FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE FIRST PRODUCTION IN

POLKA THEATRE’S NEW SEASON

– MICHAEL ROSEN’S CHOCOLATE CAKE

MAIN STAGE

A Polka Theatre production

Michael Rosen’s CHOCOLATE CAKE

Written by Michael Rosen

Adapted by Peter Glanville and Barb Jungr

Music and songs by Barb Jungr

Design by Verity Quinn; Lighting by Dan Saggars; Film & Animation by Will & Joe

23 March – 13 May

Ages 4+

Polka Theatre today announces full casting for the world première of the brand new musical adaptation of Michael Rosen’s Chocolate Cake, opening the new Spring/Summer season. The production opens with previews from 23 March and runs until 13 May.  It has been adapted by the theatre’s Artistic Director, Peter Glanville and Barb Jungr. Glanville also directs Mark Houston (Michael), Aminita Francis (Teacher/Mum) and Todd Heppenstall (Brother) in the production.

When I was a boy, I had a favourite treat. It was when my mum made… Chocolate Cake!

Follow the adventures of two brothers and the night-time disappearance of a chocolate cake in this scrumptious new musical adaptation by the creators of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and How to Hide a Lion from Michael Rosen’s beloved poem Chocolate Cake, which has just been published as a picture book.

Michael Rosen is the author of over 140 books of poetry, stories and politics. He was the Children’s Laureate between 2007–9 and is currently the professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths University. He has won numerous international awards for his work in literature and he also presents Word of Mouth on BBC Radio 4.

Peter Glanville became Artistic Director of Polka Theatre in 2013 following eight years as Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the Little Angel Theatre. He has directed acclaimed productions for Polka including Royal Opera House co-production Hatch, Moomin Summer Madness (co-directed with Dani Parr) and early years Opera Skitterbang Island. For Little Angel Theatre he directed Macbeth, The Snow Queen, Michael Rosen’s The Magician’s Daughter, The Tempest (RSC co-Production) and Carol Ann Duffy’s The Tear Thief (narrated by Juliet Stevenson). Glanville has previously collaborated with Barb Jungr on three musicals – Fabulous Flutterbys, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and How to Hide a Lion (co-produced with Oxford Playhouse). His productions of The Tempest and The Tear Thief were both nominated for in the Offies for Best Production for Young People, and his Peter Pan won the award in 2015. He pioneered puppet work for adults alongside children’s shows and introduced the biennial SUSPENSE London Puppetry Festival and also directed a short marionette film for the RSC’s production of Matilda.

Internationally acclaimed award-winning singer, songwriter and performer Barb Jungr has released numerous albums, appeared on television, is often heard on national radio and has performed all over the world. Her writing and composing credits include The Fabulous Flutterbys (Little Angel Theatre and touring), We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Little Angel and touring) and lyricist for Birmingham Stage Company’s The Jungle Book. Most recently she co-adapted and wrote the lyrics and music for Helen Stephens’ How to Hide a Lion (Polka Theatre/Oxford Playhouse and touring) and co-adapted and wrote lyrics and music for The Singing Mermaid(Little Angel/Royal and Derngate). She is lyricist and book writer of Liver Birds Flying Home which opens in 2018 at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre. www.barbjungr.com

Mark Houston plays Michael. For theatre his credits include Sleeping Beauty and Jack and The Beanstalk (Hall For Cornwall).

Aminita Francis plays Teacher/Mum. For theatre her credits include Frankenstein – A Monster of a Musical(Battersea Arts Centre), Bite Your Tongue (Talawa), Romeo and Juliet and The Arsonists (N1 Theatre Company), Blood Wedding (Court 27) and The Winter’s Tale (RSC); and for television, The Choir.

Todd Heppenstall plays Brother. His theatre credits include The Room Upstairs (Cheltenham Everyman/Wardrobe Theatre), Ten Foot Tales (Hull Truck), Andy Capp: The Musical (Finborough Theatre), The Day After – They Went Off on One (The Vaults) and The Last Days of Mankind (Bristol Old Vic).

www.polkatheatre.com

Twitter: @polkatheatre

Facebook: @polkatheatre

Polka Theatre

Listings

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB

www.polkatheatre.com

How to get there:

By Train
Wimbledon Station BR (10 minute walk)

By Tube
Wimbledon, District Line (10 minute walk)
South Wimbledon, Northern Line (5 minute walk)

By Bus
57, 93, 219, 131 stop outside Polka
156, 163, 164, 200 stop nearby Wimbledon (10 minute walk)

By Bike

There is a cycle rack at the theatre for those who wish to cycle to Polka.  Polka is also now just off the new Super Cycle Highway that goes from Merton to the City. Click here for more information and to plan your route to cycle to us.

SEASON AT A GLANCE:

Main Stage

I Believe in Unicorns

14 – 18 February

Grandad’s Island

22 February – 4 March

The Boy Who Climbed Into the Moon

8 – 11 March

Chocolate Cake

23 March – 13 May

Techtopia Festival

24 May – 3 June

Double Act

15 June – 5 August

Jack and the Beanstalk

8 – 19 August

Adventure Theatre

Glisten

28 February – 4 March

Much Ado About Puffin

4 – 15 April

This is My Bed

13 – 24 June

The Everywhere Bear

6 July – 26 August

King’s Head Theatre – until 24 February.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Anita is Catherine’s best friend, adventurous and dangerous compared to withdrawn intellectual Catherine. The trouble is, only Catherine can see Anita, and Anita’s actions have terrible consequences.

We first meet Catherine as an adult, in a state of mild panic as she reunites with Anita and admits her partner’s terrible secret. Through flashbacks, Catherine’s story is gradually pieced together revealing a life of abuse and mental illness. David Ahonen has written a fascinating character, never trivialising or exploiting her, effortlessly highlighting the loneliness of those struggling with their mental health, and examining the terrible cycle of victimhood and victimiser. Between the shocking truths, there is lots of dark humour, but the audience is always laughing with Catherine, never at her.

Sarah Roy is mesmeric as Catherine, morphing through subtle changes in hairstyle and posture into younger versions of the character. As a 7-year-old and a 12-year-old, the precocious language and judgemental demeanour could be wearing, but Roy manages to allow the damaged child beneath to trickle through without any sense of melodrama. Holly Ellis’s lighting design, and the distorted music and sound effects between scenes adds to the feeling of disassociation and confusion.

One of the most moving scenes is Catherine’s first date, where she tells Dan all about her past and her treatment. Her calm descriptions are beautifully counterbalanced by her awkward jokes and naïve hope that this man will still want to get to know her, and the main message of the show is handled with great sensitivity as she explains why she would sometimes go off her meds because of the loneliness she feels without her best friend Anita.

Catherine and Anita is an extraordinarily performed, sensitive and stylish story that will touch your heart and hopefully stimulate conversations about mental health. Well worth a look.

M O T O W N   T H E   M U S I C A L

CELEBRATES SECOND YEAR IN WEST END

AND ACCOUNCES NEW 2018 CAST

The hit West End production of Motown the Musical this weekend will celebrate its second birthday at the Shaftesbury Theatre and announces that from 6 March 2018 the West End cast will be led by Jay Perry as Berry Gordy, Natalie Kassanga as Diana Ross and Carl Spencer as Marvin Gaye. They join David Albury who continues in the role of Smokey Robinson.   Cruz Lee-Ojo, 11 years old from Uxbridge also joins the Company to share the role of Young Michael Jackson, Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder with Tumo Reetsang, 12 years old from Southwark, London.

Currently booking until 5 January 2019, Motown the Musical, directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, tells the story behind the legendary classic hits.  Later this year, a tour of Motown the Musical will play simultaneously around the UK.

Motown the Musical recently launched an online Lottery which allows audiences the opportunity to purchase two great seats at £15 each.  Patrons can apply at any time for all performances in a two-week period.  Lucky winners will be notified three-five days before their allocated performance and will have 24 hours to purchase their tickets online before the next winner is selected.

With music and lyrics from the Motown catalogue and book by Motown founder Berry Gordy the production features a sixteen-piece orchestra playing 50 Motown tracks including Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, I’ll Be There, Dancing In The Street, Stop!  In The Name Of Love, My Girl and I Heard It through the Grapevine.  With just $800 borrowed from his family, Motown founder Berry Gordy, goes from featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul, discovering and launching the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and many more.  Motown the Musical uncovers the true story of the legendary record label that changed music history and created the soundtrack of a generation.  

Jay Perry’s previous theatre credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Whistle Down The Wind both at the Aldwych Theatre, Hairspray at the Gordon Craig Theatre and he currently plays lead Temptation as part of the Motown the Musical West End Company. He was an original member of pop group S Club Juniors.

Natalie Kassanga returns to the West End having last been seen on stage as an original cast member of Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver! at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.   She made her West End debut as Young Nala in The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre.

Carl Spencer is an original member of the Motown the Musical West End Company.  His previous theatre credits include The Scottsboro Boys at the Young Vic and Garrick Theatre.

Ensemble members comprise Chanice Alexandra-Burnett, KM Drew Boateng, Timothy Benjamin, Ryan Carter, Ricardo Castro, Amandla Elynah, Livvy Evans, Segun Fawole,Angela Marie Hurst, Cameron Bernard Jones, Cleopatra Joseph, Duane Lamonte, Nathan Lorainey-Dineen, Mireia Mambo, Matt Overfield, Adam Philpott, Ainsley Hall Ricketts,Lawrence Rowe, Nate Simpson, Jaime Tait, Kyle Turner, Anna Van Ruiten, Cherelle Williams, Lashane Williams, Michael Woolston-Thomas, Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli andMitchell Zhangazha.

Motown the Musical has music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Ethan Popp, co-orchestrations and additional arrangements by Bryan Cook and dance arrangements by Zane Mark.  Choreography is by Patricia Wilcox and Warren Adams, scenic design by David Korins, costumes by Emilio Sosa, lighting by Natasha Katz, sound by Peter Hylenski and video by Daniel Brodie.  UK Associate Director is Tara Wilkinson, UK Conductor & Associate Music Supervisor is Gareth Weedon, UK Associate Set Designer is Andrew Edwards and UK Associate Lighting Designer is Alistair Grant and UK Sound Associate is Chris Full. Motown the Musical is produced in the West End by Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris, Berry Gordy and Adam Spiegel.

Motown the Musical is proudly supported by Swarovski crystal who originally partnered with the show on Broadway and provided 400,000 Swarovski crystals for costume and set.

IMAGES

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ieest4coeoxk3s2/AADjKKk35YLuZnOSCXmDxOOGa?dl=0

LISTINGS INFORMATION           

Theatre:                  Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP

Dates:                    booking to 5 January 2019

Performances:          Monday – Saturday 7.30pm, Thursday & Saturday matinees at 2.30pm

Prices:                    Tickets from £19.50 plus £15 Lottery tickets available online

No booking fees via www.motownthemusical.co.uk, over the phone on 020 7379

5399 or in person at the Shaftesbury Theatre Box Office.

Box Office:              020 7379 5399

Website:                 www.motownthemusical.co.uk

Twitter:                   @MotownUK

Facebook:               MotownMusicalUK

THEATRE ROYAL BATH
ANNOUNCES OPENING PRODUCTIONS FOR SUMMER SEASON 2018

• SHAKESPEARE AT THE TOBACCO FACTORY PRESENT HENRY V, DIRECTED BY ELIZABETH FREESTONE AT THE USTINOV STUDIO FROM 21 JUNE – 21 JULY
• OSCAR WILDE’S AN IDEAL HUSBAND, DIRECTED BY JONATHAN CHURCH WILL TRANSFER DIRECTLY FROM THE WEST END FROM 18 JULY – 4 AUGUST
• PRIORITY BOOKING OPENS ON SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY AT 10AM WITH GENERAL ON-SALE FROM 21 FEBRUARY

Theatre Royal Bath today announces the opening productions for its summer season 2018 across the Ustinov Studio and Main House. Launching at the Ustinov Studio will be the highly acclaimed, Bristol based theatre company, Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory with their new production of Henry V directed by Elizabeth Freestone. Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband will transfer to Theatre Royal Bath’s Main House direct from the West End, marking the first production in Jonathan Church’s 2018 summer season. Priority booking will open to members on Saturday 10 February at 10am, with general on-sale from 21 February. The full programme will be announced in due course.

HENRY V
Thursday 21 June – Saturday 21 July

Innovative theatre company Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory will launch its brand new production of Henry V at the Ustinov Studio. Directed by Elizabeth Freestone and starring Ben Hall in the title role, the production will then embark on a UK tour. Shakespeare’s play is a thrilling examination of the nature of power as it explores the burden of leadership and explodes the myth of heroism.

Ben Hall is best known for his role as Donald in BBC’s The Durrells. Theatre credits include Coriolanus and Salomé for the RSC and Twelfth Night (Sheffield / ETT).

Elizabeth Freestone has worked extensively with the RSC for whom her credits include The Comedy of Errors and The Rape of Lucrece. Other theatre credits include Romeo and Juliet for Shakespeare’s Globe and The Duchess of Malfi, Dr Faustus and The School for Scandal at Greenwich Theatre.

AN IDEAL HUSBAND
Wednesday 18 July – Saturday 4 August

Transferring direct from the Vaudeville Theatre in the West End, An Ideal Husband will be the opening show of Jonathan Church’s summer season 2018, following his inaugural season as Artistic Director last year. Oscar Wilde’s sharp and witty drama explores corruption, blackmail and honour when a damning secret threatens to ruin ambitious politician Sir Robert Chiltern’s career and marriage.

Jonathan Church is Artistic Director of the Theatre Royal Bath Summer Season, with his 2017 season including productions of Racing Demon, The Lady in the Van, Sand in the Sandwiches and North by Northwest. He was previously Artistic Director for the Salisbury Playhouse (1995-99), Birmingham Rep (2001-05) and Chichester Festival Theatre (2006-16). His directing credits include acclaimed productions such as Singin’ in the Rain (Chichester, West End), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Chichester, West End) and Taken at Midnight (Chichester, West End). He received a CBE for Services to Theatre in 2015.

Oscar Wilde is the author of some of the best-loved comedies in the English language including The Importance of being Earnest, Lady Windermere’s Fan and A Woman of No Importance.

LISTINGS

Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET
Box Office: 01225 448844
Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
Facebook: TheatreRoyalBath
Twitter: @TheatreRBath

Priority booking opens Saturday 10 February
General online booking opens Wednesday 21 February
General Telephone booking opens Monday 26 February

Ustinov Studio

Henry V
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Elizabeth Freestone
Dates: Thursday 21 June – Saturday 21 July
Press Night: Thursday 28 June, 7pm
Performance Schedule: Mon – Sat 7.30pm; Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Prices: £24.50 / £17.50 discounts (Previews and Mondays £15)

Main House

An Ideal Husband
By Oscar Wilde
Directed by Jonathan Church
Dates: Wednesday 18 July – Saturday 4 August
Performance Schedule: Mon – Sat 7.30pm; Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Prices: £22.50 – £38.50

JONATHAN PRYCE & DAME EILEEN ATKINS

TO STAR IN UK PREMIERE OF

New play by Florian Zeller (writer of The Father); directed by Jonathan Kent

Performances begin at Wyndham’s Theatre on Tuesday 2 October

Multi award-winning star of screen and stage Jonathan Pryce and three-time Olivier award-winning Dame Eileen Atkins will star in The Height of the Storm, a new play by Florian Zeller, the internationally acclaimed writer of The Father.

Directed by Jonathan Kent, The Height of the Storm will open at Richmond Theatre on Saturday 1 September and play Cambridge Arts Theatre and Bath Theatre Royal, before transferring to London, opening at Wyndham’s Theatre on Tuesday 2 October.

André and Madeleine have been in love for over fifty years. This weekend, as their daughters visit, something feels unusual. A bunch of flowers arrives, but who sent them? A woman from the past turns up, but who is she? And why does André feel like he isn’t there at all?

The Height of the Storm is a beautifully compelling family drama by Florian Zeller, “the most exciting playwright of our time” (The Guardian). Starring two of the greatest actors of their generation on stage together for the first time, this major new play from the writer of Olivier Award-Winning The Father is a searing exploration of love, family and the fragility of life.

Jonathan Pryce is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning actor on stage and screen. His diverse film work includes lauded performances in Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, James Foley’s Glengarry Glen Ross, Carrington for which Pryce won the Best Actor award at both Cannes Film Festival and Evening Standard Awards, Evita and successful blockbusters such as Tomorrow Never Dies, the Pirates of the Caribbean series and the G.I. Joe films.

His extensive theatre work includes Comedians in London and on Broadway, for which he won a Tony Award; The Royal Court production of Hamlet, for which he received an Olivier Award; and Miss Saigon in which he starred on both sides of the Atlantic, winning further Olivier and Tony awards.

Pryce’s recent work includes Terry Gilliam’s The Man Who Killed Don Quixote alongside Adam Driver; The Man Who Invented Christmas alongside Dan Stevens and Christopher Plummer, and The Wife opposite Glenn Close. He is currently filming upcoming Netflix feature The Pope alongside Anthony Hopkins, directed by Fernando Meirelles.

Pryce’s television work includes Taboo for FX and BBC, alongside Tom Hardy, and Sally Wainwright’s one-off film for BBC television To Walk Invisible. He also starred in Cranford: Return to Cranford, for which he received an Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama. His other recent television roles include Cardinal Wolsey in the award-winning adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall and High Sparrow in the hugely successful series Game of Thrones.

Dame Eileen Atkins is a three-time Olivier award-winning actress, and four-time Tony Award nominee. She is known for her BAFTA and Emmy award-winning performance in Cranford and major roles in Upstairs Downstairs and Doc Martin. Film roles include Gosford Park, The Hours and Paddington 2.

Atkins’ many stage appearances in the West End include Honour, Ellen Terry, Three Tall Women and The Female of the Species. She has also played starring roles on Broadway in Retreat from Moscow with John Lithgow, and All that Fall with Michael Gambon, Indiscretions with Jude Law, The Killing of Sister George and Vivat! Vivat! Regina!, all of which she received Tony Award nominations for Best Actress. She can be seen most recently as Queen Mary in Netflix’s The Crown.

The Height of the Storm is translated by Christopher Hampton, directed by Jonathan Kent (Gypsy, Long Day’s Journey into Night) and produced by Simon Friend, Mark Goucher and Howard Panter. Co-producers will be Gavin Kalin, Act Productions and Scott Landis.

THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM

LONDON SEASON – LISTINGS INFORMATION

WYNDHAM’S THEATRE

Charing Cross Road

London

WC2H 0DA

SEASON DATES

Tuesday 2 October – Saturday 1 December 2018

BOOKING ONLINE

www.theheightofthestorm.com

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Monday – Saturday: 7:45pm

Wednesday & Saturday Matinees: 2:30pm

TICKETS

Prices start from £12.50

                 TELEPHONE BOOKING

0844 482 5120

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook.com /StormThePlay

Twitter: @StormThePlay

TOUR – LISTINGS INFORMATION

RICHMOND THEATRE

Saturday 1 – Saturday 8 September

Box Office: 0844 871 7651

CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE

Monday 10 – Saturday 15 September

Box Office: 01223 503333

BATH THEATRE ROYAL

Monday 17 – Saturday 29 September

Box Office: 01225 448844

METRO RADIO ARENA, NEWCASTLE

SATURDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2018

JASON DONOVAN, ADAM GARCIA, CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER,

NEWTON FALKNER, NATHAN JAMES & ANNA MARIE-WAYNE

ANNOUNCED FOR

JEFF WAYNE’S MUSICAL VERSION OF THE WAR OF THE WORLD’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

One of the most ground-breaking arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of ‘The War of the Worlds’ – Alive on Stage is to make its return to arenas throughout the UK in 2018.

Nearly 40 years on, based on HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds remains a firm favourite to millions around the world.

The show will again feature a stellar cast with Jeff Wayne returning to the podium to conduct the 9-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings, while Liam Neeson retains his role in 3D holography as The Journalist.

Star of stage and screen Jason Donovan returns to the role of Parson Nathaniel alongside West End actress Carrie Hope Fletcher as Beth, his wife. Actor and theatre star Adam Garcia will debut as The Artilleryman, British singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner will perform The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist, Inglorious front man Nathan James will play The Voice of Humanity, with Anna-Marie Wayne reprising her role as Carrie, The Journalist’s Fiancée.

Jason Donovan commented;

“I am delighted to be re-joining the cast for this very special 40th Anniversary Tour. ‘The War of The Worlds’ has such enduring appeal and its fan base seems to grow and grow. With each tour, the scale, the drama and the special effects get more and more exciting, so I can’t wait to see what Jeff has planned for this spectacular celebration!

Carrie Hope Fletcher added;

“I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to be reprising my role as ‘Beth, Parson’s Nathaniel’s Wife’, alongside Jason Donovan, especially for this momentous 40th Anniversary year! Having grown up listening to the album, ‘The War of The Worlds’ holds a personal significance, and with the new ingredients, I can’t wait to see how this new production has evolved!”

Newton Faulkner said;

“I grew up listening to ‘The War of The Worlds’ and I’m playing The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist, alongside Liam Neeson and, as if that wasn’t enough, Jeff Wayne asked me really nicely. Also, it’s got giant Martian Fighting Machines in it! An actual MFM that shoots real flames out of its giant face! I’m very excited.

Adam Garcia commented;

“I have been waiting to be a part of TWOTW live since it first began in this arena format. Finally I get to be on stage – inside the ‘The War of The Worlds’. I’m terribly excited.”

Nathan James said;

“I am beyond excited to be part of the 40th anniversary production of The War of The worlds. I can’t wait to stand on stage in these incredible venues and perform this wonderful music alongside such a hugely talented cast. I’m so thankful that Jeff has picked me to sing ‘Thunder Child’ – a song I have loved since I was a kid. I remember hearing those opening chords for the first time and to get to hear them from backstage is going to be a really surreal moment every night. This is a proper dream job.”

Anna-Marie Wayne said:

“The War of The Worlds is obviously very near and dear to my heart and I am so excited to be reprising the role of Carrie again for the 40th anniversary Tour! I can’t wait for everyone to see how the character has developed since the last tour – lots of new and exciting things!”

In 2018 TWOTW will “break through the fourth wall”.

Built around a huge arched bridge running through the centre of the arena brings the action closer to the audience for a most captivating and immersive experience.

This production, mixed live in Surround Sound, will once again feature:

· The iconic 3-tonne, 35-foot tall Martian Fighting Machine firing real flame Heat Rays at the audience.

· A 100-foot wide ‘Animation Wall’ with 2 hours of cutting edge CGI.

· A ground-breaking levitation effect.

· The incineration of a cast member in full view of the audience.

· Leaf drops over the audience.

…and much, much more!

Jeff Wayne said: “In June 1978 when my original double album was released. I had no idea if it would vanish as quickly as one can say… “ULLAdubULLA!”

But here we are today, celebrating its 40th Anniversary and seeing the newly re-mastered original double album sitting on top of the UK vinyl album charts.

And later this year I believe we’ll be performing the most exciting arena tour to date, with a most exciting cast, all of us getting ready to do battle with the Martians later this year.

No one would have believed…”

Tickets are available online, from the booking hotline number 0844 493 6666 or in person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office. Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply.

Tickets are available from:-

· Credit Card Booking and Information Line 0844 493 6666

· The Metro Radio Arena Newcastle Box Office (Mon – Fri: 10.00am – 4.00pm, Sat: 11.00am – 2.30pm)

· Internet Site:- www.metroradioarena.co.uk

· Group Bookers should call (0191) 260 6006

· Accessible Bookings should call 0333 344 6250 for further details

BLOOD BROTHERS HEADING TO DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Bill Kenwright’s production of the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers is coming to Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 February.

Considered ‘One of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times), Blood Brothers, written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell has triumphed across the globe. Scooping up no fewer than four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway, Blood Brothers is simply ‘Unmissable and unbeatable’ (The Spectator).

Critically acclaimed actress and singer Lyn Paul returns to the seminal role of Mrs Johnstone, following her first performance back in 1997. Hailed as ‘The definitive Mrs Johnstone’ (Manchester Evening News), Lyn has played the role on numerous UK tours and also starred as Mrs Johnstone in the final West End performances at the Phoenix Theatre in 2012.

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret. The memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. A sensational cast, incredible show stopping music, remarkable staging and five star performances make Blood Brothers an enthralling night of entertainment.

Blood Brothers runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 February.

Tickets* from £23.50 (all prices include a £2 restoration levy). For more information or to book contact the box office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Arts Theatre, London – until 11 March.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

The Small Faces’ final gig in 1968 frames Carol Harrison’s jukebox musical, with an older, but sadly not wiser Steve Marriot guiding the audience through the group’s rise to fame and their acrimonious split.

The rise to fame of the East End lads, their exploitation by original manager Don Arden and the creative freedom they found under Andrew Oldham’s hapless management are portrayed with energy and commitment, but this is a show with a split personality, veering from 1970’s style comedy to melodrama in the confused and meandering script. There are some great one-liners peppered about, but some jokes felt as if they should have been mothballed in the 1960s.

Chris Simmons as the older Marriot gives scathing unapologetic accounts of his youthful mistakes in the first act, strutting across the stage triumphantly as his younger self (Samuel Pope) and the band become successful. The second act feels more like a painful therapy session, with Marriot becoming more and more dishevelled and contrite as he watches himself implode and alienate everyone around him, eventually wandering around kissing people he hurt as his younger self is abusing them. The final scene feels like it comes from a completely different show, ending on an overdramatic downer before the obligatory jolly singalong finale. This is a shame, as writer/director Carol Harrison obviously has a huge passion for the story of this tragic man and his wonderful music, but as it is, the show is at least half an hour too long and needs more focus.

Obviously, the music is glorious, with Samuel Pope’s vocals soaring brilliantly in numbers like Itchycoo Park, Tin Soldier and All or Nothing, and the group’s (Stanton Wright as Ronnie Lane, Stefan Edwards as Kenny Jones, Alexander Gold as Ian McLagan) musicianship and chemistry is extraordinary. The comedy highlights are provided by Edward Elgood as original keyboard player Jimmy Winston and Daniel Beales with his memorable cameos as Stanley Unwin, Tony Blackburn and David Jacobs while Carol Harrison gives a gutsy performance as Marriot’s mum.

This is a show that can get away with the book’s weaknesses by riding on the huge wave of nostalgia, energy and joy that the music creates, and die-hard fans will have the time of their lives.