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Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 9 November 2024

Reviewed by Amy V Gathercole

4****

“Full of big songs, memorable moments and even bigger hairstyles! – Hairspray is always a favourite, and this new production remains big, bold, and beautiful”

Hairspray is a show that, on the surface, is purely joyful and full of happy moments with wonderful songs. However, if you delve a little deeper, the lyrics take on a different meaning, full of important messages and warnings about a time and situation full of hurt and harm.

The much-loved musical is based on the 1988 John Waters’s cult classic film, inspired by real-life events in Baltimore on The Buddy Deane Show. It’s inspirational and imaginative and set in the swinging 1960s, a time when everything was changing, new mindsets were developing, but not everyone was listening. Sadly, some of these themes are still relevant in today’s world, hence the importance of this show.

We meet our heroine, Tracy Turnblad (Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby) at the start of the show with a fast-paced and memorable number with Good Morning Baltimore, as she introduces herself, her city, and her dreams to the audience. She dreams of one big happy world where segregation isn’t an issue, of dancing on The Corny Collins Show and of course, of the boy of her dreams – Link Larkin (Olly Manley). Alexandra gives a wonderful performance and really embraces the energy, passions and intelligence of Tracy and her vocals are very impressive!

You can’t help but fall in love with every member of the Turnblad family. It’s such a wholesome one, full of support, love, and, most importantly, love. The role of Tracy’s mum Edna (Neil Hurst), is all encompassing. Many people have famously played the iconic role in drag, and Neil was brilliant with his comedic timing and his ability to ad-lib too. It’s an important role as, following her daughter’s success, she finally feels seen and is reminded of her own dreams and that it’s never too late to go after them.

Stuart Hickey plays Tracy’s joke-loving and supportive dad. The “You’re Timeless to Me” duet with Edna is a highlight of the show, combining comedy with heart. Nina Bell as Tracy’s devoted friend Penny and her beau Seaweed (Jaiden Lodge) round out the gang of friends as they fight for what’s right.

Velma Van Tussle (Kirsty Sparks) is a villain role that, for me is very similar to a classic Disney villain. She refuses to change, listen, and make a positive difference in her privileged position.

Sparks plays her convincingly and almost made me want to shout “booooo” at the stage! As the producer of The Corny Collins Show, she’s the rich white lady with all the power and really makes you believe in her hatred of integration, which she tries to impress upon to her mini-me daughter, Amber von Tussle (Issie Wilman).

Brenda Edwards and Paul Kerryson have co-directed this 2024/25 tour. Brenda was once discovered in a talent search herself on X-Factor—just like Tracy in the show’s plot. So it’s all come full circle for her as she swaps on stage as Motormouth Maybelle for being hands on as a director.

The current actress playing the very important role of Motormouth Maybelle, Michelle Ndegwa, gives a stand-out performance. She was discovered for this role in a nationwide talent search, and this is her professional theatre debut. When she performs “I Know Where I’ve Been” there are goosebumps. What an impressive vocal she has and with most of her lines in the script rhyming, it just flows beautifully.

The set combines physical and interchangeable physical pieces mixed with projections throughout successfully in a blended design by Takis. It takes a more modern direction with the number of locations that feature and allows for some very quick set changes to keep up with the fast-paced dance numbers and action of the show

Hairspray is visiting over 33 theatres on this UK tour, over 2024 and into 2025 – you can find your nearest theatre here: Hairspray UK Tour

Actress, singer and musical theatre star Lara Denning sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 questions.  Lara is currently on tour, playing Anne Hathaway and the brilliant & Juliet, which can be seen in Leeds from the 18th to the 30th of November.  Tickets can be found here

Let’s start with a few favourites

Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)? 

Sunset Boulevard

Favourite book? 

Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks

Favourite theatre? 

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Favourite song? 

Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks

Favourite music? 

90s bangers

Favourite food? 

The ultimate comfort food Sausage & Mash 

Favourite drink? 

Ginger Ale

What is your favourite role? 

I am loving my role in the & Juliet UK tour of Anne Hathaway

What was your first role? 

Miss Honey in Matilda 

And what role would you really like to play? 

Beverley Bass in Come From Away

If you weren’t a performer what would you be? 

I would have been a Vet 

What made you decide to be a performer? 

I fell in love with theatre when I went to see Les Miserable and immediately knew I wanted to be a performer

Do you enjoy touring? 

Yes I love it! Seeing different towns and cities in the UK is so glorious 

What advice would you give 16 year old you? 

That it’s ok to make mistakes

Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing? 

I would love to direct one day

What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed? 

I am Harvey Milk

Favourite line from any show? 

I am big, It’s the pictures that got small (Sunset Boulevard)

If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be? 

Kate Bush

What are the nicest/weirdest things you have ever received from fans? 

The nicest was a woodworker figurine of my dog

Can you tell us what you will be up to next? 

Don’t know yet, watch this space!

The “Amazing” &Juliet continues its tour around the UK, and I can only advise you to buy a ticket so you don’t miss out.  See the tour details at the website

The Other Palace, Victoria – 4th & 5th November 2024

Reviewed by Ava Clarkson

5*****

The Other Palace in Victoria is fast becoming my favourite small theatre venue in London. Tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of central Victoria, The Other Palace is a lively and friendly space where creative and inventive shows are actively encouraged and shared. The audience seems to be a fresh generation of theatre goers who arrive early and spend time in the welcoming “The Other Gin Palace”, which is in itself a lovely bar to hang out in. The 312-seat main theatre opened in 2012 and is a steep banked intimate venue where every seat has a great view. The Other Palace promises to be the theatre for discovering, developing, exploring and celebrating theatre – and tonight it delivered again on its promise.

Pop Off, Michelangelo! premiered at The Edinburgh Fringe in July of this year and became a critically acclaimed comedy show. I would describe this show as “Marmite” – you’re either going to fall about laughing or stand up and leave. This show is not for the faint hearted and is clearly aimed at an open minded, queer audience. It is certainly not for you if you are easily offended! With hilarious songs such as “I want a man to F&$k me, and God not to mind”, gay orgies and sexual jokes, innuendos and stereotyping come thick and fast throughout.

A simple stage set in front of us shows we are in the renaissance era. Moveable columns are cleverly used throughout the show as props and become chairs, desks and a courtroom. We meet friends Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci as best friends in Florence. The pairs realisation that they are both gay, brings them to the decision to “play it straight” in order to become the most famous artists in the world with the ultimate aim of painting for the Pope, who is the only man who can talk to God, who in turn with forgive them for being gay. As we follow them along their journey, there are hilarious encounters at networking events and the artists academy. During their attempts to get to the Vatican, they are chased down by Savonarola, an extremist moralist who campaigns to stop all Gay men as we hear that sodomites are not in favour with the church and will be hung for their crime.

Catchy pop style songs throughout are both clever and hilariously camp. ‘I Want to be your Renaissance Man’, ‘I Want You’ and ‘Pick Me Girl’ are not only worded brilliantly with laugh out loud referencing to the likes of Lady Gaga, Marissa Tomei and Cher, but also calling out straight stereotyping with lyrics such as “I want you like a straight man wants a grill”! The voices of the 6 strong cast are all outstanding and show the true emotion in each song, whether funny or indeed touching as in the beautiful (but understatedly funny) song “When you met your son Jesus” which asks the question to God, what did he do when he met his son?

The leading roles of Michelangelo and Leonardo played by Aiden MacColl and Max Eade, both who are exceptional as they throw themselves into the parts with enthusiastic campness and zealous emotion. The Pope played by Paul Toulson is a vape smoking, self-important, villain who antagonises his devoted catholic subjects whilst looking for an artist to paint his ceiling. Conn McGirr (Salai) brings the love interest and stands out in the dance numbers for his exuberant hip swinging. Lucy Carter plays the darker role of Savonarola with villainous gusto and Maiya Quansah-Breed plays the mother to the two boys with a hilarious ‘chav’ style of deliverance.

Pop Off, Michelangelo the book, music and lyrics are written by Dylan MarcAurele and is directed by Joe McNeice, with choreography by Sundeep Saini. Dylan MarcAurele during an interview at the Edinburgh Fringe stated that during a trip to Rome, a tour guide told him how a very tortured Michelangelo was – gay, deeply religious, self-disciplined to an extreme, likely celibate his entire life – in comparison to his artistic rival, Leonardo Da Vinci – also gay, but who lived more freely, wore pink tights, wrote backwards, had ADHD, etc. This prompted him to write the show with the question “What if these two guys were once BFFs?”

This short ‘un-factchecked’ musical comedy packs a lot into just over one hour. Two gay best friends trying to become the world’s greatest artist so God will forgive them for being gay is a triumph. A standing ovation was much deserved as the audience had enjoyed a laugh out loud experience alongside shocking but hilarious sexual innuendo throughout. All the cast bought a comedic warmth to their characters and gave us a short show to remember.

Hull New Theatre – until 9th November 2024

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

3***

Jamie Wilson, Jack Maple, Gavin Kalin, Kevin McCollum and Jason Haigh-Ellery present the Curve production of An Officer and a Gentleman the Musical. With the book by Douglas Day Stewart and Sharleen Cooper Cohen and directed by Nikolai Foster.

This production does follow the same story line as the film, it is set in 1980’s America and tells the story of Zack Mayo (Luke Baker) who has enrolled in the gruelling 12-week training programme to become an officer in the US navy. All the new recruits want to be pilots but only the very best stay until the end and if Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley (Chris Breistein) has anything to do with it the course will be very hard to pass.

Some of the local women work in the paper factory and dream of escaping the drudgery of everyday life. Paula Pokrifki (Georgia Lennon) and her friend Lynette Pomeroy (Sinead Long) are no exception. Paulas mother Esther Pokrifki (Melanie Masson) got pregnant with Paula with one of the officer candidates so she tries to warn her daughter not to get involved. But Paula doesn’t take any notice and gets together with Zack and Lynette with another officer trainee Sid Worley (Paul French). We then follow the turbulent times ahead especially when tragedy strikes the group of trainees.

The band, Jonny Knight, Alex Ward, Alexia Barbera and Noah Key led by musical director Christopher Duffy, played the large music selection very well. The songs which included Livin’ on a prayer, Girls just wanna have fun, The final countdown and other 80’s classics were instantly recognisable to me as a fan of 80’s music.

If you are a fan of the film from 1982 An Officer and a Gentleman and a toe tapping jukebox musical this is the show for you.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR SAM SELVON’S

THE LONELY LONDONERS ADAPTED BY ROY WILLIAMS

AT KILN THEATRE

ALSO ANNOUNCED TODAY, THE PRODUCTION EXTENDS

Kiln Theatre and Jermyn Street Theatre today announce the full cast for the critically acclaimed production of Sam Selvon’s The Lonely Londoners adapted by Roy Williams. Ebenezer Bamgboye directs Tobi Bakare, Shannon Hayes, Solomon Israel, Gilbert Kyem Jnr, Carol Moses, Aimée Powell and Romario Simpson.

Due to popular demand the production extends its run; The Lonely Londoners opens at Kiln Theatre on 16 January, with previews from 10 January, and now runs until 22 February.

Director, Ebenezer Bamgboye said today, “Sam Selvon’s novel, The Lonely Londoners, is a timeless masterpiece. Having been so lucky to have been given the opportunity to channel it through the medium of theatre once already, I feel doubly lucky for the opportunity to return back to it a second time, at a perfect venue, alongside a truly stellar group of actors and creatives.”

Kiln Theatre & Jermyn Street Theatre present

THE LONELY LONDONERS

by Sam Selvon

adapted by Roy Williams

10 January – 22 February

Director: Ebenezer Bamgboye; Set Designer: Laura Ann Price; Costume Designer: Anett Black; Lighting Designer: Elliot Griggs; Sound Designer: Tony Gayle; Movement Director: Nevena Stojkov; Voice and Dialect Coach: Hazel Holder; Casting Director: Abby Galvin; Kiln-Mackintosh Resident Assistant Director: Imy Wyatt Corner; Associate Sound Designer: Bella Kear; Literary Consultant: Susheila Nasta  

The critically acclaimed adaptation of Sam Selvon’s iconic novel.

1950s London. Newly arrived from Trinidad, Henry ‘Sir Galahad’ Oliver is impatient to start his new life in London. Carrying just pyjamas and a toothbrush, he bursts through Moses Aloetta’s door only to find Moses and his friends already soured on city life. Will the London fog dampen Galahad’s dreams? Or will these Lonely Londoners make a home in a city that sees them as a threat?  

Following its sold out run at Jermyn Street Theatre, Roy Williams’ adaptation of Sam Selvon’s iconic novel, The Lonely Londoners, comes to Kiln. Ebenezer Bamgboye’s critically acclaimed production opens a window into the hopes, dream and realities of generation Windrush.

Tobi Bakare plays Lewis. His theatre credits include Gone Too Far! (Royal Court) and Greenland (National Theatre). His television credits include Malpractice, Death in Paradise, Outlander, The Shadowline and The Tunnel; and for film, Kingsman: The Secret Service and Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

Shannon Hayes plays Agnes. Her theatre credits include Bitter Lemons (Park Theatre, Bristol Old Vic), Raya (Hampstead Theatre), The Seven Pomegranate Seeds (Rose Theatre), The Gift (Eclipse Theatre) and The Ridiculous Darkness (Gate Theatre). Her television credits include Vigil, I Hate Suzie, Ted Lasso, Years and Years, Big Boy, Cold Feet, Kiss Me First and Undercover; and for film, Born to Run.

Solomon Israel plays Moses. His theatre credits include A Raisin in the Sun (Lyric Hammersmith), Jitney (The Old Vic, Leeds Playhouse), Anna Karenina (Sheffield Crucible), Ravens: Spassky VS Fischer (Hampstead Theatre), Barber Shop Chronicles (National Theatre US Tour), Miss Littlewood, The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich, The Duchess of Malfi, Kingdom Come, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors (RSC), The Pulverised, Octagon (Arcola Theatre) and The Dutchman (Young Vic). His television credits include Testament, Signora Volpe, Death in Paradise, In the Long Run, The Dumping Ground, Lovesick, Doctor Who, Josh, Brothers with No Game and Law and Order: UK; and for film, Blockhead and Played and Betrayed.

Gilbert Kyem Jnr plays Big City. His theatre credits include A Raisin in the Sun (Lyric Hammersmith), Hamlet, Oresteia (Almeida Theatre, Park Avenue Armoury) and Never Not Once (Park Theatre). His television credits include Rivals; and for short film, Patrick and Green Space.

Carol Moses plays Tanty. Her theatre credits include Clockwork (National Theatre), Unseen Unheard (Theatre Peckham), Hoxton St (Hoxton Hall) and Black Mime Theatre (international tour). Her television credits include Crongton, Renegade Nell, Supacell, Perrin and A Class Apart.

Aimée Powell plays Christina. Her theatre credits include Family Tree, Crongton Knights, Night Light (UK tours), Freeman (International Tour), Nothello (Belgrade Theatre) Feed the Beast (Birmingham Rep) and Jump! We’ll Catch You (Birmingham Rep). Her television credits include Seaview (Strictly Arts/Amazon Prime) and Doctors (BBC). Aimée has also just finished filming a guest role on a new series for Black Dog Television.

Romario Simpson plays Galahad. His theatre credits include Syndrome (Tristan Bates Theatre), Sket (Park Theatre), Think (Edinburgh Festival Fringe), And Then There Was War (Stratford Circus Theatre) and Reflection: Scratch Me If You Can (The Vaults). His television credits include Granite Harbour, Riches, Django, Andor, Small Axe: Lover’s Rock, Timewasters and Dixi.

Sam Selvon (1923 – 1994) was a Trinidadian novelist. He is best known for his novels, including Moses Ascending (1975), A Brighter Sun (1952), Ways of Sunlight (1957), Turn Again Tiger (1958) and Those Who Eat the Cascadura (1972). His other works include short stories, poetry, essays, plays.

Roy Williams is an award-winning playwright. He returns to Kiln Theatre, following the recent NW Trilogy. His other recent plays include Death of England: Closing Time, Death of England (National Theatre), 846 (Theatre Royal Stratford East and GDIF), Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads (Chichester Festival Theatre/National Theatre), The Fellowship, The Firm, Wildefire (Hampstead Theatre, Downstairs), Soul: The Untold Story of Marvin Gaye (Royal and Derngate / Hackney Empire), Antigone (Pilot Theatre / UK tour), Advice for the Young at Heart (Theatre Centre), an adaptation of The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (Pilot Theatre/ UK Tour), Sucker Punch (Royal Court Theatre, nominated for Olivier Award for Best Play), Kingston ‘14 (Theatre Royal Stratford East) and Category B (Kiln Theatre).

Ebenezer Bamgboye is the current Programming Associate at Southwark Playhouse and was the Carne Deputy Director of Jermyn Street Theatre 2021-22. As a director, his credits include The Cherry Orchard (RADA), Under The Kunde Tree (Southwark Playhouse), Julius Caesar (GSA), Little Sweet Thing (LAMDA), The Anarchist, Two Horsemen (Jermyn Street Theatre) and Boys Cry (Riverside Studios). As Associate Director – Faustus: That Damned Woman (tour); and as Assistant Director, A Very Expensive Poison (The Old Vic), Three Sisters (Almeida Theatre), Sleeping Beauty (Theatre Royal Stratford East) and Steel (Sheffield Theatres).

Kiln Theatre

Listings

269 Kilburn High Road, London, UK, NW6 7JR

Box Office: 020 7328 1000

www.KilnTheatre.com

THE PURISTS

14 November – 21 December 2024

Tickets                                £15 – £40

Access performances:

Audio Described               19 December, 7.30pm, preceded by a Touch Tour

Captioned                           9 December, 7.30pm

Relaxed                               14 December, 2.30pm

THE LONELY LONDONERS

10 January – 22 February 2025

Tickets                                £15 – £40

Access performances:

Audio Described               13 February, 7.30pm, preceded by a Touch Tour

Captioned                           3 February, 7.30pm

Relaxed                               8 February, 2.30pm

SHANGHAI DOLLS

3 April – 10 May 2025

Tickets                                 £15 – £40

Audio Described             8 May, 7.30pm

Captioned                          28 April, 7.30pm

Relaxed                               3 May, 2.30pm

Touch Tour                         8 May, 6pm

Age Guidance:                 14+

Under 26 – £10 (subject to availability)

Access, Over 65, Local, Student and Group rates available, for further details, please see the website.

Subsidised tickets

We offer free tickets and exclusive discounts to those who can’t afford to come. If you fit any of the below criteria, get in touch and we can help you get a ticket.

If you are homeless, out of work or receive Housing Benefits, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance (valid ID, statements or proof of universal tax credit will be required when collecting tickets).

Employees of NHS, Police Force, Fire Brigade, Armed Forces, The Coastguard, RNLI, Prison Officers or Social Care Workers (valid ID payslip and name badges will be required when collecting tickets).

Email [email protected]

Stockard Channing

MariÈme Diouf, Greg Hicks

and Patrick Vaill

TO JOIN

BRIE LARSON

IN REVIVAL OF SOPHOKLES’S ELECTRIFYING AND TIMELESS PLAY

ELEKTRA

Performances begin on 24 January 2025 at

DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE, LONDON

All information and tickets at www.ElektraPlay.com

Tuesday 5 November 2024: Empire Street Productions are delighted to today announce further casting for ELEKTRA, the UK Premiere production of the translation by award winning poet Anne Carson of Sophokles’s electrifying play.

The previously announced Brie Larson, who will be making her West End debut, will be joined by internationally renowned Stockard Channing (The West Wing, The Good Wife), Marième Diouf (Romeo and Juliet, The Globe), Greg Hicks (Grapes of Wrath, The National Theatre, Coriolanus, The Old Vic) and Patrick Vaill (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Evening Standard Award winner for his role in Oklahoma!).

Full casting will be announced at a later date.

Cast and Creative Team biographies, as well as all ticket information, is at www.ElektraPlay.com

Helmed by the acclaimed director Daniel Fish (Oklahoma), performances will begin at Theatre Royal Brighton from Monday 13 to Saturday 18 January 2025, before the production moves to Duke of York’s Theatre in London for a strictly limited 11-week season from Friday 24 January 2025 (Press Night: Wednesday 5 February 2025).

This will be the first major revival of Sophokles’s Greek tragedy in over a decade and will be directed by Daniel Fish. Hisacclaimed production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival in 2019 on Broadway before transferring to the West End where it won the Oliver Award for Best Musical Revival in 2023. Fish was also nominated for the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical in 2019.

Joining Daniel on the creative team are Annie-B Parson (Choreography), Jeremy Herbert (Set Design), Doey Lüthi (Costume Design), Adam Silverman (Lighting Design), Max & Ben Ringham (Sound Design), Ted Hearne (Composer) Kate Godfrey (Voice & Dialect) with casting by Heather Basten CDG.

“There is something bad here, growing. Day and night

I watch it. Growing.”

Elektra, haunted by her father’s assassination, is consumed by grief; a need for survival; and a thirst for vengeance. When her long lost brother Orestes at last returns, she urges him to a savage and terrifying conclusion but at what cost?

Elektra is produced by Empire Street Productions, who most recently produced Slave Play at The Noël Coward Theatre starring Kit Harrington and Olivia Washington; the widely acclaimed Prima Facie starring Jodie Comer at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London and John Golden Theatre in New York; as well as The Pillowman at the Duke of York’sstarring Lily Allen and Steve Pemberton.

BRADLEY JADEN
RECORDED LIVE IN LONDON

WESTWAY MUSIC IN COLLABORATION WITH SISCO ENTERTAINMENT RELEASE ALBUM OF SINGER’S CADOGAN HALL JUNE 24 CONCERT

ALBUM TO BE RELEASED ON CD/DIGITAL 29 NOVEMBER 2024

Preorder/Presave https://slinky.to/RecordedLiveinLondon

MD Neil O’Brien, and the whole team at Westway Music, is pleased to announce the full details of the upcoming release of Bradley Jaden’s live album ‘Recorded Live in London’, in collaboration with Sisco Entertainment, to be released on CD and digital platforms on 29 November 2024, pre-save here.

Bradley Jaden – one of the West End’s most successful leading men – performed the concert at Cadogan Hall in June 2024, a show which featured collaborations with Louise Dearman and Adam Pearce. The track list includes songs from shows which have shaped Bradley’s career, including Phantom of The Opera, Wicked and Les Mis.

Audiences who pre-order the album will also be able to able to enjoy two preview songs in the lead up to the full album release; Being Alive (from Company) will be available to download from Monday 4 November, and then Stars (from Le Misérables) will be available from Friday 15 November.

TRACK LISTING

1.      WHO I’D BE (from Shrek! The Musical)

2.      IF I CAN’T LOVE HER (from Beauty and the Beast)

3.      WONDERING (from The Bridges of Madison County)

4.      FALL ON ME (from The Nutcracker and The Four Realms) ft. James Doughty

5.      ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE (from My Fair Lady)

6.      THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM (from Man of La Mancha)

7.      SWAY

8.      YOUR EYES (from Rent)

9.      AS LONG AS YOU’RE MINE (from Wicked) ft. Louise Dearman

10.   BLIND FAITH (from Treason The Musical) ft. Louise Dearman

11.   MUSIC OF THE NIGHT (from Phantom of The Opera)

12.   BEING ALIVE (from Company)

13.   STARS (from Les Mis)

Bradley Jaden said, “I am so honoured and excited to be able to share this album. I genuinely never thought, in all my career, that I would have this opportunity, but thanks to the incredible support of you all I did! It is a selection of highlights from my first solo concerts in London, Bradley Jaden Live, where I was joined by some of my best friends and inspirations.”

Bradley Jaden is currently starring in the international tour of Les Misérables – The Arena Spectacular, playing the role of ‘Javert’, following his own solo concert tour which included London, New York, Budapest and Trieste. Previously he appeared in the West End run of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre, starring alongside Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, as ‘Raoul’ in Broadway Italia’s brand new production of The Phantom of the Opera in Trieste, and most notably as ‘Javert’ in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre. Prior to that, he starred as ‘Thomas Percy’ in Treason: The Musical (Theatre Royal Drury Lane). Other headline appearances include the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert Best of Broadway at The Royal Albert Hall, the concert production of Camelot as Sir Lancelot (London Palladium) and The Greatest Showtunes, a concert series produced by Raymond Gubbay. He also appeared as ‘Enjolras’ in Les Misérables – The Staged Concert (Gielgud Theatre) which was released on DVD in 2020. Bradley also played ‘Javert’ in the final cast of the original production of Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre).

Further theatre credits include:  After You as part of the streamed concert series Tonight at the London Coliseum, ‘Fiyero’ in Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre and International Tour), ‘Lt. Joseph Cable’ in South Pacific in Concert (Cadogan Hall), ‘Freddie’ in My Fair Lady for the 60th Anniversary Celebration at St Paul’s Church, Ghost the Musical (UK Tour), Shrek The Musical (Theatre Royal Drury Lane). Film and television credits include: Les Misérables – The Staged Concert, Eastenders, Emmerdale, Sugar Rush and Britain’s Got Talent.

Recordings include After You (Alex Parker & Katie Lam), Peter Pan (George Stiles & Anthony Drewe), Theseus (Vallier Music Studios) and Treason: The Musical (Katy Galloway Productions).

Official London Theatre launches the See It Live in 2025 promotion 

·         See It Live offers tickets to top London shows for select performances in 2025

·         Tickets are reduced to £10, £20, £30, £40, £50 or £60

·         General sale begins 26 November, with a Mastercard priority window from 21 November

OfficialLondonTheatre.com/SeeItLive 

Start the year as you mean to go on, by seeing live theatre!  

Secure great deals on all your favourite London shows with tickets from as little as £10 to £60 for select performances in 2025. If you are already a theatre fan, share your love and take a friend, and if you’re new… welcome! This is the perfect way to see what Theatreland has to offer and do something different. 

Previously known as the Official London Theatre New Year Sale and Get into London Theatre, See It Live is firmly established as one of theatreland’s longest running promotions, now in its 22^nd year. 

See It Live in 2025 is launching in just over two weeks, with Mastercard’s priority window starting on 21 November via priceless.com, followed by our general sale on 26 November, via OfficialLondonTheatre.com. 

ORE ODUBA

TO PLAY THE ROLE OF ‘CARACTACUS POTTS’

JOINING

EMMERDALE STAR LIAM FOX AS ‘GRANDPA POTTS’

AND

ELLIE NUNN AS ‘TRULY SCRUMPTIOUS’

IN

THE NEW PRODUCTION OF THE

MOST FANTASMAGORICAL MUSICAL OF ALL TIME
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

CURRENTLY TOURING THE UK

David Ian for Crossroads Live is delighted to announce that Ore Oduba will play the role of Caractacus Potts in the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, currently touring the UK. Ore Oduba will play Caractacus Potts from Tuesday 4 until Sunday 9 March 2025 at the Birmingham Hippodrome. He will then perform the role at the Palace Theatre, Manchester (11 – 15 March 2025), Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth (19 –23 March 2025), Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (1 – 12 April 2025), Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff (15 – 19 April 2025), Sunderland Empire (22 – 27 April 2025), Bristol Hippodrome (29 April – 4 May 2025) and Theatre Royal, Plymouth (6 – 10 May 2025). Casting schedule and listings below. www.chittyontour.com

Ore Oduba will join Emmerdale star Liam Fox as Grandpa Potts, Ellie Nunn as Truly Scrumptious, Martin Callaghan as Baron, Jenny Gayner as Baroness, Adam Stafford as Boris, Michael Joseph as Goran and John Macaulay as The Toymaker.The cast also includes Charlie Bishop, Ruaraidh Blackwood, Hadrian Delacey, Belle Kizzy Green, Tia Gyngell, Kirsty Ingram, Bibi Jay, Isabella Mason, Joe Press, Theo UK Rose, Molly Rees Howe, Callum Train and Luke Woollaston.

The roles of Jeremy and Jemima Potts will be shared by Charlie Banks, Melody Caruana, Gracie Cochrane, Isla Ithier, Charlie McGuire, Lara Simon, Huxley Syers and Roshan Thomson.

Ore Oduba was most recently seen as Happy Man/Mr Thompson in the UK and Ireland tour of Pretty Woman. His previous theatre credits include Brad Majors in the West End and UK tour of the 50^th anniversary production of The Rocky Horror Show, Aaron Fox in Curtains on tour and in the West End, and Teen Angel in Grease on a UK tour. Ore was crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion in 2016 and more recently made it to the final of Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Liam Fox is probably best known for playing the role of Dan Spencer in ITV’s Emmerdale, where he featured in more than a thousand episodes. His many other TV credits include Stephen Poliakoff’s Dancing on the Edge, Cold Feet, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Clocking Off, A Touch of Frost, Always and Everyone, At Home with the Braithwaites and Dinnerladies. His many theatre credits include The Collector and Tuesday’s Class, both at The Lowry Studio and Iron at Manchester’s Royal Exchange.

Ellie Nunn’s many theatre credits include Identical at Nottingham Playhouse, the UK tour of Posh, Shakespeare in Love at the Noel Coward Theare, Twelfth Night at Leicester Square Theatre, The Game of Love and Chance and Daughter in Law, both at the Arcola Theatre, Honk! at the Union Theatre and on tour and Gatsby at the Arts Theatre.

Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children and later made into the famous 1968 film, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG features the unforgettable songs by the Sherman Brothers including Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious and the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

This new production is directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic, Parade), choreographed by Karen Bruce (BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, The Bodyguard) with Set and Costume design by Morgan Large (Newsies, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat), Lighting design by Ben Cracknell, Sound design by Gareth Tucker, Musical Supervision by George Dyer (The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Billy Elliot) and casting by Debbie O’Brien.

In CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG we meet absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious, the family end up on a hilarious fantastical adventure to far off lands.

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG has Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Music by Special Arrangement with Sony/ATV Publishing and is Adapted for the Stage by Jeremy Sams. Based on the MGM Motion Picture the Licensed Script is adapted by Ray Roderick. It was Originally produced by Eon Productions, Dana Broccoli, Frederick Zollo, Nicholas Paleologos, Jeffrey Sine, Miriam Productions and Michael Rose at The London Palladium.

This production is presented by permission of Music Theatre International.

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

UK TOUR LISTINGS

chittyontour.com

TUESDAY 5 – SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER

Curve Theatre, Leicester

www.curveonline.co.uk 

Adam Garcia as Caractacus Potts.

The Vivienne as The Childcatcher.

TUESDAY 12 – SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2024

Cliffs Pavilion, Southend

www.trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend

Adam Garcia as Caractacus Potts.

The Vivienne as The Childcatcher.

TUESDAY 19 – SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Adam Garcia as Caractacus Potts.

The Vivienne as The Childcatcher.

TUESDAY 10 – SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER

Opera House, Blackpool

www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Adam Garcia as Caractacus Potts.

The Vivienne as The Childcatcher.

2025

TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 1 MARCH  2025

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

The role of The Childcatcher to be announced soon.

TUESDAY 4 – SUNDAY 9 MARCH 2025

Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Ore Oduba as Caractacus Potts.

The role of The Childcatcher to be announced soon.

TUESDAY 11 – SUNDAY 16 MARCH 2025

Palace Theatre, Manchester

www.atgtickets.com/palace-theatre-manchester

Ore Oduba as Caractacus Potts.

The role of The Childcatcher to be announced soon.

WEDNESDAY 19 – SUNDAY 23 MARCH 2025

Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth

www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Ore Oduba as Caractacus Potts.

The role of The Childcatcher to be announced soon.

TUESDAY 1 APRIL – SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2025

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Ore Oduba as Caractacus Potts.

The role of The Childcatcher to be announced soon.

TUESDAY 15 – SATURDAY 19 APRIL 2025

Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff

www.wmc.org.uk  

Ore Oduba as Caractacus Potts.

The role of The Childcatcher to be announced soon.

TUESDAY 22 – SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2025

Sunderland Empire

www.atgtickets.com/sunderland-empire/

Ore Oduba as Caractacus Potts.

The role of The Childcatcher to be announced soon.

TUESDAY 29 APRIL – SUNDAY 4 MAY 2025

Bristol Hippodrome

www.atgticket.com/bristol-hippodrome

Ore Oduba as Caractacus Potts.

The role of The Childcatcher to be announced soon.

TUESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 10 MAY 2025

Theatre Royal, Plymouth

www.theatreroyal.com

Ore Oduba as Caractacus Potts.

The role of The Childcatcher to be announced soon.

Final cast announced as A Sherlock Carol
returns to Marylebone Theatre for a third festive season

DEM Productions today announce final casting for the critically acclaimed production, written and directed by Mark Shanahan, which plays a festive season at Marylebone Theatre from Friday 29 November 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025.

Casting features: Ben Caplan (as Sherlock Holmes), Kammy Darweish (Ebenezer Scrooge), Rosie Armstrong (The Countess & others),  Richard James (Dr Watson & others), Louise Hoare (Emma Wiggins & others), Devesh Kishore (Dr Cratchit & others), Hannah Parker (Understudy), Henry Proffit (Alternate Sherlock Holmes and Understudy).

The Producers said today: “We are delighted to welcome back so many familiar favourites to the cast of A Sherlock Carol, bringing another year of magic and mystery to Baker Street.”

Even more seats have been released and the production has added an additional Boxing Day matinee performance on 26 December due to demand.

Three Christmases since the Reichenbach Falls, Sherlock Holmes has little appetite for mince pies or for solving crime. Wandering through Victorian London, he meets a grown-up and not-so-Tiny Tim Cratchit who implores him to investigate the mysterious death of his reformed benefactor, one Ebenezer Scrooge. An impossible murder, a threatening letter, and a missing diamond – it’s just enough to intrigue the great detective. But it’s a dark and treacherous Christmas Eve, and once again the night is haunted by the spirits of the past, present, and future. Using his powers of deduction, can Holmes overcome his own ghosts to crack the case?

The worlds of Dickens and Doyle combine in this ‘instant holiday classic’, returning to London at Marylebone Theatre, just a stone’s throw from 221B Baker Street itself.

A Sherlock Carol features scenic design by Tony nominee Anna Louizos, lighting design by Obie- winner Rui Rita, with original music and sound design by Tony nominee John Gromada. Produced by DEM Productions, Fat Goose Productions, and Theatre Nerd Productions.

LISTINGS INFO

A Sherlock Carol
by Mark Shanahan

29 November 2024 – 5 January 2025

Marylebone Theatre
Rudolf Steiner House
35 Park Road
London
NW1 6XT

Box office: 02077237984
[email protected]
www.marylebonetheatre.com/productions/a-sherlock-carol

Performances:
Wednesday 2:30pm / 7:30pm
Thursday 7:30pm
Friday 7:30pm
Saturday 2:30pm / 7:30pm
Sunday 1pm / 5pm

Tickets from £15

Social media

Twitter:
@SherlockCarolUK

Facebook:
A Sherlock Carol UK

Instagram:
@SherlockCarolUK