Leeds Grand Theatre – until 30th November 2024

Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes

4****

 “What if Juliet didn’t kill herself?” is not an A Level English question but a question asked by Anne Hathaway at the start of the show after discovering Shakespeare has finally written an ending to his new play. Well, if Juliet had lived you get & Juliet, the jukebox musical featuring songs written by Max Martin which has finally embarked on a national tour following a sold out run in the West End.

Starting at the end of Romeo and Juliet, Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning) asks Shakespeare (Matt Cardle) why Juliet has to die, just because Romeo does. This leads to Anne taking over and rewriting the ending of the play, even giving herself a role in the play. Things seems to be going well for Juliet until Shakespeare brings Romeo (Jack Danson) back from the dead. This does not go down well with Anne and leads to an argument between her and her husband until they have a heart to heart and Anne, and Juliet, get the ending they want.

Gerardine Sacdalan is amazing as Juliet, being both confused by her feelings for Romeo and her sense for adventure. Joining Sacdalan is Jordan Broatch as May, Juliet’s best friend, and Sandra Marvin as her nurse. Whilst on her adventures Juliet meets Francois, Kyle Cox, whom she nearly marries, and Lance (Dr Ranj Singh), the strict father of Francois. 

The cast work well together and the relationship between Cardle and Denning is absolutely amazing, they need more stage time together. The mix of modern and Shakespearean English works well with several famous Shakespeare quotes thrown in for good measure. Shakespeare even tells the audience which phrases he gave to the English language.

With female empowerment a key theme throughout, this is a musical not to be missed. You will laugh, you will cry, you will sing. Grab a ticket while you can because this show is going to sell out fast and you do not want to miss it.

Forum Theatre, Malvern – 17th November 2024

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

Another night in the heart of the Midlands and the musical firmament is once more ablaze courtesy of Malvern Concert Club’s immaculate programming and the fabulous artists who grace the stage of Malvern Theatres! Tonight’s stellar musical offerings span the early to late Romantic eras with a piece from last Century thrown in for good measure (and variety), giving us 4 top notch Violin Sonatas to savour.

First up was Franz Schubert’s Sonata in A D.574 Grand Duo. From the composer’s early period, Beethoven looms large over the work in much the same way as the picturesque Malvern Hills dominate the town’s skyline.

Our performers this evening were Maria Włoszczowska on violin and Alasdair Beatson on piano. I was mightily impressed from the first instant, from the opening notes, how tight a unit they were. They had an almost telepathic connection and an obvious rapport with lots of eye contact. There was clearly a very fond connection between them – and it showed in the joy of performing together which they brought to the concert platform. Ms Włoszczowska wowed me with the facility she showed as she shot around the fingerboard, making the fast, florid runs seem light and easy – which, of course, they were anything but easy to execute. Her tone was gorgeous and the quiet held notes were exquisite! Mr Beatson had equal command over his instrument and technique. I loved his shifts in dynamics with those enormous, hall filling chords positively erupting from the Steinway to thrilling effect – taking full advantage of the Pianoforte (soft and loud).

Fauré’s Violin Sonata No.2 in E minor Op.108 concluded the first half of the concert. Written in 1917, it is very typical of early 20th Century French music. That’s not to denigrate it in any way, as I adore the dreamy, folky quality that era evokes. The duo played the piece beautifully, giving us a reading both full of wistful tenderness and regretful melancholy. A sumptuous feast for the ears.

Schubert Sonata in A minor D.385 opened the second half with another classic of the genre. A fabulously romantic work from the teen wonderkid, the musicians wrung every ounce of emotion out of this passionate, youthful outpouring. I was particularly taken with the heart wrenching middle movement and the explosive “everything but the kitchen sink” ending that Keith Moon would have been proud to finish a set with. Sensational.

But, for me, the best was yet to come as proceedings concluded with the stunning Sonata for violin and piano in E flat, Op.18 by Richard Strauss. Pyrotechnics, a plethora of even more heartbreaking melodies and a veritable blizzard of notes battling with crashing chords gave us all we could wish for and more to conclude this wondrous night’s celebration of the Violin Sonata!

An absolutely faultless display from the musicians who should be incredibly proud of themselves for giving us such thrilling readings. Malvern Concert club proves once again to be the gift that keeps giving. They truly deserve our support and I, for one, can’t wait for their next Concert.

SPEND AN EVENING WITH SIR TIM RICE AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Sir Tim Rice, the multi-award winning, internationally renowned lyricist, will visit Darlington Hippodrome in 2025 with Tim Rice My Life In Musicals – I Know Him So Well on Monday 26 May.

This incredibly special show which toured earlier this year has proved so popular that 33 new dates have been added. During the show Tim reflects on his illustrious career at the heart of musical theatre, sharing anecdotes behind the songs – the hits and the misses along with stories of his life. There will be live performances from the wonderful catalogue of songs that are synonymous with his name and that of his collaborators. Musical accompaniment will be from an array of the UK’s leading West End singers and musicians led by Musical Director Duncan Waugh.

Tim is associated with writing the lyrics for so many of the world’s great musicals – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Chess, and the Disney productions The Lion King, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. His work has not been limited to musical theatre with Evita transferring to the big screen and All Time High, the theme music for the James Bond movie Octopussy with music by John Barry and lyrics by Tim Rice.

With a show packed full of songs including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina (Evita), Any Dream Will Do (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat), A Whole New World (Aladdin) Can You Feel The Love Tonight (The Lion King), I Don’t Know How To Love Him (Jesus Christ Superstar) , Circle of Life (The Lion King), Chess, Hakuna Matata (The Lion King) Another Suitcase in Another Hall (Evita), I Know Him So Well (Chess), All Time High (Octopussy), Must Love Me (Evita), and A Night In Bangkok (Chess), My Life In Musicals is an absolute must for fans of musical theatre and brilliant music.

Regarded by many as one of the world’s greatest lyricists Tim Rice commented My Life in Musicals is a show in which I reveal all (well, nearly all) of the secrets behind the creation of some of the best-known songs featuring my lyrics. I have had the good fortune to work with some of the greatest composers of our time, including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny

Andersson, Elton John, and Alan Menken, without whose wonderful melodies I’d be at home watching television.

Tim told us “You’ll know quite a few of the songs – and will therefore be relieved to hear I won’t be singing them. All musical aspects of the show I hand over to the outstanding Duncan Waugh Band and West End Singers. There will be plenty of stops in between the hits during which I’ll tell you how they happened and, in some cases, nearly didn’t. Actually, I might sing a little – but not Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.”

What better way to celebrate the world of musical theatre than with Sir Tim Rice.

Sir Tim Rice – My Life In Musicals – I Know Him So Well comes to Darlington Hippodrome on Monday 26 May, 2025. For full details or to book call the Box Office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

TODAYTIX ANNOUNCE BIGGEST EVER BLACK FRIDAY PROMOTION FEATURING OVER 50 SHOWS

Save up to 40% on West End theatre tickets

Theatre ticketing platform TodayTix has unveiled its largest-ever Black Friday promotion, offering access to more than 50 of London’s most acclaimed productions at up to 40% off.

From 9am today, Monday 18^th November, these great value-for-money tickets will be available to all. This offer gives audiences the chance to see the hottest shows in town including MJ The Musical, The Lehman Trilogy, Les Miserables, the National Theatre’s Dear England and more and Back To The Future at amazing prices this festive season – continuing to ensure that theatre is accessible to all, especially at this magical time of year.

With tickets from just £15 it’s the perfect time to book that show you’ve been waiting for and makes a great Christmas gift. The TodayTix Black Friday promotion also includes favourites like Guys & Dolls, The Mousetrap, Starlight Express and The Play That Goes Wrong, plus so many more.

Plus, with the TodayTix Rewards program (available in the TodayTix app) members can start earning rewards from just two tickets.

For more information about TodayTix’s exciting Black Friday promotion and to purchase tickets, download the TodayTix app or visit todaytix.com.

Participating shows include: MJ The Musical, The Book of Mormon, Guys & Dolls, Les Misérables,, Only Fools & Horses, Starlight Express, Dear England, , The Duchess, The Lehman Trilogy, The Mousetrap, The Play That Goes Wrong, Fawlty Towers, Waiting for Godot, Why Am I So Single?, Titanique, A Christmas Carol(ish), A Very Naughty Christmas, Ballet Shoes, Bat Out of Hell, Cirque du Soleil – Corteo, Jamie Allan’s Amaze, La Clique, Musicals by Candlelight at Christmas, The Elixir of Love, The Pirates of Penzance, The Snowman, [Title of Show], 101 Dalmatians, Dr. Strangelove, Juno and the Paycock, Giselle – English National Ballet, A Good House, Aladdin, Alterations, Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, Circa’s Duckpond, Cyrano, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Here You Come Again, How To Fight Loneliness, Humbug, The Little Foxes, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out, Play On!, Shanghai Dolls, The Last Laugh, The Legends of Them, The Liar, The Bi*ch and the Wardrobe, The Lonely Londoners, The Marriage of Figaro, The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary, The Purists, Wilko: Love Death and Rock n Roll.

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PLAY TO TOUR UK PRESENTED BY

TEEPEE PRODUCTIONS AND JOE BROWN

FLUFF

WRITTEN BY TAYLA KENYON AND JAMES PIERCY

It’s time for Fluff to do the ultimate puzzle… her life.

But Fluff hates puzzles; especially word searches. She can never find the words and doesn’t understand why there’s a half eaten birthday cake and a woman who keeps visiting her room. As she navigates her way through her most treasured and darkest memories, Fluff desperately needs to piece together her life; story by story, person by person. This darkly comedic play explores memories and the choices we make in life.

Winner of the Best Theatre Production at the Buxton Fringe 2024, alongside awards for Best Performance and Best New Piece at the Birmingham Fringe 2023. The non-linear plot line allows the audience to feel, first hand, the devastating affects of dementia, through joining Fluff in her journey to uncover her life’s memories.

Fluff, is proud to be supported by the Arts Council England, W3RT, Alzheimer’s Society, Trauma Breakthrough UK and Herts Musical Memories.

Previous praise for FLUFF:

“A thoughtful piece of theatre that bounces between past and present seemingly effortlessly, it held my attention from beginning to end” ★★★★ LondonTheatre1

“A stirring narrative that’ll keep you hooked” ★★★★ Theatre & Tonic

“Tayla Kenyon is compelling” ★★★★ The Upcoming

“Not just a fluff piece – this show has grit” ★★★★★ Bum On A Seat

NEW CAST MEMBERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE ICONIC LONDON THRILLER

ST MARTIN’S THEATRE, LONDON
uk.the-mousetrap.co.uk 

New casting is announced for Agatha Christie’s iconic thriller The Mousetrap, the longest running play in the world, which continues to enthral audiences at London’s St Martin’s Theatre.

From 18 November 2024, the full new cast will include Lara Lemon (Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall) as Mollie Ralston, Harry Bradley (The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre) as Giles Ralston, Richard Leeming (The Haunting at the New Vic) as Christopher Wren, Rekha John-Cheriyan The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on national and international tour) as Mrs Boyle, Owen Oakeshott (Land of the Free at Southwark Playhouse) as Major Metcalf, Grace Darling (Queen at Edinburgh Fringe Festival) as Miss Casewell, Alasdair Buchan (Accolade at Theatre Royal Windsor and on tour) as Mr Paravicini, and Daniel Rainford (Laughing Boy at Jermyn Street Theatre) as Detective Sgt. Trotter. Additional members of the company include Liv Koplick, Clive Marlowe, Richard Parnwell, Ben Riddle, and Cathryn Sherman who will understudy various roles.

The Director of The Mousetrap is Philip Franks. Denise Silvey is the Artistic Director.

As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at Monkswell Manor, a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst. One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts. Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim?

Genre-defining murder mystery The Mousetrap, written by Agatha Christie, the world’s best-selling novelist of all time, premiered at Theatre Royal Nottingham in 1952 and toured the UK before opening in the West End. It continues its record-breaking engagement at the St Martin’s Theatre, entering its 73rd year on 25 November 2024 and playing its 30,000 performances on the 19 March 2025.

The Mousetrap is produced by Brian Fenty. This cast will play until 10 May 2025. The Mousetrap is currently booking at the St. Martins Theatre until the 27 September 2025.

An Aria Entertainment and Sheffield Theatres Production

· THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED WORLD PREMIERE OF KENREX FROM THE CREATOR OF THE OLIVIER NOMINATED CRUISE WILL TRANSFER TO SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE BOROUGH FROM 14 FEBRUARY – 16 MARCH 2025.

· PART TRUE CRIME, PART WESTERN, KENREX IS WRITTEN BY BOTH JACK HOLDEN (WHO ALSO PERFORMS) AND ED STAMBOLLOUIAN (WHO ALSO DIRECTS), WITH AN ORIGINAL SCORE PERFORMED LIVE BY JOHN PATRICK ELLIOTT.

· TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.SOUTHWARKPLAYHOUSE.CO.UK/

Aria Entertainment and Sheffield Theatres are thrilled to announce that the world premiere of KENREX will transfer from Sheffield Theatres’ Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse to Southwark Playhouse Borough from 14 February – 16 March 2025. Following a sold-out run in Sheffield where it garnered multiple five-star reviews, KENREX is part True Crime, part Western, with a foot-stomping live Americana soundtrack, devised by Jack Holden (Olivier-nominated Cruise) and Ed Stambollouian.

‘911, what’s your emergency?’

‘My husband… they shot him… they all did.’

July 10th 1981. Skidmore, Missouri. A man is shot dead in broad daylight. There are sixty witnesses — but no one saw a thing.

Jack Holden (Marriage, BBC; War Horse, National Theatre) performs the one-person show, jumping between characters in a high-octane blend of vocals, sound effects and song. He is accompanied on stage by composer and musician John Patrick Elliott (award-winning composer, recent album includes My Role in the Show), and directed by co-writer Ed Stambollouian (Animal Farm, Royal & Derngate; More More More Joe Lycett, UK Tour).

The full creative team includes co-writers Jack Holden and Ed Stambollouian, original music writer and performed by John Patrick Elliott, direction by Ed Stambollouian, design by Anisha Fields; lighting and video design by Joshua Pharo; sound design by Giles Thomas, movement direction by Sarah Golding and production management by James Anderton.

An album, KENREX Music from the Play by John Patrick Elliott via Carbon Moon Records is now available to stream. The album brings together Elliott’s songs and instrumental compositions that feature in the play, as well as additional bonus tracks from the development of the piece.

THE LOWRY THEATRE, SALFORD – SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2024

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

5*****

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s opera, Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), premiered in 1791 and tells a magical story in two acts. It is a cherished opera known for its enchanting elements, profound themes, and beautiful melodies. The libretto, written by Emmanuel Schikaneder, is being presented in English through Jeremy Sams’ adaptation. Opera North’s revival of their 1978 production offers a dynamic and refreshing interpretation of Mozart’s timeless opera. The use of English and subtitles displayed on screens, both sides of the stage, makes it easier to follow. The opera combines elements of a modern musical with spoken dialogue and engaging musical numbers, alongside traditional singing. This combination makes it an inviting and delightful experience for both opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Last night’s performance featured integrated British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, Sarah Cox and Richard Jackson. It was truly an experience to witness them not only interpreting the dialogue and singing but also conveying the music itself!

Director James Brining allows the audience to experience the opera from a child’s perspective. We first and last see a little girl, which beautifully frames the enchanting chaos that unfolds throughout the performance.

The stage design by Colin Richmond showcases striking, angular shapes that help create a captivating environment. The set moves seamlessly between fantastical and more stark elements, reflecting the contrasting themes of light and darkness within the opera. Richmond also designed the costumes, which offer a lively mix of classical and creative styles. Characters wear outfits that represent different roles; from the grand priest Sarastro, who appears to lead a group of devoted followers dressed in robes reminiscent of the TV version of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, to a Maleficent-meets-Elizabeth Taylor glamour for the Queen of the Night. This unique and thoughtful appearance effectively links the opera’s imaginative narrative to its deeper emotional themes.

Chris Davey’s stunning lighting, along with Douglas O’Connell’s video designs, produces engaging on-stage effects through projections. These features, including creative props like lightsabres, work together to enrich the storytelling. Opera North’s rendition of The Magic Flute provides a visual experience that encourages interaction and enjoyment for everyone involved.

The evening featured outstanding performances, with the Three Ladies contributing enjoyable comedy amidst beautiful harmonies. However, it is Emyr Wyn Jones who truly enhances the show. His comedic skills, excellent timing, and unique physical portrayal of the character Papageno make each of his scenes a pleasure to watch, engaging the audience throughout the performance.

The performance that garnered a strong ‘Bravo’ and applause was Anna Dennis’s rendition of ‘Der Hölle Rache‘ from The Queen of the Night’s Act Two. This aria, one of Mozart’s most famous pieces, is particularly notable for its rapid high C repetitions and numerous high F notes. It presents a significant challenge for many sopranos, showcasing remarkable vocal skills.

You’ll get another chance to see this exciting opera at The Lowry next March!

BRAVE AND BELTY VIRAL POP MUSICAL 

THE MAD ONES to transfer to  

The Other Palace for four weeks only May 2025 

Electric Press Productions in association with West End Best Friend Productions are thrilled to announce that the Drama Desk-nominated Outstanding Musical, THE MAD ONES will play a limited run at the Other Palace Studio from Wednesday 7th May – Sunday 1st June 2025. 

Tickets are on sale now at: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/the-mad-ones/. 

Following a 5-Star run at the Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham last April, The Mad Ones will transfer to The Other Palace Studio for a four-week run in May 2025, where it will make it’s London debut.  

The musical, which was an instant viral hit on YouTube, tells the tale of Samantha Brown – a senior in high school who, after the tragic death of her vivacious best friend Kelly in a car wreck, loses not only her closest confidante, but also the part of herself that was learning to be brave. Now, Sam has to make a decision: to follow the path her mother has set out for her, or to summon the courage to drive away from her friends and family into a future she can scarcely imagine.  

Featuring music by Bree Lowdermilk, with book and lyrics by Kait Kerrigan, this touching and hilarious musical traverses the complexities of mother-daughter dynamics and the universal experience of high school relationships, and will have its audience members connecting with the true meaning of ‘Freedom’ (and perhaps even asking each other to ‘Run Away with Me’!)  

This announcement comes hot on the heels of news that Kerrigan’s The Great Gatsby will be transferring to the West End from Broadway next April, which means a double whammy of London shows for the Broadway Lyricist and book writer next spring.  

The Mad Ones, formerly known as The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown, opened off-Broadway (Prospect Theater Company at 59E59) on November 17, 2017. 

Even before licensing rights became available in December 2019, The Mad Ones sold 15,000+ individual pieces of digital sheet music, amassed millions of YouTube views, and inspired thousands of fan videos. 

Theatre Fan: ‘Beautiful, Soulful, Heartbreaking… Welcome to your new Musical Theatre 

Obsession!’ 

Theatre & Tonic: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Curtain Call Reviews: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Adventures in Theatreland: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Whats on Live: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Musical Theatre Review: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

THE MAD ONES is helmed by director Emily Susanne Lloyd, with musical direction by Callum Thompson, and artwork by Tom Mann of Ghostlight Studios. 

The show’s Producer, Samantha Creswick, says “We are so proud and excited to be bringing this show to a London audience, and connecting with a wider group of fans, many of whom have been listening to it in their bedrooms and cars since before the pandemic! It’s such a rich and resonant coming-of-age story that is perhaps even more relevant to audiences now than when it was first written, and we couldn’t be more proud to have found its perfect home in The Other Palace Studio.”  

This is an Electric Press & West End Best Friend production, presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Limited. 

LISTINGS INFORMATION 

The Mad Ones 

Wednesday 7th May – Sunday June 1st 2025 

The Other Palace Studio – Tickets are available NOW. 
 
SOCIAL MEDIA

@themadones_uk – Instagram
@themadones_uk – Tiktok
The Mad Ones UK – Facebook

The Swan Theatre Stratford-Upon-Avon – until 19th January 2025

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

4****

The RSC’s rendition of The Red Shoes is a devilishly delicious treat. The Hans Christian Anderson tale has been revamped and reworked in a way to tantalise and terrify. Permeated with loss and laughter, its gruesome and gripping from its theatrical opening to its touching ending. Directed by Kimberley Rampersad and written by Nancy Harris, this version employs wonderful regional accents, cinematic scores and deceptively simple sets to enhance the storytelling.

16-year-old orphan Karen is left alone and temporarily mute by the devastating loss of her mother. Adopted by the wealthy, self-absorbed and self-serving Nugent Family, she soon realises she is their badge of philanthropy. Karen finds no love or care from her adoptive parents, Bob and Mariellla, and she is terrorised by her adoptive brother Clive, who is obsessed with chopping up and stuffing animals. Her only solace is the family’s kind housekeeper Mags, and her love for dancing. Needing new shoes for a charity event, Karen encounters the mysterious shoemaker Sylvestor, who persuades her to reject the sensible shoes Mariella insists she buys and instead offers her a pair of alluring red shoes. The shoes fit her perfectly and turn her world upside down, allowing her to express herself fully through dance and be seen, but they are not all that they appear to be.

This production presents some beautiful scenes to tell the story. Aside from the stunning dance pieces there are some moving moments and surprisingly hilarious retort amongst the characters. The dinner party scene is a triumph, the ball scene is dreamy, and the final dance will touch your heart.

Colin Richmond’s set and costume design is striking. The stage predominantly set in red is beautifully juxtaposed by costumes being on the other end of the colour palette in shades of green. A garish portrait of the Nugent’s doubling as a mirror fully exposing their ego’s is a joy to behold. Actors depicting taxidermy animals, disembodied legs displaying shoes and animatronic feet, all the stuff of true nightmares. Ryan Day’s lighting is atmospheric, bathing the stage in red, casting shadows and highlighting/lowlighting to add some true eeriness to the piece.

Nikki Cheung is wonderful as Karen whose exceptional dancing skills makes us believe that the shoes are imbued with magic. Dianne Pilkington balances her performance as hideously hypercritical Mariella perfectly. James Doherty completely embodies Bob’s conceitedness matching Mariella as the truly awful adoptive parents. Joseph Edwards is fascinating to watch as creepy Clive. Sebastien Torkia excells as Sylvestor/Priest, rhyming and scheming, plotting and preening. Sakuntala Ramanee is delightful as Mags, master manipulator of Mariella, but for all the right reasons.

Where this production struggles a little is with the songs. They don’t fully fit. Reminiscent of Hadestown but not as evocative, they struck an odd chord. However, Marc Teitler’s music, along with the band of seven, sat above the stage was majestic.

The RSC’s adaptation of The Red Shoes is entertaining, enchanting and an exciting alternative traditional Christmas production.