid Productions is led by creative producer and company director Ameena Hamid and the company’s work focuses on putting underrepresented voices centre stage and increasing inclusivity and representation in theatre. Ameena has been heralded as “a true role model to the future generations” by Official London Theatre and is the youngest producer currently working and youngest ever female producer on the West End having cut her teeth as Associate Producer on ‘Death Drop’ and worked as Assistant Producer to ‘The Show Must Go on Live’. Ameena was an EdFringe and British Council Emerging Producer and one of Stage One’s Bridge the Gap Producers. She is on the Board of the League of Independent Producers, part of the Creative Freelances Shaping London’s Recovery Advisory Group and a Line Producer at Soho Theatre. Ameena Hamid Productions has produced and curated work at Cadogan Hall, The Garrick Theatre, The Actors Centre, Vault Festival, Applecart Arts, Battersea Arts Centre and more in London and across the UK as well as creating online theatre, film and audio work for global audiences.

Chuchu Nwagu Productions

Chuchu Nwagu Productions Ltd is a black-led theatrical and live entertainment production company specialising in development of new work and producing work that celebrates, champions and promotes diversity, intersectionality and culture. After spending two years leading a Students’ Union with a million-pound turnover, in 2019 Chuchu decided to combine his eye for business and passion for theatre & the arts to form Chuchu Nwagu Productions. Chuchu is Apprentice Producer on the West End transfer of ‘Amélie the Musical’ and Assistant Producer on Talawa Theatre Company’s ‘Run It Back’ & ‘The Tide’. Chuchu Nwagu Productions is lead producing the world premiere of a new musical to be announced next year and developing a new musical based around the events of the 2011 UK Riots.