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Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 11 October 2025

Reviewed by Louise Ford

4****

Toe tapping delight.

The 1935 movie, Top Hat, starring two of the greatest dancers of all times  Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers has been faithfully adapted for the stage by Matthew White and Howard Jacques. It is just what we need an easy on the eye show, with froth, sequins and gorgeous dance numbers. The original songs, by Irving Berlin, from the film have been expanded to include others from Berlin’s vast repertoire, all the old favourites; Puttin on the Ritz, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Cheek to Cheek…the list is endless. The music was further enhanced by the live orchestra who were clearly having a ball!

The superb choreography is by Kathleen Marshall. Whilst at times the stage seems a bit too small for the big ensemble numbers, the energy and smiles of the ensemble more than make up for the limited space. The top tap award goes to Phillip Attmore as Jerry Travers who is on stage for nearly all of the performance and has to live up to the “greatest dancer on Broadway “, strap line.

In essence the story is one of mistaken identity. It follows the rise of Jerry  from the US to London and finally to Venezia. Jerry the eternal bachelor, is dancing and singing his way across the globe when he falls for Dale Tremont (Amara Okereke). Dale is an independent fashion model who is the talk of the town with her stunning outfits designed by Alberto Beddini (Alex Gibson-Giorgio). Alberto is a very nattily dressed Italian with an interesting line in underwear!

The straight man in the story is Horace Hardwick (James Holme), the nervous entrepreneur who is married to Madge (Sally Ann Triplett). There are some very funny one-liners in the story, some may be of their time (foreigners mispronouncing words ), but the to and fro between Madge and, well anyone, is very sharp and funny! The other comedy performance is by Bates (James Clyde), the Hardwick’s butler.

The stand out performance for me was the glorious stage. The set design is by Peter Mckintosh, it moves seamlessly from hotel rooms, to bars to aircraft and back again. The rich colours and design really capture the mood of the 1930s. The lighting is by Tim Mitchell.

So put on your top hat, tie up your white tie and brush off your tails as you head on down to the theatre for a glorious show!

MIZ ROCKS HOME!

CAMERON MACKINTOSH

ANNOUNCES

MORE DATES FOR THE SELL-OUT

ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR OF

LES MISÉRABLES

AT

LONDON

ROYAL ALBERT HALL

18TH – 21ST JUNE 2026

DUBLIN 3ARENA

29TH MAY – 6TH JUNE 2026

NEW YORK

RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL

23RD JULY – 2ND AUGUST 2026

BIRMINGHAM UTILITA ARENA

11TH – 14TH JUNE 2026

PRESALE OPENS 20 OCTOBER 2025

As the London production of Les Misérables celebrates its 40^th Anniversary this evening with a special Gala performance at the Sondheim Theatre, Cameron Mackintosh, in association with Nick Grace Management, is delighted to announce more dates for Boublil and Schönberg’s LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR, which will play the 3Arena, Dublin (Friday 29 May – Saturday 6 June 2026), Utilita Arena Birmingham (Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 June 2026), London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall (Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 June 2026) and New York’s legendary Radio City Music Hall for a strictly limited run, 14 shows only (Thursday 23 July – Sunday 2 August 2026).

Sign up at https://worldtour.lesmis.com/ now for access to the presale from Monday 20 October 2025.

Following a record breaking two year run since the World Tour opened in Belfast in September 2024, with over 1-million tickets having been sold worldwide so far, the new dates will mark the end of the official 40^th anniversary celebrations of the world’s longest-running musical. Les Misérables last played on Broadway in 2016 and the London production has just entered its 41^st year at the Sondheim Theatre.

Full casting for the new tour dates to be announced soon.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh said, “The Arena Concert Spectacular, which I put together as a World Tour to celebrate the incredible 40th year of Les Mis continuously running in London, has been a success beyond my wildest dreams, attracting capacity crowds around the world since it opened over a year ago – even in countries where the full stage production has never yet played.

The Arena Tour has already sold over a million tickets, and the rapturous reception has been the same for over 300 performances in 30 cities across 25 countries around the globe wherever MIZ ROCKS is playing. Continuing what will have been an almost two-year record-breaking run, I am thrilled to announce that in 2026 we will be bringing home this iconic event to Dublin and Birmingham before it plays two of the World’s most iconic music venues – the Royal Albert Hall in London in June and Radio City Music Hall in New York in July.

We haven’t played the Royal Albert Hall since the show’s legendary 10th Anniversary Concert (which has just been remastered and released on vinyl for the first time) and in New York, Les Misérables has not been seen for almost a decade since we closed our third triumphant run on Broadway. Even our return to Dublin, to the 3Arena (formerly the legendary Point), is full of Les Mis resonance as it is the place where our original Irish star, the great Colm Wilkinson, came home to play Jean Valjean – we hope to have another great Irish star to make the upcoming Dublin engagement equally memorable. We are putting together an incredible array of Les Mis alumni for these engagements and look forward to announcing our cast later in the year.

I am especially excited about bringing this Arena production to New York as America is the only major English-speaking country in the world where I have not yet produced the concert. So, I was personally delighted that we were invited to do so by Radio City Music Hall where American audiences can see this spectacular event for the first time.

To quote The Times, “Only Les Mis can generate an atmosphere between a rock concert and a football match – a hypnotic and virtuoso production”.

Looking forward to seeing you roll up to MIZ ROCKS…. But hurry to avoid having to storm the barricades for a ticket!”

Having opened to acclaim in the UK and Europe in September 2024, the production has continued to tour to Countries and Regions around the world, playing to packed houses across 30 cities and breaking Box Office records. The tour will next play an eight week sell out season in Shanghai, the longest single engagement of the tour, where performances sold out in hours every time tickets were released, then onto Manila and Singapore where the response has already been phenomenal, before returning to Europe.

LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR was developed from the hugely successful Les Misérables The Staged Concert, which played for over 200 record-breaking performances in the West End and the legendary 25^th Anniversary performance at The O2. It features an extraordinary new design specifically created for larger venues and an electrifying production enhanced with new set and lighting designs, bringing Cameron Mackintosh’s critically acclaimed production to life on a never-before-seen scale, led by an internationally lauded company and orchestra.

* * * *
“A BLOCKBUSTER ON STEROIDS WITH AN ATMOSPHERE BETWEEN A ROCK CONCERT AND A FOOTBALL MATCH.
A HYPNOTIC AND VIRTUOSO PRODUCTION”

THE TIMES

“THIS SUPERB PRODUCTION MARCHES ON!”
THE TELEGRAPH

“THIS POWERFULLY PERFECT PRODUCTION LIFTS THE ROOF OFF!”
SCOTLAND’S DAILY RECORD

“DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING? I DID, AND IT WAS MAGICAL”
THE GUARDIAN, AUSTRALIA

“A SUPERB PRODUCTION. THIS IS LES MIS AS A ROCK CONCERT AND IF YOU LOVE LES MIS, YOU’LL LOVE THIS”
TIME OUT, AUSTRALIA

* * * *

GUARDIAN, TIME OUT, TELEGRAPH, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

Cameron Mackintosh’s critically acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables continues its record-breaking run at the Sondheim Theatre in London’s West End, with several other local language productions currently on or in preparation around the world.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Orchestrations are by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke and Stephen Brooker, with original orchestrations by John Cameron. The production is directed by James Powell and Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy, designed by Matt Kinley, with costumes by Andreane Neofitou, Christine Rowland and Paul Wills, lighting by Paule Constable and Warren Letton, sound by Mick Potter, projections realised by Finn Ross and music supervision by Stephen Brooker and Alfonso Casado Trigo.

LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR is produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Nick Grace Management.

www.worldtour.lesmis.com

LISTING INFORMATION

FRIDAY 29 MAY – SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2026

3ARENA, DUBLIN

THURSDAY 11 – SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2026

UTILITA ARENA BIRMINGHAM

THURSDAY 18 – SUNDAY 21 JUNE 2026

ROYAL ALBERT HALL, LONDON

THURSDAY 23 JULY – SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2026

RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, NEW YORK

FOLLOWING A HIT WEST END RUN,

NEW YORK SEASON AND UK TOUR,

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED COMEDY
THE LAST LAUGH

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY PAUL HENDY

RETURNS FOR A UK AND IRELAND TOUR IN 2026

FEATURING

STEVE ROYLE AS ERIC MORECAMBE,

DAMIAN WILLIAMS AS TOMMY COOPER

AND SIMON CARTWRIGHT AS BOB MONKHOUSE

OPENING AT MALVERN THEATRES

FROM 28 APRIL 2026

Following a successful West End run, New York season and UK tour, producers Jamie Wilson Productions and Emily Wood for Evolution Productions are delighted to announce that the critically acclaimed comedy THE LAST LAUGH will return for a UK and Ireland tour in 2026, opening at Malvern Theatres from Tuesday 28 April 2026. Full tour dates listed below.

THE LAST LAUGH features Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle as Eric Morecambe, alongside Damian Williams as Tommy Cooper and Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse, both returning to reprise their roles. The cast is completed by Richard Hodder who is the Walking Cover for all three roles.

Producer Jamie Wilson said today “I am delighted to be working with Evolution Productions again to take Paul Hendy’s critically acclaimed The Last Laugh on another UK and Ireland Tour, visiting 21 venues. It is incredible that this production, which started at Edinburgh Fringe and has since played in the West End, New York, and around the UK, will build on this success for a subsequent year.

I’m also thrilled that Damian Williams and Simon Cartwright are returning to reprise their roles as Tommy Cooper and Bob Monkhouse, with the brilliant Steve Royle joining as Eric Morecambe, to bring these three iconic comedians to life onstage.”

Written and directed by Paul Hendy, THE LAST LAUGH imagines three of Britain’s all-time greatest comedy heroes – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse – in a dressing room, discussing the secret of life, death, comedy and what it means to be funny… really funny!  Warm, funny, nostalgic and poignant, The Last Laugh was a sell-out hit when it first premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024 and a critically acclaimed, five-star hit in the West End in 2025.

Steve Royle is a comedian, actor, radio presenter and variety performer, best known as a finalist on Britain’s Got Talent in 2020. He was recently voted Best Comic at the UK Pantomime awards 2025, for his role as Buttons in Cinderella at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool – a theatre where he has performed for the last 22 years. His other credits include the world premier tour and West End run of Naturally Insane: The Life of Dan Leno.

Damian Williams played Tommy Cooper in the tour of Being Tommy Cooper. His many other theatre credits include Edna Turnblad in the national tour of the musical Hairspray as well as the national tour of The Ladykillers and the plays Bouncers and Educating Rita. For the past 17 years he has been the resident Dame in the pantomimes at the Sheffield Lyceum and was awarded Best Pantomime Dame at The Great British Pantomime Awards.  

Simon Cartwright has been an actor and impressionist since the 1980s, appearing at The Comedy Store many times. He has appeared in the award-winning Channel 4 hit Toast of London and the films Mother’s Day and Closure. He recently toured the UK in the stage play Howerd’s End in which he portrays the legendary comedian Frankie Howerd.

Richard Hodder West End credits include Andrew Jarvis in The Accused, Marston in And Then There Were None, Accidental Death of An Antichrist and The Price. His other theatre credits include Ham/Thong/George in A Voyage Round My Father, Praed in Mrs Warren’s Profession and Noises Off all for Theatre Royal Bath, and the UK tours of The Importance of Being Earnest, A Game Called Malice, and Charley in Charley’s Aunt.

“COMEDY HEAVEN! IMMACULATE…GAGS GALORE!”

DAILY MAIL

“PURE FUN… I WOULDN’T HAVE MISSED IT FOR THE WORLD”

THE SUNDAY TIMES, GILES COREN

“PITCH-PERFECT… PURE GOLD!”

MAIL ON SUNDAY

THE LAST LAUGH is written and directed by Paul Hendy, with Set Designer Lee Newby, Composer and Musical Arranger Ethan Lewis Maltby, Sound Designer Callum Wills, Lighting Designer Johanna Town, Costume Designer Amy Chamberlain and Casting by Kate Roddy.

THE LAST LAUGH – TOUR VENUE LISTINGS

TUESDAY 28 APRIL – SATURDAY 2 MAY 2026
MALVERN THEATRES
https://malvern-theatres.co.uk/
ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 5 – SATURDAY 9 MAY 2026
THEATRE ROYAL, PLYMOUTH
https://theatreroyal.com/
ON SALE 6^th NOVEMBER

TUESDAY 12 – SATURDAY 16 MAY 2026
THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY
https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/
ON SALE 9^th OCTOBER

TUESDAY 19 – SATURDAY 23 MAY 2026
KINGS THEATRE, PORTSMOUTH
https://www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk/
ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 26 – SATURDAY 30 MAY 2026
DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE, EASTBOURNE
https://trafalgartickets.com/eastbourne-theatres-eastbourne/
ON SALE 10^th OCTOBER

TUESDAY 9 – SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2026
PRINCESS THEATRE, TORQUAY
https://www.torquay-theatre.co.uk/venues/princess-theatre-torquay
ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 16 – SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2026
WATFORD PALACE THEATRE
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/
ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 7 – SATURDAY 11 JULY 2026
NEW THEATRE, CARDIFF
https://trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff/en-GB
ON SALE 10^th OCTOBER

TUESDAY 14 – SATURDAY 18 JULY 2026
EVERYMAN THEATRE, CHELTENHAM
https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/
ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 28 JULY – SATURDAY 1 AUGUST 2026
QUEEN’S THEATRE, BARNSTAPLE
https://queenstheatre-barnstaple.com/
ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 4 – SATURDAY 8 AUGUST 2026
NEW THEATRE, PETERBOROUGH
https://newtheatre-peterborough.com/
ON SALE NOW

WEDNESDAY 12 – SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 2026
JERSEY OPERA HOUSE
https://www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk
ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 18 – SATURDAY 22 AUGUST 2026
DARLINGTON HIPPODROME
https://www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/
ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 25 – SATURDAY 29 AUGUST 2026
BUXTON OPERA HOUSE
https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/
ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 1 – SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2026
THEATRE ROYAL, NOTTINGHAM
https://trch.co.uk/
ON SALE 15^th OCTOBER

WEDNESDAY 9 – SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2026
WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND
https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/
ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2026
FLORAL PAVILION THEATRE, NEW BRIGHTON
https://www.floralpavilion.com/
ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 13 – SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER 2026
CURVE THEATRE, LEICESTER
https://www.curveonline.co.uk/
ON SALE 14^th OCTOBER

TUESDAY 20 – SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER 2026
ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS
https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/
ON SALE 8^th OCTOBER

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

NEW MUSICAL

TO SIR, WITH LOVE

PLAYING TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY

AT THE GILLIAN LYNNE THEATRE

ON MONDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2025

Producers Kris Lythgoe and Darren Bell are delighted to announce that Jess Folley, George Maguire, Chelsea Halfpenny, Kara Lane, Michael Vinsen and Elijah Millar complete the cast of the concert performances of TO SIR, WITH LOVE – A New Musical at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on Monday, 24 November 2025 for two performances only with a sold out matinee and very few tickets remaining for the evening performance.

They join previously announced British music icon, actress and Grammy nominee Lulu (Dale Evans), returning to the story that launched her global career, and five-time Emmy Award winner and multiple Grammy nominee, Wayne Brady (Rick Braithwaite).

The young adult cast includes Jamie Molloy (Denham),Ben Salter (Buckley), Vivien Farkas-Haholt (Barbara Pegg), Sophia Oram (Tara Joseph), Thomas Stocks (Graham Potter), Toby Foetu-Foster (Titch Jackson), Matthew Navas (Sapiano), Isobelle Tolson (Pupil 1), Katie Mitton (Pupil 2) and Rosie Hernandez-Lawrence (Reserve Pupil) all provided by Italia Conti.

Jess Folley (Pamela Dare) most recently composed music for and starred as Ali Rose in the world premiere production of Burlesque the Musical in Manchester, Glasgow and the West End. Jess discovered her passion for music at a young age and has been song writing and performing ever since. At age 14, Jess won the first series of the national ITV show The Voice Kids UK. She went on to perform at various venues across the country, including Nickelodeon’s Slimefest. Jess’s success continued in 2019 when her band were crowned the winners of X Factor – The Band. Jess has dedicated all her time to developing herself as an artist and songwriter, having had the opportunity to work with some of the most respected songwriters and producers in the industry. She is now releasing new music as a solo artist, following the drop of her debut EP 18 & Anxious which tells the story of her teenage years through songs she would email to her therapist as a communication tool.

George Maguire (Mr Weston) is the winner of the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his performance of Dave Davies in Sunny Afternoon in the West End. His other theatre credits include: Burlesque the Musical (Manchester Opera House, Savoy Theatre, West End), Death Note in Concert (Lyric Theatre), Tarantino Live (Riverside Studios), Buck Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde (Garrick Theatre / Arts Theatre / Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Cratchit/Marley in Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol (Southbank Centre), The Wicker Husband in The Wicker Husband (Watermill Theatre),Alan Dangle in One Man, Two Guvnors (New Wolsey Theatre / Nuffield Theatre), Orsino/Malvolio in Twelfth Night (Bridge House Theatre), Marc Bolan in 20th Century Boy (UK Tour), 35mm (The Other Palace), The Buskers Opera (Park Theatre), Lift (Soho Theatre), Tad in Bright Lights Big City, Berger in Hair (Piccadilly Theatre), Joe Vegas in Fame (West End), Angel in Rent (European Tour). His film and TV Credits Include: Nick in Tomorrow Morning (Visualize Films), Felix in Eastenders (BBC), Duke in Prime Suspect (ITV) and Ferrante D’este in Borgia (Lionsgate)

Chelsea Halfpenny (Gillian Blanchard) started her career as a child actor, playing Lucy Summerbee in Byker Grove (BBC). She is best known for her roles as Amy Wyatt in Emmerdale (ITV) and Dr. Alicia Munroe in Casualty (BBC). Her other television credits include The Lady Grace Mysteries (BBC); Inventing the Ripper (Sky History); Vera (ITV); The Good Ship Murder (Channel 5); and Grantchester (ITV). On stage, Chelsea most recently starred as Tracy Edwards in the world premiere of Maiden Voyage (Southwark Playhouse, Elephant). Other notable theatre credits include Judy Bernly in 9 to 5: The Musical (Savoy Theatre, West End); Jenna in Waitress (UK & Ireland tour); and Jo in Beryl (West Yorkshire Playhouse).

Kara Lane’s (Mrs Dare) theatre credits include: Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical (Manchester Opera House); The Necklace (Madam Forestier, World Premiere, Belfast Ensemble); The Hatpin (Agatha Makin, Taylor Wright Productions); The Addams Family Musical (Alice Beineke, London Palladium & 2 UK tours); Rebecca (Mrs. Danvers, Charing Cross Theatre); The Sound of Music (Baroness Elsa Schraeder, National Tour); Mary Poppins (Winifred Banks); Sweeney Todd (Beggar Woman, Derby Theatre & Colchester Mercury Theatre); Oklahoma! (Gertie Cummings, UK tour); Annie Get Your Gun (Dolly Tate, National Tour); Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney, Kilworth House Theatre); Oliver! (Rose Seller & First Cover Nancy, Cameron Mackintosh Ltd.); Lend Me a Tenor – The Musical (First Cover Diana Divane, World Premiere, Gielgud Theatre, West End); The Rocky Horror Show(Magenta/Usherette, ATG National Tour & Singapore); Evita (Understudy Eva Perón, National Tour); Scrooge (Ghost of Christmas Past, National Tour); Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene, National Tour).

Michael Vinsen’s (Mr Bell) is the Resident Director on Fawlty Towers (London Apollo Theatre). His performance credits include: Hairspray (London Coliseum); Follies – Original NT cast (National Theatre); Kinky Boots – Original London cast (Adelphi); The Book Of Mormon (Prince of Wales); Hairspray – Original London cast (Shaftesbury); Grease (Piccadilly); Legally Blonde (No.1 UK tour); Bare (Union and Greenwich); Title Of Show (Above the Stag); Just Another Love Story (Above the Arts); We Will Rock You (Theatre 11, Zurich); Friendsical (Associate Choreographer); Change Of Heart – Workshop (The Other Palace). His film and Television credits include: Artemis Fowl (Walt Disney Pictures); Follies (NT Live); Abigail’s Party (ITV); Hairspray the School Musical (Sky 1); Tonight at the London Palladium (ITV).

Elijah Millar (Sears) graduated from Guildford School Of Acting; BA Drama 2025. This is his professional debut.

This newly reimagined stage adaptation of E.R. Braithwaite’s powerful memoir features a book by Kris Lythgoe, music and lyrics by John Farrar and Kara DioGuardi, with direction by acclaimed director Sheldon Epps.

To Sir With Love is an autobiographical story that is every bit as relevant then, as it is today. Rick Braithwaite is more than just a Cambridge-educated engineer and a former RAF fighter pilot; he’s a man battling societal prejudices at every turn. Refusing to bow to adversity, he engages his students not as troublesome youths but as emerging adults who must soon navigate a world where they’ll stand or fall on their own merits. Through a balance of grit and grace, he aims to prepare them for more than just exams; he prepares them for life.

The story explores race, class, resilience, and the power of respect. The concert will feature an original score by Farrar and DioGuardi, alongside the legendary title song “To Sir, with Love” by Mark London and Don Black.

To Sir, With Love has musical arrangements by Eve Nelson, musical supervision and orchestration by Joseph Joubert, musical direction by Sean Green, dramaturgy by Shereen Jasmin Phillips and choreography by Edgar Godineaux, sound design by Paul Smith, lighting design by Jack Weir, production management by Phil McCandlish and casting by Debbie O’Brien.

Lythgoe Productions and Darren Bell produce with Alex Day, Willette and Manny Klausner, Jonathan & Jennifer Yaek, Charles Duggan, Tracey Besant, Chris & Vivienne Day and Rebecca Bahling-Lythgoe.

Website: www.tosirwithlovemusical.com

Socials: tosirwithlovemusical

LISTINGS INFORMATION

TO SIR, WITH LOVE

24 November 2025

Gillian Lynne Theatre

166 Drury Ln,

London

WC2B 5PW

Box Office: 020 3925 2998

Performances: 2:30pm & 7.45pm

THE ARTS THEATRE CAMBRIDGE ANNOUNCES REOPENING 2026 SEASON AFTER NINE MONTH CLOSURE

The Arts Theatre Cambridge is thrilled to announce its Spring 2026 season, as the theatre prepares to reopen after a transformational redevelopment project.

Rachel Tackley and Victoria Beechey, Co-Chief Executives of The Arts Theatre Cambridge said: “This season feels like a true awakening… the Theatre is not only waking up its stage but stepping confidently into a new chapter.”

The reopening begins with The Arts Theatre Cambridge’s homegrown Christmas pantomime, Sleeping Beauty (27 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026). Cambridge’s favourite panto dame Matt Crosby celebrates his twentieth year on The Arts Theatre stage and will be joined by UK Pantomime Award-winning actor Steven Roberts. The cast is completed by a host of West End performers including Tricia Adele-Turner (Stranger Things: The First Shadow), Matt Harrop (The Phantom of the Opera), Tanisha Butterfield (Mamma Mia!), Joseph Hewlett (Madagascar the Musical) and Daisy Twells (Heathers).

Two highlights of the season include visits from Sir Derek Jacobi and Trevor Nunn, who both have special connections to The Arts Theatre Cambridge. Sir Derek Jacobi in Conversation with Richard Clifford (29 Jan) will be a one-night-only opportunity of incredible insight and joy of Shakespeare, and Trevor Nunn’s production of Noël Coward’s glitteringly risqué comedy Easy Virtue (19 Feb – 7 Mar) will brim with Coward’s mischievous charm and wit.

As part of its first ever UK tour, the phenomenally popular musical Operation Mincemeat (19-24 Oct) dubbed the best-reviewed show in West End history, will visit Cambridge. Musical fans can also enjoy Guys and Dolls (14-17 Jan) by Cambridge Operatic Society, Rock and Roll Man (16-21 Mar), the West End hit The Choir of Man (31 Mar – 4 Apr) and Blood Brothers (15-19 Sep).

Families can enjoy a host of brilliantly engaging children’s theatre; There’s A Snake in my School (4-5 May), A Squash and a Squeeze (27 – 31 May) and The Gruffalo (17-21 Jun).

Star-studded dramas include The Rivals (3-7 Feb) starring Robert Bathurst and Patricia Hodge, Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts (10-14 Feb) starring Tom Chambers, Single White Female (10-14 Mar) starring Kym Marsh, The Constant Wife (23-28) starring Kara Tointon and Death on the Nile starring Mark Hadfield.

There are three world-class operas to enjoy. OperaUpClose visit Cambridge for the first time with Gianni Schicci (or Where There’s a Will) (15 Mar) and English Touring Opera (7-9 May) return with The Gondoliers and Pagliacci.

The Arts Theatre are proud to welcome The Sixth Sense Collective and their production of What I (Don’t) Know About Autism (29 Mar), a celebration of autistic identity performed by a local cast of neurodivergent young actors.

Other highlights include the return of The Marlowe Society with Twelfth Night (21-24 Jan), Murder, She Didn’t Write (30-31 Jan), Cambridge Footlights (1 & 8 Feb), Pulman & Stilgoe: Hooray for Hollywood (22 Mar), Spitfire Girls (7-11 Apr), The Glenn Miller Orchestra (12 Apr), Noughts and Crosses (15-18 Apr) by acclaimed author Malorie Blackman, War of the Worlds (29 Apr – 2 May) and the return of the hugely popular comedian Stewart Lee (14-16 Jun).

Since January 2025 The Arts Theatre Cambridge has been undergoing a transformation redevelopment project, made possible by a generous £16 million gift from Lord David and Dame Susie Sainsbury via the Gatsby Charitable Trust Foundation. The redevelopment project, designed by architect Ian Chalk, includes a total refurbishment of the current 666 seat auditorium, upgraded audience facilities, improved technical services, sight lines and acoustic performance.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

ROMESH RANGANATHAN

TO MAKE HIS WEST END STAGE DEBUT

IN A NEW PRODUCTION OF

ALAN AYCKBOURN’S

WOMAN IN MIND

ALONGSIDE THE PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED

SHERIDAN SMITH

DIRECTED BY

MICHAEL LONGHURST

AT THE DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE

9 DECEMBER 2025 – 28 FEBRUARY 2026

FOLLOWED BY RUNS AT

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

4 – 7 MARCH 2026

AND

THEATRE ROYAL, GLASGOW

10 – 14 MARCH 2026

Wessex Grove and Gavin Kalin Productions are delighted to announce that Romesh Ranganathan will make his West End stage debut in a new production of Alan Ayckbourn’s psychological comedy WOMAN IN MIND, in a strictly limited West End run at the Duke of York’s Theatre from 9 December 2025 until Saturday 28 February 2026.

Romesh Ranganathan will play Bill alongside the previously announced Sheridan Smith as Susan.

Also announced today are Louise Brealey as Muriel, Tim McMullan as Gerald, Sule Rimi as Andy, Chris Jenks as Tony, Safia Oakley-Green as Lucy and Taylor Uttley as Rick, and Katie Buchholz and Michael Woolfitt, who complete the company.

Following its West End run, WOMAN IN MIND will then play at the Sunderland Empire from 4 March until 7 March 2026 and Theatre Royal, Glasgow from 10 March until 14 March 2026. Tickets on sale now. www.womaninmindplay.com 

Romesh Ranganathan said today “I’m honoured to be stepping onstage in a play for the first time (since primary school) alongside the incredible Sheridan Smith and company. It’s very much a mix of feeling excited about such an amazing experience as well as a real rich vein of extreme nerves. Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind is an amazing play and I look forward to helping to bring it to life. I’m also playing a doctor which means that my mum might finally feel something approaching pride.”

Directed by Michael Longhurst, this spellbinding revival explores one woman’s fractured reality with heart and humour. When Susan sustains a bump to the head, her world splits in two—one mundane, one imagined—and the lines begin to blur. Ayckbourn’s groundbreaking play is a gripping exploration of identity, family, and mental escape.

Multi award-winning comedian Romesh Ranganathan is known for fronting hugely popular series The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, BAFTA-winning Rob & Romesh Vs, A League Of Their Own, Parent’s Evening, The Ranganation, Asian Provocateur, and BBC One’s Weakest Link. Romesh is the much-loved host of BBC Radio 2’s Saturday 10am – 1pm show. He also hosts several podcasts, including The Romesh Ranganathan Show and For The Love Of Hip Hop (BBC Sounds/Radio 2), which won him the prestigious Radio Academy ARIA Gold award for Best Specialist Music Show in 2023. He is also the co-host of Wolf & Owl with Tom Davis, which is touring as a live podcast to venues all over the UK in 2025. A Sunday Times Bestseller with his autobiography Straight Outta Crawley: The Memoirs Of A Distinctly Average Human Being, Romesh’s second book As Good as It Gets: Life Lessons from a Reluctant Adult was published worldwide in October 2020. 2023 saw Romesh turn his hand at writing for a middle-grade audience in his debut novel, Lil’ Muffin Drops the Mic, which he followed up in 2025 with Yasmin Bandara Levels Up! Romesh made his return to acting, both writing and starring in two sitcoms produced with his own production company, Ranga Bee. Avoidance returned to BBC One for a second series in 2024, and Romantic Getaway for Sky Max launched in January 2023. Romesh has also made his animation debut in Netflix’s Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, produced by the legendary Aardman Studios. Romesh’s 2022 stand up tour, The Cynic’s Mixtape, was a sold-out success, culminating in a taping at his hometown venue The Hawth in Crawley, which was released as a special on Netflix in 2022. Romesh’s latest tour, Hustle, also sold out across the UK, and culminated in two nights at the O2 in London. After performing Hustle to audiences around the world, Romesh decided to fact-check his tour in the Sky travelogue series Can’t Knock The Hustle, which premiered in 2025. Romesh made his first foray to America in 2018 with the launch of Showtime docu-series Just Another Immigrant, and he has also appeared twice on James Corden’s Late Late Show as well as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In 2023 he returned stateside with a sold-out stand up show at the iconic New York Town Hall and will tour to sold-out audiences across the USA and Canada in the Autumn of 2025. There’s no stopping “the hardest working man in comedy”.

Sheridan Smith is an award-winning stage and screen actress, currently starring in ITV’s I Fought the Law. Her most recent West End credits include Myrtle in the world premiere of John Cassavetes’ Opening Night at the Gielgud Theatre and the title role in Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York’s Theatre. Her performance as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre, and as Doris in Flare Path at Theatre Royal Haymarket, both garnered her Olivier Awards, and the latter the Evening Standard Award for Best Actress. She received further Olivier nominations for her performance as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at the Menier Chocolate Factory and Duke of York’s Theatre, and Fanny Brice in Funny Girl at the Savoy Theatre. Other notable performances include Hedda Gabler at The Old Vic, Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Noel Coward Theatre, the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium, and her stage debut as Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods at the Donmar Warehouse. Amongst her prolific screen roles, Sheridan was Emmy-nominated and won a BAFTA as Mrs Biggs, and further BAFTA-nominated for The C Word and her titular role in Cilla, for which she was also Emmy-nominated. Big screen credits include Dustin Hoffman’s Quartet and most recently The Railway Children Return.  She has released two albums, titled Sheridan and A Northern Soul, resulting in two Classic BRIT Award nominations.

WOMAN IN MIND is directed by Michael Longhurst, with set and costume design by Soutra Gilmour, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Paul Arditti and casting by Jim Carnahan CSA and Liz Fraser CSA.

LISTINGS

www.womaninmindplay.com

www.atgtickets.com/shows/woman-in-mind/

9 DECEMBER 2025 – 28 FEBRUARY 2026

The Duke of York’s Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4BG

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/woman-in-mind/duke-of-yorks-theatre

4 – 7 MARCH 2026

Sunderland Empire, High Street West, Sunderland SR1 3EX

www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire/

10 – 14 MARCH 2026

Theatre Royal, Glasgow, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 3QA

www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow/

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 11th October 2025

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

A sequel of sorts to Murder In The Dark (which I thoroughly enjoyed), I was very much looking forward to seeing this play, written again by Torben Betts. My anticipation only wetted further as (before “curtain up”) we sat looking at the set, which was obviously a crime scene – blood on the curtains, weapons strewn across the stage and little numbers dotted around. Inventive design from designer Colin Falconer, with almost all the areas (bedroom, den, living room, outside, patio area) shown at the same time. Although this may sound rather static, the dialogue keeps it anything but – as several scenes in these different areas can (and do) unfold all at the same time.

The story concerns an undercover police officer infiltrating a crime lords house to try to crack a historic unsolved case. Unfortunately, he picks the wrong night for such an escapade since various threads, lives and deaths intersect at the same time…

Jonny “Cyclops” Drinkwater (Jason Durr), crime boss at large and chief suspect for potentially killing his wife, was deliciously maniacal – especially that laugh and the mannered way that Jason kept things calm yet simmering, which was even more menacing. Like a contained explosion, this was a powerful performance.

Susie Blake was really enjoying herself playing the unhinged patriarch, Shirley. A totally nuts performance in the best possible way – she’s a fine actress on top form. At the other end of the acting spectrum was newcomer to the UK stage Iryna Poplavska (playing Cristina) who did a marvelous job as someone frequently held together only by the taught threads of panic.

The rest of the cast; Lisa (Katie McGlynn), Russell (Callum Balmforth), Trainwreck (Peter Moreton), Paul (Max Bowden) went from distress and hopelessness to empowerment with varying degrees of intelligence and success. A roller coaster ride for all the characters (and audience) as they negotiate the catalogue of human emotions interwoven with a serious of unfortunate misunderstandings.

It’s a fun play with lots of fraught scenes, which are eased by the humour, so it does feel light rather than tense for the most part. This was billed as a dark humorous thriller – I thought a better description might have been a “twisted Halloween farce”; kind of No Sex Please We’re British meets The Krays meets Inside No 9. Lots of humour, some visual but much wittily woven into the script. Then there’s the jumpy moments which produced lots of nervous laughter…

Not so much a whodunnit but, rather, a whogotit (and with what) this fantastic work keeps you guessing right to the end. On a scale of 1 to 10, how highly would I rate this play? I couldn’t possibly say (without giving a spoiler away – but see the show and you will be in on the joke). But as to how many stars I would give it – well that would be a well deserved 5 and a hearty recommendation from me!

Stellar cast announced to return as Adam
Garcia’s EMERALD STORM comes back to
London’s West End by popular demand
Tuesday 25th November – Sunday 14th December 2025
Emerald Theatre, 8 Victoria Embankment, London, WC2R 2AB

If Riverdance and Stomp had a baby, that baby would grow up to be Emerald Storm

Following a limited run at Emerald Theatre, EMERALD STORM returns to the West End this autumn for an unmissable season. Co-produced and co-choreographed by world renowned tap dancer and Hollywood actor Adam Garcia, this high-energy production presents a contemporary fusion of traditional Irish dance, tap and live music.

Leading the incredible ensemble are: Olivia Graydon celebrated for her starring role in Lord of the Dance; viral tap sensation Bayley Graham who has captivated millions online with his unique style; and Britain and America’s Got Talent finalist Tom Ball who makes his return to the West End with powerhouse vocals following two successful tours and a Top 5 album. Defying convention and reimagining tradition, the extraordinary EMERALD STORM cast delivers thunderous footwork, electrifying choreography and powerhouse vocals in an immersive theatre experience like no other.

Offering a truly unique end to the night, following curtain call the EMERALD STORM cast invite audiences to partake in a Tap Jam. Invited to bring their own dance shoes and join the stars live on stage, this finale is welcome to all abilities. No other West End show offers the opportunity to jump up on stage and dance with the stars! Set in a cabaret style venue with bar service throughout, EMERALD STORM offers an unforgettable shared celebration of rhythm, energy, and love of dance.

Tom Ball comments, Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to make my West End debut with EMERALD STORM. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and now I’m absolutely thrilled to return for an extended three-week run. I can’t wait to share the magic and energy of this show with even more people. It’s going to be an extraordinary journey, and I’m genuinely excited to bring this experience to life once again!

Lead performers Olivia Graydon and Bayley Graham also comment, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step back into this powerful, high-energy show. It’s a real privilege to be working alongside such a talented cast and to continue assisting the brilliant choreographic team Sam Heather and Adam Garcia, whose creativity and passion make this production such a special experience to be part of.

Acclaimed figure in the international dance world, legend of tap and twice Olivier Award nominated Garcia (Got To Dance, Sky; Saturday Night Fever; Kiss Me Kate; Coyote Ugly; The
Serpent Queen, Amazon Prime), continues to inspire audiences through his stage and screen work. With his seasoned skill, EMERALD STORM thrusts Irish Dance and Tap Dance into the 21st Century.

Co-producer and co-choreographer Adam Garcia comments, I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of performing in around 15 West End shows, but bringing something I helped create to the West End is an absolute dream come true. Tap dancing is my first love and combining it with Irish dance in Emerald Storm showcases some of the finest talent in both disciplines. It’s a celebration of pure skill and entertainment. As is tradition, we invite dancers of all styles and abilities to bring their shoes and join me and the cast on stage for a post-show jam session.

The creative team behind EMERALD STORM includes Samantha Heather (also serving as co-choreographer), Duncan Heather, Mike Crawshaw, Tim Newman, and celebrated stage and screen superstar Adam Garcia.

Previous praise for EMERALD STORM:

It is an electrifying world of music, dance and untamed spirit – ★★★★★ Fairy Powered

Productions an absolute delight to witness – ★★★★ All That Dazzles

Like a combination of Tap Dogs, Riverdance and Stomp, Emerald Storm is a must see – FabUK

Leeds Grand Theatre – until 22 October 2025

Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

4****

Opera North and Phoenix Dance Theatre, collaborate Susanna in Opera North’s 2025/26 season. This is the fourth collaboration by both companies and their last collaboration was the Requiem, Journeys of the Soul in 2023. Susanna is a three-act oratorio, the story being told by voice and movement, in this production. Susanna is composed by Handel and premiered in 1749 in London.

Susanna, known as Susanna and the Elders, is a biblical story, set in 6th Century BCE and the community at the time were in exile. Susanna (Anna Dennis) is married to Joacim (James Hall) however the two Elders (Colin Judson and Karl Huml) in her community are infatuated with her. They take the opportunity to make their moves to pursue her when Joacim goes away on business. Consequently, Susanna, despite resisting, is accused of adultery and sets to be defended by Daniel (Claire Lees).

The question of the Elders’ lies and denials and Susanna’s truth are addressed as the story unravels. Key themes are explored in the production such as oppression, abuse of power and injustices by those in authority particularly towards women, systemic corruption and combined with the hope for redemption and vindication. Handel’s ingenious musical composition, conducted by Johanna Soller, cleverly integrates with storytelling and supports the singing and dancing from both Opera North and Phoenix Dance Theatre.

The collaboration of both song and dance gives an opportunity to see how the story is told in different perspectives including the emotive deep themes as well as the main narrative. The production is well put together by Olivia Fuchs, director, and choreographed by Marcus Jarrell Willis. Zahra Mansouri’s sets and costumes and Jake Wiltshire’s lighting supports the contemporary staging and eclectic ambience of this production. Excellent portrayal of Susanna by Anna Dennis and Joacim by James Hall and she is supported by the cast including dancers from Phoenix Dance Theatre and singers from Opera North under the baton of Soller.

To celebrate access and inclusivity, British Sign Language, is creatively incorporated into the production and a BSL performer, Tianah Hodding, contributes to the story telling and its emotional nature.

Susanna is a successful collaboration by both Opera North and Phoenix Dance Theatre and both can confidently combine this classical oratorio to storytelling through voice and movement which the themes resonate so much today.

Golden Goose Theatre – until 4 October 2025

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

Wit? Theatre Company debut with a hilarious take on the story of Robert Catesby and his lesser-known accomplice Guy Fawkes.

If Operation Mincemeat and Six had a child, that deranged offspring would be Remember, Remember! Full of musical theatre and reality TV references, this comedy musical has plotting, espionage, double crossing, fangirling, heroes, divas… and a medical procedure that will haunt your dreams.

As Robert (Kluane Saunders) plots to end King James’s persecution of the Catholics, the arrival of the charismatic bombshell Guy (Lucy Buncombe) stirs excitement amongst the other conspirators – especially Andy (Tom O’Kelly). As Robert begrudgingly goes along with Guy’s tweaking of his own plot, he is sent to spy on King James (Ross Tomlinson), leading him to doubt his murderous plans. That sounds quite historical, but this is one of the most unhinged hours of theatre you’ll ever see. The talented actors/writers/producers don brown cloaks as Stuarts to provide increasingly camp and catty narration between scenes and have a ball as the major characters. Tomlinson is hilarious as the horny King James and Tom O’Kelly steals the show as his diva wife. The writing is both razor sharp and very silly, the song lyrics are ridiculous and catchy, and the physical comedy and attention to detail is wonderful under Alex Pritchett’s confident direction. Full of camp musical numbers (expertly played by MD Isabella Guilar on the piano) covering a multitude of musical styles, the deranged but highly accurate recount of The Gunpowder Plot is an irreverent and chaotic delight.

This show is the bomb!