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STAGE AND SCREEN STAR
BRIAN CONLEY
TO PLAY ‘DOCTOR EMMETT BROWN’

AT THE ADELPHI THEATRE

FROM WEDNESDAY 13 AUGUST 2025

Lead producer Colin Ingram, together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy, are delighted to announce that stage and screen star Brian Conley will play Doctor Emmett Brown in BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre from Wednesday 13 August 2025, for a strictly limited 12-week run, until Monday 3 November 2025.

Brian Conley said, “Great Scott! I’m absolutely thrilled to be stepping into the DeLorean as Doc Brown – it’s a gift of a part in such an iconic musical. It’s pure, high-voltage fun, and I can’t wait to bring my own spark to the mad genius!”

Brian Conley’s many West End credits include Franklin Hart in 9 to 5 The Musical at the Savoy Theatre, Edna Turnblad in Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium, the title role in Jolsonat the Victoria Palace, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award, and Bill in Me and My Girl at the Adelphi Theatre. His touring credits include the title role in Barnum and Fagin in Oliver!. Brian’s TV credits include An Audience with Brian Conley, The Grimleys and The Brian Conley Show, as well as appearing a record eight times on The Royal Variety Performance. Most recently he was on screen as Tom ‘Rocky’ Cotton in BBC’s EastEnders.

Cory English will return to the role of Doctor Emmett Brown from Wednesday 5 November 2025.

The production currently stars Caden Brauch as Marty McFly, Cory English as Doctor Emmett Brown, Sarah Goggin as Lorraine Baines, Orlando Gibbs as George McFly, C.J. Borger as Goldie Wilson and Marvin Berry, Alex Runicles as Biff Tannen, Talia Palamathanan as Jennifer Parker, Lee Ormsby as Strickland and alternate Doctor Emmett Brown, Liam McHugh as Dave McFly, Patricia Wilkins as Linda McFly, and Ellis Kirk as alternate Marty McFly. The cast is completed by Kofi Aidoo-Appiah, Billie Bowman, Ella Beaumont, Gracie Caine, Charlotte Coggin, Lauren Dawes, Alexander Day, Helen Gulston, Matthew Ives, Connor Lewis, Adam Margilewski, Bryan Mottram, Anna Murray, Samuel Nicholas, Louis Quinn, Zachkiel Smith and Grace Swaby-Moore.

The critically acclaimed Olivier, WhatsOnStage and Broadway World Award-winning Best New Musical enters its 4^th year in London, having had its opening night on Monday 13 September 2021. This year also marks the 40^th anniversary of the original movie, which was released 3 July 1985 in the US.

Performances also began on Broadway on 30 June 2023, with its final performance on 5 January 2025. The North American tour opened in Cleveland, OH, in June 2024 and is currently running in cities across the US and Canada. In addition to the newly announced German and Royal Caribbean productions, the production is also now open Japan and will open in Australia later this year.

The Original Cast Recording, released on Sony Music’s Masterworks Broadway label, is now available and has had over 20 million streams. It features the new music by multi-Grammy Award-winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard alongside classic songs from the movie including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode. 

In celebration of last year’s Back to the Future Day, Sony Masterworks Broadway released a Deluxe Edition of the Original Cast Recording both digitally and as a 2-CD set. Available everywhere now, the Deluxe Edition includes 13 never-before-heard demos, alternate and early versions of many of the show’s major numbers, most performed by Glen Ballard himself.

In July 2023, a brand new behind-the-scenes book documenting the of the show, Creating Back to the Future by Michael Klastorin, was released worldwide, published by abrams&chronicle books.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical, and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical. The productions in London and Manchester have so far been seen by over 1.6 million people and the musical has broken box office records at the Adelphi Theatre.

Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.

Marty McFly is a rock ‘n’ roll teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr Emmett Brown.  But before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On The Town), alongside the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Tim Lutkin (lighting), Hugh Vanstone (lighting consultant), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with choreography by Chris Bailey, musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow and Illusions by Chris Fisher. Orchestrations are by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, with dance arrangements by David Chase. Casting is by David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting.

Back to the Future the movie was released in 1985, starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr Emmett Brown. The film grossed $360.6 million (£279 million) at the box office worldwide and the total box office for all three films in the Back to the Future franchise was $936.6 million (over $1.8 billion in today’s money).

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is produced by Colin Ingram, Donovan Mannato, Frankel/Viertel/Baruch/Routh Group, Hunter Arnold, Gavin Kalin Productions, Playing Field, Crush Music, CJ ENM, Teresa Tsai, Ivy Herman/Hallee Adelman, Robert L. Hutt, Universal Theatrical Group, Ricardo Marques, Augury, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, in association with Kimberly Magarro, Stage Entertainment, Glass Half Full Productions/ Neil Gooding Productions.

Website: BackToTheFutureMusical.com  

X: @BTTFmusical

Instagram: @BTTFmusical        

TikTok: @BTTFmusical

LISTINGS INFORMATION

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical

Adelphi Theatre, Strand, Covent Garden, London, WC2R 0NS

Currently booking until Saturday 3 January 2026

N.B BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical has partnered with Gala Pro – a revolutionary app for accessibility and translation to enhance accessible experiences at live performances so you can enjoy any performance of Back to the Future with audio description and closed captioning. 

Tickets: from £19.55

Please book via the website: BackToTheFutureMusical.com – no booking fees  

Booking line: 0203 925 2998

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE ANNOUNCES

FULL CAST FOR BRIGADOON

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre today announces the full cast for Brigadoon, book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, in a new adaptation by acclaimed Scottish playwright Rona Munro and directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie. The captivating Scottish Highlands come to the magical outdoor setting of Regent’s Park in this major London revival for the first time in over 35 years. The production runs from 2 August – 20 September 2025 (Press Night: Monday 11 August at 7.45pm).

Joining the previously announced Danielle Fiamanya (Fiona MacLaren) and Louis Gaunt (Tommy Albright) are Jasmine Jules Andrews (Jean MacLaren), Elizabeth Armstrong (Ensemble), Edward Baruwa (Andrew MacLaren), Norman Bowman (Archie Beaton), Taylor Bradshaw (Ensemble), Chrissy Brooke (Maggie Anderson & Ensemble), Tanisha-Mae Brown (Ensemble), Cavan Clarke (Jeff Douglas), David Colvin (Ensemble & Piper), Adam Davidson (Ensemble), Tim Hodges (Ensemble), Shoko Ito (Ensemble), Gilli Jones (Charlie Dalrymple), Christian Knight (Ensemble & Dance Co-Captain), Anne Lacey (Lundie), Robin Mackenzie (Ensemble), Owen McHugh (Onstage Swing), Nic Myers (Meg Brockie), Danny Nattrass (Harry Beaton), Jessie Odeleye (Offstage Swing), Eve Parsons (Onstage Swing), Bethany Tennick (Ensemble), Dale White (Offstage Swing & Dance Co-Captain), and Liam Wrate (Ensemble).

Drew McOnie said: “I’m thrilled to be directing this brilliant cast in my first season as Artistic Director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. I can’t wait to work with this talented group of artists to bring Brigadoon back to the London stage after a 35-year absence, transporting audiences from Regent’s Park to the Scottish Highlands.”

A Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production

Lerner & Loewe’s

BRIGADOON

Book & Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner

Music by Frederick Loewe

In a new adaptation by Rona Munro

Original dances created by Agnes De Mille

Directed by Drew McOnie

Creatives include Laura Bangay (Musical Director); Basia Bińkowska (Set Designer); Will Burton (Casting Director); Sami Fendall (Costume Designer); Carol Hancock (Associate Wigs, Hair & Makeup Designer & Supervisor); Alessandra Davison (Associate Director); Hazel Holder (Voice Coach); Jessica Hung Han Yun (Lighting Designer); Nick Lidster for Autograph (Sound Designer); Ingrid Mackinnon (Intimacy Director); Drew McOnie (Director & Choreographer); Ebony Molina (Associate Choreographer); Morag Stark (Dialect Coach); Sarah Travis (Music Supervisor & Orchestrator).

Saturday 2 August – Saturday 20 September 2025

‘Brigadoon, Brigadoon,

There my heart forever lies’

From the writers of My Fair Lady, Camelot and Gigi, let the magical outdoor setting of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre transport you to the captivating Scottish Highlands for this major new production of Lerner & Loewe’s musical classic, Brigadoon.

Crash landed in the Highlands of Scotland, WW2 fighter pilots Tommy and Jeff are searching for a way home, whilst just beyond the hills, sisters Fiona and Jean are preparing for a wedding. Over the course of one chance day in the dreamlike village of Brigadoon, their stories entwine. But can love endure in this enchanting place where everything is not quite as it seems?

Not seen in London for over 35 years, Brigadoon features soaring songs including ‘Almost Like Being in Love’, ‘Waitin’ for My Dearie’ and ‘The Heather on the Hill’. In a new adaptation by leading Scottish playwright Rona Munro (The James Plays (Evening Standard Award), Frankenstein), this revival of a theatrical classic is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie (Jesus Christ Superstar) in his first production as Artistic Director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Theatre Royal Nottingham – until Saturday 28 June 2025

Reviewed by Amy Coulson

5*****

If you’re looking for something to do over the next couple of weeks, put The Book of Mormon at the top of your list! This outrageous, clever, and wickedly funny musical has landed at Theatre Royal Nottingham and it’s an unmissable theatrical event.

The Book of Mormon follows a pair of Mormon boys sent on a mission to a place that’s a long way from their home in Salt Lake City.

Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the minds behind the Emmy and Peabody award-winning television series South Park, and Robert Lopez, co-creator of Avenue Q and the Oscar winning songwriter behind Disney’s Frozen and Coco, this musical is a masterstroke of satire, heart, and hilarity. Lopez is also the first person ever to achieve a double EGOT – winning at least two Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys – a feat reflected in the calibre of this production.

Co-directed and choreographed by the award-winning Casey Nicholaw (Aladdin, Mean Girls, The Prom), this show bursts with energy from start to finish. Parker and Nicholaw’s direction ensures every beat lands – comedically and musically – while Nicholaw’s choreography keeps the stage electric with inventive and tightly executed movement.

From the infectious opening number “Hello!” to the brilliantly over-the-top finale, the cast deliver non-stop energy, razor-sharp timing, and powerhouse vocals. The comedic chemistry between the leads is exceptional, and their performances manage to balance the show’s outrageous humour with genuine heart.

As we follow the journey of Elder Price (Adam Bailey) and Elder Cunningham (Sam Glen) we encounter hilarious characters and witness remarkable scene’s- from the quick change cabaret by the wonderfully camp ensemble led by Elder McKinley (Tom Bales) to powerful solos, heartfelt yet fun, from the character Nabulungi (Nyah Nish).

Behind the scenes, the creative excellence continues with Scott Pask (Scenic Design), Ann Roth (Costume Design), Brian MacDevitt (Lighting), Brian Ronan (Sound Design), and Larry Hochman (Co-Orchestrator), all of whom contribute to the show’s slick and vibrant presentation.

Irreverent, bold, and completely unfiltered, The Book of Mormon isn’t for the easily offended – but if you’re looking for a night of jaw-dropping laughter and unforgettable musical moments, this is the ticket.

Thank you Theatre Royal Nottingham, for an incredible night!

Audio Described performance 14 June 2025 at 2.30pm Captioned Performance 21 June 2025 at 2.30pm Sign Language Interpreted performance 21 June 2025 at 2.30pm

RUNAWAY ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS

THE CAT PUP IS OUT THE BAG!

WINNER OF BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT
SYDNIE CHRISTMAS

IS CRUELLA DE VIL IN

101 DALMATIANS THE MUSICAL!
A NEW MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF CLASSIC STORY

PLAYING AT LONDON’S EVENTIM APOLLO

FROM 18 JULY 2025

Following her successful UK solo tour, Runaway Entertainment is thrilled to announce that Sydnie Christmas will take on the iconic role of Cruella De Vil in the transfer of 101 Dalmatians The Musical at the Eventim Apollo. After its hugely successful UK Tour, the musical will play for a limited six week run from Friday 18 July – Saturday 30 August 2025.

Sydnie captivated the nation with powerhouse vocals and emotional depth during her Britain’s Got Talent journey. Her debut album, My Way, soared to the top of the iTunes charts in both the UK and the US. Recent performances include the Royal Variety Performance in front of King Charles III; a sold-out New York debut at Sony Hall;  a performance at David Foster’s 75th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl alongside Michael Bublé, Andrea Bocelli, Jennifer Hudson and others. Sydnie’s casting marks her return to the London stage. She made her professional debut in Lazarus – The David Bowie Musical, and most recently appeared in Starlight Express in Germany.

Sydnie Christmas said, “I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this iconic character! There’s a bit of me that I see in Cruella, so I’m excited to see her evolve…”

Further casting to be announced.

The new musical version of Dodie Smith’s classic book, 101 Dalmatians is written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris. The director is Bill Buckhurst, with sets designed by David Woodhead, costumes designed by Sarah Mercadé and choreography by Lucy Hind. Musical supervision is from Alfonso Casado Trigo, orchestration by Jack Hopkins, the puppets are designed by Jimmy Grimes, with lighting by James Whiteside and sound design from Chris Whybrow. The musical director is Leigh Stanford Thompson, and casting director is Lucy Casson.

When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups.

This classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistible puppies!

Original production first performed at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London in 2022.

To book tickets and for more information visit www.101dalmatians.co.uk 

Facebook: /101Dalmatians | Instagram/TikTok: @101DalmatiansUK

ALEXANDRA BURKE

TO STAR AS MORTICIA ADDAMS IN

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

THE MUSICAL COMEDY

UK TOUR

FROM 7 JULY 2025

PRINCIPAL CAST ANNOUNCED

Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and John Stalker Productions with co-producers ADAMA Entertainment and Guy James are delighted to announce Alexandra Burke (The X Factor, Sister Act, The Bodyguard, Curfew) as Morticia Addams, Lesley Joseph (Birds of a Feather, Young Frankenstein, Sister Act) as Grandma, Clive Rowe (The Prince of Egypt, Sister Act, A Christmas Carol) as Uncle Fester and Ricardo Afonso (Jesus Christ Superstar, Thriller Live, We Will Rock You) as Gomez Addams in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. 

Joining Alexandra, Ricardo, Lesley and Clive will be Lauren Jones (Scissorhandz,Southwark Playhouse Elephant) as Wednesday Addams, Nicholas McLean (Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre) as Pugsley Addams,  Dickon Gough (City of Angles, Garrick Theatre; The Addams Family, original UK cast) as Lurch,  Dale Rapley (The Bridges of Madison County, Menier Chocolate Factory) as Mal,  Jacob Fowler (Title of Show, Southwark Playhouse; Heathers the Musical UK Tour) as Lucas and Kara Lane (Rebecca, Charing Cross Theatre) as Alice.

Further cast to be announced.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY has a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice (writers of the multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys), with music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominated Andrew Lippa, based on the characters created by Charles Addams.

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, is all grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows. She’s fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family. With his cherished Morticia in the dark will Gomez manage to keep his daughter’s secret until the two families meet for a fateful dinner with hilarious consequences?

Join them, plus Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley, Grandma and more for a heart-warming story of love, family and friendship… with a twist!

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, The Musical Comedy will be directed by Matthew White, with choreography by Alistair David, production design by Diego Pitarch, orchestrations by Richard Beadle, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Richard Brooker and casting by Jane Deitch

THE ADDAMS FAMILY is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and John Stalker Productions with co-producers ADAMA Entertainment and Guy James and is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

Website: theaddamsfamily.co.uk

X: @AddamsFamilyUK

Instagram: @theaddamsfamilyuk

Facebook: @TheAddamsFamilyUK

TikTok : @TheAddamsFamilyUK

2025 LISTINGS INFORMATION

10 – 12 July Birmingham Hippodrome 0844 338 5000 www.birminghamhippodrome.com

15 July – 10 August Leicester Curve 0116 242 3595 www.curveonline.co.uk

12 – 16 August Salford Lowry 0161 876 2000 www.thelowry.com

19 – 23 August Canterbury Marlowe Theatre 01227 787787 www.marlowetheatre.com

26 – 30 August ` Blackpool Opera House 0844 770 0593 www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Kids go free to over 50 top London theatre shows this summer with return of Kids Week 

• Over 50 top London shows are taking part in Kids Week, Society of London Theatre’s annual audience development initiative 
• Kids aged 17 and under go free with a full-paying adult 
• Kids Week now runs throughout the summer holidays with tickets available to select performances from 21 July to 31 August 2025 

officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week 

Tickets on sale 10am on Tuesday 10 June 2025 

Throughout Kids Week, children aged 17 and under can see participating shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult, and each full-paying adult can also purchase up to two additional children’s tickets at half price – all with no booking fees. Lovingly referred to as the ‘longest week in summer’, Kids Week will run throughout the summer holidays, with the offer available on selected performances between 21 July – 31 August. 

From exciting productions participating for the first time like 101 Dalmations, Clueless The Musical, The Devil Wears Prada, Evita, My Neighbour Totoro and Starlight Express, to established Kids Week favourites including Back To The Future The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King, Hamilton, Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, Horrible Histories, Matilda The Musical, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Smeds And The Smoos, The Tiger Who Came To Tea and Wicked, there is something for all the family to enjoy. 

Kids Week also offers an exciting range of workshops and activities for children to experience alongside the shows, giving young theatre fans a behind-the-scenes look into how the magic comes to life. Look out for ‘Kids Week Curtain Calls’ where all Kids Week bookers in attendance can stay for a post-show Q&A or demonstration after the show, as well as more show specific offerings from dance and musical theatre workshops to puppet demonstrations. 

Emma De Souza, Kids Week founder and Executive Director (Audiences & Commercial) at Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, said: 

“I’m thrilled to see Kids Week return for its 28th year, continuing its remarkable run as the longest-running audience development initiative of its kind. Now inspiring a second generation of theatre fans, those who once attended Kids Week as children are bringing their own families along. 

Over the years, Kids Week has introduced more than 2.5 million young people to the magic of live theatre – from children in single-parent families for whom the experience would otherwise be out of reach, to future stars of the industry like acclaimed theatre producer Jamie Wilson, who had his first taste of theatre through the campaign. 

Stories like Jamie’s demonstrate how early access to the arts can spark a lifelong passion, and why initiatives like Kids Week remain vital to the future success of the theatre industry.” 

Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 10 June, available exclusively at OfficialLondonTheatre.com. Theatre Tokens can be redeemed against Kids Week tickets. 

Kids Week bookers with access requirements can complete the Access Priority Request Form before general on sale. The form will be available on the Kids Week website from Friday 6 June at 12pm until Sunday 8 June at 6pm. Eligible bookers who have completed the form will be contacted by the theatre box office on the morning of Tuesday 10 June.  

Full list of shows participating in Kids Week 2025 

101 Dalmatians 

The 3 Musketeers 

Alice In Wonderland 

Back To The Future The Musical 

The Baddies 

The Boy With Wings 

The Choir Of Man 

Clueless The Musical 

The Comedy About Spies 

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button 

The Daughter Of Time 

The Devil Wears Prada 

The Dinosaur That Pooped 

Disney’s The Lion King 

The Elves And The Shoemaker 

The Enormous Crocodile 

Evita 

Fawlty Towers 

Fireman Sam Live: The Great Camping Adventure 

The Great Gatsby 

Hadestown 

Hamilton 

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child 

Hold On To Your Butts 

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – The Best Bits 

Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical 

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe 

Mamma Mia! 

Matilda The Musical 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream 

Ministry Of Science Live! 

Les Misérables 

MJ The Musical 

Monopoly Lifesized 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical 

The Mousetrap 

My Neighbour Totoro 

Natural History Museum Presents: Dinosaurs Live! 

Oliver! 

The Phantom Of The Opera 

The Play That Goes Wrong 

Rough Magic 

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical 

Sing Street 

Six 

The Smeds And The Smoos 

Spot’s Birthday Party 

Starlight Express 

Stranger Things: The First Shadow 

The Tiger Who Came To Tea 

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical 

Tom Gates Epic Stage Show 

Wicked 

Witness For The Prosecution 

Curve Theatre Leicester – until 7th June 2025

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

4****

They say ghosts don’t haunt places, they haunt people. The genius of Ghost Stories is that your own imagination and inherent terrors will enhance the fear factor behind this superbly slick production. The less you know about what happens in Ghost Stories, the more you will enjoy the experience, as it allows you to fully immerse yourself into the jump scares and twists. Created by The League of Gentlemen’s Jeremy Dyson, and Andy Nyman, this technically terrifying theatrical experience will haunt you long after the show has ended.

Through the medium of sublime storytelling, this show takes you on a journey of the supernatural. Professor Goodman, a spook sceptic guides us through the investigation of three apparent hauntings, but things are not quite what they seem. We are asked to call on our own experiences and beliefs to understand why we engage in scary stories. To prove them true or false and if so, why?

Dan Tetsell is sensational as Professor Goodman, commanding the stage with poise, precise oration and gravitas. David Cardy, Eddie Loodmer-Elliott and Clive Mantle are enthralling. Each allow their stories to unfold into abject dread, building tension and giving us chills. Surprisingly, there are many humorous moments in Ghost Stories which catch us as unaware as the horror, but that’s as much as I’m able to say. What happens in Ghost Stories, stays in Ghost Stories.

Jon Bausor’s set switches into several scenes with the use of rotation and is effectively lit by James Farncombe. A constant is the dark, cave like arches of scary blackness, which beckon us into the abyss. Nick Manning’s sound amps up the anxiety which when combined with the set and lighting makes for a truly ominous experience.

Ghost Stories is a stunning piece of fright theatre. Its suspense filled with startling stage illusions and a finale that will leave you aghast but utterly entertained.

The Hope Theatre – until 7 June 2025

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Toby Hampton and Matt Ballantyne’s funeral farce is great fun.

Burke & Sons Family Funerals has been run into the ground and is almost six feet under thanks to Regina’s (Gabrielle Nellis-Pain) crackpot/genius schemes. Younger sister Harriet (Laurel Marks) can just about cope with the alliterative funeral packages, but when she finds out about Regina’s plan to open Jolly Gina’s Gin Bar & Spa in the loft above the funeral parlour, it’s the final straw.

With bankruptcy looming, Harriet, ably assisted/hindered by new intern Malcolm (Gabriel Fogarty-Graveson) has no choice but to flog the fanciest funerals possible to the bereaved. Identity mix-ups and blackmail lead to the firm arranging two funerals at the same time, but Regina leaps into action and concocts a plan to run both, dragging Harriet and Malcolm along with her.

The writing is darkly funny and deeply daft with larger-than-life characters, but the codependent relationship of the clashing sisters is the touching heart of the play as we watch stoic, reliable Harriet deal with the fallout from Regina’s conveyor belts of “inspirational” business plans and relationships. Nellis-Pain is marvellously manic as Regina, reminiscent of the best Ealing comedy schemers, but with a brilliantly modern anarchic edge. Gabriel Fogarty-Graveson is hilarious as the sweet but constantly befuddled Malcolm, and Laurel Marks is the perfect foil for the pair – her wincing and head shaking as she is bubbling with frustration seeing mistakes and disasters looming but trying to keep calm is as funny as the physical nonsense surrounding her. Molly-Rose Treves is hilarious as Mrs Clarke – a grieving widow with designs on Malcolm -, the awful Lady Farrington and the eccentric Reverend Plumpkin.

Toby Hampton also directs, and the pace is perfectly judged as the situation snowballs and chaos ensues. The laughs are non-stop and the cast’s timing is sublime. Grave Mistake is gloriously silly and unmissable entertainment.

CSI: CRIME SCENE IMPROVISATION

ANNOUNCES THEIR RETURN TO WILTON’S MUSIC HALL

THIS JULY
WITH AUTUMN AND WINTER TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation today announces they will be returning to Wilton’s Music Hall on Friday 4 July following two sell-out runs at the venue, before embarking on a nationwide tour to Star Inn, Komedia, The Theatre Chipping Norton, and Bristol Tobacco Factory. The show will be performed by Lee Apsey, Steve Bond, James Cann, Kayleigh Cassidy, Danielle Downey, Sarah Kempton,and Nicola Lucey.

The debut performance of CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation was at The Red Lion Pub, Moorgate in 2014. Since then, the productionhas enjoyed multiple sold out runs at Wilton’s Music Hall and festivals including Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Brighton Fringe and Leicester Comedy Festival.

Co-Creator of CSI, Sarah Kempton said today: “We’re thrilled to be returning to Wilton’s Music Hall with CSI! There’s nothing like live theatre and bringing improv to audiences throughout London and across the country is such a joy! Each performance is created with the audience, making every show unique.”

CSI: CRIME SCENE IMPROVISATION

Cast: Lee Apsey, Steve Bond, James Cann, Kayleigh Cassidy, Danielle Downey, Sarah Kempton and Nicola Lucey

Saturday 6 September at 9pm at Star Inn, Guildford
Sunday 14 September at 6pm and 8pm at Komedia, Brighton
Friday 19 September at 7.30pm at The Theatre Chipping Norton
Sunday 1 February 2026 at 8pm at Bristol Tobacco Factory

No one knows who the killer is, not even the cast!

Following multiple five-star sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation returns to Wilton’s Music Hall with another rip-roaring crime comedy made up entirely on the spot.

Who? What? How? The choice is yours in this fully-improvised, witty and absurd murder mystery where the audience creates the crime. 

Solving made up crimes for over 11 hilarious years! 

CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation has won awards including the Comedy Award at Colchester Fringe 2024 and Best Improvisation at Leicester Comedy Festival 2023.

Lee Apsey is a writer, director, producer and performer across film, theatre and digital media. His accomplishments range from award-winning feature films and TV pilots to multiple sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, Brighton Fringe and Leicester Square Theatre atop a multi-million viewership across online projects. He also co-created Your Flaws: The Musical as well the co-director of Multiverse Musical and tours performing his award-nominated freestyle rap show Slice of Rhyme.

Steve Bond’s theatre credits as an actor include Looking For Normal (Network Theatre), and Copenhagen (Edinburgh Festival Fringe). His own play The Abduction of Elizabeth Canning was performed at LSE in 2010, and he has also written and performed for sketch group Goes Well With Cheese, in their show Zinfandel at the Camden Fringe in 2012. He has performed short-form improv shows with Spontaneity Shop, has hosted the LSE Improv Show each year since 2012, and co-founded the improv group Agents Improvocateurs.

James Cann has performed with Hoopla Improv, The Spontaneity Shop, David Shore, Brixton Village Idiots, Catfish-Banjo & Stent and the London Improvised Pantomime. He can currently be found improvising with Kerfuffle and Improv the Dead.

Kayleigh Cassidy is an award-winning comedian andwriter. As a writer, Cassidy has been long listed for the Bridport flash fiction and Primadonna prize, and recently won a London Writers Award for her memoir, Tortoise. She trained at IO Chicago and The FA and has performed internationally with The Barcelona Improv Group.

Danielle Downey’s credits include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium), Annie (UK tour), as well as her sketch show The Jerry Hall Show (Brighton Fringe Festival). Downey also creates short, animated films, several of which have been featured at exhibitions (The National Trust) and screened at film festivals (Annual Horror film Festival Vancouver).

Sarah Kempton has narrated over 100 audiobooks and voiced multiple characters in games from the Warhammer series and Jackbox among others. Kempton has played leading roles in theatre across the UK and Europe and guested in multiple sitcoms.

Michael Kunze is an actor, writer, director and improviser. His critically acclaimed debut solo show, the rap musical comedy Lil Saffron: Ragu to Riches, began at the Edinburgh Fringe, and transferred to the Pleasance Theatre and Soho Theatre. He is also the co-founder of Blue Heart Theatre. Directorial credits include Exile (Southwark Playhouse, King’s Head Theatre and Lion and Unicorn Theatre).

Nicola Lucey’s previous theatre credits include Laundry (The former Gloucester Street Magdalene Convent), The Importance of Being Earnest (National tour), Riders To The Sea (The Projects Art Centre), and Apples (The New Theatre, Ireland). Lucey is a co-founder of Twisted Focus Theatre Company with whom she has written and produced Work In Progress and Jenny Is A Raver which premiered at Smock Alley Theatre as part of The Collaborations Festival.

Crime Scene Improvisation

www.crimesceneimpro.com

Facebook: @CrimeSceneImpro

Twitter: @CrimeSceneImpro

Instagram: @CrimeSceneImpro

CSI: CRIME SCENE IMPROVISATION

LISTINGS

Wilton’s Music Hall

Wilton’s Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley, Shadwell E1 8JB

Wilton’s Music Hall

Friday 4 July at 7:30pm
Box Office: 020 7702 2789 / info@wiltons.org.uk

Star Inn, Guildford
Saturday 6 September at 9pm
Box Office: 01483 532 887 / starinn@shepherdneame.co.uk

Komedia, Brighton
Sunday 14 September at 6pm and 8pm
Box Office: 01273 647 100 / tickets@komedia.co.uk

The Theatre Chipping Norton
Friday 19 September at 7.30pm
Box Office: 01608 642 350 / operations@chippingnortontheatre.com

Bristol Tobacco Factory
Sunday 1 February 2026 at 8pm

Box Office: 0117 902 0060 / tobaccofactorytheatres.com  

A Gate Theatre Dublin and Belgrade Theatre Coventry Co-Production

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF

BY KATRIONA O’SULLIVAN

ADAPTED BY SONYA KELLY

DIRECTED BY RÓISÍN MCBRINN

OPENS 2nd OCTOBER AT GATE THEATRE DUBLIN

AS PART OF DUBLIN THEATRE FESTIVAL

TRANSFERRING TO BELGRADE THEATRE IN MAY

2026

TICKETS ON SALE IN SEPTEMBER 2025
 

This October, the Gate Theatre, Dublin and Belgrade Theatre, Coventry will present the world premiere ofPoor by Katriona O’Sullivan, adapted by Sonya Kelly from O’Sullivan’s bestselling memoir, and directed by Gate Theatre Artistic Director Róisín McBrinn.

Poor, a Gate Theatre commission, will open on 2 October with previews from 26  September as part of this year’s Dublin Theatre Festival. The production will then transfer to the Belgrade Theatre in May 2026.

Poorcharts Katriona O’Sullivan’s extraordinary journey as she emerges from her childhood in Coventry and Birmingham marked by poverty, addiction and homelessness. Moving to Dublin as a teenager, Poor follows O’Sullivan as she overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles to earn a PhD from Trinity College Dublin and inspire a generation through her writing, teaching and speaking. This unforgettable story is vividly and movingly portrayed through her close relationships with family and friends, and thrums with the music that has resonated through her life.

Full cast and creative team to be announced.

This Gate Theatre and Belgrade Theatre world premiere will be a beacon of hope, resilience and community, and will be a catalyst for discussion and change around the most critical social issues of our time.

The Gate Theatre’s Artistic Director Róisín McBrinn said “At the Gate, we are committed to creating meaningful international partnerships and we are delighted that the Belgrade in Coventry have come on board to co-produce POOR. The Belgrade is an important cultural beacon in the English midlands and an organisation that shares our values and dedication to the transformative power of theatre. Coventry was, of course, Katriona O’Sullivan’s first home so it is a perfect fit for this story. Amazingly, The Belgrade is where Katriona had her first theatrical experience when she was brought to see a panto there as a young girl. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”

Belgrade Theatre’s Artistic Director Corey Campbell and Chief Executive Laura Elliot said“We’re incredibly proud to be co-producing Poor – Katriona O’Sullivan’s powerful and unflinching story, adapted for the stage by the brilliant Sonya Kelly – with our partners at the Gate Theatre, Dublin. Katriona grew up in Hillfields, just around the corner from where we work, and her journey is one of resilience, brilliance, and hope. This project speaks directly to our mission to tell the stories of local legends – voices that inspire, challenge, and reflect the lived experience of our communities. This also marks our first co-production with the Gate, and it’s a vital part of our commitment to making work that highlights the unique and enduring history between Coventry and Ireland.”