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Richmond Theatre – until 5 January 2020

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge

5*****

Snow White (Mia Starbuck) is madly in love with her handsome Prince Harry of Hampton (James Darch). Whilst Muddles (Jon Clegg) also shines a torch for the beautiful Princess, will he ever gain the courage to tell her how he feels or will he enlist the help from his mother Nurse Nancy (Jason Sutton). Can the seven friendly magnificent dwarfs (Luke Higgins, Jabari Braham, Conleth Kane, Callum Bell, Mark Laverty, Connor Marron and Robert Wilkes) protect Snow White from all evil and keep her safe?

Meanwhile Queen Lucretia (Jo Brand) is not impressed that she no longer holds the number 1 spot for the fairest of the land. Will she triumph to  banish Snow White or will true love conquer it all.

This magical production has lots to offer and has been brought to life with amazing comedy throughout with plenty of audience participation including lots to shout about with the very humorous Jo Brand as Queen Lucretia (“I’m the fairest in the land” “Oh no your not”, “Oh Yes I am“). Not to mention her amazing costumes with feathers and jewels and spectacular head pieces.

Jon Clegg who plays Muddles and Jason Sutton as Nurse Nancy offer  brilliant humour  with great jokes plenty of gags and had the audience almost immediately interacting and laughing out loud along with their bright fabulous and shiny costumes.

Mia Starbuck who plays Snow White and James Darch as Prince Harry of Hampton offered some great acting with some very catchy songs which had the audience dancing in their chairs and wanting to join in. Then there were the brilliant seven dwarfs played by Luke Higgins, Jabari Braham, Conleth Kane, Callum Bell, Mark Laverty, Connor Marron and Robert Wilkes who were full of enthusiasm , cracking great jokes full of smiles and keeping the audience amused throughout.

This was truly a splendid production packed with fabulous acting and costumes, fantastic scenery an amazing magic mirror and much more. Brilliant for children with lots of adult humour thrown in making this a perfect watch for all. I was entertained throughout and would highly recommend this show to anyone who fancies a great night at the theatre with a lot of laughs thrown in.

Sheffield Crucible – until 18 January 2020

Reviewed by Lottie Davis-Browne

5*****

Forget Christmas Day and all the fun and festivities surrounding it – for me the highlight to the end of the calendar year is always Sheffield Crucibles’ Christmas/New Year production. I’ve attended every annual Christmas production for the last few years when I first relocated to Sheffield, and have yet to see one that didn’t blow my socks off.

This years offering – the much loved, Tony Award winning 1950 Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls”, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, didn’t just blow my socks off, it completely blew me away! From the moment I entered the Crucible auditorium and set eyes on the magnificent stage set up. From the various doors and window frames that set the scenes of Mindy’s cafe, the Save a Soul Mission headquarters and the Havana restaurant; to the smaller details of the grand New York tall buildings which housed the live band – complete with each band member being in costumes from the 1920s and 1930s gangsters and gamblers era this story is set in. From vintage style Christmas cards strung across the window, to the retro wallpaper, door wreath and lit Christmas tree, the high raised band were as fascinating and mesmerising to look at as the rest of the cast.

Just when I thought this set design couldn’t be anymore breath taking, my eyes were then drawn to the 360 degree rotating stage, complete with retro New York traffic lights and the huge manhole covers to the underground (which you get to see in action later on in the story!).

The story is based around three-small time gamblers – Nicely Nicely Johnson, Benny Southstreet and Rusty Charlie, and Nicely and Benny’s employer Nathan Detroit – who runs an illegal floating crap game. (A dice game in which players make wagers on the outcome of the roll, or series of rolls, of a pair of dice).

With eagle-eyed, no nonsense Lt. Brannigan, a local Policeman on their tails – the only safe place to hold the game is at the “Biltmore Garage” – however it comes with a hefty charge of $1,000 – demanded in advance by garage owner Joey Biltmore. In order to raise this money, Nathan hopes to win a $1,000 bet against Sky Masterson, a gambler willing to bet on virtually anything. Nathan proposes a bet he believes he cannot lose: Sky must take a woman of Nathan’s choice to dinner in Havana, Cuba. Sky agrees, and Nathan chooses pious and beautiful Sergeant Sarah Brown, leader of the Save a Soul mission band. It’s not an easy bet to win, but Sky is determined to gain Sarah’s trust and whisk her away to Cuba.

Meanwhile, Nathan goes to watch his fiancé of fourteen years – Miss Adelaide, perform her nightclub act (“A Bushel and a Peck“). After her show, she asks him, as she has many times before, to go down to city hall and get a marriage license. She also tells Nathan that she has been sending her mother letters for twelve years claiming that they have been married with five children. She is distraught to find out that Nathan is still running the crap game. She consults a medical book, which tells her that her chronic cold is a psychosomatic reaction to her frustration with Nathan’s failure to marry her.

It’s impossible to single out a favourite cast member – each one having something special and unique about them. Having seen Natalie Casey’s older sister Anna in so many productions (including several for Sheffield Theatre Productions), I was unbelievably excited to finally get to see Natalie perform on stage (most people over a certain age – myself included – will remember Natalie from television shows “Hollyoaks”and “Two Pints of Lager”), and I certainly wasn’t left disappointed. Capturing the comical and classic show girl side of Miss Adelaide perfectly, Natalie often only had to say a one word line or pull a facial expression to have the entire audience in fits of laughter. Goofy but loveable, with a somewhat annoying voice – it’s hard not to be smitten by Miss Adelaides charm. Vocally Casey was also sensational – with the comical big numbers including “Bushel and Peck”, the sneezy “Adelaide’s Lament”, and my favourite “Take Back Your Mink” – again having the audience in stitches with the joyful to angry switch between verses.

Returning to Sheffield Theatres, Alex Young (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Showboat and Anything Goes) – as Save a Soul Mission band member Sarah Brown – an idealistic but sheltered missionary, Alex captures the sweet, kind and somewhat vulnerable side to Sarah with ease. Going from a plain and simple missionary to coming out of her shell and falling in love for the first time, Alex and Kaddif Kirwan as long term gambler Sky Masterson – are a perfect pairing.

Another huge standout in this production is the wonderful choreography (Matt Flint), a favourite highlight for me being the male ensembles group dance during an instrumental of “Luck Be a Lady”. I also did a little happy dance inside and shed a tear of joy and acceptance, when another stand out performer – Garry Robson (Arvide Abernathy) first entered the stage. As a wheelchair user myself – I often feel frustrated that we often overlooked in the world of work – especially in jobs where we are face-to-face with the general public – and whilst it was the warmth in the character he played that was the first thing I noticed – once I had realised Robson was a full time wheelchair user – it made me love his character even more so – how he was able to engage effortlessly into choreography of the role, to the point where the wheelchair became unnoticeable and irrelevant – for me personally the joy of seeing a fellow wheelie being recognised for their ability rather than their disability – was a pivotal moment in theatre history for me personally.

Each year I always think Sheffield Theatres can’t excel the previous Christmas production, but once again I was proved wrong. Grab the hottest ticket in town now before it’s too late!

Leeds City Varieties Music Hall – until 12 January 2020

Reviewed by Sally Richmond

5*****

Unfiltered joyous laughter could be heard all across Leeds last night as Red Riding Hood, the famous Rock n Roll pantomime (written by Peter Rowe and directed by Rob Salmon), was performed at the wonderful Leeds City Varieties music hall; where one always receives the warmest of welcomes.

The multi-talented cast gave hilarious and highly entertaining performances from the second they skipped on the stage – to the moment they danced off and of course –  the audience was left shouting for more!

The Rock n Roll panto is legendary in Leeds and it’s obvious why – where else can you see the Dame on a sax and Fairies hitting the drums?  Innuendo filled, this show is one for the adults too and spontaneous belly laughs came from every seat. 

Following a traditional pantomime format, Red Riding Hood didn’t fail to deliver in giving the audience all the elements one wants and expects.  Our heroine (Lucy Keirl) dressed in red, falls in love but only to be duped by an unscrupulous wolf.  Along the way she meets some comedic characters and much chaos and confusion ensues. By the end, all ends well and families are united, good conquerors evil and leaves that fuzzy warm feeling inside. 

The show stealing moments were given by the Dame (Simon Nock) who was: tasteless, crass, crude and rude.  Perfect! This character really engaged the audience and created a huge amount of laughter just through his physical appearance alone! All this aside, the flawlessly performed musical numbers (directed by Dan de Cruz) were worth the cost of the ticket so you really are getting good value for money here; a panto and a rock concert in one!

If you want some Christmas cheer or to start the New Year smiling, then go and see this pantomime because you really will experience those feel good vibes from start to finish.

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE FIRST UK TOUR OF

JEREMY DYSON AND ANDY NYMAN’S

WORLDWIDE CULT PRODUCTION

Ghost Stories begins a 16 venue tour at

The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, 8^th January 2020.

Casting is today announced for Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s supernatural spectacular, Ghost Stories,which beginsits first ever UK tour atThe Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham on 8^th January 2020 . After exhilarating audiences across the globe with record breaking, sell-out productions and a smash hit film, the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre’s production of Ghost Stories has this year played yet another successful run at its original Hammersmith home and at is currently playing at the Ambassadors Theatre in London’s West End, until Saturday 4^th January.

Joshua Higgott plays Professor Goodman, Paul Hawkyard appears as Tony Matthews, Gus Gordon performs the role of Simon Rifkind and Richard Sutton reprises his role as Mike Priddle (Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and the West End’s Ambassador Theatre).

There’s something dark lurking in the theatre. Enter a nightmarish world, full of thrilling twists and turns, where all your deepest fears and most disturbing thoughts are imagined live on stage. A fully sensory and electrifying encounter, Ghost Stories is the ultimate twisted love-letter to horror, a supernatural edge-of-your-seat theatrical experience like no other.

Joshua Higgott plays Professor Goodman. Theatre credits includes: Robert Ike’s Hamlet (Almeida and Harold Pinter); 1984 (Headlong and Playhouse); The Oresteia (Almeida and Trafalgar Studios); Shakespeare in Love (Noël Coward) and Birdsong (UK Tour). Film includes: Bohemian Rhapsody, The Snowman, Darkest Hour and The Mummy. Television includes: The Witcher and McMafia.

Paul Hawkyard plays Tony Matthews. Theatre credits includes: War Horse (National Theatre); Wonderful Town (Royal Exchange/Kenny Wax Ltd); Birdsong (The Comedy Theatre); Oliver! The Musical (Theatre Clywdd & London Palladium); Mamma Mia (Prince of Wales Theatre); Peter Pan (The Royal Festival Hall); South Pacific (National Theatre); Les Misérables (Palace Theatre); Jesus Christ Superstar (The Lyceum Theatre); Miss Saigon (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane); A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It and Lady Be Good (Regents Park Open Air Theatre); The Railway Children (King’s Cross Theatre); A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth (Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre). Film includes: NT Live War Horse, If I Had You and Everybody Loves Sunshine.
Television includes: Doctors, The Coroner, Holby City, Sirens, The Bill, The Last Detective, Casualty, Where The Heart Is, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Mike Bassett England Manager, Coronation Street, EastEnders, Band of Gold, Maisie Raine, London’s Burning, Residents, Scoop, MI High, In Two Minds, Playdays and Justin’s House.

Gus Gordon plays Simon Rifkind. Gus trained at The Brit School of Performing Arts and Technology & Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. Theatre whilst training includes: The History Boys, Saved and Measure for Measure.
Short films include: Hound (72 Hour National Film Challenge) and Through the Static.
Television includes: Cursed and Jingle Jangle (Netflix). Ghost Stories will be Gus’ professional stage debut.

Richard Sutton plays Mike Priddle. Theatre includes: Ghost Stories (Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Ambassadors Theatre); The Cow Play (Brighton Theatre Festival); Transmissions (Birmingham Rep Theatre); Tall Phoenix (Coventry Belgrade Theatre); Confusions (Canal Café Theatre); Romeo and Juliet (Jamaican tour); Albert Make Us Laugh (Birmingham Library Theatre); The Libertine (Birmingham Library Theatre) and Charley’s Aunt (Stoke Repertory Theatre).Television includes: The Crown, Line of Duty, The Terror, Gigglebiz, Sherlock, Humans, Boomers, Silent Witness, Jekyll and Hyde, Dunkirk, Doctors, Mr Selfridge, Our Girl, The Missing, Hollyoaks, The Tunnel, One Night, Titanic, EastEnders, Miranda, Come Fly With Me, Hustle, Beautiful People, Sugar Rush, The Bill, Dalziel and Pascoe, Derailed, Courtroom, Making Waves, Nuzzle and Scratch, Holby City and ChuckleVision.

Following Birmingham, the tour then continues to Bath,Theatre Royal; Nottingham, Theatre Royal; Woking, New Victoria Theatre;  Aylesbury, Waterside Theatre; Brighton, Theatre Royal; The Lowry, Salford; Cardiff, New Theatre; The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury; York, Grand Opera House; Richmond Theatre; Liverpool Playhouse; Glasgow Theatre Royal; King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Nuffield Southampton Theatres City and the Sheffield Lyceum. 

WARNING

Please be advised that Ghost Stories contains moments of extreme shock and tension. The show is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15. We strongly advise those of a nervous disposition to think very seriously before attending.

Andy Nyman is an award-winning actor, director and writer who has earned acclaim from both critics and audiences for his work in theatre, film and television. On stage Andy is currently playing the iconic role of Tevye in Trevor Nunn’s revival of Fiddler on the Roof. It is playing at the Playhouse Theatre until November 2nd. Andy was also seen in Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen (Wyndham’s Theatre), Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins (Menier Chocolate Factory) and Abigail’s Party (also Wyndham’s Theatre). Other theatre work includes the original production of Ghost Stories (Lyric/Duke of York’s Theatre) which has recently been made into a major motion picture, also written, starred and directed by Andy & Jeremy Dyson. Other film credits include The Commuter, Death at a Funeral and Kick-Ass 2. Hisupcoming films include playing opposite The Rock & Emily Blunt in Disney’s Jungle Cruise plus starring opposite Renee Zellweger in Judy. TV he is best known for Peaky Blinders, Campus & Dead Set, and has recently appeared in BBC 1’s Wanderlust.

Jeremy Dyson is a screenwriter, stage-writer and author, best known as a member of comedy group The League of Gentlemen. With Andy Nyman he co-wrote and co-directed the stage and film versions of Ghost Stories. In addition he co-created and co-wrote the BAFTA-nominated comedy-drama series Funland and co-created, co-wrote and directed the Rose d’Or-winning all-female comedy show Psychobitches.  His second collection of stories, ‘The Cranes that Build the Cranes‘ won the Edge Hill Award for short fiction.

Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Smith and Brant Theatricals and the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre present the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre’s production of Ghost Stories.

Follow Us

Website: www.ghoststorieslive.co.uk

Facebook: @ghoststories

Twitter: @ghoststoriesUK

Instagram: @ghoststoriesLDN

JIM CARTER IN CONVERSATION WITH HELEN MIRREN

KILN CINEMA

16 FEBRUARY AT 5PM

Continuing his series of In Conversation events for Kiln Theatre, Jim Carter will sit down with one of the world’s most celebrated actors Helen Mirren in a special one-off fundraising event on 16 February 2020, where she will discuss her career from stage to screen.

Helen Mirren is one of the best known and most respected actresses with an international career that spans stage, screen and television and has won many awards for her powerful and versatile performances, including the Academy Award in 2007 for her performance in The Queen.  In 2014 she was honoured with the BAFTA Fellowship for her outstanding career in film, and in 2018 was given with the Chaplin Gala career achievement recognition from The Film Society at Lincoln Center, New York. She became a Dame of the British Empire in 2003.

All proceeds from the evening are in aid of Kiln Theatre. This support will help to create innovative productions, to make theatre available to the local community and to connect everyone, whatever their background, through the power of performance.

The priority on-sale for Kiln Card holders is 13 December at 11am; with general on-sale on 16 December at 11am. Kiln Cards are available from £40 per year.

Tickets are £125 and £95 and can be purchased via www.kilntheatre.com and 020 7328 1000.

www.KilnTheatre.com

Twitter: @KilnTheatre / @KilnCinema

Blackeyed Theatre in association with South Hill Park
2020 dates announced for international tour of
Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Brontë
Adapted by Nick Lane
International tour September 2019 – June 2020

Six months of 2020 touring dates have been announced for Blackeyed Theatre’s epic international tour of Nick Lane’s thrilling new adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s masterpiece Jane Eyre. This spectacular world premiere is touring until June 2020, and will make its way across the UK, including a return home to the Yorkshire moors, as well as The Netherlands and China.

A whirlwind of a production that tells the story of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel with beautiful, intimate flair (★★★★ The Skinny)

Heading to Yorkshire, where Charlotte Brontë was born and her famous heroine struggles for freedom, this Gothic masterpiece of tempestuous passions and dark secrets follows Jane Eyre from her orphaned childhood to her life at Thornfield Hall with the mysterious and brooding Mr Rochester. But her newfound happiness is threatened by hidden pasts in the gloomy, forbidding Thornfield Hall and a terrible secret forces her to make a heart-wrenching choice.

Blackeyed Theatre captivatingly brings to life an unforgettable portrayal of Jane’s quest for equality in a patriarchal society. In spite of terrible hardships, Brontë’s heroine perseveres in order to define her own life and happiness, rather than it being defined for her by others. A woman in a man’s world striving to succeed independently, Charlotte Brontë originally published under a male pseudonym. Her and Jane’s search for equality and freedom still hit home today.

The cast features Kelsey Short as Jane Eyre (Class, Spur of the Moment; F*cking Life Mate, JamesArts Productions; Broken, The White Bear), Ben Warwick as Mr Rochester (Pentecost; The Oedipus Plays, National Theatre; The Deep Blue Sea, Watford Palace; Les Liaisons Dangereuses and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, York Theatre Royal; Hamlet, English Touring Theatre), Camilla Simson as Mrs Fairfax (The Merchant of Venice, The Globe, Rome; Thin Toes, Pleasance; Lady Windermere’s Fan, Bill Kenwright national tour; Shakers, Liverpool Playhouse), Eleanor Toms as Blanche Ingram (The Secret Garden, The Minack Theatre; Astley’s Astounding Adventures, New Vic; Blue Stockings, Cockpit Theatre), Oliver Hamilton as St John Rivers (Maggie May, Liverpool Everyman; Crossroads, The Actors Church; A Christmas Carol, Windsor Castle).

In their trademark style, Blackeyed Theatre’s interpretation of Jane Eyre will feature an ensemble cast of actor-musicians. The performance includes live music written specially for the production by award-winning composer George Jennings.

Director and Producer Adrian McDougall says, Bringing Jane Eyre to the stage with such a wonderful group of artists and to see it thrive has been a sheer joy, to say nothing of the incredible reaction from audiences young and old. In 2020 we’ll be bringing Brontë’s masterpiece to many more UK theatres, including first-time visits to Crewe Lyceum and Theatre Royal Bath, and sharing it with audiences across The Netherlands and China. At a time when we feel so divided, it’s comforting to see how much we have in common when it comes to our love of Brontë and, more broadly, literature and theatre.

Writer Nick Lane comments, Plays based on books have to be their own thing, no matter the manner in which their stories are related to an audience, and I think this production looks – and perhaps more importantly feels – both strongly connected to the source material and also is its own thing. I’m still pinching myself that I was given the chance to adapt such an incredible, iconic novel as Jane Eyre and I’m looking forward to seeing how the show has grown. I’ve been reading all the lovely reviews for the cast and for the production and I’m certain they’ll continue

Jane Eyre is produced by Blackeyed Theatre in association with South Hill Park in Bracknell and supported by Arts Council England.

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS THE NEW PRODUCTION FROM

THE CLASSIC THRILLER THEATRE COMPANY

THE CAT AND THE CANARY

THE CREEPY COMEDY THRILLER BY JOHN WILLARD

ADAPTED BY CARL GROSE

STARRING

MARK JORDON, TRACY SHAW, MARTI WEBB

GARY WEBSTER, BEN NEALON, NIKKI PATEL, ERIC CARTE

AND

BRITT EKLAND

ON UK TOUR FROM JANUARY 2020

Building on the phenomenal decade-long success of The Agatha Christie Theatre Company, Bill Kenwright’s Classic Thriller Theatre Company (Rehearsal For Murder, Judgement in Stone, The Case of the Frightened Lady and The Lady Vanishes), returns with their latest chilling whodunit, the creepy comedy thriller The Cat and the Canary.

This new adaptation of the murder mystery by John Willard, which inspired three classic movies starring the likes of Bob Hope, Paulette Goddard, Edward Fox, Honor Blackman and Olivia Hussey, will embark on a nationwide tour from January 2020.

Heading the cast of The Cat and the Canary is silver screen and Bond-girl legend Britt Ekland, whose numerous films include The Man with The Golden Gun with Roger Moore, The Wicker Man with Christopher Lee, and Get Carter with Michael Caine.

Britt stars alongside Mark Jordon, who played the much-loved PC Phil Bellamy in Heartbeat for over 16 years and more recently Daz Spencer in Emmerdale, and Tracy Shaw, best known for her long-running role as Maxine Peake in Coronation Street. They are joined byWest End leading lady Marti Webb, whose credits include Evita and Tell Me On A Sunday; Gary Webster, who played Gary Costello in Family Affairs and Ray Daley opposite George Cole in ITV’s Minder; Classic Thriller Theatre Company veteran Ben Nealon, who played Lt. Forsythe in the drama series Soldier Soldier,  Nikki Patel, known as Amber Kalirai in Coronation Street, and Eric Carte, who played Geoff Roberts in two series of Bouquet of Barbed Wire.

The cast is completed by Joe Reisig, Jack Taylor and Briony Rawle.

Twenty years after the death of Mr. West, his descendants gather at a remote mansion to learn who will inherit his vast wealth and the hidden family jewels.

When the heir is revealed, the heritage hunters turn into prey and a chain of macabre events is set in motion; walls crack open, shadows loom and dark secrets are revealed. Will the heirs dare to face the haunting presence toying with them?

When the cat prowls, the flock takes fright…

The Cat and The Canary is director Roy Marsden’s fifth Classic Thriller Theatre Company production. Other credits include the West End premieres of Agatha Christie’s A Daughter’s a Daughter at the Trafalgar Studios and Noël Coward’s Volcano at the Vaudeville Theatre. As an actor, he is well-known to television audiences as Inspector Dalgliesh in the long-running P.D. James series.

Adaptor Carl Grose is co-artistic director of Kneehigh Theatre. His numerous plays and adaptations include book and lyrics for The Grinning Man, which Tom Morris directed at the Trafalgar Studios in 2017.

Designer takis’s diverse international credits include In the Heights, Gifford’s Circus and the Royal Opera.

Lighting Designer Chris Davey’s work includes Witness for the Prosecution at London’s County Hall and Touching the Void at the Duke of York’s Theatre.

Dan Samson is resident Sound Designer for The Classic Thriller Theatre Company. West End credits include Heathers at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and Evita at the Dominion Theatre.

Several special guests joined FROG, DOG and CAT at the West End premiere of Oi Frog & Friends! this week at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, with Matt Henry, Hannah Waddingham, MC Grammar and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, as well as author Kes Gray and illustrator Jim Field, amongst those attending the brand new family show. 

Oi Frog & Friends! has songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at. It brings together Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling and award-winning picture books, published by Hachette Children’s Group.  It is created for the stage by Director Emma Earle, Designer Zoe Squire (Co-Artistic Directors of Pins and Needles Productions), Composer Luke Bateman and Lyricist Richy Hughes. Puppet Design is by Yvonne Stone with Lighting Design by Ric Mountjoy. 

Oi Frog & Friends! plays the Lyric Theatre in the West End until 5 January 2020, before heading on a UK Tour from February 2020.  Visit: https://oifrogandfriendslive.com. 

The Riverside Quarter is up and running in York, seeking to match the aspirations of such successful quarters as Micklegate and the Minster.

Launched formally at Plonkers basement bar, in Cumberland Street, on December 5,the new quarter will promote the riverside businesses’ array of offerings that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, as well as looking to improve the presentation of this popular area and hoping to work with charities and organisations to promote safety by the River Ouse.

In attendance were the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Janet Looker, Town Crier Ben Fry and Cllr Fiona Fitzpatrick, representing Guildhall ward, along with representatives from Visit York and York Bid, the Grand Opera House, the York Dungeon, Plonkers, The Lowther pub, Independent Life, Riding Lights Theatre, York Boats, Eboracum Security, KUDA nightclub and many more.

Stuart Jarman, York Dungeon’s general manager, says:”The York Dungeon has been an integral part of both the visitor and resident offer since 1986. I’m pleased that we’ll be strengthening our relationship with many great businesses in the Riverside Quarter to showcase the unique offering we collectively provide in the city, from theatres, restaurants and bars to accommodation and more. We’ve seen great work from other groups, such as traders on Bishopthorpe Road and the Micklegate Quarter. There’s real appetite to improve the area for all to come and enjoy and I’m excited for what we’re setting out to achieve in 2020.”

Cllr Fiona Fitzpatric says: “As a Guildhall ward councillor, I’m delighted to support the launch of the Riverside Quarter. It’s an important part of the city’s heritage and it’s good to see businesses coming together to develop an exciting experience for residents and tourists alike, while at the same time rejuvenating the city-centre economy.”

100,000th PANTO TICKET WILL BE PURCHASED THIS COMING WEEK

One lucky theatre-goer is set to become the 100,000th visitor to the annual pantomime since the re-opening of Darlington Hippodrome – and it could be you, as the special ticket will be purchased in the coming week.

The annual festive family pantomime is an opportunity to share magical theatre memories with friends and family. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the zany antics, fun and sheer delight of the annual tradition of pantomime. This year, one lucky visitor will be the 100,000th to attend Darlington Hippodrome’s pantomime since our re-opening in November 2017. The lucky individual will be presented with a whole host of goodies including a signed programme and an opportunity to meet the cast of this year’s pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk.

Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity to be the 100,000th panto visitor – get booking now!

This year Darlington audiences have been spell-bound watching Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas, Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson, comedian Phil Walker and comedy actor Daniel Taylor heading the cast of this Hippodrome pantomime spectacular.

Shirley Ballas said “This is only my second pantomime having been encouraged to give it a try last year by fellow Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood. I’m so excited to be appearing in Darlington and this wonderful theatre – the restoration is absolutely stunning and the audiences so far have been amazing, so warm and welcoming.”

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Darlington Hippodrome right up to Sunday 5 January 2020. To be in with a chance to be the 100,000th pantomime visitor book now at www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call 01325 405405.