MY SON’S A QUEER, BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO?

EXTENDS, BY POPULAR DEMAND, FOR A FURTHER TWO WEEKS

WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY ROB MADGE & DIRECTED BY LUKE SHEPPARD

RUNNING AT THE TURBINE UNTIL SATURDAY 17 JULY 2021

My Son’s A Queer, But What Can You Do? written by and performed by Rob Madge (Oliver!, Les Misérables) and directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, In The Heights) celebrates the joy and chaos of raising a queer child, and due to record ticket sales, will now extend for a further two weeks, now running until Saturday 17 July at the Turbine Theatre.

When Rob was 12, they attempted to stage a full-blown Disney parade in their house for their Grandma. As Rob donned a wig and played Mary Poppins, Ariel, Mickey Mouse and Belle, their Dad doubled as Stage Manager, Sound Technician and Goofy. Unfortunately, Dad missed all his cues and pushed all the floats in the wrong direction. Mum mistook Aladdin for Ursula. The costumes went awry. Ariel’s bubble gun didn’t even work properly. Grandma had a nice time though. 

Join Rob as they delve into the archives of their old home videos in attempt to recreate this parade and celebrate the joy that can be discovered when parents champion the creativity and absurdity of their child. 

Paul Taylor-Mills, Artistic Director, The Turbine Theatre, said: “Over the last year we’ve all spent a lot of time online. We’ve seen performers relish in the digital world and seeing Rob’s rise to social media notoriety has fascinated me. The first time I watched one of Rob’s childhood videos I burst into tears. It reminded me of my childhood and that there is another side of the queer narrative that is often presented on stage. And that was that, we set about sharing Rob’s beautiful story with more people.”

My Son’s A Queer But What Can You Do is written and performed by Rob Madge, with direction by Luke Sheppard,composition by Pippa Cleary,orchestration by Simon Nathan, mixing by Chris Fry, designs by Ryan Dawson Laight,projection design by George Reeve,lighting by Jai Morjaria,sound by Tingying Dong,video engineering by Neil McDowell Smith and associate sound design by Anna Short.

Due to the extension of My Son’s A Queer But What Can You Do, the production of My Night With Reg will now run at the Turbine Theatre from 21 July until 21 August 2021.

ROLL UP, ROLL UP,  

CIRQUE BERSERK!  

IS BACK IN THE WEST END! 

Britain’s biggest theatre-circus spectacular, Cirque Berserk!, brings its record-breaking show back to London’s West End, at The Garrick Theatre from 25 August – 11 September 2021. 

The hair-raising and hilarious Cirque Berserk! celebrates its return to the stage, following the cancellation of its performances since March last year due to lockdown restrictions. Combining contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, the 2021 show features audiences’ favourite Berserk! acts from around the world plus some thrilling new ones. 

A unique collaboration between classical circus artists, some from tenth generation circus families, and a theatrical creative team, Cirque Berserk! is the UK’s biggest and most diverse full-scale circus production created specially for proscenium-arch theatres.

This astoundingly talented international troupe features over thirty acrobats, aerialists and daredevil stuntmen showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills, including the legendary high-speed motorcycle ‘Globe of Death’.  

The company has performed throughout the UK and internationally, and is a regular must-see at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it has established itself as the Fringe’s best-selling show of all time.  

Tickets go on sale Friday 25 June at 10am.  

★★★★★ 

‘This amazing show is like Cirque du Soleil on steroids… brings the big boys to the big top in an outrageous, death-defying circus that will leave you gasping for breath.’  

The Daily Express 

★★★★★ 

‘Great for kids and even better for adults!’ 

The Sun 

Martin ‘Zippo’ Burton, Cirque Berserk! Founder and Producer said :  

“We are so pleased to be bringing Cirque Berserk! back to the West End this August. It has been a challenging time for most arts organisations, including ours, so we’re pleased to be back on stage doing what we do best – entertaining audiences through ‘hold your breath’ moments and the sheer joy of witnessing the unimaginable. We are so excited to welcome back our audiences to enjoy the slice of culture we offer, but also to welcome new ones! The circus attracts a lot of first-time theatre goers, establishing someone’s love and hunger for live entertainment, which is essential during these times.” 

Cirque Berserk! is entirely non-verbal, and appeals to audiences of all ages. 

Performance includes loud noises, flashing lights, smoke effects and real motorbikes. 

CREATIVE TEAM: 

Martin ‘Zippo’ Burton                      Founder and Producer 

Beau Denning                                    Production Director 

Julius Green                                       Creative Director 

Dede McGarrity                                Movement Director 

Sean Cavanagh                                  Set Design  

Dianne Kelly                                      Costume Design 

Mike Robertson                                Lighting Design 

Matthew Bugg                                   Sound Design 

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION 

Cirque Berserk!   

The Garrick Theatre 

2 Charing Cross Road,  

London,  

WC2H 0HH 

Booking number:  0330 333 4811 

Website:  https://www.cirqueberserk.co.uk/ | https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/

Ticket prices £20 to £59.50 (special discounts for children) 

Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes an interval) 

Tickets go on sale Friday 25 June at 10am 

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Wednesday 25 August – Saturday 11 September 2021, performance times vary.  

SOCIAL MEDIA  

Twitter – @CirqueBerserkUK 

Instagram – @cirqueberserk 

Facebook – /cirqueberserk 

#CirqueBerserk 

NEW SPINE-CHILLING GHOST STORY

WHEN DARKNESS FALLS

OPENING AT

PARK THEATRE, LONDON

FROM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST 2021

FOLLOWED BY UK TOUR

The producers of new spine-chilling ghost story, WHEN DARKNESS FALLS, are delighted to announce a limited season at Park Theatre, London, from Wednesday 18 August until Saturday 4 September. WHEN DARKNESS FALLS was due to play a limited season at The Union Theatre in London last November, but was unable to open due to the Government’s decision to close theatres in lockdown 2.0. Written by James Milton and Paul Morrissey, the production will be directed by Paul Morrissey. The audience will be socially distanced.

Casting is to be announced.

The London run will be followed by a UK tour, beginning at Theatre Royal Winchester on Thursday 16 September 2021. Further dates to be added.

Set on the island of Guernsey, John Blondel, a history teacher, runs the local Historical Society.  Tonight, as part of the Society’s weekly vlog, a young paranormal expert has been invited to give a talk on the island’s paranormal history. As John films, the Speaker’s stories – many of which are based on true events – unfold and delve into dark pasts, revealing disturbing truths and unforgettable terrors.

The show’s illusions will be designed by John Bulleid, an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle with Silver Star, whose other theatre credits include Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (Palace Theatre, London – current Magic & Illusion assistant), The Ocean At The End Of The Lane (The National Theatre – Associate to Jamie Harrison) and The Prince of Egypt (Dominion Theatre, London – Associate to Chris Fisher).

Director and co-writer, Paul Morrissey, says, “In many ways, maybe we’re all haunted. By the past. By regret. By shame. By things that have embedded themselves deep within us. A kind of trauma, that we relive. As we ‘see’ these events unfold, again and again, it’s quite clear that ghosts are very real. When Darkness Falls is a spine-chilling new play about the power of stories. Perhaps most importantly, the ones we tell ourselves.”

The producers added, “This has been a turbulent time for theatre, but on behalf of our cast, creative team and co-producers, we are proud to be returning with a brand-new thriller to what is arguably one of the most exciting venues in London, and some terrific touring venues too. While initial performances will be in front of socially distanced audiences, we will move to full capacity at the earliest possible opportunity in line with Government advice. In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming everyone into the safety and comfort of Park Theatre. If, that is, ‘on the edge of your seat’ can be considered comfortable!” 

In 2004, Paul Morrissey and producing partner James Milton were awarded The Stage One Bursary for New Producers. Together, they produced a number of UK and International theatre productions including Cats, Chess the Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The West End Men, which toured China, Europe and the UK before playing a six-week season at the Vaudeville Theatre, London.  As a solo producer, Paul’s shows have included Saturday Night Fever, South Pacific, Les Misérables in Concert, The Phantom of the Opera in Concert and the European premiere of the Broadway musical Brooklyn.  WHEN DARKNESS FALLS is James Milton’s first full-length play.  Paul Morrissey’s other writing includes the play Bingo! and the new musical Toys.

WHEN DARKNESS FALLS is directed by Paul Morrissey and designed by Justin Williams, with lighting by Bethany Gupwell and sound by Daniel Higgot.

WHEN DARKNESS FALLS is produced at Park Theatre by Paul Morrissey Limited, Chris Wheeler and Molly Morris, in association with Glynis Henderson Productions, Jason Haigh-Ellery, Dawn Smalberg and Bev Ragovoy and Park Theatre.

Website: whendarknessfalls.co.uk

LISTINGS INFORMATION

WHEN DARKNESS FALLS

18 August – 4 September 2021

Park200

Park Theatre

Clifton Terrace

Finsbury Park

London

N4 3JP

Box Office:  020 7870 6876*

Telephone booking fee applies

Tickets:  £23 – £27 (access concessions £18.50); Park Up members (16 – 26 years): £10 between 18 – 21 August

Performances:  Mondays to Saturdays at 7.30pm, Thursday & Saturday at 3pm

Approximate Running Time: 90 minutes (no interval)

Suitable for 16+

Website: www.parktheatre.co.uk

Twitter: @ParkTheatre

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ParkTheatreLondon

Instagram: @parktheatrelondon

York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 26 June 2021

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

British-Hong Kong Playwright Amy Ng adapts August Strindberg’s 1888 play, Miss Julie. Instead of Midsummer’s Eve in Sweden back in the nineteenth centre, the setting has been changed to 1940’s Hong Kong and the celebrations of the Chinese New Year.

Set in the aftermath of WWII Miss Julie, Sophie Robinson, is the spoilt, privileged, but niave, daughter of the British Governor. She gatecrashes the servant’s party downstairs in the kitchen. There are only two other characters, John, Leo Wan, the Governor’s chauffeur and his fiancée Christine, Jennifer Leong, the cook who has been with the family for years and helped raise Miss Julie.

Celebrations can be heard from outside, but inside things are heating up. Miss Julie, craving for attention, begs John to take her out on the streets, but John understand the ramifications and refuses her demands. Still, she does not let up until the inevitable conclusion, with her innocence gone.

Wan’s John is a complex character, despising his colonial master and what he stands for. He strives to better himself and will use whatever it takes to achieve that. When it becomes clear that his actions will not advance him in any way, he is brutal in his response. Robinson captures Miss Julie’s naïve persona perfectly, a child in an adult’s body wanting to push the boundaries and realising that you should be careful of what you wish for. Leong plays the amiable Christine with a quiet compassion and full of duty.

The set is atmospheric, the smell of incense in the air. Chinese lanterns and bamboo canes setting the simple, but effective, scene for the 75-minute show. The use of the Lion Dance, with spectacular dragon heads, to represent the lovemaking is inspired.

During the period of Colonial Hong Kong, the thought of any relationship with a Chinese servant and a white, advantaged woman would be taboo. Miss Julie plays on the forbidden and explores, through race and gender, where the power really lies.

This is a subtle adaptation, maybe lacking a bit of punch, but I thoroughly enjoyed the 75 minutes of performance.

Miss Julie is playing in York until Saturday 26th June as part of a small UK tour

Tara Theatre, London – until 26 June 2021

Reviewed by Emily Cliff

4 ½ ****

History. History is something we learn from, tell stories about and look back on in both fondness and in reflection. There’s no doubt that through this past year we have lived through enough revolutionary historical events to last us a million lifetimes; however it truly takes a creative mind to harness all the pain, sadness and loss experienced in 2020 and turn it into a collection of touching, close to home stories of normal people. And Abdul Shayek does exactly that.

The monologues performed in this collection of heart touching, down to earth stories gave us all an insightful gaze into the lives of shop workers, NHS staff and families living at home. The Tara Theatre is well known for specializing in performances surrounding the black, asian and minority ethinc groups in the area, giving people young and old the platform and the voice they need to make a difference in the world.

The first of four monologues (Tales Of The Past) was just as captivating as it was touching. Following on from the COVID crisis in Wuhan the story told in this monologue gives us the insight of a working young woman trapped with her mother finding ways to process grief whilst trying to come to grips with the new found freedom ahead of the rest of the world. Carmina Bernhardt perfectly displays the emotions of coming to grips with grief in a way most young people struggle with. Her deliverance was conversational and friendly whilst being deeply personal, reeling the audience in and making them feel a part of the character with all the highs and the lows.

Systematic racism has been fought and protested for years over time. However over the years there have been very little instances of actual change. The third monologue in this production (A New America) portrayed the struggles and translated them into a heart wrenching story about racism, self doubt and community spirit. David Webber tells this story of a decaying American dream where for every step taken forward, two are taken back. Creative sound and lighting in this monologue showed not only the effect of patriotic racism through the eyes of a working class black man, but the community spirit to help, and hopefully eradicate such behaviours. The story of a community coming together is something that is spoken so little about in the modern times, recent and unprecedented times have made this kind of interaction more important than ever. Both Abdul Shayek and David Webber managed to capture and harness something completely beautiful and organic out of a story of sadness, pain and sorrow.

The final monologue, and perhaps the most breathtaking was The Monster Inside. We clapped, banged pots, screamed and shouted for the NHS every Thursday back in the summer of 2020, but we never really confronted how overwhelmed nurses and doctors were. Anxiety is a theme that was very prominent through this production and even more explicitly in the last monologue. A poetic double act which saw the looming monster of anxiety creeping in and breathing down the neck of an overworked, underpaid, deliriously tired NHS worker tackled loss anxiety and the crumbling mental health of nurses and doctors that had to face COVID every day with a brave face. The chemistry between Moe Bar-El and Nicholas Khan was electric, each anxious thought and line sparked more and more until a ball of raw exhaustion exploded over the stage, seeping from the characters already deterring mental state. This performance was truly captivating.

One of the joys of independent theatre is you never quite know what you are going to get. While West End and Broadway productions have a certain aura surrounding them independent theatre has a completely different, almost organic energy coming out. History was made this year, and 2020 captured its essence wholeheartedly through the touching stories from around the globe. The Tara theatre continues to challenge the industry and to make it a more diverse safe space. As Abdul said at the beginning of the show “a quiet revolution is starting here” and you certainly don’t want to miss it.

WILTSHIRE CREATIVE ANNOUNCES MAJOR REVIVAL OF

JOHN GODBER’S SEPTEMBER IN THE RAIN

AS PART OF THEIR AUTUMN SEASON

Artistic Director Gareth Machin and Executive Director Sebastian Warrack today announce a brand-new production of John Godber’s September in the Rain which opens ahead of the previously announced The Lemon Table in the company’s Autumn season. Machin’s production opens on 17 September, with previews from 16 September, and runs until 9 October.

Gareth Machin and Sebastian Warrack said today, “It’s an utter joy to fill our stage once again and welcome audiences back to share in the thrill of live performance. Theatres are made to share stories, and we can’t wait to share our Autumn season, opening with John Godber’s moving and funny play September in the Rain; coupled with the world première of Julian Barnes’ The Lemon Table – a wry observation on aging – ahead of a national tour.”

SEPTEMBER IN THE RAIN

by John Godber

16 September – 9 October

Director Gareth Machin; Designer Toots Butcher; Lighting Designer Johanna Town
Sound Designer Andrea J Cox;Casting Director Gabrielle Dawes CDG

1950. Blackpool. Newly-wed Yorkshire couple, Jack and Liz have crossed the Pennines for their first trip to the seaside mecca. Beneath an uncertain September sky, they holiday in a world of stripy deckchairs, sandy sandwiches and stroppy donkeys. As the Wurlitzer organ plays they sway together on the dance floor of the Tower Ballroom.

For thirty years, come rain or shine, they never miss their annual week-long holiday on the Blackpool sands. Three decades of boarding houses, talent contests and fish and chips on the prom.

Moving backwards and forward through time, a married life unfolds through squabbles, children, laughter and tears against the backdrop of the heyday of the British seaside.

John Godber is a writer and director. His credits as a playwright include Scary Bikers, Bouncers, Up ‘n’ Under (Olivier Award for Best New Comedy), April in Paris, Teechers, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Cramp, Happy Jack, September in the Rain, Salt of the Earth, Passion Killers, Happy Families, Up ‘n’ Under ll, Gym and Tonic, Dracula, Lucky Sods, Hooray for Hollywood, Weekend Breaks, It Started With a Kiss, Unleashed, Thick As a Brick, Big Trouble in the Little Bedroom, Seasons in the Sun, On a Night Like This, Our House, Departures, Men of the World, Reunion, Screaming Blue Murder, Black Ties and Tales, Perfect Pitch, Going Dutch, Christmas Crackers and Crown Prince. Film writing credits include My Kingdom for a Horse (starring Sean Bean).

Gareth Machin Director Gareth is the Artistic Director of Wiltshire Creative. Previously, he was studio associate at the National Theatre, artistic director of Southwark Playhouse and associate director at Bristol Old Vic. For the company, his work includes Making Massinger, Robin Hood, Her Naked Skin, Moonfleet, Little Robin Redbreast, Worst Wedding Ever, The Night Before Christmas, A Little of What You Fancy, Hedda Gabler, Can’t Buy Me Love, The Magna Carta Plays, Little Shop of Horrors, Separate Tables, Bedroom Farce, London Calling, The Recruiting Officer, A Man of No Importance, Dangerous Corner, The Spire and Epsom Downs. His other directing credits include Fanta Orange (Finborough Theatre), Three More Sleepless Nights (National Theatre), The Canterville Ghost, Gaffer!, The Canterbury Tales, The Chimes, The Archbishop’s Ceiling (Southwark Playhouse), The Real Thing (Royal Theatre, Northampton), Macbeth (Creation Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (Hall for Cornwall), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Look Back in Anger, Betrayal, Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, The Beggar’s Opera, Molly Sweeney, Up the Feeder Down the ‘Mouth and Back Again, Sea Life, Croak Croak Croak, A Tender Prayer, Anatomy of a Madman, Bitter With a Twist, Krapp’s Last Tape and Spring Awakening (Bristol Old Vic). As a playwright, his work includes The Tailor of Gloucester, Moonfleet, Little Robin Redbreast, The Night Before Christmas (Salisbury Playhouse), Pinocchio, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom Thumb and Other Giant Stories and The Canterbury Tales (Dukes Playhouse, Lancaster).

September in the Rain is kindly supported by:

Christopher & Frances Wain, long-standing Members of Salisbury Playhouse.

LISTINGS   

SEPTEMBER IN THE RAIN

Salisbury Playhouse, Wiltshire Creative

Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, SP2 7RA

www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Ticket Sales: 01722 320333 (Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 12pm)

Tickets from £12

SEPTEMBER IN THE RAIN

16 September – 9 October

THE LEMON TABLE

14 October – 23 October

MEMBERS PRIORITY BOOKING OPENS Tuesday 6 July at 10am

GENERAL BOOKING OPENS Friday 9 July at 10am

Members who book for The Lemon Table and September in the Rain at the same time before the 26 July enjoy double the membership with 20% off up to 4 tickets

SEE IT SAFELY -We have been granted the use of Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre’s See It Safely mark. The mark certifies that we are complying with the latest Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, to ensure the safety of our staff and audiences. You can find out more here https://officiallondontheatre.com/see-it-safely/ about the measures we have been putting in place ready for your visit, and what you will need to know beforehand.

MERCURY THEATRE MARKS REOPENING

FOLLOWING 5-YEAR CAMPAIGN

Mercury Theatre, led by Executive Director, Steve Mannix and Executive Producer, Tracey Childs, yesterday held a ceremony to mark the venue’s reopening following the Mercury Rising transformation, a 5-year campaign which raised over £11.3 million to reimagine the theatre’s spaces, both operationally and ecologically, and improve accessibility throughout. The building opens for the first time to the local community for a special weekend of events on 26 and 27 June.

Steve Mannix and Tracey Childs welcomed guests to the celebratory event, including Cllr Lyn Barton; Adam Bryan; Cllr Graham Butland; Cllr Mark Corey; Mayor of Colchester Cllr Robert Davidson; Cllr Paul Dundas; Dan Gascoyne, Chief Operating Officer Colchester Borough Council; Cllr Darius Laws; Dirk Paterson, Chair of Colchester Borough Homes; David Shipley and Cllr Julie Young, who were then given a tour of the new building.

Executive Director, Steve Mannix, today said, “Thank goodness – we made it! This has all been made possible thanks to the unique partnership of the management of the project that will undoubtedly be a benchmark for future collaborations. We are hugely grateful to our funding partners for their unwavering support and for the huge generosity of the public in helping us realise the scale of our ambition of Mercury Rising.

“Of the £11.3 million funding required to rebuild the Mercury, we are incredibly proud that over £10 million pounds was reinvested directly into the local economy. As an organisation we spend at least £3 million in the local economy each year and we are ready and waiting to return to our place as an essential destination for the town and its visitors.

“The vital aspect now is that we are ready to welcome the community to their theatre; a theatre that has been supported by the community, built by local people- employed by local contractors, and championing local talent across all of our activities.”

Cllr Darius Laws, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Business & Heritage, commented, “After five years of very hard work and more than a year of uncertainty, today is a wonderful moment to celebrate completion of the Mercury Rising project and to look forward to an exciting and dynamic programme of events.

“The Mercury is one of Colchester’s premier cultural institutions – critical to the vitality of our town centre and local economy, with new job and internship opportunities. Providing access to art, culture and a new social space for all to enjoy, the Mercury Theatre is a cultural asset we can all be proud of.”

Will Quince, MP, also said, “I was delighted to visit our new and improved Mercury Theatre and I was left impressed not only with the standard of the renovations but with the new and improved facilities.

“Not only is the Mercury Theatre a beacon in Colchester’s thriving cultural and arts scene, but the multi-million pound renovation reasserts the Mercury’s standing as one of our country’s finest regional theatres.”

The refurbished venue includes a transformed brighter foyer space, which is open all day, with a new café bar, redeveloped main auditorium with additional seats, new rehearsal room, revamped and extended backstage facilities, improved interval experience with increased toilet facilities, and most importantly for the first time the building will be accessible throughout. The new community space and dance studio is equipped to support the best new talent, and in addition, the company continues its commitment to sustainability, including increasing the building’s energy efficiency with the expansion of LED lighting, converting to 100% renewable electricity and the implementation of solar panels.

The building has been converted by Phelan and is designed by Colchester Borough Homes and Purcell.

Supported by Arts Council England, Colchester Borough Council, Essex Country Council, South East Local Enterprise Partnership and European Regional Development Fund, plus generous public and private donations.

Colchester Borough Council has been the lead partner in the success of the Mercury Rising project, providing £1.5 million towards the initiative, securing £4m of Arts Council Funding and working with the Design Team from Colchester Borough Homes, who also managed the delivery of the improvement works.

Additional support from other funders included – Essex County Council (£1 million), South East Local Enterprise Partnership (£1 million), the European Regional Development Fund (£978,000), NESTA (£400,000), over £600,000 from national and local Trust and Foundations and £665,000 from local residents, audience members and sponsors.

The project has also benefitted from support from the Government’s Kickstart Cultural Recovery Fund (£864,000).

The Mercury will open from Saturday 26 June at 10am for tours of the new building (bookable online in advance) and to sample the new Café Bar menu. Audiences are set to return for the inaugural performance at the theatre, a Mercury Production of BASKERVILLE!, directed by Creative Director, Ryan McBryde, from 30 July.

MERCURY THEATRE

The Mercury Theatre is an artistic powerhouse in the East – a vital, vibrant, welcoming centre of culture for the people of Colchester, Essex and beyond. Since 1937, we’ve been on an ongoing mission to put theatre at the heart of the local community, reaching audiences of all kinds with productions that inform, entertain and exhilarate.

And we never stand still… Mercury Rising has been at the heart of our efforts to modernise our much-loved theatre, to keep it relevant, compelling and captivating for 21st-century audiences. This project was possible with support from Arts Council England, Colchester Borough Council, Essex County Council, the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, the European Regional Development Fund and multiple trusts & foundations. And, of course, the local community.

@MercuryTheatre

#MercuryRising

Mercury Theatre Listings

Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT

Box Office:

www.mercurytheatre.co.uk / 01206 573948

SEASON AT A GLANCE:

BASKERVILLE!

30 July – 22 August 2021

Relaxed: 18 August at 2.30pm

Touch Tour: 19 August at 1pm

Audio Described: 19 August at 2.30pm

Captioned Performance: 20 August at 7.30pm

ANTIGONE

1 – 16 October 2021

Relaxed: 13 October 2.30pm

Touch Tour: 14 October 1pm

Audio Described: 14 October at 2.30pm

Captioned Performance: 15 October at 7.30pm

MERCURY ORIGINALS: SIRENS

28 October – 6 November 2021

Press Night: 2 November at 7.30pm

ALADDIN

27 November 2021 – 16 January 2022

Relaxed: 12 December at 12pm & 6 January at 2pm

Captioned Performance: 7 January at 7pm

Touch Tour: 8 January at 11.30am

Audio Described: 8 January at 1pm

BSL Interpretation: 15 January at 1pm

Park Theatre announces its reopening season and refurbished building

• Bruntwood Prize-shortlisted co-production with Talawa, and a new in-house play that starts online and continues onstage are part of the Finsbury Park venue’s reopening season 
• Other shows include a double bill celebrating women’s strength, and the premiere of a ghost story based on true events 
• Improvements to the building include a new, improved box office with greater accessibility, a mezzanine extension and an open kitchen pizzeria 
• Online masterclasses for underrepresented voices to be announced 

22 June – 6 November 

Twitter: @ParkTheatre | facebook: ParkTheatreLondon | Instagram: ParkTheatreLondon | www.parktheatre.co.uk 

Park Theatre is delighted to announce its reopening, starting today with a two-act drama commissioned by the venue that starts online and ends live in Park200, reopening the building on 4^th August.  The season will include aBruntwood Prize- and Alfred Fagon Award-shortlisted co-production with Talawa, the premiere of a ghost story based on true events, and a double bill of shows celebrating women’s strength. Committed to nurturing new voices, Park Theatre will also be offering free masterclasses for underrepresented creatives. Audiences will enjoy a newly refurbished building, which includes better front of house facilities and an open kitchen pizzeria. 

The season starts withan in house production ofPark Bench (22 June – 14 Aug), a piece of new writing by Tori-Allen Martin commissioned over the pandemic and supported by Arts Council England. After a year apart, each other’s ‘ride-or-die’ Liv and Theo reconnect online, but they both have questions too big for small screens. Act one is a free ten-minute drama available online, and act two will see the couple meet face to face in Park200, reopening the building on 4^th August. The show is followed by ghost story When Darkness Falls (18 Aug – 4 Sept) byJames Milton and Paul Morrissey. Based on a true story, the chilling tale sees a history talk on Guernsey’s paranormal past reveal horrors in the island’s more immediate present. 

Postponed from the 2020 Spring Season, Park Theatre have partnered with leading Black British theatre company Talawa to co-produce A Place for We (7 Oct – 6 Nov) by Archie Maddocks.Shortlisted in 2017 for both the Bruntwood Prize and Alfred Fagon Award, Archie Maddocks’ bittersweet comedy holds a mirror up to the ever-changing face of London’s communities in search of their common beating heart through Trinidadian funeral director Clarence and fifth generation Irish pub owner George. 

Also in the season, Oxford School of Drama students will perform new work 39 and Counting (8-11 Sept) by Shireen Mula which aims to dispel many of the myths around violence to women, and women’s strength will be celebrated in the Park90 double bill Say it, Women (12 Oct – 6 Nov). The double bill is made up of Flushed by Catherine Cranfield, which centres around two sisters grappling with the implications of a recent diagnosis of one’s rare medical condition, and Soldfrom Kuumba Nia Arts and Unlock the Chains Collective, the extraordinary journey of Mary Prince who was born into slavery in the British Colony of Bermuda and went on to become an auto-biographer and champion of freedom. 

Artistic Director Jez Bond said, “We can’t wait to reopen our doors this August – not only with a brilliant programme of shows, but with a newly refurbished building too. We’re particularly excited to be working on A Place for We with Talawa once again, after the postponement of the original run from spring 2020, and to be working with playwright Tori Allen-Martin on her new play Park Bench which takes the audience on a journey from the world of digital theatre back to the live stage. Audiences coming back to the venue will be able to enjoy the new mezzanine seating area, a more accessible box office and enjoy the theatricality of the new open plan pizza kitchen. We’re hugely grateful to everyone who has supported us so far, and I look forward to giving audiences the warm and safe welcome back they deserve.” 

Park Theatre has been refurbished during lockdown to improve the audience experience. The front of house area has been enlarged with a new mezzanine extension providing more space to eat and drink as well as improved flow of customer traffic. The downstairs bar has also been treated to an extension with an open plan pizza kitchen,  adding extra theatricality to your evening. The old kitchen has been transformed into a new, dedicated box office space with improved accessibility for staff and customers, and TV screens have been installed for both Park200 and Park90 spaces so that latecomers will miss as little as possible before being admitted at an appropriate moment. Improved accessibility has been provided with enhanced signage throughout the building and modifications to the toilets. Building staff, volunteers and visiting companies will also benefit from a new stage management office and improved backstage offices. 

Taking heart from evidence so far that shows theatre to be at low risk from Covid-19, Park Theatre will be reopening in line with government and UKTheatre guidelines, making sure audiences can See It Safely.  

Executive Director Rachael Williams said, “We’re thrilled to be reopening our venue after over a year of closure. We have always prided ourselves on being a warm and welcoming venue to visit, and that’s why we’ve ensured we have appropriate measures in place to make sure audiences are safe and comfortable. We’ve invested in hand sanitising stations, an enhanced cleaning regime and contactless ticket technology and will be requiring all audience members to wear face coverings unless exempt. We’ll be publishing all this information in our pre-show email and on our website so customers know what to expect and, as always, our friendly team will be happy to help with any additional questions. We’ll be proudly displaying the SOLT See It Safely mark and are so looking forward to having audiences back in our newly refurbished theatre.” 

To nurture creatives and to encourage a more diverse industry, Park Theatre will be offering free workshops, called Park Sessions, for underrepresented voices in July. The schedule – soon to be announced following its postponement from original dates in January – will cover a range of topics from fundraising to devising to lighting. Led by experts in their fields, these in person workshops (virtual tickets also available) are free to those who identify as working class, working class LGBTQ+, D/deaf or disabled, and those from a culturally diverse heritage. 

Park Theatre presents exceptional theatre in the heart of Finsbury Park, boasting two world-class performance spaces: Park200 for predominantly larger scale productions by established talent,  and Park90, a flexible studio space, for emerging artists. In eight years, it has enjoyed eight West End transfers (including Daytona starring Maureen Lipman, The Boys in the Band starring Mark Gatiss, Pressure starring David Haig and The Life I Lead starring Miles Jupp), two National Theatre transfers, twenty-five national tours, four Olivier Award nominations, has won Offie Awards for Best New Play and Best Foodie Experience and won a Theatre of the Year award from The Stage. Park Theatre are grateful to all those who have donated to the Park Life fund, supporting the venue through the pandemic. 

Listings information 

Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP 

August – November 

www.parktheatre.co.uk | 020 7870 6876* 

*No booking fee online. Telephone booking fee applies. 

Online/Park200 

Park Bench 

By Tori Allen-Martin | Directed by Christa Harris (Act 1: Digital) | Co-directed by Sarah Henley & Timothy O’Hara (Act 2: Live)
Cast includes: Tori Allen Martin & Tim Bowie 

Presented by Park Theatre with the support of Arts Council England 

                                                                                                            Digital (Act 1): 22 June – 14 Aug 

                                                                                                            Live (Act 2): 4 – 14 Aug 

Sometimes conversations are just better had face-to-face. Liv and Theo know that. They used to be each other’s ride-or-die but that was back then…  After more than a year of distance from their situationship, it’s time to talk – so they reconnect online.  

What happened to being mates? How’s his new life working out? Why did she just vanish? These are big questions for small screens. Will meeting up in person on ‘their’ park bench reignite an old flame or finally put out the flickering embers of feelings?  

Park Bench is an innovative digital-come-live-theatre play by Tori Allen-Martin. Commissioned by Park Theatre during lockdown with the concept of creating a piece of drama that audiences follow from a digital first act online to a live second act on our Park200 stage.  

Act One: online | FREE  

Act Two: Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri 7pm & 8.30pm, Thurs & Sat matinees 3pm and evening 7.30 | £10 – £7.50 | Running time: 50 mins (approx.) 

Captioned 12 Aug 7.30pm 

www.parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/park-bench 

Park200  

When Darkness Falls  

By James Milton & Paul Morrissey | Directed by Paul Morrissey 

Presented by Paul Morrissey Ltd, Christopher Wheeler and Molly Morris in association with Jason Haigh-Ellery, Glynis Henderson Productions, Dawn Smalberg, Bev Ragovoy and Park Theatre 

18 Aug – 4 Sept 

When Darkness Falls is the brand new spine-chilling ghost story that delivers a twisted, terrifying and thrilling tale that will haunt you forever. 

Set on the island of Guernsey, When Darkness Falls tells the story of a teacher who runs the local Historical Society. Tonight, as part of the weekly Vlog, a young paranormal expert is giving a talk on the island’s incredible folklore and paranormal history. As the teacher films, the speaker regales horrifying stories. Stories that can only occur on a small, isolated island. Tonight, the teacher will learn exactly what happens when the wind blows, the seas swell and darkness falls. 

Based on true events, this powerful new production by James Milton and Paul Morrissey draws us into dark pasts, revealing disturbing truths and unforgettable terrors that never die. 

Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Thurs & Sat matinees 3pm | £27 – £18.50 | Running time: 90 mins (approx.) 

Captioned 28 Aug 7.30pm 
Park Up (16 – 26 yrs) £10 tickets 18 – 21 Aug 

www.parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/when-darkness-falls 

Park200  

39 and Counting 

By Shireen Mula | Directed by Gemma Aked-Priestley 

Cast includes Oxford School of Drama One Year Acting Course                                                                      

Presented by The Oxford School of Drama 

8 – 11 Sept 

39 and Counting features 18 characters who loved women that were killed by men. They are the brothers, sisters, best friends, nieces, nephews and cousins of the deceased whose lives have been disrupted and torn apart by violence. 18 characters navigating their way through the trauma. Wanting justice to be done, the grief to end and to reach a place of acceptance. To feel in control again. 

Written by Shireen Mula (Why is the Sky Blue? Southwark Playhouse) and directed by Gemma Aked-Priestley (My Dad’s Blind, Abbey Theatre/Irish Tour) this shattering new play aims to dispel many of the myths around violence to women and puts the violence we do not speak about absolutely centre stage. 

Performed by the Oxford School of Drama One-Year Acting Course graduates, this is a great opportunity to see emerging talent from one of the UK’s top Drama Schools. Graduates of this course include the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award winner Claire Foy; BAFTA nominee Babou Ceesay; Eastern Eye Best Actress Award winner Kiran Sonia Sawar and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Richard Gadd. 

Weds – Sat 7.30pm, Thurs & Sat matinees 3pm | £15 – £10 | Running time: 90 mins (approx.) 

Park Up (16 – 26 yrs) £10 tickets 8 – 11 Sep 

www.parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/39-and-counting 

Park200 

A Place for We  

By Archie Maddocks | Directed by Michael Buffong                                                                                  

Park Theatre and Talawa Theatre Company present the World Premiere 

7 Oct – 6 Nov 

A pub. A funeral parlour. An urban-zen enoteca and conscious eatery. One building in Brixton tells the story of London’s changing communities over three very different generations. 

Trinidadian funeral director Clarence and fifth generation pub owner George don’t want things to change. But everything around them is changing. Do they adapt to survive? Or stay true to their roots and risk it all… family, tradition, business? 

In the wake of the Windrush scandal, Archie Maddocks‘ bittersweet comedy holds a mirror up to the ever-changing face of London’s communities in search of their common beating heart. 

A Place for We was shortlisted in 2017 for both the Bruntwood Prize and Alfred Fagon Award, it was first performed as a staged reading at Talawa Firsts 2018 and is directed by Talawa’s Artistic Director Michael Buffong.  

Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Thurs & Sat matinees 3pm | £32.50 – £15 | Running time: 2hr 15 (approx.) 

Audio described 20 Oct 19.30, Touch Tour 18.00 | Captioned 28 Oct 19.30
Park Up (16-26 yrs) £10 tickets 7 – 13 Oct 

www.parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/a-place-for-we 

Park90 

Double Bill: Say it, Women                                                                                          12 Oct – 6 Nov 

Two stories celebrating women’s strength 

Women – rejoice in our time to say it, own it, share it. In this Park Theatre first, the Say it, Women double bill features two untold stories celebrating women’s strength. Two plays that not only find an unheard female voice, but sing it from the rooftops, beaconing the listener. Book for both shows with our multi buy offer. 

Flushed 

Written and Directed by Catherine Cranfield
Cast includes: Elizabeth Hammerton& Iona Champain                                                              

Presented by Theatre Unlocked in association with Grace Dickson Productions and Park Theatre 

12 Oct – 6 Nov 

When Marnie is diagnosed with a rare medical condition, she and younger sister Jen grapple to come to terms with its life-changing impacts. 

Flushed is a play about the everlasting bond developed between the cubicle walls. 

Theatre Unlocked are proud to present Flushed – a multi award-winning (53Two ‘FOUNDation’ Award, 2018, Voice Magazine ‘Pick of the Fringe’ Award, 2018), five-star play, set entirely in various different bathrooms. It’s a unique and important story, with a lot of humour and a lot of heart. 

Catherine Cranfield is a writer and director, who wrote Flushed after graduating from the University of Manchester in 2017. Since then, Flushed has toured venues such as the Barbican Centre, as part of Fertility Fest 2019, and Underbelly, for the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe. In 2019, Catherine completed an MA in Theatre Directing from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. 

Theatre Unlocked was founded by Elis Shotton and Catherine Cranfield in Manchester in 2017. Since then, the two have been working to create and promote exciting and essential new writing. Theatre Unlocked’s other work includes Zucchini by Elis Shotton, which premiered at Manchester’s 53Two Theatre. 

Mon – Sat 7.15pm, Thurs & Sat matinees 3.15pm | £12.50 or £20 for both shows | Running time: 60 mins (approx.) 

Captioned 4 Nov 7.15pm
Park Up (16 – 26 yrs) £10 tickets 12 – 18 Oct 

www.parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/flushed 

Sold      

By Amantha Edmead | Directed by Euton Daley 

Cast includes Amantha Edmead and Angie ‘Amra’ Anderson                

Presented by Kuumba Nia Arts and Unlock the Chains Collective in association with Park Theatre  

18 Oct – 6 Nov 

When one woman tells of her extraordinary journey to overcome the brutality of slavery, she becomes a beacon for the British anti-slavery movement. Born into slavery in the British colony of Bermuda, Mary Prince went on to become an auto-biographer and champion of freedom. Mary’s words of the harsh realities of enslavement and how it felt to be separated from family, loved ones and to be owned, bought and sold gave voice to those that are often silent, silenced, ignored or spoken for. Her book had an electrifying effect on the abolitionist movement helping to free many Africans in bondage. 

A forgotten true story told through theatre, song, live drumming and dance, this masterpiece of Black British theatre is inspired by the storytelling traditions of the West African griot. 

Kuumba Nia Arts and Unlock the Chains Collective share and celebrate African and Caribbean heritage, culture experience and stories.  

Mon – Sat 8.30pm, Thurs & Sat matinees 4.30pm | £12.50 or £20 for both shows | Running time: 60 mins (approx.) 

Captioned 4 Nov 8.30pm 

Park Up (16 – 26 yrs) £10 tickets 18 – 23 Oct 

www.parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/sold 

• THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S ‘MATILDA THE MUSICAL’ ANNOUNCES FULL CASTING FOR ITS RETURN TO THE CAMBRIDGE THEATRE.
• A NEW VERSION OF THE TRAILER IS AVAILABLE HERE.
• AS WELL AS RETURNING TO THE WEST END FROM 16 SEPTEMBER, ‘MATILDA THE MUSICAL’ CONTINUES TO DELIGHT AUDIENCES GLOBALLY AS IT OPENS IN THE NETHERLANDS FOR THE FIRST TIME, TRANSLATED INTO DUTCH FOR A RUN AT THE OUDE LUXOR THEATER ROTTERDAM.
• THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL WILL RE-OPEN AT THE CAMBRIDGE THEATRE ON THURSDAY 16 SEPTEMBER WITH TICKETS NOW ON SALE FROM WWW.MATILDATHEMUSICAL.COM

Casting has been announced for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s West End production of Matilda The Musical which returns to the Cambridge Theatre from 16 September 2021. Celebrating 10 years since the multi award-winning show opened in London, this iconic British musical has won 99 international awards including 24 for Best Musical and has been seen by more than 10 million people across more than 90 cities worldwide. Matilda The Musical is now booking through to 13 February 2022. For further information visit www.matildathemusical.com.

Matilda The Musical is delighted to announce that the four performers in the title role of Matilda will be Imogen Cole, Alyssa D’Souza, Alex Munden and Zoe Simon, with their first performances from 16 September. 

The other young performers announced today who join the London company in the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the rest of the pupils at Crunchem Hall are as follows: Hari Aggarwal, Thommy Bailey Vine, Kieron Bell, Tom Bonomini, Drew Edwards, Robyn Elwell, Rory Finnegan, Darcy Kelly, Ben Lee, Keanna-Skye O’Quinn, Nicholas Parris, Bella Perdoni, Chancé Quaye, Scarlett Jayne Rackham, Bren Reilly, Niamh Ritchie, Jacob Savva, Jayden Seder and Alex Stockton.

Kaspar Cahill-Ritter, Sienna Clarke, Rosie Gell-Marquez, Beth Gilmour, Louie Gray, and Gracie Hodson-Prior will continue in the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the pupils at Crunchem Hall.

As previously announced, Carly Thoms will be taking over the role of Miss Honey, joining the adult cast which includes Elliot Harper as Miss Trunchbull, Sebastien Torkia as Mr Wormwood and Annette McLaughlin who will be returning to the company in the role of Mrs Wormwood, taking over from Marianne Benedict.

The full adult cast includes Liberty Buckland, Georgia Carling, Roger Dipper, Katrina Dix, Kate Kenrick, Ben Kerr, Matt Krzan, Connor Lewis, Tom Mather, Bryan Mottram, Kane Oliver Parry, Landi Oshinowo, Ryan Pidgen, James Revell, Gemma Scholes and Dawn Williams.

Tim Minchin said: “I’m SO excited that the West End will be reopening soon, and that Matilda will be back on stage in time for its 10th birthday. And that I’ll be able to be in my favourite city for the first time in two years! I’ve so keenly missed Matilda, my London family, and live theatre in general.”

A new trailer, gives audiences the opportunity to see a range of special highlights from the show.

A tonic for audiences of all ages, this anarchic production about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination has welcomed almost 4 million audience members in London. Matilda The Musical is the 6th longest-running show in the West End and the 16th longest-running musical in West End history. Matilda The Musical will also visit the Netherlands for the first time, translated into Dutch for a run at the Oude Luxor Theater Rotterdam. The theatre hopes that the musical will bring visitors to the city as it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic. It has also announced plans to work with partners in Rotterdam to develop an education programme around the show. Tickets are now on sale for Matilda De Musical in Rotterdam visit matilda-demusical.nl

Adapted from Roald Dahl’s much loved 1988 book and commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the musical premiered at the RSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon home in 2010, before transferring to the West End in October 2011, where it opened to rave reviews.

Matilda The Musical swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, and won four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway. It has since toured North America, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland, South Africa and China and played its first non-English language production in Seoul, South Korea in 2018/19.

With the upcoming film adaptation from the same core creative team as the theatre production (direction by Matthew Warchus, adapted for the screen by Dennis Kelly, with the music and lyrics of Tim Minchin), Dahl’s themes of bravery and standing up for what you believe in will continue to inspire young audiences all over the world. Produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title, Jon Finn, and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company. Sony Pictures U.K. and Tristar Pictures will release Matilda across the U.K. and Ireland exclusively in cinemas on 2nd December 2022 for Christmas. Netflix will release the film in the rest of the world in December 2022.

Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the theatre production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.

Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Matilda The Musical is produced by Executive Producers Denise Wood and Griselda Yorke for the Royal Shakespeare Company.  The production was developed with the support of Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.

André Ptaszynski had worked as one of the Executive Producers of the production from 2011 until his untimely death in 2020.  He is much missed by all of his colleagues.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford -until 26 June 2021

Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert

4****

You know that theme-park feeling, when you’re on a ride and you’re about to be dropped from a great height and you sort of wish you hadn’t got on board in the first place? That’s a feeling that occurred to me quite often during this show.

Usually at the YA you take a comfy seat in the auditorium and admire an elaborate stage-set from a safe distance. But things are officially odd these days, and instead we were shuffled through a side door and into a high, shadowy space, with well-spaced pairs of chairs facing different ways, and coloured tube lights hanging above. Warnings were given about bangs and flashes, and heavy-duty headsets were issued. We were told (this was beginning to feel like a flight emergency) that there was a torch under the chair in case of panic. Which was enough to make you want to run for the exit.

Then through the headset came the voice of Juliet Stevenson, clear as glass and soft as velvet. She told us about a city where people were going blind, one by one, in a mysterious plague … Lights came and went. We were plunged into darkness. We had become plague victims, with Stevenson telling us about the fear, hunger and violence around us, as the only person who could still see. We heard gunshots and explosions. Very unnervingly, footsteps ran past or crept round us, and voices whispered unexpectedly in our ears.

But it was all going on inside our heads, or at least our headsets. The show is a sound installation by Simon Stephens, originally adapted for the Donmar Warehouse theatre from the dystopian novel Blindness by Jose Saramago. It’s directed by Walter Meierjohann. No spoilers, but the light, in various senses, does return. At one point towards the end we could see the space to the side filled with rows of curved lines. Good heavens, that’s the seating in the auditorium where we usually sit. Anyone with a bit more sense that me would have worked out that the space where we were sitting was the stage.

If you want a very intense theatrical event despite social distancing, this is something quite special, well worth experiencing despite being unpleasant at times. Just like that theme park ride