DARLINGTON CIVIC THEATRE – FROM THE BEGINNING TO A NEW ERA

On Friday 22 January Darlington Civic Theatre is opening the doors for an exciting and informative look behind the scenes with a special Heritage Tour.

Theatres are amazing spaces, especially old ones. As soon as you walk in to any auditorium you feel the warmth and history of the hundreds or thousands of stars who have appeared on the stage, you can almost hear the echo of applause ringing around the building, the atmosphere of anticipation of the production you are about to see is almost tangible.

Imagine, then, the opportunity to get a glimpse behind the scenes – the areas you never get to see as a member of the audience. See the technical areas and offices. Add to that the history of secret apartments, the dressing rooms (some of which are known to be haunted) and you have an exciting and informative tour of one of Darlington’s most wonderful and historic buildings.

There will also be the opportunity to learn about the forthcoming restoration of the theatre under the current Heritage Lottery bid – a chance to see plans for the project and discuss the benefits to audience members, touring companies and the cultural impact it will have on the town.

See Darlington Civic theatre as you have never seen it before.

The Darlington Civic Theatre Heritage Tour will take place on Friday 22 January at 7pm. Tickets are priced £5

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555

Empire Cinemas bring big stage productions to the big screen this February and March

·         Royal Opera House – La Traviata (LIVE)

·         National Theatre Live – As You Like It (LIVE)

·         Imagine Dragons: Smoke + Mirrors Live Concert

·         MET Opera – Manon Lescaut

 

14^th January 2016… From theatre to opera, ballet and music, this February and March cinemagoers can experience live stage productions and events from the comfort of their local cinema courtesy of the Empire Extra programme from Empire Cinemas. Customers can relish the big screen experience in stunning high definition and witness arts screenings of the highest calibre. In February, the month of love, Empire Cinemas will screen Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and change, As You Like It from National Theatre Live, as well as Verdi’s tragic opera of a Parisian courtesan who sacrifices all for love; La Traviatafrom The Royal Opera House.

The March line-up sees stunning live operas, theatre and concerts brought to the big screen; enjoy a screening of world-renown band Imagine Dragon’s worldwide tour ‘Smoke + Mirrors’. As well as a brand new production of Musorgsky’s historical masterpiece, Boris Godunov, from the Royal Opera House.

February and March’s full listings are as follows:

February

Royal Opera House – La Traviata (LIVE)

Released 4^th February 2016

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1SV02Tl

Regarded as one of Verdi’s finest operas, La Traviata is one of The Royal Opera’s most popular productions. The opera tells the story of the Parisian courtesan Violetta Valéry, one of opera’s greatest heroines. In this revival, Violetta is sung by Russian soprano Venera Gimadieva in her debut with The Royal Opera, following her successful appearance as Violetta at the Glyndebourne Festival.

National Theatre Live – As You Like It (LIVE)

Released 25^th February 2016

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1NL2Ezu

Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and change comes to the National Theatre for the first time in over 30 years, with Rosalie Craig (London Road, Macbeth at MIF) as Rosalind. With her father in exile, Rosalind and cousin Celia leave court life behind them and journey into the Forest of Arden. Released from convention, Rosalind transforms and finally experiences life and love- as a man.

 

March

Imagine Dragons: Smoke + Mirrors Live Concert

Released 2^nd March 2016

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1N74TMl

For the first time ever, one of the world’s hottest bands, Imagine Dragons, are coming to cinemas worldwide for one night only, with their concert Smoke + Mirrors Live. Filmed as part of their current tour, Smoke + Mirrors Live features hits such as Demons, It’s Time and the Grammy Award-winning Radioactive from their platinum-selling debut album Night Visions. The Smoke + Mirrors album charted at #1 around the world earlier this year, including the US Billboard and UK Official Album Charts and features recent hits such as I Bet My Life, Gold and Shots, all performed as part of the concert film.

 

NT Live: Hangman

Released 3^rd March 2016

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1Si0VIN

Following a sell-out run at London’s Royal Court Theatre, Olivier and Academy Award® winner Martin McDonagh (The Pillowman, The Cripple of Inishmaan, In Bruges) returns to the West End with Matthew Dunster’s award-winning production of his deeply funny new play Hangmen, broadcast live to cinemas by National Theatre Live.

 

MET Opera – Manon Lescaut

Released 5^th March 2016

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1SV5PbI

The Met stage ignites when soprano Kristine Opolais and tenor Jonas Kaufmann join forces in Puccini’s obsessive love story. Directed by Director Richard Eyre; Opolais sings the title role of the country girl who transforms herself into a Parisian temptress, while Kaufmann is the dashing student who desperately woos her. Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi leads the stirring score.

ROH – Boris Godunov (LIVE)

Released 21^st March 2016

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1ldCw96

Richard Jones and Antonio Pappano renew their creative collaboration with this new production of Musorgsky’s historical masterpiece, here seen in its compact 1869 first version. Keenly awaited will be Bryn Terfel’s assumption of the title role – one of the most complex characters in opera – while John Graham-Hall appears as the crafty Prince Shuisky and John Tomlinson as the vagabond monk Varlaam.

The Railway Children (Filmed Theatre Event)

Released 28^th March 2016

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1Pb4k5M

E. Nesbit’s The Railway Children follows the story of Roberta (Bobbie), Phyllis and Peter, three
sheltered siblings who suffer a huge upheaval when their father, who works for the Foreign Office, is taken away from their London home and falsely imprisoned. The children and their mother, now
penniless, are forced to move from London to rural Yorkshire near a railway line. The story deals with themes of justice, the importance of family and the kindness of strangers.

Jon Nutton, Marketing Director of Empire Cinemas, said: “Empire Extra provides arts fans with the experience of attending live stage productions from the comfort of their local cinema, and at a fraction of the price. 2015 saw a brilliant reception of our Empire Extra programme and we are looking forward to another superb year of big stage productions on the big screen.”

Two brand new Horrible Histories shows come to Grand Opera House York Theatre next month

 

Thousands of years after the Ruthless Romans, Savage Saxons & Vicious Vikings stormed ashore on the coast of Britain and the Gruesome Greeks competed in the first ever Olympic Games, you can relive those horribly exciting times by bringing your family to see Birmingham Stage Company’sbrand new Horrible Histories stage shows coming to Grand Opera House York theatre from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 June. Book your tickets now on 0844 871 3024 or go online atwww.atgtickets/com/york

 

BSC are returning to York with their new Horrible Histories stage shows, Incredible Invaders and Groovy Greeks, as with their previously hugely popular Horrible Histories productions both these shows use actors and 3D Bogglevision special effects. Following their UK tour they will then visit theatres further afield in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai during 2016.

 

In INCREDIBLE INVADERS the Celts are crunched when the Ruthless Romans invaded Britain. Can crazy Caratacus can save the nation? Hide behind Hadrian’s Wall and witness the Savage Saxons smash their way in. Can you stop King Alfred burning his buns? Discover who’s at Sutton Hoo and survive the Vicious Vikings as they sail into the audience. It’s a thousand year journey with Incredible Invaders!

 

GROOVY GREEKS takes us from savage Sparta to angry Athens to discover the truth about growing up in Greece. Take on the Trojans and pummel the Persians! Compete in the first ever Olympic Games and appear in the very first play!  Meet your match with the Minotaur and be zapped by Zeus! Hold on tight as you gatecrash the gruesome and Groovy Greeks!

It’s history with the nasty bits left in!

 

Writer and Director Neal Foster said today “I had a hugely exciting time bringing the Groovy Greeks to life in Horrible Histories style and loved shining the spotlight on Celtic, Roman, Saxon and Viking life in Incredible Invaders. Both shows feature special amazing 3D effects that provide a spectacular way for both children and adults to enter these extraordinary historical periods”

 

Are Incredible Invaders and Groovy Greeks BSC’s best Horrible Histories theatre shows yet? Designed to both entertain and educate their audiences from ages 5 to 105! Come and goggle at the goings on of those Groovy Greeks and let the Incredible Invaders ignite your imaginations to learn more about our island’s early history. So don’t delay – book your tickets today!

Bend It Like Beckham The Musical recently extended booking at the Phoenix Theatre to 5 March 2016 when the show will then play its final performance at the end of the cast’s year-long contract. Rehearsals began for the critically acclaimed production in March 2015 with a company led by Natalie Dew as Jess and Lauren Samuels as Jules. The Producers are currently finalising both national and international touring offers including a tour of India visiting multiple stadia.

Bend It Like Beckham The Musical is directed by Gurinder Chadha, with original music by Howard Goodall and lyrics by Charles Hart, new book by Paul Mayeda Berges & Gurinder Chadha; choreography and musical staging by Aletta Collins; set design by Miriam Buether; costume design by Katrina Lindsay; lighting design by Neil Austin; sound design by Richard Brooker; musical direction by Nigel Lilley and orchestrations by Howard Goodall & Kuljit Bhamra.

Gurinder Chadha said: “I am incredibly proud of the Bend It Like Beckham cast, musicians, production and creative teams. We opened at the Phoenix Theatre to the most amazing five star reviews and we’ve inspired and entertained people of all ages and all backgrounds, something I have not seen in the West End for many years. I set out to tell our stories from my perspective of our multicultural London. Our show celebrates all of us on stage and behind the scenes, something myself and the team worked so well together to realise. From the responses I have received since we opened there is a genuine hunger for to us to tell our story internationally so as well as planning a UK tour for the show, we are now working on expanding the production for a proposed tour of India to include multiple stadia. Whether in the UK or abroad, Bend It Like Beckham will continue to defy expectations and proudly represent and celebrate the UK we all know and love.”

As well as topping Time Out’s Best West End Musical poll, Bend It Like Beckham The Musical The Musical was shortlisted for the Evening Standard Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical and Natalie Dew was shortlisted for the Evening Standard’s Newcomer in a Musical Award. Bend It Like Beckham The Musical won the Best Stage Production at the Asian Media Awards which took place earlier this year. Lauren Samuels is nominated for this year’s What’s On Stage Best Supporting Actress in a Musical award and Bend It Like Beckham is nominated for Best New Musical.

The cast is led by Natalie Dew (Jess) with Lauren Samuels (Jules), Jamie Muscato (Joe), Sophie-Louise Dann (Paula), Jamal Andréas (Tony), Preeya Kalidas (Pinky), Tony Jayawardena (Mr Bhamra) and Natasha Jayetileke (Mrs Bhamra).

Sohm Kapila, Buckso Dhillon-Woolley and Harveen Mann play Aunties, Irvine Iqbal and Karl Seth play Uncles, with Sejal Keshwala, Serina Mathew and Sharan Phull as Cousins. Rakesh Boury, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall, Tom Millen, Daniel Bolton play footballers, with Teetu played by Raj Bajaj. The Harriers are played by Michelle Bishop, Lisa Bridge, Chloe Chambers, Genesis Lynea, Kayleigh McKnight, Leanne Pinder, Kirstie Skivington and Danielle Young. Rekha Sawhney and Shahid Khan are the production’s Indian Heritage Singers.

Bend It Like Beckham The Musical is a celebratory fusion of culture, music, emotions and fun, bursting with warmth, humour and heart. Jess needs extra time. She is facing the most important decision of her life: live up to family expectations of university, career and marriage, or follow in the footsteps of her hero David Beckham. When the talented teenager is spotted playing football in Southall, a world of unexpected opportunities opens up before her. But as her sister’s traditional Indian wedding approaches, can she keep her family happy and still follow her dreams?

Newcastle Theatre Royal’s current pantomime Dick Whittington has set a new record as the highest grossing panto in Theatre Royal history, with record takings at the Box Office.

 

Produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, the show features panto legends Danny Adams, CliveWebb and Chris Hayward, who have delighted Newcastle audiences for over a decade and broken box office records year on year. This panto season they have been joined by award-winning soap star Charlie Hardwick.

 

Dick Whittington went on sale in November 2014 and by the end of December 2014 had sold over 40,000 tickets.  By February 2015 it had taken over £1million at the Box Office, and sold over 80,000 seats ahead of opening night on 24 November.

 

The Theatre’s 2016/17 blockbuster panto Cinderella went on sale last November, and has set a new record with 47,000 tickets now sold 10 months ahead of its opening night, 7,000 more than Dick Whittington at the same time last year. Cinderella is also on target to take £1 million at the Box Office before Dick Whittington ends this weekend – a new Theatre Royal record!

 

Theatre Royal pantomimes are widely thought to be among the fastest-selling in the UK, due to the winning combination of father and son team Clive and Danny and their hilarious slapstick routines, the special effects provided by The Twins FX alongside spectacular sets, chroeography and the sensational musical scores.  This combination is brought together by Newcastle’s own Michael Harrison, who co-writes, produces and directs the show.

 

Dick Whittington is also panto on a huge scale – the set was transported in five trucks and it took six wardrobes and nine costume skips to transport all 200 costumes and 100 pairs of shoes from Qdos Entertainment’s workshop in Scarborough. By the end of the run, the cast will have thrown 3,276 litres of water over themselves and the audience, and Dame Chris Hayward will have changed outfits 1,000 times!

 

Theatre Royal Chief Executive Philip Bernays said: “We are delighted with the success of Dick Whittington, which has proved to be another hit show.  We are lucky in having a superb producer in Michael Harrison, one of the biggest movers and shakers in the West End right now, and also an incredible cast and behind-the-scenes team.  Now with Cinderella well ahead of target too, we couldn’t be more proud of our panto team.  Not forgetting a big thank you to our loyal and supportive audiences who return year on year – we wouldn’t be where we are without you!”

Cinderella opens at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Tuesday 22 November 2016, running until Sunday 15 January 2017.  Tickets are selling very fast and early booking is advisable.  Dick Whittington appears until Sunday 17 January 2016, with last few tickets remaining and best availability on 15 and 16 at 7pm and 17 at 1pm. Tickets for both shows are available from £12.50 and can be purchased online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (all calls are charged at 7p a minute plus your phone company’s access charge, calls from mobiles may vary, please contact your operator for details).

The Lab Collective presents:

FINAL NAMES ANNOUNCED FOR

SEASONS OF LARSON

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JONATHAN LARSON

MONDAY 25 JANUARY 2016

THE LYRIC THEATRE, SHAFTESBURY AVENUE

Final names are announced today for Seasons of Larson, a one-off concert celebrating the life and music of legendary Broadway composer Jonathan Larson. The concert will take place on Monday 25 January 2016 at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue.

Joining the line-up are Anton Stephans and Noel Sullivan.

Anton Stephans most recently graced the nation’s screens as a contestant on The X Factor, mentored by Simon Cowell and finishing in 6^th place. Anton will also feature in the X Factor 2016 Live Tour.Anton’s theatre work spans the West End and Broadway, with credits including Porgy in Trevor Nunn’s production of Porgy and Bess (Savoy Theatre), Poppa in the first UK Tour of Starlight Express,Sweeney Todd (Chichester Festival Theatre), Smokey Joe’s Café (Broadway), Hey Mr Producer(Lyceum Theatre) and Show Boat (Royal Albert Hall).

Noel Sullivan’s many theatre credits include Freddy Benson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (UK Tour), Drew in Rock of Ages (UK Tour), Tick in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert (UK Tour), Galileo in We Will Rock You (UK Tour) and Danny Zuko in Grease (Piccadilly Theatre). Noel was also a member of British pop group Hear’say, after appearing on ITV’s flagship talent show Popstars.

They join the previously announced Debbie Kurup, Krysten Cummings and Damien Flood, all previous cast members of Larson’s hit rock musical Rent.

Debbie Kurup played Mimi in Rent, both in the West End and on tour. More recent theatre credits include Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes at Sheffield Crucible, Nicki Marron in The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre, for which she received an Olivier Award nomination for her performance, and Velmi Kelly in Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre.

 

Krysten Cummings played Mimi in Rent on Broadway, and originated the role in the Canadian and West End productions. Krysten was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in London.

 

Damien Flood played Roger in Rent, both in the West End and on tour. Damien’s professional singing career has included working with artists including Tom Jones and Professor Green. He has performed in concert at The Royal Albert Hall, and regularly performs at legendary jazz venue The 606 Club. As a singer-songwriter, Damien has released his debut album Lucky 7.

On 25 January 1996, the day of the first preview of RENT Off-Broadway, its composer Jonathan Larson died unexpectedly at the age of 35. Tragically he would never live to see the impact his work would have, not only on the face of musical theatre but also on a generation of young artists and performers. Nor would he get to hold the numerous awards he posthumously received. 20 years to the day,Seasons of Larson will explore how Larson become a voice for a new generation on the stage, and celebrate his musical legacy that continues to resonate with people all over the world.

 

Jonathan Larson is best known for his rock musical RENT, for which he posthumously received the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical. RENT played on Broadway for 12 years, making it the 10^th longest running show in Broadway history, and has since received productions all over the world. His earlier works include Superbia and tick, tick… BOOM!.

 

The cast will perform some of Larson’s most iconic songs and uncover some of his lesser known earlier work, as well as reflecting on how he has influenced them and their careers.

 

Seasons of Larson will be directed by Grant Murphy (Associate Director, Saturday Night Fever UK Tour) with musical direction by Gareth Bretherton, musical supervision by Anthony Gabriele, design by Adrian Gee, lighting design by Andrew Ellis and sound design by Andrew Johnson. Seasons of Larson is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Guy James, whose recent productions include Tommy (Greenwich Theatre), Jerry’s Girls (Jermyn Street Theatre) and Marry Me a Little (St. James Studio).

www.seasonsoflarson.com

@SeasonsOfLarson

Full casting has been announce for David Ireland’s new play Cyprus Avenue, which will receive its London premiere at the Royal Court in April.

Directed by Royal Court artistic director Vicky Featherstone, the cast includes Ashes to Ashes and Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me actor Stephen Rea, Chris Corrigan (Re-Energize, The Titanic Boys), Julia Dearden (Electra, The Homeplace), Amy Molloy (Teaset, Let Me Count the Ways) and Wunmi Mosaku (Tiger Country, Mr Burns).

Ireland’s play follows Belfast Loyalist Eric Miller as he struggles to get over the past and accept the future. The production will premiere at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin on 11 February before transferring to the Royal Court.

Cyprus Avenue will run at the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Royal Court from 7 April to 7 May

A new musical production written by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, executive producers of the ever popular US sitcom Friends, will tour the UK next month.

Rapunzel, produced by Immersion Theatre, will receive its UK premiere from February and features music by Michael Skloff who penned the sitcom’s theme song “I’ll Be There For You”.

The tour kicks off in Cirencester on 7 February, before heading to Greenwich Theatre as part of its half term programme.

Rapunzel will also visit Shrewsbury, Bury St. Edmunds, Henley-on-Thames, Tiverton, Evesham, Chesham, Cardiff, Dorset, Rutland, Didcot, Oswaldtwistle, Pitlochry, Dunfermline, Epsom, Loughborough, Kettering, Cromer, Maidstone, Barking, Harrow, Stamford, Abertillery, Swindon, Knowsley, Clacton-on-Sea, Stourport and Taunton before finishing the tour in Camberley on 17 April.

The half term programme at Greenwich will also see the return of award-winning theatre company Tortoise in a Nutshell who present The Lost Things, and an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling by Thingumajig Theatre.

Further casting has been announced for the RSC’s productions of Cymbeline and King Lear.

Gillian Bevan, known for Channel 4’s comedy Teachers will play the British ruler Cymbeline. Bevan will be the first woman to play the role for the RSC. Melly Still’s production will see many of Cymbeline’s male characters played by women.

As well as Bevan, Doreene Blackstock will play Cornelius, Natalie Simpson will play Guiderius and Kelly Williams will play Pisanio.

Bethan Cullinane will play Innogen and Hiran Abeysekera will play Posthumus. Oliver Johnstone will play Iachimo.

As well as Cymbeline, cast joining Antony Sher in King Lear have also been announced. David Toughton will play Gloucester. Natalie Simpson – who played Juliet in the Young Vic’s recent Measure for Measure – will make her RSC debut as Cordelia. Antony Byrne and Nia Gwynne will play Kent and Goneril.

Paapa Essiedu, who will play Hamlet for the RSC earlier in the year, will also star inKing Lear as Edmund.

Cymbeline runs from 29 April to 12 August. King Lear runs from 20 August to 15 October.