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THE TEA-GUZZLING TIGER IS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!RETURNING TO THE WEST END FOR SUMMER 2020

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA

A musical play by David Wood based on the book by Judith Kerr

Theatre Royal Haymarket, London SW1Y 4HT

16 July – 6 September 2020

The Olivier Award nominated stage production of The Tiger Who Came to Tea today announces an 8-week summer season in the West End for 2020, returning to Theatre Royal Haymarket following its hugely popular 2019 Christmas run. A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood OBE, based on the classic tale by the late Judith Kerr OBE, The Tiger Who Came to Tea will open in London on Thursday 16 July, playing until 6 September 2020. This will be the production’s 7th West End run and marks its 12th year on stage. 

Hailed as Britain’s best-loved picture book, The Tiger Who Came to Tea is now in its 52nd year, selling over 5 million copies since it was first published in 1968. Enchanting generations of children worldwide, Judith Kerr’s timeless classic received its television debut on Christmas eve (2019), with a hand-drawn animation for Channel 4 featuring an all-star cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo, Tamsin Greig, Paul Whitehouse and David Walliams with original music by Robbie Williams.  

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her Mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger!

When Sophie and her Mummy welcome the hungry Tiger to tea, he proceeds to eat all the sandwiches, buns, biscuits and more. He even manages to drink all the water in the tap! What will Sophie’s Daddy say when he gets home? 

Join the Tiger, Sophie and her Mummy and Daddy, in this musical slice of teatime mayhem with sing-a-long songs, oodles of magic and interactive fun. The show is an ideal introduction to live theatre for children aged three and above and the perfect summer treat for the whole family.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea was first performed at the Bloomsbury Theatre in 2008 prior to a UK tour. The production has since gone on to tour nationally and internationally, playing six seasons in the West End, Christmas seasons at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Arts Centre, as well as sold out dates in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Bahrain. The production was nominated for the 2012 Olivier Award for ‘Best Family Entertainment’ and continues to tour the UK this year, visiting 29 venues nationwide from 15 February to 31 May 2020. 

The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a musical play adapted and directed by David Wood, based on the best-loved book by Judith Kerr, designed by Susie Caulcutt, assistant director/choreographer Emma Clayton, music arranger & supervisor Peter Pontzen, magical illusions designed by former President of the Magic Circle Scott Penrose, lighting design by Tony Simpson and sound design by Shock Productions. The 2020 summer West End cast includes: Jocelyn Zackon as ‘Sophie’; Lizzie Dewar as ‘Mummy’; David Scotland as ‘Daddy’/’Milkman’/‘Postman’/’Tiger’, with Sarah Horton (Understudy/Wardrobe) and Glen Newham (Understudy/ASM). Produced by Nick Brooke Ltd by arrangement with Phil Macintyre Entertainments Ltd.

Hull New Theatre – until 1 February 2020

Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

4****

Some music was playing, rather satisfyingly 1950’s music, the sort that always played in the crime films, and then there was a scream from behind the curtains – and I settled back in my seat to let the Queen of Crime entertain me.

This production of The Mousetrap is set in the 1950s, pre forensic science and all the trappings of the crime series on the TV these days, one of the cast mentions fingerprints and that is as high tech as it gets. No mobile phones either, so very easy to get stuck in a situation where there is no contact with the outside world.

The action takes place in Monkswood Hall, the home of Mollie (Edith Kirkwood) and Giles (Adam Lilley) Ralston, who are opening a guest house and awaiting their first guests. On the radio comes the news that a woman has been murdered in London.

And typically Agatha Christie what a ramshackle range of guests they are. Mrs Boyle (Susan Penhaligon) a curmudgeonly old lady, who is intent on finding fault with everything; Christopher Wren (George Naylor) a rather neurotic nervous young man; Major Metcalf (John Griffiths) a bluff retired army Major; Miss Casewell (Laura Costello) a rather mysterious young woman, and finally the very dubious character of Mr Paravinci (Steven Elliott).

Detective Sergeant Trotter (Martin Allanson) arrives at the Hall, as there is a link to the murder in London.

The entire cast was superb, this is very much an ensemble piece and it is very important that they gel and bounce off one another. They all played their characters to perfection and it would be wrong to single out an individual – bravo to all. There is humour in this piece and the cast gently pick at the genre and clearly enjoy being part of The Mousetrap.

The play takes place in the hall at Monkswood Hall and the set was beautiful. The 1950s costumes were beautifully of the period too.

Agatha Christie is known as the Queen of Crime, but actually she is the queen of misdirection, and there are red herrings a plenty thrown into the plot. Sometimes the pace seems to be a little slow when we are used to modern crime series, but this is typically Christie, the gentle pace, the throwing in of the odd secret and the leading in the wrong direction again! It is also very true to the 1950s when life was led at a much slower pace.

So did I guess “whodunit”? Well of course not, this is an Agatha Christie, suffice to say I kept constantly changing my mind, and this is the skill of the playwright. This is a gentle play, at times deceptively slow, with a wonderful cast who bring their characters to life with vigour. The Mousetrap has more twists and turns than Spaghetti Junction and will keep you wonderfully entertained. The audience last night was a lovely mix of age ranges, if you love a crime story this is one for you.

Instead of sitting and watching an Agatha Christie repeat on your TV, go down to Hull New Theatre and watch a live performance, far more satisfying.

The Mousetrap is a total treat.

CAST CHANGES ANNOUNCED FOR

SUSAN HILL’S

THE WOMAN IN BLACK

AT THE FORTUNE THEATRE

TERENCE WILTON TO STAR AS

‘ARTHUR KIPPS’

AND

MAX HUTCHINSON TO STAR AS

‘THE ACTOR’

PW Productions are delighted to announce cast changes for Susan Hill’s THE WOMAN IN BLACK at The Fortune Theatre from Tuesday 28 January 2020 the show will star Terence Wilton as ‘Arthur Kipps’ and Max Hutchinson as ‘The Actor’.  

Having previously played the role of ‘Arthur Kipps’ at the Fortune Theatre in 2017, Terence Wilton returns to the show this year. His other West End credits include “Never So Good” at the National Theatre, “Treatment” at the Donmar and “War Music” and “Antony and Cleopatra” at the Old Vic. Terence has also performed “The Taming of the Shrew” at the Royal Shakespeare Company among many other productions with the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon, London and on tour. His television credits include BBC One’s “The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries” and “Doctor Who” and ITV’s “The Forsyte Saga”.

Max Hutchinson’s recent theatre credits include “The 39 Steps” at the Barn Theatre and Theatre Royal Windsor, “The Hound of the Baskervilles” and “The Notorious Mrs Ebbsmith” at Jermyn Street Theatre, and the UK Tour of “Murder On The Nile”. He has also appeared in the films “Dream Horse” and “Downton Abbey”. 

In June 2019 THE WOMAN IN BLACK celebrated its 30^th Anniversary in London’s West End with a special gala performance.

Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s best-selling novel tells the story of a lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over his family by the spectre of a ‘Woman in Black’. He engages a young actor to help him tell his story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. It begins innocently enough, but as they delve further into his darkest memories, they find themselves caught up in a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds. The borders between make-believe and reality begin to blur and the flesh begins creep.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK is directed by Robin Herford, with designs by Michael Holt and lighting by Kevin Sleep.

PETER ANDRE RETURNS TO

THE 2020 UK TOUR OF

GREASE

NEW VENUES ANNOUNCED

Following his success starring in the UK and Ireland tour in 2019, Peter Andre will star in the 2020 UK tour of the first new production in 25 years of Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical GREASE, at certain venues. As well as reprising the role of Teen Angel, Andre will also play Vince Fontaine and the Sergeant, joining the previously announced Dan Partridge as Danny Zuko. Further casting to be announced including who will be playing the role of Teen Angel, Vince Fontaine and the Sergeant when Peter Andre is not performing.

In addition, Grease will play newly announced venues: Norwich Theatre Royal from 17 to 22 August, Theatre Royal Plymouth from 24 to 29 August, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 20 to 24 October and Ipswich Regent Theatre from 17 to 21 November.

Peter Andre is currently scheduled to perform at certain performances in Northampton, Eastbourne, Liverpool, Nottingham, Manchester, Canterbury, Norwich, Blackpool, Dartford, Wolverhampton, Aylesbury, Ipswich and Stoke. Customers are advised to check their local websites for specific dates.

Peter Andre is known for his successful music and television career and became the sixth highest selling artist in the UK in the 1990s with number one hits such as Mysterious Girl, Flava and I Feel You. He has had two number one albums and has toured all over the world, collecting a multitude of national and international awards. Peter’s many TV shows and appearances, include his reality show Peter Andre: My Life, 60 Minute Makeover and the third series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in 2004.

Peter Andre said “I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning to the UK tour of Grease and to the iconic role of Teen Angel this year. I had the most wonderful time last year working with our genius director Nikolai Foster and the incredible Arlene Phillips, helping create a new, slick, sexy version of this timeless musical with the most talented cast. I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to also perform 2 additional roles this time round:  Vince Fontaine and the Sergeant. I truly cannot wait for more of the UK to see this new production and look forward to making more amazing memories on and off stage in 2020!”

The 2020 tour will open at Royal & Derngate Northampton from 22 – 30 May, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne from 1 – 6 June, New Victoria Theatre, Woking from 8 – 13 June, Wycombe Swan from 22 – 27 June, Liverpool Empire from 29 June – 4 July, Theatre Royal, Nottingham from 6 – 11 July, Palace Theatre Manchester from 20 July – 1 August, The Marlowe, Canterbury from 10 – 16 August, Theatre Royal Norwich from 17 – 22 August, Theatre Royal Plymouth from 24 – 29 August, Blackpool Opera House from 31 August – 5 September, Darlington Hippodrome from 8– 13 September, Belgrade Theatre Coventry from 15 – 19 September, Grand Opera House York from 21 – 26 September, The Sands Centre, Carlisle from 29 September – 3 October, The Orchard Theatre, Dartford from 5 – 10 October, Rhyl Pavilion from 12 – 17 October, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 20 – 24 October, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from 26 – 31 October, Sheffield Lyceum from 2 – 7 November,  Ipswich Regent Theatre from 17 – 21 November and Stoke Regent Theatre from 23 – 28 November. Further venues to be announced.

GREASE originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. During the show’s eight-year run, at the time, little known actors including Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta all appeared in the production, with Richard Gere understudying many roles before going on to star as Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere.

The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is the fourth highest-grossing live action musical of all time and celebrated its 40^th anniversary this year. The musical features beloved songs, including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted To You and You’re The One That I Want.

GREASE is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, with designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and 2020 tour casting by Kay Magson CDG with original tour casting by David Grindrod CDG.

This new production of GREASE is produced by Colin Ingram, InTheatre Productions, Donovan Mannato, Playing Field, Hunter Arnold, Araca and Curve.

Website: greasethemusicalontour.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greaseUKTour

Twitter: @greaseuktour                      

2020 Tour Schedule

22 – 30 May                          Royal & Derngate Northampton                                01604 624811

                                             www.royalandderngate.co.uk                                  

1 – 6 June                            Congress Theatre, Eastbourne                                01323 412000

                                             www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk                               

8 – 13 June                          New Victoria Theatre, Woking                                  0844 871 7645

                                             www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre    

22 – 27 June                        Wycombe Swan                                                       01494 512 000

                                             wycombeswan.co.uk                                               

29 June – 4 July                   Liverpool Empire                                                      0844 871 3017

                                             www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire          

6 – 11 July                            Theatre Royal, Nottingham                                       0115 989 5555      

                                             www.trch.co.uk                                                       

20 July – 1 August                Palace Theatre Manchester                                     0844 871 3019 

                                             www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

10 – 16 August                     The Marlowe, Canterbury                                        01227 878 7787

                                             www.themarlowetheatre.com

17 – 22 August                     Theatre Royal Norwich                                             01603 630000

                                             www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk                                On sale soon

24 – 29 August                     Theatre Royal Plymouth                                           01752 267222

                                             theatreroyal.com                                                      On sale soon

31 August – 5 September     Blackpool Opera House                                           0844 856 1111

                                             www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk                        

8 – 13 September                 Darlington Hippodrome                                            01325 405405

                                             www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

15 – 19 September               Belgrade Theatre Coventry                                      024 7655 3055

                                             www.belgrade.co.uk                                                 On sale soon

21 – 26 September               Grand Opera House York                                        0844 871 3024

                                             www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york/   

29 September – 3 October   The Sands Centre, Carlisle                                      01228 633766

                                             www.thesandscentre.co.uk                                            

5 – 10 October                     The Orchard Theatre, Dartford                                01322 220000

                                             www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

12 – 17 October                   Rhyl Pavilion                                                            01745 33 00 00

                                             www.rhylpavilion.co.uk                                            

20 – 24 October                   Wolverhampton Grand Theatre                                01902 42 92 12

                                             www.grandtheatre.co.uk

26 – 31 October                   Aylesbury Waterside Theatre                                   0844 871 7607

                                             www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre          

2 – 7 November                    Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                                        0114 249 6000                            

                                             www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                                    On sale soon

17 – 21 November                Ipswich Regent Theatre                                           01473 433100

                                             ipswichtheatres.co.uk                                               On sale 2 March

23 – 28 November                Stoke Regent Theatre                                              0844 871 7649

                                             www.atgtickets.com/stoke

Actor, Writer and Theatre Director Martin Milnes publishes his memoir

Wild Card: How I Learned To Be A Friend, Have A Friend & Finally Love My Birthday

Actor, Writer and Theatre Director Martin Milnes, best known as one half of musical theatre duo Ferris & Milnes, has struck a publishing deal for his memoir, Wild Card: How I Learned To Be A Friend, Have A Friend & Finally Love My Birthday. The paperback will be published on 12 March 2020 and it is now available by Amazon pre-order.“This is a coming-of-age, coming-out, come-and-meet-me story that’s by turns funny and touching, revelatory and heart-warming.” Gyles Brandreth

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

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

Described by publishers Zuleika Books as a “poignant, uplifting memoir”, Wild Cardalso provides a fascinating insight into the Golden Age of Film and Musical Theatre, with first-hand memories from those who were there … Virginia Campbell lived to be 102 – she danced on Broadway with Gene Kelly, made Hollywood movies with Marilyn Monroe and Cecil B. DeMille, and inspired a character in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. Jean Bayless, the original West End ‘Maria’ in The Sound of Music, confides that in 1949 fellow chorus girl Audrey Hepburn “gave me my first pair of fishnets”. Meanwhile, Carry On legend Fenella Fielding wistfully recalls “I took a brown bread sandwich out of my handbag and put half in each ear”. Hollywood star Peggy Cummins told Martin “Charlie Chaplin hid in the boot of my car.” 

In addition, Martin grew close to veteran war heroes through his work with the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust. As well as The Few, Wild Card readers meet Wing Commander Leonard Lambert, who escaped, by himself, from Dunkirk, before reclaiming the beaches of France as a Squadron Leader on D-Day. 

Martin Milnes says, “To be asked by Tom Perrin of Zuleika to share my story has been not only a privilege but an enlightenment. I hope that Wild Card will speak to those who have similarly struggled to accept themselves; we all need to embrace and celebrate who we really are. My fabulous ‘Golden Era’ friends guided my path on the road to self-discovery. Now, in Wild Card, it’s time to pass the baton … and share with others the wisdom, generosity and truths of a remarkable generation, from which all ages can learn.”

Tom Perrin, Publisher at Zuleika, says, “Martin’s book is a lively romp through Carry On films, disastrous dates, Old Hollywood gossip, forging a 21st Century career-path, wartime heroism, snowstorms thwarting virginity loss, Gilbert & Sullivan, and an afternoon spent with a dominatrix! But it is also a powerful story of coming-of-age and a search for identity. I am excited and proud to have this on my list.”  

Martin Milnes is a London based actor, writer and theatre director. As musical theatre duo Ferris & Milnes, he has played Theatre Royal Drury Lane, New York’s Lincoln Center, Ambassadors Theatre and at West End LIVE. Martin directed the first professional revival and re-discovery of Gilbert & Sullivan’s final work The Grand Duke and collaborates regularly with the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, preserving the legacy of The Few. Also a lecturer in Musical Theatre and Film History, Martin’s Instagram ‘Story A Day’ about Broadway and Hollywood birthdays, anniversaries and anecdotes can be followed @martinmilnes.

Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester announces exciting revival of classic rock musical Rent directed by Luke Sheppard

Friday 31^st July to Sunday 30^th August 2020 – Limited Run

Tickets on sale soon

Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester is to stage a revival of Jonathan Larson’s classic rock musical Rent this summer, directed by Luke Sheppard, it is announced today.

Rent will have a strictly limited run at the award-winning venue from Friday 31^st July to Sunday 30^th August 2020, and will be the second in-house production of the year, following Rogers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella in May/June.

Produced by A Factory of Creativity CIO for Hope Mill Theatre, the show will be directed by Luke Sheppard who returns to Hope Mill Theatre for the first time since he directed the critically-acclaimed revival of Spring Awakening in 2018 (What’s On Stage Awards Best Regional Production).  Sheppard most recently directed &Juliet, which enjoyed a pre-West End run at the Opera House in Manchester and is now playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London.

The full creative team will be announced soon.

Director Luke Sheppard said: “The Hope Mill Theatre has emerged as a groundbreaking environment to experience theatre that is loud, proud and pushing at boundaries. After redefining musical theatre for a generation, Rent is the perfect match for this unique space and I can’t wait to get started on this new production, placing the audience up close and in the heart of this incredible story and score.”

William Whelton, Executive Director of Hope Mill Theatre, said: “For many years we have longed to produce Rent at Hope Mill Theatre. Not only was it a genre-defining musical of its time but the themes and music continue to stay relevant and resonate with so many people. Being able to mount a whole new revival and having Luke Sheppard at the helm is truly exciting and I know along with the creative team we are assembling, that this is going to be a Rent not to be missed. As part of our commitment to finding new Northern talent, once again we will be holding open auditions in Manchester, led by Pearson Casting.”

Rent is a rock musical with music, lyrics, and book by Jonathan Larson and is loosely based on Puccini’s opera La Bohème. It tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists living, loving and working in Manhattan’s East Village, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

The show premiered off Broadway in 1996 before moving to Broadway later the same year. The show has been staged all over the world, including in the West End in 1998 and in 2005 a movie version was released. It features hit songs such as Rent, Without You, La Vie La Bohème and the iconic Seasons of Love.

The show will be cast by James and Rosie Pearson for Pearson Casting and casting is now live on Spotlight for submissions.  Hope Mill Theatre will once again be holding open Manchester auditions as part of their commitment to find Northern talent. These will be held on Tuesday 18^th February – email [email protected]for further information.

Tickets for Rent will go on sale in March. Register for priority booking at http://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/rent.

LISTINGS

RENT

Hope Mill Theatre, Pollard Street, Manchester

Friday 31^st July to Sunday 30^th August 2020

Tickets and info: www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk

HAVANA NIGHTS TO SIZZLE

ON STAGES ACROSS UK IN 2020

STRICTLY PROFESSIONAL GRAZIANO DI PRIMA BRINGS HOT LATIN RHYTHMS

TO VENUES NATIONWIDE INCLUDING GLASGOW AND EDINBURGH

Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima is preparing to dazzle and delight audiences with stunning new dance show Havana Nights which tours the UK in 2020 – including dates in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The 25-year-old will be joined by fellow Strictly professional and fiancée Giada Lini on this first solo UK tour which opens in Chelmsford on 3 March 2020.

Havana Nights promises an exciting mix of Latin dances with individual performances from Graziano and Giada, as well as entertaining group numbers with their supporting dancers. 

After opening in Chelmsford, Havana Nights will tour the UK visiting Stevenage, Milton Keynes, Crawley, Tunbridge Wells, Hayes, Bury St Edmunds, St Albans, Kettering, Leamington Spa, Cambridge, Exmouth, Redruth, Cheltenham, Swindon, Yeovil, High Wycombe, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Whitley Bay, Fleetwood, Warrington, Guildford, Reading, Shrewsbury, Southport, and Lichfield.

The show will be fantastic and fast paced and is guaranteed to be fresh and innovative with amazing routines to dazzle and wow its audience.

And along with the spectacular sizzling performances on stage, there will also be opportunities for a special pre-show meet and greet with Graziano and Giada.

Graziano Di Prima was born in Sicily and started dancing at the age of six when his mother enrolled him in classes. He is an Italian Latin Champion, as well as representing Belgium at the World Championships, and made the top 24 at the under 21s Latin World Championships.

He went on to spend three years performing with the world-famous Burn the Floor dance company, where he met his future wife 28-year-old Venetian Giada, romantically proposing to her live on stage between performances.

Graziano joined the Strictly team in 2018, partnering DJ Vick Hope through a series of sparkling and high-energy routines. He recently made Strictly history when he performed the first same sex couple dance with fellow professional Johannes Radebe.

Giada is ranked in the top 25 in the world in the Latin-American style. She won the Italian Showdance Championship nine times and represented Italy at the World Showdance Championships, where she was a finalist and won the Show Dance World Cup in 2014. She was also a finalist in Freestyle Latin representing Italy at the World Champions in China in 2013 and 2014.

She worked as a professional Latin American dancer on a high-profile Italian TV show called Amici di Maria De Filippi for three years, and toured Australia, the UK and Japan with Burn the Floor. Giada joined Strictly as a pro dancer in 2018.

Graziano commented: “I’m so excited to be able to bring Havana Nights to the many dance fans we know there are across the UK. Giada and I have worked closely together on the choreography and content for the show and we’re really proud of it. Now I can’t wait to visit so many venues around the country, meeting fans and performing all my favourite routines for them live on stage.”

Website:         www.havananightstour.co.uk

Twitter:           @_HavanaNights

HAVANA NIGHTS TOUR 2020

CHELMSFORD

Civic Centre

3 March 2020

01245 606505

https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres/#

ON SALE NOW

STEVENAGE

Gordon Craig Theatre

4 March 2020

01438 363200

https://www.gordon-craig.co.uk/

ON SALE NOW

MILTON KEYNES

Stables Theatre

5 March 2020

01908 280800

https://stables.org/

ON SALE NOW

CRAWLEY

Hawth Theatre

6 March 2020

01293 553636

https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/The-Hawth

ON SALE NOW

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Assembly Hall Theatre

7 March 2020

01245 606505

https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/

ON SALE NOW

HAYES

The Beck Theatre

8 March 2020

020 8561 8371

https://becktheatre.org.uk/Online/

ON SALE NOW

BURY ST EDMUNDS

The Apex

10 March 2020

01284 758000

https://www.theapex.co.uk/

ON SALE NOW

ST ALBANS

Alban Arena

11 March 2020

01727 844488

Home

ON SALE NOW

KETTERING

Lighthouse Theatre

12 March 2020

01536 414141

Home

ON SALE NOW

LEAMINGTON SPA

Royal Spa Centre

13 March 2020

01926 334418

https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre/site/index.php

ON SALE NOW

CAMBRIDGE

Corn Exchange

14 March 2020

01223 357851

https://www.cambridgelive.org.uk/cornex

ON SALE NOW

EXMOUTH

Exmouth Pavilion

15 March 2020

01395 222477

https://www.ledleisure.co.uk/exmouth-pavilion

ON SALE NOW

REDRUTH

Regal Theatre

16 March 2020

01209 216278

https://www.merlincinemas.co.uk/regal-theatre

ON SALE NOW

CHELTENHAM

Town Hall

17 March 2020

0844 576 2210

http://www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/

ON SALE NOW

SWINDON

Wyvern Theatre

20 March 2020

01793 524481

https://swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/

ON SALE NOW

YEOVIL

Westlands Theatre

21 March 2020

01935 422884

https://www.westlandsyeovil.co.uk/

ON SALE NOW

HIGH WYCOMBE

Wycombe Swan

22 March 2020

01494 512000

https://wycombeswan.co.uk/Online/

ON SALE NOW

GLASGOW

Royal Concert Hall

25 March 2020

0141 353 8000

https://www.glasgowconcerthalls.com

ON SALE NOW

EDINBURGH

Assembly Rooms

26 March 2020

0131 228 1155

http://www.usherhall.co.uk/

ON SALE NOW

WHITLEY BAY

Playhouse Theatre

27 March 2020

0844 248 1588

https://www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk/

ON SALE NOW

FLEETWOOD

Marine Hall

28 March 2020

01253 887693

https://uk.patronbase.com/_Wyre/Productions

ON SALE NOW

WARRINGTON

Parr Hall

29 March 2020

01925 442345

Welcome to Parr Hall

ON SALE NOW

GUILDFORD

GLive

31 March 2020

01245 606505

https://glive.co.uk/Online/

ON SALE NOW

READING

Hexagon Theatre

1 April 2020

0118 960 6060

https://whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on

ON SALE NOW

SHREWSBURY

Theatre Severn

3 April 2020

01743 281281

https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/

ON SALE NOW

SOUTHPORT

The Atkinson

4 April 2020

01704 533333

https://www.theatkinson.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

LICHFIELD

Garrick Theatre

5 April 2020

01543 412121

https://www.theatkinson.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Darlington Hippodrome – until 1 February 2020

5*****

Band of Gold is full of gritty northern realism.  The play, based on the TV show of the same name, is set in Leeds in the early 90’s and life is tough.  This is Kay Mellor’s bid to go behind the stereotypes of prostitutes in film and TV and put a human face on the world’s oldest profession. Unlike Pretty Woman, the film that came out at roughly the same time as Band of Gold was originally on TV, the show doesn’t glamorise anything – this is business, not pleasure. 

There’s a whole array of famous faces in the cast, from some of the UK’s biggest soaps; Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Eastenders. But this is definitely NOT stunt casting. Gaynor Faye rules the stage as Rose, the leader of the girls, who runs The Lane, and puts in a gritty performance from start to finish. Faye is well supported by Laurie Brett who shows off some brilliant acting and fine vocals as the mother figure Anita, but it’s Emma Osman who steals all the best lines as single mum Carol and delivers them with great timing. The number of street workers increases when Gina joins their ranks. She is desperate for money to pay off a loan shark who keeps adding to the amount she has to repay. Sacha Parkinson manages to show how easy it is to end up in her position, reluctantly turning to prostitution in a bid to show she can cope on her own. 

Kieron Richardson (Steve) and Shayne Ward (Inspector Newall) almost feel underused, they’re so good – Richardson in particular shone as the bitter, violent ex-husband Steve, all snarls and drunken rage. Whilst Ward seems to genuinely care about the welfare of the women, seeing them as desperate humans not just prostitutes. Andrew Dunn, playing Barraclough, was also superb.  Steve Garti (Curly) is a hi-light of the show when, as a regular of Carol, he pleasures himself wearing pink marigolds while she walks up and down for him in stockings and heels

Mellor has chosen to keep this stage play setting in the 1990’s, allowing her to explore the themes of debt, domestic abuse, mental health and the powerlessness of women at the bottom of the social scale, especially those fighting to keep their children. And whilst times have changed and improvements have been made, there is still a long way to go to make sure that women don’t need to sell their bodies in order to survive.

Band of Gold is not a dark and depressing play – there are frequent moments of lightness and humour, with some fabulous one-liners. But at the core this is a story of female friendship, strength and finding a way through even the darkest of times. Mellor is a fabulous writer and gives life and depth to her characters. This is a truly empowering production.

In Darlington until 1 February and on tour around the UK, this is a show not to be missed

Malvern Theatres – until 1 February 2020

Reviewed by Vanessa Gibson

5*****

When Charles (Geoffrey Streatfield) organises a séance to help him research a new story no one could have foreseen the consequences which would unfold. Madame Arcati (Jennifer Saunders) arrives at Charles beautiful home to lead him and a group of friends through a dramatic séance. Although the friends are sceptics one soon discovers that Madame Arcati does indeed possess psychic powers, when his dead wife, Elvira (Emma Naomi) appears to him and him alone. Once she has appeared beautiful Elvira sets about causing mischief and mayhem.

As you would expect Jennifer Saunders steals the show as the wonderfully eccentric Madame Arcati, creating much laughter as we discover some of her less fragrant personal traits. 

An additional highlight of the show is the servant Edith ( Rose Wardlaw). With brilliant comic timing Edith shows that it’s possible to be very funny whilst speaking very little.

Anthony Wards stunning set and costumes truly capture not just the era of the play but also the personalities of the key characters. Whilst clever lighting (Howard Harrison) adds to the atmosphere and at times comic effect.

Although originally performed in 1941 this story stands the test of time and held the audience enthralled throughout. A wonderful production, this performance was a joy to watch, with a very skilled cast weaving a story which has an unexpected twist in the tale. We left the theatre still laughing and debating our own perspectives on each character. Blithe Spirit truly is a must see and we thoroughly recommend it to audiences of any age.

DOLLY PARTON’S

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, Book by Patricia Resnick

and Directed by Jeff Calhoun

Based on the 20^th Century Fox Picture

TO RETURN TO THE ALEXANDRA

THIS OCTOBER

Casting to be announced soon

Dolly Parton is delighted to announce that 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL will return to The Alexandra from Tuesday 27^th until Saturday 31^st October 2020 following a near sell-out run when it opened its UK and Ireland tour at the Birmingham venue in September last year.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL opened in the West End in February 2019, where Dolly Parton attended the premiere and joined the cast on stage at the finale. The musical features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by multi Grammy Award winner, country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy – three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the women manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreography by Lisa Stevens, design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Poti Martin, video design by Nina Dunn, original arrangements by Stephen Oremus & Alex Lacamoire, original Broadway orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin, musical supervisor, reductions & extra arrangements by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Victoria Roe and Anne Vosser.

Based on the 20^th Century Fox Picture. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Selladoor Worldwide and Gavin Kalin Productions with Benjamin Lowy Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Showtime Theatre Productions, Hartshorn – Hook Productions, Harmonia Holdings and Kilimanjaro Live.