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FULL CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR

ROSE THEATRE KINGSTON’S MAJOR REVIVAL OF

STEPHEN JEFFREYS’ VALUED FRIENDS

Rose Theatre Kingston, The Original Theatre Company and Karl Sydow present

VALUED FRIENDS

Written by Stephen Jeffreys

Director: Michael Fentiman; Set Designer: Michael Taylor; Costume Designer: Madeleine Girling Lighting Designer: Nic Farman; Sound Designer: Richard Hammarton;Casting Director: Serena Hill

20 September – 12 October

Rose Theatre Kingston, The Original Theatre Company and Karl Sydow today announce the full cast and creative team for the first major revival of Stephen Jeffreys’ Valued Friends. Michael Fentiman directs Natalie Casey (Sherry), Ralph Davis (Scott), Sam Frenchum (Paul), Michael Marcus (Howard), Catrin Stewart (Marion) and Nicolas Tennant (Stewart).  The production opens at Rose Theatre Kingston on 26 September, with previews from 20 September, and runs until 12 October.

It’s 1980 London and change is happening. The city is ablaze with social, political and cultural upheaval and, in a basement flat in Earls Court, four friends in their mid-thirties are scrabbling to keep their heads above water.

Housemates for more than 10 years, Sherry is a hapless, quirky comedian; Paul, a keen music journalist; Marion, a straight-talking realist; and Howard, an earnest academic writing about the corruption of capitalism. The friends are thrown unexpectedly into a battle of nerves when a young, confident property developer offers them a substantial fee to vacate their home in West London.

Spurred on by the revolutions of their time, they quickly realise that they hold all the cards in this real-life game of Monopoly and over the course of three years, they manipulate a burgeoning property market one cup of tea at a time.

Jerry Gunn, Executive Producer of Rose Theatre Kingston, said today, “It is a joy to welcome such a magnificent, energetic company and we look forward to working with them on bringing Stephen Jeffreys’ breakthrough play back to the stage for the first time in 30 years. Jeffreys’ legacy to British theatre is remarkable, and his influence has been felt by so many new writers, we can’t wait to share Valued Friends with our audiences.”

Valued Friends is a compelling comedy drama set to the soundtrack of 1980s London and against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain. Stephen Jeffreys’ play was an instant classic when first performed at Hampstead Theatre in 1989. It won the Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright. 

Natalie Casey plays Sherry. Her previous theatre credits include Stepping Out (Vaudeville Theatre), Things I Know to be True (Lyric Hammersmith, UK tour), Sex and the Three Day Week (Liverpool Playhouse), Albion (Bush Theatre), 9 To 5 (UK tour), Abigail’s Party, The Invisible Man (Menier Chocolate Factory), Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre), Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival Theatre), Well (Apollo Theatre, Trafalgar Studios), The Flint Street Nativity (Playhouse Theatre), Hobson’s Choice (The Watermill Theatre) and Vagina Monologues (Palace Theatre). Her television credits as series regular include Donna in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Carol Groves in Hollyoaks. Other television credits include Kerry, Chopratown and Dave Shakespeare.

Ralph Davis plays Scott. His previous theatre credits include The Deep Blue Sea (Chichester Festival Theatre), Tamburlaine/ Timon of Athens (RSC), The Open House (Theatre Royal Bath, Print Room), and King Lear (Shakespeare’s Globe).

Sam Frenchum plays Paul. His theatre credits include There is a Field (Theatre503), The Outsider (Print Room), Love From A Stranger (Royal & Derngate Northampton), and Loot (Park Theatre). For film, his credits include Private Peaceful.

Michael Marcus plays Howard. His theatre credits include The Inheritance (Noël Coward Theatre, Young Vic), Two Gentlemen of Verona (RSC), Richard II (Donmar Warehouse), Jumpy (Royal Court Theatre) and Measure for Measure (Shakespeare’s Globe). His television credits include War of the Worlds, Siblings, Lucan, Ripper Street, The White Queen and Misfits. For film his credits include Their Finest, The Theory of Everything, The Physicianand The Invisible Woman.

Catrin Stewart plays Marion. Her theatre credits include 1984 (Almeida Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Theatr Clwyd), The Jew of Malta, Love’s Sacrifice (RSC), The Cherry Orchard (Young Vic), Mametz, The Devil Inside Him (National Theatre Wales), Longing (Hampstead Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (Headlong), Buried Child (Curve, Leicester), The Lady from the Sea (Royal Exchange Theatre) and The Duchess of Malfi (Shakespeare’s Globe). Her television credits include Bang, Doctor Who, Stella, Misfits, Satisfaction and Heart of Gold. For film, her credits include The Library Suicides, A Last Christmas for the Ant, Frail and Crusade in Jeans.

Nicolas Tennant plays Stewart. His theatre credits include Hamlet, As You Like It, All’s Well That Ends Well, The Duchess of Malfi (RSC), The Seagull (Lyric Hammersmith), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime (Apollo Theatre), The Alchemist (Liverpool Playhouse), Twelfth Night (UK tour), Three Kingdoms (Lyric Hammersmith), After Troy (Shaw Theatre, UK tour), Tiger Country (Hampstead Theatre), The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists (Liverpool Everyman, Chichester Festival Theatre), The Power of Yes (National Theatre), Roaring Trade, Pirhana Nights (Soho Theatre) and People at Sea (Salisbury Playhouse). His television credits include Peaky Blinders, Terry Pratchett’s The Colour of Magic, Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather and Residents; and for film, Denial, Breaking the Bank, What You Will, Sex Lives of the Potato Men, Oscar & Lucinda, Backbeat, The Fool, The Gift, and A Dangerous Man.

Michael Fentiman directs. His previous theatre credits include Amelie: The Musical (UK tour), The Taming of the Shrew (Sherman Theatre, Tron Theatre), The Importance of Being Earnest (Vaudeville Theatre), The Last Days of Anne Boleyn (Historic Royal Palaces, Tower of London), Loot (Park Theatre, Watermill Theatre), The Taming of the Shrew, Titus Andronicus, Ahasverus (RSC), Babe, the Sheep-Pig (Polka Theatre, UK tour), The War Has Not Yet Started (Drum Theatre Plymouth), Minotaur (Theatr  Clwyd, Polka Theatre), Raising Martha (Park Theatre), The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Kensington Palace Gardens, as Co-director with Rupert Goold), Crackers (Belgrade Coventry), Spoonface Steinberg (Theatr Clwyd, Glasgow Citizens, UK tour), East (UK tour), Ajax (Cyprus tour), The Comedy of Errors, Robin Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk (Cambridge Arts Theatre),Sweeney Todd (RAM, Theatre Royal Stratford East), and Made in Dagenham (Adelphi Theatre – as Associate Director to Rupert Goold).

Valued Friends                                                                                                                                                  Listings

Rose Theatre Kingston

24 – 26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL

Box Office: 020 8174 0090

https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/valued-friends

Friday 20 September – Saturday 12 October

Performance Schedule

Monday – Thursday & Saturday:                7.30pm (26 September at 7pm)

Thursday & Saturday matinees:                 2:30pm

Friday:                                                                  8pm

Tickets: from £15

Concessions available via Box Office

Adam Blanshay Productions Presents
The Birmingham Repertory Theatre Production of

WHAT’S IN A NAME? 
BY MATTHEW DELAPORTE & ALEXANDRE DE LA PATELLIÈRE
ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY JEREMY SAMS

• MEET THE FULL CAST FOR THE FEROCIOUS COMEDY, WHAT’S IN A NAME?, STARRING JOE THOMAS, BO PORAJ, LAURA PATCH, SUMMER STRALLEN AND ALEX GAUMOND
   
• THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION TOURS TO GUILDFORD, GLASGOW, YORK, AYLESBURY, CAMBRIDGE, WINDSOR, RICHMOND AND SOUTHAMPTON FROM 5 SEPTEMBER 2019
   

The first image featuring the cast of What’s In A Name? has been released today, before they hit the road this September in the new touring production of the international hit comedy. The witty and razor-sharp production, which opened to critical acclaim at the Birmingham REP in 2017, hilariously captures a particularly awkward family dinner party. The full cast of the comic masterpiece stars Joe Thomas (The Inbetweeners, Fresh Meat), Bo Poraj (Miranda, Musketeers), Laura Patch (Afterlife, Star Stories), Summer Strallen (Top Hat, Young Frankenstein) and Alex Gaumond (Company, Dirty Rotten Scoundrel, Matilda).

What’s In A Name? is adapted and directed by Jeremy Sams from the award-winning French film and stage sensation, Le Prènom, by Matthew Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière. The production will visit Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, from 5-14 September, before touring to Glasgow, York, Aylesbury, Cambridge, Windsor, Richmond and Southampton.

Father-to-be Vincent and his partner Anna are invited to dinner by his sister Elizabeth and her husband, Peter. They are joined by childhood friend Carl for a mature and sophisticated gathering.

The meal is lovingly prepared, and wine carefully selected. The friends are prepared for the usual humorous exchanges they’ve come to expect.

But tonight, a startling revelation about the name chosen for Vincent’s and Anna’s expected child becomes the catalyst for a destructive argument which spirals hysterically out of control. Tonight no one is holding back! Egos, childish resentment and unspoken feelings are relentlessly and hilariously exposed for the first time.

Playing Vincent is Joe Thomas, an actor and writer best known as Simon in the multi-award winning E4 show The Inbetweeners. Following the success of The Inbetweeners (and the two eponymous films that followed) Joe starred as Kingsley in all four series of Fresh Meat, and as George in Chickens, which he also co-wrote. Most recently Joe starred as Nick in the 2018 feature film The Festival and as Martin Lavender in the BBC2 sitcom White Gold. Joe has script development deals with Channel 4 and Fudge Park/BBC and was on the latest series of Dave’s Taskmaster.

Bo Poraj is playing Peter. He is perhaps most well-known for his role as Mike in the ever popular BBC comedy series Miranda. He played a regular role in Musketeers (BBC) and has been seen in The Thick Of It and Boomers (also BBC). On stage his most recent credits include Rasheeda Speaking (Trafalgar Studios 2, nominated for Best Supporting Male in a Play Award, Off-West End Theatre Awards), Gloria, Acceptance (Hampstead Theatre) and Blithe Spirit (Theatre Royal Bath, UK Tour, West End). Film credits include The Boat That Rocked.

The role of Elizabeth is played by Laura Patch, a comedy performer and actor known for playing various roles in Star Stories. Most recently Laura appeared in Ricky Gervais’ Netflix series Afterlife. Further television credits include A Brief History of Tim, New Tricks, Dol & Em, Youngers, Holby City, Starlings, Being Human and The IT Crowd, along with the web series Bad Mother. Film credits include Songbird alongside Cobie Smulders and Jessica Hynes.

Playing Anna is Olivier Award-nominated actress Summer Strallen. She most recently starred as Alice in Alexis Michalik’s Intra Muros at Park Theatre and she is best known for leading West End stage roles in Top Hat, The Sound of Music, Young Frankenstein, The Drowsy Chaperone, Guys and Dolls, The Boy Friend, Love Never Dies, Cats, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. On TV, her credits include Hollyoaks in which her character Summer Shaw auditioned for and won the role of Maria Von Trapp in The Sound of Music which Strallen went on to play on stage.

Carl is played by Alex Gaumond, who most recently received critical acclaim for his role as Paul in Marianne Elliott’s multi-Olivier® award-winning revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Company in the West End. Further stage credits include A Christmas Carol (Old Vic), Caroline, Or Change (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Trial of Jane Fonda (Park Theatre), Into the Woods (Manchester Royal Exchange), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Sweeney Todd (ENO) and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, RSC’s Matilda: The Musical, Top Hat and We Will Rock You (all West End). Film credits include The Hustle, My Dinner with Hervé and Hampstead.

Highly respected director Jeremy Sams has adapted and directed multiple celebrated productions. As a director his credits include Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (West End and World Tour), The Sound of Music (West End and Toronto), Noises Off (National Theatre, West End, UK Tour and Broadway) and Benefactors (UK Tour and West End). His credits as an adaptor include The Park (Royal Shakespeare Company), The Rehearsal (Almeida and West End), Beckett (West End) and Les Parents Terribles (National Theatre and Broadway).

The original play premiered in 2010 at the Théâtre Édouard VII in Paris, France, where the production received six Molière Award nominations and ran for over 300 performances. Matthew Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière then wrote the screenplay for the film (2011) which played to over 3.25 million people in France alone. It received widespread critical acclaim, and won several César awards from the French Academy of Cinema Arts and Techniques, along with the Grand Prix Hydro-Québec at the Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and the Radio Canada Audience Award at the Cinéfranco International Francophone Film Festival in Toronto. The Italian translation of the movie went on to receive several prestigious Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalist awards. The play has now been translated into over 22 languages, and has had incredible box office success around the world.

What’s In A Name? is written by Matthew Delaporte and Alexandre De La Patellière with adaptation, translation and direction by Jeremy Sams. Set will be designed by Francis O’Connorand lighting design is by Rick Fisher.

Listings Information

For tickets and more information please visit: whatsinanameplay.com/

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
5 – 14 September
01483 44 00 00 | www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/

Theatre Royal Glasgow
1 – 5 October
0844 871 7647* | www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow/

Grand Opera House York
8 – 12 October
0844 871 3024* | www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york/

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
22 – 26 October
0844 871 7607* | www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/

Cambridge Arts Theatre
28 October – 2 November
01223 503 333 | www.cambridgeartstheatre.com/

Theatre Royal Windsor
4 – 9 November
01753 853 888 | theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/

Richmond Theatre
12– 16 November
0844 871 7651* | www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/

Nuffield Southampton Theatre
19– 23 November
023 8067 1771 | www.nstheatres.co.uk/

*Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

CURVE ANNOUNCES CAST OF

WEST SIDE STORY

Adriana Ivelisse as Maria

Jamie Muscato as Tony

Carly Mercedes-Dyer as Anita

Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez as Bernardo

Ronan Burns as Riff

Directed by Nikolai Foster

New Choreography by Ellen Kane

Musical Supervisor Sarah Travis

AT CURVE, LEICESTER – 23 Nov 2019 – 11 Jan 2020

Casting has been announced for the Made at Curve production of West Side Story, running in Leicester this Christmas 23 Nov 2019 – 11 Jan 2020.

The musical will be directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, responsible for Curve’s recent hit productions of White Christmas (also at the Dominion Theatre, London), Grease (currently on tour in the UK) andScrooge, with new choreography from Ellen Kane (Cats, Universal/WorkingTitle film directed by Tom Hooper and Worldwide Associate Choreography on Matilda the Musical, RSC).

Adriana Ivelisse and Carly Mercedes-Dyer will play trailblazing women Maria and Anita, who arrive in the United States from Puerto Rico looking for a new life. Adriana, a Puerto Rican native and 2019 Spotlight Prize Finalist, will make her professional UK debut as Maria while Carly will play Anita, Maria’s closest friend.

Jamie Muscato (Bend it Like Beckham, Phoenix Theatre, Lazarus, Kings Cross Theatre, Heathers, Theatre Royal Haymarket and The Light Princess, National Theatre) will play Maria’s lover Tony.

Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) and Ronan Burns (Kiss Me Kate, Sheffield Crucible Theatre) will play rival gang leaders Bernardo and Riff.

Darren Bennett, who has appeared in numerous Made at Curve productions including Grease as Vince Fontaine(2016 and 2019 UK and Ireland tour), Scrooge the Musical (2017) as Mr Fezziwig and cover for Scrooge, will play Police Detective Lieutenant Schrank.

The cast also includes Ryan Anderson (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as A-Rab, Damian Buhagiar (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Chino, Thea Bunting (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Graziella, Alex Christian (Oklahoma!,Chichester Festival Theatre) as Baby John, Abigail Climer (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Consuelo, Isaac Gryn (Oklahoma!, Chichester Festival Theatre) as Action, Beth Hinton-Lever (Hadestown, National Theatre) as Anybodys, Katie Lee (Matilda, Royal Shakespeare Company) as Velma, Mireia Mambo (Evita, Regents Park Open Air Theatre) as Rosalia, Michael O’Reilly (Dirty Dancing, UK and Ireland tour) as Diesel, Dominic Sibanda (Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre) as Indio, Dale White (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Big Deal and Christopher Wright (The Ladykillers, Oldham Coliseum)as Officer Krupke and Doc.

Speaking about the cast, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“West side story really is one of the greatest musicals ever written theatre. To bring to life any piece of theatre you need an astonishing group of collaborators and we are proud to have assembled such a talented, imaginative and quintessentially 21st century group of actors, who will celebrate the heritage of this play, whilst rediscovering it for an entirely new generation. Adriana, Carly, Jamie, Jonathan and Ronan lead an outstanding company of actors, who all recognise how important the musical’s message of love and acceptance is in 2019.”

New York City, West Side, 1957. In the midst of gang rivalry and racial tensions, love at first sight strikes between Tony, a founding member of the White-American Jets and Maria, the sister of Bernardo, leader of the Puerto Rican Sharks. In the face of danger, the two young lovers continue to meet in secret – but the Jets and the Sharks have one last rumble to fight out.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet and with a timeless score including ‘Tonight’, ‘America’ and ‘I Feel Pretty’, West Side Story represents one of the greatest musicals of all time, filled with romance, charm, aggression and heartbreak.

West Side Story is based on a conception of Jerome Robbins, with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Tickets for West Side Story at Curve are available to book now. To find out more and purchase seats, visitwww.curveonline.co.uk, call Curve’s Box Office on 0116 242 3595 or visit the theatre in person.

Production Team

Director Nikolai Foster
Choreographer Ellen Kane

Set Designer Michael Taylor
Costume Designer Edd Lindley
Musical Supervisor Sarah Travis

Musical Director – George Dyer
Lighting Designer –Guy Hoare
Sound Designer – Tom Marshall
Casting Director Kay Magson CDG

WEST SIDE STORY

Based on a conception of JEROME ROBBINS

Book by ARTHUR LAURENTS  Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN

Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM

Entire Original Production Directed and Choreographed by

JEROME ROBBINS

Originally produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince

by arrangement with Roger L. Stevens

Performed by arrangement with

Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited

Hope Mill, Manchester – until 31 August 2019

Reviewed by Sally Hopper

4****

With a very intimate setting, the seating and stage lay out was something I personally had not seen before with two sets of audiences facing the stage from both sides. I believe it worked well, the actors engaged with the audience and involved members in jokes and even selfies as part of the story.

The first half of the show was hilariously funny, the characters following the general stereotypes you would see on shows such as Jerry Springer and Jeremy Kyle but all thought out and developed well. A few of my personal favourites were Emily Chesterton as “Baby Jane” and “Peaches” – she portrayed the two flawlessly, her voice beautifully powerful. Andrew Patrick-Walker as “Tremont” it takes some true bravery to step out in a skimpy glittery dress and huge platform go-go boots but he smashed it! Pulling off several death drops and still singing while doing so.

The second half was just as funny and just as expletive which I loved. However I felt I lost track of the story quite quickly, the two halves felt quite disconnected but just had the same characters in. Poor Steve the Security Guard played by Kai Jolley was left strapped to a table throughout the whole second half with seemingly no story as to why. However I thought the lighting on the stage during the second half was impressive especially during the fighting section between Satan and God, it emphasised the differences between the two.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Jerry Springer the Opera. It was non stop laughs, rude and explicit jokes and I was impressed with all performers. I would definitely go to see this show again and recommend it to friends to go see for themselves.

The Lowry, Manchester – until Sunday 1st September 2019

Reviewed by Julie Noller

5*****

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt…. Hands up if you read those words in your head, chanting! Over the years I have watched many teachers pull out the big story book written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, to enthral many a young pupil, encouraging them to join in the chants and actions. But for 50 minutes today I was that excited pupil. This isn’t just a show to keep children amused during the long drawn out school holidays but for us oldies too, parents and Grandparents thoroughly enjoyed themselves. This is a fantastic and fun 50 minutes of interaction between actors upon stage and audience. The set is splendidly simplistic yet perfect, the repetitive words and chants, we all join in with. There’s singing and music, light shows, water guns,paint fights in the guise of mud. It is in fact a sensory delight in a quiet and organised manor. It’s not frightening nor loud nor scary. If you’re 5 or 50 you will laugh at the silliness. How an earth do they manage to pack so much in to such a short time? Small chunks that’s how, keeping those with low concentration levels easily amused and entertained, don’t worry about children keeping quiet or even sitting still in their seats. This isn’t a sit still and watch show, it’s full of encouraging songs, mimes and claps.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is celebrating it’s 30th Anniversary of being published and 10 years since it’s first UK tour, Adapted and Directed by Sally Cookson along with Benji Bowlers musical score it delights. The set could very well be designed and made from things most of us either have tucked into the garage or in that rainy day craft box. Imagination is a powerful tool and for 50 minutes it’s thrown on stage in bucketfuls (not to be mistaken by the large buckets of water). Those who know the book well, the cast is indeed a small one of just four ( or perhaps 5 because we must count Bear himself) Hannah Donelon is Girl, Artie Godden as Boy, Tim Hibberd as Dad and Benjamin Hills as Dog who equally shows a great talent as musician playing many instruments.

For those looking for an enchanting day out that celebrates mischieviousness then look no further this is an absolute must see for summer fun. That fun doesn’t stop after 50 minutes but be prepared to head out of The Lowry Theatre and into the Lowry Outlet chanting ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt…. We’re not scared’ as you seek 11 bears each with their own fact to find. Show your findings to the Bear Hunt Team at the Information Desk to gain your very own certificate. Of course the big cuddly Bear our family find at the end of the story is not one of the Bears you will need to find; but don’t forget to take a few selfies in the Bear chair just by Pier 8.

Original songs from Sara Bareilles to be featured on

• ‘What’s Not Inside’ The Lost Songs from WAITRESS EP to be released on Friday 16 August
   
• Available for pre-order today
   
• New video of Broadway’s Jeremy Jordan performing ‘Without a Believer’ also released today. Available to watch here

The producers of Waitress are thrilled to announce the release of “What’s Not Inside: The Lost Songs from Waitress,” a new EP featuring outtakes and demos recorded by Sara Bareilles for the smash hit musical. Available for pre-order today, the 7 track EP (extended play) is set for release on download and streaming services this Friday 16th August. 

Track List:

1. Happy Enough
2. Door Number Three 
3. Knocked Up You
4. Without a Believer
5. I Can’t Wait 
6. Falling in Love Pie
7. She Used to Be Mine

To celebrate this new EP, Waitress is also releasing a special video performance of “Without A Believer,” featuring Jeremy Jordan, a recent Dr. Pomatter from the Broadway production.

Following its world premiere on Broadway in April 2016, the Tony-nominated musical celebrated its official opening night at London’s Adelphi Theatre on 7 March 2019 where it is currently booking until 4 January 2020.

Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams her way out of a loveless marriage. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness. 

Brought to life by a ground breaking, female-led creative team, Waitress features an original score by 7-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland) and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The production is also currently touring the US and Canada and has announced an Australian premiere in 2020 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre with further productions to open in Holland next year and Japan in 2021.

Waitress stars Kelly Agbowu, Laura Baldwin, Piers Bate, Andrew Boyer, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Michael Hamway, Peter Hannah, Blake Harrison, David Hunter, Lucie Jones,Stephen Leask, Chris McGuigan, Olivia Moore, Nathaniel Morrison, Sarah O’Connor, Leanne Pinder, Charlotte Riby, Marisha Wallace and Mark Willshire.

On its Broadway opening at the Brooks Atkinson Theater where it has since become the  longest running show in the venue’s history, Waitress was nominated for four Outer Critics’ Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical; two Drama League Award Nominations, including Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical; six Drama Desk Nominations, including Outstanding Musical; and four Tony Award Nominations, including Best Musical.

Waitress is also touring the US and Canada and has announced an Australian premiere in 2020 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre with further productions to open in Holland next year and Japan in 2021.

Kings Theatre, Glasgow – until Saturday 17 August 2019

Reviewed by Siobhan Wilson

5*****

“I see you shiver with antici…pation” waiting to read this review.

Brad and Janet’s car gets a flat tire. They go looking for help where they happen upon a castle. Their request to use the phone goes unanswered and the fun begins. They get sucked into a party of debauchery where things are not as they seem. Despite their pleasurable stay things take a darker turn in the conclusion.

“It’s astounding…” that I cannot give this a higher rating as 5 stars just does not seem enough. The cast go full pelt from the Usherette (Laura Harrison) sucking you in with the Science Fiction/Double Feature to the encore where the whole audience were on their feet for a standing ovation just ready to break into dance for the Time Warp Reprise.

“Time is Fleeting…” when you are in the Time Warp that is The Rocky Horror Show. They say that time flies when you are having fun. Well, this is the quickest most enjoyable 2 hours of my year to date (and I got married this year)!

“Madness takes it’s toll…” when you have a theatre full of die-hard fans. Rocky Horror Virgins may be taken aback by the continual cajoling and out bursts of ‘Arsehole’ and ‘Slut’ but The Narrator (Philip Franks) ability to ad lib, tease and personalise the performance to the city he is in is testament as to why he has taken up the role again having previously toured with the 40th anniversary.

“The sweet transvestite” Frank N Furter (Duncan James) struts around impeccable in a pair of heels and suspenders holding your attention whilst managing to control his voice flawlessly. I even over heard someone, on leaving the theatre, state that “he was the best Frank N Furter he had seen on stage to date” and I would be hard pushed to disagree with such a statement.

Whilst I could mention each of the cast members in turn and say how great they were, I won’t. I will just say that the fact that nobody was over shadowed and all held their own in a very demanding stage shows just how astounding each and every person casted is. The sell out audience turning out on a school night in their fancy dress shows that Richard O’Brien’s cult classic is still a roaring success.

Be you a Rocky Horror Virgin or a Seasoned heckler, this is a must see!

‘THE RIOT CLUB’ SATIRE POSH STARRING TYGER DREW-HONEY ANNOUNCES FULL CASTING FOR UK TOUR

Joe Prentice Productions presents

TYGER DREW-HONEY in

POSH

BY LAURA WADE

UK TOUR: 3 SEP – 26 OCT 2019

Posh, the critically acclaimed dark comedy from Olivier Award winning writer Laura Wade, today announces full casting for its 2019 UK tour. Tyger Drew-Honey (TV’s Outnumbered) who makes his stage debut in the role of ‘Alistair Ryle’, leads a cast of 14: Ollie Appleby as ‘Hugo Fraser-Tyrwhitt’, Chris Born as ‘James Leighton-Masters’, Matthew Entwistle as ‘Toby Maitland’, Isobel Laidler as ‘Rachel’, Jamie Littlewood as ‘Dimitri Mitropoulos’, Peter McNeil O’Connor as ‘Chris’, Taylor Mee as ‘Ed Montgomery’, Adam Mirsky as ‘Guy Bellingfield’, Ellie Nunn as ‘Charlie’, George Prentice as ‘Miles Richards’, Simon Rhodes as ‘Jeremy’, Joseph Tyler Todd as ‘George Balfour’, Jack Whittle as ‘Harry Villiers’, with understudies Andy Owens and Louis Palmer. 

Heading out on a five-week UK tour, Posh opens at Oxford Playhouse on Tuesday 3 September and will tour to Cambridge Arts Theatre, Theatre Royal Bath, Rose Theatre Kingston and Theatr Clwyd, Mold until 26 October 2019. ‘One of the best plays of the decade’ Daily Telegraph

As Downing Street welcomes the new Prime Minister, this first ever UK tour of Wade’s biting satire is as topical and relevant as ever. Turning the spotlight on the privileged elite, Posh charts a night of debauchery, indulgence and violence as members of ‘The Riot Club’, a private gentleman’s dining society, explore their innermost hatreds of the working classes. First staged at the Royal Court Theatre in London during the 2010 general election, the play’s punchy dark humour and provocative political themes struck a chord with audiences and proved both a critical and sell-out success. The production soon transferred to the West End in May 2012, where it ran for twelve weeks at the Duke of York’s Theatre. In 2014, Posh saw global fame with its big screen incarnation, The Riot Club, starring Max Irons, Sam Claflin, Natalie Dormer and Tom Hollander. 

Playwright Laura Wade said: ‘Power, privilege and entitlement are as much in the news now as they were when Posh was first performed, so it feels like a good time to bring the boys back to the table…’ 

Oxford’s prestigious and red-blooded Riot Club are back, but this time on one condition. They must behave. Keep it out of the Daily Mail. Preserve the reputation of the club. After the mishaps of this exclusive Oxford group at their last dinner, their President has promised its ex-members not to bring the club back into public disrepute. At a tough political time, the reputation of the PM cannot be tarnished. As the booze flows and the mood turns sour, will the brotherhood prevail or will the lawyers of those with the deepest pockets preserve these bright young men’s futures?

Tyger Drew-Honey is most notable for his role as ‘Jake’ in the multi award-winning BBC sitcom Outnumbered, his series of topical and daring BBC documentaries Tyger Takes On, and as Dylan in BBC sitcom Cuckoo. Other TV credits include: Scream Street, Citizen Khan, Death in Paradise, Midsomer Murders, The Ministry of Curious Stuff, Threesome, Armstrong and Miller, The Large Family, and Doctors. His film credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Friday Download – Up All Night and Horrid Henry. He has also recently finished filming as Jon Craven on feature film, Me, Myself, and Di. Tyger makes his stage debut in Posh playing Alistair Ryle, the toff with a chip on his shoulder.

Laura Wade is a multi award-winning playwright and screenwriter. Her most recent West End play, Home, I’m Darling won the 2019 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play premiered at Theatr Clwyd in 2018 before transferring to the National Theatre followed by the Duke of York’s and a national tour. Her stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s unfinished novel The Watsons directed by Samuel West premiered at Chichester Festival Theatre in November 2018 and has announced its West End transfer to the Menier Chocolate Factory this autumn, from 20 September to 16 November 2019. Other work includes: the stage adaptation of Sarah Waters’ Tipping The Velvet (Lyric Hammersmith & Royal Lyceum Edinburgh); Posh (Royal Court Theatre and Duke of York’s Theatre); Kreutzer vs Kreutzer (Sydney Opera House and Australian Tour); Alice (Sheffield Theatres), Olivier award nominated plays Colder Than Here (Soho Theatre & New York MCC Theater) and Breathing Corpses (Royal Court Theatre); Other Hands (Soho Theatre); and Young Emma (Finborough Theatre). In 2006 she won the Pearson Most Promising Playwright Award. Her screenplay The Riot Club, an adaptation of her 2010 stage play Posh, premiered at Toronto International Film Festival 2014. Laura is currently under commission to the Royal Court, Hampstead Theatre and The Lyric, Hammersmith. 

Posh is written by Laura Wade, Directed by Lucy Hughes, with Set & Costume Design by Will Coombs, Lighting Design by Charlie Morgan Jones, Sound Design by Domenico Menghini. Posh is produced by Joe Prentice Productions. 

Full Tour Listings:
POSHBy Laura Wade

UK TOUR 2019
OXFORD PlayhouseBeaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LWTue 3 – Sat 7 Sep  Eves: Tue – Thu & Sat 7.30pm, Fri 7pm; Mats: Thu & Sat 2.30pm  Box Office: 01865 305301 | oxfordplayhouse.com
CAMBRIDGE Arts Theatre 6 St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PJTue 17 – Sat 21 Sep  Eves: Tue – Sat 7.45pm; Mats: Thu & Sat 2.30pm  Box Office: 01223 503333 | cambridgeartstheatre.com
BATH Theatre RoyalSawclose, Bath BA1 1ETMon 23 – Sat 28 Sep  Eves: Mon – Sat 7.30pm; Mats: Wed & Sat 2.30pm  Box Office: 01225 448844 | theatreroyal.org.uk
KINGSTON Rose Theatre High St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HLTue 15 – Sat 19 Oct  Eves: Tue – Thu & Sat 7.30pm, Fri 8pm; Mats: Thu & Sat 2.30pm  Box Office: 020 8174 0090 | rosetheatrekingston.orgMOLD Theatr ClwydMold, Flintshire CH7 1YAWed 23 – Sat 26 Oct  Eves: Wed – Sat 7.30pm; Mat: Sat 2.30pm  Box Office: 01352 701521 | theatrclwyd.com
Age guideline 14+. Contains strong language and mature themes

JOEL MONTAGUE JOINS THE CAST IN THE UK PREMIERE OF

TAKING OVER FROM MATT CARDLE IN THE ROLE OF MENDEL

IN TARA OVERFIELD-WILKINSON’S PRODUCTION

OF THIS GROUNDBREAKING & MULTI AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL BY WILLIAM FINN & JAMES LAPINE

Due to unforeseen scheduling complications, Matt Cardle has sadly had to withdraw from the upcoming UK premiere of Falsettos at The Other Palace.

Celebrated West End musical theatre performer, Joel Montague (Kiss Me Kate/Fat Friends/School Of Rock/Funny Girl/Urinetown), will be stepping in to replace Matt in the role of Mendel.

The hotly anticipated UK premiere of Falsettos, the Tony Award winning musical by William Finn(Music, Lyrics & Book) and James Lapine (Book), will open as previously plannedfrom 30 August – 23 November for a strictly limited season.

Matt Cardle, said, “I am truly sorry that circumstances beyond our control have led to my departure from Falsettos. It has been such a hard decision for us to make, as I know Tara Overfield-Wilkinson is going to deliver the most incredible show. It’s a complex and exciting show and I can’t wait to watch the world-class cast bring this to life at The Other Palace and urge anyone who hasn’t yet bought tickets to do so before the run sells out. I for one won’t miss the chance to watch it.”

Tara Overfield-Wilkinson, Director, said, “On behalf of myself and the entire company we want to wish Matt all the love and support he needs for having made such a difficult decision to step away from Falsettos. I understand and respect his gruelling schedule and I hope to work with him again in the future.”

David Hutchinson, Selladoor Worldwide CEO, said, “We are gutted to be losing Matt from our tight knit family. Matt’s schedule between performing each evening, and rehearsing for this beautiful but demanding show – has taken its toll, and we’re sorry he can’t continue on this journey. We are, however, very lucky that Joel Montague has agreed to step into the role, and are so excited for what he will bring to Falsettos. He is a welcome addition to our company, who are working hard to bring together what I believe will be a very special show indeed.”

Joel Montague joins the previously announced Natasha J Barnes (Cordelia), Daniel Boys (Marvin),Gemma Knight-Jones (Charlotte), Laura Pitt-Pulford (Trina), Oliver Savile (Whizzer), Albert Atack,George Kennedy, Elliot Morris and James Williams (Jason) and Matthew Mckenna (Understudy) andNatasha O’Brien (Understudy).

Love can tell a million stories.

The double Tony Award-Winning Falsettos is a hilarious and poignant look at a modern family revolving around the life of a gay man Marvin, his wife, his lover, his soon to be bar mitzvahed son, their psychiatrist, and their lesbian neighbours.

Originally created under the spectre of the AIDS crisis, this groundbreaking musical about family dynamics manages to remain buoyant and satirically perceptive even as it moves towards its heartbreaking conclusion.

The production is directed and choreographed by Tara Overfield-Wilkinson, with designs by PJ McEvoy, lighting by Nic Farman, sound by Chris Whybrow, musical direction by Richard John, musical supervision by Mark Crossland and is produced by Selladoor Worldwide.

Darlington Hippodrome – until 17 August 2019

4****
Entering the theatre you are greeted with the sight of Patrick Connellans glorious set.  The musty dusty academics office, filled with shelves upon shelves of books – some of which are hiding bottles of scotch.  It is such a visual representation that it immediately draws you in and transports you to 1980’s Liverpool.

University Tutor Frank (Stephen Tompkinson) has taken on extra work from the Open University to help fund his alcohol habit.  His first student is hairdresser Rita (Jessica Johnson). Really called Susan, she has changed her name to the more “glamorous” Rita.  She wants to find herself before settling down to motherhood despite her husbands opposition to her learning.

Despite his obvious dissatisfaction with the situation, Frank agrees to teach Rita the classics and aid her in passing the exams, mainly because of her insatiable appetite to learn and her unconventional personality.  Although their friendship blossoms initially, Frank becomes jealous of his protégé’s new found friends and lifestyle which he decreasingly has control over. He is left in solitude rueing life’s mistakes, while Rita dazzles with her intellect.  What starts out as Frank the tutor and Rita the student, it becomes obvious that Rita is teaching Frank as much about life as he is teaching her about literature

Tompkinson gives a solid and committed performance as Frank, his portrayal of the often inebriated professor is well executed as he swings through states of subdued, melancholic thought to irate, persistent lecturing. He plays the role with an individuality which the softer and more intimate scenes require. Johnson’s Rita is colourful and comic; in her first meeting with Frank she confuses Yeats the poet with the Yates pub chain and whose solution to the challenge of staging Peer Gynt is to put it on the radio instead. Her ability to deliver Rita’s lines with genuine and unabashed honesty makes the character instantly likeable and instantly relatable.  Undoubtedly, in a two-player performance such as Educating Rita, the chemistry between actors should sustain the play and audience and this does.

Willy Russel knows how to write strong women, be it Shirley Valentine, Mrs Johnston from Blood Brothers or Rita.  All of them searching for happiness, with high hopes and ambition. Educating Rita has barely dated and is laugh out loud funny whilst providing social commentary on the class system. The central premise – that an education allows one to have choices in life – is as relevant now as it was in 1980.