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PRODUCERS KATY LIPSON AND MATHILDE MOULIN COLLABORATE WITH FRENCH THEATREMAKERS MUSIDRAMA TO PRESENT UK PREMIERE OF C-o-n-t-a-c-t, A SOCIALLY DISTANCED OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE FEATURING LIVE PERFORMANCE AND 3D SOUND DESIGN IN PUBLIC SPACES ACROSS LONDON

Tickets go on sale today for the UK premiere of C-o-n-t-a-c-t, an immersive outdoor experience with a 3D sound design which audiences will listen to on their own headphones. Tickets can be purchased via TodayTix or the C-o-n-t-a-c-t website from 9am today.

Opening on Monday 31st August, audiences of no more than 15 per show will purchase their tickets online and will then receive a link to download the app which will provide the exact location. The first three London locations confirmed so far are Tower Bridge, Greenwich and Clapham Common. Further locations will be announced in due course.

The show will run for 50 minutes without an interval and audiences will download the audio from the app which is a completely new piece of technology which synchronizes the spectators and actors, allowing the show to play with theatrical concepts and a new form of dramaturgy.

Premiering in France over the summer in a world where social distancing became the ‘new normal’, this timely story of a moving and unexpected encounter explores the themes of mental health and anxiety through the eyes of Sarah as she is approached by someone she believes to be a stranger. She discovers that he can hear her thoughts but how? Who is this man? Dive into her mind in this unique sensory and immersive new show and experience theatre like never before.

Katy Lipson said: “As soon as I discovered C-o-n-t-a-c-t I was immediately drawn into the creativity and themes of the piece and recognised how relevant the material was and how it was created specifically around the times we are currently living. As a producer, I remain committed to creating opportunities not only for audiences but for the immense talent pool we have in the UK who are currently without many opportunities to perform. I hope the city of London embraces the experience as much as the Parisian audiences.”

Co-writers of the piece, Samuel Sené and Gabrielle Jourdain said: “We were driven by the need to reconnect with our profession and with the audience. We wanted to offer an artistic encounter even in the current health context, therefore we have imagined this tailored theatrical experience. To be able to share this feeling again, the one we only feel with live performance. To reunite with Theatre.”

Mathilde Moulin said: “We are extremely happy to bring C-o-n-t-a-c-t to London, after its very successful debut in Paris! This socially distanced theatrical experience mixes live performance and new technology to create a brand-new form of theatre, specifically adapted to the period of time we are in.  The show is relatable to anyone who has experienced social distancing over several weeks or months, but not only. The audience dives into the characters thoughts. They find themselves immersed in someone else’s mind and follow their journey to finding inner peace. We cannot wait for the British audience to come experience it!”

To ensure audience safety, audiences will be asked to purchase paperless tickets online and bring their own headphones to wear throughout the performance. The number of audience members is limited to 15 per performance to ensure social distancing can be respected between the cast and audience. Audiences are asked to respect all public health guidelines and wear masks at all times.

Theatre Producer Portal launches as a hub for
Producers, Writers and Investors to connect

Creating a network for likeminded theatre makers, the Theatre Producer Portal (TPP) is an exciting new online resource to encourage growth within the arts industry and enhance careers. Connecting producers, writers, and investors at all stages of their development, the platform aims to break down industry barriers and establish a space for creativity to manifest. Previously launched in 2014, the newly revamped site is under the leadership of Jamie Chapman Dixon and John-Webb Carter of Carter Dixon Productions, who are also currently Co-Producing the recently released concert series, Tonight at the London Coliseum, starring a string of West End stars

Bringing together a host of experienced industry practitioners, members have access to a pool of knowledge, to help unlock their further creative potential. Alongside exclusive networking events, the portal will provide access to upcoming investment and job opportunities, skill sharing, mentorships from leading experts, and live Q&As with high profile individuals, both in the UK and American markets. The first Q&A will take place on Thursday 20th August, featuring the theatrical content creating team at Broadway & Beyond Theatricals (Madagascar The Musical; Little Miss Sunshine The Musical)

Furthering the community and industry togetherness, 10% of all membership fees will be put towards a TPP Grant, established to help productions that might be falling short on investments. With insufficient funding crippling the ability for new writing to be seen, the portal’s Grant hopes to enable more opportunity in the industry, as well as guiding people towards other available grants and bursaries that can help writers and producers be seen

The platform is striving to champion diversity in the arts and the need for further representation of marginalised stories from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, as well as LGBTQ+ communities. They have partnered with empowering companies including Burn Bright, Papatango, New UK MT and Beam, to bring the latest and best new work from across the UK to their members for consideration

Members of TPP will also reap the benefits of additional partnerships, from gaining access to some of the best private clubs in London, including The Curtain Club, to the Pleasance Theatre Trust, offering a series on how to take a show to the Edinburgh Fringe, and Industry Minds providing mental health support for any concerns during these tough times

Jamie Chapman Dixon comments, I am over the moon to be able to finally launch the new evolved Theatre Producer Portal. John-Webb and I have been working tirelessly over the past two years to bring a resource that will benefit producers, writers, and investors of all levels. Our industry is such an amazing and resilient force of nature that is full of individuals who are wanting each other to succeed. The hardest parts about any production is raising the money and how to get in touch with the people who can open doors for you, the portal is here to change
that and the aim is to make these aspects the easiest part of the process

Individuals or companies who are solely interested in investment opportunities can also sign up for free but will only gain access to the investment portion of the website

SLEEPING BEAUTY, THE KING’S PANTO RESCHEDULED UNTIL 2021

It is with great sadness and a huge feeling of disappointment that Capital Theatres today announces that this year’s King’s panto, Sleeping Beauty has been rescheduled until November 2021.

In line with the King’s panto producer, Qdos Entertainment’s announcement on Monday 3 August, the uncertainty around ongoing restrictions and maintaining social distancing means that it is not possible for us to open on 28 November 2020 as planned. All customers who have purchased or reserved tickets will have them automatically transferred to 2021. Capital Theatre’s box office will be in touch with those customers over the coming weeks.

Sleeping Beauty was to have opened at the King’s Theatre Edinburgh on Saturday 28 November 2020 and run until Sunday 17 January 2021.

Starring Allan Stewart, Andy Gray, Grant Stott and Jordan Young, the spellbinding fairytale was last performed as the King’s pantomime title in 1993 and has only been performed three times in its 114-year history. Sleeping Beauty will now run from the 27 November 2021 until Sunday 16 January 2022 and become the last pantomime to be staged at the King’s before the theatre undertakes its major refurbishment in the summer of 2022.

As Scotland’s biggest and best-selling panto, with over 90,000 theatregoers attending the King’s pantomime each festive season, the show represents nearly 30% of Capital Theatres’ annual income and the postponement will result in the massive loss of £2.3m at the worst possible time for the theatres.

Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres said: “The impact of the global pandemic has been devastating on all theatres, and it has become a reality that to keep everyone safe and the organisation secure, mounting a full-scale production without social distancing in the current cycle would be challenging.

“There are only 3 occasions in its 114 year history that a King’s panto has not taken place, the last time being 1968 ….so 2020 will be another landmark moment for all the wrong reasons!  We know this will be as much of a blow to you, our fantastic and loyal audiences, as it is to both the cast who love bringing you such joy every year, and to our tremendous staff who love making it happen. For so many it is the cornerstone of their festive celebrations.

“I still remember to this day, at the age of eight, my parents taking my brother and I through to Edinburgh to visit relatives and as a festive treat we all went to the King’s to see Mother Goose, with Stanley Baxter at the helm – we were mesmerised, and that was the start of my long love affair with the theatre.

“Capital Theatres is Scotland’s largest theatre charity and the impact of this decision is devastating. The panto alone brings in nearly 30% of our income each year. Since we closed our doors on the 16 March we have had no source of trading income, have refunded millions of pounds in tickets and cancelled, rescheduled or postponed scores of performances.  Without doubt the loss of the Kings Pantomime is our biggest blow to date.” 

Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment said: “I was studying in Edinburgh when I saw the first ever pantomime Qdos produced at the King’s Theatre. I think I saw it four times because I just loved the genre and I knew that Allan was someone very special. As one of the longest running pantomimes in the country, and certainly one of the most popular it is incredibly difficult to step away from it this year and resign ourselves to a year without that wonderful atmosphere and love between the audience and performers on stage – that is pretty unique”

Everyone’s favourite panto dame Allan Stewart added: “I can’t imagine a Christmas without a Kings Panto. But in the words of the Terminator …. ‘We’ll be back’”

Andy Gray said: “Very sad that we won’t be trying to wake Sleeping Beauty this year…. but it’s been a strange year 2020 for us all hasn’t it? I tell you this … We look forward to seeing you all in 2021! Stay safe…. and wash your hands!”

Edinburgh’s very own panto baddie Grant Stott added: “Just like everyone who loves our annual Panto at The Kings Theatre Edinburgh, I am absolutely gutted at the prospect of no show this year – it will be my first Xmas away from the Kings since 1999.  However, even baddies can be optimistic and I am already looking forward to staging Sleeping Beauty in 2021 – which, in the circumstances, now promises to be one of the most special Pantos ever staged at The Kings!”

Jordan Young said: “I’m incredibly disappointed that Sleeping Beauty won’t be at the Kings this Christmas. The most important thing is safety for everyone, staff and audience alike. Last year was my first year in the Kings Panto and I loved every single second. I can’t wait to be back on that stage next year with the team and deliver the show that everyone will be wanting and deserve.”

Capital Theatres continues to be hugely grateful to all those people who have been able to take gift vouchers or donate their tickets as opposed to refunds which helps to protect your theatres for the future.

Fiona Gibson added: “We truly believe that Capital Theatres can be a key part of the solution for Edinburgh getting back on its feet. Only by continuing to thrive can we help sustain the vitality of the arts, the cultural ecology, the economy and the wellbeing of the community in our wonderful city and surrounding areas.”

If you feel you can help further, please consider making a donation via the website at capitaltheatres.com.  Shows at all Capital Theatres venues are currently programmed into 2021 and 2022 and tickets are available to buy online. 

Phantoms lift the roof off and bring back live theatre!

West End stars face down the gloom and doom and bring musicals to the people.

For over 9 years between them, they brought down the chandelier at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End playing the lead role in Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s ‘The Phantom Of the Opera’. Now, in the wake of the greatest crisis their industry has ever faced, Earl Carpenter and John Owen-Jones have found a way of taking down the barriers to enjoying a night out at the theatre- by going open air. 

The two ex-Phantoms have combined to developed an innovative new production ‘Voices Of The West End’ that will bring the magic of the musicals live to audiences once again- in a new, safe way at 4 wonderful venues around the United Kingdom, BROADLANDS in Romsey; STONOR PARK near Henley-on-Thames; home to the Northumberland County Show BYWELL HALL and the BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM in Warwickshire and all supported by MAYFLOWER THEATRE SOUTHAMPTON, AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP, BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME and NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL. 3-metre square, roped off picnic pitches will ensure lovers of live performance can again enjoy four of the West End’s finest voices perform with live musicians in a safe environment. 

“This has been inspired by so many friends and fans messaging both of us and saying one of the things they have missed the most is a trip to the theatre” said John, talking of what prompted the idea. “Much has been written about the crisis facing live performers, so we wanted to do something positive in the face of that.” 

Earl and John are no strangers to performing together- they are the original Valjean and Javert of Cameron Mackintosh’s 25th Anniversary Tour of Les Misérables, Broadway and West End Stars, Earl Carpenter and John Owen-Jones, a partnership immortalised on the 2010 Les Misérables Live! They will be joined by the wonderful Kerry Ellis who originated lead roles in West End and Broadway productions of Wicked and We Will Rock You. And where two former Phantoms go, there is always a Christine in tow– this time Katie Hall who played the legendary role alongside John and Earl in London’s West End and UK touring productions. 

Earl and John have developed an evening designed to celebrate the joy of musical theatre, as John puts it “Everyone knows one of the happiest and most joyful escapes can be a trip to see your favourite musical performed live and we felt a slice of that is exactly what was needed right now- we’ve all had enough of only looking at screens!” 

By creating separate picnic plots marked out for you and your family or loved ones to sit together outside and enjoy the show- at a safe distance from other attendees, Earl has developed a production that beats the confines of closed down theatres. “I’m hoping people will bring their own deckchairs or picnic or even dress up as their favourite musical characters!” John added.

As well as hosting the events at some of the most beautiful venues around the UK, the team have partnered with local theatre box offices to sell tickets to the events. Earl commented “I’m overwhelmed by the extraordinary support we’ve had from all the venues we’re visiting and the theatre box offices we’re partnering with. They’ve all commented on how positive this project is for their own teams. Rather than constantly refunding cancelled shows- they can positively sell tickets to these events.”

As a commitment to their industry, Earl, John, Katie, Kerry and musicians Music Director and Accompanist Jennifer Whyte and Cellist Yvonne Marie Parsons are championing Acting For Others, the combined theatrical charities with Dame Judy Dench as its President.

Tickets are based on up to 4 PEOPLE ONLY exclusively from two households or support bubbles sharing a post and roped pitch that is allocated on arrival:

Tickets on sale from 2PM on Monday 3rd August  online at:

Broadlands www.mayflower.org.uk

Stonor Park www.atgtickets.com

Bywell Hall www.theatreroyal.co.uk

British Motor Museum www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Phantoms lift the roof off and bring back live theatre!

West End stars face down the gloom and doom and bring musicals to the people.

For over 9 years between them, they brought down the chandelier at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End playing the lead role in Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s ‘The Phantom Of the Opera’. Now, in the wake of the greatest crisis their industry has ever faced, Earl Carpenter and John Owen-Jones have found a way of taking down the barriers to enjoying a night out at the theatre- by going open air. 

The two ex-Phantoms have combined to developed an innovative new production ‘Voices Of The West End’ that will bring the magic of the musicals live to audiences once again- in a new, safe way at 4 wonderful venues around the United Kingdom, BROADLANDS in Romsey; STONOR PARK near Henley-on-Thames; home to the Northumberland County Show BYWELL HALL and the BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM in Warwickshire and all supported by MAYFLOWER THEATRE SOUTHAMPTON, AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP, BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME and NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL. 3-metre square, roped off picnic pitches will ensure lovers of live performance can again enjoy four of the West End’s finest voices perform with live musicians in a safe environment. 

“This has been inspired by so many friends and fans messaging both of us and saying one of the things they have missed the most is a trip to the theatre” said John, talking of what prompted the idea. “Much has been written about the crisis facing live performers, so we wanted to do something positive in the face of that.” 

Earl and John are no strangers to performing together- they are the original Valjean and Javert of Cameron Mackintosh’s 25th Anniversary Tour of Les Misérables, Broadway and West End Stars, Earl Carpenter and John Owen-Jones, a partnership immortalised on the 2010 Les Misérables Live! They will be joined by the wonderful Kerry Ellis who originated lead roles in West End and Broadway productions of Wicked and We Will Rock You. And where two former Phantoms go, there is always a Christine in tow– this time Katie Hall who played the legendary role alongside John and Earl in London’s West End and UK touring productions. 

Earl and John have developed an evening designed to celebrate the joy of musical theatre, as John puts it “Everyone knows one of the happiest and most joyful escapes can be a trip to see your favourite musical performed live and we felt a slice of that is exactly what was needed right now- we’ve all had enough of only looking at screens!” 

By creating separate picnic plots marked out for you and your family or loved ones to sit together outside and enjoy the show- at a safe distance from other attendees, Earl has developed a production that beats the confines of closed down theatres. “I’m hoping people will bring their own deckchairs or picnic or even dress up as their favourite musical characters!” John added.

As well as hosting the events at some of the most beautiful venues around the UK, the team have partnered with local theatre box offices to sell tickets to the events. Earl commented “I’m overwhelmed by the extraordinary support we’ve had from all the venues we’re visiting and the theatre box offices we’re partnering with. They’ve all commented on how positive this project is for their own teams. Rather than constantly refunding cancelled shows- they can positively sell tickets to these events.”

As a commitment to their industry, Earl, John, Katie, Kerry and musicians Music Director and Accompanist Jennifer Whyte and Cellist Yvonne Marie Parsons are championing Acting For Others, the combined theatrical charities with Dame Judy Dench as its President.

Tickets are based on up to 4 PEOPLE ONLY exclusively from two households or support bubbles sharing a post and roped pitch that is allocated on arrival:

Tickets on sale from 2PM on Monday 3rd August  online at:

Broadlands www.mayflower.org.uk

Stonor Park www.atgtickets.com

Bywell Hall www.theatreroyal.co.uk

British Motor Museum www.birminghamhippodrome.com

The Danish Arts Foundation and WILDTOPIA present

A Fringe ExChange event

#DANISH – MEET THE DANES

11. August 11.00AM – 12.45PM

– 11.00 – 12.10: #DANISH discussions and talk

– 12.10 – 12.45: #DANISH meet up (facilitated networking in breakout rooms)

AND

#ZOOTV – ZOO VENUE’S ONLINE EDINBURGH FRINGE

‘ROCKY! RETURN OF THE LOSER’

18. August (Approx. 2pm – please check www.zoofestival.co.uk/schedule for final details)

In the wake of the cancellation of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2020 many artists are working on a number of fringe-adjacent digital projects designed to keep the flame burning until we can fully return in 2021.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has created a series of online Fringe ExChange industry events for international performing arts professionals, which will take place throughout what would have been the festival period 7. – 31. August 2020, alongside a variety of other Fringe focused events.

#DANISH is one of the Danish Arts Foundation’s international foci, and is delighted to present two events giving focus to two shows that were selected and supported by The Danish Arts Foundation to be signature #DANISH shows at Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

‘ROCKY! RETURN OF THE LOSER’ – #DANISH & #ZOOTV

We love them. The losers who against all odds prevail over their own inferiority, social heritage and completely unfair loser-life. But what if it’s us, our values and existence which end up defeated? What if we are the losers? Meet multiple award-winning director Tue Biering from Fix & Foxy, as he discusses his highly provocative, intensely political drama ‘ROCKY! RETURN OF THE LOSER’ with two international guests who specialise in theatre and know his work. This show set the agenda in Danish Theatre the year it was made, winning the prestigious Danish Reumert Award, completely knocking-out Danish reviewers and leaving audiences speechless.

ROCKY! Will also be streamed as part of  #ZOOTV, Zoo Venue’s online Edinburgh Fringe performance streaming service, available from 17 to 28 August. ROCKY will be screened on the 18^th August and the works will then remain on ZOO TV to watch until 28 August.

‘WALK-MAN’ #DANISH

Raw physics, everyday stunts and DON GNU attitude where the ground beneath four performers literally disappears and rules, routines and common norms we all take for granted suddenly lose their significance.  Meet artistic directors Jannik Elkjær and KristofferLouis Andrup Pedersen from prolific touring Danish dance company DON GNU discussing their latest dancepiece WALK-MAN, an exceptional piece of stunt-theatre where poetry and humour shed new light on everyday boring routines and our way of being together as humans.

MORE DANISH WORK: DUST, THE LETTER and JEKYLL ON ICE #DANISH

Attendees will also hear shorter precis of the musicdramatic work with humansize puppets DUST by Sew Flunk Fury Wit as well as the physical comedies THE LETTER and JEKYLL ON ICE (family show) by Paolo Nani. All works that would have been at the EdFringe this year.

EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY #DANISH

The world has changed rapidly and unexpectedly. It is vital that we take this time to seize more sustainable ways of working in the performing arts and in the world generally. The Danish society nurtures creativity – and Danish companies have the creative capacity to seize and contribute to a more sustainable reality. Audiences will be given an opportunity for a brief insight into research and considerations regarding economic, environmental, and social sustainability for EdFringe 21 – made and presented by Danish production company WILDTOPIA, long term festival producers.

#DANISH

Both signature shows (ROCKY! THE RETURN OF THE LOSER, and WALK-MAN) are curated and supported by the Danish Arts Foundation. #DANISH is supported by the Embassy of Denmark in the UK. It is produced and developed by Danish production and promotion company WILDTOPIA – acting as external operator for the Danish Arts Foundation. Go to www.danishedfringe.com for more info. For more information on #ZOOTV go to www.zoofestival.co.uk

LISTINGS

#DANISH – MEET THE DANES // Fringe ExChange

11. August 11.00AM – 12.45PM

– 11.00 – 12.10: #DANISH discussions and talk

– 12.10 – 12.45: #DANISH meet up (facilitated networking in breakout rooms)

https://www.edfringe.com/

AND

#ZOOTV – ZOO VENUE’S ONLINE EDINBURGH FRINGE

‘ROCKY! RETURN OF THE LOSER’

(Approx. 2pm – please check www.zoofestival.co.uk/schedule for final details)

www.zoofestival.co.uk

IRIS THEATRE ANNOUNCES SUMMER FESTIVAL

Iris Theatre today announces their summer festival of outdoor live performance, bringing together some of the most exciting break-out artists and companies, following the very welcome change in government guidelines on open-air theatre. Specifically tailored for a socially distanced audience, all reservations are per Bubble Bench which will be placed 1m apart rather than individual tickets and each bench can accommodate up to two adults.

The festival runs from 14 – 29 August 2020 in the grounds ofthe St. Paul’s Covent Garden, Actors Church. The full programme includes solo show inspired by Peter Pan Dear Peter written and performed by Evangeline Dickson; Words I’ve Said (work-in-progress) written by Asa Haynes and Jesse Bateson which is a new play about family and those we’ve lost; a storytelling hour with Fiona & The Fox by children’s company Wild Geese Theatre; a day of live music with PLATFORM – in the garden with composer Dylan Wynford, spoken word artist Reuben Johnson and folk musician Nick Hart, and brand new musical St Anne Comes Home written and composed by Jack Miles.

Artistic Director of Iris Theatre, Paul-Ryan Carberry today said, “In what has been a challenging few months, I am delighted that my first season with Iris Theatre is under way and we are able to announce this summer sharing of work today. We are so excited to be bringing together an incredible bunch of artists and companies and we can’t wait to celebrate their exceptional work with our audience. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to all of the people who have supported us throughout this crisis – without them, this festival or any of our other work, would not have been possible. I look forward to welcoming our audience back to the gardens of The Actors Church, and although we may be apart in distance, we will be together in celebration.”

DEAR PETER

Written and performed by Evangeline Dickson

Directed by Kayla Feldman

14 – 15 August at 5pm and 7pm

“If this is what growing up feels like then I never want it to stop”

Join Ash on her 25th birthday as J.M. Barrie’s seminal hero Peter Pan throws her back in time in this enchanting solo show written and performed by Evangeline Dickson, which was first performed as part of Maiden Speech. Set to a nostalgia-infused soundtrack, Dear Peter explores whether anyone is truly free from growing up through a collection of fragmented memories, poetic frankness and darkly comedic storytelling.

Age guideline: PG

Ticket price: £25 per Bubble Bench (Seats up to two adults)

WORDS I’VE SAID (work-inprogress)

Written by Asa Haynes and Jesse Bateson

Performed by Jesse Bateson

17- 18 August at 5pm and 7pm

Jordan’s Dad died when he was 18. Today Jordan is 18. She’s never met him. She opens a letter addressed to her from him. She reads it. She tries to picture what he looks like. How he sounds. What a hug from him feels like.

Join us in the gardens for a work-in-progress sharing of this touching new play about family and those we’ve lost.

Age guideline: 15+

Ticket price: £25 per Bubble Bench (Seats up to two adults)

FIONA & THE FOX

By Wild Geese Theatre

19 – 20 August at 2pm and 4:30pm

From Wild Geese Theatre, this one-hour storytelling family-friendly experience, devised for children aged 5-11, tells the story of Fiona – a kid from the city, who has a strange sort of pet.

In her garden, in the middle of the night and the muddle of sounds and streetlights, a fox comes prowling…

Age guideline: 5-11 year olds (Plus their grown-ups)

Ticket price: £25 per Bubble Bench

PLATFORM – IN THE GARDEN

22nd August, bar open from 2pm

Reserve your spot for free and grab yourself a drink at our bar. Join folk musician Nick Hart, Musical Theatre composer Dylan Wynford and spoken word artist Reuben Johnson for a relaxed day of original music and verse to be filmed in the gardens of the actors church.

Age guideline: 18+

Ticket Price: Free (Reserve your spot in advance)

Willow Walk Productions presents

ST. ANNE COMES HOME

Written and Composed by Jack Miles

Directed by Martha Geelan; Musical Supervision: Joe Beighton

On 29th August at 2:30pm and 6pm

London can be lonely. But on the steps of St. Anne’s Church two people strike up an unlikely friendship. James has spent years running away from his problems, while Bridget is trapped by hers.

A brand-new folk musical written and composed by Jack Miles and told through original folk music.  St. Anne Comes Home is a story about community, fear and forgiveness, that explores how reaching out might help us find our way.

Age guideline: 12+ (Includes themes of alcoholism)

Ticket Price: £36 per Bubble Bench (Seats up to two adults)

IRIS THEATRE ALSO ANNOUNCE CHANGES TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Iris theatre also announcethat Sofi Berenger will be made Chair of the Board and Kris Milovsorov has joined the board of trustees. This follows the stepping down of Rev. Simon Grigg as Chair who will remain on the board and the departure of trustees Andy Makin, Yvonne L’Anson and Andy Charles

Sofi Berenger today said, “As this is an organisation I’ve been involved with since 2015, I’m now incredibly excited to be taking over as the new Chair of the Board. I look forward to helping lead our Charity through its next chapter under the leadership of Paul-Ryan Carberry. I thank Rev. Simon Grigg for his exceptional service as Chair over the last decade and I am delighted he will remain alongside us on the board of trustees. I’d also like to thank Andy Makin, Yvonne I’Anson and Andy Charles for their long service to Iris and a big warm welcome to our new trustee, Kris Milovsorov.”

LISTINGS                                                                                 ST PAULS COVENT GARDEN, ACTORS CHURCH

St Paul’s Church Bedford Street, London, WC2E 9ED

DEAR PETER

14 – 15 August at 5pm and 7pm

Ticket price: £25 per bubble bench

WORDS I’VE SAID (Work in progress)

On 17 – 18 August at 5pm and 7pm

Ticket price: £25 per bubble bench

FIONA & THE FOX

On 19 – 20 August at 2pm and 4:30pm

Age guideline: 5-11 year olds (Plus their grown ups)

Ticket price: £25 per bubble bench

PLATFORM – IN THE GARDEN

22 August, from 2pm

Age guideline: 18+

Ticket Price: Free (Reserve your spot in advance)

ST. ANNE COMES HOME

29 August at 2:30pm and 6pm

Age guideline: 12+ (Includes themes of alcoholism)

Ticket Price: £36 per bubble bench

Twitter – @stannemusical

Instagram – @stannemusical

For more information and to book tickets please visit – www.iristheatre.com

Following Boris Johnson’s statement at midday, we now know that theatres cannot open for socially-distanced performances tomorrow. 

Jon Morgan, director of Theatres Trust, comments:

It is disappointing that  socially-distanced indoor performances will not be able to go ahead tomorrow. However in reality the majority of theatres were not planning to reopen for shows tomorrow so a two week delay will not make a huge difference. Most theatres will not be able to put on productions until we reach Stage 5, which allows fuller audiences, so that is the most critical date for much of the sector.

Eleven Queens from Six The Musical join
forces for West End Musical Drive-In
The Drive In, Troubadour Meridian Water, Harbet Road, London, N18 3QQ
12th September 2020

Divorced. Beheaded. Live at the drive-in! Eleven past and current Six The Musical cast members will be headlining the West End Musical Drive-In on Saturday 12th September. For the first time, Courtney Bowman, Maddie Bulleyment, Collette Guitart, Sophie Isaacs, Vicki Manser, Shekinah McFarlane, Grace Mouat, Natalie Paris, Jarneia Richard-Noel, Courtney Stapleton and Jodie Steele will gear up and join forces for a royally spectacular musical theatre celebration

Much like their West End Musical Brunch, which sell out months in advance, West End Musical Drive-In is an immersive event where the audience ‘become the cast,’ singing and dancing along with the West End stars. Widening the scope of the audience, guests will now also be able to attend the event without a car, in groups of maximum five people – just bring your camping chairs and portable radio and enjoy!

Also featuring in West End Musical Drive-In in August will be theatre legend John Owen-Jones (Phantom of the Opera; Les Misérables), Sophie Evans (Wicked; BBC’s Over The Rainbow), Oliver Saville (Wicked; CATS), Layton Williams(Everybody’s Talking About Jamie; RENT), X factor finalist Shan Ako (Les Misérables) and Maiya Quansah-Breed (Six The Musical), with additional special guests still to be announced

Producer Chris Steward comments, We’re so excited to be bringing so many Queens together for such a special performance. Although it’s a drive in, in-line with government guidelines, fans will also be able to attend in small groups even without a car and be right at the front of the stage. If last Saturday’s event is anything to go by the atmosphere is going to be electric!

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S
CINDERELLA

SIR DAVID BINTLEY’S ENCHANTING FAIRYTALE BALLET TO BE STREAMED TO MARK THE END OF BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S HOME FROM HOME SERIES

Birmingham’s Royal Ballet’s celebrated production of Cinderella will be broadcast in full on Birmingham Royal Ballet’s website and Facebook page to mark the end of its online Home from Home series. Its digital premiere will take place at 7pm on Tuesday 25 August and be available to watch for seven days thereafter via brb.org.uk/watch-cinderella

Sir David Bintley’s enchanting fairytale ballet, set to Sergei Prokofiev’s sumptuous score, captures every imagination with its magical mix of dance, spectacular costumes and scenery by designer John Macfarlane, and a cast of characters from the fairy godmother and step sisters to a mythical world of mice, lizards and even a dancing frog.

This family-friendly production was filmed during the premiere run of the ballet at Birmingham Hippodrome in 2010 and featured as the BBC Christmas ballet that year. It stars Elisha Willis as Cinderella, Iain Mackay as the Prince and Marion Tait as the Stepmother; the Royal Ballet Sinfonia is conducted by Music Director Koen Kessels.

The broadcast of Cinderella will be free to watch; but in lieu of a ticket, from those who feel they can, we would be delighted to receive donations via the brb.org.uk/watch-cinderella page; all donations help us deliver the amazing work we do both on and off the stage, and we are very grateful for any support given. 

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Cinderella will tour the UK in 2021, with dates and venue information available at brb.org.uk/cinderella

Following an uncertain year for everyone, not least for the performing arts, Birmingham Royal Ballet, under the Directorship of Carlos Acosta, looks forward to returning to training in Birmingham from the beginning of August 2020. News of an exciting programme of live autumn performances, including work outdoors, in the community, in socially-distanced arena spaces and using augmented reality and technical innovation, will be announced very soon.