Home

Leeds Playhouse – until 11 September 2021

Reviewed by Sal E Marino

5 *****

A very excited audience gathered at the wonderful Leeds Playhouse to see David Nixon’s ballet adaptation of Choderlos de Laclos’s 18th-century highly-seductive novel, Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons), on the opening night of Thursday 2nd September .  A most wickedly entertaining exploration of sexual politics unfolded before us through the spectacular Northern ballet company; who gave a most spell-binding and passionate performance from start to finish.  

After seeing Nixon’s Swan Lake back in June earlier this year, I knew I was going to enjoy Dangerous Liaisons but if I’m honest I didn’t think it was going to be quite as enthralling but it absolutely most certainly was –  in every single way!   The plot is centered around aristocrats Marquise de Merteuil (Sarah Chun) and the Vicomte de Valmont (Riku Ito) who both take a delight in seducing and manipulating more innocent and less cynical members of the French court.  What really struck me about this Northern Ballet performance was that the viciousness and complexities of the intertwined relationships translated so well through dance and it was most clear what was going on due to the impressive characterization skillfully given by each and every dancer.  

Chun was magnificent as the unscrupulous and scheming puppeteer, the Marquise de Merteuil, as her expression in face, body and movement captured every villainous thought and act – and there were many!  Matching Chun was Ito as Valmont and he was every inch the rampant, devious yet alluring scoundrel who weaved his magic on every female he came across and I’m sure that along with myself that included other members of the audience too!  Most impressive was how Antoinette Brooks-Daw was able to communicate the traits of virtue, goodness and morality known to epitomize Madame de Tourvel and then show her devastation and fragility when Valmont disposes of her so cruelly under the instruction of the Marquise.  

Dangerous Liaisons is set to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, played live by the superb Northern Ballet Sinfonia; conducted by Jonathan Lo, lead by Geoffrey Allan and the stage lighting design was created by Alastair West.  Simple yet perfect, the jeweled-rich coloured lights chosen for each scene gave an atmosphere of opulence along with the carefully positioned chandeliers and typical 18th century beautiful white, lavish furniture.    

Scintillating and electrically charged in every scene is how I would describe Dangerous Liaisons – the ballet and that it was like watching a human game of chess – fascinating to calculate and see the next manoeuvres and then the consequences that follow.  Thrilling with every step, David Nixon’s Dangerous Liaisons ballet production will entice, seduce and lure you into a tale of shocking acts, exquisitely performed by the most phenomenal dancers. 

‘First Look’ Rehearsal Shots: Original Theatre Company and Octagon Theatre Bolton, The Hound of the Baskervilles

The award-winning Original Theatre Company and Octagon Theatre Bolton present the 2021/22 tour of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most celebrated adventure, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Adapted for the stage by Steven Canny and John Nicholson for Peepolykus, in a production which was first performed at the Octagon Theatre this summer, the classic detective ta​le gets a brilliantly farcical overhaul in Lotte Wakeham’s acclaimed production.
The whodunnit for all ages will tour to Cambridge Arts Theatre (16-18 Sept),Theatr Clwyd (21-25 Sept), Exeter Northcott Theatre (28 Sept-2 Oct), Malvern Theatres (5-9 Oct), York Theatre Royal (19-23 Oct), Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (26-30 Oct), Richmond Theatre (2-6 November), The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich (9-13 Nov), Salisbury Playhouse (15-20 Nov), Theatre Royal Bath (24-28 Jan), The Lowry (31 Jan – 5 Feb) and Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (8-12 February). Further 2022 tour venues are to be announced.

The cast is Jake Ferretti as Sherlock Holmes, Serena Manteghi as Sir Henry and Niall Ransome as Dr. Watson. Original Direction is by Lotte Wakeham, Artistic Director of the Octagon Theatre Bolton. The UK Tour is directed by Tim Jackson. Francesca Tennant is Associate Director. The Designer is David Woodhead, Lighting Designer is Derek Anderson, Sound Designer is Andy Graham, Costume Supervisor is Chrissy Maddison and Production Manager is Tammy Rose.

MEET TOM, BARBARA, MARGO AND JERRY

AS THE ICONIC BRITISH COMEDY RECEIVES WORLD PREMIERE STAGE PRODUCTION, TOURING THE UK FROM 7 OCTOBER 2021

RUFUS HOUND AS ‘TOM GOOD’
PREEYA KALIDAS AS ‘MARGO LEADBETTER’
DOMINIC ROWAN AS ‘JERRY LEADBETTER’
SALLY TATUM AS ‘BARBARA GOOD’

Full casting is announced today for the brand new stage adaptation of beloved British comedy THE GOOD LIFE which tours the UK this Autumn.

The acclaimed cast will include actress and presenter Preeya Kalidas as ‘Margo Leadbetter’, Dominic Rowan as ‘Jerry Leadbetter’, and Sally Tatum as ‘Barbara Good’, joining the previously announced actor and comedian Rufus Hound as ‘Tom Good’. Also featured will be Nigel Betts and Tessa Churchard.

The new comedy by Jeremy Sams, is based on the classic television series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey which entertained countless millions in the 1970s. Directed by Jeremy Sams, this world premiere production will be the first time that the iconic characters of suburban neighbours the Goods and the Leadbetters will be seen on stage.

THE GOOD LIFE will open at Theatre Royal Bath on 7 October 2021, before dates at Cheltenham Everyman, Salford Lowry, Oxford Playhouse, Cambridge Arts Theatre, Malvern Theatres, Richmond Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre.

Remember the Goods – Tom and Barbara, suburban eco-warriors? And their next-door neighbours Margo and Jerry Leadbetter, desperately trying to maintain the Surbiton status quo? Jeremy Sams’s comedy leads the well-loved characters through uproarious  adventures, some old, some new and often (even today) hilariously familiar. This new play celebrates a time when, whatever our differences, we still managed to get on with our neighbours.  

Beloved BBC comedy THE GOOD LIFE ran on British television from 1975 to 1978 starring Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal, Penelope Keith and Paul Eddington.

Rufus Hound is an award-winning actor, comedian and presenter equally at home with roles on screen including Doctor Who, Cucumber, Hounded and on the stage including One Man Two Guvnors (Theatre Royal Haymarket), What The Butler Saw (Theatre Royal Bath / Leicester Curve), Don Quixote (RSC), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Savoy Theatre London), Present Laughter and Neville’s Island (Chichester Festival Theatre) and his award-winning role as Mr Toad in The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium, UK tour and cinema broadcast). 

Preeya Kalidas made history as the first British Asian female to play the lead in a musical when she originated the role of Priya in the West End production of Bombay Dreams. Notable screen credits include award-winning feature films Four Lions, Bend it like Beckham and as Amira Shah in BBC’s EastEnders. Preeya played the title role in BAFTA nominated Bollywood Carmen and also starred in Britz, Mistresses, Bodies, Banglatown Banquet and England Expects. Major stage credits include Oxford Street (Royal Court Theatre), Chiaroscuro (Bush Theatre) Olivier Award nominated for Bend it like Beckham the Musical (Phoenix Theatre), Joseph and his amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (The Adelphi), School of Rock (Gillian Lynne Theatre), and most recently Everybody’s talking about Jamie (Apollo Theatre).

Dominic Rowan’s work in theatre includes: A Dream Play, Iphigeneia at Aulis, Mourning Becomes Electra, Three Sisters, Happy Now?, The Talking Cure and Private Lives (National Theatre); The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Merchant of Venice and Talk of the City (RSC); A Voyage Round My Father, Berenice and Lobby Hero  (Donmar Warehouse); A Doll’s House (Young Vic), Playhouse Creatures (Old Vic); Way to Heaven and Forty Winks (Royal Court Theatre); The Importance of Being Earnest (Oxford Playhouse); Sexual Perversity in Chicago (Crucible Theatre); The Rivals, Charley’s Aunt and Look Back in Anger (Royal Exchange); A Collier’s Friday Night (Hampstead Theatre); Wit’s End  (New End Theatre); Under The Blue Sky, (Duke of York’s); The Misanthrope  (Comedy Theatre), As You Like It (Globe Theatre).

Sally Tatum is an actress, comedian and writer who was placed on the BAFTA Rocliffe Forum List for emerging comedy writers. Stage credits include Present Laughter, and Red Light Winter (Theatre Royal Bath), A Day in the Life of Joe Egg (Liverpool Everyman), Gaslight (Old Vic) and As You Like It, Twelfth Night and Solstice (RSC). Television credits include Episodes, Boy Meets Girl, and My Mad Fat Diary.

Nigel Betts’ work in theatre includes: Steel (Sheffield Theatres), Albion (Almeida Theatre), Three Days in the Country (National Theatre), Wonderland (Hampstead Theatre), Pastoral (Soho Theatre), One Man Two Guv’nors, War Horse (National Theatre/West End), Aladdin, (Lyric Hammersmith),The 39 Steps, Up’n’Under, Henry IV, As You Like It (West End). TV includes: Toast, King Gary, Ridley Road, Grantchester, Casualty, All Creatures Great and Small, Father Brown, The A Word, Pennyworth, Harlots, Killing Eve, Trollied, EastEnders, Scarborough, Outlander, Little Boy Blue, Bliss, Bounty Hunters, Death in Paradise, Boy Meets Girl, Vera, Class, The Coroner, DCI Banks, New Tricks, You, Me & Them, The Wrong Mans, Doctor Who, Waterloo Road, Doctors, Holby City, Downton Abbey, The Escape Artist, The Starlings, Doc Martin, Moving Wallpaper, The Bill, Trial and Retribution, The Catherine Tate Show, Coronation Street, The Street, Emmerdale, Doctors, Grange Hill, Midsomer Murders, Silent Witness, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Sharpe’s Mission, Courtroom, Grease Monkeys, Inspector Lynley Mysteries, A Touch of Frost, Final Demand, Paradise Reclaimed, and As Time Goes By.

Tessa Churchard’s theatre credits include The 39 Steps (Criterion Theatre, West End), As You Desire Me (Playhouse Theatre, West End) Noises Off (Piccadilly Theatre, West End), Family Business, Brighton Beach Memoirs and Blithe Spirit (Watford Palace Theatre), Lady Of Leisure, Still Life/ The Astonished Heart, Point Of Death (Liverpool Playhouse), Gaillileo’s Daughter, Man And Superman, Don Juan (Peter Hall Company, Bath Theatre Royal), Remember This (Royal National Theatre), Communicating Doors, Lady Windermere’s Fan, Richard III (Theatre Royal, Northampton), The Diary Of Anne Frank (Basingstoke Haymarket Theatre), Dying In The Street (The Print Room), and The Fabulist (Old Red Lion). For television and film her credits include The Coroner (BBC), EastEnders (BBC), Call The Midwife (BBC), Casualty (BBC), Dixi (CBBC), Doctors (BBC), The Grain Chest (CK Productions), Family Affairs (Talkback Thames), Harringham Harker (BBC), Jeeves And Wooster (ITV) and The Bill (Talkback Thames).

Jeremy Sams‘s directing credits include the National Theatre’s 2000 West End and Broadway revival of Noises Off, the West End musical Spend, Spend, Spend, the international tour of The Sound of Music and Oklahoma! at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Fiery Angel presents THE GOOD LIFE. Adapted and directed by Jeremy Sams based on the TV series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey. Set and Costume Design by Michael Taylor,  Lighting Design by Mark Henderson, Sound Design by Fergus O’Hare, Composition by Tim Sutton and casting by Ginny Schiller CDG.

HOW TO SURVIVE AN APOCALYPSE – REHEARSAL IMAGES

PHOTOS BY SAMUEL TAYLOR

***

NOEL SULLIVAN, BEN LAMB, 

KRISTIN ATHERTON & CHRISTINE GOMES 

STAR IN THE UK PREMIERE OF ROMANTIC COMEDY 

HOW TO SURVIVE AN APOCALYPSE  

WRITTEN BY JORDAN HALL & DIRECTED BY JIMMY WALTERS 

AT FINBOROUGH THEATRE FROM 28 SEPTEMBER – 23 OCTOBER 2021  

Noel Sullivan, Ben Lamb, Kristin Atherton and Christine Gomes will star in the UK premiere of Jordan Hall’s hit comedy How to Survive an Apocalypse. The play opens at Finborough Theatre, directed by Jimmy Walters for a four-week limited season, running from Tuesday 28 September – 23 October 2021.  

Noel Sullivan, best known for his part in the record-breaking pop group Hear’Say, has gone on to forge a prestigious acting career with numerous West End credits to his name. Noel most recently appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musical School of Rock in the lead role of Dewey Finn at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. He also recently appeared in the BBC hit show Years and Years.  

Ben Lamb most notably starred in Netflix’s highly successful film series A Christmas Prince, as well as box office hits Now You See Me 2, Divergent and TV mini-series The White Queen. Ben’s stage work includes productions at the Young Vic and Shakespeare’s Globe. 

Kristin’s screen credits include the highly successful BBC shows Shakespeare & Hathaway and Waterloo Road. How to Survive an Apocalypse also reunites Ben and Kristin on stage following their critically acclaimed portrayals of Mary and Percy Shelley in Shared Experience’s production of Mary Shelley at the Tricycle Theatre in 2012.  

After only graduating from the London Academy of Dramatic Art in 2018, Christine Gomes has since gone on to star as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at the Orange Tree Theatre and Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice for the Stafford Shakespeare Festival. 

“You start planning for the end and you have to start thinking— if you wind up trapped in a 300 square foot fallout shelter, is this really the guy you want to see every day?” 

A romantic comedy for the end of days. 

Jen and Tim are a young and successful millennial couple who become convinced that their urban party lifestyle is coming to an end. They start preparing for the end, hoarding supplies and learning to hunt. But their obsession takes its toll, and both are forced to imagine the apocalypse without the love of their life. 

A tender, hilarious, and touching story about dreams, love and the desire to survive. 

How to Survive An Apocalypse premiered at the Firehall Arts Centre, Vancouver, where it broke all box office records. It was shortlisted for a Tom Hendry Award in Comedy, was an official selection of the La Mama International Playwrights Retreat, and was the winner of the 2016 Flying Start Competition.  

How To Survive An Apocalypse, presented by Proud Haddock in association with Finborough Theatre, has design by Ceci Calf, lighting by Adam King and music and sound by Julian Starr. Further casting will be announced in due course. 

We’re having a ball – and everyone is invited

York Theatre Royal and Evolution present York’s spectacular family pantomime

Cinderella

York Theatre Royal, December 3 to January 2

Written by Paul Hendy

Directed by Juliet Forster

One of CBeebies most popular personalities Andy Day is joined by two familiar faces from York Theatre Royal’s Travelling Pantomime – Robin Simpson and Faye Campbell – in Cinderella at York Theatre Royal this Christmas.

This most magical pantomime of all can be seen from 3 December to 2 January.

Since joining CBeebies in 2007 Andy Day (Dandini) has become widely known as a presenter and for his animal and nature programmes in which he tackled dinosaurs, investigated baby animals and went on safari. In 2009 he was nominated for a Children’s BAFTA award for best presenter.

His previous pantomime appearances include the CBeebies annual televised pantomime as well as the Genie in Aladdin, Dandini in Cinderella, Muddles in Snow White and Billy Goose in Mother Goose.

Andy also fronts his own live band Andy and the Odd Socks. They will again be launching Odd Socks Day for Anti Bullying Week in schools up and down the country alongside The Anti Bullying Alliance, a charity of which Andy is a passionate Patron.

Faye Campbell (Cinderella)played The Hero in Jack and the Beanstalk and Dick Whittington in York Theatre Royal’s Travelling Pantomime last December. Actor and storyteller Robin Simpson (Sister) was Dame Trott in the Travelling Pantomime, after playing dame for three years at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield. He’s joined as the other Sister by Paul Hawkyard.

Comedian and ventriloquist Max Fulham (Buttons) has played leading comedy roles in pantomimes throughout the UK, being voted Best Speciality Act in the British Pantomime Awards. Max has created his own comedy series called Drivel Pedlar for his You Tube channel. In summer 2022 he’ll play Muddles in Snow White at the new Sydney Coliseum in Australia.

The cast is completed by Benjamin Lafayette (Prince Charming) and Sarah Leatherbarrow (Fairy Godmother).

The Theatre Royal’s Cinderella will relocate the timeless rags-to-riches story to the city of York, with the stage coming to sparkling life with magical transformations, glittering sets, stunning songs and side-splitting laughs.

Co-producing with Evolution, one of the country’s most successful and award-winning pantomime producers, York Theatre Royal is creating a brand new pantomime for everyone – with the promise of a truly epic spectacle and heaps of hilarity.

Cinderella will be directed by York Theatre Royal Creative Director Juliet Forster, director of last year’s highly successful Travelling Pantomime which toured to community venues in York and also this summer’s production of Around the World in 80 Days.

York Theatre Royal Chief Executive Tom Bird says:

“We are over the moon to be creating a spectacular new pantomime for the people of York – one that’s tailor-made for the whole family, while honouring the pantomime traditions that our audiences love so much.

“The phenomenal team will give the York Theatre Royal pantomime a new lease of life with a fresh, family-friendly, fun-filled approach to the story of Cinderella, set with pride in our amazing city.”

Evolution Productions was started by Emily Wood and Paul Hendy in 2005 and has built a reputation for superior, bespoke pantomimes with the emphasis on high quality production values, strong casting and genuinely funny scripts. They have twice won Pantomime of the Year at the Great British Pantomime Awards. They are the team behind Sheffield Theatres’ extraordinarily successful pantomime in the Lyceum Theatre.

Producer and writer Paul Hendy says:

“Emily and I are absolutely thrilled to be working with York Theatre Royal on Cinderella. We are huge fans of the theatre and we’re looking forward to collaborating with Tom and his brilliant team to produce a wonderful, family friendly pantomime with spectacular production values, a superbly talented cast, and a genuinely funny script.”

Cinderella: December 3 to 2 January. Box office 01904 623568 | yorktheatreroyal.do.uk

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS 

THE CLASSIC THRILLER THEATRE COMPANY 

THE CAT AND THE CANARY 

THE CREEPY COMEDY THRILLER BY JOHN WILLARD 

ADAPTED BY CARL GROSE 

RETURNS TO CONTINUE ITS SUCCESSFUL UK TOUR  

FROM 07 SEPTEMBER 2021 

STARRING ANTONY COSTA, TRACY SHAW, MARTI WEBB 

GARY WEBSTER, BEN NEALON, ERIC CARTE 

AND 

BRITT EKLAND 

Building on the phenomenal decade-long success of The Agatha Christie Theatre Company, Bill Kenwright’s Classic Thriller Theatre Company (Rehearsal for Murder, Judgement in Stone, The Case of the Frightened Lady and The Lady Vanishes), continues with its latest chilling whodunit, the creepy comedy thriller The Cat and the Canary. Following its acclaimed opening in Windsor in January 2020 and highly successful spring tour, the production returns to complete its Autumn tour, which was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

This new adaptation of the murder mystery by John Willard, which inspired three classic movies starring the likes of Bob Hope, Paulette Goddard, Edward Fox, Honor Blackman and Olivia Hussey, will embark on its nationwide tour, opening at Derby Theatre from Tuesday 7 September 2021.  

Twenty years after the death of Mr. West, his descendants gather to learn who will inherit his vast wealth and the hidden family jewels. Within moments, the heritage hunters turn into prey. Walls crack open, shadows loom, and dark secrets are revealed. 

Who is The Cat? His movements soundless, unnoticeable, and his vengeance swift! Who will feel his horrible grasp next? 

Returning to the production is silver screen and Bond-girl legend Britt Ekland, whose numerous films include The Man with The Golden Gun with Roger Moore, The Wicker Man with Christopher Lee, and Get Carter with Michael Caine.  

Britt stars alongside singer-songwriter, actor and former member of the internationally successful 00’s boy band Blue, Antony Costa, and Tracy Shaw, best known for her long-running role as Maxine Peacock in Coronation Street. They are joined by West End leading lady Marti Webb, whose credits include Evita and Tell Me on A Sunday; Gary Webster, who played Gary Costello in Family Affairs and Ray Daley opposite George Cole in ITV’s Minder; Classic Thriller Theatre Company veteran Ben Nealon, who played Lt. Forsythe in the drama series Soldier Soldier, and Eric Carte, who played Geoff Roberts in two series of Bouquet of Barbed Wire. The cast is completed by Priyasasha Kumari, Martin Carroll, Jack Taylor and Clara Darcy. 

The Cat and The Canary is director Roy Marsden’s fifth Classic Thriller Theatre Company production. Other credits include the West End premieres of Agatha Christie’s A Daughter’s a Daughter at the Trafalgar Studios and Noël Coward’s Volcano at the Vaudeville Theatre. As an actor, he is well-known to television audiences as Inspector Dalgliesh in the long-running P.D. James series. 

Adaptor Carl Grose was, until recently, co-artistic director of Kneehigh Theatre. His numerous plays and adaptations include book and lyrics for The Grinning Man, which Tom Morris directed at the Trafalgar Studios in 2017. 

Designer takis’s diverse international credits include In the Heights, Gifford’s Circus and the Royal Opera. 

Lighting Designer Chris Davey’s work includes Witness for the Prosecution at London’s County Hall and Touching the Void at the Duke of York’s Theatre. 

Dan Samson is resident Sound Designer for The Classic Thriller Theatre Company. West End credits include Heathers at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and Evita at the Dominion Theatre. 

LISTINGS

THE CAT AND THE CANARY  

07 September – 27 November 2021 

UK Tour 

By John Willard 

Adapted by Carl Grose 

Directed by Roy Marsden 

Designed by takis 

Lighting Design by Chris Davey 

Sound Design by Dan Samson 

Produced by Bill Kenwright  

Website: www.kenwright.com 

Twitter: @BKL_Productions  

Instagram: @bklproductions 

DATES & VENUES

Derby Theatre                                                            derbytheatre.co.uk                   

07 September – 11 September 2021                          01332 59 39 39 

Glasgow Theatre Royal                                            atgtickets.com/glasgow

13 September – 18 September 2021                          0844 871 7615 

Darlington Hippodrome                                            Darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

20 September – 25 September 2021                          01325 405405 

Birmingham Alexandra Theatre                               atgtickets.com/birmingham

04 October – 09 October 2021                                   0844 871 7615 

Yeovil Octagon                                                          octagon-theatre.co.uk 

18 October – 23 October 2021                                   01935 422884 

Manchester Opera House                                         atgtickets.com/manchester 

25 October – 30 October 2021                                   0844 871 7615 

Brighton Theatre Royal                                            atgtickets.com/brighton 

01 November – 06 November 2021                           0844 871 7615 

Bromley Churchill Theatre                                       churchilltheatre.co.uk 

08 November – 13 November 2021                           020 3285 6000 

Leeds Grand Theatre                                                leedsheritagetheatres.com 

23 November – 27 November 2021                           0113 243 0808 

SENSATIONAL CAST SET TO BRING A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS TO CURVE IN

A CHORUS LINE

Directed by Nikolai Foster

Choreography by Ellen Kane

Featuring Adam Cooper as Zach and Carly Mercedes Dyer as Cassie

Curve theatre in Leicester has today revealed the full cast of its Christmas musical A Chorus Line, including world famous dancer Adam Cooper and West End and Curve favourite Carly Mercedes Dyer.

Adam will play the role of Zach, the director / choreographer responsible for putting the performers through their paces in the show’s audition. Having gained acclaim for creating the lead role of the Swan/Stranger in Matthew Bourne’s production of Swan Lake – a role he also performed in the 2000 film Billy Elliot as the adult Billy – Adam is internationally renowned as a musical theatre performer, dancer and choreographer.

Carly Mercedes Dyer will star alongside Adam as Cassie, an auditionee and Zach’s ex-lover. Carly, who is currently performing in Anything Goesat The Barbican in London, recently appeared in the Curve at Home production of The Color Purpleas Shug Avery, which streamed in Spring 2021, and as Anita in the Made at Curve 2019 production of West Side Story.

A smash-hit Broadway masterpiece, A Chorus Line will run at Curve from 3 to 31 December. The musicalfeatures iconic songs including ‘One’, ‘I Hope I Get It’, ‘Nothing’ and the hit ballad ‘What I Did For Love’.  

The production reunites Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster and Choreographer Ellen Kane, who last worked together on the five-star Made at Curve production of West Side Story.

The cast features a host of familiar faces to Curve, including West Side Story company members Ronan Burns as Bobby Mills, Beth Hinton-Lever as Bebe Benzenheimer, Katie Lee as Kristine Ulrich and Redmand Rance as Mike Costa.

The cast is completed by Emily Barnett-Salter as Sheila Bryant, Bradley Delarosbel as Gregory Gardner, Lizzy-Rose Essin-Kelly as Diana Morales, André Fabien Francis as Richie Walters, Ainsley Hall Ricketts as Paul San Marco, Joshua Lay as Al Deluca, Kanako Nakano as Judy Turner, Hicaro Nicolai as Swing, Jamie O’Leary as Mark Anthony, Tom Partridge as Don Kerr, Rachel Jayne Picar as Connie Wong, Chloe Saunders as Val Clarke, Charlotte Scott as Maggie Winslow and Taylor Walker as Larry.

New York City. 1975. On an empty Broadway stage, 18 performers are put through their paces in the final, gruelling audition for a new Broadway musical. Only eight will make the cut. The audition takes an unexpected turn as the director, Zach, invites the performers to open up about their lives and what brought them into theatre. What follows are searing stories of ambition, childhood, shattered dreams and what it means to follow your dreams onto the stage. The emotional stakes are heightened when Zach’s ex-lover Cassie, fresh from an attempt to make it in Hollywood, wants to audition for the chorus line.

A Chorus Line will have set designed by Grace Smart, musical supervision from David Shrubsole, costume design by Edd Lindley, lighting by Howard Hudson, sound design by Tom Marshall and musical direction by Tamara Saringer. The show is cast by Curve Associate Kay Magson CDG.

Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“Our A Chorus Line company of actors represent the very best talent working in the UK today. Led by our terrific casting director Kay Magson, we are thrilled to have brought together this astonishingly talented group of artists who will ignite this brand-new production, giving our audiences much to celebrate this Christmas.

“Just as the original production of A Chorus Line gave voice to the incredible performers who make every show possible, this cracking company of actors will rediscover this classic musical afresh. The incomparable Carly Mercedes Dyer and majestic Adam Cooper lead an outstanding cast, who will literally blow the roof off Curve this Christmas.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our communities and audiences from across the UK for a very special Christmas at Curve, with A Chorus Line’s astonishing Marvin Hamlisch score and Ellen Kane’s heart-stopping choreography.”

A Chorus Line was created by Michael Bennett, who used real-life testimonies from chorus dancers to celebrate the lives of theatre’s unsung heroes. The musical has a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban,

Tickets for A Chorus Line at Curveare on sale now. To find out more and book tickets, visit www.curveonline.co.uk

A CHORUS LINE

Conceived & Originally Directed & Choreographed by Michael Bennett
Book by James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante
Music by Marvin Hamlisch Lyrics by Edward Kleban
Co-choreographed by Bob Avian

Original Broadway Production produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival. Joseph Papp, Producer, in association with Plum Productions, Inc

A Chorus Line is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Mayflower Theatre Southampton  – until 4 September 2021

Reviewed by Jo Gordon

5*****

All stand for Queen Dolly! I have been waiting to see this for a long time, I’m a huge fan of Dolly Parton, having even ticked DollyWood off my must do list ( that’s a whole different review!). Finally it happened and I was not disappointed. 

Firstly, how fabulous to see the theatre at full capacity, some kind of normality finally in very uncertain times! There was a definite split of those who know 9 to 5 from the 1980 film and those, like my daughter who’s knowledge stops at Dollys hit of the same name so viewing the production with fresh eyes. 

Set in the 80’s, it’s a story of three women’s struggle with their outrageously sexist, all round slimeball boss and the general misogynistic office culture of the time. After a slip up with rat poison in his coffee, the three workmates come up with a plan to bring him down a peg or two and hopefully liberate the women in the office. 

Hilarity ensues as they partake in kidnap, while running the business to hide his disappearance and discovering his dodgy dealings that could be the key to his downfall. 
The cast were outstanding, Louise Redknapp  as Violet, Vivian Panka as Judy and Stephanie Chandos as Doralee portrayed the three strong willed women beautifully with superb vocals and comedic timing.  Julia J Nagle as Roz and Sean Needham as Franklin were side splittingly funny, who’s scenes together were definitely some of my favourite parts. 

So tumble outta bed and stumble to the theatre ( sorry, it had to be done!) and enjoy a funny, toe tapping production worthy of a full five stars.

A HUGE AUTUMN OF STREAMING:  
MY NIGHT WITH REG, LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER, BEAM: 2021, WALLACE AND GROMIT AND MANY MORE EXCLUSIVE SHOWS ADDED TOstream.theatre

stream.theatre have put over one hundred performances on sale with 8 exclusive new titles and even more to be announced in the coming weeks. 

The Turbine Theatre’s critically acclaimed revival of MY NIGHT WITH REG, the award-winning play by Kevin Elyot, premieres on Thursday 16^th September – a ‘charged, enthralling watch’ (Whatsonstage) set against the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic. Drama fans will also enjoy LOOK, NO HANDS, a new play from Lila Clements filmed last month at The Pleasance, exploring a real-life story of hope and survival. 

There is a huge amount for new musical fans too: brand new West End musical LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER, filmed at the Shaftesbury Theatre and based on the classic D.H.Lawrence novel, makes it digital premiere on 15^th October. stream.theatre is proud to be the digital partner of BEAM 2021 – shining a light on 38 new British musicals and the STILES & DREWE BEST NEW SONG PRIZE both from September 10^th.  Also direct from the West End comes RIDE: A NEW MUSICAL starring Gemma Sutton and Bronte Barbè, and THE DISTANCE YOU HAVE COME, a song-cycle from award winning composer Scott Alan. 

Finally, keep a look out for that penguin, WALLACE & GROMIT IN CONCERT makes its digital premiere, filmed with a live orchestra and guest starring Shaun the Sheep. A fantastic treat for the whole family.  

NEW LISTINGS:

RIDE: A New Musical Workshop Production (On Demand 24 August – 21 September)

One woman. One bicycle. One hell of a story. It’s 1895 and Annie Londonderry has returned victorious to America, hailed as the first woman to ever cycle around the world. She’s pioneering, she’s plucky, and she’s pitching her story to the New York World. But she can’t do it alone. Joined at the eleventh hour by unwitting secretary Martha Smith, the two begin to share Annie’s unbelievable adventures. But before long, the cracks begin to show, and Annie is forced to confront a past she’d rather leave unexplored.The incredible true story of a young woman with big plans, and an even bigger imagination bursts into life in this new musical.

The Distance You Have Come (2-12 September, with UK and US timings)

Every day we each make a series of decisions, some big and some small but all that shape our future. We are all on a journey of self-discovery, juggling life, love and loss along the way. We all have to choose the steps we take and will each meet people who will change our path forever. In a song cycle of his most acclaimed works, sung by some of the best voices in the west end, award winning composer and lyricist Scott Alan leads us through a year in the intertwined lives of six people facing the joy and heartache of the human experience, as they each search for their own version of happiness – which is, after all, what it’s all about. This phenomenal cast features Andy Coxon (West Side Story, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical); Alice Fearn (Come From Away, Wicked); Adrian Hansel (Starlight Express, Hairspray); Emma Hatton (Evita, Wicked); Dean John- Wilson (Kind and I, Aladdin) and Maiya Quansah-Breed (Six, Rent).

Wallace and Gromit: In Concert (On Demand 3-26 September)

A cracking, award-winning orchestral show for the whole family! Join everyone’s favourite dynamic duo for a special screening of The Wrong Trousers with live orchestra. Alongside classic Aardman clips – including Shaun the Sheep – and accompanied by classical and popular music, watch as Wallace prepares to perform his musical marvel, My Concerto in Ee Lad, with help from his faithful canine companion, Gromit… what could possibly go wrong?! 

“Absolutely perfect in every way – it hits all the right notes!”

“Brilliant show for all ages”

“The accompanying live music was brilliantly timed. The swell of the violins as villainous penguin Feathers McGraw looked menacingly at Gromit had us all on the edge of our seats and the eerie bass notes of the brass, string and woodwind instruments added tension, film- noir style. As the credits rolled, the orchestra’s rousing rendition of the Wallace and Gromit theme tune brought the house down. It has been 30 years since the hapless, tank-top wearing inventor and his plucky pooch first hit our screens, but their antics are still a delight. A grand day out indeed.” 

***** Liverpool Echo

BEAM & Stiles and Drewe New Song Contest (10 September)

Shining a light on new British musical theatre, BEAM, the UK’s biggest showcase of new musical theatre, returns after BEAM2020 was postponed, in a new live and digital all-day event on Friday 10th September.  BEAM is for anyone interested in musicals, and you can attend in person at Hackney Empire or online with stream.theatre – we’ll be live streaming the whole event.

BEAM features presentations of new musicals in development from throughout the UK, including ideas ranging from daytime bhangra raves to climate change told as a love story, from challenging the UK’s hostile environment policy to singing lesbian pirates.  The 38 new musicals, found via a nationwide call-out, will be presented in live or digital form, and in the evening the Stiles + Drewe Best New Song Prize concert will take place in a huge day celebrating new musicals.

BEAM is produced by Mercury Musical Developments and Musical Theatre Network, with funding and support from Arts Council England, the PRS Foundation, the Coach Jack Curran Trust, Youth Music and the Coral Samuel Charitable Foundation.

My Night With Reg (16-26 September, On Demand 27 September – 23 October)

The Turbine Theatre proudly presents Kevin Elyot’s award-winning comedy My Night with Reg in a dazzling new revival this summer, directed by Matt Ryan. 

The play won the 1995 Olivier Award for Best Comedy after its transfer from the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs to the West End’s Criterion Theatre in its original run.

Set in Guy’s London flat, old friends and new gather to party through the night. This is the summer of 1985 and, for Guy and his circle, the world is about to change forever, thanks to the mounting AIDS crisis. This award winning comedy captures the fragility of friendship, happiness and life itself.

Waiting in the Wings (LIVE on Friday 24 September)

Back by popular demand, a cast of West End Stars return to bring you a repertoire of songs from the musicals, performed LIVE from the Tyne Theatre and Opera House with an auditorium audience and streamed direct to your homes! This show will see a West End Cast take to the stage!

Our West End Cast Includes: Rachel Spurrell (Mary Poppins, The Phantom of The Opera, Billy Elliot) Kris Manuel (The Phantom of The Opera, Matilda, Starlight Express) Nathan Elwick (Sweeney Todd, Young Frankenstein) Kay Milbourne (Mamma Mia!, Billy Elliot) 2 Tom Bales (Hair, The Boy Friend) Jess Daley (Evita) Our show will also feature performances from West End Prep and two 2020 Musical Theatre Graduates who entered our search for a star competition, Lucy Davis (SA Performing Arts Centre) & Joely Colleen Emms (London School of Musical Theatre).

ROLES WE’LL NEVER PLAY (On Sale 6 September)
Concert  1: 24^th – 26^th September
Concert 2: 1^st – 3^rd October 

Tom Duern presents, Roles We’ll Never Play filmed Live from The Vaudeville Theatre.

Roles We’ll Never Play, the West End’s only miscast show sees two star studded casts singing songs outside of their casting brackets. Joined by a 6 piece band, a line up filled to the brim with West End loyalty, taking on the roles they’ll never play!Expect jaw dropping performances and power house vocals throughout!

Look, No Hands (27 September – 10 October, On Demand 11 October – 7 November)

When Vee embarks on her cycling commute, she has no idea that she’ll never make it home.

Appearing in a Nightingale Court to face the driver – suffering from amnesia, armed only with her hospital notes, a surprise appearance on 24 Hours in A&E and a bag of ripped clothes – she tries to piece together what happened to her An uplifting story of hope and survival, this new play explores the female cycling experience and the phenomenon known as post-traumatic growth.

Inspired by a real-life cycling collision experienced by writer-director Lila Clements in 2010.

Recipient of the 2021 National Partnership Award with Pitlochry Festival Theatre, supported by the William Syson Foundation.

INTERMISSIONS 
Episode 1: 8th – 10th October 
Episode 2: 15th – 17th October 
Episode 3: 22nd – 24th October 
Episode 4: 29th – 31st October 
Episode 5: 5^th-7^th November
Episode 6: 12^th-14^th November

Alice Fearn and her team are proud to be bringing the entire Intermissions series to stream.theatre this autumn, where all episodes will appear together for the first time, including our fabulous Christmas Special and the never before seen Intermissions Live!, filmed at the Vaudeville Theatre this Spring. Featuring a mix of chat and music, Intermissions boasts appearances from some of your favourite west-end stars including Sam Tutty, Samantha Barks, Shan Ako, Rob Houchen, Trevor Dion Nicholas and Kimberly Walsh. In an exclusive for steam.theatre, all episodes will also featured brand new interviews with Alice and the Intermissions Team as they reflect on the project a year on. Not to be missed!

Lady Chatterley’s Lover (15-31 October, On Demand 1-7 November

A new musical adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s infamous literary classic, Lady Chatterley’s Lover, will receive a strictly limited West End premiere this summer. Crafted by composer John Robinson (Behind the Iron Mask, Duchess Theatre; Closer to the Sun, Harold Pinter Theatre), this world premiere will reenergise Lawrence’s sensation for a new audience.

The impassioned tale of female agency and Lady Chatterley’s pursuit of a life more than half-lived changed the literary landscape of Britain. Banned as scandalous erotica when first published and subject of a watershed obscenity trial, Lawrence’s text caused outrage not just because of the expletives and explicit sexual relationship, but because it presented a physical relationship that traversed social class divides. This intense and fiery classic will find new frenzied power in its translation to the stage.

Lady Chatterley’s Lover is directed by the award-winning Sasha Regan with production design by Andrew Exeter

The Theatre Channel  (On Demand) 

The Theatre Channel is a one-of-a-kind series that stages and films some of the most iconic and celebrated musical theatre songs of all time. Each song is performed by legendary UK and international stars of stage and screen, while all being filmed on location at The Theatre Café and in the heart of London’s West-End.

Streamed straight to the comfort of your home, grab the popcorn and watch a star-studded line up perform your musical favourites as you’ve never seen them before. If you’ve missed the magic of theatre this year, look no further!

Watch stars of Six, & Juliet, Heathers: The Musical, Hamilton, Les Mis, Waitress, Kinky Boots and many more! Each of our uniquely themed episodes offer you a brand-new collection of stagey hits every single time, with an exclusive behind the scenes interview at the end of each episode, giving viewers an extra look into how the Theatre Channel comes together.

You’ll be left with no choice but to hit the replay button

WICKED CONFIRMS LONDON CAST

Tony & Olivier Award-winning musical resumes

performances 15 September 2021

Sophie Evans joins returning cast to play Glinda

www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Wicked, the West End and Broadway musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, is pleased to confirm the returning cast that will lead the award-winning production back into London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre where it resumes performanceson Wednesday 15 September 2021.

Joining the returning cast willbe Sophie Evans, who previously played Glinda from 2017-2019, and will star opposite Laura Pick, who continues her acclaimed performance as Elphaba. Charli Baptie, who appeared in the UK & Ireland Tour, will be Standby for Glinda. Joining the ensemble are Nick Len (The King & I, London Palladium), Emmie Ray (a graduate of Bird College) and Natalie Spriggs (Thoroughly Modern Millie, UK Tour). Former ensemble cast members returning include Lauren Brooke (London), Grace Chapman (UK & International Tour), Conor Crown (London), Joseph Fletcher (London), Fraser Fraser (London), Will Lucas (London), Stacey McGuire (London, UK & International Tour) and Samantha Thomas (London).

The re-opening cast will include: Laura Pick (Elphaba), Sophie Evans* (Glinda), Alistair Brammer (Fiyero), Kim Ismay (Madame Morrible), Andy Hockley (The Wizard), Simeon Truby (Doctor Dillamond), Carina Gillespie (Nessarose), Nicholas McLean (Boq), Amy Webb (Standby for Elphaba), Charli Baptie** (Standby for Glinda), Meg Astin, Rebecca Botterill, Lauren Brooke, Grace Chapman***, Michael Colbourne, Conor Crown, Lewis Easter, Nolan Edwards, Joseph Fletcher, Fraser Fraser, Rebecca Gilliland, Lucie Horsfall, Nick Len, Will Lucas, Nicole Lupino, Stuart Maciver, Carl Man, Rhidian Marc, Jessica-Alice McCluskey, Stacey McGuire, Emmie Ray, Natalie Spriggs, Scott Sutcliffe, Genevieve Taylor, Samantha Thomas****, Grant Thresh, James Titchener, Libby Watts, Chiarina Woodall and Tom Woollaston. Cast subject to change.

*Maternity cover for Helen Woolf  **Maternity cover for Lisa-Anne Wood  ***Maternity cover for Maggie Lynne   ****Maternity cover for Joanna Sawyer

Tickets are now on sale for all performances from Wednesday 15 September 2021 to Sunday 22 May 2022. Wicked will play Tuesday-Saturday evenings at 7.30pm with matinees on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm. Visit www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk for information and tickets.

Wicked will mark its 15^th anniversary at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on Tuesday 28 September 2021.

Wicked UK Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: 

“As we work towards the much-anticipated return of Wicked to the Apollo Victoria Theatre, where we resume performances on 15 September, we’re pleased to welcome back so many of the cast – led by the fantastic Laura Pick as Elphaba – whose time with the show was curtailed by the shutdown of the theatre industry in March 2020, and grateful that they all agreed to extend their contracts until 30 January 2022. We then look forward to welcoming many new cast members at the beginning of February next year as part of our continuing journey towards widening access to the show, platforming diverse talent and establishing a more inclusive and respectful workplace. We are also very pleased to share the news of the appointment of Christina Alexander as Wicked’s Global Director of Social Responsibility, who will be guiding us as we continue to listen and learn.”

Sophie Evans (Glinda) said:

“Playing Glinda in the West End for two years was a dream come true and I am overjoyed to be given the opportunity to play this iconic role again. To be able join all of the returning cast bringing this incredible show back to London is an absolute thrill for me.”

Sophie Evans (Glinda) returns to the London production having previously played ‘Glinda’ to huge acclaim in 2017-19. Born in Tonypandy in the Rhondda Valleys, Sophie was a finalist in the BBC’s Over The Rainbow and subsequently made her West End debut, aged 17, as the Alternate ‘Dorothy’ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium in 2011 (from February-September 2012 she played the role of ‘Dorothy’ full-time). During this time, Sophie featured in Dare To Dream: The Sophie Evans Journey, for ITV Wales,documenting her incredible journey from Over The Rainbow to her debut at the London Palladium. She went on to play ‘Erin The Goddess’ in Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance in London, on Broadway and on North American Tour, culminating in an engagement at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. She has appeared extensively in concert around the world, most recently in The Best of the West End at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Earlier this year she released the album ‘Chasing Rainbow’s, Finding Judy’ together with Lauren Samuels (her friend and fellow contestant on Over The Rainbow). She trained at ArtsEd.

Wicked has music and lyrics by the legendary composer Stephen Schwartz (whose enduringly popular musical Godspell is currently celebrating its 50^th Anniversary) and is written by Winnie Holzman, creator of the landmark American television series My So-Called Life. It is based on Gregory Maguire’s multi-million-copy bestseller, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Already the 9^th longest-running West End musical of all time, “the wildly popular revisionist spin on The Wizard of Oz” (Evening Standard)has been seen by over 10 million people in London alone and played almost 6000 performances. The iconic musical is the winner of over 100 major international awards, including three Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy Award and ten theatregoer voted WhatsOnStage Awards (including three for ‘Best West End Show’).

Wicked has music and lyrics by multi-Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, The Prince of Egypt; Disney’s Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Enchanted) and is based on the novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire and written by Winnie Holzman. Musical staging is by Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento with direction by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK) Michael McCabe.

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire is published in the UK by Headline (the book is recommended for readers aged 16+). Wicked: The Grimmerie, a behind-the-scenes look at the musical by David Cote, is published in the UK by Hyperion.

The Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London SW1V 1LG

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Twitter: @WickedUK  |  Facebook: /WickedUK  |  Instagram: @WickedUK

Audience Protocols

The Apollo Victoria Theatre, owned and operated by the Ambassador Theatre Group, will maintain stringent public health and COVID-secure audience protocols throughout the venue.

On arrival, as well as showing an eTicket, audience members over 18 will be required to show an

NHS COVID Pass* detailing either Full Vaccination, a Negative PCR/LF test OR Natural Immunity.

The venue will also be operating cashless payments, in-seat ordering and enhanced

cleaning, with Hand Sanitiser stations also available for public use.

All theatre staff will be wearing face coverings and it will be expected that audiences wear face

coverings when entering and moving around the venue and while seated.

For full information, please visit www.atgtickets.com/help/health-and-safety/

*Or equivalent documentation issued in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or Non-UK.