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53two Creative Director and Producer take to the stage in World Premiere of new play Frank 4 Sophie 4 Eva

It’s been on the backburner for over 5 years but Simon Naylor, Creative Director of 53two and Alexandra Maxwell, Venue Producer, are finally bringing this brand new show to life for their Greater Manchester audiences.

In their 40’s – we meet Frank and Sophie. Their marriage is in trouble, no sex, no communication. Every little thing bugs them and they squabble like children, so Sophie has arranged for a relationship therapist to talk things through. But are they past the point of no return? Has Frank been too much of a di*k? Can Sophie relax a little? Is this just the final straw of a car crash relationship? 

Fast, furious and ridiculously funny. 90’s sit-com comedy meets kitchen-sink drama in this brand new, ludicrous & vicious two-hander. 

Manchester-based theatre and arts venue 53two put their money where their mouth is with this daring production, swiftly following the renowned JB Shorts, as they approach their 4^th year in the arches on Watson Street, beneath Manchester Central.

Written by Ian Watson, a writer from Doncaster, as well as being riotously funny, the piece explores the current topic of male mental health and just how easy it is to hit rock-bottom, even if you’re always ‘the funny guy’.

The run will be raising money for Andy’s Man Club and at every performance, literature and merchandise will be available to read and purchase as well as money being raised to support the men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.

Playing from 30^th October – 8th November, Frank 4 Sophie 4 Eva will be the first time both Simon and Alex have taken the stage in the new home of 53two, having previously played Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in 2018.

Simon Naylor, Artistic Director at 53two said: ‘‘It’s terrifying. If anything it’s a stupid idea. Neither of us have been on stage properly in a few years, but, we read the script half a decade ago and it always sat in both our minds. Now just felt like the right time to do it. It will make you laugh, it might make you cry but more than anything, you’ll be entertained…we hope.’’

53two will be providing Pay What You Can tickets for those who can’t afford a full price ticket and two of the shows will be BSL interpreted, to keep up their ethos that theatre is for everyone.

Performers, creatives and audience members will also have access to the venue’s newly fitted Changing Places toilet. 53two is the first indie arts space in Manchester to install the facility, which will provide increased independence to users.

Tickets are now available here.

BSL / Captioned shows will take place on:

Sunday 3rd November at 5:30pm

Wednesday 6^th November at 7:30pm

Listings information:

30^th October – 8^th November 2024

Regular Ticket – £12

PWYC tickets – £4 (Recommended)

Book now

I WISH YOU WELL – WEST END TRAILER RELEASED

*****

A STRICTLY LIMITED (SKI) SEASON
AT THE CRITERION THEATRE
FROM 11 SEPTEMBER – 12 OCTOBER 2024

Following a successful stint at the Underbelly at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe and with a run of positive reviews in its tracks, the musical comedy of the Hollywood court case that had the internet gripped in 2023 has come to the West End, with an official trailer now released.

I Wish You Well: The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski-Trial Musical is a four-hander that tells the (mostly) true story of the campest celebrity trial in history: Gwyneth vs Terry. Packed full of iconic moments, the questions about Taylor Swift, and the now famous whisper of ‘I Wish You Well‘ – this is a fast-paced parody that sounds as good as Gwyneth’s candles smell.

Having wowed critics at the Fringe, the full cast will continue in their roles for I Wish You Well at the Criterion Theatre this autumn. This includes X factor star Diana Vickers (Dial M for Murder) as Gwyneth, Marc Antolin (Quiz) as Terry, Tori Allen-Martin (Wild About You) as Kristin and Idriss Kargbo (Wicked) as Judge Jude.

Academy Award winner, bone-broth drinker and devastating downhill skier Gwyneth Paltrow has arrived in a snoozy Utah courtroom ready to defend her legacy.

I Wish You Well: The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski-Trial Musical is directed by Shiv Rabheru, music and lyrics by Rick Pearson, book with additional lyrics by Roger Dipper and choreography by Arlene Phillips. Musical direction by Debbi Clarke with associate director and choreographer Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, design by David Shields, lighting design by Alex Lewer, sound design by Dan Samson and casting by Seth Mason CDG. On guitar is Dominic Barker and drums is Joel Mulley-Goodbarne. Originally commissioned by Ben Lockwood

The world premiere of I Wish You Well was one of four productions produced by Paul Taylor-Mills at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024. With Come Dine with Me The Musical and SILENCE! The Musical now set to play at the Turbine Theatre this September/October and Rob Madge’s joyous, chaotic Olivier nominated autobiographical show My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) continues its UK Tour.

LISTINGS
I Wish You Well
11 September – 12 October 2024

Directed by Shiv Rabheru

Music and Lyrics by Rick Pearson
Book with Additional Lyrics by Roger Dipper
Choreography by Arlene Phillips

Run time: 60 minutes

Age Guidance: 12+

Address: 218-223 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HR

Website: www.criterion-theatre.co.uk

Social Media:
Instagram/TikTok: @iwishyouwellmusical

University Drama Studios Sheffield – until 21 September 2024

Reviewed by Carol Crann
 
4****

Footloose tells the story of a young man who moves from Chicago to a small town because his mother can no longer keep them both after her husband walked out on them – but many of you will already know that…

What he finds is a town, where joy is suppressed in response to an accident that had occurred five years previously, where four young people were killed after a night of drinking, drugs and dancing. As a result, the local preacher and council had outlawed drinking and dancing in order to try and control the young people in the community. Ren McCormack, played brilliantly by Josh Fishburn, battles the town on every level as he comes to terms with his own grief and guilt and tries to get the dancing ban lifted, Footloose follows that journey.

The set is minimalistic but works perfectly for all scenes of the show, with changes seamlessly portrayed by the use of appropriate props changed with a minimum of fuss throughout the performance, allowing the audience to make sure they concentrate on the cast.

This tale is predominantly one of a group young people who want to be able to express themselves, so it is rather appropriate that the performance was put together by Splinters Theatre Group – made up of people between the ages 14 and 30.

It is a musical with a couple of big 80’s numbers which were delivered with passion and enthusiasm by the mixed ability young cast. Ariel, the reverend’s rebellious daughter (played powerfully by Jessica Smith) delivered a gutsy rendition of Holding Out for a Hero, supported by Rusty (Cerys Wright), Urleen (Ruby Chu) and Wendy Jo (Maeve Hughes). The blossoming relationship between Ren and Ariel is a key part of the show and is the chemistry was palpable between the two young performers. For me, however, the standout performer was Lewis Spowage who played the initially, somewhat inept character Willard Hewitt. His comic timing was excellent throughout, and his facial expressions kept me mesmerised as we watched his character develop along with his relationship with his wannabe girlfriend.

The older roles provided a foil to the youthful exuberance of this talented cast, with the Reverend Shaw Moore (Dan Storey) seeking to make sense of a world where he just wanted to keep the young people safe – sadly, in the process, he lost his ability to communicate with them, most notably his daughter. Meanwhile, his wife, Vi Moore (Jen Horsefield) showed the believable emotional struggle between supporting the man and the daughter that she clearly loves.

A real positive element of the show was the choreography – clearly many hours were spent in order for it to be so effective with such a large cast, who performed it with such energy and commitment throughout that it was clear the audience wanted to join in.

Again Splinters have created a brilliant show that lives up to all expectations – I can only recommend that you go along to see them.

Hall for Cornwall announces cast for 2024 pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk

• Edward Rowe returns to lead cast in festive fairytale pantomime to star as Dame Trott
• Cornwall Playhouse Production, presented in association with Falmouth University
• Pantomime to include familiar Cornish faces, new graduates and acting talent from across UK

Following the recent announcement that Edward Rowe will star as our Dame, Hall for Cornwall today announces the cast who’ll bring the giant pantomime extravaganza Jack And The Beanstalk to life this Christmas following last-year’s record-breaking run of Peter Pan.   

The performance will have serious pantomime pedigree with director Joyce Branagh at the helm. The Cornwall Playhouse production promises a handful of heritage, bucketfuls of bean gags and song-and-dance-laden festive fun for the whole family.  

Director Joyce Branagh commented “I can’t wait to get stuck in – it really will be a giant adventure, for everyone in Cornwall. In our story, hero Jack and his fabulous Mum set about saving their village. It’s a classic tale of good versus evil in which the role of family and friends has never been more important – so grab yours, book those tickets and we’ll see you in December!” 

Commenting on the cast announcement, Julien Boast, Hall for Cornwall CEO and Jack And The Beanstalk Executive Producer said “This is such a talented and vibrant cast, bursting with talent. More than that, our pantomime this year is a great showcase of our commitment to nurturing new talent, supporting Cornish artists both on and offstage and delivering heartwarming entertainment to complete the Cornish Christmas. I can’t wait for December and opening night.” 

Led by Cornish Talent…

As previously announced, Edward Rowe will be stepping into the hallowed pantomime territory of ‘The Dame’ following his Captain Hook in the smash-hit Peter Pan last year.  

As an actor, writer, and Cornish comedy national treasure, Edward Rowe (Kernow King) wrote, produced and starred in Trevithick!, Hireth, The Cornwall Coliseum, and The Cornish Caretakers, and his short Cornish language film, Mab Hudel (Magical Son). Edward is also a co-writer and host of BBC Radio 4’s sketch show Wasson Cornwall, where he stars opposite with Dawn French. 

Nationally, he’s known for his roles in BAFTA-winning film Bait, Fisherman’s Friends the Musical, and TV roles in Alex Rider, The Witcher, House of the Dragon, Strike and Beyond Paradise.

When asked about the new role, Edward Rowe said: “I’m delighted to be playing the dame this Christmas. I loved playing Kenwyn a few years ago and of course being Long John Silver a couple of years back. Captain Hook last year was an enormous honour, and one of my favourite roles, so taking on the dame this year feels like a great step. There’s so much tradition with dames and some of my favourite actors have been dames, Ian McKellen, Les Dawson, Paul O’Grady. To be Dame Trott at Hall for Cornwall is a dream come true.” 

Other Cornish cast members include Gareth Cooper who has this year appeared in One Man, Two Guvnors at the New Vic and Julius Caesar at Southwark Playhouse whilst also touring his solo folk storytelling show The Mermaid of Padstow around Cornwall. Gareth has also appeared in Netflix’s The Crown and over 20 comedy shorts for the BBC’s About Shakespeare series.pa 

Alongside Gareth will be Truro’s own Charlotte Rutherfoord, a multi-instrumentalist who trained at Mountview and has recently appeared in Cinderella (Derby Theatre), and Rain Weaver alongside credits which include the UK tours of Carmen and Joseph. Cornwall’s Aidan Nightingale, is back following his turn in 2022’s Cornwall Playhouse Production of Treasure Island. Aidan is thrilled to be back at Hall for Cornwall for another Christmas, his other recent credits include Sasha Regan’s The Mikado and the UK tour of I Should Be So Lucky.

Cornish comedian Colin Leggo returns in the role of Goosey following his hilarious turn as Smee in Peter Pan last year. Colin headlined the 2021 BBC Upload Festival and has performed at Edinburgh Fringe multiple times. ‘Leggoland’, his 2015 one-man with one-leg show about becoming a below knee amputee, received a 5-star review from the British Comedy Guide. In 2019, he won the title of UK Pun Champion and his Grand Theft Cornwall videos on YouTube have achieved cult status. 

Nurturing stars of the future…

Continuing Hall for Cornwall’s long-held commitment to nurturing the UK’s most promising young actors, Shen Leng Chow is thrilled to make her professional debut in Jack And The Beanstalk following her training at Leeds Conservatoire. Meanwhile, taking up the role of Jack is recent Central School of Speech And Drama graduate Patrick Dineen who has appeared in productions at Hull Truck Theatre and Leeds Playhouse. 

 
…And West End talent 

Freya Karlettis takes on the role of Jill, with theatre credits including PlayOn!, The Lion King in London’s West End, Hairspray, Sleeping Beauty at Ipswich Regent Theatre, and Flight: Dare to Dream. Freya’s TV work includes Happy Families for the BBC and The Mighty Sprouts for Disney. 

Stepping into the magical role of the Fairy is Jessica Manu, who trained at Central School of Speech And Drama and has gone on to appear in the West End and UK tour ofRoom on the Broom, Where The Bugaboo lives at Little Angle Theatre, Cinderella at Lyric Hammersmith and Babylon Beyond Boarders at Bush Theatre. Jessica has also appeared in Eastenders on the BBC. 

No pantomime is complete without a wicked baddie and Susannah Van Den Berg won’t disappoint as Judi Henchman. Susannah’s previous work includes As You Like It with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Sweeney Todd with English National Opera, 101 Dalmations in Regent’s Park and the UK tours of Annie, Sister Act and Fiddler on The Roof.

Book now for Jack and the Beanstalk (Fri 06 – Tue 31 Dec) at the Cornwall Playhouse: https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/whats-on/jack-and-the-beanstalk/

MEAN GIRLS EXTENDS AS FETCH PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR ‘MEAN GIRLS DAY’ ON OCTOBER 3^rd. GROOL. 

www.MeanGirlsMusical.com

·      Mean Girls extends to 6 April 2025 at the Savoy Theatre

·      Mean Girls Day, October 3^rd: ‘Mean Girls Fetch Quest’ announced as tickets released for celebratory performance

Lorne Michaels, Sonia Friedman Productions, and David Ian for Crossroads Live – producers of MEAN GIRLS in the West End are delighted to announce that booking has extended through to 6 April 2025 with over 55,000 new tickets released as details for ‘Mean Girls Day’ on October 3^rd are confirmed.  

The smash hit musical comedy based on the Paramount Pictures film of the same name, which was released 20 years ago in April 2004, opened to critical acclaim at the West End’s Savoy Theatre on 26 June 2024.

To celebrate ‘Mean Girls Day’ on October 3^rd the Mean Girls Fetch Quest, a one-day treasure hunt, will take place across London’s West End with the opportunity to win exclusive MEAN GIRLS prizes. A series of clues will be released throughout the day revealing secret locations. Solve the clue, identify the location, and be one of the first to find our dedicated Mean Girls Team for a chance to win! Further information on how to participate and be in with a chance of winning will be released at @meangirlsmusical on Instagram in advance of October 3^rd.

In addition, a limited number of tickets have been released today for the celebratory ‘Mean Girls Day’ performance on October 3^rd at the Savoy Theatre, including front row seats. Tickets can be purchased now on a first come first served basis from the MEAN GIRLS London official website: london.meangirlsmusical.com

The MEAN GIRLS cast comprises Charlie Burn (Cady Heron), Georgina Castle (Regina George), Elèna Gyasi (Gretchen Wieners), Grace Mouat (Karen Smith), Elena Skye (Janis Sarkisian), Tom Xander (Damian Hubbard), Daniel Bravo (Aaron Samuels), Lucca Chadwick-Patel (Kevin Ganatra), Ako Mitchell (Mr Duvall), and Zoë Rainey (Ms Heron, Ms Norbury and Mrs George).

They are joined by Tia Antoine-Charles, Georgia Arron, Liam Buckland, Shonah Buwu, Baylie Carson, Freddie Clements, Siobhan Diffin, Clíona Flynn, Fergie Fraser, Angus Good, Jenny Huxley-Golden, Holly Liburd, Corey Mitchell, Mervin Noronha, Aharon Rayner, Trézel Sergeant, Josh Singleton, Annie Southall, Lillia Squires, Tommy Wade-Smith and Holly Willock.

It’s gonna be a little bit dramatic…

Get in, loser, MEAN GIRLS has arrived in London! Broadway’s hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team including writer Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), composer Jeff Richmond (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon), has opened at the Savoy Theatre. 

Meet The Plastics – Regina, Gretchen and Karen. They rule North Shore High and will burn anyone who gets in their way. Home-schooled Cady Heron may think she knows a thing or two about survival of the fittest thanks to her zoologist mom, but high school is a whole new level of savage. When Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung.

Expect iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs. Grab your friends and your cool mom, this is going to be fetch – and YES London, we’re making it happen!

The reign has begun. If you want to sit with us, book your tickets and don’t forget…we wear pink!

The creative team for MEAN GIRLS in the West End comprises Tina Fey – Book, Jeff Richmond – Music, Nell Benjamin – Lyrics, Casey Nicholaw – Direction and Choreography, Scott Pask – Scenic Design, Katrina Lindsay – Costume Design, Kenneth Posner – Lighting Design, Brian Ronan – Sound Design, Finn Ross and Adam Young – Video Design, Josh Marquette – Hair Design, Mary-Mitchell Campbell – Musical Supervision, Vocal, Dance and Incidental Music Arrangements, and Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting – Casting.

MEAN GIRLS is now booking to 6 April 2025 at the Savoy Theatre. Rush rate tickets at £25 available for every MEAN GIRLS performance, in clear view locations. The rush rate is available through the TodayTix app.

Here’s Where You Belong! Every Wednesday at 10am, MEAN GIRLS releases front row seats for performances in two weeks’ time. Tickets are capped at 4 per transaction (you go, Glenn Cocco).

MEAN GIRLS access performances currently on sale are as follows – British Sign Language on Saturday 21 September at 2.30pm and a Captioned Performance on Saturday 15 March at 2.30pm.

MEAN GIRLS had its world premiere in 2017 at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C and opened on Broadway in April 2018 at the August Wilson Theatre to ecstatic responses, where it played to packed houses. The show then went on a hugely successful US tour in 2019 and is currently on its second US tour. The MEAN GIRLS musical film adaptation from Paramount Pictures was released globally in cinemas in January 2024 and was the #1 film at the Box Office in multiple countries including the UK and US.

Originally released 20 years ago in April 2004, MEAN GIRLS has had a profound impact on pop-culture for nearly 20 years. Tina Fey’s hilarious and relatable portrayal of high school life struck a chord with audiences across the globe and the film’s whip-smart satire, iconic catchphrases, and unforgettable characters made it a phenomenon that remains a cultural touchstone to this day.

Hampstead Theatre, London – until 12th October 2024

Reviewed Celia Armand Smith

4****

It’s 1956 and Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin is at the top of her game. An eminent astronomer, she should be a shoo-in for the candidacy of Chair of Astronomy at Harvard, and yet the group of men deciding have concerns – mainly that she is a woman, and that she might be a communist sympathiser. Within minutes of the beginning of Stella Feehily’s new play “The Lightest Element”, we are swiftly transported back into the 1920s, and having swapped Cambridge UK for Cambridge USA, Cecilia Payne (as she was back then) has discovered that the stars and the sun aren’t made of iron as her male peers thought, but are made from hydrogen and helium. The leading scientist of the time, Henry Norris Russell, reads her thesis, dismisses it suggesting she make changes, and then years later releases the theory as his own. Back to the 50s, and Payne-Gaposchkin is married to a Russian, and under scrutiny from the House Un-American Activities Committee. Student journalist Sally is enlisted by her terrible editor boyfriend to profile her and dig up some dirt on her political leanings. However, once these women meet and the Polish vodka is cracked open, the truths of the universe are spilled, and it is up to them to write their own story.

Under Alice Hamilton’s direction, the cast delivers a series of strong performances, bringing depth, authenticity and humour to their roles. Maureen Beattie’s Payne-Gaposchkin is witty and kind, and she deftly navigates the world of astronomy and science as if she was a professor herself. Beattie is superbly supported by Annie Kingsnorth as Sally the sparky student journalist, and Rina Mahoney as Cecilia’s caring and watchful assistant.

Sarah Beaton’s curved set is reminiscent of an observatory or planetarium making for a more immersive experience, and the revolving stage is a clever solution for moving the action from cafes to offices to boardrooms. The thought provoking script and gentle humour mean that the 95 minutes fly by, and I am left wanting to know everything about Payne-Gaposchkin or Mrs G as she was affectionately known.

“The Lightest Element” is a captivating piece of theatre that centres a fiercely bright and engaging woman in man’s world. The play ends where it begins, in an auditorium with an older Payne-Gaposchkin delivering a keynote speech to young scientists. She lists prominent women in science, many of whom have gone un-celebrated, and encouraging the young women to make themselves heard. However it is a quote from Simon Chandler’s Professor Fred Whipple that stays with me longer after the play has ended, “Stop listening to dead men”. Words to live by.

Chromolume presents

ROAD SHOW

UPSTAIRS AT THE GATEHOUSE

12 December 2024 – 12 January 2025

At the dawn of the 20th century, two brothers driven by their dying father’s charge to seize the boundless opportunities of the New World set off to find their fortune. From the frenzy of the Gold Rush to the real estate boom in Florida, Sondheim and Weidman’s complex, catchy, and darkly funny tale based on the true story of the Mizner brothers chronicles the curdling of the American Dream.

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim | Book by John Weidman | Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick

***

From the same team that bought you YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN in London and Shanghai:

Director & Choreographer: Amanda Noar (she/her) (A Slice Of Saturday Night; Stepping Out; Working: A Musical)

 Associate Director: Isaac Bernier-Doyle (he/him) (Tom Lehrer Is Teaching Math and Doesn’t Want To Talk To You; Blood, Gold & Oil)

Musical Director: Harry Style (he/him) (Shantify; The Crooked Spire; Godspell)

Cast TBA

Set Designer: Ruby Boswell-Green(she/her)

Costume Designer: Holly Louise Chapman (she/her)

Producer: Annlouise Butt (she/her)for Chromolume

***

“Alongside our support for new writing, Upstairs at the Gatehouse has built a strong reputation for reviving innovative works that celebrate the best of musical theatre. Sondheim’s contributions are unparalleled, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to present his final finished work in all its sharp, vaudevillian glory.”

Annlouise Butt (Executive Director) & Isaac Bernier-Doyle (Artistic Director)

LISTINGS INFORMATION:

12 December 2024 – 12 January 2025
Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village, N6 4BD
www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com | 020 8340 3488

“the West End hit is still the perfect mix of ingenious, silly and moving…With a new cast, the Olivier Award-winning musical about the wartime operation is as terrific as ever”

★★★★★ Marianka Swain, The Telegraph

“Operation Mincemeat’s new cast keep the magic alive and bring a tear to the audience’s eye…This might be my second time watching the historical production, but I still find myself struggling to breathe thanks to laughing so much…[the] invasion is going well, and I hope it stays that way.”

★★★★★

Thea Jacobs, The Sun

“Operation Mincemeat opened at the Fortune Theatre in May 2023 and has been wildly successful ever since. Winning the 2024 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, it has gone from strength to strength…a hilarious history lesson, with an ingenious script, a brilliant new cast of exceptional performers, and songs that will have you reaching for your streaming service of choice to enjoy them again as soon as you’ve left the theatre.”
Nick Barr, 1883 Magazine

“I couldn’t believe the lasting impression the performance left on me…The [new] cast are undisputably talented… the show more than fulfilled my expectations, and I urge anyone and everyone to go and see it. It is a rare occasion that the West End is graced with such a brilliant new musical truly worth its salt, such as this one”

Isabelle Casey, HELLO! Magazine

“the new cast does the story proud while putting its own stamp on the proceedings…an absolute joy to watch…simply first class and the chemistry between the characters is palpable.”

★★★★★

Lisa Martland, Musical Theatre Review

74 ★★★★★ reviews and counting

Following the success of the hit ne­­­w cast of the Oliver Award-winning Operation Mincemeat, selling over 300, 000 tickets, and a record-breaking fan attending in excess of 140 times,  ATG has given the musical, originally slated for an eight-week run at the West End’s Fortune Theatre, an incredible tenth extension through 8^th March 2025.

David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts, the musical’s writers and composers, said: “We can’t quite fathom the wild journey our show has been on, now reaching a milestone extension number ten – at this rate extensions will be trumping Mincemeat’s hat count, and that’s saying something”

The announcement comes shortly after the release of the show’s Christmas schedule, which, for the first time, features a special New Year’s Eve event, The New Year’s Eve That Never Was. The celebration will involve bottomless drinks, including the iconic Sparkling Sangria, along with cheese and charcuterie boxes, plus other surprises, until 1 a.m.

Christmas shows are on-sale now, while extension tickets will be available on general sale on Friday 27^th September at 10am from the Official Box Office here.

Following the success of the Monday ballot, it has now expanded to include Tuesday and Saturday shows to ensure tickets get into the right hands. Monday ticket prices remain frozen at £39.50, and the popular fortnightly £25 ticket lottery continues here (the next draws are today, 16^th September & 30^th September). The first ballot draw for the new booking period from 27^th January to 8^th March will take place on Thursday 26^th September at 2pm. Link here.

A recent survey of Americans who have seen Operation Mincemeat revealed that 90.2% believe the show is not “too British” for Broadway. In response, a second survey was conducted to explore concerns raised by some in the industry, suggesting that the show’s best chance of success lies in casting a Broadway star to lead the production.

Operation Mincemeat entered its second year in London on the 13^th May 2024 with a debut performance of the new cast, Emily Barber, Seán Carey, Chlöe Hart, Christian Andrews and Claire-Marie Hall , with George Jennings and Jonty Peach joining Holly Sumpton and Geri Allen to form the Company.

The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse. 

Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler? 

The production is directed by 2023 Olivier Award nominated  Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre – 2023 Best New Musical Olivier Award winner), following providing directorial support for the Riverside Studios run, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. Also from Standing at the Sky’s Edge at theNational Theatre on the creative team are: 2023 Olivier Award nominated  Ben Stones (Sylvia, The Old Vic) as Set and Costume Designer, Tony Award, six-time Olivier Award and Bafta Award winning Mark Henderson (Girl From the North Country, Broadway & Noël Coward Theatre) as Lighting Designer and Olivier Award winning Mike Walker (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) as Sound Designer.  Grammy Award winning and Tony, Emmy & 2024 ‘Outstanding Musical Contribution’ Olivier Award nominated Steve Sidwell (Beautiful: The Musical, Broadway & Aldwych Theatre) is Orchestrator and Vocal Arranger, while 2024 ‘Outstanding Musical Contribution’ Olivier Award nominated Joe Bunker is Musical Director. Georgie Staight is Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles is Associate Choreographer. Casting is by Pearson Casting. The extraordinary debut musical is written and composed by SpitLip – David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts.

Operation Mincemeat won the 2024 ‘Best New Musical’ and ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical’ Olivier Awards, following receiving six nominations. These awards trail winning the 2024 ‘Best New Musical’ WhatsOnStage Award and the ‘Best West End Show’, ‘Rising Star’ and ‘Best Understudy’ West End Wilma Awards. Previously on the show’s journey, Operation Mincemeat has picked up the Off-West End award for ‘Best Musical Production’ and ‘Best Company Ensemble’ and The Stage Debut Award for ‘Best Composer/Lyricist’.

Operation Mincemeat is presented in the West End by Avalon (in association with SpitLip), who have supported since the Southwark Playhouse runs. The show was commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and also supported by the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat.

ACADEMY AWARD WINNER

BRIE LARSON

TO MAKE WEST END DEBUT IN REVIVAL OF

SOPHOKLES’S ELECTRIFYING AND TIMELESS PLAY

ELEKTRA

UK Premiere of the translation by

Award Winning Poet ANNE CARSON

Production to be helmed by acclaimed director DANIEL FISH

Performances begin on 24 January 2025 at

DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE, LONDON

Sign up today at www.ElektraPlay.com

Tuesday 17 September 2024: Empire Street Productions are delighted to today announce that Academy Award winner Brie Larson (Room, Lessons in Chemistry, Captain Marvel) will make her West End debut in ELEKTRA, in a UK Premiere production of the translation by award winning poet Anne Carson of Sophokles’s electrifying play.

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

Sign up for priority booking at www.ElektraPlay.com. Tickets go on General Sale on Wednesday 2 October 2024.

Brie Larson makes her West End debut having won the Academy Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA, Critics Choice, and National Board of Review awards for her breakthrough performance in Room in 2016. In 2019 she starred as Carol Danvers in Marvel’s first female-led superhero film Captain Marvel. The film generated the biggest ever box office debut for a female-fronted film at the time. In 2023 Larson executive produced and led the Apple TV+ series Lessons in Chemistry, which earned her Screen Actors Guild, Critics Choice, and Golden Globe Award nominations.

Brie Larson said:
“I couldn’t be more excited to perform in this Greek drama, or in better company collaborating with Daniel Fish and Anne Carson. Storytelling has always been the way I organize life, feelings and experiences. I look forward to sharing space with the wonderful West End audience while we explore this timeless story.”

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

Daniel Fishcommented:
“What is ancient and what is contemporary? Carson’s translation explodes this question. It is a thrilling challenge to work on Sophokles’s tragedy, by way of Carson’s words, and on the beautiful stage of The Duke of York’s with Brie Larson”.

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

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

I watch it. Growing.”

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

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

Further casting is to be announced.

LYCEUM

A Sheffield Theatres and Evolution Productions co-production

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED
FOR SNOW WHITE

Writer and Director Paul Hendy

Friday 6 December 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025

Today, Sheffield Theatres and Evolution Productions announce the full cast for their pantomime Snow White at the Lyceum Theatre this Christmas. Joining previously announced Catherine Tyldesley (Coronation Street), Quang Luong (Gladiator‘s Viper) and Damian Williams (Lyceum Legend), is Sheffield’s own, Matthew Croke.Matthew previously starred in the Crucible Christmas show Annie Get Your Gun and more recently played the titular role in Disney’s Aladdin the Musical.

Also joining the company are Marc Pickering, who delighted audiences as the baddie ‘Luke Backinanger’ in 2022’s Jack and the Beanstalk; Doncaster-based comic and presenter George Akid; and Aiofe Kenny,direct from the West End in Disney’s Frozen the Musical. Starring as The Seven Dwarfs will be Dean Whatton (Game of Thrones); Simon Charnier (Snow White); George Coppen (The Witcher); Paddy Holden (Your Highness); Liam Roche (One Last Gig); Bindė Singh Johal (Harry Potter) and Hassan Taj (Star Wars).

Once again, the show will be written and directed by Paul Hendy (Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella) and produced by the award winning, Evolution Productions, the same team behind last year’s fabulous panto, Beauty and the Beast.

As always, the Lyceum Panto promises to be top-quality family entertainment packed with laugh-out-loud thrills, stunning costumes, lavish sets, fabulous music and all your favourite jokes.

Snow White runs from Friday 6 December 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025 at the Lyceum theatre, Sheffield. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.