★★★★★

“Fresh, subversive, essential”

Daily Telegraph

JASON DONOVAN

TO STAR AS FRANK ‘N’ FURTER IN MAJOR

ROCKY HORROR SHOW 2024/25 UK TOUR

“JASON DONOVAN IS ASTOUNDING!”

Sydney Scoop

THE LEGENDARY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA

IS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM ROCKYHORROR.CO.UK

Singing superstar Jason Donovan is set to thrill theatre audiences later this year, as he joins the cast of Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical the Rocky Horror Show, to star as Frank ‘n’ Furter in the 2024/2025 UK tour. Jason will be returning to the role of Frank for the first time in the UK for over 25 years. Back by popular demand, the show is set to hit the road from 19 August 2024 until 1 February 2025 and deliver a party not to be missed!

Jason and the exceptional cast (to be announced) will be bringing their biggest party yet to audiences across the country. The upcoming tour is the new West End production of the Rocky Horror Show and includes a two-week run at London’s Dominion Theatre from 6 September – 20 September 2024, plus a Christmas season at the Liverpool Playhouse from 3 December – 4 January 2025. Tickets are on sale now from RockyHorror.co.uk.

Jason said: “I am thrilled to dive into the exhilarating role of Frank ‘n’ Furter with a fantastic new cast and Timewarp with audiences throughout the UK. We promise to deliver the freshest Rocky EVER, that audiences will not forget. So, buckle up, as the show promises to be a wild and wicked ride!”

Neighbours icon and pop legend Jason Donovan will be donning his fishnets for UK audiences after a sellout season at the Theatre Royal, Sydney for which he received rave reviews: “Jason Donovan is astounding!” exclaimed the Sydney Scoop. Jason made his West End debut in 1991 playing Joseph in the London revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and has gone on to have a hugely successful stage career with credits including Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Grease The Musical. Jason’s debut album was a went platinum in Australia and was the biggest selling album in the UK in 1989. Since then, he has sold over 13 million albums worldwide and continues to tour with his live show.

The Rocky Horror Show defies space and time as it continues to captivate audiences around the world featuring all the beloved songs, outrageous characters and infectious energy that has made the show a global phenomenon for over five decades.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the smash hit show features all of the famous musical numbers which have made The Rocky Horror Show such a huge hit for 50 years and counting, including “Sweet Transvestite”, “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and, of course, the timeless floor-filler, “The Time-Warp”.

The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank ’n’ Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their favourite college professor. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits. The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation – meaning, of course, getting dressed-up in the most outrageous fancy dress.

The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs. It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80.

Since the show first opened the Rocky Horror Show has become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world. The show has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages as it continues to delight audiences on its sell-out tour.

In 1975 it was transformed into a film called ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history. Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan and Meatloaf have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past 50 years.

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!

What the press have said about The Rocky Horror Show:

“Panto for grown-ups – colourful, in your face, relentlessly energetic and high on audience participation” – The Times

“Hard to think of another musical quite as unique as this. Christopher Luscombe’s affectionate production feels like a genuine blast from the past” – Mail on Sunday

“As delightfully naughty as ever!” – Daily Telegraph

“So fast, so funny, so sexy” – Daily Mail

“Still the sexiest and funniest show in town” – Evening Standard

Rocky Horror Show 2024/2025 UK Tour Dates

19th – 24th August 2024 Bromley Churchill Theatre*

27th – 31st August 2024 Wycombe Swan Theatre *

6th – 20th September Dominion Theatre, London*

1st October – 5th October Fareham Live*

7th – 12th October Malvern Theatres

14th – 19th October Theatre Royal, Bath*

21st – 26th October York Grand Opera House* On sale soon

28th October – 2nd November Glasgow Pavilion *

4th – 9th November Cardiff New Theatre *

11th – 16th November Woking New Victoria Theatre On sale soon

18th – 23rd November Blackpool Winter Gardens *

25th – 30th November Sheffield Lyceum*

3rd December – 4th January 2025 Liverpool Playhouse

13th – 18th January 2025 Cliffs Pavilion, Southend*

20th – 25th January 2025 Edinburgh Playhouse* On sale soon

27th January – 1st February 2025 Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne*

Jason Donovan will not perform on 30th August, 28th October, 4th, 5th and 23rd November

*Jason Donovan will be playing Frank at these venues

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Ticket prices: From £10

Website: www.rockyhorror.co.uk

Twitter: @rockyhorroruk

Instagram: @rockyhorrorofficial

Facebook: /rockyhorrorshow

Theatre Royal, Windsor – until Saturday 11 May 2024

Reviewed by Joanna Huggett

3***

Let me first tell you that the show we went to see tonight, is probably not going to be to everyone’s tastes. The play was written in the late 60’s and was put on the stage a few years after the writer’s death, so it was probably considered quite a ground breaking play at the time to be openly lambasting society’s norms and sexist attitudes through a situational comedy. I suspect that the sad demise of this decorated playwright probably added some weight to whether the play should have been put on or not at all at the time. But in the present day, you might not find the avalanche of misogynistic themes relying on crude and somewhat schoolboy comedy, quite so easy to endure. There were times we laughed, and then felt embarrassed for doing so. Nevertheless, we did go see it and here’s my review.

The play was written by Joe Orton and takes place entirely within the confines of the surgery run by Dr Prentice, played by John Dorney. The surgery is the central room from which all doors lead to unseen parts of the mental institution that Dr. Prentice oversees. We next meet Geraldine Barclay, played by Alana Jackson, interviewing for the role of Dr Prentice’s secretary and later by Mrs. Prentice, played by Holly Smith, a self-confessed nymphomaniac – despite the lack of any close relations with Dr. Prentice – and the story of workplace sexual misconduct ensues. Next a government medical inspector, Dr. Rance, played by Jack Lord, joins the melee and pretty much takes the helm of the play and steers it down a series of slap-stick situations of dubious intents and personal goals. To complete the first act, we are joined by the hotel porter from which Mrs. Prentice has returned. The porter, Nicholas Beckett, played by Alex Cardell, also has a back-story naturally consisting of sexual conquests and improper workplace behaviours. And finally police sergeant Match Rowden, played by Jon-Paul Rowden who is investigating an even more convoluted plot involving a certain unmentionable part of Winston Churchill’s statue – gone missing of course.

At some point during the evening, the conveyor belt of actors joining the party and delivering yet more twists and sub-plots to the Carry-On meets Monty-Python merry go round, has to come to an end, and that conveyor belt stops with the end of Act one. Act two delivers no more actors but just as many new twists to the sordid and inappropriate sexual goings on within a mental institution that you did not imagine possible.

This particular form of comedy might not be to everyone’s taste. But the set design was striking, befitting of any Monty-Python sketch, and the acting was truly superb, especially Jack Lord, playing the government inspector, who’s individual script must have been delivered to him by fork lift truck.

If it was the late 1960’s then perhaps the subject of these jokes would have amused you and given you reason to think about those situations back in the real (1960’s) world. So think of it in those terms and maybe you can enjoy an evening of slap-stick old-school humour, delivered by some exemplary actors. Oh, and just one more thing, there’s another
even more uncomfortable twist coming right at the end too.

PS: There’s no butler ???

Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Saturday 11th May 2024

Reviewed by Steph Lott

5*****

Tuesday night’s performance of “The 39 Steps” at the Cambridge Arts Theatre was a riotous romp through Hitchcock’s classic. Patrick Barlow’s adaptation is a side-splitting, fast-paced comedy that pays loving homage to the 1935 film. Directed with finesse by Maria Aitken, with movement direction by Toby Sedgewick, this production is a masterclass in timing, choreography, and comedic brilliance.

This is a very talented cast. 3 of them take on multiple roles, with the clowns in particular seamlessly transitioning between characters, at times with lightning-quick costume changes and split-second precision. Tom Byrne shines as a suave but rather manic Richard Hannay, effortlessly navigating the twists and turns of the spy thriller plot. Safeena Ladha is equally impressive in her portrayal of three distinct characters: the mysterious Annabella, the feisty Pamela, and the crofter’s wife, Margaret. Her versatility and comedic talents are on full display, earning well-deserved laughs from the audience.

However, it is the dynamic duo of Eugene McCoy and Maddie Rice, playing Clown 1 and Clown 2 respectively, who steal the show. Their portrayal of a myriad of characters, from policemen to train passengers, is a tour de force of physical comedy and vocal acrobatics. The pair’s choreography and synchronization are a joy to behold, as they effortlessly switch accents, mannerisms, and costumes, often within the same scene. Their performances are a testament to the power of ensemble acting and the art of comedic timing. I also particularly enjoyed Mr McCoy’s gurning! Splendid.

Aitken’s direction is a triumph, keeping the pace brisk and the laughs coming. The staging is inventive and witty, with a minimalist set that transforms into various locations with the help of clever, simple props and the cast’s physicality. The production is peppered with loving references to Hitchcock’s films. The set design, by Peter McKintosh, is a character in itself, with doors, windows, and furniture pieces that become trains, cars, and even the Forth Bridge.

“The 39 Steps” is a testament to our enduring affection for Hitchcock’s films and the ingenuity of modern theatre adaptations. The play’s humour and fast-paced action make it accessible to audiences of all ages, while the clever references to the original film provide an extra layer of enjoyment for Hitchcock aficionados.

In conclusion, the Cambridge Arts Theatre’s production of “The 39 Steps” is a must-see for anyone who loves a good laugh, appreciates the art of theatre, or simply wants to experience the magic of Hitchcock’s classic in a new light. With its stellar cast, inventive staging, and razor-sharp wit, this production is a riotous romp that will have you guffawing with laughter.

THE ACCLAIMED, WEST END

PRODUCTION

EMBARKS ON A MAJOR NEW TOUR

MARKING THE 75^TH ANNIVERSARY OF

C.S. LEWIS’ ICONIC NOVEL

Opens at Leeds Playhouse in November 2024

The celebrated production of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which was loved by audiences and critics alike during its recent West End run, will embark on a major new tour of the UK & Ireland, opening at Leeds Playhouse this Autumn. 

C.S. Lewis’ book was first published in October 1950.  Since then, over 85 million copies in 60 languages have been sold. It is one of the top ten best-selling books of all time. The stage adaptation of Lewis’ iconic book enjoyed a hugely successful, critically-acclaimed London run in 2022/3.

Producer Chris Harper said: ‘We can’t wait for both children and adults  to join us on this spectacular new journey through the wardrobe, and are proud to be marking the 75^th anniversary of the publication of CS Lewis’ novel with this tour.’

Director Michael Fentiman added: ‘I’m delighted to be taking our beautiful production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe on a major tour of the UK and Ireland in 2025. The production celebrates the magic of live theatre and is led by a multi-talented cast of actors, singers, musicians, dancers and puppeteers; it is a celebration of the possibilities of the collective imagination and the boundless wonders of individual skill.’

Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures in a frozen, faraway land where they meet Mr Tumnus the faun, talking beavers, Aslan (the noble king of Narnia) and the coldest, most evil White Witch.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is directed by Michael Fentiman based on the original production by Sally Cookson.  The  Set and Costume Designer is Tom Paris, Composers are Barnaby Race and Benji Bower, the Choreographer is  Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, the Lighting Designer is Jack Knowles, the Sound Designer is Tom Marshall, the Puppetry Director is Toby Olié, the Puppetry Designer is Max Humphries, the Aerial Director is Gwen Hales,  the Illusionist is Chris Fisher, the Casting Director is  Will Burton CDG andtheWigs, Hair and Make-Up Designer is Susanna Peretz.   Casting will be announced in due course.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will play in Leeds through Christmas 2024, and in 2025 is scheduled to visit Leicester Curve, Cardiff Millennium Centre, Liverpool Empire, Theatre Royal Newcastle, Theatre Royal Brighton, Orchard Theatre Dartford, New Victoria Theatre Woking, Princess Theatre Torquay, Wycombe Swan Theatre, Cliffs Pavilion Southend-on-Sea, Grand Opera House York, Grand Opera House Belfast, Bord Gais Energy Theatre Dublin, Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Alexandra Theatre Birmingham, Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent, King’s Theatre Glasgow, His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen, Eden Court Highlands Inverness, Norwich Theatre Royal, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, Milton Keynes Theatre, Winter Gardens Blackpool, Venue Cymru Llandudno,  Congress Theatre Eastbourne, Aylesbury Waterside and Sunderland Empire.

Further venues and dates will be confirmed.

Tickets are on sale across the tour. For all information on venues and ticketing details, visit  www.lionwitchonstage.com.  

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is produced by Chris Harper Productions and Catherine Schreiber and was first produced at the Leeds Playhouse.  

KARIS ANDERSON & ZOE BIRKETT TO PLAY TINA TUNER

ROLAN BELL TO PLAY IKE TURNER IN

T I N A – T H E   T I N A   T U R N E R   M U S I C A L

The hit West End production TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL which is based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner and was produced in association with Tina Turner herself, announces new principal cast members joining the musical, which has been running in the West End for 6 years, making it the longest running show ever to run at the Aldwych Theatre.

From Tuesday 25 June 2024 Karis Anderson, who is currently starring as Tina Turner, will share the role with new cast member Zoe Birkett. Rolan Bell will join the show to play Ike Turner.

Further new cast members to be announced.

Producer Tali Pelman said “We are absolutely thrilled that Zoe and Rolan will be joining Karis to lead our company from 25th June.  Having just celebrated our 6th birthday in the West End, we continue to be extremely proud of the whole company who tell Tina’s incredible story and blow the roof off the Aldwych Theatre 8 shows a week!”

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is a global success with 8 productions having opened worldwide since 2018 and a new UK and Ireland tour beginning March 2025. Developed in London together with Tina Turner, the critically acclaimed production received its world premiere in April 2018 and has subsequently broken all Box Office records at the Aldwych Theatre.

Karis Anderson has been playing the role of Tina Turner since June 2023 and was previously a member of the ensemble. Her other theatre credits include Diana Ross in Motown (UK Tour), PP Arnold in All Or Nothing (Ambassadors) and Genie of the Lamp in Aladdin (Jordan Productions). In January 2011 Karis joined the girl band Stooshe and after a year in development they broke on to the UK music scene with the release of their first pop single, Love Me, featuring American rapper Travie McCoy. Stooshe achieved rapid success with their monster song, Black Heart spending over 16 weeks in the Official UK Charts and receiving a nomination for “Best British single” at the 2013 BRIT Awards, up against some of the biggest names in the industry such as Adele. They went on to tour with female super houses such as J-Lo and Nicki Minaj and made various TV appearances including The Jonathon Ross show & Top of the Pops.

Zoe Birkett most recently appeared in Roald Dahl’s The Witches at the National Theatre after playing the lead role of Rachael Marron in The Bodyguard UK Tour. She was an original member of the West End cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical playing the role of Arabia, for which she won a BroadwayWorld UK award for ‘Best Supporting Performer in a Musical.’ Zoe’s other West End theatre credits include The Great British Bake Off Musical (Noël Coward Theatre), Priscilla Queen Of The Desert (Palace Theatre), Hair (Munich & Piccadilly Theatre), Tommy(Prince Edward Theatre), Rent (Greenwich Theatre)as well as originating the female lead in Thriller Live (Lyric Theatre and International tour). Prior to her time in musical theatre, Zoe’s career began at 16 years old, when she captivated the nation on ITV’s talent show Pop Idol. As the highest placing female contestant on the show, she was signed by Simon Fuller’s 19 Management and her solo single Get Happy went straight to number one in the charts. She has presented for the Top of the Pops Awards, CD:UK and ITV’s Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and last year hosted the UK Theatre Awards. Zoe performed at the Royal Albert Hall singing alongside Annie Lennox and performing live with a twenty-piece orchestra for the BBC’s landmark coverage of the 60th VE Day celebrations in London’s Trafalgar Square, where she entertained crowds of over 25,000 people.

Rolan Bell was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical in 2015 for his portrayal of Delray in Memphis at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre. His other theatre credits include Robert in The Play That Goes Wrong (Duchess Theatre, West End), Earnest in Shebeen (Nottingham Playhouse), King Gerald in Rapunzel (Park Theatre), Britney Spears in We Will Rock You (West End/International Tour), Coalhouse Walker in Ragtime (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Flute in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), the title role of Fela (National Theatre), Jessie Owens in 1936 by Tom McNab (Arcola Theatre), Ivan in The Harder They Come (Barbican/Playhouse Theatre, West End), Mr Haywood in An African Cargo (Nitro), Morrell/Huskly Miller in Carmen Jones (Royal Festival Hall), Ivan in The Harder They Come (Theatre Royal Stratford East), Scar in The Lion King (Paris) and Wayne/Sergeant in The Canterville Ghost (Southwark Playhouse). His TV credits include: Pandora (CW), Our Girl Seasons 2-4 (BBC), Krypton (Syfy), Home Alone (October Films), Scott & Bailey Series 5, Doctors, WPC 56, and Eastenders (all BBC). His film credits include: Pretty Red Dress (BBC Films), Morbius (Marvel / Colombia Pictures), and Goodbye Christopher Robin (Fox Searchlight Pictures).

Until 22 June, the show stars Karis Anderson and Elesha Paul Moses sharing the role of Tina and Okezie Morro as Ike Turner. With Mark Anderson as Record Producer Phil Spector and Lyricist Terry Britten, Jonathan Carlton as record company Marketing Manager Erwin Bach, Vanessa Dumatey asTina’s sister Alline Bullock, Irene Myrtle Forrester as Tina’s Grandmother, GG, Earl Gregory as Tina’s father Richard Bullock, Harry Harrington as Tina’s Manager Roger Davies, Emma Hatton as Ike and Tina’s manager Rhonda Graam, Jairus McClanahan as Tina’s first love Raymond Hill and Carole Stennett as Tina’s mother Zelma.

Ensemble members are Lauren Allan as Toni, Turrell Barrett-Wallace as Tina’s son Ronnie, Joey James as Tina’s son Craig, Zara MacIntosh as Lorraine and Thomas Sutcliffe as Carpenter, the Ikettes are played by Morgan Broome, Amara Campbell and Abiola Efunshile and swingsare Richard Appiah-Sarpong, Jenna Bonner, Ana Cardoso, Junior Delius, Livvy Evans, Ewan Grant, Imogen Rose Hart, Llewellyn Jamal, Amy Punter, Ellie Seaton and Samuel J Weir.

Children’s casting includes Janai Bartlett, Shyanne Ononiwu and Ezmai Robinson as Young Anna Mae Bullock, Melody Caruana, Tamilore Lawson and Tahlia Olarewaju as Young Alline Bullock and Ayden Beale, Ezra Williamson and Jamal Watson-Ramsay as Young Craig.

Discover the heart and soul behind the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll at TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, the undeniable mega hit in London’s West End. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, experience Tina Turner’s triumphant story live on stage as this exhilarating celebration reveals the woman that dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers, and conquer the world—against all odds.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL opened at the Aldwych Theatre on London’s West End in 2018 before a global roll-out that brought the show to sold-out audiences across the world. In North America, the Broadway production opened in November 2019 and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical and can currently be seen across the continent on tour. In Europe, TINA has had productions at Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg, Germany, the Apollo Theater in Stuttgart, Germany, the Beatrix Theater in Utrecht, Netherlands and at the Teatro Coliseum in Madrid, Spain. TINA can also be seen currently touring across Australia, having just finished a sell-out season at Theatre Royal Sydney.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is choreographed by Anthony van Laast, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson, musical supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Bruno Poet,sound by Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Jeff Sugg, orchestrations by Ethan Popp, wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates, casting by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG and fight direction by Kate Waters.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is produced in the West End by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.

Produced by Stage Entertainment and Ghostlight Records and featuring the original London cast, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL: Original Cast Recording is available worldwide on CD, both online and in stores. The CD features a 20-page booklet, which includes liner notes, synopsis, and production and studio photography. The album was recorded in February 2019 at Angel Studios and RAK Studios, produced by the show’s Music Supervisor Nicholas Skilbeck and Kurt Deutsch, and co-produced by Tom Kelly. To download or stream the album, or order the CD www.ghostlightrecords.lnk.to/riverdeep-tinaturnermusical

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is dedicated to the memory of Tina Turner, who sadly passed away in May 2023.

BRAND NEW PRODUCTION IMAGES RELEASED FOR

DUNCAN MACMILLAN’S SMASH HIT PLAY

PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS

NOW PLAYING AT THE TRAFALGAR THEATRE

UNTIL 10 AUGUST 2024

The National Theatre, Gavin Kalin Productions, Mark Gordon Pictures/Eilene Davidson Productions, Seaview and Second Half Productions, release today brand-new production images for the return of the original, smash hit production of People, Places and Things.Duncan Macmillan’s intoxicating play, directed by the acclaimed, award-winning Jeremy Herrin and originally co-produced by the National Theatre and Headlong, has made a triumphant return to London’s West End, now playing for a strictly limited run at the Trafalgar Theatre until 10 August 2024.

The cast includes, Denise Gough, who reprises her Olivier Award-winning role as Emma, a struggling actress whose life is spinning recklessly out of control, Sinéad Cusack (V for Vendetta, Warner Bros; Rock ‘n’ Roll, Royal Court Theatre) who plays the roles ofDoctor/Therapist/Mum, Malachi Kirby (Small Axe: Mangrove, BBC; upcoming Anansi Boys, Amazon Prime) who plays the role of Mark, Danny Kirrane (Baby Reindeer, Netflix; The Sandman, Netflix) who plays the role of Foster and Kevin McMonagle (Scoop, Netflix; Best of Enemies, Young Vic) who plays the roles of Dad/Paul.

Holly Atkins (This Country, BBC; Sons of the Prophet, Hampstead Theatre), plays the role of Charlotte, Paksie Vernon (Shetland, BBC; Angels in America: Part One, National Theatre) plays the role of Jodi, Ryan Hutton (A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Royal Shakespeare Company; Only Fools and Horses, Theatre Royal Haymarket) plays the role of Shaun, Ayọ̀ Owóyẹmi-Peters, makes her West End debut playing the role of Laura and Dillon Scott-Lewis (Piglets, ITV; &Juliet, Shaftesbury Theatre)plays the role of T.  Completing the company are Russell Anthony (Call the Midwife, BBC; Trouble in Butetown, Donmar Warehouse) and Louise Templeton (Jayson Bend: Queen and Country, Amazon Prime; Sherlock Holmes: The Final Curtain, Theatre Royal Bath). 

Emma was having the time of her life.  Now she’s in rehab.  Her first step is to admit that she has a problem.  But the problem isn’t with Emma, it’s with everything else.  She needs to tell the truth.  But she’s smart enough to know that there’s no such thing.  When intoxication feels like the only way to survive the modern world, how can she ever sober up?

Denise Gough won ‘Best Actress’ at the 2016 Olivier Awards and at the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards for her ‘career defining performance’ (Evening Standard) as Emma in People Places and Things at the National Theatre in 2015.  Critics hailed her performance as ‘extraordinary’ (The Observer), ‘ingenious’ (New York Times) and ‘stunning’ (Time Out).  She went on to win her second Olivier Award (‘Best Actress in a Supporting Role’, 2018) for her performance in Tony Kushner’s Angels in America for which she was nominated for a Tony Award ® (2018) when the National Theatre production transferred to Broadway.  Gough has also been nominated for a British Academy Television Award (2022) for her performance in Clara Salaman incendiary three-part ITV series Too Close.  More recently she played the role of Dedra Meero in Disney+’s hugely successful Star Wars spin-off series, Andor. 

Duncan Macmillan’s critically acclaimed play ‘mixes dark wit, intellectual ambition and emotional intelligence’ (The Times).  Other work includes Every Brilliant Thing (Paines Plough/Pentabus, Edinburgh, UK tour & New York), George Orwell’s 1984 (adapted with Robert Icke, Headlong/Nottingham Playhouse/Almeida/West End), Lungs (Paines Plough & Sheffield Theatres, Washington DC), Don Juan Comes Back From the War (Finborough) and Monster (Royal Exchange, Manchester).

Jeremy Herrin is Co-Director of Second Half Productions.  His ‘endlessly inventive staging’ (New York Times) of People Places and Things was during his tenure as Artistic Director of Headlong (2013-2020).   Current work includes his critically acclaimed production of Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night, starring Brian Cox, at Wyndham’s Theatre.  Other recent work includes A Mirror (Trafalgar Theatre), Ulster American (Riverside Studios) and 2022 South Bank Show Award for ‘Best Theatre Production’, Best of Enemies (Young Vic/ West End). 

People, Places and Things garnered widespread critical acclaim when it had its world premiere at the National Theatre’s Dorfman theatre in September 2015 in a co-production with Headlong.  The production transferred to Wyndham’s Theatre in March 2016 in London’s West End before transferring to St. Ann’s Warehouse in New York in October 2017.   

The creative team includes director, Jeremy Herrin;set designer, Bunny Christie; costume designer, Christina Cunningham;lighting designer, James Farncombe; music, Matthew Herbert;sound designer, Tom Gibbons; video designer, Andrzej Goulding;movement director, Polly Bennett;casting by Jessica Ronane CDG CSA; and original casting by Wendy Spon. 

Bunny Christie has recreated her ‘cabinet-of-curiosities’ (New York Times) set design with on-stage seating, bringing an element of intimacy to this vivid and transfixing portrayal of addiction.  Tickets are on sale from £20.

MY SON’S A QUEER (BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO?)
IS BACK. IN ALL ITS SEQUINED GLORY

ON A UK TOUR FROM
8 JULY TO 25 AUGUST 2024

WITH A RUN AT EDINBURGH FRINGE
FROM 1 TO 16 AUGUST 2024
AT MCEWAN HALL

Celebrating the joy and chaos of raising a queer child, My Son’s A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) is testament to the power of unconditional familial love. Written and performed by Rob Madge, and directed by Luke Sheppard, the award-winning, beloved showis back, due to public demand, and is set to embark on a brand new UK tour for 2024.

When Rob was 12, they attempted to stage a full-blown Disney parade in their house for their Grandma. As Rob donned a wig and played Mary Poppins, Ariel, Mickey Mouse and Belle, their Dad doubled as Stage Manager, Sound Technician and Goofy.

Unfortunately, Dad missed all his cues and pushed all the floats in the wrong direction. Mum mistook Aladdin for Ursula. The costumes went awry, and Ariel’s bubble gun didn’t work properly. Grandma had a nice time though.

Originating at the Turbine Theatre in 2021, what followed was a sold-out season at the Edinburgh Festival in 2022, a national tour and then two West End runs. Now, three years on, with a WhatsOnStage Award and Olivier nomination to its name, join social-media sensation Rob Madge as they set out to recreate that parade – and this time, nobody, no, NOBODY is gonna rain on it!

My Son’s a Queer, (But what can you do?) is written and performed by Rob Madge (Oliver!, Les Misérables), directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, In the Heights) with songs by Pippa Cleary (The Great British Bake Off Musical, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Age 13 ¾). It has set and costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight, video design by George Reeve, lighting design by Jai Morjaria, sound design by Tingying Dong, and orchestrations by Simon Nathan. The show is produced by Bill Kenwright LTD and Paul Taylor-Mills.

ADAM PAULDEN & JASON HAIGH-ELLERY         SUE GILAD & LARRY ROGOWSKY

STEVEN ANTIN        CHRISTINA AGUILERA      CLINT CULPEPPER

present

BROADWAY STAR

JACKIE BURNS TO PLAY TESS IN

BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL

www.burlesquethemusical.com

Tuesday 6 May 2024 – Producers of Burlesque the Musical, the first ever stage adaptation of Steven Antin’s crowd-pleasing movie Burlesque today announced final casting for the show.  Broadway star Jackie Burns will play Tess, the role of the club owner made famous by Cher in the film.

Jackie Burns holds the title of Broadway’s longest running Elphaba in Wicked, a role she also played on tour.  She replaced Tony Award® winning Idina Menzel in the US tour of If/Then where her award-winning performance received rave reviews. Other Broadway/Off-Broadway credits include the Tony Award-winning revival of Hair, Rock of Ages and playing Celine Dion in the cult comedy musical Titanique.   Her film TV credits include: Set it Up, The Magnificent Meyersons and Ghost.  For more information about Jackie:  https://jackieburns.net/.

Jackie joins the already announced cast of Jess Folley as Ali Rose, Todrick Hall as Sean, George Maguire as Vince, Michael Mather as Jackson and Nina Ann Nelson as Nikki and the Alternate Ali Rose, alongside Joe Atkinson (Off Stage Swing, Assistant Dance Captain), Jade Albertsen (Ensemble), Callum Aylott (On Stage Swing), Evonnee Bentley-Holder (Ensemble), Lucy Campbell (On Stage Swing), Lewis Easter (Ensemble), Yasmin Harrison (Brenda/Ensemble/Dance Captain/2^nd Georgie), Elly Jay (Off Stage Swing/1^st Cover Tess/1^st Cover Georgie), Billie-Kay (Sophia/Ensemble), Stefan Lagoulis (Ensemble/2^nd Cover Jackson & Sean), Hollie-Ann Lowe (Summer/Ensemble/2^nd Cover Nikki), Callum MacDonald (Ensemble/1^st Cover Vince), Alessia McDermott (Sally/Ensemble/1^st Cover Nikki), Tom Mussell (Ensemble/1^st Cover Jackson), Ian Oswald (Ensemble/1^st Cover Sean), Amber Pierson (Off Stage Swing), Jess Qualter (Daphne/Ensemble), Tom Scanlon (Ensemble), Ope Sowande (Trey/Ensemble), B Terry (Georgie/Ensemble) and Lily Wang (Fifi/Ensemble).

Burlesque the Musical previews at Manchester Opera House on Thursday 13 June with sold-out performances until Saturday 29 June 2024.  It makes its Scottish premiere at Glasgow Theatre Royal where it will run from Wednesday 11 September to Saturday 28 September 2024 then returns to Manchester for a season from Thursday 3 October – Saturday 2 November 2024 prior to a West End run.

Welcome to Burlesque the Musical, the glamorous, gritty and outrageously fun new musical based on the much-loved hit movie.

Discover a club like no other…a place beneath the city lights where the sequins sparkle, seduction shimmers, and a life can change in the flick of a feather boa.

When Ali heads to New York in search of her mother, she finds herself drawn into a dazzling underground world where the beat of the music and the heat of the dance moves will change her life forever. Among this unlikely family of misfits, dreamers and schemers, Ali will unwittingly find her real voice, discover her talent, and find where she really, truly belongs.

Written and produced by Steven Antin, directed and choreographed by Nick Winston,  with additional material by Kate Wetherhead,  BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL is a scintillating journey of self-discovery that absolutely sizzles with songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia and Diane Warren, alongside additional songs by Todrick Hall and Jess Folley.

Burlesque is the big new musical that says life isn’t fair…it’s fabulous!

The full creative team for Burlesque the Musical is: Steven Antin (Book Writer/Producer),  Music and Lyrics by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Todrick Hall & Jess Folley, Nick Winston (Director and Choreographer), Soutra Gilmour (Set Designer), Ryan Dawson Laight (Costume Designer), Tom Curran (Musical Arrangements and Orchestrations), Phil Bateman (Musical Supervisor), Nina Dunn (Video Designer), Jack Knowles (Lighting Designer), Ben Harrison (Sound Designer), Carole Hancock (Hair & Wigs Designer), Dominic Skinner (Make-up Designer), Dean Rudd (Associate Make-up Designer), Ben Hart (Illusion Designer), Harry Blumenau (Casting Director), Chris Poon (Musical Director), Caitlin Morgan (Assistant Musical Director), Robin Antin (Creative Co-Producer/Associate Choreographer), Ryan-Lee Seager (Associate Director/Choreographer), Libby Watts (Associate Choreographer), Sarah-Jane Price (Casting Associate), Tommy Franzen (Assistant Choreographer), Jennifer Gregory (Associate Costume Designer), Matthew Jackson (Associate Music Orchestrations & Arranger), Dale Driscoll (Associate Lighting Designer), Christopher Reid (Associate Sound Designer), Tyler Forward (Associate Video Designer), Sarah-Lou Packham (Associate Wigs Designer), Laura Rushton (Costume Supervisor), Lily Mollgaard (Props Supervisor), Kate Wetherhead (additional material – Book), Monique Eleanor (Script Assistant), Anoushka Lucas (Script Assistant), Racky Plews (Creative Producer), David Gallagher (Orchestra Manager) and Lloyd Thomas (Production Manager).

Burlesque The Musical is produced by Adam Paulden & Jason Haigh-Ellery and Sue Gilad & Larry Rogowsky, Steven Antin & Christina Aguilera and Clint Culpepper.

Burlesque The Musical is produced and general managed by ADAMA Entertainment and produced by In Fine Company.

Cast announced for Three Men In A Boat at the The Mill at Sonning Theatre

Three Men In A Boat
by Jerome K. Jerome
adapted by Clive Francis

Joe Harmston Director
Sean Cavanagh Set Designer
Natalie Titchener Costume Designer
Mike Robertson Lighting Designer
Tom Lishman Sound Designer
Kate Plantin Casting Director

6 June – 13 July

Jerome K. Jerome’s classic Victorian memoir, Three Men In A Boat has been gloriously adapted by celebrated star of stage and screen, Clive Francis (The Crown, A Clockwork Orange, Entertaining Mr. Sloane) preserving the timeless humour and infusing it with a fresh and vibrant touch for contemporary audiences.

This warm and witty play invites you on an uproarious journey down the meandering waters of the Thames with the delightful trio of friends Harris, George, and Jerome, as they set sail on an unforgettable adventure through the English countryside, each twist and turn bringing a fresh dose of laughter and unexpected encounters. So, pack your bags, grab your oars, and prepare to be swept away by the camaraderie, and mischievous antics of this unforgettable trio, as they navigate not just the river’s currents but the comical currents of life itself.

When in 1889 Jerome K Jerome took his fictionalised friends up the Thames in a rowing boat  – describing Sonning as being “the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river…more like a stage village than one built of bricks and mortar” – his book was an instant success. Within a year river boating licences had doubled; Jerome had created a lifestyle craze. And the book has never been out of print since…

Director Joe Harmston says: “I’ve chosen to move the play’s action forward in time to the years shortly before the First World War to add some piquancy to our perception of Jerome, Harris and George’s antics.  I’ve also cast younger men than is sometimes the case. These three are not filling time at the end of their lives but searching for adventure in their prime.  In but a few short years they will have an existentially great game to be part of, and when that comes the world of pottering about on the river will in many ways be exactly what they are fighting for. Identity is forged in adversity not in the milk and honey of peaceful prosperity. In the last decade the English have been asked questions about who they are and want to be in an unprecedented manner. Perhaps that’s why we return to our metaphorical oars now and take to the river where so much remains unchanged. What I hope we find as we pull against the flow of the Thames is three generous-spirited, open-minded men, bound together in the fellowship of shared experience. What I hope we take away is that we can inherit from our past qualities entirely suited to an exciting and very different future.”

Cast:

James Bradshaw (George) is best know for playing Home Office pathologist Dr. Max DeBryn in nine series of ITV’s Endeavour, the prequel to the long-running Inspector Morse series. His other TV roles include Gordon Grimley in the Granada series The Grimleys and D.S Geoff Thorpe in Hollyoaks. He has worked at the Birmingham Rep, Hampstead Theatre, and the National Theatre in House/Garden, directed by Sir Alan Ayckbourn. His West End credits include Breakfast at Tiffany’s at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket.

Sean Rigby (Harris) is best know as Detective Sergeant Jim Strange in nine series of ITV’s Endeavour.  In the 2017 historical drama TV mini-series, Gunpowder, Rigby played William Parker, 4th Baron Monteagle, who received a letter, maybe or maybe not self-penned, warning of the Gunpowder Plot. On stage he was David in The Rubenstein Kiss (Southwark Playouse) and Moe in Pomona (Orange Tree).

George Watkins (Jerome K. Jerome) returns to The Mill following his recent starring role as Clifford in Ira Levin’s DeathTrap. His other theatre credits includes Salieri in Amadeus (Northcott Theatre). Recent TV work includes playing Lord Morrison in Bridgerton Season 2 (Netflix ) and BBC1’s Silent Witness. Films include Universal’s The Huntsman: Winter’s War.

Joe Harmston (Director)
His directing career began in 1993 with the critically acclaimed King James’ Ear at The Old Red Lion. Since then he has directed over 100 productions around the world and forged associations with some of British theatre’s most significant voices including Harold Pinter, Ronald Harwood, Michael Frayn, Trevor Nunn, Peter Hall, Peter Ustinov and Bill Kenwright. He created and ran the hugely commercially and critically successful Agatha Christie Theatre Company with Bill Kenwright and Julius Green while at the other end of the spectrum he has been a career-long champion of new writing projects. Highlights have been The Lover and The Collection (Donmar Warehouse) starring their writer, Harold Pinter and the world premiere of King James’ Ear by Rod Dungate. More recently he was nominated by the TMA as Best Director for his ‘riveting reassessment’ of Strindberg’s The Father at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre, starring Olivier Award winners Joe Dixon and Katy Stephens and written by Laurie Slade.

The Mill at Sonning Theatre
Set majestically on the banks of the River Thames, the Mill at Sonning Theatre is celebrating more than 40 years of entertainment. Uniquely, as one of the only dinner theatres in the United Kingdom, it has gained unrivalled praise both nationally and internationally, winning awards such as the 2023 UK  Theatre Award Winner for the Best Musical Production for GYPSY, and The Most Welcoming Theatre 2016, 2017 and 2018. The intimate theatre seats 217. The elegant restaurant, separate from the theatre but within the premises, with views over the river Thames has the friendliest young staff of waiters and waitresses. A spinning waterwheel features in the gorgeous bar. Only a short taxi journey from the Elizabeth Line (Reading Station or Twyford Station), The Mill at Sonning Theatre is the perfect day trip from London. A two-course meal, coffee and tea, and a beautiful programme are included in the price of the tickets

LISTINGS INFO

Three Me In A Boat
by Jerome K. Jerome
adapted by Clive Francis

Directed Joe Harmston

The Mill at Sonning Theatre
Sonning Eye
Reading
RG4 6TY

www.millatsonning.com

6 June – 13 July

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Norwich Theatre Royal – until Saturday 11th May 2024

Reviewed by Boo Wakefield

4****

Whether for fans of the classic 1990s satirical comedy or for those new to it, this is a real treat – a fun, edgy, witty and upbeat treat.

26 years after the original Drop The Dead Donkey TV series finished, the story continues in The Reawakening. Written by the same writers, Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkins, and with nearly all the classy original cast returning to play their parts again but on stage, it is nevertheless fresh and full of vitality. I was worried it might be a bit boiler-plate but it certainly wasn’t – it was just plain fun with the quality of the acting permeating every part of it.

Gus (Robert Duncan) leads the newsroom team at the launch of a new news station Truth News, with George (Jeff Rawle) as his editor along with Helen (Ingrid Lacey), Damien (Stephen Tompkinson), Sally Smedley (Victoria Wicks), Joy (Susannah Doyle) and Dave (Neil Pearson). They are all from the original series and are joined by two new characters, Julia Hills (Mairead) and Kerena Jagpal (Rita). As the team scramble to get the show launched on time, with some wonderfully comic spats between Sally and Damien over who should be the main broadcaster, and George swooning over his new girlfriend, it has all the tempo of the newsroom where it’s set – bags of energy carries the story on with the quality of the actors just kicking it on further – fantastic.

The set is cleverly designed by Peter McKintosh with clear walls dividing the news desk from the rest of the office allowing the cast to use the stage actively for different scenes. David Swift and Haydn Gwynne who played Henry and Alex in the original series have sadly passed away but they are remembered by the cast during the curtain call when their images are projected onto the large screen over the news desk, which is touching and poignant. This same screen is also used effectively during scene changes with tweets scrolling down it showing how disastrously the launch is going – but that’s not just for the comedy because, as with the original TV show, the undercurrent is always about the essentiality of journalistic ethics and integrity underpinning the Fourth Estate even in the face of ratings-driven pressure and media manipulation. Indeed, this play is so current the script changes nightly to reflect changes in the day’s news headlines; it’s genius and this pacy, finger-on-the pulse feel is hugely refreshing.