DUNGEONS, PENGUINS AND PUPILS …

Exciting opportunities for pupils in Yorkshire

 

Two key attractions in Yorkshire both owned and operated by Merlin Entertainments; The York Dungeon and Scarborough Sea Life have launched an exciting new partnership with Ebor Academy Trust.

Ebor are always seeking exciting new ways to develop specialist expertise so that the pupils attending their 15 academies throughout Yorkshire will receive exciting opportunities to learn whilst having access to exciting experiences.

Pupils have already enjoyed visits to The York Dungeon and teachers have visited Scarborough Sea Life as part of their science curriculum working group.

Stuart Jarman, General Manager of the York Dungeon says: “At the heart of our experiences is always FUN but we also recognise that learning can be fun and we are working with Ebor to develop an exciting learning offer for all pupils to enjoy.”

Rob Barr, General Manager of Scarborough Sea Life added: “Children are at the heart of our experience at the Sea Life Centre and this partnership gives us the opportunity to enhance our offer.”

Ebor Academy Trust will be able to gain access to the attractions as well as have the full support of the staff and expertise from the two brands.

Richard Ludlow, Chief Executive of Ebor Academy Trust, based in York, said: “We are always seeking different ways to engage with our communities for the benefit of our children. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do and we welcome this partnership with key attractions in our area, so that pupils have greater access to some unique learning opportunities.”

The Great Yorkshire Fringe returns for 2018   ·         Headliners announced so far include comedians Omid Djalili, Stephen K Amos, Tony Slattery and Ed Gamble with plenty more to be announced  ·         Family-friendly fare with Monstersaurus, the brand-new show by the creators of West End smash hit Aliens Love Underpants, introducing a world of whacky inventions and incredible monsters to young and old audiences alike ·         Music from acclaimed Ronnie Scott’s All Stars direct from London’s world-famous jazz club, with performances from multi-award-winning vocalist and BBC Radio presenter Claire Martin ·         Multi sell-out fringe phenomenon Sh*t-faced Shakespeare return with their inebriated version of a classic ·         Yorkshire’s tastiest street food will be on offer with a chance to try the award-winning Yorkshire pudding wraps from Yorkypud which became a social media sensation in 2017 Various venues, York: Parliament Street | Grand Opera House York Michael Palin In Conversation with Robert Ross –  Grand Opera House 28 July at 2pm Michael Palin CBE is a founding member of the internationally renowned Monty Python team, revelling in the fish-slapping dance, the lumberjack song, and performing the Dead Parrot sketch more times than is good for anyone. He went on to star in and co-write Ripping Yarns with Terry Jones, before becoming the national’s favourite travelling companion with Around the World in 80 Days, Pole to Pole and Full Circle. His big screen credits have included many collaborations with Terry Gilliam, including Jabberwocky, Time Bandits, and Brazil. He starred opposite John Cleese in A Fish Called Wanda, and it’s equal Fierce Creatures. His many publications include the West End play The Weekend, a collection of Limericks, the novel Hemingway’s Chair, Bert Fegg’s Nasty Book for Boys and Girls, and three best-selling volumes of diaries. Michael was made a BAFTA Fellow in 2013. He will be in conversation with  comedy historian Robert Ross. Tickets from £24.75 Reginald D Hunter –  Grand Opera House 28 July at 8pm. Reginald returns to The Great Yorkshire Fringe this year with a new show.  Reginald’s searingly honest material has garnered him a cross-generational fan base. His TV appearances have included Have I Got News For You?, and the hugely popular BBC2 series Reginald D Hunter’s Songs Of The South documenting Reginald’s epic road trip through 150 years of American popular song. ‘Stand-up comedy’s coolest customer’ – Telegraph ‘Comedy of a rare scope’ – ★★★★★ Times Tickets from £24.75   19th – 29th July 2018

Taking over York city centre for the fourth year running, The Great Yorkshire Fringe promises exciting theatre and comedy to entertain the whole family, plus world food and craft beer galore. Spread over eleven days, the 2018 festival will take place in the heart of York, transforming Parliament Street into a village green with the spectacular White Rose Rotunda and Turn Pot Spiegeltents, as well as hosting events at the stunning Grand Opera House and pop up venues throughout the city.

The lineup includes award-winning comedian and actor Omid Djalili, who has extended his UK tour for the fourth time due to overwhelming demand, as well as comedian and TV panel show regular Stephen K Amos who marks his return to the Great Yorkshire Fringe for one night only. Meanwhile comedy legend Tony Slattery reveals all in his candid conversation with comedy historian Robert Ross in an unpredictable gallop through several lifetimes worth of hilarious anecdotes. Plus there’s work from stand-up comedian, writer and actor Ed Gamble, who most recently starred in BBC America’s cult US hit Almost Royal. For theatre goers, multi sell-out fringe phenomenon Sh*t-faced Shakespeare will be bringing their own version of Hamlet to York, served up with their signature twist of one genuinely inebriated actor.

Full of original song and plenty of audience participation, Monstersaurus is thrills, spills and mayhem for the whole family from the creators of West End smash hit Aliens Love Underpants. Also for younger audiences and their parents, Morgan & West (ITV’s Next Great Magician, CBBC’s The Slammer) will present a magic show mixing brain-boggling illusion and good old-fashioned tom-foolery.

Festival goers can expect world class music from the acclaimed Ronnie Scott’s All Stars direct from London’s world-famous jazz club, including performances from multi-award winning vocalist and BBC Radio presenter Claire Martin. The White Rose Rotunda Spiegeltent will play host to celebrations of iconic musicians from Ella Fitzgerald to saxophonist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.

Yorkshire’s finest street food will be on offer including the award-winning Yorkshire pudding wraps from Yorkypud which became a social media sensation in 2017. Alongside traditional local fare, local favourites Shambles Kitchen will be returning as well as Cattle Shed, last year’s winner of best Great Yorkshire Fringe concession award whilst tipples of choice will be available from a converted horse box with the Angel Share Gin Bar.

For four-legged friends, the hugely popular York Fringe Dog Show will be returning with prizes up for grabs for the Waggiest Tail, Prettiest Female, Most Handsome Male and Best in Show.

Full line up details can be found at www.greatyorkshirefringe.com with more shows to be announced.

Festival founder and York resident Martin Witts said, “We present to our fair home city of York, the fourth special edition of The Great Yorkshire Fringe. It’s bigger, brasher, cooler than ever before with over 500 performers, the best street festival of food drink and delights on this island (well we think so!) as well as two of the most beautiful 19th Century performance Spiegel palaces and our Teapot Tent creating a beating heart in the City Centre. We dare you to come….”.

The Great Yorkshire Fringe has wowed York with three years of festivals on Parliament Street, and for 2017 took comedy, variety and family entertainment to even more locations in the heart of the city. A key summer event in York’s entertainment calendar, The Great Yorkshire Fringe will grow with the city of York, engaging residents and visitors, supporting local businesses and encouraging tourism for the wider area. Check The Great Yorkshire Fringe website for the latest announcements on additions to the programme.

@yorkfringe | #yorkfringe | www.greatyorkshirefringe.com

JUL – DEC 2018 SEASON ANNOUNCED

LES DENNIS & BLAKE HARRISON IN WORLD PREMIERE OF END OF THE PIER, AS A FADED COMEDIAN IS DRAGGED BACK INTO THE LIMELIGHT

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER DUO LEAD A REVIVAL OF THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE

A LEADING NEUROLOGIST STUDYING DEMENTIA SUCCUMBS TO IT HERSELF IN THE OTHER PLACE

A FESTIVE REVIVAL OF THE ORIGINAL J.M. BARRIE CLASSIC PETER PAN

JOANNA MURRAY-SMITH’S HONOUR TO BE STAGED IN THE ROUND

A PARK 90 SEASON THEMED AROUND MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Park Theatre today announce their new July – December 2018 season. Featuring a mix of new and existing writing, the season includes six World Premieres, one UK Premiere, three celebrated revivals and a brace of homegrown productions, two of which have been developed through Park Theatre’s Script Accelerator programme.

 

In response to customer demand, Park Theatre have also introduced Monday performances across a majority of shows in the new season and introduced a new Park200 pricing structure that includes a wider range of pricing with a new band C rate and a single access concession.

 

Artistic Director Jez Bond says: “I’m excited to be presenting a season which includes two in-house shows in Park200, and two shows that we’ve supported through our Script Accelerator programme in Park90 – where we’ll be exploring the sometimes challenging, but wonderfully told, stories about our mental health and wellbeing. It’s heartening to be able to present so many plays which at their heart are simply wonderful, engaging stories which deal with many themes – race, mental health, dementia, FGM – that are so pertinent in today’s society. We’ve further increased our range of access performances, we’ve added Monday evening shows and we’ve created more dynamic ticket pricing, with three bands, and lower priced tickets across certain performances to balance a small increase at the top end.”

 

The world premiere of black comedy End Of The Pier by Danny Robins opens the new season in PARK200, as Les Dennis stars alongside Blake Harrison, Nitin Ganatra and Tala Gouveia as a former comedy presenter and national treasure thrust back into the limelight, at the centre of a media frenzy. A revival of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice follows, with the beloved story of a timid but brilliant singer led by real life mother and daughter Sally George and Rafaella Hutchinson. Karen Archer stars as a brilliant neurologist studying dementia who develops the condition herself, in the world premiere of psychological thriller The Other Place. Joanna Murray-Smith’s unflinching portrait of what happens when a secure marriage suddenly stalls comes next, in a revival of Honour. Park Theatre also provides the Shakespeare Schools Foundation a platform on the main stage, with a series of unique abridged Shakespeare productions by local schools in Shakespeare Schools Festival. A revival of J.M. Barrie’s original 1904 play of Peter Pan closes the PARK200 season, as the family favourite from Neverland takes flight on stage.

 

Alkaline by Stephanie Martin commences the new PARK90 season, in a home-grown production from Park Theatre’s Script Accelerator programme about a woman who converts to Islam for her soon to be husband, and the effects this has on her relationship with her best friend. The world premiere of Spiral tells the story of two troubled women, exploring issues surrounding teen runaways, abuse and bullying. Distance follows, with the only male-directed play in PARK90’s season shining a light on male depression and suicide (the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK) with the story of Stephen: a man trying to make sense of his world. During Black History Month, Bullet Hole takes a stark look at female genital mutilation through the eyes of three Londoners, as their different cultures and backgrounds come together. A Pupil follows the story of Simona, a disgraced former violinist preparing to end her life, who is persuaded to tutor an aspiring musician, throwing her plans into disarray. Ending the season is Dialektikon, which follows the story of Miranda as she delves into the underworlds.

www.parktheatre.co.uk

Box office: 020 7870 6876*
* Telephone booking fee: 10% (capped at £2.50 per ticket) 

 

PARK200

11 July – 11 August 2018

Park Theatre presents the World Premiere of

 

END OF THE PIER

By Danny Robins
Cast: Les Dennis, Nitin Ganatra, Tala Gouveia and Blake Harrison

Press Night: Mon 16 Jul, 7pm

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3pm
Parents & Babies: Mon 23 Jul 1pm

Captioned: Fri 10 Aug 7.30pm

 

‘I used to dream of people remembering my jokes. Now I just wish they’d forget.’

Bobby was once a household name with 20 million TV viewers – but now the laughter has faded. Resigned to a life of solitude and second-rate panto performances, his glory days are behind him. When Michael, the nation’s favourite comedian, arrives at his door asking desperately for help to save his career, Bobby is unwillingly thrown into the limelight once again. A dark question lurks behind the laughs: What if, inside, you’re not the person everyone thinks you are?

Les Dennis has had an extensive TV career and is well known for his role in Coronation Street and as the host of Family Fortunes. Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners), soap star Nitin Ganatra and Tala Gouveia star alongside.

End of the Pier is a powerful new black comedy from acclaimed writer Danny Robins (Rudy’s Rare Records, starring Lenny Henry at Hackney Empire and on Radio 4, and Radio 4’s The Cold Swedish Winter).

‘All comedy needs victims, Bobby. It was just your turn’

 

15 August – 15 September 2018

Land of Green Ginger and Ann Pinnington Productions in association with Park Theatre present

 

THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE

Written by Jim Cartwright

Directed by Tom Latter

Designed by Jacob Hughes

Cast includes: Sally George, Rafaella Hutchinson and Jamie Rose Monk

Press Night: Tue 21 Aug, 7pm

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3pm
Captioned: Wed 5 Sep, 7.30pm

 

“You have lights. I have voices.”

A timid and brilliant young woman, Little Voice has a hidden talent – she can sing like the greatest divas of the 20th Century.

Living a lonely life in a northern town, all she wants is to feel safe in her room with her records. No chance with mother Mari on the rampage – she’s after booze, a man, a greasy breakfast, and a working phoneline.

When local impresario Ray forces Little Voice into the spotlight, her transformation astounds everyone. Then the battle between mother and daughter truly erupts.

Funny, brutal, beautiful and sad, Jim Cartwright’s timeless and ultimately uplifting tale is a comic tragedy about finding your voice in a noisy world.

19 September – 20 October 2018
A Park Theatre and Theatre by the Lake co-production and UK Premiere in association with Abinger Productions

 

THE OTHER PLACE

By Sharr White
Directed by Claire van Kampen
Cast includes: Karen Archer

Press Night: Mon 24 Sep, 7pm

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3pm

Captioned: Fri 12 Oct, 7.30pm

Parents & Babies: Thu 18 Oct, 1pm

Confident, intelligent and highly successful neurologist Juliana Smithton is at the top of her game.

But while delivering a lecture to a roomful of doctors, she’s interrupted by a series of disturbing events… With her husband filing for divorce and her health in the balance, Juliana’s life suddenly starts unravelling.

As details emerge of a ten-year-old mystery, fact blurs with fiction, the past collides with the present, secrets are spilled and slowly the elusive and shocking truth is revealed.

Nothing is as it seems in the UK Premiere of Sharr White’s brilliantly crafted and emotionally charged psychological thriller.

25 October – 24 November 2018

Tiny Fires in association with Park Theatre presents

 

HONOUR

Written by Joanna Murray-Smith

Directed by Paul Robinson

Press Night: Tue 30 Oct, 7pm

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3pm
Captioned: Wed 21 Nov, 7.30pm

 

“Sometimes one craves something for years – for years – and one just defers from – from acting on it…”

For Honor and George, the arrival of the self-assured Claudia threatens to wreck a 32-year marriage. But as the power balance starts to shift, the husband, wife, daughter and mistress together must face the fundamental question – what is love?

Often compared to David Hare’s Skylight and Harold Pinter’s Betrayal, Honour paints an unflinching portrait of what happens when a secure marriage suddenly stalls, and when the opportunity arises for one life to be revived at the expense of another. Staged in-the-round, immerse yourself in this poignant and gripping revival!

27 November – 28 November 2018

Shakespeare Schools Foundation in association with Park Theatre presents

SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL

Created by Shakespeare Schools Foundation

Times: 7pm

 

Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud to present the world’s largest youth drama festival at Park Theatre.

This exhilarating evening will feature a series of unique abridged Shakespeare productions by local schools.

See Shakespeare’s timeless stories brought to life like never before, and support young people from your community as they take to the stage.

Details of the schools performing at the Park Theatre can also be found on SSF’s website:www.shakespeareschools.org/the-festival

Shakespeare Schools Foundation is a cultural education charity, transforming lives through the unique power of Shakespeare. Their annual Festival provides a platform for up to 30,000 young people to express themselves and grow in confidence as they take to a professional stage. This year, they mark their 18^th birthday with a Season of Democracy, in which young people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities have been finding their ‘voice’ in their school rehearsal room, culminating in a thrilling night of theatre.

5 December 2018 – 5 January 2019

Damien Tracey Productions and Park Theatre present

 

PETER PAN

The original J.M. Barrie play

Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle

Press Night: Fri 7 Dec, 7pm

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Matinees selected Thu & Sat 3pm, school matinees Tue & Thu. See full schedule online.
Relaxed: Fri 21 Dec 13.30,

Audio Described: Sat 5 Jan, 3pm (Touch Tour, 1.30pm)

 

“Come with me Wendy; I’ll teach you to fly, we’ll jump on the wind’s back and then away to Neverland.”

In 1904, J.M. Barrie premiered one of the greatest adventures to ever play on a theatrical stage. Filled with mermaids, pirates and fairies, lost boys and crocodiles, this is the stunning original story of the boy who could fly.

With the help of a little sprinkle of fairy dust, Peter Pan will be a thrilling theatrical treat this Christmas.

The multi-award nominated Damien Tracey Productions is delighted to be joining forces with Park Theatre to bring the stunning original J.M. Barrie text to the London stage once more. Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle whose production of Hair(The Vaults) won the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Production and Pippin (Southwark Playhouse), nominated for 11 Off West End Awards.

So join us, young and old, and take your seats on the shores of Neverland for what’s sure to be an awfully big adventure.

PARK90

10 July – 4 August 2018

pluck. productions in association with Park Theatre presents the World Premiere of

 

ALKALINE

Written by Stephanie Martin

Directed by Sarah Meadows

Press Night: Fri 13 Jul, 7pm

Times: Evenings Tue – Sat 7.45pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3.15pm

Parents and Babies: Tue 31 Jul, 1pm

Audio Described: Thu 2 Aug, 7.45pm (Touch Tour, 6pm)

 

“Their hot, angry, confused eyes nervously glancing up at my headscarf, as if they could catch something. Why don’t you like it? Why do you care?”

Sophie and Sarah have been friends since secondary school, but when Sarah converts to Islam and announces her engagement to a married man, their friendship is shaken to the core.

Alkaline is a play about rebellion, faith and fear. Where does our duty lie? Do we ever dare to be different?

7 August – 1 September 2018

Veritas Theatre Company in association with Park Theatre presents the World Premiere of

 

SPIRAL

Written by Abigail Hood

Designer Nomi Everall

Cast includes Abigail Hood and Jasper Jacob

Press Night: Wed 8 Aug, 7pm

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.45pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3.15pm
Captioned: Tue 28 Aug, 7.45pm

 

London, 2018. A bedsit. A young woman in trouble. A bridge. A missing teenager – and parents searching for answers.

This dark, compelling story looks at the damage that happens when you can’t trust the people you love. Whilst a young woman is pushed to the edge of what she can bear, a teenager inexplicably disappears, and a family is left in turmoil.

Do we really know the people we are closest to? Does our past shape our future? Can other people save us? Or must we save ourselves?

5 September – 29 September 2018

Fine Line Productions in association with Rough Fiction and Park Theatre present the World Premiere of

 

DISTANCE

Written by Alex McSweeney

Directed by Simon Pittman

Press Night: Fri 7 Sep, 7pm

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.45pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3.15pm
Relaxed: Sat 22 Sep, 3.15pm

Audio Described: Fri 28 Sep, 7.45pm (Touch Tour 6pm)

 

“The distance between us can grow without taking a single step.”

A complex recent past and a fragile present collide, as Steven tries to make sense of his world. We accelerate headlong into his chaotic and troubled inner life, as an everyday encounter unravels into something disturbing and unrestrained.

Fine Line Productions (Out Of The Cage) return to Park Theatre with a physically dynamic, technically bold portrayal of the mind, bringing you an urgent and darkly funny examination of the impact of mental illness.

This play was developed as part of the Park Theatre Script Accelerator programme.

 

 

2 October – 27 October 2018

Freedom Tongues & Naiad Productions in association with Park Theatre present

 

BULLET HOLE

Written by Gloria Williams

Directed by Lara Genovese

Press Night: Fri 5 Oct, 7pm

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.45pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3.15pm
Captioned: Fri 26 Oct, 7.45pm

“So I finally got my gift. Gifts are meant to be opened, right?”

Young Londoner Cleo was given her ‘gift’ at age seven – except that ‘gift’ left her with type 3 Female Genital Mutilation.

How can Cleo love her body when she has been scarred by her husband in a brutal sexual assault? Finding strength after this hideous act, Cleo resolves to go against her family’s wishes and seek reversal surgery. On her journey of healing, Celo meets Eve, a fellow FGM victim who is instantly drawn to her…

A story of hope, love and human rights played by an all-female cast.

Shortlisted for the Alfred Fagon Audience Award 2017.

 

 

31 October – 24 November 2018

Bear Trap and Kosky Productions in association with Park Theatre present the World Premiere of

A PUPIL

Written by Jesse Briton

Directed by Jessica Daniels
Composed by Colin Sell

Press Night: Mon 5 Nov, 7pm

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.45pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3.15pm
Dementia Friendly: Thu 15 Nov, 1pm

Audio Described: Fri 23 Nov, 7.45pm(Touch Tour, 6pm)

 

In a dilapidated North London bedsit, Simona, a disgraced former violinist, is preparing to end her life. The surprise arrival of Ye, an aspiring musician and wealthy heiress, throws her plans into disarray.

Together the pair embark on a series of lessons that will test the limits of friendship, music and success.

From multi award-winning writer Jesse Briton (Bound) comes a new play, directed by Jessica Daniels (Resident Director, Girl from the North Country); featuring live classical music and original compositions by Colin Sell (Radio 4).

This play was developed as part of the Park Theatre Script Accelerator programme.

6 December – 29 December 2018

Ex Nihilo Theatre Group in association with Park Theatre presents World Premiere of

 

DIALEKTIKON

Written by Jacky Ivimy

Directed by Adébayo Bolaji

Composed by Kate Luxmoore
Designed by Karl Robertshaw
Puppetry by Jenny Dee

Press Night: Mon 10 Dec, 7pm

Times: Evenings Mon – Sat 7.45pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 3.15pm

Parents & Babies: Fri 28 Dec, 1pm

 

A dragon’s roar wakes Miranda into a fantastical lost world. The idol Moloch rules over heaps of treasure and weapons as great voices from the past cry out to Miranda to right the wrongs of an angry Earth. Led by Ayida Wedo, mysterious spirit guide, can she find her own wisdom and the courage to escape from this black mirror world of greed and war without falling for the wiles of the ominous Servant?

A deliciously dark ‘down-the-rabbit-hole’ tale, a play of ideas to add sparkle to your winter evenings.

OLIVIER AWARDS 2018 WITH MASTERCARD

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

• HAMILTON WINS 7 AWARDS INCLUDING BEST NEW MUSICAL WITH LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA AND ORCHESTRATOR ALEX LACAMOIRE WINNING OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC AND GILES TERERA AND MICHAEL JIBSON WINNING BEST ACTOR AND BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MUSICAL RESPECTIVELY
• THE FERRYMAN WINS 3 AWARDS INCLUDING BEST NEW PLAY WITH SAM MENDES WINNING BEST DIRECTOR AND LAURA DONNELLY WINNING BEST ACTRESS
• THE NATIONAL THEATRE CELEBRATES 5 AWARDS INCLUDING BEST REVIVAL FOR ANGELS IN AMERICA AND BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL FOR FOLLIES WITH BRYAN CRANSTON WINNING BEST ACTOR FOR HIS ROLE IN NETWORK AND DENISE GOUGH WINNING BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE FOR ANGELS IN AMERICA
• SHIRLEY HENDERSON AND SHEILA ATIM WIN BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL AND BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MUSICAL RESPECTIVELY FOR GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY
• BERTIE CARVEL WINS BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE FOR INK WRITTEN BY JAMES GRAHAM, WHO WINS BEST BEST NEW COMEDY FOR LABOUR OF LOVE

The winners of the Olivier Awards 2018 with Mastercard, the UK’s most prestigious stage honours, were announced tonight (Sunday 8 April 2018) at London’s Royal Albert Hall hosted by Catherine Tate.  The full list of winners is available below and online at OlivierAwards.com.

This year’s ceremony will be broadcast on ITV tonight at 22:20. It will also broadcast worldwide at the same time, outside the UK, on the Olivier Awards Facebook page.  The Oliviers will broadcast in China via iQiyi on Tuesday 10 April.

New American musical Hamilton collected seven Olivier Awards including Best New Musical with composer-lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda and orchestrator Alex Lacamoire winning Outstanding Achievement in Music.  Giles Terera, who plays the part of Aaron Burr, was named Best Actor in a Musical, with Michael Jibson winning Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for his portrayal of King George III.  The musical, about the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, also went on to win Best Lighting Design, Best Sound Design, and Best Theatre Choreographer.

The Ferryman collected three Olivier Awards including Best New Play.  Stage and film director, Sam Mendes, won Best Director with Laura Donnelly winning Best Actress for her role in the Northern Irish drama set during The Troubles.

The National Theatre celebrate five Awards including Best Revival for Angels In America and Best Musical Revival for Follies.  Bryan Cranston won Best Actor for his role in Network and Denise Gough won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in Angels In America.  The production is currently playing in New York to great acclaim.

Shirley Henderson and Sheila Atim won Best Actress in a Musical and Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical respectively for Girl From The North Country, Conor McPherson’s musical based on the work of Bob Dylan.

Bertie Carvel was named Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Ink, written by James Graham who won Best New Comedy for Labour Of Love.

The Royal Court’s production of Killology won Outstanding Achievement in Affiliate Theatre and Dick Whittington won Best Entertainment and Family.

In the dance categories, Best New Dance Production went to Flight Pattern by Crystal Pite for The Royal Ballet at Royal Opera House.  Francesca Velicu won Outstanding Achievement in Dance for her performance in English National Ballet’s production of Pina Bausch’s Le Sacre Du Printemps at Sadler’s Wells.

The Royal Opera House won Best New Opera for Semiramide and Joyce DiDonato and Daniela Barcellona won Outstanding Achievement in Opera for their performances in Semiramide.

David Lan was this year’s recipient of the Special Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution in leading the Young Vic since 2000, his work within the local community around the theatre, and his commitment to internationalism and diversity.

Performances on the night included American musical theatre legend Chita Rivera performing the iconic West Side Story track Somewhere with Andy Karl (Olivier Award 2017 winner for his performance in Groundhog Day), Adam J. Bernard (Olivier Award 2017 winner for his performance in Dreamgirls), and the Arts Educational Schools London Choir, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the production debuting in London.  There was also a unique moment to honour the 50th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic musical Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with past stars including Jason Donovan and Linzi Hateley, Lee Mead and Preeya Kalidas, and Joe McElderry and Danielle Hope. There were also performances from nominated musicals including: Hamilton; Everybody’s Talking About Jamie; Girl From The North Country, Young Frankenstein, Follies and 42nd Street.

Presenters this year included Alexandra Burke, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Anne-Marie Duff,  Beverley Knight, Chita Rivera, Cuba Gooding Jnr, Frank DiLella, Juliet Stevenson, Meera Syal, Mel Giedroyc, Michael Sheen, Ophelia Lovibond, Patti LuPone, Pearl Mackie and Sergei Polunin.

FULL LIST FOR THE OLIVIER AWARDS 2018 WITH MASTERCARD

AMERICAN AIRLINES BEST NEW PLAY

The Ferryman at Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court Theatre and Gielgud Theatre

BEST NEW COMEDY

Labour Of Love at Noël Coward Theatre

BEST NEW DANCE PRODUCTION

Flight Pattern by Crystal Pite for The Royal Ballet at Royal Opera House

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN DANCE

Francesca Velicu for her performance in English National Ballet’s production of Pina Bausch’s Le Sacre Du Printemps at Sadler’s Wells

BEST ENTERTAINMENT AND FAMILY

Dick Whittington at London Palladium

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Vicki Mortimer for Follies at National Theatre – Olivier

DELTA LIVE AWARD FOR BEST SOUND DESIGN

Nevin Steinberg for Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Bertie Carvel for Ink at Almeida Theatre and Duke of York’s Theatre

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Denise Gough for Angels In America at National Theatre – Lyttelton

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN AFFILIATE THEATRE

Killology at Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court Theatre, a co-production with Sherman Theatre Cardiff

BLUE-I THEATRE TECHNOLOGY AWARD FOR BEST SET DESIGN

Bob Crowley and 59 Productions for An American In Paris at Dominion Theatre

WHITE LIGHT AWARD FOR BEST LIGHTING DESIGN

Howell Binkley for Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre

BEST ACTOR

Bryan Cranston for Network at National Theatre – Lyttelton

BEST ACTRESS

Laura Donnelly for The Ferryman at Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court Theatre and Gielgud Theatre

BEST DIRECTOR

Sam Mendes for The Ferryman at Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court Theatre and Gielgud Theatre

BEST NEW OPERA PRODUCTION

Semiramide at Royal Opera House

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN OPERA

Joyce DiDonato and Daniela Barcellona for their performances in Semiramide at Royal Opera House

BEST REVIVAL

Angels In America at National Theatre – Lyttelton

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC

Hamilton – Composer-Lyricist: Lin-Manuel Miranda; Orchestrator: Alex Lacamoire at Victoria Palace Theatre

BEST THEATRE CHOREOGRAPHER

Andy Blankenbuehler for Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre

MAGIC RADIO BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL

Follies at National Theatre – Olivier

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MUSICAL

Michael Jibson for Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MUSICAL

Sheila Atim for Girl From The North Country at The Old Vic and the Noël Coward Theatre

BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Shirley Henderson for Girl From The North Country at The Old Vic and the Noël Coward Theatre

BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

Giles Terera for Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre

MASTERCARD BEST NEW MUSICAL

Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre

SPECIAL AWARD

David Lan

Hen and Chickens Theatre 3-7 April, The Bridge House 12 – 14 April.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Tim McArthur certainly knows how to write memorable characters, filling his new play about domestic abuse in an initially idyllic gay relationship with some real corkers. Control might be short, but it is almost perfectly formed, packing an emotional punch that will stay with you for days.

When Stephen (David Archer) begins a relationship with an older man, Jeremy (Lewis Rae), he thinks it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Carried away on a romantic tide of meals at posh restaurants and social events, Stephen allows a distance to grow between himself and his best friend Sally (Kitty Whitelaw) and his mum (Jo Wickham). He thinks this is a natural thing, but the audience can see Jeremy’s secret actions to ensure he has Stephen to himself in his own perfect little bubble. Eventually Jeremy’s jealousy and domineering manner is something Stephen can’t ignore, but he always accepts Jeremy’s heartfelt apologies and carries on passively in the relationship until his friendship with Carlos (Ben Woods), finally pushes Jeremy over the edge.

Director Guy Retallack has the cast sitting around the stage watching the action with the audience, heightening the feeling of helpless guilt and anger felt as you watch a relationship destroy someone you love. The actors slip on and off stage seamlessly as the story jumps forward in time, sometimes with just a moment’s breath marking months, carrying the audience at breakneck speed through Jeremy’s subtly engineered idea of love. As dark as the play’s theme is, there are lots of laughs, most provided by the fantastic daily Skype calls between Stephen and his mum.

The cast is superb, with Lewis Rae delivering a smilingly venomous performance as the twisted Jeremy (if Control was on TV things would be thrown at screens all over the country during some of his evil machinations), and David Archer doing wonderful work as the sweet but naive Stephen, making his domination by the physically less intimidating Jeremy completely believable.

The ending is an abrupt shock, which on one level is wholly satisfying, but there is a part of me that longs to see the aftermath. The continuous little hints that McArthur teases through about Jeremy’s relationship with his mother and earlier sexual experiences come tumbling out to a certain extent in the final scene, but this damaged and damaging man is a character that I would love to see explored more.

Cast Announced for Sasha Regan’s
Iolanthe
By W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan
UK Tour: April – July 2018

A dynamic all-male cast have been announced for the return of Sasha Regan’s most critically acclaimed production, Iolanthe – one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most famous operettas

Torches flash in the darkness as a party of naughty schoolboys adventure into the magical surroundings of an old theatre. Amid all the backstage paraphernalia they discover a Narnia-like wardrobe and a dusty copy of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe. What follows is pure magic!

The exciting cast are: Reece Budin (Matilda the Musical, The Civic in Australia; Man of La Mancha, Seymour Centre; Pacific Overtunes, Theatre Works), Michael Burgen (Spamalot, Playhouse Theatre; All-Male H.M.S. Pinafore, UK Tour; The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, New Vic Theatre), Richard Carson (Mamma Mia, Novello Theatre; Miss Saigon, Prince Edward Theatre; Wicked, UK and Ireland Tour), Christopher Finn (Alice’s Adventures Underground, The Vaults; Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory, Leicester Square Theatre; All-Male Iolanthe, Union Theatre and Wilton’s Music Hall), James Gulliford (Salad Days, Theatre Royal Bath; Labyrinth, Hampstead Theatre; Luna Park, Tristan Bates Theatre), Dominic Harbison (Annie Get Your Gun, Union Theatre; Sunset Boulevard, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre; Aladdin, Stratford Arts House), Joe Henry (Cats, UK/International Tour; Miracle on 34th Street, Madinat Theatre in Dubai; LIFT The Musical, whilst training), Alastair Hill (Dreamboats and Petticoats, UK Tour; Dreamboats and
Miniskirts, UK Tour; The Fix, Union Theatre), Jack Hinton (Christmasaurus: Live!, Eventim Hammersmith Apollo; Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, Universal Pictures), Jamie Jukes (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, UK Tour; The Rocky Horror Show, European Tour; All-Male Mikado, UK Tour), Sam Kipling (The Habit or Art, National Theatre; Archibald Craven, whilst training; Bullets Over Broadway, whilst training), Daniel Miles (All-Male Mikado, UK Tour; One Man Two Guvnors, Welsh Tour; Grease, Scandinavia), Benjamin Mundy (Annie, Piccadilly Theatre; Grease, Dubai; Cats, London Palladium), Adam Pettit (The 12 Tenors 10th Anniversary Tour, European Tour; Beauty and the Beast, Palace Theatre in Newark; Out There, Union Theatre), Richard Russell Edwards (All-Male H.M.S. Pinafore, Union Theatre; All-Male Pirates of Penzance, UK Tour; All-Male Mikado, UK Tour) and Duncan Sandilands (Carousel, Barbican; South Pacific, Kilworth House; Thursford Christmas Spectacular, Thursford)

Universally regarded as Sir Arthur Sullivan’s most beautiful score, Iolanthe is a topsy-turvy love story between the most unlikely of couples… fairies and members of the House of Lord’s! Sasha Regan’s inimitable inventiveness combined with Gilbert and Sullivan’s inherent barminess make for an unmissable night out

Sasha Regan comments, Iolanthe is a beautiful piece to direct and I can’t wait to revisit it after nearly eight years. Mark Smith and I wanted to make a world of elegant and magical fairies so Mark, as a deaf choreographer, has incorporated sign language into all the movement – it’s definitely a challenge for the company to learn but the end result is worth it. This is a hilarious and tender piece that is simply a joy to direct

When it premiered in 2011 Iolanthe was nominated for numerous Off West End Awards – Best Director, Best Choreographer, Best Production, Best Costume Design and Best Male Performance. Iolanthe broke all box office records on its transfer to Wilton’s Music Hall in 2011

Brought to you by the same team who created the award winning, all-male The Pirates of Penzance, this absurdly silly but sweetly touching version of Iolanthe is a comic pleasure. If there is a message, it is that everyone needs to release their inner fairy… Irresistible (* * * * The Guardian)

Performance Dates
30th April – 5th May Theatre Royal Winchester
Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB

11th – 12th May Hall for Cornwall
Back Quay, Truro, TR1 2LL

15th – 19th May Richmond Theatre
Little Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ

21st – 22nd May Theatre Royal Windsor
32 Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS

28th – 30th May East Riding Theatre
10 Lord Roberts Rd, Beverley HU17 9BE

31st May – 2nd June Bridlington Spa
South Marine Drive, Bridlington, YO15 3JH

5th – 9th June Exeter Northcott Theatre
Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QB

12th – 16th June Theatre Royal Bath
Sawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET

19th – 23rd June Theatre Royal Brighton
New Road, Brighton, BN1 1SD

3rd – 7th July Cambridge Arts Theatre
6 St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ

10th – 14th July Festival Theatre Malvern
Grange Road, Malvern, WR14 3HB

19th – 21st July Theatre Severn
Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, SY3 8FT

23rd – 28th July Greenwich Theatre
Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES

The Kings are Back!

Playwright John Godber brings new play to Hull New Theatre

Malcolm King returns to Hull New Theatre, in playwright John Godber’s hilarious sequel to last year’s record-breaking hit, The Kings of Hull.

Commissioned as part of Hull’s UK City of Culture celebrations, we first met the Kings family at Malcolm and Becky’s golden wedding anniversary as they reflect on the city’s past, from the 1960s through to Brexit and beyond. Now we rejoin them as Malc and his family embark on a P&O Ferries’ Dutch Dash, where they discover it’s not only the sea that gets rough. It could be Rotterdam or anywhere, but when you take the Kings out of Hull, the sparks still fly. Whoever said that family was dead?…

Honorary Hullensian John Godber made a name for himself, and a place in the local history books, after steering Hull Truck Theatre from the brink of bankruptcy in the 1980s to international success as its Artistic Director. Today, his unique writing style, packed with in-jokes and local references continue to shape truly memorable theatrical experiences. Long Live The Kings marks the continuation of the partnership between Hull New Theatre and the John Godber Company to produce bespoke work for the city’s audiences.

Tickets for Long Live The Kings of Hull at Hull New Theatre from 5 – 15 September 2018, will be on sale from 10am on Thursday 5 April to Extra Members and from 10am on Friday 6 April to the general public. Book at the Hull City Hall Box Office, call 01482 300 306 or visit our website www.hulltheatres.co.uk to book online

SOCIETY OF LONDON THEATRE AND UK THEATRE ANNOUNCE NEW PLANS TO SUPPORT DIGNITY AT WORK

Today, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre announce their plans to support dignity at work.  The new set of principles and zero-tolerance guidance is in direct response to the systemic issues revealed over past months in many workplaces including the entertainment industry.

They have been developed specifically with organisations and individuals within the performing arts industry including; Association of British Theatre Technicians, BECTU, Casting Directors Guild, Equity, Federation of Scottish Theatre, Independent Theatre Council, Musicians’ Union, Standing Council University Drama Departments, Theatre NI, One Dance UK and Writers’ Guild of Great Britain to prevent and tackle harassment and abuse of power, and ensure that theatres are an even safer, more supportive and inclusive working environment for all.

The results from industry-wide conversations have led to the formation of these plans:

• A Set of Ten Principles (see Notes to Editors for full info) which offer a shared vision to promote a safe and inclusive workplace environment that everyone – employers, employees, workers, freelancers, volunteers, directors and trustees – should adhere to.  These include a shared responsibility for creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace that is positive and supportive and where bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment, is not tolerated.  The emphasis is to embed these principles during the early stages of people’s careers to ensure that a safer and more inclusive working culture becomes the norm.
• A Support Line from Connect Assist for people working in the performing arts industry resourced by the Theatre Development Trust, UK Theatre and SOLT.  This free of charge, phone line will act as a resource to anyone needing support and advice re bullying and/or harassment, or has any other issue affecting them in their workplace (see Notes to Editors for additional info).
• Resources and Guidance UK Theatre and SOLT will provide Dignity at Work training delivered by Challenge Consultancy and will share good practice from across the UK and ensure that members can have easy access to clear up to date policies and procedures for preventing and dealing with harassment and bullying.

This work sits alongside the UK Theatre and SOLT’s on-going commitment to support the performing arts workforce.  More info here: https://uktheatre.org/theatre-industry/guidance-reports-and-resources/theatre-workforce-review/

The Olivier Awards with MasterCard 2018, which are produced by SOLT, are proud to be working in partnership with Time’s Up Theatre UK ahead of, and during, the event on Sunday 8 April to support an end to sexual assault, harassment and inequality across all industries.

Julian Bird, Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, said, “The UK’s theatre scene is one of the most respected and renowned arts industries in the world.  We want to ensure that those working within it, receive the same due respect and ensure that all our colleagues are safe and supported in their workplace.”

Cassandra Chadderton, Head of UK Theatre, added, “The support from within the UK theatre and performing arts industry to address and enable positive change has been overwhelming.  Theatre is collaborative and we believe these plans can help bring about meaningful change together.”

Mimbre presents
The Exploded Circus
UK Tour: May – November 2018
The big top at the end of the world

Featuring a breath-taking mix of acrobatics, surprising aerial feats and masterful juggling, The Exploded Circus weaves a story without words, where six women come together to seek order in the chaos and create a new normal. In this new production, Mimbre’s Joint Artistic Director Lina Johansson joins forces with critically-acclaimed designer Loren Elstein and experimental composer Quinta

The Exploded Circus invites audiences into a moment where an explosion has been frozen in time, the remnants of a big top caught mid-air – with everything from the circus ring, sequins and fairground horses suspended above the ground.  With striking imagery and subtle humour, the show explores themes around change, hope and belonging

Director Lina Johansson comments, With a feeling that the world around us is on the cusp of big changes, I want to create a performance reflecting on this in a microcosm. Be it Brexit, global warming or the refugee crisis, there is a strong feeling of change and upheaval around us. I want to use the show to reflect, as well as imagine what could come from this change and how we can use it to grow. I want audiences to feel the palpable uncertainty around us, but also nurture a feeling of hope. The Exploded Circus mixes spectacle and visual impact with heart and personal stories. The risk and trust inherent in circus – the falls and the balances of the performers – allows me to explore a physical narrative that the audience feel in their bodies as well as follow with their minds

Mimbre’s work pushes the boundaries of contemporary circus with a cast made up of six versatile artists: French performer Alice Allart on trick bike and slack rope (Stumble Dance Circus, Keziah Serreau, Ilmatila, Osborne&What); physical theatre actor and aerialist Farrell Cox (London 2012 Olympic Ceremonies, Charles Chipperfield Circus, LAS Theatre); aerialist and contortionist Ruby Gaskell (Circa, Circumference, Jackson’s Lane), Canadian acrobat Arielle Lauzon with Chinese hoops and slack rope (Festival Montreal Complètement Cirque, Cirque Eloize), aerialist Rebecca Rennison (Upswing, The New Vic Theatre, The London Cabaret Club) and juggler Lynn Scott (Gandini Juggling, Upswing)

Composer Quinta (The Paper Cinema, Rambert/Cunningham, Ockham’s Razor) creates an ethereal score – combining her flair for improvisation, non-conventional scoring, electronic interfacing and work with new instrumentation. Designer Loren Elstein (Rent, Hangmen, The End of Longing) ingeniously creates a three-dimensional world inspired by artworks such as Cornelia Parker’s Exploded Shed, David Spriggs’ Half Explosion and Ori Gersht’s Time after time
photographs

The show is supported by Arts Council England through a Strategic Touring grant, Foyle Foundation, PRS Foundation, 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space, Worthing Theatres, Imagine Luton, Merchant City Festival, Brewhouse Arts Centre Burton upon Trent, Lancaster Arts and Circus250