Monty Python legend Terry Jones is to direct the world premiere of Jeepers Creepers, a play about comedy star Marty Feldman and his ambitious wife, Lauretta.

Jeepers Creepers, written by Marty’s best-selling biographer Robert Ross, and starring David Boyle (Being Sellers, The Fool Who Dared to Dream) and Rebecca Vaughan (Austen’s Women, I, Elizabeth), will premiere in a four-week season in the Lounge at Leicester Square Theatre from Monday 18th January to Saturday 20th February, 2016.

Having written some of the nation’s favourite comedy in The Army Game and Round the Horne, Marty Feldman suddenly finds himself a star in his own right, with sketch show success for both the BBC and commercial TV. Then Hollywood comes a’knocking with the role of Igor (pronounced Eye~Gor!) in the Mel Brooks film Young Frankenstein. But while his wife Lauretta takes to the glamorous lifestyle with alacrity, can Marty come to terms with the burden of the fame he has always craved? Excess, depression, and the inevitable decline follow. Surely laughter, and the love of a strong woman can conquer all, although the eternal conflict of the clown refuses to fade. Is he laughed with, or laughed at?

Jeepers Creepers charts one of the most powerful and complex partnerships in comedy, through the unique gaze of one of the greatest: Marty Feldman.

Terry Jones has a personal connection to the play’s subject – he wrote sketches for and appeared in It’s Marty with Marty Feldman in the late 1960s. He said: “When I joined the writing team for The Frost Report, the first person to say ‘Hello’ and make me feel welcome was Marty Feldman. He was one of those very kind and very funny people who helped all the Pythons along the way. It’s lovely to be able to say a belated ‘Thank you’ by bringing him back to eye-popping life – sort of! – on the London stage.”

Produced by Martin Witts for Leicester Square Theatre.

CAST: David Boyle’s (Marty Feldman) acting credits include Peter Sellers in the stage play Being Sellers, both in London and on Broadway, Anthony Newley, Arturo Ui, Steve Strange, Pastor Manders, and the Radio Rentals man in Danny Baker’s Cradle to Grave. David is delighted to be playing Marty Feldman, adding another beloved, dead Jewish entertainer to his collection.

Rebecca Vaughan’s (Lauretta Feldman) theatre credits include The Picture of Dorian Gray (Bill Kenwright), Room 24(Nuffield Theatre), Havisham (BAC). She is also Creative Director and Producer for Dyad Productions.  Her film and television work includes Grace’s Land (Fearnort Films), The Interview (BBC), The Dead (C4). Rebecca is excited at the prospect of playing the power behind the comedy throne, not least because she and Lauretta Feldman share the same birthday.

Robert Ross (Writer)
Robert has been writing about the history and stars of British comedy for 20 years. His first book, The Carry On Companion, was quickly followed-up by The Monty Python Encyclopedia, and Benny Hill – Merry Master of Mirth. Robert’s many other books have included reference works on the Goodies, Frankie Howerd, and the BBC celebration Last of the Summer Wine – The Finest Vintage. His published biographies include Sid James – Cockney Rebel, and Steptoe & Son with Ray Galton & Alan Simpson. Robert has produced and moderated dozens of DVD commentaries, ranging from Brideshead Revisited to 30 Carry On films. His book on Marty Feldman, Biography of a Comedy Legend, was published to great acclaim by Titan Books in 2011.

Terry Jones (Director)
Terry read English at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, and wrote and performed university shows. With Oxford cohort Michael Palin, Terry created the TV sketch shows Do Not Adjust Your Set, and The Complete & Utter History of Britain, before becoming founding members of Monty Python. The team not only conquered TV,
publishing, recording, film, and stage, but also most of the world as well; kind of like Genghis Khan with better puns, and added Spam. Terry directed Monty Python’s Life of Brian, which is often voted the greatest comedy film of all-time. He also directed Personal Services, The Wind in the Willows and Absolutely Anything, his latest film, released last summer. Terry wrote sketches for and appeared in It’s Marty with Marty Feldman.

Martin Witts (Producer)
Curator of the Museum of Comedy in Bloomsbury dedicated to keeping the artefacts and memories of comedy history alive for future generations.

Jeepers Creepers
The Lounge
Leicester Square Theatre
6 Leicester Place
London WC2H 7BX
Monday 18th January to Saturday 20th February, 2016
www.leicestersquaretheatre.com

Brand new production for 2015 making this without doubt the most dynamic 60’s show touring the UK. This is the must see 60’s extravaganza for all 60’s fan’s. For one night only all the hits performed by five of the most popular artistes of the 60s Starring HERMAN’S HERMITS, CHRIS FARLOWE, STEVE ELLIS the voice of LOVE AFFAIR, UNION GAPuk, NEW AMEN CORNER.  And hosted by Alan Mosca from Freddie and The Dreamers

    

This explosive line up from the 60’s delivers to you nostalgia & hits such as, Herman’s Hermits, I’m Into Something Good, Something Is Happening, No Milk Today, I’m Henry The 8th, Silhouettes, Mrs Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter. Steve Ellis, Everlasting Love, Rainbow Valley, Bringing On Back The Good Times, A Day Without Love. Chris Farlowe. Out Of Time, Handbags and Gladrags, Let The Heartaches Begin, Reach Out I’ll Be There. The Union Gapuk , Young Girl, Lady Willpower, Woman Woman. The New Amen Corner, Bend Me Shape Me, If Paradise Is Half As Nice

Don`t miss the ultimate sensational 60s show of 2015 with over 25 hits performed. Step back in time and relive the past during an evening true to the 60s when pop music was at its very best.

Herman’s Hermits

Herman’s Hermits throughout the mid-60’s music scene proved to be a dominating force worldwide.  From 1964 the band chalked up over 23 top 20 singles, 10 hit albums, 3 major movies. Herman’s Hermits as of to date have sold 75,000,000 records worldwide.  Their chart breaking hits include,  Mrs Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter, Silhouettes, There’s A Kind Of Hush, Henry V111, Something Is Happening & I’m Into Something Good & many more to numerous to mention.  Herman’s Hermits perform over 200 shows a year worldwide & after over 40 years in the business Herman’s Hermits are still into something good

 

Chris Farlowe

Originally Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds started out in the late fifties. Chris later moved on to perform all over Europe & still does to this day. His hits include classics like Out Of Time, Handbags and Glad Rags (which was also released by Rod Stewart as a single) Let The Heartaches Begin, Mr Pitiful, Midnight hour.

 

Steve Ellis The voice of Love Affair

Formed in 1967 Love Affair stormed into the charts with Everlasting Love. At the time Steve was only 17 years of age but with his distinctive powerful voice he and the band notched up further hits, Rainbow Valley, Bringing On Back The Good Times & A Day Without Love.

 

The Union Gapuk will perform such classics as Young Girl which hit the number 1spot in the UK & number 2 in the USA.  Next came Lady Willpower which again reached number 5 in the UK & again number 2 in the USA.  The next release Woman Woman also proved a major top 10 hit in both the UK & USA. Other hits include Over You & This Girl Is A Woman Now.

 

The New Amen Corner a force to be reckoned with on any stage throughout Europe will keep you entertained with classics such as If Paradise Is Half As Nice, Bend Me Shape Me

 

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Wednesday 11 November at 7:30pm

Tickets: £26.50 & £28.50

Box Office: 0844 871 3024

Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/york

SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS

 

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Thursday 26 November at 7:30pm

 

Join the best yuletide party in town, full of festive cheer, glitter, magic and sparkle!

Derek Nicol and Paul Walden in association with Hal Carter Organisation are proud to bring you SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS!

Performed by a talented cast and fully live band, SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS features two hours of seasonal classics such as White Christmas, Let It Snow, The Christmas Song, Jingle Bell Rock, Last Christmas, Merry Christmas Everybody, All I Want for Christmas Is Youand Fairytale of New York.

 

Seasonal fun for all the family, this collection of festive favourites will make the most dedicated Scrooge Wish It Could be Christmas Every Day and end up Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree!

Tickets: From £16.00

Box Office: 0844 871 3024

Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/york

LORD BOB KERSLAKE IS APPOINTED CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF SHEFFIELD THEATRES

Sheffield Theatres today announces the appointment of Lord Bob Kerslake as Chair of their Board of Trustees.

Lord Bob Kerslake said today “I am thrilled to be joining such a vibrant and vital organisation in the city that I love. Sheffield Theatres has produced some of the best work I have seen in the country, over the last few years, all of which has been achieved against a background of reduced public funding. I am excited by the opportunities that the future holds for the organisation and I’m looking forward to working with my fellow Trustees and the leadership team to build on their strong track record of success.”

Dan Bates, Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres said today “I am delighted that Lord Kerslake will join Sheffield Theatres as its new Chair. Lord Kerslake is a long-standing supporter of our work and a passionate advocate of the arts. We are honoured to welcome him to the Board to lead the Trustees, myself and Daniel Evans into a new chapter. I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Neil Adleman, our outgoing Chair, for his committed support during his time with us.”

Lord Bob Kerslake is Chair of London’s King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and of Peabody. He is also an ambassador for St Luke’s Hospice in Sheffield. He was announced as the new Chair of the Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS) and officially appointed as President-Elect of the Local Government Association in June this year. A former Head of the Civil Service, Lord Kerslake led the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) from 2010 to 2015.

Prior to his DCLG role, Lord Kerslake was the first Chief Executive of the Homes and Communities Agency. Before joining the Civil Service, Lord Kerslake received a knighthood for his services to local government, spending eight years serving the London Borough of Hounslow and then a further 11 years leading Sheffield City Council. In early 2015, he was made a life peer, taking the title Baron Kerslake of Endcliffe in the City of Sheffield.

 

WARNING.  WARNING.

THIS IS A PUBLIC SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT

IS COMING TO A THEATRE NEAR YOU

 

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Monday 23 November

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, please keep your head firmly on your shoulders and your arms and legs inside the ride at all times – Ministry of Science Live explodes onto a stage near you soon!

This is not your ordinary science show – it comes jam packed with fun, laughter and plenty of amazing science and history which includes a fully operational hovercraft,  massive cannons with lots of bangs, a push bike that makes the best smoothie ever and look out for Darth Vader playing with plasma! Investigating the inventors and engineers who have shaped the modern world we live in, the audience experience everything from liquid nitrogen flowers to hydrogen bottle rockets, Buzz Aldrin to Virgin Galactic, cat food tins to hovercraft and methane to the invention of the battery. Expect loud explosions and more!

Ministry of Science Live is a fully engaging interactive experience that explores energy and engineering using brilliantly designed demonstrations and historical references as a narrative. Combining stimulating live entertainment with the world of education the show’s primary aim is to inspire and educate young people through the medium of live theatre.

Ministry of Science Live was launched at Northern Ireland’s CultureTech festival in 2014 where it played to critical acclaim to over 7,500 people in a week.  Since then the show has been embarking on a 60 date UK national theatre tour.

Produced and created by Mark Thompson with creative credits including Writer and Director of Brainiac Live, which made its West End debut in 2013, and Writer and Director of the national tours of Science Museum Live, Guinness World Records OA Science Live, Science Museum Live – The Highlights Show andBBC Hidden World Live!

 

For further information see www.ministryofscience.org

Twitter @MinistryScience  Facebook www.facebook.com/MinistryScience

Performances: 11am & 6:30pm

Tickets: From £15.50

Box Office: 0844 871 3024

Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/york

 

 

TWICE NIGHTLY FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY AT CITY VARIETIES MUSIC HALL

Leeds is a city rich in entertainment; its roots may well be in textiles and industry but the people that worked hard to build it always enjoyed a good time, and to this end the city has been home to many theatres and cinemas, so it is perhaps fitting that a show about the history of the city’s cinemas and theatres is hitting Leeds’ oldest stage in next month.

Twice Nightly , a new show that promises to take the audience on a trip down Memory Lane, is at the City Varieties Music Hall on November 7^th.

Leeds-based writer Liz Coggins said, “I have written this piece based on stories that my Mother and Grandmother told me when I was growing up; we were a family that loved theatre and I have always been involved in it whether writing, performing or directing.”

Gladys and Ethel are the narrators of the piece recalling the city’s late and great cinemas, music halls and theatres in an evening of comedy, music, song and dance.

“Today, if you walk from Albion Street to Leeds City Bus Station via Briggate you will pass the sites where three theatre and four cinemas once stood,” continues Liz. “Now they are department stores, office blocks and car parks but then, for the people of Leeds, they were palaces of dreams.”

Liz will take the role of Gladys with Leeds actress Rachael Bickerdyke as Ethel.  They are joined by Comedian Dale Ibbetson and Tenor Richard Hunt with support from the students of the On Stage Theatre Arts Academy to create a sparkling evening of nostalgia.

 

Twice Nightly is at City Varieties Music Hall on Saturday 7^th November at 7.30pm

 

Tickets are on sale now priced £16.60 to £18.60

 

Book online at cityvarieties.co.uk or call Box Office on 0113 243 08 08

 

Full casting details were announced today for the London production of Faustaff, with Lesley Lightfoot set to take on the main role in the play.

The play, written by Mexican playwright Diego Sosa, will run at the Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone, London from Wednesday 18th November to Sunday 6th December 2015. Lesley Lightfoot leads the cast as Gilly Jacoby, appearing alongside Jonson Wilkinson as Olivier Simone/Ponton/Andrew, Eddie Chamberlin (Chorus), Bernard O’Sullivan as Detective Paterson, Charles Timson as Detective Virgil/Apotecary and Alessia Gotti as Maria/Karla/Alice/Martha.

Faustaff is the story of Gilly Jacoby, a successful writer that has become world famous, thanks to a pact she made with the devil. This has granted her the ability to see the ill future of couples so that she can write the successful novels that have turned her into a best seller author. The price, however, is far too high. Her heartbreaks, ambitions and dreams turn out to be somewhat different than what she had expected. The result: a tragic twirl that will lead her into madness and the fulfilment of her own prophecies.

Faustaff (or the mockery of the soul) is a modern tragedy, filled with black humour and inspired by the Faustian myth, with the title derived from a combination of Marlowe’s and Goethe’s Dr Faustus and the character Falstaff from the William Shakespeare plays, Henry IV and The Merry Wives of Windsor.

The play is an international project that is being simultaneously produced in Mexico City and London as part of the Dual Year Mexico – United Kingdom 2015. Both cultures are celebrated through the event, which brings together British and Mexican artists: a British director directs a Mexican cast in Mexico, and a Mexican director directs a British cast in the UK.

The Mexican production opened at the Foro Shakespeare in Mexico DF on 5th October, and is directed by British director Frank Kaye.

The London production is directed by Mexican director Rodrigo Johnson, and produced here by the Mexican Theatre company La Compania Perpetua in collaboration with UK’s Artistic Productions. Set design is by UK-based Mexican artist Pablo Angel Lugo.

Faustaff runs from Wednesday 18th November to Sunday 6th December 2015 at the Cockpit Theatre, London, with a press night on Thursday 19th November 2015.

 

The West End production of Motown the Musical, which opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre in February 2016, is to hold open casting auditions on Saturday 7th November 2015 for the chance to portray the roles of Marvin Gaye and Young Michael Jackson in the musical.

Auditions for the role of Marvin Gaye will begin at 10:30am, with registration from 10am. Auditions for the role of Young Michael Jackson will begin at 2pm, with registration from 1:30pm. The open auditions will be at the Royal Shakespeare Company Rehearsal Rooms (35 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7TW). For further information please visit http://motownthemusical.co.uk/open-auditions-november

MARVIN GAYE auditions – Registration 10.00am
Auditions commence 10.30am
Looking for charismatic male black and mixed race performers with excellent tenor soul/pop voices to portray the iconic artist MARVIN GAYE.
Must be 5’10 and over.
Please be prepared to sing a pop/soul or Motown song and bring the sheet music. No backing tracks. A pianist will be provided.
Please bring a CV and recent photograph stapled together.

YOUNG MICHAEL JACKSON auditions – Registration 1.30pm
Auditions commence 2.00pm
Looking for black and mixed race boys aged between 8-12, with unbroken voices under 4’11.
You will be taught a short dance routine and will sing I Want You Back.
Please bring trainers and comfortable clothes to dance in.

The open auditions will be at the Royal Shakespeare Company Rehearsal Rooms (35 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7TW). Closest station Clapham North.
With music and lyrics from the legendary Motown catalogue and book by Motown founder Berry Gordy, Motown the Musical is directed by Charles Randolph-Wright. London previews begin on 11 February 2016, with press night on 8 March 2016 and booking until 22 October 2016.

With just $800 borrowed from his family, Motown founder Berry Gordy, goes from featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul, discovering and launching the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and many more. Motown the Musical uncovers the true story of the legendary record label that changed music history and created the soundtrack of a generation.

Featuring a sixteen piece orchestra playing 50 Motown tracks including Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, I’ll Be There, Dancing In The Street, Stop! In The Name Of Love, My Girl and I Heard It through the Grapevine, Charles Randolph-Wright’s production tells the story behind the classic hits.

Tony nominated Motown the Musical received its world premiere in April 2013 in New York at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and recouped its $18 million investment by the end of 2014. The first US National Tour opened to critical acclaim last spring in Chicago, grossing $20 million dollars during its standing room only sixteen-week run, and continues to play to packed houses across America.

Motown the Musical has music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Ethan Popp, co-orchestrations and additional arrangements by Bryan Cook, dance arrangements by Zane Mark and music direction by Gareth Weedon. Choreography is by Patricia Wilcox and Warren Adams, scenic design by David Korins, costumes by Esosa, lighting by Natasha Katz, sound by Peter Hylenski and projections by Daniel Brodie. UK associate director is Tara Wilkinson, UK associate set designer is Andrew Edwards and UK associate lighting designer is Alistair Grant. Motown the Musical will be produced in the West End by Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris, Berry Gordy and Adam Spiegel.

 

Motown The Musical
Shaftesbury Theatre
Booking From: 11th February 2016
Booking Until: 22nd October 2016
Performances:
Evenings: Monday to Saturday 7.30pm
Matinees: Thursday and Saturday 3.00pm

Matilda writer and comedian Tim Minchin will lead the line-up for the first Old Vic Variety Night on 15 November.

Minchin – who worked with Old Vic artistic director Matthew Warchus on the stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s much-loved story – will be joined by magician Dynamo, comedian Mark Watson and the Tredegar Town Band – a brass band recently seen in Warchus’s film Pride.

Further acts to be announced.

Talking about the first variety night, Warchus said:

“Three of my favourite things are music, magic and comedy, hence my eagerness to introduce a series of Old Vic Variety Nights. We’re looking forward to seeing the Old Vic lit up on a Sunday night welcoming all kinds of audiences… to see famous faces mixed with new talent in evenings of laughter, fun and really great entertainment.’

Tickets go on general sale at 12 noon on Friday 30 October.

Double award-winning Newcastle Theatre Royal has officially unveiled its £600,000 backstage refurbishment by inviting ‘the Queen’ along to perform an official ribbon cutting ceremony.

 

The grand unveiling comes just as the theatre is celebrating a double national award win for its welcoming atmosphere. Newcastle Theatre Royal was named the My Theatre Matters! UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre of 2015 in the UK Theatre Awards, in association with Smooth Radio and was also presented with the Technical Theatre Awards’ ‘Receiving Venue Team of the Year’ just this month.

 

Staff at the theatre, decided that having ‘the Queen’ on stage all week in hit comedy Handbagged was too good an opportunity to miss and asked actress Susie Blake, who plays the role, if she would pop along in costume to officially unveil the newly refurbished facilities.

 

Susie Blake, posing as ‘the Queen’ said: “It is particularly lovely to be performing the official opening of the backstage refurbishment following the recent announcement that Newcastle Theatre Royal has been crowned the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre 2015. Looking at these marvellous new facilities for the visiting actors it is clear to see why that accolade has been awarded.”

 

The backstage refurbishment has seen the theatre invest £600,000 in improved Dressing Room facilities, stripping out and renewing all the Dressing Rooms, the Band Rooms for musicians, the laundry, wardrobe and wigs rooms, and improved access and facilities for disabled performers. The ground floor has also been reconfigured with a striking new Stage Door area, and a brand new Green Room, with TV, wi-fi and a football table, and a kitchenette so visiting actors eat and relax in comfort.

 

Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Chief Executive, Philip Bernays, added: “It’s great fun to have ‘the Queen’ here for our official opening ceremony today, but on a serious note the investment in our backstage facilities plays an important part in being able to attract the finest companies to the Theatre Royal so that our audiences can enjoy top quality theatre.

 

“Visiting actors regularly comment on how wonderful the team is here at Newcastle Theatre Royal and we are very proud of that reputation as a friendly and welcoming place for them to come; this is now backed up by our recent double award win, which is wonderful. Now our first class personal welcome is matched by our facilities and we hope that all of our visiting companies will enjoy the comfort of the new surroundings we provide for them.”

 

‘The Queen’ was joined at the official ceremony by ‘Margaret Thatcher’ played by fellow actress Kate Fahy and the pair posed for comedy shots in the new Green Room at Newcastle Theatre Royal while putting the new facilities to the test.

 

The two actors, who play the lead roles in the award-winning comedy Handbagged, will be using the facilities for real all week as the hit comedy plays to Newcastle audiences. Handbagged is Moira Buffini’s celebrated new comedy, which speculates on what the Queen and Margaret Thatcher really talked about behind closed palace doors. When the stiff upper lip softened and the gloves came off, which one had the upper hand?

 

Handbagged plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday 31 October. Tickets are from £12 (save 50p per ticket when you book online) and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk