DIRECT FROM 2 WEST END SEASONS!

THE KITE RUNNER FLIES HIGH ACROSS THE UK

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Tuesday 8^th – Saturday 12^th May

The Kite Runner’s incredible stage success continues to soar to new heights!

Following two acclaimed West End seasons, when it played to over 100,000 people and received standing ovations at every performance, this unforgettable theatrical tour-de-force will now tour to 16 cities and towns across the UK and Ireland in 2018.

Based on Khaled Hosseini’s international best-selling novel, this haunting and powerful story has been adapted into a stunning stage production. A haunting tale of friendship which spans cultures and continents, it follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. Afghanistan is a divided country on the verge of war and two childhood friends are about to be torn apart. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul and the skies are full of the excitement and joy of a kite flying tournament. But neither Hassan or Amir can foresee the terrible incident which will shatter their lives forever…

The Kite Runner, published in 2003, was Khaled Hosseini’s first novel. It became an instant bestseller across the globe and has since been published in 70 countries, selling 31.5 million copies in 60 languages.

The Kite Runner is adapted by Matthew Spangler and directed by Giles Croft. It is produced by Martin Dodd for UK Productions and Derek Nicol & Paul Walden for Flying Entertainment. It was originally produced by Nottingham Playhouse and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse.

Tickets: From £20

Box Office: 0844 871 3024

Online: www.atgtickets.com/york

WORLD FAMOUS ORCHESTRA COMING TO DARLINGTON

The Hallé returns to Darlington on Monday 26 February.

Founded in Manchester by Sir Charles Hallé, the Hallé gave its first concert in the Free Trade Hall on 30 January 1858. The Hallé’s distinguished history of acclaimed performances includes over 70 concerts each year in The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, around 40 concerts a year around Britain, international tours, frequent broadcasts and televised performances.

Now in its 159th season, the Hallé ranks among the UK’s top symphonic ensembles.

Conductor Jonathon Heyward and the Hallé open this captivating concert with music from Grieg’s evocative Peer Gynt, which includes a glorious depiction of dawn, the thrilling Hall of the Mountain King and much more. No wonder it remains so popular!

Laurence Rogers is soloist in Richard Strauss’s youthful First Horn Concerto, firmly established as one of the best and most loved concertos for the instrument. Sibelius’s Second Symphony, with its sense of heroic struggle, immediately became an emblem for Finnish people in their battles against Russian oppression.

For more information or to book contact the box office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

BEST-SELLING CHILDREN’S PAPERBACK OF 2016 COMES TO THE STAGE IN DARLINGTON

The Birmingham Stage Company bring David Walliams’ Awful Auntie to Darlington Hippodrome from Wednesday 28 February to Sunday 4 March.

Citizens of Darlington are advised to watch out for a very large owl as well as the most awful Auntie in history. They will be up against a brave little girl and her ghostly friend in the world premiere production of David Walliams’ Awful Auntie at Darlington Hippodrome later this month.

This funny and exciting new show is from Birmingham Stage Company, the award-winning producers who brought David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny to the Hippodrome. David Walliams says: “The Birmingham Stage Company’s Gangsta Granny is truly brilliant, so I’m hugely excited that they’re now bringing Awful Auntie to the stage. It promises to be a thrilling show and a total hoot – Wagner the owl and I can’t wait to see it!”

Awful Auntie tells the story of Stella, who when she sets off to visit London with her parents had no idea her life was in danger. Waking up from a coma three months later, only her Aunt Alberta can tell Stella what has happened. But not everything Aunt Alberta tells her turns out to be true and Stella quickly discovers she’s in for the fight of her life against her very own awful Auntie!

Every family contains a fan of David Walliams’ books, so they won’t want to miss Awful Auntie when she comes to Darlington Hippodrome – it’s awfully thrilling fun for everyone over 5!

For more information or to book contact the box office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

GIFFORDS CIRCUS PERFORM AT SACKLER COURTYARD, VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM AHEAD OF UK WIDE TOUR

Yesterday, children and adults alike were given a half term treat that they wouldn’t forget, as the renowned Giffords Circus put on a show in Sackler Courtyard, V&A Museum, giving guests a taster of what to expect from their upcoming UK tour.

The performances took place to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of circus, with the V&A set to display one of founder and producer Nell Gifford’s most iconic costumes, in the prestigious costume galleries for the next twelve months. The circus owner and equestrienne wore the costume in Giffords’ 2017 show, Any Port in a Storm, and it was designed by internationally acclaimed designer, takis.

Giffords Circus will be touring their new show, My Beautiful Circus, across stunning iconic locations across the country. The show will open on Friday 4 May at Fennells Farm, Stroud with an official press night on Thursday 28 June at Chiswick House & Gardens, London.

In 1768 near Westminster Bridge, equestrian rider Philip Astley drew out a 42-foot circle and filled it with jugglers, acrobats, clowns, strong men and bareback horse riders. This spectacle was the world’s very first circus.

My Beautiful Circus will feature some of the classical acts such as: death-defying acrobatics, enchanting domestic animals and fan-favourite of Giffords Circus comedic genius, Tweedy the clown.  Circus-goers can enjoy dining at Giffords exclusive rustic restaurant, Circus Sauce that tours with them.  Circus Sauce serves a set 3-course menu that changes weekly, using seasonal produce from the surrounding area.

Founder, and producer Nell Gifford has said:

“We are so thrilled to be taking part of the celebration of the 250^th year of circus. Show director Cal McCrystal and I have been asking ourselves: What makes the circus so magnetic? What is conjured up by the word circus? Why do we want to run away with the circus? What would the most beautiful circus look like? I hope that next year’s show will answer all those questions and more.”

GIFFORDS CIRCUS – MY BEAUTIFUL CIRCUS 2018 TOUR DATES

www.giffordscircus.com

Box Office:  01242 691 181

Friday 4 May – Monday 14 May
Fennells Farm, Stroud

Thursday 17 May – Monday 21 May
Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe

Thursday 25 May – Monday 4 June
Daylesford Organic Farm, Kingham

Thursday 7 June – Monday 11 June
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Thursday 14 June – Monday 25 June
Oxford University Parks, Oxford

Thursday 28 June – Monday 9 July
Chiswick House & Gardens, London

Thursday 12 July – Monday 16 July
Windsor Great Park, Berkshire

Thursday 19 July – Monday 23 July
Stonor Park, Henley on Thames

Thursday 26 July – Monday 6 August
Barrington, Burford

Thursday 9 August – Monday 13 August
Village Green, Frampton on Severn

Thursday 16 August – Tuesday 28 August
Minchinhampton Common, Gloucestershire

Thursday 31 August – Monday 10 September
Marlborough Common, Wiltshire

Thursday 13 September – Monday 24 September
Stratton Meadows, Cirencester

Thursday 27 September- Sunday 30 September
Fennells Farm, Stroud

To purchase tickets across the tour please visit: 
www.giffordscircus.com

From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads
Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, London N6 5AA
Tuesday 6th – Saturday 10th March 2018
Live streaming: Thursday 8th March

Fresh from a successful UK tour, From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads will come to Jacksons Lane for a limited run this March. Celebrating David Bowie, one of the greatest musical figures of all time, this fantastic production has now played over 100 shows to delighted and enthralled audiences. For the first time, the show will also be live streamed on www.fromibiza.net on 8th March allowing the show to reach an international audience.

Martin, a young man who lives in a small Northamptonshire village, struggles with mental health issues. When he receives an unexpected gift on his 18th birthday, he goes to London following his obsession with Bowie where he is propelled on a surreal and thrilling journey. He performs on the stage where Ziggy Stardust was born, finds himself in Bowie’s bedroom and is led on a
treasure trail to discover the truth about himself and his family. What follows will change his life forever…

Director and writer Adrian Berry comments, When we started thinking about the show originally in 2015 our ambitions were to maybe do a little run in a London fringe theatre, 50 seats or so. Now over 100 performances later, to be playing such beautiful and big houses at some of the most prestigious venues in the country is more than we ever dreamt of. The response has been unexpected but hugely welcome. It’s still very recently that David passed away, so we hope we are serving his legacy in the best possible way.

With a blistering soundtrack, and nods to Bowie’s heroes and influences, From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads is a theatrical road movie, thrillingly evoking Bowie’s London. The production features Alex Walton (the lead actor in Suede’s Bowie homage ‘Night Thoughts’ film) and the voice of comedian Rob Newman as Bowie.

…this lament for the world’s misfits is given real clout by Walton, who plays a range of characters with impressive conviction but makes Martin so touchingly believable that you want to reach out a helping hand to stop him falling (The Guardian).

…a dream from which even the audience don’t want to wake up (Fest Magazine).

Cafe de Paris – 14 February 2018.  By Claire Roderick

There was glitter, glamour and romance aplenty at the Café de Paris this Valentine’s Day for the Strictly Ballroom the Musical launch party.

The iconic story of bad boy of ballroom Scott and his inexperienced partner Fran has touched the hearts and funny bones for decades, with its mix of cute kitsch and crassness that only the Australians can pull off – and this show looks like a sure-fire winner. With book by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce, and costumes by Catherine Martin, what could possibly go wrong?

Will Young hosted proceedings with his usual self-deprecating humour, looking perfect for his specially written role as band leader Wally Strand, serenading the crowd with a beautiful version of Time After Time as Jonny Labey and Zizi Strallen gave us a glimpse of their dance chemistry as Scott and Fran. Fernando Mira, as Fran’s father, then wowed us with a fiery and powerful Pasodoble.

Drew McOnie spoke passionately about the effect the original film had on his dancing, and the parallels between Scott and him, while Catherine Martin recalled the effect the original show, with its spirit of revolution, had on audiences in Bratislava before the Wall came down. There was a whole lot of love in the room – which reached its heights as the cast (with gloriously OTT costume and hair) danced around Will Young to Love Is In The Air. The smiles on everyone’s faces said it all.

And with all that fizz and love, let’s take a moment to toast the professionalism of the British press – not one of us screamed “FRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN” or “SSSCCCOOOOOOOOOOTT” (out loud).

Previews begin 29th March 2018 at the Piccadilly Theatre – this will be one of THE shows of the year.

Sarah Alles cast in Marion Bott’s
Moormaid
Arcola Theatre – Studio 2, 24 Ashwin Street, Dalston, London E8 3DL
Wednesday 18th April – Saturday 19th May 2018

Renowned German actress Sarah Alles has been cast in Marion Bott’s Moormaid – an explosive new play about two lost individuals’ search for freedom. Moormaid will mark both Alles and Bott’s UK debuts.

Set in Berlin, Moormaid is a thrilling chamber-play about self-destruction and rebirth that attempts to understand the fear currently gripping the European psyche, and the threats that may be posed by our own alienated youth. Bott’s inspiration for Moormaid came in 2014, when she discovered that two of her old classmates had travelled to Syria to fight for IS and didn’t come back. She was shocked by the banality with which the news was discussed and how this absurdity has now become a normality.

Moormaid tackles challenging and important issues that are often neglected: cultural differences, radicalisation, mental health, self-acceptance and isolation. It seeks to better understand the human beings caught up in extremism and the cages we build for ourselves that form our point of view.

Berlin. Eleven past eleven. Art teacher Melissa is about to do something drastic. Seeking a place to hide, her ex-pupil Mehdi interrupts her momentum. This meeting is the key to her questions as Melissa represents a depressed and fearful generation longing to break out. Medhi is the mirror of her darkest and greatest desires – he provokes and draws out all the suppressed aspects of her personality and brings them back to life, no matter how uncomfortable it becomes. Both embark on a turbulent journey, painting and battling their way through the past.

Bott comments, The shocking news about my classmates haunted me until I took the decision to seek and better understand, rather than to judge in ignorance. As I sought the uncomfortable truths, the story of Moormaid took shape. The play tackles hugely complex themes, which we hear on the news all the time, but I’m interested in the humans behind it. Especially the radicalised youth. It’s really important to listen to their rage, and instead of being scared and letting the fear grow: face it and transform it. And never forget to ask: where is the human
behind all this?”

Alles comments, I’m excited to be making my UK debut at Arcola Theatre and I’m looking forward to diving into this incredible new play. Melissa is a strong female character despite her struggles with her inner mind – she has built a cage around herself, like a dolls house that she has to live in. I hope we can make people wake up and see the cages they build and hopefully tear them into pieces

The full cast for this fantastic new play will be announced at the end of February. Moormaid has been kindly supported by Arts Council England and Arcola Theatre.

RIFCO STUDIO PRESENTS

PYAR ACTUALLY

AT THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST

By Sukh Ojla

Writer: Sukh Ojla

Director: Pravesh Kumar 

Designer: Rebecca Brower

Lighting Designer: Jack Weir

Sound Designer: Matt Eaton

Following a sold out tour in 2017, Sukh Ojla’s comedy drama Pyar Actually (Love Actually), returns to the main stage at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Tuesday 15^th May to Saturday 19^th May 2018.

The play follows thirty-something Polly whose picture perfect life is interrupted when her first love Bali gets in touch 20 years later. Sukh developed the play, which explores themes of duty, love and missed opportunities, through a series of community workshops, readings and peer-to-peer mentorship as part of the Rifco Associates programme.

Sukh Ojla is a writer, actress and stand up comedian. Pyar Actually is her first full-length play. She won Monologue Slam with her self-penned monologue Settling, has written and performed stand up comedy for the Alchemy Festival, won the Make The Cut competition at the St James Theatre and performed at BBC Asian Network’s Big Comedy Night.  

Rifco Associates is a two-year rolling programme for artists and creatives both early in their career and mid-career, supporting them to create a new piece of work or develop a new concept. This structured programme is about opening up access to a wider range of people working in theatre and celebrating the voices of British Asian contemporary artists both on the stage and behind the scenes.

Rifco Studio is Rifco theatre on a smaller scale. Offering the opportunity for new writing and developing artists to present their work. The productions are shorter, with fewer cast members and minimal stage setting, but with the same quality, vibrancy and contemporary British Asian storytelling that audiences have come to expect from Rifco Theatre Company.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, London

Tue 15 May – Sat 19 May 2018

Evenings 7.30pm, Sat 4pm & 7.30pm

0208 534 0310

www.stratfordeast.com

RIFCO THEATRE COMPANY

Artistic Director, Pravesh Kumar founded Rifco Theatre Company in 1999 in Slough and since 2011, Rifco has been Resident Company at Watford Palace Theatre.

Rifco develops and produces new plays and musicals, touring nationally to some of the UK’s most prestigious regional theatres. Our work celebrates and reflects contemporary British Asian experiences, culture and society. We present theatre of scale and spectacle that is authentic, topical, thought-provoking, rich and entertaining.

Our success lies in understanding our audience. A vital part of creating new work is through listening and working alongside British Asian communities. Kumar’s work is ‘homegrown’ and he believes in gently challenging perceptions and warmly reflecting the communities he knows.

We are committed to diversifying the kind of work seen in our British theatres. We do this by commissioning British Asian playwrights and working with as many diverse actors, designers, directors that we can find. We also provide opportunities for British South Asian talent to develop their ideas and careers through our Rifco Associates and Rifco Studio strands.

Rifco Theatre Company is a charity, a company limited by guarantee and is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

A Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, and Northern Stage co-production in association with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse

WORLD PREMIÈRE
The Lovely Bones
By Alice Sebold
Adapted by Bryony Lavery
Directed by Melly Still

• ALICE SEBOLD’S GLOBAL BESTSELLING BOOK, THE LOVELY BONES IS BROUGHT TO LIFE ON STAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME

• THE LOVELY BONES RECEIVES ITS WORLD PREMIÈRE IN A CO-PRODUCTION BETWEEN BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE, ROYAL & DERNGATE  AND NORTHERN STAGE IN ASSOCIATION WITH LIVERPOOL EVERYMAN & PLAYHOUSE

• ADAPTED BY BRYONY LAVERY, DIRECTED BY MELLY STILL AND COMMISSIONED BY BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE

The world premiere of The Lovely Bones, one of the bestselling novels of the 21st century and now adapted for the stage by Bryony Lavery and directed by Melly Still, will open at Royal & Derngate, Northampton on 1 September 2018 before transferring to partner theatres Everyman Liverpool, Northern Stage, Newcastle and Birmingham Repertory Theatre. The show will also tour to The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich.

Alice Sebold’s unique coming-of-age tale captured the hearts of readers throughout the world when it was first published in 2002. An uplifting story about life after loss, The Lovely Bones, achieved critical acclaim and became an instant bestseller across the world. It won the Indies Choice Book Award for Adult Fiction 2003 and was on Oprah’s Book Club list for 2010.

The Lovely Bones tells the story of young girl Susie Salmon, who is just like any other girl. She wants to be beautiful, adores her charm bracelet and has a crush on a boy from school. There’s one big difference though – Susie is dead. Susie can only observe while her family cope with their grief in their different ways. Her father, Jack is obsessed with identifying the killer. Her mother, Abigail is desperate to create a brighter future. And her sister, Lindsay is discovering the opposite sex with experiences that Susie will never know. Susie is desperate to help them and there might be a way of reaching them.

Alice Sebold today expressed her excitement to “see The Lovely Bones as a play and to see its characters come to life on stage” whilst Bryony Lavery spoke of her passion for this “rich, funny, tough, healing book” saying that “I’ve found that the huge story is very, very happy to change its medium and reveal its treasures on the stages at five of the UK’s leading theatres. I am a most fortunate playwright!”

Bryony Lavery’s acclaimed work includes the Tony Award-winning Frozen (due to be revived in the West End this spring) Stockholm (Frantic Assembly), Kursk (Young Vic) and Beautiful Burnout(National Theatre of Scotland and Frantic Assembly).

Bringing The Lovely Bones to life on stage is director Melly Still, whose credits include the acclaimed Olivier and Tony Award-nominated production of Coram Boy (National Theatre and Broadway), My Beautiful Friend (Rose Theatre Kingston) and several recent productions for Glyndebourne, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

#LovelyBones18

Listings Information:

Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP
National Press Night: Wednesday 5 September at 7pm
Dates: Saturday 1 to Saturday 22 September 2018
Times: Evenings 7.45pm (except Wednesday 5 September 7pm)
Matinees – Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm (excl. Saturday 1 September)
No performances on Sundays
Tickets: On sale in March
Box Office:  01604 624811 or online at www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Everyman Liverpool, Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BH
Dates: Tuesday 25 September to Saturday 6 October 2018
Press Night: Wednesday 26 September
Tickets: On general sale from 19 March
Box Office: 0151 709 4776 or online at www.everymanplayhouse.com

Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RH
Press Night: Tuesday 9 Oct, 7.30pm
Dates: Tuesday 9 October until Saturday 20 October 2018
Times: Evenings 7.30pm, Wednesday 10 October, 6pm
Matinees Saturday 13, Wednesday 17 & Saturday 20 October 2pm
No performances on Sundays
Tickets from £10
Box Office:  0191 230 5151 or online at www.northernstage.co.uk

Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham
B1 2EP
Dates: Tuesday 30 October until Saturday 10 November 2018
Times: 7.30pm Monday – Saturday, apart from 7pm on Wednesday 31 Oct.  Matinees at 2pm on Thursday 1, Saturday 3, Thursday 8 and Saturday 10 November
Tickets: From £10 (subject to availability)
Box Office: 0121 236 4455 or online at www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich IP1 2AS
Dates: Tuesday 13 November until Saturday 17 November 2018
Times: 7pm Tuesday, 7.45pm Wednesday to Saturday, 2.30pm Matinees Wednesday 14, Thursday 15 and Saturday 17 November
Tickets: From £10 (subject to availability)
Box Office: 01473 295900 or online at wolseytheatre.co.uk