Six wives of Henry VIII take over The Lowry this Christmas in new musical

SIX

ROBERT FOX AND ALEX TURNER

IN ASSOCIATION WITH PARK THEATRE

PRESENT

THE UK PREMIÈRE OF

MARTIN SHERMAN’S GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM

MARKING THE PLAYWRIGHT’S 80^TH BIRTHDAY YEAR

Directed by Sean Mathias; Designed by Lee Newby

at Park200, Park Theatre

13 February – 16 March 2019

Robert Fox and Alex Turner, in association with Park Theatre, present the UK première of Martin Sherman’s new play Gently Down The Stream, following a critically acclaimed run at the Public Theater in New York. The production opens at Park Theatre on 18 February 2019, with previews from 13 February, running until 16 March.

This passionate new play by Olivier and Tony Award nominee Martin Sherman makes its UK debut 40 years after his celebrated modern classic Bent, which subsequently became a major film directed by Olivier and Tony Award nominee Sean Mathias, who directs this production of Gently Down The Stream, marking Martin Sherman’s 80^th birthday.

The play follows the remarkably moving and brilliantly funny love story of Beau, an older American pianist living in London, and Rufus, an eccentric young lawyer. Coming of age during the 70s, Beau’s attitude to love has been seasoned by a life of loving men in a world that initially refused to allow it. Not looking for a long-term relationship, Beau is naturally cautious when Rufus unexpectedly enters his world.  However, while the age gap feels unorthodox to Beau, it is immaterial to Rufus, who is from a new generation of gay men. Rufus has none of Beau’s doubts about the possibility of attaining happiness and love in the 21^st Century and as he assimilates himself into Beau’s past and present, Beau learns to embrace Rufus as one of the most defining relationships of his life.

As generations intertwine, Gently Down The Stream reveals the journey of gay history and celebrates the men and women who led the way for equality, marriage and the right to dream.

Martin Sherman was born in Philadelphia in 1938. His early plays include Passing By, Cracks and Rio Grande, all presented by Playwrights Horizons in New York. His play Bent was first presented at the Royal Court with Ian McKellen, then on Broadway with Richard Gere, revived at the National Theatre, again with Ian McKellen, and in the West End with Alan Cumming. It has since been performed in over sixty countries. Later plays include Messiah, A Madhouse in Goa, When She Danced (the last two starring Vanessa Redgrave in the West End), Some Sunny Day and Onassis. Rose premièred at the National Theatre, with Olympia Dukakis, before transferring to Broadway. He wrote the book for the musical The Boy From Oz. His screenplays include The Summer House, Alive and Kicking, Bent, The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone and Mrs Henderson Presents. He has been nominated for two Tonys, two Oliviers and two BAFTAS.

Sean Mathias is a theatre director, film director and writer. He has worked at the National Theatre, the West End, the Kennedy Centre, The Mark Taper Forum, Off-Broadway and many times on Broadway, as well as Paris, Sydney, Cape Town, Johannesburg, San Francisco and extensively in the UK. He has written a number of plays including the award winning A Prayer for Wings, and the screenplay for the award-winning BBC film The Lost Language of Cranes. In 2009/2010 Mathias was the Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Haymarket and his legendary production of Waiting for Godot played two seasons at the theatre, as well as touring the UK and internationally. In 2013 he directed and co-produced Two Plays in Rep, comprising Beckett’s Waiting for Godotand Pinter’s No Man’s Land on Broadway at the Cort Theatre. His production of No Man’s Land, starring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, was the highest grossing play in the history of the Wyndham’s Theatre. He has won multiple awards including the Standard Award, the Critics’ Circle Award, a Fringe First at Edinburgh and the Prix de la Jeunesse at Cannes.

Age guidance 14+

Listings 

Gently Down the Stream

Park Theatre

Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP

Box Office: 020 7870 6876*

Mon – Sat from 10am – 6pm (excluding Sunday and public holidays)

www.parktheatre.co.uk

In person: Tue, Wed, Fri from 3pm – 8pm and Thu and Sat from 12pm – 8pm

Mon & Sun closed (tickets can be purchased from the ground floor cafe bar during opening times)

* No booking fee online. Telephone booking fee applies.

Tickets:

Previews £18.50

Standard £18.50 – £32.50

Performances: Mon – Sat Evening 19.30, Thu & Sat Matinees 15.00

Concessions are available, for further information, please see the website (£16.50 – £23.50)

Groups – Buy 10 tickets, get the 11^th free

Captioned performance: 15 March at 7.30pm

Twitter: @GentlyThePlay

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE LONDON RUN OF THE ORIGINAL SPECTACULAR

NOTRE DAME DE PARIS

The worldwide hit based on the classic novel

Wednesday 23 – Sunday 27 January 2019 | London Coliseum

Nicolas Talar for Enzo Products Ltd and Adam Blanshay Productions are pleased to announce the principal casting for Notre Dame de Paris. Twenty years after its Parisian debut, and after receiving international acclaim in 23 countries worldwide, the French musical is set to be performed at London Coliseum. The original French production in London will be performed with English surtitles and a live orchestra from Wednesday 23 – Sunday 27 January 2019.

The production stars Angelo Del Vecchio, Hiba Tawaji, Daniel Lavoie, Richard Charest, Alyzée Lalande, Idesse, Martin Giroux and Jay, who are all members of the principal cast in the current world tour. Further casting will be announced in due course.

Based upon the acclaimed 1831 novel Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo, Notre Dame de Paris will feature an international ensemble of singers, dancers and acrobats to tell the tale of the hunchbacked cathedral bell-ringer, Quasimodo, and his desperate love for the gypsy, Esmeralda.

Italian born Angelo Del Vecchio plays Quasimodo. Angelo has a long professional history with Notre Dame de Paris, and is the only singer in the world to have performed the show in three languages. Angelo first played the role of Quasimodo in 2011 in the tenth anniversary tour of the Italian version of the production (September 2012 – Verona Arena). Following this, he joined the international show (the English version) and performed in many Asian and European counties. Since 2014, Angelo has taken part in the revival of the Notre Dame de Paris Original French Tour in South Korea, Taiwan and Lebanon. Other credits include playing the role of Benvolio in Giulietta e Romeo, a popular opera, with which he toured around Italy in 2007 and 2008, and being part of the artistic cast of Rock Revolution as a soloist.

Hiba Tawaji plays Esmeralda, a role she has portrayed all over the world since 2016. Hiba is a Lebanese trilingual (Arabic, French and English) singer and musical theatre actress. Famous for her multi-genre music, Hiba was spotted very early on by one of the most influential producers, composers and pioneers of the musical theatre sector in the Arab world, Oussama Rahbani. Hiba was entrusted with the lead role in five of the Rahbanis’ creations, and over the years became a real star in the Arab world. Following this, she was keen to explore new horizons, and chose to make a move to France. She took a risk by participating in the fourth season of The Voice France, where she gained a huge public fan base and had strong media backing. Upon her exit at the semi-final stage, Hiba was signed by leading label ‘Mercury’, and she is currently working on new music.

The role of Frollo is played by Daniel Lavoie, who is an original cast member of Notre Dame de Paris, having been in the show since its inception in Paris in 1998. Daniel is a Canadian born author, composer, actor and comedian, most famous for his unforgettable song Ils s’aiment. Daniel is an established poet-pianist, and is known for his striking performances in daring projects such as Notre Dame de Paris, Human Rights Now, Le Petit Prince, la télésérie Félix Leclerc, Douze hommes rapaillés, La licorne captive and, more recently, Piaf à 100 ans. Vive la Môme! and Fortitudes. Daniel has won a dozen Félix Awards in Quebec, four Victoires de la Musique in France and a World Music Award for his participation in the song Belle from Notre Dame de Paris, and has twenty albums to his name. He is also the author of two volumes of poetry Finutilité and Particulitésand has composed for Maurane, Isabelle Boulay, Eric Lapointe, Céline Dion, Mireille Mathieu and many others.

Richard Charest plays Gringoire. He first came to Notre Dame de Paris in 1999, when he crossed paths with the famous lyricist Luc Plamondon, who entrusted him with the future of the role of Phœbus. From 1999 to 2006, he did a series of performances in French around the world, playing the powerful role of the poet Gringoire from 2005, and went back on the road again in 2012 with the English version of Notre Dame de Paris. He recently celebrated his 1000^th performance of the show. Other credits include Rabbi Jacob (alongside popular French comedian Eric Métayer), Il était une fois… Joe Dassin (Grand Rex, Paris and on a European tour) and Big Bazar (at the famous festival Les Franco Folies de Montréal in June 2010 and on tour around Quebec in 2011).

The role of Fleur-de-Lys will be shared by Alyzée Lalande and Idesse. Alyzée Lalande is the original Fleur-de-Lys from the 2017 touring cast. She started her career with the show Jean le fidèle and the comedy On ne magouille pas avec les impôts, by Thomas de Montgolfier, at the Théâtre Le Temple. She then landed the lead role in the musical Peau d’âne, directed by Ismaël Djema, at the Théâtre de la Madeleine, continued her journey with Jonas le musical, directed by Sébastien Tellier, and then with L’île aux trésors, also directed by Djema. In 2015, she joined the Théâtre Mogador with Le Bal Des Vampires, directed by Roman Polanski, followed by Le Voyage Extraordinaire de Jules Verne, where she brought the puppet hybrid Anna Verne to life, under the direction of Rabah Aliouane.

Belgian singer, Idesse, is a graduate of the International Academy of Musical Theatre in Paris. Soon after graduating, she played Luisa in The Sound of Music in Brussels. She originally understudied the role of Fleur-de-Lys in the worldwide tour of Notre Dame de Paris, and last year took over the role permanently.

The role of Phœbus is played by Martin Giroux. He first became famous as a contestant on the second season of Star Académie in 2004. In 2003, Martin was diagnosed with a very rare cancer on his left wrist and his album La vie ça s’mérite was inspired by his battle. He announced that he had gone into remission in 2008. Martin is an experienced stage, television and musical performer, whose credits include Dracula, Joe Dassin – La Grande fête musicale, Big Bazar and Party Time. He took over the role of Phœbus in Notre Dame de Paris at the Palais des Congrès in Paris.

Completing the principal cast is Jay who plays Clopin. Jay is best known for being a member of several bands. He was a member of the French group ‘Poetic Lover’ from 1997 to 2000. They had six singles and two albums in the national charts. After Poetic Lover’s split, he joined the R&B and hip-hop group ‘Class Vegas’ in 2001.  Since 2013, he has been a member of the soul group ‘Vigon Bamy’. Their first work entitled Les Soul Men, reached number 7 in the French charts and became a gold album. In 2002, he participated in Luc Plamondon and Romano Musumarra’s musical Cindy.

All the principals can be heard on the 2017 Notre Dame de Paris live cast recording which is widely available.

Ahead of the twentieth anniversary performance, producer Nicolas Talar says:

 “Myself and our wonderful cast are delighted to be bringing this classic tale to the London to celebrate the show’s 20^th anniversary. Almost two centuries after the novel captured imaginations, we have been fortunate enough to travel all over the world with this fabulous show. And as an anniversary gift, and to show our excitement at bringing Notre-Dame de Paris to London, our first performance will be, we believe, the London Coliseum’s first ever one price performance at the amazing rate of £50, so we can share this story with as many people as possible. The earlier you book the better the seat you get.”

Having sold out performances across 16 countries and been translated into nine different languages, Notre Dame de Paris originally debuted at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, 1998. Following its opening, the production was commended in the Guinness Book of World Records 2000 for its record success for a musical during its first year.

The music is composed by Richard Cocciante, with lyrics by Luc Plamondon.

Victor Marie Hugo (1802-1885) was a French poet, novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic movement and is considered one of the greatest French writers. Hugo’s best-known works are the novels Les Misérables, 1862, and Notre-Dame de Paris, 1831, both of which have had several adaptations for stage and screen.

www.NotreDameDeParis.co.uk

ADDRESS

London Coliseum

St Martin’s Lane

London

WC2N 4ES

DATES

Wednesday 23 – Sunday 27 January 2019

BOOKING ONLINE *

www.londoncoliseum.org

TELEPHONE BOOKING

020 7845 9300

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Wednesday 23 January, 2pm & 7pm

Thursday 24 January, 7.30pm

Friday 25 January, 7.30pm

Saturday 26 January, 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 27 January, 1pm

TICKETS

£15 to £125 (all preview tickets £50)

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: @NotreDameDeParisOfficial
Twitter: @NotreDameLondon
#NotreDameLondon

*Tickets available from the Coliseum website from 10am Monday 30^th April

JAN – JUN 2019 SEASON ANNOUNCED

MILES JUPP EXPLORES THE LIFE OF WALT DISNEY ACTOR DAVID TOMLINSON IN THE LIFE I LEAD

A NEW HISTORICAL PLAY CONSIDERS HOW DENMARK’S JEWISH POPULATION AVOIDED THE WORST OF WWII IN ROSENBAUM’S RESCUE

AN INSIGHT INTO A UNIQUELY DIVISIVE POLITICIAN IN THE LAST TEMPTATION OF BORIS JOHNSON

AN AGEING THESPIAN DIRECTS A THEATRE CLASS INSIDE A MAXIMUM-SECURITY PRISON IN

INTRA MUROS

BLUE PETER DAREDEVIL PETER DUNCAN STARS AS A PANTOMIME DAME RETURNING TO HIS NORTHERN ROOTS IN THE DAME

A FATHER TAKES HIS GAY TEENAGE SON TO THAILAND IN MY DAD’S GAP YEAR

A CON ARTIST FINDS HIMSELF CAPTURED BY 75-YEAR-OLD FLORA IN BENEATH THE BLUE RINSE

THE UK PREMIERE OF MARTIN SHERMAN’S GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM DIRECTED BY SEAN MATHIAS, MARKING THE PLAYWRIGHT’S 80TH BIRTHDAY YEAR

Park Theatre today announce their new January – June 2019 season. Featuring seven world and four UK/European premieres, thirteen productions include an array of new plays from celebrated writers, new work developed through Park Theatre’s Script Accelerator programme and scripts based on true stories and personal accounts.

Artistic Director Jez Bond says: “With a season that includes British, American, French, Danish and Vietnamese playwrights, I’m excited to announce an eclectic season of predominantly new writing that promises something for everyone.”

The world premiere of historical drama Rosenbaum’s Rescue by A. Bodin Saphir opens the new Park200 season, as the true mystery of how over 7,000 Danish Jews managed to evade the Nazi peril in WWII is explored through the stories of two childhood friends. Following a critically acclaimed run at the Public Theater in New York, Martin Sherman’s Gently Down The Stream celebrates and mourns the men and women who led the way for marital equality, directed by Sean Mathias (No Man’s Land). Leading actor and comedian Miles Jupp stars in The Life I Lead, filling in the blanks behind the well-known face of Walt Disney’s favourite English gent, David Tomlinson. Parisian playwright Alexis Michalik’s Intra Muros follows, as ageing thespian Richard prepares to direct his first theatre class inside a maximum-security prison, assisted by his ex-wife and an inexperienced social worker. Jonathan Maitland returns to Park Theatre with The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson, in a timely comedy drama navigating the mind of one of the most divisive politicians of our time. Napoli, Brooklyn closes the Park200 season, in a family drama set in 1960 New York, as three Italian American sisters become torn between their heritage and their changing neighbourhood.

The Dame by Katie Duncan commences the new Park90 season, as former Blue Peter presenter and actor Peter Duncan stars as a seasoned Pantomime Dame who returns to his Northern roots. Based on true events, Tom Wright’s comedy My Dad’s Gap Year follows, as a father in mid-life freefall takes his repressed, gay, teenage son on a wild adventure to Thailand. A male comedian struggling with depression is fighting his own war in jet-black comedy We’re Staying Right Here. Poignant love story Cry Havoc explores the relationship between the Western world and the Islamic Middle East through two men asking if love can bridge the divide. Modern historical satire Hell Yes I’m Tough Enough comes next, following a fictionalised pre-Brexit election circuit with a look at the pantomime of British politics. Exploding stereotypes associated with the elderly, Beneath The Blue Rinse is a high octane comedy about a feisty 75-year-old who takes a con artist hostage. Concluding the Park90 season, Tuyen Do’s family saga Summer Rolls follows the dual journey of a second-generation Vietnamese woman pursuing prosperity, anchored by her war-torn family’s heritage.

Park200

9 January – 9 February 2019

Park Theatre and Breaking Productions present the World Premiere of

ROSENBAUM’S RESCUE
Written by A. Bodin Saphir

Directed by Kate Fahy
Production supported by Park Theatre’s Producers’ Circle

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3pm
Age guidance: 14+

Captioned: Wed 6 Feb 7.30pm

Can the truth ever set you free?

October, 1943. Seven and a half thousand Jews flee Denmark in fishermen’s boats, crossing the water to Sweden and to safety from the occupying Nazi regime. To some, a miracle rescue of biblical proportions. To others, the question remains: how did thousands of Jews slip through the grasp of the most powerful war machine ever assembled?

Hanukkah, 2001. At a remote home on the snowy Danish coast, it’s time for two old friends to bury the hatchet. Lars and Abraham have not seen eye to eye for decades, but old tensions refuse to thaw as Lars’relentless pursuit of the truth concerning the flight of Danish Jews during WWII challenges Abraham’s faith, patience and memories. And when an old secret surfaces and threatens the very foundation of their relationship, fact starts to blur with fiction.

Moving and funny, this sharp and intriguing new play unravels the stories of two childhood friends and one of history’s most compelling mysteries.

13 February – 16 March 2019

Robert Fox and Alex Turner in association with Park Theatre present the UK Premiere of

GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM 
Written by Martin Sherman

Directed by Sean Mathias

Set and Costume Design by Lee Newby

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3pm
Age guidance: 14+

Captioned: Fri 15 Mar, 7.30pm

Following a critically acclaimed run at the Public Theater in New York, Gently Down The Stream makes its UK premiere at Park Theatre.

This passionate new play by Olivier and Tony Award nominee Martin Sherman makes its UK debut 40 years after his celebrated modern classic Bent, which subsequently became a major film directed by Olivier and Tony-Award nominee Sean Mathias (No Man’s Land), who directs this production of Gently Down The Stream, marking Martin Sherman’s 80^thbirthday.

The play follows the remarkably moving and brilliantly funny love story of Beau, a retired American pianist living in London, and Rufus, an eccentric young lawyer. Coming of age during the 70s, Beau’s attitude to love has been seasoned by a life of loving men in a world that initially refused to allow it. Not looking for a long-term relationship, Beau is naturally cautious when Rufus unexpectedly enters his world.  However, while the age gap feels unorthodox to Beau, it is immaterial to Rufus, who is from a new generation of gay men. Rufus has none of Beau’s doubts about the possibility of attaining happiness and love in the 21^st Century and as he assimilates himself into Beau’s past and present, Beau learns to embrace Rufus as one of the most defining relationships of his life.

As generations intertwine, Gently Down The Stream reveals the journey of gay history and celebrates the men and women who led the way for equality, marriage and the right to dream.

18 March – 30 March 2019
Jonathan Church Productions and Exeter Northcott Theatre in association with Park Theatre present the World Premiere of

THE LIFE I LEAD

Written by James Kettle
Directed by Selina Cadell

Designed by Lee Newby
Starring Miles Jupp

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3pm

Age guidance: 12+

British Sign Language: Thu 28 Mar, 7.30pm

Best remembered for playing Mr Banks in Disney’s classic film Mary Poppins, 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 man who portrayed one of cinema’s most famous patriarchs was defined by his relationship with his own father – a remote eccentric, who was hiding an extraordinary tragicomic secret.

The Life I Lead sees Miles Jupp, one of Britain’s leading stand-up comedians and revered actors (Mock the Week, The News Quiz, Rev, The Durrells) bring David Tomlinson’s remarkable story to life.

A richly comic and moving tale of fathers and sons across the generations, The Life I Lead fills in the blanks behind a very well-known face.

3 April – 4 May 2019

Adam Blanshay Productions in association with Park Theatre present the UK Premiere of

INTRA MUROS

Written by Alexis Michalik

Translated by Pamela Hargreaves

Directed by Ché Walker

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3pm
Age guidance: 16+. Strong language and themes of a violent nature.

Captioned: Fri 3 May, 7.30pm

‘Now it’s your turn to act…’

Ageing thespian Richard is preparing to direct his first theatre class in a maximum security prison, assisted by his former-actress ex-wife Jane and an inexperienced social worker called Alice.

When only two inmates turn up he decides to go ahead with the class nonetheless – and so begins a captivating and darkly comic exploration of life, within the walls.

Written by the multi Molière Award-winning Alexis Michalik (Edmond, Le Porteur d’histoire, Le Cercle des illusionnistes), the critically acclaimed Intra Muros will enjoy its UK Premiere at Park Theatre.

Full of Michalik’s trademark sharp wit and extraordinary method of storytelling, including a live on-stage DJ; this multi-faceted, provocative comedy drama questions our concept of time and its effect on the human spirit.

9 May – 8 June 2019

Glynis Henderson Productions in association with Park Theatre present the World Premiere of

THE LAST TEMPTATION OF BORIS JOHNSON

Written by Jonathan Maitland
Directed by Lotte Wakeham

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3pm
Age guidance: 14+. Some bad language.

Audio described: Thu 6 Jun  7.30pm

It was the dinner that changed history: the night in February 2016 when Boris Johnson decided to vote ‘leave’. Guests included fellow MP Michael Gove, media mogul Evgeny Lebedev and, for Boris at least, the spirits of prime ministers past – Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill and Tony Blair.

Fast forward to post-Brexit Britain, 2029: a country divided. Boris is back in the political wilderness and has ambitions to make Britain great again, but what are his true intentions?

Navigating a career in politics and the media, Boris remains as divisive as ever and in an unexpected turn of events, soon finds himself mired – yet again – in controversy.

Written by Jonathan Maitland (author of Park Theatre hits Dead Sheep and An Audience With Jimmy Savile), this timely comedy drama offers an insight into the mind of one of the most divisive politicians of our time.

13 June – 13 July 2019

Original Theatre Company in association with Park Theatre present the European premiere of

NAPOLI, BROOKLYN

Written by Meghan Kennedy

Directed by Lisa Blair

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3pm
Age guidance: 12+

Audio Described: Tue 9 Jul, 7.30pm. Touch tour 6pm.

1960, Brooklyn, New York.

The Muscolinos have raised three proud and passionate daughters. Each of them bonded by a fierce love for one another and harbouring a secret longing that could tear the family apart.

When an earth-shattering event rocks their Park Slope neighbourhood, life comes to a screeching halt and the sisters are forced to confront their conflicting visions for the future in this gripping, provocative and poignant portrait of love in all its danger and beauty.

Originally commissioned by The Roundabout Theatre Company and currently nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award 2019. The Original Theatre Company (Monogamy, Birdsong, The Habit of Art) are proud to present the UK premiere of Meghan Kennedy’s enthralling coming-of-age tale directed by Lisa Blair whose recent credits include a five star revival ofJerusalem.

Park90

2 January – 26 January 2019

Cahoots Theatre Company and Gale Productions in association with Park Theatre present

THE DAME

Written by Katie Duncan

Directed by Ian Talbot

Cast includes: Peter Duncan

Times: Evenings Tue – Sat 7.45pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3.15pm

Age guidance: 12+

Dementia Friendly: Thu 24 Jan 13.00

“My armour, my war paint, the battle out there: it’s all I’ve ever known.”

A lost world of seaside entertainment, piers and promenades is brought to life when seasoned Pantomime Dame Ronald Roy Humphrey returns to his Northern roots. As the curtain falls on the last show of the day, Roy is in a wistful, melancholic mood, but as the years fall away, ghosts and memories from the past confront him with what he has spent his whole life trying to forget.

The Dame takes us on a journey inside an entertainer’s mind to expose the fragile creature beneath the make-up, bluster and bravado. However many masks we wear; the truth will always be revealed.

Starring Oliver-nominated actor and former Blue Peter daredevil Peter Duncan.

Directed by the Award-winning Ian Talbot, Artistic Director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre for over 20 years.

30 January – 23 February 2019

Alexandra Da Silva in association with Park Theatre presents the World Premiere of

MY DAD’S GAP YEAR

Written by Tom Wright

Directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair MBE

Cast includes Victoria Gigante

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.45pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3.15pm
Age guidance: 16+ Contains explicit language, references to drug use and scenes of a sexual nature.

Captioned:  Wed 20 Feb 19.45

“Seriously William, you’re eighteen and you’re gay, for Christ’s sake. You’re meant to swim against the tide. A proper gap year is all about traveling. Seeing the world. Popping your cherry. This is our chance to start living. Me and you.”

This is the story of Dave; a dad in mid-life freefall who takes his repressed, gay, teenage son William on a wild adventure to Thailand. Written by Tom Wright and directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair MBE, My Dad’s Gap Year is a wickedly funny and heartfelt story based on true events.

Gay love, straight love, trans love, buddy-love, drinking games and beer bellies. Fasten your seat belts, it’s gonna be a mad one!

26 February – 23 March 2019

Metal Rabbit Productions in association with Park Theatre present the World Premiere of

WE’RE STAYING RIGHT HERE

Written by Henry Devas

Directed by Jez Pike

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.45pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3.15pm
Age guidance: 16+, Strong language. Trigger warning, could be affective for people struggling with mental health.

Audio Described: Wed 20 Mar, 7.45pm (Touch Tour 6pm)
Parents & Babies: Thu 14 Mar 1pm

“I hate you. I hate this place. We’re not leaving. No one’s leaving. We are staying right here.”

In a world full of hate there was Matthew. Stand-up comic. New Father. Nice chap. Life fair to middling.

Then the war started.

Matt hides in his flat with Benzies and Tristabel. They arrived one day and never left. No one ever leaves now. The door is locked. The windows are boarded. It’s dangerous outside.

As the man Matthew used to be fades away, the three men tell themselves stories about the past, present and future. Stories about their escape.

They have a plan. They have a ladder. It’s polished. It’s worshipped. It goes straight through the roof and beyond. It will be their salvation. They’ll climb it one day. If only they could get it prepared. If only Matt could figure out what role he’ll play in this war. If only the others could just stop talking.

A jet-black comedy about the least comic of human struggles; one man’s survival in a world turned upside down. We’re Staying Right Here is a manic Duracell-bunny of a play that simply refuses to shut up.

27 March – 20 April 2019

Time Zone Theatre Ltd in association with Park Theatre present the European Premiere of

CRY HAVOC

Written by Tom Coash

Directed by Pamela Schermann

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.45pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3.15pm (excluding 28 & 30 Mar)
Age guidance: 16+ Contains strong language, nudity, scenes of a sexual nature and scenes referring to violence which some audience members might find disturbing.

Parent & Baby: Thu 18 Apr, 1pm

“Love is a search for faith. Love is passion. Putting your hand in the fire and believing. Ripping your heart out and laying it on a sidewalk for mobs to trample. What would you do for love?”

In present day Cairo, two men are forced to confront their cultural identities, traditions and a repressive government in a gripping search for love and faith.

Cry Havoc is a passionate love story between a spirited young Egyptian and an idealistic British writer.

Tom Coash’s poignant, intimate play explores the relationship between the Western world and the Islamic Middle East through the eyes of two people asking if love can bridge even the widest cultural divide.

24 April – 18 May 2019

Fragen Theatre in association with Park Theatre present the World Premiere of

HELL YES I’M TOUGH ENOUGH

Written by Ben Alderton

Directed by Roland Reynolds

Designed by Isabella Van Braeckel

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.45pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3.15pm
Age guidance: 16+ Strong language and sexual references

Audio Described: Thu 16 May, 7.45pm (Touch Tour, 6pm)

Political leaders Ned Contraband and David Carter ruthlessly battle it out to get into government. Whether it’s propaganda, ridicule, hacking, leaking, bullying, blackmail, coalition or negotiation – no tactic is too low.

Which party has the best pitch? Who do we set up for failure? Why are we in this situation in the first place? And who is this peculiar janitor talking in riddles? One thing is clear: the system is very much broken. But who’s going to fix it?

Hell Yes I’m Tough Enough is a political satire by Fragen Theatre Company taking a tongue-in-cheek look at the unjust, corrupt and farcical pantomime that is British Politics.

A relentless, fast-paced, hysterical, crude, offensive, passionate, visceral and oh so English comedy that will leave you wanting to grab a placard and take to the streets!

21 May – 15 June 2019

KEPOW! Theatre and Veritas Theatre in association with Park Theatre present

BENEATH THE BLUE RINSE

A comedy by Tom Glover

Designed by Nomi Everall

Cast includes Kevin Tomlinson

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.45pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3.15pm

Age guidance: 14+ Strong language

Captioned:  Wed 12 Jun, 7.45pm

Quentin Tarantino meets Last of the Summer Wine in this wickedly funny, high-octane comedy about growing old passionately and disgracefully.

When unscrupulous, over-confident salesman Simon Sudgebury comes knocking on the door of the seemingly timid Flora Parkin, hoping to scare her into buying an expensive alarm system, little does he realise what he is about to let himself in for. Feisty, charismatic 75-year-old Flora and her gentle 72-year-old ‘toy boy’ lover George are not what they first appear!

Produced by comedy-based theatre company KEPOW! Beneath The Blue Rinse explodes stereotypes associated with ‘senior citizens’ and questions how society views and treats the elderly.

KEPOW! Theatre have been producing high quality comedy theatre shows for over 20 years, with many of their shows receiving 5-star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival, before going on to tour the UK and abroad (Seven Ages, On the Edgeand Crazy Little Thing Called Love!).

Tom Glover was selected as one of three winners of the 2018 BAFTA/Rocliffe New Writing Showcase Competition. Preceding this, he has been a winner and runner up in two BBC writing competitions, with a number of projects optioned and one commissioned.

18 June – 13 July 2019

VanThanh Productions in association with Park Theatre presents the World Premiere of

SUMMER ROLLS

Written by Tuyen Do

Directed by Kristine Landon-Smith

Set and costume design by Moi Tran

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.45pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3.15pm

Age guidance: 14+

Captioned: Fri 12 Jul, 7.45pm

“That girl. She always makes me shout. If we’re not careful, she’ll turn rotten like an English child”

Mai is impulsive, intelligent, independent and growing up fast. As well as realising from a young age that her family are nursing deep wounds and secrets, she also has to navigate her dual identity as a second-generation immigrant.

Having escaped war-torn Vietnam, her family’s individual journeys and memories have left scars that Mai was too young to understand. Embracing their silence, Mai’s camera becomes a conduit through which her journey of discovery begins.

Summer Rolls by critically-acclaimed actress Tuyen Do (National Theatre’s The Great Wave) is a sweeping family saga that examines the Nguyen family’s life in Britain. This marks a seminal moment as the first British Vietnamese play to be staged in the United Kingdom.

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES IS BACK – AND THIS TIME IT’S MUSICAL!

Starring
PAUL WHITEHOUSE as ‘GRANDAD’

TOM BENNETT as ‘DEL BOY’
RYAN HUTTON as ‘RODNEY’

Written by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan, fully endorsed by the Sullivan estate
Based on the programme ‘Only Fools and Horses’ written by John Sullivan

Original music by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan
Additional music by John Sullivan & Chas Hodges
Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger

THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET
PREVIEWS FROM 9 FEBRUARY 2019

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 8 OCTOBER 2018
FROM ONLYFOOLSMUSICAL.COM

Stone me!  Would you Adam and Eve it?  Only Fools and Horses is going up West!

John Sullivan’s iconic and record-breaking television series has been turned into a brand-new, home-grown West End musical spectacular.  With a script and original score by John’s son, Jim Sullivan and comedy giant Paul Whitehouse, prepare to get reacquainted with Britain’s most loveable rogues and experience the classic comedy brought to life once again through 20 ingenious and hilarious songs.

Paul Whitehouse also takes centre stage as Grandad, uniting with Tom Bennett (Del Boy) and Ryan Hutton (Rodney) in this unique showstopper, featuring cherished material from the TV series. Join us as we take a trip back to 1989, where it’s all kicking off in Peckham. While the yuppie invasion of London is in full swing, love is in the air as Del Boy sets out on the rocky road to find his soul mate, Rodney and Cassandra prepare to say ‘I do’, and even Trigger is gearing up for a date (with a person!).  Meanwhile, Boycie and Marlene give parenthood one final shot and Grandad takes stock of his life and decides the time has finally arrived to get his piles sorted.

With musical contributions from Chas n Dave, the beloved theme tunes as you’ve never heard them before and an array of comic songs full of character and cockney charm, you’re guaranteed to have a right knees-up!  Only Fools and Horses The Musical is a feel-good family celebration of traditional working class London life and the aspirations we all share.

Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, Only Fools and Horses The Musical will also feature many of the hugely loveable characters from the TV series: Raquel, Denzil, Mickey Pearce, Mike the Barman and the dreaded Driscoll Brothers.

Only Fools and Horses The Musical will be a truly cushty night out. Only a 42 carat PLONKER would miss it!

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Theatre Royal Haymarket

Previews: From 9 February 2019

Box Office: 020 7930 8800

Performances: Monday – Saturday at 7:30pm. Wednesday and Saturday matinee at 2:30pm

Website: OnlyFoolsMusical.com

Twitter: @OFAHMusical

StoryHouse, Chester – Saturday October 6th 2018 – matinee and evening performances.

Reviewed by Julie Noller

5*****

This was a one night performance of which I was lucky enough to see the matinee. I’m a child of the 70’s growing up with repeats of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise TV shows and especially their Christmas specials – that’s if they were Christmas specials and not just repeated. The StoryHouse did the boys justice, playing music before the show, that may just jog a few memories, jazz numbers alongside big musical numbers.

In their heyday Morecambe and Wise were huge entertainers, and even after some fifty years appear to hold a place in Britain’s comedy heart. They were falling out of favour when I was getting a taste for comedy with satire being the big draw. There was little appetite for slapstick, good old fashioned British sarcasm and wit. Jonty Stephens and Ian Ashpitel should be applauded and cheered to the rafters for not only delivering a cracking tummy wobbling humour-fest, but for bringing back to life the comedic genius of Eric and Ernie. The humour was made for Music Halls, it’s deliciously devilish, simple yet very effective. Laughter is infectious and some of the deep belly laughs travelled across the theatre and had us the audience as well as Eric and Ernie giggling. Those innocent gags told tongue in cheekily have you wondering was a stooge placed in the audience? Surely not but then perhaps? Can such laughter be real? If so it did nothing to dampen the mood and added to all the fun. You watch this performance as if they’ve just walked on stage without a clue of what’s going to happen and yet you know it’s the complete opposite, to look that clueless takes hours of practice. It’s brilliant how those old gags you just know are coming, alongside newer material written by Jonty and Ian are delivered from old favourites such as the over ringing telephone, the Dutch Dancing – many a slapstick moment, Griegs Piano Concerto, not forgetting the brown paper bag (a favourite with many Grandads).

It’s uncanny how alike Eric and Ernie the boys look, how they sound just like they sounded on the television. It was as if I was transported through time and actually sat in a music hall of years gone by. How I giggled at the ventriloquists dummy who just like my son shared his name, blue eyes and blonde hair. As with all Morecambe and Wise shows there is a guest vocalist in the wonderful Becky Neale who has joined this nationwide tour, she sings one of my Mothers favourites Send in the Clowns whilst the boys join her onstage with impeccable comedic timing dressed as clowns to blow up balloons. Such a simple act but one of many delightfully funny moments. Becky impresses us with a rendition of Cilla Blacks You’re My World and is respectfully left alone on stage. Despite not yet getting paid she carries off her show well. I admit to spending the interval attempting and falling to perfect the wonky glasses and headshake of Eric, how did he do it? If you get the chance; then take your Parents, Grandparents or even your children, this is a show that will warm your soul and all ages will enjoy.

Yes some names anyone younger than thirty may not recognise but compared to the gentle slapstick that tickles your funny bones it doesn’t matter. Another typically British institution is the weather, we went into the theatre with the sun hiding and feeling a little chilly after a summer of incredibly high temperatures. But after a solid ninety minutes of laughter and gentle fun poking in typically British fashion, we ended the show with a thoroughly rousing rendition of Bring Me Sunshine, encouraged to join in, how could we refuse? And do you know what? I had to leave the theatre in my sunglasses thanks to Eric and Ernie encouraging the sun out. Jonty and Ian I salute you, Eric and Ernie I salute you. Time to You Tube some old repeats for my children to enjoy.

Southwark Playhouse – until 27 October 2018

Reviewed by Elizabeth J Smith

5*****

The tale of four woman in Victorian England trying to make life better for themselves and all women, present and future.

All four woman are from very different back grounds and each in some way are controlled by men. The aspiring nurse, (Sophie Bleasdale), who wants to study to be a doctor and right many injustices she see’s other women endure.

The abused middle class house wife, (Kemi-Bo Jacobs), who’s husband’s defects become the controls she can not escape but have fatal impact on her life.

The poor immigrant Irish girl Jessica Regan) who despite being intelligent enough to work at a news paper, is paid so poorly she has to turn to prostitution to help support herself.

The fiesty northern lass, (Fiona Skinner), who even, as an abandoned new born has had to fight for every breath she takes.

All want to prove themselves bigger than just the stereo typical woman.

All want to achieve greatness and boxing gives them the opportunity.

Based on historical facts, Joy Wilkinson, weaves a tremendous tale of
passion, politics and pugilism.

The story moves quickly and effortlessly from one scene to another with the
voice of the boxing impresario Professor Charlie Sharp (Bruce Alexander) taking you on a journey of discovery of how these four women’s lives entwine.

The acting was superb from every character, the choreography of the boxing matches thrilling, the costumes fitting of the time and the set intimate.

This production holds your attention and draws you in. You care for the characters, even some of the men.

Brilliant tale, well told, better than any night on the sofa.

Omnibus Theatre, Clapham, London – until 6 November 2018

Reviewed by Lisa Harlow

4****

Take yourself back just over 100 years to 1916, and if life was not turbulent enough due to the trials of the First World War, Dublin was further rocked by an uprising. Several groups led the rebellion, united in fighting against what they believed to be Ireland’s acquiescence to Westminster during the War. And so, a bloody week began in the name of Ireland’s ‘national right to freedom and sovereignty’.

Lizzie Nunnery (playwright) takes us into the midst of this intense violent fog to witness conversations between Frank Sheehy-Skeffington (Gerard Kearns), a dedicated pacifist and spearhead of the Women’s Suffragette movement, with a starving and naive soldier (Robbie O’Neill) following his arrest. Frank firmly questions the soldier’s strict adherence to his duties when the ethics of his arrest and the activities of the soldiers he had experienced were under serious question. In spite of the contrast between the characters’ stance, as each develop their understanding of the other, a softness unravels in the interchanges, an understanding. Frank’s intelligence is both emotional and spiritual, and his demeanour remains calm, until the disbelief and desperation at the situation he finds himself in crescendos through Gerard’s excellent performance.

In parallel, we experience the encounter between the bereft wife of Frank, Hanna (Elinor Lawless) starched by shock and anger, and Sir Francis’ (Russell Richardson) red-faced exhortations trying to desperately put all blame on one loose cannon. Here the dynamics remain confrontational and unresolved.

The dialogues alternate with mournful tunes; all vocals and instruments are skilfully performed by the actors, creating an atmosphere heavy with grief and disbelief. Hanna leads with pleading eyes and clear voice. The set is chaotic, reflecting the houses that were ‘like doll houses torn open’ by the fighting and violence. Items become percussion instruments to accompany the dark songs that pepper the interchanges.

This is an intense short play, and the acting can be certainly commended. The accents never waver and the dialogue for Sheehy-Skeffington is particularly a highlight.

Mayflower, Southampton – until October 27 2018
Reviewed By Jo Gordon
5*****

Fifteen years after its first Broadway premiere and twelve since its first UK show, Wicked is still one of the most popular musicals running in history. Based on Gregory Maguire’s Novel  ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the  Wicked Witch of the West’  who took inspiration from L. Frank Baum’s ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ we see the truth behind the green hued woman’s life before, during and after the timeline of the original Oz story.

The Friendship of Elphaba (Amy Ross) and Glinda (Helen Woolf) is an unlikely one, but they do say opposites attract and a strong beautiful friendship blossoms despite the obvious differences. Throughout the story we see how Elphaba begins as a rather lovely soul and it is the actions of others who turn her into the “Wicked Witch” we are more used to hearing about. From fighting the injustice of animal inequality, the Dictatorship of Oz’s leader “The Wizard” (Steven Pinder)  and the untruths used by his media spin doctor Madame Morrible (Kim Ismay) to keep the masses under control there is lots to keep you hooked.

The cast is one of the strongest I have seen in this production, and would go far as to say that Amy Ross’s rendition of the crowd pleasing “Defying Gravity” is the best portrayal I have witnessed and her talent carries throughout to the same standard. Helen Woolf’s Glinda is equally as good with perfect comic timing and beautiful voice. To play two very different characters must be difficult but Steven Pinder effortlessly slides between the Wizard and Dr.Dillamond and Kim Ismays’s Madame Morrible is a force to be reckoned with and again, one of the best versions of the character I have seen.

If you took a big bubbling cauldron and added a touch of song, some breathtaking costumes and a pinch magic you would get Wicked. A perfect show to keep the Munchkins happy over half term .