Thomas Hopkins in association with Debbie Chazen and Guy Chapman Barbra Streisand and Joan Rivers reunite in brand new comedy The Funny Girls Friday 17th – Friday 24th September 2021 Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, London SW19 1QG
Bringing together two legendary talents in a brand new, ‘what if’ comedy, The Funny Girls explores the fantastical clash of ego and dreams between two young starlets: Barbara Streisand and Joan Rivers. Written by playwright Roy Smiles (Kurt and Sid; Ying Tong) this fictional reunion spawns from the pair’s infamous gig before their time in the spotlight, finding companionship in a short-lived off-off-off Broadway production.
Stepping into the shoes of the world-renowned superstars will be Mia Tomlinson (The Beast Must Die, Britbox; The Lost Pirate Kingdom, Netflix) as Joan Rivers, and Rosanna Harris(Grease, UK tour) as Barbra Streisand. The production will be directed by Michael Strassen (Falling Stars; Assassins; Billy).
Two rising stars with big dreams, The Funny Girls follows the trials and errors of paving a way to success in bygone America and knowing when to seize your moment. From a dingy box theatre and questionable script to the bright lights of Vegas and TV stardom, both women vanquish their previous shortcomings to come out on top. But both cannot be the most talented Jewish woman on the planet.
Two rising stars with big dreams, The Funny Girls follows the trials and errors of paving a way to success in bygone America and knowing when to seize your moment. From a dingy box theatre and questionable script to the bright lights of Vegas and TV stardom, both women vanquish their previous shortcomings to come out on top. But both cannot be the most talented Jewish woman on the planet.
Producer Thomas Hopkins comments, Having produced Kurt and Sid with Danny Dyer and Shaun Evans in 2009 at Trafalgar Studios, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to share Roy Smiles’ new comedy in collaboration with the Ambassador Theatre Group and New Wimbledon Theatre for their special season for new writing. The team and I couldn’t be more excited to showcase the phenomenal talents of Mia Tomlinson and Rosanna Harris in this hilarious new production.
The Funny Girls is created in collaboration with Ambassador Theatre Group’s Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre as part of their exciting new Premieres Season, celebrating new writing. The production will also tour later in the year, with further details to be announced
SOLT & UK Theatre Chief Executive Julian Bird has released the following statement regarding the need for an alternative to self-isolation, following news that the Government is extending restrictions around Covid contacts in England until 16 August:
‘Without an alternative to automatic self-isolation for casts and crew that come into contact with a positive case, more theatre and shows will be forced to close in England just as they are allowed to open in full.
‘Given the strictly controlled working environment under which theatres are already operating, we need a testing regime to replace the current system as soon as possible and certainly no later than 19 July.’
Ayckbourn fits London Classic Theatre like a glove. His unusual perspectives on ordinary lives does not disappoint in Absurd Person Singular. Ayckbourn’s study of class and social mobility often forms the frame of his work. In this piece, instead of focusing on the centre point of the home, his scenes are played out in the kitchen. You glimpse into the characters private lives, away from the public eye.
The classic 70’s humour, fashion and social attitudes are laid bare, offering you golden nuggets of humour and human vulnerability. We never meet the life and soul of the Christmas gatherings, The Potter’s. They are the stooges that keep the party in the other room going. Whilst in the kitchen, we have 3 couples, moving up and down the social ladder, as each year their fate or fortune impacts on their status. Felicity Houlbrooke (Jane Hopcroft) plays a sensitive, kind-hearted soul, completely OCD with manic energy, that allows her to not see what is right in front of her, with great comic effect. Houlbrooke strikes a balance without going over the top. Helen Keeley (Eva Jackson) delivers her lines with a dead pan face that makes the audience laugh out load. Keeley skilfully presents the tragedy in the comedy. The cast are clearly as familiar as family, producing a smooth performance.
The artistic team captured the era perfectly, in costume and set – there is no mistaking that wallpaper for any other time! After 60 years of prolific writing, Ayckbourn continues to entertain
What do you do when you want the pretty girl at school to notice you? Well, taking a drug that implants a computer into your brain is probably not the best idea you could have.
Be More Chill tells the story of Jeremy (Scott Folan), a High School geek who wants to be liked by classmate Christine (Miracle Chance). Despite signing up for the school play, Jeremy realises he needs something else to help him get the girl and takes advice from Rich (James Hameed) and gets a SQUIP, a computer that goes into your brain and improves your life. However, Jeremy soon discovers the downside to the SQUIP and with the help of best friend Michael (Blake Patrick Anderson) saves himself and his classmates.
With impressive costumes, especially during the Halloween party scene, it is easy to see why this show had become a fan favorite prior to closing due to the pandemic, however, the band need to play at a lower volume or the cast need to sing louder as lyrics were lost due to the instruments drowning out the singing.
The cast work well together but the true star of the show is Anderson in the role of the best friend who helps save the world from the SQUIP.
With laughs throughout this show is perfect for anyone from teenagers upwards who have felt they never really fit into society.
DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS’ FROZEN,THE LION KING, ALADDIN, MARY POPPINS,
AND NEW FOR 2021 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST TAKE CENTRE STAGE WITH SUMMER POP-UP EXPERIENCE IN
LONDON’S COVENT GARDEN
From 22 July to 30 August, in the heart of London’s West End and bigger than ever before, there will be a Disney on Stage Summer Pop-Up Experience celebrating the wealth of Disney titles produced for the stage. The free-to-access Pop-Up, open to fans of all ages, features Disney shows such as Frozen, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin.
Located in the historic Carriage Hall on Floral Street, this is the third time that Disney Theatrical Productions, working with Covent Garden, will create a unique space that is a celebration of the very best of Disney in the West End, across the UK and on Broadway.
Visitors will go on an enchanting journey through some of Disney’s most iconic worlds, with new things to see and explore with every step. First, visitors will travel to early-1900s London with Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins and witness the delights of Mrs Corry’s Sweet Shop, where they can enjoy some craft activities and discover how to spell the longest word they’ve ever heard. Guests will experience the magic carpet ride of Aladdin’s Cave of Wonders, with the chance to pose with the Genie’s Lamp and travel back to a retro era with classic Aladdin arcade games – although there is no magic lamp to be won here! The tale as old as time continues with Beauty and the Beast, featuring the legendary enchanted rose.
Visitors will have the opportunity to view iconic masks, puppets and costumes from the Tony® Award-winning The Lion King, getting a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the stunning stagecraft of this much loved production, now in its 22nd year in London. It’s time to open up the gates on the long-awaited West End premiere of Frozen, where visitors will have the chance to experience the chilly heights of Elsa’s ice palace, and the majestic delights of Arendelle Castle. For a limited time only, there will be the opportunity to see Elsa’s stunning Ice Dress up-close and marvel at this iconic gown, soon to be worn on stage.
Fiona Pearce, Marketing Director at Disney Theatrical Productions said today, “This year, more than ever, it felt important to bring the joy of Disney’s stage shows back where they belong in the West End, spotlighting each in our first ever walk-through experience. Free for everyone, this Pop-Up for all ages, is a much-needed dose of fun where guests can enjoy the craft and beauty of our productions. Come, Be Our Guest.”
Catherine Riccomini, Director of Marketing and Communications, Capco Covent Garden, added, “Covent Garden is world famous as the heart of theatre land in London and we are delighted to once again be the home of the Disney on Stage Summer Pop-Up experience. We look forward to welcoming visitors, and invite them to stay and discover everything our open air pedestrianised district and indoor entertainment has to offer this Summer – from shopping, to dining, theatres, culture and more”
Those visiting the Disney on Stage Pop-Up are encouraged to stay and explore everything that Covent Garden has to offer – from a Summer Festival Terrace serving Spritzes, street food and daily live music, to ROH Unlocked, a partnership with the Royal Opera House delighting guests with surprise performances and workshops for all ages to enjoy. Visitors wanting to dine can enjoy global and independent restaurants, with indoor and outdoor dining available, as well as the very best fashion, beauty and lifestyle stores including Tiffany & Co., Ganni, A.P.C, American Vintage, Vashi, toys from Pollock’s, Apple and more.
Location: Carriage Hall, 29 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London
Dates: 22 July – 30 August
Times: Wed, Fri, Sat 12pm – 7pm, Thu 12pm – 8pm, Sun 12pm – 5pm, and Bank Holiday 30 August from 12pm – 7pm
10 to 4 Productions is delighted to announce new dates for the world premiere of Indecent Proposal; the new musicalwill now run at Southwark Playhouse from 22nd October – 27th November 2021.
After two postponements, the cast and crew are thrilled to get back to creating this ambitious and modern musical inspired by the Jack Engelhard novel (on which the iconic 1993 film was also based).
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Atlantic City. 1988: Jonny (Norman Bowman; 42nd Street Theatre Royal, Drury Lane; Eugenius! London Palladium; King Lear Royal Exchange Theatre) and Rebecca (casting to be announced) are very much in love and very much in debt. Jonny’s a struggling singer-songwriter who spends most of his time playing backup for Annie (Jacqui Dankworth; Into the Woods, original London cast, Phoenix Theatre; Les Liaisons Dangereuses, RSC and celebrated Jazz recording artist), a singer at the Oasis Casino Hotel Resort. Rebecca’s working two jobs as they struggle to make ends meet. But they’re happy and that’s enough. Or is it?
When wealthy stranger Larry Harris (Ako Mitchell; The Color Purple Leicester Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome; Caroline, or Change Chichester, Hampstead and West End; Guys and Dolls Manchester Royal Exchange) arrives in town and offers Rebecca a million dollars to spend a night with him, will the lure of money outweigh their promise of fidelity? Will Rebecca accept Larry’s indecent proposal? Will their marriage survive if she doesn’t? Will their marriage survive if she does?
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Inspired by the Jack Engelhard book which sparked a world-wide debate and was later adapted into the 1993 hit film, Indecent Proposal is a chamber musical that stays true to book’s setting of Atlantic City in the 1980s whilst reimagining the work through the lens of the current social and political climate, allowing audiences to consider what they would do in a similar situation, whilst they watch this couple grapple with the fallout from a stranger’s proposition.
Directed by Charlotte Westenra, book and lyrics by Michael Conley with music by Dylan Schlosberg – produced by Neil Marcus for 10 to 4 Productions; this musical brings a story to stage that, over 30 years after the book was published, is perhaps all the more painfully relevant today.
Speaking of the piece and its exploration of power, fidelity, gender politics and a woman’s sexual autonomy, director Charlotte Westenra says, ‘I am so excited to share this beautiful, important story that is of its time but also painfully relevant today. Like in the show, people with influence still use it to take more than we’re sometimes willing to give. The fact that it happens all the time doesn’t make it right, even if you agree to give it. We can’t wait for audiences to come and contribute to the conversation and ask themselves what they would do if they were to receive an indecent proposal’.
H A R R Y P O T T E R A N D T H E C U R S E D C H I L D
PARTS ONE AND TWO
TO RECOMMENCE ON 14 OCTOBER 2021
WWW.HARRYPOTTERONSTAGE.COM
Today (6 July 2021) the producers of Harry Potter and the CursedChild, Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions are delighted to confirm that the original two-part multi award-winning production will resume performances at the Palace Theatre in London on 14 October 2021. After over a year and a half of shutdown due to the pandemic, rehearsals for the West End production will begin this August.
Tickets for the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are currently available for performances at the Palace Theatre until 27 March 2022 and remain priced from £15 per part, and for every performance there are over 300 tickets at £20 or less per part.
Jamie Ballard, who is returning to the title role of Harry Potter, said on behalf of the entire Company: “We are all so excited to be coming back to the magical world of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and have utterly missed being at the beautiful Palace Theatre as a family doing what we love. There is nothing quite as special as being able to share that unique experience with our wonderful audiences. It will be an absolute joy for us to perform for them once again and to welcome them back to our very own Hogwarts!”
Producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender said: “Re-opening Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two in the West End and being part of the return of British Theatre makes us both happy and proud. To be back at the original home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – the mothership – with our incredibly talented and committed company and welcoming back our audiences after such a devastating and prolonged closure will be emotional and thrilling for all of us.
The world premiere of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in 2016 at London’s Palace Theatre was such an extraordinary, historic moment in British theatre and it was just the beginning of the most incredible and unexpected journey for our show. It’s an exceptional local and global success story and we are so grateful to everyone who has come along for the ride, particularly those who will see us re-open in October.
We would like to thank all of our audience members and ticket holders for the unwavering loyalty, passion and love they have poured into our show. This has helped keep our spirits going and our industry alive these past months. We are incredibly excited to bring the original, record-breaking, two-part play event back to London with this chapter promising to be just as astonishing as when we first opened – if not more so – as we will never again take for granted live theatre and the shared experience. It’s an absolute privilege and honour to say we’ll see you soon.”
19 years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world, they’re back on a most extraordinary new adventure – this time, joined by a brave new generation that has only just arrived at the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Prepare for spectacular spells, a mind-blowing race through time, and an epic battle to stop mysterious forces, all while the future hangs in the balance.
Joining Jamie Ballard as Harry Potter are Susie Trayling as Ginny Potter and Dominic Short who plays their son Albus Potter. Thomas Aldridge returns as Ron Weasley with Michelle Gayle as Hermione Granger and Phoenix Edwards as their daughter Rose Granger-Weasley. Also returning to play Draco Malfoy is James Howard with Luke Sumner as his son Scorpius Malfoy. Further casting will be announced at a later date.
The original production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, one play presented in two parts, is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The critically acclaimed production received its world premiere in July 2016 at the Palace Theatre in London. The most awarded new play in theatre history, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has won 24 major theatre awards in the UK and is the most awarded play in the history of the Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking nine awards including Best New Play. The production has also won 25 major US awards with six Tony Awards including Best Play.
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Childis a new play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany with movement by Steven Hoggett, set by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, music & arrangements by Imogen Heap, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Fry, illusions & magic by Jamie Harrison,music supervision & arrangements by Martin Lowe, and casting by Julia Horan CDG.
The regular performance schedule is now as follows – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday – no performance; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – 2pm Part One & 7pm Part Two; Sunday – 1pm Part One & 6pm Part Two.
Harry Potter and the CursedChild is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions.
In addition to the return of the original London production, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is currently playing at the Princess Theatre Melbourne. Performances plan to resume in November 2021 at the Lyric Theater, New York followed by productions at the Curran Theater, San Francisco in January 2022, the Mehr! Theatre, Hamburg in December 2021, the Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto in the summer of 2022 and the TBS Akasaka ACT Theater in Tokyo in the summer of 2022. The New York, San Francisco and Toronto productions will be returning in a newly staged, one show experience. Details of all productions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child can be found at HarryPotteronstage.com
Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Everyman Theatre Cheltenham present
Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly in
THE DRESSER
Written by Ronald Harwood Directed by Terry Johnson
Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Everyman Theatre Cheltenham confirm new tour dates for Ronald Harwood’s highly acclaimed drama The Dresser starring the much loved UK entertainer Julian Clary as Norman and Olivier Award winner Matthew Kelly as ‘Sir’.
Directed by Olivier Award-winning Terry Johnson, The Dresser will run at Theatre Royal Bath from 9 September 2021, before dates at Cheltenham Everyman Theatre, Theatre Royal Brighton, Norwich Theatre Royal, Cambridge Arts Theatre, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Richmond Theatre and Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, with further tour dates to be announced.
Inspired by memories of working as Donald Wolfit’s dresser as a young man, Ronald Harwood’sevocative, affectionate and hilarious portrait of backstage life is regarded as one of the most acclaimed dramas of modern theatre.
It is 1942 and in a war-torn provincial theatre an aging actor-manager, known to his loyal acting company as ‘Sir’, is struggling to cling on to his sanity and complete his 227th performance of King Lear. For 16 years Norman, Sir’s devoted dresser, has been there to fix Sir’s wig, massage his ego, remind him of his opening lines and provide the sound effects in the storm scene. It is down to Norman to ensure that in spite of everything, the show goes on.
Julian Clary has performed across the world and is renowned for his many successes across television, radio, film, writing and stand-up comedy. His roles on stage include Leigh Bowery in Boy George’s Taboo (West End and national tour), the Emcee in Rufus Norris’s Olivier Award winning production of Cabaret (West End), and Le Grand Mort (Trafalgar Studios). Julian also regularly performs in panto and will return to the London Palladium this Christmas. His many TV credits include Trick or Treat, Saturday Night Live, Sticky Moments, Terry and Julian, All Rise, Strictly Come Dancing, Have I Got News For You and QI. He toured the UK earlier this year with his latest one-man comedy show Born To Mince.
Matthew Kelly is an Olivier Award winning actor who is currently starring in BigThe Musical in the West End. He is also well known for presenting the television series Stars in their Eyes and You Bet!. Matthew Kelly’sother West End credits include Waiting For Godot with Ian McKellen and Roger Rees, Funny Peculiar, Sign of the Times, Lend Me A Tenor!, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and as Lennie in Of Mice and Men (Savoy) for which he received the Olivier Award for Best Actor. Other recent theatre credits include Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art, Pride & Prejudice (Regents Park & UK Tour), and Troilus and Cressida (Shakespeare’s Globe). His many television credits include the award-winning Cold Blood, Benidorm, Bleak House and Moving On.
Ronald Harwood is an Academy Award, Palme d’Or and BAFTA-winning screenwriter and playwright. His plays include Taking Sides, Equally Divided and Quartet. His screenplay for the film of The Dresser received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Screenplay. His films include the Academy Award winning The Pianist, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and Love in the Time of Cholera.
Terry Johnson is a dramatist and director who has won numerous theatre awards including two Olivier Awards as a playwright for Best Comedy and a Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical for La Cage Aux Folles. Other West End credits include The Libertine, End of the Rainbow, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, The Duck House, Whipping It Up and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. He recently directed Uncle Vanya at the Hampstead Theatre and has previously directed Mrs. Henderson Presents, Hysteria and The Libertine at Bath.
Aria Entertainment and Music & Lyrics are delighted to announce the full cast of the UK and Ireland tour of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A Musical Comedy. The Tour opens in Woking at New Victoria Theatre on 19 August 2021.
Joining the previously announced Samantha Womack (Morticia Addams), Cameron Blakely (Gomez Addams), Kingsley Morton (Wednesday Addams), Grant McIntyre (Pugsley Addams), Valda Aviks (Grandma), Sean Kingsley (Mal Beineke), Kara Lane (Alice Beineke), Abigail Brodie, Sophie Hutchinson, Luke Byrne, Matthew Ives and Sean Lopeman will be Scott Paige (Uncle Fester), Ahmed Hamad (Lucas Beineke), Dickon Gough (Lurch until 27 November 2021), Ryan Bennett (Lurch from 18 January 2022), Roxanne Couch, Oonagh Cox and Joshua Robinson.
Scott Paige most recently appeared on Channel 4’s reality TV show, The Circle. His previous theatre credits include Eurobeat (Turbine Theatre and Online), ‘Fanny’ in Cinderella: The Socially Distanced Ball (Turbine Theatre), ‘Mr Poppy’ in Nativity! (UK Tour), ‘Horton the Elephant’ in Seussical The Musical (Southwark Playhouse), ‘Theo’ in Eugenius! (The Other Palace).
Ahmed Hamad’s previous theatre credits include, Now Or Never (Barn Theatre), Stay Awake Jake (Southwark Playhouse), Rent (Hope Mill Theatre), The Boy in the Dress (RSC), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (London Palladium).
Dickon Gough’s previous theatre credits include City of Angels (Garrick); David Walliams’s The Midnight Gang, (world premiere, Chichester Festival Theatre), Pirates of Penzance (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and on national tour); Carmen, Krol Roger, Guillaume Tell and Die Fliegende Hollander (Royal Opera House).
Ryan Bennett’s previous theatre credits include ‘Graham de Hare’ in The Importance of Being Earnest (The Barn Theatre, Cirencester & Turbine Theatre, London) and ‘Prince Charming’ in Cinderella (Buxton Opera House). His film and TV credits include Bard at the Barn (Web series), ‘Brian’ in No Returns, Refunds or Exchanges (short), ‘Tom’ in Zoe.Misplaced, Josh in Our Little Haven and ‘Straight White Man’ in the TV series Straight White Man.
Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows; she’s fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family! Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. All the usual clan are present – Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley et al.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A Musical Comedy, will be directed by Matthew White, with choreography by Alistair David, production design by Diego Pitarch, orchestrations by Richard Beadle, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Richard Brooker and casting by Jane Deitch. Book is by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, based on the characters created by Charles Addams.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2021 UK Tour is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Music & Lyrics Limited, and is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
Please find below a statement from the producers of the new play When Darkness Falls, which will be running at Park Theatre, London from 18 August:
“Throughout the pandemic the entire team of WHEN DARKNESS FALLS has put the safety of the artists, creative staff, theatre staff and audiences first. We have rescheduled the production a couple of times to ensure that safety and are now thrilled that we can open with indoor performances in August.
“We remain hopeful that we can open the show to capacity audiences, however, we will continue to review our response according to the Government’s guidance in the coming days and weeks, along with guidance from our colleagues at Park Theatre. We will also continue to monitor the situation independently. We are of course aware that people will have different reactions to the relaxation of the rules, and will be mindful of that as we move forward.”
Producers: Paul Morrissey, Chris Wheeler and Molly Morris
