Grand Opera House York – until Saturday 18th May 2024

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4***

If you haven’t heard of Twelve Angry Men before it was originally a 1957 legal drama film, which was adapted from an earlier piece by Reginald Rose. Following a record-breaking stint in the West End, directed by Christopher Haydon, this thriller of a show has been touring the UK, culminating in its final destination, the beautiful city of York, and the Grand Opera House.

With thirteen actors, consisting of one guard and twelve jurors, the title, Twelve Angry Men, explains it all. The jurors exit the courtroom to go to the jury room, to deliberate whether a man is guilty of the murder of his father. The tragic thing is, is that this ‘man’ is really a 16-year boy, being tried as an adult and a guilty verdict means a death sentence.

After an initial showing of hands, in what appears to be an open and shut case of guilty, Juror 8 throws a spanner into the works with his vote. What follows is a tense, animated, gripping and occasionally physical debate, after all, the verdict must be unanimous.

It’s hot and stuffy in the jury room, the heat stifling, the fans don’t work, which only leads to a rise in tempers as the discussions progress. York was experiencing a bit of a heatwave when I saw this on Monday night, the theatre was pretty hot, which only enhanced the experience. I almost felt we were part of the set. Very atmospheric.

An excellent cast, led by Jason Merrells as Juror 8. His is the voice of reason, giving a much-needed voice and lifeline to the accused. He is a standout, commanding the stage and is outstanding in the role. With his calm demeanour, questioning the evidence as he endeavours to make the other jurors think, is this man boy guilty beyond reasonable doubt? His character is in complete contrast to Tristan Gemmill’s Juror 3, a bigot who is adamant in the belief that the accused is guilty. We soon come to realise that he is projecting his anger because of the fractured relationship with his son. He unravels as deliberations continue. Gemmill played his character with great passion and depth.

Other cast included, Gray O’Brien, with an exemplary American accent, was disturbing as the vile racist Juror 10, encompassed in his hatred, until everyone had had enough of his rantings. Michael Greco, again with a great accent, as Juror 7, who wanted to be out of there to catch a baseball game, he was full of charisma. Mark Heenehan, with his distinctive voice, as the emotionless Juror 4. Ben Nealon as Juror 12, doodling away and then kept changing his verdict. Samarge Hamilton, Juror 5, with his experience of dealing with racism. All the cast delivered superb emotional portrayals.

The set consisted of a large table, chairs, a bathroom, with working sinks to the side. Sash windows, open at the back, until the rain started, and a couple of fans, neither of which worked, until by a stroke of luck, the ceiling fan burst into action. It was simple and clever, nothing else was needed.

Twelve Angry Men certainly takes you on a journey. This is a tale that we, as a society, have preconceived ideas, moulded by our environment. It may only take that one person to make a difference, that one person to make you question your beliefs, that one person to open your mind. A truly thought-provoking show that is a must see.

Birmingham Hippodrome – until Saturday 18th May 2024

Reviewed by Nadia Dodd

5*****

Sister Act the original film was released way back in 1992 and although the story and the characters remain the same the music from the film are not featured in the show. Please do not go along expecting this as you maybe disappointed. I did know this prior to the performance, I was certainly not disappointed the music and lyrics by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater were truly heavenly.

Deloris van Cartier is played by Landi Oshinowo and wow does she have a remarkable voice. She plays the nightclub singer who finds herself hiding in the convent after she unfortunately witnessed her mobster boyfriend Curtis Jackson, played by Ian Gareth-Jones shoot an informant.

Deloris struggles to fit into the lifestyle of the rest of the Sisters until she discovers the choir. Failing to hit any notes together she helps them in her own way, shine and really put on a great performance at the next service in the Church.

The Mother Superior played by Sue Cleaver, despairs, why has God put the church in this position, allowing someone into their convent who could bring along so much trouble from gangsters if they discovered she was hiding out there.

The police officer assisting Deloris in hiding out until her court appearance Eddie is played by Alfie Parker. Eddie remembers Deloris from school and had had a crush on her then that still remains. Alfie puts on a great scene singing ‘I could be that guy’, look out for the sparkly 70’s number that he wears during this.

The trio of Curtis’ gang members are cast perfectly. TJ, Joey and Pablo, played by Elliott Gooch, Callum Martin and Michalis Antoniou respectively, are funny men and along with Clemont, Curtis’ nephew played by Harvey Ebbage they make the audience laugh at their comical routines and facial expressions.

Deloris, known to the sisters as Sister Mary Clarence, is almost busted by Curtis’ gang but Eddie is there to save the day and asks her to hide out at his place to keep her safe. Deloris and the convent miss each other terribly, they have become her friends, including Mother Superior and she does find her way back there to help the choir that she has trained so well perform in front of the Pope.

The staging is bright, colourful and sparkles all the colours of the rainbow and the cast look like they are having fun, the audience certainly approved too by the standing ovation given. A comical, cheerful, soulful evening well worth 5 stars. There were possibly more sequins used on the costumes in the closing numbers than on some famous TV dancing show – it really was ‘Fabulous Baby!’

New Wimbledon Theatre – until Saturday 18 May 2024

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge

5*****

New Wimbledon Theatre brings you The Regents Park Open Air Theatre Production of Jesus Christ Superstar, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lyrics by Tim Rice.

This thrilling rock musical brings alive the last seven days of Jesus’s life. Through all the twists and turns of love, despair and betrayal, seen from the perspectives of both Jesus (Ian McIntosh) and Judas ( Shem Omari James).

Judas has become dissatisfied with the way Jesus is leading his people and succumbs to political pressure, Leading him to commit the ultimate betrayal and pushing him onto a path of self destruction, that gets played out in front of our eyes.  Although at times the story becomes quite deep, dealing with difficult themes, the production also offers some comedic relief In the form of Herod (Timo Tatzber) in a sparkling gold number that had the audience laughing out aloud, as well as the Pharisees; Caiaphas (Jeb Habchi) Annas (Matt Bateman) who, maybe inadvertently, provided some humour with their performances.

Jesus, Judas and Mary (Hannah Richardson) had outstanding voices throughout the performance gaining much applause from the audience, which was well deserved. They were supported by a strong ensemble cast within the songs alongside some superb choreography that was mesmerising.

The stage was set out with a large crucifix on stage with the band in view on different levels, very cleverly done and with the clever use of lighting to highlight specific band members at key moments.

This production was definitely full, on had a lot to offer and I would definitely recommend a visit, such a enjoyable evening!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR
THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE NEW SUNG-THROUGH ROCK OPERA PRODUCTION OF

WRITTEN AND COMPOSED
BY LOURDS LANE

AT CURVE, LEICESTER

FROM 22 OCTOBER – 9 NOVEMBER 2024

SuperYou is an uplifting musical, written and composed by Lourds Lane, that centres around the transformative journey of a comic book artist who discovers self-love and her own voice as her superheroine creations spring to life. The new sung-through rock opera version of the show will have its first fully staged UK production at Leicester’s Curve theatre this autumn, running in the Studio Theatre from 22 October to 9 November.

After making its West End debut for a sold-out, one night only concert at The Lyric Theatre in 2023, this new rendition of the beloved cult hit is a complete reimagination, now rewritten and presented entirely through song.

The musical’s score is a dynamic rock soundtrack that seamlessly incorporates a wide range of musical styles, including pop, hip hop, swing, blues, gospel, country, and soulful power ballads. Through its instantly memorable soundtrack, SuperYou delves into themes of discovering inner strength, while fostering acceptance, inclusivity, and kindness, both towards others and, crucially, oneself, making it a tale that feels particularly relevant and timely in today’s world.

Creator Lourds Lane says, “The show we are world premiering in Leicester is a completely different show from any concert or presentation that we have ever done in the past, as the show is now restructured and completely sung through like Rent, Les Mis, or Hamilton. If you are already a fan of our music, now there is much more of it! I’m thrilled for fans old and new to come out and be the first to see our brand-new rock opera premiering at Curve theatre this Fall!”

Initially planned for an off-Broadway debut, SuperYouwas the first theatrical production to perform during the pandemic, staging concerts on socially distanced pick-up trucks at a drive-in, in upstate New York. These pandemic concerts garnered national and international attention, and a film was later released as a popular documentary on Broadway on Demand.

During the pandemic, while many shows stopped activity and shut down, SuperYou gained what Playbill calls “a substantial cult following” for its online content and concept album of demos with over 23 million views on TikTok. #FANCOVERFRIDAY emerged as fans worldwide created their own SuperYou music renditions, a trend continuing until today, four years later.

Due to its online popularity and viral videos, SuperYou quickly sold-out Carnegie Hall for two nights in July 2022, and then proceeded to win BroadwayWorld’s Best New Musical Award in Milwaukee for its developmental presentation the following year.  With an impressive debut at London’s Musical Con in 2022, SuperYou returned last year as a “teaser” ahead of the West End concert at The Lyric Theatre in November.

SuperYou has book/music/lyrics and co-arrangements by Lourds Lane, direction and choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter, music supervision by Wendy Bobbitt Cavett, scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Cynthia Nordstorm with video design by Caite Hevner, lighting design by Ryan O’Gara and sound design by Tony Gayle. Casting by Pearson Casting and is produced by Melissa M. Jones / All Awesome LLC with general management by Anthology Theatre Productions.

SuperYou runs at Curve 22 October to 9 November and tickets are now on general sale. To find out more, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3916 or visit Curve’s Box Office in-person.

ARCOLA THEATRE LONDON – UNTIL 18th MAY 2024

REVIEWED BY JACKIE THORNTON

5*****

Just six weeks ago Nina Segal brought together a group of writers to create a collection of
short plays in response to what they see as a creeping threat to freedom of expression in the UK. The rapid turnaround result is magnificent. For political reasons, the writers have chosen not to be credited for their own plays as remaining anonymous allows them some protection in saying what they wish to express.

Each performance was powerful and rousing while also managing to balance big laughs and use highly relatable observations to make potent statements on censorship, hypocrisy and abuse of power. Two chilling pieces brought characters back from beyond the grave, reminding us of the collective responsibility of keeping silenced voices alive. Another saw a despotic president carefully stage managing his latest winning election speech while the story of a Rafah florist forced to swap his flower stall for a refugee camp was particularly moving. We were gripped by the unsettling rhythm of multiple women placed inside the audience repeatedly trying to ask a question, illustrating the recent experience of MP Diane Abbott in the House of Commons. Then in hysterics as a performer wielding a watermelon was chased around the space.

The evening culminated in a lively panel discussion where artists and academics lamented how democratically elected politicians are yet again failing to speak up against the world’s atrocities and how it’s artists who we must turn to retain any sense of our connection to humanity. We might wonder what a five-minute play can do to change the world and it may feel like a drop in the ocean but there’s no denying that it can get people talking. Art can change the world.

SHOWS AND JUDGES CONFIRMED FOR THE

ACTING FOR OTHERS

2024 WEST END FLEA MARKET

Theatrical charity Acting for Others today announces the leading West End theatre shows participating in this year’s West End Flea Market. The event will take place on Saturday 18 May at St Paul’s Church and Churchyard, Covent Garden from 10am – 2pm.

West End shows will design stalls tailored by the company to celebrate their production. Each stall will be uniquely crafted with show-themed merchandise, special limited-edition collectables, theatrical memorabilia, signed posters and special items for auction. This year shows represented include ATG Touring Productions, Cabaret, Disney on Stage including Frozen and The Lion King, Guys and Dolls, Go Live Theatre Projects, Hamilton, Hadestown, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia, Moulin Rouge, Mrs Doubtfire, Phantom of the Opera, SIX, Sister Act, The Book of Mormon, The Mousetrap and The Play that Goes Wrong.

Shows hosting a stall compete to win Best Dressed Stall, decided by a panel of starry judges including West End Flea Market regular Christopher Biggins and star of stage and screen, Harriet Thorpe with the winner announced at the event.

For the fourth annual market, West End Chairty Football Club will appear this year, with the star-studded team taking part in a penalty shoot-out to run throughout the event.

Other highlights include the return of Flea Market favourite Psychic Su Pollard who will be back to tell fortunes. There will be a chance to win VIP tickets to MJ: The Musical in the raffle, along with a tombola full of theatre tokens and theatrical memorabilia and guest appearances from Panto Dames, Pearly Kings and Queens and Puppeteers. The stars signing autographs on the day include Luke Bayer, Christina Bianco, Christopher Biggins, Lesley Joseph, Bonnie Langford, Harriet Thorpe, Dianne Pilkington and Michael Xavier, with more to be announced in the lead up to this Saturday’s market.

This year’s Biggins Bargains will take place as an online auction. The link will be available on Acting For Others’ social media platforms next week and will be posted at the market on the day.

Keep an eye on Acting for Others socials to stay up to date on announcements:

Facebook: /Acting4Others

Instagram: @actingforothers

Twitter: @ActingForOthers

West End Flea Market is organised in aid of Acting for Others, a fundraising organisation for a network of 14 UK theatrical and welfare charities supporting all theatre workers.

For those unable to attend the event, Acting for Otherscan still be supported by donating at www.actingforothers.co.uk/donate

West End Flea Market

Saturday 18 May 2024, 10am – 2pm

St Paul’s Church, Bedford Street, London, WC2E 9ED

Entry £5

SHARON SEXTON TO JOIN

TONY AWARD® NOMINATED BROADWAY HIT MUSICAL

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN

LIMITED RUN AT LONDON’S PEACOCK THEATRE

FROM 21 AUGUST 2024

Michael Cohl, Tony Smith, the estate of Janis Joplin and Jeffrey Jampol for Jam, Inc. are delighted to announce further casting for the Tony Award® nominated hit musical A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN which makes its UK premiere at the Peacock Theatre, Sadlers Wells’ home in the West End, running from 21 August until 28 September 2024. Tickets are on sale now.

Joining the previously announced Mary Bridget Davies is Sharon Sexton, with the two sharing the role of Janis. Mary will perform the role at all the evening performances, while Sharon will perform the role at all of the matinee performances. *

Sharon Sexton said: “Janis Joplin is such an icon. She has inspired so many of my heroes, so it’s a real privilege for me to get to step into her shoes. And they are huge shoes to step into! The mark she left on the world in her short time here is actually so big that it’s difficult to measure. She was so raw and passionate and poured everything into her music. I already feel like this is going to be one of the most challenging and fulfilling roles I’ll ever play and I can’t wait to be a part of this team, and this show, which celebrates not only Janis’ talent, but also her heart and soul.”

Sharon Sexton is an award-winning West End performer and internationally renowned vocalist. She has most recently completed the International tour and West End run of Bat Out of Hell The Musical, where she reprised the role of Sloane, which she originated in 2017. This portrayal earned her great critical acclaim and she has performed in various productions of the show in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and London’s West End in 2019, which saw her take home the West End Wilma award for ‘Best Performer’. Sharon has also starred in Mamma Mia! The Musical (UK & International Tour), Oliver! (The National Concert Hall), The Commitments (Palace Theatre), Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace Theatre), Copacabana (UK Tour) and Girls Night (Irish Tour) and portrayed Liza Minnelli in The Liza Minnelli Story at the Edinburgh Fringe and on tour. Sharon also starred as Shannon in IRISH the musical for American Television Network PBS and has toured throughout the UK and Europe in multiple concert and theatrical productions, including her soloist work with the RTE National Concert Orchestra.

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN is a musical journey celebrating Janis Joplin and her biggest musical influences – trailblazers like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith, all of whom inspired Joplin to become one of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s greatest legends. Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and, almost overnight, became the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Her unmistakable voice, filled with raw emotion and tinged with Southern Comfort, made Joplin a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock. Audiences will enjoy Joplin’s favourites, including ‘Piece of My Heart,’ ‘Cry Baby’, ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ and many others.

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN began in 2011 and was an immediate success, touring for the next 2 years and breaking box office records at nearly every theatre. In October 2013, the show opened on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre to rave reviews and has been touring the US ever since. The show also played in Japan in 2022 at the Tokyo International Forum Hall. Mary Bridget Davies played the role of Janis Joplin for both the touring and Broadway productions, receiving a Tony Award® nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical for her performance.

Janis Joplin’s sister, Laura Joplin, says A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLINis a “full belted memory that drives joy into my heart and tears from my eyes” with The New York Times saying the show “rocks the house with a fervour that is riveting”.

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN has a Book and direction by Randy Johnson, choreography by Patricia Wilcox (A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN – Broadway, Motown – Broadway, West End). Allison Coyne will be the Associate Director, with musical supervision and musical direction by Lestyn Griffiths. Casting is by Anne Vosser.

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN is produced by Michael Cohl, Tony Smith and the estate of Janis Joplin and Jeffrey Jampol for Jam, Inc, with UK General Management by MPSI Ltd. 

Website: www.janisjoplin.com anightwithjanisjoplin.com

Instagram: @janisjoplin, www.instagram.com/anightwithjanis

X: @janisjoplin, twitter.com/JoplinShowLDN

Facebook: @janisjoplin. www.facebook.com/ANightWithJanis

TikTok: @janisjoplin

LISTINGS INFORMATION

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN

Wednesday 21^st August – Saturday 28 September 2024

Peacock Theatre
Portugal Street
London
WC2A 2HT

Box office: 020 7863 8222  

[email protected] 

Tickets from: £18

Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes, including interval

Previews: Wednesday 21 August at 7:30pm, Thursday 22 August at 2.30pm & 7:30pm.

Performances:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm

Wednesday & Saturday matinees at 2:30pm

N.B Saturday 21September at 2:30pm will be a captioned performance.

There will be an additional matinee on Thursday 22 August at 2.30pm

* The Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist – which is always subject to illness, injury and statutory holiday entitlement.

WE’RE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD!

THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL

RETURNS TO THE WEST END THIS SUMMER

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED TODAY

ASTON MERRYGOLD THE TIN MAN AND

THE VIVIENNE THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST

WILL BE JOINED BY

ALLAN STEWART AND ALEX BOURNE AS THE WIZARD

STRICTLY LIMITED FOUR-WEEK SUMMER SEASON AT THE GILLIAN LYNNE THEATRE BEGINS ON THURSDAY 15 AUGUST FOLLOWING A RECORD-BREAKING UK AND IRELAND TOUR

ALSO STARRING

AVIVA TULLEY as DOROTHY, BENJAMIN YATES as THE SCARECROW, NIC GREENSHIELDS as THE COWARDLY LION, EMILY BULL as GLINDA THE GOOD WITCH and ABIGAIL MATTHEWS as TOTO

FEMI AKINFOLARIN plays THE TIN MAN on SELECT DATES

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

www.wizardofozmusical.com

Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are delighted to announce that Allan Stewart (Stones in His Pockets, West End, UK Tour, Toronto; STV Hello, Good Evening, Welcome) and Alex Bourne (Annie, West End, UK Tour, Toronto; Hairspray, UK Tour) will reprise their touring roles as The Wizard when The Wizard of Oz concludes its major UK and Ireland tour this summer. Please see www.wizardofozmusical.com for details of all scheduled cast performances.

The beloved musical, based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum will play a strictly limited London season of 38 performances only at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from Thursday 15 August – Sunday 8 September 2024. 2024 marks the 85^th year since the timeless film was released.

Allan and Alex join previously announced, JLS sensation Aston Merrygold* as The Tin Man and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, alongside principal company members also currently starring in the UK and Ireland touring production: Aviva Tulley (Book of Mormon, UK Tour) as Dorothy, Benjamin Yates (ITV’s Emmerdale; Jersey Boys, West End) as The Scarecrow, Nic Greenshields (Love Never Dies West End; Les Misérables West End, International Tour) as The Cowardly Lion, Emily Bull (9 to 5, UK Tour; Matilda UK Tour) as Glinda The Good Witch and Abigail Matthews as Toto (Bleak Expectations, West End; War Horse, West End).* Femi Akinfolarin (Treason, UK Tour; Moulin Rouge! The Musical, West End) will appear as The Tin Man on all other dates. 

The company is completed by: David Burrows, Adam Craig, Cole Dunn, Tyler Ephraim, Olivia Kate Holding, Thomas Kalek, Sadie Levett, Kelsie-Rae Marshall, Martin McCarthy, Rose Ouellette, Fanja Parent, Alexandra Regan, Nathan Routledge, and Sydney Spencer.

Producer, Michael Harrison says of today’s announcement: “I am delighted to confirm the full cast for The Wizard of Oz’s spectacular return to London this summer. The company have had an incredible run across the UK and Ireland as the thousands of fans they have brought to their feet will confirm! We can’t wait to welcome families to the Gillian Lynne Theatre, where we play for 38 performances only, for a true summer holiday treat. With an extraordinary cast led by Aston Merrygold and The Vivienne, all going over the rainbow are in for a magical time.”

Aston Merrygold will perform on select dates, reprising his touring role as The Tin Man. Aston became known for his incredible stage presence during his time with X Factor-formed band JLS, who went on to sell out countless arena tours and sell over 10 million records, including five Number 1 hits and numerous awards. Whilst the band took a seven-year break, Aston made strides in his career appearing in the West End, on Strictly Come Dancing and releasing his platinum debut single Get Stupid and more recently Sweat, Right Here, Overboard and Share a Coke.

JLS made their comeback last year and performed in sold-out arenas all over the UK and Ireland. Aston has continued to remain at the forefront of entertainment, becoming a judge on the Sky 1 talent show, Got To Dance. He was also unmasked as Robin in the Semi-Finals of the 2020/2021 series of Masked Singer UK.

He has also appeared in the CBBC’s comedy-drama, Almost Never, playing Jordan, the new manager of The Wonderland, was a panelist on the Masked Singer Live tour across the UK and starred as Willard in Footloose the Musical. Most recently, Aston hosted Heart FM’s Saturday Night 00s Show and has also announced his Solo Tour HousePartyLove where he will be playing in Glasgow, Birmingham, London, Manchester, and Belfast in October 2024.

The Vivienne is set to wow the West End as The Wicked Witch of the West following her celebrated performances on tour. The Vivienne is without doubt the UK’s No.1 drag superstar, after emerging as the original champion of the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Since then, she has become a huge star both in the UK and internationally appearing on TV regularly and releasing music for fans across the globe. 2022 saw The Vivienne’s TV career go global when she appeared on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars All Winners’ on US TV.

2023 saw The Vivienne make history as the first drag star to appear on a major UK reality competition series, competing in ‘Dancing On Ice’ on ITV. Viv made it through the Top 3, with breathtaking performances in the final. 2023 also saw The Vivienne become the face and voice of the BBC’s Eurovision Song Contest trailers. In addition, she performed ‘Waterloo‘ at the massive Eurovision opening ceremony in Liverpool city centre.

Allan Stewart (The Wizard) started his career at the age of ten in the Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow. He appeared in clubs and theatres during his school days, and at the age of sixteen wrote and recorded his first single at the Abbey Road studios, with the legendary Beatles producer, George Martin.  His voice broke and when he came back into the business two albums and the hit single Opening Night followed. Although he was initially known as a singer he was seduced by the sound of laughter and turned his attention to comedy and television.

He starred in many series for STV including Hello, Good Evening, Welcome, The Allan Stewart Tapes, and his national television break came in the 80s with the hugely successful series Copy Cats, Live from the Palladium, Night of a 1000 Stars and many other high profile TV guest spots filled his diary.  He hosted his own quiz show Chain Letters and appeared in two Royal Variety performances.

He played the lead in the original musical of Jolson’s life at London’s Victoria Palace, and in The Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. He toured in the hit play Stones in his Pockets and played the part of Roger De Bris in the Mel Brooks musical The Producers. This year he headlines his 27th consecutive pantomime in Edinburgh.

Alex Bourne (The Wizard): Alex has recently reprised his role of Daddy Warbucks on the national tour of Annie. Other theatre includes Hairspray (UK Tour); Eugenius at The Other Palace; Annie (London, UK Tour, and Toronto); Mamma Mia! (UK Tour); Kiss Me, Kate (Royal Albert Hall/BBC Proms); Witches of Eastwick – TMA Nominee for Best Actor (Watermill Theatre); Kiss Me, Kate – Olivier Award-Nominee (Chichester Festival Theatre and Old Vic); We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre); Chicago (Adelphi Theatre); The Rat Pack (Flying Music/Strand Theatre, London); Beauty and the Beast (Walt Disney Theatrical/UK tour); Rocky Horror Show (Turnstyle); Beauty and the Beast (Walt Disney Theatrical/Dominion Theatre); Grease (Robert Stigwood Org/Cambridge Theatre, London); Grease (Robert Stigwood Org/National Tour); Only The Lonely (Whitehall Theatre, London); Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (Victoria Palace/US tour) and Showboat (RSC/Opera North at The London Palladium).

To book tickets for the London season, and for information about specific casting for all performances go to www.wizardofozmusical.com.

The Wizard of Oz on tour is presented by Michael Harrison, Gavin Kalin Productions, David Mirvish, Crossroads Live, Nick Thomas, Rupert Gavin and Mallory Factor, Jake Hine, and Playing Field, by arrangement with the Really Useful Group Ltd. Originally produced at Curve.

DR RANJ SINGH

TO PLAY LANCE

IN AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

& JULIET

UK & IRELAND TOUR

FROM 8 JULY – 12 OCTOBER 2024

The producers of the global sensation & JULIET are delighted to announce that Dr Ranj Singh will make his musical theatre debut playing the role of Lance in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour. The UK and Ireland tour opens at Manchester Opera House on 8 July 2024. 

He joins the previously announced Matt Cardle as Shakespeare, Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet, Lara Denning as Anne, Sandra Marvin as Angelique, Jack Danson as Romeo, Kyle Cox as Francois and Jordan Broatch as May.

Also in the cast are Michael Nelson as Henry, Liam Morris as Richard, Jade Johnson as Nell / Lady C, Rosie Singha as Judith, Nia Stephen as Imogen, Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid as Lucy/Alternate Juliet, Andilé Mabhena as Augustine / Dance Team, Harriet Caplan-Dean as Eleanor, Alexander Kranz as Lennox, Aaron Shales as Gregory / Dance Team, Toni Paise as Violet and Samuel Wilson-Freeman as Fletcher / Resident Director and Dance Captain. 

Dr Ranj Singh said “I am absolutely overjoyed to be making my musical theatre debut in & Juliet, a show I’ve been a fan of since it first opened. I know it’s a bit of a change from my usual work, but not many people will know how hard I’ve been working behind the scenes to make this happen, and it’s an absolute dream come true. I can’t wait to work with the incredible Luke Sheppard and the entire creative team and have the time of my life this year, showing the UK what I’m made of alongside an exceptionally talented and diverse cast. Bring it on!”

Dr Ranj Singh is one of the country’s most recognised and well-loved medics and TV presenters, with a career ranging from NHS doctor, to author, to musical theatre star.

His foray into music and dance started in 2018, when Dr Ranj swapped his scrubs for sequins as a BBC Strictly Come Dancing contestant, partnered with Janette Manrara. The dancing duo also took part in the subsequent Strictly Live Tour in 2019. Then at the start of 2021, Dr Ranj’s performance on ITV All Star Musicals roused the nation and received high praise from the judges, including Elaine Paige herself. This led to him starring in his own sold-out West End show Scrubs to Sparkles later that year, alongside a host of famous faces.

He is the co-creating presenter of BAFTA-award-winning CBeebies series, Get Well Soon. He is one of the resident doctors on the BBC1’s hugely successful series Morning Live and was a regular presenter on ITV This Morning. He has fronted a range of TV shows, including ITV’s primetime series Save Money: Good Health, Save Money: Lose Weight and Dr Ranj: On Call; the W Channel’s Extreme Food Phobics; and was crowned winner of Season 2 of Cooking With The Stars.

Off air, he writes for numerous magazines and websites where he gives expert opinion and advice on physical and mental health matters. Dr Ranj is also the resident doctor for Attitude magazine and has published several books including two Sunday Times Best-Sellers, Save Money Lose Weight and How To Grow Up And Feel Amazing!.

There is life after Romeo!

Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as Juliet ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. Created by David West Read, the Emmy-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told and asks, what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo?

Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time,” Katy Perry’s “Roar”and chart toppers “Since U Been Gone,” “It’s My Life,” “I Want It That Way,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” — all from Max Martin, the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century, and his collaborators. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.

& JULIET is a global success and has now been performed on four continents since its World Premiere in September 2019. It began at the Manchester Opera House in England, before moving to London’s West End from 2019-2023, where it won three Olivier Awards, and 6 WhatsOnStage Awards. The show had its North American premiere in July 2022 in Toronto, where it broke box office records and played to standing-room-only audiences, before heading to Broadway, where it again broke box office records and plays nightly to sold-out crowds. & Juliet is currently playing an encore production in Australia, and will soon be seen around the globe with a North American Tour (September 2024) and its German premiere (October 2024). The German production marks the show’s first production with a book translated into a different language, and will also be the sixth country to welcome & Juliet in less than five years. More information for all productions can be found at andjulietthemusical.com

The full creative team for the UK and Ireland tour of & JULIETincludes David West Read (Book), Max Martin & Friends (Music & Lyrics), Luke Sheppard (Direction), Jennifer Weber (Choreography), Bill Sherman (Musical Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements), Soutra Gilmour (Scenic Design), Paloma Young (Costume Design), Howard Hudson (Lighting Design), Gareth Owen (Sound Design), Andrzej Goulding (Video & Projection Design) and Nina Van Houten(Hair, Wig & Makeup Design) and Dominic Fallacaro (Additional Arrangements and Orchestrations). Casting is by Stuart Burt.

& JULIET is presented by Max Martin and Tim Headington and is produced by Max Martin, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd and Rebecca Quigley.

Website: www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk

Instagram: @julietmusical

Facebook: @julietmusical                                                            

X: @julietmusical

YouTube: @julietmusical1925   

SONIA FRIEDMAN PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCES

NEW PRODUCTION OF

SEÁN O’CASEY’S

JUNO AND THE PAYCOCK

STARRING J. SMITH-CAMERON AND MARK RYLANCE

DIRECTED BY MATTHEW WARCHUS

Sonia Friedman Productions (SFP) today announces Tony award-nominee J. Smith-Cameron (Succession) will star as Juno Boyle opposite Mark Rylance as ‘Captain’ Jack Boyle in a new production of Seán O’Casey‘s timeless masterpiece, Juno and the Paycock, directed by Tony and Olivier award-winner Matthew Warchus (Matilda The Musical, Pride).

The strictly limited run at the Gielgud Theatre opens on Thursday 3 October, with previews from Saturday 21 September, and will run until Saturday 23 November 2024.

Juno and the Paycock sees Sonia Friedman, Matthew Warchus and Mark Rylance reunite following their acclaimed productions of Boeing-Boeing and La Bête. Further casting to be announced.

The creative team is Rob Howell (Set and Costume Designer), Hugh Vanstone (Lighting Designer), Claire van Kampen (Composer) and Serena Hill CDG (Casting Director).

Priority booking opens on Thursday 23 May, to DMT+ Members at 10am, and to those signed up for priority booking at 11am, with general booking opening on Friday 24 May at 10am. Individuals can sign up for priority booking here: www.JunoAndThePaycock.com

As part of an ongoing commitment to make theatre accessible for as many people as possible, there are over 1100 tickets per week at £25 or lower, with 35% of the house for every performance priced at £55 or lower.

Matthew Warchus said, “I have long been in love with this staggeringly great melodrama – a play which collides an Irish working-class domestic tragedy with some of the comedic bravura of the 1920s Music Hall in an unforgettable indictment of the chaos of civil war. I’m very excited to be embarking on my seventh collaboration with Mark Rylance, and my first with the brilliant American actress J. Smith-Cameron, on the 100-year anniversary production of this internationally acclaimed, strikingly relevant, Irish classic.”

J. Smith-Cameron said, “Juno and the Paycock is not simply a brilliant piece of theatre but an eternally relevant play so long as people must endure violent repression. The prospect of revisiting this work in the company of the great director Matthew Warchus and the truly legendary Mark Rylance absolutely floors me; I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Mark Rylance said, “It is a joy to be playing Seán O’Casey’s masterpiece with J. Smith-Cameron, and to be doing so in its 100^th anniversary year. I am also delighted to be reuniting with Matthew Warchus on what will be our seventh theatrical collaboration and with Sonia Friedman who has supported me in eight previous productions.”

Dublin, 1922, the Irish Civil War is tearing the nation apart. In the cauldron of the family’s tiny tenement flat, Juno Boyle, a beleaguered matriarch whose sharp wit is a survival tool, struggles to make ends meet and keep the family together. Her husband, ‘Captain’ Jack Boyle, fancies himself a ship’s commander but sails no further than the pub. When providence comes knocking with life changing news, could the family’s troubles finally fade away?

Poetic, poignant, and hilarious, Juno and the Paycock is a big-hearted, black-humoured, tragi-comic triumph that reflects on a mother’s resilience in the midst of life’s most trying moments.

‘WHAT CAN GOD DO AGAINST THE STUPIDITY OF MEN?’

Mark Rylance

This is happily the seventh theatrical collaboration between Mark and Matthew Warchus.

Giles Havergal and The Glasgow Citizens Theatre gave Mark his first professional job in 1980.

In the eighties and nineties, Mark worked with many theatre companies in England and America, including the NT; The Bush; The Tricycle, Contact (Manchester); TANA (New York); A.R.T. (Boston); The Guthrie (Minneapolis). He became an Associate Artist of the RSC, where he played Hamlet, Romeo, and a number of other roles. He founded two cooperative theatre companies, The London Theatre of Imagination and Phoebus’ Cart, which toured sacred sites such as The Rollright Stones.

He trained at RADA in the great days of Hugh Cruttwell and the work of Mike Alfreds, and his company, Shared Experience, continues to be particularly inspiring and transformative in all he does.

In 1996, at age 36, Mark became the first Artistic Director of Sam Wanamaker’s project to rebuild Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Throughout his career, he has acted in more than 50 productions by Shakespeare and his contemporaries. He is a trustee of The Shakespearean Authorship Trust and friend of The Francis Bacon Research Trust.

After leaving the Globe in 2006, Sonia Friedman became his angel. With her company and associates she has supported Rylance in eight productions, Boeing-Boeing, La Bête, Jerusalem, Twelfth Night, Richard III, Farinelli and the King, Nice Fish, and most recently Dr Semmelweis. Rylance was a co-author of Dr Semmelweis and Nice Fish, and also wrote I am Shakespeare for Greg Ripley Productions and The Chichester Festival Theatre.

Film work includes three films with Steven Spielberg, Bridge of Spies, The BFG, and Ready Player One. Other films include The Outfit, Don’t Look Up, The Phantom of the Open, Bones and All, Waiting for the Barbarians, Dunkirk, Prospero’s Books, The Grass Arena, and The Institute Benjamenta.

His television appearances include four mini-series with Peter Kosminsky; The Government Inspector, The Undeclared War, Wolf Hall, and the soon to be broadcast Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light.

Mark is an honorary bencher of the Middle Temple Hall in London. He is also a founding patron of the London-based charity Peace Direct, which supports local peacebuilders in areas of conflict. Lately his work has focused on Intermission Youth Theatre and The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. He will always be a patron of Survival, the international movement for Tribal Peoples and Stop the War.

In 2017 he was knighted for services to the Theatre.

J. Smith-Cameron

J. Smith-Cameron is an award-winning stage, film, and television actress. She recently completed run as ‘Gerri Kellman’ on the acclaimed HBO series, Succession, earning her two back-to-back Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and a SAG Award for Outstanding Cast of a Drama Series. She will next star in the third season of the hit HBO series, Hacks, this spring.

Other notable television credits include: Rectify, Waco: The Aftermath, True Blood and Search Party.

J. was last seen on stage in Love Letters opposite Victor Garber at the Irish Rep. Other Broadway/ Off-Broadway credits include: Juno and the Paycock (Joe A. Callaway Award winner and Drama Desk nominated), Our Country’s Good (Tony nominated), Sarah, Sarah (Drama Desk nominated), Fuddy Meers (Outer Critics and Drama Desk nominated) and As Bees in Honey Drown (Obie Award winner).

Recent film work includes: Turtles all the Way Down, The Year Between opposite Steve Buscemi, and Vengeance directed by B.J. Novak.

Past credits include: Nancy (Independent Spirit Award nominated) opposite Andrea Riseborough, Christine, and Margaret written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan.

Matthew Warchus, Director

Theatre includes: Lungs, Present Laughter, ‘Art’, The Caretaker, The Master Builder, Future Conditional, Speed-the-Plow, OLD VIC: IN CAMERA – A Christmas Carol, Faith Healer, Three Kings, Lungs (The Old Vic); A Christmas Carol, Groundhog Day, The Norman Conquests (The Old Vic/Broadway); Matilda The Musical (RSC/West End/Broadway/International tour); Ghost the Musical (West End/Broadway/South Korea); La Bête (West End/Broadway); God of Carnage (West End/Broadway/LA); Deathtrap, Endgame (West End); Our House, Much Ado About Nothing (West End/UK tour); Boeing-Boeing (West End/Broadway/UK tour); The Lord of the Rings (West End/Toronto); Buried Child, Volpone (National Theatre); Follies (Broadway); Life x 3 (National Theatre/The Old Vic/Broadway); True West (Donmar/Broadway); The Unexpected Man (RSC/West End/Broadway); ‘Art’ (Broadway/West End/Los Angeles); Hamlet, Henry V (RSC); Betrayal, Death of a Salesman, The Plough and the Stars, Fiddler on the Roof, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, True West, Peter Pan (Leeds Playhouse).

Opera includes: Falstaff, Così Fan Tutte (ENO); The Rake’s Progress (ROH/WNO).

Film includes: Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical, Pride — BIFA Best British Independent Film, Simpatico.

Matthew was an Associate Director at Leeds Playhouse and Artistic Associate at The Old Vic before being appointed Artistic Director of the theatre in 2014.

Seán O’Casey

SeánO’Casey was born on the north side of Dublin in 1880 and lived through troubled and turbulent times; the 1913 Lock-out and Strike, the 1916 Easter Rising, the Anglo-Irish War and the Civil War. SeánO’Casey was involved directly with the Lock-out and Strike, starving with his fellow workers, and like many other Dubliners, he saw and was affected by the horrors of the Rising and the troubles that followed.

When he was forty he wrote three plays within three years depicting the lives of the slum dwellers he was familiar with; The Shadow of a Gunman, Juno and the Paycock and The Plough and the Stars. These plays now stand with the great plays of the Twentieth Century.

The most remarkable thing he had ever done, O’Casey later said, was to escape from the slums of Dublin. He managed to do this after his second play, Juno and the Paycock, was performed at the Abbey Theatre in 1924. Only then was he able to give up his job as labourer working on the roads. These three plays made his name, and he became known to an international audience. 

In 1926 he travelled to London to receive the Hawthornden Prize for Literature and also give publicity for The Plough and the Stars. He decided to stay. During re-casting he met and later married Eileen Carey. They moved to Devon in 1938 with his two sons Breon and Niall: a daughter, Shivaun, was born a year later. Niall tragically died of Leukaemia, aged 21, and Seán O’Casey died eight years later, aged 84.

www.JunoAndThePaycock.com

Instagram.com/JunoPaycockPlay

Twitter.com/JunoPaycockPlay

Facebook.com/JunoPaycockPlay

LISTINGS

JUNO AND THE PAYCOCK

Gielgud Theatre

Saturday 21 September – Saturday 23 November 2024

Opening Night: Thursday 3 October, 7pm

Box Office: www.JunoAndThePaycock.com

Performance schedule:

Previews (21 September – 2 October):

Monday – Saturday at 7pm

Wednesday 2 October at 2pm

From 4 October:

Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm

Wednesday & Saturday at 2pm

Tickets: from £20

BSL Interpreted Performance – Saturday 19 October, 2pm

Audio Described Performance – Saturday 2 November, 2pm

Captioned Performance – Saturday 9 November, 2pm