Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Saturday 8th June 2024
Reviewed by Steph Lott
4****
Party Games, a play written by Michael McManus and directed by Joanna Read, recently took the stage at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, offering a satirical take on the world of politics.
In the context of the UK in 2024, and with a General Election looming, “Party Games” takes on a particular level of relevance. The play’s premise, centered around John Waggner, the newly elected leader of the centrist One Nation Party, trying to maintain power in a hung parliament amid a discontented electorate and striking cheese makers, feels all too plausible given the current political landscape.
The play’s exploration of the lengths to which politicians will go to cling to power, including relying on a Svengali spin doctor and questionable data, strikes a chord in an era where trust in government is often strained. The inclusion of the King, and a large spider as potential allies adds an absurdist element that underscores the desperation and chaos of the situation. Unfortunately, that desperation and chaos feel all too familiar these days.
As John (played with great comedic panache by Matthew Cottle) navigates the treacherous waters of political survival, he is surrounded by a cast of characters, including Svengali Seth (Ryan Early), his assistant Luke (Shaun Chambers), and three women who complicate his life in various ways: his wife Anne, (Natalie Dunne), the Deputy Prime Minister Lisa (Erica Tavares-Kouassi), and Candice (Krissi John). Actually, it’s four females if you count the AI Medianne….
The acting in “Party Games” was top-notch, with each performer bringing their character to life with skill and nuance. Director Joanna Read’s vision for the play was evident in the pacing, staging, and artistic choices. The production moved at a brisk pace, keeping the audience engaged and entertained throughout. The staging made clever use of the space, with fluid transitions between scenes that kept the momentum going.
The technical aspects of the production were well-executed, enhancing the overall experience. Lighting and sound design were used effectively to create atmosphere and punctuate key moments in the story., cleverly bringing the outside world in. The costumes were appropriate for each character, helping to define their roles and personalities.
While “Party Games” was undeniably funny, with a script that delivered plenty of laughs, for me its impact was somewhat diminished by the current political climate. As the UK approaches a General Election, the real-life drama unfolding in the political arena can make satirical takes on politics feel very uncomfortable. Some of lines uttered by the characters were, sadly, very close to real life. Rather than being funny, they feel like a dismal reflection on the dire state of British politics.
Overall though, “Party Games” is a well-crafted and entertaining production that showcases the talents of its cast and creative team. The performances are strong, the direction is skilful, and the script impressive. For me it was unfortunate timing that the play is being performed on the brink of a General Election. However, that is no-one’s fault, and the audience enjoyed plenty of chuckles at the antics on stage. “Party Games” is an enjoyable night at the theatre, offering a humorous escape from the real-life political drama unfolding beyond the stage.
I suppose like most people around at the time I can tell you what I was doing on September 11th 2001 when the terrorist attacks took place in the United States. But what I wasn’t aware of was what happened in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada on that day and the following few days. When the United States air space was closed, the planes that were in the air had to be diverted. Gander is a major international airport and during the 50’s and 60’s most of the transatlantic flights needed a refuelling stop so it had the room. 38 planes landed that day in September with nearly 7000 people on board and what happened next really restored your faith in humanity. The people of Gander take the people into their homes, schools, fed them and treat them like family or neighbours.
This is a brilliant production and you would think with such a sombre subject it would be quite depressing but no it was joyous, uplifting, very moving and fabulously performed. The book, music and lyrics are by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, with the show being directed by Christopher Ashley and I’m really not surprised that it has won numerous awards.
It would be very hard to pick out just one member of this outstanding cast, I don’t think I’ve seen so much talent on one stage. They all play multiple parts, from Gander residents, Air Crew to plane passengers. They seemed to change into the different characters seamlessly by simply using the props to make a plane, adding different clothes, changing their accent, they were just magnificent! This made the musical flow beautifully; it is fast paced and has it doesn’t have an interval you are drawn into the story. I really didn’t want it to end!
The songs are amazing, On the Edge, 38 Planes, Me and the Sky and many more and the on-stage band (led by Musical Director Andrew Corcoran) were excellent.
I don’t think I’ve heard such a cheer go up at the end of a show for a long time. The cast and band got a well-deserved standing ovation. I’d never seen this musical before and I would absolutely recommend it. So, if you’re a newbie like me or someone who has seen it numerous times just go and see it…you won’t be disappointed!!
Orange Tree Theatre today announces the full cast for the UK première of Lucas Hnath’s Red Speedo directed by Matthew Dunster.
The previously announced Finn Cole – best known for his roles as Michael Gray in Peaky Blinders and Joshua ‘J’ Cody in Animal Kingdom – is joined by Fraser James playing Coach, Parker Lapaine playing Lydia, and Ciarán Owens (Peaky Blinders, The Last Kingdom)playing Peter.
Red Speedo opens on 18 July, with preview from 13 July, and runs until 10 August.
Lucas Hnath’s
RED SPEEDO
Directed by Matthew Dunster
A co-production with David Adkin
13 July – 10 August 2024
Set Designer: Anna Fleischle; Associate Set Designer: Cat Fuller; Costume Designer: Cat Fuller; Lighting Designer: Sally Ferguson; Sound Designer: Holly Khan; Casting Director: Matilda James CDG; Fight Director: Claire Llewellyn for RC Annie; Accent Coach: Aundrea Fudge
Ray lives to swim. He is within touching distance of international glory and a life-changing sponsorship deal. But everything changes when performance-enhancing drugs are discovered in the club’s refrigerator. As tensions run high, Ray’s brother wants them destroyed, his coach wants to call the authorities, his ex-girlfriend doesn’t want to know, and Ray wants the drugs back. A thriller played at the breakneck pace of an Olympic sprint, Red Speedo tackles the unforgiving weight of success in a world where the only crime is getting caught.
Lucas Hnath is one of America’s most exciting contemporary playwrights, whose A Doll’s House, Part 2 was recently seen at the Donmar Warehouse. Matthew Dunster directs this UK première, fresh from his hit West End productions of Shirley Valentine, 2:22 A Ghost Story and Hangmen.
Lucas Hnath is an award-winning playwright whose other plays include A Doll’s House, Part 2 (South Coast Repertory and Broadway), The Christians (Humana Festival), A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney (Soho Rep), nightnight (Humana Festival), Isaac’s Eye (Ensemble Studio Theatre), and Death Tax (Humana Festival, Royal Court Theatre). He is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, a 2015 Whiting Award, a Whitfield Cook Award, two Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award Citations and a Windham Campbell Prize for Drama.
Finn Cole makes his professional stage debut as Ray. His television credits include Peaky Blinders (as series regular Michael Gray), An Inspector Calls and Animal Kingdom. For film his credits include Slaughterhouse Rulez, Dreamland, Here Are The Young Men, F9 and Locked In, and the forthcoming Last Breath.
Fraser James plays Coach. His theatre credits include The Seagull (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Liberian Girl, King Lear (Royal Court Theatre), Wildefire, Chimps (Hampstead Theatre), Mogadishu (Royal Exchange Theatre, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre), Love the Sinner, President of an Empty Room (National Theatre), Troilus and Cressida, The Frontline and King Lear (Shakespeare’s Globe). His television credits include Endeavour, Double Busy, Origin Wolfblood, Loch Ness, Strikeback, Outnumbered, Robin Hood, Frankenstein, Love Lies Bleeding, Babyfather, Judge John Deed, Second Sight, In Exile, Life After Birth, The Affair, Guardians, The Healer and Prime Suspect; and for film, Terminator: Dark Fate, Yardie, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, Hero, Birds of Heaven, Sometimes in April, The Purifiers, Wing Commander and Shopping.
Parker Lapaine makes her professional stage debut as Lydia. For television, her credits include the forthcoming second series of House of the Dragon.
Ciarán Owens plays Peter. He returns to the Orange Tree having previously appeared in The Brink. His other theatre credits include The Interview (Park Theatre), Farewell Mister Haffmann (Theatre Royal Bath), Cabaret (Lido de Paris), The Windsors: Endgame (Prince of Wales Theatre), The Duchess of Malfi (Almeida Theatre), Tumulus (Soho Theatre), Rutherford and Son, Love and Information (Sheffield Theatres), Disco Pigs (UK and Ireland tour), King John (Shakespeare’s Globe), So Here We Are (Royal Exchange Theatre), A Handful of Stars (Trafalgar Studios, Theatre503), Oh What a Lovely War (Theatre Royal Stratford East), Candide, A Mad World My Masters and Titus Andronicus (RSC). His television credits include Curfew, Ancient Empires, Father Brown, Peaky Blinders, Temple, Small Axe: Red White and Blue, Washington, Krypton, The Last Kingdom, Strike Back, Arthur and George, Crazyhead and Spotless; and for film, Red Joan, Where Hands Touch, Immaculate Heart, Mugs’ Arrows, New Gods and Widdershins.
Matthew Dunster’s directing credits include Shirley Valentine (Duke of York’s Theatre), 2:22A Ghost Story (Apollo Theatre), True West (Vaudeville Theatre), Oedipus (Bunkamura Theatre), Hangmen, (Royal Court Theatre, Golden Theatre), Liberian Girl (Royal Court Theatre), The Seagull, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Love’s Sacrifice (RSC), The Lightning Child, Doctor Faustus (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Love Girl and The Innocent, You Can Still Make a Killing (Southwark Playhouse), Mametz (National Theatre Wales), Before the Party (Almeida Theatre), A Sacred Flame (ETT), Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (Royal Exchange Theatre), Mogadishu (Royal Exchange Manchester and Lyric Hammersmith), The Most Incredible Thing (Sadler’s Wells), and The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Royal & Derngate, Northampton). His writing credits include Children’s Children (Almeida Theatre), You Can See the Hills and Two Clouds Over Eden (Royal Exchange Manchester).
Double bill – Shadows of the Evening and Come into the Garden, Maud Wednesday 5 June 2024 at 7.00pm: A Song at Twilight
Primary Shakespeare: HAMLET 3 June – 5 July 2024 (workshops and performances) Mon, Tue & Fri
RED SPEEDO
13 Jul – 10 Aug 2024
ABOUT THE ORANGE TREE THEATRE
We are a local theatre with a global reputation.
A show at the Orange Tree is close-up magic: live, entertaining, unmissable. We’re an intimate theatre with the audience wrapped around the stage. We believe in celebrating what it means to be human. We believe in putting people at the centre of the stories we tell. And we believe in the power of a writer’s words, an actor’s voice, and an audience’s imagination to transport us to other worlds and other lives.
We punch above our weight to create world-class productions of new and contemporary drama, revitalise classics and re-discoveries, and introduce children and young people to the magic of theatre.
We are deeply rooted in our local community in South West London. We work with thousands of people aged 0 to 100 in Richmond and beyond through participatory theatre, bringing generations together to build confidence, connection, and joy. Our ground-breaking Primary Shakespeare and Shakespeare Up Close projects pack the theatre with children and ignite a spark to last a lifetime.
We’re a registered charity (266128). With only 180 seats and no support from Arts Council England, we rely on the generosity of our audiences and donors to raise £500,000 a year. These funds support our outstanding work on stage and in the community and invest in the next generation of talent.
David Adkin Limited is a London-based theatrical production and general management company. Credits include: Hir (Park Theatre); The King and I (UK tour/Dominion); A Little Life (Harold Pinter/Savoy); The Crown Jewels (Garrick); The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (UK tour); Blindness (Donmar Warehouse/UK tour/International); Clybourne Park, Disruption, Rothschild & Sons (Park); Blindness Live (Theatre Royal Carré, Amsterdam); After The End (Theatre Royal, Stratford East); The Realistic Joneses, Wild Goose Dreams, The Omission of the Family Coleman (Theatre Royal Bath); The Grinning Man (Trafalgar Studios); Operation Epsilon, Windfall, Straight White Men, Afterglow, The Life, Stalking the Bogeyman, Dessert, Next Fall (Southwark Playhouse); Our Friends the Enemy (UK tour/New York); Sweeney Todd (Twickenham Theatre); and Our House the Musical (Savoy).
Step into the pages of Barrett Wilbert Weed‘s diary at The London Palladium on September 1st, 2024.
Brace yourselves for a trip through the spooky corridors of her mind as Barrett brings her West End Debut show, DEAR DIARY to the iconic London Palladium.
The American actress and singer is best known for originating the roles of Veronica Sawyer in the Off-Broadway production of Heathers: The Musical and Janis Sarkisian in the Broadway production of Mean Girls. She also voices Octavia “Via” Goetia in the animated musical series, Helluva Boss.
Barrett welcomes you into her world, for an intimate look at the music, stories, ghosts and monsters that have shaped her life and career, as she rewinds her past ten years on Broadway.
We’re in for a weird and wonderful night of theatre and Barrett’s own playlist of indie pop in her first ever solo show.
Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are delighted to announce that in celebration of 85 magical years since the iconic cinematic debut of The Wizard of Oz, audiences have the chance to visit the yellow brick road with an extended number of seats available in the West End this summer for just £20. A strictly limited four-week summer season at the Gillian Lynne Theatre begins on Thursday 15 August following a record-breaking UK and Ireland tour. This offer is available only until June 10 and tickets can be booked HERE after 10am today.
The beloved musical, based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum will play a strictly limited London season of 38 performances only at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from Thursday 15 August – Sunday 8 September 2024. The film lives firmly on as a family favourite and, as testament to its enduring legacy, this production will have been seen by more than 500,000 theatre lovers by the time it returns to London.
Producer Michael Harrison says: “The Wizard of Oz remains an all-time family classic and we are delighted to extend this offer in celebration of the film’s milestone anniversary, as the show returns to London and audiences have their very last chance to see this production. It’s a glorious summer holiday treat and we can’t wait to take you over the rainbow at the Gillian Lynne.”
The Wizard of Oz’s London run stars JLS sensation Aston Merrygold* as The Tin Man and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, alongside principal company members also currently starring in the UK and Ireland touring production: Allan Stewart(Stones in His Pockets, West End, UK Tour, Toronto; STV Hello, Good Evening, Welcome) and Alex Bourne (Annie, West End, UK Tour, Toronto; Hairspray, UK Tour) as The Wizard,Aviva Tulley (Book of Mormon, UK Tour) as Dorothy, Benjamin Yates (ITV’s Emmerdale; Jersey Boys, West End) as The Scarecrow, Nic Greenshields (Love Never Dies West End; Les Misérables West End, International Tour) as The Cowardly Lion, Emily Bull (9 to 5, UK Tour; Matilda UK Tour) as Glinda The Good Witch and Abigail Matthews as Toto (Bleak Expectations, West End; War Horse, West End).* FemiAkinfolarin (Treason, UK Tour; Moulin Rouge! The Musical, West End) will appear as The Tin Man at all other dates. Please see website for performance details.
The company is completed by: David Burrows, Adam Craig, Cole Dunn, Tyler Ephraim, Olivia Kate Holding, Thomas Kalek, Sadie Levett, Kelsie-Rae Marshall, Martin McCarthy, Rose Ouellette, Fanja Parent, Alexandra Regan, Nathan Routledge, and Sydney Spencer.
The Wizard of Oz on tour is presented by Michael Harrison, Gavin Kalin Productions, David Mirvish, Crossroads Live, Rupert Gavin and Mallory Factor, Jake Hine, and Playing Field, by arrangement with the Really Useful Group Ltd. Originally produced at Curve.
Get the whole family into London theatre this summer as long-running audience development initiative Kids Week returns, offering free children’s tickets to participating shows.
Lovingly referred to as ‘the longest week in summer’, Kids Week now runs throughout the summer holidays with tickets available to select performances from Wednesday 24 July to Friday 6 September. During Kids Week, a child aged 17 and under can see a show for free when accompanied by an adult paying full price, plus an additional two children can attend for half price – and there’s no booking fees. Tickets go on sale at 10am on 11 June, only via OfficialLondonTheatre.com.
From exciting productions participating for the first time like Hamilton, Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, Guys & Dolls and MJ The Musical to established Kids Week favourites including Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors, Disney’s The Lion King, RSC’s Matilda The Musical, Mrs Doubtfire, Shrek, Wicked and The Wizard Of Oz, there is something for all the family to enjoy.
Alongside the performances, shows are offering a range of free activities for Kids Week ticketholders, so look out for ‘Kids Week Curtain Calls’ where all Kids Week bookers in attendance can stay for a post-show Q&A or demonstration after the show, as well as more show specific offerings from dance and musical theatre workshops to puppet demonstrations.
This year, Mastercard cardholders can unlock special Kids Week exclusives, which include the chance to win tickets to English National Ballet’s Nutcracker this Christmas and a free digital activity pack, including a theatre themed wordsearch, spot the difference, guess the show from emojis and more. Mastercard cardholders will also have exclusive access to two Kids Week activity events with RSC’s Matilda The Musical and Shrek The Musical. Tickets to these exclusive events will only be available to purchase via priceless.com and will go on sale on 11 June.
Kids Week bookers with access requirements can complete the Access Priority Request Form before general on sale. The form will be available on theKids Week website from 4 June to 9 June. Eligible bookers who have completed the form will be contacted by the theatre box office on the morning of 11 June.
List of shows participating in Kids Week 2024
The 13 Storey Treehouse The 39 Steps Back To The Future – The Musical Beauty And The Beast Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour Brainiac Live Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book The Choir of Man A Chorus Line Errol’s Garden Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World – The Musical Fireman Sam – The Great Camping Adventure Frankie Goes To Bollywood Fuerza Bruta: Aven The Gruffalo Guys & Dolls Hadestown Hamilton Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Hello Dolly! Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors An Inspector Calls Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder! Kiss Me, Kate The Lion Inside Disney’s Lion King Mamma Mia! Marie Curie Mario The Maker Magician RSC’s Matilda The Musical Milkshake! Live On Holiday! Ministry of Science Live! Science Saved the World Les Misérables MJ The Musical The Mousetrap Mrs Doubtfire Next To Normal Peanut Butter & Blueberries The Phantom Of The Opera The Play That Goes Wrong Queenz: Live In London! Rough Magic Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts Shrek The Musical Sister Act Six The Tiger Who Came to Tea Tina – The Tina Turner Musical Tweedy’s Massive Circus Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) Why Am I So Single? Wicked Witness For The Prosecution The Wizard Of Oz Your Lie In April Zog And The Flying Doctors
Age recommendations and restrictions for participating shows will vary. Please check the show listings on OfficialLondonTheatre.com for more information.
DEFYING GRAVITY SUNG BY FOUR WEST END ‘ELPHABA’S – KERRY ELLIS, RACHEL TUCKER, LUCIE JONES AND ALICE FEARN – TO BE RELEASED AS A SINGLE 21st JUNE – PRE-SAVE NOW https://slinky.to/DefyingGravity
Westway Music, along with The Theatre Cafe, is pleased to announce the full details of SCHWARTZ SONGS, an album of spectacular new recordings of Stephen Schwartz’s much-loved songs including DELIVER US and WHEN YOU BELIEVE (Prince of Egypt), CORNER OF THE SKY (Pippin) LET THERE BE (Children of Eden), THE WIZARD AND I and DEFYING GRAVITY (Wicked), COLOURS OF THE WIND (Pocahontas), BEAUTIFUL CITY (Godspell) and many more.
Stephen Schwartz’s career has spanned over five decades, and he is the recipient of 3 Grammy Awards, 3 Academy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, 6 Tony Awards and an Olivier Award.
The album features a fantastic array of West End stars including Marisha Wallace, Trevor Dion Nicholas, Samantha Barks, Jamie Muscato, Lucie Jones, Louise Dearman, Kerry Ellis, Rachel Tucker, Billy Luke Nevers, John Owen-Johns, Oliver Tompsett, Rob Houchen, Hiba Elchikhe, Alice Fearn, Rachel John, Peter Joback, Jamie Lambert, Jordan Luke Gage and Emma Kingston.
Neil O’Brien, MD of Westway Music comments, “Along with our friends at The Theatre Cafe, we are thrilled to be releasing this spectacular album of music from an iconic writer and composer, sung by West End royalty. With the first part of the eagerly awaited film adaptation of Wicked coming out this autumn, this is a fantastic time to be celebrating so much of his work.”
The opening track, DEFYING GRAVITY, is performed by four of the West End’s leading ladies who have all played ‘Elphaba’ in Wicked in the West End: Kerry Ellis, Rachel Tucker, Lucie Jones and Alice Fearn. Defying Gravity will be released as a single on 21 June. PRESAVE NOW https://slinky.to/DefyingGravity
Kerry Ellis said, “I owe so much to Stephen for the break I had in musical theatre. To be involved with this album and this new arrangement of Defying Gravity, which I have performed on stage for so many years, is truly amazing.”
Rachel Tucker said, “I respect Stephen Schwartz so much and feel honoured to have worked with him for a long time during my career. I never get tired of singing his songs and I was delighted to be asked to join a stellar cast on this album, to celebrate just how much of a genius Stephen is. His music will live on forever.”
Lucie Jones said, “Some incredible performers have played the role of Elphaba and I’m so happy to be performing on this album and record with so many iconic other Green Witches! This new four-part arrangement is truly spellbinding!”
Alice Fearn said, “Having been a long admirer of Stephen Swartz, and been fortunate enough to work with him on several occasions, I’m thrilled to be a part of this album which truly celebrates the breadth and scale of his incredible talent.”
DIRECTED & CHOREOGRAPHED BY THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING JERRY MITCHELL
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY LAUREN WEISBERGER AND THE HIT TWENTIETH CENTURY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURE
The cast of The Devil Wears Prada will see Georgie Buckland (Shrek The Musical; Bedknobs and Broomsticks) making her West End debut playing the driven Andy, Amy Di Bartolomeo (SIX; We Will Rock You) as the icy First Assistant to Miranda, Emily, James Darch (Mamma Mia!; Wicked) as the devious journalist, Christian, and Rhys Whitfield (The Phantom of the Opera; Summer and Smoke) as Andy’s long-term boyfriend, Nate.
They will join the previously announced, Vanessa Williams, best known for her celebrated roles in Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives and as a multi-award-winning singer, as the irrepressible Miranda Priestly, alongside Olivier Award winner, Matt Henry,as Runway’s Creative Fashion Director, Nigel.
Completing the cast are: Maddy Ambus, Gabby Antrobus, Selena Barron, Pamela Blair, Robertina Bonano, Lloyd Davies, Elishia Edwards, Akeem Ellis-Hyman, Elizabeth Fullalove, Jinny Gould, Natasha Heyward, Samuel How, Luke Jackson, Debbie Kurup*, Liam Marcellino, Robbie McMillan, Ciro Lourencio Meulens, Gabriel Mokake, Theo Papoui, Christopher Parkinson, Eleanor Peach, Ethan Le Phong, Jon Reynolds, Harriet Samuel-Gray, Olivia Saunders, Kayleigh Thadani, Ella Valentine, Rhys Whitfield and Tara Yasmin. * London only
The Devil Wears Prada, a new musical, based on the blockbuster film and bestselling novel, will strut into London’s Dominion Theatre this October, featuring an original score by music icon, and Olivier and Tony Award winner Elton John, lyrics by singer-songwriter Shaina Taub, book by Kate Wetherhead with direction & choreography by three-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.
The production will play an exclusive preview engagement from 06 July – 17 August at Theatre Royal Plymouth prior to opening in the West End in October.
Hilariously fun and fabulously stylish, The Devil Wears Prada tells an inspiring story about discovering what kind of person you truly want to be. Choose your outfit carefully and get ready for a new musical that’s hautter than hell!
Fresh out of college, aspiring journalist Andy scores a job at the prestigious Runway magazine working for fashion’s most powerful and terrifying icon — editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly. Sacrificing her personal life to meet Miranda’s impossible demands, Andy finds herself seduced by the glamorous world she once despised. How far will she go to succeed… and will it be worth selling her soul to get what she’s always wanted?
The Devil Wears Prada, features an all-star, award-winning creative team led by Elton John (Tammy Faye, Billy Elliot: The Musical, The Lion King), new direction & choreography by Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Pretty Woman, Hairspray), lyrics by singer-songwriter Shaina Taub (Suffs), book by Kate Wetherhead (Ever After, Submissions Only), set design by Tim Hatley (Life of Pi, Back to the Future), costume design by Gregg Barnes (Some Like It Hot, Legally Blonde), lighting design by Bruno Poet (The Tina Turner Musical, Frankenstein), sound design by Gareth Owen (Come From Away, & Juliet) and casting by Jill Green CDG.
The musical is based on Lauren Weisberger‘s best-selling 2003 novel and the 2006 blockbuster film from Twentieth Century Studios which went on to gross $326 million worldwide and received two Academy Award nominations.
The Devil Wears Prada is produced by Tony Award winner Kevin McCollum (In the Heights, Avenue Q, Rent, SIX and Mrs. Doubtfire), Rocket Entertainment/David Furnish (Tammy Faye, Billy Elliot: The Musical) and Jamie Wilson (Mrs Doubtfire, Ain’t Too Proud, Sister Act The Musical)as a co-production with Theatre Royal Plymouth, and presented by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical.
Jerry Mitchell now steers this brand-new reimagined production of The Devil Wears Prada to new heights following a developmental run in Chicago in 2022.
The Devil Wears Prada The Musical is proud to announce The Mandrake (www.themandrake.com) as it’s official hotel partner; a design-led, luxury lifestyle property in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia, presenting guests with an ever-bubbling fusion of fashion, art and culture.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is coming to The London Palladium in concert for two very special performances on Sunday 24 November.
Marking 20 years since the musical premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, musical theatre superstars, Ramin Karimloo, as the scrappy underdog Freddy Benson, and Hadley Fraser as the smooth and suave Laurence Jamieson, go head-to-head to woo an heiress out of $50,000.
The con is on in this uproariously funny musical set in the glamorous French Riviera. Experience the thrill of the hustle, high jinks and hilarity with a world-class cast.
Directed by Rupert Hands, Karimloo and Fraser, lead a live orchestra, the Mountview Choir and a stellar cast featuring Carly Mercedes Dyer as ‘Christine Colgate’; Janie Dee as Muriel Eubanks; Rufus Hound as ‘Inspector Andre’ and Lauren Drew as ‘Jolene Oaks’. The concert is produced by Lambert Jackson and Positive Sum.
Based on the 1988 hit movie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels features an unforgettable score by David Yazbek (The Full Monty) and a book by Jeffrey Lane. The 2005 Broadway adaptation was nominated for a staggering ten Tony Awards and the subsequent cast album nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.
The National Theatre announces today that its smash-hit production ofDear Englandwill return to the Olivier theatre from 10 March to 24 May 2025, followed by a four-week run at its Theatre Nation Partner, The Lowry in Salford, from 29 May to 29 June 2025.
James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play, directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold, tells the story of the England men’s football team under Gareth Southgate. As the nation watches the drama unfold at this summer’s UEFA EURO 2024, Graham’s critically acclaimed play will evolve to include this key European championship – continuing to examine the crucial role the England team and manager play in English society.
Tickets for both the National Theatre and The Lowry will go on sale to the General Public at 10am on Friday 14 June 2024,coinciding with the start of the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament.
Director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris, said:
‘Dear England is a captivating examination of football, leadership and English identity that has already resonated with so many people, and we now have the unique opportunity of restaging it with a script which will reflect the outcome from this summer’s Euros. In bringing the narrative right up to 2025, we acknowledge how pertinent and urgent the work is – a living, breathing play that cuts straight to the heart of our nation’s psyche. James and Rupert have created such a special show, and we’re thrilled that even more audiences in London and Greater Manchester will have the chance to experience it.’
Playwright James Graham said:
‘To continue the life of Dear England feels like coming top of the group and moving onto the knockout stages – it’s genuinely thrilling, and I’m so grateful to all the audiences who supported the show. Knowing that we welcomed thousands of people who had never see a play before was a huge honour for us all, but also a responsibility. We hope to continue that mission in London and now in Salford too.’
CEO of The Lowry, Julia Fawcett said:
‘The National Theatre is one of our founding partners – and over the last twenty-five years they have played an incredibly important role – helping develop our programme and build our audiences for world class drama. It’s a partnership that continues to grow and develop and this run of Dear England is a unique and incredibly special event. With football being so integral to the whole culture of the North West, we know that this production is going to really resonate with our audiences. But first…..this summer’s Euros!’
Dear England reunites writer James Graham (Punch, Nottingham Playhouse; Sherwood, BBC) with director Rupert Goold(Patriots; Tammy Faye, Broadway) for this gripping examination of both nation and game. Goold will be joined by set designer, Es Devlin;costume designer, Evie Gurney;lighting designer, Jon Clark; co-movement directors, Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf; co-sound designers, Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons and video designer, Ash J Woodward. Casting is by Bryony Jarvis-Taylor, dialect coach is Richard Ryder and associate director is Elin Schofield.
The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t England’s men win at their own game?
The team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.
Casting to be announced.
Dear England was originally commissioned by the National Theatre and developed with the theatre’s New Work department. It had its world premiere in the Olivier theatre on 20 June 2023. Following a sold-out run,Dear England transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre, in London’s West End, from 9 October 2023 to 13 January 2024 where it broke box office records. Dear England was subsequently released to cinemas through National Theatre Live on 24 January 2024 and has been screened almost 2,500 times across the UK. It will also be screened for free at this year’s River Stage on Saturday 27 July. The BBC has also recently commissioned a four-part drama of Dear Englandbased on the stage production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
