Nestled in the arches underneath Charing Cross Train Station is the small and intimate Charing Cross Theatre. Away from the main stages of London’s West End, this theatre is rustic, a bit rough around the edges and the perfect setting for the Wild West. After attending the rehearsals for this show last month, I was very excited to see the final product!
Based on Clint Eastwood’s 1980 film of the same name, Bronco Billy the Musical is a wild ride about family, love, acceptance and an evil villainess plot for murder. Bronco Billy played by the incredible Tarinn Callender (Come From Away, Hamilton, The Drifters Girl) is the sharpest shooter in the West. Travelling with this troupe of performers, he is trying to make a life for his family. When heiress Antoinette Lily, played by Emily Benjamin (Bat Out of Hell, Cabaret) appears in his life after fleeing from her evil step mother, his family and heart grow a little bit bigger.
The music and lyrics creators, Chip Rosenbloom and John Torres manage to create show stopping tune from the first word! With hits like “Come Ride With Us” and “I’m Gonna Be Strong”, each musical number ensures the audience are tapping their foot along to the beat. Tarinn Callender is the star of the night! His low sweet voice bellows, sending shockwaves around the theatre, making it a pleasure to listen too. His cheeky charm and dance moves all add the infectious aurora around this actor. Each of the leads were given their moment to shine, and shine they did! Mixing Disco with the Wild West is not a genre I thought I’d ever witness, but this musical soundtrack needs to be heard to be believed! Trust me you’ll love it!
Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Bat Boy, In The Heights, Grease) plays evil villainess stepmother Constance Lily. Her over the top mannerisms and acting took me by surprise at first, but turned in to a side-splitting comedy masterpiece. Victoria was missing from the rehearsals last month, and I so am glad she was. This would have ruined the surprise of her masterfully pulling off the outrageous comedic farce that unfolded on stage. It truly shows the magnitude of her acting ability to be able to over perform a role to such an extent and make it a success.
Under the proficient direction of Hunter Bird and Illusion Designer John Bulleid, the cast of Bronco Billy have expertly honed their skills for this show. On stage you can expect to see magic, illusions, lassoing and gun slinging, all performed almost flawlessly by this talented cast.
Bronco Billy the Musical is a bit rough around the edges, with multiple mishaps happening throughout the show. Props misbehaving, a badly placed cactus which became a triphazard and although not planned, added to the charm of this show. With a few fine tweaks this show could be huge. These little details did not distract from the fact that Bronco Billy the Musical is a sure-fire, gun-slinging, Wild-West Disco Rodeo not to be missed!
Hull Truck Theatre are inviting audiences to enjoy a variety of good entertainment onstage and screen this February. Whether you are looking for family fun over the half term break, a laugh out loud night out with friends at a stand-up gig, or a thoughtprovoking evening of reflection – Hull Truck Theatre have got you covered.
Luke Dankoff, Producer / Programmer at Hull Truck Theatre, said:
‘February sees a remarkable spread of companies from different scales and backgrounds performing on our stages. It is amazing to see audiences connect and enjoy the huge variety of talent that we work incredibly hard to secure for Hull Truck. The variety of the programme reflects the importance of responding to what our audiences would like to see on stage, from music and drama to comedy I hope that you enjoy what these amazing companies have to showcase.’
To kick off the month, Hull Truck Theatre will pay tribute to National Storytelling Week, a celebration of the art of storytelling and the power of stories to connect, entertain, and inspire. One remarkable story is shared through Mama Afrika (Friday 2 February), celebrating an iconic South African Singer, song writer and civil rights activist, told by Zimbabwean born singer, musician, and storyteller Anna Mudeka. Featuring many best loved songs including Mbube, Pata Pata and Soweto Blues.
From one story to many stories, As SHE Likes It will be on stage for one night only on Saturday 3 February. Sharing the collective stories of the many women whose voices have been silenced, this is a darkly comedic explosion of multimedia, verbatim, cabaret and drag, inspired by the story of the #MeToo pioneer Patricia Douglas. It’s been nearly 100 years since Patricia Douglas was lured to a studio party under the guise of a casting call, in what was perhaps the biggest, best-suppressed scandal in Hollywood history.
Hull Truck Theatre favourite and founder of Northern Broadsides, Barrie Rutter returns with Barrie Rutter’s Shakespeare’s Royals (Thursday 8 February). This never afraid to be outspoken, and irrepressible Yorkshireman will share memories from a career of playing and directing Bard’s Kings & Queens – sharing their achievements, conquests and foibles.
This February Half Term, Hull Truck Theatre invites families to enjoy a jam-packed programme of theatre experiences for children from ages 0+. A Great Pirate Adventure (Saturday 10 & Monday 12 February) is specially designed for adventurers aged 3 -6 and will feature an arts and crafts session followed by an interactive play that uses whatever you have made. Shark in the Park (Tuesday 13 – Thursday 15 February) is the fin-tastic family musical featuring all three of Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in the Park’ book series – recommended for younger families. Peppa Pig also celebrates her 20th anniversary and to mark such a huge occasion she is throwing the most epic party ever – and all her friends are invited. Join the fun at Peppa’s Cinema Party (Saturday 10 – Thursday 15 February) – for ages 0+.
For children aged 5+, Ministry of Science Live (Friday 16 February) will present a dive deep into the world of science with 20ft liquid nitrogen clouds and oxygen and helium balloons. Morgan & West’s Massive Magic Show for Kids! (Tuesday 20 February) is back and just as relentlessly funny and fantastically magic filled as ever. Guaranteed to delight those aged 5 and 105, and everyone in between!
For Cinema lovers Hull Truck Screen hosts in collaboration once again in February with Hull Independent Cinema and National Theatre Live.
Hull Independent Cinema will present Fallen Leaves (12A) (Saturday 3 February) where two lonely souls meet by chance in a local karaoke bar. A quietly witty script played with perfectly deadpan performances. Monica (15) (Wednesday 7 February) follows a transgender woman trying to repair a broken relationship with her mother in a moving, moody and stylish drama. On The Adamant (PG) (Friday 9 February) is a compassionate, warm and sympathetic documentary that gives privileged access into the lives of adults suffering from mental illness.
NT Live explores the complexities of human emotions where hopes, dreams, and regrets are thrust into sharp focus in the one-man adaptation of Vanya(Encore Screening) (15) (Friday 23 February).
Game for a laugh? Apocalypse Now Then (Friday 16 – Saturday 17 February) will present a new comedy sharing – performed script-in-hand – asking the question: How is a bloke from Hull allowed his own army division? And what would you do if you were uprooted from your home and moved to a new housing estate. The hysterically funny Aaron Simmonds: Baby Steps (Thursday 22 February) invites audiences to discover the positive side of being disabled, from having a blue badge to sex in disabled toilets, meeting “Jesus” and everything in between. From one stand-up comedian to another, Daniel Foxx: Villain (Saturday 24 February) brings his sensational show about childhood, Tilda Swinton and bullying (but in a chic way) to Hull, and Miles Jupp: On I Bang (Wednesday 28 February) has a story to tell and a few things that he’d like to share about his discovery of a tumour the size of a cherry tomato – a tale about surprise, fear, luck, and love.
If it’s a night of music you are after, Snake Davis Band Classic Sax Solos (Saturday 17 February) can break hearts, lift spirits and even change lives. Rave On (Wednesday 21 February) returns by popular demand with leading performers from West End productions The Buddy Holly Story, Million Dollar Quartet and Dreamboats & Petticoats. Whole Lotta Shakin’: The Shakin’ Stevens Story (Thursday 22 February) is the Award-Winning tribute to the UK’s biggest selling singles artists of the 1980’s. Not forgetting the unforgettable King for a Day: The Nat King Cole Story (Thursday 29 February) presenting a unique concert that celebrates one of the greatest vocalists and entertainers of the Twentieth Century.
Finally, calling all sports fans! A Tale of Two Cities (Friday 23 February) will tell the story of Hull’s two Rugby League clubs: Hull Kingston Rovers and Hull FC. Touching down on issues far beyond an oval ball, this performance will mix stories, images and songs to offer a wider context beyond the game. A Derby of words and songs and an exploration of how sport can be the community glue that binds.
To book tickets for any of the shows on stage at Hull Truck Theatre in February 2024, please visit: www.hulltruck.co.uk
Birmingham Royal Ballet returns to The Lowry this Spring as part of its 2024 UK tour of Sir Peter Wright’s sumptuous staging of The Sleeping Beauty – in the production’s 40th anniversary year.
BRB – a partner company of The Lowry – will visit Salford from Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th March and it follows on from the 2023 UK tour of Sir Peter Wright’s Swan Lake – BRB’s most successful spring tour to date.
Last seen on UK stages over six years ago, The Sleeping Beauty continues Birmingham Royal Ballet’s legacy of presenting the acclaimed heritage classics and celebrating the beloved work of its founder, Sir Peter Wright.
The Sleeping Beauty is the fourth of Sir Peter Wright’s productions to be presented by the company since autumn 2022, following Coppélia, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. The acclaimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia performs Tchaikovsky’s glorious score live, with designs by Philip Prowse and lighting design by Mark Jonathan.
Sir Peter Wright said:“I find it hard to believe that this tour marks the 40th Anniversary of The Sleeping Beauty. This has always been the most opulent of ballets, but Philip Prowse’s
incredible design created a unique fairy tale world (with almost 30 fairy character tutus alone!) that allows dancers to really inhabit some of classical ballet’s most famous roles.”
Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet Carlos Acosta said“I am thrilled to be reviving Sir Peter Wright’s production of The Sleeping Beauty in the Spring of 2024. The Company is
excited to be delighting audiences once more with this definitive version of one of the great classical ballets, welcoming people of all ages to our performances throughout the UK.”
Partnerships announced for Olivier Awards 2024 with Mastercard
Mastercard returns as headline sponsor for the 14th year
17 new and returning partnerships have been announced, including ITV and TikTok
Partners for the Olivier Awards 2024 with Mastercard, the most prestigious night in British theatre, have been announced. The star-studded ceremony takes place on Sunday 14 April at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Partnerships include entertainment, production and award category sponsors.
Mastercard returns as headline sponsor for the 14th year, championing the very best of London theatre with their support of the Mastercard Best New Musical category, which they have proudly sponsored since 2014. Mastercard have provided priceless opportunities, solely for cardholders, including exclusive access to public ticketing, VIP ticket packages and sweepstakes giving lucky winners the chance to sit with the stars.
Charlie Carrington, Senior Vice President Marketing & Communications, UK and Ireland at Mastercard said:
“We are delighted to partner once again with the Olivier Awards to celebrate the best talent and performances London theatre has to offer. Mastercard continues to work closely with the creative industries and champion all those performing on stage or behind the scenes, whilst bringing fans closer to their passion for theatre.”
Eleanor Lloyd, President of the Society of London Theatre, said:
“The Society of London Theatre is hugely grateful for Mastercard’s invaluable support of the Olivier Awards, without which this key event in the theatrical calendar could simply not take place, and to all of our partners and supporters for their year-round championship of theatre and the arts.”
Highlights from the Awards will be shown on the evening of the ceremony by returning broadcast partners ITV1 and ITVX. TikTok will be the Awards’ official mobile entertainment platform, hosting their pre-ceremony Green Carpet livestream on the Official London Theatre channel for the second year.
Cunard returns to sponsor the Best Revival category for a fifth year, as well as the nominees’ celebration, which is hosted at The Londoner by the Awards’ longtime hotel partner who will also be sponsoring the Best New Play category. VIP guests will enjoy refreshments courtesy of returning Champagne partner Taittinger, both at the nominees’ celebration and on the night itself.
The Lynne & Land Foundation, established by the late esteemed choreographer Gillian Lynne and her husband Peter Land, returns to sponsor the Gillian Lynne Award for Best Theatre Choreographer.
The Noel Coward Foundation will again sponsor the Best Entertainment or New Comedy Play category, which is named in honour of the great British playwright.
Additional returning partners include Global, Heart of London Business Alliance, Newman Displays and See Tickets.
Continuing as production partners for the ceremony are Blue I Theatre Technology, d&b audiotechnik, TAIT, Unusual Rigging and White Light.
THE PLAYWRIGHTING DEBUT OF BEST-SELLING HISTORICAL AUTHOR PHILIPPA GREGORY
SHAKESPEARE NORTH PLAYHOUSE 8 – 30 MARCH 2024
THEATRE ROYAL BURY ST EDMUNDS 11 – 27 APRIL 2024
The full cast has today been announced for best-selling historical author Philippa Gregory’s playwright debut Richard, My Richard. This world premiere – a co-production between Shakespeare North Playhouse and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds – isan innovative new stage play. Inspired by the real life of Richard III; which challenges the reputation of one of history’s most enigmatic characters: a passionate, tender portrait of the man in his time, and the women who determine his fate.
Richard, My Richard, directed by Katie Posner, will launch at Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot 8 – 30 March and then play from 11 – 27 April at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.
With an explosion of tarmac, a Leicester Car park erupts and Richard III crashes from his lost tomb to meet the character who has ruined his reputation: History – the record keeper who doesn’t always have his mind on the task.
Richard believes he has risen from the grave to heaven with an unstained conscience, and History has the awkward task of telling the Undead King that he is remembered as one of the greatest villains. History admits- he has his own doubts. He is far from a reliable narrator: his perspective is skewed, he has his favorites, some people he completely ignores. History overlooks people and stories.
Funny, poignant, and underpinned by research, Richard’s secrets have not died with him, he rises up to tell us the story, his story, History.
The full cast are Kyle Rowe (The Devil’s Hour – Amazon Prime, Sexy Beast – Paramount+) as ‘Richard’, Tom Kanji (Julius Caesar – Royal Shakespeare Theatre/UK Tour, Private Peaceful – UK Tour) as ‘History’, Tyler Dobbs (A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Shakespeare North Playhouse, Tom’s Midnight Garden – Theatre By The Lake) as ‘George/Buckingham’, Jennifer Matter (Arthur & Merlin: Knights of Camelot – Picture Perfect, Villain – Greenville Media) as ‘Queen’, Olivier Award nominee Tori Burgess (Tony! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] – UK Tour, Pride & Prejudice* (*Sort Of) – Tron Theatre, West End & UK Tour) as ‘Anne’, Laura Smithers (First Encounters: Twelfth Night – RSC’s The Other Place & UK Tour, Clarion – Arcola Theatre)as ‘Margaret’, Matt Concannon (Lazarus Project– SKY, The Girl on the Train– UK Tour) as ‘Edward/ Thomas Stanley’ and Mary Savage (Who the F—k is Shakespeare – 20 Stories High, as ‘Elizabeth’. [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] – UK Tour, Pride & Prejudice* (*Sort Of) – Tron Theatre, West End & UK Tour) as ‘Anne’, Laura Smithers (First Encounters: Twelfth Night – RSC’s The Other Place & UK Tour, Clarion – Arcola Theatre)as ‘Margaret’, Matt Concannon (Lazarus Project– SKY, The Girl on the Train– UK Tour) as ‘Edward/ Thomas Stanley’ and Mary Savage (Who the F—k is Shakespeare – 20 Stories High) as ‘Elizabeth’.
Dr Philippa Gregory CBE, FRHS, is one of the world’s foremost historical novelists. She wrote her first novel, Wideacre, while completing her PhD in eighteenth-century literature at the University of Edinburgh, and it sold worldwide, heralding a new era for historical fiction. Her flair for blending history and imagination developed into a signature style and Philippa went on to write many bestselling novels, including The Other BoleynGirl and The White Queen.Now a recognised authority on women’s history, Philippa graduated from the University of Sussex and received a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, where she is a Regent and was made Alumna of the Year in 2009. She holds honorary degrees from Teesside University and the University of Sussex. She is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff and an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck University of London. In 2020 she was made a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to literature and charity. Philippa is a member of the Society of Authors and in 2016, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Historical Fiction Award by the Historical Writers’ Association. In 2018, she was awarded an Honorary Platinum Award by Nielsen for achieving significant lifetime sales across her entire book output.
Philippa’s latest book, NORMAL WOMEN – 900 YEARS OF MAKING HISTORY, published in October 2023 with HarperCollins, is a history of women in England over nine centuries, from the Norman invasion in 1066.
Philippa Gregory said, “I was inspired to write this play after having the privilege to attend the internment of Richard lll at Leicester. I wanted to write a play about the real Richard and the people – especially the influential women- around him. Then the most important character walked into the play – History – who in an absent-minded moment gave us such a dark picture of the king whose motto was loyalty and whose passion was chivalry.”
Philippa Gregory will lead a post-show discussion at Shakespeare North Playhouse on Tuesday 19 March following the evening performance, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds on Thursday 18 April following the matinee performance, and Thursday 25 April following the evening performance.
Katie Posner, Director, said, “I am delighted to be directing Philippa Gregory’s debut play. She is a remarkable writer whose perspective is so beautifully emotive, layered and deeply human. This is a play about a well-known Plantagenet king, but it’s also about the youngest son, propelled to be the next in line, when that was not his destiny. Central to his story are the extraordinary women who surround him, ambitious, driven, cleverly and brilliantly guiding the narrative. Throughout Richard, My Richard Philippa presents a conscious counterpoint to Shakespeare’s Tudor propaganda narrative and opens up the story with the biggest question of all. What happens when History has made its decision, and the written accounts are closed!”
This producing partnership between Shakespeare North Playhouse – a replica Shakespearean Playhouse opened in 2022 – and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds – the last working Regency theatre in England – showcases their shared ambition to stage great contemporary theatre in historic settings.
Laura Collier, Creative Director of Shakespeare North Playhouse said, “We are thrilled to be co-producing the world premiere of Richard, My Richard at Shakespeare North Playhouse. As a masterful and internationally renowned storyteller, Philippa’s debut play expertly highlights the ruthlessness of the Tudor era, illuminating the perspectives of the women of the court, and inviting audiences to question the reliability of history’s narrative.
Set in the iconic backdrop of Shakespeare North’s Cockpit Theatre and co-producing with our friends from Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, we believe this new play will captivate audiences from both the north and the south. Richard, My Richard is a fresh and fearless play that celebrates the power of theatre and its ability to bring to life lost stories.”
Owen Calvert-Lyons, Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds said, “Philippa Gregory is an extraordinary writer. Generations of readers have discovered the history of our country through her writing and fans of Philippa’s novels are going to be just as excited by her first play. Philippa has a great skill in humanising historical characters, allowing us to understand their world and their choices. Now she is taking on one of history’s most notorious villains and inviting us to reassess what we know, or think we know about him. I’m delighted that we will be embarking on this adventure with Shakespeare North Playhouse. We will be transforming our auditorium ‘in the round’ with seating on the stage, providing audiences in Bury St Edmunds with a new theatre experience and making our two unique theatres the perfect settings for this brilliant new play.”
Richard, My Richard is produced by Shakespeare Playhouse North and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, in association with Daniel Schumann.
The producers of the award-winning production of SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL are delighted to announce that stage and screen star Wendi Peters will play ‘Mother Superior’ in the UK and Ireland tour, from Tuesday 28 May 2024 at the Buxton Opera House.
Wendi joins the company in Buxton, before playing Northampton, Chester, Grimsby, Eastbourne, Blackpool, Canterbury, Bath, Bournemouth, Torquay, Darlington, Nottingham, Swansea and Liverpool.
Wendi Peters said, “I’m so thrilled to be joining the ‘sisterhood’, getting out on tour again, and visiting some wonderful places with this fabulous show. I’m excited to get going with Mother Superior and this great, feel good show!”
The cast also includes Landi Oshinowo as Deloris Van Cartier, Alfie Parker as Eddie Souther, Ian Gareth-Jones as Curtis Jackson, and Eloise Runnette as Sister Mary Robert, alongside Isabel Canning, Julie Stark,Phillip Arran, Kate Powell, Elliot Gooch, Michalis Antoniou, Callum Martin, Esme Laudat, Amber Kennedy, Harvey Ebbage, Joseph Connor, Ceris Hine, Sheri Lineham, Corrine Priest and Samuel John-Humphreys.
Wendi Peters is best known for her role as the iconic Cilla Battersby Brown in ITV’s Coronation Street, as well as series regular Cook Jenkins in CBBC’s Hetty Feather. Alongside her screen work, her many stage credits include Diane in the European premiere of You Are Here at the Southwark Playhouse, Madame Latour in the National Tour of John Cleese’s Bang Bang, Mrs Baskin in the West End premiere of Big The Musical at the Dominion Theatre, and national tours of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, White Christmas, Quartet, Oh, What A Lovely War! and Rutherford & Son.
Based on the iconic movie, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
SISTER ACT has direction by Bill Buckhurst, choreography by Alistair David, Set and Costume Design by Morgan Large, Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell, Sound Design by Tom Marshall and Musical Supervision by Stephen Brooker. Casting is by Stuart Burt.
SISTER ACT features original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken(Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted), lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. SISTER ACT is produced by Jamie Wilson, Kevin McCollum, Gavin Kalin, Front Row Productions, Evolution Productions, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Robbie Wilson and Curve.
Producers Jack Maple and Evelyn Hoskins are delighted to announce the 15th Anniversary Concert of the original West End production of Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s Tony, Olivier and Grammy award-winning musical SPRING AWAKENING, based on the play by Frank Wedekind.
Celebrating the original London production’s 15th anniversary, the concert will take place on Sunday 2 June 2024 at Victoria Palace Theatre. Tickets are on sale from 10am, Friday 2 February.
Casting to be announced.
SPRING AWAKENING tells the story of adolescent anarchy, set to one of the most loved scores of the 21st century. A group of teenagers – silenced and controlled by a censorious society – discover a new world of feeling and freedom outside the classroom, with beautiful and devastating consequences.
SPRING AWAKENING opened on Broadway at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on 10 December 2006 starring Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele, and John Gallagher Jr. It won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Direction, Book, Score and Featured Actor. It embarked on a North American tour in 2008. The musical then opened in London at the Lyric Hammersmith on 23 January 2009, before transferring to the West End’s Novello Theatre in March that same year. It won 4 Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. SPRING AWAKENING was revived on Broadway in 2015 and in London in 2021.
Speaking on the anniversary concert, Duncan Sheik said “Spring Awakening is the first musical I worked on that managed to get to Broadway and then the West End. Being in London in 2009 for opening night at the Novello with that young and amazing cast was one of the highlights of my life. It is more than exciting that 15 years on, London gets to experience this anniversary concert and I’m honoured that I can be some small part of that.”
Steven Sater said “My youthful dream was to be a part of the theatre in London. So for me, our brilliant original production of Spring Awakening at the Lyric, and then at the Novello, was an answered prayer. Fifteen years later, to bring back that production for a one-night-only anniversary concert, is like having that prayer answered all over again.”
This anniversary concert will also be raising funds on behalf of Imogen Kinchin.
Imogen Kinchin was one of the original producers of SPRING AWAKENING in 2009, guiding the show and its young cast on their journey. Imogen was the Senior Producer at the Lyric Hammersmith for 10 years before joining Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures as Executive Director in 2018. In 2022, Imogen was diagnosed with Stage IV Bowel Cancer. Aside from being one of the most outstanding, creative, inspirational and respected producers in show business, she is a cherished wife, family member and friend. Her cancer is aggressive, yet her resilience is extraordinary, and she remains a positive and hopeful warrior in the face of adversity. A fund, established to support bespoke treatment and her family’s needs as they journey through this cruel disease, has raised over £80,000 to date.
The company of SPRING AWAKENING have kindly chosen to donate the proceeds from the concert to Imogen’s Fund and the link to donate is www.gofundme.com/f/imogens-fund
SPRING AWAKENING has direction by Jamie Armitage (SIX) and musical direction by Nigel Lilley (Newsies, Next to Normal, The Witches).
SPRING AWAKENING is produced by Jack Maple and Evelyn Hoskins.
Guz Khan kicked off his tour at the wonderful York Theatre Royal. If you are not familiar with the York Theatre Royal, then you are missing a treat. It is over 250 years old and still a favourite of theatre goers. If you arrive by car, there are 3x car parks within approx. 10 mins walk of the theatre.
Guz Khan’s tour covers 11 venues and is on until 1st March. You can find full details at www.guzkhanlive.co.uk. There doesn’t seem to be many tickets left for this funny stand-up show so be quick to book yours. The topics and mild swearing, although certainly not as much as a lot of comedians out there, gives the age rating of 16 and above. Looking around before the show began, I noticed a full range of ages ready to be entertained. A sign that Gus can relate to various age ranges.
The warm up act for the York leg of the tour was from Yorkshire’s own funny man, Pete Selwood who set the tone and tickled the funny bones warming us up nicely for the main man Guz Khan.
I knew about Guz from his TV appearances on shows like Taskmaster, Man like Mobeen, Live at the Apollo, and from breaking into movies when he starred alongside a string of A-Listers in Army of Thieves. So tonight, I was intrigued, as I had not seen him do a full stand-up set and I am pleased to say, I thoroughly enjoyed his set.
Guz came out smiling and had us laughing within minutes. He got good audience participation. He chose people to interact with – but didn’t “pick” on them per say. He regaled us with anecdotes about his life and family and kept it honest and real with observations and his own take on situations. It wasn’t filled with sexism, constant swearing and the like, but with honesty, hilarity, home life and his impressions of the country. I found his style of comedy quite wholesome, and barmy. He doesn’t sugar coat things, but he has no disillusions about himself too which makes him very personable. The number of times the audience laughed and clapped, whistling their appreciation at the end, showed that he won over Yorkshire easily.
So, if you fancy a good old chuckle and have a free night, go to his website and check out his dates and locations. Buy a ticket and enjoy yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
NORTH EAST COMMUNITY THEATRE COMPANY AND VENUE CELEBRATE VALUABLE 100 YEAR CONNECTION
Darlington Operatic Society to celebrate a remarkable 100 year association with Darlington Hippodrome showcasing the arts and entertainment industry.
Darlington Operatic Society (DarlingtonOS), a well-loved and influential north east community theatre company, is excited to announce its long-standing and extraordinary 100 year association with Darlington Hippodrome. This momentous occasion is a testament to the unwavering commitment of both institutions to the arts and their immense contribution to the cultural fabric of their community.
Since opening in 1907, Darlington Hippodrome has remained a beacon of theatrical excellence and creative expression. Hosting a broad range of productions and talented performers, it has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the premier theatre venues in our region. Over the past century, it has become a cherished destination for all theatre lovers, showcasing a diverse range of artistic performances that inspire imaginations.
Similarly, DarlingtonOS has been a driving force in the local and national community theatre scene. The respected theatre company has consistently brought unparalleled entertainment to audiences while helping countless aspiring performers hone their craft and fulfil their artistic ambitions. Through their tireless dedication, DarlingtonOS has cultivated a strong sense of community, empowering individuals from all walks of life to participate in the magic of theatre both on-stage and behind the scenes.
2024 marks the centenary of a special meeting between representatives of DarlingtonOS and Signor Rino Pepi, Managing Director of Darlington Hippodrome back in 1924, to sign a formal agreement between the two parties to present annual shows at the venue. Barring World Wars, theatre closure, restorations and global pandemics, DarlingtonOS has presented top class community theatre at Darlington Hippodrome every year since and continues to offer two full scale musicals at the venue each year.
The deep bond between Darlington Hippodrome and DarlingtonOS has been forged over a century of shared passion and collaboration. Their unwavering commitment to artistic expression, education, and community outreach has contributed significantly to the cultural enrichment of Darlington and the wider Tees Valley area. DarlingtonOS has produced countless memorable productions that continue to resonate with audiences and inspire future generations of theatre enthusiasts.
To commemorate this remarkable milestone, DarlingtonOS will kick off a year-long celebration filled with captivating performances and exclusive events, honouring the rich history and vibrant future that lies ahead. The celebrations aim to showcase the magic, talent, and creativity that has flourished within the walls of Darlington Hippodrome.
Darlington Hippodrome’s Programming and Development Director, Heather Tarran-Jones said “This incredible milestone represents a century of captivating stories, memorable performances, and the power of human connection through the arts. We are proud to celebrate this momentous occasion with DarlingtonOS, and we look forward to the countless stories that will be shared throughout the next century.”
The current Chairman of DarlingtonOS, Julian Cound added, “To have persevered and thrived for a hundred years alongside Darlington Hippodrome is an extraordinary accomplishment. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in our community’s cultural journey, and we are truly excited to continue enriching and inspiring performers and audiences for generations to come.”
Follow DarlingtonOS and Darlington Hippodrome throughout this special year as they honour their shared history, celebrate the legacy of the arts, and embark on an exciting future.
Full details of all shows on offer at Darlington Hippodrome can be found at darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
DarlingtonOS present Kinky Boots the Musical at Darlington Hippodrome from Wednesday 1 to Saturday 11 May. Tickets are on sale now by calling the Ticket Hotline on 01325 244659 or online at darlingtonos.org.uk
TREVOR ASHLEY, OWAIN WILLIAMS, DAKOTA STARR & REECE KERRIDGE HEAD THE CAST OF
PRISCILLA THE PARTY! AT
HERE @ OUTERNET IN LONDON’S SOHO
FROM SUNDAY 3 MARCH
The full cast has been announced for the eagerly awaited PRISCILLA THE PARTY! at HERE @ Outernet in London’s Soho. Trevor Ashley will play ‘Gaye Cliché’, Owain Williams ‘Tick’ / ‘Mitzi’, Dakota Starr ‘Bernadette’ and Reece Kerridge ‘Adam’ / ‘Felicia’, with Grace Galloway, Gracie Lai and Sara Louise as the ‘Divas’ and Steven Serlin as ‘Bob the Mechanic’, with Joni Ayton-Kent as Alternate ‘Bernadette’. Also in the cast will be John McGlone, Matthew Facchino, Isidro Ridout, Brandon Gale, William Elijah-Lewis, Samuel Stokes, Dan Holland, Kimberly Blake, Lucy Park, Maria Myatt and Teagan Denham.
Randall A. Buck, Patrick Bywalski and Rod Gunner, in association with Nullarbor Productions, Blue Stage Entertainment and MGM On Stage present PRISCILLA THE PARTY! at HERE @ Outernet. With a book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott and additional material by Phil Scott, based on the Latent Image/Specific Films Motion Picture distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., PRISCILLA THE PARTY! is a grand celebration of 30 years of glamour and iconic entertainment and will be staged by the creative team behind Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical – you can expect the same award-winning costumes and head-dresses, re-directed by original director Simon Phillips.
PRISCILLA THE PARTY! opens on Monday 25 March 2024, following previews from 3 March, at HERE, part of the new £1bn Outernet development, an electrifying and high tech venue at Denmark Street in Soho, which has swiftly become “London’s most visited attraction”.
Trevor Ashley is one of Australia’s most sought-after and successful performers. He recently was the runner-up in Queen of the Universe, the global drag singing competition hosted by Graham Norton, streamed worldwide. In theatre, he has starred as Thénardier in Les Misérables,Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, the original Australian Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and he created the role of Miss Understanding in Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical. He has just completed a sell-out run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat as Pharaoh. He made his West End debut in 2013 in Liza (on an E), in which he played Liza Minnelli.
Owain Williams’s theatre credits include The Phantom of the Opera (His Majesty’s Theatre / Royal Albert Hall), Les Misérables (25th Anniversary Tour / O2 Arena), Merrily We Roll Along (Theatr Clwyd) and Taboo (Brixton Clubhouse / London Palladium). His TV presenting work includes TAG (S4C), a magazine show for teenagers; Y Lifft / The Lift (S4C), the UK’s first multi-platform, completely interactive gameshow for children; Heno / Tonight (S4C), S4C’s primetime evening magazine show; Sam on the Screen (S4C), an arts review show.
Dakota Starr trained at LAMDA and their theatre credits include Fisherman’s Friends (UK Tour), Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s musical The Girls (West End, Leeds Grand Theatre, The Lowry) and Troilus and Cressida (RSC). Dakota’s screen credits include The Duke, Emmerdale, Outlander and The Magnificent Eleven. Dakota is non-binary.
Reece Kerridge’s theatre credits include the Arena Tours of Peter Pan An Arena Spectacular and Elf the Musical Arena Spectacular, The Spongebob Musical (original UK Tour cast), Top Hat (The Mill at Sonning), Shrek the Musical (UK and Ireland Tour), The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre) and Our House (Union Theatre). Reece is the founder and co-host of Sit in the Stalls radio show, which broadcasts Saturday mornings on Box Office Radio. Reece also performs as the Drag Artiste Gracie Lou.
Director Simon Phillips said, “We’ve been telling theatregoers this story in over 30 countries now, for nearly two decades and, no matter where we have played around the world, multi-generational, diverse audiences – actually, anyone intent on having a good time – have felt more than welcome at a Priscilla show. Given the immense mainstream visibility and recognition drag is enjoying, there has surely never been a better time to celebrate this heartfelt tale of love, friendship and acceptance and this spectacular, interactive production will embrace its audience, immersing them in an experience they will never forget. This ultimate celebration of Priscilla’s coming of age will bring everyone together with simply the best in feel-good entertainment!”
Trans icon Munroe Bergdorf said, “Priscilla is a timeless classic; for so many queer people it was the first time we saw queer people in movies, that we saw drag queens in movies, that I saw a trans woman on screen…. I think it’s really important we move with the times and provide new ways of telling stories that have impacted and empowered us all, so I’m very very excited and looking forward to seeing [Priscilla The Party!]… it’s such a ground-breaking story, especially in terms of everything going on with the trans community right now; this is what we need, we need stories that lead with joy, and to show that the trans experience isn’t always about tragedy.”
Based on the Oscar-winning movie and Tony Award- and Olivier Award-winning musical, PRISCILLA THE PARTY! tells the same heart-warming, uplifting story of three friends, who hop aboard a battered old bus to seek fame and fortune in Alice Springs, and end up finding more than they could have ever dreamed of. It is 30 years since the unforgettable film, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, graced our screens and almost 18 years since London first embraced the phenomenal stage musical. “PRISCILLA THE PARTY!” promises to be an unprecedented and unforgettable evolution of this legacy.
The stage is set at HERE @ Outernet in the vibrant heart of London’s Soho. This sensory experience is poised to transport participants to the boundless Australian outback, a world of glitz, glamour and endless entertainment. Attendees will be invited to unleash their inner diva as Priscilla Queen of the Desert transitions from a beloved musical into an extraordinary immersive party. Guests can choose between an exclusive premium dining experience, featuring a sumptuous three-course meal, or opt to sit or stand on the dance floor, where a diverse array of bar snacks and drinks are readily available from the expansive bar area.
The audience can expect an extravagant display of eye-popping costumes, an exhilarating soundtrack that encourages everyone to dance and sing along, and a show which unfolds all around them. There will be immersive dance floor tickets as happens at Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre, with DJ and pre-show entertainment similar to Here Lies Love at the National Theatre, a party sing-a-long atmosphere like ABBA Voyage at the ABBA Arena, cabaret tables with dining options similar to Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre and dining options and post-show party as happens at Mamma Mia! The Party – in other words, something for everyone!
The show will feature beloved classics, including Hot Stuff, It’s Raining Men, Girls Just Wanna HaveFun, Finally, Go West, Say A Little Prayer, Boogie Wonderland, Shake Your Groove Thing and I Will Survive.
From its dazzling debut in Sydney in 2006, the musical created by Allan Scott and Stephan Elliott has taken the world by storm. It initially graced the London stage in 2009, before conquering Broadway in 2011.
The enduring message of acceptance and inclusivity that Priscilla carries remains as significant today as it was when the curtains first rose.
Produced by Randall A. Buck, Patrick Bywalski and Rod Gunner, in association with Nullarbor Productions, Blue Stage Entertainment and MGM On Stage, PRISCILLA THE PARTY! will be directed by Simon Phillips, with set and video design by Brian Thomson and Justin Nardella, costume design by Tim Chappell and Lizzy Gardiner, choreography by Andrew Hallsworth, musical arrangements and orchestrations by Stephen ‘Spud’ Murphy, musical arrangements, supervision and direction by Steve Geere, lighting design by Per Hôrding, sound design by Ben Harrison and general management by RGM Productions.
