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GEMMA KNIGHT JONES AND SAM OLADEINDE JOIN THE CAST OF INTERNATIONAL AWARD-WINNING ‘BEST MUSICAL’

PHOENIX THEATRE, LONDON FROM 22 JULY

London, 1 July: As the multi award-winning Come From Away prepares to welcome audiences back to the Phoenix Theatre in London from 22 July, the international hit musical announces two new members of the London cast and confirms the full Come From Away UK family, on and off stage.

Gemma Knight Jones (Falsettos, Sister Act UK Tour, Hairspray UK Tour, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) will play Hannah and others, and Sam Oladeinde (Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, A Christmas Carol, The Prince of Egypt) will play Bob and others.

They join the current London cast Jenna Boyd (Beulah and others), James Doherty (Claude and others), Mary Doherty (Bonnie and others), Mark Dugdale (Kevin T/Garth and others), Alice Fearn (Beverley/Annette and others), Kate Graham (Diane and others), Alasdair Harvey (Nick/Doug and others), Jonathan Andrew Hume (Kevin J/Ali and others), Harry Morrison (Oz and others), and Emma Salvo (Janice and others) with Chiara Baronti, Ricardo Castro, Stuart Hickey, Sorelle Marsh, Alexander McMorran, Micha Richardson, Jennifer Tierney and Matthew Whennell-Clark.

The UK production team forCome From Away includes Claire Sibley (Company Manager), Diane Norburn (Stage Manager on the Book), Alexandra Legg (Assistant Stage Manager), Sophie Macfadyen (Assistant Stage Manager), Joey Pocket (Assistant Stage Manager), Alice Jenkins (Rehearsal Assistant Stage Manager), Andy Yiannaki (Sound No. 1), Rebecca Page (Sound No. 2), Olivia McColl (Sound No. 3), Oliver Burridge (Sound No. 3 Maternity Cover), Thomas King (Automation), Rose Connelly (Head of Wardrobe), Lucy Edgeworth (Wardrobe Assistant), Derek Johnston (Dresser), Rochelle Porter (Head of Wigs), Milly Roberts-Smith (Head of Wigs Maternity Cover), Jasmine Roy (Wigs Assistant), Josh Attwood (LX Show Chief), Alex Wintle (Deputy Show LX), Suzie Harrison (Follow Spot Operator), Jemma Newton (Follow Spot Operator), Anthony Pearson (Technical Swing), Playful Productions and Smith & Brant Theatricals (General Management), Luke Shires Marketing (Marketing Directors), Natalie McCormack (Ticketing and Sales Management), AKA (Artwork Design and Advertising), Mediacom (Digital Media), Matthew Murphy (Production Photographer), Story House PR (Press Representative), Shine Creative Solutions (Partnerships and Promotions), Chris Luscombe (Health and Safety Consultant), Sophie Lane (Physiotherapist), Ross Williams (General Manager of the Phoenix Theatre), Chris Ioannou (Assistant General Manager of the Phoenix Theatre), Vivienne Litherland (Phoenix Theatre Administrator), Mark Poisson (Phoenix Theatre Sales and Ticketing Manager), Charlotte Bezant (Phoenix Theatre Deputy Sales and Ticketing Manager), Alice Mowatt and Harry Cutts (Phoenix Theatre Box Office Assistants), Gary Swain (Phoenix Theatre Master Carpenter), Rebecca Wide (Phoenix Theatre Deputy Master Carpenter), Gary Hamilton (Phoenix Theatre Chief Electrician), Tamsyn Ross (Phoenix Theatre Deputy Chief Electrician), Kayleigh Aston, Lauren Donnelly and Emma Harper (Phoenix Theatre Customer Experience Supervisors), Simon Moore (Phoenix Theatre Cellar Person), Kellie Barker and Rebecca Zamani (Phoenix Theatre Stage Door Keepers).

The Come From Away Creative team include Irene Sankoff and David Hein (Book, Music and Lyrics), Christopher Ashley (Director), Kelly Devine (Musical Staging), Ian Eisendrath (Music Supervision and Arrangements), Beowulf Boritt (Scenic Design), Toni-Leslie James (Costume Design), Howell Binkley (Lighting Design), Gareth Owen (Sound Design), David Brian Brown (Hair Design), August Eriksmoen (Orchestrations), Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG (Casting), Joel Goldes (Dialect Coach), Michael Rubinoff (Creative Consultant), Bob Hallett (Newfoundland Music Consultant),  Shirley Fishman (Dramaturg), Tara Overfield Wilkinson (Associate Director and Choreographer UK), Kirsty Malpass (Assistant Director and Choreographer UK), Richard J. Hinds (Associate Choreographer US), Jenna Carino (Associate Scenic Designer), Devario Simmons (Associate Costume Designer), Ryan O’Gara (Associate Lighting Designer US), Warren Letton (Associate Lighting Designer and Programmer UK), Russell Godwin (Associate Sound Designer), Matt Towell (Production Manager), Chris Marcus and Jonathan Hall (Props Supervisor), Sabrina Cuniberto (Costume Supervisor), and Betty Marini (Hair and Wigs Supervisor).

The Come From Away band includes Alan Berry (Musical Director/UK Musical Supervisor), Matt Bashford (Whistles/Irish Flute/Uillean Pipes), Aoife Mairead Ní Bhriain (Fiddle), Oli Briant (Electric/Acoustic Guitar), Justin Quinn (Acoustic Guitars/Mandolins/Bouzouki), Joey Grant (Electric and Acoustic Bass),  Ray Fean (Bodhrán/Percussion), Ian Whitehead (Drums/Percussion), Huw Evans (Associate Musical Director), Andrew Barrett for Lionella Music, LLC (Electronic Music Design), Phij Adams (Associate Keyboard Programmer), Ryan Driscoll (Music Preparation), and David Gallagher (Orchestral Management).

Come From Away is produced in the UK by Junkyard Dog Productions and Smith & Brant Theatricals. The European premiere of Come From Away was co-produced with the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s National Theatre.

Winner of every major Best Musical award when it opened in the West End in March 2019, Come From Away tells the remarkable and inspiring true story of 7,000 stranded air passengers during the wake of 9/11, and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but as uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

Twenty years ago on 11 September 2001, the world stopped. On 12 September and in the years following, their stories of kindness, generosity and love have moved us all.

The international hit musical has celebrated sold-out, record-breaking engagements on Broadway, in Canada, throughout Australia, and on a 60-city North American Tour.

Tickets for Come From Away at the Phoenix Theatre are available via comefromawaylondon.co.uk.

WILTSHIRE CREATIVE ANNOUNCES

SNOW WHITE AND THE HAPPY EVER AFTER BEAUTY SALON

THIS CHRISTMAS

Salisbury Playhouse, part of Wiltshire Creative, today anounces Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon by Mike Akers as their festive family show opening on 8 December, with previews from 3 December, and running until 31 December. Directed by Gareth Machin, with music by Tayo Akinbode, lyrics by Mike Akers, and additional songs by Christopher Peake,the production enables Wiltshire Creative to share Christmas cheer with audiences this year following a revised performance plan; and 2022 will see the return of the full scale pantomime Cinderella.

Artistic Director Gareth Machin said today, Mike Akers has created a wonderful Christmas present for all the family. Working with our brilliant pantomime creative team, I know we’ll be able to bring the show to life with laughter, colour and joy. I can’t wait to share this magical production with our audience!

Executive Director Sebastian Warrack says, Christmas is an incredibly important time for Wiltshire Creative and we know that Snow White will bring sparkle and fun, as we look forward to a bright New Year.

SNOW WHITE AND THE HAPPY EVER AFTER BEAUTY SALON

Written by Mike Akers

Music by Tayo Akinbode, Lyrics by Mike Akers, with additional songs by Christopher Peake.

3 December – 31 December 2021

Director Gareth Machin; Designer James Button; Musical Director Christopher Peake; Choreographer Nicky Griffiths; Lighting Designer Nic Farman; Sound Designer Michael Scott;

Casting Director Gabrielle Dawes CDG

In a magical 1950s fairytale wonderland, young apprentice Snow is working hard in her Aunt Trish’s Beauty Salon. She curls the tails of the three little pigs, sharpens the teeth of the Big Bad Wolf, and perfectly sets Prince Charming’s quiff.

But, suddenly stumbling upon Aunt Trish’s magic mirror puts Snow’s life in peril.

Will she be able to survive as she heads underground and attempts to carve her own path to a happily ever after?

With toe-tapping live music, dazzling design, puppetry and laugh out loud entertainment, the show will delight the whole family this Christmas.

LISTINGS

SNOW WHITE AND THE HAPPY EVER AFTER BEAUTY SALON

Salisbury Playhouse, Wiltshire Creative

Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, SP2 7RA

https://bit.ly/SWNEWS21

Ticket Sales: 01722 320333

BE THE FIRST TO HEAR ABOUT NEW EVENTS BY BECOMING A MEMBER TODAY
MEMBERS PRIORITY BOOKING OPENS END OF JULY
Group Bookers please contact ticketsales@wiltshirecreative.co.uk 

CINDERELLA TICKET HOLDERS 

Your current booking will automatically transfer to 2022/2023 with no action needed. 

We are also offering ticket holders Membership benefits of priority booking for Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon and 10% discount off up to 2 tickets. 

Group Bookers will be contacted directly by the box office team to make revised arrangements with you. 
 

New bookings, credit or refunds can be arranged through the box office. 

In person at Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 3pm. 

By email ticketsales@wiltshirecreative.co.uk 

To arrange group or access bookings please phone 01722 320 333 Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 12pm.

Thank you for your patience as we are operating with a reduced box office team. 

Countdown to Kids Week: tickets released tomorrow for over 30 top West End shows

Tickets available at officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week 

Tickets go on sale from 10am tomorrow (Wednesday 30 June) for Kids Week, as the much-loved promotion returns, offering family discounts for top London theatre shows throughout August. With the Government having confirmed that they are on track to end lockdown and fully reopen theatres from 19 July, now is the perfect time to book your family theatre visit.

From hit musicals like Mary Poppins, The Prince Of Egypt and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie to family favourites Billionaire Boy, The Tiger Who Came To Tea and Dinosaur World Live, a huge range of shows are offering free tickets to children aged 17 and under when accompanied by a full paying adult – with additional children going half price. 

Kids Week tickets are available online from OfficialLondonTheatre.com. The offer has been set up slightly differently this year, so although it will be the same fantastic deal in terms of what you pay, instead of one full price ticket and one free child ticket it will be presented as two half price tickets. As always, there are no booking fees.

The safety of audiences and staff throughout Kids Week is our highest priority. Our industry-wide See it Safely mark, displayed at theatres across London, assures theatregoers that participating venues are following the latest Government guidance for live arts events.

Kids Week bookers can benefit from our ‘Book with Confidence, Exchange with Ease’ pledge, allowing them the opportunity to exchange up to 24 hours prior to a performance if they are unable to attend due to Covid. 

List of shows participating in Kids Week 2021

Additional shows might be added later in the promotion

Amazing Bubble Man

Amélie The Musical

Anything Goes

Be More Chill

Billionaire Boy

Cirque Berserk

Come From Away

Dinosaur World Live

Doctor Who: Time Fracture

Dragons And Mythical Beasts

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Fireman Sam Live – Saves The Circus

Hairspray

Heathers The Musical

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Five

Hotel Paradiso

Disney’s The Lion King

Mamma Mia!

Mary Poppins

Les Misérables: The Staged Concert

Morgan And West Present: The Three Musketeers

The Mousetrap

One Step, Two Step

The Play That Goes Wrong

The Prince Of Egypt

Sam And Mark’s On The Road Show

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Singin’ In The Rain

Six

Stiles and Drewe’s – The 3 Little Pigs A Very Curly Musical Tale!

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Twirlywoos Live

What The Ladybird Heard

Wonderville

Zog

Age recommendations for participating shows will vary. Please check the show listings on OfficialLondonTheatre.com for more information.

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PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

PRODUCED BY MARK GOUCHER AND JASON DONOVAN

The iconic hit, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, is set to shake Leeds audiences’ groove thing when it returns to Leeds Grand Theatre next week from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 July for seven socially distanced performances.

Boasting more glitter than ever before, and a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics, including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive and Finally, Priscilla is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.

Based on the Oscar-winning film, this brand-new production is produced by Mark Goucher, and for the first time, Jason Donovan, having performed in the cast of the original West End production and two subsequent UK tours. Miles Western will take on the role of Bernadette, with Nick Hayes as Adam/Felicia and Edwin Ray playing Tick/Mitzi.

Goucher’s independent producing company is able to tour Priscilla Queen Of The Desert with the support of the UK government’s Cultural Recovery Fund.

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 July 2021

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0113 243 0808

CHARLIE & STAN

A SILENT COMEDY ABOUT

THE GREATEST COMEDY DUO THAT NEARLY WAS

TOLD BY AN IDIOT’S PRODUCTION TO TOUR

FROM  17 JULY 2021

CASTING AND NEW DATES ANNOUNCED

Olivier and Tony Award-winning producer David Pugh, the renowned theatre company Told by an Idiot and Theatre Royal Bath Productions present the Silent Comedy CHARLIE & STAN, created by Told by an Idiot, written and directed by Paul Hunter,with an original piano score played live.  It will open in Bath on 17 July, followed by a national tour. 

Due to the actor playing Charlie Chaplin in the original production becoming pregnant, Charlie Chaplin will now be played by Danielle Bird, joining Jerone Marsh-Reid as Stan Laurel, Nick Haverson as Fred Karno and Sara Alexander playing all the other parts, including Chaplin’s mother, and the piano!  They will be joined by Reggie, making his stage debut as Scraps the Dog.  Reggie will not play Sundays – something to do with Elaine Paige – and, at those performances, the part of Scraps will be played by a puppet.

Famous Belgian clown, Jos Houben, who was one of the founding members of Complicité, has been brought on board as the physical comedy consultant.

A new trailer can be seen here  (PLEASE WATCH WITH THE VOLUME UP).

In 1910, the then unknown Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel set sail on board a tramp steamer from Liverpool to New York as part of Fred Karno’s famous music hall troupe. On the voyage, they shared a cabin, they shared comedy routines, they shared laughter, but, by the end of the journey, they hated each other… yet they would both go on to become two of the biggest stars of the age.

Inspired by real life events, Told by an Idiot’s acclaimed production of CHARLIE & STAN is the remarkable story of the greatest comedy double act that nearly was. With an original piano score played live at every performance, CHARLIE & STAN is a hilarious and deeply moving homage to two men who changed the world of comedy forever.

Told by an Idiot have garnered critical acclaim and devoted audiences worldwide for their wonderfully theatrical shows. With CHARLIE & STAN they have uncovered a hidden and poignant chapter of comedy history, shining an unusual light on a pair of show business legends.

CHARLIE & STAN is directed by Paul Hunter and designed by Ioana Curelea, with lighting design by Aideen Malone, video design by Dom Baker, original piano score by Mercury Award nominee Zoe Rahman and song arrangement by Sophie Cotton.  Jos Houben is physical comedy consultant and dance choreography is by Nuna Sandy for ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company.  CHARLIE & STAN is from an idea by Irene Cotton, with additional material from the company.

CHARLIE & STAN is produced by David Pugh, Told by an Idiot and Theatre Royal Bath Productions.  CHARLIE & STAN was originally produced by Told by an Idiot and Theatre Royal Plymouth, in association with Royal & Derngate Northampton and Unity Theatre Liverpool.

2021 TOUR SCHEDULE

Saturday 17 – Saturday 24 July

Theatre Royal Bath

01225 448844

Theatreroyal.org.uk

Sunday 1 – Thursday 12 August

Minack Theatre Cornwall

01736 810181

Minack.com

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August

Theatebarn Evesham

01386 577117

Theatrebarn.org

Monday 16 – Saturday 21 August

Malvern Festival Theatre

01684 892277

Malvern-theatres.co.uk

Tuesday 31 August – Saturday 4 September

Everyman Theatre Cheltenham

01242 572573

Everymantheatre.org.uk

Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 September

The Lowry

0343 208 6000

Thelowry.com

Monday 4 – Saturday 9 October

Oxford Playhouse

01865 305305

Oxfordplayhouse.com

on sale 15 July

Sonia Friedman Productions
Tulchin Bartner Productions
in association with 
Louise & Brad Edgerton

THE SHARK IS BROKEN
Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon
Directed by Guy Masterson
 

• NEW DATES ARE ANNOUNCED FOR ‘THE SHARK IS BROKEN’ AT THE AMBASSADORS THEATRE.

• THE SELL-OUT, SMASH HIT OF THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE 2019 WILL TRANSFER TO THE WEST END FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED RUN FROM 9 OCTOBER 2021 – 15 JANUARY 2022.

• TAKING AUDIENCES BEHIND-THE-SCENES OF THE ICONIC BLOCKBUSTER JAWS, THIS BRILLIANTLY FUNNY AND DEEPLY MOVING NEW PLAY IMAGINES WHAT HAPPENED ON BOARD “THE ORCA” WHEN THE CAMERAS STOPPED ROLLING.
   
• IAN SHAW, WHO CO-WRITES WITH JOSEPH NIXON, STARS AS HIS FATHER ROBERT SHAW.

• TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE AT 10AM ON THURSDAY 1 JULY AT THESHARKISBROKEN.COM.

                                                     
                                                                                            Ian Shaw. Photo Nick Driftwood.

Sonia Friedman Productions is delighted to announce new dates for The Shark is Broken at the Ambassadors Theatre after the production was postponed last year due to the pandemic.  Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon’s brilliantly funny play will now run in the West End from 9 October – 15 January. Tickets will go on general sale on Thursday 1 July at 10am. Current ticketholders will be notified of their new performance date by their point of purchase.

Cape Cod, 1974: shooting on ‘Jaws’ has stalled. The film’s lead actors – Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss – are stuck on a boat, at the mercy of foul weather and a faulty mechanical co-star. Awash with alcohol and ambition, three hammered sharks start to bare their teeth…

A sell-out, critically acclaimed hit of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019, The Shark is Broken reveals the hilarious and moving behind-the-scenes drama on one of Hollywood’s all-time biggest blockbusters, Steven Spielberg’s Jaws.  The play is co-written by Robert Shaw’s son Ian, who also plays his father, and Joseph Nixon. Guy Masterson directs with the full cast and creative team to be announced soon.

Ian Shaw said:  “I first watched ‘Jaws’ when I was about eight.  I loved it, even though it terrified me!  Like many others, sharks inhabited my dreams, and swimming was off the menu. Over forty years later, the prospect of playing my father in a play that Joseph and I wrote, and bringing to light the off-screen intrigue and comedy that went into the making of a masterpiece, is a unique and very special one.”

Sonia Friedman said: “‘Jaws’ was made against all odds, and became one of the greatest films of all time. So, we always knew we had to bring this brilliantly original play to the Ambassadors Theatre in spite of everything. Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon deliver a hilarious and uniquely personal perspective on one of the most legendary moments in film history, bringing three Hollywood icons to life onstage. Hysterically funny and oddly profound, ‘The Shark Is Broken’ is the sort of unexpected gem you only find at the Edinburgh Fringe, and I cannot wait to share it with West End audiences – at last!”

The Times ★★★★★
“Did I mention waves? Get ready for this play to make some. Do they need a bigger boat? Actually, I think they are going to need a bigger theatre — and soon.”

Metro ★★★★★
“This play packs plenty of bite.”

The Telegraph ★★★★
“Something unexpectedly profound and emotionally serrated lurks below the apparently frothy surface of this dive behind the scenes of the making of JAWS.”

The Arts Desk ★★★★
“This play deserves a life beyond the Fringe; yes, they’re going to need a bigger theatre.”

The Stage ★★★★
“An intoxicating combination of behind-the-scenes gossip and contemplation of the nature of popular art.”

Guildford Fringe Festival, Surrey’s annual multi-arts festival,  

opens this Friday 2 July 2021, running until 25 July  

Guildford Fringe Festival opens this Friday 2 July 2021, running until 25 July with a packed programme of entertainment after last year’s event was sadly cancelled due to Covid-related restrictions. Booking is now open at GuildfordFringeFestival.com for more than 70 arts events with an average ticket price of just £9. 

Set up by Managing Director Nick Wyschna in 2013, Guildford’s largest independent multi-arts festival is an open-access celebration featuring theatre, comedy, poetry, music, visual arts, family-friendly shows, talks and free events.  

Festival venues this year include Clandon Wood Nature Reserve, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, The Back Room of the Star Inn, The Keep Pub, The Guildhall and the historic town centre of Guildford. 

Gag House Comedy Superstars headlined by Rich Hall kick off the Festival at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre delivering some of the UK’s best stand-up comedy.  

Highlights of this year’s Free Fringe include Surrey Fringe Chorus (3 July), Colour with Guildford in Bloom (4 July) and Guildford’s Rock Choir (11 July) which all take place in the town centre.   

Nick Wyschna, Managing Director of Guildford Fringe Festival, said:  “It’s here, Guildford Fringe Festival 2021! Can you believe it, we are actually back and putting on a month-long festival full of art and culture?  I am completely thrilled. The line-up of acts is sublime and I am so excited to watch every single show.  

“It is clear to me that the public has missed live entertainment. Tickets are selling fast so please do book in advance as, due to the restrictions being extended, once we are full, we are full – there will be no squeezing chairs in this year I am afraid.  

“We have gone to great expense to make sure everyone is, and feels, safe at the shows. We have brand new hospital grade air-purifiers and we have bought clear dividers to put in-between audience bubbles. All the venues will be cleaned before and after all shows and we will be adhering to all COVID safety rules. Just come along and have a great time with us!” 

Visit GuildfordFringeFestival.com for the full line-up and to book tickets. The Box Office phone number is 01483 361101. During the Festival, the Fringe Team will be at The Star Inn, Quarry Street, 7 days a week, from 6-7pm, where they will run a Box Office for all Festival events and be happy to have a chat.  There is a video on Guildford Fringe Festival’s YouTube channel which details some of the Covid safety measures which have been put in place.

DAME JUDI DENCH INVITES ALL TO CELEBRATE   “THE MUSICAL SPECTACULAR OF 

THE YEAR” AT  THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL ON 21ST JULY!

Alpha will re-open the best theatre district in the world – in aid of the Acting For Others charity, on freedom week.

The Alpha Family are incredibly excited to announce that they will have the honour of being the first West End production on the opening week of the iconic Royal Albert Hall. This will be Alpha’s third “Best of the West End” show, following their previous sell-outs at the Hall over the last three years.

Alpha’s Creative Director, and West End superstar, Ben Forster has assembled and Olivier Award-winning production team including choreographer Stephen Mear CBE, Lighting Designer Tim Lutkin and West End Musical Director Dr. Stuart Morley – putting this historic opening night in the hands of musical theatre royalty.

In line with Alpha’s philanthropic ethos and love for the arts, they are extremely proud to confirm that £5 from every ticket sold, together with all profits made, will be donated to Acting for Others. As seen over the closure of all venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, the arts have been particularly hit hard by the pandemic. As a prolific supporter of the West End, the Alpha Family are thrilled to champion a cause so close to their hearts.

Dame Judi Dench, President of Acting for Others said: We are incredibly grateful to be the chosen charity for Alpha’s The Best Of The West End at The Royal Albert Hall. Thank you to the wonderful creative team, Alpha Solutions and spectacular cast. We hope you enjoy this special event and can join us in celebrating the reopening of this iconic venu in its 150th year.

The incredible line up of West End favourites new and old, include Ruthie Henshall, Ben Forster, Mica Paris, Layton Williams, John Owen-Jones, Matt Henry MBE, Sophie Evans and the Alpha Ambassadors of Arts, Lauren Samuels and mezzo-soprano Friederike Krum.

The year’s The Voice contestant Matthew Croke, known for his title role in Disney’s Aladdin will be performing some West End classics, whilst all-powerful, female supergroup WOMAN will perform their charity single “I’m A Woman”, (also from the 1995’s Leiber & Stoller- themed musical revue Smokey Joe’s Cafe). Brian May created this super talented group that consists of long time Killer Queen star and “Friend of Alpha” Mazz Murray alongside Kerry Ellis, Anna-Jane Casey and Gina Murray.

Supported by the superb MX Masterclass Choir and the incredibly talented orchestra, this vibrant West End performance will cover the breadth of musical theatre from classic hits to ground-breaking new musicals including: Chicago, Wicked, West Side Story, 42nd Street, Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Mis, Sister Act and many more!

“I am so honoured to be appointed Creative Director for Alpha’s Best of the West End annual concert at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. This is no ordinary concert and I am so excited to be part of the team creating what will be the most spectacular event, all in aid of a charity so close to my heart, Acting for Others.”

–   Ben Forster, Alpha’s Creative Director

‘We are delighted to head back to The Royal Albert Hall on 21st July for the third time with our latest breath- taking Best of the West End production. It is a privilege to be working alongside some of the UK’s most spectacular West End performers and Creative Team. The Alpha Family are so excited to be back doing what we love after such a challenging time for us all. This production means so much to so many,as it’s not only the celebration that we have all been waiting for, but it also supports so many artists on the day and into the future. I am extremely grateful to the commitment and support from all involved.’

–   Emma Longley, Alpha’s Group Brand

FULL CASTING ANNNOUCED AS REHEARSALS BEGIN FOR

T I N A – T H E   T I N A   T U R N E R   M U S I C A L

RE-OPENING AT THE ALDWYCH THEATRE 28 JULY 2021

The hit production of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL will re-open at the Aldwych Theatre on 28 July 2021 following over a year of shutdown across the West End.

Joining Aisha Jawando and Jammy Kasongo as Tina and Ike are Chanel Haynes who plays the role of Tina at some performances each week, Joe Evans as Record Producer Phil Spector and Lyricist Terry Britten, Irene Myrtle Forrester as Tina’s Grandmother GG, Francesca Jackson and Alice Bailey Johnson as Ike and Tina’s manager Rhonda Graam, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky as Tina’s sister Alline Bullock, Matt Mills as Tina’s father Richard Bullock, Posi Morakinyo as Tina’s first love Raymond Hill, Garmon Rhys as Tina’s Manager Roger Davies, Joseph Richardson as record company Marketing Manager Erwin Bach and Madeline Appiah as Tina’s mother Zelma.

Ensemble members are Lori Barker and Kelly Hampson, Chris Grahamson who plays Carpenter, Paul Mukembo who plays Tina’s son Craig and Alex Okoampa who plays Tina’s son Ronnie, the Ikettes are played by Samara Casteallo, Mia Musak and Anu Ogunmefun and swings Derek Aidoo, Joshua Da Costa, Livvy Evans, Raquel Jones, DeeArna McLean, Michael Thomas, Saran Webb and Samuel J Weir.

The children’s cast comprises Tia Murrell, thirteen years old from Surrey, Rae Ann Quayle, eleven years old from Redbridge and Poppy Cunningham, ten years old from Hertfordshire share the role of Young Anna Mae; Shai Codrington, nine years old from Barnet, Sophia Anne Angiama, ten years old from Sutton and Mia Jones, eleven years old from Solihull share the role of Young Alline; Elias Agbodan George, nine years old from Havering, Remi Dabiri-McQuaid, eight years old from Hackney and Romell Barrocks-Bedeau, eleven years old from Lambeth share the role of Young Craig.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL which is based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner and produced in association with Tina Turner herself, has tickets available at all prices and is currently booking to 26 June 2022, including new Sunday performances.  The critically acclaimed production received its world premiere in April 2018 in London and subsequently broke all Box Office records at the Aldwych Theatre. 

Having originally played Tina’s sister Alline Bullock, Aisha Jawando who has been with the company since its world premiere in Spring 2018, will continue in the title role.  Jammy Kasongo, who also was a member of original company and then played the roles of Richard and Raymond, steps up to play the role of Ike.  Joining them and making her West End debut is Chanel Haynes as the alternate Tina who will perform the iconic role of Tina at certain performances. 

This new musical reveals a comeback story like no other, of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of racism, sexism and ageism to become the global Queen of Rock n’ Roll. TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is a celebration of resilience and an inspiration of triumph over adversity.

Aisha Jawando’s London theatre credits include the title role in Cinderella at the Hackney Empire, The Life at Southwark Playhouse, Martha Reeves in the original London cast of Motown The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical at the Aldwych Theatre, The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Fela at the National Theatre, The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre and Soul Sister at the Savoy Theatre.

Jammy Kasongo’sother theatre credits include Grand Hotel at the Southwark Playhouse, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical at the Aldwych Theatre and Hair at The Vaults.

Chanel Haynes, who will make her London stage debut as the alternate Tina,was discovered by Quincy Jones while she was still a teenager and went on to become an original member and lead singer of the New Orleans-based group Trin-i-tee 5:7 selling over 2.5million albums worldwide and earning two Grammy nominations.  At the 2008 Grammy Awards, she was part of the line-up with her band Trin-i-tee 5:7, which also included performances from Tina Turner, Beyoncé and Aretha Franklin.  She made her musical theatre debut in 2014 at the Zach Theatre in Austin, Texas, where, in 2018, she won the B. Iden Payne Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her role as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is choreographed by Anthony van Laast, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson, musical supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Bruno Poet,sound by Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Jeff Sugg and orchestrations by Ethan Popp. 

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is produced in the West End by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.

In November 2019 the Broadway production opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre where is recommences performances on 8 October 2021.  In March 2019, the German production opened at Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg, and the Dutch production opened at the Beatrix Theater, Utrecht, in February 2020.  A third European production is due to open at the Teatro Coliseum in Madrid, Spain in Autumn 2021.

In May 2021 Tina Turner was inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  Previously in 1991 she was inducted as a duo alongside Ike Turner.

The feature documentary TINA is now available to stream on Sky and Now TV. A revealing and intimate look at the life and career of musical icon Tina Turner, TINA charts her improbable rise to early fame, her personal and professional struggles throughout her life and her even more improbable resurgence as a global phenomenon in the 1980s. The feature documentary is from Academy Award-winning directors Dan Lindsay, T.J. Martin and Lightbox, the production company founded by Academy Award-winning producer Simon Chinn and Emmy-winning producer Jonathan Chinn, together with Emmy-nominated producer Diane Becker.

Obtaining Government backed contingency insurance to protect against further unscheduled closures remains a priority.  All plans for the re-opening are in accordance with the Government’s latest directives and therefore subject to change. 

Jon Morgan, director of Theatres Trust, has responded to the government’s announcement that Step 4 of lockdown easing is on target for 19^th July, following the 4 week delay from 21^st June:

In view of the current status of the pandemic, confirmation that restrictions will not be lifted earlier than the 19^th July is understandable. It does however place the theatre sector in a difficult position, with no clarity yet that theatres will be able to fully reopen at that time. This makes planning incredibly challenging for the theatre industry.

What the theatre sector really needs at this moment is a commitment that events already found to be safe through the Events Research Programme, including indoor theatre, can reopen fully on 19^th July.