Nottingham Royal Concert Hall – until Saturday 13th January 2024

Reviewed by Jill Heslop

5*****

A standing ovation hailed this outstanding production of the iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall last night.

Directed by Timothy Sheader, this is a powerful theatrical experience with strong set design, dramatic lighting and excellent live music; with a 70s heavy metal feel mixed up with funky tones and sweeping choral harmonies. The set design by Tom Scutt, has a dark, heavy feel with hints of over-hanging olive branches and ladders up to heaven or infinity. Clever use of spotlights makes the lighting by Michael Seaman effective with subtle use of light and shadow.

The voices are the most impressive feature. Jesus played by Ian McIntosh is literally a superstar, with an impressive vocal range which wows the audience. The challenging role of Judas is played admirably by Shem Omari James and the difficult relationship between the two is convincingly played out. The presence of the live electric guitars played by Felix Strickland and Ryan Webber in the elevated balconies of the stage set, add to the feeling that we are at a ‘gig’ or rock festival. Hand held microphones and trailing wires add to this effect with the hanging microphone wires symbolic of Judas’s later fate hinted at.

There was a moving rendition of ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ by Hannah Richardson playing Mary Magdalene with her beautiful voice. The 39 lashes scene was very effective with a creative, well-choreographed interpretation of a disturbing situation in time to musical effects. The costumes of grungy leisurewear are transformed into cloak-wearing disciples, morphing later into a robe-wearing mob baying for the blood of Christ. The range of harmonies of this chorus was impressive, coupled with their constant, energetic movements and dancing. Herod, this time played exuberantly by Tamo Tadzber, makes a glamorous, camp appearance, lifting the mood of the second half briefly before the inevitable shocking sacrifice.

It was 1971 when this rock opera was first staged and it is heartening to see it brought to a whole new generation with such energy and passion. This is a strong, powerful, physical production with the betrayal of Jesus (Ian McIntosh) by everyone but Mary Magdalene (Hannah Richardson) dramatically portrayed. If you are wondering “What’s the Buzz”, then get yourself to the Royal Concert Hall and be wowed by this grand theatrical spectacle.

THE OLIVIER AND TONY AWARD-WINNING COMEDY

THE 39 STEPS

TO TOUR THE UK IN 2024

GALA NIGHT THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2024 AT RICHMOND THEATRE, LONDON

For the first time in eight years, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning comedy, THE 39 STEPS, is to tour the UK this year.  The production will initially play at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 14 to 30 March 2024.  The production will then tour from Tuesday 2 April, with a Gala Night on Thursday 4 April at Richmond Theatre in London.  The tour will run through to Saturday 3 August.  Full dates and venues are listed below.

Patrick Barlow’s hilarious adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller ran in London’s West End for nine years, finally closing in 2015.  It won the Olivier Award and What’s On Stage Award for Best Comedy in 2007.  It also took Broadway by storm, winning two Tony Awards and a Drama Desk Award in 2008.  The play, with its quintessentially plucky spirit and dashing sense of British fun, has toured to 39 countries and played to over 3 million people worldwide.

Follow the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women.

This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.

Casting of the 2024 UK Tour of THE 39 STEPS is to be announced.

The 2024 UK Tour is brought to the stage by the original creative team of director Maria Aitken, with tour director Nicola Samer, designer Peter McKintosh, lighting designer Ian Scott, sound designer Mic Pool, movement director Toby Sedgwick and casting director Abby Galvin.  The original production of THE 39 STEPS was directed by Fiona Buffini and was adapted by Patrick Barlow from an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon.

THE 39 STEPS at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is presented by Fiery Angel in association with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.  The 2024 UK Tour is produced by Fiery Angel.

www.love39steps.com

Instagram: @39StepsPlay

Facebook: @39StepsPlay

TikTok: @39StepsPlay

X: @39StepsPlay

TOUR SCHEDULE

14-30 March                           Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch                                       01708 443333

                                               www.queens-theatre.co.uk

2-6 April                                  Richmond Theatre, London

                                               www.atgtickets.com/Richmond  

9-13 April                                Newcastle Theatre Royal                                              0191 232 7010

                                               www.theatreroyal.co.uk

23-27 April                              New Theatre, Cardiff                                                     0343 310 041

                                               www.trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff

30 April – 4 May                      Sheffield Lyceum                                                          0114 249 6000

                                               www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

7-11 May                                 Cambridge Arts Theatre                                               01223 503333

                                               www.cambridgeartstheatre.com  

14-18 May                               Malvern Festival Theatre                                              01684 892277

                                               www.malvern-theatres.co.uk 

21-25 May                               Cheltenham Everyman Theatre                                    01242 572573

                                               everymantheatre.org.uk

28 May – 1 June                     Theatre Royal, Glasgow

                                               www.atgtickets.com/glasgow 

4-8 June                                  Birmingham The Alexandra

                                               www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

11-15 June                              Oxford Playhouse                                                         01865 305305

                                               Oxfordplayhouse.com 

18-22 June                              Norwich Theatre Royal                                                 01603 630000

                                               norwichtheatre.org

25 – 29 June                           Theatre Royal Bath

                                               theatreroyal.org.uk                                                       01225 448844

2-6 July                                   The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford                       01483 44 00 00

                                               www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

16-20 July                               Brighton Theatre Royal

                                               www.atgtickets.com/brighton

23-27 July                               York Grand Opera House

                                               www.atgtickets.com/york

31 July – 3 August                  Curve, Leicester                                                           On Sale 30 January

                                               www.curveonline.co.uk

Workshop announced for a new stage musical
based on Tony Robinson’s hit BBC TV series

Maid Marian and Her Merry Men
A New Musical* (*sort of)

Book, Music & Lyrics by Vikki Stone
Directed by Benji Sperring

Soho Theatre, Thursday January 25 at 3pm

Thomas Hopkins, Guy Chapman & John Rogerson  are proud to announce a workshop of Maid Marian and Her Merry Men A New Musical* (*sort of), based on Tony Robinson’s hit BBC TV series, Book, Music & Lyrics by Olivier Award winning Writer Vikki Stone (Hey Duggee: The Live Theatre Show, Cinderella – Lyric Hammersmith), directed and developed by by Benji Sperring (An Act Of God, The Toxic Avenger).

As it prepares for an expected UK premiere later this year, a first-look workshop performance will take place at 3pm on Thursday 25 January at Soho Theatre.

Vikki Stone said: “I cannot tell you how delighted I am to be writing Maid Marian. Its was one of my absolute favourite kids TV shows in the ‘90s, and I couldn’t be more excited to be working with comedy legend Sir Tony Robinson on this wonderful show.”

The cast features:

Bronté Barbé (Maid Marian) was Kathy in Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder, Katherine Plumber in Newsies.

Vikki Stone (Sheriff of Nottingham)

Nick Helm (King John) Andy in the BBC Three sitcom Uncle.

Myles Miller (Robin Hood) was Drifter in Beautiful- The Carole King Musical.

Marek Larwood (Rabies) was in Black Ops (BBC TV)

Damien James (Barrington) was in The Play The Goes Wrong (UK tour).

Marc Pickering (Little Ron) was in Great Expectations (Criterion Theatre).

Michelle Bishop (Gary) was Fraulein Kost in Cabaret (Kit Kat Club).

Natasha Lewis (Graham) was Darvesh’s Mum in The Boy In The Dress (RSC).

Musical Supervisor Paul Schofield

Sound Designer Dan Samson

At the first stage of the production on this new show the producers will be presenting this showing to an invited audience to support the ongoing development of this new co-family viewing show.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE

WEST END TRANSFER OF

THE MULTI-AWARD-WINNING

NEW BRITISH MUSICAL

STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE

AHEAD OF PERFORMANCES BEGINNING

ON 8 FEBRUARY 2024

The National Theatre and Various Productions announce today full casting for the West End transfer of Sheffield Theatres’ smash-hit production, Standing at the Sky’s Edge.  Written as a love letter to Sheffield and the city’s iconic Park Hill Estate, this 2023 Olivier Award-winning ‘Best New Musical’ is directed by Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic Director, Robert Hastie and features songs by the legendary Sheffield singer-songwriter, Richard Hawley.  With a hilarious and gut-wrenching book by Chris Bush, Standing at the Sky’s Edge charts the hopes and dreams of three generations over the course of six tumultuous decades, navigating universal themes of love, loss and survival.  It will make its West End premiere at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London from 8 February 2024.

Joining the previously announced cast are, Jonathan Andre (Macbeth, Shakespeare’s Globe; The Lion King, Disney) playing the role of Max, Jonathon Bentley (From Here to Eternity, Aria Entertainment; MAMMA MIA!, Littlestar)playing the role of Gary, Mya Fox-Scott is making her professional debut, playing the role of Jenny, Rachael Louise Miller (Les Misérables, Cameron Mackintosh; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Bill Kenwright Productions) is reprising the role of Cathy, Adam Price (Privates on Parade, Michael Grandage Company; Hairspray, Stage Entertainment) is reprising the role of Charles, Nicola Sloane (Backstairs Billy, Michael Grandage Company; London Road, National Theatre) is reprising the role of Vivienne, Lillie-Pearl Wildman (Sunset Boulevard, Jamie Lloyd Theatre Company; Cabaret; ATG/Underbelly) is playing the role of Justine, David McKechnie (Flowers for Mrs Harris, Riverside Studios; Stepping Out, Stephen Joseph Theatre) is reprising the role of Joe/Workman.  They are joined by Monique Ashe-Palmer, Adam Colbeck-Dunn, Viquichele Cross, Jamie Doncaster, Caroline Fitzgerald, Jerome Lincoln, Sean McLevy and Karen Wilkinson.

The young company completing the cast are, Alayna Anderson, Luca Foster-Lejeune, Renee Hart, Eric Madgwick, Chioma Nduka, and Sam Stocks.

They are joining, Elizabeth Ayodele (Small Island, National Theatre; Steel Magnolias, Trafalgar Theatre Productions) playing the role of Joy, Joel Harper-Jackson (Cock, Elliot & Harper Productions; Kinky Boots, Adam Blanshay Productions) playing the role of Harry, Sharlene Hector (A Strange Loop, Trafalgar Theatre Productions/National Theatre; Hairspray, Adam Spiegal Productions/Fiery Angel) playing the role of Grace, Samuel Jordan (Masters of the Air, Apple TV; Sex Education, Netflix) reprising the role of Jimmy, Mel Lowe (Orlando, The Michael Grandage Company; A Billion Times I Love You, Homotopia/Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse) playing the role of Connie, Baker Mukasa (The Comedy of Errors, Royal Shakespeare Company; Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Stage Entertainment) reprising the role of George, Alastair Natkiel (Line of Duty, BBC; Strangers on a Train, Barbara Broccoli) reprising the role of Marcus, Laura Pitt-Pulford (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; Emmerdale, ITV) playing the role of Poppy, Lauryn Redding (Bloody Elle, Rebel Productions/Royal Exchange) playing the role of Nikkiand Rachael Wooding (Pretty Woman: The Musical, Ambassador Theatre Group Productions; We Will Rock You, Queen Theatrical Productions/Phil McIntyre/Tribeca Theatrical Productions) reprising the role of Rose.

Robert Hastie is joined by set and costume designer, Ben Stones; choreographer, Lynne Page; orchestrator and arranger, originating music supervisor, Tom Deering; lighting designer, Mark Henderson; sound designer, Bobby Aitken; wigs, hair and make-up designer, Cynthia De La Rosa, casting director, Stuart Burt CDG, children’s casting director, Chloe Blake, dialect coaches Michaela Kennen and Shereen Ibrahim. Associate director is Elin Schofield, associate choreographer is Thomas Herron, musical director and associate music supervisor is Alex Beetschen, associate sound designer is Jonas Roebuck and associate costume designer is Sally Wilson.

Standing at the Sky’s Edge is a multi-award-winning production, winning ‘Best New Musical’ at the 2023 Olivier Awards with Sheffield singer-songwriter, Richard Hawley and Tom Deering also winning ‘Best Original Score and New Orchestrations’.  It was recently awarded the internationally recognised ‘Made in Sheffield’^® accolade, the first time a theatre production has received this unique trademark.  Previously it has won the 2020 South Bank Sky Arts Award for Theatre and ‘Best Musical Production’ at the UK Theatre Awards in 2019.

First commissioned by Sheffield Theatres and Various Productions,Standing at the Sky’s Edge had its world premiere at the Crucible Theatre in 2019. Following a hugely successful, sold-out run, it returned to the Crucible Theatre in December 2022, selling out again, before making its London premiere in the National Theatre’s Olivier theatre in early 2023 where it continued to sell out and receive standing ovations.  

Revealing the history of modern Britain, through the stories of this iconic housing estate, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, is a heartfelt exploration of the power of community and what it is we all call home.

Richard Hawley released Now Then: The Very Best of Richard Hawley, in autumn 2023, his first ever best of collection.  This 36-track deep dive into his hugely successful career to date includes his original versions of songs from the musical including Open Up Your Door, Tonight the Streets Are Ours, Coles Corner and the production’s title track, Standing at the Sky’s Edge.  He has also announced a UK and Ireland tour with live performance dates from May 2024.

Standing at the Sky’s Edge, the original live cast recording is available to stream via Spotify and purchase online from major music retailers.

Tickets for the musical are available from £20 at SkysEdgeMusical.com.  Assisted performances are available throughout the run.

Southwark Playhouse – until 13 January

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Blind Summit’s weird and wonderful show explores sex and sexuality through a series of interviews with puppets. With a whimsical, filthy and sometimes touching script inspired by real-life responses, co-writers and directors Mark Down and Ben Keaton deliver a fast-paced parade of characters introduced with determinedly low-tech titles.

The puppets are manipulated brilliantly with great skill by Mark Down, Isobel Griffiths, Simon Scardifeld and Dale Wylde, with one puppeteer controlling the mouth and voicing the character while another controls the limbs. The characterisation is simply enchanting, and it is easy to forget the puppeteers – until a puppet asks for help getting into a sexual position. With couples and individuals discussing sexual wellbeing, the effect of aging on sex, consent and much more, most scenes are full of humour – mostly from the older characters’ openness. The freedom of care-home sex and the language it takes to turn a grammar pedant on are highlights. The pace is well-judged overall, with plenty of laughs in each scene and moments of emotional depth and tenderness – it is amazing how the gentle rearrangement of a puppet’s hand will touch your heart, and the physical reactions of the puppets to each other’s words is glorious.

A show full of skill and silliness and “gratuitous puppet sex” that has to be seen to be believed. I loved it – you will leave the theatre with a goofy smile wondering what the hell you have just witnessed, but eager for more.

Birmingham Hippodrome – until 28th January 2024

Reviewed by Emma Millward 

5***** 

 Christmas may have been and gone, but the festive spirit is still going strong in Brum!! The posters dotted around the Hippodrome promise “A Giant Pantomime spectacular” and they definitely deliver. 

Birmingham born and bred Alison Hammond takes to the stage as ‘The Spirit of the Beans’, making the most of her first acting role at the Hippodrome. She lets the crowd know just how much the building means to her, including touching stories of her attending shows there with her late mother, who now has a seat dedicated to her memory on the front row. 

Back for his tenth year is Matt Slack, who has become an integral part of the Panto season in Birmingham. As well as performing, he has co-written the show with Harry Michaels. Slack displays his comedic skills as Jack’s brother Jake. He brings all the slapstick humour and gags you expect from Panto. Slack takes a moment towards the end to reminisce on his decade at the Hippodrome, singing to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s ‘That’s Life’, alongside photographs of his many characters. 

Also hailing from Birmingham, Alexanda O’Reilly plays the title role, with Billie-Kay as a feisty Princess Jill. Andrew Ryan is hilarious as the quintessentially camp Dame Trot in so many outrageous outfits I lost count. Another local, Doreen Tipton as Doreen the Cow, raises many laughs playing on her lazy internet persona. She also surprises with her vocal range, belting out a very tongue in cheek version of Les Misérables ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ or ‘I Creamed a Cream’ to be exact. 

Alongside them, Samantha Womack plays the deliciously evil villain Mrs Blunderbore, the wife of the Giant. Having seen Womack performing as Sandy in Grease in London’s West End many years ago, I can confirm her singing voice is still as powerful as she belted out Steps’ ‘Scared of the Dark’.  Womack revels in her character’s wicked nature and encourages the boos she gets from the audience. 

Directed and produced by Michael Harrison, who has worked on many spectacular West End productions. The show is bursting with energy from the start. The lavish and colourful set designed by Mark Walters was also used at the London Palladium’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk in 2022. The special effects used to bring the beanstalk and Giants (yep, that’s plural!) to life are amazing. The huge inflatable beanstalk appearing in the middle of the auditorium drew audible gasps, especially from my daughter as it happened right by our seats! Jack (O’Reilly) climbing it all the way to the Hippodrome ceiling really did bring the first part of the show to an exciting climax. 

Jack and the Beanstalk does exactly what a pantomime should, it entertains the whole family, with more than a few ‘grown up’ jokes thrown in to keep everyone happy. Even on a cold and damp January night, it still made the crowd feel the joy and excitement that only superb live theatre can bring. The show runs until 28th January so get your tickets now.

FINBOROUGH THEATRE – UNTIL 27 JANUARY

REVIEWED BY MANDI RIGGI

3***

Michael Healy’s 1979 is a captivating play that delves into the political landscape of Canada during the tenure of Prime Minister Joe Clark. Through its talky narrative and energetic performances, the play sheds light on the challenges and triumphs faced by Clark during his brief time in office.

The writing of the play is commendable, although it may not be as comedic as one would expect. Nevertheless, the writer skillfully portrays the complexities of politics and the personal struggles of Joe Clark, which are aptly brought to life by the talented Joseph May. The dialogue is sharp and thought-provoking, inviting the audience to reflect on the intricacies of political life. Additionally, the rest of the cast, including Samantha Coughlan and Ian Porter, deliver solid performances, seamlessly switching between characters and even genders. However, I must admit that at times, these switches took me out of the dramatic flow.

Mim Houghton’s minimalistic set design is highly effective, allowing the audience to fully focus on the performances and the story being told. However, my biggest gripe with the production was the slide show that accompanied the play. Projected text on a black screen introduced characters and provided historical context, which I understand is helpful in a play centered around a specific political era. However, I found that it often interfered with the dramatic tension, and in my opinion, it was a bit excessive. Additionally, the volume of the music was sometimes too loud, making it challenging to hear the actors’ dialogue clearly.

Despite these minor drawbacks, 1979 is a fairly enjoyable play that was well-received by the audience, as evidenced by its sold-out status.

The National Theatre and Various Productions release today a ‘first look’ rendition by West End cast member, Samuel Jordan, performing ‘Midnight Train’ from Sheffield Theatres’ smash-hit production, Standing at the Sky’s Edge.  Written as a love letter to Sheffield and the city’s iconic Park Hill Estate, this Olivier Award-winning ‘Best New Musical’, directed by Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic Director, Robert Hastie and featuring songs by the legendary Sheffield singer-songwriter, Richard Hawley with a hilarious and gut-wrenching book by Chris Bush, will make its West End premiere at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London from 8 February 2024.    

Standing at the Sky’s Edge charts the hopes and dreams of three generations over the course of six tumultuous decades, navigating universal themes of love, loss and survival.  Joining Samuel Jordan (Masters of the Air, Apple TV; Sex Education, Netflix) as Jimmy, is Elizabeth Ayodele (Small Island, National Theatre; Steel Magnolias, Trafalgar Theatre Productions) as Joy, Joel Harper-Jackson (Cock, Elliot & Harper Productions; Kinky Boots, Adam Blanshay Productions) as Harry, Sharlene Hector (A Strange Loop, Trafalgar Theatre Productions/National Theatre; Hairspray, Adam Spiegal Productions/Fiery Angel) as Grace, Mel Lowe (Orlando, The Michael Grandage Company; A Billion Times I Love You, Homotopia/Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse) as Connie, Baker Mukasa (The Comedy of Errors, Royal Shakespeare Company; Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Stage Entertainment) as George, Alastair Natkiel (Line of Duty, BBC; Strangers on a Train, Barbara Broccoli) as Marcus, Laura Pitt-Pulford (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; Emmerdale, ITV) as Poppy, Lauryn Redding (Bloody Elle, Rebel Productions/Royal Exchange) as Nikki and Rachael Wooding (Pretty Woman: The Musical, Ambassador Theatre Group Productions; We Will Rock You, Queen Theatrical Productions/Phil McIntyre/Tribeca Theatrical Productions) as Rose.  Further casting will be announced.  

Hastie is joined by set and costume designer, Ben Stones; choreographer, Lynne Page; orchestrator and arranger, originating music supervisor, Tom Deering; lighting designer, Mark Henderson; sound designer, Bobby Aitken; wigs, hair and make-up designer, Cynthia De La Rosa and casting director, Stuart Burt CDG.   

Standing at the Sky’s Edge is a recent recipient of the internationally recognised ‘Made in Sheffield’ ^® accolade. This multi-award-winning new British musical won ‘Best New Musical’ at the 2023 Olivier Awards earlier in the year with Sheffield singer-songwriter, Richard Hawley and Tom Deering also winning ‘Best Original Score and New Orchestrations’.  Previously it has won the 2020 South Bank Sky Arts Award for Theatre and ‘Best Musical Production’ at the UK Theatre Awards in 2019.   

First commissioned by Sheffield Theatres and Various Productions, Standing at the Sky’s Edge had its world premiere at the Crucible Theatre in 2019. Following a hugely successful, sold-out run, it returned to the Crucible Theatre in December 2022, selling out again, before making its London premiere in the National Theatre’s Olivier theatre in early 2023 where it continued to sell out and receive standing ovations.   

Revealing the history of modern Britain, through the stories of this iconic housing estate, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, is a heartfelt exploration of the power of community and what it is we all call home. 

Richard Hawley has recently released Now Then: The Very Best of Richard Hawley, his first ever best of collection.  This 36-track deep dive into his hugely successful career to date includes his original versions of songs from the musical including Open Up Your Door, Tonight the Streets Are Ours, Coles Corner and the production’s title track, Standing at the Sky’s Edge.  He has also announced a UK and Ireland tour with live performance dates from May 2024. 

Standing at the Sky’s Edge, the original live cast recording is available to stream via Spotify and purchase online from major music retailers. 

Tickets for the musical are available from £20 at SkysEdgeMusical.com.  Assisted performances are available throughout the run.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR

NEIL SIMON’S
HIT COMEDY
PLAZA SUITE

DIRECTED BY TONY AWARD^® WINNER
JOHN BENJAMIN HICKEY

ROHIT GOKANI, ERIC SIRAKIAN, CHARLIE OSCAR,

NICK BARCLAY, CAROLINE SHEEN,

JAMIE COYNE AND HANNAH MORRISON

JOIN

TWO-TIME TONY AWARD^® WINNER & TWO-TIME EMMY AWARD^® WINNER

MATTHEW BRODERICK                   SARAH JESSICA PARKER

AT THE

SAVOY THEATRE
FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON FROM
17 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH 2024

£40 DAILY LOTTERY TICKET DETAILS ALSO CONFIRMED

Full casting is announced today for the forthcoming West End transfer of Neil Simon’s hit comedy PLAZA SUITE which will run at the Savoy Theatre from 17 January – 31 March and is directed by Tony Award^® winner John Benjamin Hickey.

Joining the previously announced two-time Tony Award^® winner Matthew Broderick as Sam Nash/Jesse Kiplinger/Roy Hubley and two-time Emmy Award^® winner Sarah Jessica Parker, who makes her West End debut, as Karen Nash/Muriel Tate/Norma Hubley will be Rohit Gokani as The Waiter, Charlie Oscar as Jean McCormack/Mimsey Hubley and Eric Sirakian as Bellhop/Boden Eisler. The company will also include Nick Barclay (Standby Sam Nash/ Jesse Kiplinger/Roy Hubley), Caroline Sheen (Standby Karen Nash/Muriel Tate/Norma Hubley), Jamie Coyne (Understudy Bellhop / The Waiter / Boden Eisler) and Hannah Morrison (Understudy Jean McCormack / Mimsey Hubley).

Details for the previously announced £40 daily lottery are also now confirmed. At every performance, ten tickets – normally located on the front row of the stalls – will be exclusively available for purchase by lottery winners. Winners will be randomly selected every Monday for all of the performances in the following week (with the exception of the first draw on Monday 15 January, which will cover all performances in both weeks commencing 15 and 22 January). Winners will be sent a unique booking link (maximum 2 tickets per person) and have 24 hours to pay for their tickets. To enter the lottery, visit www.plazasuiteuk.com/lottery from midday on Wednesday 10 January.

In PLAZA SUITE, Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker play three different couples in one famous hotel room. Karen and Sam are a long-married pair whose relationship may be headed for an early checkout. Muriel and Jesse are former high school sweethearts who seem destined for an extended stay. And Norma and Roy are the mother and father of the bride, ready to celebrate their daughter’s nuptials – if only they can get her out of the bathroom.

In New York, PLAZA SUITE became the must-have ticket for Broadway audiences. The production played to sold-out houses and shattered multiple box-office records at the Hudson Theatre, becoming the third-highest grossing play revival in Broadway history during its limited 19-week engagement.

The creative team includes two-time Tony Award^® winner John Lee Beatty (Set Design), Tony Award^® winner Jane Greenwood (Costume Design), five-time Tony Award^® winner Brian MacDevitt (Lighting Design), Tony Award^® winner Scott Lehrer (Sound Design), Tony Award^® winner Marc Shaiman (Original Music), and Jim Carnahan (Casting Director).

PLAZA SUITE is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Hal Luftig, with Douglas L. Meyer, Elizabeth Armstrong, Hunter Arnold, Caitlin Clements, Eilene Davidson Productions, Jeffrey Finn, Terry Schnuck, Smith and Brant Theatricals, Craig Haffner & Sherry Wright Theatricals and Mike Isaacson.

AWARD WINNING MUSICAL TO VISIT NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

The legendary, award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers, known for sell-out houses across the country, returns to Newcastle for one week only (Tue 30 Jan – Sat 3 Feb 2024).

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.

Niki Colwell Evans and Sean Jones play the iconic roles of Mrs Johnstone and Mickey Johnstone respectively, with Gemma Brodrick reprising her role of Linda, and Joe Sleight as Eddie. Also returning to the 2024 production are Timothy Lucas (Sammy), Josh Capper (Neighbour), Sarah Jane Buckley (Mrs Lyons), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Jess Smith (Brenda), Graeme Kinniburgh (Postman/Bus Conductor), and previous cast members Chloe Pole (Donna Marie) and Alex Harland (Policeman/Teacher) with further casting to be announced.

Award-winning playwright Willy Russell’s epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981, before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. The musical has since triumphed across the globe. Bill Kenwright Ltd.’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.

Few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers, scooping up four awards for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway, it is considered ‘one of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times).

When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax.

Blood Brothers plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 30 Jan – Sat 3 Feb 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.