A BRUSH WITH BASIL

Family favourite Basil Brush will be appearing at Darlington Civic Theatre on Saturday 10 October.

Basil Brush is a star with an outstanding ability to entertain and make people of all ages laugh and smile. He’s cheeky, irreverent, charming, naughty, quick-witted, scheming and foxy, but at the same time he’s kind, caring and affectionate.

Basil has celebrated over 50 years in entertainment and The Basil Brush Show on BBC TV has been seen by millions of viewers all over the globe from 1968 through to today. The show was BAFTA nominated and voted best comedy show on TV.

Now, Britain’s most loveable fox is back on the road along with his TV chum Mr Stephen (aka Chris Pizzey). Together they will take you on a journey of laughs, storytelling and song in a brand new specially written ‘live’ stage show packed with fun and excitement.

Come and join in the mayhem, along with Mr Stephen who is continually interrupted by naughty uncontrollable Basil!

A show for all the family and you’ll also be able to meet Basil and Mr Stephen afterwards.

So in Basil’s words..”Boom Boom!”

The Basil Brush Show is as Darlington Civic Theatre on Saturday 10 October at 2.30pm. Tickets are £14 Adults, £13 Children and £42 for a Family ticket.

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

Jack and the Beanstalk

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Friday 11 December 2015 – Sunday 3 January 2016

Starring Scooch, Stuart Wade, Jade Ellis and Chris Casey

New Pantomime Productions return to the Grand Opera House York for the 17th year this Christmas with their spectacular family pantomime.

A fun packed show for all the family with crazy costumes, silly Jokes, live music, and a chance to boo the baddies, here at the Grand Opera House York this winter.

Fee Fi Fo Fum look out folks ‘cos here it comes – the best family panto in York

Jack lives in a small village with his Ma. They are very poor and when they look in the kitchen cupboards for food all they can find is a piece of mouldy cheese, a rotten apple core and a pair of smelly socks. They must do something – but what? Find out what happens when Jack takes their old cow to the market and ends up selling her for 5 beans…

Tickets for the panto go on sale on Tuesday 21 April at 10am. Call 0844 871 3024 to book yours now. For group bookings call 01904 678705. To book online go to www.atgtickets.com/york The theatre box office is open from 12 noon until 5:30pm for those who would like to book in person.

CHRIS CASEY has previously starred as Chester the Jester, SLEEPING BEAUTY, Simon Barry, New Pantomime Productions; REASONS TO BE PRETTY, Clifford Dean, English Theatre of Hamburg; FUNNY ABOUT LOVE, Robert Rumpf, English Theatre of Hamburg; ORESTES, Ricky Dukes, Lazarus Theatre Company, The Space; A GUY AT WORK STORY, Justin Michaels, Old Red Lion; MACBETH, Ricky Dukes, Lazarus Theatre Company, Blue Elephant Theatre; LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST, Nick Young, Rainbow Theatre Co., Worthing; HENRY V, Nick Young, Rainbow Theatre Co., Greenwich; A PATRIOT FOR ME, David Harris, Charing Cross Theatre; THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN.

JADE ELLIS came into the music industry via ITV 1 talent show The X-Factor where she was a finalist mentored by judge Tulisa. During her time on the music entertainment series she quickly gained a reputation for her brilliant powerful vocal renditions, her determination to have success in her career

SCOOCH are Russ Spencer and Caroline Barnes. They represented the UK in 2007 at the Eurovision song Contest in Finland. Russ wrote the song ‘Flying the Flag (For You)’, signed to Warner Bros, which stormed the charts reaching No.5 in the UK. Scooch hold the record for the highest charting Eurovision single since the UK last won the contest in1997. Originally formed in 1999, Scooch signed to EMI and gained 4 Top 20 hits including the Top 5 single ‘More Than I Needed to Know’, all culminating in the album ‘Four Sure’. Worldwide Scooch scored No.1 singles in Japan and Australia.

As a TV presenter Russ has hosted the game show Make Your Play (ITV) Generation X (BBC), Glitterball (ITV) and The Great Big British Quiz (Channel 5). He has also presented shows for The Disney Channel, MTV and The Syfy Channel. TV acting work includes Footballer’s Wives (ITV) and Shameless (Channel 4). He has made numerous panto appearances including Jack in Jack & The Beanstalk (Princess Theatre Torquay) and the Prince at the Regent Theatre Stoke on Trent, Lighthouse Poole, Broadway Theatre Catford, Floral Pavilion New Brighton, Civic Theatre Doncaster and Theatre Royal Windsor in productions of Cinderella, Snow White, Puss in Boots and Sleeping Beauty.

Caroline Barnes was born in Leeds. She was in the original West End Cast as Dance Captain of Mel Brooks’ musical The Producers (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), followed by the UK Tour. Other theatre credits include Resident Choreographer on the 2014 New Zealand Tour of Annie with Su Pollard, 42nd Street (London Palladium), Cats (U.A.E. Tour), Grease (Tour), Santa Claus The Musical (Marina Bay Sands, Singapore), Wayne Sleep’s Explosive Dance (Royal Albert Hall), Robin Hood (Wimbledon Theatre), Fairy Fantastica in Puss In Boots (Theatre Royal Windsor), Fairy Snowflake in Snow White (Floral Pavilion, New Brighton) and Princess Jill in Jack & The Beanstalk (Princess Theatre, Torquay). Caroline has also appeared in two Royal Variety Performances.

Her television work includes Coach Trip (Channel 4), Footballer’s Wives (ITV), Shameless (Channel 4), Tickled Pink (ITV) and commercials for American Express, EasyJet, Nectar and Calvin Klein for which she also choreographed. Currently Caroline is choreographing a new production of The Wizard Of Oz which will open at the Pavilion Theatre Bournemouth in February.

STUART WADE is a co-founder and a patron of “Theatre-Play” drama schools for children based in Yorkshire. He worked in theatre for seven years at the much respected Actor’s Workshop before deciding to further enhance his training at Mountview Theatre School in London. However, three weeks into his three year course, he was offered the part of ‘Biff’ Fowler in ITV’s Emmerdale. A role he continued to play for nearly six years. Other theatre credits include Dr. Frankenstein in Frankenstein: Mephistophiles in Faustus: Hamlet in Hamlet: Molina in Kiss of the Spiderwoman: Grant in Perfect Pitch and The Gentleman Caller in The Glass Menagerie. He has made many other television appearances, as well as presenting for ITV/Granada, and has also taken various roles for BBC Radio 4. More recently Stuart has progressed as a producer and director developing a series of charity concerts such as ‘A Night To Remember’, involving stars of London’s West End and television. He has also directed several of New Pantomime Productions shows including the 2006/7 ‘Cinderella’ at the Princess Theatre, Torquay and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Grand Opera House York.

Further casting to be announced

EMPIRE CINEMAS CATTERICK COMPLETES RECRUITMENT OF NEW STAFF AHEAD OF CINEMA OPENING

         30 new roles created for Catterick and surrounding areas

         500+ applications received from locals to work at the new cinema

        Empire Cinemas Catterick opens its doors to the public October 23^rd

Empire Cinemas, the largest independently owned cinema chain in the UK, today announces the appointment of their new team of 30 staff members at Empire Cinemas Catterick. After receiving over 500 job applications, and interviewing over 100 candidates, Empire Cinemas Catterick has confirmed a team of 30 people, compiled of a variety of ages and experiences. The new state-of-the-art cinema is being built as part of the Princes Gate Complex to bring entertainment to residents of Catterick and surrounding areas.

Reporting to Dave Thomas, the recently appointed General Manager of Empire Cinemas Catterick, the new team has begun their hands on practical training at Empire Cinemas Sunderland and Newcastle. Inductions have also taken place at Catterick Golf Course whilst the Catterick site is developed, fitted and completed. The team is in place ahead of the much anticipated seven-screen cinema launch on Friday 23^rd October.

The new team at Catterick will endure a busy first week with the new releases of Paranormal Activity: Ghost Dimension and The Last Witch Hunter out on the cinema’s opening day, and advanced screenings of the new James Bond film Spectre from Monday 26^th October. Tickets and listings for the new cinema will be available in the next few weeks through the Empire Cinemas website: www.empirecinemas.co.uk

Dave Thomas, General Manager of the new Catterick site said: “We’ve been absolutely delighted with the high calibre of candidates applying to work at the new cinema in Catterick. We’ve secured a brilliant new team and they can’t wait to meet the public on October 23^rd.”

Justin Ribbons, CEO of Empire Cinemas added: “Under the leadership of the new General Manager Dave Thomas, we are extremely proud of the new team’s effort to date in training and have every confidence they’ll do a fantastic job when the cinema opens to the public.”

FREE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY AT SHEFFIELD THEATRES’ FUN PALACES WEEKEND

Join Sheffield Theatres on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October as the doors are thrown open for a fun-filled weekend of free workshops, tours and activities in its first ever Fun Palaces Weekend.

Open to all ages and abilities, the weekend will feature a wide range of free, exciting ,creative and theatrical activities, giving a fun insight into what happens both on stage and behind-the-scenes at the theatre.

Dress up and strike a pose in the Theatrical Photo Booth; enjoy musical merriment from our wandering minstrels; make your own blood bags – crucial for any theatrical fatalities; record your own voice-over with the Sound Team and see yourself in a better light with a crash course in Lighting Design.

For those with on-stage aspirations, there will be a professional dance master class led by Victoria Hinde, familiar to audiences from her roles in Anything Goes, Oliver and My Fair Lady, a Singing Workshop from Anything Goes’ Musical Director Tom Brady and even a Family Stage Combat Workshop, where you can learn how to throw a theatrical punch or plant a stage slap on your nearest and dearest!  Families can also embark on a Penguin Hunt or get crafty and design a special Fun Palaces poster.

Ever wondered what it’s like behind-the-scenes?  Join the crew on a Hard-Hat Tour and watch theLyceum stage transform before your eyes, as the team build a set, learn about the star-studded history of the Crucible and if you dare, wander the Lyceum after hours, in search of the ghostlyLavender Lady.  Meanwhile over in the Crucible’s Adelphi Room, take part in Sheffield Theatres’ first ever Silent Disco, dancing to your own personal soundtrack to suit your mood!  Or if you prefer something louder and later, Crucible Corner will be holding an Open Mic night for any wannabe musicians.

With so many different amazing activities on offer – what will you do?

Sheffield Theatres’ Fun Palaces Weekend is on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October from 10.00am, for the full schedule of free activities and to book onto specialist workshops, visit sheffieldtheatres.co.uk or visit the Box Office on Tudor Square. Touch tours and BSL support is available – please advise the Box Office when pre-booking your activities.

ALL STAR 60s SET TO ROCK IN DARLINGTON

Some of the stars of the biggest 60s bands are to play together at Darlington Civic Theatre on Wednesday 7 October.

Imagine five amazingly talented, iconic 1960s bands who have enjoyed phenomenal success throughout their musical careers, getting together to perform all their hits, and you have the fantastic All Star 60s Show.

Bringing you all their hits and more in one spectacular show are Brian Poole and the original Tremeloes – Chip Hawkes & Dave Munden alongside The Troggs and Badfinger featuring Bob Jackson. The Ivy League and The Pacemakers will round off this fabulous array of talent.

Featuring hit songs including Here Comes My Baby, Suddenly You Love Me, Silence is Golden, Twist and Shout, Do You Love Me, Wild Thing, Love Is All Around and many, many more.

Don’t miss this unforgettable show which will have you rocking in the aisles.

The All Star 60s Show is as Darlington Civic Theatre on Wednesday 7 October. Tickets* are £26.50 & £28.50.

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

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

Arrows and Traps present:

TITUS ANDRONICUS
20 October – 14 November, 7.45pm (2.45 matinees Saturdays)

With previous accolades including multiple 5 star reviews & critical acclaim, Arrows & Traps Theatre Company are proud to continue their new “Love In A Time Of War” season at the New Wimbledon Studio with a darkly comic Titus Andronicus this coming October/November. With support from patrons Gyles Brandreth & David Bedella, this exciting new company are setting the benchmark for new adaptations of the Bard’s work on the Off West End stage.

***** “sparky, funny and charming” (What’s On Stage)

Victorious Titus Andronicus returns to Rome a war hero, but his home has changed in his absence.  There are daggers in every smile, and the empire is bleeding from within.  Soon the Andronicus family are being picked off one by one, innocent bystanders in a grubby, merciless game of thrones.  Titus must fight to save his children, his sanity and his legacy, before all is lost.

**** “Shakespeare as it should be done: with an open mind and lots of heart” (Plays To See)

In Arrow & Traps’ production, this blood-soaked play is given the gleefully macabre sincerity it deserves.  An unrelenting carnival of carnage set in a crumbling coliseum.  This is the Shakespeare that Shakespeare would have loved – a new take on an old story, protean and thrillingly articulate; a physical spectacle of stab wounds, stumps and sawdust, packed full with goading malice and passion. Using its repertory company of actors, Arrows & Traps explore bold discoveries in new dramatic territory, creating a mercilessly physical spectacle whilst staying faithful to Shakespeare’s words and intentions.

—————————————————————————

Title: Titus Andronicus
Company: Arrows & Traps
Performance Dates: October 20th 2015 – November 14th 2015, Tuesday to Saturday, 7:45pm, Saturday matinee, 2:45pm
Running Time: 2 hours including 15 min interval
Venue: New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, London SW19 1QG
Ticket Price: £16 (£14 concessions)
Box Office: ATG (www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-studio), 0844 871 7646
Travel: Wimbledon station (6 min walk), South Wimbledon station (13 min walk)
Links: Website (www.arrowsandtraps.com), Facebook (www.facebook.com/arrowsandtraps), Twitter (twitter.com/arrowsandtraps)

RECKLESS SLEEPERS EAT THEIR WORDS.

Internationally acclaimed performance company Reckless Sleepers bring their production The Last Supper to York Theatre Royal from Wednesday 7 to Friday 9 October. The Last Supper is a unique event that has toured around the world since 2002. With a limited audience of just 39 people, The Last Supper is an unusual invitation to dinner in the De Grey Rooms Ballroom.

Featuring real, invented, past and future scenarios, The Last Supper is part performance and part meal. The half-remembered words of well and lesser known characters from history are written on rice paper and consumed by the performers. They are accompanied by the forgotten last meals of inmates on death row, as thirteen ‘last suppers’ are served to members of the audience.

Written and directed by Reckless Sleepers Artistic Director Mole Wetherell and performed by Leen Dewilde, Tim Ingram and Mole Wetherell, The Last Supper has been performed both around the UK and further afield in countries including Australia, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Switzerland and Portugal. Time Out Sydney described the performance as something “…that holds your attention for days after”.

Artistic Director Mole Wetherell said:

The Last Supper is a performance where we invite our audience to dinner, to eat and drink with us while we speak and then eat the last words of famous people throughout history. These ‘last suppers’ are the last meal requests of prisoners on death row. Some manage to eat the meals others don’t; too self-conscious or just plain horrified by the concept and the food sits there accusingly, filling the room with a special aroma.

The Last Supper takes place in the De Grey Rooms Ballroom on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 October at 7.30pm and on Friday 9 October at 7pm and 9.15pm. Tickets are on sale now priced at £25, £20 concessions (£1 transaction fee per booking) from York Theatre Royal Box Office or by calling 01904 623568 or securely online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

COMEDY LEGEND HEADING TO DARLINGTON

In his sixty-first year as a professional entertainer, comedy icon Ken Dodd will appear at Darlington Civic Theatre on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 October.

Ken Dodd’s incredible and hugely successful career as a professional entertainer now spans over sixty fun-filled years.

He is a comedian of unrivalled legendary status, a national treasure who has been entertaining audiences for a lifetime of happiness and laughter.

Ken said “Entertaining gives me a true feeling of plumtiousness, I’m fizzing like a bottle of champagne with the cork out! Discovering I could make people laugh was like being kissed by an angel.”

A true crusader on behalf of live theatre, the Ken Dodd Happiness Show takes him on a virtual non-stop tour of the UK – clocking up thousands of miles each year.

Don’t miss this fun-filled show for all the family, with non-stop gags, guest artistes and a selection of songs presented in Ken’s unique and varied style.

The Ken Dodd Happiness Show is as Darlington Civic Theatre on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 October. Tickets* are £19.50 & £21.

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

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

CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT

GIGI by Colette and Anita Loos

              Tabard Theatre, London W4         

28^th October– 21^stNovember 2015

The Tabard Theatre in West London plays host to Colette and Anita Loos’ GIGI for a limited run, Wednesday 28^th October – Saturday 21^st November. Last seen in London 60 years ago, this production is directed by veteran New York and London producer/director Mark Giesser.

Paris, 1900. Bright, vivacious Gigi lives the carefree life of a schoolgirl in a family of modest means. She particularly enjoys card games with her much-older friend Gaston, a wealthy playboy. But her life is a bit different from that of an ordinary sixteen-year-old. Gigi is the next generation of a family of courtesans. Her grandmother and Aunt Alicia, the family matriarch, are determined that Gigi succeed where her mother failed. When Gaston notices more about Gigi than her eagerness to play cards, aunt and grandmother set their sights on an arrangement. Gigi has other ideas about her future. Will she prove as adept at romance as at cards?

‘Mark Giesser’s satirical take on the events leading to the infamous Battle of the Alamo … lights up with moments of inspired lunacy.’Time Out (4 Stars) on Good Morning, Alamo!

The cast includes:

DAISY MAY (Gigi) – As You Like It, Arcadia (Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory); A Christmas Carol (St James Theatre); Sam Wanamaker Festival at The Globe Theatre. Film/television: The Last Photograph; Lewis; Whitechapel. 2015 Ian Charleson Award nominee.

RICHARD LYNSON (Gaston) – West End: Rainman; Star Wars Shortened; Complete Bible … Abridged, Complete History of the World … Abridged, Complete Works of William Shakespeare … Abridged (Reduced Shakespeare Company). Regional/Off-West End: The Applecart at Theatre Royal Bath; Scooby Doo in Stagefright (National Tour); How to Build a Better Tulip (Tabard, Mark Giesser).

PAMELA MILES (Alicia de St Ephlam) – Pygmalion (Old Vic); Darker Shores (Hampstead Theatre); Utopia (Soho Theatre); Stroke of Luck (Park Theatre). Film/television: A Fish Called Wanda; The Bill; Casualty; Family Business; Doctors; Midsomer Murders.

PRUE CLARKE (Mme Alvarez) – Film/television: The Wicker Tree; Doctors; Mr Selfridge; Call The Midwife; Breathless; Law & Order UK; Poirot; The Inbetweeners; Holby City; The Bill; Midsomer Murders. Theatre includes Soho Theatre; Bristol Old Vic; Stephen Joseph Theatre.

ZOË TEVERSON (Andree) – Alan Alda’s Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie, Code of the West, Good Morning, Alamo! (Tabard, Mark Giesser); Bell, Book & Candle (Greenwich Playhouse, Mark Giesser); Murderer (Gatehouse); Kent Rep at Hever Castle.

ZOË SIMON (Sidonie) – Alan Alda’s Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie, How to Build a Better Tulip (Tabard, Mark Giesser); Beyond Control (Theatre 503); Silent Partners, The Tragedy of Master Arden of Faversham (White Bear); Edinburgh Fringe.

Colette’s classic story was adapted as a Broadway comedy in 1951 by Anita Loos (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) which then inspired the film and stage musical. This original version of Gigi debuted in the West End in 1955. It returns to the professional London stage under the direction of Mark Giesser, whose production of Alan Alda’s Radiance played a sold out run at the Tabard earlier this year.

‘It works quite beautifully … The hands of the director carry the timing to perfection.’

London Theatreviews on Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie

Mark Giesser has written, directed and produced in numerous theatre venues in both London and New York.  London credits include his plays How to Build a Better Tulip, the UK premiere of Code of the West and the world premiere of Good Morning, Alamo!(Tabard Theatre); the revival of Bell, Book & Candle (Greenwich Playhouse); the UK premieres of the Abbey Theatre’s Blackwater Angel  (Finborough Theatre) and Alan Alda’s Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie. Off-Broadway productions of his plays includeHow to Build a Better Tulip, Code of the West, Hansen’s Cab, The Night they Burned Washington, Pledge of Allegiance.

GIGI is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH LTD.

Casting is by Jenkins McShane.

LISTINGS INFORMATION:

Venue:                    Tabard Theatre, 2 Bath Road, London W4 1LW

Dates:                     Wednesday 28^th October – Saturday 21^st November, 2015

Times:                    Tuesday – Saturday, 7.30pm; Sunday matinees, 2pm on 8^th & 15^th November

Press night:          Friday 30^th October, 7pm

Tickets:                   £18/ £16 (concessions)

Box Office:            020 8995 6035/ www.tabardtheatre.co.uk

Hackney Empire presents
JACK AND THE
BEANSTALK
2015 Pantomime

BRAND NEW IMAGES RELEASED FOR HACKNEY EMPIRE’S JACK & THE BEANSTALKSTARRING CLIVE ROWE & DEBBIE KURUP? OH YES THEY ARE!

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR LONDON’S FAVOURITE PANTOMIME

NEW JACK & THE BEANSTALK ‘CATCH THE COINS’ GAME & EXCLUSIVE TRAILER.

PERFORMANCES WILL RUN FROM 21 NOVEMBER 2015 – 3 JANUARY 2016

Hackney Empire has today announced the full cast of its much-anticipated 2015 pantomime,Jack and the Beanstalk. The full cast will be joining previously announced Olivier Award-nominee Debbie Kurup as Jack, everybody’s favourite dame, Olivier Award-winning Clive Roweas Dame Daisy Trott and Kat B as Snowman. Following their 2014 pantomime which was seen by over 50,000 people Jack and the Beanstalk will run from 21 November 2015 to 3 January 2016.

Joining Rowe and Kurup and Kat B, the cast includes: Jocelyn Jee Esien, Tony Timberlake,Julia Sutton, Darren Hart, Lori Barker, Leon Sweeney, Emanuel Alba, Frances Dee, Jonathan Prestney, Katie Shearman, Dale White and Sharon D Clarke as the Voice of Davina.  The roles of Molly and the Voice of the Giant are still to be confirmed.

Jack and the Beanstalk will be written and directed by the theatre’s Creative Director Susie McKenna with music by Steven Edis. The team has been the creative force behind London’s number one pantomime for over a decade.

In true Hackney style the production will feature a break dancing cow, bonkers baddies and the scariest giant ever, outlandish costumes and glittering sets by Lotte Collett, buckets of silliness, tons of audience participation and full-on show stopping songs performed by a kickin’ live band.

After 15 years of perpetual winter the kingdom of Hackneydale is really feeling the pinch of austerity cuts. McKenna’s production follows two stories, that of young and earnest Jack and of the HUGE scary giant. Whilst Jack is tempted by a mysterious stranger into swapping the family’s trusty old cow for a handful of magic beans, the Giant’s inventions for making gold are destroying the Earth… Can Jack and his crazy mates save the day?

Clive Rowe (Dame Daisy Trott) was nominated for the 2008 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre for his role as Mother Goose at Hackney Empire. Rowe’s extensive theatre credits include his Olivier Award-winning performance in Guys and Dolls(National Theatre), The Light Princess, Carousel (for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award), Fuente Ovejuna, Caroline or Change, The Villains Opera, Money, Candide, Peter Pan(all National Theatre), Kiss Me Kate (Chichester and Old Vic Theatre) and The Ladykillers (West End and UK Tour). He is well known for his role as ‘Duke’ in the BBC’s The Story of Tracey Beaker and is soon to be seen in new Disney series The Evermoor Chronicles and Disney’s live action feature Beauty and the Beast. Other television credits include So Awkward, The Kennedys, The Fun Police, All the Small Things, Doctor Who, Dalziel & Pascoe, and The Harry Hill Show. Rowe returns to Hackney Empire for his eleventh pantomime appearance.

Debbie Kurup (Jack) most recently played the role of Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (UK/Ireland Tour). Prior to this, she played Nicki Marron in the World Premiere of The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre, London(2013) for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical. Kurup has also appeared inChicago (Adelphi), Ben Elton’s Tonight’s The Night (Victoria Palace), Rent (UK Tour and West End), Sister Act (Palladium) and West Side Story (Prince of Wales).

Kat B (Snowman) returns to Hackney Empire after his role as Billy Goose in last year’s production of Mother Goose. He also starred in the title role of Puss in Boots in Hackney Empire’s 2014 production. Previous credits include Dick Whittington, Cinderella, The Wiz, Mother Goose, A Christmas Carol, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk and The Kat and Tameka Show. Kat is best known for his antics on MTV Base where he has presented numerous shows around the world. His film and television credits include Waterland and Street Wise (BBC) andThe Richard Blackwood Show (Channel 4). Kat is also the Artistic Director of Real Deal Comedy Jam and a regular on the Jongleurs Circuit.

Jocelyn Jee Esien (Stomach Bug) has previously performed at Hackney Empire in Aladdin andThe Vagina Monologues. Her previous theatre credits include One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show(Tricycle Theatre), Belong (Royal Court) and Torn (Arcola). Esien is perhaps best known for writing and starring in her own TV sketch show, Little Miss Jocelyn (BBC). Other television credits include Gangsta Gran, Big School, Some Girls, Sarah Jane Adventures, 3 Non Blondes (all BBC) and Strictly Confidential (ITV).

Tony Timberlake (Nasty Bug) returns to the cast after appearing in Mother Goose, Puss in Bootsand Aladdin. His previous theatre credits include Chicago (West End), Jesus Christ Superstar(National Tour), Spamalot (Palace), Les Miserables (West End), Into The Woods (Donmar Warehouse), Singin’ In The Rain (National Theatre) and Hairspray (West End).

Julia Sutton (Mother Nature) has recently appeared in Follies (Toulon Opera). Her previous stage credits include Sister Act (London Palladium), Dirty Dancing, Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady,Witches of Eastwick, Martin Guerre, Company, Sherlock Holmes – The Musical and Side by Side by Sondheim (all West End). Her film and television credits include Half a Sixpence (BBC), My So Called Life (BBC) and Upstairs, Downstairs (BBC).

Darren Hart (Clumsy Callum) makes his return to Hackney Empire after starring in Mother Goose. His other theatre credits include Lonely Londoners (National Theatre Studio), Clockwork, Cinderella and Red Riding Hood (all Theatre Royal Stratford East), That Face (Soho Theatre),Absolute Beginners (Lyric Hammersmith), Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 and His Dark Materials (both National Theatre). His television credits include Justin’s House, Gigglebiz, Holby City (all BBC),The Bill (ITV) and Flash Prank (MTV).

Lori Barker (Goldiniah) has most recently starred in Juicy Bits at the Orange Tree Theatre. Her stage credits include Play Mas (Orange Tree Theatre), Hairspray (UK Tour) and Legally Blonde(National Tour).

Leon Sweeney (The Giant) makes his return to Hackney Empire after performing in Puss in Boots, Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk, Mother Goose, La Variete and The Kat and Tameka Show.

Emanuel Alba (Ensemble) has recently starred in Michael Strassen’s Pacific Overtures at the Union Theatre. His previous theatre credits include Days of Hope (Union Theatre) and Rent(Tabard Theatre).

Frances Dee (Ensemble)  has most recently appeared in Matilda in the West End. Her other stage credits include Mamma Mia (International Tour), A Chorus Line (West End), Ultimate Broadway (Shangai) and Sleeping Beauty (Marlowe Theatre).

Jonathan Prestney (Ensemble) is currently in his third year of training at the Urdang Academy. Whilst at college his credits have included: ‘Bill’ in Me and My Girl and ‘Hewie Calhoun’ inMemphis. Jack and the Beanstalk marks Jonathan’s professional debut.

Katie Shearman (Ensemble) has most recently performed in the UK tour of The Sound of Music.Her previous theatre credits include Girlfriends (Union Theatre) and Cinderella (Compass Theatre). She also recorded backing vocals for Kerry Ellis’ self-titled album in 2014.

Dale White (Ensemble) has most recently starred in Bugsy Malone at the Lyric Hammersmith. His other stage credits include Starlight Express (UK Tour) and Cinderella (Theatre Royal Brighton).

Sharon D Clarke (Voice of Davina) returns to the Hackney Empire after starring in 2014’sMother Goose. Her extensive theatre credits include her Olivier Award-winning performance inThe Amen Corner (National Theatre), as well as her Olivier nominated performances in We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre) and Ghost (Piccadilly Theatre).

Susie McKenna (Writer /Director) has worked as an actress and director touring nationally and in the West End for over 25 years and is currently Creative Director of Hackney Empire. Her directing credits include the critically acclaimed Blues In the Night (Hackney Empire 2014)  A Midsummer Night’s Madness (Hackney Empire, New York and Edinburgh Festival), La Varieté,Once on This Island (Hackney Empire), Sit and Shiver (assisting Steven Berkoff), A Christmas Carol (Arts Theatre, London) and Once on this Island (Hackney Empire, Birmingham Rep, Nottingham Playhouse). Her and Steve Edis’ production of Ian Serrailier’s The Silver Sword opens in Coventry  this week before embarking on a national tour.  Her acting credits include Chicago, Ragtime, Cats and The Witches of Eastwick in the West End and national tours of Hair, The Rocky Horror Show and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Steven Edis (Musical Composer) returns once again to create a magical mix of musical mash-ups, chart remixes and an original score. Steven has worked with the National Theatre, in the West End and on a variety of prestigious projects as composer, arranger and orchestrator. Credits include Volpone (RSC), The Captain of Köpenick (National Theatre), She Loves Me andRosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (Chichester Festival Theatre), A Chorus of Disapproval, Flare Path and Birdsong for the West End. Steven brings his vast experience to create a musical score that rivals a West End musical.

Tickets are now on sale.

LISTINGS

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
A Hackney Empire Pantomime
Press Night: Thu 26 Nov, 7pm

Written and Directed by Susie McKenna
Music: Steven Edis
Design: Lotte Collett
Musical Director: Mark Dickman
Choreographer: Carl Parris
Lighting: David W Kidd
Sound Design: Andy Hedges
Assistant Director: Tony Whittle
Creature Design: Scott Brooker

Performances
Sat 21 Nov 2015 – Sun 3 Jan 2016

Tickets prices
Tickets from £34.50 – £10, concessions available
Groups of 10+ discount available at certain of performances
Early Bird offer: Book and pay before 30 Sept and receive best available seats for just £17.50 per ticket. Available at certain performances.

Signed Performances
Sat 5 Dec at 2.30pm & 7pm.
Thu 17 Dec at 1.30pm (schools performance) & 7pm.

Relaxed Performance
Sat 5 Dec at 2.30pm (pre-show meet and greet, 12.45 – 1.15pm)

Box Office: 020 8985 2424
www.hackneyempire.co.uk