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THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME IS BACK!

The Bristol Hippodrome will officially re-open with the world premiere production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on Wednesday the 25th of August 2021 after 17 months of closure due to Covid-19.

The Bristol Hippodrome is delighted to announce it is now time to light the lights and re-lift the curtain, Bristol’s West End theatre is back.

We will reopen with the world premiere, yes that’s correct, the world premiere production of Disney’s beloved ‘tale as old as time’ Beauty and the Beast. Spectacularly reimagined using the latest theatrical innovations, The Bristol Hippodrome couldn’t have asked for a better performance to invite audiences back to ‘Be Our Guest’.

Ben Phillips, The Bristol Hippodromes Theatre Director says “Finally the time has come for us to re-emerge from quite a dark period for us all. I am so thrilled that once again my fabulous team will be able to welcome our valued customers back to our fantastic venue in the heart of this amazing city to enjoy world-class entertainment once again. To be hosting the world premiere of Beauty and the Beast for Disney is a huge endorsement of just how highly regarded we are as a regional venue with an amazing team, I am so proud.”

Marvin Rees, Bristol’s elected Mayor says “ I am delighted that audiences will finally be able to return to The Bristol Hippodrome from the 25th August. Like many businesses, they’ve faced incredible challenges over the last year and a half but now, finally, the show will go on.”

Kathryn Davis, Director of Tourism, Visit West says “We’re thrilled to welcome The Bristol Hippodrome back, and with a world premiere as an opening production, the reopening is even more special. The Bristol Hippodrome is a vital part of Bristol’s visitor economy and this is an exciting start of an incredible calendar of events.”

An incredible re-opening season

The Bristol theatre is known and loved for hosting a wide range of high-quality productions from musicals and drama to opera and dance, and this reopening season certainly doesn’t disappoint. The reopening season will include a thrilling new version of Grease, the joyous and award-winning musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Dolly Parton’s rip-roaring musical 9 to 5, the funny, fabulous and feel good Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the high octane, black comedy rock musical Heathers the Musical, and the Christmas family pantomime brought to life with an abundance of jaw-dropping dance, side-splitting comedy, sensational special effects and plenty of festive magic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring Lesley Joseph, Rob Rinder and Bristol favourite Andy Ford.

For a full calendar of shows and events, please visit https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome/

Staying Safe

As a See It Safely approved venue, audiences can feel reassured knowing The Bristol Hippodrome will always follow the latest government advice. Given the recent announcements regarding Step 4 of the roadmap, The Bristol Hippodrome will be opening to full capacity, audiences will not be socially distanced. However, audiences will be strongly encouraged to wear face masks when visiting the theatre. Staff will continue to wear masks and visors around the venue and if not fully vaccinated will be taking lateral-flow or PCR tests on a regular basis. Sanitising stations throughout the venue, optimised ventilation and enhanced cleaning will continue. The Bristol Hippodrome has become a cashless venue and now operates a contactless ticketing system with e-tickets being issued to customers within two weeks of their selected performance. These simple changes allow the theatre to increase safety and hygiene as well as improve the overall booking experience. Visitors can also book with complete confidence knowing that if there are any further suspensions, tickets will remain fully valid for further exchanges or refunds

Tandemworks and New Art Club Present

Cupid’s Revenge

New Art Club dance out the big issues from evolution, through Kerplunk, to LOVE…as they return to UK stages with their first original work since 2016

National Tour begins 9^th September (full tour dates below)

“Physical comedy with brains, I laughed ‘til my face hurt” 

The Observer on Feel About Your Body

After several years of winning acclaim in the comedy world for their humour-infused shows, New Art Club’s Tom Roden and Pete Shenton are reaffirming their commitment to dance and physical theatre in their new work Cupid’s Revenge.

Created before lockdown and now ready to tour as we begin to return to theatres, Cupid’s Revenge is a 60-minute physical poem that plants Love ♥ under the microscope of the 21st century. Performed on a set designed by Will Holt, centred around a 2-metre love heart that has crashed to earth, Cupid’s Revenge uses rhythmic repetition and spoken text to spotlight love’s idiosyncrasies and commonalities.

As New Art Club, Pete and Tom started making shows together in Manchester in 1998 and have been presenting ground-breaking performances together nationally and internationally ever since, drawing a broad spectrum of audiences for their genre-defying shows. Cupid’s Revenge signifies a fresh direction for the pair as they refocus on their roots and training in choreography.

Sometimes funny, sometimes heart-breaking, Cupid’s Revenge counterbalances seriousness with absurdity. Gareth Williams’ original score provides an anchor for the movement, which when combined invites audiences to be swept up into the beat and pace of the work. In their own words “Cupid’s Revenge is a joyful dancing outburst against the forces that masquerade as love. A look at love in the context of now, both big and small, where it really is and what it really means”.   

Cupid’s Revenge ispartially inspired by the myth of Cupid and Psyche – a tale in which Psyche is a princess so beautiful that the goddess Venus becomes jealous. In revenge, she instructs her son Cupid to make her fall in love with a hideous monster; but instead, he falls in love with her himself. 

In true New Art Club style, the performance sees dance, physical theatre, and comedy combine to capture the audience’s imaginations, moving effortlessly from silliness through to punching us in the gut with heartfelt, sometimes painful truths. Cupid’s Revenge touches on big ideas from evolution right through to Kerplunk and makes the fleeting act of holding hands the most perfect gesture of love.

Pete Shenton is a Senior Lecturer Dance and Performing Arts at De Montfort University and has worked as a dancer in Europe with companies such as ContreCour and Teater Tango and in the UK with Vincent Dance Theatre and Motionhouse. In recent years Pete has directed The Three Graces for Laurie Lorry Theatre Company created commissions for Dance Umbrella, Home Ale, Probe, Fan Club and Scottish Dance Theatre. He was commissioned by Dance 4 to create a version of Thomas Lehmann’s Schreibstuck, appeared on TV in Tim Supple’s film Twelfth Night and performed and movement directed for theatre company Metro Boulot Dodo. 

As a solo artist Tom Roden has worked as a movement director at the world’s leading Opera Houses including Glyndebourne and the Royal Opera House. He has choreographed and directed dance and theatre shows with companies such as Scottish Dance Theatre, The Royal Exchange, Reckless Sleepers, Probe, Viv Gordon, Stuart Waters and most recently Candoco Dance Company. He continues to mentor artists and regularly guest lectures at the UK’s leading dance training establishments. He is also the co-director of Anatomical with award winning dancer Anna Williams.

“THE PRINCE OF EGYPT” TO REVERT TO

FULL CAPACITY AUDIENCES FROM 23 JULY

THE HIT WEST END MUSICAL WILL CONTINUE OPERATING

WITH STRINGENT HYGIENE AND COVID-SECURE PROTOCOLS

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, the “huge popular hit” (LBC) based on the classic DreamWorks Animation film, will begin reverting to full capacity audiences from Friday 23 July 2021 onwards. Following the current temporary suspension of performances due to Government Track and Trace legislation, the production will play three socially distanced performances on Wednesday 21 July at 7.30pm and Thursday 22 July at 2.30pm and 7.30pm before gradually reverting to full capacity. The production will continue to maintain its stringent hygiene and COVID-secure audience protocols throughout the venue (including timed arrivals, increased airflow and the expected and recommended wearing of face coverings). The production was previously due to continue socially distanced audiences until 4 September 2021.

In a joint statement, producers DreamWorks Theatricals, Michael McCabe and Neil Laidlaw said: “In adherence of the latest UK Government advice and concurrently with all other West End theatres, we will now begin reverting to full capacity audiences. In order to maintain the maximum safety and comfort of our audiences, and to best protect the Dominion Theatre’s fantastic frontline staff, we will be maintaining stringent hygiene protocols and COVID-secure measures throughout the venue, including timed arrivals and increased airflow. The wearing of face coverings by audiences will be expected and recommended, unless medically exempt. All staff interacting with the public will be wearing face coverings. In the meantime, we’d like to thank our incredible audiences who have so effusively welcomed The Prince of Egypt back to the West End and for all the messages received by the Dominion Theatre praising the exemplary safety protocols already in operation.” 

“Brought to life in truly epic fashion” (Daily Mirror), the Grammy® Award nominated musicalis now booking for all performances from Wednesday 21 July 2021 until Saturday 8 January 2022.The Dominion Theatre Box Office opens on performance days at 12 noon. Venue safety protocols and audience procedures can be viewed here: www.nederlander.co.uk/safety and tickets for all performances are available via the official website: www.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com

The “utterly stand-out cast” (WhatsOnStage) of 46 currently features Luke Brady (Moses), Liam Tamne (Ramses), Christine Allado (Tzipporah), Alexia Khadime (Miriam), Joe Dixon (Seti), Debbie Kurup (Tuya), Clive Rowe* (Jethro), Mercedesz Csampai (Yocheved), Adam Pearce (Hotep), Tanisha Spring** (Nefertari), Silas Wyatt-Barke (Aaron), Simbi Akande, Casey Al-Shaqsy, Joe Atkinson, Danny Becker, Felipe Bejarano, Pàje Campbell, Catherine Cornwall, Adam Filipe, Soophia Foroughi, Natalie Green, Jack Harrison-Cooper, Kalene Jeans, Christian Knight, Jessica Lee, Oliver Lidert, Daniel Luiz, Jay Marsh, Scott Maurice, Carly Miles, Alice Readie, Samuel Sarpong-Broni, Christopher Short, Molly Smith, Ricardo Walker, Danny Williams, Niko Wirachman and Sasha Woodward together with young performers Cian Eagle-Service, Maiya Eastmond, Jersey Blu Georgia, Taylor Jenkins, Mia Lakha, George Menezes Cutts, Iman Pabani and Vishal Soni. *Clive Rowe appears until 16 Oct 2021 / **Tanisha Spring appears until 18 Sept 2021

The orchestra is Dave Rose (Musical Director); Mark Collins (Associate Musical Director, Keyboards); Nina Foster/Fiona McCapra (job share), Sonya Fairbairn, Penny Ainscow, Sebastian Rudnicki (Violins); Fiona Davies (Viola); Magda Pietraszewska (Cello); Rory Dempsey (Bass); Rupert Widdows (Woodwind); Tony Cross (Trumpet, Flugelhorn); Duncan Fuller, David McQueen (Horns); John Gregson (Guitars); Murdoch MacDonald (Percussion) and Dan Ellis (Drums).

The Stage Management team is Anthony Field (Company Stage Manager); Dominique Pierre-Louis (Stage Manager); Ryan Quelch (Deputy Stage Manager); Nuri Chang, Charlotte Johnson (Assistant Stage Managers/Book Cover); Simon Humphris, Chrissie Huxford and Tracey Farrell (Assistant Stage Managers), who, together with a further 84 backstage staff, complete the production’s huge cast, orchestra and company of 154.

“This lavish stage adaptation” (The Guardian) of the classic DreamWorks Animation film features a cast and orchestra of more than 60 artists and Stephen Schwartz’s acclaimed score includes his Academy Award®-winning song When You Believe, which was a global hit for Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, and the “spine-tingling” (Time Out) Deliver Us. The Original Cast Recording, released by Ghostlight Records, received a 2021 Grammy® Award nomination for `Best Musical Theatre Album’.

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

The Prince of Egypt has music and lyrics by multi-Grammy® and Academy Award®-winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), a book by Philip LaZebnik (Mulan, Pocahontas) and features 10 new songs written by Stephen Schwartz together with 5 of his beloved songs from the DreamWorks Animation film (When You Believe, Deliver Us, All I Ever Wanted, Through Heaven’s Eyes and The Plagues).

The Prince of Egypt is directed by Scott Schwartz with choreography by Sean Cheesman;set designs by Kevin Depinet; costume designs by Ann Hould-Ward; lighting design by Mike Billings; sound design by Gareth Owen; projection designs by Jon Driscoll; illusions by Chris Fisher; wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates; orchestrations by August Eriksmoen; musical supervision and arrangements by Dominick Amendum; musical direction by Dave Rose; casting by Jim Arnold CDG and children’s casting by Verity Naughton CDG.

The Prince of Egypt is produced by DreamWorks Theatricals (a division of Universal Theatrical Group), Michael McCabe and Neil Laidlaw together with John Gore, Tom Smedes and Peter Stern, Ramin Sabi, The Araca Group, James L. Nederlander and Michael Park.

A milestone in cinematic achievement, the classic DreamWorks Animation film has been captivating audiences across the world for more than two decades. It has been hailed as “one of the greatest animated films of all time” (Evening Standard) and “a stunning film” (The Guardian).

Tour dates announced for acclaimed children’s author Simon Mole’s 

 I Love My Bike family events 

There’s a flame on the frame
and I love how it feels
from my head to my heels
when my feet push the pedals
and the pedals turn the wheels.
I love my bike. 

Nobody forgets the thrill of riding a bike for the first time, even if it can feel like an uphill battle to begin with. Join acclaimed children’s author Simon Mole to celebrate that excitement, or start the quest towards it, at this series of family events marking the publication of his picture book, I Love My Bike, which is illustrated by award winning artistSam Usher. 

I Love My Bike is about a daughter learning to ride a bike with the help of her father. It’s also about that exhilarating feeling you get when you succeed at something for the first time as a child. And, most importantly, it’s about learning that when you fall off, the best thing to do is get back on again!  

Perfect for 4-7 year olds, these 45-minute family events begin with Simon performing I Love My Bike, followed by some fun (and quite silly) games during which children are supported to ‘build’ their own bike poem with him. They can spin the word wheel and take part in the pedal power challenge to unlock their creative powers! For little word wizards who don’t need stabilisers, Simon can shift gears quickly to introduce some mega metaphors and super similes. All participants will also have the opportunity to attend a FREE follow-up poetry workshop online. 

Simon Mole, who is excited to be bringing these fun creative events into the heart of communities, said: “I love reading with my kids, so hearing about other families enjoying a book that I’ve written is absolutely amazing. These events are a great way to bring books to life and to have fun playing with words. I can’t wait to take this tour out on the road!” 

The I Love My Bike tour will visit Norden Farm, Maidenhead (24 July 11.30am, 14 August 11.30am), Discover Story Centre, Stratford, London (27 July 1pm), Deptford Lounge, London followed by a bike lesson with a Cycle Instructor (28 July 10am) and Herts Libraries (2 August 10am Oakmere Library followed by a session with Bikeability and 2pm Hoddesdon Library).  

For more information and to book tickets, contact tour venues directly or visit Simon’s website: http://www.simonmole.com/projects/i-love-my-bike/. 

Simon Mole is an acclaimed children’s poet (and sleep deprived dad) who has shared stages with Michael Rosen, Kae Tempest and John Hegley. His first picture book Kites was published in 2019, and his second book I Love My Bike was published in June 2021. Simon is a National Poetry Day Ambassador with over ten years’ experience using rap and poetry in community and education settings including projects with Great Ormond Street Hospital and Arsenal Football Club. The tutorial videos at his YouTube channel are used by hundreds of thousands of children and teachers across the world each year, and have been featured on BBC Bitesize.  Simon is also one half of kids comedy rap duo Mole & Gecko (you can probably guess which half).  

Write a poem with Simon in just ten minutes right now: www.youtube.com/simonmole  

Sign up for Simon Mole’s live monthly online poetry workshops at www.youtube.com/simonmole    

I Love My Bike is written by Simon Mole, illustrated by Sam Usher and published by Frances Lincoln (Quarto) 2021. It is available from book shops and online retailers – find out more. 

LISTINGS 

Event: I Love My Bike 

Running Time: 45 minutes  

Category: Poetry, Children’s, Family, Books 

For ages: 4-7 years  

24 July | 11.30AM | Norden Farm, Maidenhead SL6 4PF | Book HERE 

27 July | 1PM | Discover Story Centre, Stratford, London E15 4QZ | Book HERE 

28 July | 10AM | Deptford Lounge, London SE8 4AG followed by a bike lesson with Cycling Instructor (https://www.cyclinginstructor.com/) | Free to attend, Book HERE 

2 Aug | 10.30AM Oakmere Library | 2PM Hoddesdon Library | Herts Libraries | Tickets £5 Book HERE 

14 Aug | 11.30AM | Norden Farm, Maidenhead SL6 4PF | Book HERE 

Tilted Wig, Malvern Theatres and Churchill Theatre Bromley
UK tour announced for thrilling new adaptation
of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Thursday 30th September – Saturday 4th December 2021

Stars of the stage and screen, Wendi Peters (Big! The Musical; Coronation Street) and Bill Ward (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie; Emmerdale), will lead a thrilling new production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Washington Irving’s classic tale has been adapted by acclaimed playwright Philip Meeks (Murder, Margaret and Me; Harpy), unleashing one of the most terrifying monsters from the horror canon on stage – the Headless Horseman. The ghoulish and edge-of-the-seat experience will tour theatres across the UK later this year.

With Hallowmas fast approaching, Sleepy Hollow simmers with anticipation. Arriving as the new teacher, Ichabod Crane finds himself embroiled in the secrets and unsettling traditions of the locals. However, all is not as it seems. When disturbing events overwhelm the small town, he finds himself swept up in a dangerous mystery which leaves him doubting his own sanity.

Transforming the American Dream into the American Gothic, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow unleashes terror on the stage, in a heart-pounding visual masterpiece directed by Jake Smith (The Hound of the Baskervilles; A Christmas Carol; I’m Gonna Pray For You So Hard), with jawdropping illusions by Filipe J. Carvalho (Back To The Future The Musical; Secret Cinema presents Stranger Things). Tilted Wig is excited to return to stages across the UK with their incredible new touring production. This haunting premiere revitalises a classic text for a new audience.

Director Jake Smith comments, Sleepy Hollow is undoubtedly one of the greatest horror
stories ever written and a tour de force to stage. This production has at its heart the power of nomadic storytelling and gathering around the campfire for a good ghost story. It is an important story for now as we look at conversations around the identity of nations, communities and humankind throughout the world.

This production has allowed an incredible ensemble of actors to viscerally and inventively bring the Hollow to life. It is a piece that shines on our actors’ athleticism, which is really exciting as we look to theatre returning. We look forward to transporting the audience through a quest of logic and illusion, creating fear and defying expectation.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA begins performances at the newly refurbished Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End on 27 July.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA stars double Olivier Award nominee Killian Donnelly as ‘The Phantom’, Lucy St Louis as ‘Christine Daaé’ and Rhys Whitfield as ‘Raoul’.

The cast also includes Saori Oda as ‘Carlotta Giudicelli’, Matt Harrop as ‘Monsieur Firmin’, Adam Linstead as ‘Monsieur André’, Greg Castiglioni as ‘Ubaldo Piangi’, Francesca Ellis as ‘Madame Giry’ and Ellie Young as Meg Giry. At certain performances the role of ‘Christine Daaé’ will be played by Holly-Anne Hull.

They are joined by Leeroy Boone, Corina Clark, Edward Court, Lily De-La-Haye, Hywel Dowsell, Jemal Felix, Erin Flaherty, James Gant, Eilish Harmon-Beglan, Emma Harris, Yukina Hasebe, Olivia Holland-Rose, Grace Hume, James Hume, Donald Craig Manuel, Jonathan Milton, Janet Mooney, Tim Morgan, Beatrice Penny-Toure, Michael Robert-Lowe, Nikki Skinner, Tim Southgate, Ashley Stillburn, Manon Taris, Anouk Van Laake, Skye Weiss, Simon Whitaker and Karen Wilkinson

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket, SW1Y 4QL

Dates: Now booking to 13 February 2022

Prices: Tickets from £22.50 – No booking fee applies

Box Office: 020 7087 7762

Website: thephantomoftheopera.com

Social Media: facebook.com/thephantomoftheopera

twitter.com/phantomopera

instagram.com/phantomopera/

#PhantomLondon

“COMEDIAN AND ACTOR RUFUS HOUND MAKES HIS PANTOMIME DEBUT THIS CHRISTMAS!”

Producers at RED Entertainment in association with Prime Pantomimes & the New Theatre, Peterborough have announced the first two stars in who form an outstanding line-up for this year’s high flying pantomime adventure, Aladdin.

Making his pantomime debut this Christmas Aladdin stars comedian and actor Rufus Hound and direct from London’s West End Joaquin Pedro Valdes.

In his first panto role, Rufus Hound will headline as the evil Abanazar and will be joined by Joaquin Pedro Valdes currently appearing in Heathers as our hero Aladdin, with further star casting to be announced this Christmas treat is not to be missed.

“I believe pantomime to be the cornerstone of British theatre and the highlight of many families Christmas celebrations. So, as theatre emerges from it’s COVID cocoon, I’m thrilled to be terrorising the people of Peterborough this Christmas as the evil Abanazar. Finally a chance to show people that Abanazar is the real hero of this story, and not that simpering wimp Aladdin. Now, where’s MY lamp?” Rufus Hound

Join Aladdin on a magic carpet ride to Old Peking as Red Entertainment in association with Prime Pantomimes welcomes you to their most lavish and hilarious pantomime ever!

With sparkling scenery, spectacular special effects, dazzling dance routines, cracking costumes and a laugh-out-loud script, Aladdin has something for everyone.  So be whisked away on a magic carpet to the of make-believe!

Aladdin is sure to be an unforgettable pantomime experience for the whole family.

Producers at RED Entertainment in association with Prime Pantomimes have designed a show for the young and the young at heart!

Featuring sparkling costumes, glitzy scenery, spectacular special effects, live music, dazzling dance routines and not forgetting a laugh-out-loud script, that ends as all great fairy tales do…. happily, ever after! All the ingredients you need for an enchanting pantomime adventure. 

New Theatre, Peterborough is set to expect a captivating journey on a magic carpet with a new production of Aladdin, from 15^th December to 30^th December.

Richie Ross at New Theatre Peterborough said “The New Theatre, Peterborough, is very excited to be working with Red Entertainment to bring back Pantomime for 2021. We cannot wait to deliver the locally focused and fun panto that we all missed and longed for last year. and this year’s Aladdin promises to be a blockbusting spectacle.”

This December creatives at RED Entertainment, who share decades of experience in the pantomime industry, are working together to create a fun-filled traditional and enchanting pantomime adventure. 

Matt Brinkler, the Executive Producer for RED Entertainment, said: “This year in Peterborough we wanted to provide something that everybody in the city and beyond can relate to. A pantomime that will make everyone laugh, songs that leave you humming them and an all-star cast that have never been seen in panto before. We can’t wait to share this with Peterborough. It is for everyone that wants a great Christmas night out”

The classic tale of good versus evil and at New Theatre, Peterborough, wishes do come true!

Further Star Casting To Be Announced.

SIX –The Musical Cancelled At Hull New Theatre

Hull New Theatre is sorry to announce that this week’s performances of SIX -The Musical, scheduled to take place from Tuesday 20 – Sunday 25, July, 2021 have been cancelled due to a member of the company testing positive for Covid-19.

The promoters of the show said: “We are disappointed to have to announce that members of the Touring Company of SIX have tested positive for Covid. Consequently the rest of the Company are having to self-isolate as a result of close contact.

“We are left with no option, in order to follow government guidelines, other than to have to cancel all performances of SIX at the Hull New Theatre this week. We are working closely with the theatre to arrange a new date for the show in the future.

“All ticketholders will be contacted directly by the venue as soon as possible, so please bear with us. Do not try to contact the venue at this time, your tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates.”

Pianist Dominic Ferris will perform in  

the Tubular Bells 50th anniversary concert at the Royal Festival Hall this August  

The internationally acclaimed pianist Dominic Ferris is thrilled to be performing in Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells at the Royal Festival Hall from 7 – 15 August 2021. 

The spectacle marks the 50th anniversary of Tubular Bells, the debut studio album by English multi-instrumentalist, composer and songwriter Mike Oldfield. Oldfield, who was just 17 years old when he started composing the music, recorded and played almost all of the instruments on the album. Conceived in 1971 and finally released in 1973, it gained worldwide acclaim when the opening theme was used for the soundtrack of the horror film The Exorcist. Tubular Bells is a progressive journey through classical, jazz, folk, prog rock and electronica.  

Ten performers from Circa Contemporary Circus will also present Oldfield’s work in its physical form, their heart-stopping acrobatics intricately woven together to reflect the music. The performance is directed by Yaron Lifschitz. The musical director, Robin Smith, has collaborated with Mike Oldfield over three decades including memorable performances of Tubular Bellsat Edinburgh Castle in 1992 and at the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony. Mike Oldfield is not performing at this event. 

Dominic Ferris said: “I am delighted to have been asked to take part in this anniversary production of Tubular Bells; many people will be familiar with the famous opening piano sequence, but having explored the work further in preparation for the event next month, I’ve discovered parts of the score I never knew existed. These performances will be made extra special by the visual interpretation of Circa Contemporary Circus. I’m also looking forward to being on stage again with the very talented Robin Smith, who will be conducting the performance. Robin and I have worked together on the Elvis Presley: Live On Screen tours since 2015 and so this is a lovely opportunity to reunite on a new production, giving audiences the chance to experience live music after what has been a very testing time for our industry.” 

Dominic Ferris studied at the Royal College of Music. Now an internationally acclaimed pianist and Steinway Artist, Dominic is one half of the critically acclaimed piano duo The Piano Brothers. Endorsed by Steinway & Sons, this cutting-edge live act has created their own arrangements for two pianos, leading to an album collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra and a performance on Friday Night Is Music Nightfor BBC Radio 2 with the BBC Concert Orchestra. Dominic is also one half of West End musical theatre duo Ferris & Milnes (with Martin Milnes) who have become renowned for their quickfire mashup medleys including 33 Sondheim Numbers In 5 Minutes, which they premiered in Stephen Sondheim’s 85th Birthday Gala at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Last year, Dominic collaborated with Martin Milnes and BBC Radio 2 producer Anthony Cherry to produce We’ll Meet Again 2020 – featuring the late Dame Vera Lynn and stars of the West End including Alfie Boe, Maria Friedman and Sharon D Clarke – as a morale-boosting music video in honour of the theatre industry.  

http://www.dominicferris.com 

https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/performance-dance/tubular-bells-live-concert

THE BROWNING VERSION 

BY TERENCE RATTIGAN

RIVERSIDE STUDIOS

Branagh-Theatre.com

Facebook.com/BranaghTheatre

@BranaghTheatre

PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE KENNETH BRANAGH THEATRE COMPANY AND FIERY ANGEL

Due to an increasing number of Covid-enforced absences, the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company /  Fiery Angel Production of The Browning Version at Riverside Studios has had to be cancelled. 

Despite all company members observing strict Covid protocols, multiple company members have been robbed of more than two thirds of the limited rehearsal time. Some isolating, some actually unwell. 

The first run through was conducted with only four of the seven cast members able or allowed to perform. With a short run impossible to extend due to limited cast availability, delay is impractical. Therefore the very difficult decision to cancel has been made.

We have been so grateful for the public support for this production, and we are very sorry to have to make this decision. If you booked directly with Riverside Studios you will be automatically refunded. The box office team will begin processing refunds first thing in the morning. If you booked via a ticket agent or third party they will contact you to arrange a refund.

RADA, for whom the production was dedicated to raising funds, will receive instead a donation from the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company. 

We are deeply disappointed by this outcome, and hope very much to return to the magnificent Riverside Studios, and its loyal audiences, when circumstances allow.