Birmingham Hippodrome – until 12th April 2025

Reviewed by Emma Millward 

5*****

First hitting British TV screens in 1981, John Sullivan’s Only Fools and Horses soon cemented its place as one of the nation’s most beloved sitcoms. The show still holds the record for the biggest UK audience for a sitcom, when 24.3 million viewers tuned in to watch the 1996 episode ‘Time on Our Hands’. It was somewhat inevitable that the show would take to the stage. Although John Sullivan had toyed with the idea before his death in 2011, his son Jim Sullivan decided to make it a reality and approached Paul Whitehouse to join him on writing duties for both the script/score and lyrics for the show, with additional lyrics by Chas Hodge of Chas & Dave fame.  They took on the task of condensing 64 episodes of the show into a two-hour play. The show premiered in 2019 at Theatre Royal Haymarket, London.

Set in Peckham in 1989, the show tells the story of Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter (Sam Lupton), his younger brother Rodney (Tom Major, making his professional debut), and their Grandad (Paul Whitehouse) and the weird and wonderful people that surround them. As the lights went down, we were immediately greeted with familiar sights and sounds from the TV show. The Nags Head pub in the background, the marketplace where Del sells his dubious wares, and of course the Trotters’ flat in Nelson Mandela House were among the cleverly used revolving sets (designed by Alice Power) and video backgrounds (designed by Leo Flint).

The main storylines centre around Del meeting his future wife Raquel (Amanda Coutts) through a dating agency, Technomatch. We also get to see Rodney and Cassandra (Nicola Munns) planning their upcoming wedding.  Del lands himself in trouble when he does an ill-advised deal with local hardmen, Danny Driscoll (Christopher Arkeston) and Tony Driscoll (Darryl Paul), to get Rodney and Cassandra the money for a deposit on the flat of their dreams. There are references to the original show throughout, from the era-appropriate costumes (Liz Ascroft) to Trigger’s famous broom, a chandelier, and a certain yellow vehicle may just make an appearance too.

Along the way, we see plenty of well-known characters from the show: the eternally confused Trigger (Lee VG), Denzil (Bradley John), and Boycie (Craig Berry) and his flamboyant wife, Marlene (Nicola Munns in a dual role).  Some characters get their own songs, such as the charming ‘Tadpole Song’ that Boycie and Marlene sing at the fertility clinic. While Trigger slightly baffles everyone with ‘Gaze into My Ball,’ a song about fortune telling!  I think they hit the perfect balance with the songs: the mix of lively ‘knees-up’ music mixed with heartfelt ballads, with a few old, familiar tunes thrown in for good measure, including ‘Lovely Day’ by Bill Withers and ‘Holding Back the Years’ by Mick Hucknall (sang beautifully by Gloria Acquaah-Harrison).  Of course, it wouldn’t be Only Fools and Horses without the original theme tune ‘Hooky Street’ and some classic Chas & Dave tunes thrown in!!

The show has an incredibly versatile ensemble cast, many of whom play dual roles. However, Sam Lupton as Del Boy inevitably steals the show.  His performance and mannerisms are spot on. He manages to avoid going down the impressionist route of just mimicking David Jason. All in all. It’s a show filled with laughter, questionable French phrases, and songs that will remain stuck in your head for a very long time!

Actress, singer and musical theatre star Sharon Sexton sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 questions. Sharon is currently playing Sloane on tour in Bat Out of Hell the Musical.  Due to appear at Leeds Grand Theatre from 21 April, tickets available here

Let’s start with a few favourites

Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?

Phantom of the Opera has a really special place in my heart as it is the first big scale production that I had ever seen and it was the moment I knew this is what I wanted to do.

Favourite book?

One Day by David Nicholls

Favourite theatre?

It’s probably not classed as a theatre but I absolutely love performing in the Crazy Coqs in London, they are such a wonderful company to work with, the sound is amazing, the atmosphere is so special because the audience are in the palm or your hand and it’s so intimate. I have many, many fun memories of wonderful concerts and shows here.

Favourite song?

There are too many to choose from, but if I must make a decision today, then I will say Let’s Dance by David Bowie.

Favourite music?

I’m a big 70s music fan so I love the music of Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Bowie and I’m also a big closet Motown fan.

Favourite food?

I love a good omelette

Favourite drink?

Gin & Tonic

What is your favourite role?

That I’ve played – Sloane. That I would like to play, Mamma Rose.

What was your first role?

Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat aged 10

And what role would you really like to play?

Oh I’ve mentioned it already but I’ll give you a second one – Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd

If you weren’t a performer what would you be?

A teacher

What made you decide to be a performer?

It was never really a conscious decision, I have been performing since I can remember and it was always what I wanted to do. I always followed my passion and when I learnt that it was possible to do large scale productions and do this as a profession, I was quite young but that was it. Decision made.

Do you enjoy touring?

I enjoy it because I have my family with me but other than that I have toured enough now. It’s fun when you’re young and have nothing but a backpack and freedom to explore and sleep in and enjoy places at your leisure. As you get older life becomes more complicated and responsibilities make it trickier to tour – life is too short to be away from the ones you love and the home comforts you create, so I’m a bit more selective now about touring. Bat Out Of Hell is always a joy to tour with as my husband is on the road with me and our little boy is small enough to also come along. The show feels like our extended family.

What advice would you give 16 year old you?

Dream bigger.

Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing?

I have a Masters in Directing for Theatre, as it’s something I used to do a lot of but I stepped away from it for a while to focus on performing but I may turn my hand to it again. It’s a totally different skill set and is all encompassing, but I love it.

What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed?

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button The Musical in London’s West End. It took my breath away.

Favourite line from any show?

That’s showbiz kid – from Chicago

If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?

Probably my son, just to get a little insight into his wonderful world and imagination.

What are the nicest/weirdest things you have ever received from fans?

The weird ones are too weird to mention, but I do get some lovely gifts, especially personalized dolls, bikes, t-shirts, really thoughtful and useful little presents.

Can you tell us what you will be up to next?

Myself and my husband are recording an album with all of our original songs under our SEXTON & FOWLER label, with a London producer and Studio, so we are really excited about this and we will be launching an album tour in the autumn.

Bat Out of Hell the Musical is on tour around the UK.  Tickets can be found here

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE ADDED FOR

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

THE MUSICAL

AT PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE ON

SUNDAY 24 AUGUST 2025

Due to popular demand, award-winning producer Jack Maple is delighted to announce an additional performance for the professional premiere of The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Prince Edward Theatre, a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre, on Sunday 24 August 2025 at 6pm. This performance will be signed with tickets held exclusively for access patrons. This will be in addition to two performances on Sunday 17 August 2025.

Tickets for Sunday 24 August 2025 will go on-sale on Thursday 3 April 2025 at 10am for Access Patrons and DMT+ Members with general on-sale at 11am.

Casting to be announced.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame has music and lyrics from the 1996 animated film by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz and additional songs written for the musical by the two Oscar winners, a book by Peter Parnell and will be directed by Jonathan O’Boyle with musical direction by Olivier Award-winner Alan Williams. The concert will have choreography by Olivier Award nominee Mark Smith (The Little Big Things, Founder of Deaf Men Dancing), lighting design by Jamie Platt (Something Rotten in Concert), costume design by Alice McNicholas (Spring Awakening 15^th Anniversary Reunion), casting direction by WhatsOnStage Award-winner Harry Blumenau (Why Am I So Single?) and production management by Toby P Darvill for Production Solutions Group.

This extraordinary production brings to life Victor Hugo’s timeless tale of love, power, and redemption, set against the majestic backdrop of Notre Dame Cathedral. With a story that still resonates today, this unique concert performance will captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Prepare for an evening of soaring melodies, passionate performances, and the beauty of a timeless tale brought to life like never before!

Featuring a breathtaking symphonic score by legendary composer Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid) and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pocahontas). Prepare to be swept away by iconic songs like ‘Out There’, ‘God Help the Outcasts’, and ‘The Bells of Notre Dame’, all performed by a full orchestra, choir, and an all-star West End cast.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame first opened in Berlin in 1999, with a book by James Lapine, under the German name Der Glöckner von Notre Dame where it ran for over 1200 performances and was seen by 1.4-million people. In 2014, a new version premiered in San Diego with a new book by Peter Parnell and additional songs from Menken and Schwartz. This version has gone on to be produced by multiple US regional theatres and has had productions in Japan, Germany and Australia.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME IN CONCERT

Sunday 17 August & Sunday 24 August 2025

Prince Edward Theatre

Old Compton St

London

W1D 4HS

Performances: Sunday 17 August – 3pm & 7:30pm, Sunday 24 August – 6pm

Tickets: from £30

Box Office: 0344 482 5151

Further information regarding accessibility at the Prince Edward Theatre and how to book tickets can be found at: [www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/accessibility]www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/accessibility

Website: [www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk]www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk

Instagram – @hunchbackconcertldn 

Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 5 April 2025

Reviewed by Louise Ford

4****

A moral dilemma in Poirot’s  most perplexing case to date.

I confess to having a soft spot for Agatha Christie and her Belgium detective. In this novel the murder in the “locked room” in an English Manor House is transported overseas into a murder on a train stranded in the snow. An ingenious plot device which adapts surprisingly well to the stage. This adaptation is by Ken Ludwig and directed by Lucy Bailey.

It’s 1934 and we are in Istanbul, at perhaps the best restaurant in town, waiting to head to the railway station. We are all bound for Calais on The Orient Express. With spats  and a modest moustache Poirot enters the stage. In this production Poirot is played by Michael Maloney. He commands the stage as Hercule complete with affectations, mannerisms and, of course, the little grey cells.

Poirot  has received an urgent message which requires him to travel to London immediately, unfortunately the train is, unexpectedly, fully booked. Fortunately Poirot runs into his old friend, and Director of the railway line, M Bouc (Bob Barrett). M Bouc agrees to give up his first class sleeper to Poirot. And we are all aboard the train heading towards the Yugoslavian border.

Our travelling companions are a Cosmopolitan group, some of whom may not be who they seem. There is the beautiful Hungarian Countess Elena Adreyni (Mila Carter) who captures Poirot’s heart and admiration. The fussy Russian Princess Dragomiroff (Debbie Chazen), who is travelling with her pious companion from Sweden, Greta Ohlsson (Rebecca Charles). From America there is the much married, and on the look out for husband number 4, Helen Hubbard (Christine Kavanagh); the shady businessman Samuel Ratchett (Simon Cotton) who is travelling with his nervous secretary Hector MacQueen (Paul Keating). Finally there is the ill matched (are they a couple), pair of Mary Debenham (Iniki Mariano) and The Colonel (Rishi Rian). The cast is paired down from those is the novel and in some cases the characters have been combined. However this means that the plot is easy to follow and the characters are given time to develop, without it becoming too confusing. The opening scenes when we hear, through the eyes and ears of Poirot, snatches of conversations and glimpses of the characters is a brilliant way to meet the travellers.

The star of the show is of course The Orient Express herself. In her heyday she was the height of luxury and glamour, taking travellers to the mysterious and exotic East. The glamour and sense of travel is wonderfully created by Mike Britton, with added video design by Ian William Galloway. The huge wheels first appear on stage and easily dwarf the actors as they file on the platform. The set effortlessly moves from carriages to sleeping compartments to the dining room. The cast moving some of the props around to help the flow.

The costumes also deserve a shoutout . They were designed by Mike Britton, and really  capture the luxury and opulence of the era, in particular the glorious dresses worn by Princess Dragomiroff and the impressive fur coat worn by Mr Ratchett.

My one, minor, criticism is that there was perhaps too much comedy, particularly in the second half. I felt that it jarred with the seriousness of the crime. However the comedy sat well in the first half and added to the excitement of the journey to come.

The little grey cells once more solve the insolvable.

Young people across the North East of England are taking part in nationwide celebrations of National Theatre Connections’ 30th anniversary 

To celebrate 30 years of Connections, the National Theatre’s annual landmark youth theatre festival, young people from across the North East will perform new plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from 7-11 April as part of their Connections Festival.  

The ten participating youth theatre groups are Bright Minds Youth Theatre, Newcastle Performance Academy Acting Company, Jarrow School, The Witham Youth Theatre, Gateshead College, River Tees Secondary Academy, Stockton Riverside College, Carmel Performing Arts, Theatre Royal Youth Company, and Page2stage performing Arts. 

As part of the nationwide celebration, over 5,500 young people from over 270 companies and schools across the UK will perform one of ten specially commissioned plays for young people at theatres nationwide. Connections champions the power of youth theatre, bringing together some of the UK’s most exciting contemporary writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow.  

Ten youth groups will then be selected to perform their play on the Dorfman stage at the National Theatre Connections Festival in June, representing the vast amount of talent across the UK.  

Marking the milestone 30th anniversary of the programme, these young people join over 125,000 people nationwide who have taken part in Connections over the past three decades, including esteemed alumni such as David Oyelowo, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Callum Scott Howells and Keira Knightley. Former playwrights include Jack Thorne, Chris Bush, Lenny Henry, James Graham and Alice Birch.  

HIT SHOW EXTENDS  DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND

There are just 4 more chances to see this Standing Ovation nominated performance

Following  two sold-out critically-acclaimed runs
The Last Days of Liz Truss?
by Greg Wilkinson, directed by Anthony Shrubsall
with
award-nominated Emma Wilkinson Wright as Liz Truss
and Steve Nallon of Spitting Image as the voice of Margaret Thatcher

has extended this week due to overwhelming demand
 at the White Bear Theatre

There are just 4 more chances to see this Standing Ovation nominated performance

Wednesday April 2 at 7.30pm
Thursday April 3 at 7.30pm
Friday April 4 at 7.30pm*
*with aftershow Q & A hosted by Terri Paddock
Saturday April 5 at 7.30pm

Prime Minister Liz Truss is navigating her last morning at Number 10.  But can a fighter ever quit?

The Last Days of Liz Truss? garnered five-star reviews and an “outstanding” from The Guardian’s Mark Lawson during its sold out premiere in December. Now this highly topical play by BBC Writers Room Award-nominated writer Greg Wilkinson, performed by Emma Wilkinson Wright as Liz and featuring Spitting Image’s Steve Nallon as the voice of Margaret Thatcher (and others), is coming back to the White Bear for a strictly limited run.

A tragic-comic exploration of the tensions in politics between ambition and ability, vision and reality, going short and playing it long, the play also takes a much broader look at broken systems and the tensions and contradictions at the heart of British and global politics.

Produced by Oxia Theatre.

Emma Wilkinson Wright (Liz Truss)
Emma is a British born, half-Roma actor, and the Artistic Director of twice Off West End award-nominated Oxia Theatre. Alongside her recent 5-star rated one-woman show Rika’s Rooms (Playground Theatre, Off-Comm Award), she featured in the recent BBC Radio 4 production of Assisted with Tamsin Greig and Jude Owusu, and in the TV series Lost Women Spies as Irene Ward. Theatre includes: Billie in The Moral Women (Hen and Chickens), Vermandera in The Changeling (Southwark Playhouse); The Mitford Sisters in The Mitfords (Playground Theatre /EdFringe – Off-Fest nominated); Helen Reed in
Secret Thoughts(Omnibus Theatre), Adelaine Hain in The Only White (Chelsea Theatre); JS in Necessary Targets (Southwark Playhouse); Hazel in Patterns (Leicester Curve), Trish in Meal With Friends (White Bear Theatre); Connie in Assisted (Edinburgh Fringe). Emma is represented  by Robert Fucilla at Imperial Artists Agency, UK & US.  X/Insta @emmamaywright

Steve Nallon (the voice of Margaret Thatcher, and others)
Steve is an actor, writer, voice artist and impressionist. He began his career as a stand-up performer on the northern club circuit in the 1970s. After gaining a degree in Drama and English at the University of Birmingham, Steve became a foundering member of the television series Spitting Image, where he provided the voices of many of the programme’s iconic characters including Margaret Thatcher. Steve’s acting credits include Jacque in Carnival (Barbican Theatre), John Bland in Chinese Whispers (Greenwich Theatre), Kenneth Williams in Screaming Queens (Waterloo East), Field Marshall Lord Montgomery and Sir John Gielgud in the documentary comedy In the Life (St James Theatre, now The Other Palace), the Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show (Leicester Haymarket) and Roy Barraclough/Cissie in Cissie and Ada (Lowry and national tour).

Anthony Shrubsall (Director)
Anthony Shrubsall is a freelance director, founder member of And Tomorrow Theatre Company and the Entire Theatre Company and former academic. Theatre direction includes Four Funerals and a Wedding (The Bread and Roses Theatre) Storming, Rika’s Rooms (Playground Theatre – OFFCOMM award), The Only White (Chelsea Theatre) Lear Alone (The Space, Edinburgh – Off West End Award ONCOMM winner and winner Best Director for Scenesaver Awards, Power Luncheon, The Good Dad (Hope Theatre – OFFCOMM nomination Best Director), A Boy Called Porro (Pleasance), Edred The Vampyre (Old Red Lion Theatre), An Absence Of (Old Court, Windsor – winner of the Kenneth Branagh New Writers Award), It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (0ld Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham) Death of a Hunter (Finborough Theatre – ONCOMM nominee).

Greg Wilkinson (Writer)
Greg is Writer in Residence at Oxia Theatre (www.oxiatheatre.com) – a company seeking to explore vital and urgent issues through original writing and innovative productions. The Last Days of Liz Truss? is his third play. Insomnolent received a table reading from RADA graduates in 2019. Assisted opened the Golden Goose’s Emerge Festival in 2021, was longlisted for the Popcorn/BBC New Writing Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2022, and recorded for Radio 4 featuring Tamsin Greig, Jude Owusu and Emma Wilkinson Wright.  
.
Male Arcucci (Set Design)
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Malena Arcucci is a theatre designer and costume supervisor based in London. She is co-artistic director of Mariana Malena Theatre Company. Design credits include: When You Pass Over My Tomb (Arcola); The Wolf, The Mouse and The Duck (Unicorn), Strangers Like Me (NT Connect and Hackney Shed); The Bit Players (Southwark); Friday Night Love Poem (Zoo Edinburgh); Point of No Return (Actor ’s Centre); La Llorona (Dance City Newcastle); The Two of Us (Theatre Deli); Playing Latinx (Camden People’s Theatre) and various productions in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Sarah Lawrie (Associate Producer)
Producer Sarah Lawrie has been making theatre since 2013. Most recently she produced Good Boy and In Defiance of Gravity (The Space UK/Summerhall, Edfringe), the European premiere of 1979 (Finborough Theatre), Stitches (Hope Theatre), three-time Off West End Award nominated The Quality of Mercy (Courtyard Theatre/EdFringe), The Good Dad (Edinburgh Fringe/Playground Theatre), Shutters: A Lesbian Rock Opera (Omnibus Theatre) and Arts Council funded web series Lear Alone which won Best Series at Off West End’s OnComm Awards 2022.

LISTINGS INFO

Oxia Theatre presents

The Last Days of Liz Truss?
by Greg Wilkinson

directed by
Anthony Shrubsall

White Bear Theatre
138 Kennington Park Road
LONDON
SE11 4DJ

Just 4 more chances to see this Standing Ovation nominated performance
Wednesday April 2 at 7.30pm
Thursday April 3 at 7.30pm
Friday April 4 at 7.30pm
Saturday April 5 at 7.30pm

Running time:
90mins (Plus interval)

Tickets:
£17 (£12 concessions)

Wales Millennium Centre Reveals Landmark Production of Owain & Henry Starring Michael Sheen

Wales Millennium Centre proudly announces Owain & Henry, an ambitious new production that brings to life one of Wales’ most defining stories. Written by acclaimed playwright Gary Owen, this epic play will chart the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr against King Henry IV in a battle that could change the course of Welsh history. Starring Michael Sheen as the last Welsh-born Prince of Wales, this landmark production will take to the Donald Gordon Theatre stage in November 2026 as part of a co-production with Welsh National Theatre. 

This announcement reaffirms Wales Millennium Centre’s long-standing commitment to championing bold, world-class storytelling from Wales. Owain & Henry is the latest in a series of landmark productions that embody its mission to connect Wales and the world through extraordinary stories. While its scale and ambition make it a truly special moment, it also continues a proud tradition of bringing iconic Welsh narratives to the stage in a way that resonates both locally and globally.

Graeme Farrow, Artistic and Creative Director of Wales Millennium Centre, said:

“Wales Millennium Centre is dedicated to working with artists to tell powerful stories that captivate and inspire. Owain & Henry builds on our commitment to producing high-quality theatre and supports Welsh and Wales-based artists in being ambitious in their work. In 2024, audiences from 28 countries came to see Nye and 25% of the total audience had never attended a show at Wales Millennium Centre before. This co-production with Welsh National Theatre will share another iconic story deeply rooted in our national identity and history; we can’t wait for audiences worldwide to experience it.” 

Michael Sheen, Artistic Director of Welsh National Theatre, added:

“Owain & Henry is one of the origin stories of our nation, as relevant in today’s complex world as it was when Glyndŵr declared Wales an independent nation six hundred years ago. Gary Owen’s play is one of the most ambitious Welsh plays I’ve read; and is the biggest and boldest of Gary’s career. That’s the creative benchmark and ambition we want to set with Welsh National Theatre. This co-production model suits our early stage of working and it’s a thrill for Wales Millennium Centre to join us on this journey.”

Owain & Henry is part of Wales Millennium Centre’s wider strategy to create and champion major Welsh-led productions that engage audiences at home and abroad. The Centre has a proud legacy of supporting artists and companies who push creative boundaries, and this production exemplifies its mission to celebrate Welsh history and culture through the power of theatre.

Alongside Owain & Henry, Welsh National Theatre will also present Our Town, a co-production with the Rose Theatre, relocating Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play as a small Welsh town. Michael Sheen will take on the leading role of Stage Manager, with Swansea-born Francesca Goodridge directing and Russell T Davies as the creative associate. The production will open at Swansea Grand, followed by a short tour to North Wales before heading to London. 

These productions mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Welsh theatre, bringing world-class storytelling to audiences in Cardiff, across Wales, and beyond. Owain & Henry tickets are available from 4 August for WMC Members and 8 August for General Public. Tickets for Nye are on sale now.

“MAMMA MIA!” ANNOUNCES NEW BOOKING PERIOD

TO SATURDAY 28 MARCH 2026

Global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! will extend its booking period to Saturday 28 March 2026 at London’s Novello Theatre, a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre, with tickets on sale from Friday 4 April.

MAMMA MIA! celebrated its 25^th birthday on 6 April 2024 and is now the third longest running West End musical of all time.

Since premiering in London’s West End in 1999, the exhilarating smash-hit has become a global phenomenon, with a staggering 70 million people having seen it worldwide.

The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island idyll, all unfolding to the magic of ABBA’s timeless pop masterpieces, has been seen in over 50 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than £4.5 billion at the box office and turned into two record-breaking movies – MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again.

The London cast stars Mazz Murray as Donna, Kate Graham as Tanya, Nicola-Dawn Brook as Rosie, Luke Jasztal as Sam, Christopher Dickins as Harry, Stephen Beckett as Bill, Izi Maxwell as Sophie, Ben Irish as Sky, Harriet Samuels as Ali, Zaynah Ahmed as Lisa, Jamie Landmann as Eddie and Thomas Walton as Pepper, with Natalie Langston playing Donna at certain performances.  Also in the cast are Mia Anthony Coffield, Franky Attard, Matthew Barrow, Jack Bromage, Maddy Cameron, Dennis Cousins, Timmy Driscoll, Andrew Gallo, Lawrence Guntert, Lauren Hall, Samantha Ivey, Genevieve Jameson, Flyn Mullins, Hayley-Jo Murphy, Emma Odell, Tom Parsons, Adam Scotland, Jonah Sercombe, Ella Tweed and Maisie Waller.   

MAMMA MIA! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004, and then to the Novello Theatre in 2012.  The London production of MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 10 million people, played over 9,500 performances and has broken box office records in all three of its London homes and in February 2024 set a new record for the highest ever weekly gross in the musical’s London history.  As part of MAMMA MIA!’s 25^th year celebrations, Judy Craymer was Executive Producer of ITV’s MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream, which searched for new young talent to join the stage musical.

MAMMA MIA! continues to have great success around the world and recently announced its return to Broadway, with performances beginning at the Winter Garden Theatre on 2 August 2025 for a six-month limited engagement.  A new UK Tour will begin on 24 October 2025 at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre.

Produced by Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008.  A second film, MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again, opened in July 2018 and is the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time. Both films starred Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper, with Lily James, Andy Garcia and Cher joining them in the second film.

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal Music Group.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Novello Theatre

Aldwych

London WC2B 4LD

Ticket Prices: from £17.75*

*All prices include a £2.75 per ticket booking fee and £1.50 restoration levy

Early Bird Pricing – anyone booking 16 weeks or more in advance of the performance they are attending (Monday to Thursday performances only) will save £20 on Band B, Band A and Premium tickets, but only through Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, either online or by calling the Novello Theatre Box Office.

Family Ticket Rate – £199 for a group of four on Band B or Band A tickets (up to a saving of £151), OR £99 for a group of four on Band D and Band C tickets (up to a saving of £111), for Monday to Thursday performances, excluding peak performances, but only through Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, either online or by calling the Novello Theatre Box Office.

Performance Times:

Monday – Saturday 7.30pm

Matinees – Thursdays & Saturdays 3.00pm*

*Extra 3.00pm matinee on Tuesday 15 April, Tuesday 8 July, Tuesday 5 August, Tuesday 19 August and Tuesday 28 October 2025 and Tuesday 17 February 2026

Captioned performance: Saturday 17 January 2026 at 3.00pm

Audio described performance: Saturday 31 January 2026 at 3.00pm

Christmas 2025/26 Performance Schedule

Monday 22 December                         3.00pm and 7.30pm

Tuesday 23 December                        3.00pm and 7.30pm

Wednesday 24 December                   NO PERFORMANCE

Thursday 25 December                       NO PERFORMANCE

Friday 26 December                            7.30pm

Saturday 27 December                        3.00pm and 7.30pm

Sunday 28 December                          2.30pm

Monday 29 December                         3.00pm and 7.30pm

Tuesday 30 December                        3.00pm and 7.30pm

Wednesday 31 December                   NO PERFORMANCE

Thursday 1 January 2026                     7.30pm

Friday 2 January                                 3.00pm and 7.30pm

Saturday 3 January                             3.00pm and 7.30pm

Sunday 4 January                               NO PERFORMANCE

Booking to 28 March 2026

The performance lasts 2 hours and 35 minutes (including a 15-minute interval)

Box Office: 0344 482 5151

http://www.mamma-mia.com/

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/MammaMiaMusical

@MammaMiaMusical 

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Tweets by MammaMiaMusical

@MammaMiaMusical 

TikTok: 

@mammamiaworldwide

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https://www.instagram.com/mammamiamusical

@MammaMiaMusical 

#MammaMiaMusical

#MammaMiaLondon 

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 5th April 2025

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

4****

Inspired by the iconic album, Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell the Musical is a perfect excuse for Meatloaf fans to rock and roll to their heart’s content. At Cheltenham this explosive production unapologetically fills the stage.

The production has a storyline, but it is secondary to the music and the vast majority of the audience are definitely there for the music. Central to the production are Strat, Raven, Falco and Sloane, all entwined by Strat’s fascination with Raven who is fiercely protected by her father (Falco). Strat is an eternally youthful member of an underground gang ‘The Lost’, smitten by the idea of rebellion, passion and power.

On this tour, Sharon Sexton and Rob Fowler return to the roles of Raven’s parents, Falco and Sloane that they brought to the stage in 2017. They each bring a mature depth to the storyline, add a nostalgic edge to the music and abounding energy to the choreography.

Strat and Raven, played by Glenn Adamson and Katie Tonkinson are almost a younger version of Falco and Sloane’s love story. Glenn certainly doesn’t hold back on the rock and roll vibes (think swinging microphone, huge leaps and adrenaline fuelled manoeuvres).

The stage production for this show adds an edge that elevates the importance of excellent camera work and lighting. The camerawork is projected on screens that add another dimension to your focus on the stage choreography. The lighting and confetti cannons add to the mood of each musical piece.

As you’d expect from anything linked with Meatloaf the band are centre stage at Cheltenham, resulting in a concert feel that nobody can complain about. At the end of the performance, the entire audience was on its feet. It is a fully immersive experience that anyone familiar with Meatloaf will appreciate and maybe even get the urge to pull the album out of their archive.

SIX THE MUSICAL

THE OG WEST END QUEENS REUNITE WITH

AN EMPOWERING ANTHEM

‘MY GIRLS’

BY TOBY MARLOW AND LUCY MOSS

TO BE RELEASED ON THURSDAY 3 APRIL, TO CELEBRATE SIX THE MUSICAL LIVE! HITTING CINEMAS NATIONWIDE 6 APRIL

PRE-SAVE LINK HERE

“I’ll be the one to fix your crown!”

The producers of the award-winning global smash hit SIX are thrilled to announce the release of a brand-new track, My Girls, from writers Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, and recorded by the by the original West End cast of SIX – Jarnéia Richard-Noel, Millie O’Connell, Natalie Paris, Alexia McIntosh, Aimie Atkinson and Maiya Quansah-Breed, alongside original Alternate Grace Mouat.

The track will be released on Thursday 3 April under the 6 Music label – the in-house imprint behind both of the show’s chart-topping albums – and will be available to stream and download across all major platforms.

A shimmering, empowering female friendship anthem, My Girls celebrates the bond forged between the Queens through their years of shared history – from rehearsal rooms and fringe stages to Olivier nominations, cast recordings, Broadway and beyond.

SIX the Musical Live!, filmed at the Vaudeville Theatre with the original cast reprising their roles, opens in cinemas nationwide on Sunday 6 April.

My Girls had its first public listen at the premiere of SIX the Musical Live! at London’s Ham Yard Hotel yesterday, ahead of the film’s release.

Creators Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss said: “When the seven queens asked us to write a song that celebrated their incredible bond, we had never been more excited about anything in our lives. We adore this group of performers so much and we have been on such an amazing journey with them, so the chance to write a song that celebrated their friendship was truly an honour. When we listen to ‘My Girls,’ we think you can hear how much we love and admire these seven brilliant artists. We just can’t wait for everyone to hear this song!”

Producer Andy Barnes said, “It’s always a joy to work with Toby and Lucy, and My Girls is a particularly special moment – a track that celebrates everything these seven extraordinary women have shared together on and off stage. The original cast have a unique chemistry that helped launch SIX into the world, and it’s wonderful to bring them back together for something new. We’re thrilled to be releasing it under our 6 Music label and can’t wait for fans to hear it.”

Think you know the six Wives of Henry VIII? Think again…

 Prepare to lose your head and experience the Tudor Wives’ lives as they turn back the clock and take to the stage to reclaim their crowns and retell their stories of love, loss and the infamous ex they all have in common.

 Join Aragon, Boleyn, Seymour, Cleves, Howard and Parr, backed by their fierce on-stage band, the Ladies in Waiting, and Get Down to a royal retelling of the sassiest story in British Her-story.

SIX is written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, with direction by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage. Choreography is by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, with set design by Emma Bailey, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Tim Deiling, sound design by Paul Gatehouse, musical orchestration by Tom Curran, and musical supervision by Joe Beighton, and casting by Pearson Casting.

SIX is produced by Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes and George Stiles.

Six the Musical Live! was directed for film by Liz Clare, and produced by Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes, George Stiles. It was Executively Produced bv Kevin McCollum and Produced for film by Dione Orrom.

Winner of over 35 international awards, including two 2022 Tony Awards, four WhatsOnStage awards, and nominated for five Oliviers, SIX can also be seen live on stage worldwide: as well as London’s West End, SIX continues to tour the UK (with new 2025 dates just announced), and throughout Europe and internationally. An Australian tour launched in August 2024, whilst dates in Manila, Singapore, Japan and South Korea have recently been completed, with forthcoming dates in China.

SIX is currently playing at Broadway’s Lena Horne Theatre, the tour continues to play cities throughout the US. In 2024, the show both achieved 1.5million followers globally – across YouTube, Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook in the UK, US, Australia, Korea and beyond – and hit another milestone achievement, with SIX the Musical (UK Studio Cast Recording) and the Grammy Award®-nominated SIX: LIVE ON OPENING NIGHT (the first Original Broadway Cast Recording ever recorded live on opening night) songs having been streamed in excess of one billion times.

Tickets to all international productions of SIX are available via sixthemusical.com

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