Home

Rehearsed reading of the world premiere of a new play based on a remarkable true story.

ADMISSION FREE

FARM HALL

Written by KATHERINE MOAR

Ustinov Studio, Saturday 21 September

Later this month, the Ustinov Studio hosts the first rehearsed reading of a brand new work by Katherine Moar, inspired by a remarkable true story from World War II.

Summer 1945. Hitler is dead. Germany is defeated. The war in the Pacific rages on.

In England, six of Germany’s foremost military scientists have been captured by Allied forces and stowed safely in Farm Hall, a stately home nestled in a quiet corner of the Cambridgeshire countryside. Removed from the chaos of war, they while away the hours playing chess, restoring a broken piano, and rehearsing a production of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit.

But the world and the war cannot be shut out forever. The scientists’ tranquil summer is shattered by a shocking revelation, that the unthinkable has occurred, that the Americans have succeeded where they have failed…

During their seven-month detainment, unbeknownst to its occupants, almost every inch of Farm Hall was bugged. The scientists’ recorded conversations were translated, transcribed and, finally, in 1992, declassified and published as The Farm Hall Transcripts. This play is inspired by those transcripts and by true events that occurred at Farm Hall between July 1945 and January 1946.

This performance is a script-in-hand rehearsed reading presented by Theatre Royal Bath’s Creative Learning programme. The reading is directed by Lizzie Wiggs.

Katherine Moar studied at Edinburgh University where she received a First Class degree in History. She will shortly begin an MPhil in the History and Philosophy of Science at Darwin College, Cambridge University. FARM HALL is her first play

FARM HALL is at the Ustinov Studio on Saturday 21 September.

Tickets are FREE, but must be booked in advance from the Box Office on 01225 448844 or online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk/ustinov

LISTINGS INFORMATION

FARM HALL

Venue:        Ustinov Studio

Dates:          Saturday 21 September 2019, 7.30pm

Tickets:      FREE ADMISSION, but tickets must be booked in advance.

Box Office:                01225 448844

Website:    www.theatreroyal.org.uk

FURTHER CASTING ANNOUNCED AND CAST IMAGES RELEASED FOR DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT AT HACKNEY EMPIRE

• THEY’RE HERE – OH YES THEY ARE! HACKNEY EMPIRE RELEASES FIRST 2019 PANTO IMAGES FOR DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
   
• TARINN CALLENDER, ANNETTE MCLAUGHLIN, CHRISTINA TEDDERS AND SUE KELVIN ANNOUNCED TO JOIN CLIVE ROWE, KAT B AND TONY WHITTLE IN LONDON’S FAVOURITE PANTOMIME
   
• PERFORMANCES WILL RUN FROM 23 NOVEMBER 2019 TO 5 JANUARY 2020
   

Hackney Empire is delighted to announce further casting for Dick Whittington and his Cat and reveal the first cast images of its sparkling new adaptation as it gears up for panto season! Tarinn Callender, who made his West End debut with the original London cast of Hamilton playing Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, will mark his first Hackney panto in the title role of Dick Whittington. The production will also welcome debut panto appearances from Annette McLaughlin (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child) as Queen Rat, Christina Tedders (Once The Musical) as Alice Fitzwarren and Sue Kelvin (Caroline, Or Change) as Fairy Bowbells. As previously announced, they will star alongside Hackney stalwarts Grand Dame Clive Rowe who marks a 13th panto appearance, this year starring as Sarah the Cook, the loveable Kat B as Vincent the Cat and the ever trusty Tony Whittle as Alderman Fitzwarren. Dick Whittington and His Cat will run from 23 November 2019 to 5 January 2020, with opening night for press on Wednesday 4 December 2019.

The production marks a record 21st pantomime from Writer and Director Susie McKenna  with Original Music by Steven Edis who will once again bring all the Hackney trademark magic and spectacle in a dazzling reimagining of this classic rags-to-riches tale, bursting with laugh-out-loud topical gags, knockabout comedy, show-stopping song and dance numbers, the most boo-able baddies and enough festive cheer to fuel a ship half way round the world.

In Jamaica, young Dick Whittington is boarding the Empire Windrush, chasing the dream of a new life in the gold-paved streets of glorious London. Little does he know, magic awaits him and his enchanted feline friend far across the ocean… He’ll embark on the adventure of a lifetime: reuniting with his Mum, fighting rodent royalty, meeting an eccentric fairy and winning the heart of his true love – all whilst trying to find fame and fortune.

Tarinn Callender (Dick Whittington) will make his debut panto performance at the Hackney Empire for Christmas 2019. Tarinn made his West End debut in 2017 playing the dual roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in the original London cast of Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre). He also performed with the company at the 2018 Olivier Awards ceremony. His other theatre credits include Paul in Kiss Me, Kate.

Annette McLaughlin (Queen Rat) has performed in numerous West End productions and international tours. Her recent career highlights include Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (Palace Theatre), Pinocchio (National Theatre), Billy Elliot (UK Tour), Twelfth Night (Shakespeare’s Globe), Matilda (Cambridge Theatre), Volpone, Measure for Measure, Love’s Sacrifice, The Jew of Malta, Written on the Heart (RSC), Kneehigh’s production of Brief Encounter (UK, Australian tour, US tour and Broadway), Chicago (West End) Anything Goes (Drury Lane), Our Town (Almeida Theatre), She Loves Me, 5/11, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying -TMA nomination (Chichester Festival Theatre).

Christina Tedders (Alice Fitzwarren) made her professional and West End debut in the original London cast of Once The Musical (Phoenix Theatre). Other theatre roles include The Commitments (UK Tour), Carmen the Gypsy (NT Studio/Arcola Theatre/Tour), the title role of Maggie May (Liverpool’s Royal Court) and Oranges & Elephants (Hoxton Hall). Her screen credits include ITV’s Victoria.

Sue Kelvin (Fairy Bowbells) recently appeared in Caroline, Or Change at Hampstead Theatre and in the West End transfer at the Playhouse Theatre in the role of Grandma Gellman, and previously as Madame Morrible in Wicked (Apollo). Other credits include Jonathan Kent’s Private Lives (Gielgud Theatre) and Barmitzvah Boy (Upstairs at the Gatehouse). Sue also regularly performs as a jazz and cabaret singer.

Clive Rowe (Sarah the Cook) returns following a triumphant East End comeback in last year’s 20th anniversary production of Aladdin which saw him receive the accolade for Best Dame in the 2019 Great British Pantomime Awards.  He has played the Dame in 12 pantomime appearances at Hackney Empire, and previously in Dick Whittington in 2007. He recently appeared in Blues in the Night at the Kiln, also directed by Susie McKenna. Rowe was recognised with an MBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list. His extensive theatre credits include his Olivier Award-winning performance in Guys and Dolls (National Theatre), The Light Princess, Carousel (for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award), Fuente Ovejuna, Caroline, or Change, The Villains Opera, Money, Candide, Peter Pan (all National Theatre), Kiss Me, Kate (Chichester and Old Vic Theatre), The Ladykillers (West End and UK Tour), Me and My Girl (Chichester Festival Theatre) and In The Willows (UK tour). He is well known for his role as Duke in the BBC’s The Story of Tracey Beaker and has been seen in the Disney series The Evermoor.

Kat B (Uncle Vincent the Cat) is a familiar face to Hackney Empire audiences following numerous appearances including as the Genie of the Lamp in last year’s Aladdin, and he has previously performed in Dick Whittington in 2012. Other Hackney pantos include Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, Mother Goose, Puss in Boots, Cinderella, The Wiz and A Christmas Carol. Kat is best known for MTV Base where he has presented shows around the world. His film and television credits include Waterland and Street Wise (BBC) and the Richard Blackwood Show (Channel 4). He is also the resident host of the Real Deal Comedy Jam and a regular on the Jongleurs Circuit.

Tony Whittle (Alderman Fitzwarren) is a seasoned Empire panto performer most recently seen as Sergeant Dumplin’ in Aladdin in 2018. His many previous pantomimes include Sleeping Beauty, Dick Whittington, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Mother Goose. Other extensive theatre credits include Les Misérables (Palace Theatre), Neville’s Island (Bolton Octagon), Fur Coat and No Knickers (Nottingham Playhouse), A View From the Bridge (Greenwich Theatre), and three seasons at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

Dick Whittington and His Cat brings together the creative team of Writer and Director Susie McKenna, Original Music by Steven Edis, Choreographer Richard Roe, Production Design by Lotte Collett, Musical Direction by Mark Dickman, Lighting Design by David Howe and Sound Design by Daniel Higgott.

Tickets for Dick Whittington and His Cat are now on sale at www.hackneyempire.co.uk.

LISTINGS

DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
A Hackney Empire Pantomime

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ

First performance: Saturday 23 November 2019

Final performance: Sunday 5 January 2020

Signed Performances
7 December 2.30pm and 7pm and 12 December 1.30pm and 7pm

Dementia Friendly and Relaxed Performance
7 December 2.30pm with familiarisation tour at 12.45pm (advance booking required)

www.hackneyempire.co.uk
020 8985 2424
Please Note:  Children under 14 years need to be accompanied at all times by a paying adult
Tickets from £10 – £38, A+ seating £42 – £32, concessions available
Groups of 10+ discount available at certain of performances

Twitter: @hackneyempire
Facebook: /HackneyEmpire
Instagram: /HackneyEmpire

THE OLIVIER AWARD NOMINATED STAGE PRODUCTION OF

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA 

RETURNS TO THE WEST END FOR CHRISTMAS

A musical play by David Wood based on the book by Judith Kerr

Theatre Royal Haymarket

9 December 2019 – 5 January 2020

The Olivier Award nominated stage production of The Tiger Who Came to Tea, adapted and directed by David Wood OBE, based on the classic tale by the late Judith Kerr OBE, today announces its return to the West End for Christmas, opening at Theatre Royal Haymarket on 9 December 2019 and playing until 5 January 2020. This will be the production’s sixth West End run.

Hailed as Britain’s best-loved picture book, The Tiger Who Came To Tea celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Selling over 5 million copies since it was first published in 1968, it has become a timeless classic, enchanting generations of children worldwide. Coinciding with the stage show’s triumphant return to the West End in December, this Christmas sees the premiere of a new hand-drawn animated television special of the book to be broadcast on Channel 4. Benedict Cumberbatch leads the all-star cast, joined by David Oyelowo, Tamsin Greig, Paul Whitehouse and David Walliams. 

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her Mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger!

When Sophie and her Mummy welcome the hungry Tiger to tea, he proceeds to eat all the sandwiches, buns, biscuits and more. He even manages to drink all the water in the tap! What will Sophie’s Daddy say when he gets home? 

Join the Tiger, Sophie and her Mummy and Daddy, in this musical slice of teatime mayhem with sing-a-long songs, oodles of magic and interactive fun. The show is an ideal introduction to live theatre for children aged three and above and the perfect Christmas treat for the whole family.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea was first performed at the Bloomsbury Theatre in 2008 prior to a UK tour. The production has since gone on to tour nationally and internationally, playing five seasons in the West End, Christmas seasons at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Arts Centre, as well as sold out dates in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Bahrain. The production was nominated for the 2012 Olivier Award for ‘Best Family Entertainment’. The show is currently enjoying a major UK tour which opened on 26 March 2019, with dates booking through until summer 2020.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a musical play adapted and directed by David Wood, based on the best-loved book by Judith Kerr, designed by Susie Caulcutt, assistant director/choreographer Emma Clayton, music arranger & supervisor Peter Pontzen, magical illusions designed by the President of the Magic Circle Scott Penrose,lighting design by Tony Simpson and sound design by Shock Productions. The West End cast includes: Jocelyn Zackon as ‘Sophie’; Stephanie Summers as ‘Mummy’; David Scotland as ‘Daddy’/’Milkman’/‘Postman’/’Tiger’, with Sarah Horton (Understudy/Wardrobe) and Glen Newham (Understudy/ASM). Produced by Nick Brooke Ltd by arrangement with Phil Macintyre Entertainments Ltd.

TICKETS FOR OPEN AIR CLIMBING CONCERT GIANT NOW ON SALE

• WALTHAM FOREST LONDON BOROUGH OF CULTURE 2019 WILL SHOWCASE GIANT, A ‘CLIMBING CONCERT’ CREATED BY ARTS AND GARDENS, SUNG FROM THE CANOPIES OF TREES IN EPPING FOREST
   
• PREMIERING NEW TREE SONG ‘EPPING’ BY ROBERT MACFARLANE AND MUSIC BY OLIVER WEEKS, GUEST SOLOISTS, LOCAL CHILDREN, LONDON FOREST CHOIR, AND TOTTENHAM COMMUNITY CHOIR COME TOGETHER IN THE FOREST OVER TWO NIGHTS
   
• PERFORMANCES OF GIANT WILL TAKE PLACE IN EPPING FOREST ON FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER AND SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER

Tickets now on sale for climbing concert, GIANT, premiering a new tree song ‘Epping’ written by Robert Macfarlane with music by Oliver Weeks, within an hour-long programme of tree-inspired music and poetry that includes a reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant, the classic short story about a giant banning children from playing in his garden, and works by Epping Forest poet John Clare, Benjamin Zephaniah, Grace Nichols and Handel.

The two concerts will take place at Barn Hoppitt in Epping Forest on Friday 18 October and Saturday 19 October at 7.30pm.

Developed by Arts and Gardens, climbing concerts aim to connect children with parks and forest environments in a creative way. The theatrical concert will feature guest soloists, supported by a chorus from the London Forest Choir and Tottenham Community Choir. Thirty-five children from Waltham Forest schools will accompany the choirs, including students from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Selwyn Primary School and Longshaw Primary Academy School.

Robert Macfarlane, writer of Underland (2019) and The Lost Words (2017), will premiere his new tree song ‘Epping’ with music by British composer, Oliver Weeks, whose works include Cat Sticks (2019) and Rising Silence (2019).

Robert Macfarlane said: “Children singing from the trees alongside the birds, a forest canopy filled with music, the audience watching from the woodland floor:  this has been a very special project to be involved with, and I’ve loved both the vision of the idea of a ‘climbing concert’ and the collaboration with the other dramatists, performers and musicians involved.  I can’t wait to see the event take final flight in Epping Forest early this autumn.”

Ruth Oakley, Director, Arts and Gardens said: “The idea of a ‘climbing concert’ is about children reclaiming a foothold between branches and a sense of big possibilities from being outdoors and up high; broadcasting their experience to the forest through music.  It is a total joy watching children scale a forty-foot tree for their first time.  It’s also about introducing the name of the tree, learning to trust it, having an exchange with it and, best of all, singing from it.”

Sam Hunt, Creative Director, Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019, said: “Throughout this year we’ve been exploring how arts and culture can have the power to help us form new and more powerful relationships with the world around us. GIANT provides an incredible opportunity for the children and young people of Waltham Forest to connect with the natural landscape that is on their doorstep, celebrating the forest that runs through our Borough. This autumn, when the ancient woodland is at its most magical, Epping Forest will be alive with the words of Robert Macfarlane set to new music by Oliver Weeks and it is going to be beautiful.”

GIANT will be composed by Oliver Weeks, directed by David Antrobus, designed by Samantha Dowson, with music direction by Tom Appleton and movement direction by Beatrice Perini

Sohini Alam and Elenor Bowers-Jolley will feature as guest sopranos, with music performed by Anisa Arslanagic, Ben Heartland and Oliver Weeks.

Arts and Gardens will also offer singing and climbing workshops to the general public in September.  Ticket holders can attend a one-hour session where music leaders will teach a group song, and learn to climb with expert instructors from The Great Big Tree Climbing Company, before combining the two to sing from the treetops

Daytime climbing and music sessions are also available to the public for ages 8+ on Sunday 15 and Sunday 29 September offering people the opportunity to experience what it is like to be part of GIANT.

GIANT is part of a collection of children’s activities in the autumn as part of Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture.

For programme updates visit: https://wfculture19.co.uk/events/giant

THE ORIGINAL CALENDAR GIRLS

HAVE NOW RAISED OVER £5MILLION FOR BLOODWISE

GARY BARLOW AND TIM FIRTH’S AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

CALENDAR GIRLS

RETURNS THIS AUTUMN, AS IT CONTINUES TO BREAK BOX OFFICE RECORDS

AND WELCOMES BACK

RUTH MADOC

Gary Barlow and Tim Firth are delighted to be able to welcome back Ruth Madoc, who returns to play the role of Jessie in the autumn tour of CALENDAR GIRLS The Musical. Ruth has made a full recovery following an injury earlier this year: “I’m a fighter and I’m back in this wonderful show and I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.”

Following a summer break, CALENDAR GIRLS The Musical, based on the true story, the film and the award-winning play, will open at Bournemouth Pavilion on 17 September, with the tour ending on 23 November at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Ruth Madoc is perhaps best known for playing Gladys Pugh in the 1980s BBC television comedy Hi-de-Hi! & Dafydd’s Mum in Little Britain (also BBC).  Her other notable TV appearances includeBev in Casualty (BBC One), Mayor Mary Meyer in Stella (Sky One),Florence in Mount Pleasant (Sky One) and Rhiannon in Benidorm (ITV). Ruth’s theatre credits include Grandma Rose in The Wedding Singer (UK Tour), Matron in Be My Baby (UK Tour), Marie in Calendar Girls (UK Tour), Miss Hannigan in Annie (UK Tour), The Vagina Monologues (UK Tour), Dorothy Brook in 42nd Street (UK Tour) and Mama Rose in Gypsy (Newpalm Productions).

Ruth joins current cast members Sarah Jane Buckley (Blood Brothers and Kathy Barnes in Hollyoaks) as Annie, Sue Devaney (Years and Years on BBC 1, Jane in Dinnerladies, Liz Harker in Casualty, Debbie Webster in Coronation Street and Rosie in the musical Mamma Mia!) as Cora, Julia Hills (Doctor Kemp in Broadchurch, Annabelle Shrivener in The Archers) as Ruth, Judy Holt (Cold Feet, Scott & Bailey) as Marie, Lisa Maxwell (panellist on Loose Women, Tracey Donovan in Hollyoaks, Samantha Nixon in The Bill and various roles in The Les Dennis Laughter Show and The Russ Abbot Show) as Celia and Rebecca Storm (discovered by Willy Russell and cast as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers, and her handprints are part of the Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre Walk of Fame) as Chris.

Also in the cast are Claudia Bradley as Miss Wilson, Phil Corbitt as John, Ian Mercer as Rod, Sebastian Abineri as Colin, Alan Stocks as Denis, Derek Elroy as Lawrence, Pauline Daniels as Lady Cravenshire, Ellie Leah as Miss Wilson, Danny Howker as Danny, Isabel Caswell as Jenny and Tyler Dobbs as Tommo.

The critically acclaimed and award-winning production played a six-month London season at the Phoenix Theatre in 2017, and, before that, this musical comedy played sold-out seasons in Leeds and Manchester.   

Gary Barlow and Tim Firth grew up in the same village in the North of England and have been friends for 25 years.  With Take That, Gary has written and co-written 14 number one singles, has sold over 50 million records worldwide and is a six times Ivor Novello Award winner.  Tim has won the Olivier Award and UK Theatre Award for Best New Musical, and the British Comedy Awards Best Comedy Film for Calendar Girls.

CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICAL is inspired by the true story of a group of ladies, who decide to appear nude for a Women’s Institute calendar in order to raise funds to buy a settee for their local hospital, in memory of one of their husbands, and have to date raised almost £5million for Bloodwise. This musical comedy shows life in their Yorkshire village, how it happened, the effect on husbands, sons and daughters, and how a group of ordinary ladies achieved something extraordinary. 

Bloodwise, the UK’s specialist blood cancer charity, will continue to receive monies from this production.

CALENDAR GIRLS The Musical is directed by Matt Ryan and designed by Robert Jones, with comedy staging by Jos Houben, movement by Lucy Hind and casting by Sarah Bird.

Website: www.calendargirlsthemusical.com

Facebook: @thegirlsmusical

Twitter: @thegirlsmusical

2019 TOUR SCHEDULE

17 – 21 September                 Bournemouth Pavilion                                                0844 576 3000         

                                               www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

24 – 28 September                 Wolverhampton Grand                                               01902 42 92 12

                                               www.grandtheatre.co.uk

1 – 5 October                         New Wimbledon Theatre                                             0844 871 7646

                                               www.atgtickets.com/new-wimbledon-theatre

8 – 12 October                       Royal & Derngate Northampton                                  01604 624811

                                               www.royalandderngate.co.uk

15 – 19 October                     Blackpool Opera House                                             0844 856 1111

                                               www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

22 – 26 October                     Ipswich Regent Theatre                                              01473 433100

                                               www.ipswichregent.com                                            

29 October – 2 November       Chester Storyhouse                                                   01244 409113          

                                                www.storyhouse.com

5 – 9 November                      Theatre Royal Bath                                                    01225 448844

                                                www.theatreroyal.org.uk

13 – 23 November                  Chichester Festival Theatre                                         01243 781312

                                                 www.cft.org.uk                                                         On sale 14 September

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR GHOST QUARTET AT THE BOULEVARD THEATRE

• THE CAST WILL BE CARLY BAWDEN, NICCOLÒ CURRADI, MAIMUNA MEMON AND ZUBIN VARLA
   
• THE LONDON PREMIERE OF GHOST QUARTET, THE INAUGURAL SHOW OF THE BOULEVARD THEATRE, RUNS FROM 24 OCTOBER TO 4 JANUARY

The Boulevard Theatre today announces casting for its opening production Ghost Quartet. The cast will include Carly Bawden (Romantics Anonymous, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse), Niccolò Curradi (Hotel for Criminals, New Wimbledon Studio), Maimuna Memon (Jesus Christ Superstar, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and Zubin Varla (Fun Home, Young Vic). 

London’s newest theatre, led by Fawn James Director of Soho Estates and Artistic Director Rachel Edwards, will open its doors to the public for the first time on 24 October as previews for Ghost Quartet begin.  The production will run alongside a packed roster of late-night and Sunday performances of cabaret, improv, jazz, comedy, classical music and poetry.  For more details see here boulevardtheatre.co.uk.

Ghost Quartet, is written by the Tony Award-nominated writer of Broadway smash-hit Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 Dave Malloy. Bill Buckhurst directs and reunites the creative team behind his sell-out production of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, which transferred from a pie shop in Tooting, to the West End, and eventually to a sell-out New York run, with musical direction and supervision by Benjamin Cox, design by Simon Kenny, movement direction by Georgina Lamb, lighting by Emma Chapman, sound design by David Gregory and casting by Will Burton CDG.

Ghost Quartet is an intoxicating musical of love, loss and spirits – of both the spectral and alcoholic kind.   Wildly inventive, Malloy’s piece draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of work from Arabian Nights and Edgar Allan Poe to Stephen King, Grimms’ fairy-tales, Stephen Sondheim and Frozen, woven together by jazz, gospel, honky-tonk, folk ballads, electro-pop and jazz. This haunting song cycle is a story about stories themselves; how we tell them, how we hear them, and how they evolve, intertwine and draw us in.

Located in the heart of Soho in Walker’s Court, the brand new Boulevard Theatre is situated in the exact location where Fawn James’ grandfather Paul Raymond opened the original Boulevard Theatre which became home to Peter Richardson’s Comic Strip in the 1980s.  Architects SODA studio, in collaboration with theatre specialists Charcoalblue, have designed an innovative new flexible space which features Europe’s most advanced revolving theatre and a two-floor glass bridge leading to a restaurant and bar area.

Open 8am to 1am daily, the Boulevard’s restaurant and bar will cater to all tastes and budgets, from lunchtime light bites and grazing boards, to indulgent à la carte dining. Vibrant, sensory and un-fussy: the menus, created by head chef Greg Hillier, will focus on quality ingredients treated well with a conscious lean towards plant-based cookery. Audiences will be able to enhance their evening with a pre-show fixed price menu that will draw inspiration from the current production onstage, whilst enjoying a carefully curated range of drinks promoting top-quality local suppliers and artisan producers. 

LISTINGS

GHOST QUARTET
Music, Lyrics and Text by Dave Malloy
Directed by Bill Buckhurst

Boulevard Theatre
6 Walker’s Court
Soho
W1F 0BT

First Performance: 24 October 2019
Final Performance: 4 January 2020
Opening Night: 31 October 2019

Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm

https://www.boulevardtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/ghost-quartet/

OPERA FOR TODDLERS… Jill Murphy’s much-loved children’s picture book, PEACE AT LAST, is adapted into a musical adventure for young audiences

egg theatre, Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 September

Olivier Award winners OperaUpClose make their egg theatre debut this month with PEACE AT LAST, a musical story for ages 3 -5, based on the picture book by Jill Murphy.

Mr Bear can’t sleep. Mrs Bear is snoring. So he goes to sleep in Baby Bear’s room. But Baby Bear is pretending to be an aeroplane. So he goes to sleep in the living room…

OperaUpClose have teamed up with Gallions Primary School in Newham to create this new opera based on the much-loved picture book, which has been delighting families for generations. This perfect introduction to opera and musical theatre for early years children is performed by three singers, accompanied by harp and woodwind.

Peace At Last premiered at the Gallions Festival in July, taking opera to a large primary school in the heart of East London. The show now visits the egg theatre as part of a national tour which will include performances to over 6000 school children across the country. OperaUpClose are in their tenth year of producing innovatively staged, unintimidating, affordable and high quality English chamber re-imaginings of well-known works, and premieres of new operas. Their chamber production of the epic La Boheme won the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Opera Production.

PEACE AT LAST is at the egg theatre on Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 September.

Please note, Sunday 11.30am is SOLD OUT – availability is very limited at all other performances.

Tickets are on sale from the egg reception on 01225 823409, the Theatre Royal Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk

BELFAST ENSEMBLE AND OUTBURST ARTS PRESENT

ABOMINATION

A DUP OPERA

The Belfast Ensemble is back with an incendiary new opera from acclaimed composer Conor Mitchell to open Belfast’s Outburst Queer Arts Festival on 8^th November 2019.  Abomination, A DUP Opera sets the former DUP MP Iris Robinson’s infamous 2008 live BBC Radio Ulster interview (in which she condemns homosexuality as “an abomination”) to live orchestral music. The interview was given just days after a gay man was physically assaulted in Northern Ireland because of his sexuality.

In a major new co-production by The Belfast Ensemble and Outburst Arts, this fully staged, full length opera will open the 2019 Outburst Queer Arts Festival (now in its thirteenth year) on 8^th November. Short excerpts of Abomination were first performed in concert form in 2018.

The show opens a week after the Brexit deadline on October 31^st and just two weeks after the Westminster-approved date for same sex marriage to be introduced in Northern Ireland. Should that remain unchallenged by a Northern Ireland Assembly, which, to date, is still in hiatus after its collapse in January 2017, making this work even more timely.

Fusing opera performance with drag, cabaret and political satire, Abomination composer Conor Mitchell amplifies his fresh, bold vision for contemporary classical music to explore attitudes to LGBTQ people in Northern Ireland, cited as the most homophobic place in Western Europe.  The piece’s libretto features historical and recent comments by DUP members on gay rights, trans lives, marriage equality, ‘poofs’ and ‘perverts’ alongside Iris Robinson’s words from her infamous BBC interview.

Featuring a chamber orchestra and a quartet of opera singers, the cast will also include Irish actor and drag queen Matthew Cavan and Canadian soprano Rebecca Caine who both performed in the concert performances in 2018.

Composer and Belfast Ensemble Director Conor Mitchell said:

“Opera has a long tradition of tackling contemporary, charged subjects, no matter time in history. Verdi, Britten, Brecht and Weill, they all did that. This is what makes opera such a great medium: it can handle ‘the epic’ and the currents of social change. That’s what excites me. I think opera as a form is treading water right now and this work is my antidote to that! It’s a chance to bring that vital, relevant, dangerous edge back to what I feel opera has always been about. It’s a challenge to the establishment in both operatic and social terms and bringing that sensibility and energy to a 21^st century audience. That is what my work is always about.” 

 Artistic Director of Outburst Arts Ruth McCarthy added:

“A big part of Outburst’s mission is to support ambitious, risk-taking new work from the best artists working in Northern Ireland. We are delighted to work with Conor and The Belfast Ensemble on realising Outburst’s first major co-commission supported through our Paul Hamlyn Foundation Breakthrough Award. Not only is Abomination stunning, cutting edge work in artistic terms, it’s also a vital examination of the violent impact that words have on all those who are treated as less-than in terms of human rights and “other” in terms of full social inclusion.”

Abomination is a timely reminder that legislative change is not the only change needed. At a time when freedom of speech is under threat globally yet frequently invoked to legitimise hate speech, Abomination explores and examines the power of words, and challenges the audience to create a new narrative beyond the bluster and bruising of politicians and the media.

Abomination, A DUP Opera is produced by The Belfast Ensemble and Outburst Arts with the support of Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and British Council.

The showopens at the Lyric Theatre Belfast on Friday 8^th November at 7.30pm to launch the 13^th annual Outburst Queer Arts Festival, with a preview performance on Thursday 7^th and additional performances on Saturday 9^th and Sunday 10^th November.

Further details and tickets from www.lyrictheatre.co.uk

T I N A – T H E   T I N A   T U R N E R   M U S I C A L

NEW TICKETS RELEASED

NOW BOOKING IN WEST END TO JUNE 2020

NEW CHILDREN’S CAST ANNOUNCED

Over 200,000 new tickets are released for sale today (9 September 2019) for TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner which is now booking at the Aldwych Theatre in the West End to 27 June 2020.

The children’s cast (from 20 September 2019) comprises Miah Hasselbaink twelve years old from Surrey, Athea Andi eleven years old from Surrey and Ayani Lingibe-Ajavon ten years old from Hertfordshire share the role of Young Anna Mae; Mimi Etete-Edge twelve years old from Brighton, Perola Da Cunha eleven years old from Hackney and Jasmine Djazel nine years old from Wandsworth share the role of Young Alline; and Cameron Mukasa-Brown seven years old from Waltham Forest, Theo Lee nine years old from Hounslow and Romell Barrocks-Bedeau nine years old from Lambeth share the role Young Craig.

From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner didn’t just break the rules, she rewrote them. This new stage musical, presented in association with Tina Turner herself, reveals the untold story of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of her age, gender and race. 

In the West End, the current cast comprises Nkeki Obi-Melekwe and Ashley Zhangazha who continue as Tina and Ike Turner with Aisha Jawando playing the role of Tina at some performances each week,  Madeline Appiah playing the role of Tina’s mother Zelma, Irene Myrtle Forrester as Tina’s Grandmother GG, Howard Gossington as Record Producer Phil Spector and Lyricist Terry Britten, Francesca Jackson as Ike and Tina’s manager Rhonda Graam, Ava Brennan as Tina’s sister Alline Bullock, Jammy Kasongo as Tina’s father Richard Bullock and Tina’s first love Raymond Hill, Edward Bourne as record company Marketing Manager Erwin Bach and Oscar Batterham as Tina’s Manager Roger Davies.

Ensemble members are Daniella Bowen, Chloe Chambers, Joelle Dyson, Lejaun Sheppard, Joseph Richardson, Kibong Tanji, Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli, Cameron Bernard Jones who also plays Tina’s son Craig and Ashlee Irish who plays Tina’s son Ronnie, and swings Gavin Alex, Derek Aidoo, Joshua Da Costa, Amandla Elynah, Hannah Jay-Allan, Angela Marie Hurst, Leisha Mollyneaux and Samuel J. Weir. 

From 23 September 2019 Aisha Jawando will play the title role, with Tsemaye Bob-Egbe playing the role of Tina at some performances each week.  Nkeki Obi-Melekwe will join the Broadway company later this year to play Tina at certain performances.  Adrienne Warren, who originated the role here in the West End, will lead the Broadway cast with performances beginning 12 October 2019.  In Hamburg, Kristina Love continues to play Tina Turner in the German production.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is choreographed by Anthony van Laast, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson, musical supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Bruno Poet,sound by Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Jeff Sugg and orchestrations by Ethan Popp. 

The critically acclaimed production received its world premiere in April 2018 in London and subsequently has broken all Box Office records at the Aldwych Theatre.  Earlier this year the German premiere of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL began performances at the Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg and the musical will begin Broadway performances at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre from 12 October 2019.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is produced in the West End by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Theatre:                    Aldwych Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF

Dates:                       now booking to 27 June 2020

Performances:        new performance schedule from 13 January 2020:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7.30pm

                                Tuesday at 7pm

Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm

Box Office:                0845 200 7981

Website:                   www.tinathemusical.com

Facebook:                 TinaTheMusical

Twitter:                    TinaTheMusical

Instagram:                TinaTheMusical

FAUSTUS: THAT DAMNED WOMAN

A Headlong and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre co-production,
 in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre

Headlong and the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre today announced Faustus: That Damned Woman a new play from award-winning playwright and theatre maker Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) which will premiere at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in January 2020 and at Birmingham Repertory Theatre in February 2020 before touring the UK.

Drawing on the works of Marlowe, Goethe, and other versions of the Faustus myth, Chris’s urgent reimagining asks what we must sacrifice to achieve greatness and the legacy that we leave behind.

“My name is Johanna Faustus. I was born almost four hundred years ago.
I gave my soul to achieve the impossible.
I watched this city grow sick and I swore to heal it.
I might be damned, but I would save the world to spite the Devil.”

Faustus: That Damned Woman is the first work to be commissioned as part of Headlong and the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre’s long-term commitment to commissioning and producing work of scale by women playwrights.

Caroline Byrne directs this radical new work in which the iconic character of Faustus is reimagined as a woman who makes the ultimate sacrifice to traverse centuries and change the course of history. The creative team are set designer Ana Inés Jabares-Pita, costume designer Line Bech, lighting designer Richard Howell, sound and composition designer Giles Thomas, video and projection designer Ian William Galloway and casting director Annelie Powell CDG.

The piece will have its world premiere at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre on 22 January 2020, before playing at Birmingham Repertory Theatre from 26 February. The production will then tour throughout the Spring visiting Bristol Old Vic, Leeds Playhouse and Northern Stage from March and April 2020.

Chris Bush is an award-winning playwright, lyricist and theatre maker. Her writing credits include Standing at the Sky’s Edge, a collaboration with musician Richard Hawley, Steel (both Sheffield Crucible Theatre), The Assassination of Katie Hopkins (Theatr Clwyd), Pericles (NT) and The Changing Room (NT Connections).

Caroline Byrne is known for her distinctive and innovative direction. Her theatre credits include Spring Awakening (Young Vic), All’s Well That Ends Well (Sam Wanamaker Theatre), Katie Roche (Abbey Theatre, Dublin) Oliver Twist (Regents Park) and Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre). Her upcoming work includes Portia Coughlan starring Ruth Negga (Young Vic).

LISTINGS

FAUSTUS: THAT DAMNED WOMAN

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Lyric Square, King St, Hammersmith, London W6 0QL
22 January – 22 February 2020
https://lyric.co.uk/ 
Studio Talk: Faustus: That Damned Woman – I’d sell my soul for…
Tuesday 18 February, 6pm
Panel to include Fiona Mountford (host) and Chris Bush.

Studio Talk is a new programme of pre-show events hosted by Fiona Mountford, each inspired by the Lyric’s Main House productions, as part of Rachel O’Riordan’s first season as Artistic Director. 

Free First Night (Wednesday 22 January): The Lyric is proud to call Hammersmith their home. In 2016 they celebrated the 20th anniversary of their Free First Night scheme, part of their long term partnership with the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, through which they give free tickets to people who live or work locally.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Centenary Square, Birmingham B1 2EP
26 February – 7 March, 2020
https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/