ERASURE

Newcastle City Hall Sun 4 Feb 2018

 

We are delighted to announce that Erasure will return to Newcastle City Hall next year.

 

It’s hard to think of another songwriting partnership as golden as that of Erasure. For 32 years, without a break or break-up, Andy Bell and Vince Clarke have mined a rich seam of creativity that has led to chart-conquering singles, a string of immaculate albums, a BRIT, an Ivor Novello Award and now World Be Gone, their seventeenth studio album.

 

It sees the duo enter their fourth decade with renewed creative charge. Instead of the heady, euphoric dance music of their 2014 album The Violet Flame, on World Be Gone the mood is thoughtful, reflective and reminiscent of 1995’s lush, experimental album Erasure.

 

Erasure’s buoyant grooves have often contained allusions to serious subject matter, but on their new album, World Be Gone they explicitly confront dark forces, while continuing to celebrate love’s light. ‘Lousy Sum of Nothing’ is a heartbreaking ballad for our post-truth age, with a sublime, sky-scraping chorus.

 

Since releasing their first single in 1985, Erasure have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide. Their 30th anniversary celebrations saw them deliver a Top 10 collection of singles, a 13-disc career-spanning box set and vinyl editions of their entire back catalogue. Since then, they’ve been busier than ever. In addition to recording World Be Gone, in 2016 Vince Clarke set up his own label, Very Records, releasing 2Square, his collaboration with Paul Hartnoll, and the Reed & Caroline debut, Buchla & Singing. Andy Bell continued to explore the character of Torsten through the critically acclaimed theatrical production Torsten The Beautiful Libertine and an album of the same name. A remix album, further detailing this “polysexual semi-immortal” character was released in 2016. Bell’s solo debut album, Electric Blue, has been remastered and repackaged for release in 2017.

 

Erasure plays Newcastle City Hall on Sun 4 Feb 2018.  Tickets on sale Fri 2 Jun from 10am and are £43.00 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge).

 

Jack Studio Theatre 24 May – 3 June.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Tom Green’s new play tells the story of Tom Molineaux, who was born a slave in America. 200 years ago, fighting and beating all challengers, he won his freedom, (and a shed load of money) and travelled to England to fight. Trained in England by another ex-slave, Bill Richmond, Molineaux was soon facing the champion, Tom Cribb.

Nathan Medina is wonderful as Molineaux, full of righteous indignation and fury as he realises that the English will do anything to prevent a foreigner, and a black foreigner at that, from being their champion. The huge interest in the sport, and the money changing hands as the odds changed at the end of each round is clearly portrayed, even in this two-hander; and the brutality of bare knuckle boxing is described in eloquent, and strangely poetic detail by celebrated writer Pierce Egan – portrayed here as a charming chancer with a weakness for drink and gambling by Brendan O’Rourke. There is lots of talk of claret being spilled, and injuries that will make you wince, but no actual fighting. Instead Medina shadowboxes with artfully archaic poses and style, pirouetting and lurching around the ring in an exhaustingly physical performance. As he rants about being the best – images of legends like Ali and Frasier spring to mind.

His rise, and consequent fall into alcoholism, consumption and an early, lonely death in Ireland is punctuated by clips of modern boxers talking about their sport, heroes, and emotions after a bout. This felt a little intrusive at first, but pays off massively when they describe how it feels to lose, as Medina sits dejected in his corner.

The language is wonderfully lyrical and Green lays bare the prejudices that are still faced today, and the hypocrisy of the press and their complicit readers without preaching. Kate Bannister’s direction is crisp and ensures the focus is on the two committed actors, keeping the audience’s attention until Egan’s final guilt-ridden speech.

Full of fury and humanity, this beautifully crafted play is well worth seeing whether you love or loathe boxing. A fine tribute to an extraordinary man.

Marshmellow Laser Feast, The Lowry, Manchester – 26th May 2017 Reviewed by Julie Noller

I always enjoy attending productions at The Lowry, it’s a modern theatre that’s open and welcoming and the staff are always only too pleased to help. I felt privileged to have been invited to attend a special performance of Iris as part of their Week 53 celebrations. Week 53 as explained by Julia Fawcett Chief Executive of The Lowry is about showcasing art – visual art in the case of Iris. They throw open their doors and invite artists to create something imaginative in the largest theatre the Lyric.

Having spoken to the theatre and checked out Facebook and website pages, I knew the night would be going ahead after the shocking and appaling events of Monday night, I was aware that security had been increased. There is a reassuring police presence outside as well as security guards searching bags – I had emptied my Mum bag so no sticky sweetie wrappers there. There was also an abundance of staff and volunteers all ready to help anyone in need and offer a smile or joke.

The night was a celebration of the theatre, of the building, we were welcomed inside with a special wristband, programmes and badges urging us to stay curious. We were offered drinks and stood enjoying the glorious sunshine outside on the balcony that overlooks the plaza infront of the Lowry, the Salford Quays with Media city and Old Trafford close by, watching the world go by. We were encouaged to eat curious, trying a selection of adventurously styled burgers (pulled pork, halloumi and carribean). Speaking to one of the organisers of the evening, there was no way the Lowry would even dream to cancel this event but they were conscious that at only 7 minutes long they had a whole building unused and thus Tim Peaks pop up diner was welcomed in with artists including Tear and The Charlatans performing in Pier 8.

We were all called to enter the Lyric theatre and seated directly in the middle, we were a small group in terms of The Lowry audiences.The atmosphere was smokey but I assumed this was needed for the lasers. Julia Fawcett addressed us explaining week 53 objectives, praising her staff and volunteers and offering thoughts and condolences to the families and victims of Manchester Arena bombing, emotion was there for us all to see. We were then introduced to Iris creator Ersin Han Ersin from Marshmellow Laser Feast who explained they were aiming to use the arcitecture of the theatre as a stage, the auditorium as a canvas.

I had no idea what I would see, my only real experience of lasers is from attending discos in the 1990’s, would there be loud music? Would it be flashing lights? The answer is No. Iris began once the lights dimmed and the audience became so quiet,I wondered if they were all still there. I felt nervous almost as if waiting for a fairground ride, would the floor disappear and I would be rocketed skyward? No remember you’re in a theatre, nice comfy chair and the floor is still there. Music was soft and soothing reminiscent of the film close encounters of the third kind, the lasers danced across the theatre as if they were probing each person, touching each person. I know I was not the only one to raise my hand to meet the laser to touch it, witnessing my hand turning red. It struck me that Iris is encouraging us to question ourselves as much as she questions us, looking deep inside to see what we find.

My perception was that I found myself inside an adult version of a sensory room, I do have to say children will find it appealing too. The show finishes with the lights dancing around the auditorium, to me like musical notes, to my husband like a murmuration of Starlings. Then as quickly as it had started it was over, It had been relaxing to watch those red lasers.

Well done to The Lowry and I hope those audiences who get to watch Iris before their own shows enjoy their 7 minutes curiosity. I may get to witness this spectacular show again, I certainly hope so. There are other showings of Iris if you are not booked to watch a show, maybe you’re staying in Media City or shopping at The Lowry Outlet.

 

 

Cast announced for Mumburger

Old Red Lion Theatre, 418 St John Street, London EC1V 4NJ

Tuesday 27 th June – Saturday 22nd July 2017

Andrew Frame (Twelve Angry Men, UK Tour and Garrick Theatre, West End; Responsible Other, Hampstead Theatre; This House, National Theatre) and Rosie Wyatt (The Cardinal, Southwark Playhouse; Spine, Soho Theatre, winner Stage Award for Acting Excellence; One Man Two Guvnors, National Theatre) will be bringing alive Sarah Kosar’s incredible play, exploring bereavement and familial disconnection through the relationship of a father and daughter following the death of the mother. Mumburger, directed by Tommo Fowler, is a universal story with a surreal twist, inviting the audience to evaluate their individual positions on societal taboos and personal obligation

In her surreal new play about grief, parenting and alternative meat, Sarah Kosar (Spaghetti Ocean, Royal Court Live Lunch) asks how far we can be pushed by love and obligation.

Tiffany’s mum got hit by a Birdseye truck on the M25. There’s family to call and a coffin to order, but first she has to talk to her dad – and for some reason that’s the toughest thing on her to-do list. Meanwhile, an oozing paper bag on the doorstep holds a dying wish that will either bring father and daughter together, or drive them further apart.

Told through multimedia, burgers and spoken word, Mumburger explores the forms, feelings and manifestations of grief, and begs the question: how far would you go to hold onto the one you love most?

Tommo Fowler comments, As a theatrical experience, I’ve never come across anything like this play. There’s a lot I see and read that doesn’t feel like it has to be performed in a theatre, whereas there’s no other medium that can support something like Mumburger. You can smell the meat cooking, and there’s no escape from that – the audience is in exactly the same position as the characters, and the physiological response is immediate: am I repulsed, or am I hungry? And there’s nothing you can do to stop your body having that instinct. There’s so much theatre that makes you do loads of Thinking because it’s really Clever, so it’s a joy to be working on a play that just goes straight to the gut. There’s a really big challenge to theatre at the moment, which is basically: “Why should I bother doing this when I could just watch Netflix in my pants?” Sarah and I are trying to make something that demands to be experienced – something accessible and unique and, above all, entertaining.

[Sarah Kosar’s] writing is outstanding, touching on a subject that makes most people uneasy (Live Theatre UK).

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