Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Ashleigh Gray to perform at

A Night For Life

Park Lane Hotel, London – Thursday 8th June 2017, 6.30pm

1 in 6 people in the UK are affected by a neurological disorder.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Ashleigh Gray (Wicked The Musical), Antony Hewitt (Aladdin), Nicholas McLean (The Book of Mormon), Irvine Iqbal (Aladdin), Joelle Dyson (Dreamgirls), Lauren Chia (Aladdin), The Twin Swing, Itch + Scratch and Jon Culshaw (Dead Ringers) will be among the stage and screen stars performing at A Night For Life, an event marking the two-year anniversary of Clíodhna McCorley’s diagnosis with a brain tumour. A Night For Life follows her extraordinary story to recovery.

Ashleigh Gray comments, It’s an honour to be part of a team helping to raise both funds and awareness for The National Brain Appeal. The statistics are alarming and difficult to ignore. And having experienced first-hand the devastating effects of both stroke and dementia, it’s a privilege to be part of an Event which ultimately supports both those suffering and their families.

Antony Hewitt says, I am honoured to be a part of A Night For Life, raising money and awareness for such a great cause in order to help those in need. I’ve had friends and family who have suffered with neurological conditions and so I feel grateful for the opportunity to join together and make a real difference for a cause that has such a personal meaning to me.

ITV Sport presenter Ed Chamberlin will host the evening’s entertainment extravaganza organised by West End Producer Jimmy Jewell.

In May 2015, aged 24, actress Clíodhna McCorley was diagnosed with a brain tumour and needed major brain surgery at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN). Following a traumatic recovery period with decisions that would affect her for the rest of her life, Clíodhna has made a brilliant recovery. One year after her diagnosis, having lost the ability to walk after her surgery, she ran the Edinburgh Half Marathon (the first time she had ever run anything) and she remains passionate about raising awareness for neurological conditions so that others, like her, have a better chance of survival.

There are over 12.5 million people with a neurological condition in the UK today. That’s more than the number of people living with cancer, coronary heart disease and diabetes combined. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

A Night For Life will raise vital funds for The National Brain Appeal which fundraises for The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery – the UK’s largest dedicated neurological hospital and neuroscience centre. Money raised at A Night For Life will complete Molly’s Fund which will enable the hospital to double the size of their dedicated Brain Tumour Unit. Work is due to start at the end of June, just weeks after this important event.

Clíodhna McCorley comments I was lucky in so many ways. Due to quick diagnosis, being treated by world-class surgeons who had access to the best facilities and equipment, the brilliant aftercare by the medical staff at the NHNN and all of those who showed some small kindness to me or my family, I have come out the other side. There is not a day that goes by when I am not thankful how lucky I am to have the love and support that gave me strength and hope at a time when I had none myself. However, many are not so lucky and raising funds is crucial to helping others have the best possible outcome.

Randox Health, a global leader in healthcare diagnostics and preventative health, will be the main sponsor for the evening. Tiger Risk Insurance will be the supporting sponsor.

A Night For Life will be a night to remember.

For more information, please visit:

Websiite – www.anightforlife.com Twitter – @anightforlife1 Instagram – @anightforlife Facebook – AnightForLife

X FACTOR’S SAM BAILEY CAST IN WORLD PREMIERE OF

FAT FRIENDS THE MUSICAL IN LEEDS

 

Sam Bailey is to star alongside Jodie Prenger in the brand new stage musical Fat Friends when it bursts on to the stage with its World Premiere at Leeds Grand Theatre later this year.

Number one recording artist Sam Bailey, who rose to fame winning the tenth series of The X Factor, will join the previously announced Jodie Prenger in this original British musical. Sam takes the much-loved role of Betty, originated on screen by Alison Steadman.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have been cast for the new musical of Fat Friends,” says Sam. “I loved the show when it was on ITV and I feel so honoured to be working with some very talented people – Kay Mellor and Nick Lloyd Webber in particular!! I know I am going to learn so much from working with them and I can’t wait to start rehearsals!”

Sam shot into the hearts of the nation in 2013 when the former Prison Officer won ITV’s The X Factor and reached Christmas number one with her first single, ‘Skyscraper’. She has gone on to receive public acclaim for her role as Mama Morton in the recent UK tour of Chicago.

 The award-winning TV drama has been adapted for the stage by its creator Kay Mellor; one of the UK’s most prolific writers Kay’s extensive television credits include hit series of Band of Gold, The Chase, The Syndicate, In the Club and whose stage credits include A Passionate Woman.  With original music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber, Fat Friends – The Musical will open at Leeds Grand Theatre in November ahead of an extensive UK tour.

‘I watched every episode of The X Factor when Sam was in it” says Kay. “To me she was an ordinary woman; a mother and a wife who had the voice of an angel and a wonderfully warm personality. It was one of those rare times that I actually picked up the phone and voted. I auditioned Sam for about one minute for Fat Friends the Musical – as soon as she said my words and I looked in her eyes, I knew that she understood the character of Betty. She is an instinctive actress that will bring great depth and warmth to the character. I’m delighted to be working with her.”

Fat Friends The Musical, sees the nation’s favourite group of dieters reunited with award-winning Jodie Prenger leading the company in the role of Kelly Stevenson – further casting to be announced.

Fat Friends The Musical opens at Leeds Grand Theatre on Tuesday November 7^th and runs until Saturday 2^nd December

 

Tickets are on sale now priced from £20 to £50

 

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700

 

 

RNLI, Scarborough – 24 May 2017.  Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

The award winning Mikron Theatre Company had the official launch of their latest production, In At The Deep End, at the RNLI in Scarborough on Wednesday.

Now in their 46th year they provided theatre anywhere for everyone by canal, river and road, they are based in Marsden, West Yorkshire. This year sees the company touring 2 brand new productions with 4 actor musicians. In At The Deep End, an RNLI story, written by Laurence Peacock is the second production.

I went along to the show with such high expectations after previously seeing Best Foot Forward in York, I am so glad to say I was not disappointed, it was certainly worth the travel.

This is about the history of nearly 200 years of the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, but is also a story about Skipwick and a current day coxswain, Darren and the relationships he has with his son Billy, his best friends’ widow, Hazel and the Lifeboat Station. He is a perfectionist, timing everything to the nearest second. His management style isn’t working and he has managed to demoralise his crew so much that they don’t want to be there and have made excuses to be elsewhere. He has to blackmail his own son into training to be a life boatman, unlike the other new recruit Shannon. She is overly keen, a swot and manages to put poor Billy to shame. We eventually see a rescue, which doesn’t go quite to plan, a successful fundraiser and recruitment drive by Hazel and Darren facing up to his demons and mending bridges.

The four actors, Craig Anderson, James McLean, Rose McPhilemy and Claire-Marie Seddon are exactly the same cast who are performing Mikron’s other production, Best Foot Forward. Again they have proved themselves to be a very talented and multi-skilled group, portraying different characters, singing and playing various musical instruments, from trombones to trumpets, guitars to flutes, very impressive! It is a fast-paced show with costume changes taking place before our eyes, all be it the adornment of such things as a wig and frills and the actors taking on their various roles. With songs such as Mayday, the opening number and The Lifeboat Inventors Club we get to see how well the whole cast work together.

I was lucky enough to attend the official launch at a real Lifeboat Station in Scarborough on Wednesday night. During the interval I got talking to a gentleman who had volunteered with the RNLI for 35 years, before retiring, it could not survive without people like him and donations received, their new lifeboat, The Shannon class, cost £2m.

I certainly couldn’t make such a trip without the obligatory fish and chip tea beforehand. What more could I ask for, a great show, lovely food and the good old British seaside?

Mikron are touring both shows around the UK until October, with the same 4 cast members. They are even performing both shows on the same day at different venues this Saturday, a fantastic feat. I still can’t get it into my head that they will be touring both shows. Try and catch at least one of their shows this year, you will not be disappointed!

ALICE FEARN AND SOPHIE EVANS TO HEAD NEW LONDON CAST OF WICKED FROM MONDAY 24 JULY 2017

BRADLEY JADEN, MELANIE LA BARRIE, ANDY HOCKLEY, JACK LANSBURY AND LAURA PICK ALSO JOIN CURRENT CAST MEMBERS MARTIN BALL, SARAH McNICHOLAS AND CARINA GILLESPIE

WICKED, the West End musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, is delighted to announce that Alice Fearn (Elphaba), Sophie Evans (Glinda), Bradley Jaden (Fiyero), Melanie La Barrie (Madame Morrible), Andy Hockley (The Wizard), Jack Lansbury (Boq) and Laura Pick (Standby for Elphaba) will head the new London cast from Monday 24 July 2017, joining current cast members Martin Ball (Doctor Dillamond), Sarah McNicholas (Nessarose) and Carina Gillespie (Standby for Glinda).

Alice Fearn (Elphaba) originally joined the London production of WICKED in 2016, as Standby for Elphaba, and will now assume the role. Her previous West End appearances include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Shrek The Musical, Into The Woods, Les Misérables (also the film version) and The Woman in White. Sophie Evans (Glinda) was the acclaimed runner-up in the BBC talent show ‘Over the Rainbow’ and subsequently played ‘Dorothy Gale’ in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium; Bradley Jaden (Fiyero) is currently starring as ‘Fiyero’ on the international tour of WICKED. He previously starred as ‘Enjolras’ in Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre; Melanie La Barrie (Madame Morrible) is currently part of the acclaimed Everyman Company at the Liverpool Everyman Theatre. Her West End roles have included ‘Mrs Phelps’ in the original cast of Matilda, ‘Mme. Thénardier’ in Les Misérables and ‘Mrs Corry’ in the original cast of Mary Poppins; Andy Hockley (The Wizard) has enjoyed a long association with The Phantom of the Opera, playing ‘Monsieur Firmin’ at London’s Her Majesty’s Theatre as well as on the UK & Ireland Tour for over 1000 performances. He most recently played ‘Grandpa Potts’ in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at West Yorkshire Playhouse and on the UK & Ireland Tour; Jack Lansbury (Boq) is a graduate of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and will be making his West End debut in WICKED; Laura Pick (Standby for Elphaba) appeared in The Sound of Music at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, covering and playing ‘Maria von Trapp’. Martin Ball (Doctor Dillamond), Sarah McNicholas (Nessarose) and Carina Gillespie (Standby for Glinda) all continue in their current roles.

Current cast members Willemijn Verkaik (Elphaba), Suzie Mathers (Glinda), Oliver Savile (Fiyero), Sue Kelvin (Madame Morrible), Mark Curry (The Wizard) and Idriss Kargbo (Boq) will all play their final performances on Saturday 22 July 2017.

From Monday 24 July 2017, the London production will star Alice Fearn (Elphaba), Sophie Evans (Glinda), Bradley Jaden (Fiyero), Melanie La Barrie (Madame Morrible), Andy Hockley (The Wizard), Martin Ball (Doctor Dillamond), Sarah McNicholas (Nessarose), Jack Lansbury (Boq), Laura Pick (Standby for Elphaba), Carina Gillespie (Standby for Glinda) and Jennie Abbotts, Ashley Birchall, Nicole Carlisle, Nicholas Corre, Conor Crown, Kerry Enright, Aimée Fisher, Joseph Fletcher, Alexandra Grierson, Katy Hanna, Tom Andrew Hargreaves, Olivia Kate Holding, Claudia Kariuki, Will Lucas, James McHugh, Danny Michaels, Ellie Mitchell, Rosa O’Reilly, Matt Parsons, Alex Pinder, Sam Robinson, Paulo Teixeira, Samantha Thomas, Hannah Toy, Russell Walker, Sasha Wareham and Libby Watts.

Acclaimed as “one of the West End’s true modern classics” (Metro), WICKED is now in its 11th smash hit year at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it is already the 17th longest running show in West End theatre history. The “hugely popular show” (The Times) is a three-time winner of the theatregoer-voted WhatsOnStage Award for ‘Best West End Show’ and a two-time winner of the Olivier Audience Award. The critically acclaimed and multi record-breaking UK & Ireland Tour returns from 31 January 2018, visiting Bristol, Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Dublin, Sunderland, Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester.

Based on the acclaimed, best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously re-imagines the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, WICKED tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

WICKED has music and lyrics by multi Grammy and Academy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Disney’s Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Enchanted and, for DreamWorks, The Prince of Egypt) and is based on the novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ by Gregory Maguire and adapted for the stage by Winnie Holzman (My So-Called Life). Musical staging is by Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento and the production is directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello.

WICKED is produced around the world by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK) Michael McCabe.

Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk Twitter: @WickedUK | Facebook: /WickedUK | Instagram: @WickedUK

Full cast announced to join Omid Djalili and Tracy-Ann Oberman in

 

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

 

Based on the Sholem Aleichem Stories, By Special Permission of Arnold Perl

Book by Joseph Stein  Music by Jerry Bock  Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick

Produced on the New York Stage by Harold Prince

Original New York Stage Production Directed by and Choreographed by Jerome Robbins

Directed by Daniel Evans

 

10 July – 26 August, Chichester Festival Theatre

The full company is announced today for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, running at Chichester Festival Theatre from 10 July – 26 August, with a press night on Tuesday 18 July. Directed by Daniel Evans, the cast of this new staging of the classic Broadway musical is led by Omid Djalili and Tracy-Ann Oberman.

The full company is: Simbi Akande (Tzeitel), Ryan Anderson, Leo Andrew, Andrew Boyer, Greg Castiglioni, Stephen John Davis, Omid Djalili (Tevye), Nicholas Duncan, Luke Fetherston,Rosie Fletcher, Harry Francis, Victoria Hinde, Chris Jarman (Lazar Wolf), Abigail Jaye, Emma Kingston (Hodel), Lucinda Lawrence, Louis Maskell (Perchik), Tracy-Ann Oberman (Golde),Megan O’Hanlon, Sephora Parish, Pierce Rogan, Liza Sadovy (Yente), Rose Shalloo (Chava),Jos Slovick (Motel), Mia Soteriou (Grandma Tzeitel), Laura Tebbutt (Fruma Sarah) and Matthew Woodyatt.

1905. A small village in Imperial Russia. Tevye, a poor dairyman, and his wife, Golde, are blessed with five witty and beautiful daughters. The matchmaker Yente, who believes any husband is better than no husband, is busy making sensible marriage plans for them all.

But Tevye’s bold daughters have their own ideas about who to marry. And as change and new ideas roll in from the big cities, dissolving the old ways of life, the sisters are not alone in their lust for something new.

This celebrated and much loved musical is packed with show-stopping songs including If I Were A Rich Man, Tradition and Matchmaker. The original record-breaking Broadway production won nine Tony Awards including Best Musical.

This new staging is directed by Chichester’s Artistic Director Daniel Evans, whose hit productions atSheffield Theatres included Show Boat, My Fair Lady and Flowers for Mrs Harris. His outstanding creative team includes designer Lez Brotherston (Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Sister Act) and choreographer Alistair David (Show Boat, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers).

Omid Djalili makes his Chichester debut playing Tevye. A multi award-winning comedian and actor, his stage credits include Oliver! in the West End and, on film, The Infidel, Shaun the Sheep,Casanova and Disney’s forthcoming The Nutcracker.

 

Tracy-Ann Oberman plays Golde; her stage credits include Boeing-Boeing and Stepping Out in the West End, while her extensive TV work includes New Tricks, EastEnders and Friday Night Dinner.

The musical supervisor and orchestrator will be David White, the co-orchestrator will be Andy Massey and the musical director, Tom Brady; with lighting by David Hersey, sound by Carolyn Downing and video by Nina Dunn.

Fiddler on the Roof is sponsored by Henry Adams, ITD Consultants, Reynolds Fine Furniture and Seaward Properties. It is performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited.

There will be a Relaxed Performance of Fiddler on the Roof on 26 July at 2.30pm, especially suitable for individuals, groups and families with children on the autistic spectrum, sensory and communication disorders or anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed theatre environment.

EVENTS

Inua Ellams: An Evening with an Immigrant         Sunday 23 July, 7pm, Minerva Theatre

Born to a Muslim father and a Christian mother in what is now considered by many to be Boko Haram territory, in 1996 Inua Ellams left Nigeria for England, aged 12. Littered with poems, stories and anecdotes, An Evening with an Immigrant sees Ellams recount his fantastic, funny, poignant and sometimes ridiculous story. It’s a story that has seen him escape fundamentalist Islam, perform at the National Theatre, and drink wine with the Queen – all the while without a country to belong to, or place to call home. Tickets £12.

 

Pre-Show Talk with Daniel Evans              Monday 17 July, 5.45pm

Free but booking essential.

 

Theatre Day                                                   Thursday 27 July, 11am

Join the creative teams and technical crew for 90 minutes of insight, demonstration and discussion on the making of the production. A Theatre Day ticket can be combined with the matinee performance for an immersive day at the Theatre. Tickets £5 (+ optional performance ticket).

 

Post-Show Talk                                            Monday 21 August

Stay after the performance to ask questions, meet company members and discover more. Free.

 

Late Night Cabaret               Thursday 24 August, Post Show, Minerva Bar & Grill

Join us after the show as the company of Fiddler on the Roof present a selection of songs and live entertainment. Enjoy a drink with friends and take advantage of our post-show dining. Free.

BOOKING INFORMATION

Box Office 01243 781312

Online cft.org.uk

 

Tickets from £10. Prologue tickets for 16 – 25 year olds for £5.

Hi there

A local student film company (of which my daughter Jess is a major contributor) have entered a short film in the Cut Films national competition, urging young people to consider the effects of smoking and try and encourage them to quit.  Backed by the Roy Castle Foundation, this competition is open to all young film makers with the winners not only being awarded a prize but also able to use their success as part of their University application portfolio.

Their production company, UFilms, has already won one award for their social awareness film on diversity and equality (judged by a regional team); this national competition is open to a public vote.

I am reaching out to my contacts and ask you to take a look at their film (it’s only a few minutes) and then please vote – you will have to register with an email address but it’ll only take a couple of minutes and your vote could help them win and have this as great leverage for securing their university position for next year.

http://competition.cutfilms.org/video/view/743da718-8311-49b5-a97e-74ac819bcd97#rating

Voting closes at the end of this week (Sunday 29^th), they are currently 4^th across the whole country so every vote will make a difference (if you could share the link with anyone else (partners, friends, colleagues) that would be fantastic)

Really appreciate your help, cheers

Andrew

GIMME GIMME GIMME!

MAMMA MIA! AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

 

Mamma Mia! is getting ready to shimmy its way into Leeds as part of its first ever UK tour. The Grand Theatre will open its doors next week to welcome the hit show for a six week run.

Set on a Greek island paradise, Mamma Mia! is a fun story of love, friendship and identity cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget.

Creator and Producer Judy Craymer said: ‘MAMMA MIA! is such a joyous show, it’s really thrilling to be bringing it to Leeds for the first time and for audiences to embrace its heart-warming story and the irresistible songs of ABBA. It’s a perfect treat for all ages and we look forward to sharing the fun with Leeds!’

From West End to global phenomenon, the London production has now been seen by more than 10% of the entire UK population. It is one of only five musicals to have run for more than 10 years both on Broadway and in the West End and, in 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China.

“Mamma Mia! has been thrilling audiences of all ages all around the world, and now the party comes to Leeds Grand Theatre for the first time,” says the theatre’s General Manager, Ian Sime. “It promises to be a sensational feel-good show.”

Mamma Mia is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday May 30^th to Saturday 8^th July

 

Tickets are priced from £26 to £59.50

 

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 27 May 2017.  Reviewed by Sharon MacDonald-Armitage

Funny Girl is a musical immediately associated and defined by Barbra Streisand and her portrayal of Fanny Brice, and for anyone to take on this iconic role they are instantly set a challenge. Sheridan Smith has taken up the gauntlet of this challenge and does a good job.

Funny Girl tells the tale of Fanny Brice a young rather unattractive girl whose dream is to make it big on a Broadway stage. What she lacks in beauty she more than makes up for in talent, a skill that drives her ambitions from a Vaudeville stage to her big break at Ziegfeld Follies. However, things become complicated when she meets the smooth and charming Nick Arnstein (Darius Campbell), who sweeps Fanny off her feet in a whirlwind of romance and marriage. But Arnstein is a gambler and shady property entrepreneur, a combination that does not bode well for a happy future.

Vocally there are moments when Smith struggles with some of the higher notes and there are times when notes aren’t held quite as long as one would expect.  One of the more recognisable songs, “People” seems a little strained, however what she lacks in vocals she more than makes up for in comic timing and audience engagement. You have to give it to Smith she is able to connect with an audience; a nod, a wink, a side wards glance all have the audience laughing. “Rat-tat-ta-tat” in Act 2 shows Smith doing what she does best and she milks the applause for all it’s worth.  The money number in this show is “Don’t Rain on my Parade” a song that is very difficult not to associate with Streisand. Smith’s interpretation went down well with the audience.

There is a clear connection between Darius and Smith and their rendition of “You Are Woman, I Am Man” has the audience laughing with joy. In fact there was much laughter throughout the show.

Joshua Lay presents a wonderful Eddie Ryan, Fanny’s long suffering friend who has loved her for years. He taps his way into the hearts of the audience even though it is Brice he has true affection for.

The rest of the cast should not be overlooked in this show. From Mrs Brice (Rachel Izen) and her two elderly neighbours, Mrs Strakosh (Myra Sands) and Mrs Meeker (Zoe Ann Bown), who have some wonderful moments when gambling, to the ensemble that provide the backdrop of the realities of showbiz.

Funny Girl is a somewhat emotional journey for both the audience and Smith. This is definitely one to go and see.

Grand Opera House York – until 27 May 2017.  Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

Sally Cookson’s adaption of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, is bought to life by the National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic, at York’s Grand Opera House.

It is an ensemble piece with a cast of 10, 7 actors and 3 musicians playing all the roles. Apart from Nadia Clifford, Jane, all play various characters, even the dog Pilot, and are on stage for the majority of the show.

Clifford plays Jane from birth through to her 20’s, from a powerless orphan to an independent, free thinking adult. She appears small and diminutive, plain but in reality, she is anything but, strong willed with a mind of her own. After being shipped off to Lowood School she becomes a governess for Rochester, Tim Delap. They shared great chemistry together, with Delap’s hair getting wilder as he becomes more tormented with his feelings towards Jane. Both were quite mesmerising, especially their interactions together, I really believed in their characters.

Francesca Tomlinson stepped in as an understudy playing amongst other, Helen Burns, Jane’s friend from school and Adele, Rochester’s ward and delivered a great performance. To be honest all of the cast performed well and created great energy.

I must mention Melanie Marshall, who portrays Berta Mason. Her vocals are amazing, haunting especially when singing the Gnarls Barkley song Crazy, I know crazy that song should be in a Jane Eyre production but it works. Marshall can certainly command a stage.

As I entered the auditorium I was struck by the stage, it was so bright, that is never going to work, is it? After all we are talking about Jane Eyre and the Yorkshire Moors. The design is basically white curtains, wooden platforms and loads of ladders. As it worked out it was inspired. It was utilised to great effect suggesting housing and rooms and with floating window frames constantly banging shut, providing the backdrop of Jane’s life. The red room that Jane is locked into by her Aunt is depicted with red light and you can believe you’re in hell. We are also treated to real flames as Rochester’s house burns and as an audience we can feel the heat. Great staging and design.

I was blown away by this production. A thoroughly fantastic show that gripped me, even at 3 hours duration, and it certainly deserved the standing ovation that it received at the end.

Showing in York until Saturday 27th May, and then continuing its UK tour. Honestly, get tickets whilst you can.