HIT WEST END PRODUCTION OF

GREASE

TO TOUR THE UK AND IRELAND

FROM APRIL 2024

Lead producer Colin Ingram is delighted to announce that after incredibly successful summer seasons in 2022 and 2023; Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical GREASE will tour the UK and Ireland in 2024. GREASE is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips.

Star casting to be announced.

The 2024 tour will begin at Churchill Theatre, Bromley on 12 April 2024 running through to 16 November 2024 at Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield. The production is currently running at the Dominion theatre in the West End until Saturday 28 October.

GREASE has been seen by over 500,000 people in the West End, making it the Dominion Theatre’s most successful summer run since We Will Rock You. GREASE received 4 WhatsOnStage Award nominations for Best Musical Revival, Best Choreography for Arlene Phillips and Best Supporting Performer in a Musical for original cast members Jocasta Almgill and Paul French.

GREASE originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. During the show’s eight-year run at the time, little known actors including Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta all appeared in the production, with Richard Gere understudying many roles before going on to star as Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere. GREASE was first performed at the Dominion Theatre in 1993 before transferring to the Cambridge Theatre in 1996. It returned to the West End, opening at the Piccadilly Theatre in 2007.

The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is the fourth highest-grossing live action musical of all time. The musical features beloved songs, including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted To You and You’re The One That I Want.

GREASE has designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and Richard Brooker, video and projection design by Douglas O’Connell and casting by David Grindrod CDG.

This production of GREASE is produced by Colin Ingram for InTheatre Productions, Playing Field, Gavin Kalin, and Curve.

Website: www.greasemusical.co.uk

2024 Tour Schedule

12 – 20 April                                       Bromley Churchill Theatre                       0343 310 0020                                                           

                                                           www.churchilltheatre.co.uk  

23 April – 4 May                                 Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre            0818719 377 (ROI)                                                           

                                                           bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                          08442485101 (UK)

7 – 11 May                                         Hull New Theatre                                      01482 300 306

                                                           www.hulltheatres.co.uk

13 – 18 May                                       Royal & Derngate Northampton              01604 624811

                                                           www.royalandderngate.co.uk

21 – 25 May                                       Ipswich Regent Theatre

                                                           www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

27 May – 1 June                                Liverpool Empire Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

3 – 8 June                                          Norwich Theatre Royal                            01603 630 000                                                                  

                                                           www.norwichtheatre.org

10 – 15 June                                      Newcastle Theatre Royal                         0191 232 7010                                                                  

                                                           www.theatreroyal.co.uk

17 – 22 June                                      Glasgow Kings Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

25 – 29 June                                      Edinburgh Playhouse                                                                                                            

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse/

2 – 6 July                                           Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre             01224 641122

                                                           www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

15 – 20 July                                       Birmingham Alexandra

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

23 – 27 July                                       Truro Hall for Cornwall                            01872 262 466

                                                           www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

29 July – 3 August                             Bradford Alhambra Theatre                    01274 432000

                                                           www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

5 – 10 August                                     Milton Keynes Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre

12 – 17 August                                   Eastbourne Congress                              01323 412 000                                                                  

                                                           www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

19 – 24 August                                   Blackpool Opera House                          0844 770 0593                                                                  

                                                           www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

27 – 31 August                                   Royal Concert Hall Nottingham              0115 989 5555                   

                                                           trch.co.uk

2 – 7 September                                Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre                                            

                                                           www.wmc.org.uk

16 – 21 September                            Bristol Hippodrome                                                                                                               

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/bristol

24 – 28 September                            Oxford New Theatre                                                                                                              

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/oxford

30 September – 5 October                Dartford Orchard Theatre                        01322 220000

                                                           www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

8 – 12 October                                   Manchester Palace Theatre                                                                                                              

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/manchester

21 – 26 October                                 High Wycombe Swan Theatre                03433100060

                                                           wycombeswan.co.uk

29 October – 2 November                 Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre        02380 711811

                                                           www.mayflower.org.uk

5 – 9 November                                 Southend Cliffs Pavilion                                                                                                        

                                                           www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

11 – 16 November                             Sheffield Lyceum                                     0114 249 6000www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Mayflower Theatre Southampton – until 28th October 2023

Reviewed by Emma Barnes 

5*****

Even before the curtain came up it was obvious that ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong‘ was not going to be your average theatre experience. As the audience took their seats characters raced and chased around the auditorium and excited anticipation filled the room. Anyone who had attended Mischief’s ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ I’m sure was eagerly expecting the guaranteed mayhem.

We certainly were not disappointed. The story revolves around the accident-prone Cornley Youth Theatre, attempting to stage a well-known children’s classic, Peter Pan. However, expect everything that can possibly go wrong, to go horribly off the rails! The set is a rickety mess, the props are malfunctioning, and the cast is clearly out of their depth.

But somehow, they manage to keep the show going, even as things spiral further and further out of control.

There are too many laugh-out-loud moments to mention, but some of the highlights that had my two children (and their grown ups) rolling in our seats included Nana the dog getting stuck in the door, the Darling children’s bed collapsing with them in it, Peter Pan’s attempts at flying, Captain Hook arguing with the audience and Tinkerbell the fairy being electrocuted by her own costume.

One of the best things about Peter Pan Goes Wrong is that it’s a show that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, there was something for everyone whether it be classic comedy , slapstick silliness or to marvel at the flawlessly executed theatrical timing. There are several moments where the audience is genuinely unsure whether what they are seeing is planned or not and the dialogue with the audience at times felt improvised bringing a real feeling of intimacy. 

The production is also visually stunning. The set is incredibly detailed and revolves from scene to scene at furious pace in the second half. Mischievous lighting cues, and a meticulously timed albeit unfortunate soundtrack all contributed to the overall experience. Every prop malfunction, every missed cue, and every perfectly timed blunder came together to create wonderful chaos and an evening of cheek aching hilarity. 

The fearless and talented cast truly captured the spirit of live theatre, reminding us all that even amidst the mishaps and blunders, the show must go on. If you enjoy a production that has you laughing from start to finish and every family member on the edge of their seats then this is not to be missed.

New Wimbledon Theatre – until 28th October 2023

Reviewed by Fiona Leyman

5*****

Dear Diary,

Why can’t we just be 17? It’s 1989 and the first day at Westerberg High School and who doesn’t love a bit of teenage drama? We have those popular girls, the Heathers ‘Red’ (Verity Thompson), ‘Green’ (Elise Zavou) and ‘Yellow’ (Billie Bowman) who everybody loves to hate, and those at the bottom of the pecking order, like Veronica Sawyer (Jenna Innes) who simply just wants to be noticed. All topped off by that mysterious new bad boy, ‘Jason ‘JD’ Dean’ (Jacob Fowler) who’s just moved to town. But, joining this group of elite girls has some dire consequences when that drama turns to murder. Do you stand by your new beau, or try and save the lives of those who mock you?

Heathers The Musical, which completed a record-breaking run at The Other Palace in September, is currently touring the UK. Based on the 1980s cult hit directed by Daniel Waters, this musical, written by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe was produced by the late, renowned Bill Kenwright.

Designer David Shields masterfully transports you back to the 1980s with his choice of costumes. The iconic Heathers Red, Green & Yellow outfits stand out and clearly puts these girls at the centre of the stage. This show has a clear cult following, with audience members seen wearing the recognisable red, green and yellow blazer, sock and scrunchie combos sported by their favourite Heathers’ character.

With a relatively small cast, several actors are portraying multiple parts, and are able to transition between them with ease. Ms. Fleming, played by Katie Paine (We Will Rock You) has perfect comedic timing and her audience interactions will have you in tears of laughter. Verity Thompson’s portrayal of head Heather shows the extent of the talent this young actress has. Easily switching between the ‘Mythic Bitch’ and funny girl with her glances towards the audience and jeering taunts as Veronica’s world comes crashing down.

You’ll be tapping your feet the entire time thanks to the incredible score composed by Murphy and O’Keefe, which has hits like “I Say No” and “Seventeen”, as well as catchy songs like “I Love My Dead Gay Son. Performed by the amazing Connor McFlarlane (Once, Queen Of The Mist) and Jay Bryce (Motown: The Musical, Mamma Mia International Tour), their performance at the beginning of Act 2, was the showstopper of the night, seeing them receive the loudest cheers from the audience. Veronica, played by rising star Jenna Innes (Animus), blows the roof off with her incredible vocals and effortlessly carries every song she performs.

It’s Bright! It’s Bold! It’s just pure Bloody Murder! It’s A Must See! Heathers The Musical is full of teen drama, campness, sarcastic wit that is worthy of those 5 stars. This cult classic stays true to form and will see you wanting to come back for more.

Underbelly Boulevard, Soho – until 6th January 2024

Reviewed by Ava Clarkson

5*****

Described as “The Queen of Weimar punk” and her troupe of performers and Haus Band, start their 6-week residency as a “dangerously funny kabarett, breathtaking circus and fire-breathing sideshow, at its most inappropriate, provocative and hilarious best – Bernie Dieter and her infamous troupe of bombastic Bohemians are taking over London’s West End!”. This description did not disappoint!

The Underbelly Boulevard is a brand-new West End Theatre. The venue is modern and efficient but welcoming and attentive. When you walk into the auditorium, it is cozy and intimate. All sat in a circle facing a small round stage in the centre, with the jazz house band off to the left playing sultry pop/ jazz as you arrive.

As the audience is seated, performers walk the floor – scantily clad men and women in sequined outfits and skyscraper high heels, welcoming you in a provocative and friendly way.

Once the auditorium doors are closed, the room is bathed in red light and smoke. Bernie arrives stage right in an equally sequined outfit and starts singing in her soaring voice and thick German accent. As one show description states, “no seat is safe in the dark” and Bernie quickly involves audience members in her show. After her first song, audience men in the front row physically carry Bernie back to the stage, where she welcomes everyone and invites us to immerse ourselves in her show, letting loose and getting intimate with the performers we are about to see.

The first act starts…. The acts are accompanied by Bernie singing and the house band. Act 2, act 3… let us not describe them in detail and spoil the show, suffice to say each act showcases death-defying circus-style acts – fire, aerial stunts and human bodies doing things they are not designed to do. The performers are beautiful, toned professionals dressed in leather and sparkling their way through their performance. Full frontal close ups and partial nudity is the norm during the 90-minute show, which goes by in the blink of an eye.

Just before the final act, Bernie engages with the audience again in her sultry voice. Born in East Germany to a German mother and a drunk father, she dreamed of running away to the circus. This show is her circus and her vision as a child.

The final act is the most mesmerising of all, a silk rope from the ceiling, a blond muscular Joe Keeley wearing what can only be described as bondage leather, effortlessly works his way up and down the hanging silks. The audience gasps in awe as he falls from ceiling to stage and again and again. Bernie sings a haunting song called “cracks in the mirror” asking the question “is this the girl you were meant to be?” The song together with the performance has the audience watching with open mouthed. The final act is a stunning climax to an amazing show.

Bernie along with her performers Adam Malone, Blue Phoenix, The Seifert Sisters, Joe Keeley, and Bella Diosa, bought Bernie’s circus vision to life. With Bernie’s cut-throat wit and warm persona throughout the show, the whole experience is a standout triumph. A must see over the next 12 weeks.

Runaway Entertainment presents

2:22 – A GHOST STORY

The hit play by Danny Robins

Directed by Matthew Dunster & Isabel Marr
@222AGhostStory #222AGhostStory 

• 2.22 – A GHOST STORY ANNOUNCES CAST FOR SECOND LEG OF UK TOUR FROM JANUARY- JUNE 2024
• VERA CHOK WILL PLAY LAUREN; JAY MCGUINESS WILL PLAY BEN; GEORGE RAINSFORD WILL PLAY SAM AND FIONA WADE WILL PLAY JENNY
• THE CURRENT TOUR CAST – JOE ABSOLOM, CHARLENE BOYD, NATHANIEL CURTIS AND LOUISA LYTTON – WILL CONTINUE UNTIL DECEMBER 2023 
• TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE HERE 

With Halloween around the corner, Runaway Entertainment is delighted to announce the new cast for the UK tour of Danny Robins’ edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller 2:22 – A Ghost Story. Vera Chok (Hollyoaks, Cobra) will play Lauren, Jay McGuiness (The Wanted, BIG! The Musical, Rip It Up) will play Ben, Fiona Wade (Emmerdale, Silent Witness) will play Jenny, and George Rainsford (Call the Midwife, Casualty) will play Sam.

This next part of the tour opens at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate Theatre on 5 January 2024 and the cast will perform in venues across the UK until 1 June 2024. 

Vera Chok (who will play Lauren) said: ‘Theatre brings me such joy, and I’m raring to get back on stage, and what a show to come back with! It’s going to be so fun to share 2:22, an absolute rollercoaster ride of a show, with audiences across the UK. Laughs, tension, and jump-out-of-your-seat scary – it’s going to be a Good Night Out with plenty to talk about over a bevvy after. Can’t wait to get in the room with the stellar team!’

Jay McGuinness (who will play Ben) said: ‘I went to see the play in London with Cheryl, Jake, Louise, and Scott, and immediately it was something I wanted to be a part of. Can’t wait to get stuck into this role and spend some time spooking theatres all around the UK!’

George Rainsford (who will play Sam) said: ‘I can’t wait to join the cast of 2:22 A Ghost Story, working with an amazing cast and crew. I am huge fan of Danny Robins’ script, it’s such a fun and thrilling night at the theatre and I look forward to spooking audiences up and down the country… everyone enjoys to be a little scared sometimes, right??’

Fiona Wade (who will play Jenny) said: I am so excited to be joining the cast of 2.22 A Ghost Story. Being a part of this thrilling and brilliant play is an absolute dream. I’ve been a huge fan of Danny Robins for a while now so this is a part and an opportunity I cannot wait to get started on. I feel blessed and honoured to be joining such an amazing team!

Written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist, and directed by Matthew Dunster and Isabel Marr; 2:22 is an adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may, or may not, appear…

Danny Robins said: “I continue to be blown away by the success of this play. It demonstrates a huge appetite and curiosity for all things paranormal. This fabulous 7th cast for the 2024 leg of the tour will bring their own energy to these characters, telling the story anew for audiences across the UK. It’s always exciting to see the play come to life again in this way. It’s such a fun night out, and if chills give you thrills you’re in for a treat.”

What do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?

“THERE’S SOMETHING IN OUR HOUSE. I HEAR IT EVERY NIGHT, AT THE SAME TIME”

Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they’re going to stay up… until 2:22… and then they’ll know.

“A slick, chilling, romp of a play” The Guardian

‘A modern classic’ Sunday Times

The production premiered at the Noel Coward Theatre, starring Lily Allen, Julia Chan, Hadley Fraser, and Jake Wood, where it won the WhatsOnStage award for Best Play. It then transferred to the Gielgud Theatre for 10 weeks, starring Stephanie Beatriz, James Buckley, Elliot Cowan, and Giovanna Fletcher, which completed its run on 12 February 2021. For the first season at the Criterion (May – September 2022), the cast included Tom Felton, Mandip Gill, Sam Swainsbury, and Beatriz Romilly, the second season, launching in September, starred Laura Whitmore, Matt Willis, Felix Scott, and Tamsin Carroll. 

The box office record-breaking run at the Lyric starring Cheryl, Jake Wood, Scott Karim, and Louise Ford, concluded its run on 23 April. The West End season at the Apollo Theatre starred Sophia Bush, Ricky Champ, Clifford Samuel and Jaime Winstone, and set off on its UK tour in Autumn 2023 with Joe Absolom, Charlene Boyd, Nathaniel Curtis and Louisa Lytton in the cast.

2:22 – A Ghost Story features set design by Anna Fleischle, costume design by Cindy Lin, lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph Sound and illusions by Chris Fisher. Casting by Matilda James.

2:22 – A Ghost Story is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Isobel David and Kater Gordon. 

2:22 – A Ghost Story
By Danny Robins
Directed by Matthew Dunster & Isabel Marr

2023 – THE CURRENT TOUR CAST – JOE ABSOLOM, CHARLENE BOYD, NATHANIEL CURTIS AND LOUISA LYTTON

Brighton Theatre Royal
24 – 28 Oct 7.30pm; matinees Thur & Sat 2.30pm

Salford Lowry
31 Oct (Halloween) – 4 Nov 7.30pm; matinees Thur & Sat 2pm

Curve Theatre, Leicester
7 – 11 Nov 7.30pm; matinees Thur & Sat 2.15pm

Belfast Grand Opera House
14 – 18 Nov 7.30pm; matinees Thur & Sat 2.30pm

Glasgow Kings Theatre
21 – 25 Nov 7.30pm; matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm

Plymouth Theatre Royal
28 Nov – 2 Dec 7.30pm; matinees Thur & Sat 2.30pm

2024 – CAST; VERA CHOK, JAY MCGUINESS, GEORGE RAINSFORD AND FIONA WADE 

Northampton Royal & Derngate
5 – 13 Jan 7.30pm; matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm

Birmingham Alexandra Theatre
16 – 20 Jan 7.30pm; matinees Wed, & Sat 2.30pm, Fri 3.30pm

Cardiff New Theatre 

23 – 27 Jan 7.30pm; matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm, Fri 3pm

Wycombe Swan Theatre
30 Jan – 3 Feb 7.30pm; matinees Thur & Sat 2.30pm

Chichester Festival Theatre 

6 Feb – 10 Feb 7.30pm; matinees Wed, Thur & Sat 2.30pm

Sheffield Lyceum
13 – 17 Feb 7.45pm; matinees Thur & Wed 2pm, Sat 3pm

Wolverhampton Grand
20 – 24 Feb 7.30pm; matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm, Fri 3.30pm

His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen
27 Feb – 2 March 7.30pm; matinees Thur & Sat 2pm 

Cambridge Arts Theatre

5 – 9 March 7.30pm; Wed, Thurs & Sat 2.30pm

Churchill Theatre Bromley 

12 – 16 March 7.30pm; matinees Thus 2pm & Sat 2.30pm

Richmond Theatre
26 – 30 March 7.30pm; matinees Wed, Thurs & Sat 2.30pm

Liverpool Empire

2 – 6 April 7.30pm; matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm

Woking Theatre
9 – 13 Apr 7.30pm; matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm

Truro, Hall for Cornwall

16 – 20 April 7.30pm; matinees Wed, Thur & Sat 2.30pm

Hall for Cornwall Truro 

16 – 20 April, 7.30pm; matinees Thur & Sat 2.30pm

Blackpool Grand
23 – 27 April 7.30pm; matinees Wed, Thur & Sat 2.30pm

York Grand Opera House
30 Apr – 4 May 7.30pm; matinees Wed, Sat 2.30pm & Fri 3.30pm

Nottingham Theatre Royal
7 – 11 May 7.30pm; matinees Wed, Thur 2pm & Sat 2.30pm

New Theatre Hull
14 – 18 May 7.30pm; matinees Thur & Sat 2.30pm

Sunderland Empire
21 – 25 May 7.30pm; matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm

Alhambra Theatre Bradford
28 May – 1 June 7.30pm; matinees Wed 2pm & Sat 2.30pm

Age recommendation 12+

A number of theatres across the UK to honour the life and career of Bill Kenwright CBE

Following the sad news of the loss of Bill Kenwright, many theatres will be honouring his career at 7pm on Thursday 26 October.

A number of theatres across the country are coming together to mark his passing by dimming their marquee lights, putting tributes to his career on their house screens, or washing their theatres in Everton blue, the football club to which he was proudly Chairman.

In a multi-award-winning career spanning six decades, Bill produced over 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theatre productions, films and music albums. His impact on the arts industry has been profound.

Eleanor Lloyd, President of the Society of London Theatre, said: 

“Bill was a theatrical legend – a true impresario whose passion, spirit and enthusiasm had an immeasurable impact on the British Theatre for 60 years. We are proud the whole industry can come together to pay tribute to his incredible career. He will be deeply missed across the theatre business and beyond.”

Jon Gilchrist and Stephanie Sirr, Co-Presidents of UK Theatre, added:

“Bill was a titan of the touring theatre circuit. His commitment to regional theatre kept some really key industry establishments alive through tough times. He devoted much of his prolific career to productions around the UK and his extraordinary contribution to the sector will not be forgotten.  All our condolences are with his loved ones.”

New Victoria Theatre Woking – until Saturday 28th October 2023

Reviewed by Brooke Burlinge

4****

Woking introduces the very well known story of ‘The Bodyguard.’ Based on the 1999 blockbuster movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in which we all know and love. Now transformed into a spectacular and phenomenal musical for all to see. 

It tells the story of Rachel Marron (Emily Williams) a famous singer, performer and all around superstar who is in the running for an Oscar. However, not everything is as amazing as it seems when she receives threatening letters from a stalker (Marios Nicolaides) she’s managed to attract. With a letter mysteriously turning up in her dressing room, invading her personal space. It’s clear her safety has now been put into serious danger and the obvious decision to hire a bodyguard is hastily made. When they finally find a bodyguard in the form of Frank Farmer, (Ayden Callaghan) Rachel doesn’t seem too impressed with the changes and quickly becomes dismissive of the extra security, claiming she wants her freedom back. Frank, however stands his ground, not being afraid to tell Rachel no. As the show goes on, it becomes clear that there is a budding romance between the two. Rachel’s son, Fletcher (Kaylen Luke) also begins to form a close relationship with Frank. All while this goes on, Rachel’s sister- Nicki Marron (Emily-Mae) seems to be forever in the shadows, although being incredibly talented and gifted as well. Nicki’s feelings of being overshadowed creates drama and tension throughout the performance. It is clear however that the sisters hold a strong connection with the songs that they sing together, such as ‘Run to You.’

Emily Williams performed her role astonishingly well. The way she presented her character allowed the audience to be caught in the atmosphere of the show at all times. Not to mention, her dynamic and powerful vocals to match the equally passionate songs in the musical.

Ayden Callaghan also added a lot to the play with his acting, presenting himself as a focused and vigilant bodyguard.

Both the costumes and stage design created extra depth and meaning to each scene. For instance, the entrance was an incredibly striking and astounding performance, with flames and flashing lights paired with some sensational singing.

All in all, this is certainly a production not to be missed. Some of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits just make you want to get up a sing along. A spectacular watch and evening out. Definitely a show to come and see.

Hull New Theatre – until 28th October 2023

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Michael Harrison David Ian for Crossroads Live with Exposition Productions and Ramin Sabi present Annie. With music by Charles Stouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin and the book by Thomas Meehan

Last night at Hull New Theatre we were treated to a fantastic performance of Annie and to be quite honest it is definitely worth more than the maximum five stars I’m allowed to give it!

Annie is set New York in the Great Depression of the 1930’s and follows the story of Annie (Zoe Akinyosade) who ends up in Miss Hannigan’s (Craig Revel Horwood) orphanage when she is left there as a baby by her parents with only a broken locket and a note. Annie and the other orphans lead a terrible life at the orphanage and love to cause the rather drunk and strict Miss Hannigan a lot of havoc!

After running away from the orphanage Annie spends time on the streets with the homeless and meets Sandy the dog (played by Labradoodle Amber who caused lots of ooohs and awws from the audience!). She is taken back to the orphanage were she then meets New York Billionaire Mr Warbucks (Alex Bourne) and his secretary, Grace Farrell (Alex Bourne) and is invited to spend two weeks over Christmas with them in his fabulous mansion. She gets to live her best life there as the story unfolds.

The music and songs are very recognisable (played magnificently by the Orchestra under the musical direction of Joshua Griffith) from You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile, Hard Knock Life, Tomorrow and many more. My absolute favourite is Easy Street, sang and performed by Miss Hannigan (Craig Revel Horwood) her brother Rooster (Paul French) and Roosters girlfriend Lily (Billie-Kay).

Zoe Akinyosade was brilliant as Annie, she’s a very talented performer and definitely one to watch. The part of Miss Hannigan was made for Craig Revel Horwood, he played the character with such menace, humour and sass that he was great to watch. And I know he’s probably heard this 100’s of times but he really was fab u lous!

The whole cast of this show are brilliant from the very talented orphans to the equally talented ensemble. It is joyous way to spend a couple of hours and I would recommend anyone to go and see it

Tess, Ockham’s Razor’s feminist vision of
Thomas Hardy’s classic novel, to have run at West
End’s Peacock Theatre
Wednesday 31st January – Saturday 3rd February 2024
Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, London WC2A 2HT

Ockham’s Razor have announced the West End run of their bold new vision of Hardy’s classic novel, Tess of the D’Urbervilles. From Wednesday 31st January to Saturday 3rd February 2024, Tess will be performed at Sadler’s Wells’ Peacock Theatre. Hardy’s classic novel still has extraordinary relevance for contemporary audiences as it explores questions of privilege, class, consent, agency, female desire and sisterhood

Tess uses the original text combined with the physical language of circus, allowing the performers to retell the well-known story of power, loss and endurance through a feminist lens. Tess is Ockham’s Razor’s first production based on a novel, capturing the poetry of Hardy and the philosophical depth of the novel, interweaving Ockham’s Razor’s signature physical storytelling to tell this gut-wrenching story about the strength to endure

Tess features an ensemble of circus performers, five women and two men, from diverse backgrounds who will weave together acrobatics, aerial, dance and physical theatre. The distinctive simple, evocative design of Ockham’s Razor will evoke the physical labour of the
novel and create Hardy’s Wessex onstage, wielding wooden planks, shifting walls, ropes and swathes of linen to make sets that unfold and which the cast balance upon, climb, carry and construct. The company has a long experience of working with reframing the female body
with circus, looking at strength, capability and agency

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
TO TOUR THE UK IN SPRING 2024

• SIR PETER WRIGHT’S CLASSIC STAGING TO TOUR TO SOUTHAMPTON, BIRMINGHAM, SALFORD, SUNDERLAND, PLYMOUTH, BRISTOL AND LONDON
   
• 2024 MARKS 40 YEARS OF SIR PETER WRIGHT’S BELOVED PRODUCTION
   
• ALINA COJOCARU TO GUEST STAR IN SELECT PERFORMANCES AT LONDON’S SADLER’S WELLS
   
• TICKETS FOR ALL VENUES NOW ON SALE – BRB.ORG.UK 

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 the beloved classics with a 2024 UK tour of Sir Peter Wright’s sumptuous staging of The Sleeping Beauty in the production’s 40th anniversary year.

The UK tour will visit the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (8-10 Feb), Birmingham Hippodrome (21 Feb-2 Mar), The Lowry, Salford (7-9 Mar), Sunderland Empire (14-16 Mar), Theatre Royal, Plymouth (20-23 Mar), Bristol Hippodrome (18-20 Apr) and London’s Sadler’s Wells (24-27 Apr).

The acclaimed Royal Ballet and English National Ballet Principal, Alina Cojocaru will return to the London stage for special guest star performances at Sadler’s Wells at evening performances on both Thursday 25 April and Saturday 27 April 2023. Throughout her illustrious career Alina Cojocaru has received acclaim for her performances in classic roles such as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Giselle and, perhaps most famously, Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty – for which she won the Critics’ Circle Dance Award for Outstanding Female Classical Performance in 2017. Alina is a regular guest artist with the Hamburg Ballet as well as appearing with companies across the globe. In 2020, she presented her own programme “Alina at the Wells” at Sadler’s Wells.

The 2024 tour of The Sleeping Beauty follows on from the 2023 UK tour of Sir Peter Wright’s Swan Lake -BRB’s most successful spring tour to date, having been seen by over 53,000 people.

Last seen on UK stages over six years ago, The Sleeping Beauty continues Birmingham Royal Ballet’s legacy of presenting the acclaimed heritage classics and 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 in the Spring of 2024.  The Company is excited to be delighting audiences once more with this definitive version of one of the great classical ballets, welcoming people of all ages to our performances throughout the UK.

“I am also honoured that the acclaimed Principal Ballerina, Alina Cojocaru, will be joining the Company for selected performances at London’s Sadler’s Wells, sharing her celebrated interpretation of the role of Princess Aurora.”