Jack Studio Theatre – until 1 December

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Just how far would you go to get your dream home?

First Knight Theatre’s production of Philip Ridley’s Radiant Vermin takes that question to unbelievable extremes in this dark, dark comedy. Jill (Laura Janes) and Ollie (Matthew John Wright) are an ordinary couple expecting their first child. Stuck in a flat on a notorious estate, the sudden offer of a dream home is one they can’t turn down. When they see the rundown area and see the state of their new home, they are certain that it is a practical joke. The arrival of the mysterious and all-knowing Miss Dee (Emma Sweeney – full of calmly malevolent menace – think Satan’s Supernanny), convinces them that it is the right choice, with Ollie putting aside his nagging doubts and suspicion for the sake of their baby.

The government scheme they sign up for gives them a free house and removals, but they must renovate the house themselves. When the couple discover the quick and easy way to magically renovate each room, they are horrified, but soon convince themselves that their dream home is worth it. They even develop more efficient methods for stress-free and humane renovation as their homeless renovators become less and less human to them.

Ridley skewers consumerism and social hypocrisy with sublime skill and the cast bring his fine script to life with amazing energy. Staged as the couple’s confession/explanation of their actions, Wright and Janes act out the major events of the past 18 months in front of a white screen. There are no props and no scenery. The two actors must carry the show on their own, which they do with consummate ease. As mild-mannered Ollie turns into a killing machine, Wright keeps the character’s neediness and inherent sweetness to the forefront, even as he commits heinous acts for his family. Janes give a fantastically layered performance as Jill – sweet and god-fearing one minute, then manipulating Ollie by stating that they are doing all of this for their baby (who’s obviously flicking through designer catalogues in the womb). Jill’s speech where she swerves from insisting she lives by her Christian values when thinking about the homeless to spouting hate and bile about them being lazy, useless vermin is judged brilliantly and feels as if you’re witnessing a rant down the pub. The garden party scene is flat-out hilarious, with Janes and Wright portraying the multiple characters in the increasingly fast-paced chaos without a slip. Each of the characters is clearly defined and the audience is left in exhausted awe of the duo’s talent.

Radiant Vermin is a deliciously dark comedy staged with impeccable timing around the Black Friday hysteria. The only thing you really need to buy this week is a ticket.

The Speigeltent @ Festival Square, Edinburgh – Until 5^th January 2019

Reviewed by James Knight

5*****

In a soft light, a Christmas tree is solemnly decorated in reverent fashion, until Bernie Dieter, in feather-trimmed black catsuit and studded heels, steps up, kicks the presents out the way and declares La Clique Noel – Part Deux open. She’s not here for genteel fireside entertainment. ‘This is not a fucking panto!’ she cries, and deftly instructs the audience in how best to show our appreciation for the evening’s acts.

And what acts they are. As Bernie’s hellraiser disappears into the shadows of the Spiegeltent, we’re treated to a glorious mix of music, circus, burlesque and magic. Supplying an almost constant backdrop of sound is Dannie Bourne and the La Clique Palais Orkestra, six musicians of an incredible calibre. Kelly Wolfgramm’s smooth vocals are a delight, and Eamon McNelis’ virtuoso solo trumpet was an easy standout.

The rest of the performers appear onstage one by one, and each display their talents with a confidence and ease that is sexy, outrageous and often envious. Florian Brooks’ besuited club juggler had the audience spellbound, almost afraid to blink or make a noise in case they missed a single slick motion. Heather Holliday’s sword swallowing and fire-breathing act was equally at ease in teasing the audience with effortlessness, class and a flirtatious sense of humour. Paul Zenon’s cheeky-chappie magician stuck a card in a walnut in a room filled with mirrors – a self-described magician’s worst nightmare. Burlesque artist Mosh drew every eye in the auditorium (and no doubt a bit of shuffling in seats from some viewers) and while swinging over the heads of the audience, acrobat Stephen Williams got the front row wet. Ahem.

All of this held together beautifully by the maestro of mayhem Bernie Dieter, who made sure that everyone felt welcome and included in this marvellous cabaret. Sensitive enough to ensure it won’t upset those with more delicate natures, but risqué enough to get the pulses racing, La Clique Noel Part Deux is funny, sexy, and has enough charisma to power the Christmas lights all year round.

Neil Laidlaw and Jason Haigh-Ellery present

 

The Steamie – at the SSE HYDRO

        – bigger, better, steamier!

 

Written and Directed

by Tony Roper

Songs by David Anderson

 

SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2019, 6.00pm

MONDAY 30 DECEMBER 2019, 7.30pm

TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2019, 1.00pm & 5.30pm

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 30 NOVEMBER 10AM

Sign up at thesteamieplay.com

 

Neil Laidlaw and Jason Haigh Ellery are proud to announce very special performances of The Steamie at The SSE Hydro next Hogmanay, 2019 which sees Tony Roper’s play which Scotland has taken to its heart with a bigger cast, bigger sets and more songs and music than ever before.

In a spectacular new production designed specifically for the SSE Hydro, a new cast – to be announced – bring a scaled up Steamie to entertain audiences with its humour, pathos and grit as the ladies play out their Hogmanay traditions in the Wash House.

In what will be an unforgettable night, the audience joins the ladies of the Glasgow wash house, as they get their washing done before the Hogmanay bells. Dolly, Magrit, Doreen and Mrs Culfeathers laugh, cry and sing their way through the last day of the year – with a little help from the not so handy Andy.

The Steamie is a Scottish theatrical classic; an ode to the hard working women of the 1950’s and to a bygone Glasgow. The young Doreen envisions a new future, while Mrs Culfeathers looks back to the past – the play is a snapshot of a society, of a time and a cross section of strong women, all rolled into Roper’s hilarious comedy.

“This is a production that skips past the nostalgia to find the irony in society’s dreams in past times.” – Thom Dibden, The Stage

Writer and director, Tony Roper said: “Ever since I saw Still Game at the Hydro I’ve been hoping to take The Steamie there. Set on Hogmanay, it’ll be particularly special presenting it at this time of year. The laughter, tears and wonderful grit of the women touches audiences and makes it a favourite night out. We’re working up the songs and the staging of it to fill the arena. All the characters and stories you love with a whole lot of extras – it’s going to be stupendously spectacular.”

Tony Roper is a Scottish actor, comedian, writer, playwright and director who first wrote The Steamie in 1987 and directed the 25th anniversary production in 2012. As an actor his first major role was in Scotch and Rye and he is most recognizable as Jamesie Cotter from Rab C Nesbitt.

Tony’s other plays include Paddies Market, a conceptual sequel to The Steamie, and Rikki and Me, a play about the comedy actor Rikki Fulton. He has written two novels based on Rikki Fulton’s character Rev I.M Jolly. His autobiography I’ll No Tell You Again, was published in 2014. He will appearing in Cinderella at the Kings Theatre Glasgow this Christmas as one of the Ugly Sisters.

This is the fourth time Neil Laidlaw has produced a tour of The Steamie, first in 2009 and then the 25th Anniversary Tour in 2012 and its 30th Anniversary Tour in 2017. Originally from Burntisland, Neil is now based in London’s West End. Recent successes include co-producing the award winning Oslo at the Pinter Theatre in the West End and the new British musical The Grinning Man at Trafalgar Studios.  He has just announced the first UK tour of a brand new stage adaptation of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin premiering in April of 2019.

Neil has said that “The Steamie is one of the greatest Scottish plays which has captured the hearts of many across Scotland. I hope we are setting a new tradition presenting it at Hogmanay, when it is set. I am extremely proud to have had the opportunity to be associated with it in the past and am very excited to be taking it to the SSE Hydro in a brand new version which we are all working on like crazy”

 

THE STEAMIE AT THE SSE HYDRO

SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2019 – 6.00pm

MONDAY 30 DECEMBER 2019 – 7.30pm

TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2019 – 1.00pm & 5.30pm

 

Tickets on sale on Friday 30 November at 10am

https://www.thessehydro.com/events

Box office: 0844 395 4000

GOLDEN WEDNESDAY AT THE HIPPODROME

Forget Black Friday, Darlington Hippodrome is holding its very own Golden Wednesday with ticket offers on a selection of upcoming shows.

There’s no need to hurtle down to your nearest megastore to fight for an over-sized TV to get the full experience of Black Friday – for just one day you can snap up some fabulous deals on a selection of Darlington Hippodrome shows on Golden Wednesday, 28 November.

There are great deals to be had for the festive family pantomime Aladdin (December 8 to January 6), the beautiful ballet Giselle (Thursday 24 January), the week-long smash hit Simon & Garfunkel Story (Tuesday 29 January to Saturday 2 February), children’s favourite Tom Gates Live on Stage (Wednesday 6 to Saturday 9 March), Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray (Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 March), Walk Right Back – the story of the Everly Brothers (Tuesday 16 April) and Seven Drunken Nights (Wednesday 15 May) – the ultimate party celebrating Irish music and humour.

Each show has a different deal attached to it, and there are limited numbers of tickets available with each deal, so be sure to book as soon as you can, simply quote GOLDEN when booking. These offers are only available when booking on Wednesday 28 November.

For information or to book call the box office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Tilted Wig Productions, Malvern Theatres and Churchill Theatre Bromley

present a brand-new UK Tour of Oscar Wilde’s

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY

THU 7 – SAT 9 MARCH 2019

CHURCHILL THEATRE BROMLEY

Tilted Wig Productions are proud to present an exciting and bold new production of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. Co-produced with Malvern Theatres and the Churchill Theatre Bromley, it will premiere at the Churchill Theatre from Thu 7 – Sat 9 March 2019 before going on a national tour in the spring.

Tilted Wig is delighted to announce that Jonathan Wrather will be joining the cast, taking the part of Lord Henry Wotton. Jonathan is best known to audiences for recently playing the controversial Pierce Harris in ITV’s Emmerdale for two years. Other notable TV credits include Joe Carter in Coronation Street, Silent Witness and Casualty. He also has extensive stage and film credits. The cast also includes Daniel Goode (Basil) and Kate Dobson (Sybil) with further casting to be announced.

The play, based on the classic novel, celebrates Wilde’s wonderful language and will appeal to audiences old and new. It is adapted and directed by Séan Aydon and designed by Sarah Beaton. Featuring Wilde’s famous wit and a stellar cast, The Picture of Dorian Gray is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat right up until the final scenes of the play – providing a really entertaining night out for all.

In a society obsessed with youth and beauty, Dorian is given the chance to keep his looks forever. But at what cost…? The Picture of Dorian Gray is the story of a cultured, wealthy, and beautiful young man’s downfall through moral corruption and seduction. Dorian, who, fearing that his good looks would fade as he grows old, wishes that a portrait painted of him could bear the burden of the ageing process, leaving him forever young and resulting in disastrous consequences!

Katherine Senior of Tilted Wig Productions says: ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray will be the 21st show that Matthew and I have taken out on the road. We produced 19 shows for Creative Cow over its 10 years in existence and now, under the banner of Tilted Wig Productions, The Picture of Dorian Gray will be our second production, following on from the success of Great Expectations last year. We hope audiences will enjoy our classic re -telling of this famous novel as it still has such resonance with our modern day lives and with its utter timelessness should feel bang up to date.’

She continues; ‘We have a great tour lined up with some fantastic venues. Another first is to be producing this show with Churchill Theatre in Bromley, alongside Malvern Theatres, with whom we produced Great Expectations with last year. We are thrilled to be working with these two theatres and welcoming our guest star Jonathan Wrather, to bring this timeless thriller to the regions’.

 

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Churchill Theatre, Bromley

Thu 7 – Sat 9 March 2019

BOOK NOW

Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA

churchilltheatre.co.uk

Ticket Office: 020 3285 6000 [email protected]

STARS TURN OUT TO CELEBRATE LEEDS GRAND THEATRE’S 140^THBIRTHDAY

Stars of stage and screen were amongst many esteemed guests that attended a red-carpet event on Wednesday 21 November to celebrate Leeds Grand Theatre’s 140^th birthday in collaboration with hit West End and Broadway musical, Jersey Boys.

Oh What A Night! saw Kay Mellor, Sam Bailey, Ellie and Izzie Warner (Gogglebox), Emmerdale cast members, the Original Calendar Girls and Yorkshire and England cricketer Jack Leaning (amongst others) show their support for the Grand Old Lady of Leeds. Invited guests from local businesses, funders, councillors and colleagues from the cultural sector were also in attendance.

Guests were treated to pre and post show drinks (attended by the cast and crew), and a performance of the award-winning musical. Chris Blythe, CEO, and Paul Scholey, Chair of the Board, gave speeches thanking people for their continued support before Ian Sime, General Manger, led guests in a rendition of Happy Birthday followed by the cutting of the cake.

Kay Mellor said: “As ever, a fantastic evening at the fabulous Grand Theatre in my home town.”

Leeds Grand Theatre provides a home for performances of all types, including its resident companies Opera North and Northern Ballet. Since its Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council supported ‘transformation’ in 2006, the theatre has hosted the best of the West End and other touring productions, including large musicals, drama from the National Theatre, comedians and music. The theatre provided a venue for the world premieres of Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s, The Girls (2015), and Fat Friends The Musical (2017) penned by Mellor.

Stars that have graced the famous stage including Julie Andrews, Ken Dodd, Bruce Forsyth, Elton John, Peter Kay, Morecambe and Wise, Laurence Olivier, Cliff Richard and Tommy Steele. In more recent years, The Grand has welcomed Fern Britton, Dara O’Briain, Jake Bugg, Andrew Flintoff, Nigel Havers, Jane McDonald and Sting.

Oh What A Night! was one of many events to take place to mark the special occasion. A popup exhibition of images and ‘fun facts’ in Victoria Quarter on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November and an afternoon tea for past and present staff have also taken place.

 

Patrons of Leeds Grand are being encouraged to share their stories on social media tagging @grandtheatreLS1and using the hashtag #LeedsGrandAt140 or by emailing [email protected]. The best stories will be shared on The Grand’s social platforms.

 

“We should all be so very proud of the Grand Theatre, right through the country, the world and of course here in Yorkshire.” Dickie Bird OBE

THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON RETURNS

QUEEN AND BEN ELTON’S
‘WE WILL ROCK YOU’

ANNOUNCES 2019/2020 UK & IRELAND TOUR

TICKETS ON SALE NOW*

 

Following the triumphant 2010 and 2011 UK theatre tours and 2013 10^th anniversary world arena tour, the smash hit Queen and Ben Elton musical, ‘We Will Rock You’ announces the show has been reimagined for 2019 and will embark on a brand new UK & Ireland tour, kicking off in September next year. Tickets are on sale now.*

With 24 of Queen’s biggest hits and Ben Elton’s hilarious futuristic comedy writing combined, comes a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked the band’s legendary live performances. This global phenomenon will continue to be one of the most spectacular musicals to tour the United Kingdom & Ireland.

The show has seen unprecedented success in theatres and arenas around the world and the nine month tour will see the Rock Theatrical performed in front of thousands of rock fans in Bromley, Ipswich, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Derry, Dublin, Southend, Leeds, Nottingham, Plymouth, Glasgow, Blackpool, Hull, Southampton, Manchester, Aberdeen, Bradford, Canterbury, Oxford, Llandudno, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Liverpool, Cardiff, Birmingham, Norwich, Northampton, Bournemouth and Stoke.

The announcement of the We Will Rock You UK & Ireland tour follows hot on the heels of the release of the hugely anticipated Queen biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. The smash hit film, celebrating the career of one of the greatest ever rock bands has wowed Queen fans all around the world, opening at the number one box office position in over 30 countries.

Since 2002 over 15 million theatregoers in 17 countries have been thrilled by We Will Rock You’s awe-inspiring production showcasing a number of Queen’s finest hits, including We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga, I Want To Break Free, Somebody To Love, Killer Queen, Don’t Stop Me Now, Under Pressure, Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites The Dust and, of course, We Will Rock You. Before closing its glorious 12 year run at London’s Dominion Theatre, the show was performed an astonishing 4600 times.

The touring production of We Will Rock You reaches theatres carrying with it an impressive legacy: when it first became news that one of Britain’s most phenomenally successful comedy writers Ben Elton was teaming up with legends of rock, Queen, for a musical there was much speculation on what such a unique collaboration would turn out. So impressed after attending the original workshop, screen icon Robert De Niro and his company Tribeca came on board as American partners. De Niro continues to support the show, even making a special visit to London in 2013 to help celebrate the 10th anniversary in style. The audience erupted with thunderous applause, as he joined the cast on stage after the landmark performance.

  

“Magnifico!”

The Sun

“One of the best shows I’ve seen in yonks.
An evening of sheer entertainment and enjoyment”

Daily Mirror

“The sheer power of the best Queen numbers strikes hard”

Financial Times

“There was wild applause at the climax of the show…and it only got louder”

The Daily Telegraph

“Spectacular”

Daily Express

We Will Rock You UK Tour Dates

 

16 – 21 September 2019                Bromley Churchill Theatre

 

23 – 28 September 2019                 Ipswich Regent Theatre

 

30 September – 5 October 2019                 Sheffield Lyceum

 

7 – 12 October 2019                                         Edinburgh Playhouse

 

14 – 19 October 2019                                       Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

21 – 26 October 2019                                       Derry Millennium

 

28 October – 2 November 2019                  Dublin Bord Gais Theatre

 

5 – 9 November 2019                                      Southend Cliffs Pavilion

 

11 – 23 November 2019                                  Leeds Grand Theatre                     *On sale 28 November

                               

25 – 30 November 2019                                  Nottingham Concert Hall              *On sale 24 November

 

2 – 7 December 2019                                       Plymouth Theatre Royal                *On sale 30 November

 

9 – 28 December 2019                                     Glasgow Theatre Royal

 

6 – 11 January 2020                                          Blackpool Opera House

 

13 – 18 January 2020                                        Hull New Theatre

 

20 – 25 January 2020                                        Southampton Mayflower Theatre

 

27 January – 8 February 2020                       Manchester Palace

 

10 – 15 February 2020                                     Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre

 

17 – 22 February 2020                                     Bradford Alhambra                         *On sale 10 December

 

24 – 29 February 2020                                     Canterbury Marlowe

 

2 – 7 March 2020                                               Oxford New Theatre

 

9 – 14 March 2020                                             Llandudno Venue Cymru

 

16 – 21 March 2020                                           Bristol Hippodrome                        

 

23 – 28 March 2020                                           Milton Keynes Theatre

 

30 March – 4 April 2020                                   Liverpool Empire

 

6 – 18 April 2020                                 Cardiff Millennium Centre

 

20 April – 2 May 2020                                       Birmingham Hippodrome             *On sale April 2019

 

4 – 9 May 2020                                                   Norwich Theatre Royal                  *On sale June 2019        

 

11 – 16 May 2020                                               Northampton Derngate                                *On sale April 2019

 

18 – 23 May 2020                                               Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

 

25 – 30 May 2020                                               Stoke Regent Theatre

 

 

 

 

Website: wewillrockyou.com

Twitter: @wwryglobal

Instagram: wewillrockyouglobal

Facebook: facebook.com/wewillrockyouglobal

 

A Wales Millennium Centre and Wiltshire Creative Production

THE MIRROR CRACK’D
by Agatha Christie
adapted for the stage
by Rachel Wagstaff

Direction by Melly Still
Set Design by Richard Kent
Costume Design by Dinah Collin
Lighting Design by Malcolm Rippeth
Music & Sound Design by Jon Nicholls
Movement by Joseph Alford

 

• CASTING HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR THE FIRST EVER UK STAGE ADAPTATION OF AGATHA CHRISTIE’S THE MIRROR CRACK’D

• THE WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE AND WILTSHIRE CREATIVE EUROPEAN PREMIERE PRODUCTION WILL TOUR FROM FEBRUARY 2019, WITH AN OPENING NIGHT AT SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE ON 25 FEBRUARY 2019

• TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE

Wales Millennium Centre and Wiltshire Creative have today announced casting for the first ever UK stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s much-loved Miss Marple thriller The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side. Colin R Campbell, Suzanna Hamilton, Julia Hills, Katherine Manners, Katie Matsell, Davina Moon, Huw Parmenter and Gillian Saker will join the previously announced Susie Blake and Simon Shepherd. The Mirror Crack’d will be a European Premiere, opening at Salisbury Playhouse on 15 February before touring to Dublin, Cambridge and Cardiff. The Mirror Crack’d will have an Opening Night on 25 February.

The iconic Marple mystery from the world’s best-selling author of all time has been adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff (Flowers for Mrs Harris, Birdsong) and directed by Melly Still (Coram Boy, My Brilliant Friend, The Lovely Bones).  

Times are changing. Girls are wearing trousers and Hollywood has come to a sleepy English village in the shape of a beautiful film star. Miss Marple is left to feel that the world has no need of her now until a mysterious death calls into question the past of all those present.  Everyone’s version of events is different.  Can Miss Marple unravel the tangle of lies?

Susie Blake (Miss Marple) is known as Hilary Nicholson in Mrs Brown’s Boys, Bev Unwin in Coronation Street and The Continuity Announcer in Victoria Wood As Seen on TV. Having worked extensively on stage and screen, her theatre credits include: When We Are Married (Garrick Theatre); Pygmalion (Chichester Festival Theatre); Wicked (Apollo Victoria); High Society (UK Tour); Noises Off (National Theatre); The Shakespeare Revue (RSC). Television credits include: Midsomer Murders; You, Me and Them (UKTV Gold); Wild At Heart (ITV); Cuckoo (BBC 3); New Tricks (BBC); Mud (CBBC).

Colin R Campbell’s (Cyril Leigh) theatre credits include: Gilgamesh (The White Bear); Skellig, George’s Marvellous Medicine, Twelfth Night (Birmingham Stage Co.); The Cherry Orchard (Southwark Playhouse); Gluey and The Lion (West Yorkshire Playhouse); Break Away (The Finborough); Having a Ball (Birmingham Rep/Temple Productions tour). Television includes: Unforgotten (ITV); Broken (BBC); Coronation Street (ITV). Film appearances include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (Warner Bros).

Suzanna Hamilton’s (Marina Gregg) theatre credits include: Interval (Arcola Theatre); Mr Blue Sky, Hell & High Water (Southwark Playhouse); Darkening Fields (National Theatre); My Sister In This House (Hampstead Theatre); Siblings (Hammersmith Lyric); Waiting At the Water’s Edge (Bush Theatre). Television appearances include The Strike: Cuckoo’s Calling (BBC); Silent Witness (BBC);New Tricks (BBC); Jonathan Creek (BBC); McCallum (series regular, STV); Casualty (BBC); Streetwise (series regular); Wish Me Luck (series regular). Film credits include: My Feral Heart; The Island on Bird Street; Out of Africa; 1984; Wildcats of St Trinians; Tess; Swallows and Amazons.

Julia Hills’s (Dolly Bantry) theatre credits include: Worst Wedding Ever (Salisbury Playhouse & Tour);  Calendar Girls (Chichester; Tour & West End); The Cherry Orchard (Tobacco Factory Bristol & The Rose Kingston); Beside Herself (Royal Court); Pygmalion (Manchester Royal Exchange); Our Friends In The North (RSC);  The Hired Man (Leicester Haymarket & West End); The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Savoy Theatre);  Springs Eternal (The Orange Tree Theatre); Stepping Out (New Vic); The School For Scandal (Tobacco Factory Bristol). Television includes: Eastenders (BBC TV); Doctors (BBC); Casualty (BBC); Law and Order UK (ITV); Dad (BBC); Outnumbered (BBC).

Katherine Manners’s (Heather Leigh) theatre credits include: Table (New Vic Theatre); Before the Party (Salisbury Playhouse); The Hundred We Are (Yard Theatre); Life of Galileo (Birmingham Rep/RSC); From Morning to Midnight, The Revenger’s Tragedy, Coram Boy, The House of Bernard Alba, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (National Theatre); Rat Tales (Royal Exchange, Manchester); Richard III (The Bridge Project/Old Vic/ BAM/International Tour); Don’t Shoot the Clowns (Fuel); Cinderella (Lyric Hammersmith/Warwick Arts Centre); Snowbound (Trafalgar Studios); The Master Builder King Lear (RSC, Academy). Television credits include: The Feed; Press; Bliss; Doctors; War and Peace; Siblings; Holby City; Casualty.

Katie Matsell (Cherry Baker) trained at LAMDA. The Mirror Crack’d will mark Katie’s professional debut.

Davina Moon’s (Ella Zielinksy) theatre credits include: Yellow Face (National Theatre); Privates on Parade (Noël Coward Theatre); Annie Get Your Gun (Young Vic); Miss Saigon (Theatre Royal), Bombay Dream (Apollo Victoria); Around The World In Eighty Days (New York); Wuthering Heights(UK Tour). Television includes: EastEnders (BBC1); Doctors (BBC1). Film appearances include Disney’s Aladdin (Walt Disney Pictures).

Huw Parmenter’s (Giuseppe Renzo) theatre credits include:  Anything is Possible (Pleasance Theatre); After Orlando (Vaults Theatre/Theatre Royal Stratford East); Desert Rats (Arts Theatre); The Late Wedding (Theatre Royal Stratford East); Dark Tourism (Park Theatre); Hearing The Song (Orange Tree Theatre). Huw is Co-Artistic Director of Chaskis Theatre. Television includes: Killing Eve (BBC America), Eastenders (BBC).

 

Gillian Saker’s (Lola Brewster) theatre credits include: Tick Tick Boom (Park Theatre); City Stories (Wilton’s Music Hall/Oxford Playhouse); The Rubenstein Kiss (Nottingham Playhouse/Guildford); Anna Karenina (West Yorkshire Playhouse/Royal Exchange Theatre); The Libertine (Citizen’s Theatre/Bristol Old Vic); Othello (Riverside Studios; Offie nomination for ‘Best Actress’); Stephen Ward (West End); The River (Royal Court Theatre). Television includes: Endeavour (ITV); Ripper Street (BBC); Misfits (E4).

Simon Shepherd (Dermot Craddock) is best known for playing the role of Dr. Will Preston in the popular ITV television series Peak Practice. His theatre credits include: Misalliance; Precious Little Talent (Orange Tree); Evening at the Talkhouse (National Theatre); Hay Fever (Duke of York’s); Duck House (Vaudeville); Posh (Royal Court/Duke of York’s). Other television credits include:Casualty, Father Brown (BBC); Tilly Trotter (ITV).

LISTINGS

THE MIRROR CRACK’D
by Agatha Christie
adapted for the stage
by Rachel Wagstaff

First performance: 15 February 2019
Final performance: 6 April 2019
Opening Night: 25 February

15 February – 9 March 2019
Salisbury Playhouse
01722 320 333
www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

12 March – 16 March 2019
Gaiety Theatre, Dublin
0818 719388
www.gaietytheatre.ie

19– 23 March 2019
Cambridge Arts Theatre
01223 503333
www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

26 March – 6 April 2019
New Theatre, Cardiff
029 2087 8889
www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

SELLADOOR WORLDWIDE WINS TENDER TO RUN

QUEENS THEATRE BARNSTAPLE &

THE LANDMARK THEATRE ILFRACOMBE FROM JANUARY 2019 SIGNALLING THE LAUNCH OF ‘SELLADOOR VENUES’

SIR IAN MCKELLEN WILL OPEN THE LANDMARK ON 25 MARCH AHEAD OF HIS ONE MAN SHOW RUNNING AT THE VENUE

AND SELLADOOR ANNOUNCE

KEY NEW MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENTS

Selladoor Worldwide, against stiff competition, have won the tender to run the Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple and The Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe from January 2019 for a minimum of ten years. This is further expansion of the company’s move into venue, which includes the partnership with the Blackpool Entertainment Company, to bring creative life to the historical Pavilion Theatre, Blackpool. 

 

David Hutchinson, CEO Selladoor Worldwide said, “At the heart of Selladoor has always been making diverse, dynamic and daring theatre. We’re delighted to be bringing our mission to create, support, platform and promote quality theatre and artists to our North Devon theatres”

 

Phillip Rowntree, CFO Selladoor Worldwide said, “Over the last ten years of producing in theatres of all scales and sizes, in the UK and around the world, Selladoor has always been acutely aware of the importance of local theatres in the regional landscape.  We could not be more humbled by the trust vested in us by the Council and people of North Devon, nor could we be more excited by this thrilling new chapter in Selladoor’s life.  We cannot wait to begin delivering our vision for the theatres to the communities in Ilfracombe and Barnstaple.”

 

Mark Kentell, Contracts Delivery Manager at North Devon Council said, “Selladoor are an exciting, dynamic theatre company with fresh ideas and a firm commitment to making both of our theatres successes in their own right. We can look forward to thriving theatres in both Ilfracombe and Barnstaple with shows produced at the Landmark touring internationally. Selladoor are everything I’d hoped for in a theatre operator and I’m so pleased to welcome them to North Devon.”

The grand opening of The Landmark, having been under used for a number of years, will be on 25 March 2019 when Ian McKellen will open the theatre with his one man show.  The Ballot for tickets is open from today on www.landmark-ilfracombe.com

Sir Ian McKellen said, “My current UK tour with my new solo show is visiting many places I know well but this is my first time playing in Ilfracombe. It’s a happy opportunity to celebrate my 80th birthday by relaunching this well loved local theatre.”

The Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe

There will be a focus on growing the theatre as a launch pad for high quality drama and family work. Selladoor Worldwide are looking to build The Landmark into a building with a real focus on family work and engaging young audiences for their first experience at the theatre. The venue, in its picturesque location, and its second space, the Pavilion – lends itself well to other non-typical theatre programming to make the theatre a national destination for youth arts. With this diverse programming, Selladoor Family will be looking to workshop and develop new family work at the venue. They’ll also debut work before national and international touring, evolving The Landmark into a hub for developing creative talent, with a specialism for young audiences.

Queens Theatre, Barnstaple

With just shy of 700 seats – the Queens has a history of attracting high profile names and showcasing local talent. We are looking to grow the programme and attract leading touring dramas and musicals – as the top destination for larger scale work in North Devon. The Queens will also house our annual pantomime – and develop links with leading touring and producing hubs to co-partner on presenting high quality work.

www.selladoorvenues.com

www.landmark-ilfracombe.com

www.queenstheatre-barnstaple.com

Bridewell Theatre – until 24 November 2018

Reviewed by Jason Rath

3***

As a musical theatre lover, I have long heard of the cult following behind the hit Broadway show “Urinetown – The Musical” and have always wanted to see what it is actually like on stage for myself, so when I was offered the chance to review SEDOS’ brand new offering of the show I thought I’d throw myself in and say why not! However, I think I may have been better off saving myself the train fare and just staying at home as this self-indulging “comedy” of a show massively disappointed me. This is not so much a reflection on the cast, who had some lovely performances nestled within, but on the musical itself, with all the forced humour and weak toilet gags you’d expect from an early 2000’s kids TV show. Following the uprising of the common folk against the “Urine Good Company” over the charging levy on toilets and general differences between the corporation and the people, Urinetown delivers a fierce political message but this gets lost in the stupidity of the gags in my opinion.

The show did have some great redeeming qualities though in its splendid cast. Miranda Evans was strong as Hope Cladwell, with great promise in the role although she did sound a bit vocally tired on the night. Joe McWilliam was fabulous as Bobby Strong, with a very believable character showing clear understanding and some lovely harmony work with Miranda’s character. Luke James Leahy was brilliant as Officer Lockstock, with a lovely baritone sound and excellent comedy skills and control of his audience. Dan Saunders was good as Caldwell B Cladwell, with some great promise in the role, however I believe his character could have done with some more conviction to really get this feel of the “Big Bad”. As much as I enjoyed all these performances though, I’m afraid there were a couple of others that I was less fond of, particularly Tal Hewitt as Penelope Pennywise. I was really willing her on but I honestly could not understand a word she was saying when she was singing, the diction really needed some serious improvement, but I do believe this skill is there. Maybe just an off night? However, the real highlight of my night watching it came in a surprising way from this shows brilliant ensemble members, in particular Joshua Yeardley, Adrian Hau and the absolutely stunning actress Tasila Banda. These three cast members, while they weren’t necessarily the “stars”, drew my eye the entire way through the show and showed some beautiful subtle acting choices. Well done guys!

From a more technical point of view, I though the direction was good, making good use of its traverse setting in that theatre and the movement direction was fair. The lighting was well used for effect, but there were some sound issues throughout, even though the cast were obviously microphones on the actors, I was struggling hearing someone two metres away from me. My biggest concern however was the stairs on wheels that were used in the minimalistic set. While I thought this was a nice touch from the directing point of view, I just had my heart in my mouth the entire time as every time a character stepped in them the steps would go skidding off. The Producers have assured me that there were some brakes in use to put me at ease.

In conclusion, while the show might have offered some lovely character performances form it’s amateur cast, I was just let down by the content of the book itself and felt that maybe this was not the show to best serve these actors. However, the upcoming “How to succeed in business without really trying “ and “Jerry Springer the opera” may have more promise so be sure to get down and see them!