SONIA FRIEDMAN PRODUCTIONS

AND AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP

 

PRESENT

 

THE NATIONAL TOUR OF THE

MULTI OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING HIT WEST END MUSICAL

 

 

Grand Opera House York

Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 February 2017

Sonia Friedman Productions and Ambassador Theatre Group present the national tour of the multi-award winning hit West End musical SUNNY AFTERNOON. Recipient of four awards at the 2015 Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and Outstanding Achievement in Music for Ray Davies, the tour of SUNNY AFTERNOON is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions and Ambassador Theatre Group with Tulchin Bartner Productions, Just for Laughs Theatricals/Glass Half Full Productions, Rupert Gavin, in association with Hampstead Theatre and Arlon Productions. Tour schedule below. www.sunnyafternoonthemusical.com

The tour stars Ryan O’Donnell as ‘Ray Davies’, with Mark Newnham as ‘Dave Davies’, Garmon Rhys as bassist ‘Pete Quaife’ and Andrew Gallo as drummer ‘Mick Avory’. They are joined by: Jayne Ashley; Victoria Anderson; Nathanael Campbell; Marcelo Cervone; Tomm Coles; Deryn Edwards; Sophie Leigh Griffin; Sam Haywood; James Hudson; Richard Hurst; Cleo Jaeger; James Lorcan; Joseph Richardson; Robert Took; Alex Wadham; Libby Watts; Michael Warburton; Lucy Wilkerson and Lisa Wright.

Featuring some of The Kinks’ best-loved songs, including You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset and Lola, SUNNY AFTERNOON tells the story of the early life of Ray Davies and the rise to stardom of The Kinks.

The Kinks exploded onto the 60s music scene with a raw energetic new sound that rocked a nation. But how did that happen, where exactly did they come from and what happened next?

Set against the back-drop of a Britain caught mid-swing between the conservative 50s and riotous 60s, this production explores the euphoric highs and agonising lows of one of Britain’s most iconic bands and the irresistible music that influenced generations.

Ryan O’Donnell (Ray Davies) most recently appeared in “Sunny Afternoon” at the Harold Pinter Theatre.  His other theatre credits include: “Quadrophenia” at Theatre Royal Plymouth; “Frankenstein” at Royal and Derngate; “Romeo & Juliet” for the Royal Shakespeare Company; “ShadowMouth” at Sheffield Crucible and “Tracy Beaker the Musical” at the Nottingham Playhouse. Ryan was a member of the band Jethro Tull for four years. In 2009 he recorded ‘Matthew and Son’ with Cat ‘Yusuf’ Stevens and the BBC.

Mark Newnham (Dave Davies) most recently appeared in “All or Nothing” at The Vaults Theatre London. His other theatre credits include: “Return to the Forbidden Planet” on UK tour; “Lennon” at the Royal Court, Liverpool; “Bouncers” and “A Passionate Woman” at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch” and “Hot Stuff” at the Oldham Coliseum.

Garmon Rhys (Pete Quaife) most recently appeared in “Doctor Faustus” at Trafalgar Studios. His other theatre credits include: “The Secret Adversary” at the Watermill Theatre & UK tour and “Regeneration” at the Royal and Derngate and UK tour.

Andrew Gallo (Mick Avory) most recently appeared in “Parade” at the Hope Mill Theatre. His other theatre credits include: “Adam Long’s Dickens Abridged” on UK tour; “Sister Act” at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre; “Saturday Night Fever” at the Theatre Royal Bath and UK tour; “New York City Rhythm” at the Playhouse Theatre and “Hairspray” at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

Following a sell-out run at Hampstead Theatre, SUNNY AFTERNOON opened to critical acclaim at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End in October 2014 and had its final London performance at the Harold Pinter Theatre on 29 October 2016.

SUNNY AFTERNOON has music and lyrics by Ray Davies with a book by Joe Penhall and original story by Ray Davies. It is directed by Edward Hall, designed by Miriam Buether with choreography by Adam Cooper. Lighting design is by Rick Fisher with sound design by Matt McKenzie for Autograph.  Musical and vocal adaptations are by Ray Davies and Elliott Ware based on original Kinks recordings. The Musical Director is Barney Ashworth and the Musical Supervisor is Elliott Ware.

Tickets from £15.25

Box Office: 0844 871 3024

Online: www.atgtickets.com/york

THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PANTO BOOGIES INTO THE CITY VARIETIES THIS WEEK

Dame Taffeta Trott is donning her bloomers, Princess Susie has made her bed and Simon Steadfast is readying to be a hero; the final amends are being made to the costumes, the make-up is perfected and the saxophone, guitars and drums are polished, tuned and ready to go.

It can only mean one thing – Leeds’ famous Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is about to hit the town.

This year Sleeping Beauty gets the Rock ‘n’ Roll treatment at City Varieties Music Hall bringing festive frolics to Leeds from Saturday 26^th November to Sunday 8^th January.

“Our Rock’n’Roll Pantos have been extremely popular since they were first introduced in 2011,” says Ian Sime, General Manager at City Varieties. “They have grown year on year and have now become a Christmas tradition for families in Leeds and beyond.”

Billed as a hilarious, high-speed show audiences this year will find themselves singing along to The Eagles, Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye and Cher to name but a few.

With all the familiar characters, corny jokes and the added bonus of a full-blown, and now legendary, ‘boulder fight’, Sleeping Beauty promises a spectacular show that has something for the whole family.

Sleeping Beauty the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is at City Varieties Music Hall from Saturday 26^th November 2016 to Sunday 8^th January 2017

Tickets are on sale now priced from £14 to £25

Book online at cityvarieties.co.uk or call box office on 0113 243 08 08

Paul Barritt of 1927 in association with Village Underground present

CAT AND MOUSE

• PAUL BARRITT OF 1927 AND VILLAGE UNDERGROUND PRESENT THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CAT AND MOUSE 

• THE THEATRICAL ANIMATION WILL PLAY AT VILLAGE UNDERGROUND ON 8 AND 9 JUNE 2017

• TICKETS ARE ON SALE TODAY AT WWW.VILLAGEUNDERGROUND.CO.UK

Today, Paul Barritt of 1927 in association with Village Underground have announced the world premiere of Cat and Mouse, an animation adventure featuring original big screen cartoons, live music and theatre. The collaboration marks Village Underground’s debut foray into producing live theatre and tickets for 8  and 9 June are on sale now at www.villageunderground.co.uk.

Inspired by George Harriman’s hugely influential Krazy Kat cartoon strip (1913-1944), Cat and Mouse is a feature-length, surreal and satirical animation created by Paul Barritt. The composer for the production is Laurence Owen with Siemy Di on drums and percussion and Sam Sallon on keys – together they are The Officer Pup Band. Lesley Ewen provides dramatic narration and Octavia Austin has designed the costumes.

Cat and Mouse sets up a familiar dichotomy and proceeds to navigate extremes of human idiocy from art to war, from technology to industry, from civilisation to love all rendered through the shenanigans of a rodent, a feline and the dogs of law. But who is really to blame in this anthropomorphic chaos, Mr Mouse or Mr Cat? Don’t forget that a good Cat is not a good Cat if he has no bad Mouse against which to be compared…

Paul Barritt, director and creator of Cat and Mouse, said: “Cat and Mouse began when dramaturg Beate Schüler contacted me asking if I would like to do a project based on the music of Harry Partch and George Harriman’s Krazy Kat. I’ll admit, I took the bait and ran with it, off to the left, then zig zagged a little, left side, right side and eventually, we created this rock ‘n’ roll Cat and Mouse with Village Underground. Made of old ‘toons and new tunes, it’s like an art house Itchy and Scratchy where the action spills out into the audience. Expect high octane action, fun and frolics, extreme (cartoon) violence, moments of edification, sadomasochism, a face machine, skeletons, dogs, dancing, and more.” 

Glenn Max, Creative Director of Village Underground, said: “Stumbling elated from the theatre, enchanted and dazed from 1927’s Golem, I immediately wrote to them to express my appreciation for the play suggesting if ever they needed an unusual space, Village Underground could be available to host. I was extremely surprised to receive an email from Paul Barritt a few days later suggesting he might have a piece for us. Upon meeting him it was clear we were in the hands of magician of the theatre. While Village Underground has hosted wonderful theatre productions like Praxis Makes Perfect by National Theatre Wales and welcomed companies such as Sadler’s Wells to our venue, it would take a very special opportunity to move our organisation into the role of producer. Anyone who has experienced 1927’s twisted reinvention of theatre will recognise why their work resonates with Village Underground’s irreverent sensibility. The subversive humour, crafty production and penetrating narratives worked their way into our hearts and now, that inventiveness has worked its way into our home. Cat and Mouse represents the development of Village Underground, now celebrating its 10th year, as a new force in London’s theatre landscape.”

There will be two performances of Cat and Mouse per evening beginning at 7.30pm and 9.15pm.Cat and Mouse is supported by Arts Council England. 

Grand Opera House, York.  22 to 26 November 2016.  Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

The local York amateur dramatic group Pick Me Up Theatre are performing at the Grand Opera House in York. The show will be running from the 22nd to the 26th.

The famous Monty Python film was taken from the film Holy Grail and was put on stage in 2004. The production has to live up to the comedy genius’ as the film and the previous productions are highly entertaining to watch with its famous lines and witty jokes, did they do the job? Hell yes, I was laughing so much I started to cry, the actors did a tremendous job, they had roars of laughter from the audience and put on a very good show for everyone.

Emily Ramsden was the lady of the lake and by Jove she was amazing, she stood out from the rest of the cast because she was so funny and she has this incredible singing voice, she has her funny songs like ‘what ever happened to much part’ which I found the funniest part of the whole entire play and she works the diva she well. King Arthur is played by Nick Lewis who had a large demanding role as he was on stage most of the time he handled this pretty well and performed just as, he was always accompanied by his underappreciated sidekick Patsy played by George Stagnell who sings Always Look On The Bright Side of Life, the most iconic song in the play and I think he did a very good job and for sure you will too. My other stand out actor was John Whitney who played Sir Lancelot who was funny in songs like not dead yet, and with his rescuing of a ‘princess’.

The overall feeling of the knight, ooops night, was very good and just a bit of silly light hearted humour that I’m sure you will enjoy .

Leeds Grand Theatre – 22/11/16 to 26/11/16

I have a soft spot for Chicago the Musical, I once had to write a 3000 word assignment on Reciprocity and I quoted heavily from Kander and Ebb’s finest.  I was clearly marked by a kindred spirit though, as in my feed back I was told my essay had “Razzle Dazzle”

And that is what we had in Leeds last night – a lot of Razzle Dazzle.  Steamy, sultry and sexy – this tour of Chicago showed the show’s brilliance by stripping the production back to its bare bones, with a fabulous band on stage, minimal costuming and a few chairs. As an audience member, you get a chance to hear Kander and Ebb’s glorious score and to get the essence of Bob Fosse’s incredible choreography.

Telling the story of how Roxie Hart gets away with murder with the help of slick lawyer Billy Flynn. Her time in prison with the notorious Velma Kelly, duping her ever loving husband Amos and being good to Mama Morton while in Prison. It is based on a true story from the 1920’s.

With three of the principal characters played by people previously in soap operas this seems like stunt casting. Using the past characterisations of the actors to fill the seats rather than relying on the musical itself to fill theatres.  But soap actors they may have been – musical star performers there are now

Sophie Carmen-Jones shows her abilities well with a wonderful version of Velma Kelly, singing All That Jazz with vocals that are thrilling and simply wild, sexy and breathtaking, stealing every scene she is in. Until Roxie establishes herself, Velma is the big shot amongst the female felons – bitchily bossy and breathtakingly balletic. Her legs go on for ever and teach us that perpendicular is somewhere else.

Billy Flynn is the slick, consummately devious lawyer who uses the old ‘razzle-dazzle’ of sheer showmanship to wow a gullible media and promote the causes of his various- usually culpable- clients. From the first moment he appears, satirically framed by a circlet of feather boas, Flynn is at the centre of the action and you need a performer of strong presence – and persuasive charm- to carry off the role. John Partridge oozes panache and has a rich, smooth voice that perfectly fits the character’s synthetic sincerity.

Surprise of the night for me was Jessie Wallace’s powerhouse performance of prison Matron (Mama) Morton who takes a cut from every known exploitation, except the crime of murder which epitomises the wrongdoing of every bird of passion in her latter-day Alcatraz.  Wallace seemed to be channelling the late Pat Phoenix in appearance but wow, what a phenomenal voice

Roxie is a role you’d kill for – and she does – kill I mean – in the opening scene. Hayley Tamaddon proved she can sing and dance her way through the role but while Roxie is devious using people as she needs them, Tamaddon comes across as too nice and it’s hard to take her role seriously.However, she still impresses and shows great skill and talent.

Neil Ditt is fabulous as Amos Hart and is definitely the most sympathetic character on stage.  Pathetically pleasing and deserving of her love and ours, but he is, as he explains in the lyrically strong song Mister Cellophane, an easy figure to ignore. When he is finally forced to admit Roxie’s treachery and asks for his exit music, he has to walk off in total silence. Hard on a man.

This is without doubt one of the hottest shows. It is a breathtaking musical extravaganza that is simply brilliant. It has some catchy and wonderful songs, like ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Razzle Dazzle’, ‘Class’, ‘All I Care About’ and the wonderful ‘Mister Cellophane’. It has superb dance routines that are original and exciting.The dancing is as impressive, as the excellent band. Leon Charles conducts with precision and unmistakable skill, and the band seems to enjoy themselves.  In short, it’s the sweetest, funniest, sexiest murder story ever.

In Leeds until Saturday 26 November and on tour around the UK

WEST END TRANSFER ANNOUNCED FOR

The Boys in the Band

BY MART CROWLEY

 

FOLLOWING A SELL-OUT RUN AT PARK THEATRE AND SHORT UK TOUR

 

Producers Tom O’Connell and James Seabright are thrilled to announce a West End transfer for their sell-out production of Mart Crowley’s ground-breaking play, THE BOYS IN THE BAND, opening at the Vaudeville Theatre on 7 February 2017, playing for a limited two week season until 18 February, with a press night on Wednesday 8 February.

There’s a party about to commence when nine men gather in a New York apartment for a birthday celebration. Harold, a self-confessed ‘Jew fairy’, receives a surprise birthday gift – a beautiful male hustler dubbed Cowboy. Meanwhile, party host Michael gets an unwanted surprise of his own in the shape of a figure from his past. As the booze is drunk and the dope smoked, the mood swings from hilarity to heart-break.

 

Mark Gatiss brings stinging superciliousness to landmark gay play.’ ★★★★ Daily Telegraph

‘Raucous laughter… thoroughly fulfilling.’ ★★★★ The Independent

The Boys in the Band sold out its entire five week run at Park Theatre, garnered critical and public acclaim, and subsequently enjoyed a brief UK tour to Salford, Brighton and Leeds. Directed by Adam Penford (A Small Family Business & One Man Two Guvnors’, and recently appointed Artistic Director of the Nottingham Playhouse), the production stars Olivier Award winner Mark Gatiss as ‘Harold’ alongside his husband Ian Hallard as ‘Michael’ – this will represent the first time in West End history that a male married couple will appear on stage together.

‘Still timeless and universal.’ ★★★★ Mail on Sunday

‘Out on stage and proud. Glorious!’ ★★★★ Metro

West End musical theatre star Daniel Boys plays alongside them as ‘Donald’, Jack Derges, recently seen as the mysterious ‘Andy Flynn’ in EastEnders, plays ‘Cowboy’, Miranda star James Holmes plays ‘Emory’, Midsomer Murders’ John Hopkins plays ‘Alan’, Greg Lockett plays ‘Bernard’, Primeval’s Ben Mansfield plays ‘Larry’, and Undercover’s Nathan Nolan plays ‘Hank’.

Producer Tom O’Connell said, “James and I are thrilled that audiences have taken this show to their hearts in such a big way; with limited availability from our stellar cast I am pleased that we have found a suitable West End home for this fantastic production. We also have over 150 tickets available at every performance at £20, making it accessible for all to enjoy. With only 15 performances, this really is the last chance to catch the play which shook the LGBT world.”

‘I was rapt. Parties that go wrong are often the stuff of great drama and this play, directed with panache by Adam Penford, is no exception.’ ★★★★ Observer

Mark Gatiss and Ian Hallard said, “We’ve had an amazing time bringing this great play to a whole new generation of theatre-goers. The response from audiences, young and old, gay and straight has proved that ‘Boys’ retains its power to move people to laughter and tears. It’s wonderful to say that we’ll be capping the experience with a West End transfer – so the party continues!”

From the producers of the critically acclaimed revivals of Beautiful Thing, Our Boys and Another Country, and the forthcoming stage adaptation of Brokeback Mountain, comes this eagerly anticipated revival of Mart Crowley’s seminal piece, which premiered in 1968 just before the Stonewall riots. This witty, dark American play which changed the landscape of gay theatre was adapted into a film in 1970, becoming a cult hit. The play was last revived in New York in 2010, and this UK revival marks almost 20 years since the last West End production.

The production is produced by Tom O’Connell and James Seabright, in association with Kings Head Theatre, Jack Maple and Park Theatre. Design by Rebecca Brower, with Sound design by James Nicholson and Lighting design by Jack Weir; casting is by Stephen Moore CDG.

The production has partnered with Gay Times, Stonewall & Balans Soho Society, and has worked closely with Chester Barrie, Delicious Junction and Gabicci as fashion partners.

Tag the production on social media:

@BoysBandPlay

www.facebook.com/boysbandplay

BoysBandPlay.com

STRICTLY COME DANCING

10TH ANNIVERSARY

LIVE TOUR

20 JANUARY – 12 FEBRUARY 2017

LOUISE REDKNAPP, DAISY LOWE & DANNY MAC

ARE THE FIRST CELEBRITIES

ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2017 TOUR

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Presenter and singer Louise Redknapp, model Daisy Lowe and actor Danny Mac are the first celebrity contestants announced to appear on the 10th anniversary Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour, which kicks off in Birmingham on 20 January 2017.

Louise, Daisy and Danny will join new tour host, Anita Rani and the new live tour judging panel of Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood (who also directs the tour) and former Strictly professional dancer and winner of the 2006 series, Karen Hardy for the 30 date live arena tour extravaganza. They will also be reunited with more celebrities and professional dancers from this year’s BBC One series, as they tour the biggest entertainment venues across the UK, recreating their dazzling moves and the magic of the TV show. Further names will be announced soon.

TV presenter, singer and fashion blogger Louise Redknapp first rose to fame as part of the pop group Eternal, one of the best-selling girl groups of the 90s, before embarking on a successful solo career. Her debut album sold over one million copies. Her extensive television presenting credits include The Clothes Show (UKTV), and ITV documentary The Truth About Size Zero. Louise, who received a score of 39 for her Argentine Tango, said: “I really can’t wait to dance my way around the UK! I’m loving every minute of Strictly, so continuing my journey into 2017 is going to be a brilliant way to kick off the New Year!”

Daisy Lowe is one of fashion’s most recognizable faces, having worked with Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs. Daisy said: “I’m so lucky to be joining the tour and keeping my Strictly dream alive. I loved my time on the TV series, but now I’m really looking forward to getting out on the road to keep dancing and improving. Roll on January!”

Danny Mac, best known as Mark ‘Dodger’ Savage in Hollyoaks, has been acting since the age of 10. He has been nominated three times for a National Television Award. Danny said: “Wow – what an amazing opportunity to perform in front of the huge arena audiences all over the country. I’ve heard how amazing the live tour is and I can’t wait to get out there!”

The 30 show spectacular, Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour, will open at the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham on 20 January 2017. The tour will then visit the biggest entertainment venues across the UK: Metro Radio Arena Newcastle, Sheffield Arena, The SSE Arena Glasgow, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, First Direct Arena Leeds, Manchester Arena, Liverpool’s Echo Arena, The SSE Arena Wembley, before culminating at The O2 in London on 12 February.

Tickets for STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR 2017 are on sale now

20 – 22 January Birmingham: The Barclaycard Arena 0844 338 8000

(Friday 20th at 7.30pm, Saturday 21st at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 22nd at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

24 January Newcastle: Metro Radio Arena 0844 493 6666

(Tuesday 24th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

25 – 26 January Sheffield Arena 0114 256 5656

(Wednesday 25th at 7.30pm, Thursday 26th at 7.30pm)

27 – 29 January Glasgow: The SSE Hydro 0844 395 4000

(Friday 27th at 7.30pm, Saturday 28th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 29th at 1.30pm)

31 January – 1 February Nottingham: Motorpoint Arena 0843 373 3000

(Tuesday 31st at 7.30pm, Wednesday 1st at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

2 – 3 February Leeds: First Direct Arena 0844 248 1585

(Thursday 2nd at 7.30pm, Friday 3rd at 7.30pm)

4 – 5 February Manchester Arena 0844 847 8000

(Saturday 4th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 5th at 1.30pm)

7 – 8 February Liverpool: Echo Arena 0844 8000 400

(Tuesday 7th at 7.30pm, Wednesday 8th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

9 – 10 February London: The SSE Arena, Wembley 0844 815 0815

(Thursday 9th at 7.30pm, Friday 10th at 7.30pm)

11 – 12 February London: The O2 0844 856 0202

(Saturday 11th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 12th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

Ticket costs: £35 – £65 (bands venue dependent)

The O2 prices are £36 – £66 (Inclusive of a £1 per ticket venue facility fee)

All ticket prices are subject to a booking fee

To book tickets please contact the venue or call 0844 875 8758 For online bookings visit www.ticketzone.co.uk or www.ticketmaster.co.uk For more information visit www.strictlycomedancinglive.com

Twitter: @scd_live_tour Facebook: www.facebook.com/strictlylive

STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR is produced by Stage Entertainment and Phil McIntyre Entertainments, in association with BBC Worldwide.

 

SAMANTHA WOMACK, LES DENNIS & CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER

TO STAR IN THE UK & IRELAND PREMIERE OF

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A MUSICAL COMEDY

NEW TOURING PRODUCTION TO OPEN ON 20 APRIL 2017

 

Samantha Womack, Les Dennis and Carrie Hope Fletcher will star as Morticia, Fester and Wednesday Addams in the UK & Irish premiere of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a musical comedy, with book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, based on the characters created by Charles Addams.  Further casting is to be announced. 

 

The UK & Ireland Tour will open at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh on 20 April 2017, with a national press night at the New Wimbledon Theatre on Tuesday 16 May.  New tour dates have been added (please see schedule below).

 

Samantha Womack will take on the role of Morticia Addams fresh from leaving BBC1’s EastEnders after nearly a decade as Ronnie Mitchell.  Samantha has also played Tanya Dawson for three series of the hit comedy Mount Pleasant (Sky1) and, on film she will be reprising her role next summer as Michelle Unwin in Kingsman: The Golden Circle.  Her stage credits include Nellie Forbush in the Lincoln Center Theater’s Tony Award-winning production of South Pacific (Barbican Theatre & UK Tour), Michael Grandage’s West End production of Guys & Dolls opposite Patrick Swayze (Piccadilly Theatre) and Peter Hall’s production of Pinter’s Betrayal (Theatre Royal Bath).

 

Les Dennis spent the last three years playing burglar-turned-Romeo, Michael Rodwell, in ITV’s Coronation Street.  Immediately prior to starring in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, he will appear at the Menier Chocolate Factory in the musical She Loves Me.  Les’s other stage credits include the musicals Me & My Girl, Chicago, Monty Python’s Spamalot and Hairspray.  He took a hit one-man play Jigsy, to the Edinburgh Fringe and, in 2016, produced and starred in the sell-out 40^th anniversary production of Alan Bleasdale’s Down the Dock Road at the Royal Court Liverpool.

 

Carrie Hope Fletcher’s recent theatre credits include Eponine in Les Misérables (London and Dubai), Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK & Ireland Tour), Beth in Jeff Wayne’s Arena Tour War of the Worlds, and Wind in the Willows (Regent‘s Park Open Air Theatre).  In 2015, Carrie released her first book, All I Know Now: Wonderings and Reflections on Growing Up Gracefully, and her second book, On the Other Side, was released in July 2016.

 

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows; she’s fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family! Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.  Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.  All the usual clan are present – Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley et al.

 

Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice co-wrote the book for the multi award-winning Jersey Boys. Marshall wrote or co-wrote the film screenplays for Sleeper, Annie Hall, Manhattan, Manhattan Murder Mystery, For the Boys and Intersection, and was head writer for The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.  Rick’s play, Peter and the Starcatcher, received nine nominations and won five 2012 Tony Awards.  Andrew Lippa wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical, Big Fish, the music for the Broadway production of Aaron Sorkin’s play The Farnsworth Invention and the book, music and lyrics for the Drama Desk award-winning musical The Wild Party.  He wrote the song called ‘Evil Like Me’, which was sung by Dove Cameron and Kristin Chenoweth in the 2015 Disney film Descendants.

 

The UK & Ireland Tour will be directed by Matthew White, who is currently directing She Loves Me at the Menier Chocolate Factory, where he also directed Candide, Sweet Charity (and West End) and Little Shop of Horrors (and West End).  Other recent directing credits include the UK Tour of The Producers and the UK Tour and West End run of Top Hat.  Choreography will be by Alistair David,who directed and choreographed Robbie Williams’s worldwide concert tour Swings Both Ways, and whose recent theatre credits include Two Noble Kinsmen (Royal Shakespeare Company), Show Boat(Sheffield Crucible Theatre and New London Theatre) and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers(Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).  The production will be designed by Diego Pitarch, with musical supervision by Richard Beadle, lighting design by Ben Cracknell and musical direction by Andrew Hilton.

 

THE ADDAMS FAMILY UK & Ireland Tour is produced by United Theatrical, Aria Entertainment and Music & Lyrics Limited, in association with the Festival Theatre Edinburgh, and is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

 

For further information, please visit www.theaddamsfamily.co.uk Twitter: @AddamsFamilyUK

 

 

2017 TOUR SCHEDULE

 

20-29 April 2017                               Festival Theatre, Edinburgh                                          on sale

                                                         www.edtheatres.com                                                     0131 529 6000

 

9-13 May 2017                                 Royal & Derngate, Northampton                                   on sale  

                                                         www.royalandderngate.co.uk                                        01604 624811   

 

16-20 May 2017                               New Wimbledon Theatre                                              on sale

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre    0844 871 7646

                                                        

23-27 May 2017                               Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury                                       on sale  

                                                         www.marlowetheatre.com                                             01227 787787

 

 

30 May – 3 June 2017                      Cliffs Pavilion, Southend                                               on sale

                                                         www.southendtheatres.org.uk                                      01702 351 135

 

6-10 June 2017                                Birmingham Hippodrome                                               on sale                                                                                                                                                                www.birminghamhippodrome.com                                0844 338 5000

 

13-17 June 2017                              Theatre Royal, Bath                                                      on sale

                                                         www.theatreroyal.org.uk                                               01225 448844  

 

20-24 June 2017                              Hall for Cornwall, Truro                                                 on sale  

                                                         www.hallforcornwall.co.uk                                             01872 262466

 

27 June – 1 July 2017                      Nottingham Theatre Royal                                            on sale

                                                        www.trch.co.uk                                                             0115 989 5555

                                                                                                                                                      

4-8 July 2017                                   The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford                                  on sale

                                                         www.bradford-theatres.co.uk                                        01274 432000

 

18 – 29 July 2017                             Mayflower Theatre, Southampton                                 on sale

                                                         www.mayflower.org.uk                                                  02380 711811

 

1-12 August 2017                             Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre                                 on sale

                                                         www.wmc.org.uk                                                           029 2063 6464

 

15-26 August 2017                           Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin                                on sale 21 November

                                                         www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                                     0844 847 2455

 

29 August – 9 September 2017        The Lowry, Salford                                                       on sale

                                                         www.thelowry.com                                                        0843 208 6000 

 

12-16 September 2017                    Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield                                           on sale 26 November

                                                         www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                                         0114 249 6000

 

19-23 September 2017                    Bristol Hippodrome                                                       on sale soon

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome           0844 871 3012

 

26-30 September 2017                    New Victoria Theatre, Woking                                       on sale soon                                                                                                                                                        www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre          0844 871 7645

             

10-14 October 2017                         Glasgow King’s Theatre                                                on sale soon     

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre                    0844 871 7648

 

17-21 October 2017                         Wolverhampton Grand                                                  on sale 25 November

                                                         www.grandtheatre.co.uk                                               01902 429 212

 

24-28 October 2017                         Milton Keynes Theatre                                                 on sale soon

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre       0844 871 7652

 

31 October – 4 November 2017       Orchard Theatre, Dartford                                            on sale 24 November

                                                         www.orchardtheatre.co.uk                                            01322 220000

 

 

Further tour dates to be announced.

CHICAGO THE MUSICAL SET TO RAZZLE DAZZLE ‘EM

AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE NEXT WEEK

 

Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with cell block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

This star-studded cellblock of sin stars John Partridge (Eastenders) as Billy Flynn, Hayley Tamaddon(Emmerdale) as Roxie Hart and Jessie Wallace (Eastenders) as corrupt Matron, Mama Morton alongside Sophie Carmen-Jones as Velma Kelly, Neil Ditt as Amos Hart and A.D. Richardson as Mary Sunshine.

A story of murder, fame, corruption, celebrity and spin Chicago is now in its 20^th year on Broadway and has been honoured with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards ® a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations.

Chicago The Musical is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 22^nd to Saturday 26^th November

 

Tickets are priced from £23 to £47

 

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700

EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF

WORKING

A MUSICAL

AT SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE 

FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON

FROM 2 JUNE TO 8 JULY 2017

The European Premiere of WORKING will open at Southwark Playhouse on 7 June 2017, with previews from 2 June, for a strictly limited season ending 8 July 2017.

 

From the book by Studs Terkel

Adapted by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso, the creators of Godspell and Rags

With additional contributions by Gordon Greenberg

Songs by Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mary Rodgers & Susan Birkenhead, Stephen Schwartzand James Taylor

Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Ltd

 

Directed by Luke Sheppard

Choreographed by Fabian Aloise

Casting to be announced

 

WORKING is the extraordinary genre-defining musical from Grammy and Academy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz(Wicked, Godspell) based on Studs Terkel’s best-selling book of interviews with the American workforce: Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do.

 

This highly original and universal portrait of the American workday is told from the perspective of those that the world so often overlooks – the schoolteacher, the housewife, the fireman and the waitress amongst many – whose daily grind and aspirations reflect the truths of the people that make up a nation.  WORKING employs a range of musical styles and genres from contributing composers, including five-time Grammy Award-winner James Taylor and Pulitzer Prize-winner Lin Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, In The Heights). 

           

WORKING is being produced by up-and-coming theatre producers Jack Maple, Ramin Sabi & D.E.M. Productions.

  

Stephen Schwartz said of his new producers, “I am delighted that such a talented and distinguished theatre company will be presenting WORKING in London. I look forward to collaborating with them to ensure that the show is both entertaining and relevant to the contemporary British audience.”

Stephen Schwartz is best known for writing and composing the Tony, Olivier and Grammy Award-winning musical Wicked. Other shows for which he wrote music and lyrics include Pippin, The Baker’s Wife and Children of Eden. In film, he collaborated with Alan Menken on the songs for Disney’s Enchanted, as well as the animated features Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and wrote the songs for the DreamWorks animated feature The Prince of Egypt.  Schwartz has won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics, three Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and has been nominated for six Tony Awards.  He received the 2015 Isabelle Stevenson Award, a special Tony Award, for his commitment to serving artists and fostering new talent. 

 

Luke Sheppard directed the Olivier Award-winning production of In the Heights (King’s Cross Theatre and Southwark Playhouse), for which he was nominated for Best Director at the Whatsonstage Awards, Night Must Fall (UK Tour) Stig of the Dump (UK Tour), Casa Valentina (Southwark Playhouse), The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ (Curve, Leicester) and the forthcoming European premiere of Peter and the Starcatcher (Royal & Derngate, Northampton).  Luke is the Associate Director of Matilda (Stratford-Upon-Avon, West End, Broadway).

 

WORKING first opened on Broadway in 1978, under the direction of Stephen Schwartz, with a cast including Patti LuPone, Bob Gunton, Joe Mantegna, David Patrick Kelly and Rex Everhart. The show has since undergone several revisions, with additional songs by Lin Manuel Miranda being introduced in 2009. WORKING was last performed off-Broadway in December 2012, under the direction of Gordon Greenberg (Holiday Inn, Guys and Dolls, Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris).

 

The new production at Southwark Playhouse will have choreography by Fabian Aloise. Fabian was most recently resident choreographer on Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre, and Associate Choreographer on the Australian production. Prior to this, Fabian was Associate Choreographer to Arlene Phillips on We Will Rock You in Belgium, and Associate Choreographer to Ann Reinking for US and International tours of Fosse. He choreographed The 24 Hour Musical At The Old Vic for Kevin Spacey and Jamie Lloyd, and Off-West End productions of Bright Lights Big City and The Drowsy Chaperone. Fabian will be choreographing the upcoming UK National Tour of Our House.  Casting will be by Will Burton CDG. It is performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited.

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

2 June – 8 July 

 

Southwark Playhouse

77-85 Newington Causeway

London SE1 6BD

 

Performance Times:

Monday – Friday 7.30pm

Saturday 3.00pm & 7.30pm

N.B Tuesday 4 July – Additional matinee at 3pm

 

Tickets: £25 and £20 concessions (from £14 during previews) 

Box Office:  020 7407 0234

Website:  southwarkplayhouse.co.uk  / www.workingthemusical.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouthwarkPlayhouse

Twitter: @swkplay