Bridlington Spa Theatre – until 22 September 2018

Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

3***

Madagascar is a film I think everyone enjoys, talking animals – who could ask for more? Now the film has made it to the stage as a musical, and to Bridlington.

The musical features high energy music and lots of laughs both for the children and the adults. I feel I don’t really need to go into the plot that much as everyone knows what happening, but if you’ve been living under a rock, a bunch of New York zoo animals escape and end up in Madagascar.

The cast did a great job of keeping up the high energy and putting modern references in with the use of dabbing and flossing, the show and cast does a good job at aiming towards a target audience. Matt Terry, who won X Factor in 2016, took on the role of Alex the Lion, his performance was quite entertaining bringing the vocals that won him the show, however Timmika Ramsay, who play Gloria the Hippo, stole the show with her vocals giving her a powerful and soulful vibe. Antoine Murray-Straughan played Marty the Zebra and Jamie Lee-Morgan played Melman the Giraffe, both did a good job at working alongside the cast and giving the characters comedy and life. One of the things Madagascar is most famous for is the song “Move It” and the Lemur King, Julien, played by Jo Parsons, brought laughs from his entrance onstage and giving the show a somewhat pantomime feel. The four penguins were came to life from a team of puppeteers who also in turn became lemurs for the second act, they did a great job of bringing the puppets to life and making scenes rather funny.

The stage has simple but effective props to show scene changing and the cast also were used in moving set around in a way that made sense to the play and worked really well. The costumes are rather bizarre at first with the four main animals being in padded body suits with fake bum and muscles, however the costume that made a lot of people laugh was that of King Julien who was on his knees to give the character short stature. The costumes were good however and suited the animation from the film.

The show had an overall happy theme with the story of friendship and adventure, the cast did a good job bring this to stage. The music was good, however none of the song were iconic and didn’t stick into my mind. This show is definitely one you would want to bring kids and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

COMEDY CENTRAL LIVE TAKES OVER HOGLANDS PARK, SOUTHAMPTON, FROM 5^TH-7^TH OCTOBER 2018 WITH OVER 70 COMEDIANS SET TO GET THE CROWD IN STITCHES  

This autumn, Comedy Central will present a brand new, massive stand-up and experiential festival featuring over 70 of the UK’s most popular and well-loved comedians. Comedy Central Live will stage headline sets from Jimmy Carr, Russell Howard and Katherine Ryan, as well as a whole host of hilarious acts and experiential events over the course of the 3-day extravaganza. 

In addition to headline stand-up sets from Carr, Howard and Ryan, the festival line-up features some of the most critically-acclaimed names in comedy today, including Rob Delaney, Joel Dommett, Nish Kumar, Rob Beckett, Lauren Pattison, Ed Gamble, Reginald D Hunter, Desiree Burch, Andrew,  Maxwell, Suzi Ruffell, Doc Brown, Matt Richardson and Lost Voice Guy (plus many more) all set to perform across two live stages at the 3-day event. 

Comedy Central is also bringing some of its biggest hit shows to life, giving visitors a truly unique chance to watch live versions of their hit TV shows Your Face or Mine, Roast Battle and Drunk History.

If that wasn’t enough, there will be a Comedy Central themed experiential area, including iconic comedy attractions from South Park. Those ticket holders who are brave enough can also step into the world of Takeshi’s Castle and take on the ultimate inflatable obstacle course – one of the biggest in the world!

Visitors will also be able to watch some of their favourite comedians belt out classic musical hits in live stage show AMusical, and drag super-group ‘Denim’ will host an alternative all day party at the festival.

The event will also feature Comedy Central themed food concessions and a whole host of other activities for ticket holders to enjoy.

For more information and to buy tickets, go to: https://comedycentral.ticketline.co.uk/

Crucible Studio, Sheffield – until 6th October 2018

Reviewed by Melanie Torley

4****

Steel is the witty new play by Chris Bush (What We Wished For, A Dream), and explores the last three decades of women in politics. 

The story tells the tale of young black Labour party candidate named Josie set in 1988 and her campaign to become a local councillor, helped by her mentor Dai. This is interspersed with the story of the ambitious Vanessa and her campaign to be elected Mayor, aided by her campaign manager Ian.

Both story lines have steel running through their core, with Josie being a technical engineer full of ideas of how to inject new life in to the industry while Vanessa sat on a focus group looking at the steel industry whose analysis was that it should be put out of it’s misery like a sick puppy.

Rebecca Scroggs plays both Josie and Vanessa with heart and soul, adequately portraying the naivety of the new party member Josie switching to the role of the sassy hard-talking Vanessa. Rebecca is able to bounce of her co-actor Nigel Betts beautifully, who puts in a strong performance as his characters of Dai and Ian. Nigels voice resonates beautifully around the Crucible Studio.

Steel is fast paced and covers some topical issues. The sharp script delivers laugh out loud moments during the show, which leaves you wondering whether things have really changed in the last 30 years.

 

THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S
MATILDA THE MUSICAL ARRIVES IN MANCHESTER 

The widely-anticipated Matilda The Musical has finally arrived in Manchester for an incredible 11-week run at the Palace Theatre and to mark the occasion, Scarlett Cecil who is one of the four young actresses sharing the title role, popped down to Manchester Central Library to strike the iconic Matilda pose in front of the landmark city-centre building. Matilda The Musical’s first show in the city will be tonight, Tuesday 18^th September.

Sophia Ally, Annalise Bradbury, Scarlett Cecil and Nicola Turner will share the title role of Matilda in Manchester. The adult cast includes Craige Els who, having played Miss Trunchbull in the West End for three years from 2014 to 2017, has returned to the role for the UK and Ireland tour. Carly Thoms plays Miss Honey alongside Sebastien Torkia and Rebecca Thornhill as Mr and Mrs Wormwood.

The full adult cast includes Joe Atkinson, Richard Astbury, Nina Bell, Peter Bindloss, Oliver Bingham, Emily Bull, Samara Casteallo, Matthew Caputo, Craige Els, Matt Gillett, Michelle Chantelle Hopewell, Sam Lathwood, Katie Lee, Steffan Lloyd-Evans, Charlie Martin, Rachel Moran, Anu Ogunmefun, Carly Thoms,Rebecca Thornhill, Sebastien Torkia, Adam Vaughan and Dawn Williams.

The full child cast who play the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the rest of the pupils at Crunchem Hall are Evie Allen, Louella Asante-Owusu, Joseph Black, Georgia Mae Brown, Isobelle Chalmers, Jessica Chalmers, Oliver Crouch, Madeline Gilby, Sheldon Golding, Dylan Hughes, Cuba Kamanu, Tom Lomas, Adam Lord, Maddison Lowe, Ilan Miller, Felicity Mitson, Toby Mocrei, Ashton Murphy, Joely Robertson, Ruaridh Sinnott, Kit Swaddling, Chantelle Tonolete Harry Wilson and Harrison Wilding.

Matilda The Musical has now been seen by 8 million people worldwide, having toured to over 65 cities and played more than 6000 performances in the West End, on Broadway and on tour across North America, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Matilda The Musical now has its first non-English language production at the LG Arts Centre in Seoul, South Korea which opened earlier this month.

Winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, Matilda The Musical opened at Leicester Curve in March 2018 to rave reviews. The tour will play at Manchester Palace until 24 November before playing at Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre (4 December – 12 January 2019), Theatre Royal Plymouth (15 January – 16 February 2019), the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (19 February – 23 March 2019), Edinburgh Playhouse (2 – 27 April 2019), The Bristol Hippodrome (7 May – 8 June 2019), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (11 June – 6 July 2019) and Norwich Theatre Royal (16 July – 17 August 2019).

The West End production will continue to play at the Cambridge Theatre, where it is now in its seventh year and is booking until 20 October 2019.

Matilda The Musical is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and direction by Matthew Warchus. The production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.

Inspired by the incomparable Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda The Musical was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and premiered at the RSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon home in November 2010, before transferring to London’s West End in October 2011, where it opened to rave reviews. The New York production of Matilda The Musical opened in April 2013 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre and was celebrated on 10 “Top Ten” lists for 2013, including TIME Magazine’s #1 Show of the Year.

Matilda The Musical swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, and won four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway.

The North America production toured 52 cities. The Australian and New Zealand production won a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Musical in 2015, and played sold-out seasons in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Auckland. The show broke further records in July 2016 by winning all 13 Helpmann Awards for which it was nominated.

Matilda The Musical is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company with André Ptaszynski and Denise Wood as Executive Producers. The production was developed with the support of Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.

LISTINGS

 

Palace Theatre, Manchester

Tuesday 18 September – Saturday 24 November 2018

Box Office: 0844 871 3019*

www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

* Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

PRESENTERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2018 INCLUDING AWARD WINNING ACTORS 

CUSH JUMBO, ADRIAN LESTER, AND MATHEW HORNE

ALONGSIDE PERFORMANCES BY ANAIS MITCHELL (COMPOSER/LYRICIST OF HADESTOWN) 

AND MIRIAM-TEAK LEE (STARRING IN HAMILTON AND WINNER OF BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL, THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2017)

 

Star of stage and screen Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife/Fight, Josephine and I, Common) will be hosting The Stage Debut Awards in association with Access Entertainment on Sunday 23 September, alongside further presenters; Adrian Lester OBE, Jodie Prenger, Ruthie Henshall, Mathew Horne, Michael Grandage, Preeya Kalidas, James Graham and Paule Constable.

Alongside exclusive performances by Anais Mitchell performing Why We Build A Wall from Hadestown and Miriam-Teak Lee performing I’m Here from The Color Purple. 

Cush Jumbo (host) said “I’m thrilled to be hosting the second The Stage Debut Awards this year. I’m very passionate about the continuing need to support emerging talent and champion our rising stars whether they be actors, directors, writers or designers. These awards celebrate new voices in a huge way.”

The Stage Debut Awards celebrate the very best breakthrough talent in theatre, from actors and directors to designers, writers, composers and lyricists, all of whom have made their professional debuts in the past year. These awards are the first of their kind to recognise outstanding emerging theatre talent.

The Stage Debut Awards will also be live streamed on The Stage’s Facebook page from 8.30pm on Sunday 23, 2018.

The inaugural The Stage Debut Awards in association with Access Entertainment took place on September 17, 2017. Guests at the awards ceremony included the most influential figures in the performing arts world from Grammy and Olivier Award-winning actress Amber Riley to the director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris.

As well as live streaming the ceremony to thousands of eager viewers on Facebook, #DebutAwards was trending on Twitter for over 14 hours on the day of the ceremony. Check out the video of the evening below and to read more about the evening visit
The Stage website.

For full details on eligibility and the judging process see The Stage Debut Awards website.

THE WEST END PRODUCTION OF

H A R R Y   P O T T E R   A N D   T H E   C U R S E D   C H I L D

PARTS ONE AND TWO

WWW.HARRYPOTTERTHEPLAY.COM

A FURTHER 120,000 SEATS RELEASED FOR PERFORMANCES TO JULY 2019

 

The West End Production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child today (18 September 2018) releases tickets for sale for performances from 10 April 2019 through to 28 July 2019. Tickets are priced from £15 per part and for every performance there are over 300 tickets at £20 or less per part.

Since the world premiere of the production here in London Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ has offered The Friday Forty, a weekly lottery of 40 tickets for every performance, in some of the best seats in the house for just £40 (£20 per part).

From 24 September 2018, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will partner with TodayTix to launch a new version of The Friday Forty. Patrons can now enter at any time from 12.01am every Monday, through to 1pm that Friday, when entries will close. Winners will be notified between 1pm and 5pm that day, and have the opportunity to purchase up to two tickets for both Part One and Part Two on consecutive performances the following week.  For further details and to enter The Friday Forty, visit the official website https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/uk/the-friday-forty/ or download the TodayTix for iOS or Android. The Friday Forty is now operated by TodayTix on the West End and Broadway.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, one play presented in two parts, is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage.  The critically acclaimed production received its world premiere in July 2016 at the Palace Theatre in London and is now also playing at the Lyric Theatre on Broadway, with an Australian production beginning performances at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre on 16 January 2019.  A further North American production will open in San Francisco at the Curran in Autumn 2019 and, in spring 2020, a German language version of the play – marking its first non-English production – will open at the Mehr! Theater am Großmarkt in Hamburg, Germany.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.  While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted.  As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a new play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany with movement by Steven Hoggett, set by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, music & arrangements by Imogen Heap, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Fry, illusions & magic by Jamie Harrison, music supervision & arrangements by Martin Lowe and casting by Julia Horan CDG.

 

Both parts of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are intended to be seen in order on the same day (matinee and evening) or on two consecutive evenings.  On Thursdays there is an evening performance of Part One and on Fridays an evening performance of Part Two. On those days tickets to each part can be bought together or separately.  Tickets for Wednesday matinee and Wednesday evening performances can also be bought together or separately.

The regular performance schedule is as follows – Monday – no performance, Tuesday – no performance, Wednesday – 2pm Part One & 7.30pm Part Two, Thursday – 7.30pm Part One, Friday – 7.30pm Part Two, Saturday – 2pm Part One & 7.30pm Part Two, Sunday – 1pm Part One & 6.30pm Part Two.

A further set of access performances have gone on sale today.  For more information please visit the access page via the official Harry Potter and the Cursed Child websitehttps://www.harrypottertheplay.com/uk/access/.  For patrons with physical access needs call 0330 333 4410 (please note, there are no general ticket sales on this number) or email[email protected].

 

Returned and other late-release tickets may also become available at short notice. These are not guaranteed, but any tickets that do become available will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis, online or in person at the Palace Theatre box office at full price.

TodayTix is an international ticketing platform on a mission to redefine the way people see theatre. Through effortless access to the best shows, insightful guidance to the artistic landscape, and thoughtful service at each moment along the way, TodayTix enables culture lovers to discover the best that their city has to offer.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions.

Box Office – 0343 208 0500

www.HarryPotterthePlay.com

www.harrypottertheplay.com/questions

@HPPlayLDN

facebook.com/HPPlayLDN

instagram.com/hpplayldn

www.pottermore.com

Cast Announced for Seussical The Musical
Southwark Playhouse (The Large), 77-85 Newington Causeway,
London, SE1 6BD
Thursday 22nd November – Saturday 29th December 2018

This November, Marc Pickering (Boardwalk Empire, HBO; Les Misérables, Universal Pictures; Sleepy Hollow, Paramount Pictures) will star as the mischievous Cat in the Hat in Immersion Theatre͛s larger-than-life musical extravaganza, Seussical the Musical. He is joined by Scott Paige (Eugenius, The Other Palace; The Addams Family, UK/Asia Tour; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, UK Tour/West Yorkshire Playhouse) as the warm-hearted Horton the Elephant and Amy Perry (Bananaman, Southwark Playhouse, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Adelphi Theatre; Sweet Charity, Cadogan Hall) as the humble Gertrude McFuzz in this high-energy production for ͚thinkers͛ of all ages.

Katie Paine (We Will Rock You, Dominion Theatre; Godspell, Lyric Theatre; Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Gatehouse) will play the vivacious Mayzie La Bird alongside Ngozi Ugoh (The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales Theatre; The Life, English Theatre Frankfurt; Avenue Q, Brookside Theatre) who will play Sour Kangaroo and Anna Barnes (Cats, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre; The Fix, Guilford School of Acting; Bullets Over Broadway, Guilford School of Acting) who plays Jojo, ‘a thinker’ with a wild imagination.

The cast is completed by Daisy Steere (42nd Street, Theatre Royal Drury Lane; Jackie The Musical, UK Tour; Legally Blonde, Aberystwyth Arts Centre), Adam Dawson (Spring Awakening, Hope Mill Theatre; Hair the Musical, The Vaults; West Side Story, Royal Shakespeare Company), Robbie Fell (Song, Pulse Films/BT; Cinderella, Malvern Festival Theatre; The Life, Performance Preparation Academy), Rhys Benjamin (Me and My Girl, The Urdang Academy; Bring It On,
Pleasance Theatre; Is There Life After High School?, The Royal Academy of Music), Marianna Neofitou (Grease, Leicester Curve; Dusty: The Dusty Springfield Musical, Charing Cross Theatre; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, London Palladium) and Sarah Spence (9 to 5 The Musical, Legally Blonde, The Producers – all whilst training at Performance Preparation Academy.

Director James Tobias comments, Finding a cast who are able to bring these fantastical, over the top characters to life whilst retaining their truth, heart and integrity is, in my opinion, one of the key ingredients to the success of a show like this. I could not be more thrilled with the company we have assembled and feel immensely privileged and excited to be working with such exceptional talent, on stage and off, to create an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages this Christmas.

Brimming with fun and excitement for all the family, the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss bursts onto the stage in this feel-good musical bonanza. Set to an electric score and co-conceived by Monty Python͛s Eric Idle, this raucous and ultimately touching story by Tony Award winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty dares us to think big and reminds us of the power of loyalty, family, and acceptance. After all, a person͛s a person no matter how small!

Far from being only a show just for children, Seussical is filled with larger-than-life characters and an incredible and varied score featuring a range of genres from funk, to big band, to rock and roll, to musical theatre. The much-loved characters all have something which we can all connect with, be it a sense of mischief, insecurity, that feeling of you against the world, and everything in between.

From bullying, to unrequited love, to being insecure with your body, to inclusivity, Seussical touches on some of today͛s most topical issues in a funny and moving way. With choreography from 2018 Off West End award winner Chris Whittaker, this production is an intelligent, hilarious and moving piece of theatre whose themes, plot, characters, and score resonate and entertain audiences of all ages.

JODIE PRENGER TO STAR IN UK TOUR

OF MIKE LEIGH’S ACCLAIMED COMEDY

ABIGAIL’S PARTY

Jodie Prenger leads the cast in Abigail’s Party, Mike Leigh’s groundbreaking comedy classic which begins a major UK tour in Brighton on 10 January 2019 and tours until 20 April 2019 in Edinburgh.

Beverly and her husband Laurence are throwing a party for their newlywed neighbours, Tony and Angela.  Joining them is highly strung Susan who’s been banished from the party of her teenage daughter Abigail.    Welcome to 1970’s suburbia and its heady mix of free-flowing cocktails, classic disco and cheese and pineapple sticks.  As tensions rise and tempers flare the sheen of respectability is torn away by the warring couples with hilarious and potentially disastrous consequences. 

Mike Leigh’s iconic Abigail’s Party is one of Britain’s most celebrated comedies and was described by The Guardian as ‘One of the greatest plays about the human condition ever written.’

 

Jodie Prenger said: ‘Abigail’s Party is a true British classic and a real bucket list part for me.  I’m thrilled to be involved in something so wonderful.  Can’t wait to get started.’

Jodie landed the role of Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh’s revival production of Oliver! at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane after winning BBC 1’s I’d Do Anything.  She won the 2010 Whatsonstage Theatregoer’s Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. She then went on to play The Lady of The Lake in the Spamalot UK tour and in the West End at the Playhouse Theatre, and Dolly in the National Theatre’s production of One Man Two Guvnors at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.  2015 saw Jodie star in the title role of Calamity Jane on the UK No. 1 Tour followed by a Christmas run of Annie at the New Theatre, Oxford in the role of Miss Hannigan. In 2016, Jodie starred in a new UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s one woman show Tell Me On A Sunday and in the autumn, Jodie reprised the role of Madame Thenardier in a special production of Les Miserables in Dubai Opera Theatre.

 

Jodie has guest presented for Elaine Paige and Paul O’Grady on many occasions with BBC Radio 2.  Other BBC Radio 2 appearances include Wogan, co-hosting Going Out With Alan Carr, Chris Evans’ Breakfast Show, The Olivier Awards 2010 and Children in Need 2009 with Graham Norton.  

 

Recently, Jodie starred in the one-woman UK tour of Shirley Valentine, and has just finished playing the role of Kelly in the production of Kay Mellor’s Fat Friends on its UK Tour with music written by Nick Lloyd Webber.

 

Abigail’s Party is a a co-production between ATG Productions and Smith and Brant Theatricals by arrangement with Theatre Royal Bath, directed by Sarah Esdaile.

 

 

ABIGAIL’S PARTY

TOUR SCHEDULE

Theatre Royal, Brighton                                     www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/

10 – 19 January 2019                                          0844 871 7615   (On sale soon.)

Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham                       www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/

21 – 26 January 2019                                          0844 871 3011

York Grand Opera House                                   www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york/

28 January – 2 February 2019                           0844 871 3024

Theatre Royal, Glasgow                                      www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow/

4 – 9 February 2019                                            0844 871 7615

Nuffield Southampton Theatres                       https://www.nstheatres.co.uk/

11 – 16 February 2019                                       023 8067 1771

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent                      www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre/

18 – 23 February 2019                                       0844 871 7649

New Victoria Theatre, Woking                          www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre/

25 February – 2 March 2019                             0844 871 7645

Royal & Derngate, Northampton                     www.royalandderngate.co.uk/

4 – 9 March 2019                                                01604 624811

Grand Theatre, Blackpool                                   www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/

11 – 16 March 2019                                            01253 290 190

 

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre                           www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/

18 – 23 March 2019                                            0844 871 7607

Liverpool Playhouse                                           https://www.everymanplayhouse.com/

25 – 30 March 2019                                            0151 709 4776

Orchard Theatre, Dartford                                www.orchardtheatre.co.uk/Online/

1 – 6 April 2019                                                   01322 220000

Manchester Opera House                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/opera-house-manchester/

8 – 13 April 2019                                                 0844 871 3018

King’s Theatre, Edinburgh                                  www.capitaltheatres.com/your-visit/kings-theatre

15 – 20 April 2019                                               0131 529 6000

FORTHCOMING UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF

CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S

ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

“LES MISÉRABLES”

ALREADY SET TO BREAK RECORDS AHEAD OF OPENING

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

 

Cameron Mackintosh’s forthcoming UK and Ireland tour of his acclaimed production of the Boublil and Schönbergmusical “LES MISÉRABLES” is already set to break records ahead of opening at Curve, Leicester on Saturday 3 November 2018.

 

Since Cameron Mackintosh first conceived this new production of “Les Misérables” in 2009 to celebrate the show’s 25^th anniversary it has taken the world by storm. Originally touring the UK throughout 2009/10, and concluding with 22 performances at the Barbican, this production was hailed by audiences and critics alike.

‘Sends shivers of excitement racing down the spine –

You emerge feeling stirred and exhilarated’

Daily Telegraph

‘Packs an almighty punch and brings audiences to their feet every night’

The Independent

‘A five-star hit – Astonishingly powerful’

The Times

Now this UK and Ireland tour, embraced by modern audiences across the globe as a Les Mis for the 21^st century, is set to sell out in many places before it opens. The Curve, Leicester run sold out in record-breaking time (limited late release tickets now available) and forthcoming visits to the largest cities in the UK and Ireland are already at 80% audience capacity.

This production inspired the hugely successful movie version starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne. This brilliant new staging has scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, and has to date already been seen in North America, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Spain, France, Manila, Singapore, Dubai and Broadway.

 

As rehearsal begin, full casting is announced. Joining the previously announced Killian Donnelly as ‘Jean Valjean’ will be Nic Greenshields as ‘Javert’, Katie Hall as ‘Fantine’, Martin Ball as ‘Thénardier’, Sophie-Louise Dann as ‘Madame Thénardier’, Harry Apps as ‘Marius’, Tegan Bannister as ‘Eponine’, Will Richardson as ‘Enjolras’ and Bronwen Hanson as ‘Cosette’.

Completing the cast will be Joseph Anthony, Helen Aylott, Jamie Birkett, Keoni Blockx, Michael Burgen, Nicholas Carter, Mary-Jean Caldwell, Danny Colligan, Nicholas Corre, Megan Gardiner, Zac Hamilton, Jessie Hart, Teleri Hughes, Brian James Leys, Ruby Lyon, Leo Miles, Shane O’Riordan, Lee Ormsby, Jordan Simon Pollard, Corrine Priest, Aaron Pryce-Lewis, Janne Snellen, Ruben Van keer and Emma Warren.

Killian Donnelly recently played the role of ‘Jean Valjean’ in the West End production of “Les Misérables”. Prior to his run in “Les Misérables”, he played the role of ‘Charlie Price’ in “Kinky Boots” on Broadway, a role he originated at the Adelphi Theatre in the West End in 2015, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award. His other theatre credits include ‘Huey’ in the original London cast of “Memphis” at the Shaftesbury Theatre for which he was also nominated for an Olivier Award.  He created the role of ‘Deco’ in “The Commitments” at the Palace Theatre and has also played ‘Tony’ in “Billy Elliot” at the Victoria Palace Theatre as well as ‘Raoul’ in “The Phantom of the Opera” at Her Majesty’s Theatre. He first joined the company of “Les Misérables” in 2008, going on to play the role of ‘Enjolras’ from 2009 to 2011. In 2010, he played the role of ‘Courfeyrac’ in the “25th Anniversary Concert of Les Misérables” at The O2 Arena and also played the role of ‘Combeferre’ in the multi-award-winning film of the show, released in 2012.

Nic Greenshields most recently appeared in “Young Frankenstein” at the Garrick Theatre. His many other West End credits include “Les Misérables” at both the Queen’s and Palace Theatres, “The Phantom of the Opera” at Her Majesty’s Theatre, “Billy Elliot” at the Victoria Palace Theatre and “Miss Saigon” at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Katie Hall’s numerous credits include playing ‘Cosette’ in this production of “Les Misérables” in 2009. She has also played the role at the Queen’s Theatre and in the “25^th Anniversary Concert of Les Misérables” at The O2 Arena. Her other credits include ‘Christine’ in “The Phantom of the Opera” at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End and on tour, ‘Johanna’ in “Sweeney Todd” at the London Coliseum and ‘Maria’ in the national tour of “West Side Story”.

Martin Ball has previously appeared as ‘Thénardier’ in “Les Misérables” at the Queen’s Theatre. His other West End credits include ‘Monsieur André’ in “The Phantom of the Opera”, ‘Harry’ in “Mamma Mia!” and the original cast of “Wicked”. He appeared as ‘Mr Banks’ in the first national tour of “Mary Poppins”. His other credits include “Top Hat” in both the West End and on tour.

Sophie-Louise Dann’s many West End credits include ’Celia’ in “The Girls” at the Phoenix Theatre (Olivier Award nomination), ‘Barbara Castle’ in “Made in Dagenham” at the Adelphi Theatre, “Jolson” at the Victoria Palace Theatre and ‘Diana Divane’ in “Lend Me a Tenor” at the Gielgud Theatre, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award.

Harry Apps makes his professional debut as ‘Marius’ having successfully auditioned at the recent open auditions for the show.

Tegan Bannister’s West End credits include ‘Young Nala’ in “The Lion King” at the Lyceum Theatre and “Les Misérables” at the Queen’s Theatre.

Will Richardson has appeared as ‘Rum Tum Tugger’ in “Cats” and ‘Rolf’ in “The Sound of Music”, both on international tour.

Bronwen Hanson has appeared in “Broken Wings” at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Whilst training her credits include ‘Sally Bowles’ in “Cabaret”.

Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Boublil and Schönberg’s magnificent score of “LES MISÉRABLES”includes the songs, “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Stars”, “Bring Him Home”, “Do You Hear the People Sing?”, “One Day More”, “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables”, “Master Of The House” and many more.  Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 51 countries and in 22 languages, “LES MISÉRABLES” is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of “LES MISÉRABLES” is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and original adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. The original “LES MISÉRABLES” orchestrations are by John Cameron with new orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke, Stephen Metcalfe and Stephen Brooker. The production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, musical staging by Michael Ashcroft and Geoffrey Garratt, projections by Fifty-Nine Productions and musicsupervision by Stephen Brooker and Graham Hurman. The London Production of “LES MISÉRABLES” continues to play at the Queen’s Theatre where it is currently booking until 2 March 2019.

LES MISÉRABLES UK AND IRELAND TOUR 2018/2019

lesmis.com

SATURDAY 3 – SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2018

CURVE, LEICESTER

curveonline.co.uk – 0116 242 3595

SOLD OUT – BOOK NOW FOR LIMITED LATE RELEASE TICKETS

WEDNESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2018 – SATURDAY 12 JANUARY 2019

BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE, DUBLIN

bordgaisenergytheatre.ie – +353 (1) 677 7999

TUESDAY 22 JANUARY – SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2019

FESTIVAL THEATRE, EDINBURGH

capitaltheatres.com – 0131 529 6000

TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 30 MARCH 2019

MANCHESTER PALACE THEATRE

atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester – 0844 871 3019

TUESDAY 2 APRIL – SATURDAY 11 MAY 2019

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME
birminghamhippodrome.com – 0844 338 5000

TUESDAY 14 MAY – SATURDAY 8 JUNE 2019
MILTON KEYNES THEATRE
atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre – 0844 871 7652

THURSDAY 15 AUGUST – SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2019

NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

theatreroyal.co.uk – 0844 11 21 21

 

FURTHER DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

CHANNING TATUM’S MAGIC MIKE LIVE IN LONDON

AT THE HIPPODROME CASINO

DUE TO UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND

FINAL TICKETS TO BE RELEASED

FOR FIRST 6 MONTHS OF RUN

 

As a result of unprecedented demand, with most of the shows for the first six months of the run sold out, Channing Tatum and his co-producers have decided to release close to 10,000 previously held tickets for Magic Mike Live in London.  This release includes tickets for every single performance currently on sale and 20 additional performances added to the month of January.  This will be the final opportunity to purchase tickets for many of these early performances.  In addition, a limited number of seats for the show’s official opening on 28 November 2018 are being released so that fans of the show have the opportunity to be a part of that once-in-a-lifetime event.  Tickets go on sale at 12.00noon tomorrow, Wednesday 19 September, from   www.magicmikelondon.co.uk.

At the same time, the cast for Magic Mike Live in London can now be announced ahead of rehearsals, which begin in October.  The multi-national cast includes Samantha Baines, Jake Brewer, Harry Carter, Pip Hearsee, Sophie Linder-Lee, Jack Manley, David Morgan, Ross Sands, Dean Stewart, Manny Tsakanika and Aaron Witter from the United Kingdom, Daniel Ralph from France, Antonio Donadio and Sebastián Melo Taveira from Italy, Maxwell Trengove from Australia and Brian Siregar from the USA.

Conceived and co-directed by Channing Tatum, Magic Mike Live is a large-scale, live production show based on the hit films Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, which will open at The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square on Wednesday 28 November 2018, following previews from 10 November. 

The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino is being transformed into a magical, intimate, 325-seat performance space for Magic Mike Live.  From the bespoke entrance off Cranbourn Street, to the specially curated lounge and bar experience, to the cast of world-class performers, Magic Mike Live is a complete evening of unparalleled entertainment for guests aged 18 and up.  They will enter Magic Mike’s mythical club and marvel as a group of extraordinary artists perform a 360-degree dance and acrobatic spectacular in front of, behind, and above them.  Sexy dance routines intertwined with one-of-a-kind acts, will be presented by a diverse cast of performers from around the world for this hot new production.

The show has been hailed as “the modern strip show we deserve” by USA Today and celebrated as “the show that has everything you could ever want” by Glamour UK.   

Magic Mike Live in London is co-directed by Channing Tatum and Alison Faulk, with Teresa Espinosa as associate director, and choreographed by Alison Faulk, Teresa Espinosa and Luke Broadlick.  The Executive Producer is Vincent Marini with General Management by David Ian Productions. The production designer is Rachel O’Toole, with scenic design by Rob Bissinger and Anita LaScala (Arda Studio), costume design by Marina Toybina, lighting design by Philip Gladwell and video design by Luke Halls.  Musical supervisor is Jack Rayner, with sound design by Nick Kourtides.  Dreya Weber is aerial choreographer & aerial apparatus designer.  Production management is by Simon Gooding and Matt Jones and casting is by Jason Styres CSA.

Magic Mike Live is produced in London by Channing Tatum, Reid Carolin, Greg Jacobs, Peter Kiernan, Steven Soderbergh, Nick Wechsler and United Talent Agency in association with Warner Bros., Vincent Marini, The Hippodrome Casino, Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W. Batman, TSG Entertainment & Ashley DeSimone, Richard Winkler, and The Creative House.

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Magic Mike Live

The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino

Cranbourn Street

Leicester Square

London WC2H 7JH

Website:  www.magicmikelondon.co.uk   

Twitter:  @MagicMikeLDN

Facebook:  @MagicMikeLDN

Instagram:  @MagicMikeLiveLDN

Box Office:  0844 453 9091

Performances:  Tuesday to Sunday 7.30pm and Thursday to Sunday 10.00pm

Ticket Prices:  from £29.00 including booking fees

Current Booking Period:  to Sunday 27 October 2019

Running Time:  approximately 90 minutes

Magic Mike Live guests must be at least 18 years to attend – appropriate photo ID will be requested on arrival at the venue – begambleaware.org