Churchill Theatre, Bromley 8th – 12th September.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

This is your classic boy meets monster love story, with puppets, porn, foul language… and Gary Coleman.  

Basically everything you need for a great night out.

The inhabitants of Avenue Q are a mixed bunch – the humans are hysterical stereotypes, with child star Gary Coleman working as their building super. The puppet population are the relatives that the Muppets pray the Daily Mail will never find. Instead of Bert and Ernie we have Rod and Nicky – with Rod the Republican struggling to come to terms with his homosexuality. Cookie Monster is replaced by Trekkie Monster, a porn loving bundle of matted fur that will have you crying with laughter. The set is a grubbier version of Sesame Street, and the choreography and musical style takes you back to hung over Saturday mornings in front of the TV.

The puppeteers are astounding. At first, you don’t know whether to watch the puppet or the actor’s face, but very soon they become one; with the actors’ body movements adding expertly to the whole character. The whole cast gave brilliant performances.

The course of puppet love is littered with obstacles, the most curvaceous being Lucy the Slut. Along the way Princeton learns valuable life lessons, mostly through fabulous little cartoon and parodies of Sesame Street’s educational clips. The songs and jokes manage to insult every minority group under the sun, creating more belly laughs than I’ve ever heard in a theatre. Song titles include: If You Were Gay, Everyone’s a little Bit Racist, I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today, and my favourite – The Internet is For Porn. If using public transport on the way home, it’s best not to be singing these – I got some very strange looks.

There’s even a very energetic sex scene – which got the biggest cheers of the night. Very educational.

Full of joy, laughs and twisted morality, Avenue Q is well worth checking out – just don’t take your mother!

UK tour dates until 21st May 2016

A host of exciting new shows have been added to Sheffield Theatres’ forthcoming season, including a special fundraising event with one of the country’s most respected and recognised actors, Richard Wilson, a brand new musical about Tom Jones and a spectacular trilogy of plays on tour for the first time.  The new shows, already on sale to Centre Stage Members, go on sale to the general public on Saturday 12 September.

Acclaimed actor, captivating raconteur and Sheffield Theatres’ own Associate Director, Richard Wilson will provide a fascinating and humorous insight into his life in An Evening with Richard Wilson on Friday 23 October at the Crucible.  Talking about the highs and lows of playing Victor Meldrew, Richard will reprise the legendary comedy character performing scenes from One Foot in the Grave, as well as answering questions on his extensive television and theatre career. As Sheffield Theatres is a registered charity, this event will raise vital funds to support Sheffield Theatres’ ongoing work on stage and with people across the City Region.

Fresh from this years’ Edinburgh Festival Donald Robertson is not a Stand-Up Comedian visits the Studio Theatre on Wednesday 30 September. Donald Robertson has no mates and he isn’t funny but with guidance from his new mentor Gary, he hopes that is all about to change.  A clever mix of theatre and stand-up, writerGary McNair’s widely acclaimed monologue deftly merges a classic coming-of-age story with a pinpoint deconstruction of the darker side of stand-up comedy.

Looking ahead to spring 2016, the Lyceum Theatre plays host to the highly-acclaimed, powerful trilogy The James Plays (Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 May 2016).  Presented by National Theatre of Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival and National Theatre of Great Britain, The James Plays bring to life the story of three generations of Stewart Kings who ruled Scotland in the tumultuous fifteenth century.  Written by award-winning playwright Rona Munro, and performed by an ensemble of 20 actors, audiences can experience these exceptional plays as a complete trilogy (or individually) on either Saturday 7 or Sunday 8 May. Meal packages are also available to book for each day from the theatre.

Dance lovers will be delighted with the return of Northern Ballet to the Lyceum stage with their modern take on iconic classic Swan Lake (Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 March).  Haunted by the tragic death of his brother and confused by his feelings towards his two best friends, Anthony looks to the water for answers – in whatever form they take. This tale of love and obsession is performed to Tchaikovsky’s beautiful and moving score.

TOM. A Story of Tom Jones. The Musical (Monday 11 – Saturday 16 April) is a new musical celebrating the life of a legend.  Step back in time to the dance halls, working men’s clubs and recording studios of the ’60s where a Valleys boy with a heart-stopping voice dreamt of making the big time, no matter what it took.  Featuring Tom’s many chart hits including It’s Not Unusual and Delilah, this show promises to be an unmissable treat.

The new shows go on sale to the public on Saturday 12 September from 10.00am.  For more details and to book tickets or dining packages, call the Box Office on 0114 249 6000 or visit sheffieldtheatres.co.uk. 

Initial casting has been announced for the premiere of Dark Tourism, which opens at the Park Theatre later this month.

The debut play by Daniel Dingsdale will be directed by Adam Lenson and will also feature the playwright in the cast.

Joining Dingsdale will be Hollyoaks actress Tamaryn Payne, Jill Winternitz (Once,Dirty Dancing), Huw Parmenter (The Ballad of Lost Dogs) Rebecca Brewer (The Merchant of Venice, Almeida), Josie Dunn (James and the Giant Peach) and Tom Maller (The Mousetrap, St Martins).

Billed as “a biting cultural satire on media cynicism and the world of celebrity”, the play explores how far people will go for fame and reputation and how much of what we see in the media is truth.

“You might complain about people saying stuff about you, but you’d complain a lot more if no one said anything at all.”

The production will feature movement by Polly Bennett, composition by Luke Bateman, set design by William Fricker and sound by Mike Thacker.

Further casting is yet to be announced.

Dark Tourism runs at the Park Theatre from 1 October to 24 October.

Graham Norton has been revealed as the host of the 2015 West End Bares concert, which will take place at the Café De Paris later this month.

Joining Norton will be Memphis star Beverley Knight, Ru Paul’s Drag Race winner Bianca Del Rio, comedian Joe Lycett, Strictly Come Dancing stars Robin Windsor and Lisa Riley, cabaret stars Velma Celli and The Supreme Fabulettes, TOWIE star Charlie King, actor/presenter Andrew Hayden-Smith and actress Harriet Thorpe.

The show will also feature cast members from West End productions and music by Emmy award-winning composer and lyricist Lance Horne.

Now in its sixth year, the annual event – based on the original concept Broadway Baresby legendary Broadway and West End director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell – combines the naughtiness of burlesque along with the razzle dazzle of the West End.

Jerry Mitchell said, “This is the sixth incarnation of West End Bares and it’s growing and growing and growing. The thing that’s most important about the show and the Stripathon fundraising campaign is that it’s an opportunity for the London theatre community to come together and make a difference.

“The money that’s raised goes to help people living with HIV and AIDS and that’s what’s fabulous about the West End Bares and MAD Trust and the great work they do.”

The show will feature cast members from West End productions including American Idiot, Cats, Gypsy, Memphis and Wicked, with choreography from the likes of Racky Plews (American Idiot), Mitch Leow (Miss Saigon) and Stuart Rogers (The Bodyguard).

West End Bares takes place at the Café De Paris on Sunday 20 September 2015, at 9.30pm and Midnight. Tickets are available from www.madtrust.org.uk.

Two correspondent illustration students have won their work being printed in a West End Venue. Multi-award-winning director Adam Morley (Inspector Morse, Dracula) has been working alongside renowned illustrator and the Stage Columnist John Byrne to promote new and unknown artistic talent. Both Morley and Byrne are passionate about helping artists of all kinds make an effective living from their skills in addition to developing the skills themselves.

The competition was run through John Byrne’s correspondent illustration course and asked the students to create artwork for Conor McPherson’s The Birds based on the Daphne de Maurier book, which will be at The Leicester Square Theatre 24 September to 17th October. The standard of entries was extraordinarily high but the final two were picked for their eye-catching ‘curb’ appeal.

The two winners are Sarah Inkpen and Rory Donald. Their two images have been combined by graphic artist Paul Pierce-Couch to make a special poster which will be seen in print at Leicester Square Theatre. Their individual entries will form the programme artwork for the show and both have been invited in to the show to meet the cast and director as well as the team at Leicester Square Theatre. Both students were thrilled at winning the competition and to have the chance to see their work in print.

Glenn McCrory (IBF Cruiserweight champion of the World, Undefeated British & Commonwealth Cruiserweight Champion, BSKYB Commentator, Quayside) makes his THEATRICAL DEBUT in Conor McPherson’s THE BIRDS. He joins Alice Marshall (BBC Radio New Comedy Award) and Emma Taylor (Theatre Person of the Year) in this classic thriller brought to life by one of the worlds greatest modern writers Conor McPherson (The Weir, The Seafarer) and directed by multi-award-winning director Adam Morley (Inspector Morse, Dracula).

This atmospheric post apocalyptic chiller is set in a world where society has collapsed and the birds, for reasons unknown, attack humans at every given opportunity. Three strangers with dark pasts and many secrets, find themselves thrown together trying to survive this harsh new world… Hiding in a boarded up house where danger comes from the skies above and also from within.

Directed by Adam Morley
Cast: Glenn McCrory (Nat), Emma Taylor (Diane) Alice Marshall (Julia)
John Byrne has been a professional cartoonist and writer for over 20 years. John’s cartoons and comic strips have appeared in a wide range of publications ranging from Private Eye, The Guardian and The Stage to The Bookseller, Christian Herald Media Week and Tesco’s in-house newspaper The One. His book ‘Learn to Draw Cartoons’’ has now passed it’s 10th edition.

Listings Information
THE BIRDS
CONOR MCPHERSON
Leicester Square Theatre
6 Leicester Place
WC2H 7BX
24 September to 17 October 2015
Tuesdays-Saturdays 7pm
Tickets £15 & £12 concs
Box Office: 02077342222
www.leicestersquaretheatre.com

A novel new exhibition of archival material telling the story of 19^th century entertainment in Newcastle will go on public display for the first time this week. The free ‘Theatres Royal’ Exhibition will bring to light a range of wonderful never-seen-before historical treasures from the Theatres Royal of Mosley Street and Grey Street, and runs at Newcastle City Library from Thursday 10 September until late November.

The first Theatre Royal opened on Mosley Street in Newcastle on 21 January, 1788.  In the 19^th century the Theatre Royal moved to its present site on Grey Street as a part of the redevelopment of the city centre, and stands as the magnificent Grade 1 listed building we recognise today. Between these years a fascinating story of North East entertainment and the personalities behind it can be traced – reflecting fluctuating tastes and changing fashions including penchants for the fantastical, artistic, egotistical and simply absurd.

The ‘Theatres Royal’ Exhibition will include unseen playbills, diary entries, bill-board posters, programmes, and biographies and many more historical ‘treats and treasures’ covering this period 1781-1990, collected from the extensive Theatres Royal archive. This will be the first time the public have been able to explore these materials. The City Library is hosting the exhibition as part of National Heritage Week.

The material has been collected by Sue Hodgson, the Theatre Royal’s honorary archivist. Sue manages the extensive archive at the Theatre Royal itself, at the City Library – cataloguing, collecting and developing it as a usable resource.  Sue said: “It seemed an ideal opportunity with the approach of the Heritage Open Days in 2015 to look to the gathering of previously unseen nineteenth century archives which the Theatre Royal boasts. We have arranged the exhibits chronologically to trace a historic narrative of the growth and development of drama in Newcastle and its homes.

“Some items tell of disasters, some of triumphs and some of the great titans of the stage who flourished at the Theatres including Macready, Liston and Kean, but all unite in illustrating the passion Newcastle folk had for their Theatres Royal. We are delighted to welcome the public to this exhibition and hope they enjoy the experience of viewing our theatrical treasures.  We are confident they won’t be disappointed!”

The exhibition complements and builds on a permanent exhibition situated in the Theatre Royal’s top foyer, uncovering the range of entertainment Newcastle has boasted from Roman times to the arrival of the RSC and beyond.  Philip Bernays, Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust said: “This new exhibition is a must-not-miss opportunity for anybody interested in Theatre or indeed local history, or for anyone who is simply curious! We are a truly remarkable Theatre with a unique and colourful story and we welcome anyone living in or visiting Newcastle to view our recently unearthed treats and treasures.”

The Theatres Royal Exhibition runs in Room 7, Level 6 of the City Library, 33 New Bridge Street West, NE18 8AX from Thursday 10 September to late November and entry is completely free.  Opening times are Mon-Thurs 8.30am – 8pm, Fri 8.30am – 5.30pm, Sat 9.30am – 5.30pm and Sunday 11am – 5pm.

KATE WINSLET WILL BE RUNNING WILD WITH BEAR GRYLLS THIS AUTUMN ON DISCOVERY CHANNEL UK

·         Kate Winslet takes on epic challenge in Snowdonia with accomplished adventurer

·         Much-hyped series to air exclusively in the UK from September on Discovery Channel

·         Eight celebrities including Kate Hudson, Michelle Rodriguez, Michael B. Jordan and Jesse Tyler Ferguson to join Bear for 48-hour adventure of a lifetime

Hollywood star Kate Winslet will take on the challenge of a lifetime in the brand new series of Running Wild with Bear Grylls.  The Academy Award winner will join renowned survivalist and adventurer Bear, for a 48-hour extreme survival adventure challenge, in the beautiful but treacherous Snowdonia Mountains.

THAT Titanic scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO6RzMMc5cc&feature=youtu.be

Building a fire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziUUSkDtsNY

Airing exclusively in the UK on the Discovery Channel from September, other big name celebrities from the world of showbiz joining Bear include: Kate Hudson, Michelle Rodriguez, Michael B. Jordan and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

Each of the eight accomplished actors and athletes will partner with Bear for two days for a one-on-one adventure they will never forget.

From the jungles of Panama and the far reaches of the Italian Alps to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and red rocks of Utah, the intrepid cast members will face their deepest fears and tackle everything from skydiving to abseiling, as they journey through some of the world’s most unforgiving wildernesses.

The show sees well-known personalities challenged as never before; they will be pushed to their physical and mental limits as they tackle the wilderness head-on in some of the world’s most unforgiving environments.

·         Running Wild with Bear Grylls starring Kate Winslet will premiere exclusively in the UK on Discovery Channel, from September (Sky 520, Virgin 250, BT TV 322, TalkTalk 322)

·         Joining Bear this time are Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet, Oscar nominee Kate Hudson, Emmy nominee and “Modern Family” star Jesse Tyler Ferguson, “Hangover” star Ed Helms, “Furious 7” star Michelle Rodriguez,  Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees, and award-winning film and television actors James Marsden (“X-Men: Days of Future Past”) and Michael B. Jordan (“Fantastic Four”).’

GET YOUR FIX OF THE BAROQUE

The beautiful music of the world’s finest classical composers comes to Darlington Civic Theatre on Monday 21 September with Baroque By Candlelight.

From the producers of Magical Mozart, this stunning fully-costumed show will immerse you in the wonderful music and the classical Baroque world of some of the greatest romantic composers – Vivaldi, Handel and Bach.

With beautiful settings, costumes and lighting, and of course candles, the European Baroque Ensemble and Singers transport you back to the sumptuous past.

A packed programme of classical music and song including excerpts from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Handel’s Water Music, and Bach’s wonderful Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

The evening also includes sections of classical operas, sung by world class soloists, who alongside the European Ensemble, give you a candlelit Baroque night to remember!

Baroque By Candlelight is at Darlington Civic Theatre on Monday 21 September. Tickets* are £18 and £20.

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

Billy Elliot the Musical this week (7 September 2015) welcomes Bradley Mayfield, Beatrice Bartley and Hollie Creighton who join the cast in the role of Michael and Debbie respectively. Bradley Mayfield, 11 years old from South Yorkshire, joins the cast to play Billy Elliot’s best friend Michael. Beatrice Bartley, 10 years old from Durham and Hollie Creighton, 10 years old from Sunderland, will play Mrs Wilkinson’s daughter Debbie alternating the role with current cast member Connie Fisher.

Now in its eleventh year in the West End, Billy Elliot the Musical is currently booking at the Victoria Palace Theatre until 17 December 2016. In addition, the first UK and Ireland tour of Billy Elliot the Musical will begin in February 2016 at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Bradley Mayfield (Michael) makes his West End debut in Billy Elliot the Musical. Previously he has appeared in Oliver! at the Sheffield Crucible and in Peter Pan at City Hall Sheffield. Bradley trained at the Sharon Berry School of Theatre Dance and is also a keen martial artist, recently achieving his first-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Beatrice Bartley (Debbie) has trained and performed with the Gala Theatre Stage School and Elvet School of Dance. As well as performing in local pantomimes, Beatrice is a keen sports girl and enjoys running for Durham Harriers and playing for the Durham Palatinates Netball Club. She is making her West End debut in Billy Elliot the Musical.

Hollie Creighton (Debbie) has previously appeared in Cinderella and Snow White at the Sunderland Empire and will make her West End debut in Billy Elliot the Musical. Hollie trained at SK Dance and the Kathleen Burdon School of Ballet and has competed in various dance festivals and championships with SK Dance.

Set in a northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike, Billy’s journey takes him out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.

Billy Elliot the Musical has now been seen by over 10.5 million people worldwide and has played on five continents. Billy Elliot the Musical is the recipient of over 80 awards internationally, receiving ten Tony Awards and five Oliviers, including the 2013 Audience Award. In total, eighty nine boys have now played the iconic role on stage across the globe.

Brodie Donougher (12 years old from Blackpool), Thomas Hazelby (11 years old from Doncaster), Ollie Jochim (13 years old from Chelmsford, Essex) and Nat Sweeney (13 years old from Birmingham) alternate the title role of Billy Elliot. Bradley Mayfield (11 years old from South Yorkshire) joins Tomi Fry (12 years old from Swindon) and Nathan Jones (12 years old from Prudhoe, Northumberland) to play the role of Billy’s best friend Michael. Beatrice Bartley (10 years old from Durham) and Hollie Creighton (10 years old from Sunderland) join Connie Fisher (10 years old from Brompton, North Yorkshire) to alternate the role of Debbie.

Ruthie Henshall and Deka Walmsley lead the adult cast in the West End as Mrs Wilkinson and Dad respectively in Billy Elliot the Musical. They are joined by Chris Grahamson as Tony, Gillian Elisa as Grandma, Howard Crossley as George, Claudia Bradley as Dead Mum, Phil Snowdon as Mr Braithwaite and James Butcher as Older Billy. Ensemble members are Craig Armstrong, Richard Ashton, James Ballanger, David Bardsley, Paul Basleigh, Rachel Bingham, Lucinda Collins, Peter Cork, Scott Cripps, Robbie Durham, Ross Finnie, Lee Hoy, Ruri James, Ben Redfern, Charlotte Riby, Mike Scott, Sharon Sexton, Wendy Somerville, Spencer Stafford, David Stoller and Kerry Washington.

Billy Elliot the Musical is brought to life by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the film including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry, and choreographer, Peter Darling, joined by Elton John who composed the show’s score. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, the associate director is Julian Webber, costume design is by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.

The first Dutch production of Billy Elliot the Musical is currently playing at the AFAS Circustheater in The Hague. Productions have previously been staged on Broadway, in Sydney, Melbourne, Chicago, Toronto and Seoul, South Korea. The North American touring production, which began in 2010, finished its spectacular run in August 2013 with an engagement in São Paulo, Brazil, the first time Billy Elliot played in South America. Further international productions are currently planned.

Billy Elliot the Musical is presented in London by Universal Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Tiger Aspect and is based on the Universal Pictures/Studio Canal film. The show is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn and Sally Greene. Angela Morrison and David Furnish are executive producers.