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WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE NEWS – DECEMBER 2019

• THE MIRROR CRACK’D TO BE PERFORMED AT INDIA’S LARGEST PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
• NEW SHOW FROM WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE: THE BEAUTY PARADE FUSES DEAF AND HEARING ARTFORMS TO TELL AN EXTRAORDINARY WORLD WAR II STORY
• RHOD GILBERT RETURNS TO THE CENTRE WITH BRAND NEW SHOW
• CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR A MONSTER CALLS
• FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE FIRST UK TOUR OF ONCE
• FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
• BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL TOURS TO WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE
• THE UK TOUR OF THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE COMES TO THE CENTRE
• STRICTLY BALLROOM DANCES INTO WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE AND WILTSHIRE CREATIVE’S THE MIRROR CRACK’D TO BE STAGED AT INDIA’S LARGEST PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

A new production of Wales Millennium Centre and Wiltshire Creative’s The Mirror Crack’d will be performed at India’s National Centre for the Performing Arts in in Mumbai, from 30 January to 9 February 2020.

The original stage production of Agatha Christie’s novel The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side, adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Melly Still, was seen by more than 28,000 people in Salisbury, Dublin, Cambridge and Cardiff February-April 2019.

The production will be reimagined for Indian audiences by writer Ayeesha Menon, with Melly Still returning as its director. It marks Wales Millennium Centre’s debut as a producer in Asia.

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WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE & KAITE O’REILLY’S THE BEAUTY PARADE FUSES DEAF AND HEARING ARTFORMS TO TELL AN EXTRAORDINARY WORLD WAR II STORY

Wales Millennium Centre has announced a brand new and innovative, female-led theatre show made by Deaf and hearing artists. Inspired by true events, The Beauty Parade honours the unsung heroes of one of the most unique operations of the Second World War…

It’s the 1940s, deep in wartime. Men are fighting on the front line. Women don’t engage in armed combat; they keep the fires burning, the factories going, and the children fed at home. Or so we were told.  

The Geneva Convention forbade women from engaging in combatant duties, so the Special Operations Executive set about recruiting a top-secret army of civilians including young, French-speaking women from Wales and England. These women were given just a few weeks’ training before being set to work with the Resistance, preparing, in Churchill’s words, ‘to set Europe ablaze’.

Award-winning writer Kaite O’Reilly, composer Rebecca Applin and performer and visual language expert Sophie Stone have created this new production that follows a group of ordinary women plucked from obscurity and parachuted behind enemy lines, who became extraordinary saboteurs and silent killers, sworn to secrecy yet tasked with some of the most dangerous missions of the war.

The Beauty Parade incorporates live music, evocative songs, dialogue and visual language and works inclusively between D/deaf and hearing cultures to give a multi-sensory interpretation of this incredible true story. 

The Beauty Parade will be at Wales Millennium Centre 5-14 March 2020.

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RHOD GILBERT RETURNS TO THE CENTRE WITH BRAND NEW SHOW

Following a seven-year break from stand-up the multi-award-winning comedian is back with a brand-new live show.  The Welsh wonder kicked off a full UK tour in February – his first, since 2012.  Due to overwhelming demand, extra dates have already been added and the tour has already been extended until April 2020, taking the total number of shows to over 130. An extra date in Cardiff has now been added on Sunday 22nd March 2020, and this special performance is due to be recorded for future release.

A lot has happened to Rhod in the seven years since he last toured.  Almost all of it s**t. And just when he thought he’d hit rock bottom, he met a bloke…called John. This show sees Rhod as funny as ever, but like never before.  ‘The Book of John’ is raw, personal and brutally honest; no more lies, no more nonsense.   This is Rhod, but different, the same, but not.   Come along and see for yourself.

Rhod Gilbert The Book of John will be at Wales Millennium Centre on Sunday 22 March 2020.

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CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR A MONSTER CALLS

Casting has been announced for the UK tour of the Olivier Award-winning A Monster Calls. The full cast includes Greg Bernstein (Harry), Kaye Brown (Grandma), Rafaella Covino, Ammar Duffus (Conor), Keith Gilmore (Monster), Jade Hackett (Sully), Cora Kirk (Lily), Kel Matsena (Anton), Maria Omakinwa (Mum), Sarah Quist (Miss Godfrey), Ewan Wardrop (Dad) and Sam Wood. 

Thirteen-year-old Conor and his mum have managed just fine since his dad moved away. But now his mum is sick and not getting any better. His grandmother won’t stop interfering and the kids at school won’t look him in the eye. Then, one night, Conor is woken by something at his window. A monster has come walking. It’s come to tell Conor tales from when it walked before. And when it’s finished, Conor must tell his own story and face his deepest fears.

Patrick Ness’s piercing novel is brought vividly to life in the Olivier Award-winning production by visionary director Sally Cookson. A Monster Calls offers a dazzling insight into love, life and healing.

A Monster Calls will be at Wales Millennium Centre 28 April – 2 May 2020.

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FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR ONCE

The full cast has been announced for the first major UK tour of Once. Joining the previously announced Daniel Healy as Guy and Emma Lucia as Girl are Dan Bottomley as Billy, Matthew Burns as Eamon, Ellen Chivers as Reza, Rosalind Ford as Ex-Girlfriend, Lloyd Gorman as Svejc, David Heywood as Emcee, Samuel Martin as Bank Manager, Peter Peverley as Da, Susannah Van Den Berg as Baruska and James William-Pattison as Andrej. The cast also includes Emma Fraser, Seán Keany, Hanna Khogali and Conor McFarlane.

Based on the critically acclaimed and much-loved film, Once tells the uplifting yet yearning story of two lost souls – a Dublin street busker and a Czech musician – who unexpectedly fall in love. Following their relationship across five short days, big changes happen to both of them in little ways. Celebrated for its original score including the Academy Award-winning song Falling Slowly, Once is a spell-binding and uplifting story of hopes and dreams.

Once will be at Wales Millennium Centre 11-16 May 2020.

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FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the smash-hit, critically acclaimed West End musical is pleased to announce the full casting for its 2020 UK tour. The cast will include the previously announced Layton Williams (Bad Education, Beautiful People, Billy Elliot the Musical) who currently stars as Jamie in the West End and EastEnders’ much-loved Shane Richie who played Hugo/Loco Channelle in the West End earlier in 2019. They are joined by Shobna Gulati (Coronation Street, Dinnerladies, Eveybody’s Talking about Jamie West End and upcoming film) as Ray and George Sampson (winner of Britain’s Got Talent) as Dean.

Further cast includes Amy Ellen Richardson (Margaret New),Lara Denning(Miss Hedge), Sharan Phull(Pritti Pasha), Cameron Johnson (Sandra Bollock / Jamie’s Dad), John Paul McCue (Laika Virgin), Rhys Taylor (Tray Sophisticay), Richard Appiah-Sarpong (Cy), Simeon Beckett (Levi), Kazmin Borrer (Vicki), Ellis Brownhill (Mickey), Jodie Knight (Fatimah), Jessica Meegan (Bex), Talia Palamathanan (Becca), Adam Taylor (Sayid), Alex Hetherington (Swing), Emma Robotham-Hunt (Swing), Ellie Leah (Understudy) and Garry Lee (Understudy).

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be at Wales Millennium Centre 18-23 May 2020.

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BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL TOURS TO WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

Selladoor Productions is delighted to present a brand-new UK and Ireland Tour of the Tony Award nominated Bring It On The Musical.

Inspired by the 2000 film of the same name, Bring It On The Musical features an original score by the multi award winning creator of “Hamilton”, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Pulitzer Prize winning Tom Kitt, composer of “Next To Normal”. The book is written by the Tony Award winning writer of “Avenue Q”, Jeff Whitty and the lyrics are by both Lin-Manuel Miranda and writer of the stage adaptation of “High Fidelity”, Amanda Green.

Bring It On The Musical takes audiences on a high-flying, energy fuelled journey which tackles friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness – wrapped up in explosive choreography and tricks.

Cheer-royalty and newly crowned Squad Captain, Campbell, should be embarking on her most cheertastic senior year at Truman High School. But when she’s forced to move to the neighbouring hard-knock Jackson High, Campbell fears her life is over.  But an unlikely friendship catapults Campbell back into contention with a powerhouse squad and the fire to achieve the impossible.

Bring It On The Musical will be at Wales Millennium Centre 23-27 June 2020.

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THE UK TOUR OF THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE COMES TO THE CENTRE

Sally Cookson’s highly acclaimed stage production of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, which is currently playing to packed houses at the Bridge Theatre in London, and broke box office records when it premiered at Leeds Playhouse in 2017, will begin a major tour of the UK and Ireland in 2020. 

This extraordinary adaptation of CS Lewis’ much loved novel re-tells the story with a mix of Cookson’s trade-mark theatricality, humour, music and puppetry.  It will see audiences step through the wardrobe into the icy, enchanted realm of Narnia for the most mystical of adventures in a faraway land.  Audiences will join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to war-time Britain and say hello to a talking Faun, an unforgettable Lion and the coldest, cruellest White Witch. 

Joining Cookson and Smith on the creative team are writer in the room Adam Peck, movement director Dan Canham, puppetry designer and director Craig Leo (part of the National Theatre’s original War Horse creative team), lighting designer Bruno Poet, sound designer Ian Dickinson and composer Benji Bower.  

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be at Wales Millennium Centre 1-5 December 2020.

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STRICTLY BALLROOM DANCES INTO WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

Baz Luhrmann’s smash hit musical Strictly Ballroom is set to sweep audiences off their feet once more with the announcement of the new 2020/2021 tour, directed by dancer, choreographer and Britain’s favourite TV judge; the fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood. Foxtrotting around the UK and Ireland from September next year, the show is based on the award-winning, global film phenomenon, ‘Strictly Ballroom’ that inspired the world to dance.

Featuring a show-stopping book by Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce, and bringing together a sublime cast of over 20 world class performers, Strictly Ballroom brings to life iconic songs, including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time with dynamic and joyous verve. This tour will also feature some amazing new songs by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.

Strictly Ballroom The Musical tells the beguiling story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer. When Scott’s radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he finds himself dancing with Fran, a beginner with no moves at all. Inspired by one another, this unlikely pair gather the courage to defy both convention and their families – and discover that, to be winners, the steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom…

Strictly Ballroom will be at Wales Millennium Centre 5-10 April 2021.

PARTY WITH THE WOLF OF WALL STREET THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE

• IMMERSIVE PRODUCTION OF THE WOLF OF WALL STREET HOSTS NEW YEAR’S EVE AFTER SHOW PARTY FEATURING DJS, AERIAL ARTISTS, MARCHING BAND, ‘CON-MAN’ MAGICIAN AND MORE AT THE VENUE IN SUN STREET, CENTRAL LONDON
   
• TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT WWW.IMMERSIVEWOLF.COM

The Wolf of Wall Street immersive production is hosting a celebratory New Year’s Eve party complete with DJs, aerial artists, ‘con-man’ magician, marching band and more to bring in 2020 in style. The world premiere immersive production which is staged in a landmark building in the heart of the City of London close to Liverpool Street Station at 5-15 Sun Street, Central London recreates ‘90s New York and the world of infamous stockbroker Jordan Belfort, whose life was depicted by Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese’s movie of the same name. Tickets for New Year’s Eve are available as a show and party package or individually to the after-show party which will take place from 10.30pm-2.30am via www.immersivewolf.com

The show’s themed bars – The Boardroom, 90s Bar, Bull Bar, Willow Bar and Members’ Bar – will all be open to the public on the night. Entertainment will include aerial artists and a DJ playing ‘90s hip-hop, RnB, pop and club classics in The Boardroom, a second DJ playing chart and commercial hits in the Willow Bar, champagne pong in the Bull Bar and a ‘con-man’ magician doing the rounds. A marching band with a surprise will bring in the New Year when guests can also expect confetti cannons and a Midnight Money Drop where they will be showered with fake money.

This New Year’s Eve, The Wolf has requested your presence at Stratton Oakmont. It’s time to immerse yourself in the world of Jordan Belfort. Become a Master of the Universe with the brokers who broke Wall Street-or sign up to help the FBI take down some of the most notorious criminal entrepreneurs of our time.  The Immersive Wolf of Wall Street places the audience front and centre of this heart- racing story. Then, after the show, let the night unfold around you with two DJs, aerial artists, marching bands and much more. Let’s bring in 2020, Wolf style. 

The Wolf of Wall Street is adapted and directed by Alexander Wright (The Great Gatsby, Orpheus & Eurydice) and is currently booking until 19 January 2020. The production features a cast of 18 who play multiple characters as featured in Jordan Belfort’s memoirs, from his Stratton Oakmont players to the FBI, plunging audiences into a world of greed, power and excess, and bringing to life the highs and lows of Belfort’s millionaire lifestyle in a night of Class A entertainment.

The creative team brings together Director Alexander Wright with costume design by Heledd Rees, lighting by Rachel Sampley, co-sound design and music supervision by Phil Grainger, co-sound design by Lara Gallagher and movement by Chi-San Howard.

The Wolf of Wall Street is presented by Stratton Oakmont Productions Ltd and comes from the creators and producers behind The Great Gatsby – the longest-ever running immersive show in the UK which continues an open-ended run in London Bridge, as well as playing in cities across Europe. Producers Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook’s current shows also include Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical in the West End and Amelie The Musical UK Tour and in the West End. 

Tickets are now on sale at www.immersivewolf.com

CURVE ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

WEST SIDE STORY

NOW RUNNING AT CURVE, LEICESTER UNTIL 18 JAN 2020

It has today been announced that Curve theatre is extending the run of its critically-acclaimed Made at Curve production of the classic musical, West Side Story.

After being awarded five-stars reviews and national praise, the production will now run until 18 Jan 2020 due to demand from audiences.

Curve’s production of West Side Story is directed by the theatre’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, with new choreography from Ellen Kane and features Puerto Rican native Adriana Ivelisse as Maria, Carly Mercedes Dyer as Anita, Jamie Muscato as Tony, Ronan Burns as Riff and Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez as Bernardo.

The cast also includes Michael Anderson as Swing, Ryan Anderson (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as A-Rab, Richard Appiah-Sarpong as Pepe, Darren Bennett as Detective Lieutenant Scrank, Damian Buhagiar (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Chino, Thea Bunting (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Graziella, Alex Christian (Oklahoma!, Chichester Festival Theatre) as Baby John, Abigail Climer (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Consuela, Isaac Gryn (Oklahoma!, Chichester Festival Theatre) as Action, Beth Hinton-Lever (Hadestown, National Theatre) as Anybodys, Katie Lee (Matilda, Royal Shakespeare Company) as Velma, Martin McCarthy as Swing, Mireia Mambo (Evita, Regents Park Open Air Theatre) as Rosalia, Redmand Rance as Swing, Michael O’Reilly (Dirty Dancing, UK and Ireland tour) as Diesel, Dominic Sibanda (Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre) as Indio, Matt Trevorrow as Swing, Dale White (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Big Deal and Christopher Wright (The Ladykillers, Oldham Coliseum)as Officer Krupke and Doc. The production also includes 30 of Curve’s Young Company performers.

Speaking about the additional performances, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“We’re thrilled to add a further week to our run of West Side Story so even more people will be able to enjoy this astonishing show. Our remarkable actors, orchestra and production team have created something truly special here in Leicester and we’re immensely proud to be able to share our production with more audience members for even longer.”

New York City, West Side, 1957. In the midst of gang rivalry and racial tensions, love at first sight strikes between Tony, a founding member of the White-American Jets and Maria, the sister of Bernardo, leader of the Puerto Rican Sharks. In the face of danger, the two young lovers continue to meet in secret – but the Jets and the Sharks have one last rumble to fight out.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet and with a timeless score including ‘Tonight’, ‘America’ and ‘I Feel Pretty’, West Side Story represents one of the greatest musicals of all time, filled with romance, charm, aggression and heartbreak.

West Side Story is based on a conception of Jerome Robbins, with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Tickets for West Side Story at Curve are available to book now. To find out more and purchase seats, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call Curve’s Box Office on 0116 242 3595 or visit the theatre in person.

Production Team

Director Nikolai Foster
Choreographer Ellen Kane

Set Designer Michael Taylor
Costume Designer Edd Lindley
Musical Supervisor Sarah Travis

Musical Director & Additional orchestration George Dyer
Lighting DesignerGuy Hoare
Sound Designer Tom Marshall
Fight Director Kevin McCurdy
Casting Director Kay Magson CDG

WEST SIDE STORY

Based on a conception of JEROME ROBBINS

Book by ARTHUR LAURENTS  Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN

Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM

Entire Original Production Directed and Choreographed by

JEROME ROBBINS

Originally produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince

by arrangement with Roger L. Stevens

Performed by arrangement with

Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited

Hull New Theatre – until 29 December 2019

Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

4****

When times are uncertain and the weather is awful there are certain things that I want to be able to rely on, and the joy and escape that a good pantomime provides is one of them. Qdos Entertainments production of Aladdin at Hull New theatre did not let me down, the front cover of the programme boldly announces that Aladdin is “everything you could wish for in a panto” and I would have to agree with that description.

This production of Aladdin is a very traditional pantomime, it does not rely on fancy technical trickery but is full of sparkle, singing, dancing, bad jokes but most of all big hearted fun. Some of the jokes go over the heads of the children, some are very near the knuckle, some are old and well-worn and you know what is coming… but the mix is exactly what you want and leaves you with aching muscles from laughing (and groaning!) so much.

The story is that Aladdin (Simon Webbe) wants to marry Princess Jasmine (Charlotte Barnes), but he is too poor. Abanazar (Robin Askwith) is the ultimate baddie who wants the magic lamp so he can be master of the universe, but only Aladdin can get it for him. Throw in a Genie, Widow Twankey (Darren Machin), Wishee Washee (Neil Hurst), The Spirit of the Dance (Jake Canuso), Emperor Ming (Keith Higham), mayhem, madness and utter ridiculousness and ultimately you have a happy ending!

Pantomime is by its very nature interactive and the children in the audience were booing loudly from the start when the baddie Abanazar (Robin Askwith) appeared on the stage. Robin Askwith loved every minute of his role and made for a very convincing baddie, thoroughly enjoying whipping the children up into even louder booing!

Simon Webbe was a wonderful Aladdin, he had exactly the right amount of youthful enthusiasm and energy. His singing was superb, a real highlight for me and I could have listened to even more songs.

Neil Hurst as Wishee Washee pulled things together beautifully and had a wonderful rapport with the children in the audience. Darren Machin made a wonderful over the top panto dame as Widow Twankey. Jake Canuso was excellent as The Spirit of the Dance, providing humour and cracking dancing.

The costumes were fabulous, Widow Twankey’s outfits were sublime in their ridiculousness, Emperor Ming’s costumes were suitably luxurious but his hats practically had a life of their own! The sets were simple but worked beautifully. The Ensemble and the Babes provided us with excellent dancing. The New Theatre Band (Jon Chamberlain, Lisa Featherston and Mark Knight) were outstanding and I seriously thought there were a lot more people in the orchestra pit!

This was a wonderful production, the standard of the singing and dancing throughout was superb, there were wonderful nods to the past and tradition, a keystone cops chase and a sand dance. It had traditional characters and jokes, and a cast that loved every minute of it, this is a proper family pantomime. The children in the audience were having the time of their lifes, shouting and cheering and booing and the adults had just as much fun! I was slightly disappointed that there was not a big song and dance to finish the show, but that is my only criticism.

For over 2 hours I forgot about everything that was going on in the world and entered the wonderful world of Aladdin, a world of sparkle, magic and fun and I came out of the theatre feeling that somehow the world had been put right.

Take your family, or your partner or go on your own to see this production of Aladdin, it really has the feel good factor!

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre- until Sunday 5 January 2020

Reviewed by Annie Hughes

4****

If you are searching for a warm and fuzzy musical treat to enjoy with your loved ones this festive season, then looked no further than Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s annual pantomime Beauty and the Beast. Adults and children alike will not be able to resist laughing along to the jokes, singing the catchy songs and screaming as the baddie appears.

This tale as old as time, set in the quaint French town of Camembert, has been reimagined into a witty, festive modern pantomime. It really is a masterclass in the arts of dancing and singing throughout. Amelia Adams-Pearce as Belle kicks off the show with a powerful rendition Footloose, accompanied by the charming backing dancers from Castielli School of Dance and Vivo D’Arte. Throughout the show, the professionalism of these little dancers is so impressive, particularly in act one when they appear as balletic forest creatures who guide Belle’s father to his dismal fate of the Beast’s castle. The choreography and music choice throughout the show is fresh, modern and captivating.

While the characters are not explored in as much depth and complexity as the original tale, this matters little as, after all, the aim of a pantomime is laughter and joy! And the jewel in the crown of this particular show is no the laugh-out-loud comical interludes with La Voix as Polly Pot et Pan and Andy Collins as Louis Pot et Pan. The traditional Beauty and the Beast tale is refreshingly broken up with moments of pure joy from this comedy duo. What is most admirable about the two actors is how they manage to act to the vast amount of kids in the audience, while still injecting many jokes for the benefit of the parents. They really make it a pantomime for all. This culminates in a ridiculously hilarious rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas which descends into a riot of toilet roll being thrown across the audience. Yet somehow… it worked!

Do not let the holiday season pass without grabbing yourselves some tickets! It really is the Christmas treat that all the family needs.

Epstein Theatre, Liverpool – until 5 January 2020

Reviewed by Amy Nash

5*****

Cinderella is one of the classic pantos you expect to see pop up at Christmastime, but Regal Entertainments Ltd bring it to the Epstein Theatre with a fresh, distinctly Liverpudlian flair. Jane Joseph’s writing is a joy to experience, bringing expected panto charm together with lashings of Scouse wit. This performance never quite lets you forget where you are, bringing in plenty of tongue-in-cheek references to the local area through Buttons’ interactions with the audience, which are always welcome with the brilliant Lewis Devine at the helm. The song choices are also fantastic – a mix of classic love songs and retro pop (including Dolly Partons’ “9 to 5” as a cracker of an opening number for Sammy Winward’s Cinderella) with modern hits like George Ezra’s “Shotgun” coming in to keep things contemporary.

For me, the Ugly Sisters are always the highlight of a production of Cinderella, and Crissy Rock and Sarah White didn’t disappoint. Loud, shameless and gut-achingly funny, their raunchy rendition of “Sweet but a Psycho” had the audience crying with laughter. Regal Entertainments Ltd’s costume design was beautiful throughout, but truly stepped up to another level when it came to dressing the Ugly Sisters – they strutted out in a new costume in just about every scene. My personal favourite was their “Bags for Life” ensemble; after what seemed like a throwaway joke from Buttons (Lewis Devine), the sisters burst onto the stage dressed as Tesco and Asda, branding and colourful wigs and all.

Cinderella (Sammy Winward) and Prince Charming (Andrew Geater) were the absolute perfect match. They were both effortlessly charming, with beautiful, clear singing voices, able to easily capture your heart with their earnest performances. But the standout star vocally has to be Samantha Palin as the Fairy Godmother – right before intermission she was let loose showing the audience just how astonishingly talented she is in that regard. Regal Entertainments Ltd have truly brought together one of the most charming panto casts I’ve ever seen on the stage.

Their set design was everything it needed to be: detailed backgrounds and props dropped you right into a fairytale wonderland, and it was a delight to see the set used in more creative ways throughout the performance. As Samantha Palin and Lewis Devine celebrated the ball with Joe Cocker’s “Up Where We Belong“, some nefarious meddling from the Ugly Sisters led to the stage and sets themselves turning against the performance – it was simply comedic gold. The interactive 3D scene (devised by Accolade Productions) was also wonderfully inventive, leading to many a shriek and scream from the children in the audience.

Finally, one last mention has to go to the choreography by Nazene Langfield. Not only was it dynamic and fun, it showcased the talents of the ensemble expertly. The dance performances fleshed out every musical number, switching up their style perfectly to match the variety of songs on offer.

Cinderella proved to be an evening of pure unfiltered joy – well worth seeing before it leaves the ball on Sunday 5th January. Regal Entertainments Ltd will also be back at the Epstein over Easter (10th-19th April 2020) performing Beauty and the Beast, so keep an eye out for that too!

THE WEST END PRODUCTION OF

FINDS ITS LEADS

AIMIE ATKINSON TO PLAY VIVIAN

AND

DANNY MAC TO PLAY EDWARD

PERFORMANCES BEGIN AT THE PICCADILLY THEATRE

FROM 13 FEBRUARY 2020

Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Paula Wagner, Nice Productions and LPO are delighted to announce that Aimie Atkinson will play ‘Vivian’ and Danny Mac will play ‘Edward’  in the smash hit PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL at the Piccadilly Theatre from 13 February 2020 where it will play for a strictly limited engagement of 46 weeks. Full casting to be announced soon. PrettyWomanTheMusical.com

Producer Paula Wagner said today “After an extensive search, we have found our ideal Vivian and Edward! Their talent and undeniable charisma will take Pretty Woman: The Musical to new iconic heights. When I met Aimie, I was completely captivated by her wit, warmth and dynamic presence. Danny, has all the great qualities of a leading man and will make the perfect Edward. I can’t wait to see these two power-house talents together on stage”.

Director and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell said today “When I first saw Aimie I knew I wanted to work with her. Her star quality, attack and voice in SIX leapt off the stage. I have wanted to work with the very talented Danny Mac for ages. His voice is perfectly suited for Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance’s romantic score. Together, Aimie and Danny will make the West End production of Pretty Woman: The Musical sizzle, and with them we’ll all be falling in love again with Garry Marshall and JF Lawton’s romantic story”.

Aimie Atkinson was in the original West End cast of the hit musical Six at the Arts Theatre and was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance. Her other credits include Daniela in In the Heights at King’s Cross Theatre, Serena in Legally Blonde at Kilworth House and Chloe in Never Forget – The Take That Musical and Luisa in Zorro The Musical, both on national tour. Aimie is also the winner of the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Voice of Musical Theatre Award.  

Danny Mac can currently be seen as Bob Wallace in White Christmas at the Dominion Theatre in the West End. His many other theatre credits include Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard and Nino in Amelie, both on national tour, Gabey in On The Town at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and the West End productions of Wicked and Legally Blonde. Danny captured the nation’s hearts and received overwhelming support during his incredible time on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, making it all the way to the final.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL features original music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, a book by Garry Marshall and the film’s screenwriter J.F. Lawton, it is directed and choreographed by the two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.

Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. PRETTY WOMAN the film (produced by Arnon Milchan – New Regency Productions) was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990.

Atlantic Records’ PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL (ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING) is produced by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and is now available on all DSP’s.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has scenic design by David Rockwell, costumes by Tom Rogers from the original Broadway designs by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, and music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke. 101 Productions, Ltd. is theUS General Manager.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL had its world premiere at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre in March 2018 before transferring to Broadway where it ran at the Nederlander Theatre. The German production opened in Hamburg at the Stage Theater an der Elbe on 29 September 2019 to rave reviews and sell out business and the US tour will begin in September 2020.

LISTINGS

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL

Piccadilly Theatre, Denman Street, London W1

PrettyWomanTheMusical.com

Facebook & Twitter follow us @PRETTYWOMANUK

Instagram PRETTYWOMANMUSICALUK

0844 871 7615

Performances from 13 February 2020

Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm

Matinees – Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm

LYN PAUL’S FAREWELL TOUR – BLOOD BROTHERS 2020

Bill Kenwright’s ‘Dazzling’ (Sunday Telegraph) production of the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers continues into Spring 2020 from 4 February 2020 at Theatre Royal, Brighton. This iconic musical has been visiting theatres across the country throughout 2019, performing to sell-out houses and receiving standing ovations.

‘The definitive Mrs Johnstone’ (Manchester Evening News) Lyn Paul continues in the iconic role for her final performances. Lyn first took on the role in 1997 and has continued to lead the company on numerous tours across the country, including the final West End performances at the Phoenix Theatre in 2012. She has also starred in the UK tour of Cabaret in 2013 as Fraulein Schneider, in Boy George’s musical Taboo and in Footloose – the Musical.

Lyn said: “I’m honoured to have been given the opportunity to undertake this “Farewell Tour” by my good friend, Bill Kenwright. It’s such a privilege to be able to play Mrs Johnstone one final time”.

Lyn rose to fame in the early 1970s as a member of the New Seekers. She was the featured vocalist on their 1972 Eurovision Song Contest entry, ‘Beg, Steal or Borrow’ and lead vocalist on the 1974 number-one hit ‘You Won’t Find Another Fool Like Me’. The groups biggest hit was ‘I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing’, adapted from an advertising jingle for Coca-Cola, which sold over 20 million copies and remains one of the 100 best-selling singles in the UK.

Considered ‘One of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times), Blood Brothers, written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell has triumphed across the globe. Scooping up four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway, Blood Brothers is simply ‘Unmissable and unbeatable’ (The Spectator).

This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981 before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983, completing sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan. Blood Brothers also ran in London’s West End for 24 years, exceeding 10,000 performances, one of only three musicals ever to achieve such a milestone.

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret. The memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax.

Willy Russellis undeniably one of this country’s leading contemporary dramatists. His countless credits include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Educating Rita, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two-year run in the West End and was made into a movie starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Shirley Valentine also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti. 

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

Bill Kenwright presents

BLOOD BROTHERS

By Willy Russell

Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright

Designed by Andy Walmsley                Sound Designed By Dan Samson

Musical Direction by Tim Whiting   Lighting Designed by Nick Richings

BLOOD BROTHERS – SPRING 2020 TOUR DATES

Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 February                                                           Box Office: 0844 871 7650

Theatre Royal, Brighton                                                                                             Website: www.atgtickets.com/brighton

Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 February                                                      Box Office: 0844 871 7651

Richmond Theatre                                                                                       Website: www.atgticket.com/richmond

**Tuesday 18– Saturday 29 February                                                   Box Office: 0844 847 2455

Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin                                                           Website: www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

**Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 March                                                             Box Office: 02871264455

Millennium Forum Theatre                                                                       Website: www.millenniumforum.co.uk

Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 March                                                            Box Office: 0300 300 0035

The Auditorium, Grimsby                                                                          Website: www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk

Tuesday 17– Saturday 21 March                                                                             Box Office: 024 7655 3055

Belgrade Theatre. Coventry                                                                     Website: www.belgrade.co.uk

Tuesday 24– Saturday 28 March                                                                             Box Office: 01902 429212

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre                                                                             Website: www.grandtheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 31 March – Saturday 4 April                                                    Box Office: 0844 871 7645

New Victoria Theatre, Woking                                                                 Website: www.atgtickets.com/woking

Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 April                                                                  Box Office: 01543 412121

Garrick Theatre, Lichfield                                                                           Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com

**Mrs Johnstone to be played by Rebecca Storm

45NORTH – NEW FEMALE-LED THEATRE COMPANY

LAUNCHES TO CHAMPION

UNDERREPRESENTED AND UNHEARD ARTISTS AND STORIES

New theatre company 45North, founded by award winning producer and director Jessica Rose McVay, has been launched to champion the work of emerging playwrights and theatre makers, and to present new writing to a variety of audiences. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, before moving to the UK in 2016, company founder Jessica Rose McVay gives a nod to her hometown with ‘45North’ being the longitude coordinates of Minneapolis.

Having previously worked as assistant director on the Broadway on The Best Man Having produced a number of celebrated works over the past few years, in London and the Edinburgh festival including the 2019 critically Acclaimed Post Mortem and Leave a Message at Edinburgh 2019 McVay is now talking the opportunity to formalise her production company, appoint a number of staff, produce several London, Edinburgh and international shows in the coming 12 months and begin an immediate bursary scheme providing financial support to emerging artists

As vocal advocates of unheard and underrepresented work, 45North’s mission is to shift the spotlight onto creatives that put marginalised groups front and centre; starting with women. McVay is joined by Emily Carewe as Creative Producer for Theatre, with plans for a Creative Producer of Events to come on board mid-March 2020.  The company is also committed to employing creative teams where women and/or trans and/or non-binary people make up at least 75% of the company.

45North already has plans in place for a series of productions with runs in London, tours across the UK, a season of four shows in Edinburgh, and shows in major Australian cities (more details of all shows below).

In addition, the company’s passion for supporting emerging creatives will be supported by the launch of two bursary schemes providing financial support to female, trans and non-binary emerging artists details of how to apply can be found  https://www.forty-fivenorth.com/career-support-female-creatives

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A short commission scheme, where artists will be given a day in 45North’s new studio in Hackney Downs to R&D new work, with the option for feedback from 45North and support in producing a public showing.

The second, more ambitious bursary will be open to playwrights, directors and divisors and will see creatives receive an initial grant of between £1000 – £1500 with 3-6 months access to the 45North studio and office space to create a first draft. They will also be given feedback and support from the team and if the resulting piece fits in with 45North’s core values, it will be commissioned and will receive further financial backing to a total of £5000 and a production produced by 45North.

McVay states: “45North was created with the primary goal of finding and promoting new work by theatre creatives who set out to tell stories that are all too often unheard – we want to advocate and amplify the amazing work that is out there when you step away from white-male dominated narratives. With the stage a prominent catalyst for social change, it’s more important than ever to put marginalised groups at the centre of creative work. I’m very excited to be embarking on this journey”.

45North’s initial slate, set to take place over the next few months will include:

·        On home soil, the company will be producing Gillian Greer’s play MEATat Theatre503 in February 2020 (separate press release for that to be sent over very soon), which was shortlisted for 503’s playwriting award in 2018. The story navigates sexual assault and consent within a relationship. MEAT tells the story of two ex-lovers who meet for a night of food, drink and reminiscing about old times, when a revelation sets them on a collision course like no other. This piece is a perfect fit for 45North, putting strong female creatives at the helm with writer Gillian Greer and director Lucy Atkinson. 

·        Next comes a very exciting collaboration with theatre company Scripts for Supper – a fantastical immersive dining company which will tour a production of ‘Wind in the Willows’ in spring 2020. The brainchild of Masterchef 2016 semi-finalist Annie McKenzie, Scripts for Supper treats audiences to a scrumptious five-course dinner, as a gastronomic world collides with theatre. Much-loved stories and characters are brought to life with journeying audiences encountering an extravaganza of storytelling within an immersive theatrical world. This tour will visit venues around England, ranging from city farms to country houses.

·        This will be followed by four productions at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2020. The four shows are currently in development, and each will be part of a cohesive set of compelling works that challenge stereotypes and prejudices, tied together by their female-led narratives.

·        And beyond the UK, 45North is producing an Australian tour of Post-Mortem whicha beautiful piece of physical theatre which brings an honest and comic look at young love and old trauma from award-winning playwright Iskandar Sharazuddin – this follows Post-Mortem’s critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year. The show will be touring to Perth and Adelaide in 2020 – first playing at the Blue Room Theatre in Perth from 24^th January to 1^st February before going onto Holden Street Theatres in Adelaide from 12^th to 26^th February.

·        Also headed to Australia will be new play (un)written (un)heard. Running from 29^th January to 9^th February at Girl’s School in Perth, this piece follows the astonishing true story of Dorothy Lawrence; an English journalist who disguised herself as a man in order to join the front line in WW1 with an ambition to become the first female war correspondent.

·        Looking beyond the next year 45North’s long term plan is to commercially produce shows at West End and Broadway level and working towards having the company having its own venue  – and to continue and evolve their bursary schemes; encouraging emerging artists by helping them access the funds they need in order to devote time to their artistic endeavours

Theatre Helpline running throughout Christmas period to support industry workers

[email protected] / 0800 915 4617 / theatrehelpline.org

As Christmas approaches, the Theatre Helpline will be running throughout the festive period, providing support and advice for everyone working in the theatre industry, whether in-house or freelance.

Launched in 2018 by Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre and run by Connect Assist, the free, independent and confidential 24-hour phone and email service is available 365 days a year for a range of personal and professional support.

Callers can talk to friendly, knowledgeable, trained staff about everything from bullying, harassment, mental health and wellbeing to debt and financial issues. Theatre Helpline staff can also signpost a range of useful external resources and support services if necessary.

This week, theatre venues and production offices across the UK will receive posters and flyers about the Theatre Helpline to put up around their workplaces.

Julian Bird, Chief Executive of SOLT and UK Theatre, said:

‘Christmas can be a difficult time for some, and we want to remind our industry that the Theatre Helpline is on hand as a vital resource for anyone struggling with a personal or professional issue – big or small – and unsure where to turn. One of SOLT and UK Theatre’s core missions is to ensure the theatre sector is a safe, supportive working environment, and the Theatre Helpline is central to this. Please spread the word about the Helpline among colleagues and friends.’