Bridge Theatre, London – booking until 31 August 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

One year on, and Nicholas Hytner’s production of Guys and Dolls is as exciting and energetic as ever.

With seating in the round available, or immersive standing tickets, the streets of New York are brought to vivid life on Bunny Christie’s ever changing set. Neon signs and traffic lights hang overhead to denote locations as platforms rise and fall to create sidewalks, sewers, cafes and The Hot Box night club. The energy in the standing audience is always electric, as the stage crew, dressed as New York’s finest, shepherd you around to make space for rising platforms and cast entrances. Christie and Deborah Andrews’ costumes capture the seediness and glamour of 1950s New York brilliantly, while Arlene Phillips and James Cousins’ choreography is fast, slick and sexy.

Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows’ book, inspired by Damon Runyan’s stories of wise guys, hustlers and hoodlums, is corny and kitsch, but the full-throated comedy performances of the cast suck you into the seedy world. Frank Loesser’s timeless music and lyrics are the lifeblood of the show, and the entire cast sing and dance as if their lives depended on it.

Owain Arthur takes over the role of Nathan Detroit, with a fantastically flustered comic touch as he tries to stay two steps ahead of the law and his long-suffering fiancé Miss Adelaide (Timmika Ramsay – giving a powerhouse performance and the perfect comic foil for Arthur). George Ioannides and Celinde Schoenmaker continue in their roles as slick gambler Sky Masterson and Sarah Brown, the mission doll he bets he can take to Havana. Ioannides and Schoenmaker’s chemistry is electric, and their voices sublime. Jonathan Andrew Hume is the new Nicely-Nicely Johnson, magnificent in the showstopping Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat – staged and choreographed to create a fever pitch level of excitement in the audience.

Whether you choose to sit and marvel at the show from above or get down and dirty on the mean streets of New York, Guys and Dolls is an incredible and unforgettable theatrical experience.

The Union Theatre, Southwark – until 30th March 2024

Reviewed by Phil Brown

5*****

Now that’s what I call entertainment! 

Drop what you’re doing and hightail it to the capital’s current capital of camp to catch this gloriously retro performance before it disappears for another decade or so.  It really is that good.

The fact that the Union Theatre is located in railway arches just off Blackfriars Road singularly fails to do justice to the compact but atmospheric performance space and lively bar attached, where, even before the official performance began, we were treated to a boisterous and hilarious promenade cameo by the glamorous Sheila Blige (played by Paul Toulson channelling Lily Savage).  This set the tone for the evening to come.  Sheila and some of the cast (the fabulous Gaiety Girls) returned during the interval to add further fun to an already fun packed performance.

Frank’s Closet, conceived and brilliantly written by Stuart Wood, is a wonderful invention, rich in comedy, that premiered in 2009 with a couple of sell out runs at Hoxton Hall.  On the evidence of this performance, the mystery is that it’s taken so long to get back into production.  It is aptly described as a cult hit musical, and we must thank the producers (Karim-Pasha Ladbon and Stephen Barnes) for making it happen.  

The story, told in the Victorian music hall style, features Frank (superbly played by Andy Moss), on the eve of his wedding to Alan (played by the phenomenally versatile Luke Farrugia) who we only ever see briefly in the final scene.  

But Alan wants Frank to clear his closet before the happy event, prompting Frank to reflect deeply on his past, which is that of a young man coming to terms with his sexuality and coming out as gay, as well as his nervousness about the marriage itself. It turns out that the eponymous closet is full of rare frocks acquired from some of the greatest Divas of our time, and each one triggers a memory or thought that is crystallised in a song performed by the Diva who wore it.  

There are seven frocks in the closet and thus seven versions of the Diva  sharing views with Frank  – Marie Lloyd, Julie Andrews, Ethel Merman, Karen Carpenter, Judy Garland, Agnetha Faltskog, and Dusty Springfield.  Each Diva enters the stage via the  “Diva Portal” (Dragon Smoke Construction), extravagantly and gorgeously costumed (Steven Metcalfe & Indie Rivers) to sing and influence Frank.  These cleverly written pastiches are properly humorous and tuneful, and in a sensational display of performing talents, the prodigiously gifted Luke Farrugia plays each starlet to dazzling effect.  A great piece of casting (Adam Braham) and a truly fabulous performance.  

Frank and the Divas are wonderfully supported throughout by the fabulous Gaiety Girls  – Alice Plate (Oliver Bradley-Taylor) Daisy Dares (Sarah Freer), Carrie Poppers (Olivia McBride) and Gertie Snipe (Jack Rose) who not only introduce and help close the show, but continue to sing and dance their hearts out throughout.

And behind the main cast is some very accomplished music (a mix of live and recorded instruments) excellently orchestrated and performed by musical director Anto Buckley who I presume took piano duties, along with Peter Crocker (trombone) and Sam Balchin (trumpet).

Everything about this production is spectacularly good (Director – Sasha Regan, Production Designer – Catherine Phelps, Lighting Designer – Ben Bull. Musical  Director – Anto Buckley, Casting Director – Adam Braham).  The experienced cast bring a pleasing, natural flow to the show and the timing is spot on throughout.  The stage set is delightful Victoriana.  The costumery is sumptuous and splendid.  The songs are high class. The choreography (Joe McShane) is fun and neat.  The humour is laugh out loud funny.  I also love the quirky programme.  My only comment would be the slightly slow start to Act 2, especially after the Gaiety Girls have warmed up the audience during the interval.

To describe Frank’s Closet as a thoroughly professional performance somehow detracts from its impact.  It is a very professional performance, but it has an energy and a fun factor that makes it top quality entertainment and leaves a lasting impression as well as a broad smile on your face.  A triumph!

Theatre Royal, York – until 16 March 2024

Reviewed by Katie Brewerton

3***

After the success of the Cluedo stage play, Cluedo 2 comes to York this week. Once again based on the hit board game which is celebrating it’s 75^th Birthday this murder mystery stars all the well known characters, from the game and is set in a huge 17 bedroom house, Graveney Manor. Directed by Mark Bell, who also directed the original Cluedo production this show offers more of the same, with a thrilling new story which will keep you guessing right until the very end. A completely separate story from the previous show you don’t need prior knowledge of the previous play, but if you did manage to catch it you’re sure to also enjoy this one.

Set in the 1960s rock star Rick Black (Liam Horrigan) gathers a group of people to hear his latest record, including Miss Scarlet, played by 2023 Strictly Come Dancing Winner Ellie Leach, who has been hired by Black to renovate the crumbling manor, his wife Mrs Peacock (Hannah Boyce), his manager Colonel Mustard (Jason Durr), housekeeper/cook Mrs White (Audrey Anderson) and employee Professor Plum (Edward Howells).  With a commercial being filmed in the manor there’s also a few unexpected arrivals including Wadsworth (Jack Bennett), due to play the butler in the commercial, he is most certainly not a real butler. 

When the mismatch of characters meet to hear Ricks music they soon discover Rick has been murdered, the question is ‘Who dunnit?’ with the additional reappearance of Rev Hal Green (not to be confused with Al Green) after a mysterious absence there are many secrets to be uncovered including affairs, long lost relatives and hidden identities. Is there anyone without a secret to hide? With twists and turns at every corner Cluedo 2 will you keep you guessing right until the very end. 

With spoof like comedy from the beginning this is a feel good show that will keep you entertained throughout, the set is excellent with scenes running through the manor house and set changes incorporated well in to the story. 

Rose Theatre, Kingston – until 23 March 2024

Reviewed by Emily Smith

3***

Knock. Knock. Knock. Who’s there?

The answer is Zinnie Harris, with her adaptation of the Shakespearean play, Macbeth, playing at the Rose Theatre in Kingston before it departs for runs in New York and Edinburgh. Harris’s script for Macbeth (an undoing) moves frequently between traditional Shakespearean text and modern-day language; I’m pretty sure Shakespeare didn’t use swear words, nor did he write ‘You’re the sexiest queen’ – but I may be wrong! Whilst this infusion of humour did raise some laughs from the audience, there were a few times I felt it overstepped and was unnecessary. Throughout the performance several actors break the fourth wall, directly addressing the audience and adding an element of humour to this otherwise dark play.

Harris’s adaptation relies on a basic understanding of the original play; there were times where it was easy to get lost in the narrative that seemed to divert at various tangents, not quite coming together in a cohesive story. Lady Macbeth (Nicole Cooper) is portrayed as a woman who loves her husband, so much that she takes the reigns (pun intended) while her husband is incapacitated by madness. At one point, she is referred to as ‘Sir’ and her aides fail to see her as ‘Lady’; is this because men are so accustomed to seeing a man in a position of power, or is she also fragmenting, and this is in her imagination? It’s not clear. In the final scenes, as she searches for a clean dress only to find they are all soaked in blood, before cleaning the one she is wearing, there is an eerie replication of an earlier scene where Macbeth (Adam Best) is washing his hands in the same bucket – the same madness you may ask? Again, this isn’t clear cut. Perhaps this is the intention, to leave the audience asking questions, but for me there are too many. Harris’s Lady Macbeth is a woman who has a tenacious ferocity and focus, killing many to protect her family, yet who is consumed by an underlying sadness at losing five children of her own.

Tom Piper’s set design is simple but clever – a wooden frame and bare stage, with props used to convey a change of scenery, followed by large, mirrored panels manoeuvred into position which added to the dark and ominous atmosphere. Whilst the fog machine was working overtime, perhaps as expected in such a play, it did add to the ambience given the simple staging. The functioning tap on stage was also cleverly used, turning from water to blood, depending on the scene, adding an element of authenticity to the production. The scenes which involved fighting were also very believable, thanks to Kaitlin Howard. This being said, there were some mishaps with the props throughout, and with actors delivering lines facing into the stage, it did mean projection was sometimes an issue.

Nicole Cooper delivered a captivating performance as Lady Macbeth and was rightly the stand-out performance of the night. She delivered her lines eloquently and with emotional conviction; the audience could feel her determination then desperation as she spiralled into madness. Whilst I struggled with Adam Best’s delivery, his supporting-role performance as Macbeth, was convincingly brilliant … and a little scary at times! Mention should also be given to the entire cast who deliver a polished performance with emotional depth where needed, and humour to offer light relief.

Overall, this production offers the gore and blood that Harris’s script is convinced we all want, yet fails to deliver on a cohesive story. It is saved perhaps by the talent of it’s cast, especially Nicole Cooper, and the clever staging.

THE BELGRADE THEATRE, IN ASSOCIATION WITH TIATA FAHODZI, PRESENTS

SWIM, AUNTY, SWIM!

WORLD PREMIERE AT THE BELGRADE THEATRE COVENTRY

MONDAY 20 MAY – SATURDAY 1 JUNE 2024

DAT REN WE BIT BITA-LIF SOTE I BITA, NA-IN BIT SHUGA KEN SOTE I SWIT – Krio Proverb
The same rain that beats bitter-leaf until it’s bitter, beats sugar cane until it’s sweet

Swim, Aunty, Swim!, a new play by Siana Bangura, directed by Madeleine Kludje will have its world premiere at The Belgrade Theatre Coventry on Monday 20 May until Saturday 1 June, with a national press night on Thursday 23 May. A poetic story of friendship, loss, sisterhood, motherhood, and the sublime power of water, Swim, Aunty, Swim! will star Anni Domingo as ‘Fatu’ and Sam Baker-Jones as ‘Danny’. Further casting will be announced.

Fatu is in search of a new life and a fresh start. Leaving London behind, she makes her way to Coventry, where she forms a friendship with fellow members of her new church, Aunty Blessing and Aunty Ama. This fiery, entertaining, and sharp-witted duo of West African women in their prime, are also navigating changes and transitions in their own lives.

What begins as light-hearted fun and a distraction from the mundane routine of life and church, becomes a ritual of healing and rebirth, after a season of grieving.

On Ama’s whim, the three of them embark on a watery challenge that might just send them out of their depth.

This heartwarming and powerful new play is where West Africa meets the West Midlands, in a truly universal story that will connect with everyone.

Director Madeleine Kludje said, “I have been waiting to direct a play that centres older, West African women at the heart of the story and as main characters onstage. This story follows three incredible women on a journey to finding themselves at crucial moments in their lives with swimming and friendship guiding and sometimes pushing them towards healing and rebirth. This is a witty, warming and heartfelt story that we can all relate to about rediscovering who we are after difficult moments within our lives.”

A Belgrade Theatre Production in association with tiata fahodzi, Swim, Aunty, Swim! is written by Siana Bangura, directed by Madeleine Kludje, with set design by Claire Winfield, costume design by Naomi Thompson, lighting design by Ryan Joseph Stafford, sound design by Duramaney Kamara, movement direction by Gaby Nimo, dramaturgy by Chinonyerem Odimba, and production management by Adrian Sweeney 

Swim, Aunty, Swim! is one of The Belgrade Theatre’s flagship in-house produced productions, developed in close collaboration with tiata fahodzi. The show is part of the new strand of work under the leadership team’s creative vision for the people of Coventry and the wider region; the next step in the Belgrade’s long standing commitment to the process of co-creation and artistic excellence.

BILL KENWRIGHT LIMITED PRESENTS
THE OSCAR-WINNING LOVE STORY

ON TOUR ACROSS THE UK

FROM 22 AUGUST 2024

Bill Kenwright Ltd is delighted to announce the triumphant return to the stage of the worldwide sensation Ghost the Musical, opening on 22 August 2024 before embarking on a major national tour across the UK.

Written by multi Brit Award winner Dave Stewart and Grammy award winning Glen Ballard, with a script by Bruce Joel Rubin based on his OSCAR winning screenplay, Ghost the Musical brings all the romance and magic of the classic story to life on stage.

“Walking back to their apartment late one night,

a tragic encounter sees Sam murdered and his girlfriend Molly alone, in despair and utterly lost. With the help of a phony storefront psychic, Sam, trapped between this world and the next, tries to communicate with Molly in the hope of saving her from grave danger…”

Ghost has cemented its place as one of the most significant successes in cinematic history. Starring the late Patrick Swayze alongside Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg (who won the Oscar for Supporting Actress), the film dominated the box office in 1990 and earned an Oscar for screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, who has skillfully adapted his screenplay into a musical. Premiering in Manchester in 2011, Ghost the Musical has played sell out seasons in the West End and on Broadway as well as numerous international tours.

A smash hit across the globe, Ghost the Musical features The Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody alongside many more terrific songs co-written by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart.

Ghost the Musical has been adapted by Oscar winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin andis directed by Bob Tomson with choreography by Alistair David. Design is by Mark Bailey with lighting design by Nick Richings, sound design by Dan Samson and illusions by Richard Pinner.

Casting to be announced.

LISTINGS

GHOST THE MUSICAL
UK TOUR

DIRECTED BY BOB TOMSON

CHOREOGRAPHED BY ALISTAIR DAVID

DESIGNED BY MARK BAILEY

LIGHTING DESIGNED BY NICK RICHINGS

SOUND DESIGNED BY DAN SAMSON

ILLUSIONS BY RICHARD PINNER

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre                        atgtickets.com/Aylesbury

22 – 24 August                                                                        

On sale: 14 March

Sunderland Empire                                        atgtickets.com/Sunderland

27 – 31 August                                                                        

On sale: 14 March

Liverpool Empire                                            atgtickets.com/Liverpool

03 – 07 September                                                                  

On sale: 14 March

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre                     bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

10 – 14 September                                         03005 000595            

On sale: 15 March

Darlington Hippodrome                                 darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk           

24 – 28 September                                          01325 405 405            

On sale: 14 March

Cheltenham Everyman Theatre                     everymantheatre.org.uk           

01 – 05 October                                              01242 572573

On sale: 13 March

Curve Theatre Leicester                                 curveonline.co.uk

08 – 12 October                                              01162 423585

On sale now

Princess Theatre Torquay                              atgtickets.com/Torquay

15 – 18 October                                                                         

On sale: 14 March

Belgrade Coventry                                         belgrade.co.uk

22 – 26 October                                              02476 553055

On sale: 16 April

Alhambra Theatre Bradford                          bradford-theatres.co.uk

29 October – 02 November                            01247 432000

On sale: 15 April

Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre                   aberdeenperformingarts.com

05 – 09 November                                          01224 641122

On sale: 28 March

Stoke Regent Theatre                                    atgtickets.com/Stoke

12 – 16 November                                          

On sale: 14 March

Theatre Royal Bath                                        theatreroyal.org.uk

19 – 23 November                                          01225 448844

On sale now

Blackpool Opera House                                 wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

03 – 07 December                                           01253 629600

On sale: 14 March      

Further dates through 2025 to be announced.                                               

Website: kenwright.com 

Social Media:5

Facebook and Instagram:       BKLProductions

X/Twitter:                                BKL_Productions

Theatre Royal Nottingham – Saturday 16th March 2024

Reviewed by Jill Heslop

5*****

A packed Theatre Royal in Nottingham enjoyed the last leg of the current tour of Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World, the pop musical directed by Amy Hodge. With music by Miranda Cooper and Jennifer Decilveo, this is a lively, joy-filled musical adaptation of Kate Pankhurst’s award winning book series of the same name.

During the one and a half hour show, we meet such icons as: Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Mary Seacole, Marie Curie, Jane Austen and Emmeline Pankhurst. And what fun this history lesson is! Aimed at children 7 years old and above, there is wonderful singing and choreography bringing to life the biographies of these exceptional women and creating a life-affirming show.

Schoolgirl Jade, played with a lovely innocence by Georgia Grant-Anderson, is lost inside the museum on a school trip, feeling a little dejected and confused by life’s challenges. Never fear, Fantasically Great Women of history to the rescue! We have a fun and instructive meeting with Amelia Earhart the solo pilot, played by Leah Vassell with a fab American accent and a dashing costume; Gertrude Ederle, the record beating Channel swimmer played with great sport by Chloe Hart and Sacagawea, Summer Priest, the hero of the American West. But that’s not all! Enter Emmeline Pankhurst, boldly rendered by Jennifer Caldwell, the grand dame of them all, leading the band of women to votes and emancipation. An all-female cast leading us the audience and Jade, Georgia Grant-Anderson, on this fact-filled adventure!

I loved the singing and dancing, the coordinated moves, the colourful costumes: this is a fun musical and a great night out! The warmth and humour spills out between all of the characters as they support each other and young Jade (Georgia Grant-Anderson) as she navigates her journey through the perils and pitfalls of growing up in a world where she feels nobody notices her.

A wonderfully well-spoken Jane Austen, played delightfully by Chloe Hart, introduces us to a feisty Frida Kahlo, played with a beautiful boldness by Summer Priest. There are lots of mischievous jokes for those in the audience who know a little of their lives already, and plenty of entertainment in the on-stage antics.

A sadder, more sombre tone is signalled with the appearance of Rosa Parks, played with suitable dignity by Leah Vassell and Anne Frank, Millie Kiss, where we acknowledge that not every story has a happy ending. This is well handled with the wisdom coming from Leah Vassell in the character of Rosa Parks, the voice of experience and reassurance, speaking to the innocence and confusion in Jade (Georgia Grant- Anderson) which we all feel about such complex and disturbing realities. These complexities and difficulties are important to acknowledge for young people and they do it well.

This is a feel-good musical with the lives of such great women brought to life with vigour and courage leaving us with the message that we all need to go out and live life to the fullest!

Hull New Theatre, Hull – until Saturday 16th March 2024

Reviewed by Anne Walker

5*****

This show is direct from the West End and comes to the Hull New Theatre as part of a major UK and Ireland tour. The Drifters Girl was nominated for Best New Musical at the 2022 Olivier Awards. It includes a phenomenal soundtrack, packed full of iconic drifters hits you will instantly recognise, including, ‘Saturday Night at the Movies,’ ‘Save the Last Dance for Me’ and ‘Stand by Me.’

We discovered the remarkable story of The Drifters and the powerhouse female force that managed the all-male vocal group, Faye Treadwell, played by the incredible Carly Mercedes Dyer. She became one of the first prominent African American woman to enter music management and led the band to greatness with laser-sharp business acumen and determination.

The cast truly delivered stellar performances that brought the iconic music of The Drifters to life, weaving a captivating story in between some great hits. From the moment the fantastic band started playing those familiar tunes, you couldn’t help but tap your toes. The classics from The Drifters had the entire audience in nostalgic bliss while heads were nodding in time to many of the familiar tunes. The four Drifters themselves, played by Miles Anthony Daley, Ashford Campbell, Daniel Haswell and Tarik Frimpong, had voices that seamlessly blended together and were all superb. They never stopped throughout the show, playing multiple roles as well as their phenomenal singing and dance moves.

Carly Mercedes Dryer as Faye Treadwell certainly shone bright on stage and her rendition of ‘Harlem Child’ was breathtaking with power house vocals.

Overall, The Drifters Girl is a must-see for any music lover or theatre enthusiast, the audience certainly showed their appreciation and could not contain themselves as the encore invited us to get up and dance. With catchy familiar tunes, a touching, inspiring story and fantastic performances all round. This show is a true gem that will leave you humming the melodies long after the final curtain

NINA WADIA

TO STAR IN

NEW BRITISH MUSICAL

NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL

DIRECTED & CHOREOGRAPHED BY

CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD

WITH SPECIAL GUEST STARS

ROYO, UNIVERSAL MUSIC UK, SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT & MIGHTY VILLAGE are delighted to announce that Nina Wadia will star as Gemma in the world premiere of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, a brand-new British musical written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood. NOW That’s What I Call A Musical will begin performances on 6 September 2024 at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre before commencing a major UK and Ireland tour.

Joining Nina in 2024 at certain performances will be an array of special guest stars playing themselves and singing the songs that made them NOW icons. Sinitta will perform in Aylesbury, Sheffield, Canterbury, Nottingham and Norwich with Sonia in Newcastle, Cardiff, Milton Keynes and Brighton, Carol Decker in Truro, Belfast and Woking, and Jay Osmond in Bradford and Dartford.

Further guest stars and musical cast members are to be announced.

Nina said “I grew up listening to the NOW tapes so for me being a part of this musical is like going home. When I read the script I immediately fell in love with the characters and Pippa’s story. I can’t wait to get started on my first ever musical and to see you all there later this year.”

Sinitta said “The most exciting thing about being involved in this project is the music. Dust off your spandex, crimp your hair and I’ll see you there.”

Sonia said “We are going to take people back on a nostalgic road of all their favourite songs. Everybody has memories of where they were when that song was out and what they were doing.

Carol added “Being part of the musical is a real compliment. T’Pau are on several of the [NOW] albums, it’s part of my life, part of my career.”

Jay said “I am so excited to be back in the UK and performing live on stage in NOW That’s What I Call A Musical.’ My brothers and I were featured in many NOW albums over the years and it’s an honour to be asked to be a part of this brand-new show.”

NINA WADIA OBE is an award winning actress renowned for her timeless sketch show Goodness Gracious Me, as well as her role as Zainab Masood in BBC One’s Eastenders for which she won ‘Best Comedy Performance’ and ‘Best Onscreen Partnership’ at the British Soap Awards. Nina’s film credits include: Disney’s Aladdin, A Streetcat Named Bob, and its sequel A Gift From Bob. She can also currently be seen in the movies, Repeat, The Stranger in our Bed and I. Her television credits include: Count Abdulla (ITVX) The Sandman (Netflix), The Hitmen (Amazon Prime), The Outlaws (BBC/Amazon Prime) and Still Open All Hours (BBC). Nina’s theatre credits include Bleak Expectations (Criterion Theatre), the Tony Award Winning The Vagina Monologues, Macbeth with Sir Mark Rylanceand Matchbox Theatre (Hampstead Theatre).

SINITTA is an ’80s pop legend, presenter, and a regular fixture on British television. As a mother of two, she began her career as a model and professional dancer, collaborating with top choreographers such as Arlene Phillips, Gillian Gregory, Gillian Lynne, and the formidable Charles Augins. Sinitta rose to fame as a successful recording artist with hits like So Macho, Toy Boy, G.T.O., Right Back Where We Started From, and Cross My Broken Heart. Her debut pop hit So Macho stayed at No. 2 in the UK charts for nine months, securing her a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the biggest-selling single of the year, despite missing the No. 1 position! Throughout her career, Sinitta has released five albums and achieved 14 Top Ten singles worldwide, including No. 1s in the USA, Japan, and all over Europe and the United Arab Emirates. She has garnered over 12 music awards across the globe, from Japan to Australia and the UK, notably being recognised as Best Club Act on the LGBTQIA+ scene and the Japanese Grammy. Sinitta has starred on the West End in The Wiz, Masquerade, Cats, Little Shop of Horrors, Mutiny, Smokey Joe’s Café and Hair and starred as Mamma Morton in the UK Tour of Chicago. Her film and television credits include: Shock Treatment, Foreign Bodies, The Friends, The Wall Game, Would I Lie To You, The X-Factor and I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

SONIA was just seventeen when she became a pop star. She was spotted by record producer Pete Waterman whilst playing the Liverpool club circuit. Sonia’s catchy debut single You’ll Never Stop Me Loving You shot to number one in the UK and sold a staggering 350,000 copies. The debut album which followed, Everybody Knows, sold a million copies and included a string of top singles such as Can’t Forget You, Listen to Your Heart, Counting Every Minute and End of the World. Sonia became the first female UK artist to achieve five top 20 hit singles from one album. In 1993 Sonia was invited by the BBC to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest where she finished second. Sonia returned to the Eurovision stage in Liverpool in 2023 and performed as a special interval act. Her theatre credits include: A Slice of Saturday Night (Strand Theatre, West End), Grease (Dominion Theatre, West End), What A Feeling (UK and European tour), The Lily Savage Show (Blackpool), The Lily Savage Show (UK tour)and Good Golly Miss Molly (Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool). She also has 20 pantomime credits over the years. Her TV credits include Celebrities Under Pressure, Greasemania, The Lurics Board, The Lily Savage Show and Hollyoaks. In 2023 Sonia was proud to be made a Companion of LIPA (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts) By Sir Paul McCartney.

CAROL DECKER burst onto the music scene as the lead singer of the band T’pau in 1987 with the hit Heart & Soul which reached No. 4 in both the UK & US charts. T’pau’s next single China In Your Hand stayed at No. 1 for five weeks – the longest serving No. 1 of the year. Simultaneously, their debut album Bridge of Spies occupied the No. 1 album slot for two weeks and went on to become a certified quadruple platinum in the UK – selling 1.2 million copies. In 2017 T’pau proudly promoted The 30th Anniversary Virgin Anthology Boxset. The band are now a regular fixture on the Festival & Arena circuit, annually rocking IOW, Rewind, Let’s Rock, W-Fest, Here and Now, StepBack, Ibiza & Children of the 80’s. Carol starred in the hit stage comedy Mum’s The Word at The Albery Theatre alongside Patsy Palmer, Imogen Stubbs, Jennie Eclair & Cathy Tyson. Her TV credits include Doctors, Star with Nicholas Hoult, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Celebrity Mastermind and Celebrity MasterChef. Her film credits include Nine Dead Gay Guys and Running Time.

JAY OSMOND was the instigator on many of the projects that kept the Osmond family together and moving forward during all the years of success.  Jay is the youngest of the original Osmond Brothers group, with a career in entertainment that started at the age of two and a half.  Jay was eight years old when he learned to play the drums, and went on to be voted one of the top 5 drummers in the country during the 1970s.  Jay, along with the brothers, collaborated on many of the hit records.  In 1972, Jay sang lead on Crazy Horses, which skyrocketed to be the Osmonds’ best-selling international single.  Jay choreographed the shows for the Brothers, as well as Donny & Marie’s.  His style was influenced by his karate skills learned from his personal instructor, Chuck Norris.  Jay has also worked behind the scenes as a producer.  His production credits include the 1970s television programmes, The Donny & Marie Show and The Osmond Family Hour, the 1980s variety show Marie, the movie depicting the life of the Osmond family Side by Side, and the family’s 50th Anniversary PBS special and DVD projects.  Jay released a solo CD, It’s About Time Again, in 2009, and his autobiography, Stages. In 2022, The Osmonds: A New Musical told Jay’s story of his and his family’s successes which wowed audiences around the UK. Most recently, Jay is starring in his own show in Branson Missouri.

Get ready to relive the playlist of your life by celebrating 40 years of the iconic and chart-topping compilations brand NOWThat’s What I Call Music, which has sold an estimated 200 million copies worldwide. This fun-filled evening is bursting with hits from Whitney Houston, Wham! Blondie, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet and so many more.

It’s Birmingham, 1989. Two school friends, Gemma and April, are busy with very important business – planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley. Cut to Birmingham 2009 and it’s the most dreaded event of their lives– the school reunion. Drama, old flames and receding hairlines come together as friends reunite and everything from the past starts to slot into place. The biggest question is: what was with all that hairspray?

The creative team will include Set and Costume Design by Tom Rogers & Toots Butcher, Musical Supervision and Arrangements by Mark Crossland, Lighting Design by Ben Cracknell, Sound Design by Adam Fisher, Wigs & Hair Design by Sam Cox, Associate Direction by Guy Woolf, Associate Choreography by Aaron Renfree, Associate Sound Design by Ollie Durrant and Casting by Annelie Powell CDG.

NOW is produced by ROYO, Universal Music UK, SONY Music Entertainment and Mighty Village.

Website: thenowmusical.com

Facebook: theNOWmusical

Twitter: @theNOWmusical

Instagram: @theNOWmusical

2024 / 2025 TOUR SCHEDULE

6 – 7 September                                Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Aylesbury                      

10 – 14 September                            Sheffield Lyceum                                     0114 249 6000

                                                           www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                    

17 – 21 September                            Canterbury Marlowe Theatre                   01227 787787

                                                           www.marlowetheatre.com

24 – 28 September                            Nottingham Theatre Royal                       0115 989 5555

                                                           trch.co.uk                                                  

1 – 5 October                                     Norwich Theatre Royal                            01603 630 000

                                                           www.norwichtheatre.org                           

8 – 12 October                                   Newcastle Theatre Royal                         0191 232 7010

                                                           www.theatreroyal.co.uk                            

15 – 19 October                                 Bradford Alhambra Theatre                     01274 432000

                                                           www.bradford-theatres.co.uk                   

22 – 26 October                                 Dartford Orchard Theatre                         01322 220000

                                                           www.orchardtheatre.co.uk                       

29 October – 2 November                  Cardiff New Theatre                                 0343 310 0041

                                                           newtheatrecardiff.co.uk                            

5 – 9 November                                 Truro Hall For Cornwall                            01872 262466

                                                           www.hallforcornwall.co.uk                               

12 – 16 November                             Milton Keynes Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre     

19 – 23 November                             Belfast Grand Opera House                    

                                                           www.goh.co.uk                                         

25 – 30 November                             Woking New Victoria Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre

2 – 7 December                                 Theatre Royal Brighton

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Brighton

14 – 18 January                                 Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre          02380 711811

                                                           www.mayflower.org.uk

21 – 25 January                                 Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre            0818719 377 (ROI)

                                                           bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                          08442485101 (UK)

28 January – 1 February                    Manchester Opera House

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Manchester              

4 – 8 February                                    Hull New Theatre                                      01482 300 306

                                                           www.hulltheatres.co.uk

11 – 15 February                                Southend Cliffs Pavilion

                                                           www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk                      

18 – 22 February                                Glasgow Kings Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Glasgow                  

25 February – 1 March                       Edinburgh Playhouse

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Edinburgh                

4 – 8 March                                        Liverpool Empire Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Liverpool                  

11 – 15 March                                    Birmingham Alexandra

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Birmingham             

18 – 22 March                                    York Grand Opera House

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/York                         

25 – 29 March                                    Oxford New Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Oxford                      

1 – 5 April                                           Bristol Hippodrome

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Bristol                      

8 – 12 April                                         London New Wimbledon Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Wimbledon   

Nominations announced for Olivier Awards 2024 with Mastercard

• Mastercard Best New Musical nominees are “The Little Big Things”, “Next To Normal”, “Operation Mincemeat” and “A Strange Loop”
• The National Theatre garnered the most nominations with 15 nominations recognising “Dear England”, “The Motive And The Cue”, “Till The Stars Come Down” and “The Effect” 
• “Dear England” leads the way for the most nominated play with 9 nominations
• “Sunset Boulevard” is the most nominated production, with the Jamie Lloyd musical starring Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, receiving 11 nominations
• Nominees for Best Actress are Laura Donnelly, Sophie Okonedo, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sheridan Smith and Sarah Snook with first time nominations for Sarah Jessica Parker and Sarah Snook
• Nominees for Best Actor are Joseph Fiennes, Mark Gatiss, James Norton, Andrew Scott and David Tennant with first time nominations for Joseph Fiennes and James Norton
• Haydn Gwynne receives a posthumous nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “When Winston Went To War With The Wireless” at Donmar Warehouse

officiallondontheatre.com/olivier-awards

The Olivier Awards 2024 with Mastercard, theatre’s most prestigious honours, has announced its nominations. The annual awards will take place on Sunday 14 April at the iconic Royal Albert Hall with a highlights package broadcast on ITV that evening. 

The competition for nominations has been fierce during an outstanding year for theatre with significantly more productions than last year. There has been a record-breaking number of new plays gracing the stage and a stunning array of on-screen stars treading the boards – including those in striking one-person performances. The nominees in the craft awards have stunned with their groundbreaking creativity. 

The National Theatre has had an excellent year with a total of 15 nominations, with “Dear England” “The Motive And The Cue”, “Till The Stars Come Down” and “The Effect” all in the running for various accolades. The National Theatre’s footballing drama “Dear England” is the most nominated play with a total of nine nominations including Joseph Fiennes for Best Actor, Will Close for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Gina McKee for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Rupert Goold for Best Director and The Londoner Award for Best New Play. This is alongside nominations for the Blue-i Theatre Technology Award for Best Set Design (Es Devlin), White Light Award for Best Lighting Design (Jon Clark) and d&b audiotechnik Award for Best Sound Design (Dan Balfour & Tom Gibbons). “Dear England” is also the only play with a nomination for Best Theatre Choreographer (Ellen Kane & Hannes Langolf). 

This year’s most nominated production is Jamie Lloyd’s musical “Sunset Boulevard”, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ballad to Hollywood starring Nicole Scherzinger (Best Actress in a Musical nominee) and Tom Francis (Best Actor in a Musical nominee). The production also received nominations for all acting categories in a musical including Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for David Thaxton and Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Grace Hodgett Young, as well as recognition for Best Musical Revival, the Sir Peter Hall Award for Best Director for Jamie Lloyd and an Outstanding Musical Contribution nomination for Alan Williams for Musical Supervision & Musical Direction. Further to these accolades are the production team nominations including Jack Knowles nominated for White Light Award for Best Lighting Design, Adam Fisher  nominated for d&b audiotechnik Award for Best Sound Design, Soutra Gilmour nominated for Blue-i Theatre Technology Award for Best Set Design and Fabian Aloise nominated for Gillian Lynne Award for Best Theatre Choreographer.

Hollywood has descended on this year’s nominations, with TV, film and music stars receiving recognition including , Sarah Jessica Parker’s first Olivier Award nomination for her razor sharp performance in “Plaza Suite”, James Norton for “A Little Life” and Nicole Scherzinger (previously nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 2015) for the beautiful “Sunset Boulevard”. Further acclaimed performers in the running for Best Actor and Actress follow their remarkable appearances in one-person plays including Sarah Snook’s first Olivier Award nomination for “The Picture Of Dorian Gray”, Andrew Scott for “Vanya” and Sheridan Smith for “Shirley Valentine”. 

Haydn Gwynne has been posthumously nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in “When Winston Went To War With The Wireless” at Donmar Warehouse.

Lorraine Ashbourne (“Till The Stars Come Down”), Priyanga Burford (“An Enemy Of The People”), Gina McKee (“Dear England”) and Tanya Reynolds (“A Mirror”) have also been nominated in the category of Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

The Best Musical Revival category has also seen a swell of strong favourites including The Old Vic’s “Groundhog Day” which won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2017, alongside The Bridge Theatre’s spectacularly immersive “Guys & Dolls”, epic “Hadestown” at Lyric Theatre and the stunning “Sunset Boulevard” at the Savoy Theatre.

Eleanor Worthington-Cox has been nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for her performance in “Next To Normal” at Donmar Warehouse. In 2012, at just 10 years old, Eleanor was the youngest ever Olivier Award winner when she won Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, alongside her co-starring Matildas.

The Olivier Awards nominations were announced from midday, Tuesday 12 March on Official London Theatre’s TikTok. The Olivier Awards on Sunday 14 April will be hosted by Hannah Waddingham and broadcast via ITV. Further details of the ceremony will be announced soon. 

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