STORYHOUSE, CHESTER – UNTIL SATURDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 2024

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

4****

The multi award winning comedy Noises Off, written by Michael Frayn, is currently touring across the UK to commemorate its 40th anniversary. This production, directed by Lindsay Posner, enjoyed a sold-out season in the West End beginning of last year. The cast includes Liza Goddard as Dotty Otley, Paul Bradley as Selsdon Mowbray, and Simon Shepherd as Lloyd Dallas.

Called “the funniest farce ever written” Noises Off presents an entertaining double feature – a play within a play. The theme of chaos is quite prevalent in farce. The characters are constantly in a state of frenzied activity as they attempt to avert one crisis after another. Often, their well-intentioned actions inadvertently lead to even more crises, which they then must find a way to resolve. The story is scrupulously arranged and brilliantly humorous from start to finish.

In the first act, we witness a disastrous dress rehearsal leading up to the opening night of a touring theatre company. Throughout this act, we are introduced to a variety of characters who constantly make blunders, resulting in a humorously entertaining performance. My favourite part of the play is the second act, which is set backstage and particularly marvellous. The focus is on the cast members offstage rather than on. Although the dialogue is minimal, the physical comedy and well-timed entrances and exits add a delightful element to the performance. It is truly enjoyable to watch. During the final act, prepare yourself for uncontrollable laughter as we witness the company’s last performance of their tour.

The success of a production like this depends on the synergy of the entire cast. The actors flawlessly executed the comedic timing, resulting in a truly wonderful performance. The fantastic production team’s exceptional work deserves recognition. Despite the chaotic nature of the show, their efforts create an organised chaos that enables it to run smoothly.

Noises Off is a fantastic series of brilliantly choreographed slapstick moments. I couldn’t help but notice the smiles and laughter on the faces of the audience as they left the theatre, clearly delighted by the immense joy they had experienced.

ADAM PAULDEN & JASON HAIGH-ELLERY AND SUE GILAD & LARRY ROGOWSKY

STEVEN ANTIN AND CHRISTINA AGUILERA

present

TODRICK HALL

TO PLAY SEAN IN

BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL

IN MANCHESTER & GLASGOW

PRIOR TO WEST END RUN

FURTHER CAST ANNOUNCED TODAY

www.burlesquethemusical.com

It was announced today (7 February 2024) that Todrick Hall will play Sean and It’s a Sin star Michael Mather will play Jackson in Burlesque the Musical, the first ever stage adaptation of Steven Antin’s crowd-pleasing movie Burlesque, which starred Christina Aguilera.  

Todrick and Michael join the already announced Jess Folley as Ali Rose, 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.  

Other cast members announced today are: Ope Sowande as Trey, Lewis Easter in the Ensemble, with Callum Aylott, Lucy Campbell and Amber Pierson as Swings.

Steven Antin said: ‘Todrick Hall’s kinda genius is singular. The kind you rarely see. His work is prolific and masterfully entertaining.  The songs he wrote for the show are in a word…iconic.  The role of Sean is an anchor/entertainer who has poetry and is wickedly funny. So it was abundantly clear we had to get Todrick to play Sean. And sometimes I dunno if I wanna kiss him or slap him. ❤️  But I DO know I’m a very lucky guy to have him in our show. Very. ‘

Todrick Hall, who has also written brand new songs for this new production of Burlesque the Musical added:“The movie of Burlesque was so iconic to so many of us — to now be working with both Steven Antin and Christina Aguilera who are reuniting for this new musical is a dream come true.

I am beyond excited to be returning to my first love, musical theatre, in such a special way. My first original role and my theatrical composing debut. To be able to bring music that I wrote to life, to share the stage and the writing credit with the star that is Jess Folley is a dream come true! I’m blessed, honoured, flattered and ready to dust off the old heels and let the kids have it 8 shows a week!”

With over 9 million followers across several social media platforms, Todrick is one of the most high profile and prolific storytellers in the world.

He has collaborated with superstars in every industry including: Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, RuPaul, Chaka Khan, Brandy, Billy Porter, Gwen Stefani, Kristin Chenoweth, Jenifer Lewis, Nicole Scherzinger, Tyra Banks, Bob the Drag Queen, Monét X Change, Tiffany Haddish, Tiffany Pollard, Amber Riley, and Pentatonix.

Since his television show Todrick aired on MTV, he has been featured on a dozen more. He was in the original Broadway cast of two productions and starred in principal roles in three others.

Todrick has written, co-produced, and released seventeen studio albums.  He directed, choreographed and headlined in eight world tours; and appeared in and co-executive produced Taylor Swift’s LGBTQ+ anthem You Need to Calm Down, for which he also won a Video Music Award.

He was last seen in the West End as Billy Flynn in Chicago the musical at the Phoenix Theatre in 2018.

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.

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:

Birmingham Hippodrome – until 10th February 2024

Reviewed by Emma Millward

5*****

Sir Matthew Bourne and dance-theatre company New Adventures have become renowned for unique productions that draw their inspiration from popular culture, films or put a completely new spin on old classics (such as his updated Swan Lake that used all-male dancers as the Swans). Fresh from an extended Christmas run at London’s Sadler’s Wells, the company’s latest production of Edward Scissorhands arrives at Birmingham Hippodrome this week to begin its UK tour. 

Based on Director Tim Burton’s classic 1990 film about a boy created by an eccentric Inventor who dies suddenly, leaving the boy with only scissors for hands. Years later, he meets a kind lady who takes him to live in her picture-perfect suburban neighbourhood, Hope Springs, where the residents are both fascinated and concerned by the new arrival. 

Liam Mower wonderfully captures the naivety and innocence of Edward, complete with the stunted walk and ever confused and pained facial expression that fans of the original movie will remember so well. His first anxious meeting with the kind hearted Peg Boggs (Sophia Hurdley) has her tenderly apply cream to his scarred face. Edward meets the many varied residents of Hope Springs, the man-eater, the jocks, cheerleaders and the exceptionally religious Evercreech Family, who completely distrust Edward. He also meets Peg’s husband Bill (Dominic North) and her beautiful daughter Kim (Ashley Shaw), who he immediately falls in love with. She has an obnoxious boyfriend called Jim (Ben Brown) who is openly jealous of the burgeoning attraction between Edward and Kim. Edward and his scissors soon become a hit, first using them to shape topiaries, then grooming the neighbourhood dogs, before becoming a hairstylist for the ladies in Hope Springs. Jealously from certain townsfolk soon brings resentment and Edward is soon made an outcast once more. 

The story is told entirely through music and dance, with no dialogue (except the occasional gasp of shock or delight!). The hauntingly beautiful music is from both the film’s original composer, Danny Elfman and New Adventure’s composer, Terry Davies. The clever set design and costumes by Lez Brotherston are exquisite and totally bring Hope Springs to life on the stage with its vibrant colours and quaint houses as a backdrop to the story. 

There are a few brilliant slapstick moments that work really well. The men of the town getting ready to go for a run in the morning, one of them in very short shorts made the audience chuckle! The seduction dance with amorous neighbour Joyce (Nicole Kabera) involving a huge beanbag that falls from the rafters is both sexy and funny, especially the finale of the dance involving a washing machine on high spin! 

Edward and Kim’s love story starts off shaky with her feeling uncertain about him. The famous ice sculpting scene from the film is replicated, it made clever use of an animated snowfall backdrop and was so beautiful. Edward and Kim go on to share two mesmerising dances. The first dance brings the first half of the show to a tearful climax, a dream sequence where Edward has hands and they dance among the topiaries. The second dance, as they say their final goodbyes, Edward is able to lift Kim safely above his head, in spite of his scissors. Both received rapturous applause. 

The standing ovation and thundering applause that Liam Mower received at the curtain-call speaks for itself. For a few hours, the audience were transported to another world, one full of heartbreak, joy and wonder.

RAMPS ON THE MOON AWARDED FUNDING

Ramps on the Moon and Sheffield Theatres have received £280,000 in funding from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to continue Ramps on the Moon’s work supporting anti-ableist practice in the performing arts sector. Ramps on the Moon will also take residency at Sheffield Theatres, advancing the organisation’s work, having been part of the first sector leading cohort.

Ramps on the Moon’s vision is a mainstream cultural sector that embeds the Social Model of Disability across systems, policy and practice, increasing and elevating the presence of disabled people in performing arts. For the last seven years Ramps on the Moon, funded by Arts Council England, worked with a consortium of seven major theatres to embed change and transform the understanding of what access can be. An inaugural consortium member, Sheffield Theatres are now hosts of Ramps on the Moon as they enter the next phase of activity.

This funding will enable Ramps on the Moon, with Sheffield Theatres, to support organisations to grow careers and leadership opportunities for disabled people in the performing arts, ensuring they can work, innovate, develop ambition and flourish as professionals in the mainstream.

A core strand of the upcoming work is the Change Partner programme. In each of the two years, partnering with People Make it Work, Ramps on the Moon will work with a new cohort of arts organisations over 12 months to facilitate and support change at the heart of how they are operating, embedding disability equality.

Michèle Taylor, MBE, Director for Change, Ramps on the Moon said:

“I am excited about what Ramps on the Moon founding partners have achieved since 2015, and excited to work closely with new partner organisations to further transform them and the performing arts sector to celebrate and promote disabled people in the cultural landscape. We’re very grateful to Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for recognising the impact and importance of our work.”

Tom Bird, Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres said:

“We are delighted to be furthering our partnership, and for Ramps on the Moon to make Sheffield their home. Ramps on the Moon has had a massive impact on the theatre industry over the last seven years, and being part of the cohort has been transformational for Sheffield Theatres. We’re excited about the impact this funding will have to support organisations across the performing arts in making change.” 

Many organisations are already signed up to start working on the Change Partner programme, including One Dance UK, City of London Sinfonia, Norwich Theatre Royal and New Perspective Theatre Company.

Chinyere Ogbue, Head of Workforce Development at One Dance UK said:

“As a Disability Confident Committed employer, One Dance UK are delighted to work with Ramps on the Moon through the Change Partner programme; this will be fundamental and instrumental in ensuring that our practices are as accessible and inclusive as possible. It’s a pleasure to have Ramps on the Moon with us on our disability equality journey.”

The Change Partner programme begins in April for organisations of all scales and genres. Any organisations wishing to find out more about how to get involved can find more information at rampsonthemoon.co.uk/workwithus.

WILTON’S MUSIC HALL ANNOUNCES SUMMER SEASON FOR 2024

Wilton’s Music Hall is continuing to bring a vibrant programme of theatre and music to its iconic venue for a wonderful 2024 summer season in which there is a show for everyone to enjoy.

World-class opera will be making a very welcome return with Charles Court Opera presenting a highly anticipated new production of one of G & S’s first ever operas The Sorcerer [11-15 June]. It promises to be a magical occasion with Gilbert at his topsy-turvy best. This production is directed by CCO’s Artistic Director John Savournin, and musically directed by David Eaton.

There will be more opera from the world’s first Pidgin English opera Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera[14-15 May]. This ground-breaking show is composed and written by the brilliant Helen Epega (The Venus Bushfires) who has crafted an unforgettable experience transporting audiences to a world where music’s transformative power inspires, heals, and unites – a timely message for the world today. And not to be missed Opera della Luna will celebrate its 30^th Anniversary by restaging its first considerable success, the funniest production of The Pirates of Penzance ever seen The Parson’s Pirates [27-31 August].

The nation’s favourite sitcom returns with Jack Lane and Something for the Weekend presenting the highly acclaimed stage production Dad’s Army Radio Show [17–22 June]. With two actors, two microphones, over twenty-five characters – and lots of sound effects they will enact three new episodes of this hilarious show.

There is more theatre from Long Lane Theatre Company who will present The Giant Killers [27-29 June], an inspiring true story of class, sport, and the survival of the underdog. The play tells the fascinating true story of the Darwen vs The Old Etonians F.A. Cup tie. A story of a town that finds its voice and a team that change the beautiful game forever. And for Shakespeare fans The Duke’s Theatre Company will present a new edition of As You Like It [01-02 August] directed by Kevin Bennett (Shakespeare’s Globe, Stratford Festival, Ontario).

Following multiple sell-out runs at Edinburgh Fringe Festival there is some extraordinary magic from Britain’s Got Talent finalist, West End star and multi-award-winning sell-out magician Ben Hart who returns to Wilton’s with another spellbinding show; Ben Hart: Live [15-16 July] and CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation [12 July] present their rip-roaring crime comedy made up entirely on the spot.

Music plays a big part in Wilton’s Music Hall this season and sees the return of its favourite piano-playing host Tom Carradine as he and his friends celebrate the British Music Hall Society’s 4^th Annual Music Hall and Variety Day [16 May] in a proper East End jubilant sing-a-long which will include songs made famous by the likes of George Formby, Ella Shields and Gracie Fields. There will be more nostalgia when Tom leads the Players Theatre Magnificent Music Hall [21 May] on a trip down memory lane to The Good Old Days and he is back again for another good old-fashioned knees up with Carradine’s Cockney Sing-A-Long accompanied by his amazing 5-piece band, The China Plates [30-31 July].

Singer and comedian Liza Pullman has teamed up with the quick-witted musical virtuoso Joe Stilgoe for a brand-new show; A Couple of Swells [04-05 July] featuring some of their all-time favourite songs. While OneTrackMinds [31 May & 2-3 July] returns with another vibrant selection of writers, thinkers, and musicians, including Elf Lyons, Joanna Neary and Onjali Rauf, each presenting a thought-provoking story about a song that has changed their life, and the five-piece shanty-folk band The Salts return with a rousing night of Songs from the Sea [11 July].

More music-filled nights are provided by Martin, Bisi and Friends [23 May] the hilarious cabaret concert is back for more celebrations of the life and activism of Bisi Alimi, ‘angelic troublemaker’, with pop, jazz, showtunes and performances from the London Gay Men’s Chorus, with proceeds going to a foundation supporting LGBTQ people in Nigeria and the finest female jazz musicians Tricity Vogue’s All Girl Swing Band [29-30 May] will celebrate their tenth Birthday at their favourite venue with a joyous romp through their eclectic setlist with pop classics and twenties tunes.

Ida Barr, the people’s pensioner, and the Queen Mother of our hearts, brings bingo hilarity in Eyes Down! Bingo with Ida Barr [28 May & 23 July] and Ashes To Ashes [17-18 July] a new show from Cabaret vs Cancer’s annual Bowie tribute show fundraiser were the very best of UK cabaret will come together in song, dance, circus, and burlesque to celebrate the ‘greatest entertainer of the 20th century’ the late and the great David Bowie.

For one night only dance fans will be thrilled by Rendez-Vous dance show The Monocle [17 May] a highly virtuosic contemporary dance performance from choreographer Mathieu Geffré featuring the voluptuous jazz chanteuse Imogen Banks presenting the untold story of Le Monocle, a secretly notorious lesbian cabaret in 1930s Paris, and there will be an exhilarating performance of Allen Ginsberg’s landmark poem Howl [19 July], accompanied by a live, improvised jazz score. And Mulberry Schools Trust will take over Wilton’s for one night only to present Shoulder To Shoulder An Evening With Mulberry Arts [10 July] in support of The Mulberry Schools Foundation showcasing music, theatre and more.

This season Wilton’s will once again be transported to a bygone era with a series of silent movie nights along with original, era-specific, live scores provided by The Lucky Dog Picturehouse. Experience a trip to the cinema 1920s-style, with a live music score and a behind-the-scenes look at some of the bizarre and bonkers musical instruments that bring film alive in Action! The (Not So Silent) Silent Movie Show [18 May]. This is a treat for any age, expect honky horns and hilarity with cartoons and comedies from over 100 years ago. Be transported back to the 1924 hit film Harold Lloyd’s ‘Girl Shy’ 100 Year Anniversary [18 May] or see the world premiere screening of Pandora’s Box (1929) [24 June], a film which launched the icon of the flapper age Louise Brooks to international stardom and ranks among The Guardian’s top 100 films of all time.  The masterpiece The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1923) [25 June] composed and performed by Ben Comeau will also be a world premiere.

The greatest British silent-screen director Anthony Asquith will be celebrated this summer with The Silent Films Of Anthony Asquith [26 June, 24 July & 26 July], melodramas Shooting Stars (1928) [26 June] and A Cottage On Dartmoor (1929)  [24 July], and the romantic comedy set on the London Underground; Underground (1928) [26 July] and since 2024 marks a century since Buster Keaton’s best-loved comedy first graced the big screen – The Lucky Dog Picturehouse is celebrating with Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr. 100 Year Anniversary [25 July]. This season of silent films will conclude with the British masterpiece Piccadilly [29 July] starring Hollywood and fashion icon Anna May Wong playing a woman working in the nightclubs of London with an incredible live score performed by pianist Christopher Eldred.

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts expands its world-class offering with a full-time Musical Theatre CertHE across two terms, offered in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Exeter from September

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts is launching a new two-term Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Musical Theatre across four locations which will welcome its first class of students in September 2024. This is the first time Mountview has offered a CertHE, building on its outstanding reputation and student offering. The CertHE replaces Mountview’s Foundation Musical Theatre course, which previously ran in London and Manchester, and will provide students with an artistically safe and supportive environment where they can develop their creative instincts and prepare for careers in the performing arts.

As well as being available in London (Mountview) and Manchester (Z-arts), students will have the opportunity to study the Musical Theatre CertHE in Exeter (Exeter Phoenix) and Birmingham (Midlands Arts Centre). The course will include 30 hours of training per week, and successful applicants will be able to apply for loans and other funding pending validation of the course by the University of East Anglia. The application deadline is 3 June 2024.

Sally Ann Gritton, Principal of Mountview, said: “We are proud to extend Mountview’s training opportunities to Birmingham and Exeter, building on our current offering in London and Manchester. By expanding our training beyond our home in Peckham, we are excited to be able to bring world-class training to new students across the country and open up access to the dramatic arts.”

Students will study full-time for two terms developing their personal strengths and growing as creative artists. Students will gain an understanding of potential vocational routes through career tutorials alongside audition preparation and individual coaching. They will hone their acting, singing and dancing skills, culminating in a shared performance at the end of each term.

The course will serve either as preparation for an undergraduate degree at Mountview or elsewhere, or as a standalone programme prior to beginning a career in the performing arts. With its launch, Mountview broadens the scope of its training and thus the future of the creative industries.

THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON RETURNS
THE NATIONAL THEATRE’S
MULTI-AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTION OF
WAR HORSE
TO EMBARK ON A MAJOR UK TOUR  BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 2024

The National Theatre’s global smash-hit production ofWar Horse, the unforgettable theatrical event based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, will embark on a major 18-month UK Tour from 5 September 2024, touring through to 2026.

Opening at the New Wimbledon Theatre (5 – 14 September), War Horse will then tour to The Lowry, Salford (18 – 28 September) Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (8 – 19 October), The Marlowe, Canterbury (22 October – 2 November), Sunderland Empire (5 – 16 November), Theatre Royal Plymouth (26 November – 7 December), New Theatre Oxford (10 December 2024 – 4 January 2025), with future dates and venues to be announced. For more information and to sign-up for priority booking visit WarHorseOnStage.com.   

War Horse, adapted by Nick Stafford and originally directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, has become the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre, winning more than 25 major awards and has been seen by over 8.3 million people worldwide.  This all-new tour is co-produced with Michael Harrison, Fiery Angel, and Playing Field.

War Horse tells the remarkable story of a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War.  This powerfully moving and imaginative drama is a show of phenomenal inventiveness, filled with stirring music and songs, featuring ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing, galloping, charging, horses to thrilling life on stage and has inspired a generation of theatre-makers since its premiere in 2007.

Director, Tom Morris said, “It is a huge privilege to be invited to revisit War Horse and to share this powerful story once more with audiences around the country.  Michael Morpurgo’s brilliant idea, to explore the crushing violence of war through the experience of a horse, makes his story as powerful and resonant today as it has ever been.   And in this time of increasing commercialism in theatre, it’s worth remembering that the production which carried War Horse to an international audience was a wild experiment, developed through workshops at the National Theatre Studio, the unique theatre laboratory where ground-breaking hits from Coram Boy and London Road to The Witches were devised.   It has been an enormous thrill to return there in recent months to reunite Adrian Kohler’s magnificent puppets with designer Rae Smith, composer Adrian Sutton and other members of the original cast and creative team to start the process of bringing Joey back to the stage.”

Author, Michael Morpurgo said: “I am so delighted the National Theatre’s iconic production of War Horse is back!  When Covid closed the show down in 2020 in Australia in the midst of its second World Tour, many thought, and I was amongst them, that we’d never see War Horse on stage again.  Now it’s really happening – we will hear the music and songs, be amazed by its design and lighting, live Joey’s story again.  War Horse is about the tragedy of war and about a horse and his boy, but it’s also so many other things – it’s about family and community, courage and loss, hope, and most importantly reconciliation.”

At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.

This tour of War Horse marks 110 years since the start of the First World War and follows the 40^th anniversary of the publication of Michael Morpurgo’s global best-selling novel, which has now sold over 35 million copies world-wide and in 37 different languages.

Executive Director of the National Theatre, Kate Varah said: “We are delighted that we are able to launch this major new UK tour of War Horse.  This moving and spectacular production has captured the imagination of millions of audience members across the world since it was first performed on the Olivier stage in 2007 and we are deeply appreciative and excited, to be working with our co-producers to make this possible in the current landscape.  We look forward to connecting with our partner venues with this much-loved story, that appeals to all ages and which beautifully showcases the magic of live performance.”

Creative development for the tour is being led by Tom Morris with revival director Katie Henry, featuring reimagined designs by Rae Smith and additional music by Adrian Sutton.  Puppet design and fabrication is by Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company, lighting design is by Rob Casey, movement and horse choreography is by Toby Sedgwick with puppet direction by Matthew Forbes.  Animation and projection design is by Nicol Scott for 59 Productions, John Tams is songmaker and sound design is by Christopher Shutt.  Casting is by Jill Green CDG andassociate designer is Will Fricker.  Casting is to be announced.

War Horse received its world premiere on 9 October 2007 at the National Theatre, where it played for two seasons before opening at the New London Theatre in March 2009.  Since then, War Horse has been seen in 97 cities in 14 countries, including productions on Broadway, in Toronto and Berlin, with touring productions in the UK and Ireland, North America, the Netherlands and Belgium. 

For more information visit WarHorseOnStage.com.  War Horse will visit Theatre Nation Partner venues, including The Lowry in Salford and Sunderland Empire.  Assisted performances are available throughout the run at each venue. 

Coach & Horses, 29 Greek Street, W1D 5DH (Soho) – until February 26 2024

Reviewed by Mandi Riggi

3***

Keith Waterhouse’s 1989 comedy, “Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell,” has been revived once
again at the Coach and Horses pub, an infamous drinking hole frequented by Jeffrey Bernard, an inebriated journalist and a Soho fixture played by Robert Bathurst. The Coach and Horses, a real-life pub in London’s Soho, was Bernard’s regular haunt, and it became a symbol of his lifestyle.

The premise of the play is that Jeffrey Bernard fell asleep in the bathroom and woke up to find himself locked inside. The first thing he does is reach for a bottle of vodka, as he waits for the pub owner, Norman, to let him back out. The play revolves around and celebrates the much-loved old Soho character, Jeffrey Bernard, a well-known British journalist and writer notorious for his excessive drinking and gambling habits, and some may argue, a misogynist.

Robert Bathurst has a clear handle on this role, playing a larger-than-life personality who dominates the stage as he regales the audience with tales of his misadventures. Delivering a little over an hour-long monologue, Bathurst navigates the crowded pub, engaging with the audience perched on bar stools. There are many entertaining oneliners; however, the combination of topicality and datedness doesn’t appeal to everyone, especially younger audiences who might struggle to understand the historical context and references.

Bathurst’s performance is energetic and entertaining, capturing Bernard’s wit and charm. However, some may argue that there wasn’t enough emotion and heart in portraying such a dark and lonely character who leads a self-destructive lifestyle. To be fair, Waterhouse includes witty criticisms of Bernard’s behaviour from his wives and lovers, offering a more nuanced portrayal of the character.

But Bathurst’s polished delivery made me wonder if it might be a bit disconnected from Bernard’s actual lifestyle. The omission of Bernard’s slurred and growly speech and drunken behaviour might contribute to a sense of disconnect between the character and Bathurst’s portrayal.

Despite these concerns, “Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell” does offer entertaining anecdotes, particularly with punchlines that elicit laughter from the audience. The play provides a glimpse into a bygone era and offers a reflection on the consequences of a life consumed by vices. One memorable moment is the hilarious story about racing cats, which resulted in roaring laughter from the audience.

Overall, while “Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell” offers an entertaining experience and attempts to raise important questions about addiction and the consequences of a life consumed by vices, it falls short in fully exploring the complexities of this celebrated
character.

University Drama Studios, Sheffield – until 10th February

Reviewed by Carol Crann

5*****

SIX is the story of the six wives of Henry VIII, but with a very modern twist. The wives are staging a pop concert, and in order to find out who will lead the group, they decide to have a singing battle. This competition will be won by the wife who is deemed to have suffered the most at the hands of the infamous king – and the ladies go out of their way to try and prove who had it the toughest. They soon realise, though, that their legacy is only because of one man and they no longer want that to define them. So they decide to rewrite their own stories – because they can!

I was invited to the dress rehearsal of this performance by the Splinters Theatre Group, who work with young people between the ages of 14 and 30 and have been performing in Sheffield for over 30 years. For this show they decided to have two casts, a challenge in itself, but with such an iconic show, with some incredible numbers and six very sassy characters, I was concerned that they had bitten off more than they could chew. But boy did they prove me wrong! So much so that I stayed to see both casts, and I left the theatre absolutely buzzing! A few issues with sound in the first performance were quickly rectified in the second, and some of the subsequent individual renditions actually gave me goosebumps.

Not only did the twelve young ladies have amazing voices and delivered very impressive versions of all of the incredible songs in the show, but they also had a enviable stage presence throughout the performance. The choreography was spot on, and they managed to maintain their energy levels right to the end of the show – which is no mean feat in a show that is entirely centred around the six of them.

I was also impressed by the lighting – with lines of bulbs that moved and changed colour constantly to emphasise the mood of what was happening on stage, doing so without detracting from the power of the performance. The costumes, meanwhile, were in keeping not only with the characters, but – importantly – with the age of the performers as well.

A brilliant performance by a very talented cast. By the end of the show, everyone was up and dancing in their seats – and this was only the dress rehearsal!

Hull New Theatre – until 10th February 2024

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Paula Wagner, Nice Productions, LPO, New Regency Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Jas Theatricals/Josh Andrews Productions, Hunter Arnold, Caiola Productions & Co, John Gore Organization, Edward Walson, Deroy Kierstead presents Pretty Woman the Musical.

Based on the book by Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton with music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance this production was a joy to watch, all the cast were so good and it made for a very enjoyable evening of theatre. Set in the 1980’s the fashion is garish, colourful and the costumes (designed by Tom Rogers) were very much how I remembered it!

If you’ve seen the film of the same name, starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, this show followed the plot. Vivian Ward (Sydnie Hocknell) and her friend and housemate Kit de Luca (Natalie Paris) are hookers on Hollywood Boulevard in LA where Vivian meets rich businessman Edward Lewis (Ben Darcy) who wants directions to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. She charges him for the directions and what starts as a onetime business deal turns into a six day stay together at one of LA’s exclusive and very expensive hotels. A lady of the night is not welcome in this type of establishment but Vivian is taken under the wing of the hotel manager Mr Thompson (Curtis Patrick, who also played Happy Man) who helps her negotiate how to behave and dress during her time with Edward. Edward is a business man whose job is to break up companies that are in trouble and make as much cash as he can, along with his lawyer Philip Stuckey (Stuart MacIver) they plot to take over a another failing company. The story then takes us on a rocky but romantic journey and we find out does true love finally win out?

There were some outstanding performances in the show last night, Curtis Patrick as the Happy Man and Hotel Manager was a joy to watch, such a talented triple threat. Natalie Paris as Kit De Luca was a brilliant singer…what a voice! Noah Harrison who played the bellboy Giulio was so good, his timing, facial expressions and stage presence was outstanding.

The toe tapping songs, played magnificently by the Orchestra under Musical Director Griff Johnson, were very memorable. The sets (designed by David Rockwell) were very clever, taking us from Hollywood Boulevard to the Hotel to a polo match, they were simple but very effective.

This production is definitely worth the five stars I have given it. A stunning night was had watching this very talented cast!