DREAMGIRLS   
Savoy Theatre, London 
Dreamgirlswestend.com

• Dreamgirls celebrates its final Christmas in London at the Savoy Theatre by going out on an all-time high.
• Actresses Marisha Wallace, Brennyn Lark and Asmeret Ghebremichael, who play The Dreams, serenaded visitors to the View from the Shard yesterday (Thursday 15th  November) with the highest ever altitude performance in Western Europe of songs from Dreamgirls.
• The Dreams then hot-footed it across London to take part in the iconic Regent Street ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ lights switch-on.
• Earlier in the week (on Tuesday 13th November) the trio of singers sprung a surprise performance of Dreamgirls and Christmas songs on skaters for the launch of SKATE at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason.
• The celebrations for the start of the festive season continue into next week with a special performance from members of the Dreamgirls cast at the Ideal Home Show Christmas on Friday 23rd November.

The company of Dreamgirls is entering the holiday season in style with a series of events to celebrate the show’s final Christmas at the Savoy Theatre.

On Tuesday 13th  November actresses Marisha Wallace, Brennyn Lark and Asmeret Ghebremichael, who play The Dreams, started the week with a surprise performance of Dreamgirls hits and Christmas songs to launch the opening of Skate at Somerset House, London’s most beautiful ice rink.

On Thursday 15th November the trio of Dreamgirls singers gave the highest altitude performance in Western Europe of songs from the show, launching Christmas at the View from The Shard, where a signature Dreamgirls cocktail for each of tThe Dreams will be available to visitors throughout the festive season.  The Dreams then took part in the prestigious annual unveiling of the iconic Regent Street ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ lights, where they performed songs from the show ahead of joining Doctor Who’s Jodie Whitaker and singer Calum Scott for the Switching On ceremony.

Next week the Dreamgirls cast will continue to mark the start of the award-winning musical’s final festive season in London with a special performance at the Ideal Home Show Christmas on Friday 23rd  November.

Dreamgirls will continue at the Savoy Theatre throughout the festive season before giving its final performance on 12th January 2019.

Dreamgirls is Directed and Choreographed by Olivier and Tony Award®-winning Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Disney’s Aladdin and Something Rotten!), with Set Design by Tim Hatley, Costume Design by Gregg Barnes, Lighting Design by Hugh Vanstone, Sound Design by Richard Brooker and Hair Design by Josh Marquette. The Musical Supervisor is Nick Finlow, the Orchestrator is Harold Wheeler, with Additional Material by Willie Reale.

Meet The Dreams – Effie, Lorrell and Deena – three talented young singers in the turbulent 1960s, a revolutionary time in American music history. Join the three friends as they embark upon a musical rollercoaster ride through a world of fame, fortune and the ruthless realities of show business, testing their friendships to the very limit.

With Book and Lyrics by Tom Eyen and Music by Henry Krieger, the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls, Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett opened in 1981 and subsequently won six Tony Awards®. The original cast recording won two Grammy awards for Best Musical Album and Best Vocal Performance for Jennifer Holliday’s ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.’ In 2006 it was adapted into an Oscar winning motion picture starring Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx.

Moya Angela, Asmeret Ghebremichael, Brennyn Lark and Marisha Wallace are appearing with the support of UK Equity, incorporating the Variety Artistes’ Federation, pursuant to an exchange program between American Equity and UK Equity.

Swarovski is delighted to be the Set and Costume Design partner for Dreamgirls, bringing to life the incredible visions of Tim Hatley and Gregg Barnes. Over one million Swarovski crystals have been incorporated into the production, adorning 275 costumes and 3 crystal curtains.

Full information on performance schedules can be found on the official website.

The Original London Cast Recording of hit West End musical Dreamgirls is available via Sony Masterworks Broadway.

LISTINGS:

Savoy Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0ET

https://www.thesavoytheatre.com/

Performances

Monday to Saturday evening performances at 7.30pm

Wednesday and Saturday matinee performances at 2.30pm

Christmas and New Year Schedule

Week commencing 24th December

Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) – No performance

Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) – No performance

Wednesday 26th December – 7.30pm

Thursday 27th December – 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Friday 28th December – 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Saturday 29th December – 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Week commencing 31st December

Monday 31stDecember (New Year’s Eve) – 2.30pm

Tuesday 1st January (New Year’s Day) – 7.30pm

Wednesday 2nd January – 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Thursday 3rd January – 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Friday 4th January – 7.30pm

Saturday 5th January – 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Week commencing 7th January

Monday 7th January – 7.30pm

Tuesday 8th January – 7.30pm

Wednesday 9th January – 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Thursday 10th January – 7.30pm

Friday 11th January – 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Saturday 12th January – 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Box Office

Website:         Dreamgirlswestend.com
Telephone:     0844 871 7687
Prices:             From £15
At every performance there will be 125 accessibly priced seats for £25 or under available in advance, including 15 £20 Front Row Lottery tickets available on the day exclusively through the TodayTix app.

In addition, under 25 year olds can purchase £25 tickets every Tuesday performance.

Social Media

Website – Dreamgirlswestend.com
Twitter handle – @DreamgirlsLDN
Facebook page – DreamgirlsLDN
Instagram account – DreamgirlsLDN
Hashtag – #DreamgirlsLDN

ELVES SPREAD FESTIVE FAIRY DUST

AND PUT FINISHING TOUCHES TO

MANCHESTER MAGICAL MOVIE EXPERIENCE

The festive elves are taking a break from making toys in the North Pole to put the finishing touches to the Magical Christmas Movie Experience in Manchester, which opens next weekend.

In addition to a movie programme featuring modern classics including smash hit festive favourites Elf, Home Alone and Love Actually, visitors over the four weekends can look forward to a fully immersive family experience.

Highlights include a live choir at every film screening, enchanted forest, Christmas themed refreshments – and appearances by the man of the moment, Father Christmas and his festive elves.

Magical Christmas Movie Experience, in association with Macdonald Manchester Hotel, will be staged in the surroundings of the beautifully transformed Mayfield Depot near Manchester Piccadilly, during weekends between 23 November and 16 December.

The Christmas movie festival starts on Friday 23 November with the box office smash hit film, The Greatest Showman. The film will be brought to life before film fans with stilt walkers, fire artistes and a fabulous choir, creating a fully immersive experience. And there will also be sing-along screenings.

The full film programme features Love Actually, The Holiday, Elf, Gremlins, The Polar Express, Home Alone, Home Alone 2, Die Hard, and Santa Claus The Movie.

Upon arrival, movie fans will be greeted by a live choir singing carols and festive songs, before taking a trip into Mrs Claus’ traditionally decorated lounge. They will then make their way through theNarnia-inspired wardrobe of fur coats and transported into a magical enchanted Christmas forest,where the carols will also be heard.

The forest centrepiece is a 14ft Christmas tree, surrounded by snow drifts, snow dusted pine trees,Victorian lamp posts, and igloo – providing no end of festive backdrops for that ultimate Winter selfie!

After exiting the enchanted forest, guests will be welcomed to a large food hall with wooden benches where festive refreshments, including food and drink, will be available to purchase. These include popcorn, candy floss, dim sum, burgers, doughnuts, street food, hot chocolate and hot chocolate cocktails, Christmas cocktails, and mulled wine.

Seating in the movie screening area will include giant bean bags. Visitors are encouraged to dress warm. Blankets will be provided, which will be donated to the city’s homeless community after the final screening.

Steven Matthews, organisers of the Magical Christmas Movie Experience, added: “Our festive elves are working hard to ensure that every pine tree, Christmas decoration, and snow drift looks just perfect to welcome visitors next week.

“The finishing touches are being added to the enchanted forest, and we’re confident that Manchester has never seen a festive attraction like this before. We’re extremely excited and looking forward to opening our doors to the public on Friday 23 November for a magical festive experience like no other in the city.”

Tickets for all the films start from £14.99.

For more details visit www.magicalchristmasmovieexperience.com

Follow on Facebook /AMagicalChristmasMovieExperience

LISTING INFORMATION

The Greatest Showman

Date: Fri 23-Sun 25 November, Fri 14 December

Time: times vary

The Greatest Showman Sing-a-long

Date: Fri 23-Sat 24 November

Time: Fri 6pm, Sat 1.30pm

Love Actually

Date: Thu 29 November-Sun 2 December

Time: times vary

The Holiday

Date: Thu 6 December, Sat 15 December

Time: Thu 7pm, Sat 9pm

Elf

Date: Fri 7-Sat 8 December, Sat 15 December

Time: times vary

Gremlins

Date: Fri 7 December

Time: 9pm

The Polar Express

Date: Sat 8 December, Sat 15 December

Time: 1.30pm

Home Alone

Date: Sat 8 December, Fri 14 December

Time: Sat 5.30pm, Fri 6pm

Home Alone 2

Date: Sun 9 December

Time: 1pm

Die Hard

Date: Thu 13 December

Time: 7pm

Santa Claus The Movie

Date: Sun 16 December

Time: 1pm

MISCHIEF THEATRE’S WEST END

SMASH HIT SHOW WILL OPEN

SPRING SEASON AT STORYHOUSE

Following the phenomenal sell-out success of its multi award-winning comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, Mischief Theatre’s Olivier Award nominated West End smash hit The Comedy About A Bank Robbery opens the new spring season at Storyhouse in Chester.

The show’s UK and Ireland Tour opened in Birmingham in August 2018, and will now continue touring until early June 2019.

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery comes to Storyhouse from Tuesday 29 January to Saturday 2 February 2019. There are matinees on the Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Now booking into its third year at the Criterion Theatre in London, this smash-and-grab hit is a fast and fabulous comedy caper, hailed the funniest show in the West End!

Think Ocean’s Eleven meets the Marx Brothers in this dynamite new comedy!

Summer 1958. Minneapolis City Bank has been entrusted with a priceless diamond. An escaped convict is set on pocketing the gem with the help of his screwball side-kick, trickster girlfriend…and the maintenance man.

With mistaken identities, love triangles and hidden agendas, even the most reputable can’t be trusted. In a town where everyone’s a crook, who will end up bagging the jewel?

The touring cast presents Seán Carey as Sam Monaghan; David Coomber as Neil Cooper; Julia Frith as Caprice Freeboys; George Hannigan as Everyone Else; Liam Jeavons as Mitch Ruscitti; Damian Lynchas Robin Freeboys; Killian Macardle as Officer Randal Shuck; Ashley Tucker as Ruth Monaghan; andJon Trenchard as Warren Slax. With understudies Charlotte Duffy, Tom Hopcroft, Julie Cullen, Ross Virgo and Eddy Westbury.

Mischief Theatre was founded in 2008 by a group of graduates of The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).  Starting as an improvised theatre group on the London and Edinburgh fringes, they have grown into one of the UK’s leading theatre companies, winning the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy for The Play That Goes Wrong, and licensing their productions worldwide.

The company have two shows playing concurrently in the West End: The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre – also playing on Broadway – and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery at the Criterion Theatre. In December 2016, Mischief made their television debut on the BBC with Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Olivier Award Nominee 2016), which has also enjoyed two sell-out West End seasons. Mischief returned to BBC One in 2017 with a new Christmas special, A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong.The company is led by Artistic Director Henry Lewis and Company Director Jonathan Sayer.

The Comedy About a Bank Robbery is written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields.The tour is directed by Kirsty Patrick Ward. Originally directed by Mark Bell with Nancy Zamit for Mischief Theatre; designer David Farley; costume designer Roberto Surace; lighting designer David Howe; sound design Jon Fiber for JollyGoodTunes; musical director and arranger Joey Hickman;associate musical director Barbara Hockaday; resident director Katie-Ann McDonough. Produced byKenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence, in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre presenting aMischief Theatre Production.

Tickets are on sale now and range in price from £18.50 to £31.50 (each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee).

Storyhouse has a dynamic pricing policy on the majority of shows, ensuring the earlier you book your tickets, guarantees the best seats at the lowest price.

Website:         www.thecomedyaboutabankrobbery.com

LISTING INFORMATION

THE COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBERY

Tuesday 29 January 2019 – Saturday 2 February 2019

STORYHOUSE

Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

Tuesday 29 January 2019 at 7.30pm

Wednesday 30 January 2019 at 2.30pm

Wednesday 30 January 2019 at 7.30pm

Thursday 31 January 2019 at 7.30pm

Friday 1 February 2019 at 7.30pm

Saturday 2 February 2019 at 2.30pm

Saturday 2 February 2019 at 7.30pm

Tickets: £18.50 – £31.50 (each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee)

Dynamic Pricing: Book early to guarantee cheapest and best seats

HOW TO BOOK

Online:            Visit www.storyhouse.com

By Phone:       Call 01244 409 113

In person:       Visit the Ticket Kiosks at Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

Website:         www.storyhouse.com

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/storyhouselive/

Twitter:           @StoryhouseLive

DISNEY’S THE LION KING RELEASES NEW VIDEO TRAILER AHEAD OF THE MUSICAL’S 20th ANNIVERSARY IN THE WEST END

As Disney’s THE LION KING prepares to enter its 20^th anniversary in the West End in 2019, a brand-new video trailer has been released showcasing the enormity, vibrancy and beauty of Julie Taymor’s outstanding design and direction. The video can be downloaded here.

Disney’s THE LION KING at the Lyceum Theatre is now booking until 1 June 2019 for individuals and 29 September 2019 for Groups.

Disney’s award-winning musical THE LION KING is now in its 19th triumphant year at London’s Lyceum Theatre. Since the UK premiere in London on Tuesday 19th October 1999, THE LION KING has entertained over 15 million theatregoers and remains the West End’s best-selling stage production. It is currently the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time.

After 20 landmark years on Broadway, THE LION KING continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 25 global productions have been seen by more than 95 million people.  Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING has made theatrical history with six productions worldwide running 15 or more years.  Performed in eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway; London’s West End; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; Scheveningen; Singapore; and on tour across North America and Japan, for a total of nine productions running concurrently across the globe.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Disney’s THE LION KING
Lyceum Theatre
21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7RQ

Box Office number: 0844 871 3000
www.thelionking.co.uk

Booking until 29 September 2019

THE LION KING plays Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm with matinee performances on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm.  There is no performance on a Monday evening.

INTERNATIONAL SMASH HIT

GHOST THE MUSICAL

RETURNS TO THE UK

UNCHAINED AND REIMAGINED, THE MUSICAL PRODUCTION BASED ON THE MUCH-LOVED MOVIE MASTERPIECE WILL TOUR FROM JANUARY 2019

Bill Kenwright’s ‘BEAUTIFUL’ and ‘SPECTACTULAR’ production of GHOST – THE MUSICAL returns to the UK in 2019, following a spectacular international tour in Dubai, Istanbul and Trieste. The 2019 UK tour opens on Tuesday 8 January 2019 at Churchill Theatre, Bromley.

The double Academy Award-winning movie Ghost is a huge success story, both critically and at the box office, where it was the highest grossing film in the year of its release. It starred the late Patrick Swayze alongside Demi Moore, Tony Goldwyn and Whoopi Goldberg and was directed by Jerry Zucker. Bruce Joel Rubin’s script won the Oscar® for Best Original Screenplay and Whoopi Goldberg won the Oscar® for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The film’s most iconic and moving scene was famously performed to The Righteous Brother’s Unchained Melody, which also features in the musical version.

Bill Kenwright said; “Ghost is a story full of hope and is one of those films which never leaves you. The book by Bruce Joel Rubin and score by Dave Stewart and Glenn Ballad come together wonderfully.”

Bruce Joel Rubin said; “This is a show with such a strong emotional and musical life that it can mould to many visions and interpretations.  It can be performed on any scale, and its vibrant heart will still captivate an audience and allows the imagination to flourish. It is purely theatrical in the greatest sense”.

Walking back to their apartment late one night a tragic encounter sees Sam murdered and his beloved girlfriend Molly alone, in despair and utterly lost. But with the help of Oda Mae Brown, a phony storefront psychic, Sam, trapped between this world and the next tries to communicate with Molly in the hope of saving her from grave danger…

Rebekah Lowings (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar) will join Bill Kenwright’s production of this timeless story of love, despair and hope in the part of Molly alongside Niall Sheehy (Titanic The Musical, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Wicked) as Sam.

West End musical theatre star Jacqui Dubois (original London cast of Rent and Children of Eden,other credits include The Lion King, Fela and most recently People, Places and Things) returns to play ‘Oda Mae Brown’, the part made famous in the film by Whoopi Goldberg.

Sergio Pasquariello (Original London cast of Heathers the Musical, other credits include West Side Story, Les Miserables) plays ‘Carl’ alongside Jules Brown as ‘Willie’, James Earl Adair with hishaunting performance as the ‘Hospital Ghost’ and Lovonne Richards as the ‘Subway Ghost’. Jochebel Ohene Maccarthy plays ‘Louise’ and Sadie-Jean Shirley is ‘Clara’. Completing the cast is Chanelle Anthony, Josh Andrews, Samantha Noel, Charlotte-Kate Warren, Kage Douglas and Michael Ward.

BILL KENWRIGHT presents

GHOST – THE MUSICAL

Book and Lyrics by BRUCE JOEL RUBIN

Music and Lyrics by DAVE STEWART AND GLEN BALLARD

Based on the Paramount Pictures film written by BRUCE JOEL RUBIN

Directed by Bob Tomson

Choreographed by Alistair David

Designed by Mark Bailey

Lighting Designed by Nick Richings

Sound Designed by Dan Samson

GHOST – THE MUSICAL | UK TOUR DATES 2019

Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 January                                                 Box Office:  020 3285 6000

Churchill Theatre, Bromley                                                                            Website: www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 January                                                              Box Office:  0114 249 6000

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield                                                                             Website: www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 January                                                              Box Office:  0192 429212

Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton                                                                 Website: www.grandtheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 29 January – Saturday 1 February                                              Box Office:  0116 242 3560

Curve Theatre, Leicester                                                                 Website: www.curveonline.co.uk

Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 February                                                 Box Office:  0844 871 7645

New Victoria Theatre, Woking                                                                      Website: www.atgtickets.com/woking

Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 February                                                            Box Office:  028 7126 4455

Millennium Forum, Londonderry                                                Website: www.millenniumforum.co.uk

Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 February                                                            Box Office:  0844 871 7650

Theatre Royal, Brighton                                                                                   Website: www.atgtickets.com/brighton

Monday 25 – Saturday 2 March                                                                   Box Office:  0131 529 6000

Edinburgh Festival Theatre                                                                            Website: www.capitaltheatres.com

Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 March                                                                      Box Office:  01244 409113

Chester Storyhouse                                                                                          Website: www.storyhouse.com

Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 March                                                 Box Office:  0844 871 3022

Sunderland Empire                                                                                            Website: www.atgtickets.com/sunderland

Monday 18 – Saturday 23 March                                                 Box Office: 029 2087 8889

New Theatre, Cardiff                                                                                        Website: www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

Monday 25 – Saturday 30 March                                                 Box Office:  0844 871 7648

Kings Theatre, Glasgow                                                                                   Website: www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 April                                                                          Box Office:  01228 633766

The Sands Centre, Carlisle                                                                              Website: www.thesandscentre.co.uk

Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 April                                                                       Box Office:  028 924 1919

Grand Opera House, Belfast                                                                          Website: www.goh.co.uk

Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 April                                                                     Box Office:  0844 871 3019

Palace Theatre Manchester                                                                           Website: www.atgtickets.com/manchester

Monday 22 – Saturday 27 April                                                                     Box Office:  0844 871 3017

Liverpool Empire                                                                                Website: www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

Tuesday 30 April – Saturday 4 May                                                             Box Office:  01274 43200

Alhambra Theatre, Bradford                                                                         Website: www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

So French Productions presents:

Royal & Derngate and The Core at Corby Cube announce that Jo Gordon takes over as Chief Executive

Royal & Derngate and The Core at Corby Cube have today announced that, with immediate effect, Jo Gordon has been appointed Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Arts Management Trust and its venues.

Steve Edmonds, Chair of Royal & Derngate said “Following a rigorous recruitment process, Jo’s commitment to the venues and her detailed understanding of the complex ecosystem of regional theatre really shone through, as did her proven commercial acumen and excellent leadership style. In the current climate, venues not only have a responsibility to be light on their feet with strategy andinnovation, but to influence on a national level. We are thrilled that Jo has agreed to lead us through our next phase”.

Gary Tait, Chair of The Core at Corby Cube added “Jo’s intricate knowledge of the diverse audiences of Northamptonshire, her passion for inspiring teams, and her personal commitment to putting culture firmly at the heart of this county make her the ideal choice for the role of Chief Executive”.

Jo joined Royal & Derngate as Director of Marketing and Sales ten years ago and was appointed interim Chief Executive on the departure of Martin Sutherland earlier this year. She was part of the Strategic Management Team that formed Northamptonshire Arts Management Trust with Martin, and was central to the business-planning and launch of The Core at Corby Cube. She created the Made in Northampton brand, supported the creation and expansion of Northampton Filmhouse and has overseen Royal & Derngate’s growth in audience numbers, now delivering £28million of income to the local economy.

Jo Gordon commented “I am proud to have played a part in the inspiring achievements of the last ten years and am properly thrilled to now be able to build on these as Chief Executive. We have a remarkable team which is rightly proud of our work, impact and reputation. The role of the arts in our communities has never been more crucial and I look forward to developing important local and national partnerships even further to help our county, my home and where I am raising my family, to thrive”. 

Jo has been a Trustee of Northamptonshire Community Foundation (NCF) for two years. Chief Executive of NCF, Victoria Miles, added: “Jo brings exceptional inter-personal skills to all her interactions with our board and those we support, and is 100% committed to the betterment of Northamptonshire for local people. I am excited that she gets to bring all of this to her organisation as Chief Executive – a vital role within the region”.

Prior to her role at Northamptonshire Arts Management Trust, Jo was a freelance marketing and press professional with clients including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Oxford Playhouse, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Leicester Comedy Festival and Creative New Zealand. Before that she worked for ATG for five years and was part of the team that opened Milton Keynes Theatre in 1999.

Royal & Derngate is the main venue for arts and entertainment in Northamptonshire, with audience members for live shows and films numbering 378,000 last year, and an additional 115,000 people seeing its work on tour across the UK. In addition to its award-winning Made in Northamptonproductions, the venue also presents a diverse range of visiting productions on both the Derngate and Royal stages, including musicals, dance, comedy and music (including a residency from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra), and screens the best of world, independent, British and mainstream films at the adjacent two-screen Northampton Filmhouse. It has a wide-ranging creative learning programme, engaging with over 21,000 people last year.

Having opened its doors in November 2010, The Core at Corby Cube is a dynamic arts venue serving the communities in and around Corby and reaching out across the East Midlands. The Core is dedicated not only to entertaining people, but to supporting the community, fostering local talent, and developing skills for life through theatre, dance, music and comedy. Last year, The Core welcomed nearly 52,000 audience members and participants, with children and young people making up 18% of its total audience, with the organisation making a local economic impact of £3.7million.

Northamptonshire Arts Management Trust provides programming, marketing, sales, fundraising, HR, IT, finance, chief executive and company secretarial services to both Royal & Derngate and The Core at Corby Cube. Collectively NAMT (R&D and The Core) employs 250 people, is supported by 204 trained volunteers and has a combined turnover of £11.6million.

www.royalandderngate.co.uk   www.thecorecorby.com   www.northamptonfilmhouse.com

Pleasance Islington announces daring
#YouWillKnowTheirNames season
Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, London N7 9EF

Pleasance Theatre’s new season – titled #YouWillKnowTheirNames – is a game changing line-up of new writing fresh for 2019. These 10 newly announced productions showcase the most daring and original new voices and join the previously announced In Lipstick by Annie Jenkins (a co-production between award-winning theatre company Up In Arms, producer Ellie Keel and the Pleasance).

Together these productions mark an important contribution to the future of new writing, with UK, European and World premieres by some of the hottest emerging writers and companies from across the UK and beyond!

The season includes a bold new satire on climate change directed by the Pleasance’s own Head of Theatre, an incredible true story offering an unique insight into gender transitioning, a cathartic exposé of the modelling industry from a former model, and a riotous musical comedy celebrating curiosity and imagination.

Alongside this, Pleasance is piloting a radical new development scheme offering companies and artists up to 30 weeks of 100% subsidised development space and the opportunity to stage workshop and work-in-progress performances throughout the year. A development of the theatre’s Litmus Festival, the new Pleasance LABS will offer year-round opportunities to develop new work for
both London and the Edinburgh Fringe!

Pleasance Islington is also looking to appoint three London Associate Artists or Companies. Pleasance London Associates will benefit from being part of one of London and Edinburgh’s most exciting theatres and communities, renowned for its mission of providing a platform for the talent of the future. In addition, Pleasance will offer four weeks of fully subsidised rehearsal and development space, and work and meeting space, practical year-round mentoring, and a slot in the 2020 Pleasance Islington programme!

Anthony Alderson, Director of Pleasance Theatre Trust, comments I’m delighted to announce that alongside these bold new shows, we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting and nurturing emerging artists by piloting a new scheme offering up to 30 weeks of 100% subsidised rehearsal and development space, and opening applications for a revitalised London Associate Artist and Company Scheme. New plays and developing artists have always been central to what we do at Pleasance and together this represents an investment of over £60,000 to support the next generation of theatre makers. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome new artists and new audiences to experience excellent work in our Islington home!

Nic Connaughton, Head of Theatre for Pleasance Theatre Trust says, #YouWillKnowTheirNames is an ambitious and, we hope, significant contribution to the ongoing discussion around the development of emerging writers and text-led companies. This six-month season of ten plays and one festival is bursting with exciting, challenging, lyrical, daring, cheeky and compassionate new plays. All the
playwrights and companies are taking risks in the way they tell stories to tackle some of the great themes of our time, as well as sharing beautifully crafted human tales. We are confident that, if you don’t know their names yet, you will soon!

The programme is as follows:

Neil-Michael Marriott presents
Lilies and Sweets
by Nathan Wright, directed by Spencer Noll
5th – 16th February 2019, Tues-Saturday at 8pm, Sun evening 6pm, Sat 16th matinee at 3.30pm

Successful ageing novelist Les, and the less successful actor Terry, pore over Grindr. Reminiscing on life, they discuss Les’s new found desire for Al, a drug dealer Terry has recently brought into their lives. From Al’s very first delivery of ‘Sweets’, a unique and dangerous friendship takes hold.

Lilies and Sweets is the debut play by Nathan Wright who originally trained as an actor. His notable credits include series regular Nurse Chris Reid in Doctors, Hugh in Being Human, Colin Pitchfork in Code of Killer and Robert in The Musketeers. The play was originally developed as part of Pleasance Theatre’s Reading Week programme.

Post-It Productions presents
Call Me Vicky
by Stacey and Nicola Bland
19th February – 9 th March 2019, Tues-Saturday at 8pm, Sun evening 6pm, Sat 9th matinee at 3.30pm
Press Night: 21st February

It’s 1980 in Elephant and Castle. Sixteen-year-old Martin and his best friend Debbie are getting ready for another night out at Martin’s favourite night spot, ‘The Golden Girl’, one of Soho’s premier drag clubs. Tonight is not a regular night out. Tonight is the night that Martin’s life will change forever. Call Me Vicky tells the incredible true story of one woman’s journey to become the person she knows herself to be.

Based entirely on a true story, the debut play from East London sisters Nicola and Stacey Bland is an honest, frank and revealing insight into an important struggle that has been relevant for generations.

Call Me Vicky is supported by Arts Council England.

Marked Productions presents
Model Behaviour
by Issy Knowles, directed by Rachael Head
12th – 16th March 2019
Tues-Saturday at 8pm, Sat matinee at 3.30pm

Fresh from a sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Model Behaviour is a cut-throat, cathartic unveiling of a brutal and idolised industry told entirely through the eyes of one hopeful young model. We are taken through the casting process, the pressure of fashion week and the heartbreaking narrative of one woman desperately unsure whether she can ever be anything more.

This all-female production is directed and produced by Rachael Head, and written and performed by former model Issy Knowles, there has never been a better time to lift the lid on one of the most secretive industries in the world

Riddlestick Theatre presents
The Cabinet of Madame Fanny Du Thé
19th – 23rd March 2019, Tues-Saturday at 8pm

This riotous musical comedy invites audiences to meet the eccentric 18th century explorer, Madame Fanny, and to take their pick from her cabinet of curiosities. For whichever curio they choose, Fanny and her servants perform the elaborate tale behind it, taking the audience on a voyage of hilarity. From battling with pirates to partying with Marie Antoinette, Fanny’s allegedly done it all. But,
while she revels in telling her outrageously outlandish stories, somebody far more serious is on the way to bring her down to earth.

Riddlestick Theatre are dedicated to tickling fancies with weird and wonderful stories and enchanting live music. Roll up your sleeves and choose the tales we tell in this riotous celebration of curiosity and imagination.

Ali and Dahlia
by Tariq Jordan
26th March – 14th April, Tues-Saturday at 8pm, Sun evening 6pm, Sat 6th & 13th matinee at 3.30pm

Having been accused of rioting, Ali awaits his fate in an Israeli interrogation room. But, when an old lover steps in to question him, the two are forced to confront their past and find themselves torn between bitter loyalties. A harrowing Palestinian-Israeli love story set against the backdrop of the
construction of the West Bank wall. A story of love, occupation, sacrifice, and redemption that looks unflinchingly at the loss of innocence in war, the longing for lost homelands, and the political forces that shape our lives.

Ali and Dahlia is the debut play of actor-playwright Tariq Jordan and was previously developed as part of Arcola Theatre’s PlayWROUGHT programme and at HighTide Walthamstow Festival.

Fledgling Theatre presents
Neck or Nothing
Written and Directed by Christopher Neels and Callum Cameron
23rd April – 4 th May 2019, Tues-Saturday at 8pm, Sun evening 6pm, Sat 4th matinee at 3.30pm

Neck Or Nothing is the story of Jens, a self-taught inventor, who sets out to create one of the most important technological advancements in history – a giant suit to fight bears. Fledgling Theatre’s latest show explores themes of PTSD and mental health. It is inspired by the cult documentary Project Grizzly (1998).

After its run at the Pleasance, Neck Or Nothing will transfer to Greenwich Theatre.

NOVAE theatre presents
Don’t Look Away
by Grace Chapman, directed by Nicholas Pitt
7th – 18th May 2019, Tues-Saturday at 8pm, Sun evening 6pm, Sat 18th matinee at 3.30pm

2015. A young man enters a community centre, covered in flour and looking for help. He finds Cath, a cleaner, who reluctantly lets him stay in her son’s room. This split-second decision will change her life forever.

Don’t Look Away is a powerful new production from NOVAE theatre, sister company to internationally renowned ensemble Idle Motion. This is daring theatre inventive in its form and astonishing in its delivery – a critical tale of compassion and an investigation into our collective response to the international refugee crisis.

It is supported by Arts Council England.

Hope Theatre Company presents
#BeMoreMartyn: The Boy with the Deirdre Tattoo
Directed by Adam Zane
21st – 25th May 2018, Tues-Saturday at 8pm, Sat matinee at 3.30pm

#BeMoreMartyn trended on Twitter in the hours after the announcement of Martyn Hett’s death in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing – but what does it mean?

Manchester-based Hope Theatre Company posed this question to eight of Martyn’s closest friends and created a unique piece of verbatim theatre using their words. They give a remarkable insight into an extraordinary young man who transformed each and every one of them. Martyn’s friends take us on a journey from the cobbles of Canal Street to his legendary Eurovision parties, celebrating Coronation Street, Mariah Carey and Michelle McManus along the way.

This new play celebrates the power of friendship and encourages audiences to live life to the full, to be proud of who you are and to #BeMoreMartyn.

Horatio Productions presents
The Science Fiction Theatre Festival
Feat. ReGen by Juan Echenique, directed by Fumi Gomez
27th May – 1st June, Mon-Saturday at 7pm, Sat matinee at 3.30pm

How does science affect society? How does it affect drama? How can science inspire fiction and, in turn, playwriting? How does science fiction translate to theatre? The largest company specialised in new writing for science fiction theatre in the UK, Horatio Productions, bring their stellar second edition of The Science Fiction Theatre Festival to Pleasance Islington for a week-long futuristic
extravaganza.

Alongside incredible short plays by writers from all over the world as well as talks and Q&As with industry experts in comic books, film, cosplay and science fiction culture, The Science Fiction Theatre Festival will stage the featured show ReGen each day.

ReGen: What is the future of stem cell research? The paths of two strangers meet at a crossroad between vanity, obsession and guilt. Gastronomy meets surgery in a world-changing clash of egos.

Maya Ellis and Pleasance presents
Kill Climate Deniers
by David Finnegan, Directed by Nic Connaughton
4th – 30th June 2019, Tues-Saturday at 8pm, Sun evening 6pm, Sat 15th, 22nd & 29th matinee at 3.30pm

What would it take to stop climate change dead in its tracks? Science? Recycling? Experts? Manic techno, guns and revolution? Environment Minister Gwen Malkin’s plan to stop climate change is rudely interrupted by eco-terrorists storming Australian Parliament House during a Fleetwood Mac concert. Blending fact and fiction, David Finnegan’s bold new satire explores a world on the brink of turmoil and the effects of conversations inside the echo chamber.

An action film wrapped in a TED talk, Kill Climate Deniers won the Griffin Playwriting Award ahead of its 2018 premiere in Sydney, Australia, where it provoked, enraged and delighted audiences and critics alike. Prepare to experience the European premiere of one of the most daring and important
plays of the decade, directed by Pleasance’s Head of Theatre Nic Connaughton.

NUFFIELD SOUTHAMPTON THEATRES ANNOUNCE

SPRING AND SUMMER 2019 SEASON

Director of Nuffield Southampton Theatres, Samuel Hodges, today announces the company’s Spring and Summer 2019 season.

The season, which marks the first anniversary of the opening of NST City, includes Samuel Hodges directing his version of the UK regional première of Peter Morgan’s The Audience. Nuffield Southampton Theatres then present the stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns by Ursula Rani Sarma in a co-production with Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Northern Stage. NST also produce a brand-new audio play, The Line, curated by Barney Norris, which will tour Southampton in a Ford Transit Van in association with Up in Arms supported by Padmini Broomfield and Now Heritage CIC.

In January the company welcome the previously announced return of Howard Brenton’s The Shadow Factorywhich will be accompanied by The Shadow Factory Exhibition, a free immersive installation looking into the stories behind the production. The season continues its celebration of the local community with the annual festival Now-Here: Made in Southampton, a varied programme exploring the theme of industry and manufacturing in Southampton, inspired by the real-life stories of the city’s residents. Then, Make It SO, showcases and celebrates performances by local artists and companies in NST City’s Studio Theatre.

Nuffield Southampton Theatres also welcomes touring productions including Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh, Dan Gordon’s adaptation of Rain Man, Princess & the Hustler, Marie Jones’ Stones in his Pockets, The Remains of the Day adapted by Barney Norris, Kneehigh’s Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs), Jon Brittain’s Olivier Award-winning play Rotterdam and following two sold out runs at the National Theatre, Barber Shop Chronicles from NST Associate Inua Ellams. Alongside this NST host a selection of dance productions with Gecko’s Missing, Boy Blue’s Olivier Award nominated Blak Whyte Gray and NST resident company ZoieLogic Dance Theatre presents Sleuth.

Director of Nuffield Southampton Theatres, Sam Hodges, said today “As we head into our second year at NST City, we return to the theme of making. From Spitfires to Ford Transit vans, from local artists to award-winning designers, this is a year that puts Southampton’s heritage as a city right at the heart of the programme.

This season is a choir of genuinely diverse voices. You’ll hear the rare private thoughts of our Queen. You’ll hear Afghan women straining to be heard against the silencing might of their husbands and government. You’ll hear real-life accounts from Southampton’s former Ford workers. 

And it’s fantastic that three of our touring shows are from writers we know well. Barney Norris, writer of The Line, brings his version of Remains of the Day; Jon Brittain, the hilarious writer behind our musical Billionaire Boy, brings his Olivier Award-winning play Rotterdam; and our very own Poetry Associate Inua Ellams brings the spectacular Barber Shop Chronicles.”

NST City

A Nuffield Southampton Theatres production

The UK regional première of

The Audience

by Peter Morgan

Directed by Samuel Hodges; Designer: Rosanna Vize

24 May – 22 June 2019

Press Night: Thursday 30 May, 7pm

Prime Minister: I never sleep much.

Queen: Oh dear. I like the idea of any person with the power to start a nuclear war being rested.

For 60 years, the Queen has met her Prime Minister every week.  An audience at Buckingham Palace. Both parties agree never to repeat what is said. Not even to their spouses.

What is discussed? What secrets are shared? Does her Majesty have her favourites?

Sometimes intimate, often confessional, occasionally explosive, The Audience imagines the private moments that define a changing Britain. One head of state. Endless heads of government. This play asks where the real power lies.

Nuffield Southampton Theatres Director Samuel Hodges directs his version of The Audience from the writer of the popular TV series The Crown.

Peter Morgan’s other work for theatre includes Frost/Nixon. His television work includes The Crown, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, The Jury, The Special Relationship, Longford, Colditz, Henry VIII and The Deal; and for film, Rush, 360, Hereafter, State of Play, The Damned United, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Last King of Scotland and The Queen.

Samuel Hodges is Director of Nuffield Southampton Theatres (NST). His productions for NST includes The Shadow Factory, Dedication – Shakespeare and Southampton, following The Glass Menagerie in 2015. Previously he founded the HighTide Festival Theatre in 2007 and was the Artistic Director for five years, during which time he produced over 25 new plays, co-producing with the National Theatre, The Old Vic and the Bush Theatre, amongst others. Between 2012 and 2014, he ran the Criterion Theatre in London’s West End, for whom he curated a late-night programme and a one-off summer season of new work to celebrate the London Olympics.

NST City

A Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Northern Stage co-production in association with Nuffield Southampton Theatres

The European Première

A Thousand Splendid Suns 

by Khaled Hosseini
Adapted by Ursula Rani Sarma

Directed by Roxana Silbert; Designer: Ana Inés Jabares-Pita

25 June – 6 July 2019

Press Night: Wednesday 26 June, 7pm

Mariam is only fifteen when she is sent to Kabul to marry Rasheed.

Laila was born a generation later. When Laila is orphaned, her and Mariam’s lives collide as they are forced to share the same husband.

Under the Taliban take over, life is a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear. As the war rages and the years pass, the country grows more oppressive and so does Rasheed.

But the bonds of love, family and friendship may offer the only escape and drive them to overcome the most daunting obstacles.

From the writer of The Kite Runner, this is the powerful story of three generations of women discovering strength in unity.  

Age recommendation: 14+

Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1965. He is one of the most recognized and bestselling authors in the world. His books, The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, and And the Mountains Echoed, have been published in over seventy countries and sold more than 40 million copies worldwide.

Ursula Rani Sarma is a playwright and screenwriter. Her theatre credits include Joanne (Soho Theatre), Yerma(West Yorkshire Playhouse), Riot (American Conservatory Theatre), The Dark Things (Edinburgh Festival Fringe), The Spider Men (National Theatre), When the War Came (New Theatre Company), Blue (Cork Opera House/Theatre503/Irish tour), Touched (Irish tour), Orpheus Road (Paines Plough), Gift (Beltable Theatre/Djinn Theatre/Granary Theatre) and Like Sugar on Skin (Granary Theatre). Her television credits include Judge Deeand Red Rock; and for film, Robot and Scarecrow and Anywhere But Here.

Roxana Silbert directs. She is Artistic Director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre and was previously an Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Artistic Director of Paines Plough Theatre Company (2005-2009), Literary Director at the Traverse Theatre (2001-2004) and Associate Director at Royal Court Theatre (1998-2000). For Birmingham Repertory Theatre her credits include What Shadows, The Government Inspector (in association with Ramps On The Moon), Anita and Me (with Theatre Royal Stratford East), The King’s Speech (with Chichester Festival Theatre), Of Mice And Men; Khandan (Family) (with Royal Court Theatre), Dunsinane (National Theatre of Scotland/RSC), A Life Of Galileo (with RSC and Bath Theatre Royal) and Tartuffe.

A Nuffield Southampton Theatres production in association with Up in Arms

supported by Padmini Broomfield and Now Heritage CIC

The Line 

Curated by Barney Norris

Directed by Alice Hamilton

Staged in a Ford Transit Van

July – August 2019 (performance schedule to be announced)

Everyone in Southampton knows someone who worked at Ford.

In Swaythling, there stood a factory. Built in 1939 to assemble aircraft parts, it switched to producing parts for Spitfires during World War II. In 1953, it was taken over by Ford.

Half a century later, Ford moved production of all passenger cars out of the UK, leaving Southampton’s plant as the only British factory. It made the Transit, the iconic white van.

In 2009, Ford moved production to a new plant in Turkey, reducing the workforce to 500; and in 2013, the factory closed down completely.

Take a seat inside our van and listen to this brand new audio play curated by Barney Norris, co-Director of Up In Arms an associate company of NST.

Based on real-life accounts by former Ford employees who recall a place which, through all its highs and lows, was always at the heart of its community.

Barney Norris is co-artistic director of Up In Arms Theatre, a touring theatre company. His first play Visitors ran at the Arcola Theatre before transferring to the Bush Theatre, winning him the 2014 Critics’ Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright. His other full-length plays are Nightfall, Eventide, Echo’s End and While We’re Here. Norris is the author of a bestselling novel, Five Rivers Met in a Wooded Plain, and a book on theatre: To Bodies Gone: The Theatre of Peter Gill. His second novel, Turning For Home, was published in 2018, as well as a second non-fiction study, The Wellspring, a book of conversations with his father, the composer David Owen Norris.

Alice Hamilton is a theatre director and dramaturg, and co-artistic director of Up In Arms, a touring theatre company. Her credits for the company include The March on Russia (Orange Tree Theatre), Visitors (Arcola Theatre/UK tour/Bush Theatre), German Skerries, Eventide and While We’re Here (UK tours). Other theatre credits include Paradise, Every Day I Make Greatness Happen (Hampstead Theatre), Echo’s End (Salisbury Playhouse), Thirty Christmases (New Diorama Theatre) Anything That Flies (Jermyn Street Theatre), Orca and Orson’s Shadow (Southwark Playhouse).

LOCAL AND YOUTH THEATRE PROGRAMME

Alongside the company’s main season of work Nuffield Southampton Theatres presents a programme performed by and celebrating the local community as well as a season of work by NST Youth Theatre which provides the opportunity for local young people to work with professional theatre makers.

The Shadow Factory Exhibition is a free immersive installation looking into the history that inspired Howard Brenton’s play that explores Southampton’s role in World War II. Make It SO then celebrates local talent with a season of work from local artists and companies and finally annual festival, Now Here: Made in Southampton, returns with a variety of performances, exhibitions, workshops and talks celebrating the city’s rich industrial heritage.

Nuffield Southampton Youth Theatre in a co-production with National Theatre Connections 2019 present Classby Ben Bailey Smith and Lajaune Lincoln which follows a student council as the school election approaches examining wider issues of social division and populism. NST’s Summer Youth Project create a new production of1984 to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of George Orwell’s timeless and still poignantly relevant, classic.

NST City

A Nuffield Southampton Theatres production

The Shadow Factory Exhibition

4 February – 1 March 2019

NST City

A Nuffield Southampton Theatres production

Make it SO

February – April 2019

NST City

A Nuffield Southampton Theatres production

Now-Here: Made in Southampton

11 – 13 July 2019

NST City

A Nuffield Southampton Youth Theatres and National Theatre Connections 2019 production

Class

28 – 30 March 2019

NST City

A Nuffield Southampton Youth Theatres production

1984

29 July – 10 August 2019