Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 29 June 2024
Reviewed by Louise Ford
4****
Didn’t make it to Disney!
As we know there are always two sides to every story and Unfortunate looks to cast a camp light over the back story of the evil sea witch, Ursula, and try and right some wrongs.
Disney’s 1989 cartoon of Little Mermaid introduced us to Ursula (perhaps not so) loosely based on the daring drag queen Divine, all quiff and lurid eyeshadow. In Little Mermaid Ursula is treated as a cruel joke and it’s time to kick ass and give her the credit she deserves. So let’s delve under the filthy waters (where our poo goes) and see what really happened.
The book and lyrics are by Grant and Daniel Foxx. There are some interesting shifts from the original story not only around size, female role models and sexuality but also in the songs. The original song “Kiss the Girl” is now “Ask the Girl“, and “Part of that World” is now “Where the Dicks Are”, when Ariel imagines what life might be out of the water.
Ursula is played by the impressive Shawna Hamic who owns the stage with her fabulous eight tentacled leather catsuit and knockout quiff, which grows in colour and stature as the show progresses. She is matched by her love interest Triton (Thomas Lowe), with his 80s shaggy hair and turquoise Lycra onesie.
Ariel is played by River Medway in a quiet and understated way, a fishy charming performance.
Ursula’s entourage a motley shoal of glittery harnessed performers who turn their hands to dancing, singing and puppetry, are on stage for nearly all of the show.
The story and the production is pantoesque in tone with innuendos, puns and impressive costume changes. The stand out performances for me were Allie Dart (give that girl a medal) and Julian Capolei, for their energy and versatility. They really gave the show they’re all playing so many different characters and quick costume changes. The fabulous costumes are by Abbey Clarke. She also designed the set and the puppets.
It was great to see a full house of not your regular theatre goers on a hot Tuesday evening. They were on their feet for the final number “I’m that witch “. So fishy and gay!
International singer-songwriter, and author, Tom Fletcher, whose writing credits include the Christmasaurus series, The Danger Gang and Space Band (published by Puffin), brings his smash hit, bestselling book The Creakers to the stage in a brand-new musical for all the family.
Tom Fletcher’s The Creakers, A Magical Musical Adventure will begin performances at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on Wednesday 18 December 2024 where it will play over the Christmas season until Sunday 5 January 2025, following its World Premiere at Theatre Royal Plymouth in October half term. Press Night is on Thursday 19 December at 6pm.
Tickets are on sale to Southbank Centre Members from Thursday 27 June 2024 at 10am, and general booking is from 10am on Friday 28 June 2024. Tickets are available from www.southbankcentre.co.uk.
The Creakers, published by Puffin, has been adapted for the stage by writer Miranda Larson(Friendsical, Christmasaurus, Angelina Ballerina), with music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and direction & choreography by Theatre Royal Plymouth Associate Director Tom Jackson Greaves (Whistle Down The Wind, Priscilla Queen of the Desert).
Additional compositions from McFly’s Danny Jones and Dougie Poynter, co-written with Steve Battelle with orchestration by the Grammy Award Winning and Tony Nominated musician Steve Sidwell.
Ever wondered what you would do if you woke up and all the adults had disappeared? Lucy, and the kids of Whiffington hadn’t, until one morning … that’s exactly what happens!
Expect surprises, adventure and rocking new songs by McFly’s Tom Fletcher as we head on a topsy turvy journey, underneath the bed, to the land of the Creakers, where we discover that it’s often those who are different that make a difference.
Tom Fletcher is the founder of the multi-award-winning British Pop band McFly. By the age of 21 Tom had written 10 UK Number 1 singles and has written songs for McFly, One Direction and Busted. In Autumn 2024, he will become a joint coach with Danny Jones on ITVs The Voice.
Tom is also a number one bestselling writer and one of the UK’s most popular children’s authors. His many books include The Christmasaurus series, Danger Gang, Space Band, the Who’s in Your Book series, The Dinosaur that Pooped and Eve of Man. His books have been translated into 40 languages and have sold over 10 million copies worldwide. The Creakers Musical has 18 original songs which include pop songs, rock, classic musical numbers and epic ballads.
Tom Fletcher said: ‘I’m so excited to finally be able to announce that our brand new stage adaptation of The Creakers will transfer to Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall at Christmas following its world premiere in Plymouth. I’ve been working closely with a brilliant team of creatives on the show, and can’t wait for audiences to get the chance to come and see the magical world we are creating for the stage.’
The Creakers was first published in 2017 and re-released in 2024 with over 320,000 copies sold world-wide. Ten songs from The Creakers were released on Spotify in February 2024 and had over 45,000 downloads in 4 weeks.
Impossible Producing added : “As a small but mighty Cornwall based company who make people and projects possible, we are so excited to be working with Tom Fletcher, our brilliant co-producers and an amazing creative team to make this new musical The Creakers starting at the renowned Theatre Royal Plymouth in the South West this October and transferring to London’s Southbank Centre for Christmas. This new musical has been a labour of love and inspired by our own childrens love of Tom Fletchers books alongside our passion for working sustainably.”
The development of this new musical has been developed with schools and young people at its heart, with a UK schools programme running alongside the production. The producers have a commitment to sustainability which means that the production will use repurposed materials and theatre green book principles to create the show.
Tom Fletcher’s The Creakers,A Magical Musical Adventure is presented by Impossible Producing, Smith & Brant Theatricals, Gavin Kalin Productions, Theatre Royal Plymouth and the Southbank Centre.
Norwich Theatre Royal – until Saturday 29th June 2024
Reviewed by Boo Wakefield
5*****
Flamboyant, energizing, emotional, eccentric and beautiful – these are but a few words to describe the wonderful production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. It is the incredible story of a young boy’s journey to discover himself and unveil the complex and fantastic alter ego within him, the drag queen called Me Me Me.
Ivano Turco was not available on the evening we went but he must be brilliant if he’s better than his understudy Finton Flynn who stepped in to play Jamie New because his performance was exquisite; his vocals, flexibility and stage energy had the audience gasping and cheering-on the evolution of his characters relentlessly – the tempo never slowed. Just as magical was Rebecca McKinnis as Jamie’s mum Margaret New – the power and richness of her vocals filled the theatre and were simply incredible; her rendition of He’s My Boy was haunting and visceral and reduced me to tears.
Modern dance may not be to everybody’s taste but the rendition of the story of how Jamie’s parents met was sublime no mater your tastes in dance; Thomas Walton (Mickey) and Jessica Daugirda (Bex) blended energy and romance as their bodies moved to the fabulous voice of McKinnis singing If I Met Myself Again – it was sublime, taking the audience to another level.
Daniel Jacob, who stood in superbly for Akshay St Clair as Jamie’s Dad , deserves praise for his rendition of this complex role; and the class and poise of Kevin Clifton (of Strictly Come Dancing fame) as Loco Chanelle was beautiful. It would be wrong to single out just one of the pupils as their movements were totally in sync and their singing a joy. Taila Palamathanan as Pritti Pasha, Jamie’s best but social awkward friend, played her part with humour and passion – both she and Jamie have to navigate bullying, social pressures and prejudice on their journey of discovery.
The set (Anna Fleischle) was genius: one moment a classroom, with double windows at the back and the band in the higher one, almost as if they were in the next-door classroom, and desks strong enough to help the energetic dancing on and around them; and then, with just one member of the cast walking part of the set across we were transported into Jamie’s kitchen, and from there into Me Me Me’s dress shop – no stage darkening or black-clad stage-hands slipping on and off stage – it was all so slick and all in support of the tempo – three hours have never flashed by so fast.
The energy of this performance just grew and grew, ending in a long-standing ovation richly deserved, especially for Finton Flynn who, almost overcome with emotion, still managed to hit the last high notes perfectly. For those not able to go to performances in the West End, it is a real treat to be able to see such a high-quality musical at Norwich Theatre Royal.
MOST FANTASMAGORICAL MUSICAL OF ALL TIME CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
CURRENTLY TOURING THE UK
David Ian for Crossroads Live is delighted to announce that The Vivienne will play the role of The Childcatcher in the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, currently touring the UK. The Vivienne will play The Childcatcher from 1 October 2024, taking over from Charlie Brooks and Elaine C. Smith, who currently share the role. Casting schedule and listings below. www.chittyontour.com
The Vivienne will join Olivier-nominee Adam Garcia as Caractacus Potts (who performs in the role until 29 December 2024), Emmerdale star Liam Fox as Grandpa Potts, Ellie Nunn as Truly Scrumptious, Martin Callaghan as Baron, Jenny Gayner as Baroness, Adam Stafford as Boris, Michael Joseph as Goran and John Macaulay as The Toymaker.The cast also includes Charlie Bishop, Ruaraidh Blackwood, Hadrian Delacey, Belle Kizzy Green, Tia Gyngell, Kirsty Ingram, Bibi Jay, Isabella Mason, Joe Press, Theo UK Rose, Molly Rees Howe, Callum Train and Luke Woollaston.
The Vivienne is an actor, singer, and comedian, known for being crowned the first ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and subsequently appeared in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Most recently, The Vivienne appeared as The Wicked Witch of the West in the UK tour of The Wizard of Oz, and she will reprise her role when the production plays at the Gillian Lynne Theatre this summer. Her film credits include Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and TV credits include Emmerdale. In 2023, The Vivienne was a finalist in the UK series of Dancing on Ice, finishing in third place.
Adam Garcia recently received rave reviews as Julian Marsh in Curve and Sadler’s Wells hit production of 42nd Street. His musical theatre credits include Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever and Bill Calhoun in Kiss Me, Kate, for which he received Olivier Award nominations for both roles. His other theatre credits include Fiyero in Wicked, The Artilleryman in The War of the Worlds and Damien Karras in The Exorcist. His film credits include Kenneth Branagh’s Death on the Nile and Murder on the Orient Express, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, Coyote Ugly and Riding in Cars with Boys. Adam recently appeared as a finalist in the UK series of The Masked Dancer, finishing in second place.
Liam Fox is probably best known for playing the role of Dan Spencer in ITV’s Emmerdale, where he featured in more than a thousand episodes. His many other TV credits include Stephen Poliakoff’s Dancing on the Edge, Cold Feet, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Clocking Off, A Touch of Frost, Always and Everyone, At Home with the Braithwaites and Dinnerladies. His many theatre credits include The Collector and Tuesday’s Class, both at The Lowry Studio and Iron at Manchester’s Royal Exchange.
Ellie Nunn’s many theatre credits include Identical at Nottingham Playhouse, the UK tour of Posh, Shakespeare in Love at the Noel Coward Theare, Twelfth Night at Leicester Square Theatre, The Game of Love and Chance and Daughter in Law, both at the Arcola Theatre, Honk! at the Union Theatre and on tour and Gatsby at the Arts Theatre.
Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children and later made into the famous 1968 film, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG features the unforgettable songs by the Sherman Brothers including Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious and the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
This new production is directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic, Parade), choreographed by Karen Bruce (BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, The Bodyguard) with Set and Costume design by Morgan Large (Newsies, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat), Lighting design by Ben Cracknell, Sound design by GarethTucker, Musical Supervision by George Dyer (The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Billy Elliot) and casting by Debbie O’Brien.
In CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG we meet absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious, the family end up on a hilarious fantastical adventure to far off lands.
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG has Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Music by Special Arrangement with Sony/ATV Publishing and is Adapted for the Stage by Jeremy Sams. Based on the MGM Motion Picture the Licensed Script is adapted by Ray Roderick. It was Originally produced by Eon Productions, Dana Broccoli, Frederick Zollo, Nicholas Paleologos, Jeffrey Sine, Miriam Productions and Michael Rose at The London Palladium.
This production is presented by permission of Music Theatre International.
ETT and Office of Everyone announce the cast for In Time which is the first series launched on their newly created augmented reality app Through the Cracks. Co-created by Office of Everyone’s Jack Hardiker and ETT’s Artistic Director Richard Twyman, the instalment is written by Sonali Bhattacharyya. Jennifer Bakst directs Ian McKellen (Narrator), Sophie Melville (Milly), Annabel Baldwin (Patricia/Pearl), and Dorothea Meyer-Bennet (Maggie).
This brand new free Augmented Reality app which shares untold stories of people whose tales have fallen – both figuratively and literally – through the cracks. Using the app on their smartphones or tablets, audiences will see a virtual crack appear on the physical floor beneath them. Through this crack, they will watch and listen to a story unfold beneath their feet. This method of presenting stories through Augmented Reality has the quality of an intimate performance that can be experienced anywhere.
The first AR piece launched on this app – In Time – is available now. A queer love story woven through the fabric of time travel.
Brought to you by English Touring Theatre and Office of Everyone.
Jack Hardiker said today, “Through our studio ‘Office of Everyone’ we work to improve access to the arts and culture using creative technology, reaching new, traditionally underserved audiences. We approached ETT with the idea for Through the Cracks because of their rich history of taking ambitious theatre to areas and people that wouldn’t otherwise have access. Through the Cracks is the digital evolution of this history.”
ETT’s Richard Twyman and Sophie Scull added, “Through the Cracks is the start of a series that has allowed us to really push the boundaries of theatre and storytelling, using AR to democratise access to theatre to anyone with a smartphone anywhere in the world. Huge thanks to Jack Hardiker and Office of Everyone for developing the project with us, and we thank all the cast and creatives involved for taking a leap with us into something new and exciting.”
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 29 June 2024
Reviewed by Gemma Gibson
3***
Marc Brennan
An Officer and a Gentleman is one of the latest movies to be adapted into a stage musical – blending the iconic story of love, hardship and courage with a backdrop of eighties hits.
Just like the 1982 classic, the musical follows the story of bad boy Zack Mayo (played by Luke Baker), who takes on the gruelling challenge of training to be a naval officer. This is alongside Sid Worley (Paul French), following the footsteps of his older brother, and Casey Seegar (Olivia Foster-Browne), one of the only women on the programme and desperate to receive her wings.
The love story unfolds as Mayo and Worley meet two of the local factory girls Lynette and Paula (Sinead Long and Georgia Lennon), keen to escape the factory and life as they know it.
Despite an outdated storyline, the musical pays homage to the original very well, with the addition of explosive, athletic choreography and impressive harmonies.
The casting for this show is excellent, with connections between each character so easy to watch and take in. Baker and Lennon wow the audience with their undeniable chemistry and belting vocals, the musical could have explored this leading relationship even further.
Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley, played by Jamal Kane Crawford, is brilliant, his cruelness with perfectly timed comedic moments captivates the audience.
The music does not always exactly compliment what is happening onstage, being a jukebox musical some of the song choices just did not help us delve into the characters’ emotions or complex relationships enough. Classics from the likes of Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie and Bon Jovi however keep the audience engaged and singing throughout.
The exception to this was Alone, which Lennon sang with breathtaking power and perfection, and Family Man, which immaculately captures the sadness and pain engulfing French’s character.
The physicality of the cast is also to be commended, naval training moments and a jaw dropping fight scene are highlights of the show.
The visuals for this production are exquisite, allowing us to follow the characters and their movement with ease. Lighting is used to portray aircrafts shooting across the sky of the theatre, meanwhile a huge iron frame dominates the stage, transforming from an army base to the local bar within seconds.
Ending with the iconic Up Where We Belong received instant whoops and cheers from the audience on opening night, who were clearly fans of the film and knew what scene was coming. This is definitely a show of crowd pleasing anthems.
While the music choices are not quite right for me, this is a fun night at the theatre which will leave you feeling breathless and nostalgic.
Major new Calamity Jane production leads new Cornwall Playhouse season
Calamity Jane musical stars West-End sensation Carrie Hope Fletcher
Peter James drama Picture You Dead brings Detective Roy Grace to Cornwall stage for first time
Jasmin Vardimon’s NOW head dance lineup which also includes Swan Lake and The Nutcracker
Elvis, Taylor Swift and many more celebrated in new live music lineup
Hall for Cornwall (HfC) has announced a new line-up of shows in the Cornwall Playhouse in 2025, led by a major new production of Calamity Jane which will star Carrie Hope Fletcher.
HfC Chief Executive and Creative Director Julien Boast said: “These new additions to our stage programme show our continued commitment to dance, live music and of course the best largescale theatre and musicals. Almost every night of the year, Truro comes to life with another performance on the Cornwall Playhouse stage, with something for almost everyone. And for nearly every show, in the face of rising costs, we continue to provide a proportion of tickets pegged at £15. We’re proud to serve our community, as a charity and as Cornwall’s only largescale theatre, welcoming nearly 300,000 people a year to experience the power of live performance at HfC.”
The whip crackin’ musical classic Calamity Jane is set to roll into Cornwall! Based on the much-loved Doris Day movie, this new production by Watermill Theatre stars West End powerhouse Carrie Hope Fletcher (Cinderella, Les Misérables) and includes songs The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away), The Black Hills of Dakota, Just Blew in from the Windy City, and the Oscar-winning Secret Love.
Bestselling police thriller
Hot on the heels of November’s Murder On The Orient Express comes a modern day police procedural straight off the bestseller lists:
Peter James’ gripping crime novel Picture You Dead promises a white-knuckle evening at the Cornwall Playhouse. DCI Roy Grace investigates a cold case that leads him to the rarified air of fine art – but under the surface lurks a dark underworld of greed, deception and murder.
For little ones – much-loved children’s stories Jack and the Beanstalk, The Tiger Who Came to Tea and The Very Hungry Caterpillar are joined by:
Julia Donaldson’s magical picture book The Gruffalo makes a welcome stage return, taking families on a journey through the deep, dark wood with their favourite characters.
Dazzling dance
Following recent turns by Rambert and Motionhouse, and the continued popularity of Strictly shows and Irish dance (Lord of the Dance and Riverdance are both coming soon), the Cornwall Playhouse stage continues to play host to a diverse programme of dance:
Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, performed byMergaliyev Classical Ballet. These two enchanting stories are beautifully choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s splendid score, performed by a live orchestra.
Choreographer Jasmin Vardimon MBE presents NOW – a reflection of the current moment, the present, and the continuous movement of time, performed by a remarkable international cast of performers.
Orchestral series continues
Following a successful classical series, which began in the new auditorium in 2022, Hall for Cornwall continues to provide a high calibre lineup of orchestral, brass and jazz concerts:
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra continue their Cornwall Residency in 2025 with a popular programme of Nordic music featuring Grieg’s Piano Concerto and a Sibelius symphony, conducted by Gergely Madaras with Louis Schwizgebel on the piano.
The Welsh National Opera Orchestra return with the now-traditionalViennese New Year Concert, rich with Straussian favourites to kick 2025 off in style.
The Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth return, having performed at the State funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of King Charles III.
Spoken word series celebrates song and sky at night
Following a sellout show from Professor Brian Cox, and joining HfC’s expanding programme of spoken word, biographical and literary events…
Astronomer and author Adrian West (also known as VirtualAstro) presents The Night Sky Show – promising an epic journey across the cosmos from our celestial back yard, with stunning visual effects.
Gareth Malone presents Sing-a-long-a-Gareth: My Life Through Song – a captivating blend of biography and music, performed by Gareth and his house live band and singers.
Popular live music programme continues
HfC welcomes a diverse live music line-up, gathering the best in the business to celebrate the world’s greatest artists…
Always-popular Lee Memphis King returns with One Night of Elvis
Francis Rossi brings his brand-new show to the Cornwall Playhouse, promising a refreshing take on some of his most loved and enduring material, plus never-before heard stories from his lifelong career.
Katy Ellis presents Taylormania – an award-winning tribute to Taylor Swift.
The Johnny Cash Roadshow delivers an evening of back-to-back hits.
The Chicago Blues Brothers make a welcomereturn with their Greatest Hits Tour.
Radio Ga Ga – The Ultimate Tribute to Queen brings the music of Queen back to where it all began.
30 years on from the PULSE tour comes a brand-new show from the UK Pink Floyd Experience.
That’ll Be the Day returns with a fusion of rock ‘n’ roll, pop, and comedy.
Tickets go on sale to everyone from Mon 08 Jul, while Hall for Cornwall members enjoy priority access.
Shakespeare North Playhouse are pleased to announce the creative team and title role casting for Alice in Wonderland, playing this festive season, opening Friday 22 November until Saturday 5 January
This inventive retelling, written by Nick Lane, will have a Prescot setting and a sprinkle of Christmas and will be directed by Nathan Powell – recently announced as the new Creative Director of Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse. Helen Carter (currently starring in the Boys from the Black Stuff in the West End) will play ‘Alice’. Full casting will be announced shortly.
Follow the White Rabbit into the Cockpit Theatre this Christmas and be welcomed back to Wonderland! Everything is as Alice remembered… or is it?
Let Shakespeare North whisk you away to Wonderland with this marvellously whimsical festive retelling of the cherished classic you know and love, Alice in Wonderland.
Alice has always told her children stories of her adventures in a faraway world, not that they believe her! Even Alice has begun to doubt whether she’d really lived that daydream. Until, one Christmas Eve, caught up in the chaos of last-minute shopping, a flash of white fur lures Alice back into an all too familiar story…
Wonderland has fallen into the terrible rule of The Duchess, the cold-hard successor to the Queen of Hearts. Memory wiping jam tarts and informant eggs control the kingdom and make everyone miserable. Once again, Alice’s old friends, the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat need her help to restore freedom to Wonderland!
Alice, however, is more bothered about getting back to her family in time for Christmas…
Throughout her career, Helen Carter has worked extensively in theatre, mostly recently appearing in Boys from the Blackstuff at Liverpool Royal Court Theatre and The National Theatre.
Her other theatre credits include Love Liverpool, A Christmas Carol (Liverpool Playhouse Theatre) The Last Testament of Lilian Billoca (Hull Truck Theatre) Bingo Star, The Scousetrap and Haunted Scouse (Royal Court Theatre Liverpool) Offered Up (Liverpool Royal Court Studio)) Merry Christmas, Carol (Royal Court Liverpool Studio) My Fairfield Lady (Royal Court Liverpool); The Star (The Liverpool Playhouse Theatre); Father O’Flaherty Save Our Souls (Royal Court Liverpool); Mam I’m ‘Ere (Royal Court Liverpool) ; The Sunshine Boys (Epstein Theatre;/Life in Theatre Productions); Word:Play Tour (Box of Tricks Theatre Company); The Last 5 Years (Life in Theatre Productions); The Gatekeeper (The Royal Exchange Theatre); Dead Heavy Fantastic (Liverpool Everyman) ; No Wise Men (Liverpool Playhouse); Hatch (Bolton Octagon/24:7 Theatre Festival); Dad’s Army Marches On (Calibre Productions Tour); Once Upon a Time at the Adelphi (Liverpool Playhouse); The Flint Street Nativity (Liverpool Playhouse) Top Girls (Royal Court Theatre London 50th Anniversary performance); The Honest Whore (William Poel Prize; The Globe Theatre; London).
TV Credits include: G’wed (ITV); Ruby Speaking (BBC Television); The Last Testament of Lillian Billoca (BBC Television); Wallander (Left Bank Pictures); Doctors (BBC Television); Beaten (Coastal Productions); Judge John Deed (BBC Television); A470 (S4C)
Feature Film: Through the Dunes (Empire Street Productions), 96 Ways to Say I Love You (Daisy Aitkens and Georgia Moffet)
Nathan Powell said, “I’m absolutely buzzing to be making Alice in Wonderland with Shakespeare North Playhouse. The winter holidays are such a magic moment in the theatre calendar, and I can’t wait to play my part and work with the team to share in some silly, wacky, festive joy with audiences in Prescot!”
Shakespeare North Playhouse Creative Director Laura Collier said, “We are thrilled to collaborate once again with writer Nick Lane, who captivated our audiences with his version of A Christmas Carol in 2022. The beloved and whimsical world of Wonderland will receive Nick’s unique twist. Coupled with wonderful direction from Nathan Powell we can’t wait to see what lies beyond the rabbit hole in our version of Alice in Wonderland.”
Alice in Wonderland will be directed by Nathan Powell, with set and costume design by Sascha Gilmour, original composition and lyrics by Simon Slater, lighting design by KJ, sound design by Ernest Acquah, and with Claire Bleasdale as casting director.
Tuesday 25 June 2024 – Donald Taffner Jnr, the Chairman of the Shaftesbury Theatre, today announced the appointment of Eleanor Lang as the new Chief Executive of The Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End.
Eleanor Lang, who is currently Executive Director of Stratford East, takes over the role currently held by James Williams in November 2024.
Williams – who has led the Shaftesbury Theatre for over 20 years, during which time he has overseen the most successful artistic and financial period in the history of the theatre – will continue to work alongside Eleanor in an advisory capacity.
Donald Taffner Jnr said: “We are all looking forward to welcoming Eleanor to the Shaftesbury Theatre team. Following an extensive search, we strongly believe she is the perfect person to take our theatre forward. Eleanor is tasked with building on the extraordinary work of James Williams over the last two decades. James has greatly enhanced the Theatre’s profile during his tenure both in connection with the programming decisions that were made as well as through the redevelopment of the building. We are pleased that we will have a continuing relationship with James and wish him the best of luck in the future.
Eleanor Lang said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been chosen to lead the largest independent theatre in the West End. I am excited to begin working with the brilliant team at the Shaftesbury Theatre. I am delighted to have the continued support of James Williams, who has worked tirelessly for the company for the past 2 decades, making the Shaftesbury Theatre fit for the next century, and I hope to build on his considerable legacy.”
James Williams said: “Eleanor is the perfect person to lead The Shaftesbury Theatre. She has experience of leading companies like the Theatre Royal Stratford East and Cheek By Jowl, and will take on what I believe Is the most distinctive and original theatre in the West End. I depart knowing that Eleanor will continue to get the unparalleled support that I have received from Donald Taffner Jr, as she takes on the Company and Theatre which has been such a massive part of my life over the past 20 years.”
Eleanor Lang is currently the Executive Director and co-CEO of Stratford East, which during her time there has produced productions including The Big Life, Beautiful Thing, King Hedley II, Equus, Tambo & Bones and the Olivier award winning Noye’s Fludde. Previously she was the Executive Director of Cheek by Jowl and of Free Word, an international centre for literature, literacy and free speech. Prior to Free Word she was General Manager at the Bush Theatre and at Y Touring Theatre Company. She has also worked at Battersea Arts Centre, the Donmar Warehouse and as a freelance producer. She has been on the Board of Tonic Theatre and Rose Bruford College. She is currently a Trustee of Sheffield Theatres, and a Board member of Coin Street Community Builders and UK Theatre.
After training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama as a Stage Manager, James Williams commenced his career at the Liverpool Playhouse. He worked extensively in regional and touring theatre as a Stage and Production Manager, including a season with the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 1988 he was appointed Executive Director of Cambridge Theatre Company, later named Method & Madness, moving it from Cambridge in 1993 when he created its new home in Waterloo, now occupied by English Touring Theatre. He ran Method & Madness with the director Mike Alfreds until 1998 when he became Executive Director of Hampstead Theatre. He was instrumental in the design, funding and building of the new Hampstead Theatre whilst also acting as a Director of Hampstead Theatre Productions presenting their successful shows in the West End.
In 2004 he joined the Theatre of Comedy Company as its Chief Executive. His eclectic range of productions have not only included musicals, but also dance and magic. Many productions won significant awards whilst at the Theatre. The building renovations have been extensive. From the full-scale exterior renovation and restoration of the facades in 2010, through the innovative and multi-awarding winning Flytower, to the current Dramatic Transformation programme and Camden’s award-winning creation of the newly landscaped Princes Circus. All have been carried out with minimum closure and the commitment and enthusiasm of both Donald Taffner Jnr and the entire staff team at the Shaftesbury Theatre.
An active member of the Society of London Theatre, James has also served as a Council member of UK Theatre, formally the TMA. He founded the audio description company, Vocaleyes, and was its Director and subsequently Chairman. Between 1997 and 2023 he was a director of Stage One and he has been part of teams for the Theatres Trust assessing the redevelopment of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and the Kings Theatre, Edinburgh. Locally, he has been a director of the Central District Alliance, formally Inmidtown, the Business Improvement District for Holborn, St Giles and Bloomsbury, and a member of the Camden Business Board.
Written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book)
Stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris
Director Bill Buckhurst
UK AND IRELAND TOUR
22 June 2024 – 5 January 2025
101 Dalmatians has today released the production images featuring cast Kym Marsh (Cruella de Vil), Charles Brunton (Casper), Victoria Compson-Bradford (Swing), Ross Dorrington (Ensemble), Benjamin Durham (Ensemble), Jessie Elland (Danielle), Benedict Hastings (Ensemble), Danny Hendrix (Jasper), Linford Johnson (Pongo), Lottie Johnson (Ensemble), Rachel Lea-Gray (Ensemble), Tom Norman (Ensemble), Hugo Rolland (Ensemble), Lindo Shinda (Ensemble), Eugene Shire (Swing), Samuel Thomas (Tom), Emma Thornett (Perdi) and Jasmine Triadi (Ensemble).
Credit:: Johan Persson
Credit:: Johan Persson
Credit:: Johan Persson
Credit:: Johan Persson
When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups.This classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistible puppies!
Credit:: Johan Persson
Credit:: Johan Persson
Credit:: Johan Persson
Credit:: Johan Persson
After launching in Wimbledon the production will visit Birmingham, Norwich, Canterbury, Leicester, Manchester, Belfast, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, Southend, Dublin, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Woking, Cardiff, Southampton, Aberdeen, York, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Oxford and Brighton.
Credit:: Johan Persson
Credit:: Johan Persson
Credit:: Johan Persson
Written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book)
