Set in December 2001, with anti-immigration and right-wing voices becoming more prominent in Denmark, the characters in Rosenbaum’s Rescue look back at the evacuation of 7,500 Jews from Denmark to Sweden in October 1943.
Lars (Neil McCaul) is writing a book about the rescue of the Danish Jews, and visits Abraham (David Bamber) to interview him, bringing along his daughter Eva (Dorothea Myer-Bennett). The two men were boys during the war, and Lars’ father carried Abraham’s family to safety in Sweden in his boat. Their fractious relationship is refereed by Abraham’s wife Sara (Julia Swift), who has a romantic history with Lars. Lars questions the accepted narrative of the Danish people rescuing the Jews and is convinced that the Nazis must have somehow allowed it to happen, to the horror of Abraham, whose faith was strengthened by the miracle of the rescue. Stranded in Abraham’s house by snow storms on the last days of Hanukah, Abraham gradually reveals long-hidden facts about his father being tipped off about the German roundup of Jews, and Lars’ quest for the truth ignites bitter conflict between the two men.
As the men battle over whether the story told by history should be based on faith or proof, Sara acts as the voice of reason and reconciliation, while Eva (handily both a neuroscientist and an aspiring writer) asks all the necessary questions to allow further exposition and adds a commentary on what a good story needs. Do we really want the cold hard facts about historical events, or part of the truth that allows a nation to feel good about itself? Myth or facts? Heart or head?
The characters go on to ask whether the people of Denmark would take the same risks to help Muslim migrants in 2001, and their opinions are upsetting but obvious in 2019 when far-right groups and nationalism are prominent.
This could be the driest of dry plays, but A.Bodin Saphir has created characters who throw a lot of historical details at the audience in an engaging and humorous way. Director Kate Fahy doesn’t rush the exposition and the excellent cast give memorable performances. Bamber is in fine form as Abraham, and McCaul captures the arrogant certainty of Lars brilliantly. Swift is warm and funny as Sara, and Myer-Bennett gives a sharp and intelligent performance.
Rosenbaum’s Rescue is thought-provoking and smart but has a warm and witty heart.
Atticist’s revival of David Greig’s weird and wonderful play brings the isolation and freedom of a remote island to a bustling London street. It’s quite a shock when you emerge from the theatre and hear and feel the commotion of a crowded pub.
Set in 1939, ornithologists John (Jack McMillan) and Robert (Tom Machell) have been sent by the Ministry to survey the bird population of a remote Hebridean island. With a month to complete their survey before their transport back to the mainland returns, the men are stuck on the island with its owner, Kirk (Ken Drury) and his niece Ellen (Rose Wardlaw).
Excited at the prospect of studying the elusive fork-tailed petrel, the two men still feel unsettled by the knowledge that their survey will probably be used in preparation for the impending war and are horrified when Kirk reveals the Ministry’s plans for the island.
Director Jessica Lazar confidently allows the story to unfold in its dreamlike way, with lots of physical comedy slowly giving way to mystical monologues and moral debates, but looming over it all is the island. Anna Lewis’s set is deceptively simple, with a rocky platform for external scenes and a circle of stones and warped wooden door marking the chapel interior. Christopher Preece’s sound and David Doyle’s lighting design create an eerily beautiful and stark atmosphere.
The realisation that on this outlying island where ‘pagans’ once lived, far from civilisation, society’s rules and regulations are meaningless comes quickly to the younger characters, and their exploration and pushing of social and sexual boundaries builds to a devastating climax as the petrels swoop above the island. Big issues are tackled but the mythical feel that builds throughout the play doesn’t dissipate. As Ellen revels in being free of her uncle’s strict rules, she becomes bold and wild, shocking John, who finds it hard to abandon all that he has been taught. Wardlaw and McMillan bring wonderful energy to their characters, McMillan is like a little puppy bouncing around trying to keep the peace at first and Wardlaw is spellbinding as she tells tales of the island. Robert takes great joy in observing and experiencing things, but appears to list rather than feel appropriate responses making him either a brilliantly focussed scientist, or a sociopath. Machell’s wide-eyed grin and intense delivery make you glad you’re not on the island with him. Drury commands the stage with his threatening, God-fearing character, and the ever-changing dynamics between the characters is fascinating.
An impressive production of this beguiling and intriguing play.
Directed by Sean Mathias; Designed by Lee Newby; Lighting Designer: Jamie Platt
Sound Designer and Composer: Lex Kosanke; Casting Director: Lucy Casson
at Park Theatre
13 February – 16 March 2019
Robert Fox and Alex Turner, in association with Park Theatre and King’s Head Theatre, today announce the full cast for the UK première of Martin Sherman’s new play Gently Down The Stream, following a critically acclaimed run at the Public Theater in New York. Sean Mathias directs Jonathan Hyde, Ben Allen and Harry Lawtey. The production opens at Park Theatre on 18 February 2019, with previews from 13 February, running until 16 March.
This passionate new play by Olivier and Tony Award nominee Martin Sherman makes its UK debut 40 years after his celebrated modern classic Bent, which subsequently became a major film directed by Olivier and Tony Award nominee Sean Mathias, who directs this production of Gently Down The Stream, marking Martin Sherman’s 80th birthday.
The play follows the remarkably moving and brilliantly funny love story of Beau, an older American pianist living in London, and Rufus, an eccentric young lawyer. Coming of age during the 70s, Beau’s attitude to love has been seasoned by a life of loving men in a world that initially refused to allow it. Not looking for a long-term relationship, Beau is naturally cautious when Rufus unexpectedly enters his world. However, while the age gap feels unorthodox to Beau, it is immaterial to Rufus, who is from a new generation of gay men. Rufus has none of Beau’s doubts about the possibility of attaining happiness and love in the 21st Century and as he assimilates himself into Beau’s past and present, Beau learns to embrace Rufus as one of the most defining relationships of his life.
As generations intertwine, Gently Down The Stream reveals the journey of gay history and celebrates the men and women who led the way for equality, marriage and the right to dream.
Jonathan Hyde plays Beau. His theatre work includes Frost/Nixon, Julius Caesar (Sheffield Theatres), Travels With My Aunt (Menier Chocolate Factory), The King’s Speech (UK tour and Wyndham’s Theatre), Rattigan’s Nijinsky (Chichester Festival Theatre), King Lear, The Seagull (international tour), Jumpers, Sleep With Me (National Theatre), Antigone (The Old Vic), The Rehearsal,Scenes from an Execution (Almeida Theatre), Julius Caesar, The Alchemist, ‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore, Les Liaisons Dangereuses (RSC) and Macbeth (Lyceum Theatre). His recent television work includes A Very English Scandal, The Strain, Trollhunters, Tokyo Trial, Isaan Newton: The Last Magician, Spooks; and for film, Breathe, Crimson Peak, The Mummy, Richie Rich, Jumanji, Anaconda and Titanic.
Ben Allen plays Rufus. His theatre work includes Present Laughter (Chichester Festival Theatre), Antony and Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Oppenheimer, The Shoemaker’s Holiday (RSC), The Seagull (Manchester Library Theatre Company), Twelfth Night, The Taming of the Shrew, The Merchant of Venice, The Winter’s Tale, Henry V(Propeller) and ‘…and the darkness descended’ (Punchdrunk). Television work includes Barbarians Rising andBonekickers.
Harry Lawtey plays Harry. His theatre work includes The Country Wife (Chichester Festival Theatre). For television, his work includes Marcella and Wizards vs Aliens; and for film, City of Tiny Lights, Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Martin Sherman was born in Philadelphia in 1938. His early plays include Passing By, Cracks and Rio Grande, all presented by Playwrights Horizons in New York. His play Bent was first presented at the Royal Court with Ian McKellen, then on Broadway with Richard Gere, revived at the National Theatre, again with Ian McKellen, and in the West End with Alan Cumming. It has since been performed in over sixty countries. Later plays include Messiah, A Madhouse in Goa, When She Danced (the last two starring Vanessa Redgrave in the West End),Some Sunny Day and Onassis. Rose premièred at the National Theatre, with Olympia Dukakis, before transferring to Broadway. He wrote the book for the musical The Boy From Oz. His screenplays include The Summer House, Alive and Kicking, Bent, The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone and Mrs Henderson Presents. He has been nominated for two Tonys, two Oliviers and two BAFTAS.
Sean Mathias is a theatre director, film director and writer. He has worked at the National Theatre, the West End, the Kennedy Centre, The Mark Taper Forum, Off-Broadway and many times on Broadway, as well as Paris, Sydney, Cape Town, Johannesburg, San Francisco and extensively in the UK. He has written a number of plays including the award winning A Prayer for Wings, and the screenplay for the award-winning BBC film The Lost Language of Cranes. In 2009/2010 Mathias was the Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Haymarket and his legendary production of Waiting for Godot played two seasons at the theatre, as well as touring the UK and internationally. In 2013 he directed and co-produced Two Plays in Rep, comprising Beckett’s Waiting for Godotand Pinter’s No Man’s Land on Broadway at the Cort Theatre. His production of No Man’s Land, starring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, was the highest grossing play in the history of the Wyndham’s Theatre. He has won multiple awards including the Standard Award, the Critics’ Circle Award, a Fringe First at Edinburgh and the Prix de la Jeunesse at Cannes.
Age guidance 14+
Listings Gently Down the Stream
Park Theatre, Park 200
Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP
Box Office: 020 7870 6876*
Mon – Sat from 10am – 6pm (excluding Sunday and public holidays)
In person: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri from 3pm – 8pm and Thu and Sat from 12pm – 8pm. Sun closed (Tickets can be purchased from the ground floor cafe bar during opening times)
* No booking fee online. Telephone booking fee applies.
Tickets:
Previews £18.50
Standard £18.50 – £32.50
Performances: Mon – Sat Evening 19.30, Thu & Sat Matinees 15.00
Concessions are available, for further information, please see the website (£16.50 – £23.50)
FIRST LOOK AT ELLIOT HARPER AS MISS TRUNCHBULL IN THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL UK & IRELAND TOUR
The Royal Shakespeare Company have released the first images of Elliot Harper as Miss Trunchbull in Matilda The Musical’s UK and Ireland tour. Elliot joined the production on Tuesday 15 January at Theatre Royal Plymouth. The tour will then play at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (19 February – 23 March 2019), Edinburgh Playhouse (2 – 27 April 2019),TheBristol Hippodrome (7 May – 8 June 2019), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (11 June – 6 July 2019) and Norwich Theatre Royal (16 July – 17 August 2019). The West End production will continue to play at the Cambridge Theatre, where it is now in its eighth year and is booking until 24 May 2020.
Carly Thoms (Miss Honey) and Sebastien Torkia and Rebecca Thornhill (Mr and Mrs Wormwood) will continue in their roles until the tour concludes its run at Norwich Theatre Royal on 17 August 2019.
Elliot Harper’s West End theatre credits include Father Joe in The Exorcist at the Phoenix Theatre,Matilda The Musical (Cambridge Theatre), One Man Two Guvnors (National Theatre), Les Misérables (Queens Theatre) and The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre). Other theatre credits include Sweet Charity (Watermill), A Study In Scarlet (Southwark Playhouse), The Silver Tassie (Druid/Lincoln Center NY), Rope, Arsenic and Old Lace (Pitlochry Festival Theatre), The Big Sleep (The Mill At Sonning), As You Like It, Deathtrap, The Taming of the Shrew, The Talented Mr Ripley and Travels with my Aunt (Queens Theatre, Hornchurch), and the UK touring productions ofJesus Christ Superstar and The Buddy Holly Story. Harper’s film and television credits include Howard Goodall’s 20th Century Greats (Tiger Aspect), Showroom, which was a winning film at SXSW Film Festival, and The Egg, Masters of the Universe (Asalva Productions).
The full adult cast includes Richard Astbury, Joe Atkinson, Nina Bell, Peter Bindloss, Oliver Bingham, Emily Bull, Samara Casteallo, Matthew Caputo, Matt Gillett, Michelle Chantelle Hopewell, Sam Lathwood, Steffan Lloyd-Evans, Charlie Martin, Tom Mather, Anu Ogunmefun, Carly Thoms, Rebecca Thornhill, Sebastien Torkia, Adam Vaughan andDawn Williams.
The role of Matilda is shared by Sophia Ally,Scarlett Cecil, Poppy Jones, Emma Moore andNicola Turner. The other young performers in the UK and Ireland Tour in the three teams who play the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the rest of the pupils at Crunchem Hall and are as follows:Evie Allen, Louella Asante-Owusu, Joseph Black, Georgia Mae Brown, Isobelle Chalmers, Jessica Chalmers, Madeline Gilby, Sheldon Golding, Cuba Kamanu, Tom Lomas, Adam Lord, Maddison Lowe, Ilan Miller, Felicity Mitson, Toby Mocrei, Ashton Murphy, Joely Robertson, Ruaridh Sinnott, Kit Swaddling, Chantelle Tonolete, Harrison Wilding and Harry Wilson.
Matilda The Musical is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus. The production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision byChristopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by PaulKieve.
The production is accompanied by Change My Story, a new education programme inspired byMatilda The Musical which will engage young people in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland. With a travelling library of stories led by the musical’s librarian Mrs Phelps and whole school takeovers, the RSC aims to reach over 15,000 children, in collaboration with touring theatre partners. Further details can be found at http://uk.matildathemusical.com/tour/schools/matilda-school-resources/.
Matilda The Musical has now been seen by 8.7 million people worldwide, having toured to over 72 cities and played more than 6500 performances in the West End, on Broadway and on tour across North America, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Matilda The Musical had its first non-English language production at the LG Arts Centre in Seoul, South Korea in September 2018.
Inspired by the incomparable Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda The Musical was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and premiered at the RSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon home in November 2010, before transferring to London’s West End in October 2011, where it opened to rave reviews. The New York production of Matilda The Musical opened in April 2013 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre and was celebrated on 10 “Top Ten” lists for 2013, including TIME Magazine’s #1 Show of the Year.
Matilda The Musical swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, and won four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway.
The North America production toured 52 cities. The Australian and New Zealand production won a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Musical in 2015, and played sold-out seasons in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Auckland. The show broke further records in July 2016 by winning all 13 Helpmann Awards for which it was nominated.
Matilda The Musical is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company with André Ptaszynski and Denise Wood as Executive Producers. The production was developed with the support of Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.
The production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by PaulKieve.–
TOUR LISTINGS
Theatre Royal Plymouth Tuesday 15 January – Saturday 16 February 2019 Box Office: 01752 267 222 www.theatreroyal.com
The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford Tuesday 19 February – Saturday 23 March 2019 Box Office: 01274 432 000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk
BLAKE are proud to announce their brand-new UK tour for 2019; Movies and Musicals.
With their latest (and seventh) album going straight into the charts at number one, BLAKE really stand out as Britain’s number one harmony group.
For over 10 years BLAKE have performed Classical, Opera and Crossover giving each song a beautiful and unique BLAKE sound.
2019’s exclusive new tour will see them choose music from their favourite movies and musicals and arrange them with their own exclusive harmonies. Songs from all the greats like Morricone, Barry, Bernstein and Bizet will be amongst many that feature in this brand-new tour. Add to this a beautiful backdrop, incredible choirs and some hilarious stories and it all adds up to the perfect night out.
“This new tour is a tribute to some of the very best that Stage and Screen has to offer”
Since coming together in 2007 BLAKE have had enormous success throughout the World with over a million albums sold, No.1 hits in ten countries and approaching 150 TV appearances around the globe. Their career has seen them work with some of the industry greats including the magnificent Katherine Jenkins and the spectacular Dame Shirley Bassey.
BLAKE continue to delight audiences with their astounding singing and magnetic stage presence. Their friendship dates back to their school years and because of this their performances are natural and instinctive, which is why audiences come back to see them year after year.
Theatre Royal Bath Ustinov – until 26th Jan Reviewed by Nicky Wyatt 5*****
My first time at the Ustinov , what a lovely theatre space and also my first New Old Friends production. Absolutely brilliant! Crimes on the Nile is a superb comedy theatre with the story of Agatha Christie Death on the Nile rescripted to a cleverly written laugh out loud comedy.
With just 4 actors playing 12 roles it is a fast quick humoured show with some very clever word play. I can only imagine the fun these 4 have off stage rehearsing it.
The infamous lady detective Artemis Ariane (Kirsty Cox) having to use her grey matter to unravel the crimes. She is a cross between Miss Marple and Poirot she even has a Belgium accent. Although on holiday and despite her refusals to get involved she is soon at work trying to solve the mystery.
The quick and clever accent changes are reminiscent of the much loved Allo Allo style comedy complete with innuendo and many double entendres. Along with the amazing use of stage space including clever props, I mean you would never expect to see a Crocodile and a Camel race on stage!
These actors and their quick changes of voice and clothes are hilarious. Heather Westwell was my favourite with her Mimi, Aurora, Luna and Temperance so very clever. I particularly loved the room scene she must have been shattered. Temperance with her novels and writings had me in stitches especially when her son Feargus Woods Dunlop as Colossus was in the room , such an embarrassing mum!
Feargus so good as the Dr a bit odd and gawky very funny but as Simpkins he was brilliant the mans that sees all and no one notices.
Fergus Leatham the loveable rogue of ships captain , Kirk and Marty was so funny throughout, from hiding his drinking to wooing Temperance.
In Bath for another week or so I urge you to go and laugh the January Blues away – James Farrell director just brilliant!
· BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND THE WORLD RENOWNED TAIKO DRUMMERS COMBINE TRADITIONAL MUSIC WITH STYLE AND AGILITY
· NOW IN THEIR 25TH YEAR YAMATO WILL PRESENT THE UK PREMIERE OF “JHONETSU” or “PASSION”, BEGINNING ON 15TH FEBRUARY AT THE BRIGHTON DOME
· YAMATO WILL THEN TOUR TO 18 VENUES IN THREE WEEKS INCLUDING MILTON KEYNES, LIVERPOOL, YORK, COVENTRY, STOKE, MALVERN, POOLE, TORQUAY, OXFORD, FOLKESTONE, READING, GUILDFORD, HIGH WYCOMBE, BIRMINGHAM, MIDDLESBROUGH, SUNDERLAND BEFORE A RUN AT LONDON’S PEACOCK THEATRE
Yamato: the Drummers of Japan will return to the UK following their hugely successful 2017 tour. From February 2019 audiences across the country can experience Yamato’s innovative style; combining traditional Taiko drumming with spectacle and athleticism.
Next spring Yamato will bring their unique style of performance back to Britain for a 18 venue tour – from 15th February to 31st March – presenting a production never before seen in the UK. The 12-strong Taiko troupe will make a return visit to some venues as well as stopping off in new cities spanning the country. Press night will be held at the Brighton Dome on 15th February.
Yamato formed in 1993 with the aim of preserving the tradition of Taiko drumming whilst exploring new possibilities for the majestic instrument, the wadiako, and to create endless opportunities for the rich reverberations to be heard worldwide. Recognised as trailblazers in the Taiko world, Yamato has broken from the patriarchal confines of the style by including female drummers in the troupe from inception. Since then, the troupe has performed in front of 7 million people in more than 54 countries across the globe.
Perhaps more physically demanding that any other drumming style, performers must not only learn the traditional technique but also engage in an intensive endurance training programme. Taiko drums can weigh up to half a ton and to strike them effectively requires the full strength of a well-trained body. Yamato’s troupe starts each day with a 10km run and vigorous weight training to keep themselves in peak physical condition and maintain the fitness needed for their nightly 2 hour performances.
In this brand new show “Passion” or “Jhonetsu”, the drummers will challenge themselves to their absolute limits both musically and physically. With a show designed to instil audiences with the exhilarating and explosive energy of Taiko, this promises to be their most ambitious and spectacular show to date.
Let It Be returns this Spring due to popular demand
New Act Two features ‘must see’ reunion
Let It Be: A Celebration Of The Music Of The Beatles is returning to the stage in 2019 with a series of new tour dates announced in a year that marks key anniversaries in Fab Four history.
The acclaimed theatrical concert, which features an all-new Let It Be Part II reunion concert, proved such a hit with audiences and critics alike when it was premiered last year and a sell out European Tour, that it is now returning for a new UK Tour through Spring 2019.
After opening in Portsmouth on 22 April, Let It Be will then visit Inverness, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Blackpool, Bath, Bradford and Norwich.
Let It Be is a celebration of the iconic music of The Beatles and has already been seen by more than two million people worldwide, including a run in the West End and two UK tours.
Beatles fans are invited to join John, Paul, George and Ringo for an unforgettable night of live music. The cast will be announced shortly.
Act One takes audiences through the early days of the band as they embarked on theirmusical journey and onwards to the heights of global Beatlemania. The historic Royal Variety Performance, Shea Stadium and those iconic Sergeant Pepper costumes all feature. The first half of the evening features many of their most famous songs including I Want to HoldYour Hand, Day Tripper, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Penny Lane, A Day In The Life, Come Together, Get Back, and The End.
In a twist from the original Let It Be show, Act Two is set a decade after The Beatles went their separate ways. It gives fans a rare glimpse of how the Fab Four could have Come Together once again to perform – and is not to be missed.
Audiences are taken on a memorable and unique step back in time to the reunion concert taking place on 9 October 1980 – it’s John Lennon’s 40th Birthday. This is the ultimate concert that never was. The band reunite for one night only, just Imagine.
The band’s solo material featured includes Starting Over, Band On The Run, Black Bird, Got My Mind Set On You, My Sweet Lord, Live and Let Die, and Imagine.
The new tour coincides with a number of iconic anniversaries in the history of the most successful band of all time, The Beatles – who started out as just four young lads from Liverpool.
This year marks 50 years since The Beatles took those infamous steps across the pedestrian crossing outside EMI’s Abbey Road Studios in London, which went on to become one of the most famous album covers of all time.
Sadly, it also marks the 50th anniversaries of the group playing together for the final time with a rooftop performance on top of the Apple Corps building in London’s Savile Row. They also finished recording Abbey Road – and this year also marks half a century since the album was released.
Let It Be producer Jeff Parrysaid: “The original Let It Be was a hit with Beatles fans all over the world, but UK audiences’ reaction to the new show and the new Act Two reunion concert that never was, has been nothing short of phenomenal.
“It may be almost half a century since The Beatles split, but their popularity and their influence just seems to keep growing, with their incredible and creative catalogue of music attracting a whole new generation of fans. And with so many important anniversaries during 2019, we’re delighted to take this special show to thousands more Beatles fans here in the UK.”
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY ABOUT LET IT BE
‘A masterstroke’
British Theatre Guide
‘A rare glimpse of how the Fab Four could have Come Together once again’
Theatre News UK
“A joy to hear these beloved songs live”
The Mail on Sunday
‘The cast left me in complete awe during the second half of Let It Be’
ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL 50th ANNIVERSARY – GREATEST HITS SHOW
Wednesday February 20th 7.30pm
GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK
CELEBRATING THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF DYLAN’S FESTIVAL FOLKLORE PERFORMANCE – THE BOB DYLAN STORY
The year 2019 marks the golden anniversary of Bob Dylan’s famous comeback performance at the Isle of Wight Festival.
Fifty years ago, resplendent in a sharp cream suit, Dylan strode on to the stage before more than 150,000 music fans to deliver a performance that would go down in rock music history.
This special moment in time is celebrated in The Bob Dylan Story’s Isle of Wight 50th Anniversary Greatest Hits Show, which hits town in the coming weeks.
The authoritative production is described as a “stunning and definitive live concert celebration of rock music’s greatest icon” by the star of the show Bill Lennon.
“Music lovers are invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dylan’s famous comeback appearance and relive the moment as we feature classics performed on that heady late summer evening,” he says.
“There’s the joyous romance of I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight, the whimsy of Quinn The Eskimo, and the trademark venom of Maggie’s Farm.”
The aural and visual spectacular, which features visual projections and the fascinating stories behind the songs, was written by Bill, a self-confessed Dylan fanatic.
“You can join ‘Bob’ and ‘The Band’ on a nostalgic trip through and beyond 1960s America as we bring to life all the hits including Like A Rolling Stone, Mr Tambourine Man, Blowin’ In The Wind, Knocking On Heaven’s Door, All Along The Watchtower, The Times They Are A-Changin’, Lay Lady Lay and many more,” says Bill.
Attention to detail is promised as the production presents a specially-written homage to Dylan’s Isle of Wight performance.
“By the summer of 1969 little had been heard from the folk music legend for more than three years,” says Bill. “Following a motorcycle accident, Bob had gone into semi-retirement.
“He was reportedly lured to the UK to appear at the festival with the promise of visiting ‘Tennyson country’ and what occurred was one of the most famous festival performances of all time.”
Four festival recordings were included on his Self Portrait album including Like a Rolling Stone, The Mighty Quinn, Minstrel Boy and She Belongs to Me.
The Bob Dylan Story recreates the hits, along with the tales behind many of the songs, with a story arc that starts with JFK’s inauguration speech and returns almost full circle to his tragic assassination in 1963.
“You can experience the thrill and energy of a full-blown electric Dylan concert,” he says, “planted firmly in the 1960s, a time when anything seemed possible, in a show that will remind you what REAL nostalgia feels like, and have you digging out your old vinyl to sustain the pleasure just that little bit longer.”
Bill concludes with a reference to the Dylan’s famed Manchester Free Trade Hall concert – when the folk hero plugged in his electric guitar to the chagrin of “folk purists” in the audience: “Oh, and don’t forget to shout Judas!”
STRICTLY CHAMPION TO STAR IN ROCK OF AGES AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE
Strictly Come Dancing champion Kevin Clifton to star in Rock of Ages
Leeds audiences are encouraged to get their ‘rock’ on as the award-winning musical Rock of Ages makes its first ever visit to Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 29 July to Saturday 3 August 2019.
Now a global smash with hit seasons on Broadway, London’s West End and Las Vegas, and a star-studded Hollywood movie version starring (amongst others) Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Tom Cruise, Rock of Ages is an LA love story lavished with over 25 classic rock anthems, including The Final Countdown, I Want To Know What Love Is and We Built This City.
Starring in thelead role of Stacee Jaxx is Strictly Come Dancing champion Kevin Clifton who will swap the ballroom for the ‘Bourbon Club’ when he plays alongside Kevin Kennedy (Coronation Street, Fat Friends The Musical), Zoe Birkett (Pop Idol), Jodie Steele (Heathers The Musical) in the ultimate 80s rock ‘n’ roll musical.
Clifton or ‘Kevin from Grimsby’ is an international Ballroom and Latin dancer having won numerous titles across the world, including the Britain Latin Championships four times. He is best known as a Pro Dancer on BBC One’sStrictly Come Dancing, and having reached the final in four consecutive series, was finally crowned Strictly champion in 2018 with television presenter and journalist Stacey Dooley. Kevin made his musical theatre debut in Dirty Dancing the Musical at the Aldwych Theatre in London’s West End before going on to become a principle dancer for the Burn The Floor Dance Company, performing in the show’s record breaking Broadway run, in London’s West End and across the world. Kevin also toured nationwide with Karen Clifton in 2017 and 2018 in their theatre show Kevin and Karen Dance.
Warning: contains serious rock ‘n’ roll debauchery!
Rock of Ages is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 29 July to Saturday 3 August. Priority Membership tickets onsale from Wednesday 16 January. General onsale is Wednesday 23 January.
Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700
