Birmingham Rep

Presents

THE UK PREMIERE OF

BECOMING NANCY

A NEW MUSICAL

https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/becoming-nancy/

Wednesday 2 October – Saturday 2 November 2024

Birmingham Rep

Birmingham Rep is thrilled to announce the UK premiere of the new musical, Becoming Nancy which will run at The Rep from 2 October – 2 November 2024.

Becoming Nancy is a coming of age story that has a huge-heart.  A new musical that weaves a story of family bonds, first loves, and the courage it takes to find your own spotlight.  

It is based on the extraordinarily moving coming of age novel by Terry Ronald and directed and choreographed by the Tony Award-winning Jerry Mitchell.  The book is by Elliot Davis, music is by George Stiles and lyrics are by Anthony Drewe with additional music and lyrics by Terry Ronald, Elliot Davis and George Stiles.  (Stiles and Drew’s production of Honk! won the Olivier Award for Best Musical in 2000.)

Jerry Mitchell has been working in London since he first served as Associate Choreographer to Sir Cameron Mackintosh on Follies starring Diana Rigg and Julia McKenzie. Since then Jerry has directed and choreographed 3 Olivier Award-winning musicals in the West End.  He directed and choreographed Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde and choreographed Hairspray.  The Tony Award-winning director and choreographer was returning to New York from the UK in 2013 and came across the book Becoming Nancy at Heathrow Airport.  By the time he reached the US he knew he had to make the story into a musical.

Director Jerry Mitchell said:  ‘Becoming Nancy is about finding love. Love of self, love of others and love of what matters most in life. As soon as I saw The Rep and visited Birmingham, I knew that it was the right place to open the show.  It’s been a privilege to turn Terry’s beautiful story into a musical, and we are all looking forward to working on  the show and sharing this beautiful musical with Birmingham and the rest of Great Britain and the world.’

Sean Foley, Artistic Director of Birmingham Rep added:   I’m thrilled to be able to announce Becoming Nancy, and to be welcoming the extraordinary Jerry Mitchell and his world class creative team to The Rep. When I first saw and heard this touching, funny and relevant show at workshop stage, I knew we had to help make it happen and produce it. Stiles and Drewe, with Elliot Davis, and original writer Terry Ronald, have created as exciting, frequently hilarious, and heart-tugging show about first love and being yourself as you can ever hope to see. I’m sure that Birmingham itself is about to fall in love with this brilliant new musical.’

In Becoming Nancy, it’s 1979 and David Starr is unquestionably one of the smartest, most talented sixth formers in East Dulwich – he’s got a wild imagination, a vocal range to die for, and a bedroom plastered with posters of his beloved pop idols: Blondie, Sting, and Kate Bush.  But being clever, having talent, and great taste in music may not be enough to get him through secondary school, where, to his great surprise, he’s just been given the female lead in the school play. The unconventional casting sends shockwaves to everyone around him – including his parents, his aunt, and his classmates. 

Before long, it seems like everybody has an opinion on whether David should go on with the show, inspiring him to turn to his no-nonsense best friend Frances and his unlikely co-star Maxie, the enigmatic captain of the football team. 

JOSEPH MARCELL HEADS THE CAST OF

THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL

A NEW PRODUCTION OF RICHARD B. SHERIDAN’S COMEDY OF MANNERS

DIRECTED BY SEÁN AYDON

ON TOUR FROM 7 MARCH TO 8 JUNE 2024

Stage, film and TV star Joseph Marcell will head the cast of Seán Aydon’s new production of The School For Scandal, which begins a major UK tour this spring.

Marcell, who is probably best-known for his role as Geoffrey the Butler in the six seasons of the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, will play ‘Sir Peter Teazle’ in this fresh take on Richard B. Sheridan’s classic comedy of manners. 

The production will premiere at Theatre By The Lake on Thursday 7 March before playing a further 12 venues around the country until 8 June 2024.

Joseph Marcell was most recently seen in Chiwetel Ejiofor’s debut feature film, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind. TV credits include Mammoth and I Hate You, both for the BBC and he is soon be seen in Candice Carty-William’s Queenie on Channel 4. His prolific stage credits include Hamlet at the Young Vic with Cush Jumbo, Kathy Burke’s Lady Windermere’s Fan, extensive work with Shakespeare’s Globe including the titular role in Bill Buckhurst’s King Lear and Derek Walcott’s Omeros, as well as seasons at the Royal Shakespeare Company. 

The School For Scandal also features Garmon Rhys (Out There (ITV), Gangs Of London (Hbo/Sky Atlantic) And Tina: The Musical (West End)) as ‘Charles Surface’, Ayesha Griffiths (soon to be seen in Channel 4’s Queenie and Get Millie Black) as ‘Maria’, Emily–Jane McNeil (The Mousetrap and Brexshit, both West End)as ‘Lady Sneerwell’, Alex Phelps (As You Like It, Shakespeare’s Globe, When Darkness Falls, Park Theatre and UK tour) as ‘Joseph Surface’, Lydea Perkins (Private Lives, The Mill At Sonning, Sense & Sensibility, Theatre By The Lake) as ‘Lady Teazle’, Tony Timberlake (Little Shop of Horrors Storyhouse Chester, Maggie May, Leeds Playhouse, When Darkness Falls UK Tour) as ‘Sir Oliver’, and Guy Dennys (Tilted Wig’s Around the World in 80 Days and Lady Chatterley’s Lover) as ‘Rowley’.

Sir Peter Teazle believes his young wife is sleeping with someone else. She isn’t.

But she’s starting to think if her husband believes it, she may as well give it a go. After all, if you’re going to cause a scandal, you might as well enjoy it…

Deliciously naughty and outrageously silly, this timeless comedy is a masterclass in social satire and the art of gossip.

The School For Scandal is one of the greatest comedies ever written, featuring an unforgettable cast of larger-than-life characters, each armed with a lacerating wit.

Join us for a lightning-paced evening of romance, revenge and rollicking fun that promises to leave you entertained, enamoured – and perhaps even a little scandalised.

The School For Scandal is directed by Seán Aydon who recently adapted and directed the national tours of The Picture of Dorian Gray and Frankenstein. Hewas also assistant director on the world premiere of Tom Fletcher’s The Christmasaurus at the Hammersmith Apollo.

The production is designed by Linbury Prize winner Sarah Beaton whose recent credits include The Merchant Of Venice (Sam Wanamaker / The Globe), Nineteen Gardens (Hampstead Theatre) & Wild East (Young Vic). She previously worked with Tilted Wig as designer of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

There is sound design/composition from Ed Lewis whose recent work includes The Box Of Delights (RSC), Killer Joe (West End) and Henry V (Donmar); lighting design from Peter Small whose work includes Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder! (Bristol Old Vic), King Stakh’s Wild Hunt (Barbican) and The Ritual Slaughter of Gorge Mastromas (Dailes Theatre, Riga); and movement direction from Stephen Moynihan whose credits include Ted Lasso, House Of The Dragon and Tilted Wig’s Frankenstein.

The School For Scandal is produced by Tilted Wig Productions and Malvern Theatres In Association With Theatre By The Lake.

www.tiltedwigproductions.com/book-now

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THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL TOUR DATES 2024

7 – 16 March                           Theatre by the Lake , Keswick​

19 – 23 March                         Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

​26 – 30 March                        Derby Theatre

2 – 6 April                                Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

9 – 13 April                               Cambridge Arts Theatre

16 – 20 April                            Malvern Theatres

​23 – 27 April                          York Theatre Royal

30 April to 4 May                  Shakespeare North Playhouse

8 – 11 May                               MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton

14 – 18 May                            Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

21 – 25 May                            Royal & Derngate, Northampton

28 May to 1 June                  Darlington Hippodrome

4 – 8 June                             Oxford Playhouse

NATIONAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCTIONS FOR SUMMER 2024
 

• Carrie Cracknell returns to the National Theatre to direct Frank Galati’s adaptation of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath,with Cherry Jones as Ma Joad.
• Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy The Hot Wing King makes its UK premiere in a new production directed by Roy Alexander Weise.
•  25 years since its first staging, Complicité bring back the transcendent Mnemonic. Conceived by Simon McBurney, this groundbreaking show from one of the UK’s most highly regarded theatre companies will return at the National Theatre.
• James Graham’s acclaimed adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff to transfer to the Olivier theatre for a limited run, directed by Kate Wasserberg.
• Tickets for Boys from the Blackstuff, Mnemonic, The Grapes of Wrath and The Hot Wing King go on sale to the public on 8 February.
   

The National Theatre today announces new productions for all three South Bank stages this summer: Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff and Mnemonic in the Olivier theatre and The Grapes of Wrath in the Lyttelton theatre, alongside the previously announced The Hot Wing King in the Dorfman theatre. Tickets for all four productions are on sale to the public from Thursday 8 February,nationaltheatre.org.uk.  

Following its acclaimed run at Liverpool’s Royal Court, James Graham’s powerful new adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s seminal TV show, Boys from the Blackstuff, comes to the Olivier stage. By arrangement with Bill Kenwright Limited, the production is directed by Kate Wasserberg, with original cast members George Caple, Dominic Carter, Helen Carter, Aron Julius, Nathan McMullen, Lauren O’Neil, Barry Sloane and Mark Womack returning.This is followed by Mnemonic, conceived by Simon McBurney, in a co-production with Complicité. Exploring memory, origins and migration, casting includes original company members Richard Katz and Kostas Philippoglou with further cast to be announced. 

In the Lyttelton is a new production of Frank Galati’sTony Award-winning adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath,based on the novel by John Steinbeck,directed by Carrie Cracknell.Casting includes Cherry Jones (Succession) as Ma Joadwith further casting to be announced.

In the Dorfman is the previously announced The Hot Wing King by Katori Hall,who makes her National Theatre mainstage debut and reunites with director Roy Alexander Weise after their celebrated production of The Mountaintop. Cast includes Kadiff Kirwan (Slow Horses)as Cordell with further casting to be announced.

Director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris, said: ‘Collaboration is at the heart of our work and this summer our three stages are energised by this as we welcome friends both new and old to the South Bank. I’m thrilled that Katori Hall will make her mainstage debut bringing a taste of Memphis’ culture and cuisine to the stage with the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Hot Wing King, making its UK debut here at the National Theatre.

‘Partnering with Liverpool’s Royal Court we will see Alan Bleasdale’s seminal Boys from the Blackstuff in the Olivier, as well as reuniting with Complicité, who return to the National for the first time since 2016, to delight and inspire new theatregoers with a reworking of their timelessly classic production of Mnemonic.  Lastly, we welcome back Carrie Cracknell to the National Theatre, who will direct a new production of The Grapes of Wrath.’    

All shows will have a limited number of 6.30pm performances as part of the National Theatre’s continuing pilot. This trial follows a major piece of research undertaken by the National Theatre to understand more from audiences about their post-Covid lifestyles and habits, including varying working patterns and journey times, particularly for those living outside of London. The early evening performances offer flexibility for audiences to make the most of their evening, with more time after curtain down to eat or to travel. 6.30pm performances fall on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Olivier theatre

Forty years after Alan Bleasdale’s ground-breaking television series, and following its run at Liverpool’s Royal Court, James Graham’s (Dear England) powerful new adaptation of Boys from the Blackstuff comes to the South Bank for a limited run, directed by Kate Wasserberg (Artistic Director, Theatr Clwyd) in her National Theatre debut. In 1980s Liverpool, life is tough as Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser play the game. But there is no work and no money. What are they supposed to do? Find jobs, avoid the ‘sniffers’, work harder, work longer, buy cheaper, spend less? All whilst having a laugh along the way. Cast includes George Caple, Dominic Carter, Helen Carter, Aron Julius, Nathan McMullen, Lauren O’Neil, Barry Sloane and Mark Womack with further casting to be announced.

Directed by Kate Wasserberg, the set and costume designer is Amy Jane Cook, lighting designer Ian Scott, movement director Rachael Nanyonjo, composer and sound designer Dyfan Jones, associate sound designer Kate Harvey, audio visual designer Jamie Jenkin and fight director Rachel Bown-Williams of Rc-Annie Ltd.

Playing in the Olivier theatre 22 May–8 June, with press night on 29 May.

Boys from the Blackstuff is a Liverpool’s Royal Court production by arrangement with Bill Kenwright Limited.

25 years after its first staging, Complicité’s Mnemonic returns at the National Theatre, conceived and directed by Simon McBurney (Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, The Encounter, Street of Crocodiles). A body is found in the ice, and a woman is looking for her father while a man searches for his lost lover. Mnemonic is as much about origins as it is about memory and remembering what is lost. Mnemonic asks: what is our place in the natural world? How have human relationships with the environment shaped patterns of migration? Who are we and where do we come from? Cast includes Richard Katz and Kostas Philippoglou with further casting to be announced.

Directed by Simon McBurney, the set designer is Michael Levine, costume designer Christina Cunningham, lighting designer Paul Anderson, sound designer Christopher Shutt, video designer Roland Horvath, casting director Alastair Coomer CDG, associate director Christina Deinsberger and associate set designer Peter Butler. 

Playing in the Olivier theatre 22 June–10 Aug, with press night on 2 July.

Mnemonic is a co-production with Complicité.

Lyttelton theatre

Frank Galati‘s Tony Award-winning adaptation of John Steinbeck’s masterpiece, The Grapes of Wrath is directed by Carrie Cracknell (Julie, The Deep Blue Sea). Forced to travel west in search of a promised land, the Joad family embark on an epic journey across America in the hope of finding work and a new life in California. Cast includes Cherry Jones with further casting to be announced.

Directed by Carrie Cracknell, the set designer is Alex Eales, costume designer Evie Gurney, lighting designer Guy Hoare, composer Stuart Earl,staff director Georgia Green and casting by Alastair Coomer CDG and Naomi Downham.

Playing in the Lyttelton theatre 17 July–14 September, with press night on 25 July.

Dorfman theatre

Katori Hall’s (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, The Mountaintop) Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy The Hot Wing King makes its UK debut in a fiery new production directed by Roy Alexander Weise (‘Master Harold’… and the boys, Nine Night). Things are heating up in Memphis as the annual Hot Wing Festival rolls into town. With their sights set on the crown, Cordell, his partner Dwayne and friends Isom and Big Charles team up again as the New Wing Order, with a new attitude and a mouth-watering new wing recipe. But after an unexpected family emergency, their plans get derailed as the men navigate the meaning of love, family and staying true to yourself. Cast includes Kadiff Kirwan with further casting to be announced.

Directed by Roy Alexander Weise, the set and costume designer is Rajha Shakiry,lighting designer Joshua Pharo,composer Femi Temowo, sound designer Elena Peña, choreographer DK Fashola, casting director Jacob Sparrow, dramatherapist Samantha Adams and dialect coach Hazel Holder.

Playing in the Dorfman theatre 11 July–14 September, with press night on 18 July.

National Theatre Learning

This summer, young people from across the UK will take over the Dorfman theatre as the 29th National Theatre Connections Festival returns from 25 to 29 June. Ten new plays from exciting contemporary writers, including Luke Barnes, Mojisola Adebayo and Yasmeen Khan, will be staged by ten youth theatre groups from across the UK. Over 7,000 young people from Pitlochry to Plymouth are taking part in Connections this year.

The New Views Festival also returns in July. The winning play of the National Theatre New Views playwriting competition for young people will be staged as part of the festival, alongside rehearsed readings from shortlisted writers. New Views sees over a thousand young people writing original scripts inspired by their own experiences. Further details to be announced.

For more information, please visit nationaltheatre.org.uk/learning

ADAM PAULDEN & JASON HAIGH-ELLERY

AND SUE GILAD & LARRY ROGOWSKY,

STEVEN ANTIN AND CHRISTINA AGUILERA

present

ITV’S THE VOICE & X-FACTOR THE BAND

WINNER

JESS FOLLEY

IS ALI ROSE IN

BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL

IN MANCHESTER & GLASGOW

PRIOR TO WEST END RUN

FURTHER CAST ANNOUNCED TODAY

www.burlesquethemusical.com

It was announced today (22 January 2024) that musical sensation Jess Folley will play Ali in Burlesque the Musical, the first ever stage adaptation of Steven Antin’s crowd-pleasing movie Burlesque, which starred Christina Aguilera. 

Steven Antin said: ‘I am so thrilled that we have the powerhouse that is Jess Folley taking on the iconic role of Ali Rose.  She is a rare talent indeed.  An incredible singer, a wonderful, instinctual actress, a spectacular songwriter…and gorgeous.  Jess has also composed sensational new music for the show. Everyday I peel myself off the ceiling and ask…what did I do to deserve Jess Folley.  I was gobsmacked over Xtina when she did the movie, because she had so many extraordinary talents that she brought to the film, the rare breed that she is, so the bar  for me was very high. And it has come full circle with Jess.   

The other cast members who are creating the world of Burlesque deserve more than just a brief mention.  The stakes and the bar for being in the Burlesque cast are very high. It requires a rare breed of talent and we have looked tirelessly for those special people who will populate our world. From George Maguire, to Billie-Kay, B Terry,  Jess Qualter, Yasmin Harrison, Lily Wang, Hollie-Ann Lowe and Alessia McDermott and more! These artists are the creme de la creme.’ 

Jess Folley added:“A year ago, I was lucky enough to have the chance to compose a song for the show and fortunately for me, Steven loved it! We had a couple of calls to get to know each other, and the next thing I know he had asked me to play Ali in the workshops and then the show itself. Since then, I’ve written a number of other songs, become part of the creative team and have totally fallen in love with this project. I’m beyond excited to be in the Burlesque family and can’t wait to open as Ali Rose in Manchester in June.”

Jess won the first series of the national ITV show The Voice Kids UK and in 2019 her band RLY were crowned winners of X Factor – The Band.  Jess has since dedicated all her time to developing herself as an artist and songwriter, having had the opportunity to work with some of the most respected songwriters and producers in the industry. 

Other cast members announced today are: Olivier Award-winning George Maguire as Vince, Billie-Kay as Sophia ,  B Terry as Georgie, West End favourite, and TikTok and social media sensation Jess Qualter as Daphne, Yasmin Harrison as Brenda/Dance Captain, Lily Wang as Fifi, Hollie-Ann Lowe as Summer and Alessia McDermott in the Ensemble.

Further casting information is to be announced on 5 Feburary 2024.  

Burlesque the Musical previews at Manchester Opera House on Thursday 13 June with sold-out performances until Saturday 29 June 2024.  Due to the phenomenal success of the show,  producers last week confirmed a run at Glasgow Theatre Royal from Wednesday 11 September to Saturday 28 September 2024 followed by a return season in Manchester from Thursday 3 October – Saturday 2 November 2024 prior to its West End run.

Tickets for Glasgow and the second season in Manchester go on sale on Friday 26 January at 10am for priority bookers and 12 midday for the general public. Sign up for advance information and priority access to tickets www.burlesquethemusical.com.

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

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

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

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

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

The full creative team for Burlesque the Musical is: Steven Antin (Book Writer/Producer),  Music and Lyrics by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Todrick Hall & Jess Folley, Nick Winston (Director and Choreographer), additional material – Book by Kate Wetherhead, Soutra Gilmour (Set Designer), Ryan Dawson Laight (Costume Designer), Tom Curran (Musical Arrangements and Orchestrations), Phil Bateman (Musical Supervisor), Jack Knowles (Lighting Designer), Ben Harrison (Sound Designer), Harry Blumenau (Casting Director), Carole Hancock (Hair & Wigs Designer), Guy Common (Make-up Designer), Chris Poon (Musical Director), Robin Antin (Creative Co-Producer/Associate Choreographer), Ryan-Lee Seager (Associate Director/Choreographer), Libby Watts (Associate Choreographer), Sarah-Jane Price (Casting Associate), Laura Rushton (Costume Supervisor), Tommy Franzen (Assistant Choreographer), Sarah Day (Dramaturg), David Gallagher (Orchestra Fixer), Lloyd Thomas (Production Manager).

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

Burlesque The Musical is general managed by ADAMA Entertainment:

National competition empowers young writers to

“Be the Change” for their planet

Bestselling author M. G. Leonard joins the judging panel

Next week (Monday 29^th January 2024) will mark the launch of Wicked Writers: Be the Change, a writing competition devised by the National Literacy Trust and stage musical Wicked (as part of its acclaimed Wicked Active Learning cultural and social education programme), to inspire the UK’s school children to get creative and use their voices to change the world for the better. Now in its second year, the competition is based on the themes of one of the most well-known songs from the musical, ‘For Good’, and this year challenges pupils aged 9 – 14 to write persuasively about a positive environmental change they want to see.

Joining this year’s judging panel is best-selling author M. G. Leonard, best known for ‘Beetle Boy’, the ‘Adventures on Trains’ mystery series, and ‘The Twitchers’ wildlife detectives. She is one of the founding authors of Authors4Oceans, with Lauren St John, campaigning to reduce single-use plastics. Her latest book, ‘The Ice Children’ was published in November 2023.

In 2023, almost half of the children who took part in the first Be the Change writing competition chose, of their own accord, to use their entry to advocate for the environment and their planet. “We have been hugely inspired by last year’s young activists,” comments Tim Judge, Head of Schools Programmes at the National Literacy Trust, “And have chosen to dedicate this year’s competition entirely to the environment, which is clearly a matter of huge importance to children and young people today. Be the Change is all about listening to children’s voices and showing them that writing can be an empowering experience that makes a difference in their world.”

In 2023, research from the National Literacy Trust found more children and young people who had taken part in writing competitions reported that they enjoyed writing and wrote daily in their free time compared with those who didn’t enter a competition. With almost a third of 11-year-olds leaving primary school unable to write at the expected level, inspiring children to engage with and enjoy writing is more important than ever.

Entries will be judged by a fantastic judging panel, including children’s author M. G. Leonard, teacher-influencer Holly King-Mand, Wicked Executive Producer Michael McCabe and National Literacy Trust CEO Jonathan Douglas CBE. One winner and one runner-up will be selected in each category (Years 5-6 and Years 7-9). All 16 shortlisted pupils will see their work published in an anthology and receive a bundle of brand-new books for their school. Winners and runners-up will receive class tickets to see the acclaimed musical Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, with the two winning pupils also receiving writing workshops in their schools with judge M. G. Leonard.

M. G. Leonard says: “Stories are powerful. They are capable of changing minds, changing hearts and changing people. When I was a girl, ‘The Secret Garden’ opened a door in my imagination and on the other side was wildlife of all kinds. Writing ‘Beetle Boy’ cured my lifelong phobia of insects and turned me into a bug conservationist. Reading and writing really can shape a person of any age. Every child should know the transformative pleasure of creating their own stories. It’s a way of expressing and exorcising worries and hopes for the future. This is why I’m delighted to be one of the judges for the ‘Wicked Writers: Be the Change’ schools’ competition.”

Michael McCabe, Executive Producer of Wicked in the UK, commented: “In launching the second year of our ‘Wicked Writers: Be the Change’ schools’ competition, we’re proud to continue our partnership with the National Literacy Trust and assist in promoting literacy in the UK. We’re especially pleased that this year’s competition is focusing on the environment, providing a vital platform for young people to express their concerns and ideas for the future.”

A Simon Friend Entertainment and Leeds Playhouse co-production

DOLLY PARTON’S BIGGEST HITS FEATURE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN ONE HELLUVA MUSICAL!

FOLLOWING ITS UK PREMIERE AT THE LEEDS PLAYHOUSE, HERE YOU COME AGAIN, ANNOUNCES TOUR PRIOR TO WEST END RUN

CO-WRITER TRICIA PAOLUCCIO REPRISES HER CELEBRATED ROLE AS DOLLY

WRITTEN BY MULTI-EMMY AWARD-WINNING COMEDY WRITER BRUCE VILANCH AND CO-WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY GABRIEL BARRE   

ACCLAIMED PLAYWRIGHT JONATHAN HARVEY ADAPTS FOR THE UK

www.hereyoucomeagain.co.uk

Simon Friend Entertainment, in co-production with Leeds Playhouse, is delighted to announce that following its UK Premiere in Leeds from Saturday 11 May to Saturday 8 June, Here You Come Again will embark on a major UK tour, bringing together for the first time ever all of Dolly Parton’s biggest hits in a rollicking and joyful new musical, fully authorised by Dolly herself.

Having enjoyed several successful runs across the United States, Here You Come Again was originally written by multi-Emmy award-winning comedy and songwriter Bruce Vilanch with Gabriel Barre (who also directs) and writer and actor Tricia Paoluccio (who co-writes and stars as Dolly). It has now been adapted by acclaimed British TV and theatre writer Jonathan Harvey (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and Coronation Street). Full casting to be announced.

Packed with the iconic songs Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You, Here You Come Again and more, this lively and touching new musical tells the story of a diehard fan whose imagined version of international icon Dolly Parton gets him through trying times. With her wit, humour and charm, Dolly teaches him a whole lot about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps…even if your bootstraps don’t have rhinestones! This is one musical that is sure to make you smile.

Following its opening at Leeds Playhouse, where it plays from Saturday 11 May to Saturday 8 June, Here You Come Again then visitsCurve Theatre, Leicester; Theatre Royal, Newcastle;Cunard, Queen Mary 2;Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury; Theatre Royal, Nottingham; Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool; Cliffs Pavilion, Southend; Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff; Theatre Royal, Brighton; Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham; Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield; Richmond Theatre, Richmond; King’s Theatre, Glasgow; Theatre Royal, Norwich; New Victoria Theatre, Woking and Milton Keynes Theatre.

Director Gabriel Barre said: “We are so excited to bring this gem of a show to the UK, following its successful regional tour in America. Setting it in the UK with a brilliant new British actor playing the lead role of Kevin, along with a creative UK design team, gives us a chance to take a fresh approach to a story that features all of Dolly’s biggest hits, along with her wit and wisdom, which the world needs today, more than ever. She will be gloriously brought to life by the American actor, Tricia Paoluccio, who has been stunning audiences everywhere, embodying the spirit, humour, and heart that have made Dolly an enduring icon.”

Producer Simon Friend adds: “I’m delighted to be co-producing the UK premiere of Here You Come Again with the team at Leeds Playhouse. It’s a marvellously original and joyous new musical which celebrates the timeless classics of Dolly Parton, and lets us indulge in her biggest hits for a wonderful evening of theatre.”

Artistic Director and CEO of Leeds Playhouse James Brining said: “It is fantastic to be co-producing this joyous and heartfelt musical. We can’t wait to welcome the wonderful team to Leeds, to have the Playhouse filled with the sounds of Dolly and to share this incredible production with audiences across the UK after its run in Leeds.”

Bruce Vilanch is a writer, actor, comedian and stripper (accepting all offers, bitcoin only). In America, he was featured for many years on Hollywood Squares sitting to the left of Whoopi Goldberg, if that’s possible. He has a nook of multiple Emmy awards, two of them for a pair of the 25 Oscar telecasts he has written. On Broadway and across America he sang, danced and ironed as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. There is a documentary about him called Get Bruce, which is worth re-activating your Netflix account for. Several decades ago, he collaborated with Dolly on a massive Sunday night variety TV series which hit a ratings iceberg and plunged to the depths. They both survived. Here they come again.

Gabriel Barre’scredits as a Director include,Broadway: Amazing Grace. Off Broadway: original productions of A Sign of the Times, The Wild Party by Andrew Lippa, Summer of ’42, john & jen and Almost, Maine. National Tours: Amazing Grace, Pippin, and Cinderella. Regional: original production of Memphis, Billy Elliot, Sweeney Todd, Finian’s Rainbow, Here You Come Again. International: Sound of the Silk Road, Billy Elliot, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Holmes-The Legend, Jesus Christ Superstar, Carmen, Czech premiere of Beetlejuice this year.   

Tricia Paoluccio, born on a picturesque almond farm in Modesto, California, is a versatile artist known for her Broadway performances in Fiddler on the Roof, The Green Bird and A View from the Bridge. Inspired by Dolly Parton, she has graced both Broadway and Off-Broadway stages, showcasing her range. Tricia’s acting extends to television with recurring roles in Saint X and Homeland, among others. Beyond acting, she is a celebrated visual artist, transforming pressed flowers into high design. Explore her creative world on Instagram @triciapaoluccio and @domainoftheflowerings.

For theatre, Jonathan Harvey has written over 20 plays that have been produced by the Bush Theatre, Royal Court, National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, and in the West End. Last year saw the 30^th anniversary of his landmark play Beautiful Thing, co-produced with Leeds Playhouse. He has also written two musicals with Pet Shop Boys and one celebrating the life of Dusty Springfield. Last year also saw a five-month tour of his panto Mother Goose starring Ian McKellen and John Bishop. For TV Jonathan created the sitcoms Gimme Gimme Gimme and Beautiful People and has written over 300 episodes of Coronation Street.

His work has won him a Writers Guild of Great Britain Award, the John Whiting Award, the George Devine Award, an Evening Standard Theatre Award, two Manchester Evening News Awards and two British Soap Awards.

Here You Come Again

2024 UK Tour

Further dates to be announced

Leeds Playhouse, Courtyard Theatre

Saturday 11 May – Saturday 8 June

www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Curve Theatre, Leicester

Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 June

www.curveonline.co.uk

Theatre Royal, Newcastle

Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 June

www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Cunard, Queen Mary 2 

Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 June 

www.cunard.com

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 July

www.marlowetheatre.com

Theatre Royal, Nottingham

Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 July

www.trch.co.uk

Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool

Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 July

www.everymanplayhouse.com

On Sale Soon

Cliffs Pavilion, Southend

Tuesday 19 – Saturday 24 August

www.trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/southend-theatres

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Tuesday 26 – Saturday 31 August

www.wmc.org.uk/en

Theatre Royal, Brighton

Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 September

www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/

Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 September

www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/ 

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 September

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

On sale soon

Richmond Theatre

Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 September

www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 October

www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow/

Theatre Royal, Norwich

Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 October

www.norwichtheatre.org

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 October

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre/

Lowry Theatre, Salford

Tuesday 29 October – Saturday 2 November

www.thelowry.com

Milton Keynes Theatre

Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 November

www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/

On Sale Soon

PERFORMANCES ANNOUNCED FOR THE

24^TH ANNUAL WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS

WhatsOnStage today announces that the 24^th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards will include performances from Disney’s Newsies, Flowers for Mrs Harris, Guys & Dolls, La Cage aux Folles, Next to Normal, Operation Mincemeat and The Sound of Music, accompanied by a 25-piece orchestra, as well as an exclusive world premiere, and three additional specially curated performances.

Hosted by Melanie La Barrie and Bonnie Langford, the awards – the only major theatre prize-giving decided by the theatregoers themselves – will take place on Sunday 11 February 2024 for the first time at The London Palladium, where the evening will see winners crowned across a range of categories. The event, co-produced with creative directors Alex Parker and Damian Sandys, is currently on sale.

The Bridge Theatre’s critically acclaimed smash-hit production of Guys & Dolls leads the pack this year, with 12 nominations. Also performing strongly in the musical categories are Jamie Lloyd’s production of Sunset Boulevard starring Nicole Scherzinger with 9 nominations, and Michael Longhurst’s production of Next to Normal at the Donmar Warehouse with 6 nominations.

This year was a brilliant one for the National Theatre, who receive 24 nominations in total – they lead the straight play categories with their phenomenally successful production of James Graham’s Dear England with 10 nominations. Also featuring strongly in the straight play categories are Stranger Things: The First Shadow, playing at the Phoenix Theatre, with 8 nominations, and The Effect – also directed by Lloyd, with 5 nominations at the National Theatre.

Now in their 24th year, the WhatsOnStage Awards are the only major theatre awards decided by the theatregoers themselves. 

awards.whatsonstage.com

lwtheatres.co.uk 

Twitter: @WhatsOnStage #WOSAwards
Instagram: @WhatsOnStage

TikTok: @WhatsOnStage

★★★★★

“A West End spectacle of the most magical kind”

The Telegraph

DISNEY’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

FROZEN

EXTENDS FOR A FINAL TIME UNTIL 8 SEPTEMBER 2024

★★★★★

“Big, blinding, breathtaking. Frozen’s triumphant musical debut”

The Guardian

 ALSO ANNOUNCED TODAY, THE LAUNCH OF A COMPETITION FOR SCHOOLS –

THE UNITED KINGDOM OF FROZEN: LOVE IS AN OPEN DOOR 

Disney Theatrical Group announces today that their critically acclaimed West End production of Frozen will extend for the final time, completing its run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane after three magical years on 8 September 2024, having been seen by over 2.8 million people.

With music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, book by Jennifer Lee, and directed by Michael Grandage, the production started its run at the newly refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane in August 2021, opening to rave reviews. It received 7 WhatsOnStage Awards – the most of any production – and 4 Olivier Award nominations, including Best New Musical. The sets and costumes by Christopher Oram were conceived on an epic scale, with 154 costumes – including the legendary ice dress with over 10,000 crystals, the ice palace set contains over 50,000 crystals, and the ice bridge at 65ft long and nearly 10ft high fills the Drury Lane stage.

Director Michael Grandage said today, “It has been a joy to be part of the Frozen journey in London. Working with the team at Disney, the brilliant creative team, and the incredible cast have made this one of my happiest theatre experiences. 

“Frozen opened in the UK on the heels of the pandemic, and it was glorious to welcome back audiences, many of whom were coming to the theatre for the first time. To introduce so many to the power of theatre and hopefully cultivate a life-long love for it, has been an immense privilege.”

Disney Theatrical Group’s Chief Creative Officer Thomas Schumacher added, “I am enormously proud of everything the team achieved with Frozen and of London’s warm embrace of it. This production was specially created for the West End, and it was an honour to reopen Madeleine and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beautifully refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where the majesty of the production met the majesty of the space.”

Whilst Frozen the Musical will complete its UK run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in September, the stage journey for the beloved story will continue as Disney Theatrical Group is soon to launch a competition for secondary schools throughout the UK. The United Kingdom of Frozen: Love is an Open Door will give one school in every region across the UK the chance to win the stage rights and be the first to present the full-length version of the show. Further information on how and when to apply will be detailed on disneyonstage.co.uk/frozen shortly. 

The cast of Frozen the Musical is Samantha Barks (Elsa, performed by Jenna-Lee James until Sunday  28 January), Laura Dawkes (Anna), Jammy Kasongo (Kristoff), Craig Gallivan (Olaf), Oliver Ormson (Hans), Richard Frame (Duke of Weselton);and alternating the role of Sven, Mikayla Jade and Ashley Birchall, with Rhianne Alleyne, Marianne Bardgett, Rebecca Botterill, Oliver Brenin, Gabrielle Cocca, Ashley J Daniels (King Agnarr), Laura Emmitt, Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly (Bulda), Jemal Felix, Jordan Fox, Molly Francis, Matt Gillett, Isabella Glanznig Santos, Dominic Adam Griffin, George Hinson, Ben Irish (Pabbie), Aoife Kenny, Justin-Lee Jones, Jordan Livesey, Jonathan Milton, Jemma Revell, Harriet Samuels, Jacqui Sanchez (Queen Iduna), Jak Skelly (Oaken/Bishop), Caitlin Tipping, Rodney Vubya, Ed Wade and Anna Woodside. 

★★★★★

“Frozen is one hot hit”

Daily Mail

Twitter @FrozenLondon

Facebook /FrozenLondon

Instagram @FrozenLondon

frozenthemusical.co.uk

LISTINGS

FROZEN

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF

Tickets from £29.50

Group rates and education rates are available – please see the website

PERFORMANCES:

Wednesday                                       7.00pm

Thursday                                            2.00pm & 7pm

Friday                                                 7pm

Saturday                                            2.30pm & 7pm

Sunday                                               1pm & 5.30pm

From 28 February 2024:

Wed and Thurs matinees 2pm | Sat matinees 2.30pm | Thu – Sat 7pm | Sun 1pm & 5.30pm

From 20 March 2024:

Wed, Thurs and Sat matinees 2.30pm | Thu – Sat 7pm | Sun 1pm & 5.30pm

EMMY AND TONY AWARD WINNER 

BILLY CRUDUP

MAKES WEST END DEBUT IN THE UK PREMIERE OF

DAVID CALE’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PLAY

HARRY CLARKE

OPENING IN THE WEST END MARCH 2024

‘A formidable solo actor…Crudup is a master in this craft’

New York Theatre Guide

Ambassador Theatre Group Productions today announce that the Emmy and Tony Award-winning, and 2024 Golden Globe nominee, Billy Crudup (The Morning Show) is reprising his role to make his West End debut in the UK premiere of David Cale’s critically acclaimed one man play Harry Clarke, which transfers to the West End following two hit runs in the US. The production, directed by Tony Award nominee Leigh Silverman, opens at the Ambassadors Theatre on Wednesday 13 March, with previews from Saturday 9  March, and runs until Saturday 11 May 2024.

Billy Crudup said today, “I love London and I have loved seeing theater in London for decades. West End theater-goers are some of the most discerning, intelligent and hungry audiences in the world. I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to share the work Leigh, David, myself and all our producers have created on the London stage.”

“Billy Crudup… appears to be having the time of his life in a sly role terrifically suited to his gifts.”

New York Times

Harry Clarke had its world premiere at the Vineyard Theatre, New York in 2017. For his performance, Crudup garnered an Outer Critics Circle Award, Off-Broadway Alliance Award, Lucille Lortel Award, Drama Desk Award and Obie Award, and was nominated for a Drama League Award. He reprised the role for a sell-out West Coast premiere run at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2023.

Tickets are available to ATG+ members now; with general booking opening today, Monday 22 January at 1pm.

The Londoner is the official hotel partner of Harry Clarke in the West End.

Ambassador Theatre Group Productions present

The Vineyard Theatre and Berkeley Repertory Theatre Production of

HARRY CLARKE

By David Cale
Directed by Leigh Silverman

Scenic Design: Alexander Dodge; Costume Design: Kaye Voyce; Lighting Design: Alan C. Edwards; Sound Design: Bart Fasbender; Original Songs: David Cale; Vocal Coach: Deborah Lapidus; Dialect Coaches: Deborah Hecht, Jessica Berman

Ambassadors Theatre

Saturday 9 March – Saturday 11 May 2024

80 minutes. 19 characters. 1 tour-de-force performance. 

Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Billy Crudup (The Morning Show, Coast of Utopia, No Man’s Land, Almost Famous) delivers an acting “masterclass” (New York Theatre Guide) in David Cale’s wickedly funny thriller HARRY CLARKE, transferring to London’s West End from March direct from sell-out runs in New York and Los Angeles.

Harry Clarke has a secret. Well, Philip Brugglestein has a secret – but people only have eyes for seductive Londoner Harry…

Conjuring comparisons to The Talented Mr. Ripley and Saltburn with a touch of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, HARRY CLARKE keeps audiences guessing – charting the exploits of an awkward Midwestern man who moves to New York City to charm his way into a wealthy family.

Reprising his acclaimed performance for nine weeks only, Crudup has “the time of his life in a sly role terrifically suited to his gifts” (New York Times). Directed by Leigh Silverman (Suffs, Violet, Soft Power, In the Wake), do not miss this intoxicating performance about one man’s thrilling double life. Book tickets now.

“It’s hard not to be charmed by Harry Clarke” (Broadway World).

DAVID CALE | Writer

David Calewas born in Luton, and grew up in England. Heis the writerand performer of solo works including The History of Kisses, Palomino, A Likely Story, Lillian (Obie Award), Deep in a Dream of You (Bessie Award), Smooch Music, The Redthroats (Bessie Award), and most recently his solo musical memoir We’re Only Alive for A Short Amount of Time, for which he also wrote the lyrics, and co-composed the music with Matthew Dean Marsh (The Public Theater, NYC, Goodman Theatre, Chicago, Obie Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Lucille Lortel Award nomination, Drama Desk Award nomination, Jeff Award for New Musical). His solo plays include Harry Clarke, starring Billy Crudup (Audible at Minetta Lane Theatre, Vineyard Theatre, NYC, Lucille Lortel Award) and Sandra, starring Marjan Neshat, with music by Marsh (Vineyard Theatre), both directed by Leigh Silverman. He wrote the book, lyrics, co-composed the music for and starred in the musical, Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky (Outer Critics Circle Award Nomination for Best New Off-Broadway Musical), inspired by his experience portraying Floyd Duffner in Alex and Andrew Smith’s film The Slaughter Rule. David’s songwriting credits include composing the songs for 600 Highwaymen’s Employee of the Year (Bessie Award Nomination) and the lyrics for songs sung by Debbie Harry and Elvis Costello in concert with The Jazz Passengers at The Royal Festival Hall. As an actor he has performed in plays on and off-Broadway, on TV and in films, most recently Paul Harrill’s Light From Light. Harry Clarke at The Ambassadors Theatre marks his U.K. theatrical debut.

BILLY CRUDUP | Philip Brugglestein/Harry Clarke

Equally memorable on the stage and screen, Billy Crudup has earned critical accolades for his performances. He currently stars as Corey Ellison in Apple TV+’s three-time Golden-Globe nominated The Morning Show alongside Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, which earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, two Critics Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, three Screen Actors Guild Award nominations and two Golden Globe nominations. He recently earned a second Emmy nomination for this role. He also recently starred in and executive produced Apple TV+’s Hello Tomorrow!, as Jack Billings,whichcenters around a group of traveling salesmen hawking lunar timeshares.

Crudup’s film credits include: Where’d You Go, Bernadette, After the Wedding, Alien: Covenant, Jackie, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, 20^th Century Women, Spotlight, Cameron Crowe’s Academy Award®-winning Almost Famous, and many more. He made his television debut in Netflix’s psychological thriller Gypsy.

On stage, Crudup most recently reprised his role in the one-man play Harry Clarke at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. He first performed this play at the Vineyard Theatre, for which he won an Outer Critics Circle Award, Off-Broadway Alliance Award, Lucille Lortel Award, Obie Award, Drama Desk Award and garnered a nomination for a Drama League Award. In 2007, Crudup won a “Best Performance by a Featured Actor” Tony for his role in the Broadway production of The Coast of Utopia.  He also received Tony nominations for his roles in The Elephant Man, The Pillowman and Arcadia. 

LEIGH SILVERMAN | Director

Leigh Silverman previously directed Harry Clarke at the Vineyard Theater, with Audible at the Minetta Lane (Lortel nom) and most recently at Berkeley Repertory Theatre.  She is a Tony nominated American director who has directed over 60 world premiere new plays and musicals and received a 2011 Obie Award and 2019 Obie for Sustained Excellence. Broadway credits include Suffs; Grand Horizons; The Lifespan of a Fact; Violet (Tony nom), Chinglish; Well. Recent Off-Broadway credits include: Merry Me (NYTW); Sandra (Vineyard); Suffs (Public); The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe (Shed,Taper); Soft Power (Public, Ahmanson/Curran Theatre, Drama Desk nom); Hurricane Diane (NYTW). Encores: Violet; The Wild Party; Really Rosie and Sutton Foster’s streaming concert, Bring Me to Light. Audible projects include Yellow Face (upcoming), Harry Clarke and Dykes to Watch Out For which was named Best of Year for Audible and Slate.

www.harryclarketheplay.com

Instagram:          @HarryClarkeThePlay

TikTok:                  @HarryClarkeThePlay

Facebook:           HarryClarkeThePlayUK

LISTINGS

HARRY CLARKE

Ambassadors Theatre

Saturday 9 March – Saturday 11 May 2024

Box Office: www.harryclarketheplay.com

Access Performances:

Audio Described: Wednesday 27 March, 7.30pm

Captioned:  Wednesday 10 April, 7.30pm

Age Recommended: 14+

The Other Palace – until 14 April 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

This brilliantly bitchy and wickedly funny musical is another surefire hit for The Other Palace. Based on Roger Kumble’s arch 1999 film, Kumble, Jordan Ross and Linsey Rosin have created one of the best jukebox musicals yet – the dark stepsister to &Juliet.

Speaking of stepsisters, the manipulative shenanigans of Katherine Merteuil (Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky) and her stepbrother Sebastian Valmont (Daniel Bravo) stay true to the film version, with the coolly cruel pair playing games with the lives of those around them, usually using sex as their weapon of choice. The twisted sexual tension between them comes to a head when Katherine bets Sebastian that he cannot deflower proud virgin Annette, while also ruining the reputation of the innocent Cecile, who unwittingly put herself on Katherine’s hitlist because Katherine’s ex prefers Cecile.

The most quoted lines from the film are all here, delivered with knowingly melodramatic looks to the audience, and head tosses – this is a complete camp fest. The already iconic soundtrack of the movie is expanded with a parade of 90s bangers from Natalie Imbruglia, The Verve, TLC and The Spice Girls and many more. The songs pop up at some wonderfully unexpected moments, never distracting from the plot, instead enhancing the story with a manic glee. Gary Lloyd’s pitch perfect nineties inspired choreography is often hilarious – especially when Blaine (Josh Barnett) and closeted jock Greg (Barney Wilkinson) are involved, whether they are making out or fighting.

Polly Sullivan’s set design nods to the uber-privileged surroundings of the teens, with the revolve used to great effect, and Jonathan O’Boyle’s assured direction makes this the slickest show in town. The cast all understand the assignment – not one comedic opportunity is missed. McCaulsky is simply magnificent as the icy Katherine, with vocals that bring the house down, and Bravo is magnetic as Sebastian, oozing arrogance and privilege through every pore. Abbie Budden is strong and sweet as Annette and Rose Galbraith is brilliantly funny as Cecile.

With a recorded message from one of the film’s cast to start the show and a song list to die for, this is a real treat for fans of the film, ramping the vampy campness up to unimaginable levels. But you definitely don’t need to know the film to enjoy this show. Just sit back and strap in for some killer songs and glorious dark and daft laughs.