CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE
UK AND IRISH PREMIERES OF THE
TONY AWARD-WINNING NEW MUSICALTHE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF THE SMALL TOWN THAT WELCOMED THE WORLD

ABBEY THEATRE, DUBLIN: 6 DECEMBER 2018 TO 19 JANUARY 2019

PHOENIX THEATRE, LONDON: FROM 30 JANUARY 2019

Casting has been announced for COME FROM AWAY the Tony Award-winning musical which will land in London for its long-awaited UK premiere at the Phoenix Theatre next year with performances from 30 January 2019, and a pre-West End engagement at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin from 6 December 2018 to 19 January 2019.

Telling the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded air passengers during the wake of 9/11, and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them, will be Jenna Boyd (Beulah and others), Nathanael Campbell (Bob and others), Clive Carter (Claude and others), Mary Doherty (Bonnie and others), Robert Hands (Nick, Doug and others), Helen Hobson (Diane and others), Jonathan Andrew Hume (Kevin J, Ali and others), Harry Morrison (Oz and others), Emma Salvo (Janice and others), David Shannon (Kevin T, Garth and others), Cat Simmons (Hannah and others) and Rachel Tucker (Beverley, Annette and others) with Mark Dugdale, Bob Harms, Kiara Jay, Kirsty Malpass, Tania Mathurin, Alexander McMorran,Brandon Lee Sears and Jennifer Tierney.

This joyous new musical recounts the incredible true story of how the residents of Gander, Newfoundland welcomed the passengers of planes from around the world. Cultures clashed, and nerves ran high, but as uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

On 11 September 2001 the world stopped. On 12 September, their stories moved us all.

Earning widespread critical and audience acclaim, the multi award-winning musical continues sold-out, record-breaking engagements on Broadway, and in Canada, with a 60-city North American Tour recently launched in Seattle, an Australian production confirmed for summer 2019, and a feature film adaptation in the works.

Jenna Boyd’s previous theatre credits include Love on the Links (Salisbury Playhouse), The Wind in the Willows (UK Tour/ London Palladium), Oliver! and Simply Cinderella (Leicester Curve), How To Suceed In Business Without Really Trying (Royal Festival Hall), I Can’t Sing! (London Palladium), The Pajama Game (Chichester Festival Theatre), Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre) and Acorn Antiques (Theatre Royal Haymarket).

Nathanael Campbell most recently appeared in Guys & Dolls (Manchester Royal Exchange). His previous theatre credits include Sunny Afternoon (UK Tour), All That Lives (Ovalhouse), Back to the Future (Secret Cinema) and Macbeth (S4K National & International Tour).

Clive Carter’s stage credits include King The Musical: In Concert (Hackney Empire), Oklahoma! (Royal Albert Hall/ BBC Proms), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Palace Theatre), My Fair Lady(International Tour/ Larnaca Festival and Sheffield Crucible), Take Flight (Menier Chocolate Factory), We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre) and The Rat Pack (UK Tour).

Mary Doherty’s stage credits include Henry VI, All’s Well That Ends Well and Henry VIII (Shakespeare’s Globe), Anne Boleyn (English Touring Theatre/ Shakespeare’s Globe), Two Cities (Salisbury Playhouse), Inherit The Wind (The Old Vic), Our House (Cambridge Theatre), Grease (UK Tour), Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre), The Merry Wives of Windsor (Royal Shakespeare Company) and Avenue Q (Noël Coward Theatre).

Robert Hands’ stage credits include the original West End cast of Spamalot (Palace Theatre), Chicago (Adelphi Theatre), The Importance of Being Earnest (The Old Vic), The Woman in Black (Fortune Theatre), Troilus and Cressida (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales Theatre) and The Schumann Plan (Hampstead Theatre). Robert was also a member of the all-male Shakespeare company, Propeller. Screen credits include Doctor Who, The House of Eliott, Anna and the King and Shine.

Helen Hobson’s credits include Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre, Prince of Wales Theatre and UK Tour), Only The Brave (Wales Millenium Centre), Sunny Afternoon (Hampstead Theatre), The Sound of Music (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Human Comedy (Young Vic) and Blood Brothers (Phoenix Theatre).

Jonathan Andrew Hume’s stage credits include Disney’s The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (UK Tour) and Alice in Winterland (Rose Theatre Kingston). Screen credits include Eastenders, Hope and Glory and the forthcoming movie Mary Poppins Returns.

Harry Morrison’s stage credits include Half a Sixpence (Chichester Festival Theatre and Nöel Coward Theatre), Assassins (Menier Chocolate Factory), Guys and Dolls and Kiss Me, Kate (Chichester Festival Theatre) and Crazy For You (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre/ Novello Theatre) and The Sound of Music (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).

Emma Salvo’s stage credits include The Toxic Avenger (Arts Theatre), Sincerely, Mister Toad (UK Tour), Grease (Royal Caribbean) and Sleeping Beauty (Mercury Theatre).

David Shannon’s stage credits include Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre), The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre) and Matilda (Cambridge Theatre). He was Olivier-nominated for originating the role of John in The Beautiful Game (Cambridge Theatre). In Dublin, his stage credits include Romeo & Juliet and The Threepenny Opera (Gate Theatre) as well as By The Bog of Cats (Abbey Theatre). Screen credits include Vikings, Noah and 5 to 7.

Cat Simmons is known to television audiences as DC Kezia Walker in long running ITV series The Bill. Stage credits include Nancy in Oliver! (UK Tour), Jesus Christ Superstar (UK Tour), Simply Heavenly (Young Vic) and Ché Walker and Arthur Darvill’s musical premiere of Been So Long (Young Vic). Further screen credits include Life & Lyrics, No Angels and Casualty.

Rachel Tucker’s stage credits include Communicating Doors (Menier Chocolate Factory), The Last Ship (Neil Simon Theatre, New York), Farragut North (Southwark Playhouse), Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre, London and Gershwin Theatre, New York), We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre) and The Wizard of Oz (Belfast Lyric Theatre). She has toured venues in the UK and US with her own live performances and has released two solo albums. Television credits include the BBC series I’d Do Anything.

Come From Away features a book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein and is directed by Christopher Ashley, with musical staging by Kelly Devine, music supervision and arrangements by Ian Eisendrath, scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestrations by August Eriksmoen, and casting by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG.

A “Best Musical” winner all across North America, Come From Away has won the Tony Award for “Best Direction of a Musical” (Christopher Ashley), 5 Outer Critics Circle Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding New Broadway Musical,” 3 Drama Desk Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding Musical,” 4 Helen Hayes Awards (Washington DC) including “Outstanding Production of a Musical,” 4 Gypsy Rose Lee Awards (Seattle) including “Excellence in Production of a Musical,” 6 San Diego Critics Circle Awards including “Outstanding New Musical,” 3 Toronto Theatre Critics Awards including “Best New Musical,” 3 Dora Awards (Toronto) including “Outstanding New Musical/Opera” and “Outstanding Production,” and the 2017 Jon Kaplan Audience Choice Award (Toronto).

Come From Away was originally co-produced in 2015 by La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theatre, and presented in 2016 by Ford’s Theatre in Washington DC and Mirvish Productions at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, Canada, all in partnership with Junkyard Dog Productions. Come From Away (NAMT Festival 2013) was originally developed at the Canadian Music Theatre Project, Michael Rubinoff Producer, Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada and was further developed at Goodspeed Musicals’ Festival of New Artists, in East Haddam CT. The Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle WA also provided development support.

Come From Away is produced in the UK and Ireland by Junkyard Dog Productions and Smith & Brant Theatricals. The European premiere of Come From Away will be co-produced with the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s National Theatre.

LISTINGS

COME FROM AWAY

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Phoenix Theatre
Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0JP

First performance: 30 January 2019
Opening Night: 18 February 2019

Performance schedule

Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm

Wednesday and Saturday matinee performances at 2.30pm

Box office details

Website www.ComeFromAwayLondon.co.uk
Telephone 0844 871 7615
Prices from £19.50 (from £10 during preview performances: 30 January to 16 February 2019)

Abbey Theatre
26-27 Lower Abbey Street, North City, Dublin 1, D01 K0F1, Ireland

First performance: 6 December 2018
Final performance: 19 January 2019
Opening Night: 11 December 2018

Performance schedule

Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm
Matinee performances at 2.00pm

Box office details

Website www.abbeytheatre.ie
Telephone 00353 1 87 87 222
Prices from €13

THE NEW STAGE PRODUCTION OF LESLIE BRICUSSE’S

DOCTOR DOLITTLE

ANNOUNCES SUPPORT IN AID OF WWF

UK & IRELAND TOUR OPENS ON 9 NOVEMBER 2018

The producers of the UK & Ireland Tour of Leslie Bricusse’s much loved musical Doctor Dolittle, which opens at the Churchill Theatre Bromley on 9 November, with a national press night at the New Theatre Oxford on 17 January 2019, are delighted to announce their support of WWF.

 

Eccentric Doctor Dolittle embarks on an extraordinary adventure to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail that holds the secret of life and makes the world a happier place. Helped by his human companions and an exotic menagerie of animal friends, including the Pushmi-Pullyu and trusty sidekick Polynesia the parrot, the larger-than-life Doctor Dolittle teaches us not only to talk to the animals but to listen to them as well!  

As audiences join the Doctor in learning how humans and animals can live together in harmony, the musical will be helping raise funds for one of the world’s largest conservation organisations, WWF.

Through supporting the work of WWF, the musical hopes to inspire and educate audiences on the actions they can take to help fight for our world. Whilst the elusive giant pink sea snail is a creature of fiction, there are many species today which are becoming a rarer sight to see. Sadly, over the past 50 years, there have been huge losses in wildlife in the UK and abroad. Numbers of iconic species have dropped – from the skylark and water vole in the UK, to polar bears and snow leopards around the world.

The show’s producer, John Stalker, commented: “Choosing to support the work of WWF through our bucket collections and in theatre fundraising events was a clear choice. The show highlights the need to create a world that lives in harmony with nature and it’s a great opportunity to inspire audiences across the UK and Ireland to take action.”

 

This new production of Doctor Dolittle, with book, music and lyrics by double Academy Award-winner Leslie Bricusse, will be part of the 50^thanniversary celebrations of the original film starring Rex Harrison and will feature the same songs, including the Academy Award-winning Talk To The Animals.  Featuring stunning visual puppetry, this new production, with the book reworked by Leslie Bricusse, will be directed by Christopher Renshaw.

 

The cast is led by Mark Williams in the eponymous role, along with Brian Capron as Albert Blossom/Straight Arrow, Vicky Entwistle as Polynesia, ,Adèle Anderson as Lady Bellowes/Poison Arrow, Mollie Melia-Redgrave as Emma Fairfax and Patrick Sullivan as Matthew Mugg. Mark Williams and Brian Capron will play the first ten venues on the tour, and  Adèle Anderson the first six.  Vicky Entwistle, Mollie Melia-Redgrave and Patrick Sullivan will play the entire tour. 

 

Also in the cast will be Femi Akinfolarin, Erica Jayne Alden, Lydia Bannister, Joel Bayliss, Evonnee Bentley-Holder, Jane Crawshaw, Emily Essery, Jacob Fisher, George Hankers, Catherine Hannay, Evan James, Leon Kay, Emma Lloyd, Owen McHugh, Ross Meagrow, Tom Norman, Emily Ann Potter, Ellie Seaton and Richard Vorster.  The role of Tommy Stubbins will be shared by Harry Cross, Elliot Morris, Quillan O’Meara McDonald, Louis Parker, Elliott Rose and Thomas Ryan.

 

The new stage production of Doctor Dolittle will be directed by Christopher Renshaw, with choreography by Josh Rhodes, design by Tom Piper, puppet design by Nick Barnes, puppet direction by Jimmy Grimes, lighting by Chris Davey, sound by Ben Harrison, and musical supervision by Mike Dixon.

Doctor Dolittle is based on the Doctor Dolittle stories by Hugh Lofting and the Twentieth Century Fox film. 

 

Doctor Dolittle is performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Ltd.

 

The UK & Ireland Tour of Doctor Dolittle is produced by Music & Lyrics Limited, the producers behind the highly successful recent tours of The Addams Family, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Oklahoma!, Fiddler on the Roof, High Society and The King and I, in association with Churchill Theatre Bromley.

 

Website: www.doctordolittlemusical.com

Facebook: Doctor Dolittle The Musical

Twitter: @DolittleMusical

 

 

TOUR SCHEDULE

9 – 24 November 2018                   Churchill Theatre Bromley*⁺                                        020 3285 6000                                                                                                        www.churchilltheatre.co.uk                                        

11 December – 5 January 2019      The Lowry Salford*⁺                                                   0843 208 6000                                                                                                          www.thelowry.com                                                    

15 – 26 January                              Oxford New Theatre*⁺                                                0844 871 3020                                                                                                         www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford

29 January – 9 February                 Wolverhampton Grand Theatre*⁺                                01902 42 92 12

                                                        www.grandtheatre.co.uk                                            

12 – 23 February                            Newcastle Theatre Royal*⁺                                          0844 811 2121

                                                       www.theatreroyal.co.uk                                             

26 February – 9 March                   Hull New Theatre*⁺                                                      01482 300 306                                                                                                        www.hulltheatres.co.uk                                              

12 – 23 March                               His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen*                               01224 641122

                                                      www.aberdeenperformingarts.com                             

26 March – 6 April                         Royal & Derngate Northampton*                                 01604 624811                                                                                                          www.royalandderngate.co.uk                                     

9 – 20 April                                    Nottingham Theatre Royal*                                         0115 989 5555   

                                                      www.trch.co.uk                                                    

                                                                                                                            

23 April – 4 May                            Sheffield Lyceum Theatre*                                         0114 249 6000

                                                      www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                                      

 

14 – 25 May                                  Festival Theatre Edinburgh                                         0131 529 6000

                                                      www.edtheatres.com                                                 

 

28 May – 8 June                            Alhambra Theatre Bradford                                        01274 432000

                                                      www.bradford-theatres.co.uk                                     

 

11 – 22 June                                 Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin                               0844 847 2455

                                                     www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                                   

 

25 June – 6 July                            Millennium Forum, Derry                                            02871 264455

                                                     www.millenniumforum.co.uk                                      

  

9 – 20 July                                    The Marlowe, Canterbury                                            01227 8787787

                                                     www.themarlowetheatre.com                                     

                                                   

23 July – 3 August                        Glasgow King’s Theatre                                             0844 871 7648

                                                     www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre

 

6 – 17 August                               Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff                                02920 636464

                                                      www.wmc.org.uk                                                      

 

20 – 31 August                              Mayflower Theatre, Southampton                               02380 711811

                            www.mayflower.org.uk                                

 

3 – 14 September                          Blackpool Winter Gardens                                         0844 856 1111  

                            www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk             

                  

17 – 28 September                        New Wimbledon Theatre, London                               0844 871 7646

                                                      www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre

 

8 – 19 October                              Milton Keynes Theatre                                                 0844 871 7652

                                                      www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre

 

22 October – 2 November             Birmingham Hippodrome                                            0844 338 5000

                                                      www.birminghamhippodrome.com                             On sale to be announced

 

⁺Adèle Anderson dates

*Mark Williams & Brian Capron dates

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre – until 13th October

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

5*****

Still Alice is a powerful play dealing head on with the impact of young-onset dementia, adapted from the book by best selling author Lisa Genova. Still Alice is delivered through the eyes of Alice (Sharon Small) who is a successful career woman, mother and wife, living through the different stages of the disease. Eva Pope plays the mind of Alice (Herself), speaking her thoughts, prompting Alice to remember, often picking up on sixth sense cues that go unspoken in normal dialogue. It is such a simple technique that can leave the players exposed and has to be spot on to work. Small and Pope do not disappoint. The fluidity of the relationship between Alice (Small) and Herself (Pope) reflects the beginning, the middle and the end of the dementia as it takes hold. It gives us an insight into the abject fear, utter sadness and confusion it causes, ultimately the quiet serenity of not knowing.

Martin Marquez (John) gave a believable performance as the passionate, loyal, loving husband and father. He portrayed the responsibility his position in the family carried, having to balance what is best for everyone, sticking to what he believed was right. Lydia (Ruth Ollman) reflected perfectly the age old love/hate relationship between mother and daughter, softening and projecting unconditional love and affection for her mother towards the end. Thomas (Mark Armstrong) oozed the pain and frustration of a ‘mummy’s boy’, not able to believe or accept he was losing his mum, his best friend, until the end.

Throughout the piece the subtle changes in language lead you through the deeply moving, changing relationship between Alice (Sharon Small) and her family, her reality. The use of space, light and movement took you on the journey through Alice’s (Sharon Small) changing relationship with Herself (Eva Pope), becoming more and more distant, detached.The gentle finish was perfectly timed. A triumph for the director, David Grindley, and his Creative Team.

Lisa Genova can be proud of the continuing impact of her book, increasing the knowledge and a better understanding of young-onset dementia

BROS THEATRE COMPANY CELEBRATES 110^TH ANNIVERSARY WITH RETURN TO RICHMOND THEATRE WITH PRODUCTION OF

HIGH SOCIETY

Hot off the heels of its recent Best Musical win at the artsrichmond Swan Awards 2018, BROS Theatre Company returns to Richmond Theatre with its swell-egant, elegant production of Cole Porter’s HIGH SOCIETY.

This all-singing all-dancing family spectacular will sweep into the iconic Richmond Theatre from Tue 30 Oct – Sat 3 Nov, marking the first time a non-commercial company has performed the show in the theatre’s 119-year history. Press are invited to attend for review on Tue 30 Oct at 7.30pm.

 

And what of the story? It takes place in 1938 in Oyster Bay, Long Island, where a lavish wedding is about to take place. The unexpected arrival of her ex-husband and a potential suitor means that for the bride-to-be, there’s a choice to be made. With an irresistible Cole Porter score including sensational classics ‘True Love’, ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ and ‘Let’s Misbehave’, High Society offers a glimpse into the romances and dramas of the fashionable elite.

For show director Deb McDowell, HIGH SOCIETY is a natural choice for Richmond Theatre. ‘It’s such a pleasure to be bringing this classy show to Richmond Theatre – it’s the perfect venue. What could be better for banishing the blues this Autumn than a brilliantly comic and beautifully romantic Cole Porter musical!’

Past BROS shows at Richmond Theatre include Crazy For You in 2010, Oliver! In 2013 and 42nd Street in 2016 – all of which played to sell-out audiences. The company also have won the artsrichmond Award for Best Musical for two years running, with The Producers(2016) and Made In Dagenham (2017). As of 2018, BROS is the only non-commercial company still performing at Richmond.

BROS Theatre Company is celebrating 110 years of delighting audiences in the borough. BROS’ patron, Alan Titchmarsh, has been a part of the society and its work for many years including undertaking a variety of on-stage roles himself. Of HIGH SOCIETY, Alan says,“BROS Theatre Company’s productions, with their reputation for quality and originality, are eagerly looked forward to by a large audience. High Society is a hit show that offers a wealth of familiar songs, from ‘True Love’ to ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ and ‘Well Did You Evah!’  I can’t wait to see it, and urge all those who love this Hollywood favourite to book a seat now!”

 

High Society at Richmond Theatre

Tue 30 Oct – Sat 3 Nov

Tickets from: £14.65*

Show Link: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/high-society/richmond-theatre/

BAT OUT OF HELL – THE MUSICAL

WEST END SEASON MUST END

5 JANUARY 2019

The West End season of the award-winning Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical must end at the Dominion Theatre on Saturday 5 January 2019.  Meanwhile, the North American Tour opens in Toronto, Canada on 16 October 2018 and the German language premiere will open in Oberhasuen, Germany on 2 November 2018.

Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical wowed critics and public alike when it played limited seasons at Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum and Toronto’s Ed Mirvish Theatre in 2017, and has been seen by over 650,000 people to date. It began previews at the Dominion Theatre on Monday 2 April, with a gala performance on 19 April 2018.  Earlier this year, the show’s producers announced a wide-ranging global partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation, the governing body of the Invictus Games, and a special Gala Performance of the musical in support of the Invictus Games Foundation will take place on Thursday 6 December 2018.

Bat Out Of Hell became one of the best-selling albums in history, selling over 50 million copies worldwide.  16 years later, Steinman scored again with Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell, which contained the massive hit I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).

For the stage musical, the legendary and award-winning Jim Steinman has incorporated iconic songs from the Bat Out Of Hell albums, including You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth, Bat Out Of Hell, I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) and Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad, as well as two previously unreleased songs, What Part of My Body Hurts the Most and Not Allowed to Love.

Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical is a romantic adventure about rebellious youth and passionate love, set against the backdrop of a post-cataclysmic city adrift from the mainland.  Strat, the forever young leader of The Lost, has fallen for Raven, daughter of Falco, the tyrannical, ruler of Obsidian.  It scooped the ‘Evening Standard Radio 2 Audience Award’ for Best Musical in 2017.

The cast of Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical at the Dominion Theatre is led by Jordan Luke Gage as Strat and Christina Bennington as Raven, with Rob Fowler as Falco and Sharon Sexton as Sloane.  Also starring are Alex Thomas-Smith as Tink, Danielle Steers as Zahara, Wayne Robinson as Jagwire, Giovanni Spanó as Ledoux and Ryan Anderson as Blake.  At certain performances, the role of Strat will be played by Simon Gordon.  Also in the cast are Kyle Anthony, Emily Benjamin, Christopher Cameron, Georgia Carling, Natalie Chua, Jonathan Cordin, Rob Copeland, Hannah Ducharme, Isaac Edwards, Collette Guitart, Eric Hallengren, Vicki Manser, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky, Aston Newman Hannington, Eve Norris, Joseph Peacock, Kyle Roberts, Craig Ryder, Dawnita Smith, Courtney Stapleton, Julie Stark, Charlotte Anne Steen, Sam Toland and Barney Wilkinson.

Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical has book, music and lyrics by Jim Steinman, direction by Jay Scheib, choreography by Emma Portner, with musical supervision and additional arrangements by Michael Reed, set design by Jon Bausor, costume design by Jon Bausor and Meentje Nielsen, video design by Finn Ross, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestration by Steve Sidwell, casting by David Grindrod CDG, fight direction by Stuart Boother and musical direction by Robert Emery.

Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical is produced by David Sonenberg, Michael Cohl, Randy Lennox & Tony Smith.

Website:  www.BatOutOfHellMusical.com

Twitter & Facebook:  @BatTheMusical

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical

 

Dominion Theatre

268-269 Tottenham Court Road

London W1T 7AQ

Performances:  Mon-Sat at 7.30pm, Wed & Sat matinee at 2.30pm (N.B. Special Gala Performance on 6 December 2018 at 7.00pm)

 

Tickets:  from £15.00

Box Office:  0845 200 7982

Booking until 5 January 2019

Running Time:  2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)

Christmas 2018/19 Performance Schedule

Mon 17 December – 7.30pm

Tue 18 December – 7.30pm

Wed 19 December – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Thurs 20 December – 7.30pm

Fri 21 December – 7.30pm

Sat 22 December – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Mon 24 December – No Show

Tue 25 December – No Show

Wed 26 December – 7.30pm

Thurs 27 December – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Fri 28 December – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Sat 29 December – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Mon 31 December – 7.00pm (Sing-A-Long Perormance)

Tues 1 January – 7.30pm

Wed 2 January – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Thurs 3 January – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Fri 4 January – 7.30pm

Sat 5 January – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Hull New Theatre – until 13th October 2018

Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

5*****

What a fabulous Monday night at Hull New Theatre watching Benidorm Live, the audience laughed and whooped and sang and gave the cast a richly deserved standing ovation. The Hotel Solana may be three stars (with a fourth hanging off!) but this was a stunning 5 star performance. Like the rest of the packed Hull New Theatre audience I laughed like a drain and I think my face is now permanently in a smile, what a wonderful feeling!

Rather than use some of the episodes from the TV series Derren Litten has written a brand new story specifically for the stage and in so doing has ensured that Benidorm Live will be as successful as his TV series. His writing is superb, full of the double entendres, innuendo, misunderstandings and throwaway lines that we Brits love, following on the long traditions from saucy seaside postcards to Hancock’s Half Hour to The Two Ronnies (to name but a few).

The story revolves around the Hotel Solana’s manager discovering that a hotel inspector is incognito in the hotel ready to report back to the new owners of the hotel and the inevitable chaos that follows as the staff try to make sure they get a positive review.

This was a joyous performance and the cast were faultless in their timing and the delivery of lines, which I suspect they enjoyed as much as the audience. Sherrie Hewson has hotel manager Joyce Temple-Savage to perfection as she turns her posh voice on and off and tries to keep control of the hotel. Adam Gillen as Liam is the perfect foil for Kenneth (Tony Maudsley) and Liam’s cabaret turn in the second half is brilliant, I’m still smiling as I think about it. Tony Maudsley is wonderfully over the top as Kenneth and his costumes are inspired! Janine Duvitski plays Jacqueline with aplomb, her timing is stunning and watch out for her backing performance to Asa Elliott singing Rubber Ball. Jake Canuso is suitably cheesy as lothario Mateo and his cabaret dancing was fab-u-lous. The rest of the cast do an excellent supporting job and the set design by Mark Walters is stunning.

I have to admit to not having watched the TV series so I was not quite sure what to expect – what I got was a brilliant night out. I’m not sure that Benidorm Live is always PC and if you’re easily offended forget it but my advice would be that if there is a ticket available for Benidorm Live you should grab it with both hands. Benidorm Live is the ideal antidote for a chilly autumn night with such a feel good factor that it should be on prescription from the NHS!

Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Rebecca Stafford Productions present
Witness for the Prosecution
By Agatha Christie

• All rise for Witness for the Prosecution, celebrating a year of site-specific theatre in the spectacular Chamber of London’s County Hall.
• On its first birthday, Lucy Bailey’s production is well placed in the race to become Agatha Christie’s longest-running play, with The Mousetrap a mere 65 years ahead at this stage.
• Holly Willoughby and Jeremy Vine have been among the jurors who have answered the call to consider a verdict in the case of Leonard Vole.  Other luminaries spotted attending the trial include Tess Daly, Isla Fisher, Kelly Holmes, Calvin Klein, Ian McKellen, David Suchet, George Takei and Ronnie Wood. In its first year the show has also welcomed QCs, two High Court Judges and real-life forensics and autopsy teams.
• From 20 November, the production will welcome new cast members including Emma Rigby as Romaine Vole, Daniel Solbe as the accused Leonard Vole, Jasper Britton as Sir Wilfrid Robarts, William Chubb as Mr Myers QC, Christopher Ravenscroft as Mr Justice Wainwright and Ewan Stewart as Mr Mayhew. 
• To celebrate a killer first year, Witness for the Prosecution is offering a new range of gift packages, just in time for Christmas.
• Tickets now on sale until 1 September 2019 from www.witnesscountyhall.com 

Witness for the Prosecution this week celebrates its 1st birthday at London’s County Hall. DirectorLucy Bailey (Love From A Stranger, The Graduate, Titus Andronicus) thrillingly places the audience in the thick of the action in “the comfiest seats in London” (New York Times), or observing from the Press Gallery, as Agatha Christie’s gripping tale of justice, passion and betrayal unfolds around them.

More tickets have been released today for the production, which is now booking until 1 September 2019, available via www.witnesscountyhall.com

New cast members are announced today who will join the company from 20 November; Emma Rigby (Hollyoaks, Once Upon A Time in Wonderland) will play Romaine Vole, Daniel Solbe as the accused Leonard Vole, Jasper Britton (Pack of Lies, The Libertine) as Sir Wilfrid Robarts,William Chubb (Othello, This House) as Mr Myers QC, Christopher Ravenscroft (High Society, The Ruth Rendell Mysteries) as Mr Justice Wainwright and Ewan Stewart (Titanic, Let The Right One In) as Mr Mayhew. The new cast will also include Richard Banks, Chloé Booyens, Joanna Brookes, Miriam Cooper, Liam Lau Fernandez, Phoebe Marshall,Hugh Osborne, Simon Roberts, Leo Turner and Jamie Zubairi.

Leonard Vole is accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth. The stakes are high. Will Leonard survive the shocking witness testimony?  Will he be able to convince the jury of his innocence and escape the hangman’s noose?

Witness for the Prosecution has captured the imagination of audiences who have experienced the drama inside the unique setting of County Hall’s ornate Chamber on London’s iconic South Bank, receiving Best Revival nominations at the 2018 Olivier and WhatsOnStage Awards.

The production is designed by William Dudley, with lighting by Chris Davey and sound design by Mic Pool.

LISTINGS

Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Rebecca Stafford Productions present
Witness for the Prosecution
By Agatha Christie
Directed by Lucy Bailey
Designed by William Dudley
Lighting Design by Chris Davey
Sound Design by Mic Pool

London County Hall
The Chamber, County Hall, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 7PB
Currently Booking until 1 September 2019
Box Office: 0844 815 7141
Online: www.witnesscountyhall.com

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday to Saturday, 7.30pm and matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm and Sunday at 3pm

See website for the following performances:

17 December 2018 – 6 January 2019
18 – 24 February 2019
15 – 23 April 2019

TICKET PRICES

Tickets from £10

No booking fees if booked via the official website

Our exclusive VIP Jury Ticket will place you in the heart of the courtroom action. Jurors will receive a complimentary programme and 2 complimentary drinks (soft drink, beer or house wine) to be redeemed pre-show or at the interval.

A KILLER CHRISTMAS PRESENT – Gift packages now available. See website for details.

To celebrate a killer first year, Witness for the Prosecution is offering a new range of gift packages, just in time for Christmas.

You simply select which of the three packages you would like to send as a gift, and the date you’d like us to confirm the gift to your recipient, and we’ll send an email that allows them to choose a performance date and time that suits them.

Or if you prefer to present in person, we’ll send you one of our limited-edition Witness for the Prosecution gift boxes, with ticket voucher and information about the show – so you can give your friends and family their day in court.

JURY PACKAGE £210 – Become a member of the Jury, and be prepared to be “sworn to secrecy” as the trial begins. Package includes 2 VIP Jury tickets, programme and drinks before the show and during the interval.

JUDGE PACKAGE £175 – Take your seats in our Premium area, right at the heart of the action. Package includes 2 Premium seat tickets, programme and drinks before the show.

COURTROOM PACKAGE £150 – Watch the trial play out before you as Leonard Vole fights to convince the jury – and you – of his innocence. Package includes 2 Band A tickets, programme and drinks before the show.

Website: www.witnesscountyhall.com

#killer1styear #SeeYouInCourt

Twitter: @WitnessPlayLDN
Instagram: @witnessplayldn
Facebook: /WitnessPlayLDN

MILES JUPP

TO STAR IN

THE LIFE I LEAD

WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION LAUNCHES FEBRUARY 2019

 

Miles Jupp, one of Britain’s leading stand-up comedians and revered actors (Mock the Week, Balamory, The News Quiz, Rev, The Durrells), will tour the UK in 2019, with the world premiere of THE LIFE I LEAD by James Kettle, directed by Selina Cadell, opening at the Exeter Northcott on 6 February.

Best remembered for playing ‘Mr Banks’ in Disney’s classic film Mary Poppins and ‘Professor Emelius Browne’ in Bedknobs and Broomsticks, British actor David Tomlinson was renowned for playing the classic English gent: forthright, proper, and a loveable fool. His meeting with Walt Disney came to encapsulate his incredible life full of adventure and heartbreak. The Life I Lead sees Miles Jupp bringing David Tomlinson’s remarkable story to life.

As a World War Two fighter pilot, his early life contained action and adventure; but he suffered huge heartbreak with the tragic death of his first wife, and his fight to have his son Willie recognised as one of the first British cases of autism. The man who portrayed one of cinema’s most famous patriarchs was also defined by his relationship with his own father – a remote eccentric, who was hiding an extraordinary tragicomic secret.

THE LIFE I LEAD is a richly comic and moving tale of fathers and sons across the generations and fills in the blanks behind a very well-known face.

Miles Jupp said. “I was attracted to this first because of the character of Tomlinson himself- a man whose acting performances seemed effortless but concealed a great skill beneath the surface and not a little magic. And then by the story of his life, beautifully written by my frequent collaborator James Kettle, which is full of surprises.  It is a script that contains both comedy and moments of extraordinary sadness and pain and I hope that under the direction of Selina Cadell, one of my most favourite people in the world, I can do the play and Tomlinson justice.”

Described by the Telegraph as “a very British tour-de-force”, Miles Jupp has appeared as a performer across a wide range of genres – from stand-up comedy and theatre to major television series and Hollywood films. His extensive screen credits include the award-winning BBC2 sitcom Rev, The Thick Of It, Outnumbered and Gary: Tank Commander as well as the popular children’s TV show, Balamory, The Crown on Netflix, Howards End for the BBC, and The Durrells and Bad Move for ITV, as well as appearances on Have I got News For You, QI, Mock the Week, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Live At the Apollo, James And Jupp. George Clooney’s The Monuments Men, Michael Winterbottom’s The Look Of Love, Nigel Cole’s Made In Dagenham and Jon Stewart’s Rosewater. In 2012, Miles made his National Theatre debut in Alan Bennett’s People and in 2015 went on to perform in the theatre’s critically acclaimed production of Rules for Living alongside Stephen Mangan. He has also appeared in The Way Of The World at Northampton Royal Theatre, A Death In The Death Of Joe Egg at the Glasgow Citizens and Neville’s Island in the West End.

James Kettle is both a narrative and entertainment comedy writer, and a long-time collaborator with Miles Jupp; lead writer of BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, and numerous episodes of In and Out the Kitchen. His other writing credits include four series of the Rose D’Or nominated Tom Wrigglesworth’s Hang ups, three series of Can’t Tell Nathan Caton Nothing, four series of Wordaholics and he also writes live tour material for comedians such as Joe Lycett, Jason Byrne, and Susan Calman.

The Life I Lead is produced by Jonathan Church Productions and Exeter Northcott, directed by Selina Cadell, designed by Lee Newby.

www.lifeileadtour.com/ / www.twitter.com/LifeILeadTour / www.facebook.com/LifeILeadTour/

THE LIFE I LEAD – UK TOUR DATES 2019

Wednesday 6 – Saturday 9 February Box Office: 01392 726363 Exeter, Northcott Theatre Website: https://exeternorthcott.co.uk

Monday 11 – Saturday 16 February Box Office: 01243 781312 Chichester, Minerva Theatre Website: https://www.cft.org.uk/

Monday 19 – Tuesday 20 February Box Office: 01723 370541 Scarborough, Stephen Joseph Website: https://www.sjt.uk.com

Friday 22 – Sunday 24 February Box Office: 0843 208 6000 Manchester, Lowry Website: https://www.thelowry.com/

Tuesday 26 February Box Office: 0115 941 9419 Nottingham, Playhouse Website: https://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/

Wednesday 27 – Thursday 28 February Box Office: 01302 303 959 Doncaster, CAST (on sale November) Website: https://www.castindoncaster.com/

Friday 1 – Saturday 2 March Box Office: 01603 598598 Norwich, Playhouse (on sale 26th November) Website: http://www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk/

Tuesday 5 – Wednesday 6 March Box Office: 01865 305305 Oxford, Playhouse (on sale soon) Website: https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/

Thursday 7 – Saturday 9 March Box Office: 01284 769505 Bury St. Edmunds, Theatre Royal (on sale soon) Website: https://www.theatreroyal.org/

Monday 11 – Wednesday 13 March Box Office: 0121 236 4455 Birmingham Rep, Studio (on sale soon) Website: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/

Thursday 14 – Saturday 16 March Box Office: 01722 320 333 Salisbury, Playhouse (on sale soon) Website: https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/

Friday 18 – Saturday 30 March Box Office: 020 7870 6876 Park Theatre London Website: www.parktheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 2 – Wednesday 3 April Box Office: 01483 44 0000 Guildford, Yvonne Arnaud (on sale soon) Website: https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE CHAMPION BIANCA DEL RIO ANNOUNCES ‘IT’S JESTER JOKE’ 2019 UK ARENA TOUR

BIGGEST EVER SOLO DRAG SHOW TO VISIT 13 CITIES INCLUDING EDINBURGH

Following two consecutive sell-out UK tours, including three sold out nights at London’s Eventim Apollo, comedy queen and RuPaul’s Drag Race champion Bianca Del Rio has announced that she will be returning to the UK for an unprecedented arena tour from Sunday 1 – Tuesday 24 September 2019.

The brand new It’s Jester Joke Tour will travel the length and breadth of the country, bringing her irreverent, side-splitting comedy to 13 cities – including a date at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday 7 September 2019 along with appearances at the SSE Wembley Arena, B1 Birmingham Arena, Motorpoint Cardiff Arena and more in what will be the biggest ever solo drag show in the UK.

The self-proclaimed ‘Clown in a Gown’ will tell tales of her world travels and the outrageous circus that is her life on the most ambitious solo drag show tour in history on her brand-new comedy show ‘It’s Jester Joke’.

Irreverent and fierce, Bianca is guaranteed to keep audiences in stitches with her comical ‘tell-it-like-it-is’ views, from politics and travel to family and social media that has seen her become one the biggest drag superstars in the world today.

Don’t miss the chance to see The Queen of Mean in her uncompromisingly funny new show in September 2019.

Bianca Del Rio, the alter ego of seasoned comic Roy Haylock, has well and truly taken the world by storm. After quickly becoming the front-runner on the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Bianca was crowned the winner in May 2014.

The incredibly popular champion has amassed a huge following worldwide, with her Instagram soaring to over one million followers and previous shows ‘The Rolodex of Hate’, ‘Not Today Satan’ and ‘Blame It On

Bianca Del Rio’ selling out globally.

 

LISTING INFORMATION

 

BIANCA DEL RIO IT’S JESTER JOKE

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA

SAT 7 SEPTEMBER 2019

Time 8.30pm

 

HOW TO BOOK

Online: www.atgtickets.com/Edinburgh

Box Office: 0844 871 3014*

*fees apply.

★★★★★

“Fresh, subversive, essential”

Daily Telegraph

LEGENDARY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA

RETURNS FOR MAJOR 12 MONTH UK TOUR

DECEMBER 2018 – NOVEMBER 2019

STARRING

DUNCAN JAMES, JOANNE CLIFTON, BEN ADAMS & STEPHEN WEBB

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

 

Since it first opened in London in June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show has become the world’s favourite Rock ‘N’ Roll musical, having been performed worldwide for 45 years in more than 30 countries and translated into over 20 languages. This critically-acclaimed stunning new production is now back by public demand and returns for a 12 month UK tour starting at Theatre Royal Brighton on 13 December 2018.

 

This classic musical extravaganza will star Blue singer and Hollyoaks actor Duncan James* and West End star Stephen Webb* as Frank, Strictly Come Dancing Champion Joanne Clifton* as Janet and a1’s Ben Adams* as Brad. Kristian Lavercombe will also be reprising his role as Riff Raff, following more than 1300 performances in The Rocky Horror Show around the world. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the smash hit show features all of the famous musical numbers which have made The Rocky Horror Show such a huge hit for over four decades, including “Sweet Transvestite”, “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and, of course, the timeless floor-filler, “The Time-Warp”.

 

Duncan James said: “Frank is such an iconic role, it’s an honour to be able to play him and a role that I have always wanted to do. I’m so excited to be touring with such a fun and vibrant show, and to be working with this fantastic cast.”

 

Joanne Clifton said: “I’ve always loved Rocky Horror. I learnt the Time Warp in my dance classes in Grimsby when I was 4 years old … 30 years later and I’ll be jumping to the left on the actual Rocky Horror stage, I can’t quite believe it!”

Ben Adams added: “Performing in Rocky Horror is a dream come true – I love the show so much it inspired me to write my own musical Eugenius! Joanne and I make quite a team and I’m sure that the whole cast will be raising the roof night after night as we perform for all the amazingly devoted Rocky fans. Bring on the stilettos!”

 

Stephen Webb said: “What an incredible opportunity to bring such a bold, energetic show across the UK. Frank is a dream role! I’m so pleased to be a part of the Rocky team, and can’t wait to give it everything I’ve got.”

 

The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their favourite college professor. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits.  The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation meaning, of course, getting dressed in the most outrageous fancy dress.

 

The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs.  It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80.  In 1975 it was transformed into a film called ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history. Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan and Meatloaf have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past 45 years.

 

In 2015, as part of a sold-out season at London’s Playhouse Theatre, a special star-studded Gala charity performance in aid of Amnesty International was broadcast to over 600 cinemas across the UK and Europe. The live screening – featuring a host of celebrities playing The Narrator including Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc, Emma Bunton, Ade Edmondson, Anthony Head and Richard O’Brien – smashed box office records and was the biggest grossing film in cinemas across the UK.  The performance was subsequently screened on the Sky Arts channel.

 

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!

 

 

 

What the press have said about The Rocky Horror Show:

“Panto for grown-ups – colourful, in your face, relentlessly energetic and high on audience participation” – The Times

 

“Hard to think of another musical quite as unique as this. Christopher Luscombe’s affectionate production feels like a genuine blast from the past” – Mail on Sunday

 

“As delightfully naughty as ever!” – Daily Telegraph

 

“So fast, so funny, so sexy” – Daily Mail

 

“Still the sexiest and funniest show in town” – Evening Standard

 

 

The Rocky Horror Show 2018 / 2019 UK Tour Dates

 

 

 

 

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Ticket prices: From £10

Website: www.rockyhorror.co.uk

Twitter: @rockyhorroruk

Facebook: /rockyhorrorshow

 

Duncan James performs at Oxford, Southampton, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Stoke-On-Trent, Blackpool, Glasgow, Leeds, Nottingham, Edinburgh

Stephen Webb performs at Brighton, Manchester, Sunderland, Milton Keynes, Wimbledon, Sheffield, Torquay, Woking, Belfast, Bromley, York, Dartford

Joanne Clifton performs until 25 May

Ben Adams performs until 25 May

Further cast includes:

Columbia – Miracle Chance

Eddie/Dr Scott – Ross Chisari

Rocky – Callum Evans

Magenta/Usherette – Laura Harrison

Phantom – Reece Budin

Phantom – Shelby Farmer

Phantom – Katie Monks

Phantom – Jake Small

Swing & Resident Choreographer – Andrew Ahern

Swing & Dance Captain – Maddie Hope Coelho