What’s in a Name? Review

Richmond Theatre, Richmond – until Saturday 16 November 2019

Reviewed by Riley Anderson

4****

From Paris to Peckham, Jeremy Sams (translator and adapter) had deftly adapted the original french play Le Prénom into a wonderfully colloquial British comedy drama. Set in Peter (Bo Poraj) and Elizabeth’s (Laura Patch) stylish Peckham home, South East London, we are instantly welcomed as spectators to delight in 90 minutes of riotous comedy drama with characters that may seem all too familiar.

Vincent (Joe Thomas) is the cocksure provocateur, who initiates the drama by announcing that he and his wife Anna (Summer Strallen) are going to call their unborn son Adolf, or more precisely Adolphe. What begins as an intellectual debate as to why they cannot name their son after the ‘Führer’ soon spirals into a hysterically chaotic dinner party in which, more than couscous and tagine get spilt.

Amidst the mayhem, Carl (Alex Gaumond) is often more in the know than the other characters, and is probably the only character who enjoys the meal and takes a great deal of pleasure in watching the drama unfold, chipping in with the occasional hilarious one-liner. That is until the spotlight turns to him and his modesty is confronted by Vincents flamboyance, it makes for a highly entertaining sparring match, and the features of Joe Thomas, with which we have become so accustomed, work wonderfully for the character.

The combination of the ego pricking and pace of the piece really make for the comedy, and the cast didn’t let the ball drop, especially in the second half, when most of the reveals take place. The drama ultimately resolves itself with Elizabeth (Laura Patch), who after endlessly running around, getting the meal prepared, putting the kids to bed, puts everyone in their place with a monologue that I’m sure many wives and mothers would relish the opportunity to deliver

Curtains Review

Darlington Hippodrome – until 16 November 2019

5*****
One of the newer and lesser known Kander and Ebb productions, Curtains, opened in Darlington this week as part of its UK tour – with a Christmas residency announced for the Wyndhams theatre in London’s West End.

An absolute delight of a show, Curtains is good old fashioned entertainment at its best.

Based on the original book and concept of the same name by Peter Stone, the musical is a send-up of backstage murder mystery plots.  Set in 1959 Boston – it follows the fallout when Jessica Cranshaw, the incredibly untalented star of Robbin’ Hood of the Old West is murdered during her opening night curtain call. It is up to Lt. Frank Cioffi, a police detective who moonlights as a musical theater fan to save the show, solve the case

Jason Manford is fabulous as Lt. Cioffi, not only solving the murders but reworking and directing Robbin’ Hood too.  Manford maybe the “star” of the show but it is very much an ensemble piece and whilst he can sing and dance with the rest of them he doesn’t outshine anyone.

Carmen Bernstein (Rebecca Lock) commands the stage with her incredible voice, her solo It’s a Business and she has some fabulous put downs for her husband Oscar (Martin Callaghan), daughter Bambi (Emma Caffrey) and employees.  Samuel Holmes is excellent as Director, Christopher Belling. His upper class British accent hides the wonderful sarcasm that drips from his mouth like diamonds. It’s just a shame he doesn’t get a solo, although he has some fabulously funny moments – like when he accidentally admits to being the murderer because he likes to take credit for everything.

Song-writing duo Georgia Hendricks (Carley Stenson) and Aaron Fox (Andy Coxon) are so sweet as a divorced couple thrown back together again.  Both still in love with the other but too scared to let them know.

Leah Barbara West is Niki Harris, Cioffi’s love interest, who keeps finding clues to the murderer with the running gag that her finger prints are now on the evidence.

The live band (Alex Beetschen, Matthew Spalding, Katie Punter, Helen Blamey, Eikel Hernadez, Zeb Tonkin, Sam Ainslie, Nicholas Breakspear and Damien Fisher) are an integral part of the show, playing the fabulous score and moving on the plot of the play within a play.  And Alistair David’s choreography is outstanding. I loved David Woodhead set – from the moment I entered the theatre I was instantly transported back to an age of limelight’s and plush red velvet curtains.

Full of red herrings, marvellous music, divine dancing, stunning singing and laugh out loud funny, Curtains is a not just a musical whodunit it’s one of the best nights out I’ve had in a long time.  And while they may hate the critics in What Kind of Man?  This woman loved the show – long may it continue

Last three weeks to see A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg

LAST CHANCE TO SEE

TOBY STEPHENS, CLAIRE SKINNER AND PATRICIA HODGE IN

FINAL THREE WEEKS – UNTIL 30 NOVEMBER 

Also starring

STORME TOOLIS, CLARENCE SMITH & LUCY EATON

Directed by SIMON EVANS

TRAFALGAR STUDIOS

West End audiences have until 30 November to see the brilliant acting trilogy of Toby Stephens (Oslo, Lost In Space), Claire Skinner (Outnumbered, The Father) and Oliver Award winning Patricia Hodge (Miranda) in Simon Evans’ critically acclaimed production of Peter Nichols’ masterpiece A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg at Trafalgar Studios.

The strictly limited season of Nichols’ applauded bitter sweet comedy has audiences and critics raving alike. The five star “Celebrated tragi-comic masterpiece” (The Arts Desk) has been breaking audiences hearts while being hailed as “Pin-sharp. Heartbreaking and funny” (Evening Standard) and “Full of bravery” (Metro) and is not to be missed.  A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg focusses on two parents, Toby Stephens (“Excellent” The Guardian) and Claire Skinner (“Striking” The Times), and the issues they face raising a disabled daughter in the 1960s. Patricia Hodge gives “A killer cameo” (Evening Standard) and Storme Toolis in the title role is “without question the living, beating heart at the centre” (The New European) and “the inscrutable emotional core” (Daily Mail) of this classic play. This remarkable story challenges all our assumptions on the limits of love and the power of family.

Inspired by Nichols’ own experience, Joe Egg was one of the ground-breaking plays of its generation and the issues faced by two parents in this bittersweet comedy still resonate with audiences today, breaking your heart one minute and filling it with warmth the next.  Now this startlingly funny and celebrated play only has three weeks left on the West End and will close on Saturday 30 November.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Performances: Monday – Saturday at 7:30pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2:30pm
Box Office: www.atgtickets.com/trafalgarstudios / 0844 871 7632

Ticket Prices: From £25

Access performance dates to be confirmed

Website: www.JoeEggPlay.com 

Sandra Marvin and Kelly Agbowu will host the next Waitress Cast Album Karaoke Night on 19 November


SANDRA MARVIN AND KELLY AGBOWU WILL HOST THE NEXT

CAST ALBUM KARAOKE NIGHT ON 19 NOVEMBER

Waitress has announced its next Cast Album Karaoke Night will take place on 19 November, hosted by cast members Sandra Marvin who plays Becky and Kelly Agbowu who plays Nurse Norma. Audience members who want the opportunity to sing live on the West End stage just need to sign up before that evening’s show to be in with a chance to sing one minute of any song from the musical at the Adelphi, accompanied by the show’s musical director Katharine Woolley.

Waitress features an original score by 7-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), who has recently been announced to join the West End cast as Jenna opposite Gavin Creel (The Book of Mormon, Hello Dolly!) as Dr Pomatter for a strictly limited six-week season from 27 January to 7 March 2020. Hannah Tointon (The Inbetweeners, Mr SelfridgeHollyoaks), has also been also announced to join the company from 2 December in the role of Dawn. Joe Sugg (ThatcherJoe, Strictly 2018) who is currently appearing as Ogie, now enters his final weeks in the production and will mark his last performance on 30 November. Further casting will be announced in due course.

London’s brand-new smash hit musical comedy Waitresstells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams her way out of a loveless marriage. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness. 

Waitress celebrated its official opening night at the Adelphi Theatre on 7 March 2019 and the Tony-nominated musical is now booking to 28 March 2020.

Waitress currently stars Lucie Jones as Jenna, Joe Sugg as Ogie, Laura Baldwin as Dawn, Sandra Marvin as Becky, Tamlyn Henderson as Earl, David Hunter as Dr. Pomatter, Andrew Boyer as Old Joe and Stephen Leask as Cal and Kelly Agbowu as Nurse Norma.

The full company includes Kelly Agbowu, Laura Baldwin, Piers Bate, Cindy Belliot, Andrew Boyer, Michael Hamway, Tamlyn Henderson, David Hunter, Lucie Jones, Stephen Leask, Chris McGuigan, Sandra Marvin, Olivia Moore, Nathaniel Morrison, Sarah O’Connor, Leanne Pinder, Charlotte Riby, Joe Sugg and Mark Willshire.

Brought to life by a ground breaking, female-led creative team, Waitress features an original score by Sara Bareilles, a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland) and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The production recently toured across the US and Canada and has announced an Australian premiere in 2020 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre with further productions to open in Holland next year and Japan in 2021.

On its Broadway opening at the Brooks Atkinson Theater where it has since become the  longest running show in the venue’s history, Waitress was nominated for four Outer Critics’ Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical; two Drama League Award Nominations, including Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical; six Drama Desk Nominations, including Outstanding Musical; and four Tony Award Nominations, including Best Musical.

Theatre industry comes together to inspire young people about offstage jobs at biggest ever TheatreCraft

Theatre industry comes together to inspire young people about offstage jobs at biggest ever TheatreCraft

The UK theatre industry came together yesterday (Monday 11 November) for the 14th annual TheatreCraft, the largest free offstage theatre careers event for 16 to 30-year-olds. Hosted by the Royal Opera House, over 1,300 young people attended – making it the biggest ever TheatreCraft – with more than 85 industry professionals running nearly 60 workshops, talks and backstage tours.

Sessions ranged from tips on producing, writing, directing and marketing, to insights into technical theatre, armoury, scenic art, video design and costume, as well as expert advice on networking and getting a foot on the ladder of an arts career. The Royal Opera House offered tours and insight into its different backstage departments, and the nearby Lyceum, Novello and Cambridge theatres also hosted sessions.

A ‘careers marketplace’ in the Royal Opera House’s Paul Hamlyn Hall featured stalls from over 60 top theatre organisations and arts education providers, including the National Theatre, RADA, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Delfont Mackintosh, LW Theatres, Ambassadors Theatre Group and the Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art at Trinity College Dublin.

The day culminated in a special Ambassadors Panel with leading Artistic Directors Yamin Choudury (Hackney Empire), Michelle Terry (Shakespeare’s Globe) and Matthew Xia (Actors Touring Company), who were interviewed by members of Mousetrap Theatre Projects’ Youth Forum and discussed the question ‘why choose a career in theatre?’. The Ambassadors opened the floor to the young audience for questions, challenging them to rewrite the rules and not be afraid to fail or change their minds as they find their feet in the industry.

TheatreCraft aims to inspire a new generation of offstage talent from all backgrounds, ensuring the UK’s theatre industry remains world-leading. The event, organised in partnership with the Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust, the Royal Opera House, the Society of London Theatre and Mousetrap Theatre Projects, is one of several the theatre sector is involved in, as part of a drive to encourage new workforce talent for the country’s fast-growing creative industries.

www.theatrecraft.org | @TheatreCraft | #TheatreCraft19

Toast Review

The Lowry, Salford – until 16 November 2019

Reviewed by Angharad Crabtree

4****

A well-orchestrated spectrum of moods is portrayed throughout, transitioning between comedy, poetry, sing-a-longs and romance to heartbreak and hardship. This is enforced by the marvellous sensory experience, incorporating smells and tastes in addition to usual theatrics. In contrast, the set remained primarily unchanged, which was a good way to ensure there wasn’t confusion of the audience as a result of sensory overload. That being said, the clever movement of the furniture allowed recognition of different settings, the arrangement of which was incorporated into the play, allowing seamless transition between scenes.

These factors all paid tribute in fully immersing the audience into the childhood of Nigel Slater, who was accurately depicted by Giles Cooper (Nigel), even though the story began with his 9-year-old self and spanned through to his mid-teenage years. Due to the breadth of the story, many characters were featured, although all were represented by only 5 cast members. Here I would add a special mention to Stefan Edwards (Josh) who portrayed a diverse range of characters through a brilliantly animated performance. One of the most significant characters was Nigel Slater’s mum (played by Katy Federman), who brilliantly demonstrated a mother’s warmth and kindness, and the unbreakable bond they have with a child, also reinforced by the time spent together in the kitchen. Blair Plant (dad) excellently instilled dread into the audience through a slow build-up of unsolicited frustration towards his son. Added to this chaotic mix, was Joan (played by Samantha Hopkins) who convincingly adopted the ‘evil stepmother’ role as such, providing a source for the audience to channel their dislike, alongside the central protagonist.

Overall, a great sample of a new kind of theatre experience, combined with a brilliantly compassionate storyline, made all the more touching by its sincere reflection of Nigel Slater’s childhood.

Come From Away’s Gander residents announce date and venue for Olivier Awards 2020

VIDEO: Come From Away’s Gander residents announce date and venue for Olivier Awards 2020 with Mastercard

Click the link below to watch the cast of Come From Away, winner of Mastercard Best New Musical at the 2019 Olivier Awards, announce the date and venue for next year’s ceremony! 

The Olivier Awards 2020 with Mastercard will take place on 5 April at the Royal Albert Hall. Stay tuned for further announcements.

officiallondontheatre.com/olivier-awards / YouTube / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Giphy 

#OlivierAwards

Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theatre. For further information visit: OlivierAwards.com

Society of London Theatre (SOLT) is the not-for-profit organisation representing the London theatre industry. SOLT runs the Olivier Awards with Mastercard, Official London Theatre, West End LIVE, TKTS, Theatre Tokens, Kids Week and the New Year Sale.  For further information: SOLT.co.uk

Epstein Statue Appeal Needs A Bit Of Help From Brian’s Friends To Hit Target

EPSTEIN STATUE APPEAL

NEEDS A BIT OF HELP FROM BRIAN’S FRIENDS TO HIT TARGET

Less than two weeks left to support legacy campaign

A Crowdfunder campaign to create a lasting legacy to former Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein has less than two weeks left to reach its target– and organisers are appealing for the support of the public.

The team behind The Brian Epstein Statue Project are urging Beatles fans, music fans, and local residents and worldwide supporters to throw their support behind the campaign.

The Brian Epstein Statue Project aims to create a world first with a statue honouring the man fondly known as the Fifth Beatle, Brian Epstein.

Almost £10,000 has already been pledged – but there is still a long way to go to reach the appeal’s £60,000 target.

The Crowdfunder appeal will close at 6pm on Thursday 21 November 2019 – so time is running out fast.

Pledges of any amount can be made and will be gratefully received, and a number of new rewards and incentives have also been announced as part of the appeal countdown.

A Beatles experience for the ultimate Fab Four fan includes a two-night stay for two people in the Lennon Suite at Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool, including breakfast and dinner, as well as tickets to The Cavern Club, The Beatles Story, The Magical Beatles Museum, and Magical Mystery Tour. Suggested pledge £1,300.

Enjoy a ride in a replica of John Lennon’s vintage Rolls Royce. A personal driving tour from the owner will make it an unforgettable experience in this striking classic car. Suggested pledge £150.

Pledge £25 to own a limited edition mounted print signed by artist Tom Donahue and author Marie Darwin from the book, What Did Grandad Paul Do When He Was Little? There are just 10 prints available.

Various levels of donation are also available including the Hall Of Fame, Certificate Of Support, and Add Your Own Clay. A full list of rewards and incentives is available on the Crowdfunding page.

The Beatles’ former manager, Liverpool-born Brian Epstein, is credited with catapulting the Fab Four to global success. Yet there is no lasting tribute to recognise and celebrate the vital role he played in the band’s history, nor how he changed the face and sound of popular music. Brian Epstein made history.

The Crowdfunder campaign was launched at the Epstein Theatre, located on Hanover Street in Liverpool city centre, which also marked Brian Epstein’s 85th Birthday.

Project manager and cultural activist Tom Calderbank commented: “Brian needs a bit of help from his friends. We’re encouraging, urging and pleading that people come together and be part of something special to celebrate Brian’s legacy. We’ve worked tirelessly since the appeal went live – but it’s proving to be quite a task. But we’re not beaten – we’ve still got time. We hope the fantastic new incentives and rewards will generate more interest.

“We think we’ve reached more than a million people worldwide through our appeal and media coverage – but it’s just not enough. A big thank you to everyone who has already pledged, people have been very generous and understand what we are striving to achieve in Brian’s name. If you believe in us and want to see this project happen, then please get involved.

“Each and every one of us have something to thank Brian for – he changed the course of music and social history. That deserves a fitting lasting tribute in his honour.”

The Brian Epstein Statue Project committee have wealth of experience and expertise across public art, publishing, theatre production, and the local Beatles industry. Collectively they have a strong desire to ensure the project is successful and are passionate that a lasting tribute to Brian and all he achieved in the history of popular music should be created in Liverpool to celebrate his role in history.

The committee includes cultural campaigner and activist Tom Calderbank; Beatles’ fan Marie Darwin who waspart of a group who campaigned for a plaque to be placed on the birthplace of Brian Epstein; Beatles’ historians, researchers and authors Kevin and Julie Roach, and son Robert; Larry Sidorczuk was the personal assistant to the late Joe Flannery, Brian Epstein’s original business partner and bookings manager; and Bill Elms, a producer of the smash hit play Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, which was staged in Liverpool and London’s West End.

Brian Epstein owned NEMS record shop in Whitechapel. It was a lunchtime visit to The Cavern Club in the heart of Liverpool to watch a four-piece rock and roll band on 9 November 1961 which would change the course of history. Music and life in Liverpool would never be the same again. That band was The Beatles – who Brian would go on to manage.

In addition to managing The Beatles, Brain Epstein is credited to creating and developing the Merseybeat movement. He also signed a number of other performers including Cilla Black, Gerry And The Pacemakers, Billy J Kramer And The Dakotas, and The Moody Blues.

The Brian Epstein Statue Project has the support of Brian Epstein’s family, and the Willis family representing the late Cilla Black.

The project is also being backed by Liverpool-born actor Andrew Lancel, who appears in a short video on the appeal’s Crowdfunder page. The former Coronation Street and The Bill actor portrayed Brian in the smash hit play Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles on stage in Liverpool and London’s West End to critical acclaim. He later played Brian again in the recent tour of Cilla The Musical –and is a huge advocate of recognising all Brian achieved.

Author Kevin Roach recently published his latest book, Brian Epstein And The Beatles 1964: The Year That Changed The World – proceeds of which will be donated to The Brian Epstein Statue Project.

Sculptor Andy Edwards has been commissioned to create the state of Brian Epstein. Andy is best known for his iconic sculpture of The Beatles located at Pier Head Liverpool, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Andy sculpted The Truce, which can be found in the grounds of St Luke’s Church, depicting the historic moment on Christmas Day 1914 during the First World War ceasefire when a game of football spontaneously broke out between British and German soldiers. He also co-sculpted the statue of Cilla Black on Mathew Street.

Donations can be made by visiting https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-brian-epstein-statue-project

FOLLOW:

Website:         https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-brian-epstein-statue-project

www.epsteinstatue.co.uk

Facebook:       @BrianEpsteinStatueProject

Twitter:           @EpsteinStatue

Video:             https://vimeo.com/359005122

New feminist two-woman dark comedy comes from the RADA Festival to the Tristan Bates Theatre in Nov-Dec 2019

NOR WOMAN NEITHER
Tristan Bates Theatre, November 25th – December 14th 2019

Written and performed by RADA graduates Ingrid Schiller and Verity Kirk, Nor Woman Neither is a 60 minute dark comedy with a kick about growing up and womanhood. Nor Woman Neither was first performed at the RADA Festival, and will now run for three weeks at the Tristan Bates Theatre.

In a world burdened with the pressure of success, how far would you go to get what you want? Meet Laura, an actress: failing – but failing confidently whilst drowning in a torrent of love, lust and ambition. Faced with a life-changing dilemma, Laura rollercoasters through her torrid past in deciding what to do. Through a series of individually striking and absorbing vignettes we follow Laura’s developing womanhood from her early girlhood sexual flutter upon sighting Ursula Andress on television to her adult, struggling actress self.Writer and performer Ingrid Schiller was born in South Africa, then moved to Germany and was part of the Dresden State Theatre Youth Group. She trained at City Lit and RADA. Writer and performer Verity Kirk is from Harrogate, and also studied at RADA. Ingrid and Verity first wrote together for their final showcase at RADA. Ingrid began writing a scene about a lonely little girl who desperately wants the attention of her inattentive Dad, and the moment she starts thinking that as a girl the only way to power is to appeal to those at the top: men. This starts her off on a comedic journey in which every scene leads her deeper down the rabbit hole of laughter and despair.

Nor Woman Neither is directed by Stephen Doolan. “When first reading Nor Woman Neither I was instantly hooked by the brutally honest, black humour that had been so deftly carved into this comically moving tale,” he says. “The major theme of the play is the idea of how women are surreptitiously manipulated and often coerced by a patriarchal society into following certain paths and patterns of behaviour from childhood onwards.”Nor Woman Neither is produced by Undivided Pictures and JR Theatre for Killer Shirk. it was important for the producers that the show was made accessible to low income households and blind, partially sighted audience. They have raised over £3.5k to give free tickets as well as hiring audio describing equipment for 5 performances. Undivided Pictures and JR Theatre are happy to support accessible arts for all and hope this new writing is given the platform it deserves to excel.

PAUL-RYAN CARBERRY AND PAUL VIRIDES FORM THE NEW EXECUTIVE TEAM OF IRIS THEATRE

PAUL-RYAN CARBERRY AND PAUL VIRIDES

FORM THE NEW EXECUTIVE TEAM OF IRIS THEATRE

Iris Theatre, the resident theatre company of the Actors’ Church in Covent Garden, today announces the appointment of Paul-Ryan Carberry as Artistic Director and Paul Virides as Executive Director. They take up their roles from the company’s founder Daniel Winder, who has moved on to become venue director of Stanley Halls, after 12 years with the company.

Paul-Ryan Carberry, Artistic Director of Iris Theatre said today, “I feel very honoured to have been appointed artistic director of this exciting and ambitious company. We are determined to support the next generation of theatre practitioners and creatives, creating transformational opportunities for them and their work. Together with our incredible executive director, Paul Virides and alongside our wonderful team, Iris Theatre will continue to create bold, courageous and relevant work in our unique home in Covent Garden, and we’re really looking forward to announcing our plans in the new year. As a charity, we want to ensure that Iris is a genuine home for emerging artists in the heart of central London. I want to say now, to those artists: our doors are open.”

Simon Grigg, Chair of the Board, added “St Paul’s has been known as the Actors’ Church since the 1660s, so I was so thrilled when Iris Theatre became our resident company, continuing and adding to our role.  Daniel Winder created the company in 2007, with a marvellous production of Murder in the Cathedral and it has grown and grown ever since, now producing a major summer season of two fantastic shows each year. I would like to thank Daniel for his incredible input not just to Iris Theatre, but also to the life of the church. I also want to welcome aboard Paul Virides and Paul-Ryan Carberry as Executive and Artistic Directors of the company as it enters a new era, which I’m sure will be as exciting as the past twelve years have been.”

Paul-Ryan Carberry’s credits as a director include Dead Dog in a Suitcase & other love songs (Backstage Theatre, Peckham), A Serious Business (Luton Hat Factory/The Pleasance), The Nativity (St James’s Church, Paddington), Touched (Bernie Grant Arts Centre), The Outback Games (Edinburgh Festival Fringe – nominated for an MTN Award), Star Jumps Are Not Essential (The Lost Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Central Academy of Drama, Beijing), Half A SixpenceJames Joyce’s The DeadHeathersOurselves AloneInto The Woods and Parade (Mountview). As an associate director his credits include Grease (UK tour); and as assistant director, Strangers on a Train (UK tour). As an actor, his theatre credits include The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Octagon Theatre), A Christmas Carol (Birmingham Rep/West Yorkshire Playhouse), As You Like It (Grosvenor Park Open Air), Billy Liar (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Everybody Loves a Winner (Royal Exchange Theatre) and All the Fun of The Fair (UK tour); and for television, A Song For Jenny and The Village.

Paul Virides was previously Iris Theatre’s marketing manager in 2017-18. He also runs Paul Virides Productions and is the recipient of a Stage One Bursary for New Producers. With this support he has produced Silk Road (Trafalgar Studio 2/Live Theatre Newcastle/VAULT Festival), All in a Row (Southwark Playhouse) and Ages of the Moon (associate producer, The Vaults). His other credits include Underground (VAULT Festival/59E59 Theaters) and the first London revival of Honk! (Union Theatre). His credits as associate producer with Hartshorn-Hook Productions include the Olivier Award-winning Rotterdam (Trafalgar Studios, Theatre503, 59E59 Theaters), American Idiot (Arts Theatre) and Away From Home (international tour). He also produced York Theatre Royal’s TakeOver Festival in 2011/12, which featured work from companies including Paines Plough, Actors Touring Company and Frantic Assembly.

IRIS THEATRE

Iris Theatre is a charity and the resident theatre company of the Actors’ Church, committed to developing the careers of emerging artists. As well as its annual outdoor summer season which has run for 10 years, Iris presents new work through the year at the Actors’ Church and creates opportunities for training for artists of all backgrounds and disciplines.

ST PAUL’S COVENT GARDEN, THE ACTORS’ CHURCH
Known affectionately as the Actors’ Church because of its long association with the theatre community, St Paul’s is located in the heart of the West End on Covent Garden Piazza. Designed by the theatre designer and architect Inigo Jones and built in 1633, St Paul’s serves as the Parish Church of Covent Garden and much of Theatreland. As well as Iris’s events, the church hosts a wide variety of theatre, memorial services and concerts, totalling around 300 events a year.

www.iristheatre.com

Facebook:           /IrisTheatre

Twitter:                @iristheatre

Instagram:          iris_theatre