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THE ICONIC 80s MOVIE COMES TO THE STAGE 

THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL UK PREMIERE KICKS OFF A NATIONAL TOUR FROM APRIL 2026

PRIOR TO THE WEST END AND BROADWAY

Producers Naoya Kinoshita, Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore and Kenny Wax are delighted to announce the UK premiere production of THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL will embark on a major UK Tour next spring, prior to the West End and Broadway.Written by Robert Mark Kamen,screenwriter of the original 1984 movie that launched a 40-year strong global franchise, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini, THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL will open at New Wimbledon Theatre on Tuesday 28 April, before touring nationwide to Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Glasgow, Sheffield, Sunderland, Birmingham and Cardiff, until Saturday 1 August 2026. Tickets go on sale from today at 10am (further dates to be announced). 

The original Karate Kid blockbuster starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr Miyagi enjoyed spectacular box office success and wide critical acclaim, with Morita receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The movie fast became a cultural phenomenon, launching a major global franchise that has included three movie sequels, a 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan and the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018 – 2025). This year saw the release of the sixth movie, Karate Kid: Legends starring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL received its world premiere in St. Louis, USA in 2022, playing to sold out houses with rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.

Bringing the original, now legendary 1984 film to life on stage, this heart-felt coming of age story is reimagined through movement, music, andraw, energetic storytelling. At its heart is the powerful bond between Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi, who teaches that karate isn’t about fighting, it’s about balance, dignity, and respect. 

A Tony Award-winning design team transforms iconic cinematic moments into an emotionally charged, kinetic stage experience. Honouring the roots of the timeless story, this musical celebrates resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations. Destiny is in your hands – wax on – wax off.

THE KARATE KID writer and creator Robert Mark Kamen says: “William Goldman said about Hollywood “No one knows anything.” He was right. Who knew that 43 years after I wrote the original script for THE KARATE KID, we would see these very same characters acting and singing on the British stage in a story that is as fresh and universally relevant as it was four decades ago.”

Written by Robert Mark Kamen with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini, THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL is directed by Amon Miyamoto, with choreography by Keone and Mari Madrid, scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Ayako Maeda, lighting design by Bradley King, sound design by Kai Harada, projection design by Peter Nigrini, orchestrations by John Clancy, music supervisor and arrangements by Andrew Resnick, wigs and hair design by Tommy Kurzman. Produced by Naoya Kinoshita,  Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore and Kenny Wax.  Casting to be announced.

Website: thekaratekidthemusicalUK.com

IG & TT: @thekaratekidmusical
FB: The Karate Kid Musical
X: @TKKMusical

LISTINGS INFORMATION 

THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL

UK TOUR 2026

Tue 28 Apr – Sat 9 May  
WIMBLEDON New Wimbledon Theatre
93 The Broadway, London SW19 1QG
atgtickets.com/wimbledon

Tue 12 – Sat 23 May 
MANCHESTER Palace Theatre
97 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6FT
atgtickets.com/manchester       

Tue 26 – Sat 30 May  
LEEDS Grand Theatre – ONSALE SOON
46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU
leedsheritagetheatres.com | 0113 243 0808

Tue 2 – Sat 6 June  
LIVERPOOL Empire Theatre
Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE
atgtickets.com/liverpool

Tue 9 – Sat 13 June  
OXFORD New Theatre
24-26 George Street, Oxford OX1 2AG
atgtickets.com/oxford

Tue 16 – Sat 20 June  
MILTON KEYNES Milton Keynes Theatre
500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ


atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Tue 30 Jun – Sat 4 July  
GLASGOW Theatre Royal
297 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JN
atgtickets.com/Glasgow

Tue 7 – Sat 11 July  
SHEFFIELD Lyceum Theatre
55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 1DA


sheffieldtheatres.co.uk | 0114 249 6000

Tue 14 – Sat 18 July  
SUNDERLAND Empire
4-5 High St, West Sunderland SR1 3EX
atgtickets.com/sunderland

Tue 21 – Sat 25 July  
BIRMINGHAM The Alexandra
Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham B5 4DS
atgtickets.com/birmingham

Tue 28 July – Sat 1 Aug  
CARDIFF Wales Millennium Centre – ONSALE SOON
Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL
wmc.org.uk | 029 2063 6464   Further dates to be announced

ALEXANDRA BURKE

TO PLAY CHAKA KHAN IN

I’M EVERY WOMAN

THE CHAKA KHAN MUSICAL

WORLD PREMIERE TO OPEN AT THE PEACOCK THEATRE

FOR LIMITED RUN FROM 5 – 28 MARCH 2026

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED

Producer Adrian Grant, in association with Chaka Khan, is thrilled to announce that multi-platinum recording artist and award-winning actress Alexandra Burke* (The X Factor, Sister Act, The Bodyguard, Curfew) will play Chaka in I’M EVERY WOMAN THE MUSICAL, the powerful and inspiring life story of the award-winning, multi-platinum selling, global icon herself. The musical will open at The Peacock Theatre in London for a strictly limited engagement from 5 – 28 March 2026 with an official opening night on 11 March.

Alexandra says “Almost seventeen years ago, with my late mother by my side, I sang Chaka for my very first non-televised audition for The X Factor. To think that all these years later I’ve been given the opportunity to play the superstar that is Chaka Khan in the West End would have been simply unimaginable for me back then. Thank you mama for all your love and guidance as I was growing up, you are in my thoughts every day and I’ll be lovingly looking up at you every single show. This truly is a dream role for me, my first originating, and I’m still pinching myself wondering if I’m dreaming! Of course we know and love the classics I’m Every Woman, Ain’t Nobody and I Feel For You but I encourage you to dive deep into her incredible solo and Rufus catalogue, it’s timeless and iconic just like the legend herself”

Joining Alexandra are Jordan Frazier (Angelica Schulyler in Hamilton, West End) as alternate Chaka Khan, Paige Peddie (The Lion King) as Taka Boom, Chanice Alexander-Burnett (Fantine in Les Misérables) as Tammy Michelle/Paulette McWilliams, Charlotte St Croix (standby Tina Turner in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Milini Khan/Whitney Houston, Maryla Abraham (Coming to England) as Sandra Stevens, Chrissie Bhima (Alline Bullock in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Marie Stevens, Sophie Earl (Lizard Boy) as Joni Mitchell, Duane-Lamonte O’Garro (Kinky Boots) as Hassan Khan/Luther Vandross, Miles Anthony Daley (The Drifter’s Girl) as Richard Holland/Prince, Teddy Wills (Get Up Stand Up!) as Fred Hampton/Miles Davis/Grand Master Melle Mel, Chris Breistein (An Officer and a Gentleman) as Steve Winwood and Oliver Jacobson (Come From Away) as Bob Monaco.

Completing the cast in the ensemble are Samuel Sarpong-Broni (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical), Kayleigh Stephenson (We Will Rock You), Peter Houston (Hamilton), Earl Gregory (Play On!), Vanessa Dumatey (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical), Gregory Armand (Mandela), Harry Robinson (Hamilton), Zinzilé Tshuma (Thriller Live!), Oskarina O’Sullivan (Thriller Live!) and Tarik Frimpong (A Strange Loop) who is also Resident Choreographer.

The new musical which reveals the woman behind the diva, and her rise to stardom has a book by Nia T. Hill, direction by Racky Plews, musical supervision by Mark Crossland, choreography by Ebony Clarke, set design by Sara Perks, sound design by Chris Whybrow , costume design by Natalie Pryce, Hair & Makeup design by JJ Wigs, casting by Debbie O’Brien, associate direction by Oliver Lidert, production management by Toby P Darvill, and general management by Emily Obasohan.

Alexandra Burke is truly one of the UK’s most distinguishable powerhouse voices, having sold over 5 million records in the UK. Her number 1 chart-toppers include million-selling Bad Boys, Start Without You and two million-selling Hallelujah. Her double-platinum selling debut album Overcome has sold over 870,000 copies. Alexandra can be seen on Paramount+ starring in the six-part crime-drama series Curfew, for which she received a National Film Award for the role of schoolteacher Helen. Alexandra received a BIFA nomination for her debut movie role as Candice May in Pretty Red Dress, currently available on BBC iPlayer.

Over the last decade Alexandra has established herself as one of the UK’s most sought-after West End leading ladies, starring in The Bodyguard, Sister Act, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chess, Chicago and The Addams Family (UK tour).

Alexandra first rose to fame over sixteen years ago, winning The X Factor in 2008, duetting with Beyonce to an audience of over 10 million. This iconic performance has been viewed over 40 million times on YouTube. Double platinum debut album Overcome featured three #1 singles, spent a year on the UK Album chart and earned three BRIT Award nominations.

A firm favourite across both stage and screen, Alexandra reached the final of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. In 2021 she was crowned ‘Star Baker’ on The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer and was the only remaining woman to win Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins.

The fame, the fire, the fight – this is her story. I’m Every Woman: The Musical brings to life the untold story of Chaka Khan, one of the most influential voices of our time. Unapologetically bold and deeply human, the production explores her unwavering passion for civil rights, her defiance in the face of a toxic music industry, the harrowing road through addiction, and the unrelenting pressure of being a working mother. At its core, it’s a story of resilience, purpose, and power – a celebration of the woman behind the legend.      

I’M EVERY WOMAN THE MUSICAL will feature Chaka Khan’s much-loved songs released as a solo artist and lead singer of the band ‘Rufus’ such as I Feel For You, Tell Me Something Good, Ain’t Nobody, Sweet Thing, Higher Love and Through The Fire. The show, which is a journey of music, love and betrayal has a book that includes an array of Chaka’s famous friends from Joni Mitchell and Prince, to Stevie Wonder and Steve Winwood.

Chaka Khan is a global music icon whose influence spans generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and storytellers. With a career defined by innovation and resilience, she has redefined the sound of pop, soul, jazz, and funk -helping to shape the contemporary music landscape into what it is today. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023, Khan is not only a trailblazer but also a symbol of strength, creativity, and longevity. She has developed a vast and loyal global fan base, having performed on six continents. With over 100 million records sold, streamed, and downloaded worldwide, her legacy includes 10 Grammy Awards and 22 nominations – three of which she earned as a member of the groundbreaking band Rufus. Beyond her extraordinary voice, Chaka Khan is also a gifted songwriter, producer, visual artist, author, actress, humanitarian, activist, mother, and grandmother.                   

I’M EVERY WOMAN THE MUSICAL is produced by Adrian Grant Productions in association with Chaka Khan. Co-producers are Willette Klausner Murphy for WMK Productions, Tammy Michelle, Mahben Quddus, and Dave Lumby.

*Please note on Wednesday 18th March and Wednesday 25th March the role of Chaka will be played by Jordan Frazier

Website: www.imeverywomanthemusical.com

Instagram: @imeverywomanthemusical

TikTok: @imeverywomanthemusical

Facebook: @imeverywomanthemusical

LISTINGS INFORMATION

I’M EVERY WOMAN THE MUSICAL

5 – 28 March 2026

Peacock Theatre
Portugal Street
London
WC2A 2HT

Box office: 020 7863 8222  

tickets@sadlerswells.com 

Tickets for the general public will go on sale at 10am on Monday, 19May.

You can sign up for more information on the musical’s website.

Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes plus an interval

Performances:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm

Wednesday & Saturday matinees at 2:30pm**

**N.B there will be no matinee performance on Wednesday 11 March, and no show on Monday 23 March

SPECIAL GUEST STARS ANNOUNCED FOR ADULTS ONLY PERFORMANCES OF KING’S HEAD PANTO

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

JACK & THE BEANSTALK: ADULTS ONLY

27, 28, 29 November 2025

4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 23, 27, 30 December 2025

3 January 2026

(Family Show: 23 November 2025 – 4 January 2025 )  

King’s Head Theatre & James Quaife Productions are thrilled to announce details of the musical theatre icons and drag superstars who will be guest starring in the Adults Only performances of their 2025 pantomime Jack & the Beanstalk. The adult version of the show will be a no holds barred naughty version, making it the perfect event for a festive friends’ night out – this year, extra Adults Only performances have been added due to demand.

Each of these one-off performances will include one special guest star, who will join the cast as the ‘Magic Harp’, performing their own featured number as part of the show. They will also go on to join the cast for the all-singing, all-dancing closing number. Jack and the Beanstalk: Adults Only will take place across selected evenings from 27 November – 3 January, with the adult show press night taking place on 28 November.

The musical theatre stars performing will beWest End star Cassidy Janson (Beautiful; &Juliet; Chess) on Thursday 4 December; Francis Haugen (Legally Blonde; Instagram influencer) on Thursday 6 December;  Steven Webb (Shucked; The Book of Mormon) on Thursday 11 December; and Oliver Award Nominee Adèle Anderson (Fascinating Aida; The Cabinet Minister) on Saturday 13 December. Also performing are Georgina Onuorah (Brigadoon; Shucked) on Tuesday 23 December; and SIX alumnae Danielle Steers (Hot Mess) on Saturday 27 December.

In celebration of King’s Head Theatre’s history of and commitment to LGBTQ+ artists, many of the Adults Only performances will feature drag queens and kings. These include RuPaul’s Drag Race UK queens Veronica Green (Drag Race UK S3; Dragged to the Musicals) on Thursday 27 November, Kate Butch (Drag Race UK S5; Wuthering Shites) on Friday 28 November, Le Fil (Drag Race UK S4 & Canada vs. The World; Club NVRLND) on Tuesday 30 December and River Medway (Drag Race UK S4; Death Drop: Back in the Habit) on Saturday 3 January. They will be joined by Viola (Queen of the Universe) on Saturday 29 November, who is currently appearing on TV screens in Drag Race UK S7, and drag king Don One (Joe Lycett Live; Death Drop – The Play) on Saturday 20 December.

Completing the guest star line up will be Queerties Nominee Ella Vaday (Drag Race UK S3) on Thursday 18 December, who returns to the King’s Head Theatre pantomime after leading the main cast as Peckham, one of the Ugly Sisters, in last year’s Cinderella. As previously announced, the 2025 main cast is led by fellow Drag Race star Victoria Scone, who will be playing Dame Trott.

Executive Producer & CEO of King’s Head Theatre, Sofi Berenger said, “We’re beyond excited to bring back our Adults Only panto for Jack and the Beanstalk after such an incredible response last year. It’s a real treat to be welcoming such an extraordinary line-up of guest stars to join the fun. Each performance will have its own special bit of magic, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience the joy, hilarity, and pure festive fun that only pantomime can deliver.”

The producing team are delighted to also announce the full creative team bringing this year’s panto to life. Jack and the Beanstalk is written and directed by Andrew Pollard, who created last year’s five-star hit Cinderella. Also returning will be composer Ben Barrow and choreographer Emily Golding-Ellis. They will be joined by lighting designer Alex Lewer (I Wish You Well, Criterion; F**king Men, Waterloo East), sound designer Matthew Giles (The Last Five Years, Reading Rep/Barn Theatre), musical director Jordan Paul Clarke (Olivier Award-winner for Showstoppers; Ride, Garrick Theatre).

Completing the team will be costume designer Eve Oakley (The Queen is Mad, Edinburgh Fringe), set designer Jake Evans, resident director & stage manager Katie Jackson (AD on Boy Parts, Soho Theatre), ASM Ellie Cummings, production manager Carrie Croft, and general manager James Quaife.

King’s Head Theatre is continuing to support disadvantaged communities by offering families and schools free or reduced tickets to see Jack and the Beanstalk, through the Golden Goose Pay-it-Forward scheme. Returning for its second year, the scheme encourages community donations, which then go directly towards allowing more children and families to experience the magic of panto.

The theatre is offering Pay What You Can tickets on Wednesday 26th November at 6pm. Family tickets (2x adults and 2x children) are also available for £85 for Off Peak Performances and £95 for Peak Performances on all Band B or D seats, when booked before 31st October. 

Tickets are on sale today, starting at £10. 

Family Show Tickets 

https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/23/by-andrew-pollard/jack-and-the-beanstal

Adults Only Tickets

https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/24/by-andrew-pollard/jack-and-the-beanstalk-adults-only

Twitter/X: @kingsheadthtr

Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky & TikTok: @kingsheadtheatre 

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR RETURNS TO
THE IVY CLUB THIS HALLOWEEN SEASON

Elphin Productions and The Ivy Club announce the return of their annual A Nightmare on West Street – Halloween Spooktacular, taking place on Friday 31 October and Sunday 2 November at The Ivy Club. This year’s charity event supports Actors’ Children’s Trust, a charity dedicated to providing support and financial stability to the children of actors and actors with children.

The weekend kicks off on Friday 31 October with Olivier Award winner Cassidy Janson (Original Cast of Wicked), performing songs from Wicked and Beautiful alongside Joe Thomson and his band.

On Sunday 2 November, festivities start from 1pm to 4pm with the Kids’ Party Halloween Spooktacular, followed by the evening’s A Nightmare on West Street – Halloween Spooktacular from 6pm until 2am.

CEO of Actors’ Children’s Trust Maxine Smeaton today said, “ACT is delighted to be the beneficiary charity of this wonderful event that not only raises vital funds but also celebrates creativity, family, and the spirit of coming together.”

The day’s family-friendly activities include a Kids’ Party Halloween Spooktacular featuring CBeebies’ Chris Jarvis and the award-winning Little Angel Theatre puppets. Children can also enjoy the activities of face painting, a disco, lunch, and fancy dress. Tickets are priced at £25 per child, with £10 from every ticket donated to Actor’s Children’s Trust

The evening event – the fourth instalment of A Nightmare on West Street – takes place across three floors of the iconic venue. Performances include Trevor Ashley (currently starring in the West End revival of The Producers) and Kelly O’Brien (the world’s No. 1 Dolly Parton tribute artist), from 7:30pm in the Piano Bar. Guests can also enjoy performances by the Vampire Live Band, members of the Prologue Band from the West End production of Cabaret, DJs, plus an LED dance floor, haunted photo booth, and face painting.

The highlight of the evening will be the Halloween costume competition, judged by three celebrity judges: Ella Vaday (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Dame Zandra Rhodes, and Andrew Logan MBE.

Tickets are £15, and can be purchased via this link: https://buy.stripe.com/5kQaEY1Ir1HH1g99X4d3i0E.


LISTINGS

 THE IVY WEST STREET
1-5 West Street, London, WC2H 9NQ

For more ticket information please contact: 020 7557 6095 / guestlist@the-ivyclub.co.uk

EXTENDS UNTIL JANUARY 2027

LONDON’S LANDMARK THEATRICAL DISASTER

WON’T STOP UNTIL THEY GET IT RIGHT

LEARN WITH MISCHIEF

LAUNCHED TODAY

FREE SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAMME

INTRODUCING STUDENTS TO THE WORLD OF COMEDY

Mischief’s Olivier and Tony award-winning smash-hit The Play That Goes Wrong today reinforced they are determined to continue at the Duchess Theatre in London’s West End until they get it right. Performances of the chaotic comedy have been extended until Sunday 31 January 2027, perfect for those with a new 2026 diary.

And as Halloween approaches, a spooky new understudy with funny bones has been seen in new production photos by Matt Crockett, taken specially for the scary season. 

A Relaxed Performance of the show has been scheduled at the Duchess Theatre for 8 March 2026.  The Relaxed Performance will be adapted especially for people with autism, learning difficulties and other communication needs.  The aim is to offer a supportive, understanding and welcoming atmosphere for all. 

Sound levels will be slightly reduced, there will be minimised moments of darkness in the auditorium, and audience members are encouraged to move around if needed and are welcome to leave and re-enter the performance. 

A touch tour with a special effect demonstration and introduction to the characters will be available pre-show which can be booked via the Nimax Access Team on access@nimaxtheatre.com.

Learn With Mischief – www.learnwithmischief.com – a free to use education resource designed for secondary schools has been released today. Over six lessons, students will learn the different disciplines of comedy through practical games and exercises that can be taught in the classroom. This incredibly interactive and engaging programme can be taught as presented, or teachers can use the games and exercises that Mischief use in the rehearsal room to scope their own comedy masterclass.

Each session explores key elements of their approach – from physical comedy and improvisation to timing, ensemble play and the art of things deliberately falling apart – giving students the chance to experiment, perform and create their own comic moments.

The cast for THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG at the Duchess Theatre are  Izzy Edmunds-Clarke as Annie, Jack Hardwick as Chris, Robert Jackson as Robert, Jonty Peach as Jonathan, Charlotte Scott as Sandra, Mitesh Soni as Dennis, Tom Wainwright as Max and Ronnie Yorke as Trevor.  Winston the dog* returns to play Winston the dog. (*If Winston is found).  The understudies are  Alex Blackie, Jake Burgum, Kitty Devlin, Louise Hoare and Ed Shamwana.   

The Olivier Award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong  opened at London’s Duchess Theatre in September 2014.  The production shows no signs of slowing down since its first performance at The Old Red Lion Theatre playing to only four paying customers.  The show’s success is a testament to the hard work and determination of a group of drama school graduates who became friends, set up a company under the name ‘Mischief’ and created an extraordinary body of work over the past decade.

FIRST PREVIEW PERFORMANCES OF

THE HAMLET PROJECT DIRECTED BY SINÉAD RUSHE

TO LAUNCH NEW RADA RESIDENCIES PROGRAMME

RADA and Trish Wadley Productions today announce Sinéad Rushe’s polyphonic production of The Hamlet Project will have a week of previews at RADA to pilot a new RADA Residencies programme. This new Academy initiative launches with the production directed by Rushe (Lead Acting Tutor) and includes a series of wraparound events including A Conversation with RADA President David Harewood on Reimagining Shakespeare. This project marks the first of RADA’s artist-in-residence projects that aim to bring fresh professional insight to students and audiences alike.

Following the success of Rushe’s Othello at Riverside Studios, this companion piece The Hamlet Project sees Hamlet performed by an ensemble of three actors and features live music composed by Michael Fox (Michael & Michelle). Rushe directs Nina Bowers, Max Ferguson and Freddie MacBruce (Hamlet), Gretchen Egolf (Gertrude), Emma Harrison (Ophelia/Rosencrantz), Gareth Kennerley (Polonius/Laertes) and Nathaniel Martello-White (Claudius).

Sinéad Rushe said today, ‘We’re exploring how a person’s psychology is made up of different parts or roles, in the theatrical sense of the term. People have public and private selves. The voices jostle, argue and occasionally concur with each other, and when a person is in crisis, like Hamlet, this inner dialogue becomes fragmented and cacophonous. In The Hamlet Project, we’re staging this inner conflict, literally turning the character inside out.’

The run of The Hamlet Project will be accompanied by a series of wraparound events including:

• Reimagining Shakespeare: A Conversation between Sinéad Rushe and RADA President David Harewood, who will lead the upcoming Othello at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Chaired by Mark Lawson
• Q and A with Rushe’s The Hamlet Project and Othello companies
• Considering Character: An acting masterclass with Sinéad Rushe for RADA alumni

Following work in progress industry showings at RADA Studios last summer,supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, this production sees Sinéad Rusherenew her collaboration with many of the production team of Othello alongside a cast filled with some of RADA’s established and emerging talent. Rushe’s ambition is to perform the two plays in repertory in the future.

RADA and Trish Wadley Productions present

THE HAMLET PROJECT

By William Shakespeare

8 – 13 December 2025

RADA, Malet St, London WC1E 7HZ

Cast includes Nina Bowers, Max Ferguson and Freddie MacBruce (as Hamlet), Gretchen Egolf (Gertrude),  Emma Harrison (Ophelia/Rosencrantz), Gareth Kennerley (Polonius/Laertes), Nathaniel Martello-White (Claudius).

Director: Sinéad Rushe; Composer and associate director: Michael Fox; Sound Designer: Mike Winship; Movement director: Joeley Gibson; Dramaturg: Yael Shavit. Graphic designer: Riona Rushe Trindade.

The inaugural event of its new Artist in Residence programme, RADA and the producer of the acclaimed sell-out productions of Othello at Riverside Studios and The Shape of Things at Park Theatre, present this innovative new production of The Hamlet Project featuring Hamlet performed by an ensemble of three actors and live music composed by Michael Fox.

‘You are as good as a chorus, my lord.’

Prince Hamlet comes home to find his father dead, his place usurped and his life in crisis. Upstaged by his uncle, he no longer knows what part he’s meant to play, or how to play it.

Sinéad Rushe’s raw new production dramatises this famous uncertainty in a striking new way by dividing the central role across a fluid ensemble of three actors. Their voices jostle, argue and diverge; unity of purpose is a fragile achievement. This approach to character also exposes the contested role of king or ruler as just a role and shows how political power is itself a ‘play’ – a play of ruthless force and devious stagecraft. 

Nina Bowers plays Hamlet. Her theatre credits include English Kings Killing Foreigners (Soho Theatre, also co-writer), Our Cosmic Dust (Park Theatre), As You Like It, The Henrys (Shakespeare’s Globe), Girl on an Altar (Kiln Theatre, Abbey Theatre Dublin), Crave (Barbican Theatre), Dear Elizabeth, Twilight: Los Angeles 1992 (Gate Theatre), The Magic Flute (English National Opera, London Coliseum), The Empress (RSC) and The Wolves (Theatre Royal Stratford East). Her television credits include The Diplomat and Lockwood & Co.

Gretchen Egolf plays Gertrude. Her theatre credits include The Autumn Garden (Jermyn Street Theatre), A Streetcar Named Desire (Guthrie Theater), Ring Round the Moon (Lincoln Center), Betrayal (Huntington Theatre), Jackie (Belasco Theatre, Queen’s Theatre), Arcadia (ACT), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Old Globe), Design for Living (Shakespeare Theater), Titus Andronicus (NY Shakespeare Exchange), Twelfth Night, As You Like It, Candida (Pittsburgh Public), Private Lives, Much Ado About Nothing, Faith Healer (Barrington Stage). Her television credits include Hijack, Pennyworth, Doctor Who, Journeyman, Elementary, Law and Order and Law and Order: SVU (as recurring character Kendra Gill), The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Criminal Minds, NCIS, Martial Law, Roswell; and for film, The Son and The Talented Mr. Ripley.

Max Ferguson plays Hamlet. His theatre credits include To Kill a Mockingbird (Gielgud Theatre), Felt (Southwark Playhouse, Vaults Festival), ECCE Homo (The Wardrobe Ensemble) and Growing Nowhere (Hot Coals Theatre). His screen credits include The Bay, Dating Horror Stories, Pops, SOS… But Don’t Worry If Not, Department of They.

Emma Harrison plays Ophelia, Rosencrantz. A recent graduate of Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, her theatre credits include Cuckoo (Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool Everyman). Her television credits include Babies (BBC).

Gareth Kennerley plays Polonius, Laertes. His theatre credits include The Bear, The Importance of Being Earnest (Play in the Park), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Australian Shakespeare Company), Great Expectations (Mercury Theatre), Trouble in Butetown (Donmar Warehouse), Othello, The Corn is Green, Saint Joan (National Theatre), The Tragedy of Macbeth (Almeida Theatre), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace Theatre), House and Garden (Watermill Theatre), Five Guys Chillin (King’s Head Theatre), Stand Up, Carmen (Stephen Joseph Theatre), The Comedy of Errors, Richard II (Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory), Rush, Pavement (Theatre West), Sweeney Todd (Dundee Rep), Cloud Sensation (Curving Road), Doctor Faustus, The School for Scandal (Greenwich Theatre), War Horse (National Theatre, New London Theatre), Under Milk Wood (Kiln Theatre), The Pendulum (Jermyn Street Theatre) and Fiddler on the Roof (Sheffield Theatres, Savoy Theatre). His television credits include Professor T; and for film, My Policeman.

Freddie MacBruce plays Hamlet. He is a recent graduate from RADA. His professional debut performance was in The Little Foxes (Young Vic Theatre).

Nathaniel Martello-White plays Claudius and is a RADA graduate. His theatre credits include People, Places & Things (National Theatre, Trafalgar Theatre, St. Ann’s Warehouse), Who Cares, Gastronauts, The Internet Is Serious Business, Collaboration, Oxford Street (Royal Court Theatre), Edward II (National Theatre), Marat/Sade, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, City Madame (RSC), Knives and Hens, Innocence (Arcola Theatre), Bad Blood Blues (Theatre Royal Stratford East) and Romeo and Juliet (UK tour). His television credits include Nicole Lecky’s Wild Cherry, The Winter King, Deceit, I Hate Suzie, Small Axe, Kiri, Collateral, Guerrilla, Silk, Fleabag, Misfits, Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show, Comedy Lab, Mongrels, Coming Up, Roman Mysteries, The Brothers Size and Party Animals; and for film, Daddy’s Head, Daphne, Life Just Is, Hard Boiled Sweets, Invisible, Heat, Red Tails, Sisterhood of The Travelling Pants 2, Deadmeat and Moonwalkers. Nathaniel is also a writer of an anthology of poetry, A Western Nightmare, the award-winning plays Blackta (Young Vic) and Torn (Royal Court), feature film The Strays released on Netflix (2023) and the short film Cla’am (Best UK short Award at Raindance).

Sinéad Rushe is director. She is an Olivier Award nominated theatre director and acting coach.Her theatre work includes Who’s There (UC Davis, USA), Othello (Riverside Studios), AntigoneNOW (Cairo International Festival of Experimental Theatre, Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center), Loaded (Old Rep Birmingham, The Place), Concert (Barbican Theatre, New York and international tour), Night Just Before the Forests (Macau Arts Festival China), Diary of a Madman (Sherman Cymru and international tour), and Out of Time (Barbican Theatre, New York and international tour – Olivier Award nomination). She is the Artistic Director of Creative Actor Training and Lead Acting Tutor at RADA. She is the author of Michael Chekhov’s Acting Technique: A Practitioner’s Guide, and co-translator into French of four plays by Howard Barker.

Michael Fox is composer and associate director. Fox is perhaps best known as Andy the footman in Downton Abbey, both for television and film. He is also a singer-songwriter and formed the folk duo Michael and Michelle with his Downton Abbey co-star Michelle Dockery, releasing their first EP with Decca Records in 2023. His theatre credits include Land of the Living (National Theatre), Farewell Mister Haffman, Clybourne Park (Park Theatre), Fear of 13 (Donmar Warehouse), Othello (Riverside Studios), Kerry Jackson (National Theatre), All in a Row, A Lie of the Mind (Southwark Playhouse) and An Enemy of the People (Chichester Theatre). Other television work includes Midsomer Murders, Endeavour, The Ark, Bombing Auschwitz, New Worlds, Little Big Mouth, and Mrs Bradley Mysteries; and forfilm, Dunkirk, The World Will Tremble, Good People, and Bonver. 

LISTINGS

TRISH WADLEY PRODUCTIONS

020 7908 4800 /www.rada.ac.uk/whats-on/the-hamlet-project/

THE HAMLET PROJECT

8 – 13 December

Matinees Wednesday 10 December and Saturday 13 December

Tickets: £20/10 (students).

Running Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Age Guidance: 12+
For full information and performance times and to purchase tickets please see: www.rada.ac.uk/whats-on/the-hamlet-project/

Reimagining Shakespeare: A Conversation between Sinéad Rushe and David Harewood

Chaired by Mark Lawson, Critic and feature writer for The Guardian, author and broadcaster.

Tuesday 9 December 4-5pm

GBS Theatre, RADA

Q&A The Hamlet Project and Othello

Thursday 11 December, post-show

Considering Character: An acting masterclass with Sinéad Rushe for RADA alumni

Thursday 11 December, 2-4pm

RADA, Gower Street

New Wolsey Theatre celebrates 25 years of Rock’n’Roll pantomimes

and unveils the full cast and creative team for

Beauty and the Beast

21 November 2025 – 17 January 2026

This year marks the 25th anniversary of New Wolsey Theatre’s award-winning and iconic Rock’n’Roll pantomimes with Beauty and the Beast playing from 21 November 2025 until 17 January 2026 (with live-streamed performances from 20-29 December).  The Ipswich venue will be looking back at its rich panto history during the season and celebrating a quarter-century of spreading joy across Suffolk and beyond. 

Suitable for all ages, Beauty and the Beast will be packed full of magical adventure, hilarious panto gags and incredible rock and pop hits all played live by an exceptionally talented cast. 

The Beauty and the Beast cast of actor-musicians stars several popular veterans of previous New Wolsey Theatre pantos, with Max Gallagher (Sleeping Beauty) as Dame Mrs Ringer, Signe Larsson (Sleeping Beauty) as Snarlina, Myles Miller (Dick Whittington) as Jacques Le Plop, Eloise Richardson (Dick Whittington) as Pigeon and Neil Urquhart (Jack and the Beanstalk) as the Beast, alongside seasoned performers Leo Elso, Nis Raza Hamilton, Ceri-Ann Townsend and Christian Tyler-Wood.

Beauty and the Beast is brought to the stage by award-winning writer Vikki Stone, working alongside Myles Brown (Choreographer), Callum Macdonald (Lighting Designer), Christianna Mason (Associate Set & Costume Designer), Paul Schofield (Musical Director), Jake Smith (Director), Libby Todd (Set & Costume Designer) and Matthew Tuckey (Sound Designer).

The pantomime Pay It Forward campaign returns for Beauty and the Beast, after a successful launch last year, raising over £4,000 from public donations. The campaign helps to provide tickets to those who may not otherwise be able to experience the magic of panto, distributed via organisations such as Ipswich Job Centre and Lighthouse Women’s Aid. Audience members wishing to donate to this year’s appeal can do so when booking tickets.

As in previous years, Audio Described, Captioned, British Sign Language interpreted and Relaxed/Dementia-friendly performances will be available, as well as bookable pre-show Touch Tours. There will also be ‘Late Night Specials’ on Friday evenings at 9pm, aimed at audiences of 16+. These shows may contain strong language, actors tripping one another up and occasional corpsing.

Tickets are now on sale for Beauty and the Beast. Visit the website www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/ipswich-panto or call the Box Office on 01473 295900. 

To book tickets for the Beauty and the Beast live-streams, visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/beauty-and-the-beast-livestream

-LISTINGS-

Title: Beauty and the Beast

Producer: New Wolsey Theatre

Venue: New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS

Dates: Friday 21 November 2025 – Saturday 17 January 2026 (times vary; matinee and evening options – check Box Office)

Box Office: wolseytheatre.co.uk  or call 01473 295900.

Access: Audio described, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted, captioned, relaxed/dementia-friendly and live streamed performance options

Additional info: there are also Late-Night Shows on Fridays at 9pm which have an age guidance of 16+.

KING’S HEAD THEATRE ANNOUNCES
2026 SPRING SEASON

Including work from comedy legend Harry Shearer and productions led by Tony award-winning performer Levi Kreis and Philosophy Tube star and Broadway World award winner Abigail Thorn

Sofi Berenger, Executive Producer and CEO, and the whole team at King’s Head Theatre are delighted to announce their upcoming season from January to August 2026, which goes on-sale today. The new season features two musical premieres, as well as a revival of a celebrated gay play, a piece from a Bruntwood Prize winner, the new play from the writers of 2025 hit The Gang of Three, and the new venue’s first dance piece.

Kicking off the new season will be the new musical Already Perfect, written by and starring Tony Award-winning actor Levi Kreis (Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet, Original Broadway Cast; Hermes in Hadestown, US Tour), and produced by celebrated Broadway drummer and Tony Award-winning producer Larry Lelli, who recently co-produced Every Brilliant Thing in the West End, as well as being a co-producing partner for Olivier Award-winning director Jamie Lloyd on Sunset BLVD, Evita, and more. Set in a theatre dressing room, Already Perfect explores what it takes to come to terms with your own story and the struggles between religion and LGBTQ+ identity, powered by a score that spans from gospel to ballad. Already Perfect will play from 9 Jan – 15 Feb.

Following this will be a brand new revival of Bruntwood Prize winner Phil Porter’s Blink. The two-hander explores themes of seeing and being seen, updated for an age of  livestreams, video doorbells, and online stalking. The production stars Broadway World award winner and YouTube sensation Abigail Thorn (PhilosophyTube, House of the Dragon, Star Wars: The Acolyte; The Prince, Southwark Playhouse), with further casting to be announced. This new version is produced by Metal Rabbit Productions (Boy Parts, Radiant Vermin, Cuckoo, Soho Theatre; The Prince, Southwark Playhouse; The Misandrist, Arcola Theatre; We’re Staying Right Here, Park Theatre) and directed by Simon Paris (Earnest..?, Edinburgh Fringe & UK Tour). Blink runs from 19 Feb – 22 Mar.

From 26 Mar – 3 May, writers Tom Salinsky and Robert Khan (The Gang of Three, Brexit, King’s Head Theatre) return with their latest play, In the Printdirected by Josh Roche (Forstye Saga, Park Theatre; It’s a Motherf**king Pleasure, UK/US Tour). Set in 1985, this world premiere centres on the Battle of Wapping, where Rupert Murdoch faced off against union leader Brenda Dean, changing the future of British newspapers forever. Following on from the success of 2025’s The Gang of Three, this new play continues the writing duo’s reputation for politically-charged dramas based on real-life stories.

Headlining the season in the LATER programme, will be Derrière On a G String, from 6 May – 7 June. Following a run at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, this raucous dance and physical theatre piece will bring some naughty comedy back to the King’s Head in a way many people remember from the pub theatre. The show subverts the best loved pieces of classical music in a chaotic and homoerotic romp, with styles reminiscent of Laurel & Hardy and Mitchell & Webb. Derrière on a G String is directed by Alfred Taylor-Gaunt (the award-winning The Limit, Vaults Festival 2019; Stand and Deliver!, King’s Head Theatre), and will star Sammy Moore (Disney’s Evermoor).

Running over pride month and co-produced by King’s Head Theatre Productions and Lauren Reed Productions, will be a timely new revival of Patrick Wilde’s seminal 1992 gay play, What’s Wrong with Angry?. A precursor to the likes of Heartstopper and Sex Education, Wilde’s play follows two schoolboys grappling with their sexuality under Section 28. The original production transferred to the Arts Theatre on the West End, and was adapted into 1998 feature film Get Real, with the only other major revival of the play running at the King’s Head in 2009. This new production of the piece is directed by Scott Le Crass (Rose, West End; Toxic, HOME Manchester; BUFF, UK tour), and will run from 10 June – 5 July.

Finishing the season, from 10 Jul – 16 Aug, is the World Premiere of Here Comes J. Edgar – A Musical Comedy, co-written by legendary satirist and performer, Harry Shearer (The Simpsons, Spinal Tap) and acclaimed comedy writer Tom Leopold (Cheers, Seinfeld) with music composed by Peter Matz (Barbara Streisand, Burt Bacharach). Directed by Josh Seymour (That Face, Orange Tree), the show tells the true story of J. Edgar Hoover in the style of a 1950s musical comedy.  As Director of the FBI from 1924 to 1972, Hoover secured his position as one of the most powerful men in America by gathering information on the private lives of others. Yet behind all the power lay the secret of his own sexuality, his flamboyant partying and his lifelong gay love affair with his deputy. Here Comes J. Edgar! is an irrepressible musical comedy about the love of power and the power of love, and what a simple black dress and a single strand of pearls can do for a guy.

This new season marks the start of King’s Head Theatre’s third year in its new 220 seat theatre. Since opening in 2024, the new theatre has premiered exciting new writing such as The Gang of Three, Breeding, and Firebird, acclaimed revivals such as Four Play and The Pitchfork Disney and new musicals Stalled, Diva! Live from Hell and King of Pangea. In its LATER programme, which sits on-top of the main season of work, new records have been broken with shows like Invasive Species, The Mad Gay King and Puppy, as well as transfers from Awkward Productions and Fringe-First winners Xhloe & Natasha.

Sofi Berenger, Executive Producer & CEO of King’s Head Theatre said:

“I couldn’t be more excited about this new season of work – it feels like a real landmark moment, and an indication of the work we wanted to see on our stage when we opened the new building. This new season feels like a testament to the bold, brilliant shows and incredible artists we’ve been lucky enough to work with over the past two years. The momentum we’ve built is finally starting to come to fruition, and this season feels like a celebration of that journey.

On a personal note, I’m thrilled to be producing Blink through my own company, Metal Rabbit Productions, and to be collaborating once again with the phenomenal Abigail Thorn after our hit show The Prince in 2022.

I’m also incredibly proud that King’s Head Theatre is able to start producing again, thanks in large part to our Angels of Angel production fund which is enabling both in-house and co-produced work to flourish. It’s especially exciting to see members of our own team stepping independently into producing roles too, such as Zoe Weldon for Lidless Theatre, who produced in the space this year. There’s a real sense of ambition and ownership running through everything right now,  and I can’t wait to share it all with audiences.”

King’s Head Theatre continues to ensure accessible tickets are available for all shows. Each production has a Pay What You Can performance scheduled, as well as ten tickets for £10 each available at every performance. Further accessible tickets are available through the KHT Artists Club, Under 35s Membership, and local N1 Membership.

The theatre will soon also announce its Later programme, which provides an opportunity for emerging producers to take steps towards producing mid-scale work as well as platforming innovative, vibrant new writing & late night entertainment. The theatre is proud to continue its commitment to championing LGBTQ+ voices and work, with the majority of shows in this new season telling queer stories.

Full details of current shows and tickets available: https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on

Twitter/X: @kingsheadthtr

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @kingsheadtheatre

Social, Humber Street Hull – 23rd October 2025

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Grimm, written by Evangeline Henderson, is set in Grimsby during the second Cod War in the first and only disco in Grimsby Town. It’s the 17th January 1973 and the men are back from sea with their wages burning a hole in their pockets. The “three-day millionaires” only have three days to spend the cash before they go back to sea and as deep sea fishing is a very dangerous and hard job the men intend to spend every penny they can on drink and a good time.

Living in Hull, another fishing city, I have heard about the three-day millionaires, trawlermen who would spend lots on their few days home on going out, smart clothes and socialising. Also, the Cod Wars were Iceland and the United Kingdom fighting for fishing rights in the North Atlantic. The territorial rights banned fishing within twelve nautical miles of Iceland expanding to two hundred nautical miles which, to put it simply, decimated the fishing industry.

Set in the disco it is where we meet all the characters, Esther (Sophie Clay) runs a tight bar, taking no rubbish from anyone, particularly her husband Paddy (Marc Graham). Also working with her is her cousin Ivy (Evangeline Henderson), who is really happy that she’s just got into Manchester University to study English Literature. Her boyfriend Jim (Jake Cooke) has been on his first trip to sea and is full of stories and cash to burn. Roger (Chris Finn) really doesn’t want to go home and see his wife, so he doesn’t! Alan (Adam Perrott) is the voice of reason, trying to keep the men on the straight and narrow and hoping to pass his skippers exam. You really do find out that the woman are the strong ones, keeping jobs, the home, children and life in general together while the men are at sea.

The fabulous cast made it very easy to be invested in the characters’ lives, they are very likeable and have hidden depths and secrets that slowly unfold over the production. You find out what really happened on the fishing trip and how short life really is.

This a production that people need to see. All the characters are very believable; the show is funny one minute and tugs at your heartstrings the next. The acting is superb. Grimm really deserves to have a sell out run … just fabulous!

Northern Stage, Newcastle – 24th October 2025

Reviewed by Sandra Little

5*****

On a cold and rainy Friday evening I can’t say that I was feeling very enthusiastic about heading to Northern Stage in Newcastle to see Outlawed. However, my efforts were rewarded, and within seconds I was transfixed by the fantastic costume and opening dance routine performed by Friar Tuck’d ( Lucinda B.Hind) The dancing, costume and make-up were all amazing! I was especially impressed by the fact that this super dance routine involving high kicks and splits was performed in huge platform shoes. If anyone has ever worn platform shoes (and I have) they will appreciate the challenge that dancing in platforms brings.

This production by Nonsuch Studios is a mix of cabaret, burlesque, drag and of course comedy. It’s set in the Major Oak speakeasy in Sherwood Forest and involves Maid Marian (Dora Gee), Robin Hood (Hunter Manning) Friar Tuck’d (Lucinda B.Hind) and the evil sheriff played by AK Golding.

This crazy cabaret performed in a studio setting at Northern Stage, had a very loose storyline which essentially involved Robin leaving the Major Oak in Nottingham for a career opportunity in the Muckeh Duck in Derby. Meanwhile the evil sheriff hatches a plan to kill Robin, and Marian is devastated to loose an important performer at her speakeasy club the Major Oak. The style of the whole performance takes several themes from pantomime, including audience participation involving slices of bread, singalong opportunities and an evil villain to despise in the form of the sheriff. Needless to say, as with all good panto, there was of course a happy ending to this crazy production.

This whole production was performed to the backdrop of some great singalong tunes. We had Like a Prayer from Madonna, Thriller from Michael Jackson, I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor and numerous others. Once again, in the second half, we had another great dance routine and fabulous, flamboyant costume from Friar Tuck’d and a great breakdancing routine, including flashing trainers, from the friar and the sheriff.

I’m sad to say that this performance at Northern Sage was the final night of a nationwide tour. However, I would strongly recommend looking out for these performers in other productions. I’m sure this ensemble will return to the stage very soon. This performance was a laugh out loud, feel good, mood enhancing experience! I have given this production 5 stars for the entertainment value, and enthusiasm of the cast. It wasn’t a super sophisticated production but the cast absolutely gave it their all and I’m sure the audience left with a smile on their faces.

Recommended age for this performance is 18 +