Regal Entertainment’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a glittering jewel in the crown of pantomime tradition, proving once again that St Helen’s Theatre Royal knows how to deliver a festive feast for the senses. Brimming with wit, wonder, and a hearty dose of cheeky humour, this production is the epitome of feel-good entertainment, leaving audiences young and old beaming from ear to ear.
The theatre was buzzing with anticipation as families and excitable children filled the seats, eagerly waiting for the curtain to rise. From the moment the first note played, the atmosphere was alive with festive energy. True to panto form, this rendition of the classic tale delivers a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Snow White’s familiar story is retold with flair, packing every scene with laughter, music, and festive cheer. The narrative whisks the audience on a whirlwind adventure, complete with dazzling twists and audience-pleasing surprises that keep everyone on their toes.
The cast is a powerhouse of talent, each member adding their unique sparkle to the show. Chantelle Morgan shines as Snow White, bringing grace and charm to the role. She embodies the character’s pure-hearted nature with effortless warmth and a voice that melts hearts. Maureen Nolan, of the world-famous Nolan Sisters, is a commanding presence as the Wicked Queen. Her delightfully sinister portrayal is captivating and brings just the right amount of theatrical panache to her villainous antics. Opposite her, Emrhys Cooper’s Prince Frederick exudes charisma and charm, delivering his role with a twinkle in his eye and a sense of genuine affection for his princess.
However, it’s Lewis Devine as Muddles who steals the show. His side-splitting humour and comic timing are a triumph, leaving the audience in fits of laughter. From his hilarious “12 Days of Christmas” skit to his water-pistol escapades, Devine bridges the gap between cheeky adult humour and child-friendly comedy with remarkable ease. The audience, particularly the children, adored him, laughing uproariously at his mishaps and cheeky innuendos. My son, like many others, was in hysterics, shouting along and thoroughly enjoying every silly moment. Richard Aucott’s Nurse Nelly is another standout, clad in increasingly outrageous costumes (designed by himself) and delivering larger-than-life humour that had everyone roaring with laughter. Special mention must also go to Leanne Campbell as the Magic Mirror, whose pre-recorded segments were seamlessly integrated, her witty Scouse humour adding a modern twist to the classic role.
One unique and delightful feature of this production was the celebrity dwarf voiceovers, with a lineup including Johnny Vegas, Pete Price, Joel Ross, Louis Emerick, Craig Phillips, the Queen of Scotty Road, and John May. Their humorous contributions added a star-studded touch to the show, bringing smiles to every corner of the theatre. What’s more, it was heartwarming to learn that most of the celebrities donated their fees to local Merseyside charities, spreading festive goodwill beyond the stage.
Adding even more magic to the evening, Jema Leopold and her impeccably trained Doggy Delights performed a series of fabulous tricks that had the audience “awwwing” in unison. The dogs were an absolute delight, showcasing not only their talents but also the creativity of a production that continually found ways to surprise and charm.
Musical numbers are always a panto highlight, and this production does not disappoint. The songs range from timeless classics to modern pop hits, each performed with infectious energy. The choreography was vibrant and polished, with every number adding excitement and momentum to the show. The ensemble deserves applause for their high-energy routines and the perfect synchronization that brought each scene to life.
Visually, the production is a treat for the eyes. The sets transported the audience from the regal palace to the enchanted forest, dripping with glitter and festive sparkle. Nurse Nelly’s costumes deserve a special mention; each was a work of art, more outrageous and colourful than the last. The attention to detail in the visual design created a magical, immersive world that captivated the audience.
Audience participation is, of course, at the heart of any pantomime, and this production excelled in involving the crowd. Children shrieked with delight as they booed the Wicked Queen at every opportunity. Even the parents couldn’t resist joining in, creating a lively, communal atmosphere that’s uniquely panto.
In every way, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a triumph. Regal Entertainments has once again demonstrated its mastery of the pantomime art form, blending comedy, music, and festive spirit into a production that’s impossible not to love. Under the expert guidance of Jane Joseph and Chantelle Nolan, this show sparkles with joy and professionalism, ensuring a magical experience for all.
St Helen’s Theatre Royal is a cozy, family-friendly venue with helpful staff and easy parking, making it the perfect place to start your Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re a panto veteran or a first-timer, this production is an enchanting experience not to be missed.
Verdict: A five-star festive extravaganza that will leave you laughing, clapping, and brimming with Christmas cheer. Book your tickets before the curtain falls on 15 January 2025—you won’t regret it!
In a streamed event, My Fair Lady stars Molly Lynch, David Seadon-Young and Minal Patel today announced the nominations for the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards in association with AudienceView, the only major theatre prize giving decided by the theatregoers themselves. The announcement of the nominations marks the opening of the final stage of voting (until 9 January 2025), with winners to be revealed at the annual Awards ceremony held on 9 February 2025 at The London Palladium.
WhatsOnStage’s Darius Thompson and Alex Wood said today: “We were blown away by the sheer volume of nominations that came in for this year’s WhatsOnStage Awards for our silver anniversary. What has emerged is a shortlist that reflects the vibrancy and excitement of the UK theatre ecosystem. Locations like Plymouth, Nottingham, Chichester, Sheffield and Manchester have all been recognised on this shortlist, and it’s been heartening watching organisations across the nation campaigning and championing local, established and emerging talents. In a time when venues and companies are facing increased costs and cuts to local funding, the WhatsOnStage Awards are a vital reminder of theatre’s power to bring communities together in a shared, enriching space.”
The hit revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Expressleads nominations this year with nine nods including Best Musical Revival, Best Supporting Performer in a Musical for Jaydon Vijn, Best Professional Debut for Jeevan Braich, Best Set Design (Tim Hatley), Best Lighting Design (Howard Hudson), Best Sound Design (Gareth Owen), Best Video Design (Andrzej Goulding), Best Costume Design (Gabriella Slade) and a nomination for Jackie Saundercock and Campbell Young Associates in the new category for Best Wigs Hair and Make-up Design. Also featuring strongly in the Musical Theatre categories are The Artist at Theatre Royal Plymouth with six nominations and Oliver! at Chichester Festival Theatre with five nominations.
Leading the straight play categories with six nominations is the Donmar Warehouse’s production of Macbeth starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, currently running at the Harold Pinter Theatre, with both lead actors nominated for Best Performer in a Play alongside nominations for Best Play Revival, Best Sound Design (Gareth Fry), Best Musical Direction/ Supervision (Alasdair Macrae) and Best Casting (Anna Cooper). In terms of straight plays Spirited Away closely follows with five nominations.
Completing the gender-free performance categories, in the Best Performer in a Play category – facing David Tennant and Cush Jumbo – are Emma D’Arcy for The Other Place, Tom Holland for Romeo & Juliet, Anne Odeke for Princess Essex and Michael Sheen for Nye. Best Supporting Performer in a Play nominees are Freema Agyeman for Romeo & Juliet, Romola Garai for Giant, Julie Hesmondhalgh for Punch,Teddy Hinde for The History Boys, Atsuki Mashiko for Spirited Away and Sharon Small for Nye.
The Best Performer in a Musical category sees a double nomination for Why Am I So Single? with Jo Foster and Leesa Tulley both recognised. They will face Georgina Castle for Mean Girls, Myles Frost for MJ the Musical, Imelda Staunton for Hello, Dolly! and Vanessa Williams for The Devil Wears Prada; and in the Best Supporting Performer in a Musical category, Jaydon Vijin’s fellow nominees are Siobhan Athwal for Bhangra Nation, Amy Di Bartolomeo for The Devil Wears Prada, Melanie La Barrie for Hadestown, Grace Mouat for Mean Girls, and Tom Xander also for Mean Girls.
Best Takeover Performance sees a double nomination for Cabaret for both Cara Delevingne and Layton Willams. They are joined by Zoe Birkett for TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, Craig Ryder for Moulin Rouge!, Alex Sawyer for Hamilton and Tobias Turley for Mamma Mia!. Joining Jeevan Braich in the Best Professional Debut Performance category are Esme Bowdler for Heathers the Musical, Stevie Doc for Mamma Mia!, Vasco Emauz for Back to the Future the Musical, Mia Kobayashi for Your Lie in April and Gerardine Sacdalan for & Juliet.
Best New Musical is closely contested with Babies, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Devil Wears Prada, MJ the Musical, Mean Girlsand Why Am I So Single?in the running. Starlight Expressis joined in the Best Musical Revival category by Dear Evan Hansen, Hadestown, Hello, Dolly!, Kiss Me, KateandOliver!.
Best New Play sees nominations for Giant, Kyoto, Princess Essex, Punch, Slave Playand Spirited Away, while Macbethgoes up against A Raisin in the Sun, The Crucible, Oedipus, Romeo & Julietand Waiting for Godotfor Best Play Revival.
Last year’s winner for Best New Musical Operation Mincemeatjoins Cabaret, Hamilton, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!and SIXto battle it out for Best West End Show. Nominations for Best Regional Production are 42 Balloons, The Artist, Becoming Nancy, Brassed Off, Dear Evan Hansen and Oliver!. This year’s awards will see the inclusion of the Best Studio Production for the first time, BRACE BRACEat Royal Court Theatre, Dear Young Monster at Bristol Old Vic Weston Studio, Diary of a Gay Disaster at Underbelly Cowgate and Arcola Theatre, KENREX Tanyaat Moiseiwitsch Playhouse Sheffield, Mulatto Boy at Omnibus Theatre and Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em at Barn Theatre are all up for the inaugural award.
Gypsy the Musical in Concert, I Am Harvey Milk, Pippin – 50th Anniversary Concert, Something Rotten! – In Concert, Sondheim on Sondheimand Spring Awakening: 15th Anniversary Concertmake up the competitive field forBest Concert Event.
The Best Direction category is dominated by plays with Eline Arbo for The Years, Robert Icke for Oedipus, Anthony Lau for The Crucible, James Macdonald for Waiting for Godot and Wise Children’s Emma Rice for The Buddha of Suburbia, with Drew McOnie being the only musical nominee for The Artist. McOnie also receives a nomination for Best Choreography, facing tough competition from Matthew Bourne for Oliver!, Julia Cheng for Fiddler on the Roof, Rujuta Vaidya for Bhangra Nation, Anthony Van Laast for Kiss Me, Kate, and Christopher Wheeldon for MJ the Musical.
For Set Design, up against Tim Hatley for Starlight Express are Jon Bausor and Toby Olié for Spirited Away, Miriam Buether for Kyoto, Es Devlin for Coriolanus, Kenneth MacLeod for Maggie and Me, and Tom Scutt for Fiddler on the Roof; and Costume Design, Gabriella Slade’s fellow nominees are Sachiko Nakahara for Spirited Away, Lez Brotherston for Oliver!, Marg Horwell for The Picture of Dorian Gray, Rae Smith for Hello, Dolly!, and Tom Scutt, again for Fiddler on the Roof.
Joining Starlight Express’ Howard Hudson in the Best Lighting Design category are Paule Constable for Oliver!, Jessica Hung Han Yun for Minority Report, Tim Lutkin for Coriolanus, Bruno Poet for Waiting for Godot, and Zoe Spurr for The Artist; and against Macbeth’s Gareth Owen for Best Sound Design are Paul Arditti for BRACE BRACE, Susan Bear for Maggie and Me, Nicola T Chang for Minority Report, and double nominations for Gareth Fry for Viola’s Room, as well as Macbeth. Best Video Design sees Starlight Express’ Andrzej Goulding face David Bergman for The Picture of Dorian Gray, Grant Gee and Ellie Thompson for Bluets, Tal Rosner for Minority Report, and another double nomination for Ash J Woodward for The Artist and FANGIRLS.
In another first for this year’s ceremony, an award will be given for Best Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Design for which the nominees are Campbell Young Associates for The Devil Wears Prada, Marg Horwell for The Picture of Dorian Gray, Betty Marini for The Cabinet Minister, Hiroaki Miyauchi for Spirited Away, Georgia Nosal for The Artist, and Starlight Express’ Jackie Saundercock and Campbell Young Associates.
For Best Musical Direction/Supervision, Macbeth’s Alasdair Macrae is in competition with Mark Aspinall and Dan Turek for Fiddler on the Roof, Niraj Chag and Simon Baker for The Buddha of Suburbia, Darren Clark and Mark Aspinall for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Matthew Malone for Brassed Off, and Liam Robinson and Tarek Merchant for Hadestown; and completing the categories is Best Casting Direction with Macbeth’s Anna Cooper up against Amy Ball for The Years, Harry Blumenau and Sarah-Jane Price for Why Am I So Single?, Stuart Burt for Fiddler on the Roof, Alistair Coomer and Chloe Blake for Till the Stars Come Down, and Lottie Hines for A Raisin in the Sun.
In addition to seeing winners crowned across a range of categories, theatregoers will also enjoy a host of exclusive live performances from top stage talent, accompanied by a 24-piece orchestra in a one-night-only showcase co-produced with creative directors Alex Parker and Damian Sandys.
WhatsOnStage would like to take this opportunity to thank the 2025 awards ceremony sponsors: 5RB, Above Title Finance, AKA Promotions Ltd, AudienceView, Avalon, Boulevard Events, Concord, Dewynters, Disney’s Hercules, Edwardian Hotels, Hexagon Print, Go Live Theatre Projects, LOVEtheatre, Music Theatre International, Newman Displays, Outernet Venues, Preevue, PRG, Re:Water, RSVP-ify, SINE Digital, Steeldeck Rentals, Tandem Marketing, Theatrical Rights Worldwide, Ticketmaster, TikTok, Travelzoo and White Light.
Tom Holland, Romeo & Juliet, Duke of York’s Theatre
Cush Jumbo, Macbeth, Donmar Warehouse and Harold Pinter Theatre
Anne Odeke, Princess Essex, Shakespeare’s Globe
Michael Sheen, Nye, National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre
David Tennant, Macbeth, Donmar Warehouse and Harold Pinter Theatre
BEST PERFORMER IN A MUSICAL SPONSORED BY TICKETMASTER
Georgina Castle, Mean Girls, Savoy Theatre
Jo Foster, Why Am I So Single?, Garrick Theatre
Myles Frost, MJ the Musical, Prince Edward Theatre
Imelda Staunton, Hello, Dolly!, The London Palladium
Leesa Tulley, Why Am I So Single?, Garrick Theatre
Vanessa Williams, The Devil Wears Prada, Theatre Royal Plymouth and Dominion Theatre
BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMER IN A PLAY
Freema Agyeman, Romeo & Juliet, Duke of York’s Theatre
Romola Garai, Giant, Royal Court Theatre
Julie Hesmondhalgh, Punch, Nottingham Playhouse
Teddy Hinde, The History Boys, UK tour
Atsuki Mashiko, Spirited Away, The London Coliseum
Sharon Small, Nye, National Theatre
BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMER IN A MUSICAL SPONSORED BY NEWMAN DISPLAYS
Siobhan Athwal, Bhangra Nation, Birmingham Rep
Amy Di Bartolomeo, The Devil Wears Prada, Theatre Royal Plymouth and Dominion Theatre
Melanie La Barrie, Hadestown, Lyric Theatre
Grace Mouat, Mean Girls, Savoy Theatre
Jaydon Vijn, Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Tom Xander, Mean Girls, Savoy Theatre
BEST TAKEOVER PERFORMANCE
Zoe Birkett, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, Aldwych Theatre
Cara Delevingne, Cabaret, Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre
Craig Ryder, Moulin Rouge! the Musical, Piccadilly Theatre
Alex Sawyer, Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre
Tobias Turley, Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre
Layton Williams, Cabaret, Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre
BEST PROFESSIONAL DEBUT PERFORMANCE SPONSORED BY AKA
Esme Bowdler, Heathers the Musical, @sohoplace and UK tour
Jeevan Braich, Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Stevie Doc, Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre
Vasco Emauz, Back to the Future the Musical, Adelphi Theatre
Mia Kobayashi, Your Lie in April, Harold Pinter Theatre
Gerardine Sacdalan, & Juliet, UK tour
BEST NEW MUSICAL SPONSORED BY TRAVELZOO
Babies, Music and lyrics by Jack Godfrey and book by Martha Geelan, The Other Palace
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Music and lyrics by Darren Clark and book and lyrics by Jethro Compton, Ambassadors Theatre
The Devil Wears Prada, Music by Elton John, lyrics by Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick and book by Kate Wetherhead, Theatre Royal Plymouth and Dominion Theatre
MJ the Musical, Music and lyrics by Michael Jackson and book by Lynn Nottage, Prince Edward Theatre
Mean Girls, Music by Jeff Richmond, lyrics by Nell Benjamin and book by Tina Fey, Savoy Theatre
Why Am I So Single?, Music, lyrics and book by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, Garrick Theatre
BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL SPONSORED BY CONCORD THEATRICALS
Dear Evan Hansen, Nottingham Playhouse and UK tour
Hadestown, Lyric Theatre
Hello, Dolly!, The London Palladium
Kiss Me, Kate, Barbican Theatre
Oliver!, Chichester Festival Theatre
Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
BEST NEW PLAY SPONSORED BY GO LIVE THEATRE
Giant, Mark Rosenblatt, Royal Court Theatre
Kyoto, Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson, RSC’s Swan Theatre
Princess Essex, Anne Odeke, Shakespeare’s Globe
Punch, James Graham, Nottingham Playhouse
Slave Play, Jeremy O’Harris, Noël Coward Theatre
Spirited Away, Adapted by John Caird and co-adapted by Maoko Imai, The London Coliseum
BEST PLAY REVIVAL SPONSORED BY EDWARDIAN HOTELS – OFFICAL HOTEL PARTNER
A Raisin in the Sun, Leeds Playhouse, Oxford Playhouse, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Nottingham Playhouse
The Crucible, Sheffield Crucible
Macbeth, Donmar Warehouse and Harold Pinter Theatre
Oedipus, Wyndham’s Theatre
Romeo & Juliet, Duke of York’s Theatre
Waiting for Godot, Theatre Royal Haymarket
BEST WEST END SHOW SPONSORED BY DEWYNTERS
Cabaret , Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre
Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre
Les Misérables, Sondheim Theatre
Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre
Operation Mincemeat, Fortune Theatre
SIX, Vaudeville Theatre
BEST REGIONAL PRODUCTION SPONSORED BY MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL
42 Balloons, The Lowry, Salford
The Artist, Theatre Royal Plymouth
Becoming Nancy, Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Brassed Off, Theatre by the Lake, Stephen Joseph Theatre and Octagon Theatre Bolton
Dear Evan Hansen, Nottingham Playhouse and UK tour
Oliver!, Chichester Festival Theatre
BEST STUDIO PRODUCTION SPONSORED BY THEATRICAL RIGHTS WORLDWIDE
BRACE BRACE, Royal Court Theatre
Dear Young Monster, Bristol Old Vic Weston Studio
Diary of a Gay Disaster, Underbelly Cowgate and Arcola Theatre
KENREX, Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, Sheffield
Mulatto Boy, Omnibus Theatre
Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, Barn Theatre
BEST CONCERT EVENT
Gypsy the Musical in Concert, Hope Mill Theatre at Opera House, Manchester
I Am Harvey Milk, Cadogan Hall
Pippin – 50th Anniversary Concert, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Something Rotten! – In Concert, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Sondheim on Sondheim, Alexandra Palace Theatre
Spring Awakening: 15th Anniversary Concert, Victoria Palace Theatre
BEST DIRECTION SPONSORED BY LOVETHEATRE
Eline Arbo, The Years, Almeida Theatre
Robert Icke, Oedipus, Wyndham’s Theatre
Anthony Lau, The Crucible, Sheffield Crucible
James Macdonald, Waiting for Godot, Theatre Royal Haymarket
Drew McOnie, The Artist, Theatre Royal Plymouth
Emma Rice, The Buddha of Suburbia, RSC’s Swan Theatre and Barbican Theatre
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY SPONSORED BY LADUCA SHOES
Matthew Bourne, Oliver!, Chichester Festival Theatre
Julia Cheng, Fiddler on the Roof, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Drew McOnie, The Artist, Theatre Royal Plymouth
Rujuta Vaidya, Bhangra Nation, Birmingham Rep
Anthony Van Laast, Kiss Me, Kate, Barbican Theatre
Christopher Wheeldon, MJ the Musical, Prince Edward Theatre
BEST SET DESIGN SPONSORED BY PREEVUE
Jon Bausor and Toby Olié, Spirited Away, The London Coliseum
Miriam Buether, Kyoto, RSC’s Swan Theatre
Es Devlin, Coriolanus, National Theatre
Tim Hatley, Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Kenneth MacLeod, Maggie and Me, UK tour
Tom Scutt, Fiddler on the Roof, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Sachiko Nakahara, Spirited Away, The London Coliseum
Lez Brotherston, Oliver!, Chichester Festival Theatre
Marg Horwell, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Theatre Royal Haymarket
Tom Scutt, Fiddler on the Roof, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Gabriella Slade, Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Rae Smith, Hello, Dolly!, The London Palladium
BEST LIGHTING DESIGN SPONSORED BY WHITE LIGHT
Paule Constable, Oliver!, Chichester Festival Theatre
Howard Hudson, Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Jessica Hung Han Yun, Minority Report, Nottingham Playhouse, Birmingham Rep and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Tim Lutkin, Coriolanus, National Theatre
Bruno Poet, Waiting for Godot, Theatre Royal Haymarket
Zoe Spurr, The Artist, Theatre Royal Plymouth
BEST SOUND DESIGN SPONSORED BY HERE @ OUTERNET
Paul Arditti, BRACE BRACE, Royal Court Theatre
Susan Bear, Maggie and Me, UK tour
Nicola T Chang, Minority Report, Nottingham Playhouse, Birmingham Rep and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Gareth Fry, Macbeth, Donmar Warehouse and Harold Pinter Theatre
Gareth Fry, Viola’s Room, Woolwich Works
Gareth Owen, Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
BEST VIDEO DESIGN SPONSORED BY TIKTOK
David Bergman, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Theatre Royal Haymarket
Grant Gee and Ellie Thompson, Bluets, Royal Court Theatre
Andrzej Goulding, Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Tal Rosner, Minority Report, Nottingham Playhouse, Birmingham Rep and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Ash J Woodward, The Artist, Theatre Royal Plymouth
THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR PLAYWRITING RETURNS FOR 2025 WITH FIRST PRIZE OF £20,000
including a new partnership with Sheffield Theatres
The Women’s Prize for Playwriting, produced by Ellie Keel and Paines Plough, today announces its return for 2025. This year sees the largest ever prize fund for WPP with a first prize of £20,000. The judging panel for this year’s Prize will be chaired once again by incoming Director and Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre Indhu Rubasingham.
Launched in 2019, the Prize celebrates and supports exceptional female and non-binary playwrights, and campaigns for their plays to be presented on national stages in the UK and Ireland. The Prize is for a full-length play (defined as over 60 minutes in length), written in English. The First Prize-winning play receives £20,000 in respect of an option for Ellie Keel Productions, Paines Plough and Sheffield Theatres to co-produce the play. The prize is sponsored by Samuel French Ltd, a Concord Theatricals company, who are the official publishing partner of the prize.
Sheffield Theatres is announced as ‘Theatre Partner’ for the 2025 Prize. Created with Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, Elizabeth Newman, this partnership means that Sheffield Theatres will have first right of refusal to co-produce the world premiere of the prize’s winning play.
Chaired by Indhu Rubasingham, the judging panel will also include Producer at Wessex Grove Emily Vaughan-Barratt,directors Milli Bhatia and Alice Hamilton, actress Romola Garai,Literary Agent Mel Kenyon, Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic Nancy Medina, the National Theatre’s Director of New Work Nina Steiger, and Guardian Editor-in-Chief Katharine Viner.
Also announced today The Women’s Prize for Playwriting has become a registered charity, and Charlie Coulthard will become Literary Manager. Ellie Keel, Founder Director of The Women’s Prize for Playwriting, today said, “I’m thrilled that the Women’s Prize for Playwriting is returning in a bigger and bolder form than ever, with a significant increase in prize money and our first Theatre Partnership with the brilliant Sheffield Theatres. These developments will allow WPP to build on our track record of creating tangible and lasting change, not only for the careers of our winning playwrights but within the theatre industry as a whole. I’m delighted that Indhu Rubasingham is continuing as Chair of our exceptional judging panel, whose difficult task it will be to choose one winner in autumn 2025! This year we also took the step of becoming a registered charity to help secure the Prize’s future for many years to come, driving change and championing equality in the historically male-dominated theatre industry.”
Katie Posner and Charlotte Bennett, Joint Artistic Directors of Paines Plough,added “It’s a huge honour, in our 50th birthday year, to be announcing the fourth year of this playwriting prize with Ellie Keel. Since 2019 we’ve been consistently blown away reading so many thrilling plays, and we’re ready to be blown away once again. It is a privilege and a joy to lead this prize with Ellie and we can’t wait to now also work alongside the powerhouse that is Sheffield Theatres to discover and nurture more female and non-binary playwrights. Our continued work with the prize will set the tone for the next 50 years of Paines Plough’s work: to fight for playwrights, for new writing, and for representation in the voices on stages around the country. We can’t wait to get reading!”
Elizabeth Newman, Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, commented “I am thrilled we are becoming the Theatre Partner of The Women’s Prize for Playwriting. Sheffield Theatres has a long-standing reputation for being committed to producing exceptional new work and, as I begin my tenure as Artistic Director, I want to make it clear that we will continue this mission and develop our reputation of being an exciting place that fosters exceptional talent. As we begin to write the next chapter for Sheffield Theatres, we will focus on discovering, developing, and celebrating outstanding new plays written by women and non-binary playwrights. Being part of the Prize offers us the opportunity to play a crucial role in addressing gender disparities in theatre by offering tangible support and recognition to those whose voices have been historically marginalised. Furthermore, and importantly, we aim to produce the winning play at Sheffield Theatres because, to make a lasting difference to the momentum of a writer’s career (and to raise the profile of women and non-binary playwrights), plays need to be put to an audience. This is the best way for a dramatist to learn and grow. The Women’s Prize led by Ellie, Katie and Charlotte has achieved incredible things since it was launched and I cannot wait for Sheffield Theatres to join this incredible endeavour. I am also very excited to share news soon of our first co-production.”
Vivien Goodwin, Senior Vice President of Concord Theatricals, also said “We’re thrilled that the awards are going from strength-to-strength and are becoming vital in cultivating and elevating women’s voices. We’re honoured to continue being the Prize’s publishing and licensing partner and look forward to supporting these exciting, bold, and unique pieces into the future. I’m fascinated to see what this year brings!”
Submissions will open on Monday 13th January and close on Tuesday 22nd April. More information on the award can be found at https://womensprizeforplaywriting.co.uk/.
Producers Jeffrey Seller and Cameron Mackintosh are delighted to announce new casting for the UK and Ireland Tour of the multi award-winning HAMILTON. Currently playing in Cardiff until 25 January,the new cast will have their first performance at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre on Monday 20 January 2025.
Joining the production as Alexander Hamilton is 2024 Black British Theatre Award-winner Marley Fenton, whilst Billy Nevers, who currently performs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson in the tour, will now play Aaron Burr.
Roshani Abbey, who has previously performed in Hamilton in the West End,will play Eliza Hamilton until Tuesday 25 March. Casey Al-Shaqsy will play Eliza Hamilton from Wednesday 26 March, joining the company for the first time.
Also joining the company are Chasity Crisp as Angelica Schuyler, Ashley J. Daniels as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Shak Mancel James as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, Naomi Katiyo as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds and Louis Maskell as King George.
Continuing in the production are KM Drew Boateng as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison and Akmed Junior Khemalai, now playing the role of George Washington.
Also continuing are Simeon Beckett, Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez, Richard Logun,Tamara Morgan, Antoine Murray-Straughan, Izzy Read, Harry Robinson, Phoebe Samuel-Gray, Samantha Shuma, Michael James Stewart, Jack Whitehead and Sian Yeo.
New to the production and completing the cast are Jonathan Andre, Melad Hamidi, Imogen Rose Hart, Bethany Kate, Jago Mottart, Patrick Munday, Chris Otim, Castell Parker, Eva Phillips, Sydney Spencer, Sylvie Stenson, Ethan Vijn, Lashane Williams and Ynez Williams.
Marley Fenton trained at The Arts Educational School, receiving the Ian Fleming Award, from where he graduated in 2023. His theatre credits include The Tin Man in the National tour of The Wizard of Oz, for which he won the 2024 Black British Theatre Award for Best Supporting Male Actor in a Musical. His West End credits include Company in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre, and his professional and West End debut covering and playing The Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. Marley’s feature film credits include Wicked: Part Two (Marc Platt Productions/Universal Pictures) for forthcoming release. Most recently, Marley played the iconic role of Danny Zuko in the UK & Ireland Tour of Grease.
Billy Nevers takes on the role of Aaron Burr, having played Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson since the UK and Ireland tour began in November 2023. His London credits include Groundhog Day at the Old Vic, &Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Legally Blonde at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Jesus Christ Superstar at the Barbican and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. He has appeared in the concerts I Could Use A Drink in Concert at the Garrick Theatre, Roles We’ll Never Play at the Vaudeville Theatre and Apollo Theatre, and An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth at the London Palladium. On television he has appeared in NBC’s The Grinch Live.
Roshani Abbey returns to Hamilton having previously played Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds in the London production at the Victoria Palace Theatre, a role she recently reprised on Strictly Come Dancing. Roshani’s other West End credits include & Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre and Rumi: The Musical at the London Coliseum Her other theatre credits include Gypsy at the Royal Exchange and Sleeping Beauty at the Broadway Theatre Catford.
Casey Al-Shaqsy West End credits include Prince of Egypt at the Dominion Theatre, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium and Rumi: The Musical at the London Coliseum. Casey’s other theatre credits include UK and Ireland tours of Wicked and Six The Musical.
Chasity Crisp returns to the UK to play the role of Angelica Schuyler after having originated the role in Germany in the first ever translated production of Hamilton in 2022, and having appeared on the original German cast recording. Her other theatre credits in Germany & Austria include Hercules The Musical at the Neue Flora, Hamburg, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at Operettenhaus, Hamburg, Ghost The Musical at Theater Des Westens, Berlin, Ragtime at Landestheater Linz, Austria, and The Bodyguard at Musical Dome, Cologne.
Ashley J. Daniels returns to Hamilton having performed in the London production at the Victoria Palace Theatre. His other theatre credits include Frozen the Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Wonderful Town at Opera Holland Park, Porgy & Bess at Grange Park Opera, Motown the Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Midnight: The Musical at the Union Theatre, Bring It On: The Musical at Southwark Playhouse, Into The Woods at Cockpit Theatre Marylebone, Annie Get Your Gun at the Union Theatre, Get ‘Em Off at Above the Stag Theatre and International Tours of The Producers and Ghost the Musical.
Shak Mancel James’ West End credits include Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre, We Will Rock You at the London Coliseum and The Lion King at The Lyceum Theatre. His other theatre credits include UK Tours of Motown The Musical and Hairspray.
Naomi Katiyo’s West End credits include Just for One Dayat The Old Vic and Ain’t Too Proud at the Prince Edward Theatre.
Louis Maskell’s theatre credits include The Lord of the Rings at the Watermill Theatre, Doctor Faustus at Shakespeare’s Globe, Flowers for Mrs Harris at the Chichester Festival Theatre and Sheffield Crucible, The Grinning Man at Trafalgar Theatre and Bristol Old Vic, Fiddler on the Roof at the Chichester Festival Theatre, My Fair Lady at the Sheffield Crucible, and the UK tour of West Side Story.
KM Drew Boateng continues as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison having played the role since the UK and Ireland tour began in November 2023. His other theatre credits include Scroogelicious at Theatre Peckham, Five Guys Named Moe at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, The Color Purple at Curve, Leicester and via streaming platforms, Motown The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Hotel at the National Theatre, Blues in the Night at Hackney Empire, The Warriors at Barbican and Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells. On film he can be seen in Walking On Sunshine.
Akmed Junior Khemalai continues in the tour, playing the role of George Washington. His West End credits include Ain’t Too Proud at the Prince Edward Theatre and Book of Mormonat thePrince of Wales Theatre, and his other theatre credits include Mandelaat the Young Vic.
The UK and Ireland tour of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical opened at the Manchester Palace Theatre on Saturday 11 November 2023 and has continued to play to packed houses and critical acclaim in Edinburgh, Bristol, Birmingham, Dublin and Cardiff. The production continues to break records at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London, where it is currently booking until 29 March 2025, and on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. The HAMILTON creative team previously collaborated on the Tony Award®-Winning Best Musical In the Heights.
HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe.
HAMILTON is produced in the UK by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Cameron Mackintosh.
HAMILTON TOUR
TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2024 – SATURDAY 25 JANUARY 2025
The Almeida Theatre announces initial casting for upcoming productions Otherland and Rhinoceros
Jade Anouka, Jackie Clune, Fizz Sinclair and Amanda Wilkin cast in the world premiere of Otherland, a new play by Chris Bush, the playwright behind the Olivier Award-winning Standing at the Sky’s Edge, directed by Ann Yee.
Following his critically acclaimed production of The Chairs, Omar Elerian returns to the Almeida to direct Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù in his version of Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist satire Rhinoceros.
Otherland opens on Thursday 20 February 2025, with previews from Wednesday 12 February, and runs until Saturday 15 March.
Rhinoceros opens on Tuesday 1 April 2025, with previews from Tuesday 25 March, and runs until Saturday 26 April.
Further casting for both productions will be announced in due course.
OTHERLAND
by Chris Bush
Director: Ann Yee; Set Designer: Fly Davis; Costume Designer: Milla Clarke; Lighting Designer: Anna Watson; Sound Designer: Pete Malkin; Composer and Music Supervisor: Jennifer Whyte; Casting Director: Amy Ball CDG
Wednesday 12 February – Saturday 15 March 2025
Jo and Harry are changing. Harry is changing more than most, undeniably, And change is beautiful. Necessary. Terrifying.
Break-ups aren’t just about who gets the CD collection. As Jo and Harry begin to untangle themselves from each other, new worlds start to open up – worlds filled with new partners, new identities, new possibilities. What kind of women do they want to be, and do they have the courage, or the permission, to get there?
From Chris Bush, the playwright behind the Olivier Award-winning Standing at the Sky’s Edge, and director and choreographer Ann Yee (Next to Normal; The Human Body),Otherland explores what it means to be true to yourself in the face of unstoppable change.
Cast includes Jade Anouka, Jackie Clune, Fizz Sinclair and Amanda Wilkin, with further casting to be announced.
Evoto
RHINOCEROS by Eugène Ionesco
Translator and Director: Omar Elerian; Set and Costume Designer: Ana Inés Jabares-Pita; Lighting Designer: Jackie Shemesh; Sound Designer: Elena Peña; Casting Director: Amy Ball CDG
Tuesday 25 March – Saturday 26 April 2025
Who knows what is good and what is evil? You’re only concerned with yourself. That’s the truth. But you’ll never really become a rhinoceros… you haven’t got the chops!
A provincial town in France.
Jean meets his friend Berenger for a drink, but things take an unexpected turn when a rhinoceros charges through the town square. After all, there are no rhinoceroses in France, right?
Suddenly, one by one the townspeople are transforming into the thing they first feared. An epidemic has taken hold and rhinoceritis is spreading like wildfire, until there are almost no human beings left.
Returning to the Almeida following his ★★★★★ (The Telegraph) production of The Chairs, Omar Elerian directs and translates Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist satire about resisting conformity and holding onto what’s left of our humanity as we resist the rumbling power of the herd.
Cast includes Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, with further casting to be announced.
Nica Burns today announces the West End transfer of the Kiln Theatre’s acclaimed production of Retrograde by Ryan Calais Cameron (For Black Boys…) starring Ivanno Jeremiah (Constellations, Donmar West End; Humans, Channel 4) who reprises the role of Hollywood icon Sidney Poitier. Joining him as his protagonist Mr Parks is Stanley Townsend (Kaos, Netflix; The Normal Heart, National Theatre) and Oliver Johnstone (Antigone, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; All My Sons, The Old Vic) as writer Bobby. The production, directed by the Kiln Theatre’s Artistic Director Amit Sharma, begins performances at the Apollo Theatre for a strictly limited run playing from 8 March until 14 June 2025.
Tickets go on sale at 1pm today, Thursday 5 December and can be booked viawww.nimaxtheatres.com.
Sidney Poitier: outstanding actor, trail blazer, activist, icon. The first black artist to win an Oscar for Best Actor.
Ryan Calais Cameron’s gripping thriller captures the moment when a young Sidney Poitier is about to sign a career-defining Hollywood contract that could make him a star. But there’s a catch. Will he put his career before his principles? In a time of betrayals, will he name names? Will he sign his life away?
Retrograde follows Ryan’s smash West End hit For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy – so good it sold out twice – first at the Apollo in 2023, returning swiftly by public demand to the Garrick in 2024.
Ryan Calais Cameron said today, “I’m absolutely thrilled to see Retrograde take its next step onto the West End stage. This play holds a deeply personal resonance for me as a writer. Sidney Poitier’s journey — his courage, conviction, and the weight of the choices he faced — is not just his story; it’s a reflection of the challenges and dilemmas many of us still navigate today. I can’t wait for audiences at the Apollo Theatre to join us in this moment of reflection, urgency, and ultimately, celebration.”
Ivanno Jeremiah said, “It’s an honour to share this work in the West End at the Apollo Theatre, paying tribute to the Titans of Hollywood’s Golden Era. Ryan Calais Cameron’s imaginative portrayal of the 1950s, based on real events, ignites intelligent debate, questioning morality, ambition, and integrity amidst wealth—from a 1955 NBC corner office to today’s world. It challenges us to consider the limits we may not cross.”
Stanley Townsend said, “With morals and ethics on the ropes, and a man’s life in the balance: Retrograde is a Runyonesque rollercoaster with a ticking time bomb on board.”
Oliver Johnstone said, “Retrograde is one of the best new plays I’ve read in a long time. Ryan’s writing is electric. So I’m excited to be working on it alongside two actors whom I greatly admire and an incredibly talented creative team.”
Amit Sharma said, “I’m incredibly proud that Retrograde transfers from a sold out run at Kiln Theatre to the West End’s Apollo Theatre. When I first read Ryan Calais Cameron’s vital new play, I knew its themes were as relevant today as the era in which the play is set; centring around the iconic Sidney Poitier and the Golden Age of Hollywood, it’s a tale full of twists and turns. A magnificent and essential story that audiences will now have another opportunity to experience.”
Nica Burns said, “When I saw Retrograde at Kiln Theatre I was gripped for 90 thrilling minutes. Full of twists and turns, the whole audience sat on the edge of their seats until the very last moment. This is a wonderfully exciting evening inspired by true events. In only three years and with two plays, Ryan Calais Cameron has swiftly become a significant West End playwright who has also introduced new audiences to the theatre. An extraordinary achievement.”
Joining director Amit Sharma are Frankie Bradshaw (Set and Costume Designer), Amy Mae (Lighting Designer), Beth Duke (Sound Designer) and Juliet Horsley CDG (Casting Director).
Ivanno Jeremiah plays Sidney
Ivanno Jeremiah is an Ugandan, Rwandese & proud South London TV, Film, Voice and Theatre actor. He studied at the BRIT School of Performing Arts before winning a scholarship to RADA.
Theatre credits include: The Suit (Peter Brook International Tour); The Convert & Measure for Measure (Young Vic); A Soldier’s Tale (City of London Sinfonia); The Nether (Headlong/Royal Court); Truth and Reconciliation (Royal Court); Julius Caesar (RSC); Constellations (Donmar West End); Retrograde (Kiln).
Film credits include: Woken, The Flood, Bees Make Honey, Julius Caesar, The Veteran, A Few Miles South, No More Wings (TriBeCa winner), Last Words, Limbo, The Agreement (Producer), Ozi: Voice of The Forest.
Television credits include: Halo 2, Humans, Unaired Game of Thrones Prequel, Lockwood & Co, A Discovery of Witches, Cold Feet, Counterpart, Black Mirror, Injustice, The Jury, Julius Caesar, The Hollow Crown, The Jury.
Upcoming Work: We Go Again (BBC)
Stanley Townsend plays Mr Parks
Stanley Townsend was born in Dublin, Ireland. He is co-founder of Rough Magic Theatre Company.
Theatre credits include: Solar Bones (Abbey Theatre Dublin), All About Eve (Noel Coward Theatre), Incantata (Galway International Arts Festival), Glengarry Glen Ross (The Playhouse, London), Girl From the North Country (Old Vic), King Lear, Phedre, Gethsemane, Happy Now, Remember This, Guys and Dolls at the National Theatre, London; The Alice Trilogy, Shining City (for which he won the Irish Times Best Actor Award), The Nether, Under the Blue Sky, The Weir and Tribes at the Royal Court, London; The Dead, The Wake, Trinity for Two and Sacred Mysteries at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin; The Gingerbread Mix-up at St Andrews Lane, Dublin; A View from the Bridge (Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh), Prayers of Sherkin at the Old Vic, London; Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds; The Plough and the Stars at the Young Vic, London; Democracy at the Bush Theatre, London; Speed-the-Plow for Project Arts Centre, Dublin; Saint Oscar for Field Day Theatre Company, Derry; Who Shall Be Happy…? for Mad Cow Productions, Belfast, London and tour; and Art in the West End at the Wyndham Theatre.
Television credits include: The Regime, Black Shore, Kaos, Zen, Whistleblower, He Kills Coppers, Prosperity, Saddam’s Tribe, Rough Diamond, Waking The Dead, Spooks, The Virgin Queen, Hustle, Omagh (film), The Brief, Murder Squad, Fallen, Wire in the Blood, The Commander, Menace, Seventh Stream, Heartbeat, Station Jim, Table 12, Casualty, Best of Both Worlds, Active Defence, DDU (Making the Cut), Ballykissangel, Peak Practice, Jonathan Creek, A Touch of Frost, The Governor, The Bill, Parnell, Nighthawks, Fortycoats & Co., Lost Belongings, Lapsed Catholic, Glenroe, Ashes to Ashes, Mad Dogs, Sherlock, Call the Midwife, Quirke, Ripper Street, 24: Live Another Day, Galavant, The Collection, Redwater, Informer, The Spy and Dangerous Liaisons.
Film credits include: Jay Kelly, The Teacher, Song of Names, The Girl from Mogadishu, The Current War, Florence Foster Jenkins, The Voices, One Chance, Standby, The Physician, Lovely Louise, Killing Bono, Happy Go Lucky, Nativity, Flawless, The Tiger’s Tale, Isolation, The Libertine, Inside I’m Dancing, Tulse Luper II, Suzie Gold, Wondrous Oblivion, American Girl, Monsieur N, Mystics, The Van, My Friend Joe, Moll Flanders, Jake’s Progress, Beyond Reason, Good Girls, In the Name of the Father, Blue Ice, The Miracle and Taffin.
Oliver Johnstone plays Bobby
Theatre credits include: The Real Thing, All My Sons (The Old Vic); Imperium, Oppenheimer (RSC/West End); Duchess of Malfi, Henry V (Headlong/Shakespeare’s Globe); Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (ETT/UK tour); The Haystack (Hampstead); Tribes (Sheffield Crucible); Cymbeline (RSC/Barbican); King Lear (RSC/Barbican/BAM); Teddy Ferrara (Donmar); Spring Awakening (Headlong/UK tour); Another
Country (Chichester).
Television credits include: Endeavour, Loaded, The Syndicate, Inspector George Gently, Whitechapel, Lewis.
Film credits include: The Courier, Open, On Chesil Beach, The Inbetweeners Movie 2, Skyfall.
Ryan Calais Cameron
Theatre Credits include: For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy was originally produced by Ryan’s theatre company, Nouveau Riche and New Diorama Theatre, directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu. Following a sold out run at New Diorama, a revised version of the production directed by Ryan, transferred to the Royal Court in March 2022 (produced by Nouveau Riche, New Diorama) and then to the Apollo Theatre, West End in March 2023. For Black Boys… was winner of Black British Theatre Awards 2022, Best Production Play Award and Ryan was the winner of Best Director Award alongside Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu; the ensemble was joint-winner of ‘Best Performer in a Play’ at 2022 Stage Debut Awards. The play was also nominated for ‘Best New Play’ and ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role’ at the 2023 Olivier Awards. A revival of the production opened at the Garrick Theatre on 29th February 2024; the run sold out and was extended.
Retrograde (Kiln Theatre, April/May 2023), nominated for Evening Standard Award, ‘Best Play’ 2023.
Human Nurture (Theatre Centre/Sheffield Theatres and national tour 2022); Typical (Nouveau Riche), which starred Richard Blackwood (Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Soho Theatre Upstairs 2020); Queens of Sheba, (Nouveau Riche), co-written with Jessica Hagan, winner of the 2018 Edinburgh Untapped Award, (Edinburgh Fringe, New Diorama Theatre, London and national tour 2019). Ryan was the winner of the 2018 Off West End ‘Adopt A Playwright Award’ for his play Rhapsody, which was produced at the Arcola in March of that year.
Ryan is an Associate Artist at the Royal Court.
TV & Film: Guest writer on The Flatshare S1 (42/Paramount+), Boarders (Studio Lambert/BBC3), Queenie (C4); Original projects in development include: My Brothers’ Keeper (Warp Films/C4), Blerd (Wychwood/Sister Pics), an adaptation of the novel Blood Rights by Mike Phillips (Red Planet), Angell Town (5Acts/Netflix). Ryan has recently completed short film Dark Side of the Moon which he wrote and directed for Film4.
Amit Sharma
Amit Sharma is Artistic Director and CEO of Kiln Theatre, opening his inaugural season with Pins and Needles and The Purists. He is an international award-winning director of theatre and television. Before becoming Artistic Director, he was Associate Director of Kiln Theatre, as well as Deputy Artistic Director of Birmingham Rep, Associate Artistic Director at the Royal Exchange, Manchester, and Associate Director at Graeae Theatre Company where his journey into theatre began. Sharma directed the critically acclaimed and sell-out run of Retrograde at the Kiln. He has also directed two productions at the National Theatre – The Solid Life of Sugar Water (Graeae Theatre Company/Theatre Royal Plymouth co-production) and The Boy With Two Hearts (also Wales Millennium Centre). He also co-directed Prometheus Awakes, one of the largest outdoor productions featuring Deaf and disabled artists as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad (Graeae Theatre Company/ Greenwich+Docklands International Festival/ Stockton International Riverside Festival/La Fura Dels Baus); and Aruna and The Raging Sun in Chennai, India as part of UK/INDIA Year of Culture 2017. Amit is a BAFTA nominated directed for his two films which were part of the Criptales season on BBC and BBC AMERICA. He also co-directed the award-winning BBC and NETFLIX television drama Then Barbara Met Alan (Best Single Drama, 2023 Broadcast Awards). He began his training at Graeae Theatre Company with Missing Piece 1. His other theatre credits include One Under (Graeae Theatre Company/Theatre Royal Plymouth), Cosmic Scallies (Graeae Theatre Company/Royal Exchange Theatre), and Iron Man (Graeae Theatre Company/international tour). His other television work includes Hamish, and Thunderbox.
UNICORN THEATRE, SHEFFIELD THEATRES AND CHILDREN’S THEATRE PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCE THE FULL CAST FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF PIG HEART BOY BEGINNING PERFORMANCES FROM 26 JANUARY 2025
Unicorn Theatre, Sheffield Theatres and Children’s Theatre Partnership today announce the full cast for the powerful new stage adaptation of multi-award-winning writer Malorie Blackman’s beloved novel Pig Heart Boy.
The incredible cast includes Immanuel Yeboah as Cameron, Tré Medley as Dr Bryce/Andrew, Akil Young as Mike/Rashid, Christine During as Cathy/Julie, Christina Ngoyi as Marilyn/Elrich/Presenter/Officer, Chia Phoenix as Nan/Trudy/Mrs Stewart/LEPAR Lady and Olivia Williams Freeman and Rhys Lanahan as Understudies.
Pig Heart Boy will premiere at the Unicorn Theatre (26 January – 22 February), and then play at Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, Sheffield Theatres (27 February – 15 March), before embarking on a UK Tour playing at Playhouse, Liverpool (18 – 22 March), Lowry, Salford (26 – 29 March), Belgrade, Coventry (2 – 5 April), Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (8 – 12 April), Norwich Theatre Royal (23 – 26 April), Newcastle Theatre Royal (29 Apr – 3 May), Lighthouse, Poole (7 – 10 May), Blackpool Grand Theatre (14 – 17 May), Royal & Derngate, Northampton (21 – 24 May), Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (4 – 7 June) and Curve, Leicester (10 – 14 June).
Adapted by acclaimed playwright Winsome Pinnock and directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, this poignant adaptation of the 1997 book explores themes of childhood illness, identity and the profound choices we make to survive.
Cameron has always dreamed of living a normal life: making friends, going to school, and diving to the bottom of his local swimming pool. But his world is turned upside down when he is diagnosed with a serious heart condition and faces an urgent need for a heart transplant. With time running out, Cameron is offered a new heart – as he finds himself having to face a difficult decision – how far will he go to get the life he desperately wants back?
The development of Pig Heart Boy is being informed by a group of young Creative Associates who have lived experience of health conditions and through the Unicorn’s partnership with GOSH Arts who have facilitated a relationship with the children, families and staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital, with a focus on cardiology wards.
To amplify the voices of children receiving medical treatment, the Unicorn’s Creative Hub has also been running workshops in hospital settings around the country to create a set of poems inspired by the young people’s stories and experiences. Participants take part in fun creative activities, see their contributions transformed into collective poems, and share their reflections and experiences with children from other parts of the UK. Curated by Pig Heart Boy director Tristan Fynn-Aidenu, and audio-recorded by the young people involved, the final work will be shared nationally – through tour venues, school resources and directly with children in hospitals.
With special thanks to the patients, families and staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Malorie Blackman said: “I am delighted that Pig Heart Boy will be staged at the Unicorn, the UK’s leading theatre for young audiences, ahead of a national UK tour. Though I wrote the story a while ago, it is still as relevant today as it was when first published and the topic of organ donation is still an urgent one. The Unicorn has the most lively and enthusiastic audience and a world class reputation for tackling big weighty issues in an accessible way so it will be a thrill for me to see how audiences will react to the challenges Cameron, the main character, faces in the play.”
Pig Heart Boy is a co-production with Unicorn Theatre, Sheffield Theatres, and Children’s Theatre Partnership, marking a thrilling collaboration between leading institutions dedicated to creating thought-provoking theatre for young audiences.
Malorie Blackman is a celebrated British author and former Children’s Laureate. Her work has received numerous awards and critical acclaim, with Noughts and Crosses being one of her most iconic and influential novels. Her moving novel speaks to both young and adult audiences alike, tackling complex questions about life, survival, and the moral dilemmas that shape us. Adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright, Winsome Pinnock (Rockets and Blue Lights, Royal Exchange Theatre; Bristol Old Vic’s Legacy Writer 2024) captures the productions emotional depth and urgency, with dynamic direction from director Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu (For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, Nouveau Riche/Boundless/New Diorama; Little Baby Jesus, The Orange Tree Theatre).
Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until 5th January 2025
Reviewed by Steph Lott
5*****
Oh yes it is! The magical season of pantomime has returned to Cambridge Arts Theatre, and this year’s “Cinderella” sparkles brighter than ever. As a devoted panto-goer who hasn’t missed a Cambridge Arts Theatre Christmas show in several years, I can confidently say this production hits all the right notes.
The moment you settle into your seat, you’re treated to a visual feast with glorious backdrops featuring familiar Cambridge landmarks. It’s these thoughtful touches that make our local panto so special, grounding the fairy tale firmly in the city’s heart.
Matt Crosby, our treasured Cambridge panto veteran, takes on the role of Buttons this year – and what a change to see him out of a dress! His natural comic timing and warm rapport with the audience shine even brighter in this role, proving he doesn’t need a frock to have us rolling in the aisles. Crosby’s performances at the annual panto are the beating heart of the Cambridge shows, delivering both laughs and touching moments with equal skill.
The Wicked Stepsisters, played with deliciously wicked abandon by Harry Howle and Steven Roberts, are a master class in pantomime villainy. Their outrageous costumes and even more outrageous performances had the audience booing and hissing with gleeful enthusiasm. They struck that perfect balance of being menacing enough to drive the plot forward while being thoroughly entertaining in their awfulness.
Jack Wilcox as Prince Charming delivers a standout performance. His rendition of “Never Enough” brought the house down, showcasing a beautiful voice. But it’s not just his vocal prowess that impresses – he brings a contemporary charm to the role that makes this Prince feel thoroughly modern while maintaining all the fairy tale romance we expect from our panto hero, with a healthy dose of cheese!
The script, penned by Al Lockhart-Morley with additional material from Michael Gattrell and Matt Crosby, deserves special mention. It’s packed with local references and the adult humour is perfectly pitched – cheeky enough to keep the grown-ups entertained while sailing harmlessly over younger heads. There’s something deeply satisfying about a script that can make both grandparents and grandchildren laugh out loud, albeit often for different reasons!
Under Michael Gattrell’s sharp direction, the show moves at a cracking pace, never dragging but allowing just enough time for the audience participation moments that make panto such a unique theatrical experience. The “Oh no it isn’t!” moments feel fresh and spontaneous, despite being as traditional as turkey at Christmas.
This production of “Cinderella” proves once again why Cambridge Arts Theatre’s annual pantomime holds such a special place in local hearts. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary flair, served up with enough glitter, glamour, and good humour to brighten even the darkest winter evening. Don’t miss this magical treat – it’s everything a pantomime should be.
Blackpool Winter Gardens – until Saturday 7 December 2024
Reviewed by Debra Skelton
5*****
Ghost The Musical has landed at the Winter Gardens Blackpool and will be showing until Saturday 7th December.
This musical is based on an all-time favourite and highest grossing film of 1990 ‘Ghost’ which starred the late Patrick Swayze alongside Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. The screenplay from the film has been adapted for the stage by the Oscar winning screenwriter himself Bruce Joel Rubin and directed by Bob Tomson.
As Ghost is a nostalgic film from me, I was really looking forward to seeing how this was portrayed on the stage and the only word I can say is WOW. Just everything was beyond my imagination and will be classed as one if not the best show that I have seen for a while.
The story centres around Sam Wheat and his girlfriend Molly Jenson who are navigating their life when one night when they are walking back to their apartment, Sam is murdered leaving Molly lost and alone and wondering how she will carry on.
Sam doesn’t move on and stays in the in-between watching over Molly when he sees that she is in danger so seeks the help of a phoney psychic, Oda May to get a message through to her.
Unfortunately, Molly is sceptical but after various attempts and with the help of Oda May, Sam does help to prevent anything dangerous from happening to Molly with a very touching scene at the end.
This production starred Rebekah Lowings as Molly Jenson, Josh St Clair as Sam Wheat, Jacqui Dubois as Oda Mae Brown, James Mateo-Salt as Carl Bruner and to my delight, Les Dennis as the Hospital Ghost / Lionel Ferguson with the help and support of an incredible cast. Their voices can only be described as out of this world and along with their acting talents created such a presence on stage with a standing ovation at the end.
Ghost features two terrific hours of fabulous songs co-written by ‘Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart and of course includes the iconic The Righteous Brothers song ‘Unchained Melody’.
The production also needs special thanks to Mark Bailey for creating such an adaptable set, Dan Sampson for the wonderful sound, Nick Richings for the lighting and Alistair David for the streamlined choreography.
YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD – UNTIL SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2025
REVIEWED BY REBECCA SCOTT
4****
It’s time to head to Nottingham and meet Robin Hood (Ricky Oakley), Maid Marion (Safia Bartley), and their cavalry sort to out the wicked Sheriff (Lucy Benjamin) in their most bonkers pantomime yet!
This panto takes us on a rip-roaring ride through Sherwood Forest, that delivers original songs, fantastic dancing, and A LOT of silliness. The panto has been cleverly directed by Joanna Read and is a far sight livelier than the story originally written by Howard Pyle.
The Sheriff is taxing everyone and stealing their money…and the people of Nottingham are not happy. Benjamin is a brilliant Sheriff! She engaged with the crowd fantastically, and really lapped up the boos! She had good comedic timing with her one liners, and dare I say it even likeable at times for a ‘baddie’.
Oakley and Bartley have been well cast, and I particularly enjoyed Marion being portrayed as feisty and confident, rather than weak and desperate for a hero to save her. The scenes when something supposedly goes wrong were very well done, and this silliness was elevated by Nanny Fanny Annie (Peter Gordon), Much (Matt Pinches) and Lil John (Jacob Kohli). They got the most laughs, and their engagement with the crowd was great, especially during the 12 Days of Christmas! Watching children jumping up and down, screaming for a water pistol soaking and asking for more chocolate just shows how family friendly this show is!
My only reservation is the panto lacked some of the nostalgic heckles of ‘he’s behind you’ and ‘oh no it’s not’, and when a moment/scene did warrant it, the audience either didn’t catch on, or an actor just moved onto their next lines before the audience could even engage. This didn’t happen all the time, but it was noticeable.
The show is filled with so many songs, for all ages, especially Swifties! It really elevated the show, and all the songs were crowd-pleasers. I would like to give a huge mention to the ensemble. They were incredible! As they often go unnoticed in a panto, but the team of 8 dancers were talented, charismatic, and I often found myself watching them more than the main characters. Bravo!
This panto is funny, fast paced, and will leave you feeling 2 feet taller!
