FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED 

FOR THE BARN THEATRE’S PRODUCTION OF 

DADDY LONG LEGS 

THE AWARD WINNING MUSICAL 

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY JEAN WEBSTER 

DIRECTED BY KIRSTIE DAVIS

STARRING REBECCA JAYNE-DAVIES & RYAN BENNETT

RUNNING FROM 2 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER 2019 

Rebecca Jayne-Davies and Ryan Bennett will star in The Barn Theatre’s (Best Fringe Theatre – The Stage Awards 2019) upcoming production of Daddy Long Legs, the theatre’s first musical production of 2019. 

The award winning musical with music and lyrics by Paul Gordon and a book by John Caird, isbased on the classic novel by Jean Webster that inspired the 1955 film starring Fred Astaire. The production is directed by Kirstie Davis, with design by Gregor Donnelly, musical direction by Charlie Ingles and runs from 2 October – 2 November 2019. 

Daddy Long Legs is set in turn-of-the-century New England and tells the story of orphan Jerusha Abbott and her mysterious benefactor who agrees to send her to college, who she dubs ‘Daddy Long Legs’ after seeing his elongated shadow.

With a score of stunning musical numbers, Daddy Long Legs is the tale of two lives colliding and unfolding through Jerusha’s letters addressing her Daddy Long Legs, working as an insight into her innermost thoughts of the world. Daddy Long Legs is an uplifting piece of theatre that questions identity whilst highlighting the importance of education, imagination and love.

Daddy Long Legs is part of The Barn’s 2019 season of in-house productions. The season includes four other productions: a brand new production of the comic thriller, The 39 Steps, which runs until 10 August 2019; a reimagining of Charles Dickens’ festive masterpiece, A Christmas Carol, which opens from 27 November – 4 January; and Michael Morpurgo’s The Butterfly Lion and William Shakespeare’s classic history, Henry V, which completed their runs earlier this year. 

LISTINGS

Daddy Long Legs – The Musical 

Wednesday 2 October – Saturday 2 November 2019 

Book by John Caird

Music & Lyrics by Paul Gordon

Based on the novel by Jean Webster 

Directed by Phil Bartlett 

Performance Times: 14:30 / 19:30 

Website: barntheatre.org.uk 

Twitter: @thebarntheatre

Facebook/Instagram: @thebarntheatrecirencester

#BarnDaddyLongLegs

Trafalgar Studios One – until 7 September 2019

Reviewed by Adam Craddock

5*****

As a young actor I’ve always been intrigued by the concept that Peter Shaffer’s Equus. The 2 act play follows Adolescent Psychiatrist Martin Dysart on his journey to understand the motivations behind the horrific crimes of a 17 year old boy, Alan Strang, as he seeks to unlock his psyche and delve into his troubled mind. I have seen Equus staged a couple of times before and I have always been a fan but I have to say, Trafalgar Studios production is by far the best performance of this masterpiece I have seen to date.

Zubin Varla gives an acting masterclass in his role as Dysart, with a calm and clinical command over his stage, yet with some subtle layers of the trouble the character feels within. His is by far the strongest performance of this role that I have seen. Ira Mandela Siobhan thrills as Nugget, fully embodying the horse to a level that I was amazed with, this was a performance that truly suspended your disbelief. Massive credit is due to the movement coach for this production – Shelley Maxwell – with her methods of getting people in and out of the horses really amazing me. However the highlight of the piece for me was Ethan Kai in the role of Alan Strang. The way Kai presented Strang with his constant bursts out and evil eyes was both massively unsettling and strangely endearing towards the character, as you wanted to see him get out of the pain he was so clearly in and get through his troubles. I honestly have massive respect for Kai delivering a performance of this quality in what is only his third theatre credit. Well done!

Overall, Equus is a show for the thinking theatregoer. If you are wanting a happy toe tapping show then this isn’t for you (and fairly so). But if you want to have two hours of truly thought provoking drama delivered by some of the best working actors in the industry right now then get yourself to the Trafalgar Studios and buy a ticket before they’re gone. I promise you you won’t regret it!

Artist selected for Hippodrome 120 sculpture commission

Birmingham Hippodrome and Pangaea Sculptor’s Centre have announced Rachael Champion as the winner of the Hippodrome 120 Sculpture Commission, which is part of the celebrations to mark the iconic venue’s 120^th year.

Rachael Champion’s work primarily manifests as site-specific installations and architectural sculptures that respond to places and their histories through contextually relevant forms and materials. For the special one-off commission, Champion will suspend organic forms adorned with architectural imagery to highlight the fascinating textures of the city of Birmingham and to reference the theatre’s many architectural and facade transformations over its lifetime. ⁠

“It is an honour to have been selected for the Hippodrome 120 Commission.  The context is particularly special as I have been working in technical theatre to support my sculpture practice for many years.  I am so excited to get to know Birmingham and its architecture to realise ‘Tower of Varieties’” said Rachael of the award.
 

Jonathon Harris, Visual Arts Producer at Birmingham Hippodrome commented: “The Hippodrome 120 Sculpture Commission is a signature project for the venue’s 120th birthday celebrations and an exciting moment for our new visual art programme that reinforces the Hippodrome’s commitment to artistic investment.

The technical and artistic expertise of Pangaea Sculptors’ Centre has made it possible for us to commission and support the fabrication of new sculpture on this scale. With well over 500,000 visitors to our building each year, we look forward to this new, temporary public sculpture making a real statement and offering the public the opportunity to engage with high quality contemporary visual art” Jonathan concluded.

The final sculpture will be unveiled in October, as part of the month long celebrations for the Hippodrome’s 120^th birthday.

Lucy Tomlins, Director, Pangaea Sculptors’ Centre added: “With a distinguished 120-year history, Birmingham Hippodrome is an organisation adept at taking risks with conceptual and material creativity in a way that speaks to a broad audience. We are delighted to be working with them on our first major public sculpture commission in the city.

“The sculpture will feature architecture that reflects the city’s personality and resonates with the people of Birmingham. Rachael is a unique talent in the field of contemporary art and we are delighted to have awarded her this exciting new commission.”

Rachael will be reaching out to the people of Birmingham on social media to make suggestions of the buildings and architecture of the City that resonate with them to be considered for inclusion. Follow @brumhippodrome and @pangaeacentre to share your favourite.

The sculpture commission is part of the venue’s wider visual arts programme. From September a new ‘Hidden Stories’ season of exhibitions will launch, with highlights including ‘Pre-Windrush to the Present Day: A History of Black Performance on Stage at Birmingham Hippodrome’ in collaboration with Blackstory Partnership. To see the full visual arts programme visit www.birmighamhippodrome.com

Tyne Theatre adds ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ screening to packed Autumn/Winter programme

Tyne Theatre & Opera House are excited to announce a Halloween screening of cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which will be showing Thursday 31st October 2019. Fancy dress is encouraged for this fun film event that will be raising money for the Tyne Theatre & Opera House Preservation Trust – with all profits from ticket sales going to the Trust.

The Trust continues to work on refurbishing, restoring and preserving the Grade 1 Listed building – with a focus on the auditorium and Victorian stage machinery – to ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations.

Tickets for The Rocky Horror Picture Show screening are on sale now and are priced at £15 adults, £12.50 concessions, £10 students with a vaild ID & groups of 10 or more.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show screening is the latest addition to the theatre’s jam-packed Autumn/Winter programme, with something for everyone to enjoy. As the go-to venue for stand-up in Newcastle upon Tyne, in the coming months the theatre will welcome some of the biggest names in comedy, with James Acaster returning for his third completely sold out Tyne Theatre date of 2019. Other comedy favourites coming to the theatre include Josh Widdicombe, Daniel Sloss, Ben Elton, Ardal O’Hanlon and more.

Upcoming music acts span a whole range of genres from folk to funk, including the hugely influential Average White Band, indie-pop legend Lloyd Cole, folk stalwart Al Stewart, much-loved local sibling duo Cattle & Cane – and Classical music fans can enjoy K&K Philharmonic performing ‘Salzburg Mozart Gala’ as part of their first ever visit to the UK.

The Tyne Theatre firmly believe that a trip to the theatre should be enjoyed by the whole family, and they round up 2019 with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Tabby McTat and Starlight Theatre’s rollicking production of The Wind in the Willows. Of course, Enchanted Entertainment return with this year’s Christmas panto Aladdin, starring local favorite Charlie Richmond and with talented X-Factor star, Marcus Collins, announced to play the Genie. More stars will be announced very soon.

Also showing over the festive period, the Russian State Ballet return to Tyne Theatre for one night only with their production of Swan Lake. Their 2017 performance of the same ballet was a complete sell-out, so early booking is recommended to avoid missing out!

Theatre Director Joanne Johnson says: “Tyne Theatre & Opera House is on track for another record year in 2019, with October, November and December set to be our busiest months. We have some wonderful shows and I’m very proud of our programme – just by coming to see a show here, customers are helping to keep our beautiful theatre alive.”

For tickets or information on any of the above listed shows, or to view the rest of the Tyne Theatre programme, see the Tyne Theatre & Opera House website: https://tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/

Salisbury Playhouse – until 10 August 2019

Reviewed by Jo Gordon

5*****

I can’t imagine there are many people with a love of musicals, whether film or stage, that do not know the story of The Wizard of Oz. The tale of a young girl named Dorothy who, after a tornado hits her Kansas farm finds herself in the weird and wonderful land of Oz with her beloved dog Toto. On her quest to get back home Dorothy meets many eccentric characters along the famous yellow brick road that join in and have their own wishes to be granted by the Wizard. Despite the best efforts of the Wicked Witch they reach the Wizard who requests and item belonging to the Wicked Witch before any wishes will be granted. The next wacky chapter of the adventure begins and with the help help of her new friends will Dorothy ever get home to her family in Kansas?

This Stage 65 theatre and Jigsaw Youth dance Company production really blew me away. They have added a contemporary element whilst still following the original concept that we all love. The costumes are extremely well thought out and designed, picking up on American iconic styles such as football players and greasers. The set is simple but beautiful and the clever use of props add all the right elements to put you into Oz with its yellow brick road and the Emerald City glowing bright green. 

The whole cast were outstanding, a truly talented bunch who sang perfectly, had comedic timing that some high balling TV regulars dream of and you could see the enjoyment of being on stage beaming from their faces. An all round enjoyable family friendly production. A cast of rising stars.

UK PREMIÈRE OF JEANNETTE BAYARDELLE’S

HIT OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL SHIDA ANNOUNCED

Shida UK Limited, Callum Dougherty & Alan Kay, Judith Manocherian and Jim Glaub / Crystal Chase / Julian Roca present

the UK première of

SHIDA

Written and Performed by Jeannette Bayardelle

Directed by Andy Sandberg                                                                                            

Music Supervision by Joshua Zecher-Ross;Music Direction: Noam Galperin

Scenic Design: Charlie Corcoran; Sound Design: Chris Drohan

The Vaults

11 September – 13 October 2019

The UK première of the hit Off-Broadway musical SHIDA, written and performed by Jeannette Bayardelle, is today announced. The award-winning production, directed by Andy Sandberg, opens at The Vaults on 13 September, with previews from 11 September, and runs until 13 October.

Set to a soulfully contagious score of rock, jazz, R&B, and gospel music, SHIDA is based on thetrue story of a young African-American girl who aspires to become a writer, tracing the ups and downs of her family, friendships, and love life – from the double-dutch court at St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Bronx to a scholarship at NYU. Her dreams become sidetracked by hardship and loss until her faith and those closest to her combine to restore Shida’s hope and give her a second chance.

Jeannette Bayardelle said today, “I could not be more excited to bring my musical SHIDA to London! This is a true story about my childhood best friend, and there’s no piece of theatre that’s more special to me – it’s an honour to share her story with the world. Developing SHIDA with Ars Nova (NYC) and having our première Off-Broadway were such incredible experiences, and I am grateful to my collaborators, our producers, and especially our audiences for believing in this show. Now, bringing SHIDA to The Vaults for its UK première is a dream come true, and I’m looking forward to collaborating once again with my director Andy Sandberg as we bring this musical across the pond. The time has never felt more right to tell Shida’s story. London — we’ll see you soon!”

Jeannette Bayardelle reprises her role as Shida, for which she won and AUDELCO Award for Outstanding Solo Performance. SHIDA also received an IRNE Award nomination for Best Solo Show in 2015. Her theatre credits include The Color Purple (The Broadway Theatre/US tour- the NAACP Theater Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical), Hair (Al Hirschfeld Theatre), The Best of Both Worlds (The Women’s Project Theater/American Repertory Theater), Rock of Ages (New World Stages), Sister Act (North Shore Music Theatre/Theatre by the Sea), Big River, Freaky Friday, Rent (US tour), Girl from the North Country (The Public Theater and the forthcoming Broadway transfer); and for film, The Little Mermaid III. Bayardelle’s albums include I Know Who I Am, Praise Report and Transferable.

Andy Sandberg is a director, writer, actor, and Tony Award winning producer. His theatre credits as a Director include the world premieres of Shida (Ars Nova – AUDELCO Award nomination for Best Director), Straight (Theatre Row), Application Pending – which he also co-wrote (Westside Theatre – Broadway World Award for Best Off-Broadway Play, Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Solo Show), Neurosis and R.R.R.E.D. (DR2 Theatre), Operation Epsilon (Central Square Theater @ MIT – IRNE Award for Best Director), The Last Smoker in America (Westside Theatre), and Craving For Travel – which he co-wrote (Peter J. Sharp Theater @ Playwrights Horizons). As a producer, his credits include Hair (Al Hirschfeld Theatre/Gielgud Theatre – Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle Awards), The Best Man (Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre – Tony Award nomination for Best Revival of a Play), The Realistic Joneses (Lyceum Theater), A Perfect Future (Cherry Lane Theater), Vigil (DR2 Theatre), Pageant (Davenport Theater – Drama Desk Nomination for Best Revival) and Paradise Found (Menier Chocolate Factory). Sandberg is a graduate of Yale University and a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) and the Off-Broadway League. www.AndySandberg.com

SHIDA was originally developed in association with Ars Nova (NYC).

SHIDA                                                                                                                                                                   LISTINGS

The Vaults

Leake St, Lambeth, London SE1 7NN

11 September – 13 October 2019

Tickets: https://www.thevaults.london/shida

Running time: 75 minutes

Facebook: ShidaTheMusical

Twitter: @ShidaTheMusical

Instagram: @ShidaTheMusical

www.ShidaTheMusical.com

Kings Theatre, Glasgow – until 10 August 2019

Reviewed by Siobhan Wilson

4****

This I am giving 4 stars to for the overall viewing pleasure not for the performance. The performance gets a solid 5 Stars!

This show follows a group of hippies who are protesting against war, specifically the Vietnam war. The dynamic relationships within the group are tested by not only the situation but the free love of the 70s. One gent is battling himself on whether to sign up to complete his service or to stay with his friends fighting for ‘love not war’. Not for the faint hearted, the first act especially is pretty sexual and with a substantial amount of nudity so possibly not the best idea to go see this with your Grandmother, although, she could take her friends and I am sure they would love the show as much as I did.

Opening night issues included the show opening 15 minutes late, sound being too loud at times and others the microphones not picking up as well as the theatre bouncers standing about loitering and whispering instead of dealing with the talkers and those attempting to video despite the warnings verbally since you stepped through the front doors of the theatre. But of course, that did not take anything away from an incredible show that I would certainly recommend to my adult friends.

Several of the cast members had voices that gave me goosebumps including Dionne (Aiesha Pease) and Crissy (Kelly Sweeney). The confidence and the voice range of many of the cast was incredible. The lights where like an extra character in the show adding ambiance and dramatic flair throughout. The Band being on stage with the cast really added to the festival vibe that comes from a group of hippies. Braking the barrier between stage and audience really makes you feel like you are there with them living the story.

Claude (Paul Wilkins) is a raw talent and can portray pure emotion with just a look.

I was surprised by how many of the songs I was familiar with despite never seeing this show before.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this show and would highly recommend.

• ANDREW BOYER, AS SEEN IN LAW & ORDER AND FOX TV SERIES GENIUS, ANNOUNCED TO JOIN WAITRESS IN THE ROLE OF OLD JOE FROM 12 AUGUST
   
• EASTENDERS’ STAR SHAUN PRENDERGAST WILL COMPLETE HIS FINAL PERFORMANCE IN THE HIT MUSICAL ON 10 AUGUST

Waitress has today announced Andrew Boyer will join the smash hit West End musical in the role of Old Joe from 12 August. Boyer’s previous credits include UK tours for Of Mice and Men and Shawshank Redemption, TV series Law & Order and he has recently completed filming for HBO’s upcoming series Avenue 5. He will take over the role from Shaun Prendergast, as previously seen as DC Holt in EastEnders and who will mark his final performance on 10 August.

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

The Tony-nominated musical celebrated its official opening night at the Adelphi Theatre on 7 March and recently extended by popular demand, now booking through Christmas and New Year to 4 January 2020.

Andrew Boyer has performed extensively across stage and screen. His UK tour credits include Candy in Of Mice And Men and Brooksie in Shawshank Redemption. On Broadway he has starred in Gypsy and Music Man. Other selected credits include 1776, My Fair Lady, King Lear, Disney’s Beauty And The Beast, The Odd Couple, Mrs Warren Profession, Candida, Oliver!, Showboat and A Christmas Carol. Andrew has also guest starred in numerous films and TV productions. His recent credits include Avenue 5 for HBO, Genius for FOX and Law & Order:SUV for NBC.

Brought to life by a ground breaking, female-led creative team, Waitress features an original score by 7-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland) and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The production is also currently touring the US and Canada and has announced an Australian premiere in 2020 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre with further productions to open in Holland next year and Japan in 2021.

Alongside Andrew Boyer as Old Joe, Waitress stars Lucie Jones as Jenna, Laura Baldwin as Dawn, Marisha Wallace as Becky, Blake Harrison as Ogie, Peter Hannah as Earl, David Hunter as Dr. Pomatter.

The full company includes Kelly Agbowu, Laura Baldwin, Piers Bate, Andrew Boyer, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Michael Hamway, Peter Hannah, Blake Harrison, David Hunter, Lucie Jones, Stephen Leask, Chris McGuigan, Olivia Moore, Nathaniel Morrison, Sarah O’Connor, Leanne Pinder, Charlotte Riby, Marisha Wallace and Mark Willshire.

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

Breffni Holahan wins The Stage Edinburgh
Award for Collapsible by Margaret Perry
Disruption: co-curated by HighTide and Assembly

Breffni Holahan has won The Stage Edinburgh Award for her performance in Collapsible – a piece by Margaret Perry (Porcelain), directed by Thomas Martin (Ross and Rachel). It comes to Edinburgh as part of HighTide’s Disruption series, in partnership with Assembly Roxy.

Holahan comments, I’d like to say a massive thank you to The Stage for this enormous honour. No takesies backsies now! My eternal gratitude to Margaret, Tom, Ellie and everyone on Team Collapsible. I was nervous I’d feel lonely performing solo for the first time, but I’ve made wonderful friends in you all, and in Essie.

Producer Ellie Keel adds, It’s been a joy to produce this complex, surprising, wonderful play in partnership with HighTide, and one of the best parts of that process has been seeing Breffni’s performance amaze and dazzle so many people. I can’t wait to take the show to Aldeburgh, the Dublin Fringe and finally the Bush Theatre in 2020!

The Stage Edinburgh Awards are presented throughout the festival. They are not defined by category but recognise an outstanding performance at the Fringe. In her review for The Stage, Natasha Tripney wrote, Breffni Holahan is mesmeric as Essie. A little wide-eyed even in the beginning, her performance builds gradually in intensity.

Collapsible (winner of VAULT Festival 2019’s Origin Award for Outstanding New Work) is a funny, furious new monologue about holding on. It follows the life of a complex, funny bisexual woman and looks at finding connections to people when you don’t feel connected to yourself.

Perry’s writing uses soaring imagination with sharp observation to take a tender look at one person trying to be normal. Blending a fearless, psychologically acute female performance with a set intervention that appears to float the performer in the air, we see that Essie Nutting, despite everyone’s protestations, quite literally doesn’t have her feet on the ground.

Also part of the Disruption programme are Kenny Emson’s Rust, Pops by Charlotte Josephine, and a double bill of shows presented with The Queer House from writers Teddy Lamb and Mika Johnson, as Kevin P. Gilday’s Suffering From Scottishness completes the curated programme.

The shows by Kenny Emson, Margaret Perry, Charlotte Josephine, Teddy Lamb and Mika Johnson will headline HighTide Festival, Aldeburgh 2019 (10th – 15th September).

The Casting Directors’ Guild welcomes new casting category at the BAFTA’s

In response to the news that BAFTA has introduced a new category to recognise achievements in the craft of casting – for both film and television – Victor Jenkins, Chair of the Casting Directors’ Guild (CDG) commented:

“We are thrilled at the news that BAFTA has introduced a category for casting in both their film and television Awards in 2020. The overwhelming industry support since the announcement alone shows just how important this news is to so many of us. We do what we do because we love actors, we love being part of the story telling process, and above all else we are creative people.

The alchemy of casting has long been overlooked in awards categories. I am both personally and professionally over the moon about this most excellent news and on behalf of the Casting Directors’ Guild and its members…and Casting Directors as a whole….send a huge thank you to BAFTA for not one, but two new awards for the craft of casting.

We really hope that the creation of these awards will lead to wider recognition for the huge amount of work that goes into casting for both stage and screen, and instigate further casting categories.”

Andy Pryor, member of the CDG Casting Awards Committee added: “Any production – be it film, television drama, theatre or commercial – is heavily reliant on the quality of its casting, which forms an intrinsic part of the creative process. Casting Directors are at the vanguard of the quest for new talent and the push for inclusiveness. I am delighted that BAFTA will recognise casting for the first time in the film and TV Awards from 2020.”

On 12 February 2019, The Casting Directors’ Guild launched its first Casting Awards to address the lack of casting categories at other industry ceremonies and to celebrate the excellent work of its members. Presenting awards at this event, and echoing the call for official recognition, were celebrated actors Jade Anouka, Gemma Arterton, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Lucy Boynton, Natalie Dormer, Claire Foy, Ana Geislerova, David Gyasi, Andrew Garfield, Richard E Grant, Lisa Hammond, Eleanor Matsuura, John Simm and Russell Tovey. The CDG Casting Awards will return on 11 February 2020