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‘CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT’

A MAGICAL EVENING OF BELOVED

FESTIVE SONGS

TO RETURN TO

THE ADELPHI THEATRE

IN LONDON’S WEST END ON

TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2025

Simon Gordon and Daniel Wood of Kinda Dusty Ltd. are delighted to announce that following a sold-out performance last year, CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT, a magical evening of beloved festive songs performed by candlelight, will return to the Adelphi Theatre for one night only on Tuesday 9 December at 7.30pm. They are also thrilled to be bringing the West End to Dublin for a one-off performance at The Helix on Saturday 6 December at 7.30pm. Tickets for both concerts are on sale now.

The concert this year welcomes Jordan Luke Gage who joins returning West End stars Rachel John, Oliver Tompsett and Rachael Wooding, accompanied by an epic live band to perform everyone’s favourite Christmas Hits, in the West-End’s most magical festive sing-along extravaganza!

Featuring sing-along classics such as White Christmas, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, O Holy Night and Winter Wonderland, this uplifting sing-along concert is the perfect way to celebrate a ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’ with all of the family!

Jordan Luke Gage’s stage credits include Cal in Titanique, Salieri in Saving Mozart (The Other Palace), Romeo in &Juliet (Shaftesbury theatre), Clyde Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde (Arts and Garrick theatre), Strat in Bat Out of Hell (Dominion Theatre), “J.D.” Dean in Heathers: The Musical (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Fabrizio Naccarelli in The Light in The Piazza (concert at Alexandra Palace). His on screen credits include Adrian Barber in Cilla (ITV) and Luc in Cucumber (Channel 4), How Not to Disappear Completely, Paul Verlaine in Alchemy of The Word and Prince James in Royal Kill List.

Oliver Tompsett’s stage credits include Shakespeare in &Juliet (Broadway & West End), Count Adhemar in A Knight’s Tale (Manchester Opera House), Thomas in Wild About You (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Ramsey in In Dreams (Leeds and Toronto), Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman (Savoy Theatre), Charlie Price in Kinky Boots (Adelphi), Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls (Phoenix), Galileo in We Will Rock You (Dominion), Drew Boley in Rock of Ages (Dominion), Fiyero in Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Phil Davis in White Christmas (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Starlight Express (The Other Palace), The World Goes Round (St James), The Royal Hunt of The Sun (The National), MAMMA MIA! (Prince of Wales), Our House (Cambridge), Caliph in Kismet (Arcola), Harry Lytton in Over My Shoulder (Wyndham’s) and Tony in West Side Story (Canizzaro Park Festival). His screen credits include Chauncey in Show Dogs (Open Road Films) and Jake in The Hard Way (Fireapple).

Rachel John garnered critical acclaim for her portrayal of Angelica in the original West End cast of Hamilton (Victoria Palace). Her other theatre credits include Starter For Ten (Bristol Old Vic/Birmingham Rep), BBC Proms (Royal Albert Hall), West End Does: The Magic of Animation – Hero’s and Villains (Cadogan Hall), Doubt: A Parable (Theatre Royal Bath), The Big Life (Theatre Royal Stratford East), West End Does: Christmas (Cadogan Hall); Disney 100 shows (People Entertainment Group); The Secret Life of Bees (Almeida); A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic); Songs For A New World (London Palladium); Girl From The North Country (Toronto/West End); West End Musical Celebration (Palace Theatre); The Bodyguard (West End/UK Tour); Memphis (Shaftesbury Theatre); Rent (UK Tour); We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre and UK tour); Godspell (Sir George Monoux College); Sister Act (London Palladium) and The Lion King (The Lyceum Theatre/ Asian Tour). Her film work includes The Marvels directed by Nia DaCosta. Rachel released her debut album From My Lips To God’s Ear in April 2022 with Westway Music. She subsequently performed as opening act for the legendary artist Dionne Warwick throughout her UK tour and West End run.

Rachael Wooding has worked extensively in theatre, and most recently originated the role of Krissy in Debbie Issitt’s new musical Military Wives at York Theatre Royal. Other credits include: Rose in the Olivier winning show Standing At The Sky’s Edge (The Gillian Lynne Theatre, The National Theatre and The Crucible Theatre), Kit De Luca in Pretty Woman (Savoy Theatre), Mary Magdalene in the Well Behaved Women concert (Cadogan Hall), Joanne in Fat Friends the Musical, Alice in the UK Tour of Wonderland, Karol in Another Night Before Christmas (Bridge House Theatre), Scaramouche in the closing cast of We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre) Rita Fairclough & Ida Barlow in Street of Dreams (Manchester Evening News Arena), Mary in Jersey Boys (Prince Edward Theatre), Amanda in Bright Lights, Big City (Hoxton Hall), the title role in Evita (No 1 UK Tour), Cyndi in Grimm – Hard Core Fairytales (Mammoth Music Workshop), Amber in the original west end cast of Hairspray (Shaftesbury Theatre), Meatloaf in We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre), Annette in Saturday Night Fever (Apollo Theatre), AJ in Loveshack (UK No.1 Tour), Miranda in Return to the Forbidden Theatre (Lincoln Theatre Royal), Ariel in Footloose (UK No. 1 Tour), Kristine in A Chorus Line (Crucible, Sheffield), Serena in Fame (Aldwych Theatre), Pearl in Starlight Express (Germany), Demeter/Bombalurina/Rumpleteaser in Cats (Hamburg), Spirit of the Dance (USA Tour), My Father’s Son (Crucible, Sheffield).

Other Credits include: ITV’s Girlfriends, Shawna in Doctors, (BBC), Mandy in ITV’s Coronation Street, Al Murray’s Happy Hour, A Night at the Opera (The Grange Opera), The Royal Variety Performance (ITV1), Friday Night is Music Night (BBC Radio 2).

Rachael trained at Doreen Bird College and was a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent 2016.

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT is produced and directed by Simon Gordon and Daniel Wood of Kinda Dusty Ltd. with orchestrations and musical supervision by Sam Broadbere and musical direction by Liam Holmes.

Website: concertsbycandlelight.com

Instagram: @concertsbycandlelight

LISTINGS INFORMATION

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT

Saturday 6 December, 7.30pm

The Helix

DCU Campus

Collins Avenue, Glasnevin,

Dublin 9, Ireland

D09 FW22

Website: https://thehelix.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173662097

Booking line: +353 1 700 7000

Tuesday 9 December, 7.30pm

Adelphi Theatre

Strand

Covent Garden

London

WC2R0NS

Website: lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-by-candlelight

Booking line: 0203 925 2998

A WATERMILL THEATRE PRODUCTION

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR

BASED ON THE STORY BY HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN,

ELGIVA FIELD AND LARA BARBIER 

WRITTEN BY LARA BARBIER

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY AMIE PARSONS

WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2025 – SUNDAY 4 JANUARY 2026

BOOK ONLINE AT WATERMILL.ORG.UK OR VIA THE BOX OFFICE ON 01635 46044

Joint CEOs Artistic Director Paul Hart andExecutive Director Claire Murray, and the whole team at Newbury’s Watermill Theatre are delighted to announce the cast and creative team for this year’s festive family musical, The Little Mermaid, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen, Elgiva Field and Lara Barbier. This brand-new Watermill Theatre production, written by Lara Barbier with music and lyrics by Amie Parsons, one half of Cornish folk-duo True Foxes, plays from Wednesday 26 November – Sunday 4 January 2026.

Far beyond the Cornish coast, deep beneath the rolling waves lies the magical kingdom of the Seafolk. Merryn, daughter of the Sea King, eagerly awaits her birthday – the day she sees the world above the surface for the very first time.

Drawn towards a fishing boat and longing to discover more, Merryn is captivated by a world of twinkling lights and the charm of the Landfolk’s song. When a sudden storm strikes, she saves Cadan, a young fisherman who is thrown overboard. But, whilst Merryn’s been away, her home has been thrown into turmoil, and her younger brother is missing.  Heartbroken, Merryn must choose whether to take a perilous bargain, risking everything to protect those she loves.

This magical new Watermill production of The Little Mermaid weaves together salty sea air, folk and sea shanty inspired songs, conjuring an ethereal world below the waves for this festive season.

Annabelle Aquino (Les Misérables, Sondheim Theatre, Next to Normal, Studio Theatre, Dominican Republic) will play ‘Merryn’, alongside Tom Babbage (The Two Gentlemen of Verona, RSC, Amandaland, BBC) as ‘Cadan’, Zach Burns (Reception, Leeds Playhouse, Potty The Plant, Edinburgh Festival Fringe) as ‘Kitto’, Lucinda Freeburn (Hamlet, Staffordshire Gatehouse Theatre, One Man, Two Guvnors, New Vic in Stoke) as ‘Senara’, Sophie Kamal (Run It In Disguise, Wilton’s Music Hall, Abigail, Fury Theatre) as ‘Granny Bessy’ and ‘ Granny Ocean’, and Rowan Macpherson (Maiden Voyage, Southwark Playhouse, Babies, The Other Palace) as swing, Jamie Ross (Buddy Holly and the Cricketers, UK tour, A Christmas Carol, Bridge House Theatre) as Onstage MD and Christopher Staines (The Score, Theatre Royal Haymarket and Bath Theatre Royal, Measure for Measure, Minack) as ‘King Taran’ and ‘Captain Trelawney’.

The Little Mermaid will be directed by Elgiva Field, set and costume design by April Dalton, lighting design by Emma Chapman, sound design by Andrea J. Cox, movement direction by Petronella Wiehahn, musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Candida Caldicot and puppet design by Naomi Oppenheim. The stage management team will be Cat Pewsey (CSM), Caitlin Ravenscroft (DSM), Natalie Toney (ASM), and Ellie Smallbone (ASM). Casting is by Cydney Beech. Eloise Pennycroft and Lixi Chivas will be integrated sign performers, with Lixi also providing audio description.

Elgiva Field, director of The Little Mermaid said “I’m excited to share our fairy-folk tale with audiences this Christmas. We’ve set our production of The Little Mermaid in a 19th century fishing village on a Cornish shore – where magic lies beneath the waves and mystery on land. A lively ensemble band of actor-musicians spin and sing our story; adventure and friendship amidst the tempests and twinkle of the stars.”

There will also be a Family Fun Day on 28 October, where families can enjoy an exciting range of activities themed around The Little Mermaid including storytelling, drama games, craft sessions, and a mysterious trail through the Watermill gardens. More info here. 

THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2025

IN ASSOCIATION WITH NETFLIX

WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT

Winners of The Stage Debut Awards 2025, in association with Netflix, were revealed on September 28 at a star-studded ceremony taking place at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London. Rachel Zegler scooped the prize for Best West End Debut Performer, one of the evening’s most coveted awards, for her tour de force performance as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s triumphant revival of Evita. She follows in the footsteps of previous winners Jodie Comer, Rose Ayling-Ellis and Jack Wolfe.

Hosted by comedy royalty and actor Julian Clary in front of some of UK theatre’s most influential figures, Zegler’s win – the people’s favourite – was the only award category to have been decided by the public. The starry shortlist also included Zegler’s Evita co-star Diego Andres Rodriguez; both Tosin Cole (Netflix’s Supacell) and his co-star Heather Agyepong for Shifters; Kat Ronney for Titanique; The Devil Wears Prada’s Georgie Buckland; Clueless the Musical’s Emma Flynn and Samuel Brewer in Oedipus.

This year’s 46 nominations across eight categories celebrated performers, composers, designers, writers, lyricists and directors whose breakthrough work premiered across theatres from all four nations of the UK. Of the winners, Welsh talent walked away with the prize for this year’s Best Director award with former Best Writer nominee Richard Mylan winning for Mumfighter at the Swansea Grand Theatre. His visceral and urgent staging of a muscular one-woman play laced with anger, pathos and emotion struck home with the judges. Scot Milly Sweeney who wrote Water Colour, a devastatingly raw and moving Glaswegian tale produced by Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Byre Theatre, shared the prize for Best Writer alongside Essex screenwriter Ava Pickett, whose Almeida Theatre production of 1536 equally shone.

This year’s Best Performer in a Play’s eight-strong shortlist was narrowed to a joint award going to Hilson Agbangbe for his star turn in Bristol Old Vic’s Wonder Boy and Lucy Karczewski for Stereophonic at the Duke of York’s Theatre, London.

In an all-female shortlist for Best Musical Performer, Why Am I So Single?’s Leesa Tulley took home the top prize, with judges praising her exquisite voice and astonishing vocal range, while Australian Yve Blake’s Fangirls, a musical homage to the culture of the superfan at Lyric Hammersmith, London, brought her the accolade for the Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer award.

Celebrating creativity behind the scenes in the shape of Best Designer, Hannah Schmidt won the award for her outstanding work on sets and costumes across two shows, The Passenger (Finborough Theatre) and Personal Values (Hampstead Theatre), while director Mark Rosenblatt’s pivot to playwriting was richly rewarded with the prize for Best Creative West End Debut for Giant, his timely, sophisticated and deeply nuanced multi-Olivier award-winning play about children’s author Roald Dahl, heading for Broadway in 2026.

The Stage editor Alistair Smith said: “This year’s winners range from Hollywood star Rachel Zegler making her West End debut to our most regionally and internationally diverse line-up yet, with productions from Scotland, Wales and Bristol recognised alongside talent from Australia. It’s a vivid reminder of the extraordinary breadth of artists making their debuts on UK stages – and a clear sign that the future of the sector is in safe hands.”

These awards, which are uniquely dedicated to shining a light on breakthrough theatre talent, the eighth since their inception in 2017, also featured live performances from Just For One Day’s Craige Els; Jesus Christ Superstar’s Parisa Shamir; former winner of Mama Mia! I Have A Dream!’s Tobias Turley performing a song from new musical Hot Mess, as well as the cast of Magic Mike Live who dropped in to perform a surprise grand finale.

#DebutAwards

THE WINNERS IN FULL

Best Performer in a Play (Sponsored by Encore):

● Hilson Agbangbe for Wonder Boy at Bristol Old Vic

● Lucy Karczewski for Stereophonic at the Duke of York’s Theatre, London

Best Performer in a Musical (Sponsored by Michael Harrison Entertainment):

● Leesa Tulley for Why Am I So Single? at the Garrick Theatre, London

Best Director (Sponsored by Arts Council England):

● Richard Mylan for Mumfighter at Swansea Grand Theatre

Best Designer (Sponsored by Preevue):

● Hannah Schmidt (set and costume) for The Passenger/Personal Values at

Finborough Theatre/Hampstead Theatre, London

Best Writer (Sponsored by Sonia Friedman Productions):

● Ava Pickett for 1536 at the Almeida Theatre, London

● Milly Sweeney for Water Colour at Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Byre Theatre, St Andrews

Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer (Sponsored by Theatrical Rights Worldwide):

● Yve Blake for Fangirls at Lyric Hammersmith, London

Best West End Debut Performer (Sponsored by Noël Coward Foundation):

● Rachel Zegler for Evita at London Palladium

Best Creative West End Debut (Sponsored by Learn my Lines Productions):

● Mark Rosenblatt (playwright) for Giant at the Harold Pinter Theatre

The Stage Debut Awards would like to thank sponsors Netflix, Encore, Theatrical Rights Worldwide, Michael Harrison Entertainment, Arts Council England, Preevue, Sonia Friedman Productions, Noël Coward Foundation and Learn My Lines Productions.

The inaugural The Stage Debut Awards took place in 2017 and recipients of these awards have gone on to star in West End shows, television series and films, winning Olivier and Tony Awards in the process. Previous years’ winners include Best West End Debut Performer Jack Wolfe in Next to Normal, currently preparing for his Broadway debut in Hadestown. Wolfe followed in the footsteps of winner Rose Ayling-Ellis (2023) and Jodie Comer (2022). Other notable winners include Jeevan Braich for Starlight Express, Rob Madge for My Son’s a Queer, (But What Can You Do?) who also took their show to Broadway this year, Isobel Thom for their leading role in I, Joan at Shakespeare’s Globe, Michael R Jackson for composing A Strange Loop at the Barbican Theatre and Tingying Dong for her sound design on The Crucible at the the Gielgud and National Theatre. A further roll call of notable award winners from previous years include Shan Ako (Les Misérables), SpitLip (Operation Mincemeat), Tyrell Williams (Red Pitch), Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen), Miriam-Teak Lee (& Juliet), Bush Theatre artistic director Lynette Linton (Sweat) and composers Femi Temowo (Death of a Salesman) and Dan Gillespie Sells (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie). Jim Barne and Kit Buchan’s The Season which was recognised in 2020 (renamed Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)) will be transferring to Broadway later this year.

Pleasance Theatre – until 11 October 2025

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Rhum + Clay’s production of Mistero Buffo returns to London, performed by the extraordinary Julian Spooner. Dario Fo’s satirical masterpiece is more relevant than ever, as social media and storytelling become weaponised in political and religious power games.

Spooner begins by running around the audience in Deliveroo gear before launching into The Birth of the Jongleur with the gentle melancholy and physicality of a jaded children’s entertainer that makes the tragedy hit hard, swiftly dissipating again when Jesus gives him the gift of storytelling. Jesus sounds and moves like a West Coast hippy and is an absolute hoot. The jongleur then tells more bible stories, from the raising of Lazarus (complete with gruesome description of what the corpse looks like from the rambunctious crowd) to the massacre of the innocents and the crucifixion of Jesus. The changes between intense monologue and multicharacter stories take the audience by surprise each time. Spooner’s brilliant clowning and astonishingly fast switching between characterisations is captivating, whether playing a woman driven mad by the death of her baby or a pushy miracle observer. The brutality and violence of the sacrifices in god’s name is captured effortlessly. The crucifixion is particularly gruelling, with the hammering of the nails inducing winces, even though Spooner is alone on stage with no props. Nicholas Pitt directs skilfully, with Geoff Hense’s Lighting and Jon Ouin’s sound design creating instant changes in mood and tempo, from raves at the wedding at Cana – Jesus’s first miracle which his party-loving mum really enjoyed in this version.

Spooner takes the audience on a thrilling journey through these violent and ridiculous tales from the bible, encouraging different truths to be taken from them than the approved dogma of the church. Mistero Buffo uses the skills of a fantastic storyteller to demonstrate the power of a well told story, to sway an audience. The need to believe in something – anything – and the blurring of truth and fantasy are explored expertly, with modern day parallels immediately and sadly obvious.

A masterclass in thought-provoking storytelling, Mistero Buffo is a must-see production.

The Other Palace Studio – until 12 October 2025

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

Housemates navigating love’s ups and downs is a familiar and fertile source of inspiration. Seth Bisen-Hersh’s lively show plays like a coyer musical version of 1994 film Threesome with an added enemies to lovers plotline, with shades of Friends and Company as characters advise their friends on their love lives as their own crash and burn.

Lili (Ayesha Patel) is studying for her masters, but despite her knowledge and passion for feminism, can’t seem to let go of her love for Ryan (Lewis Bear Brown), her boyfriend from school. Lili knows that Ryan is gay, but they have a weird codependent relationship going on. Ryan has a thing for straight men and has a crush on Chris (Tom Newland). When Ryan moves in with his new boyfriend, he invites Chris to take over his room at Lili’s, but Chris has history with housemate Stepahanie (Clodagh Greene), who has just separated from her husband and is not pleased to see Chris move in.

Cecilie Fray’s direction on Bob Sterrett’s versatile and bright set creates a dynamic but cosy atmosphere. Mark Childers book has many funny lines but occasionally feels as if rather than actually addressing the characters’ problems, the material is simply filler leading up to either a punchline or an emotional ballad. The ballads are great – no complaints there – but scenes between songs can feel like separate sketches rather than coherent plotlines. The funny songs are fantastic, with Lewis Bear Brown and Ayesha Patel stealing the show with their vastly different comedic skills. Newland and Greene handle the relationship between Chris and Stephanie brilliantly, both making you care about their cliched characters. The vocals are amazing, soaring in the Other Palace Studio with Tom Noyes on piano providing excellent accompaniment.

Love Quirks could have dug a little deeper into unrequited love, but is a sweet, fluffy show that will warm your heart on a cold autumn night.

The Mill, Sonning – until 8 November 2025

Reviewed by Marcia Spiers

4****

We all know that Gerald Durrell authored best-selling books about his life as a naturalist, zookeeper and explorer. I did not know he had written a horror story at all.

An antiquarian book seller Peter Letting (Nick Waring) is in prison for murder and due to be executed. John the Jailer (George Dillon) encourages him to document the horrors that took place to help clear his name, promising that his contacts on the outside and a further court hearing will enable Peter’s release.

The story commences near the conclusion of the tale and works back to the beginning……….

Peter receives a request to catalogue an extensive library of books in a remote Chateau in France by the nephew of a deceased French Marquis. The nephew Gideon De Teildras Villeray (Gregg Lowe) is someone he is already acquainted with but despite a warning from another business acquaintance Edward Mallory (Giles Taylor) not to take on the job, he decides to proceed.

Finding himself alone in the mansion in the middle of winter cut off from the world does not worry him as he has provisions and animals for company, then suddenly things take a horrific turn. He initially believes that his imagination is playing tricks on him but soon discovers this is not the case and concludes that decisive action is required to rid the dwelling and himself of the horrors that lie within.

Adapted and directed by Dugald Bruce-Lockhart from Durrell’s The Entrance, the set designed by Diego Pitarch is extremely clever providing the backdrop for multiple scenes and being especially spooky for darker moments. The Mill is a fantastic location for such a creation that really captures the atmosphere and suspense this play needs. I did wonder if we would truly see the horror within the mirror, but this was left to our imagination which in the end was the right way to depict a story which may be far better to read than to see. It has prompted me to try to find a copy!

All four actors gave good performances. I very much liked George Dillon’s casting as hard man come well educated John the Jailer. Giles Taylor was well suited to the role of chief prosecutor and Nick Waring was compelling as the very disturbed book seller. Finally, Greg Lowe brought panache as Gideon De Teildras Villerary.

As always, the creative team at the Mill do a fantastic job bringing these productions to a small stage with true impact. Well done to all of them.

The Source, Theatre Square, Stratford – 25 September 2025

Reviewed by Antony Strange

5*****

Heartfelt, hilarious, and defiantly human, The Lesbians of Forest Gate is a tapestry of queer resilience devised from interviews with lesbian, queer, bisexual, asexual, non-binary, and transgender residents of Forest Gate throughout the last six decades. The show is set in 1995, where Kelly (Abby Walburn) has been put on trial by the Lesbian Council of Forest Gate after her situationship, Amanda (Rebeka Dio), saw her kissing a man. The council unpack ideas of what it means to be a Lesbian and where the boundaries of these labels lie.

Emily Wollenberg seamlessly created and directed a show which perfectly balanced group scenes with poignant monologues. There are very clever breaks in the council meeting to allow individual characters to own the stage and tell the stories of residents of Forest Gate. Through this they reflect on their own experiences of finding themselves and the struggles they have faced and are facing. Stephanie Abadom, as Maureen, stood out with the emotion she was able to evoke through her experience of her brother being unwell with HIV/AIDS. This was displayed not only in her monologues, but also throughout the busy council meetings. Ana Sofia Caldas also brought the beautiful character of Margarida to life, who is young and still trying to figure out her sexuality. The Lesbians of Forest Gate wouldn’t have provoked the same extent of laughter without Mal Owen as Heather, who brought so much life, energy, and character to the stage.

This show, despite being steeped in humour, does not shy away from darkness. Stories of intimidation, violence, acceptance, and the impact of HIV and AIDS sit beside the laughter, spreading important messages about the struggles of everyday life throughout the decades. The set being minimal also played into this as it allowed the audience to feel closer to the story and almost part of the council meeting. This is built upon further at the end of the performance, where a recording is played while the cast freeze and look out to the audience as the lights dim. The recording contains the voices of the real Forest Gate residents talking about discrimination, belonging and pride to be who they are, which leaves a very powerful message for the audience to digest after the show.

The Lesbians of Forest Gate is raw, hilarious, and steeped in real local history. It is a powerful display of love, friendship, and the struggles of the queer community through the years.

WICKED CELEBRATES ITS 19^TH ANNIVERSARY

IN THE WEST END AND EXTENDS BOOKING THROUGH TO JANUARY 2027

A SPECIALLY COMMISSIONED SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS

‘5 MINUTE CALL’

BY DANNY KAAN IS RELEASED TO MARK THE DATE

www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

WICKED, the stage musical phenomenon which tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, tomorrow, Saturday 27 September, celebrates its 19^th anniversary at the West End’s Apollo Victoria Theatre. In celebration, Wicked marks the occasion with the release of a new series of photographs by Danny Kaan, entitled ‘5 Minute Call’, which document members of the company making their final preparations ahead of the curtain going up.* Wicked also today announces its landmark 40^th public booking extension through to Sunday 3 January 2027.

“One of the most successful musicals of all time” (BBC News), Wicked opened in London in 2006 and is already the 10^th longest-running West End production in history. Winner of more than 100 global awards, the production has now been seen by over 13 million people in London alone.

The London company currently stars Emma Kingston (Elphaba), Zizi Strallen (Glinda), Carl Man (Fiyero), Sarah Ingram (Madame Morrible), Michael Matus (The Wizard), Ross Carpenter (Boq), David McKechnie (Doctor Dillamond), Hannah Qureshi (Nessarose), and Laura Emmitt (Alternate Elphaba), Lydia Gerrard (Standby for Glinda), Iroy Abesamis, Zac Adlam, Steph Asamoah, Meg Astin, Rebecca Bowden, Shaun Chambers, Erin Gisele Chapman, Grace Durkin, Onyemachi Ejimofor, Aaron Elijah, Emily Goodenough, Aimee Hodnett, Nat Ingham, Holly Lawrence, Jemima Loddy, Josh Lovell, Rory Maguire, PaddyJoe Martin, JoJo Meredith, Ayden Morgan, Rina Punwani, Abbie Quinnen, Jemma Revell, Jeanie Ryan, Charlotte Anne Steen, Chris Tarsey, Hannah Taylor, James Titchener and Jacob Young. 

Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s celebrated stage musical is based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire and imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Wicked reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming ‘Glinda The Good’ and the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’.

Wicked has music and lyrics by multi-Oscar® and Grammy® Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, The Prince of Egypt, Disney’s Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Enchanted). It is based on the multimillion-copy best-selling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire and written by Emmy® and Tony Award® nominee Winnie Holzman (creator of the landmark American television series ‘My So-Called Life’). Musical staging is by Tony Award® winner Wayne Cilento with direction by two-time Tony Award® winner Joe Mantello.

Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman have collaborated on the two-part Universal Pictures film version of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and produced by Marc Platt and David Stone. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Part 1 of the blockbuster opened in November 2024, and has become the highest-grossing film, based on a stage musical, in history. Wicked: For Good will be released in the UK on November 21, 2025.

Performances continue Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm, and Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2.30pm. The following nineteen added shows are also on sale: Thursday 30 October 2:30pm, Friday 19 December 2:30pm, and Monday 22 December 7:30pm, Tuesday 23 December 2:30pm, Monday 29 December 2:30pm & 7:30 pm, Tuesday 30 December 2.30pm 2025 and Friday 2 January 2:30pm, Thursday 19 February 2:30pm, Thursday 2 April 2:30pm, Thursday 6 August 2:30pm, Thursday 20 August 2:30pm, Thursday 29 October 2:30pm, Friday 18 December 2:30pm, Monday 21 December 7:30pm, Tuesday 22 December 2:30pm, Sunday 27 December 7:30pm, Monday 28 December 7:30pm and Tuesday 29 December 2:30pm 2026.

The stage musical Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone.

The Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk 

Education programme: www.WickedActiveLearning.co.uk

TikTok: @WickedUK  |  Facebook: /WickedUK  |  Instagram: @WickedUK | ‘X’ (Twitter): @WickedUK

LUCIE JONES

TO PERFORM

BIGGEST SOLO CONCERT TO DATE AT

THE LONDON PALLADIUM

ON MONDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2026

TICKETS ON SALE

TUESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER, 5PM

DEM Productions and Andrew Paradis in association with Westway Music are delighted to announce that West End and International theatre star LUCIE JONES will be performing her biggest solo concert to date at the London Palladium on Monday 16 February 206, with tickets going on sale on Tuesday 30 September at 5pm.

She made history on the fields of Glastonbury, now Lucie Jones is taking over the legendary London Palladium; and she’s doing it her way. Blazing out of a chapter of career-defining roles and personal milestones, this is Lucie like you’ve never seen her before, stepping under the lights to own the stage with the music that shaped her, inspired her, and defines who she is today.

Blending the heart-stopping drama of her West End career with the unfiltered energy of her live gig roots, Lucie is ready to shake the Palladium from the stalls to the rafters. Expect reinventions of musical theatre favourites, blistering covers, and a few raw, unexpected moments that pull you right into her world. And she’s got company; surprise appearances and unique collaborations will make this a night you can’t miss.

This isn’t just a concert, it’s a full-throttle night of music, surprises, and special moments that shows you exactly who Lucie is now: fearless, fierce, and completely unforgettable.

Lucie said “This is truly a lifelong dream come true, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see everyone at the Palladium! This moment is incredibly special — for my life, my music, and my career. I’ve grown so much as a person and as an artist, and I can honestly say this is the most authentic version of myself I’ve ever shared with the world.”

With very limited Meet & Greet spaces available, sign up for priority booking is open now via luciejones.com.

Lucie is currently starring as Jenna Rink in the world premiere production of 13 Going on 30 the Musical at the Manchester Opera House. Some of her other theatre credits include: Genevieve in The Baker’s Wife (Menier Chocolate Factory), Catherine in Pippin (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Katie in Super You (Lyric Theatre), Jenna Rink in 13 Going on 30 (Workshop at Battersea Arts Centre), Fantine in Les Miserables (Sondheim Theatre), Elphaba in Wicked (Apollo Victoria, Jenna Hunterson in Waitress (Adelphi Theatre & UK Tour); Martha Percy in Treason (Cadogan Hall), Heidi in Title of Show (London Coliseum), Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol (Dominion Theatre), Maureen in RENT (The Other Palace and UK Tour), Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (Leicester Curve, UK Tour and South Korea Opera House, Victoria in American Psycho (Almeida), Molly in Ghost (International Tour), Emily in A Christmas Carol (Lyceum), Lou in Girlfriends (LMTO), Meatloaf in We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour), Holly in The Wedding Singer (UK Tour) and Cosette in Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre).

Her TV credits include Midsomer Murders and The Sarah Jane Adventures. X factor finalist, 2009. Eurovision finalist, 2017.

In 2020, Lucie performed a sold-out concert at London’s Adelphi Theatre. Accompanied by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, the concert was recorded for a live album Lucie Jones – Live at The Adelphi. In 2021, Lucie performed a sold-out solo Christmas show at Her Majesty’s theatre in the West End and at St Davids Hall, Cardiff. In 2023, Lucie embarked upon a UK solo tour with the Fulltone Orchestra. Lucie has recently played a run of solo shows at Cadogan Hall, London.

Instagram: @luciejones1
Twitter: @luciejones1
TikTok: @thatluciejones

X:@luciejones1

Website: luciejones.com

LISTINGS INFORMATION

LUCIE JONES: LIVE AT THE PALLADIUM

16 February 2026, 7.30pm

London Palladium

8 Argyll St

London

W1F 7TF

To book: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/lucie-jones-tlp/

Actress Elizabeth Connick sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 questions. Elizabeth is currently playing Haley in The Pitchfork Disney.  Currently playing at  The Kings Head in London until 4 October, tickets available here

Let’s start with a few favourites

What’s your favourite show of all time (whether you’ve performed in it or not)?

I’m not sure I have a favourite, I’m too indecisive and I tend to love it all. I was fortunate to be in a production of Paula Vogel’s Indecent while in training at Royal Welsh. It was magic. It combines music with storytelling effortlessly. It’s so moving and provocative. I’d love to do it again

Your favourite book?

Too hard… but one I think of often is Educated by Tara Westover.

Do you have a favourite theatre (to perform in or visit)?

The Yard. I think it’s a really exciting space, with really exciting programming. Can’t wait to see what’s next for them in the new venue!

A favourite song you never get tired of?

You’ll Never Walk Alone

What kind of music do you love most?

Stuff that I can belt out generally. To counter the subject matter of Pitchfork we’ve been working with a lot of noughties pop in the dressing room, which is a treat.

Your go-to comfort food?

Chicken soup.

Your favourite drink?

Pisco Sour. Preferably on a rooftop in Lisbon with my sister.

Of all the parts you’ve played, which has been your favourite role?

I’m not being bias, but it’s got to be Haley. She is a force to be reckoned with and it’s the greatest challenge and honour to play her.

What was your very first role on stage?

I think I was a Wise Man in my primary school nativity if that counts.

And is there a dream role you’d love to play one day?

I find this question difficult but to name a few…Stella in Streetcar. Lady Macbeth. I saw Kristen Scott-Thomas play Electra. It was spell-bounding. One day I’d love to give that a go.

If you weren’t a performer, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

I think I liked the idea of being a columnist for some high-flying paper like the New York Times. But it’s probably because I’ve watched too many political thrillers, like All the President’s Men. It’s a weakness of mine.

What first inspired you to become a performer?

My first core memory of being like ‘I want to do this’, was that production of Electra at the Old Vic. I remember watching Kristen in the curtain call and it taking her a couple of bows to emerge from her character back into the room. I thought that was incredible. It really stayed with me.

Do you enjoy life on tour?

It was great! I was in such brilliant company; we had a real laugh. We also all really loved and believed in the show. A challenging, tiring but beautiful few weeks for sure.

What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

Learn a language!

Have you ever thought about branching out into producing or directing?

Yes, in fact I directed my first short film last year which was a great experience. I write for TV and Film but haven’t ventured into playwriting. There’s something that intimidates me about it… maybe one day.

What was the last stage show you saw that you really loved?

I loved The Glass Menagerie at the Yard.

Do you have a favourite line from any play or musical?

“I guess to him they were all my sons.” Breaks my heart.

If you could swap lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?

My sister? Find all my clothes that have ‘gone missing’. Plus, she lives in a sunny country.

What’s the nicest — or strangest — gift you’ve ever received from a fan?

I don’t think I’ve ever received one. But I’m open to it. Strange or nice.

And finally, can you give us a hint of what’s next for you?

Ha! There are exciting prospects in the pipeline and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next. I’ve loved being in the theatre this year – it really is magic.

The Pitchfork Disney is playing the Kings Head in London.  Tickets can be found here