Poetry in the Park – Bridgerton & Ted Lasso stars, Damian Lewis & Steve Mangan, plus more huge names to bring Shakespeare to life in Regent’s Park – 8th July
Former actress, bestselling author and poetry champion Allie Esiri and Regents Park Open Air Theatre presentShakespeare for Every Day of the Year – Live!
On Monday 8th July Allie Esiri will be joined by a star-studded cast of award winning theatre and film actors including Paul Chahidi, Damian Lewis (Homeland), Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso), Stephen Mangan (Green Wing), Tracy Ann Oberman, Tony Robinson (Blackadder), Danny Sapani (Killing Eve, Black Panther),Samantha Spiro (Sex Education), Luke Thompson (Bridgerton), Samuel West (Slow Horses), Olivia Williams(The Crown), and Susan Wokoma(Enola Holmes), for a hugely entertaining evening of Shakespeare based on Allie Esiri’s bestselling poetry anthology: Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year.
To celebrate 400 years of Shakespeare’s First Folio and over 90 years of Shakespeare performances at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Allie Esiri and friends will guide you on a journey through the Shakespeare you love and the best bits you don’t. There will be poetry, speeches and scenes read by actors who have a special connection to Shakespeare’s work and to the theatre itself. It was at
Regent’s Park, for example, that homeland actor Damian Lewis spent a season playing Hamlet, that
Susan Wokoma starred in the hit production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and where Samantha Spiro performed an acclaimed Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing and won an Olivier Award for Hello Dolly!. Join us for a night of great performances, poetry, laughter, wisdom and wit.
One of the UK’s biggest selling poetry books, Shakespeare For Every Day of the Yearby poetry champion Allie Esiri is an inspiring collection of 365 poems, speeches and scenes from across all of Shakespeare’s plays, each with an illuminating introduction. Allie has published ten hugely popular poetry anthologies including A Poem For Every Day Of The Year and 365 Poems For Life as part of her mission to keep poetry alive and make it accessible for everyone.
Signed copies of Allie Esiri’s poetry anthologies Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year and A Poet for Every Day of the Year will be available on the night.
NB. Actor appearances are subject to availability. Check the website for updates to the lineup.
The Studio, 5th Floor @sohoplace from 30 October – 5 November 2024
The West End’s first inclusive sensory pantomime specifically designed for audiences labelled with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).
First production to be staged in the Studio on the 5th Floor @sohoplace, playing a strictly limited run from 30 October, with Press Day on 1 November, until 5 November 2024.
@sohoplace is the West End’s newest theatre with unrivalled accessibility. Now in its second year of programming, previous main house productions include Marvellous, As You Like It, Medea, Brokeback Mountain,The Little Big Things and Red Pitch with the forthcoming Death of England opening in July.
Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 25 June at 10am via @sohoplace.
Concrete Youth and Barnsley Civic today announce the West End run of their co-production, a brand-new pantomime, Sensory Cinders. This trail blazing production is the first inclusive sensory pantomime specifically designed for audiences labelled with PMLD. The production also marks the first West End production for the audience. Sensory Cinders is the first production to be staged in the Studio on the fully accessible 5th floor of @sohoplace and will play a strictly limited run from 30 October, with Press Day on 1 November, until 5 November 2024. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 25 June at 10am via @sohoplace.
Sensory Cinders is a new sensory pantomime adaptation of Cinderella for audiences living with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), featuring original music that explores themes of identity, self-expression, transformation, magic, personas, authenticity, and connectedness. What does it mean to pursue self-love and understanding in a world that doesn’t understand you?
The production features specially designed sensory materials by Henshaws Arts & Crafts, a Yorkshire-based collective supporting local learning-disabled visual artists. The show marks all the artists’ professional theatre debuts.
Sensory Cinders is directed by Belle Streeton Co-Artistic Director at Concrete Youth, with music/lyrics and musical direction by Guy Hughes, the production is creatively produced by Daniel Swift FRSA, CEO & Co-Artistic Director, of Concrete Youth. The production will be designed by Stella Backman, the dramaturgy is by Lizzie Milton, the production’s creative access consultancy is Phoebe Kemp, the audience development & outreach is by Annabelle Lee and the show is production managed by Isabel P. Casting to be announced.
Belle Streeton (Co-Artistic Director of Concrete Youth – Director of Sensory Cinders) said:
“It is a joy to be welcoming our audiences at Concrete Youth to the first ever sensory pantomime. Pantomime is a British theatrical institution & I’m so excited that we get to be a part of the journey in making this long-standing Christmas tradition accessible to audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities. We believe it is hugely important to provide a positive cultural experience for our audiences going to the theatre, where they are ensured the full theatre experience.
It’s been exciting to work with such well respected organisations like the National Theatre Studio and Barnsley Civic to extend the awareness and need for sensory theatre. It’s been a great opportunity to work with artists from diverse backgrounds.
We have assembled an extraordinary cast and creative team to re-imagine this pantomime classic, this has enabled us to thoroughly immerse ourselves in the world of a re-imagined Cinderella. It’s been thrilling taking a classic fairytale/pantomime working with drag artists, actors, musicians and sensory artists to explore disco & folk music, sensory costumes & set, transformations and magic. This pantomime has something for everybody, and I can’t wait for our audiences to see the fruits of our labour and all the love and hard work that we’ve poured into this show.”
Nica Burns CBE said “Concrete Youth’s work is ground breaking and extraordinary and we are delighted to partner with them. They give an incredible theatre experience to those who otherwise have little or no opportunity and they do it brilliantly. I and the team @sohoplace are delighted to welcome Concrete Youth and their audiences to our space.”
Daniel Swift FRSA (CEO & Co-Artistic Director of Concrete Youth – Creative Producer & Audience/Sensory Lead of Sensory Cinders) said:
“I am delighted to bring Sensory Cinders to the West End working with the fabulous @sohoplace, to deliver a magical production that marks a historic moment in the West End. The severe lack of cultural provision for audiences labelled with profound and multiple learning disabilities has been a longstanding issue, and this production represents a significant step towards addressing this disparity and promoting ongoing inclusivity in the West End and national cultural landscape. Sensory Cinders aims to change this by offering an exceptional theatrical experience that not only caters for their needs but champions them. This production not only provides a vital opportunity for these audiences to enjoy inclusive, sensory theatre, but it also will raise awareness about the challenges they face and the critical need for greater access to cultural activities. It’s a powerful statement on the importance of inclusivity and representation in the arts for a consistently overlooked audience.”
Anthony Baker – Chief Executive & Artistic Director of Barnsley Civic Said:
“All of us at Barnsley Civic are thrilled to be working in partnership with Concrete Youth and to co-produce Sensory Cinders. Concrete Youth are an outstanding company who deliver world class work; hosting and supporting Concrete Youth on their creative journey with this work is an exciting opportunity for Barnsley Civic to be at the forefront of work created for people labelled with profound and multiple learning disabilities.”
Sensory Cinders is a co-production from the multi-award-winning sensory theatre company Concrete Youth and the nationally recognised venue Barnsley Civic. The production is presented in partnership with @sohoplace and Henshaws Arts Centre. Sensory Cinders is supported by Sheffield Theatres and Arts Council England. The production’s development was supported by the National Theatre’s Generate programme
Listings Information:
Studio | 5th Floor @sohoplace | 4 Soho Place | London | W1D 3BG
Great Scott! SOUND Cafe launches Back to The Future The Musical Afternoon Tea
Taking diners on an 88 mph journey through time
London, 25 June 2024: From 3rd July 2024, SOUND Cafe at The Cumberland Hotel will take diners on a trip to Hill Valley as it launches its brand-new Back to The Future The Musical Afternoon Tea. The launch nods to the anniversary of the premiere of the original Back to The Future film on 3rd July 1985 and follows the soaring West End success of Back to The Future The Musical.
The stage adaptation of the iconic 1985 blockbuster has been a hit since curtains went up in the Adelphi Theatre in 2021. Now guests can live out Marty McFly’s dream on a new level with a spectacular afternoon tea that will take them on a journey from past, present to future.
The afternoon tea will feature mini delights, designed to indulge the senses with a world of flavours. The ride begins being transported back in time to indulge in Mcfly’s slider burger and Mayor Goldie Wilson’s Hot Dog, before being grounded back in the present with the DeLorean pulled pork burrito, E=MC2 Mac and cheese toastie and Marty’s crispy shrimp tortilla with slaw and spicy citrus sauce, before taking flight again into the future for Doc’s brownies, Biff’s apple cobbler and George’s fruit macarons. Lorraine’s mini shake milkshakes will also accompany the tea, alongside Marvin’s berry iced tea available in refreshing flavours ranging from Raspberry and Mint to Mango and passionfruit.
For guests who are ‘Everybody who’s anybody’, bottomless drinks can be added to the afternoon tea, with choices ranging from signature cocktails, to sparkling wine or draught beer.
What’s more, if a customer happens to utter Doc Brown’s famed catchphrase, ‘Great Scott’ to a waiter when ordering the afternoon tea, they will find themselves presented with two futuristic eight-sided dice. As 88 miles per hour is the speed required for the DeLorean to time travel, if the guest rolls a double eight, the entire table will get a complimentary upgrade to Bottomless Sparkling Wine, Draught Beer or Signature Cocktails! Applicable to one roll per booking.
Come and join the party at SOUND Cafe at The Cumberland Hotel, where all squares and maverick scientists are invited! The Back to the Future The Musical Afternoon Tea can be booked now online at https://sound.london/back-to-the-future-afternoon-tea, priced at £45 per head, with the option to add bottomless Signature Cocktails, Sparkling Wine and Draught Beer for an extra £15 or bottomless Sparkling Wine and Draught Beer for £10.
OVER 8000 £20 TICKETS FOR AUDIENCES AGED 35 AND UNDER
ACROSS THE SEASON
Tim Sheader andExecutive Director Henny Finch today announce Sheader’s first season as Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse.The season is comprised of the world premieres of 2 brand new plays, the UK premiere of an award-winning musical and a major revival. The Donmar also today announces a renewed commitment to developing younger audiences, making over 8000 tickets available at £20 for people aged 35 and under.
The season launches with the world premiere of The Fear of 13 by Lindsey Ferrentino, based on the true story of Nick Yarris who spent 22 years on Death Row. Directed by Justin Martin, and starring Academy Award winner Adrien Brody, both making their Donmar Warehouse debuts.
Sheader then directs the UK premiere of Dave Malloy’s Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. The multi-award-winning musical is inspired by a scandalous slice of Tolstoy’s seminal work War and Peace.
Anna Mackmin returns to the Donmar to direct the world premiere of her new play Backstroke – a tender new work that examines the mother/daughter relationship, and the impact when the roles are reversed. The cast is led by Celia Imrie who returns to the Donmar, and Tamsin Greig making her Donmar debut.
Completing the season is a major revival of Intimate Apparel, starring Emmy Award winner Samira Wiley, which reunites playwright Lynn Nottage and director Lynette Linton on the Donmar stage, following their collaborations on Sweat and Clyde’s.
The programming at the company’s home base will run alongside the West End transfers of the critically acclaimed productions of the Pulitzer Prize winning Next to Normal which is currently running at Wyndham’s Theatre; and Macbeth with David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, which opens at the Harold Pinter Theatre in October.
Sheader and Finch have appointed Titas Halder as Associate Artistic Director. Previously Resident Assistant Director at the Donmar 2010-2011, Halder takes up the role with immediate effect joining the company’s senior management team. Also joining the organisation is Lotte Hines CDG, who starts as Casting Director in September.
Also announced today is Macbeth: Something Wicked, a schools’ tour in a brand new and bespoke production for secondary school children, adapted by Eleanor Tindall and directed by Milli Bhatia. Generously supported by Camden Council and Westminster City Council, the production is being performed free to 3500 students in 17 state schools across Camden and Westminster before the end of the summer term.
Alongside the schools’ tour, the Donmar LOCAL programme will also support over 2000 young people from local schools to access this season’s productions for free.
www.helenmurrayphotos.com
Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse Tim Sheader said today, “I am hugely honoured to be leading this very special theatre into a new era, building on the legacy of my predecessors. With all these new projects, I look forward to welcoming both loyal and new audiences to gather together in our beautiful three-sided auditorium, where connecting with artists and each other is central to every performance.
“It is an immense privilege to be announcing today our first four productions kicking off with a world premiere based on an extraordinary true story, starring Adrien Brody in his London stage debut. I’m looking forward to directing a party-fuelled Broadway musical that has never been seen this side of the pond, and then we have a beautiful new play that touches the lives of so many of us led by the brilliant Tamsin Greig and Celia Imrie. And finally announced today, another opportunity to experience the stellar combination of Lynette Linton and Lynn Nottage’s writing, this time welcoming the amazing Samira Wiley to the Donmar stage for the first time. Throughout all these shows you’ll find the Donmar’s DNA – excellent productions, starring outstanding actors, all experienced up close in our intimate theatre.
“We are all too aware that with the hard realities of both cost-of-living and housing crises, younger audiences could be feeling priced out of making theatre a part of their lives. We want everyone to have the chance to experience the Donmar, and we have therefore made a brand new commitment to ensuring that across the season there will be thousands of £20 tickets available for audiences aged 35 and under.
“Today we are also announcing our flagship production from our Donmar LOCAL programme – a schools’ tour this summer of an adapted version of Macbeth. Taking theatre into secondary schools for free, often giving young people their first experience of theatre, is a vital part of building audiences for the future.
www.helenmurrayphotos.com
“Putting a season together like this is an enormous team effort, so I’m very grateful to my joint CEO Henny Finch and the whole Donmar team for all their hard work, skill and care. I’m also delighted to introduce Titas Halder, in the new role of Associate Artistic Director, another cornerstone of our embedded talent development initiatives.
“The Donmar remains destination theatre, please do join us for a night out to remember.”
Generously supported by Charles Holloway OBE, Season Supporter
Priority booking for Donmar supporters opens from 25th June, with public booking opening on 3 July at 9am.
Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook: @donmarwarehouse
THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE FEAR OF 13 by Lindsey Ferrentino Based on the documentary film by David Sington
Cast includes: Adrien Brody
Directed by Justin Martin Set design byMiriam Buether Costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel Lighting design by Jon Clark Sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph Video design by Ash J Woodward Composer and Music Director DJ Walde Casting Director Anna Cooper CDG
4 October 2024 – 30 November 2024
“The first thing you should know is that this is true. It’s what actually happened.
I know it seems like it’s a story – inside of a story – inside of a story.
–but that’s how it is for most people. At least the ones in here.”
Nick’s got a story to tell you. About how a routine traffic stop turned into a conviction for murder. About how he spent the next 22 years on Death Row. About how he finally petitioned the court to ask not for an appeal, but for his execution date. And about what happened next…
Based on the extraordinary true story of Nick Yarris, Academy Award winner Adrien Brody makes his London theatre debut in the world premiere of The Fear of 13; a new play by Lindsey Ferrentino (Ugly Lies the Bone) directed by Justin Martin (Prima Facie)
Following a successful partnership with Clean Break in 2023, the Donmar Warehouse will be partnering with the company again this Autumn to offer up to 8 volunteering placements across front of house roles to provide employability skills to women aged 18 and above who have lived experience of the criminal justice system or are at risk of entering it. Clean Break is a women’s theatre company, changing lives and minds, on stage, in prison and in the community.
Lindsey Ferrentino is an American playwright with three world premieres in the 2024 season. In May, she opened The Artist in the UK (co-adapted with Drew McConie, Theatre Royal Plymouth), and this August, she will premiere the new musical The Queen of Versailles (book by Lindsey Ferrentino, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, starring Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham, The Colonial Theater). Her other produced plays include Ugly Lies the Bone (Lyttleton at National Theatre, Roundabout Theatre Company, New York, with over 100 productions worldwide), Amy and the Orphans (Roundabout Theatre Company), This Flat Earth (Playwrights Horizons), and The Year to Come (La Jolla Playhouse). Her plays have been translated into Spanish, German, and Portuguese and have been produced across the US, in London, Germany, Spain, and Venezuela. This winter, she will direct her first feature film – an adaptation of her play Amy and the Orphans for Jason Bateman’s Aggregate Films. She is the recipient of The Arc’s prize for Entertainment Industry Excellence for her writing centered on disability inclusion. Other prizes include: the Kesserling, ASCAP Cole Porter Playwriting Prize, Paul Newman Drama Award, Laurents/Hatcher Award, NYU Distinguished Alumna Award, and Hunter College’s 40 Under 40 Distinguished Alumna.
Adrien Brody is an Academy Award-winning actor, producer, composer and painter best known for The Pianist, for which he won the Oscar for Best Actor. For television, he has starred in HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Los Angeles Lakers and the acclaimed crime drama Peaky Blinders. He garnered Emmy nominations for his performances as Harry Houdini in Houdini and investor Josh Aaronson in HBO’s acclaimed drama series Succession. His film credits include Asteroid City, King Kong, The Darjeeling Limited, The French Dispatch, and Midnight in Paris. His forthcoming films include Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist.
Justin Martin directs. For theatre, his credits include Kyoto (RSC/Good Chance co-production), Stranger Things – The First Shadow (Olivier Award for Best Entertainment), The Jungle (A Young Vic/National Theatre co-production which played at the Young Vic, West End, St Ann’s Warehouse and in San Francisco and Washington DC – Obie (Southbank Sky Arts Award and a Broadway World Award for Best Direction) – all co-directed with Stephen Daldry. His other credits include Suzie Miller’s Prima Facie with Jodie Comer (West End and Broadway, with the NT Live broadcast being the highest earning event cinema of all time). His other theatre work includes Low Level Panic (Galway Theatre Festival, Irish tour and Australia, Last Chance: A Plea For the Unaccompanied Children of Calais (Young Vic), The Nether (Seymour Centre, Sydney), Far Away (fortyfivedownstairs, Melbourne), Fifty Two (Leicester Square Theatre), Good Chance/No Chance (as part of the Southbank Centre’s Festival of Love), Harvey and Frieda (Arcola Theatre), Street (Mick Laly Theatre – Galway Theatre Festival), The Kitchen (HM Theatre, Victoria) and Skintight (fortyfivedownstairs, Melbourne). His long collaboration with Daldry also includes as Associate Director on The Inheritance, Skylight and The Audience (West End and Broadway). He is an associate artist with Good Chance Theatre, and was the inaugural recipient of the Roger Leach Award for Theatre. In 2021 he co-directed the critically acclaimed and BAFTA Award-winning film Together with Stephen Daldry for Sonia Friedman Productions, BBC Films, and Shoebox Films (starring James McAvoy and Sharon Horgan). His other screen credits include The Lovers for Sky Atlantic, Sundance and AMC, the first two seasons of the award-winning Netflix series The Crown, the upcoming Netflix film The Beautiful Game, and the NT Live performances of Prima Facie,Skylight and The Audience.
THE UK PREMIERE OF
NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 Music, lyrics, book and orchestrations by Dave Malloy
Directed by Tim Sheader Choreography by Ellen Kane Musical Supervisor Nicholas Skilbeck Set design by Leslie Travers Costume design by Evie Gurney Sound design by Nick Lidster and Gareth Tucker for Autograph Musical Director Sam Young Casting Director Pippa Ailion CDG for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting Associate Director Fiona Dunn
7 December 2024 – 8 February 2025
“Gonna have to study up a little bit If you wanna keep with the plot Cuz it’s a complicated Russian novel Everyone’s got nine different names So look it up in your program We’d appreciate it, thanks a lot. Da da da Da da da Da da da”
Arriving in the glittering opulent world of Moscow High Society, the impulsive and romantic Natasha Rostova awaits the return of her fiancé from the front lines. But when she falls under the spell of an intoxicating aristocrat, it is up to the unlikely hero, Pierre, to pick up the pieces of her shattered reputation.
Inspired by a scandalous slice of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, multi-award-winning Dave Malloy’s dazzling, genre-defying musical is a ravishing party from start to finish.
Nominated for 12 Tony Awards on Broadway, this brand new Donmar production is directed by Artistic Director Tim Sheader in its UK premiere. His international Olivier Award-winning musical productions include Jesus Christ Superstar and Into the Woods.
Dave Malloy is an award-winning composer, writer, performer, and orchestrator. He has written music for eighteen musicals, including Three Houses, a post-pandemic open mic night parable about magic, madness, and the end of the world; The Witches, an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel at the National Theatre in London; Love Around the Block, a musical commissioned by Hermѐs for the grand opening of their new flagship store in New York City; Moby-Dick, a four-part musical reckoning with Herman Melville’s epic; Octet, a chamber choir musical about internet addiction; Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (12 Tony nominations, including Best Musical, Score, Book, and Orchestrations); Ghost Quartet, a song cycle about love, death, and whiskey; Preludes, a musical fantasia set in the hypnotised mind of Sergei Rachmaninoff; Three Pianos, a drunken romp through Schubert’s “Winterreise”; Beowulf—A Thousand Years of Baggage, an anti-academia rock opera; Beardo, a reinterpretation of the Rasputin myth; Sandwich, a musical about killing animals; and Clown Bible, Genesis to Revelation told through clowns. He has won three Obie Awards, a Smithsonian Ingenuity Award, a Drama Desk Award, a Lortel Award, a Theater World Award, the Richard Rodgers Award, an ASCAP New Horizons Award, and a Jonathan Larson Grant; has been a MacDowell fellow and Composer-in-Residence at Ars Nova; and is a Residency 5 Writer at the Signature Theatre. His upcoming work includes a musical adaptation of the film Black Swan.
Tim Sheader is Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive of the Donmar Warehouse. He was previously Artistic Director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where he directed over 20 productions, including the Olivier and Evening Standard Award-winning musicals Into the Woods (also Central Park’s Delacorte Theater), Hello Dolly, Crazy For You (also West End), and Jesus Christ Superstar which, following two sold out seasons at Regent’s Park and a transfer to the Barbican, has been touring the US for three years, is currently on tour in the UK and opens in Australia this September. His critically acclaimed production of To Kill a Mockingbird also toured the UK ending with a sell-out run at the Barbican. Committed to taking the company’s work to as wide an audience as possible, he oversaw further UK tours of productions including Pride and Prejudice, Lord of the Flies and Running Wild. His other stage work includes The Monstrous Child (Royal Opera House), My Fair Lady (Aarhus Theatre), Barnum (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Magistrate (National Theatre), Don Pasquale (Opera National de Lorraine and upcoming in Lausanne and Nice).
THE WORLD PREMIERE OF BACKSTROKE Written and directed by Anna Mackmin
Cast includes: Tamsin Greig, Celia Imrie Design by Lez Brotherston Lighting design by Paule Constable Casting Director Anna Cooper CDG
14 February 2025 – 12 April 2025
“Just let go. Let your body float. You’ll still be here but it’ll feel like flying in a dream.”
Bo is busy – balancing the pressures of work and the needs of her struggling daughter. When her mother, the irrepressible force-of-nature Beth, is admitted to hospital following a stroke, the practical realities of the present collide with the complexities of their past.
Celia Imrie and Tamsin Greig play mother and daughter in this kaleidoscopic and compassionate new play, written and directed by Anna Mackmin.
Anna Mackmin returns to the Donmar – she previously directed The Dark. Her first novel Devoured was published by Propolis 2018. It was shortlisted for the Desmond Elliot prize, won the New Angles book of the year and the East Anglian book award for best novel. Her other work as a director includes The Divine Mrs S (Hampstead Theatre), Woman in Mind (Chichester Festival Theatre), Di and Viv and Rose (Hampstead Theatre/Vaudeville Theatre), Hedda Gabler, The Real Thing, Dancing at Lughnasa (The Old Vic), Really Old, Like Forty Five; Chatroom, Burn & Citizenship (National Theatre), Hedda Gabler, Ghosts (Gate Theatre Dublin), In Celebration, Under the Blue Sky (Duke of York’s), Dying for It, The Lightning Play (Almeida Theatre), Mammals (Bush Theatre/tour), Breathing Corpses, Food Chain (Royal Court Theatre), Auntie and Me (Wyndham’s Theatre/Gaiety Theatre Dublin), In Flame (Bush Theatre/Ambassadors Theatre), Airswimming (Battersea Arts Centre), Me and My Girl, The Crucible, Iphigenia, Teeth ‘n’ Smiles, and The Arbor (Sheffield Theatres).
Tamsin Greig plays Bo. Her theatre credits includes The Deep Blue Sea (Theatre Royal Bath), Peggy for You, iHo (Hampstead Theatre), Talking Heads Live: Nights in The Garden of Spain (Bridge Theatre), A Kind of Alaska/Landscape (Harold Pinter Theatre), Labour of Love (Noël Coward Theatre), Twelfth Night (National Theatre), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Playhouse Theatre), Jumpy (Royal Court Theatre), God of Carnage (Gielgud Theatre), The Little Dog Laughed (Garrick Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (RSC and Novello – Olivier & Critics Award for Best Actress), and Gethsemane (National Theatre). Her television work includes The Completely Made Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, Suspect, Sexy Beast, The Amazing Mr Blunden, The Diary of Anne Frank, Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads, Belgravia, Elementary, Diana and I, Inside No 9, The Guilty, White Heat, Episodes (BAFTA Best Comedy Performance nomination), Friday Night Dinner (BAFTA Best Comedy Performance nomination), Emma, Green Wing (Royal Television Society Award for Best Actress, BAFTA Best Comedy Performance nomination), and Black Books (British Comedy Award nomination for Best Actress); and for film, Land of Legend, My Happy Ending, Official Secrets, Romeo and Juliet, Days of the Bagnold Summer, Tamara Drewe (Nominated BIFA Best Supporting Actress), The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Breaking the Bank, and Stop the World.
Celia Imrie returns to the Donmar to play Beth – she previously appeared in Polar Bears and Habeas Corpus. Her other theatre work includes Party Time / Celebration, The Hothouse (Harold Pinter Theatre), Noises Off (The Old Vic), Hay Fever (Rose Theatre Kingston), The Rivals (Southwark Playhouse), Mixed Up North (Wilton’s Music Hall), Plague Over England (Duchess Theatre), Unsuspecting Susan (King’s Head/59th Street Theatre, New York), Acorn Antiques: The Musical (Theatre Royal Haymarket, Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical), The School for Scandal (RSC), Dona Rosita the Spinster (Almeida Theatre), and The Sea (National Theatre, Clarence Derwent Award for Best Supporting Actress). Her television work includes The Diplomat, Better Things, Short Adam, Keeping Faith, Hang Ups, Patrick Melrose, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Vicious, Our Zoo, Blandings, Coming Up, Love & Marriage, Doctor Who, Titanic, The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff, Cranford, After You’ve Gone, Kingdom, Still Game; Doctor Zhivago, Daniel Deronda, Sparkhouse, Absolutely Fabulous, Love in a Cold Climate, Gormenghast, dinnerladies, Microsoap, Duck Patrol, The History of Tom Jones and Wokenwell; and for film, Good Grief, Love Again, Love Sarah, Nativity Rocks!, Malevolent, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, Finding Your Feet, A Cure for Wellness, Bridget Jones’s Baby, Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, Year by the Sea, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?!, What We Did on Our Holiday, The Love Punch, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, You will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, St Trinian’s 2: The Legend of Fool’s Gold, St Trinian’s, Nanny McPhee, Imagine Me & You, Wah-Wah, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Wimbledon, Out of Bounds, Calendar Girls, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Hillary and Jackie, The Borrowers, In The Bleak Midwinter, Frankenstein, Highlander, and the forthcoming The Thursday Murder Club and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. She was awarded the Women in Film and Television Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
During the production of Backstroke the Donmar Warehouse will be working with local charity Arts for Dementia to create a bespoke training and insights programme for staff, freelancers and creative teams, to understand more about dementia, the role of carers and how they can access support and advice. Arts for Dementia will work closely with Donmar teams to design and create the programme of activity, expanding on their work with leading arts organisations.
INTIMATE APPAREL
by Lynn Nottage
Cast includes: Samira Wiley
Directed by Lynette Linton
Design by Alex Berry
Lighting design by Jai Morjaria
Sound design by George Dennis
Video design by Gino Ricardo Green
Composer XANA
Casting Director Anna Cooper CDG & Lotte Hines CDG
20 June 2025 – 9 August 2025
“Do you think there’s something wrong with a woman alone?”
New York, 1905. Emmy Award winner Samira Wiley plays Esther, who sews exquisite lingerie for women from all walks of life. Successful and fiercely independent, she dreams of opening her own beauty salon, but can’t shake the longing to fall in love. When she begins to receive beautiful letters from a lonesome stranger, it looks like it could just be her ticket to happiness.
Double Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Lynn Nottage reunites with director Lynette Linton (Critics’ Circle Best Director for Blues for an Alabama Sky) for this new production of one of Nottage’s most acclaimed plays, following their sell-out productions of Sweat and Clyde’s for the Donmar.
Lynn Nottage is a playwright and a screenwriter, and the first woman to win two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama. Her recent work includes Clyde’s (Guthrie), the musical adaptation of The Secret Life of Bees (Atlantic Theater), the Opera adaptation of Intimate Apparel composed by Ricky Ian Gordon, commissioned by and premiering at Lincoln Center Theater; and the musical MJ, featuring the music of Michael Jackson (Broadway, and West End). Nottage’s plays include Sweat (Donmar Warehouse and West End, Pulitzer Prize, Evening Standard Award for Best New Play, Olivier Award Nomination for Best Play), Mlima’s Tale (Lortel Nomination, Outer Critics Circle Nomination), By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (Lilly Award), Ruined (Almeida Theatre, Pulitzer Prize, Obie Award, South Bank Sky Award Nomination, Evening Standard Nomination), Intimate Apparel (Theatre Royal Bathl, Park Theatre, American Theatre Critics, New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards; Shortlist for Evening Standard Award), Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine (Tricycle Theatre), and Decade/The Odds (Headlong). She also developed This is Reading, a groundbreaking multimedia performance installation in Reading, PA. She was a writer and producer on the first season of the Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It, directed by Spike Lee. Nottage is a Professor at Columbia University School of the Arts, and the recipient of a MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellowship, Steinberg “Mimi” Distinguished Playwright Award, Doris Duke Artists Award, and PEN/Laura Pels Master Playwright Award, amongst others. She is also a member of the Dramatists Guild and the Theater Hall of Fame.
Samira Wiley plays Esther. She stars as Moira on Hulu’s prestige drama The Handmaid’s Tale, a role that earned her an Emmy win, four Emmy nominations, an NAACP Image Award nomination and four SAG Award nominations. She is currently shooting the action-adventure series Atomic for Sky in Morocco. In 2022, she headlined the acclaimed Blues for an Alabama Sky at the National Theatre in London. She is also well known for her SAG Award winning performance as inmate Poussey on Orange Is the New Black. Wiley’s past film credits include Breaking News in Yuba County, Detroit, Social Animals, 37, Nerve, Rob The Mob, Being Flynn, The Sitter and Vault. Additional television credits include HBO’s Equal, Netflix’s Love, Death and Robots, a starring role on Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on TV, recurring roles on You’re the Worst and Unforgettable. Wiley has starred in the Off-Broadway play Daphne’s Dive, multiple productions with Moliere in the Park in Brooklyn, and Theatre of War’s production of Antigone in Ferguson. She was recently Co-Producer for the Broadway play Thoughts of a Colored Man. She is a graduate of The Juilliard School.
Lynette Linton is the Artistic Director of the Bush Theatre. She was previously Resident Assistant Director at the Donmar Warehouse. For the Donmar, her credits include Clyde’s and Sweat (also West End; Best Director, Black British Theatre Awards).Her other productions include Shifters, August in England, House Of Ife and Chiaroscuro (Bush Theatre), Blues for an Alabama Sky (National Theatre, Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Director and Critics’ Circle Award for Best Director), Richard II (co-directed with Adjoa Andoh, marking the first ever company of women of colour in a Shakespeare play on a major UK stage) (Shakespeare’s Globe), Assata Taught Me (Gate Theatre) Function (National Youth Theatre) This Is (Arts Educational School), Indenture (Dark Horse Festival), Naked (Vault Festival), This Wide Night (Albany Theatre). She was also co-director on Chicken Palace (Theatre Royal Stratford East). As assistant/associate director her credits include The York Realist, Belleville, The Lady from The Sea and Knives in Hens (Donmar Warehouse), Torn (Royal Court), Image of An Unknown Young Woman, The Christians (Gate Theatre), Gutted (Theatre Royal Stratford East), and The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Noel Coward Theatre). As a writer her productions include Hashtag Lightie (Arcola Theatre), and Chicken Palace and Step (Theatre Royal Stratford East). For television, her credits include My Name is Leon; and as writer: Look At Me.
Macbeth: Something Wicked
Schools’ Tour
20 June – 12 July 2024
By Eleanor Tindall, adapted from The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Directed by Milli Bhatia Set and costume design by Shankho Chaudhuri Sound design and composition by Sam Jones Movement direction by Theophilus O. Bailey Casting Director Anna Cooper CDG and Charlotte Sumner-Hughes
Macbeth: Ashley Gerlach Witch and ensemble: Lucy Jamieson Lady Macbeth: Nadi Kemp-Sayfi Witch and ensemble: Bryony Maguire Witch and ensemble: Joshua Sinclair-Evans
Shakespeare’s classic tale of vaulting ambition and its bloody consequences gets a powerful new adaptation in this innovative production for young audiences. Adapted by Eleanor Tindall and directed by Milli Bhatia, Macbeth: Something Wickedputs the spotlight on twisted definitions of masculinity and the circular nature of violence.
Macbeth: Something Wicked will tour to 17 schools across Camden and Westminster this summer, reaching over 3500 young people. The Schools’ Tour is generously supported by Camden Council and Westminster City Council and is a flagship production from the Donmar’s LOCAL programme.
THE AWARD-WINNING PLAY WHICH INSPIRED NETFLIX’S HIT COMEDY SHOW
5 SEPTEMBER – 26 OCTOBER 2024
“There’s humour and heart in every aisle”
● THE SMASH HIT PRODUCTION TRANSFERS FROM PARK THEATRE TO RIVERSIDE STUDIOS FOR A LIMITED 8 WEEK RUN FROM 5 SEPT – 26 OCT 2024.
● THIS AWARD-WINNING CANADIAN PLAY INSPIRED THE CBC AND NETFLIX’S ADAPTATION AND GLOBAL TV COMEDY SENSATION.
● KOREAN/CANADIAN PLAYWRIGHT, SCREENWRITER AND ACTOR INS CHOI RETURNS TO THE UK TO REPRISE HIS STARRING ROLE AS APPA.
● SIGN UP TO BE THE FIRST TO ACCESS TICKETS. TICKETS GO ON GENERAL SALE FROM 10AM ON WEDNESDAY 10 JULY 2024.
Adam Blanshay Productions and Park Theatre today announce Ins Choi’s award-winning play Kim’s Convenience,which inspired the CBC and Netflix’s global hit TV comedy adaptation of the same name, will transfer to Riverside Studios this Autumn following a previously sold-out European Premiere at Park Theatre earlier this year.
The production, returning by popular demand, will run for a strictly limited season of 8 weeks from 5 September to 26 October. Sign up for Priority Booking to be the first to access tickets. Tickets will be available from £25 and will go on general sale at 10am on 10 July 2024.
The comedy drama follows the hilarious and heart-warming tale of a Korean family-run convenience store. Writer and actor Ins will also reprise his starring role as Mr Kim (Appa) the proud, hardworking patriarch of the family. In the show Appa grapples with his changing neighbourhood and the growing schism between his first-generation immigrant values and those of his second-generation children.
Ins Choi, whose own experiences inspired the play, says this about reprising his role: “I’m very excited to return to the UK with this show. Last time we were by a park, this time we’re by the river. I was pleasantly surprised that British audiences resonated so much with my play. I can’t wait to share it with a whole new audience this time, especially with those who couldn’t get a ticket last time.”
Director Esther Jun, who also has a long history with the play, firstly having been cast in the 2011 original production as daughter Janet alongside Ins who played son Jung, returns to direct the Riverside transfer. She adds: “Appa and his family were welcomed with open arms when we were last here and I look forward to re-opening the store for another legion of theatre loving customers. Kim’s is a true generational play with so much heart, truth and laughter. It’s such a gift to see how it continues to resonate for different cultures and ages at different times in people’s lives.”
In addition, audiences will also be able to experience a pop-up Kim’s Convenience kiosk in the Riverside Studios foyer. Seoul Plaza, a family-owned chain of Korean food stores based in the UK, will be setting up shop, bringing an authentic taste of Korea and also Canada to theatre-goers. Korean and Canadian snacks and drinks as well as kimbap (seaweed rice rolls) and noodles will be available to purchase pre and post-show.
Seoul Plaza’s Dan Suh adds: “As a family business specialising in Korean groceries, we were utterly compelled to support Kim’s Convenience as this story holds much resonance with our own. We are massive fans of the play and TV show and we hope audiences will experience a flavour of Kim’s Convenience and take away some of the show’s groceries which will be on offer, and of course, enjoy the play!”
Adam Blanshay, the show’s Canadian/UK based producer adds: “Park Theatre and I are overjoyed to be bringing Mr Kim and his beloved family back to London after being so warmly embraced by audiences earlier in the year. The play’s universal message resounds so deeply, and every audience member leaves the theatre feeling a personal connection to the legacy that encapsulates the Kim family journey. Come laugh, cry, and eat!”
The play’s Autumn staging in the UK precedes a triumphant homecoming to Toronto’s acclaimed Soulpepper Theatre in January 2025, 14 years after winning the Patron’s Pick award at the 2011 Toronto Fringe Festival where it premiered. The storyline continues to win many plaudits for its ground-breaking East Asian representation and rare foregrounding of their characters and their stories.
Full cast starring alongside Ins Choi and the creative team will be announced shortly.
Kim’s Convenience is presented by ADAM BLANSHAY PRODUCTIONS AND PARK THEATRE.
THE FRIENDS OF THE DRAMA CENTRE LONDON DONATE £70,000 TO OPEN DOOR
Open Door today announce that they have received a £70,000 donation from The Friends of the Drama Centre London. This generous donation will enable Open Door to continue its vital work in helping provide budding actors and behind-the-scenes creatives from low income households with the opportunity to enter the industry.
The Friends of the Drama Centre London was formed in 1994 by Frances de la Tour, Pierce Brosnan and a group of like-minded graduates with the aim of providing hardship funding for Drama Centre students and advancing drama education more generally.
Many students who experienced financial hardship benefited from funds and other support during their training. The Friends of the Drama Centre London were able to react almost immediately to requests for help towards maintenance and living costs and a number of their graduates were only able to complete their courses because of help from the fund for vital items such as travel cards, emergency medical expenses, counselling, meals, assistance with rent and utilities bills and occasionally help towards fees.
Similarly, Open Door was launched by actor David Mumeni in 2017 to help provide budding actors and behind-the-scenes creatives from low income households with the opportunity to enter the industry. The organisation counts Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Riz Ahmed and David Morrissey among its supporters and in December 2022, was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the British Independent Film Awards. Its participants are already making waves in the industry, with graduate Jerome Lance securing a leading role in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds, Dionne Brown who landed a leading role in upcoming Apple TV+ series Criminal Record alongside Cush Jumbo and Peter Capaldi, as well as multiple participants landing roles at the National Theatre, Regents Park Open Air Theatre and at The Old Vic.
Founder of Open Door, and Drama Centre alumnus David Mumeni said today: “We are so grateful to the Friends of Drama Centre for this generous donation to Open Door. It means we are able to continue our work and support more people who need it. Being an ex-student of Drama Centre myself, and the fundamentals in acting training there being part inspiration for the organisation, makes this even more special.”
The Friends of the Drama Centre London added: “We are immensely proud of the work of The Friends over the last twenty-eight years, and thrilled that our donation to Open Door can help nurture and support the next generation of actors and theatre makers who are experiencing hardship and difficulties in the expensive and arduous task of preparing to apply for places in drama schools and other training institutions. We also hope that our donation will honour the generosity of our original supporters and in some way serve as a legacy for staff and students of the school.”
As factors such as the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing barriers to the industry continue to have a disproportionate impact on those from lower-income backgrounds, Open Door once again supports emerging talent preparing to graduate from Drama School who had not previously been involved with the organisation.
For further information please visit opendoor.org.uk.
Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK announce the world premiere of
PETE TOWNSHEND’S
QUADROPHENIA, A MOD BALLET
@quadmodballet
Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK are delighted to announce the world premiere of Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet, which has its Scottish premiere at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh on 10 – 14 June 2025.
In 1973, guitar smashing rock genius Pete Townshend wrote QUADROPHENIA. Recorded by The Who – it quickly became an iconic and multi-million selling album. Quadrophenia defined a generation and in 1979 inspired the cult classic feature film of the same name.
Now it’s back – this time as an explosive dance production – Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet – with a cast of exceptional dancers, introducing new audiences to troubled mod Jimmy’s story while remaining true in spirit to the much-loved original. Quadrophenia is steeped in the mythology of the 1960s – sharp suits, soul music, vespas and parkas but its themes of lost youth, rebellion, the search for belonging and hunger for social change are just as urgent today.
Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet will tour to Plymouth Theatre Royal (28 May – 1 June 2025), Edinburgh Festival Theatre (10 – 14 June 2025) and the Mayflower, Southampton (18 – 21 June 2025) before having its official opening at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London (24 June – 13 July 2025) and then visiting The Lowry, Salford (15 – 19 July 2025).
A rich, orchestral arrangement of the album by Rachel Fuller and Martin Batchelar, first heard in concert version at The Royal Albert Hall and recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is the backdrop for this brand new production.
Choreographer Paul Roberts and Director Rob Ashford bring together some of the UK’s finest creative talent from the worlds of music, theatre, film and dance. With original costumes by renowned British fashion house Paul Smith and Natalie Pryce, projection by Nick Hillel and lighting design by Fabiana Piccioli. The creative team bring new dimensions to the raw energy and emotion of one of the UK’s most iconic rock albums.
Pete Townshend said: ‘QUADROPHENIA is the only Who album that I solely composed and produced (1973) and the movie that followed in 1979 launched the careers of some of the finest young actors of the time. In 2016 Rachel Fuller agreed to create an orchestral score of the album. When I first heard a demo of this version, without vocals, my first thought was that it would make a powerfully rhythmic and emotionally engaging ballet. Workshopped in 2023, that thought became a reality and I knew we had something that would resonate with new audiences, and also bring joy, as it had in its other iterations for decades. The themes of young people growing up in difficult times are still so relevant. It’s going to be poignant, tender and poetic and epic.’
Sir Alistair Spalding CBE, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Sadler’s Wells, said ‘It’s an honour for Sadler’s Wells to be a collaborator and lead producer of this unique production. Quadrophenia is a story crying out to be told through dance and with this talented creative team we can be sure that we can achieve its full potential. Working closely with Pete Townshend and his team and our regular collaborator Universal Music UK we can each bring our particular skills and knowledge to make this classic of The Who’s discography a powerful and meaningful story for our time.’
David Joseph, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music UK, said: ‘When Rachel and Pete came to me with the idea of a Quadrophenia ballet with extraordinary new arrangements, it was probably one of the easiest ‘we’re in’ moments I’ve had. We’ve had a long-standing relationship with Alistair and the Sadler’s Wells team so they were the obvious next call, and they just got it immediately. Our only conditions for this project were artistic and creative excellence, which each partner has delivered in abundance. Finally, I must thank Paul Roberts, whose genius has lifted the whole production into something we are all so proud of.’
Paul Roberts said: ‘Quadrophenia has already inspired me so much, bringing its legacy forward and discovering its voice in movement created so much emotive energy and passion every time we entered the workshop room. I know that taking our next big step into rehearsals will stimulate so much more excitement and our generous, brilliant, madly talented young cast offer nothing but vitality to this iconic story. I can’t wait!’
Rob Ashford said:’I’m excited at the idea of art forms evolving and emerging into new territory. That’s certainly what’s happening with Quadrophenia. I’m thrilled to collaborate with these brilliant artists on this dance /theatre piece. The music is timeless in its orchestral form and makes the perfect backdrop as we tell the story of Jimmy, and evoke a world of Mods and Rockers.’
INTERIOR DESIGN LEGEND LAURENCE LLEWELYN-BOWEN WILL MAKE HIS PROFESSIONAL THEATRE SET DESIGN DEBUT FOR THE BARN’S FESTIVE PRODUCTION
25 NOVEMBER 2024 – 04 JANUARY 2025 TICKETS ON SALE HERE
Artistic Director Iwan Lewis, and the whole team at The Barn Theatre are delighted to announce that legendary interior designer, TV personality and Cirencester’s own Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen will be making his professional theatre set design debut this year, as he joins the creative team of The Three Musketeers, bringing his unique creative vision to the show.
The Three Musketeers will run at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester from Monday 25 November 2024 to Saturday 4 January, with a press night on Wednesday 27 November.
Determined to avenge his beloved father and become a Musketeer, D’Artagnan heads to Paris where he meets the dashing Athos, Porthos and Aramis – but also femme fatale Milady, and beautiful Conny – who wastes no time in plunging him into an intrigue to preserve the honour of the Queen, avert a war with England and defeat his father’s arch enemy – evil Cardinal Richelieu…!!
The perfect swash-buckling Festive five-star musical adventure for all the family which brings D’Artagnan more than he could possibly have imagined, or even dared to dream…Join The Barn this Christmas for some rip-roaring thrills that will have you dancing and singing from here to the French countryside!
If you liked Treasure Island, then you’re going to love this one!
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen said of the collaboration, “I’m struggling to contain my excitement for The Three Musketeers – my head is full to the brim of Main Character Cavalier design. There’ll be more feathers, floppier cuffs, twirlier moustaches and much much more panache than the Cotswolds has seen since I moved here 18 years ago. I’m loving supporting The Barn Theatre, it’s been such a phenomenal success story which we Cirencester residents are so very proud of.”
Chief Executive and Artistic Director Iwan Lewis said, “Laurence Llewelyn Bowen is a National Treasure and a local Cotswold Legend! After flirting with the idea of working together for a number of years, we finally found the perfect project. Laurence often talks about giving back to his community, and what better way than supercharging the Christmas show at the little Barn Theatre? He’s channelling the spirit of Alexandre Dumas’ iconic line “All for one, and one for all,’ We are truly excited to have Laurence bring his extraordinary vision to our stage.”
The Three Musketeers will be written by Alan Pollock, directed by Bryan Hodgson, with a score composed by LeeFreeman and lyrics by Mark Anderson, Andrew Hopkins as Musical Director, Joe Dines as sound designer, and with casting by Harry Blumenau Casting.
West End LIVE 2024 in pictures and numbers: over 70,000 theatre fans come together in Trafalgar Square for Europe’s biggest free musical theatre festival
Over 70,000 people flocked to London’s Trafalgar Square this weekend (Sat 22 & Sun 23 June) for West End LIVE, Europe’s biggest free theatre festival which has been hailed as ‘Glastonbury for theatre lovers’. Theatre fans travelled from all over the UK and even further afield for this unique and hotly anticipated event, presented on the Saturday by theatre stars Bradley Jaden and Mazz Murray, and on the Sunday by Cedric Neal and Zizi Strallen.
The weekend was packed with 11 hours of performances from an impressive line-up of over 50 of London’s top shows.
Musicals on the bill included West End LIVE favourites Back To The Future The Musical, The Book Of Mormon, Cabaret, The Choir Of Man, Disney’s Frozen, Hamilton, Heathers The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, RSC’s Matilda The Musical, Les Misérables, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Phantom Of The Opera, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical and Wicked.
These shows were joined by new hit productions making their West End LIVE debuts, including The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Fangirls, Hadestown, Kathy & Stella Solve A Murder!, Mean Girls, MJ The Musical, Mrs Doubtfire, Standing At The Sky’s Edge, Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York), Why Am I So Single? and Your Lie In April.
There were also special performances from West End stars Carrie Hope Fletcher, Mazz Murray (who also presented Saturday’s showcase) and John Owen-Jones, with Westway Music hosting a special slot featuring stars from their exciting roster of theatre performers including Christine Allado, Luke Bayer and Rachel Tucker, alongside recent Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas.
Videos of the performances posted to the Official London Theatre YouTube channel have already accumulated over 2.1 million views, with that figure growing by the minute. Overall, the West End LIVE and Official London Theatre social channels had a reach of 1.8 million across the weekend.
West End LIVE would not be possible without the ongoing partnership between Westminster City Council and Society of London Theatre, or the support of TikTok, London Heritage Quarter, Art of London, ATG, ASDA, The Crown Estate, Disney On Stage, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, FM Conway, Fujifilm, Heart of London Business Alliance, New West End Company, Nimax Theatres, Regent Street and St James’s, LW Theatres, Shaftesbury Capital, Theatre Royal Haymarket, Trafalgar Entertainment, Veolia and Ontix.
Following a successful UK, Ireland and International tour from 2021 – 2023 the Award-winning Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical, featuring Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s greatest hits, will return to tour the UK in 2025, with performances beginning on 6 January 2025 at Edinburgh Playhouse, running through to 20 September 2025 in Northampton.
Inspired by the spectacular arena tour of Australia and New Zealand, this reimagined show promises to be a thrilling experience, featuring a dynamic eight-piece rock band on stage and sprawling multi-level platforms that will transport you through the diverse worlds of Bat Out of Hell, from Raven’s bedroom to the depths of the Lost’s underground domains.
Returning to the cast are Glenn Adamson (We Will Rock You, London Coliseum, Bat Boy in concert, London Palladium) as Strat, Katie Tonkinson (Bonnie and Clyde, UK & Ireland Tour) as Raven and original leading cast members Rob Fowler (MAMMA MIA!, UK & International tour, Tanz Der Vampire Das Musical, German tour) as Falco and Sharon Sexton (MAMMA MIA!, UK & International tour, Billy Elliot The Musical) as Sloane.
Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical wowed critics and public alike when it played limited seasons at Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum and London’s Dominion Theatre. The musical also had successful runs in Canada, Germany and New York, a residency in Las Vegas and the international tour took the show to the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Bat Out of Hell – The Musical won the Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical at the Evening Standard Awards and was nominated for 8 WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical.
Bat Out of Hell became one of the best-selling albums in history, selling over 68 million copies worldwide. 16 years after the release of the original album, Steinman scored again with Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell, which contained the massive hit I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).
For the stage musical, the legendary and award-winning Jim Steinman incorporated iconic songs from the Bat Out of Hell albums, including You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth, Bat Out of Hell, I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) and Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad, as well as the previously unreleased song What Part of My Body Hurts the Most.
As the Lost boys and girls flee into the tunnels below the city from its ruler Falco, his teenage daughter Raven locks eyes with fearless leader of the Lost, the immortal Strat, and the immensity of their love-at-first-sight-obsessions threaten to destroy both of their families. Experience the thrill of the electrifying songs of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s epic collaboration: “Bat Out of Hell.”
Bat Out of Hell – The Musical has book, music and lyrics by Jim Steinman, direction by Jay Scheib, with musical supervision and additional arrangements by Michael Reed, additional choreography by Xena Gusthart, set and costume design by Jon Bausor, original costume designs by Meentje Nielsen, original wig designs by Linda McKnight, video design by Finn Ross, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestration by Steve Sidwell, original casting by David Grindrod CDG and casting by Anne Vosser.
The West End & UK Tour of Bat Out of Hell – The Musical is produced by Michael Cohl, Tony Smith & David Sonenberg with executive producer Julian Stoneman.
