Ballroom-inspired play Syncopation comes to London this Spring Bridewell Theatre, 14 Bride Lane, Fleet Street, EC4Y 8EQ Thursday 14th March – Saturday 13th April 2024
Award-winning writer Allan Knee’s ballroom-inspired play Syncopation is coming to London this Spring. Known for musical Little Women and play The Man Who Was Peter Pan, Knee’s comedic drama follows two lost souls in New York in 1912 who come together to dance in a stirring and tender tale about finding yourself and moving to your own beat.
Inspired by Irene and Vernon Castle – ballroom superstars of their day, who laid the foundation for ballroom dancing as we know it and were the subjects of a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film – meatpacker Henry Ribolow and seamstress Anna Bianchi decide to embark on a journey to become renowned ballroom dancers in pre-war New York. Responding to Henry’s advertisement in the paper, Anna finds herself drawn into the freeing and passionate world of dance, set against the backdrop of exciting, revolutionary ideas at the turn of the century, the urban rhythm of New York City, and Ragtime.
From Manilla Street Productions, this is a unique version of Syncopation, with a carefully curated Ragtime and jazz score specifically selected for the London production, including classics like By the Light of the Silvery Moon and Little Brown Jug, Scott Joplin’s Elite Syncopations and Irving Berlin’s Always.
West End and Broadway triple threats Devon-Elise Johnson (Mamma Mia! and Half a Sixpence, West End; Titanic the Musical, UK tour) and Jye Frasca (Wicked, Broadway and West End; Jersey Boys and Mary Poppins, West End) star as Anna and Henry respectively. Syncopation is directed by Karen Jemison (Blood Brothers; Pacific Overtures; Bad Blood Blues, Melbourne) and choreographed by Jenny Thomson (Strictly Come Dancing, BBC; So You Think You Can Dance, Fox; Dancing with the Stars, ABC).
Director Karen Jemison comments, Syncopation has everything you could want in a play and more – wonderful Ragtime music, a touching comic drama with two highly engaging characters and lots of ballroom dancing! There are not many plays featuring ballroom dancing and this unique piece of theatre is a perfect fit for London. I think audiences will be blown away by the talents of this cast and the beautiful writing of Allan Knee.
The European premiere of Kim’s Convenience is long overdue, with Ins Choi’s 2011 play and the Netflix series it inspired great successes. Choi’s tragicomic love letter to first-generation immigrants is based on his own early life, living above his uncle’s convenience store in Toronto. Choi plays the elder Mr Kim in this production, having originated the role of his son.
As you wait for the play to begin, spotting the items on the shelves of Mona Camille’s detailed set is a delight, and Choi’s long, non-verbal entrance as Mr Kim establishes the character immediately as he goes about his morning routine opening the store and keeping an eye on the neighbourhood. Regent Park is beginning to be gentrified, but Kim’s unbending vision of his children carrying on his legacy in the store makes selling to developers out of the question.
With Kim’s father’s memories of living under Japanese rule and then the Korean War and his parents coming to Canada for a better life for their children, the Western attitudes of Kim’s children confuse and anger him. The tension between generations and cultures is at the heart of the family comedy, with Kim’s overbearing attitude frustrating and alienating his children. Kim’s black and white view of the world – which his daughter sees as racist and misogynistic – is very much a product of his family’s trauma, and Choi writes and delivers these lines with a smart rawness and daughter Janet (Jennifer Kim) is there to correct him. Among the fatherly concern and humour, there is an undercurrent of anger and cruelty in Kim’s interactions with Janet, and hints about Kim’s estranged son Jung (Brian Law) are dropped until he finally appears as he meets his mother (Namju Go) at church. Miles Mitchell plays a variety of neighbourhood characters, the highlight being his flirting with Janet and consequent interrogation by Kim.
The cast are all excellent and have wonderful chemistry, with even the quietest moments effortlessly revealing so much about their characters and their relationships with a gentle humour throughout that seamlessly veers from high physicality to melancholy. Director Esther Chun paces the story wonderfully, allowing quieter scenes to hit before moving on, and Kim’s realisation that his children are more important to him than his store is played beautifully by Choi, completely convincing as a man full of love and shame trying to make amends.
Charming and full of heart, Kim’s Convenience is not to be missed.
Richmond Theatre – until Saturday 13th January 2024
Reviewed by Brooke Burlinge
5*****
Richmond Theatre brings you Swan Lake presented by Mergaliyev Classical Ballet, the well-known classic, composed by Tchaikovsky which, to this day is still adored by audiences across the world.
Swan Lake unravels the beguiling and timeless story of both love and betrayal, the journey of many highs and lows as well as the power that love itself can behold.
Prince Seigried (Azamat Askarov) is admired by many, yet no one manages to catch his eye. That is until he meets the stunning, captivating, flawless Odette (Assel Askarova) who captures his heart. However, the malicious magician, Rothbart (Jackson Stewart) has enchanted Odette along with multiple other young ladies to spend the rest of their lives as swans. Apart from the few hours every night where they can return to their human forms. The only way the curse can be broken is through the act of true love, which the Prince promises to do so while he expresses his eternal love for Odette. Unfortunately, the Prince is tricked back at the Queen’s (Priscilla Volpe) castle where a ball is being held for him. He is tempted and lured in by Odille, Rothbart’s daughter, believing it truly is Odette, therefore breaking the vow he had made to Odette, causing her to be in despair as she dies. Once Prince Seigfried realises his mistake, he confronts Rothbart in a fierce battle. Triumphant, Siegfried breaks the evil spell, leaving him and Odette to live their ‘happily ever after.’
Throughout the ballet, all dancers provided utter perfection, allowing the audience to really appreciate the story. Everyone played their roles flawlessly, depicting a multitude of emotions with their elegant movements and facial expressions.
Whenever Odette was on stage, I simply could not take my eyes off her, her dancing was particularly precise while also being soft and delicate. When dancing with Prince Seigfried, she showed control and structure. Both truly gave us a phenomenal performance. He too was amazing, performing wonderfully and showing a true connection with Odette.
Rothbart certainly embodied the darkness and mystic feel of the character, lurking in the shadows and floating across the stage.
The Jester (Aibar Toktar) juxtaposed the sometimes dark atmosphere. His touch of comedy got the audience to laugh through little parts of the production.
I must say that the Cygnets (Amara Galloway, Kira Ewing, Emily Pohl and Lilou Coulad) did an exceptional job at their specific dance. It was exquisitely executed and left me in awe.
The scenery was simple yet perfectly portrayed the atmosphere and overall mood of the scenes. Not to mention the orchestra were remarkable, it was magnificent to be able to see them playing. The music added much depth and meaning to each dancing, reflecting the dainty, soft nature of certain dances as well as the more sharp, intricate dances.
Watching this ballet certainly put a smile on my face. The whole production was breathtaking, and I would definitely recommend coming to see this.
CinemaLive today announces a new season of musical events to play in 475 cinemas across the UK and Ireland in 2024. As one of the leading producers and distributors of event cinema, this season will see CinemaLive bringing much loved West End and Regional productions to audiences across the UK and Ireland.
Adding to the previously announced cinema release of My Favorite Things: Rodgers and Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concerton 14 and 18 February 2024, are Kinky Boots on 1 and 4 February, Titanic– The Musical on 7 and 10 March, An American in Paris on 18 and 21 April and 42nd Street on 16 and 19 May.
Booking for CinemaLive’s Season of Musicals is now open.
Cast includes: Killian Donnelly (Charlie Price), Matt Henry (Lola) and Amy Lennox (Lauren)
Director and Choreographer: Jerry Mitchell; Set Designer: David Rockwell; Costume Designer: Gregg Barnes; Lighting designer: Kenneth Posner; Musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations: Stephen Oremus.
Kinky Boots -The Musical, filmed live at the Adelphi Theatre in the heart of London’s West End, is strutting onto the big screen! With songs from Grammy and Tony award winning pop icon Cindy Lauper, book by legendary Broadway playwright Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), and direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray), the musical is based on the film written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth. Featuring the Original London Cast including Matt Henry who won the 2016 Olivier award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Lola.
Inspired by true events, this huge-hearted hit tells the story of two people with nothing in common – or so they think.
Charlie (Killian Donnelly) is a factory owner struggling to save his family business, and Lola (Matt Henry) is a fabulous entertainer with a wildly exciting idea. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learn to embrace their differences and create a line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen! But in the end, their most sensational achievement is their friendship. This unmissable musical theatre event celebrates a joyous story of British grit transforming into a high-heeled hit as it takes you from the factory floor of Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan!
Concord Originals, Concord Theatricals, Kilimanjaro Live/JAS Theatricals, Austin Shaw and Rob Bagshaw
MY FAVORITE THINGS:
THE RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN 80TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
Wednesday 14 and Sunday 18 February
Cast includes: Joanna Ampil, Michael Ball, Maria Friedman, Daniel Dae Kim, Audra McDonald, Julian Ovenden, Lucy St. Louis, Aaron Tveit, Marisha Wallace and Patrick Wilson
Director: Christopher Gattelli; Conductor: Simon Lee
Featuring a 40-piece orchestra and international stars of the stage and screen, this special anniversary concert will be presented at London’s newly restored Theatre Royal Drury Lane – the same venue that premiered the original West End production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific and The King and I.
Directed and staged by Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli (Broadway’s The King and I, South Pacific), the celebration of the historic partnership of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II will showcase original arrangements of the most iconic songs from Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, Cinderella and The Sound of Music.
Featuring a star-studded cast including Joanna Ampil, Michael Ball, Maria Friedman, Daniel Dae Kim, Audra McDonald, Julian Ovenden, Lucy St. Louis, Aaron Tveit, Marisha Wallace and Patrick Wilson, the landmark event additionally comprised of the 40-piece Rodgers & Hammerstein Concert Orchestra, conducted by Simon Lee, along with a West End chamber choir, dance ensemble and surprise guest appearances from Chita Rivera and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
TITANIC – THE MUSICAL
Music and Lyrics by Maury Yeston
Book byPeter Stone
Thursday 7 and Sunday 10 March
Cast: Mark Allanson (Ismay), Valda Aviks (Ida Straus), Grham Bickley (Captain Smith), Sam Brown (Fleet), James Darch (Edgar Beane), David Delve (Isidor Straus), Adam Filipe (Barrett), Alastair Hill (Bride), Barnaby Hughes (Pitman/Etches), Niamh Long (Kate Mullins), Ian McLarnon (Andrews), Jack North (Lightoller), Billy Roberts (Murdoch), Bree Smith (Alice Beane).
Director: Tom Southerland; Set and Costume Designer: David Woodhead; Lighting Designer: Howard Hudson: Sound Designer: Andrew Johnson
In the final hours of 14th April 1912, the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg and the ‘unsinkable ship’ slowly sank. It was one of the most tragic disasters of the 20th Century. 1,522 men women and children lost their lives.
Based on the real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic the Musical is a stirring production, focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers, all innocently unaware of the fate awaiting them.
With music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and book by Peter Stone, the original Broadway production won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. This stunning production filmed at New Victoria Theatre Woking celebrates the 10th anniversary of its London première where it recieved sweeping critical acclaim across the board.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
Featuring music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin
Director and Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon; Set and costume design: Bob Cowley
This breathtakingly beautiful Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by the Oscar winning MGM film, tells the impassioned story of discovering love in the ‘City of Light’.
Jerry Mulligan is an American GI striving to make it as a painter in a city suddenly bursting with hope and possibility. Following a chance encounter with a beautiful young dancer named Lise, the streets of Paris become the backdrop to a sensuous, modern romance of art, friendship, and love in the aftermath of war.
Featuring the gorgeous music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin (including the classic hits, Wonderful and I Got Rhythm), stunning designs, and show-stopping choreography, this incredible production received 28 five-star reviews from the critics for its London Première at the Dominion Theatre.
42nd STREET
Book by Mark Bramble and Michael Stewart
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Al Dublin
Thursday 16 and Sunday 19 May
Cast: Bonnie Langford (Dorothy Brock), Tom Lister (Julian Marsh), Clare Halse (Peggy Sawyer), Jasna Ivir (Maggie Jones), Christopher Howell (Bert Barry), Matthew Goodgame (Pat Denning), Graeme Henderson (Andy Lee), Bruce Montague (Abner Dillon), Emma Caffrey (Annie) Ella Martine (Lorraine), Clare Rickard (Phyllis) and Paul Knight (Oscar)
Director: Mark Bramble; Choreographer: Randy Skinner
42nd Street, the legendary Broadway musical theatre classic, is a ‘glorious’ (Sunday Express) and ‘utterly moreish extravaganza of glitz’ (The Times).
Telling the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway, this is the largest ever staging of the Tony Award-winning musical and it was filmed live at the magnificent Theatre Royal Drury Lane in the heart of London’s West End. Starring national treasure Bonnie Langford as Dorothy Brock and featuring iconic songs 42nd Street, We’re In The Money and Lullaby Of Broadway, this is pure musical magic from the West End brought to the Big Screen.
Tim Johanson Productions, Glass Half Full Productions and Jamie Wilson Productions present the Kiln Theatre production of
TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK) TRANSFERS TO THE CRITERION THEATRE FROM 4 APRIL TO 14 JULY 2024 AFTER A RECORD-BREAKING RUN AT KILN THEATRE.
OLIVIER AWARD-WINNER SAM TUTTY AND DUJONNA GIFT STAR IN THIS NEW BRITISH MUSICAL BY JIM BARNE AND KIT BUCHAN, DIRECTED BY TIM JACKSON AND DESIGNED BY SOUTRA GILMOUR.
THE OPENING SONG ‘NEW YORK’ IS NOW AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON SPOTIFY HERE WITH FURTHER MUSIC NEWS COMING SOON.
New British musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), will transfer to the Criterion Theatre in the West End from 4 April – 14 July 2024, following a record-breaking run at Kiln Theatre. Tickets go on sale today from midday at www.twostrangersthemusical.com.
Directed by Tim Jackson, written by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan and designed by Soutra Gilmour, the critically acclaimed production has enchanted audiences during its extended 10-week sold-out run at Kiln which will finish on Saturday 20 January 2024. Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) will mark Jackson, Barne and Buchan’s West End debuts. Barne and Buchan won The Stage Debut Award and the Stiles & Drewe prize for new musical theatre for an earlier version of the musical titled The Season, co-produced by Royal & Derngate, Northampton and the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich.
Having clocked up more than a million views on TikTok and 100k views on YouTube for three of the songs that feature in the show, ‘New York’, ‘If I Believed’ and ‘What’ll It Be’, the opening song ‘New York’ performed by Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift is now available on all streaming platforms, with further tracks to be released soon.
Sam Tutty plays Dougal. His theatre work includes the role of Evan Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen (Noël Coward Theatre) for which he won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical and Once on this Island (British Theatre Academy/Southwark Playhouse). For film, his work includes Four Minute Warning and Romeo & Juliet, and for television, Hollyoaks.
Dujonna Gift plays Robin. Her theatre work includes the multi-Olivier Award-winning, smash hit musical Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre), Caroline or Change (Playhouse Theatre) and Motown: The Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre). Her film work includes the upcoming Disney’s Snow White opposite Rachel Zegler.
Dougal is a naive, impossibly upbeat Brit, flying to New York for his Dad’s second wedding. The Dad he’s never known.
Waiting for him at the airport is Robin, the sister of the bride. She’s a native New Yorker, she’s late for work, and she doesn’t have time to stop and see the sights.
Instant attraction? Definitely not.
But with an extravagant wedding approaching and the city at their feet – anything could happen.
The producers said:“We’re thrilled to collaborate and present this record-breaking new British musical at the iconic Criterion Theatre. That we get to champion a stellar team including newcomers Buchan and Barne makes it all the sweeter. We’re excited to continue serving up this incredible production to new audiences and transporting them on a captivating journey across the Atlantic every night this spring.”
The full creative team includes Director and Choreographer Tim Jackson; Designer Soutra Gilmour; Lighting Designer Jack Knowles; Sound Designer Tony Gayle; Orchestration by Lux Pyramid; Casting Director Julia Horan CDG and Associate Director Claira Vaughan.
SIR PETER WRIGHT’S CLASSIC STAGING OFTHE SLEEPING BEAUTY RETURNS TO BIRMINGHAM DURING THE PRODUCTION’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR
A CAST OF 70 BIRMINGHAM AND WEST MIDLANDS DANCE TALENT TO PERFORM WITH BRB PROFESSIONALS IN SLEEPING BEAUTY DREAMS A SPECIAL NEW ADAPTATION OF SIR PETER WRIGHT’S PRODUCTION
Following a sell-out success and one of the most talked about theatrical events of 2023 with Black Sabbath – The Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet returns to Birmingham Hippodrome with SirPeter Wright’s sumptuous staging of The Sleeping Beauty in the production’s 40th anniversary year.
The Sleeping Beauty has been delighting audiences for well over a hundred years, sprinkling ballet magic on this favourite childhood story and its cast of familiar characters.
Sir Peter Wright’s The Sleeping Beauty will be performed at Birmingham Hippodrome, the company’s home theatre, from Wednesday 21 February – Saturday 2 March as part of a UK tour and will feature virtuoso dance and spectacle from the BRB company providing an enchanting experience for all the family.
Last seen on the Birmingham Hippodrome stage over six years ago, The Sleeping Beauty, continues BRB’s legacy of presenting the acclaimed heritage classics 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. The Company is excited to be delighting Midlands audiences once more with this definitive version of one of the great classical ballets, welcoming people of all ages to our performances.”
As part of the Company’s season at Birmingham Hippodrome, BRB will also present Sleeping Beauty Dreams.
Sleeping Beauty Dreams isan exciting opportunity for aspiring young dancers and passionate amateurs training at local dance schools aged from eight upwards, to experience the thrill of live performance in a professional theatre and get a taste of the workings of a professional company supported by BRB’s technical teams and wider BRB.
Sleeping Beauty Dreams, the fourth project of its kind from the Company’s Learning, Engagement, Access and Participation team, led by Rebecca Brookes Acting Head of LEAP, started in 2017 with Cinderella Dreams and highlights the depth of dance talent found in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Each production has involved a cast of up to 65 people, ranging in age from eight to 78. This year has been the Company’s most popular yet, with over 230 auditionees attending audition days held in 2023.
This year’s chosen cast of 70, including 6 current BRB Dance Track students and 4 previous Dance Track students, will take part in a special new adaptation of Sir Peter Wright’s much-loved production, performed on the set of BRB’s own The Sleeping Beauty.
Sleeping Beauty Dreams will premiere in front of a Birmingham Hippodrome audience, with recorded music, on Sunday 25 February. It will feature two of BRB’s world-class dancers in the principal roles of Aurora and Prince Florimund. Principals will be announced on www.brb.org.uk
Tickets for The Sleeping Beauty at Birmingham Hippodrome and Sleeping Beauty Dreams are available at www.birminghamhippodrome.com
WICKED, the West End stage musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, last night (Tuesday 9 January 2024) welcomed its 12 millionth visitor to London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre. Ultan Keena (pictured wearing a green jumper) and guests Samuel Spencer and Georgina Woodward attended the performance, the production’s 6639th.
“One of the most successful musicals of all time” (BBC News), Wicked opened in London in 2006 and is already the 11th longest-running theatre production in West End history. Winner of more than 100 global awards, the production has now been seen by 65 million people worldwide.
The London production currently stars Alexia Khadime (Elphaba), Lucy St. Louis (Glinda), Ryan Reid (Fiyero), Sophie-Louise Dann (Madame Morrible), Mark Curry (The Wizard), Caitlin Anderson (Nessarose), Joe Thompson-Oubari (Boq), Steven Pinder (Doctor Dillamond), Amy Webb (Standby for Elphaba), Lisa-Anne Wood (Standby for Glinda), Yuki Abe, Kofi Aidoo-Appiah, Conor Ashman, Jessica Aubrey, Joshua Clemetson, Fergus Dale, Effie Rae Dyson, Nicola Espallardo, Danny Fogarty, Ross Harmon, Kate Leiper, Jemima Loddy, Joshua Lovell, Rory Maguire, PaddyJoe Martin, Millie Mayhew, Harry Mills, Daniel Parrott, Aiesha Naomi Pease, Jeanie Ryan, Natalie Spriggs, James Titchener, Micaela Todd, Christine Tucker, Jaydon Vijn, and Taela Yeomans-Brown.
From Tuesday 12 March 2024,the London production will star Alexia Khadime (Elphaba), Lucy St. Louis (Glinda), Ryan Reid (Fiyero), Sophie-Louise Dann (Madame Morrible), Michael Fenton Stevens (The Wizard), Caitlin Anderson (Nessarose), Graham Kent (Doctor Dillamond), Joe Thompson-Oubari (Boq), Laura Harrison (Standby for Elphaba), Lisa-Anne Wood (Standby for Glinda), Conor Ashman, Jessica Aubrey, Jeremy Batt, Felipe Bejarano, Asmara Cammock, Joshua Clemetson, Effie Rae Dyson, Aimee Hodnett, Kate Leiper, Jemima Loddy, Joshua Lovell, Rory Maguire, PaddyJoe Martin, Darnell Mathew-James, Millie Mayhew, Ayden Morgan, Rishard-Kyro Nelson, Aston Newman Hannington, Aiesha Naomi Pease, Jeanie Ryan, Natalie Spriggs, Charlotte Anne Steen, James Titchener, Micaela Todd, Taela Yeomans-Brown, and Jacob Young.
London performances begin Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm, and Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2.30pm. The following five added shows are also now on sale: Thursday 15 February, Thursday 4 April,Thursday 1 August, Thursday 15 August and Thursday 31 October2024 all at 2:30pm. Doors open 90 minutes prior to the start of all performances.
Wicked is also touring to cities in England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland until January 2025. Currently at the Edinburgh Playhouse, where it opened to unanimous five-star reviews, until 14 January 2024, the award-winning production opens at the Bristol Hippodrome on 23 January 2024 and then continues to Birmingham Hippodrome; Bradford Alhambra Theatre; Southampton Mayflower Theatre; Liverpool Empire; Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre; Sunderland Empire; and Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre. The tour will conclude with a 2024/5 Christmas season at the Manchester Palace Theatre, the venue that hosted the tour premiere in September 2013.
Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s celebrated stage musical is based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire and imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, revealing the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming ‘Glinda The Good’ and the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’.
Wickedhas music and lyrics by multi-Oscar and Grammy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (‘Godspell’, ‘Pippin’, ‘The Prince of Egypt’, Disney’s ‘Pocahontas’, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’and ‘Enchanted’). It is based on the multimillion-copy best-selling novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of theWest’ by Gregory Maguire and written by Emmy and Tony Award nominee Winnie Holzman (creator of the landmark American television series ‘My So-Called Life’). Musical staging is by Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento with direction by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello.
Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK) Michael McCabe.
Through its ‘For Good’ charitable endeavours and acclaimed Wicked Active Learning cultural and social education programme, the London production of Wicked proudly supports and champions the work of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, the National Literacy Trust, and Theatre Works!, the charity providing theatre tickets to disadvantaged children across the UK.
The Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG
With Max Webster’s sold-out production of Macbeth currently running at the theatre, Donmar Warehouse Artistic Director Michael Longhurst and Executive Director Henny Finch today announce the full cast for the world première of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Human Body.
Joining the previously announced Keeley Hawes (Iris) and Jack Davenport (George) are Tom Goodman-Hill (Julian Elcock), Flora Jacoby Richardson (Laura Elcock), Audrey Kattan (Laura Elcock), Pearl Mackie (Sylvia Samuels) and Siobhán Redmond (Helen Mackeson MP) with additional characters played by members of the company. Michael Longhurst reunites with Ann Yee to co-direct his final production as Artistic Director, following their collaboration on the critically acclaimed Next to Normal which transfers to the Wyndham’s Theatre later this year. The Human Body opens on 27 February and runs until 13 April, with previews from 16 February.
The creative team is completed by Fly Davis (Designer), Joshua Pharo (Lighting Designer), Ben and Max Ringham (Sound Designers and Composers), Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom (Video Designers), Kate Waters (Fight Director), Anna Cooper CDG (Casting Director), Rimu Kwok (Assistant Set & Costume Designer), Cheng Keng (Assistant Lighting Designer), José Guillermo Puello (Assistant Sound Designer).
World première
THE HUMAN BODY
by Lucy Kirkwood
16 February – 13 April 2024
Cast: Jack Davenport, Tom Goodman-Hill, Keeley Hawes, Flora Jacoby Richardson, Audrey Kattan, Pearl Mackie, Siobhán Redmond
Directors: Michael LonghurstandAnn Yee; Designer: Fly Davis; Lighting Designer: Joshua Pharo; Sound Designers and Composers: Ben and Max Ringham; Video Designers: Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom; Fight Director: Kate Waters; Casting Director: Anna Cooper CDG;Assistant Set & Costume Designer:Rimu Kwok; Assistant Lighting Designer: Cheng Keng; Assistant Sound Designer: José Guillermo Puello
“The window for change – real change I mean – will close. It’s already closing. Very
soon it will be shut, and we shan’t be able to get it open again.”
Two worlds meet in a romantic drama which sees stars of film and TV, Keeley Hawes and Jack Davenport, make their long-awaited returns to the London stage.
1948, Shropshire: the winter is freezing, austerity is biting and Iris Elcock, GP, Socialist and Labour party councillor, is working tirelessly to implement Nye Bevan’s National Health Service Act and its revolutionary promise of free health care for all. At home she is a mother, and wife to an ex-Navy man scarred by the war. But a chance meeting with George Blythe, a local boy who has made it to Hollywood, turns her quiet, certain world upside down.
The Human Body is a story of political and private passions from multi-award-winning writer Lucy Kirkwood (The Witches, Mosquitoes, Chimerica). In his final production as Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse, Michael Longhurst directs together with Ann Yee, with whom he previously collaborated on Next to Normal and Caroline, or Change.
Lucy Kirkwood’s theatre credits include The Witches (book and lyrics), The Welkin, Mosquitoes, Hansel and Gretel and Beauty and the Beast (National Theatre), That Is Not Who I Am, Maryland, The Children and NSFW (Royal Court Theatre), Like Rabbits (Brighton Festival), Chimerica (Headlong, Almeida Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre), Housekeeping (Southwark Playhouse and Latitude Festival), The Small Hours (Hampstead Theatre), Bloody Wimmin (Kiln Theatre), It Felt Empty When the Heart Went at First but it is Alright Now (Arcola Theatre), Psychogeography (Union Theatre), Tinderbox (Bush Theatre), Guns or Butter (Union Theatre), Hedda (Gate Theatre), Grady Hot Potato (Bedlam Theatre). Television credits include Adult Material, Chimerica, Foreign Skies, The Smoke, Skins and for film, Maryland and The Briny.
Jack Davenport plays George. His theatre work includes Enemies (Almeida Theatre), How to Lose Friends and Alienate People (Soho Theatre), Lady Windermere’s Fan (Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Servant (Lyric Hammersmith – Olivier Award nomination for Most Promising Newcomer), and Hamlet (Theatr Clwyd). For television, his work includes Dr Death, Accused, Call My Agent, The Morning Show, Why Women Kill, Next of Kin, Prototype, Life in Squares, Breathless, The Good Wife, Sea of Fire, Smash, Flash Forward, Swingtown, This Life +10, Mary Bryant, Miss Marple, Eroica, Coupling, The Real Jane Austen, Dickens, The Asylum, The Wyvern Mystery, Ultra-Violet, This Life, The Moth and Macbeth; and for film, Bonus Track, Wilde Wedding, Gernika, A United Kingdom, Americana, The Tank, Kingsman: The Secret Service, Mother’s Milk, The Key Man, The Boat That Rocked, Pirates of the Caribbean – At World’s End, Dead Man’s Chest and The Curse of the Black Pearl, The Libertine, The Wedding Date, 3 Men in a Restaurant, Gypsy Woman, Offending Angels, The Bunker, Not Afraid Not Afraid, The Talented Mr Ripley, Tales of the Mummy, Fierce Creatures and Career Girls.
Tom Goodman-Hill plays Julian Elcock. He returns to Donmar Warehouse having previously appeared in Limehouse, The Cosmonaut’s Last Message to the Woman He Once Loved in the Former Soviet Union, and The Seagull. His other theatre credits include Rabbit Hole, Darker Shores (Hampstead Theatre), The Odyssey (Almeida Theatre), The Effect, Earthquakes in London,Tartuffe (National Theatre), Death and the Maiden (Harold Pinter Theatre), Enron (Headlong, Noël Coward Theatre, Royal Court Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre), Spamalot (Palace Theatre – Olivier Award Nomination for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical), A Doll’s House (UK tour), The Danny Crow Show (Bush Theatre), The Dispute and The Critic (Manchester Royal Exchange), Bartholomew Fair, Talk of the City, Two Gentlemen of Verona (RSC) and The Wolves (Paines Plough). His television credits include Baby Reindeer, Soulmates, Cheat, Inside No.9,We Are Family, Humans, The Secret Agent, Mr Selfridge, Residue, Cardinal Burns, The Thirteenth Tale, Dead Boss, Call the Midwife, Black Mirror,Case Histories, Case Sensitive, Waking The Dead,Candy Cabs, George Gently,Free Agents, Hustle, Moses Jones, The Devil’s Whore, Grandma’s House, Clay, Lewis, Miss Austen Regrets, After You’ve Gone, Doctor Who, Never Better, Perfect Day, Fear of Fanny, Ideal and My Family and Other Animals; and for film, Homebound, The War Below, Rebecca, Where Hands Touch, The Rizen, The Truth Commissioner, Everest, The Imitation Game, Down Dog, The Hollow Crown: Richard II, The Essence of Vision, 7 Lives, The Chalet Girl, Glorious 39, Hippie Hippie Shake, Look At Me, I’m Beautiful!, Festival, Fat Slags, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, The One and Only, Charlotte Gray and In Love and War.
Keeley Hawes plays Iris. Her theatre work includes Barking in Essex (Wyndham’s Theatre) and Rocket to the Moon (National Theatre). For television, her work includes Orphan Black: Echoes, Stonehouse, Crossfire, The Midwich Cuckoos, It’s a Sin (RTS Award nomination), Finding Alice, Honour, Year of the Rabbit, Summer of Rockets, The Durrells, Traitors, Mrs Wilson (BAFTA nomination), Bodyguard (BAFTA nomination), Inside No. 9, The Missing, the Hollow Crown, Line of Duty (BAFTA nomination), Fungus the Bogeyman, The Casual Vacancy, Doctor Who, The Tunnel, Ambassadors, The Lady Vanishes, Upstairs Downstairs, That Mitchell and Webb Look, Identity, Ashes to Ashes, and Mutual Friends; and for film, Scoop, To Olivia, Rebecca, Misbehaviour, Never Land, High-Rise, The Adventurer, Flashbacks of Fool and The Avengers.
Flora Jacoby Richardson plays Laura Elcock. This marks her professional stage debut. Her television credits include Anne in The Famous Five.
Audrey Kattan plays Laura Elcock. Her theatre credits include Leopoldstadt (Wyndham’s Theatre), and The Sound of Music (Chichester Festival Theatre). Her television credits include Grantchester and A Small Light.
Pearl Mackie plays Sylvia Samuels. Her theatre credits include Grenfell: In The Words Of Survivors, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time (National Theatre), The Birthday Party (Harold Pinter Theatre), A Mad World My Masters (RSC), Obama-Ology (Finborough Theatre), Disnatured Rift (Shakespeare In Shoreditch), Crystal Springs (Park Theatre), The Helen Project (LOST Theatre), Home (The Last Refuge Peckham), Only Human (Theatre503), Neighbors (HighTide Festival) and Blue Blood (Riverside Studios). Her television credits include The Diplomat, Tom Jones, The Long Call, Andy and the Donald, Friday Night Dinner, and as Bill Potts in Doctor Who; and for film, Your Move, Tyger, Greed, The Deal, Horizon Line, Origami and Svengali.
Siobhán Redmond plays Helen Mackeson MP. Her theatre credits include TheStraw Chair (Finborough), Grandpa’s Great Escape (UK tour), Vassa (Almeida), Top Girls, Dido, Queen of Carthage (National Theatre), Imperium, Richard III, King John, Dunsinane, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, Much Ado About Nothing, The Spanish Tragedy (RSC), Dunsinane, Mary Stuart, The House of Bernarda Alba (National Theatre of Scotland), Talking Heads, Exit The King (Theatre Royal, Bath), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe), U.S. and Them (Hampstead Theatre), Thon Man Molière, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, As You Like It (Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh), Perfect Days (Traverse, Hampstead and Vaudeville Theatres), Les Liaisons Dangereuses (PW Productions), Macbeth (Tron Theatre Glasgow), The Trick Is To Keep Breathing (Tron Theatre, Royal Court), An Experienced Woman Gives Advice (Royal Exchange Theatre), King Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Look Back In Anger (Renaissance Theatre Company) and A Month Of Sundays (Duchess Theatre). Her television credits include The Sister Boniface Mysteries, Two Doors Down, The Scotts, Rain Dogs, Queens of Mystery, Beep, Creation Stories, Unforgotten, Lovesick, Clique, The Replacement, Code of a Killer, Case Histories II, The Town, Mindaway, Boy Meets Girl, Lift, The Smoking Room, Sea of Souls, Ed Stone is Dead, Every Woman Knows a Secret, In the Red, Wokenwell, Throwaways, Deacon Brodie, Nervous Energy, and Between the Lines; and for film, One Night In Bath, First And Only, Tupperware Party, Beautiful People, Karmic Mothers, Captives, Duet for One, and 2 Hours.
Michael Longhurst is the Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse. For the company, direction includes Next to Normal (transferring to the West End in 2024), Private Lives,The Band’s Visit (6 Olivier nominations),Force Majeure, Midnight Your Time (lockdown film), Teenage Dick, Europe, Belleville and the post-pandemic multicast revival of Nick Payne’s Constellations, which helped reopen the West End,broke box office records at the Vaudeville and won the 2022 Olivier Award for Best Revival. His production of Constellations previously ran on Broadway starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Wilson (Samuel J Friedman Theater, for MTC), in the West End starring Sally Hawkins and Rafe Spall (Duke of York’s, Evening Standard Award Best Play) originating at the Royal Court. His Chichester Festival Theatre production of Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s Caroline, or Change transferred to Studio 54 for Roundabout Theater on Broadway, via Hampstead Theatre and the West End, with Sharon D Clarke reprising her Olivier Award-winning performance. The Broadway production received three Tony nominations including Best Musical Revival. Other theatre includes Amadeus featuring the Southbank Sinfonia (National Theatre/NTatHome), The Son (Kiln Theatre/Duke of York’s Theatre), Gloria (Hampstead Theatre), Bad Jews (Theatre Royal Haymarket/Theatre Royal Bath/UK tour & revival at the Arts), They Drink It In The Congo and Carmen Disruption (Almeida Theatre), ‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore, The Winter’s Tale (Shakespeare’s Globe), If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet (Off-Broadway for Roundabout), Linda, The Art of Dying, Remembrance Day (Royal Court Theatre), A Number (Nuffield Southampton Theatres/Young Vic), Cannibals (Royal Exchange Theatre), The History Boys (Sheffield Theatres), Dealer’s Choice (Royal & Derngate), The World of Extreme Happiness (NT Shed), Stovepipe (site-specific promenade with the National Theatre, HighTide and Bush Theatre), Midnight Your Time (HighTide), On The Beach (Bush Theatre), On The Record, Gaudeamus (Arcola Theatre), dirty butterfly (Young Vic – winner of the Jerwood Directors Award) and Guardians (Pleasance/Theatre503 – Fringe First Award).
Ann Yee returns to the Donmar and renews her working collaboration with Longhurst following Next to Normal. Her other work for the Donmar includes Shakespeare Trilogy – Henry IV; Julius Caesar and The Tempest. As a director, her work includes Rusalka (Royal Opera House), As You Like It (Dallas Theater Center), HoT (Goodspeed New Works), and Perpetual Sunshine and the Ghost Girls (NAMT). As choreographer/movement director her work includes Rusalka (Royal Opera House), The Seven Deadly Sins, Bluebeard’s Castle (Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires), South Pacific (Sadler’s Wells), Caroline, Or Change (Chichester Festival Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, Playhouse Theatre and Broadway), Life After (Goodman Theater, Chicago), Blindness (Theatre Carre, Amsterdam), La Boheme (The Goteborg Opera), As You Like It (Dallas Theater Center), Oklahoma! (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), The American Clock, The Duchess of Malfi (The Old Vic), War Requiem (English National Opera), Sunday in the Park With George (Hudson Theatre, Broadway), The Taming of the Shrew (Public Theatre in the Park, NY), Queen Anne, Titus Andronicus, A Soldier in Every Son (RSC), Mackie Messer (Salzburg Festival), Ah, Wilderness!, After Miss Julie (Young Vic), Mr Burns (Almeida Theatre), Birdland, Oxford Street (Royal Court Theatre), Urinetown (St. James/Apollo Theatre), Blurred Lines, She Stoops to Conquer, The Comedy of Errors (National Theatre), The Commitments (Palace Theatre), Wozzeck (English National Opera),The Color Purple, Torch Song Trilogy (Menier Chocolate Factory),(RSC), God of Soho (Globe), King Lear (RSC/Roundhouse/NY), The Secret Garden, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Birmingham Rep/West Yorkshire Playhouse), Ingerland (Operashots/Royal Opera House), Dance Radio, Mates (Latitude Festival /Drywrite), and Woyzeck (NY/Gate). Festival/Drywrite); Woyzeck (NY/Gate). For film, her work includes A Bigger Splash, and PPE: Off the Page (Royal Court short).
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PERFORMANCE TIMES
Evenings Mon – Sat: 7.30pm
Matinees Thu & Sat: 2.30pm
TICKET PRICES
The Human Body
£65 (£60) / £41 (£38) / £21 (£19)
£15 standing tickets
*Preview discounts apply to the first four performances only
Macbeth
Sold out
£69 (£64) / £48 (£43), £25 (£23)
£15 standing tickets
*Preview discounts apply to the first four performances only
For Macbeth, standing tickets will be released for purchase online from 12pm on the day of the performance. Please note you will not be able to purchase standing tickets in person or over the phone.
Every booking made online, via telephone or in person is subject to a £1.50 transaction fee
BARCLAYS UNDER 30s £10 TICKETS
To celebrate our 30th birthday and thanks to generous support from our Associate Sponsor Barclays a limited number of £10 tickets are available for under 30s for every performance.
New tickets on sale every day at the Donmar. Allocations of tickets will be made available every day for performances 7 days later. Tickets will be available across the auditorium at every price band.
ACCESS
The Donmar Warehouse is fully wheelchair accessible. Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome in the auditorium. There is a Loop system and a Radio Frequency system fitted in the main auditorium and there are also hearing loops at all the front of house counters.
ASSISTED PERFORMANCES
If you require a companion to attend the Donmar, their ticket will be free. To book call 020 3282 3808 or email [email protected].
For all other access enquiries or bookings call 020 3282 3808.
CAPTIONED PERFORMANCES – 7.30pm (captioned by Stagetext)
Macbeth: Monday 29 January 2024, 7.30pm
The Human Body: Monday 18 March at 7.30pm
AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE – 2.30pm (audio-described by VocalEyes)
Macbeth: Saturday 27 January 2024, 2.30pm
The Human Body: Saturday 13 April at 2.30pm
SEASON AT A GLANCE:
MACBETH
Until 10 February 2024
Captioned performance: Monday 29 January 2024, 7.30pm Audio described performance: Saturday 27 January 2024, 2.30pm
THE HUMAN BODY
16 February – 13 April 2024
Audio Described performance Saturday 13 April at 2.30pm
Captioned performance Monday 18 March at 7.30pm
THE CHERRY ORCHARD
26 April – 22 June 2024
Audio Described performance Saturday 1 June at 2.30pm
Captioned performance Monday 3 June at 7.30pm
PRIMARY TRUST
28 June – 24 August 2024
Audio Described performance Saturday 17 August at 2.30pm
Captioned performance Monday 12 August at 7.30pm
DONMAR WEST END:
NEXT TO NORMAL
WYNDHAM’S THEATRE
18 June – 21 September 2024
With special thanks to Charles Holloway, Season Supporter
Additionally, we would like to thank MACBETH Production Supporters and the MACBETH Production Syndicate.
WhatsOnStage today announces that Melanie La Barrie and Bonnie Langford will host the24th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards, the only major theatre prize-giving decided by the theatregoers themselves. Voting for the winners of the awards closes today.
Taking place on Sunday 11 February 2024 for the first time at The London Palladium, the evening will see winners crowned across a range of categories. Theatregoers will also enjoy a host of exclusive live performances, which will be announced soon, from top stage talent, accompanied by a 25-piece orchestra. The event, co-produced with creative directors Alex Parker and Damian Sandys, is currently on sale.
Melanie La Barrie said today, “I’m thrilled to be involved with the WhatsOnStage Awards this year. I have a long and wonderful history with this ceremony and to take on this new role is very exciting. I look forward to being a part of this extraordinary landmark event in our theatrical calendar. It’s going to be a stellar evening.”
Bonnie Langford added, “I am thrilled to be hosting the 24th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards, an exciting event in the theatrical calendar! I want to wish all the nominees the best of luck and I cannot wait to celebrate with you all on 11 February at The London Palladium.”
Veteran of the stage and screen, Bonnie Langford, has just concluded a season in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre. Her other recent credits include Doctor Who and Anything Goes at the Barbican Theatre.
Melanie La Barrie has originated several roles in numerous musicals, most recently finishing her run in & Juliet on Broadway, playing the role of Nurse – a role she first originated in Manchester and the West End. She will next be seen playing Hermes in the eagerly anticipated West End premiere of award-winning musical Hadestown, which opens at the Lyric Theatre early next month.
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.
Uncovering unconscious biases in the workplace, London Zoo comes to Southwark Playhouse Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD Thursday 7th – Tuesday 30th March 2024
Set during the dawn of a new millennium, London Zoo explores the subtle and not so subtle prejudices of the modern workplace this Spring. Uncovering unspoken attitudes, ingrained attitudes, powerful secrets and clever manipulations, this satirical fast-paced production follows senior executive, Arabella’s journey in a typical London newspaper office. With the print crisis looming and revenues falling, the characters struggle to adapt to the new world as it falls in love with digital media. Against this backdrop, their perfect personas unravel with surprising, hysterical and shocking results.
London Zoo provides audiences with a funny but valuable insight into the exclusive world of board meetings, CEOs and the behind the scenes strategizing, typical of the 1990’s but still highly relevant today. This witty and satirical play is written and directed by Farine Clarke, who’s writing reflects her observations of people’s interactions from her early career as a doctor, through to her time in publishing, as well as Board Director roles across public and private businesses. She will be joined by renowned film, theatre, and television actress, Linda Marlowe (EastEnders, BBC; Too Clever By Half, Old Vic Theatre) as special advisor on the production.
Reviving her role as Arabella, Natalie Lauren (Close to Me, Channel 4) will be returning to the stage as leading lady after starring in the 2022 run of the production. Joining her on stage will be Harris Vaughan (The Nevers, HBO/Sky) who also returns to the role of Christian, with Simon Furness (The Beaux’ Stratagem, National Theatre; Wednesday, Netflix) who is the exciting new member of this ensemble. Also returning will be Odimegwu Okoye as Kelvin, Anirban Roy as Sunil and American actor Dan Saski performing as Alex.
UnEqual Productions is an award-winning theatre company that produces cutting-edge plays, which strive to resonate with audiences across the UK spanning social, ethnic and economic spectrums. Unafraid to use humour, wit, and irony to boldly generate active debate London Zoo reveals unconscious biases that exist in many environments to challenge established attitudes that influence how people behave and are treated.
Artistic Director and Writer Farine Clarke comments, London Zoo is a pacey parody of life… It’s set in the newspaper industry but could apply to any workplace or social situation because it’s about people: how they feel, interact and at times manipulate to get their way. Having been a doctor and worked in varied businesses at senior level, I find so many of our behaviours both extraordinary and full of irony. Overt prejudice is easy to spot and therefore to react to, but we all harbour our own subtle prejudices which we need to expose and discuss. There’s no point in doing this on a soapbox – far better to use comedy to help us laugh at ourselves while still questioning if we can change for the better. That’s London Zoo’s purpose and why audiences of all ages enjoy it to the full.
