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Dear Rishi,

Thank you for meeting with me and other trade union leaders on Wednesday.

The trade union movement has a crucial role to play in economic recovery. Equity’s priority, since the crisis began, has been not just ensuring the economic security of our members, but also safeguarding the future of the whole of the UK’s creative industries, which as you know is worth £111bn.

In the early weeks of shutdown we negotiated agreements throughout the industry to protect our members, but also to recognise the difficulties faced by their engagers. There is now an urgency to develop recovery plans to ensure workplaces and workspaces can reopen safely and with confidence that their work will be financially viable.

It is in this spirit that I repeat my call to you yesterday to provide additional financial assistance for the creative sector.

While it may be possible for some sections of the audiovisual industry to go back to work in the coming months, health and safety issues such as social distancing provide complex challenges to a sector where audiences are an integral part of the experience. We anticipate that the majority of theatres, pubs, comedy clubs and other live entertainment venues across the country will not start to open their doors until early next year – if indeed they manage to survive until then.

In this context the financial risk that is normally borne by self-employed creative workers is greatly multiplied. We therefore urgently need an extension of the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme until the end of this year – either in full or in a tapered form.

We also know that a substantial proportion of our members fall through the gaps within the current SEISS – particularly younger workers, parents, carers, those who earn over £50k, those who operate through personal service or limited companies or those who incur large but legitimate business expenses. These groups are looking at a prolonged period without income and desperately need help which is why I also repeat my call to you to consider introducing an additional hardship grant scheme for creative self-employed workers who are not currently eligible for SEISS.

Throughout their history, the UK’s creative industries have been incredibly resilient. The unique challenges of this crisis however, could force many large and small arts organisations and venues ​to close, and end the careers and limit the future work opportunities of thousands of Equity members.

It was incredibly sad to see Southampton Nuffield Theatre fall into administration yesterday and I fear they could be the first of many if we do not intervene now.

Christine Payne

General Secretary, Equity

Covid-19 Emergency Appeal

Protect Malvern Theatres

Malvern Theatres has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to help secure its future in the face of the Covid-19 crisis.

Malvern Theatres’ income disappeared overnight when it closed its doors in March. Unlike most other theatres, only 1% of its running costs are publicly funded and so it relies on ticket sales to keep operating.

Malvern Theatres has some emergency reserves to rely on, but with social distancing measures set to continue and theatres likely to be one of the last places to reopen, these savings will soon run dry.

The theatre has taken all steps to reduce its monthly overheads but still has significant unavoidable outgoings and the next few months will be critical for its survival.

Chief Executive Nic Lloyd said: “The vital role Malvern Theatres plays in our community has never been clearer and we are appealing for help from our audiences, friends and neighbours to help ensure that we can continue to bring life-enhancing culture to the town.

“The loss of Malvern Theatres would be devastating, not just to our loyal visitors, but also to our local community and economy. To avoid this fate, we must act now and work quickly to ensure that we are ready to reopen when allowed.

“As we emerge from this pandemic, Malvern Theatres is poised to play a crucial role in helping to bring our community back together.”

Open 364 days of the year, Malvern Theatres welcomes 300,000 ticket holders annually. It also has an active creative learning department, which develops talent through its youth theatre programme, as well as offers weekly classes, such as dance for the over 55s and creative arts for those with learning disabilities.

Malvern Theatres regularly hosts specialist workshops, such as classes with professional dance companies and non-verbal interactive workshops for those with special needs, as well as touch tours and audio described work.

Malvern Theatres also offers a weekly subtitled film for people with hearing loss, as well as a monthly relaxed screening.

To support the appeal, please visit malvern-theatres.co.uk/support-us

REPEAT ATTENDERS

– a documentary taking us inside the fascinating and unexplored world of musical theatre superfans – 

is to appear on the world stage

Australian independent filmmaker, Mark Dooley, is excited to announce the worldwide Video on Demand (VOD) release of REPEAT ATTENDERS – a feature-length documentary film that takes us inside the fascinating and unexplored world of musical theatre superfans.

REPEAT ATTENDERS will be available from Saturday 16th May 2020 via Vimeo On Demand, and will later be released on iTunes, Amazon and all other VOD platforms. 

Important Dates

Tuesday 12th May – Pre Order opens via repeatattenders.com

Saturday 16th May – REPEAT ATTENDERS VOD worldwide release 

Filmed on Broadway, London’s West End, Bochum Germany and Australia’s Melbourne and Brisbane over a six-year period, REPEAT ATTENDERS introduces us to some of the world’s biggest, most extreme superfans of shows such as CATS, RENT, LES MISÉRABLES and STARLIGHT EXPRESS.

REPEAT ATTENDERS delves into the psychology of the most extreme Broadway superfans, to reveal the quirks and complexities of their obsessions. STARLIGHT EXPRESS superfan Gudrun Mangel, has been following her favourite musical for over 20 years. Her story reveals the pain she has endured since childhood, after being told by her parents, that she would never fulfil her dream of becoming an actress because she was too ugly and overweight. 

REPEAT ATTENDERS shines a spotlight on Broadway superfans and this growing global phenomenon of ‘repeat attending’, as it examines just how far the most extreme superfans will go in pursuit of their passion – some with devastating consequences.

Mark Dooley, the filmmaker’s message to the Audience: “With the world’s stages shut down for the foreseeable future, REPEAT ATTENDERS now plays a different role for the viewer. The film was originally created as a love letter to fans of theatre of all levels, but is now an archive of what going to the theatre used to be like, before COVID-19 put an end to being an audience member anywhere. It will be detrimental to the well-being of the human race that this experience can no longer occur. 

“I hope REPEAT ATTENDERS gives comfort to those missing theatre and performing arts at the moment. It will be back, and we will be able to enjoy our passion once more. For now, hold onto those memories and treasured moments, because they can’t be taken away from you.”

 “Repeat Attenders is both a compelling and slightly disturbing look at obsessive musical fans” – James Groot, STUFF NZ

“Mark Dooley’s first feature shows he has an eye for story, character, heart and entertainment”– Pop Planet

“Repeat Attenders is a rich, touching, fascinating documentary exploring its characters’ psychology with generosity” – via Twitter @MehdiBalamissa

PARK THEATRE ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF

ONLINE CREATIVE LEARNING PROGRAMME

VIA ZOOM

MAY – JULY 2020

Park Theatre has today announced that its celebrated Creative Learning Programme will be moving online from May, with adult classes in acting technique, a script based acting course and devising available, as well as drama and performance skills classes for children and young people aged between 4 – 18.

Lead by professional actor and creative learning facilitator Amy Allen and professional director and experienced creative learning facilitator Natasha Kathi Chandra, the courses will be held weekly via the Zoom video conferencing platform and will be available to book via https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/creative-learning, with both individual drop in sessions and full courses available to purchase.

As with all theatres across the UK, Park Theatre has had to temporarily close to help prohibit the spread of Covid-19. This meant cancelling all performances, hires and in person classes for the foreseeable future. As a small charity with no government or Arts Council funding, this has led to a catastrophic loss of income.

Community Engagement Manager Nina Graveney-Edwards said: “Although the current situation means we are sad not to be running our wonderful Creative Learning classes in person, we are very pleased and excited to be able to now offer them virtually. Via Zoom video conferencing, we can continue to connect, explore new ideas and create innovative and exciting creative work during this challenging time.”

COURSES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Virtual Act and Play (4 – 11 year olds)

Saturday 16 May – Saturday 18 Jul (10 weeks), 10.00am – 10.50am, £7 per session

https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/creative-learning/virtual-act-play-4-11-years/about

Packed full of theatre games and drama activities to get the creative ideas and the energy flowing and keep the young ones entertained. Develop theatre skills, build confidence and share your ideas whilst keeping connected during lockdown.

Virtual Park Younger Company (12 – 14 year olds):
Tuesday 12 May – Tuesday 14 Jul (10 weeks), 6.00 – 7.00pm, £7 per session

https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/creative-learning/virtual-younger-company-12-14s/about

Learning the foundations of acting and theatre need not be delayed during lockdown – join our Zoom hosted Younger Company classes for a fun, creative class brought to you at home. Learn drama games, professional actor techniques and devise your own work.

Virtual Park Young Company (15 – 18 year olds):
Tuesday 12 May – Tuesday 14 Jul (10 weeks), 7.30 – 8.30pm, £7 per session

https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/creative-learning/virtual-young-company-15-18s/about

The start of your journey as a performer, writer or director need not be delayed during lockdown –share your story, your voice and ideas as you develop your performance skills virtually. Learn drama games, professional actor techniques and devise your own work.

COURSES FOR ADULTS

Virtual Park Theatre Company (Adults): Devising
Thursday 14 May – Thursday 16 Jul (10 weeks), 6.30 – 8.00pm, £100 for full course

https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/creative-learning/virtual-park-theatre-company-devising-course/about

Create a film from home over the course of 10 weeks – be a part of an acting community online and create a piece of unique theatre! Devise your own work as an individual and as a company through improvisation and writing. Feed back to other members of the company and develop your own work.

Virtual Park Theatre Company (Adults): Script Course
Thursday 14 May – Thursday 16 Jul (10 weeks), 8.15 – 10.00pm, £100 for full course

https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/creative-learning/virtual-park-theatre-company-script-course/about

A script based acting course, rehearsing and performing a scripted piece – develop your skills, focus on developing a well-rounded character and bringing a script to life within the rehearsal process.

Virtual Park Theatre Company (Adults): Develop Yourself: Acting Course
Wednesday 13 May – Wednesday 15 Jul (10 weeks), 6.30 – 8.30pm, £10 per session

https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/creative-learning/develop-yourself-virtual-park-acting-course/about

Look at a different acting technique each week; try out your skills with an emphasis on listening and reacting, and apply professional acting techniques to an exciting and diverse range of scenes including classics such as Albee’s ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’, recent West End hit ‘The Inheritance’, & Shelagh Stephenson’s ‘Memory of Water’. Without physically being present, concentrate further on the words and delivery.

The launch of the online Creative Learning Programme comes hot on the heels of the launch of Park Life, a critical new fundto secure the future of the venue. Artistic Director Jez Bond was able to raise £300,000 in 48 hours from key donors, the minimum amount to keep the theatre running during the lockdown period on a skeleton staff, make use of the government’s job retention scheme to keep all others on payroll, ensure the building stays functional, and stop the theatre from liquidating. But the venue needs to raise a further £100,000 to fund a 3 month run up to in order re-open at a time where no income will be generated – funds will be needed to pay staff, rehearse a production in each theatre, generate an audience, resume our community work and other areas of activity.

So much more than ‘just a theatre’, Park Theatre is a community hub in Finsbury Park and has been a huge part of the redevelopment of the area. In seven years of providing affordable, accessible theatre, it has enjoyed eight West End transfers (including Daytona starring Maureen Lipman, The Boys in the Band starring Mark Gatiss, Pressure starring David Haig and The Life I Lead starring Miles Jupp), two National Theatre transfers, twenty five national tours, five Olivier Award nominations, has won Offie Awards for Best New Play and Best Foodie Experience (two years running), a West End Wilma Achievement in Accessible Theatre award and won a Theatre of the Year award from The Stage.

If you are able to donate to the Park Life Fund please visit https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/support-us/park-life-fund. Your donation would be hugely appreciated.

Online Booking only at: https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/creative-learning

Box office enquiries:  [email protected]

THE NATIONAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES FURTHER

PROGRAMMING FOR NATIONAL THEATRE AT HOME

Including productions broadcast from the NT, 

Young Vic and Donmar Warehouse 

The National Theatre has today announced further productions that will be streamed live on YouTube every Thursday at 7PM BST via the National Theatre’s YouTube channel as part of National Theatre at Home; the new initiative to bring content to the public in their homes during the Coronavirus outbreak. The titles announced today include productions from partner theatres which were previously broadcast to cinemas by National Theatre Live.

On 14 May the NT will stream the never-before-seen archive recording of Inua Ellams’ smash-hit play Barber Shop Chronicles, a co-production with Fuel and Leeds Playhouse. Captured at the National Theatre in January 2018 during its second sold-out run at the Dorfman theatre, the production went on to tour internationally including performances at BAM in New York with a return to London’s Roundhouse last Summer. The play tells the interwoven tales of black men from across the globe who, for generations, have gathered in barber shops where the banter can be barbed and the truth is always telling. Directed by Bijan Sheibani the cast includes Fisayo Akinade, Hammed Animashaun, Cyril Nri and Sule Rimi. 

The 2014 NT Live broadcast of the Young Vic and Joshua Andrews co-production of the Tennessee Williamstimeless masterpiece A Streetcar Named Desire will be streamed on the 21 May. As Blanche’s fragile world crumbles, she turns to her sister Stella for solace – but her downward spiral brings her face to face with the brutal, unforgiving Stanley Kowalski. The cast includes Gillian Anderson as Blanche, Ben Foster as Stanley and Vanessa Kirby as Stella. The production, directed by Benedict Andrews, remains the fastest-selling production in Young Vic history. 

The National Theatre production of This House by James Graham (Quiz, West End and ITV) will be streamed on 28 May. Filmed live in 2013, This House is a timely, moving and funny insight into the workings of British politics.  It’s 1974, and Britain has a hung Parliament.  The corridors of Westminster ring with the sound of infighting and backstabbing as the political parties battle to change the future of the nation. Jeremy Herrin directs a cast including Phil Daniels, Reece Dinsdale, Charles Edwards and Vincent Franklin.

The Donmar Warehouse production of Coriolanus staged by former Artistic Director Josie Rourke will be streamed on the 4 June.  When an old adversary threatens Rome, the city calls once more on her hero and defender: Coriolanus. But he has enemies at home too. In one of the Donmar’s most popular ever productions, Tom Hiddlestonplays the title role in Shakespeare’s searing tragedy of political manipulation and revenge. Cast also includes Alfred Enoch, Deborah Findlay and Mark Gatiss. 

All productions will be free and screened live at 7.00PM BST and will then be available on demand for seven days.

The next National Theatre at Home Quiz will be available from 7pm on Monday 25 May, introduced by James Graham, and featuring Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter, Lucian Msamati, Meera Syal, Simon Callow, Tamsin Greig, and Jessie Buckley posing the questions on topics including Science and Nature, Literature and Theatre. The Quiz is available via the NT’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.

National Theatre at Home launched in April in response to theatre and cinema closures due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Over the past month, five productions have been streamed for free via YouTube to an audience of 8 million. With the closure of theatres set to continue for some time, the future of the industry for artists and organisations remains uncertain. The National Theatre has, in agreement with Equity, committed to pay all artists and creatives involved with productions streamed as part of National Theatre at Home. 

Lisa Burger, Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive said – “I’m delighted that in this next collection of titles to be streamed as part of National Theatre at Home we are including productions from our NT Live partner theatres. When we launched National Theatre at Home last month, we wanted to offer audiences the opportunity to engage with theatre during this time of isolation while we were unable to welcome them to the South Bank or into cinemas. This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the support of a great number of artists for which we are incredibly grateful. We have been absolutely thrilled by the response from viewers enjoying the productions from right across the globe, and we have also been surprised and delighted at the generous donations we’ve received since closure. Whilst the National Theatre continues to face a precarious financial future, we now feel able to make a payment to all artists involved, as we recognise a great many are also experiencing a particularly challenging time at this moment. While theatres across the world remain closed, we’re pleased that we can continue to bring the best of British theatre directly into people’s homes every Thursday evening.”

The National Theatre is currently closed to audiences and like theatres all around the world is facing a devastating impact from Coronavirus.  NATIONAL THEATRE AT HOME is free of charge but should viewers wish to make a donation to support the National Theatre, we have launched a public appeal on our home page: nationaltheatre.org.uk

Money donated via YouTube will be shared with the co-producing theatre organisations of each stream, including the Donmar Warehouse, Fuel, Leeds Playhouse and the Young Vic, helping to also support them through this period of closure and uncertainty.  

For more information on NATIONAL THEATRE AT HOME go to https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/at-home

VISIONARY HONOURS 2020 WINNERS ANNOUCEMENT

WINNERS OF THE UK’S FIRST AWARDS CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY IN THE ARTS

INCLUDE GEORGE THE POET, JESY NELSON, JUNO DAWSON & DAVE

Winners for the second annual Visionary Honours have been announced following a special virtual awards ceremony on Wednesday 6^th May. Celebrating a wide range of diverse and under-represented voices, the virtual awards ceremony was hosted by award-winning TV presenter Scarlette Douglas, featuring acceptances from Jesy Nelson, Ross Kemp and George The Poet. 

Launched in 2018 by the not-for-profit Visionary Arts Foundation, the awards shine a light on culture, media and entertainment that has inspired social change or debate. As well as rewarding deserving talent, the Visionary Honours aim to highlight the social impact their work has had and the inspiration it will provide for the next generation of creatives.

Winners across the nine categories included bestselling author, screenwriter and Stonewall UK School Role Model, Juno Dawson, who took home the Book of the Year award for curating Proud, an inspiring anthology of short stories by LGBTQ+ writers. Documentary of the Year was won by Little Mix star Jesy Nelson for Odd One Out (BBC Three), an intimate reflection on mental health and cyber bullying, whilst Song of the Year went to South London rapper Dave and producer Fraser T. Smith for Black, a powerful anthem addressing issues of racism and inequality in Britain today. 

Musical of the Year was scooped up by female led SIX, an uplifting re-telling of the lives of Henry VIII’s wives and Film of the Year went to Blue Story, a vital British crime drama written, directed, and narrated by Andrew Onwubolu through the medium of rap.

Other awards were given to spoken-word artist George The Poet (Influencer of the Year), broadcaster, campaigner and the BBC’s first Director of Creative Diversity June Sarpong (Most Inspiring Person of the Year), founder of innovate disability-led organisation ThisAbility Sulaiman Khan (Community Person of the Year) and TV personality Ross Kemp (Television Show of the Year), who was awarded for the Living With series, which delves into issues such as homelessness, knife crime and young carers.

FULL LIST OF VISIONARY HONOURS 2020 WINNERS:

BOOK OF THE YEAR

Proud – Juno Dawson

INFLUENCER/JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

George The Poet

SONG OF THE YEAR

Black – Dave/Fraser T. Smith

DOCUMENTARY OF THE YEAR

Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out

MUSICAL/PLAY OF THE YEAR

Six – Arts Theatre

TELEVISION SHOW OF THE YEAR

Ross Kemp Living With…

FILM OF THE YEAR

Blue Story

MOST INSPIRING PERSON OF THE YEAR

June Sarpong

COMMUNITY PERSON OF THE YEAR

Sulaiman Khan – ThisAbility

Award nominees and selections were made up of votes from the public and from a panel of industry judges, who themselves were chosen to reflect a wide range of voices. Judges included BAFTA and Olivier nominated writer Tom MacRae, author and diversity activist Nikesh Shukla, Sunday Times Bestselling author Emma Gannon, Poet, filmmaker, spoken word artist and founder of the Caramel Film Club Be Manzini, Arts, Culture & Entertainment Correspondent for BBC London News Brenda Emmanus, arts and culture journalist, editor, TV writer and award-nominated playwright Emily Jupp, Apple Music editor and former BBC6 Music producer Camilla Pia, Entertainment Director of Heat magazine Boyd Hilton and social impact entrepreneur Joanna Abeyie.

Focused on making the arts, media and entertainment industries more inclusive and accessible in the UK, the Visionary Arts Foundation helps to develop and launch the careers of young creatives from BAME, LGBTQ+, disabled and low income groups as well as anyone who feels their story is not being told in the mainstream. Founder of the awards, and Creator of the hit West End musical, ‘Thriller Live’, Adrian Grant commented:

“The Visionary Honours are not about awarding egos or fame. They are about recognising culture, media and entertainment that has created awareness of social issues and inspired change or debate. Through the Visionary Arts Foundation it is my goal to empower young creatives to produce work that can influence positive social change.”

The virtual awards ceremony premiered the video for the charity single You Raise Me Up by BRIT award winner and Grammy nominee Denise Pearson, in aid of NHS Charities Together. The song is a tribute to the NHS and Healthcare workers, doctors and nurses who have lost their lives due to COVID-19.Sales from the single (available via iTunes, Amazon and other platforms from the 6th May) will be donated to NHS Charities Together or you can donate directly here.

The virtual awards ceremony take place Wednesday 6 May at 8pm, streamed via visionaryhonours.com and Facebook Live.

For more details about the organisation visit www.visionaryarts.org.uk

Update for West End theatre audiences

Statement from the Society of London Theatre (SOLT)

London’s West End looks forward to welcoming audiences back into theatres as soon as performances can safely resume.  

To give our customers some clarity, we have been cancelling performances across the West End on a rolling basis, in line with the latest advice from the Government. 

We are now extending those cancellations until Sunday 28 June.

This does not mean theatres will reopen on 29 June; if further cancellations are necessary they will continue to be announced on a rolling basis. Different theatres and productions are likely to reopen at different times.

Ticketholders for affected performances do not need to do anything. They will be contacted by the organisation from which they bought their tickets to arrange a refund, credit note or exchange for a later date. 

We are grateful to customers for the patience they are showing during this challenging time for our industry. With 300,000 people visiting West End theatres in a normal week, it’s a major undertaking to process refunds, exchanges and credit notes, particularly when many staff are working remotely. Please rest assured that we are all working as quickly as we can and we appreciate the on-going support of our audiences. 

www.sundayinthepark.co.uk

T: @SundayWestEnd | I: @sundaywestend  | F: /SundayWestEnd

Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford in

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE

By Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine
Directed by Sarna Lapine

CELEBRATED PRODUCTION OF SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE WILL POSTPONE PERFORMANCES IN THE WEST END UNTIL NEXT YEAR.

STARRING ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE JAKE GYLLENHAAL AND TONY® AWARD WINNER ANNALEIGH ASHFORD, STEPHEN SONDHEIM AND JAMES LAPINE’S PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING MASTERPIECE  WILL RE-BOOK ITS SEASON AT THE SAVOY THEATRE, LONDON, WITH DETAILS TO BE CONFIRMED.

The highly anticipated West End season of Sunday in the Park with George, starring Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal and Tony® Award winner Annaleigh Ashford has postponed its season in the West End until further notice, following the temporary closure of theatreland this spring.

Presented by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Riva Marker and Jeanine Tesori in association with New York City Center, this celebrated production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Pulitzer-winning masterpiece, directed by Sarna Lapine will rebook performances at the Savoy Theatre, London next year, with specific dates and details to be confirmed in due course.

On Sunday 26th April Annaleigh Ashford and Jake Gyllenhaal took part in an all-star concert to celebrate the 90th birthday of Stephen Sondheim which was streamed live on Broadway.com. The concert also raised money for the arts charity, ASTEP (Artists Striving to End Poverty), which seeks to helps underserved communities in the US access the performing arts. It raised over 260,000 dollars and the concert received over 1 million views in just 24 hours.

Current ticket holders for the postponed 2020 engagement of Sunday In The Park With George will be contacted shortly by their ticket provider with regard to priority access to the future engagement.

The beautiful and transformative revival began at New York City Center, it then transferred for a sold-out limited season at Hudson Theater on Broadway where it was met with universal critical and public acclaim.

Sunday in the Park with George follows painter Georges Seurat (Jake Gyllenhaal) in the months leading up to the completion of his most famous painting – A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. Consumed by his need to “finish the hat”, Seurat alienates the French bourgeoisie, spurns his fellow artists, and neglects his lover Dot (Annaleigh Ashford), not realising that his actions will reverberate for the next 100 years.

Jake Gyllenhaal said: “We are, of course, disappointed to postpone our upcoming season, but know that safety is a top priority and science must lead the way. London’s West End is incredibly special to me, and it will be an absolute honour to return to the stage so we can eventually share Sunday In The Park With George with audiences in 2021.”

Annaleigh Ashford said: “As we all do our part to make the world a safe place for ourselves and our neighbours, it is with a heavy heart that this production of Sunday In The Park With George is postponed. I believe at the end of this storm, we will be together again in “our perfect park” on a beautiful Sunday. “

James Lapine & Stephen Sondheim write: “We are happy that despite having to postpone the imminent production of Sunday In The Park With George, London audiences will eventually get to see Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford reprising their wonderful performances alongside a terrific British company.” 

Sunday in the Park with George was originally produced on Broadway by Ambassador Theatre Group, Carole Shorenstein Hays, Caiola Productions, Jeffrey Finn, Jere Harris and Darren Deverna, J/K/R/S, Claire-Bridget Kenwright, LD Entertainment, Benjamin Lowy Productions, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Jeanine Tesori, Riva Marker, in association with New York City Center (Arlene Shuler, President & CEO), and Adam Speers – Executive Producer for ATG.

The 2017 Broadway Cast Recording featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford is available to buy, download and stream now.  https://lnk.to/SundayLondonPR

Martin Milnes records the audiobook of Wild Card –

 a lockdown morale-boosting memoir from Audible

Actor, Writer and Theatre Director Martin Milnes has recorded an audiobook of his memoir, Wild Card: How I Learned To Be A Friend, Have A Friend & Finally Love My Birthday (published by Zuleika), which is now available from Audible. 

The audiobook, which is narrated (and, occasionally, sung) by Martin Milnes, is produced by Guy Mott of Mushroom Studios. It follows the recent paperback publication of Wild Card, available from Amazon, major book retailers and independent bookshops.   

The coming-of-age memoir has proved a morale-boosting hit in current times. Writer and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth said: “Need cheering up during lockdown? Read Wild Card! You’re crying with laughter one moment, tears of emotion the next. And the themes could not be more timely.”

Actor Alistair McGowan said: “Ways to keep happy during social distancing: read Martin Milnes’ Wild Card! It’s so diverting, highly original and helped me sail me through the first week of lockdown with kindness and inspiration and generosity.”

Martin Milnes was born in the wrong era or at least that’s how it seemed. As a child he wore jazz-shoes to his junior school disco, expecting eight-year-olds to Mambo like the dancers in West Side Story … but childhood and school days were no Broadway musical. Birthdays, stingingly empty, held a horrific reminder that he possessed no talent for friendship. Yet once Martin emerged on stage, the jeering turned to cheering; the lonely void was filled by Hollywood stars of yesteryear, worshipped from afar.

When Martin’s world shattered, the stars were there for him; and this time in person. The last surviving veterans of a glamorous era extended their guiding hands. Centenarian swimming partners, D-Day hero drinking chums, and propositions from naughty nonagenarians became every-day normality and the wisdom, understanding and truths which they passed on completely transformed Martin’s life, outlook and spirit. At last, with their help, the Wild Card learned how to be a friend and realised what a birthday truly represents. Not to mention, along the way, coming to terms with something which perhaps he should have recognised long ago …

Wild Card combines a personal story of self-discovery with untold revelations of Golden Hollywood and Broadway. Virginia Campbell recalls admonishing Cecil B DeMille in front of hundreds of extras, and dancing withGene Kelly. 1940s star Peggy Cummins found Quentin Tarantino falling prostrate at her feet. Jean Bayless, the original West End ‘Maria’ in The Sound of Music, confides about fellow chorus-girl Audrey Hepburn and auditioning for Richard Rodgers. Meanwhile, Carry On legend Fenella Fielding retaliated to difficult co-stars with unusual weapons of vindication! In addition, Martin befriended veteran war heroes who saw action at Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and D-Day. Wing Commander Leonard Lambert even dated Marilyn Monroe!

Martin said: “I hope that Wild Card’s audiobook can help its universal themes reach an even wider audience. Since the paperback publication I’ve been moved to hear from readers of all generations who’ve said that they truly identify with the book’s key messages. I would love for Wild Card to speak, and provide hope, for everyone who’s felt as if they’ve never belonged; or needed time to discover their sexuality and accept themselves.”

Scotty Armstrong, a reader who discovered Wild Card via social media, confirmed the book to be cathartic:  “I cannot tell you how much of your story rings true to me. Though different journeys and ways of dealing with it, the underlying hurt and struggle is the same…Only moving into 2020 did I tell myself that I would be 100% my true self and those who wanted me would stick around. Your book is helping cement that idea even more.”

As musical theatre duo Ferris & Milnes, Martin has played Theatre Royal Drury Lane, New York’s Lincoln Center, Ambassadors Theatre and at West End LIVE. During the COVID-19 crisis, Ferris & Milnes united Dame Vera Lynn with West End stars in the morale-boosting video We’ll Meet Again. Martin directed the first professional revival of Gilbert & Sullivan’s final work The Grand Dukeand collaborates regularly with the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust. Also a lecturer in Musical Theatre and Film History, Martin’s Instagram ‘Story A Day’ about Broadway and Hollywood birthdays, anniversaries and anecdotes can be followed @martinmilnes.  

Chichester Festival Theatre cancels Festival 2020 productions

Chichester Festival Theatre announces today that due to the unpredictable ongoing nature of Covid-19, it has made the very difficult decision to cancel all scheduled Festival 2020 productions. The Theatre had been due to reopen in July with South Pacific and The Unfriend, both of which we intend to reschedule to 2021.

Kathy Bourne and Daniel Evans, Executive and Artistic Director respectively, said:

‘We are devastated that for the only time in Chichester Festival Theatre’s history, no Festival performances will take place this year. We had been hoping to be able to produce at least some Festival 2020 shows in the summer and autumn; but all the indications from government point to social distancing being in place for many months to come, as the country continues its vital fight against coronavirus while protecting the NHS. At this unprecedented time, with the full support of the Trustees, we feel this is the most responsible course of action we can take in order to ensure the future resilience of our organisation as well as protecting our staff, artists and audiences.

‘We are currently considering a revised shorter programme of work from Autumn 2020, including Pinocchio over the Christmas period, and are working on a new schedule for 2021 which we hope will include some of the planned Festival 2020 shows, in addition to South Pacific and The Unfriend. All ticket holders will be contacted by our Box Office with the option of exchanges, credits, refunds or donations in good time.

‘We are determined to stay connected to our audiences through our Learning, Education and Participation activities and online streaming, and to continue the initiatives we have implemented which support our community (such as our partnership with the Chichester Scrub Hub, lending our accommodation to the NHS and helping UK Harvest with food deliveries). We are immensely grateful to our supporters and sponsors who have stayed with us during this hugely challenging period; and to the many people who have sent us good wishes and donations. We are living for the moment we can reopen our doors, gather together and make some theatre.’

Sir William Castell, Chairman of the Theatre, added: ‘First of all, Chichester Festival Theatre is safe. This year we will concentrate on extending our virtual LEAP activities, supporting the community and, whenever we can, our carers, nurses and doctors. Our team is in good spirits. The Board of Trustees has been working alongside the Executive to arrive at these decisions; we fully support them and are proud of the entire Theatre team for rising to the challenge. They are absolutely focused on doing all we can to support our community through this ordeal. We will maintain our team for a full reopening with Festival 2021, as we approach our 59th year of being at the heart of the Chichester community.’