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Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford – until 18 May 2019

Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert

3 ***

It was hard to get into this play to begin with. There’s a devout mother, Luda, chopping onions and talking to God. She has three daughters, factory worker Tina, schoolgirl Francesca, and Vita, who is shut up in a convent for reasons that are obscure to begin with. They’re an Italian migrant family, living in Brooklyn in 1960. They’re all struggling in different ways, but you wonder how these different threads are going to be pulled together. Then Nic, the father of the family appears and suddenly the play hits a different stride.

He is played by Robert Cavanah, who is positively alarming as a man who expresses his unhappiness as cruelty to his family. The sense of rage just under the surface (and sometimes exploding) sets the drama alight. All the other actors seem to respond to this and become more three-dimensional as we see just how hard it is to stand up to someone so manipulative. He regrets having left Naples for New York, and his misery is holding back the rest of the family. Madeleine Worrall is convincing as Luda, the wife and mother with torn loyalties. Georgia May Foote sparkles as Vita, the daughter who has ended up in a convent with broken bones. Hannah Bristow (Francesca) and Laurie Ogden are sweet (maybe too sweet) as the teenage friends who want to run away together, and Bristow comes into her own when she finally lets rip. The growing friendship between Tina (Mona Goodwin) and her workmate Celia (Gloria Onitiri) is very well conveyed. Stephen Hogan is charming and kindly as the shopkeeper who offers Luda kindness and a possible way out.

The pivotal moment of the play is a plane falling out of the sky, which really did happen in Brooklyn in December 1960. Playwright Meghan Kennedy remembers her mother talking about the event, and has based the play around it, and her family’s struggle to survive as immigrants. It feels authentic. There’s an appealing, very simple set of kitchen table and bed, which tips up to become a backdrop for factory and outdoor scenes. (They could maybe have tried a bit harder with the factory – I got distracted by the inefficiency of loading a cardboard box on a chair). After slightly wobbly start, this became a very intense, moving and absorbing drama.

SIX

THE ROYAL TOUR

At theatres nationwide from 24 October 2019 – Summer 2020

Nominated for five 2019 OIivier Awards, including Best New Musical, Best Choreography and Best Costume Design, the West End smash hit SIX, written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, today announces its plans for a nine-month Royal Tour visiting theatres across the Queendom. Opening at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford on Thursday 24 October 2019, SIX will visit over 33 venues nationwide, including a Christmas season at The Lowry Quays Theatre from Tuesday 3 December 2019 to Sunday 5 January 2020. The cast, yet to be announced, are backed by the show’s all-female band, The Ladies in Waiting. 

★★★★★

‘THE MOST UPLIFTING NEW BRITISH MUSICAL I HAVE EVER HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO WATCH’ The Evening Standard

From Tudor queens to pop princesses, SIX sees the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their own personal tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. The songs from the show have proved to be a chart storming sensation with weekly streams totalling more than 1.5million. These Queens may have green sleeves, but their lipstick is rebellious red. Think you know the rhyme, think again… Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE!

SIX is the phenomenon everyone’s losing their head over. The show’s 2018 debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe hastened its West End transfer which opened in January 2019. The production is currently enjoying an open-ended run at the Arts Theatre playing to sold out houses. And now the Queens are going global. Tonight sees the North American premiere of SIX at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, where it runs until 30 June 2019. Meanwhile, further international voyages are in discussion for Canada, Japan, Australia and South Korea.

SIX writers Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss said:

“We are SOOOO excited and thrilled and grateful that we get to share the story of these badass Queens – and the UNREAL talents of these women – with so many more people all over the UK! We’ll see you there!!! WOOOOOOOO!!!” 

SIX is written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, with Direction by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage, Choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, Set Design by Emma Bailey, Costume Design by Gabriella Slade, Lighting Design by Tim Deiling, Sound Design by Paul Gatehouse, Musical Orchestration by Tom Curran, Musical Supervisor Joe Beighton, Associate Choreographer Freya Sands, Musical Director Katy Richardson, Associate Musical Director Arlene McNaught. SIX is produced by Kenny Wax, Global Musicals and George Stiles.

WINNER! BEST ENSEMBLE IN A PLAY OR MUSICAL The Broadway World Awards 2018
WINNER! BEST COSTUME DESIGNER The Broadway World Awards 2018
WINNER! BEST UK CAST RECORDING The Curtain Up Show Album of The Year Awards 2018
WINNER! MUSICAL OF THE YEAR The Spy in the Stalls Awards 2018
WINNER! BEST OFF WEST END PRODUCTION WhatsOnStage Awards 2019
NOMINATED FOR SIX WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS 2019 Best New Musical Best Off-West End Production Best Original Cast Recording Best Choreography Best Lighting Design Best Costume Design
NOMINATED FOR FIVE LAURENCE OLIVIER AWARDS 2019 Best New Musical Outstanding Achievement in Music Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical (The Queens) Best Theatre Choreographer Best Costume Design

www.sixthemusical.com@sixthemusical

Tour Listings Information:

SIX THE ROYAL TOUR 2019 / 2020

GUILDFORD Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Millbrook, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3UX Thu 24 – Sun 27 October  Eves: Thu – Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm Mats: Sat & Sun 2pm  Box Office: 01483 44 00 00 Website: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

MALVERN Theatres Grange Rd, Malvern WR14 3HB  Tue 29 Oct – Sun 3 November Eves: Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat 8pm; Fri 6pm & 8.30pm Mats: Sat & Sun 2.30pm Box Office: 01684 892277 Website: malvern-theatres.co.uk

GLASGOW Theatre Royal 282 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 3QA Tue 5 – Sun 10 November Eves: Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat 8pm; Fri 6pm & 8.30pm Mats: Sat 2.30pm & Sun 2pm Box Office: 0844 871 7648 Website: atgtickets.com/glasgow

KINGSTON Rose Theatre 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL Tue 12 – Sat 16 November Eves: Tue, Thu 8pm; Wed & Fri 6pm & 8.30pm; Sat 5pm & 8pm [Sing-Along Performance Wed 6pm] Box Office: 020 7174 0090 Website: rosetheatrekingston.org

OXFORD Playhouse Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LW Mon 18 – Sat 23 November Eves: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat 8pm; Fri 6pm & 8.30pm Mat: Sat 2pm Box Office: 01865 305305 Website: oxfordplayhouse.com

MILTON KEYNES Theatre 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ Mon 25 – Sat 30 November Eves: Mon – Sat 8pm Mats: Wed 2.30pm & Sat 3.30pm Box Office: 0844 871 7652  Website: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

SALFORD QUAYS The Lowry Quays Theatre Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ Tue 3 December – Sun 5 January Various times during the Christmas season, see website for details Box Office: 0843 208 6000  Website: thelowry.com

CARDIFF Wales Millennium Centre  Bute Pl, Cardiff Bay CF10 5AL Tue 21 – Sat 25 January Eves: Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat 8pm; Fri 6pm & 8.30pm Mat: Sat 2.30pm Box Office: 029 2063 6464 Website: wmc.org.uk

EDINBURGH Festival Theatre 13-29 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9FT  Tue 4 – Sun 9 February Eves: Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat 8pm; Fri 6pm & 8.30pm Mats: Sat & Sun 2.30pm Box Office: 0131 529 6000 Website: capitaltheatres.com

BATH Theatre Royal Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET Mon 17 – Sun 23 February Eves: Tue – Sat 8pm, Fri 6pm & 8.30pm Mats: Sat 2.30pm, Sun 2pm Box Office: 01225 448844   Website: theatreroyal.org.uk

SOUTHAMPTON Mayflower Theatre 22-26 Commercial Rd, Southampton SO15 1GE Wed 1 – Sun 5 July Eves: Wed – Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm Mats: Sat & Sun 4pm Box Office: 02380 711811  Website: mayflower.org.uk

Further dates for 2020 to be announced!

Cast announced for Exchange Theatre’s
The Flies
The Bunker, 53A Southwark Street London SE1 1RU
Tuesday 11th June – Saturday 6th July 2019

Taking the lead in Exchange Theatre’s thrilling political adaptation of Jean-Paul Sartre’s classic The Flies is French actress Meena Rayann (Game of Thrones, HBO; Hilda, Odds On Productions 2019; multi-award winning No Love Lost, Intelligent Ink Films) as the downtrodden Electra and in his professional debut Samy Elkhatib will appear as vengeful brother Orestes.

Exchange Theatre co-founders, Mauritius-born French actor, David Furlong (Offie-nominated productions of The Doctor in Spite of Himself and The Misanthrope, Exchange Theatre) will play the tyrannical Aegisthus and Fanny Dulin, originally from Bordeaux, (The Misanthrope, Exchange Theatre; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; The Mystery Plays) will perform both as the traitorous mother Clytemnestra and as a fate-led Fury.

Also taking to the stage are Mozambique-born Swiss actor Raul Fernandes (Dangerous Liaisons; Don Juan; Quartier des Banques, RTS) as the God of Flies, Belgian Juliet Dante (award-winning St Joan, Julia Pascal; The Dybbuk, Off-Broadway) as The Tutor, with Paris-born Jonathan Brandt (Much Ado About Nothing and Nell Gwynn, Tower Theatre Company; The Learned Ladies, Exchange Theatre) as The Anonymous. Completing the Greek chorus as The Woman/Fury is Soraya Spiers (Thursday, Southwark Playhouse; The Penelopiad, Jackson’s Lane Theatre; critically-acclaimed Made Up, Arts Theatre) and Chris Runciman (NewsRevue, Canal Café Theatre; Broke Britannia, Bridewell Theatre; Gaga V. Assange, Adelaide Fringe) as the High Priest/Fury.

Exchange Theatre pride themselves in their multi-cultural heritage and are excited to have a diverse and international cast for The Flies. This topical re-telling of the Oresteian Greek tragedy comes at a turbulent political time which questions belonging and identity, and makes this truly global production all the more poignant.

The play will be performed in alternating French and English, and all the cast members are bilingual. Electra, Orestes, and their troubled family will be joined on stage by a live band to transform this tragedy into a modern, tense and thrilling rock opera.

Artistic Director David Furlong comments, Some of the most interesting challenges have been raised in this casting process: how do we represent diversity, gender-parity, equity, and disability on stage? All of these questions, in keeping with the current public debates, are part of our responsibility. We’re also incredibly proud to be joined by amazing talents and recognisable faces. The diversity, high profiles and quality of the fully bilingual cast we’ve assembled this year is a testimony to Exchange Theatre establishing itself as a meaningful player

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE ANNOUNCE FULL CASTING FOR A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

• AMBER JAMES AND KIERAN HILL PLAY THE ROLES OF HIPPOLYTA/TITANIA AND THESEUS/OBERON
• SUSAN WOKOMA PLAYS BOTTOM
• MYRA McFADYEN PLAYS THE ROLE OF PUCK
• DIRECTED BY DOMINIC HILL, THE PRODUCTION OPENS 28 JUNE

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre have today announced full casting for A Midsummer Night’s Dream (28 June – 27 July). Directed by Dominic Hill, Artistic Director of Citizen’s Theatre, Glasgow, the production features Amber James as Hippolyta/Titania, Kieran Hill (Theseus/Oberon), Susan Wokoma (Bottom) and Myra McFadyen (Puck).

Also featuring: Remy Beasley (Helena), Gabrielle Brooks (Hermia) Michael Elcock (Lysander) andPierro Niel-Mee (Demetrius), the cast also includes: Liz Crowther (Starveling), Joshua Miles(Flute), Lee Mengo (Snout), Tomi Ogbaro (Snug) and Gareth Snook (Qunice/Egeus), with Matthew James Hinchliffe, Mei Mac, Simon Oskarsson, Yana Penrose and Emily Rose-Salter (Fairies).

Shakespeare’s fantastical fable of desire, confusion, jealousy and growing up. Through live music, playful adventure and physical invention, see the lovers’ world transformed into a place of magic, laughter and healing, as we journey into the woods.

Joining Director Dominic Hill are Rachael Canning (Designer), Emily-Jane Boyle (Movement Director), Paddy Cunneen (Composer), Ben Ormerod (Lighting Designer) and Simon Baker andJay Jones (Co-Sound Designers). Casting is by Vicky Richardson, and Barbara Houseman is the Season Associate Director (Voice and Text).

Amber James (Hippolyta/Titania) has previously appeared in Troilus And Cressida, Dido, Queen of Carthage (RSC), Titus Andronicus and Antony and Cleopatra (RSC/Barbican). Other theatre credits include: A Streetcar Named Desire (English Touring Theatre) and Two Gentlemen of Verona(Shakespeare’s Globe/International Tour).

Kieran Hill (Theseus/Oberon) recently appeared in Votes for Women (New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme). Other recent credits include: Worst Wedding Ever (Salisbury Playhouse), To Dream Again (Theatr Clwyd) The Shepherd’s Life (Theatre by the Lake), Edmund in King Lear (Citizen’s Theatre, Glasgow) and numerous appearances at Bolton Octagon, including: Long Day’s Journey Into Night, An Inspector Calls, Piaf, The Glass Menagerie, Tull and Of Mice and Men.

Susan Wokoma (Bottom) has previously appeared in Labour of Love (Noel Coward), A Raisin in the Sun (Sheffield Crucible), Game, Dream Pill (Almeida), Hotel (National Theatre), Julius Caesar andHenry IV (Donmar Warehouse/NYC) and Three Birds (Royal Exchange, Manchester/Bush) for which she received an Offie Award nomination for Best Female Performance. Television credits include:Chewing Gum, Crazyhead (for which she was selected by BAFTA as a Breakthrough Brit), Portersand the forthcoming Channel 4 comedy series, Year of the Rabbit.

Myra McFadyen (Puck) recently appeared in A Christmas Carol (Old Vic). Other theatre credits include: Rhinoceros (Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh), Hay Fever and The Choir (Citizens Theatre, Glasgow), and her numerous credits for National Theatre of Scotland include Macbeth, also Lincoln Centre, New York. On film credits include: The Sopranos, The Kid Who Would be King, Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again and Mamma Mia!         

The 2019 season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre also includes Our Town (16 May – 8 June), the opera Hansel and Gretel (14 – 22 June) in a co-production with English National Opera, and Evita (2 August – 21 September). Their award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar plays a 60-performance season at the Barbican Theatre (4 July – 24 August).

REVIEW: Hair the Musical (Sunderland Empire) ★★★★★

May 13, 2019 

For: West End Wilma 

https://www.westendwilma.com/review-hair-the-musical-sunderland-empire/

After a triumphant start in Wimbledon, Hair the Musical arrives in Sunderland as part of its 50th Anniversary tour.

Over the years, Hair has caused controversy, intrigue and shock and this revival ticks all those boxes in a spectacular way.

Set in late 1960’s America, Hair is a culmination of rebellion against the Vietnam War, breaking racial and sexual prejudice and freedom. The show introduces us to The Tribe, a group of peace-loving, young people, who are celebrating the dawn of the age of Aquarius and begin to enlighten the audience about their philosophies and beliefs who in turn speak to the crowds and share their stories of how they came to be in this drug fuelled, free loving clan. Each tribe member appears to be far removed from the real world from an outsider’s perspective but when you get to the heart of the matter, they are probably more grounded than most of the top flying politicians of the decade whose decisions were leading a nation into crisis.

Their leader is the charismatic Berger (Jake Quickenden), who has dropped out of school and lives on the streets, getting high and making love. There is Woof (Bradley Judge), a gentle soul who extols sexual freedom, Hud (Spin standing in for Marcus Collins), the African-American who declares himself the President of the United States of Love, heavily pregnant Jeannie (Alison Arnopp) protesting against pollution and Sheila (Daisy Wood-Davis), the activist with a soft spot for Berger. Gradually the musical takes on more of a narrative style becoming the story of how one of the tribe, Claude (Paul Wilkins) finds it increasingly difficult to refuse the US draft.

There are some exquisite voices in this performance and I have to say, for me, Aiesha Pease as Dionne was outstanding, giving a stunning soul voice to music by Galt Macdermot and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado.

There are moments so perfect in this production by Aria Entertainment, Senbla and Hope Mill Theatre, that they take your breath away. The nudity, which in the original production caused much controversy and shock, is beautifully simplistic – The Tribe stripping for freedom.

A show like this, strong on cast, needs to be strong on creatives too and Hair is no exception. The glorious technicolor set and costumes designed by Maeve Black, the stunning choreography by William Whelton all under the direction of Jonathan O’Boyle. And the stunning on stage band of Connor Gallagher, Alex Crawford, Tom Hutch and Andrew Richards led by Gareth Bretherton.

This is a wonderful psychedelic trip back to the 60’s and if you are lucky enough to be in the stalls, it’s a very interactive show too – with Berger, Margaret Mead (the fabulous Tom Bales) and The Tribe in and out of the audience at various stages and the glorious finale inviting the audience on stage to dance to Let the Sun Shine In

Fiery Angel and ATG Productions present the Bristol Old Vic, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, and Fuel production of 
TOUCHING THE VOID
Based on the book by Joe Simpson
Adapted by David Greig

• PRODUCERS ANNOUNCE THE WEST END TRANSFER OF TOM MORRIS’ PRODUCTION OF TOUCHING THE VOID
• THE PRODUCTION WILL OPEN IN PREVIEWS AT THE DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE ON NOVEMBER 9TH WITH AN OPENING NIGHT OF NOVEMBER 14TH
• TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW

Following critically acclaimed runs at the Bristol Old Vic, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Hong Kong Festival and on Tour in the UK Tom Morris’ production of Touching the Void will open in the West End at the Duke of York’s Theatre previewing from November 9th for a strictly limited season with an opening night of November 14th.  

Bristol Old Vic’s Tom Morris (War Horse, Swallows & Amazons,) directs the first stage version ofTouching the Void, adapted by The Lyceum’s David Greig (The Events, The Suppliant Women, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) from the award-winning memoir by Joe Simpson, which also became a BAFTA-winning film. They are joined by Designer Ti Green, Sound Designer and Composer Jon Nicholls, Lighting Designer Chris Davey, Movement Director Sasha Milavic Davies and with casting by Jill Green CDG. 

This production marks the 30th anniversary of the publication of Joe Simpson’s best-selling memoir, charting his extraordinary struggle for survival on the perilous Siula Grande mountain in the Peruvian Andes. Alongside this struggle, is the appalling dilemma of his climbing partner Simon Yates, perched on an unstable snow-cliff, clinging onto the rope tying him to the severely injured Joe. Unable to recover Joe from the void, Simon is faced with the agonising decision to cut the rope that binds them…           

Tom Morris said: “This production has been an extraordinary journey into the unknown, inspired by one of the most compelling books I’ve ever opened.  Simpson’s story drove my imagination wild with fear, excitement and hope.  We hope this show will do the same for yours.”  

LISTINGS

Touching the Void 
Based on the book by Joe Simpson
Adapted by David Greig
Directed by Tom Morris

Performance Dates:
Duke of York’s Theatre
St Martin’s Ln, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4BG
TouchingTheVoidPlay.com
0844 871 7623
Saturday 9th November 2019 – Saturday 29th February 2020
Monday –  Saturday 7:30 pm
Wednesday and Saturday 2.30pm
First Saturday matinee 16th November
First Wednesday matinee 20th November 

@TheVoidPlay
#TouchingTheVoid

Tickets from £15
Groups Bookings: 020 7206 1174
Access Bookings: 0844 871 7677

JENNA RUSSELL LEADS THE COMPANY OF THE

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY’S UK PREMIÈRE OF

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY

The Menier Chocolate Factory present

The UK première

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY

Book by Marsha Norman

Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown

Directed by Trevor Nunn; Designer: Jon Bausor; Lighting Designer: Tim Lutkin

Sound Designer: Gregory Clarke; Musical Supervisor/Director: Tom Murray

13 July – 14 September 2019

With Orpheus Descending opening at the theatre, and Fiddler on the Roofplaying at the Playhouse Theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factory today announces that Jenna Russell will lead the company for the UK première of the musical of Robert James Waller’s bestselling novel The Bridges of Madison County in a new staging by Trevor Nunn. The production opens on 23 July, with previews from 13 July, and runs until 14 September. Public booking is now open.

Francesca is an Italian immigrant housewife living a happy existence on a farm in the American Midwest.  However, when her family go off to the Iowa State Fair, she meets Robert Kincaid, a National Geographic photographer on assignment filming bridges in the area.  Their initial friendship develops into a brief but passionate affair which has devastating consequences on all of their lives. 

Winner of the Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations, this is some of Jason Robert Brown’smost ravishing and unforgettable music.

The productionsees Trevor Nunn renew his collaboration with the Menier – he previously directed Fiddler on the Roof (currently running at the Playhouse Theatre),Lettice and Lovage, Love in Idleness (also West End), A Little Night Music (also West End and Broadway) and Aspects of Love for the company.

Jenna Russell returns to the Menier to play Francesca – she previously appeared in Merrily We Roll Along (also Harold Pinter Theatre – Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical) and Sunday in the Park With George (Wyndham’s Theatre – Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical; and Studio 54, Roundabout Theater Company – Drama League Award, and Tony Award and Drama Desk nominations for Leading Actress in a Musical). Other theatre work includes Fun Home (Young Vic), Doctor Faustus (Duke of York’s Theatre), Grey Gardens (Southwark Playhouse), Peter Pan the Musical (Royal Festival Hall), Songs for a New World (St James’ Theatre), Di and Viv and Rose (Vaudeville Theatre), Urinetown (St James’ Theatre and Apollo Theatre), Soho Cinders (Soho Theatre), That Day We Sang (MIF), Season’s Greetings (National Theatre), Amy’s View (Garrick Theatre), and Guys and Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre – Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical). For television, her work includes as series regular Michelle Fowler in EastEnders, Call the Midwife, The Ladies Paradise, Better Class of Person and Born and Bred; and for film, The Death and Life of John F. Donovan, Mortdecai, Scared Hearts and The Fear.

Marsha Norman is a playwright and screenwriter. Her theatre credits include Master Butcher’s Singing Club; Third and Oak: The Laundromat; ‘night, Mother – Pulitzer Prize Winner for Drama­; The Secret Garden – Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical; The Red Shoes; The Color Purple; Getting Out; The Pool Hall; The Holdup; Traveler in the Dark; Sarah and Abraham; Loving Daniel Boone; Trudy Blue and Last Dance. Her television credits include In Treatment. For film ‘night, Mother; Face of a Stranger; A Cooler Climate; Custody of the Heart and The Audrey Hepburn Story.

Jason Robert Brown is a three-time Tony Award winning composer and lyricist. His theatre credits include 13,The Last Five Years – which was also adapted into a film in 2015 starring Anna Kendrick, Parade – which won a Tony Award for Best Score, Honeymoon in Vegas, Songs for a New World and Urban Cowboy – which he co-wrote with Jeff Blumenkrantz.

From 1968 to 1986, Trevor Nunn was the youngest ever Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, directing over thirty productions, including most of the Shakespeare canon, as well as Nicholas Nickleby and Les Misérables.  From 1997 to 2003, he was Artistic Director of the National Theatre, where his productions included Troilus and Cressida, Oklahoma!, The Merchant of Venice, Summerfolk, My Fair Lady, A Streetcar Named Desire, Anything Goes and Love’s Labour’s Lost. He has directed the world premières of Tom Stoppard’s plays Arcadia, The Coast of Utopia and Rock n Roll; and of Cats, Sunset Boulevard, Starlight Express and Aspects of Love by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Other theatre includes Timon of Athens, Skellig (Young Vic); The Lady From The Sea (Almeida Theatre); Hamlet, Richard II, Inherit the Wind (The Old Vic), A Little Night Music (Menier Chocolate Factory, West End and Broadway), Cyrano de Bergerac, Kiss Me Kate (Chichester Festival Theatre); Heartbreak House, Flare Path, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, The Tempest (Theatre Royal, Haymarket); Scenes from a Marriage (Coventry & St James), All That Fall (Jermyn Street & New York); A Chorus of Disapproval and Relative Values (West End).  Work for television includes Antony and Cleopatra, The Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, Three Sisters, Othello, The Merchant of Venice and King Lear, and on film, Hedda, Lady Janeand Twelfth Night. 

This production is produced in association Michael Harrison and David Ian.

Listings Information                                                                                     The Bridges of Madison County

Venue:                                Menier Chocolate Factory

Address:                             53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU

Press performance:         23 July at 8pm

Dates:                                 13 July – 14 September 2019

Times:                                 For the performance schedule, please see the website

Box Office:                         020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website:                        www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

Tickets:                               Prices vary, as below from discounted preview tickets to premier seats. With the emphasis on ‘the sooner you book, the better the price’:

A meal deal ticket includes a 2-course meal from the pre-theatre menu in the Menier Restaurant as well as the theatre ticket.

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

SUE TOWNSEND’S

THE SECRET DIARY OF ADRIAN MOLE AGED 13¾ – THE MUSICAL

AT THE AMBASSADORS THEATRE,

REHEARSALS BEGIN TODAY

Rehearsals begin today for Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13¾ – The Musical, which will open at the Ambassadors Theatre for a limited season from 15 June until 12 October 2019, with a Gala Night on Tuesday 2 July. The musical has book and lyrics by Jake Brunger, music and lyrics by Pippa Cleary and direction by Luke Sheppard.

The adult cast includes Rosemary Ashe (Felicia Gabriel in The Witches of Eastwick for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award, Carlotta in the original cast of The Phantom of the Opera, Madame Thenardier in Les Misérables, Sister Mary Lazarus in Sister Act UK tour, Kate Hoey MP inCommittee at Donmar Warehouse) as Grandma, Lara Denning (Mrs Wormwood and Miss Honey inMatilda, West End, Ruthless The Musical at Arts Theatre, Mrs Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Theatre Royal Drury Lane) as Miss Elf/Doreen Slater, John Hopkins (Sir Francis Basset inPoldark, BBC, Endeavour, ITV, regular character Sergeant Dan Scott in Midsomer Murders, ITV, The Boys in the Band at Park Theatre/ Vaudeville, Much Ado About Nothing at Rose Theatre Kingston) as Mr Lucas/Mr Scruton, Andrew Langtree (Ned Ryerson in Groundhog Day at The Old Vic which earned him an Olivier Award nomination,  Troilus & Cressida for the RSC, Imperium for the RSC, Gielgud Theatre, Justin Gallagher in Emmerdale from 2010 – 2012) as George, Amy Ellen Richardson (Ursula March in Sweet Charity at Donmar Warehouse, Kiss Me Kate at Sheffield Crucible, Beautiful: The Carol King Musical UK Tour, Merrily We Roll Along, Menier Chocolate Factory/Harold Pinter, Les Misérables, Queens Theatre) as Pauline, and Ian Talbot OBE (Artistic and Managing Director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 2008, Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray at Shaftesbury Theatre, the Fool in King Lear, Hortensio in The Taming Of The Shrew and Trinculo inThe Tempest, all for the RSC, Harry Trevor in Kiss Me Kate for BBC Proms, Geoffrey in Alphabetical Order at Bath Theatre Royal/ UK Tour) as Bert Baxtor. Also in the cast are Holly Ashton (1st cover Donna in Mamma Mia!, International tour, A Little Night Music, Frinton Summer Theatre) and Mathew Craig (Narrator in Blood Brothers, UK Tour, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾, Menier Chocolate Factory, Rebel Leader in We Will Rock You, UK Tour and Dominion Theatre). The children’s cast is to be announced.

Set in 1980s Leicester, this adaptation of Sue Townsend‘s best-selling book is a timeless tale of teenage angst, family struggles and unrequited love, told through the eyes of tortured poet and misunderstood intellectual Adrian Mole. One of the most enduring comedy characters of all time, he is the hapless, hilarious, spotty teenager who captured the zeitgeist of 1980s Britain, and this critically acclaimed production brings Adrian’s story to life for a new generation of theatregoers.

“Honestly. My family just don’t understand me. Perhaps when I am famous and my diary is discovered people will understand the torment of being a 13¾ year-old intellectual” Adrian Mole.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ was Townsend’s first novel and was originally published in 1982 by Methuen, but is now published by Penguin Books. It has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, been translated into 30 languages, and spawned seven sequel Adrian Mole novels. The novels have previously been adapted for the stage, radio and television.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13¾ – The Musical has choreography by Rebecca Howell,set and costume design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design byGregory Clarke, musical direction by Mark Collins, musical supervision & orchestrations by Paul Herbert, children’s casting by Jo Hawes CDG and additional casting by Ellie Collyer-Bristow CDG.

This production is produced by Anthony Clare, Ramin Sabi, Knickerbockerglory, Mark Puddle/Vicky Graham and Curve.

Originally commissioned by Curve and Royal and Derngate, Northampton.

Website: www.adrianmolethemusical.com

Facebook: adrianmolethemusical

Twitter: @adrianmoleuk        

Instagram: AdrianMoleUK

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13¾ – The Musical

15 June – 12 October 2019

Ambassadors Theatre

West Street

London

WC2H 9ND

Ticket Prices: Previews from £15

Performance Times:

Monday – Saturday 7.30pm*

Matinees – Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm

Additional matinee Tuesday 23 July

*7pm start on Tuesday 2 July

Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including interval)

Box Office: 0843 904 0061*

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

www.atgtickets.com  

Phil McIntyre Live proudly presents

2019 UK TOUR

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 17 MAY AT 10AM

From Lennyhenryontour.net

The legendary Sir Lenny Henry will embark on a brand new UK tour this autumn.  Following the October publication of his memoir, Lenny will travel the length, breadth and width of the country withAn Evening with Lenny Henry – Who Am I, Again?, opening in Birmingham on 20 October.  Tickets go on-sale at 10am on Friday 17 May.

In part one of the show, Lenny will take the audience through a jam session of stories both funny and sad  – triggered when writing his memoir – from growing up in the Black Country, puberty, school, friendship, family secrets and unashamed racism. With his mother’s mantra of ‘H’integration’ echoing in his ears, Lenny will recount setting out on his roller coaster ride of a career – but at every stage wondering: Am I good enough? Is this what they want?

In part two, Lenny will be interviewed by friend, broadcaster and author Jon Canter, for further insights into his life and career, followed by questions from the audience. Come and enjoy these honest and tender stories, told with a glorious sense of humour and help Lenny figure out ‘Who Am I Again?’

Lenny said: “I’m looking forward to travelling around and telling these stories. Writing the book was a huge feat and I’m very proud of it – I can’t wait to share more stories and fun about growing up in the Midlands, my early days in the clubs, pubs and discotheques and of course working on Tiswas, Three of a Kind and The Lenny Henry Show. The show promises to be an evening of memories, laughter and fun – I can’t wait to get started.”

Lenny Henry has been a comedian since the age of 16. He has risen from being a cult star on children’s television to one of Britain’s best-known and most celebrated comedians, as well as a writer, radio DJ, TV presenter, co-founder of Comic Relief, and an award-winning actor. Henry has a PhD in Media Arts, and in 2015 was awarded a knighthood for services to charity and drama.  His autobiography, also entitled Who Am I, Again?, is published by Faber & Faber on 3 October 2019.

An Evening with Lenny Henry: Who Am I, Again?

20 October 2019                     Birmingham: Hippodrome

21 October 2019                     Sheffield: City Hall

22 October 2019                     York: Barbican

24 October 2019                     Croydon: Fairfield Hall

25 October 2019                     Bexhill: De La Warr Pavilion

26 October 2019                     Watford: Colosseum

27 October 2019                     Basingstoke: Anvil

29 October 2019                     Leeds: Town Hall

30 October 2019                     Hull: City Hall

31 October 2019                     Gateshead: Sage

01 November 2019                 Edinburgh: Edinburgh International Conference Centre

03 November 2019                 Blackpool: Opera House

04 November 2019                 Salford: The Lowry

05 November 2019                 Bradford: St George’s Hall

06 November 2019                 Liverpool: Empire

08 November 2019                 Hackney: Empire

09 November 2019                 Southampton: Guildhall

10 November 2019                 Plymouth: Pavilions

11 November 2019                 Oxford: New Theatre

12 November 2019                 Bournemouth: Pavilion

14 November 2019                 Nottingham: Royal Concert Hall

15 November 2019                 Tunbridge Wells: Assembly Hall

16 November 2019                 Cardiff: Wales Millennium Centre

17 November 2019                 Coventry: Warwick Arts Centre

18 November 2019                 Northampton: Derngate

20 November 2019                 Southend: Cliffs Pavilion

21 November 2019                 Leicester: De Montfort Hall

22 November 2019                 Dudley: Town Hall

24 November 2019                 Portsmouth: Guildhall

25 November 2019                 Cambridge: Corn Exchange

26 November 2019                 Ipswich: Regent Theatre

27 November 2019                 Wolverhampton: Grand Theatre

28 November 2019                 Bath: Forum

29 November 2019                 Stoke: Regent Theatre

Listings Information

Tickets from: lennyhenryontour.net

Twitter: @LennyHenry

FULL CASTING

ANNOUNCED FOR THE NEW PRODUCTION OF

COMPANY JOINS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED

SHERIDAN SMITH, JASON DONOVAN

& JAC YARROW

Performances begin Thursday 27 June 2019 | London Palladium

Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are thrilled to confirm full casting for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, following the previous announcements that Sheridan Smith will star as The Narrator,Jason Donovan will return to the show as Pharaoh, and that Jac Yarrow will mark his professional debut asJoseph.

Today’s announcement completes casting for the new production at the world-famous London Palladium, where the production will play a strictly limited 11-week season from Thursday 27 June (Press Night: Thursday 11 July 2019).

Michael Pickering will play Simeon and Richard Carson will be Reuben. Joining them will be Femi Akinfolarin, Casey Al-Shaqsy, JR Ballantyne, Lydia Bannister, Thalia Burt, Michael Cortez, Vanessa Fisher, Ahmed Hamad, Blythe Jandoo, Matt Krzan, Kelsie-Rae Marshall, Billy Mitchell, Georgina Parkinson, Emily Ann Potter, Matthew Rowland, Harriet Samuel-Grey, Carl Spencer, Joshua Steel, Hannah Taylor and Jack Wilcox.

The cast will also include a rotating children’s ensemble, featuring Rihana Akhtar, Mia Byers, Angel Clark, Aoife Connelly, Oliver Crouch, Jacob Dennison, Anna De Oliviera, Tilly Doherty, Nessa Eriksson, Dara Gleeson, Sean Gordon, Maci Hughes, Isabelle Jones, Dino Karakostas, Jamie Kenly, Jaxon Knopf, Olivia Leask, Olivia McNulty, Indiphile Mbonzongwana, Jack Meredith, Chloe Muldowny, Keanna-Skye O’Quinn, Regan Parker, Devon Pomeroy, Etienne Ragoo, Olivia Seagrove, Tom Skoines, Nina Stevenson, Jandice Stewart, Mia Walsh, Luca Willemburg and Sacha Yarwood.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be directed by Laurence Connor (School of Rock Miss Saigon). Laurence will be joined on the creative team by Choreographer JoAnn M Hunter, Morgan Large who will design the set and costumes, Lighting Designer Ben Cracknell and Sound Designer Gareth Owen.

Released as a concept album in 1969,the stage version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has become one of the world’s most belovedfamily musicals. The multi-award-winning show, which began life as a small-scale school concert, has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, international number one tours, and productions in over 80 countries as far afield as Austria and Zimbabwe and from Israel to Peru! The show features songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre standards, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me, Jacob and Sons, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go Go Go Joseph.

Told entirely through song with the help of the Narrator, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoatfollows the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his eleven brothers. After being sold into slavery by the brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled showman, the Pharaoh. As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s famine, he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man and eventually reunites with his family.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is produced by Michael Harrison.