First Look: BAT OUT OF HELL – THE MUSICAL, London Launch

The London Launch of BAT OUT OF HELL – THE MUSICAL which took place on St Martin’s Lane outside the London Coliseum last night, followed by a drinks reception at the Courtrooms at Browns. The launch was hosted by radio presenters Claire Sturgess from Absolute Radio and Paul Anthony from Planet Rock with speeches from Producer Michael Cohl and Meat Loaf, followed by an exclusive performance from the cast, led by rising star Andrew Polec.

The world premiere of Jim Steinman’s BAT OUT OF HELL – THE MUSICAL will take place at the London Coliseum, opening on Tuesday 20 June 2017, following previews from 5 June, for a limited season until 22 July 2017.  This follows previews at Manchester Opera House from 17 February to 8 April 2017. The show has a book by Jim Steinman with early writing by Stuart Beattie, music and lyrics by Jim Steinman and direction by Jay Scheib.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Meat Loaf poses for a portrait at the launch for Jim Steinman's 'Bat Out of Hell The Musical' at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Meat Loaf
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Meat Loaf poses for a portrait at the launch for Jim Steinman’s ‘Bat Out of Hell The Musical’ at the London Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Meat Loaf

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03:  Michael Cohl speaks to the crowd at the launch for Jim Steinman's 'Bat Out of Hell The Musical' at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Cohl

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03:  Michael Cohl speaks to the crowd at the launch for Jim Steinman's 'Bat Out of Hell The Musical' at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Cohl
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Michael Cohl speaks to the crowd at the launch for Jim Steinman’s ‘Bat Out of Hell The Musical’ at the London Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Cohl
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03:  Meat Loaf speaks to the crowd at the launch for Jim Steinman's 'Bat Out of Hell The Musical' at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Meat Loaf
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Meat Loaf speaks to the crowd at the launch for Jim Steinman’s ‘Bat Out of Hell The Musical’ at the London Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Meat Loaf
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03:  Meat Loaf speaks to the crowd at the launch for Jim Steinman's 'Bat Out of Hell The Musical' at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Meat Loaf
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Meat Loaf speaks to the crowd at the launch for Jim Steinman’s ‘Bat Out of Hell The Musical’ at the London Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Meat Loaf
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03:  Meat Loaf with lead actor Andrew Polec (R) speaks to the media during the launch for Jim Steinman's 'Bat Out of Hell The Musical' at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Meat Loaf
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Meat Loaf with lead actor Andrew Polec (R) speaks to the media during the launch for Jim Steinman’s ‘Bat Out of Hell The Musical’ at the London Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Meat Loaf
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03:  Andrew Polec performs as Strat at the launch for Jim Steinman's 'Bat Out of Hell The Musical' at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andrew Polec
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Andrew Polec performs as Strat at the launch for Jim Steinman’s ‘Bat Out of Hell The Musical’ at the London Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andrew Polec
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03:  Andrew Polec performs as Strat at the launch for Jim Steinman's 'Bat Out of Hell The Musical' at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andrew Polec
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Andrew Polec performs as Strat at the launch for Jim Steinman’s ‘Bat Out of Hell The Musical’ at the London Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andrew Polec
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03:  Andrew Polec performs as Strat at the launch for Jim Steinman's 'Bat Out of Hell The Musical' at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andrew Polec
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Andrew Polec performs as Strat at the launch for Jim Steinman’s ‘Bat Out of Hell The Musical’ at the London Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andrew Polec
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03:  Andrew Polec performs as Strat alongside Christina Bennington as Raven at the launch for Jim Steinman's 'Bat Out of Hell The Musical' at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andrew Polec; Christina Bennington
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Andrew Polec performs as Strat alongside Christina Bennington as Raven at the launch for Jim Steinman’s ‘Bat Out of Hell The Musical’ at the London Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andrew Polec; Christina Bennington
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03:  Andrew Polec performs as Strat (C) alongside the cast at the launch for Jim Steinman's 'Bat Out of Hell The Musical' at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andrew Polec
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Andrew Polec performs as Strat (C) alongside the cast at the launch for Jim Steinman’s ‘Bat Out of Hell The Musical’ at the London Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane on November 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andrew Polec

SHEENA EASTON TO MAKE WEST END DEBUT IN 42ND STREET

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST SHEENA EASTON

TO MAKE WEST END DEBUT IN

42ND STREET

CAST INCLUDES TOM LISTER, CLARE HALSE,

JASNA IVIR & NORMAN BOWMAN

 

PREVIEWS FROM MONDAY 20 MARCH 2017 AT THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY LANE

 

sheena-easton-low-resSheena Easton – the Grammy Award winning artist who has sold over 20 million records around the world – is to make her West End debut in the forthcoming production of 42nd Street.

 

Easton, who remains the only artist in history to have top five records on five major Billboard charts, will perform the iconic role of ‘Dorothy Brock’ in this new production of 42nd Street, the dazzling and romantic homage to the world of musical theatre.

 

The role of ‘Julian Marsh’ will be performed by Tom Lister, who played ‘Carl King’ in Emmerdale for 8 years and has recently been starring as ‘Wild Bill Hickok’ in the UK Tour of Calamity Jane. Clare Halse, who most recently appeared in the acclaimed production of Gypsy as ‘Marjorie May’ at the Savoy Theatre, will play ‘Peggy Sawyer’.

 

42nd Street will play the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane from Monday 20 March 2017, with a press night onTuesday 4 April 2017 at 7:00pm. The production will be directed by the show’s co-author Mark Bramble(whose other hit shows include Barnum, Treasure Island, The Three Musketeers The Grand Tour) and director of many award-winning previous productions of 42nd Street on Broadway and around the world.

 

42nd STREET is the song and dance, American dream fable of Broadway and includes some of the greatest songs ever written, such as ‘We’re In The Money’, ‘Lullaby of Broadway’, ‘Shuffle Off To Buffalo’, ‘Dames’, ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’, and ‘42nd Street’.

 

42nd Street arrives in London with an all-singing, high-kicking cast of over 50, ready to explode on to the West End’s biggest stage. The confirmed cast are:

 

Jasna Ivir, who will play ‘Maggie Jones’, Norman Bowman as ‘Pat Denning’, Stuart Neal as ‘Billy Lawlor’,Graeme Henderson as ‘Andy Lee’, Christopher Howell as ‘Bert Barry’, Bruce Montague as ‘Abner Dillon’,Mark McKerracher as ‘Mac/Doc/Thug’ and Emma Caffrey as ‘Annie’.

 

The ensemble comprise Clare Rickard, Victoria Hay, Leah Harris, Jasmine Kerr, Millie O’Connell, Katy Riches,Gabrielle Lewis Dodson, Daisy Steere, Karli Vale, Sophie Camble, Christina Shand, Courtney George, Zoe Rogers, Jessica Keable, Sara Bispham, Lisa Dent, Katharine Pearson, Kirsty Fuller, Rebecca Herszenhorn, Charlene Ford, Dylan Mason, Philip Bertioli, Luke George, Ronan Burns, Eddie Myles, Ryan Gover, Sam Murphy, Freddie Clements, Zac Watts, Greg Bernstein, Kristen Gaetz, Charlotte Anne Steen, Gabrielle Cocca, Kate Ivory Jordan, Josh Andrews, Martin McCarthy.

 

42nd Street is presented in London by Michael Linnit and Michael Grade together with The Global Group of Companies for Gate Ventures with Executive Producer Johnny Hon.

 

La Cage Aux Folles at the New Wimbledon Theatre

BOYS WILL BE BOYS…BUT NOT ALWAYS!

JOHN PARTRIDGE AND ADRIAN ZMED

STAR IN FIRST EVER UK TOUR OF

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

* A SPECTACULAR NEW PRODUCTION –

Bill Kenwright presents the much loved musical LA CAGE AUX FOLLES with JOHN PARTRIDGE as ‘Albin’ and ADRIAN ZMED as ‘Georges’, on its first ever nationwide tour coming to New Wimbledon Theatre from 14-18 March 2017.

John Partridge will play the iconic role of ‘Albin’, who moonlights as star drag act Zaza at the infamous La Cage aux Folles nightclub. Partridge’s extensive theatre credits include the West End productions of A Chorus Line at the London Palladium, Cats, Starlight Express and Chicago. He is also well known for playing the loveable Christian Clarke in BBC’s EastEnders and as a judge on TV’s Over The Rainbow.

Adrian Zmed will play ‘Georges’, partner of Albin and owner of the nightclub. Zmed co-starred with William Shatner as ‘Officer Vince Romano’ in the 70’s hit TV show T.J. Hooker, which ran for 90 episodes over 5 years, and for playing ‘Johnny Nogerelli’ in the cult classic film Grease 2. This will be his first stage appearance in the UK although he is no stranger to Broadway musicals having previously led the casts of Grease, no fewer than 3 times, Falsettos and Blood Brothers.

Written by Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman, and based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret, La Cage Aux Folles follows the story of Georges, the manager of a Saint Tropez nightclub, and his partner, Albin, a drag artiste and the club’s star attraction. They live an idyllic existence in the south of France but behind the curtains of this sparkling extravaganza, all may be about to change when Georges’ son Jean-Michel announces his engagement to the daughter of a notorious right-wing politician determined to close down the local colourful night-life. Drama and hilarity ensue when a meeting of the parents forces them to cover up their vibrant lifestyle. Will Albin be able to play the role of his life to ensure that Jean-Michel can marry his love?

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES is a multi-award winning musical. The original Broadway production became an instant smash hit when it opened in 1983. It received nine nominations for Tony Awards and won six, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. The success of the musical spawned a London Palladium production and several international runs. The 2004 Broadway revival won the Tony Award for Best Revival, and the 2008 London revival garnered the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.

Setting out on its first ever UK tour, this brand new production is produced by Bill Kenwright, directed by Martin Connor, choreographed by Olivier Award Winning Bill Deamer, designed by Gary McCann, Sound by Dan Samson (the team responsible for the sumptuous current hit, The Sound of Music), and musical direction by Mark Crossland. This lavishly funny tale of unconditional love and family values, will leave you feeling the need to celebrate that life’s not worth a damn ‘till you can say I am what I am.’

This show-stopping score includes The Best of Times, Song on the Sand and the iconic I Am What I Am, which has been recorded by musical legends Gloria Gaynor, Shirley Bassey and Tony Bennett.

The production tours the UK from 5th January 2017, opening at the New Theatre Oxford.

Dates currently on sale at www.kenwright.com. Further casting and dates to be announced.

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS A NEW PRODUCTION OF

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

MUSIC & LYRICS BY JERRY HERMAN BOOK BY HARVEY FIERSTEIN

Further details announced for “Ferris & Milnes – Christmas Cracker”, including one-minute Christmas teaser trailer

FURTHER DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR

“FERRIS & MILNES – CHRISTMAS CRACKER”

AT THE AMBASSADORS THEATRE ON 13 DECEMBER 2016

  • Olivier Award winning director and choreographer Bill Deamer to be Production Consultant
  • Arts Ed Musical Theatre to perform as musical ensemble
  • Sneak preview teaser trailer released on YouTube of brand new Christmas medley

Olivier Award winning director and choreographer Bill Deamer will lead the production team of musical theatre comedy double act Ferris & Milnes’ debut West End debut show “Ferris & Milnes – Christmas Cracker” at the Ambassadors Theatre on Tuesday 13 December 2016.  

As Production Consultant, Bill will oversee the show which will also feature twelve students from Arts Educational School, London, forming a musical ensemble. Sound design will be provided by Adrian Cobey, currently Head of Sound at the West End production of Les Miserables with lighting design by Paul J Need.

The musical programme will include an exciting and eclectic blend ranging from much-loved choral works such as John Rutter’s “Angels’ Carol” and Adolphe Adam’s “O Holy Night!” through to golden show tunes from Irving Berlin, favourites of Elton John, with Christmas classics and seasonal standards presented in unique Ferris and Milnes style.

Fans of Ferris & Milnes will be delighted to hear that they will be following up on their popular musical mash-ups “33 Sondheim Numbers In 5 Minutes” and “31 West End Musicals in Under 10 Minutes” by bringing “The Entire Score of West Side Story In 8 Minutes” to the West End stage.

Not only that, but Ferris & Milnes will be performing a NEW very special medley jam-packed with as many festive hits as you can imagine! A one-minute teaser trailer of the medley is now live on YouTube (https://youtu.be/GExG-zFDL5I).

The fun-packed Christmas extravaganza is sure to delight the whole family. Audiences can expect the unexpected, as well as the Christmas favourites they know and love, in a heart-warming, foot-tapping seasonal shindig.

Tickets are now on sale priced £17.50 – £32.50 (booking fees may apply). Book online:https://www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk, via telephone: 020 7395 5405, or in person at the Box Office.

“Ferris & Milnes – Christmas Cracker” is produced by The Cahoots Theatre Company Ltd.

 

Recently playing to sold-out houses at the St. James Studio, Ferris & Milnes mark their debut West End show after thrilling crowds at West End LIVE in Trafalgar Square, The Tower of London, Lytham Festival’s West End Proms, and in Stephen Sondheim’s 85th Birthday Gala at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. They have been described as “Hilarious” (The Telegraph) and “The most exciting musical theatre double act to be discovered in years” (West End Frame).

 

Dominic Ferris and Martin Milnes are a unique combination. Dominic is a pianist extraordinaire, regularly showcasing his skills touring the world as one half of The Piano Brothers – his Steinway & Sons accredited piano duo. Martin has ‘two voices’ – excelling as both a tenor and in his acclaimed falsetto register, having diversely crossed the musical worlds between West End and opera. Together, Dominic and Martin combine comedy, music and vocals in a dynamic cocktail of explosive Broadway glamour and fun.

 

For more information about Ferris & Milnes visit: www.ferrisandmilnes.com. Follow Ferris & Milnes on Twitter @ferrisandmilnes and on Facebook www.facebook.com/ferrisandmilnes.

 

LISTINGS

“Ferris & Milnes – Christmas Cracker”

The Ambassadors Theatre, West Street, London, WC2H 9ND

Nearest tube station: Leicester Square

Tuesday 13 December 2016: 7.30pm

Running time: 2 hours 30 mins approx. (including interval)

Tickets: £17.50 – £32.50; transaction fees apply to online and telephone bookings

Online bookings: https://www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk

Telephone bookings: 020 7395 5405

Full Cast & Creatives for Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical

265bd8f9e-07d0-1cad-4c8c760d9aa6bf7eTHE WORLD PREMIERE OF

JIM STEINMAN’S 

BAT OUT OF HELL – THE MUSICAL

EXPLODES ON STAGE AT THE LONDON COLISEUM ON 5 JUNE 2017

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED

BOX OFFICE ON SALE TO GENERAL PUBLIC FROM 5PM TODAY

WITH MEAT LOAF INTRODUCING ANDREW POLEC AND THE CAST IN A LIVE PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE LONDON COLISEUM ON 

ST MARTIN’S LANE

 

The world premiere of the long-awaited Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical will take place in London’s West End at the London Coliseum, opening on Tuesday 20 June 2017, following previews from 5 June, for a limited season until 22 July 2017. This follows previews at Manchester Opera House from 17 February to 8 April 2017.

bat-out-of-hell-the-musical%2c-andrew-polec-christina-bennington%2c-credit-specular-1As with many great works of art, the genesis of the Bat Out Of Hell album occurred across a number of years. One of the songs was written while Steinman was an undergraduate at Amherst College in the late 1960s. In the 1970s,Steinman wrote a theatrical musical that was presented in workshop in Washington D.C. in 1974 and featured many of the songs that would ultimately appear on the Bat Out Of Hell album, which was released in 1977.

Bat Out Of Hell became one of the best-selling albums in history, selling over 50 million copies worldwide. 16 years later, 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 has 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 two previously unreleased songs, What Part of My Body Hurts the Most and Not Allowed to Love.

Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical is a romantic adventure about rebellious youth and passionate love, set against the backdrop of a post-cataclysmic city adrift from the mainland. Strat, the forever young leader of The Lost, has fallen for Raven, daughter of Falco, the tyrannical, ruler of Obsidian.

Jim Steinman’s previous musicals include his collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber on Whistle Down the Wind, including the hit single released by Boyzone, No Matter What, and the musical Tanz der Vampire, which has been running for 20 years and has been presented in Vienna, Stuttgart, Berlin, Hamburg, Paris, Budapest, Warsaw, St Petersburg and Tokyo.

bat-out-of-hell-the-musical%2c-christina-bennington-andrew-polec%2c-credit-specular-3Directed by award-winning theatre and opera director Jay Scheib, the cast of Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical will be led by newcomer Andrew Polec as Strat and Christina Bennington as Raven, with Rob Fowler as Falco and Sharon Sexton as Sloane. Also starring will be Aran MacRae as Tink, Danielle Steers as Zahara, Dom Hartley-Harris as Jagwire, Giovanni Spano as Ledoux and Patrick Sullivan as Blake. Also in the cast will be Jemma Alexander, Emily Benjamin, Stuart Boother, Georgia Carling, Natalie Chua, Jonathan Cordin, Amy Di Bartolomeo, Jordan Lee Davies, Olly Dobson, Hannah Ducharme, Phoebe Hart, Rosalind James, Michael Naylor, Eve Norris, Tim Oxbrow, Andrew Patrick-Walker, Benjamin Purkiss, Anthony Selwyn, Courtney Stapleton and Ruben Van keer. 

Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical has book by Jim Steinman and Stuart Beattie, music and lyrics by Jim Steinman, direction by Jay Scheib, choreography by Emma Portner, with musical arrangements and supervision by Michael Reed, set design by Jon Bausor, costume design by Meentje Nielsen, video design by Finn Ross, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestration by Steve Sidwell, casting by David Grindrod Associates and musical direction by Robert Emery.

bat-out-of-hell-the-musical%2c-christina-bennington-andrew-polec%2c-credit-specular-2Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical is produced by David Sonenberg, Michael Cohl, Randy Lennox, Tony Smith, and produced in association with Bat Out of Hell Holding Limited.

Website:  www.BatOutOfHellMusical.com

Twitter & Facebook:  @BatTheMusical

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

17 February – 8 April 2017

Opera House Manchester

3 Quay Street

Manchester

M3 3HP

Performances:  Mon-Sat at 7.30pm, Thurs & Sat at 2.30pm (no matinee on Sat 18 February)

Tickets:  from £17.50

Box Office:  0844 871 3018 (subject to booking/transaction fees)

5 June – 22 July 2017

London Coliseum

St Martin’s Lane

London

WC2N 4ES

Performances:  Mon-Sat at 7.30pm, Thurs & Sat at 2.30pm (7pm on Tue 20 June; no matinee on Thurs 8 June; extra 2.30pm matinee on Tue 22 August)

Tickets:  from £15.00

Box Office:  020 7845 9300

An immersive Christmas Carol at Above the Arts Theatre this holiday season

Hartshorn – Hook Productions and The Flanagan Collective present:

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
December 12th – December 31st 2016, Above the Arts Theatre

Hartshorn – Hook Productions and The Flanagan Collective team up for the sixth year running to present a rousing rendition of this timeless classic, served over a two-course Christmas feast. A heart-warming, foot-stomping immersive production, created by writer Alexander Wright and director Tom Bellerby. This seasonal show is presented in partnership with The Big Issue Foundation.

**** “The whole experience is as merry and magical as Christmas itself” The Stage

A tale of ghouls, ghosts and – with your help – barrels of festive cheer. We join Marley over a sumptuous two course feast, and some potent potion to keep off the winter chill. Through parlour games, Christmas songs and a little spirited trickery, we must warm the heart of the bah-humbugging miser, everyone’s favourite festive misanthrope, Scrooge. A show about Christmas spirit, caring for those we love, and having a damn good knees up couldn’t be a more perfect way to warm a cold winter’s evening.

“If you feel you’ve had your fill of A Christmas Carol, think again” York Press

Catering comes from chef Danny Jack, and his project The Humble Kitchen. The full two-course sharing feast includes all the trimmings for the perfect Christmas dinner (with hot beef mince pies and a pumpkin, kale and goats cheese vegetarian option), alongside a late license bar. (Special dietary requests are gladly catered for and should be advised at least 48 hours in advance of the performance by email to [email protected])

“A Christmas miracle (…) enthralling, captivating, laugh-out-loud theatre” Yorkshire Times

Hartshorn – Hook Productions is a London-based producer of theatre and live events, best known for American Idiot (West End Premiere, associate producer), Urinetown (associate producer) and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (starring Julie Atherton and Simon Lipkin, 2015). Regular collaborators The Flanagan Collective are based in Yorkshire, and typically create work in non-traditional performances spaces. They are best-known for The Great Gatsby (Theatre Deli, York Theatre Royal), Beulah, BABYLON, Some Small Love Story and the nationwide Little Festival of Everything.

Paul McGann UK Tour Debut in Moira Buffini Play

gabriel-posterPaul McGann makes his 

UK Theatre Tour debut

in Moira Buffini’s 

GABRIEL 

UK Tour Opens March 2017

Theatre6 is delighted to announce the UK Tour of Gabriel, which opens in London at Richmond Theatre on Tuesday 28 March 2017, with a national press night on Friday 31 March 2017. 

Starring Paul McGann (Withnail and IDoctor Who and The Monocled Mutineer) and written by Moira Buffini (HandbaggedWonder.land), this electric drama is directed by award-winning Kate McGregor and produced by Theatre6, co-producers of the award-winning, West End smash hit The Scottsboro Boys.

The story of Gabriel is based in 1943 Nazi-occupied Guernsey. Widow and mother Jeanne does whatever it takes to keep her adolescent daughter Estelle and daughter-in-law Lily safe on an island filled with danger and fear. Her toughest test arrives in the form of the terrifying Commander Von Pfunz, whose romantic advances may be the only way to keep her family alive. But tensions intensify when a mysterious young man is washed ashore with no memory of who he is. Fluent in German and English, is he an RAF pilot, an SS interrogator, a local boy with amnesia or a saviour sent from heaven? The stakes are high and getting it wrong means certain death. 

 

COLLISION coming soon to ITV1. Douglas Henshall Kate Ashfield Paul McGann and Phil Davis lead a prestigious cast in Collision a compelling new drama serial, created by Anthony Horowitz for ITV1. This tense thought provoking drama made by Greenlit Rights tells the story of a major road accident and a group of people who have never met but who all share one devastating moment that will change their lives.  The five part serial is a modern epic tale which explores how fragile our lives are. It focuses on how fate and the feeling of immortality behind the wheel play a part in our lives where events are not always in our control.   Amid the tangle of twisted metal and emotional turmoil wrought by the tragedy of a crash of this scale are the stories of the victims and the impact of the accident on their families friends and colleagues. As the terrible task of investigating the cause of the carnage begins a series of revelations emerge from Government cover up and smuggling to disturbing secrets and murder. Pictured : (Paul McGann) Richard Reeves. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk.  This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Plc Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itvpictures.com For further information please contact: patrick.smith@itv.com

Paul McGann, who established his name in the iconic cult film Withnail and I, returns to the stage for his first UK Tour. As well as numerous TV and film credits, including the TV series Hornblower, Luther and the film Alien3, Paul’s theatre credits include Helen at Shakespeare’s Globe in London, Butley in London’s West End and Mourning Becomes Electraat the National Theatre. Paul will play the role of Von Pfunz.

 

Robin Morrissey will play the title role of Gabriel. His previous theatre credits include The Government Inspector(Birmingham Rep & UK Tour), Sex and the Three Day Week (Liverpool Playhouse), Juno and the Paycock (Bristol Old Vic) and Twelfth Night (Liverpool Everyman). Television credits include Holby City (BBC) and Doctors (BBC).

 

Sarah Schoenbeck will be playing Lily. Sarah’s theatre credits include The Breadwinner and The Man Who Pays the Piper (Orange Tree Theatre) and Sam Wanamaker Festival (Shakespeare’s Globe). Sarah’s television credits include Doctors (BBC) and the regular role of Lizzie Baker in 4 O’Clock Club (CBBC).

 

Venice van Someren will be playing the role of Estelle. Venice recently graduated from drama school. Since graduating, theatre credits include Thérèse Raquin (Southwark Playhouse) and Jodie in Can’t Stand Up for Falling Down (Theatre N16). This is Venice’s debut UK Tour. 

Gabriel is directed by Kate McGregor. Kate is Artistic Director of award-winning Theatre6 and winner of the Noel Coward Trainee Director Bursary at the Salisbury Playhouse. Her credits include Kinetics (UK Tour), Grace: A Youth Musical (New Wimbledon Theatre), Honest (UK Tour) Moments (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Water Engine / Mr Happiness (Old Vic Tunnels, Time Out Award nominated), The Ripple Effect (Richmond Theatre – London 2012 Festival), Never Any Fruit (Pleasance Theatre Studio), The Double (White Bear Theatre).

Forward Theatre Project’s Genesis comes to Preston | Coronation Street’s Sally Dynevor in partnership with Prevent Breast Cancer

Forward Theatre Project present:

Genesis

When science offers you the chance to look into the future of your own health, or your family’s, would you always want to know?

WORLD PREMIERE

Written by Frazer Flintham | Directed by Charlotte Bennett

UK Touring November 2016

Following a two-year research partnership with the UK’s only charity dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer; Prevent Breast Cancer, Genesis is a brand new play from acclaimed playwright Frazer Flintham. Taking inspiration from interviews with medical professionals as well as patients and their families, the production was initially developed with the late Morag Siller (Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Holby City and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Hamlet). The project continues in her memory after Morag died of breast cancer in April 2016. Coronation Street co-star and breast cancer survivor Sally Dynevor (known to viewers as Sally Metcalfe) succeeds in her role as an advocate of the project.   

 

Flintham explores the complex human dilemmas around preventative medicine through the character of leading geneticist Rachel. Rachel identifies gene mutations that increase the risk of developing breast cancer – allowing action to be taken before the disease has even had chance to develop.  Whether it is surgery or a course of drugs, it is all about prevention. But on discovering that she and her daughter might be carrying a gene mutation themselves, Rachel starts to wonder if predicting illness through science throws up more questions than it can answer.

Sally Dynevor said: “In order to build a breast cancer-free future, prediction and prevention are imperative. This play is about telling the human side of science. It addresses the incredibly difficult emotional journey we embark on when we are told we can potentially avoid rather than survive cancer by being told our predicted risk.”

Running alongside the production, Forward Theatre Project will create a legacy strand including an educational project with young women on body image, a photography exhibition of mastectomy patients, self-esteem workshops for cancer sufferers and a live streaming of the production. This will enable the conversations stimulated by the show to continue long after its tour comes to an end. The production coincides with Manchester being awarded the prestigious European City of Science 2016. Genesis will premiere in Salford, the original inspiration for the fictional town of Weatherfield in which Coronation Street is set.

Director Charlotte Bennett saidAt Forward Theatre Project we create theatre which is community-driven, high in ambition, challenging and thought-provoking. Throughout ‘Genesis’, audiences will be invited into the debate about the ethics of preventative measures which are being employed across a range of diseases today.”

 

Nikki Barraclough, executive director at Prevent Breast Cancer, said “To be told you have a high risk of developing breast cancer can be life-changing, but it’s essential that the right support and advice is on hand. The decision to find out your risk is not an easy one to make and this play tackles an important issue, exploring the emotional impact on the person involved and their loved ones. We’re sure it’s a topic that will touch the hearts of anyone who attends and raises many important questions. We’re incredibly proud to be part of this project and are looking forward to seeing it played out on stage.”

Forward Theatre Project was established in 2009 from a meeting between 20 emerging theatre directors, writers and designers and 10 building based Artistic Directors from around the UK. Coming together with a shared desire to advocate for a more national approach to making new work amongst emerging theatre makers and to create theatre rooted in a relationship with its audience from inception through to final production. The collective includes: Alex Summers, Alison Carr, Anna Gooch, Ben Ellis, Ellen Mcdougall, Elly Green, Evan Placey, Fabrice Serafino, Frazer Flintham, Gabriel Bisset-Smith, Gemma Kerr, James Perkins, Jess Wiesner, Lydia Denno, Mika Handley, Nick Payne, Nikki Williams, Signe Beckmann, Tim Price and Titas Halder. The company is a collective of these original artists, led by Artistic Director Charlotte Bennett.

 

@forwardtheatre | @wearepreventBC | #Genesis | www.forwardtheatreproject.co.uk

Running Time: 80 minutes | Suitable for ages 16+

Company Information

Playwright Frazer Flintham               Director Charlotte Bennett

Designer Lydia Denno                                   Producer Corinne Salisbury

Cast: Helen Bradbury, Charlotte Melia and Joanna Nicks

Listings information

11 – 12 Nov                   The Lowry
The Quays, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ
8pm (2.30pm matinee on 12th) | £12 (£10 concs)
www.thelowry.com | 0843 208 6000

15 -19 Nov                    Soho Theatre
21 Dean St, London W1D 3NE
7pm (Sat matinee 4pm) | £16 (£14 concs)
www.sohotheatre.com | 020 7478 0100

22 Nov                         Beggar’s Theatre, Cumbria
Market Square, Millom LA18 4HZ
7.30pm | £10 (£7 concs)
www.beggarstheatre.co.uk | 01229 775677

23 Nov                         The Continental, Preston
South Meadow Lane, Preston PR1 8JP
8pm | £8 (£6 concs)
newcontinental.net | 01772 499425

24 Nov                         CAST, Doncaster
Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
7.45pm |  £10.50 (£9 concs)
castindoncaster.com | 01302 303 959

Susie Blake, Nichola McAuliffe & Indira Joshi cast in York Theatre Royal’s Murder, Margaret and Me

Casting announced for York Theatre Royal premiere production of Murder, Margaret and Me.
 
Three female stars of stage and screen will bring to life the complex relationship between the world’s most famous crime writer, her best-known fictional creation and the actor who first brought the character to the screen.
 thumbnail_indira-joshi-nichola-mcauliffe-susie-blake-credit-robert-workman
In the early sixties two strong national treasures were the creative force behind one of British cinema’s most successful franchises, but the Miss Marple films were almost never made. Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie didn’t want actor Margaret Rutherford to bring her fabled spinster to life and Margaret Rutherford was mortified at the prospects of sullying her reputation with something as sordid as murder.
 
Murder, Margaret and Me is the story of the real reason why the acting legend and ‘the funniest woman alive’ didn’t want to take on the role that made her celebrated across the world. Margaret and Agatha form an unlikely friendship filled with afternoon tea and gossip. Meanwhile Agatha turns detective herself as she becomes determined to unearth Rutherford’s tragic and shocking secret.
 
This premiere production will form part of a year-long programme of work put together by an all-female panel which aims to redress the imbalance in women’s roles in both theatrical work and the industry as a whole. These productions, events and activities will run alongside York Theatre Royal’s spring and autumn 2017 seasons.
 
Nichola McAuliffe will play Agatha Christie, the world renowned Queen of Crime whose 66 novels and 14 short story collections defined an era of thriller storytelling. Nichola has won a number of awards, including the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Musical for Kiss Me Kate. No stranger to York, she has also appeared in Blithe Spirit at York Theatre Royal working with director Damian Cruden. Nichola recently appeared on television in ITV’s lavish series Victoria as the Duchess of Cumberland, but many will remember her as Sheila from seven series of Granada’s comedy Surgical Spirit.
 
Susie Blake takes on the role of Margaret Rutherford, the Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning actress whose childhood in India was overshadowed by sadness and tragedy. Susie’s career on stage has seen her take roles ranging from Madam Morrible in Wicked in London’s West End to various Alan Ayckbourn productions at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre. She is well-known for one of her early television roles as the sarcastic continuity announcer on Victoria Wood As Seen On TV in the 1980s, and also appeared recently in Coronation Street from 2004 – 2006 as Bev, a role she reprised in 2015 following the death of Anne Kirkbride who played Dierdre Barlow.
 
They are joined by Indira Joshi as The Spinster, whose character narrates and leads the story, whilst bearing a certain resemblance to the legendary sleuth Miss Marple. Indira is widely known for appearing as Madhuri Kumar in seven series of the BBC’s The Kumars at Number 42. Indira has a career spanning vast sections of television, theatre and film and has had extensive experience in radio and presenting from the swinging 60’s in New Delhi where she presented A Date With You to a range of drama in the UK.  She was founder and editor of The New World Times in San Francisco which won an award from the Native American Journalist Association. 
 
Murder, Margaret and Me is written by Philip Meeks and will be directed by York Theatre Royal Artistic Director Damian Cruden and designed by Dawn Allsopp.
 
Director Damian Cruden said:
I’m delighted to be working with three such wonderful actors. They have great experience in theatre, film and television and I am delighted that they have chosen to come to York to share in the creation of a new piece of work. They are three very funny women and I’m looking forward to spending time with them in a room which I’m sure will be full of laughter and no doubt some anarchy, it’s good for the soul! It will then be a joy to share the result of our time spent in the rehearsal space with the people of York. The play is at heart a mystery worthy of Agatha herself, there’s plenty of surprises and a great deal of fun and laughs. I can’t wait to get started.
 
Murder, Margaret and Me writer Philip Meeks added:
Margaret Rutherford and Agatha Christie were pioneers in a world where women creatives still constantly play second fiddle, especially those of a ‘certain’ age. Yet due to their creative brilliance they found themselves in their sixties at the heart of the biggest franchise in the history of British cinema at that time.  I’m thrilled that in Susie, Nichola and Indira the play is in the hands of a trio of equally powerful creative women. They are the perfect team to bring Damian’s vision for the production to life.
 
Tickets for Murder, Margaret and Me are on sale now priced £30 – £12 (£1.50 transaction fee per booking) from York Theatre Royal box office in person, by phone on 01904 623568 and securely online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

Attic Theatre Company announces casting for Great Expectations. 30 Nov-18 Dec. Merton Arts Space

Casting announced for Attic Theatre Company’s new production of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, directed by Louise Hill
Presented at the new Merton Arts Space between 30 November – 18 December 2016
 
Attic Theatre Company is pleased to announce casting for its new production of Great Expectationsdirected by Louise Hill. The first professional theatre event in the new Merton Arts Space, Wimbledon will mark Louise Hill’s final show with Attic Theatre Company after two and a half years at the helm. Theresa Heskins’ adaptation brings Dickens’ epic tale of romance, ruthless ambition and revenge to this newly redeveloped performance venue at Wimbledon Library between 30 November and 18 December. The Company includes Hannah Boyde, Tom Chapman, Rory Fazan, Anthony Glennon, Derek Howard, Rhiannon Neads, Roger Ringrose and Carmen Rodriguez.
 
Louise Hill has been Artistic Director with Attic Theatre Company since 2014 and has been a driving force in the conception and realisation of the new Merton Arts Space. She commented: In 2014 the libraries team invited us to stage our new writing festival in Wimbledon Library, as a way of trying out the space for theatre. It has such a buzz about it – there’s a feeling of being where you shouldn’t be, making theatre (and noise!) in a library after hours. It feels appropriate, as we tell the story of Great Expectations, to be surrounded by the hundreds of stories waiting to be discovered on the library shelves. Attic has a deep-rooted commitment to bringing exciting theatre to its home borough of Merton, so I’m delighted that my final production marks the opening of the new Merton Arts Space, a brand new resource for the local community.”
 
Louise’s recent theatre credits include The Low Road (LAMDA), Fields Unsown (Attic Theatre Company), Quality StreetWhat Every Woman KnowsOutward Bound and Pack (all Finborough Theatre), Boston Marriage (RWCMD) and The Merchant of Venice (UK tour).
 
Pip will be played by Tom Chapman. Theatre includes Some Tiny Plays About How Fucked We All Are(Middle Child/Paines Plough), Generation Ellipses (PLAY/Paines Plough), En Folkefiende (Pleasance Dome/Edinburgh Fringe) and King John (Rose Theatre, Kingston).
 
Derek Howard will play Magwitch, Jaggers and Father. Theatre includes Berenice (Donmar Warehouse), An Ideal Husband (The Vaudeville), The Country Wife (The Haymarket), Somewhere in England (The Quarry Theatre Bradford) and The Merchant of Venice and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (GB Productions tour).
 
Carmen Rodriguez will play Miss Havisham and Mother. Carmen’s previous work with Attic includes the Vintage New Writing project and the 2015 Playfest (directed by Louise Hill). Other theatre includes King John (Rose Theatre Kingston),The Seagull (Minack Theatre), Building Walls (Theatre 503), The Lion in Winter(Haymarket) and An Ideal Husband (Vaudeville Theatre).
 
Hannah Boyde will play Mrs Joe and Startop. Hannah performed in Fields Unsown, Louise Hill’s most recent production for Attic. Other theatre credits include Mess (Caroline Horton/Touring Internationally), Lands of Glass (Unfolding Theatre), Henry V (Unicorn Theatre) and Quality Street (Finborough Theatre).
 
Anthony Glennon will play Joe and Drummle. Theatre includes The Jungle Book, Alice in Wonderland andWind In The Willows (Sixteen Feet Productions) and Twelfth Night (Attic Theatre Company).
 
Roger Ringrose will play Pumblechook, Wemmick and Camilla. Recent theatre credits include Untold Stories(The Watermill Theatre), Each His Own Wilderness (The Orange Tree), The Picture (Salisbury Playhouse),Burnt by the Sun and Never So Good (National Theatre) and King Henry VI Pt III (Shakespeare’s Globe).
 
Rory Fazan will play Herbert Pocket, Sarah Pocket and Sergeant. Rory trained at LAMDA – theatre work there includes The Dark Things, Bull, A Small Family Business, Dracula, The Wild Duck and The BFG.
 
Rhiannon Neads will play Estella, Biddy and Molly. Theatre credits include Adele is Younger Than Us(Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2016), A Christmas Carol (Old Red Lion), Copenhagen, Love and a Bottle, Pornography and Sweeney Todd (all at LAMDA).
 
This production of Great Expectations will be designed by final year Theatre Design students from Wimbledon College of Art, with mentor support from professional theatre designer Alex Marker. Alex trained at Wimbledon School of Art, and is currently Resident Designer and Deputy Chief Executive of the Finborough Theatre, where he has designed over thirty-five productions. This collaboration offers the students an invaluable opportunity to put their academic training into practice before they graduate.
 
As part of the events programme surrounding this production, local actor Jason Flemyng, who played Joe in the 2012 film of Great Expectations, will give a reading from the novel on 7 December. Jason commented: “It’s great to see arts companies and libraries collaborating in this way, especially when cuts to both are rife, and as a result of this venture we have a unique new performance space in the region. I’m proud to be supporting Attic and can’t wait to see their new staging of Dickens’ popular tale.”