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Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – 23 February 2020

Reviewed by Annie Hughes

3***

The well-loved musical concert, Beyond the Barricade, arrived in Aylesbury Waterside Theatre for one night only on Sunday 23rd February as part of its 21st Anniversary Tour. The show consists of four past principal performers from Les Miserables who come together to create an almost Juke Box experience of some of the biggest West End/Broadway musical hits.

It does not take long to understand how this two-hour musical medley has delighted audiences across the world for twenty-one years now. It is a real pleasure to see these four talented singers – David Fawcett, Andy Reiss, Poppy Tierney and Judie Beth Meyer – show-casing their talent and demonstrating why they had such talented careers.

The show is very well curated, with all the songs carefully arranged in an order that takes the audience on a real musical journey. The concert appropriately opens with a rendition of Queen’s “The Show Must Go On” from We Will Rock You, before whisking you into the world of Miss Saigon, Carousel, Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King and of course the jewel in the crown, Les Misérables. The powerhouse numbers like “The Phantom of the Opera” are well followed with lighter musical interludes such as a compilation of “Children’s” songs from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mary Poppins. I particularly loved David Fawcett’s acknowledgment of the more recent musicals such as Hamilton that have graced the West End and Broadway. The quartet’s rendition of the opening song from the new musical Come From Away by David Hein and Irene Sankoff was a particular favourite of mine as a refreshing surprise!

However, it is precisely for that reason that I have given the show 3 stars. Personally, throughout the show, I felt myself craving to watch the musicals themselves from which the talented quartet were singing such as Come From Away and The Lion King. As a musical lover myself, whilst I appreciated the undeniable talent of the four singers, I missed the running thread of story-line accompanied with set and costume that you would have enjoyed in a classical musical and felt it could not compare to that.

That said, Beyond the Barricade never pretends to package itself as a musical but very much a musical concert celebrating the journey of the 20th century musical in to the 21st. It is not a story in its own right but a love letter to the genre of musical theatre and if you love the songs from the musicals mentioned above, you will have a very enjoyable night at Beyond the Barricade as I did.

Park Theatre, London – until 21 March 2020

Reviewed by Donna Easton

3***

Having seen the musical (twice) and being a fan of the French and American movie versions, I was thrilled learn there was a play and excited to see a story I love in this format. I was indeed surprised that the original French script hadn’t been adapted for a British audience until now and was filled with anticipation when I found out that the adaptation had been crafted by the incredible Simon Callow. As set ups go, this one was promising!

Entering the theatre was a joy, the staging immerses us into a gloriously flamboyant apartment and the intimate setting of the Park Theatre is perfectly designed to bring the audience into the room. In fact, the actors asides to the audience and at times sitting among us, made us much more part of the action than our proximity to the stage alone.

The first half of the play lived up to all of my expectations.

Michael Matus’ George was a delight to watch on stage. A lovely mix of tender, exasperated, panicked but above all real. His performance was perfectly balanced and he provided a strong characterful constant throughout the piece.

Paul Hunter’s Albin too was a joy. The drama, the theatrics, the devotion and the faded star vibe were wonderful to watch. A brilliant character performance that was at times hilarious yet heart-breaking as we see the character’s conflict in staying authentic or doing the honourable thing.

A highlight for me was Syrus Lowe’s Jacob. The outrageous ‘maid’ is beautifully written and brilliantly played and I must mention the glittering array of fabulous outfits…and not the kind of outfits one would usually wear in this line of work!

The son, Arthur Hughes and his fiancé Georgina Ambrey have the difficult roles of the ‘straight men’ of the piece and I am afraid I felt that Arthur’s Laurent lacked depth of character.

I must admit the second half wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. The balance tipped a little too far into farce for my liking and didn’t provide me with the laughs of the first. Georgina’s parents played by Louise Bangay and Simon Hepworth were slightly disappointing and the sudden movement from abject horror of their daughter’s choice of in-laws to donning Charleston dresses seemed clunky.

The play is a great version of this story but I think my longing for performance was desperate for a little glimpse into the club. I know the whole point was that we only imagine it but my fear of missing out was getting a little frustrated sitting up in the apartment when I knew there was a party going on downstairs!

All in all, it was a great night out at the theatre. My friend and I enjoyed it and I would recommend it.

ALEX JENNINGS TO LEAD THE CAST IN THE

WORLD PREMIERE OF STEPHEN BERESFORD’S

T H E   S O U T H B U R Y   C H I L D

DIRECTED BY NICHOLAS HYTNER

Alex Jennings will lead the cast in the world premiere of Stephen Beresford’s The Southbury Child directed by Nicholas Hytner at the Bridge Theatre.Designs are by Mark Thompson with sound by George Dennis and lighting by Max Narula.  Further casting will be announced shortly.

Previewing from 22 April, with opening night on 29 April and running to 27 June, booking opens today for Bridge priority members with booking for advance members from 27 February.  Public booking opens at 10am on 28 February 2020.  

Raffish, urbane and frequently drunk, David Highland has kept a grip on his remote coastal parish through a combination of disordered charm and high-handed determination. But when his faith impels him to take a hard line with a bereaved parishioner, he finds himself dangerously isolated from public opinion. As his own family begins to fracture and his marriage falls apart, David must face a future that threatens to extinguish not only his position in the town, but everything he stands for.

Stephen Beresford’s darkly comic new play is an exploration of family and community, the savage divisions of contemporary society and the rituals that punctuate our lives.

Alex Jennings will make his Bridge Theatre debut in The Southbury Child reuniting him with Nicholas Hytner who has previously directed him in Hymn and Cocktail Sticks, Collaborators, The Habit of Art, The Alchemist, The Winter’s Tale and The Importance of Being Earnest amongst others.  He was last on stage in Hansard at the National Theatre where he has worked extensively as well as at the Royal Shakespeare Company.  During his theatre career, he has been the recipient of three Olivier awards.  His many screen credits include Prince Charles in The Queen, Alan Bennett in The Lady in the Van alongside Maggie Smith and directed by Hytner, the Duke of Windsor in The Crown and Stephen Friers’ A Very English Scandal.

Stephen Beresford’s writing credits includes The Last of the Haussmans for the National Theatre, an adaptation of Bergman’s Fanny & Alexander for The Old Vic and the BAFTA winning film Pride.

Nicholas Hytner co-founded the London Theatre Company with Nick Starr.  He was Director of the National Theatre from 2003 to 2015 where the productions he directed included The History Boys, Hamlet, One Man, Two Guvnors, and Othello.  His films include The Madness of George III, The Lady in the Van and The History Boys.  Hisbook Balancing Acts is published by Jonathan Cape.

For the Bridge, Hytner has directed Young Marx, Julius Caesar, Allelujah!, Alys, Always, A Midsummer Night’s Dreamand Two Ladies.  In July this year, also at the Bridge, he will directPhilip Pullman’s The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage in Bryony Lavery’s new stage adaptation and in February 2021 he will direct Simon Russell Beale in Ibsen’s John Gabriel Borkman in a new version by Lucinda Coxon.

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE PRESENTS

#FROMTHEFRINGE

OUR CURATED SEASON OF FRINGE PREVIEWS AND PICKS RETURNS FOR A SECOND YEAR.
3-27 JUNE 2020

Introducing… our #FromTheFringe season 2020. Throughout June, our studio will play host to 20 wildly different and exciting shows, many of which have never been seen before. Having been hand selected from the very best submissions, these include a range of electrifying theatre-makers, intelligible children’s shows and absolutely hilarious stand-up and sketch comedies.

Allowing South West London to experience the boundless creativity and level of artistic expression prevalent within the fringe community. Ultimately offering an intimate and affordable environment for both performers and theatre-goers alike to try something new. You might find a new favourite style or artist by taking a risk on something different, whilst a performer gets the chance to develop their work drawing from what you, the audience react to and enjoy. Just as we get to help nurture these artists, it’s all a fair trade off!

So catch theses 20 different pieces before they depart to various fringe festivals across the world, or as they return after huge success and critical acclaim.

But we are forgetting the most exciting part, see more, save more! The more shows you choose to see, the more you save overall! Our Season Saver rate allows you, in the same ticket order, to choose two different shows and get £2 off each ticket, yet if you choose three of more different shows you get a whopping £3 off per ticket. In most cases that’s a saving of 20 -30% on ticket price.

For an inexpensive ticket price with multi-buy offers available, you can afford to experiment and find a new favourite artist or style, all whilst enjoying an ice cold beer from Wimbledon Brewery, the official Beer of #FromTheFringe.

This season will see the return of local favourites, comedy troupe Bad Clowns and Simon Brodkin, the comedic genius behind Lee Nelson. Children will be delighted by The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen and Around the World with Nellie Bly. Whilst you can catch comedians Steff Todd, Dan Antopolski and Simon Caine to name a few.

Steff Todd: Work in Progress – 3rd June 19:45 Stand-Up Comedy
Comedian, impressionist and viral internet sensation Steff Todd presents a work in progress hour of her brand new show! Expect hilarious stand up, razor sharp one-liners and amazing celebrity impressions.

Comedy Round Mine – 4th June 19:45 Stand-Up Comedy
A #FromTheFringe special featuring Edinburgh Fringe’s Best Comedians! Comedy Round Mine brings the laughs home to you! This intimate and friendly comedy club started in the living room of renowned comic Carly Smallman.

Bad Clowns Comedy: Cult Classic – 5th June 19:45 Sketch Comedy
An interactive experience in which the audience finds themselves in the hands of three faces of a demonic cult. With rituals, sacrifice and laughs aplenty, the Bad Clowns hope to either save or eternally damn your souls. Do you dare to join?

Why I am an Avocado – 9th June 19:45 Theatre
A semi-interactive performance with fragments of queer narratives, characters and confessions tying together with the question we all ask: what makes me an avocado?

Simon Brodkin: Work In Progress – 10th June 19:45 Stand-Up Comedy International prankster and creator of Lee Nelson, Simon Brodkin returns to From The Fringe Wimbledon after a smash-hit 50 date nationwide tour, following a critically acclaimed, “hilarious” (The Scotsman), sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Fraudian Slip (working title) – 11th June 19:45 Sketch Comedy
Ever feel like you don’t fit in? That you are the odd one one? Well, you aren’t, we ALL feel that way. Imposter syndrome is real! Join Bristolian stand up Jaleelah Galbraith and listen to stories from her authentic fraudulent life.

Boy’s Cry – 12th June 19:45 Theatre
When Mark is mugged on the way to college, his reality is shattered. This life-changing event forces him to confront some of his deepest issues. Boys Cry explores self-image, maturity, life after trauma and definitions of manhood.

Dog/Actor – 13th June 19:45 Theatre
Two explosive and comedic short plays written by Steven Berkoff, performed back-toback by the same one actor. A masterclass in physical theatre and comedic storytelling, promising a thrilling theatrical experience.

The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen – 14th June 12:00 & 15:00 Children’s Theatre
A family friendly, improvised storytelling show. Winner of “Best Children’s Show on the Fringe” in Manchester last year the show features award winning comedians who are challenged by one another to invent outrageously exaggerated swashbuckling stories.

Dan Antopolski: Telemachus Weeps – 15th June 19:45 Stand-Up Comedy
A stand-up comedy show like all others but 15-20% less terrible.

Love You and Leave You (Dead) – 16th June 19:45 Theatre
What happens when love overlaps into ownership? When desire warps into obsession? How can pure, unconditional love be the most painful force imaginable? A dark comedy about modern relationships and obsessive love.

Simon Caine: Every Room Becomes a Panic Room When You Overthink Enough – 17th June 19:45 Stand-Up Comedy
Simon Caine is an award-winning comedian, podcaster and writer from London. Are you an over thinker? Then this might be the show for you. Simon Caine’s 5 star 4th solo show.

Impromptu Shakespeare – 19th June 19:45 Theatre
Buckling on the bard’s britches to improvise the plays he never wrote. Bursting with love, poetry, comedy, tragedy, mistaken identity and everything in-between, an entirely new and unique Shakespeare play inspired by audience suggestions.

Around The World With Nellie Bly – 20th June 12:00 & 15:00 Children’s Theatre
The year is 1889 and intrepid journalist Nellie Bly is about to embark on her biggest adventure yet: racing around the world to beat Jules Verne’s famous fictional hero, Phileas Fogg.

Wendy Wason: Actual Human Female – 22nd June 19:45 Stand-Up Comedy
Wendy Wason is an actual human female. With a husband and three children she deals with all this entails on a daily basis. From jealousy to judgement, feminism to fear and health to humiliation

Viva!!! – 23rd June 19:45 Theatre
Viva is a story of betrayal between two old friends who forget what’s important in life…. wrestling and tacos. Sometimes when the strongest bonds snap the only way forward is to serve a bowl of cold, hard revenge.

Tamilore and the Two Skins – 24th June 19:45 Theatre
We meet Tamilore the girl who was born with two skins in the new global centre for high technology and innovation- Oorun Keji in the city of Meji in Southern Nigeria.

Maureen Younger: Out of Sync – 25th June 19:45 Stand-Up Comedy
Growing up in a de facto Scottish enclave in north London; Maureen Younger was not just the only Scottish girl at school, she was about the only white girl too. As a result, Maureen has always felt out of sync with the rest of the world.

Philip Simon: Who’s the Daddy Pig? – 26th June 19:45 Stand-Up Comedy
Having played Daddy Pig in Peppa Pig, award winning comedian Philip Simon looks at the challenges of life and the parenting of young swine (sorry, kids), through the mind-set of the grumpy, overweight, hapless but loving dad of Peppa and George.

The Boys – 24th June 19:45 Theatre
Friends. Housemates. Lads. ‘THE BOYS’ are just trying to make their way in the world or at the very least – London. Three millennials make a desperate attempt to keep their heads afloat with a drastic career change. “We should become escorts.”

SHEFFIELD THEATRES ANNOUNCE NEW SHOWS FOR 2020

Today, Sheffield Theatres announces its new season of shows for 2020 – including a revival of Victoria Wood’s debut play, first produced at Sheffield Theatres over 40 years ago, a riotous World Premiere, a powerful Regional Premiere and the return of its smash-hit musical, Standing at the Sky’s Edge.

First in the Crucible is Talent – originally commissioned for the Crucible Studio 42 years ago, Victoria Wood’s debut play will be directed by Paul Foster (Curtains, West End and UK Tour, Kiss Me, Kate, Sheffield Crucible). It’s 1978, Bunters Club is hosting its Friday Talent Night – the acts on the bill hope that it’s a stepping stone to New Faces or Opportunity Knocks. 24-year-old Julie dreams of stardom, escape from her dead-end job and the chance to leave the drudgery of living at home with her mother. Her less worldly-wise friend Maureen has come along to offer support. Full of Victoria Wood’s unmatched wit and observation, Talent runs from Friday 26 June – Saturday 18 July. Talent will replace the previously announced Oscar and the Pink Lady – which is being postponed to allow for further development before it plays on the Crucible stage.

Kicking off the Autumn season, comes Escaped Alone by Caryl Churchill in the Studio. Three old friends and an unexpected neighbour chat in a garden about their everyday lives.  But what more has happened to each of them, and what catastrophes has the neighbour seen? Showing us the power of humour and humanity in the face of disaster, it’s directed by Caroline Stenbeis (Love and Information) and is in the Studio from Friday 11 – Saturday 26 September.

Then in the Studio is the World Premiere of Typical Girls, a co-production with Soho Theatre and Clean Break. In a mental health unit inside a prison, a group of women discover the music of punk rock band The Slits and form their own group. An outlet for their frustration, they find remedy in revolution. But in a system that suffocates, can rebellion ever be allowed? Written by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (Emilia) and directed by Clean Break’s Joint Artistic Director Róisín McBrinn, Typical Girls is a funny, fierce and furious part-gig, part-play. In the Studio from Friday 6 – Saturday 21 November.

Following its sell-out run, Operation Crucible returns to the Studio 80 years after the Sheffield Blitz. On the 12^th December 1940, Sheffield was subjected to a bombing raid which aimed to wipe its world renowned steel works off the map. A single bomb reduced the Marples Hotel, which stood in Fitzalan Square, from seven stories to 15 feet of rubble. Only one of the ten compartments in the hotel’s cellar withstood the blast – trapped within it were four steelworkers. This is their story. Written by Kieran Knowles, it tells the story of four ordinary men in extraordinary times and runs in the Studio from Tuesday 1 December and culminated with a performance on the anniversary of the Blitz on Saturday 12 December.

Completing the 2020 Season comes the return of Standing at the Sky’s Edge from Saturday 30 November – Saturday 9 January 2021. Featuring music and lyrics by Richard Hawley, book by Chris Bush and directed by Sheffield Theatres Artistic Director, Robert Hastie, Standing at the Sky’s Edge is a celebration of strength and solidarity across six decades. Poppy wants to escape her old life, Joy and Jimmy want to spend the rest of their lives together, Rose and Harry want the new life they’ve been promised. This is Park Hill – concrete utopia – where hope hangs on every washing line.  Three ordinary families, one extraordinary heart-swelling, heart-breaking tale of love and loss.Captivating audiences and critics alike during its sell-out 2019 debut, Standing at the Sky’s Edge returns to the Crucible stage before it heads to the National Theatre in January 2021.

In the Lyceum this season, audiences can look forward to award-winning adaptations, fan-favourite musicals and cracking comedy joining the previously announced 9 to 5 (Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 September) and The Commitments (Monday 5 – Saturday 10 October). The nostalgic classic Malory Towers from Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 July, the sumptuous Carole King musical Beautiful from Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 September, Mischief Theatre return to bring chaotic comedy Groan Ups from Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 September, James Graham’s Quiz based on the gameshow major coughing scandal from Monday 28 September – Saturday 3 October, the sensational feel-good musical MAMMA MIA! from Monday 12 – Saturday 24 October, Northern Ballet bring The Great Gatsby – choreographed by David Nixon OBE – from Tuesday 27 – Saturday 31October, back by popular demand the electrifyin’ Grease returns from Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 November and finally, Alexandra Burke stars in My Best Friend’s Wedding from Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 November.

An eclectic mix of shows are set to play across Sheffield Theatres’ three spaces, including: Thank You For Doing Nothing (Studio, Tuesday 2 June), Here (Studio, Wednesday 3 June), Jinkx Monsoon and Major Scales: Together Again, Again (Crucible, Wednesday 3 June), Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales (Lyceum, Thursday 9 – Saturday 11 July), Likkle Rum With Grandma (Studio, Thursday 9 July), Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope (Studio, Wednesday 22 July) and Al Murray: Landlord of Hope and Glory (Lyceum, Saturday 1 August). The World Seniors Snooker Championships will also be returning for a summer slot, in the Crucible from Wednesday 12 – Saturday 15 August.

These shows join the previously announced Run Sister Run (Studio, Thursday 27 February – Saturday 21 March, Coriolanus (Crucible, Friday 6 – Saturday 28 March), Ramps on the Moon’s Oliver Twist (Crucible, Wednesday 13 – Saturday 23 May) Sheffield People’s Theatre and Dante or Die’s production of Everybody’s Got To Leave Sometime (Upper Chapel, Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 May) and Here’s What She Said To Me (Studio, Thursday 18 June – Saturday 4 July).

Also announced is the commencement of work on the Crucible’s capital refurbishment during the autumn.  This project has been supported by Arts Council England and will see the theatres creating more welcoming and vibrant foyer spaces for customers to enjoy throughout the day, upgrading technical equipment and continuing to improve its accessibility and environmental sustainability.

In addition, Sheffield Theatres is announcing the Artist Residency scheme, a new strand of its artist development programme. Offering early career theatre and performance makers across South Yorkshire a chance to get their ideas off the ground and test out new collaborations, the Artist Residency scheme will offer 4 seed commissions – two of £500, two of £1000 – as well as a week’s dedicated development time in The Bank. Applications will open on Friday 21 February and run until Friday 20 March. Further details are available at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.

Tickets for all new season productions to Centre Stage Members – who enjoy exclusive discounts and priority booking – on Saturday 14 March at 10am. General booking will open on Saturday 28 March at 10am.

‘BE OUR GUEST’ AT THE EPSTEIN THEATRE
THIS EASTER

Regal Entertainments Reveals All Star Line-Up For Family Panto

Get ready to be swept off your feet this Easter as the timeless classic Beauty and the Beast brings magic and adventure to the Epstein Theatre.

Be our guest at the Beast’s enchanted castle from Friday 10 April to Sunday 19 April and join Belle as she discovers why it’s not what someone looks like on the outside that’s important.

And Regal Entertainments Ltd today reveals the line-up of stars confirmed for the enchanting, family-friendly panto production at the Hanover Street venue.

Channel 5 Milkshake’s Amy Thompson will appear as Belle opposite Timothy Lucas as the dashing but troubled Beast.

They will be joined by Phillip McGuinness as dastardly Gaston and Lewis Devine as French Frank, along with James Lacey as the hilarious Potty Polly and Sarah Walker as Fairy Rose.

Amy Thompson is no stranger to Beauty and the Beast having previously played Belle for Regal Entertainments at St Helens Theatre Royal.

The TV and stage actress’s other panto credits include Sleeping Beauty (Malvern Theatres, Pavilion Theatre, Mansfield Palace and Floral Pavilion, New Brighton), Aladdin (Blackpool Grand), Cinderella (Blackpool Grand and Sunderland Empire), Snow White (Rhyl Pavilion) and Little Red Riding Hood (Hull Truck Theatre).

Timothy Lucas takes on the role of the Beast, doomed to roam his castle in hideous form until true love frees him from a wicked curse.

The Liverpool Theatre School-trained actor is currently appearing at the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz at St Helens Theatre Royal. His other panto roles include the hilarious PC Noodle in Aladdin, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast and the notorious Captain Hook in Peter Pan.

Meanwhile Phillip McGuinness returns to the role of the preening Gaston after playing it to acclaim at St Helens Theatre Royal. His other panto roles include Tin Man and the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, Captain Hook in Peter Pan and the villainous Abanazer in Aladdin at St Helens.

Lewis Devine makes a welcome return to the Epstein after winning the hearts of audiences playing the hapless Buttons in Cinderella at Christmas.

His career started at an early age when he appeared on the first series of ITV’s Kids Stars in Their Eyes which he won with his impersonation of Donny Osmond. His panto credits include Muddles in Snow White and the title role in Peter Pan, both at St Helens Theatre Royal, and French Frank in Beauty and The Beast at Stockport Plaza.

Liverpool actor and producer James Lacey takes on Dame duties as Potty Polly. James has more than a decade of panto experience on his busy CV and in addition to that was the body double for Richard Madden in Sir Kenneth Branagh’s big screen Cinderella.

And dancer and choreographer Sarah Walker will bring all-round sparkle as well as twinkle toes to the role of the goodhearted Fairy Rose.

Beauty and the Beast is directed by Andrew Geater and produced by Regal Entertainments Ltd.

Producer Chantelle Nolan said: “Beauty and the Beast is one of the most magical of fairytales with its beautiful and kind-hearted heroine and a troubled hero to root for, all surrounded by a brilliantly colourful cast of larger-than-life characters and with an important message for theatregoers young and old.

“I’m delighted to be working with such a fantastic group of actors, and I can guarantee Epstein audiences are in for an egg-stra special treat this Easter.”

Beauty and the Beast tells the timeless story of Belle – the beautiful young woman who falls in love with the most unexpected of princes.

Will the Beast learn to love and be loved? Will the spell be broken in time for all to live happily ever after? Come down to The Epstein Theatre this Easter and find out.

LISTING INFORMATION

Beauty and the Beast

Date: Fri 10 April  – Sun 19 April 2020
Time: Various Times

Tickets: From £13

To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411* or go online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk * or in person at The Epstein Theatre Box Office from 12pm – 6pm, Monday – Saturday.

*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy

For more details check out www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk and join our mailing list. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre and twitter @EpsteinTheatre.

St Helen’s Theatre Royal – until Sunday 23 February 2020

Reviewed Carla Whittaker

5*****

A wizardly pantomime came to St Helen’s Theatre Royal during February half-term and it is safe to say that when it comes to entertaining and fun pantomimes St Helen’s Theatre Royal is the place to go. This February is no exception with the production of Wizard of Oz which sees Dorothy (Mia Molloy) who finds her self in Oz which is home of the dastardly Wicked Witch (Samantha Palin), who with thanks to some ruby magic slippers that are acquired by Dorothy wants to kill her and her best friend and beloved dog Toto who in this production is played by the most adorable dog also known as Buddy.

In Dorothy’s efforts to escape the Wicked Witch, Dorothy is guided by a Glinda (Abigail Middleton) a good witch whose aim is to help her to return home to her farm and points her in the right direction to Emerald City by following the yellow brick road. Along the way Dorothy meets unusual friends; the lovely Tin Man (Harry Moore), the lovable Cowardly Lion placed by St Helen’s favourite Timothy Lucas, and the hilarious Reece Sibald who plays the Scarecrow. The newly formed friendships see the group battle the perils of there journey to meet the Wizard of Oz (James Lusted) who believe will help each of them achieve something which they have not got. The Wicked Witch has other ideas and uses her evil magic to slow down the friends search for the Wizard.

This production added a contemporary taken on a classic story which was fresh, edgy and entertaining whilst still maintaining the original story-line. As always with Regal Entertainments pantomimes the use of sepia film, graphics, sound effects and fire/fireworks are outstanding and help to tell the story. I particularly was impressed with the neon circus and the hilarious sketch featuring a shrunken scarecrow which had myself, my 9 year old son, and mum as well as the rest of the audience bowled over with laughter. Each character was extremely likeable however for me the scarecrow absolutely stole his show with his tongue in cheek references, jokes and hilarity for both adults and children. The music was brilliant, with traditional Wizard of Oz music such as ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’ and ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ in addition to more modern pop songs all which were sung beautifully by all the cast; however Mia Molloy’s vocals where somewhat emotional and I am sure she is one to watch for the future.

The Wizard of Oz is running at The St Helen’s Theatre Royal until Sunday 23rd February 2020, and if you haven’t got tickets yet, I highly recommend you go and watch it for a fun filled afternoon full of laughter. To mention as well, the friendliness of the St Helen’s Theatre Royal staff never fails to impress me.

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh -until 22 February 2020

Reviewed by Hannah Plumb

4****

Rambert returns this month to the Festival Theatre with a trio of invigorating movement pieces. For those unfamiliar with their work. Rambert is one of the worlds leading independent dance companies. 

The first of the pieces is PreSentient, a revival from 2002. Sharply innovative for its time and it doesn’t lose that now as it still overflows with tension and originality. It’s almost poetic to watch the dancers embody and even respond to the shifting themes and moods of the music. Aided by Lucy Carter’s stunning lighting design which frames this disjointed manner of movement. 

We then move on to Marion Montin’s new piece, Rouge. It begins with guitarist, Ruben Martinez lurking on stage in a low hat and smoke billowing around him, encapsulating the mood for this piece with his smokey demeanour. The performers rise from the smoke looking like the coolest people on any Berlin dance floor. The dancers get little chance to display their individuality as they dance in unison to the rhythmic score. While it is enjoyable to watch it lacks an artistic edge and ends up looking more like a well made hip hop music video. 

The night ends with Hofesh Schechter’s In your rooms. It’s gloomy look and disjointed movement gives the feel of a cult indie film as Schechter’s voice announces from the darkness “I can do better than that”. It is slick and cool and feels very current. It pins down the fierce emotion of never-ending chaos in a world that ultimately prefers uniformity.

BOOKING OPENS FOR FROZEN THE MUSICAL

AHEAD OF OCTOBER 2020 OPENING

AT THE NEWLY RESTORED THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

Public booking opens for Disney’s Frozen on 6 March at 10am. The production will reopen the newly refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane, on 11 November, with previews from 30 October 2020; and is currently booking until 28 March. With music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and book by Jennifer Lee, Frozen – directed by Michael Grandage – opens for groups and schools booking on 24 February 2020.

Frozen – produced by Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher – opened on Broadway in March 2018 and quickly established itself as the biggest musical hit of its season, nominated for the Tony Award® for Best Musical. In addition to the opening in London, the musical recently embarked on a North American tour, and productions will open in Australia and Japan in 2020, and in Hamburg in 2021.

Frozen was released in cinemas in 2013, winning multiple awards, including two Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Let It Go”), the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film and the BAFTA for Best Animated Film. It was written and directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, withmusic and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.Currently in cinemas, Frozen 2 had the biggest ever opening for an animated film worldwide and is the highest grossing animated film of all time. 

Frozen is exclusively supported by Priority, O2’s digital loyalty programme. O2 customers enjoyed an exclusive 48 hour period of Priority booking, and will have access to a host of invite-only moments including further ticket pre-sales, giveaways, and money-can’t-buy experiences.

For this first booking period, Frozen have scheduled the following access performances – Signed Performance (Sunday 7 February 2021 at 1pm), Relaxed Performance (Sunday 28 February 2021 at 12.30pm), Audio Described Performance (Sunday 21 March 2021 at 1pm) and Captioned Performance (Sunday 28 March 2021 at 5.30pm).

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, owned and managed by LW Theatres, is closed until autumn 2020 for a landmark £60 million restoration project and will reopen as Frozen begins previews.

The production features choreography by Rob Ashford,set and costume design by Christopher Oram, lighting design by Neil Austin, sound design by Peter Hylenski,video design by Finn Ross, puppet design by Michael Curry, and musical supervision and arrangements by Stephen Oremus.

Twitter @FrozenLondon

Facebook /FrozenLondon

Instagram @FrozenLondon

www.frozenthemusical.co.uk

LISTINGS                                                                                                                                                    FROZEN

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF

Tickets from £20

Group rates:

Groups 9 to 19*                              Stalls & Royal Circle £49.50, Grand Circle £39.50

Groups 20+*                                    Stalls & Royal Circle £45, Grand Circle £35

*Valid on Wednesday and Thursday 7pm performances and Thursday 2.30pm matinees from 6 January to 30 May 2021. Excludes school holidays and other blackout dates that may apply.

Education Groups 10+ †                Stalls & Royal Circle £29.50 | Grand Circle £22.50

Plus one free teacher ticket for every ten paid tickets

† Valid on Thursday 2.30pm performances from 7 January to 30 March 2021.

Valid on Wednesday & Thursday 7pm and Thursday 2.30pm performances from 31 March until 30 May 2021. Excludes school holidays and other blackout dates that may apply. Minimum group size is 10. Education rate valid for groups up to Year 11.

PREVIEW PERFORMANCES:

Fri 30 October                                 7.30pm

Sat 31 October                                7.30pm

Sun 1 November                             5.30pm

Mon 2 November                           No performance

Tue 3 November                             7.30pm

Wed 4 November                           7.30pm

Thu 5 November                             7.30pm

Fri 6 November                               7.30pm

Sat 7 November                              2.30pm & 7.30pm

Sun 8 November                             1pm

Mon 9 November                           No performance

Tue 10 November                           7.30pm

PERFORMANCES FROM 12 NOVEMBER:

Wednesday – Saturday                 7pm

Thursday & Saturday                     2.30pm

Sunday                                              1pm & 5.30pm

ACCESS & RELAXED PERFORMANCES:

Signed Performance                      Sunday 7 February 2021 at 1pm

Relaxed Performance                    Sunday 28 February 2021 at 12.30pm

Audio Described Performance    Sunday 21 March 2021 at 1pm

Captioned Performance                Sunday 28 March 2021 at 5.30pm

DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS (DTP) operates under the direction of Thomas Schumacher bringing live entertainment events to a global audience of more than 20 million people a year in more than 50 countries. Current London: The Lion King, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary at The Lyceum, and Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre.  Other London credits: Aladdin, the Olivier-nominated play Shakespeare in Love and DTP’s inaugural production Beauty and the Beast, which won the Olivier Award for Best Musical.  Other productions on Broadway and around the world: Frozen, Newsies, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh, TARZAN® and Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida.  Other successful stage musical ventures have included productions of Disney’s High School Musical, Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame in Berlin, and King David in concert.

Worldwide, its ten Broadway titles have been seen by over 200 million theatregoers, and have been nominated for 20 Olivier Awards, winning the honour five times. With 20 productions currently produced or licensed, a Disney musical is being performed professionally somewhere on the planet virtually every hour of the day.

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

LW Theatres is in the middle of a £60 million restoration project of Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The ambitious scheme not only encompasses the complete refurbishment of the magnificent 1812 Greek Revival ‘front of house’ designed by Benjamin Wyatt, but also the reconstruction of the stage facilities and dressing rooms, the creation of new bars and a restaurant, plus the refashioning of the auditorium to make it able to play in both the traditional proscenium arch and in the round.

The theatre will re-open as ‘The Lane’ in autumn 2020. Whilst Theatre Royal Drury Lane will still showcase world class theatre, front of house facilities will be open to the public all day so the theatre’s iconic interiors can be enjoyed by everyone and not just those headed to a show. 

ROSE THEATRE ANNOUNCES STEEL MAGNOLIAS STARRING KARA TOINTON

A Rose Original Production

Steel Magnolias

By Robert Harling

Rose Theatre

1 May – 23 May 2020 

Rose Theatre today announces Robert Harling’s romantic comedy Steel Magnolias starring Kara Tointon (Shelby), directed by Anthony Banks. The production opens on 6 May, with previews from 1 May, and runs until 23 May.

“I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.”

In small-town Louisiana, Truvy’s beauty salon is a regular rendezvous for six extraordinary women who span the social circles of their local community. Bubbling with sharp, laugh-out-loud humour, the friends quip back and forth over life’s highs and lows until a tragic event leaves them and the whole town reeling.
 
The strength of female friendship comes alive through fast, funny dialogue and vibrant, endearing characters in this powerful and heart-warming comedy.
 
Robert Harling’s play is based on the true story of his mother and sister. It ran for over one thousand performances Off-Broadway and was adapted by Harling for the screen.

Writer Robert Harling, said today, ‘I am thrilled that the Rose Theatre are putting on Steel Magnolias, it is based on a true story and I am always excited when actors bring their own truth to perform the play.’

Director, Anthony Banks, said today, ‘I’m thrilled to be working with Robert Harling on this new production and to be reunited with Kara Tointon having had so much fun together on Gaslight.It’s still rare enough to have a stage dominated by one female character let alone have it exclusively populated by six for the whole evening. I’ve loved this play since I was a child. I grew up surrounded by women like this. I like the no-nonsense truths they tell behind closed doors and I can’t wait to bring this show to the Rose.’

Robert Harling is a playwright, screenwriter and director. His credits include The First Wives Club, The Evening Star, Laws of Attraction and Good Christian Bitches, and the forthcoming stage adaptation of Soapdish the Musical. Steel Magnolias is the true story of his mother and sister, portrayed by Sally Field and Julia Roberts in the hit motion picture.

Kara Tointon plays Shelby. Her previous theatre credits include Twelfth Night (RSC), The Man in the White Suit, Relatively Speaking (Wyndham’s Theatre), Absent Friends (Harold Pinter Theatre), Pygmalion (Garrick Theatre) and Gaslight (UK tour). Her television credits include Urban Myths, The Halcyon, The Sound of Music Live, Mr Selfridge, Lewis and Henry IX; and for film, Let’s Be Evil, The Last Passenger, The Sweeney and Warrior Queen.

Anthony Banks directs. His theatre credits include Cesario, More Light, The Eternal Not, Prince of Denmark (National Theatre), Pignight (Menier Chocolate Factory), My Cousin Rachel (Theatre Royal Bath), The Girl On The Train (Duke of York’s Theatre/UK tour), Twilight Song (Park Theatre), After Miss Julie (Theatre Royal Bath/UK tour), Raz (Trafalgar Studios/ Edinburgh Festival Fringe/UK tour), Herding Cats (Theatre Royal Bath/ Hampstead Theatre), Bassett (Bristol Old Vic), The Experiment (Soho Theatre), Games for Lovers (The Vaults), Dial M for Murder, Strangers on a Train, Gaslight, DNA (UK tours) and The Hotel Plays (The Langham, London). Banks was an associate director at the National Theatre 2004-2014 where he commissioned and developed a hundred new plays for NT Connections.

Steel Magnolias                                                                                                                                         Listings

Rose Theatre

24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL

1 May – 23 May 2020

www.rosetheatrekingston.org

Twitter: @Rosetheatre

Facebook: /RoseTheatreKingston

Instagram: RoseTheatreKingston