National competition empowers young writers to

“Be the Change” for their planet

Bestselling author M. G. Leonard joins the judging panel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Simon Friend Entertainment and Leeds Playhouse co-production

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

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

CO-WRITER TRICIA PAOLUCCIO REPRISES HER CELEBRATED ROLE AS DOLLY

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

ACCLAIMED PLAYWRIGHT JONATHAN HARVEY ADAPTS FOR THE UK

www.hereyoucomeagain.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here You Come Again

2024 UK Tour

Further dates to be announced

Leeds Playhouse, Courtyard Theatre

Saturday 11 May – Saturday 8 June

www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Curve Theatre, Leicester

Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 June

www.curveonline.co.uk

Theatre Royal, Newcastle

Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 June

www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Cunard, Queen Mary 2 

Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 June 

www.cunard.com

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 July

www.marlowetheatre.com

Theatre Royal, Nottingham

Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 July

www.trch.co.uk

Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool

Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 July

www.everymanplayhouse.com

On Sale Soon

Cliffs Pavilion, Southend

Tuesday 19 – Saturday 24 August

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

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Tuesday 26 – Saturday 31 August

www.wmc.org.uk/en

Theatre Royal, Brighton

Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 September

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

Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 September

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

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 September

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

On sale soon

Richmond Theatre

Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 September

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

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 October

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

Theatre Royal, Norwich

Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 October

www.norwichtheatre.org

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 October

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

Lowry Theatre, Salford

Tuesday 29 October – Saturday 2 November

www.thelowry.com

Milton Keynes Theatre

Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 November

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

On Sale Soon

PERFORMANCES ANNOUNCED FOR THE

24^TH ANNUAL WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS

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

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

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

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

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

awards.whatsonstage.com

lwtheatres.co.uk 

Twitter: @WhatsOnStage #WOSAwards
Instagram: @WhatsOnStage

TikTok: @WhatsOnStage

★★★★★

“A West End spectacle of the most magical kind”

The Telegraph

DISNEY’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

FROZEN

EXTENDS FOR A FINAL TIME UNTIL 8 SEPTEMBER 2024

★★★★★

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

The Guardian

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

THE UNITED KINGDOM OF FROZEN: LOVE IS AN OPEN DOOR 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

★★★★★

“Frozen is one hot hit”

Daily Mail

Twitter @FrozenLondon

Facebook /FrozenLondon

Instagram @FrozenLondon

frozenthemusical.co.uk

LISTINGS

FROZEN

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF

Tickets from £29.50

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

PERFORMANCES:

Wednesday                                       7.00pm

Thursday                                            2.00pm & 7pm

Friday                                                 7pm

Saturday                                            2.30pm & 7pm

Sunday                                               1pm & 5.30pm

From 28 February 2024:

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

From 20 March 2024:

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

EMMY AND TONY AWARD WINNER 

BILLY CRUDUP

MAKES WEST END DEBUT IN THE UK PREMIERE OF

DAVID CALE’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PLAY

HARRY CLARKE

OPENING IN THE WEST END MARCH 2024

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

New York Theatre Guide

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

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

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

New York Times

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

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

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

Ambassador Theatre Group Productions present

The Vineyard Theatre and Berkeley Repertory Theatre Production of

HARRY CLARKE

By David Cale
Directed by Leigh Silverman

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

Ambassadors Theatre

Saturday 9 March – Saturday 11 May 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAVID CALE | Writer

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

BILLY CRUDUP | Philip Brugglestein/Harry Clarke

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

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

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

LEIGH SILVERMAN | Director

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

www.harryclarketheplay.com

Instagram:          @HarryClarkeThePlay

TikTok:                  @HarryClarkeThePlay

Facebook:           HarryClarkeThePlayUK

LISTINGS

HARRY CLARKE

Ambassadors Theatre

Saturday 9 March – Saturday 11 May 2024

Box Office: www.harryclarketheplay.com

Access Performances:

Audio Described: Wednesday 27 March, 7.30pm

Captioned:  Wednesday 10 April, 7.30pm

Age Recommended: 14+

The Other Palace – until 14 April 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

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

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

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

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

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

Forum Theatre, Malvern – 19th January 2024

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

I have had the extreme good fortune to catch the English Symphony Orchestra’s last few concerts and they have been nothing but exceptional each and every time. Tonight was no exception as they gave us yet another evening of world class entertainment.

First on the programme was Eleanor Alberga’s concert overture “Jupiter’s Fairground” (1992). I was unfamiliar with both the work and the composer so it was a lovely surprise to discover she was from our area. An even lovelier surprise was that she was here in person! She gave us some background information about the piece and a rather amusing anecdote, all of which added to the enjoyment. The piece itself was a very interesting one, in equal measure both lively and dramatic with (to my ears) shades of a film score such as 2001 or West Side Story meets Shostakovich and was a highly entertaining opening number from a composer whose works I shall certainly explore further.

We continued with Samuel Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915” (1948), helpfully introduced by our soprano tonight; April Fredrick. She explained how the work was like returning to a place you used to know but finding it had changed, feeling both familiar and displaced. I could certainly hear this in the music with some lovely wistful strings with tutti agitation at times. Another beautiful piece of music that perfectly complimented the first and led nicely to the final piece of the first half…

…Antonin Dvorak’s “Song to the Moon from Rusalka” (1901). Ms Fredrick’s tone was haunting and tender but with an aching power that did the music full justice – you could certainly hear this was from an opera aria! A gorgeous performance. The string section, especially, were sumptuous with some ethereal quiet sections that took the breath away.

Mr Kenneth Wood’s conducting was, as always, absolutely flawless. The tempos were spot on and the clarity of execution was breathtaking with the everyone coming in crisply with such precision that the music was lovingly presented in all its glory. This is without doubt my favourite orchestra. The truly spectacular thing that always strikes me

is the balance of the orchestra, with every section being perfectly clear in itself and against every other section. Hearing this orchestra is like hearing a modern remastered CD – new details in the music are suddenly audible, the composers intentions are revealed anew. A revelatory experience!

The second half had a single masterpiece: Mozart’s “Symphony No. 41 ‘Jupiter’” (1788). Although a “classical period” work, I feel this is more like early Beethoven straddling both the classical and early “romantic period”. The ESO brought out all the passion and drama in this incredible work with playing of exceptional beauty, both muscular and tender – quite a rare feat. I was deeply impressed with the agile way the orchestra managed to switch these emotional gears with effortless conviction.

Another flawless night of the best music in the world from a world class orchestra. Sheer perfection. The only disappointment was that the music came to an end and we had to go home. Do yourself a massive favour and see this orchestra asap. I know I’m eagerly awaiting their return

Jack Studio Theatre – until 20 January 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

The week leading up to your wedding is stressful enough, but throw in the bride’s sister’s divorce party, the groom’s father’s funeral and strife with his estranged family, and something has to give. Aimee Walker-Reid’s intelligent and intense play follows Lois (Walker-Reid) and Matt (Finlay Vane Last) as they struggle to cope with Matt’s mental health as the big day approaches.

The chaos and upset of living with, and caring for somebody with mental health issues is represented wonderfully through Tamra Walker-Reid’s set design – with household objects suspended over the stage, their contents frozen as they spill. Matt’s diagnosis is never made clear, but as the play progresses, we find out that he cannot leave the house without Lois and some emotionally charged video, lighting and music design (by Morgan Burgess and Grace Gjertson) accompany fine physicality from Vane Last to portray the paralysis and fear he experiences.

Vane Last is charismatic and nuanced as the tormented, frustrating but sweet Matt, while Walker-Reid excels as his anchor – strong, loving and forever accommodating, but suddenly fiery when Matt’s actions become too much and she finally lets rip and releases her frustrations. This scene and its repercussions would not quite ring true without the clever flashbacks to each 31st December of their relationship, portraying their hope and the strength of their love. There are very funny moments throughout and Walker-Reid has written two utterly convincing and sympathetic characters and draws the audience into their world effortlessly, while George Rowlands’ slick direction maintains a tension that never lags in this fascinating and powerful play.

Neon 194, London – until 17 February 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

This uplifting and uproariously funny new musical lets you party like it’s 1999, following the fall and rise of hedonistic star Kid Pop – or Neil to his mum.

When Kid Pop (Christian Maynard) is arrested for drug use it is front page news, and when given the choice of prison or 60 days in rehab he goes to the Glade, anticipating an easy life there. His fellow residents and counsellor won’t let him ignore his addictions however, and Neil has to accept some hard truths about himself. Neil’s journey to recovery is sabotaged by his sleazy agent Malcolm Stone (Keith Allen – having a ball) who set up the drugs sting to boost Kid Pop’s image. Stone’s scheming has no limits as he continues to exploit Kid Pop’s situation for publicity and begins to contemplate even darker ways to keep Kid Pop relevant and his own bank balance soaring.

The scenes in the rehab centre could have been painful in other hands, but Grant Black and Murray Lachlan Young’s own experiences ensure that the residents and their addictions are written sympathetically and, while the characters are ridiculously funny, we are laughing with them, not at them. Whether their addiction is to alcohol, gambling, overeating or sex, these characters are written beautifully, often nonchalantly accepting and mocking their past actions, but also providing sincere heartbreaking insights into the pain and damage addiction causes to them and their loved ones in amongst the belly laughs. Elliot Davis’s book complements Black and Young’s music and lyrics brilliantly – full of irresistible warmth and joy that makes moments of barbed cruelty hit even harder. The story arc is very clear (and perhaps a little predictable – but this is a show that NEEDS a happy ending) with the musical numbers moving the storyline along seamlessly. The songs are a wonderfully eclectic mix of power ballads, pop anthems and gloriously silly nonsense like The Cheese Song. Everybody will want to join in with the chorus of Wanker!

The incredible cast all have moments that will make your jaw drop. Christian Maynard is perfect as Kid Pop – OTT and arrogant in early scenes, and softening beautifully as he spends time at The Glade. Maiya Quansah-Breed is full of heart and grit as Lucy, caught between a rock and a hard place as Stone uses her in his schemes. Keith Allen hams it up hilariously as Stone and makes a sharp double act with Jodie Steele as his assistant. Steele doesn’t sing until the second act, but it is well worth the wait. Mica Paris’s commanding and powerful vocals raise the roof while Oscar Conlon-Morrey, John Barr and Rebecca Thornhill showcase their phenomenal comic timing as fellow addicts, stealing every scene they’re in.

Director Gary Lloyd makes clever use of the small stage area with Simon Kenny’s adaptable set ensuring scene transitions are as slick as possible. It would be wonderful to see what is possible in a larger theatre – I am sure this fantastic show has a bright future. Grab a ticket while you can.

Forum Theatre, Malvern – 18th January 2024

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

The incomparable Johnny Cash Roadshow rolls into town again, this time on the Sin & Redemption Tour.

This show has so many hits that it would take the entire word count just to list all the songs that blew me away! The opening medley of “Big River”, “Hey Porter” and “The Wreck Of The Old 97” leading into “Man In Black” should tell you everything you need to know.

Clive John is an exceptional Cash. Channelling his spirit without doing an impression of the great man, he effortlessly hits all the right notes (both vocally and on guitar). He also delights with his own compositions, which sit comfortably among Cash’s wondrous jewels. And in Meghan he has the perfect partner as her resemblance to June is uncanny. They have a lovely onstage chemistry too, making duets like “Jackson” shine.

Meghan gave the band a chance to shine during “Jukebox Blues” with Richard (electric guitar), Simon (keys and trumpet), Martin (bass) and Alex (drums) all regaling us with rousing solos that were both short and sweet, displaying their immense musicianship.

One of my favourite Cash songs is “One Piece At A Time”, a lesser known hit but one well worth seeking out for the uninitiated. A real pleasure to hear it tonight. This also testifies to the range of the show, taking us through all eras and genres that Cash traversed; the show is naturally blessed with a depth of quality and interest that few other artists catalogues can match!

The first half ended on a sweet note as Clive’s daughter Isla performed a solo dance to one of her father’s songs “In A Whisper”. Very confident and happy on stage in front of a pretty sizable crowd, she rapidly became a firm crowd favourite. A very proud moment I’m sure for her father.

The show is highly emotional throughout and the video wall at the back, showing footage of the original protagonists, heightened this effect. “I Still Miss Someone”, one of the most gorgeous songs ever written, shows the power of country music; encompassing the full panoply of human existence, our communal journey. A beautiful, faithful rendition of “Hurt”, the last song released in Cash’s lifetime, is always very moving and was the emotional apex of the evening – made even moreso by the fantastic “strings” added from the keyboard.

I have seen this show for the last two years and it never fails to surprise – tonight’s was during the song “Ghost Riders In The Sky” during which I found myself between two people singing “Holte Enders In the Sky”. It transpired I had Aston Villa fans to the left (Scatty) and the right (Michael); this song being one of their many terrace chants. It shows how deep Cash’s music is embedded in our lives and how it’s power can make strangers sudden friends.

A finale including (naturally) “Ring of Fire” brought the evening to a rousing end, left us wanting more and humming our favourite tune on the way out to the foyer to congratulate the band on yet another triumphant musical night from all concerned. I cannot recommend Johnny Cash Roadshow highly enough and can’t wait till their next visit.