Leeds Playhouse – until 28 October, then on UK Tour until November 2023
Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood
5*****
Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing first premiered in 1993 at the London’s Bush Theatre. Thirty years later it returns with a new revival, co-produced by Stratford East, Leeds Playhouse and HOME Manchester.
The play is about two teenage boys, Ste (Raphael Akuwudike) and Jamie (Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran), neighbours on a housing estate in Southeast London. The boys are so different and yet they are experiencing bullying, Jamie in school and Ste in the home. When Ste faces a crisis at home, he turns to Jamie and seeks refuge in his flat and soon a relationship between them is formed. Unknowingly and knowingly, they learn from one another how to articulate their honest feelings, affirm their sexuality and come to terms with coming out. Set in the background of family, community and friendship spheres, both boys explore what it is like to be in love and turning sixteen.
The title of the play sums up how the story is beautifully, thoughtfully and sensitively told and it narrates about navigation of life and love and its challenges, which resonates well today individually, collectively and in society. Directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike there are excellent portrayals from Owokoniran as Jamie and Akuwudike as Ste. Owokoniran and Akuwudike are robustly supported by rest of the cast with Shvorne Marks as Sandra (Jamie’s Mum), Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge as Tony (Sandra’s young man) and Scarlett Rayner as Leah (a lonesome teenage neighbour).
Rosie Elnile’s set represents the housing estate neighbourhood the boys live in, and the space is used well for the narration of the story. The set is complimented with Elliot Griggs’ lighting and the music and sounds of the 1990s from XANA.
Beautiful Thing is beautifully told with humour with touches of deliberations, poignancy, reflections and hopes for the future. An unmissable production which is highly recommended.
The Arches, London Bridge – until 26 February 2024
Reviewer Alec Legge
5*****
Off to the Arches, under London Bridge Station, this being a new exhibition space made out of five interconnected tunnels with six metre ceilings which sets out to be a new cultural hub for London.
On entry I was provided with an audio commentary gizmo which I found very useful. Into the exhibition itself and honestly I was completely taken back. Elvis’s music was playing continuously in the background whilst each room was packed with artefacts from his life and career.
Starting from a layout of items from his early life growing up and starting work in Tupelo, a small town in Mississippi, which even included a pair of work overalls he once wore. A model of his house which was self built by his family showed his working class origins.
Continuing on there were items from his early career showing his rise to fame including signing for Sun Records.
On to exhibits showing his Ferrari Dino GT4, his TCB Super Trike Motor Cycle and the marvellous jump suits he wore for his stage appearances. The array of his jump suits was amazingly stunning, one after the other in different fantastic designs and decoration.
Also included is his uniform, pictures and so on from his time in the Army when he served in Germany. Remember ‘GI Blues‘ and ‘Wooden Heart‘! In another area there was a display of Lisa Marie’s baby clothes.
In one room the wall was lined with an amazing array of his film posters. What memories they brought back! Also in this room was his red MG sports car which featured in ‘Blue Hawaii‘ Also displayed were artefacts from Graceland such as his gold telephone, a pottery monkey and gold plated lion statues which were in his den he called the jungle room.
The walls of each area were adorned with candid photographs of Elvis together with video displays, posters etc. plus some of gold records he was awarded over the years.
As myself and my companion Betty, wandered round the exhibits it brought back the memories of our teens and twenties in the sixties and seventies when Elvis’s incomparable music accompanied us through these times. I am also sure that a younger generation will also enjoy seeing this exhibition as Elvis and his music will appeal to all.
This is a most wonderful, spectacular, awe inspiring (just ran out of expletives!) exhibition which is a must, must, see for any fans of Elvis in particular, but will also appeal to all.
· IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LONDON THEATRE DIRECT, A SPOTLIGHT ON INTRODUCES AN EXCITING TICKET PLATFORM – ASPOTLIGHTONTICKETS.COM
In partnership with London Theatre Direct, A Spotlight On introduces an exciting ticket platform – ASpotlightOnTickets.com
Launching today, ASpotlightOnTickets.com is a brand-new ticket platform offering exclusive discounts to musicals, plays, dance, concerts and so much more.
Established in 1999, London Theatre Direct pioneered online ticket sales and technological innovations. Connecting to multiple API systems and becoming the first ticket seller in the world to accept bitcoin London Theatre Direct continues to innovate using new technologies.
London Theatre Direct was acquired by Trafalgar Entertainment in 2019 and continues to partner with the best theatres and producers in the West End and UK.
A Spotlight On is a digital streaming platform that celebrates the world’s finest theatre talents, offering exclusive content every month. Over 40 guests, including writers, directors, performers, designers, and composers, share their wisdom through interviews, masterclasses, and documentaries, providing subscribers with invaluable insights.
In response to its thriving community, A Spotlight On has removed the paywall from over 100 pieces of content. This free access is now available on their new website, www.aspotlighton.tv.
Chriskirkpatrickmas: A Boy Band Christmas Musical transfers to Seven Dials Playhouse for the festive season Seven Dials Playhouse, 1a Tower Street, London, WC2H 9NP Friday 1st – Saturday 30th December 2023, 7:45pm
Following a smash-hit Edinburgh run, the critically acclaimed, Chriskirkpatrickmas: A Boy Band Christmas Musical is transferring to Seven Dials Playhouse this Christmas! In the heart of London’s West End, this parody musical is inspired by *NSYNC and features 12 original songs, jam-packed with 90s nostalgia for a heartfelt and hilarious boy band bonanza!
Created by Valen Shore, a songwriter and artist whose work has been featured on Riverdale, Lucifer, and Pretty Little Liars, and award-winning writer, actor and filmmaker Alison Zatta, this punchy piece is produced by Pacey’s Creek and Kobalt, including direction by Riley Rose Critchlow, music direction by Taylor J Williams (Hamilton; Moulin Rouge!) and sound design by Josh Millican (SIX The Musical; The Band’s Visit).
Chriskirkpatrickmas isn’t simply just energetic escapism, full of catchy tunes about the rise and fall of one of the most successful boy bands of all time, but also about looking back on your decisions, and wondering if you made the right choices. This is a musical for everyone who has questioned if they held onto the wrong dream, and who they would be if they let go of that thing that shapes their identity.
Members of the sensational Christkirkpatrickmas cast will also host a series of boyband-themed immersive parties, which will take place following selected performances throughout December. Promising a mix of classic boyband and festive hits, audiences will have a chance to enjoy Y2Kthemed cocktails and roll back the years to fully immerse themselves in noughties pop nostalgia.
Katie Pesskin, Programme Director at Seven Dials Playhouse, comments, As a diehard boyband fan, Chriskirkpatrickmas was at the top of my Edinburgh must-see list and it absolutely did not disappoint! Even in mid-August it was clear that it is the perfect alternative Christmas show – throw a post-show party into the mix and what’s not to love?! So I am thrilled that Alison, Valen and the whole team are joining us for a Boyband Christmas Takeover at Seven Dials Playhouse and that we can share the Chriskirkpatrickmas joy with London this festive season.
Co-creators of Pacey’s Creek, Valen Shore and Alison Zatta comment, It’s a dream come true to be bringing some boy band Christmas magic to London right after Edinburgh Fringe. We can’t wait to share our updated twist on holiday classics with a whole new audience.
Past praise for Chriskirkpatrickmas:
Fantastically silly, tremendously enjoyable. (★★★★★ – The Guardian)
The writing is exceptional… this high-energy, completely original and fresh musical is definitely destined for big things. (★★★★★ – Broadway World)
Lovably eccentric, beautifully crafted. – (★★★★ – Time Out)
WITH MUSIC BY ELTON JOHN, LYRICS BY SHAINA TAUB, AND BOOK BY KATE WETHERHEAD
DIRECTED & CHOREOGRAPHED BY THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING JERRY MITCHELL
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY LAUREN WEISBERGER AND THE HIT TWENTIETH CENTURY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURE
STRUTTING INTO THE WEST END OCTOBER 2024 AT THE DOMINION THEATRE
FOLLOWING A LIMITED SEASON PREVIEW RUN FROM JULY 2024 AT THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH
All tickets will be on sale from today, Friday 20 October 2023, for The Devil Wears Prada, a new musical, based on the blockbuster film and bestselling novel, that will strut into London’s Dominion Theatre in October 2024. Featuring an original score by music legend, Tony, Grammy and Academy Award winner Elton John, lyrics by singer-songwriter Shaina Taub, book by Kate Wetherhead with direction & choreography by three-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.
The production will play an exclusive preview engagement in Summer 2024 at Theatre Royal Plymouth prior to opening in the West End in October.
Hilariously fun and fabulously stylish, The Devil Wears Prada tells an inspiring story about discovering what kind of person you truly want to be. Choose your outfit carefully and get ready for a new musical that’s hautter than hell!
Fresh out of college, aspiring journalist Andy scores a job at the prestigious Runway magazine working for fashion’s most powerful and terrifying icon — editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly. Sacrificing her personal life to meet Miranda’s impossible demands, Andy finds herself seduced by the glamorous world she once despised. How far will she go to succeed… and will it be worth selling her soul to get what she’s always wanted?
The Devil Wears Prada, features an all-star, award-winning creative team led by Elton John (Tammy Faye, Billy Elliot: The Musical, The Lion King), new direction & choreography by Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Pretty Woman, Hairspray), lyrics by singer-songwriter Shaina Taub (Suffs), book by Kate Wetherhead (Ever After, Submissions Only), set design by Tim Hatley (Life of Pi, Back to the Future), costume design by Gregg Barnes (Some Like It Hot, Legally Blonde), lighting design by Bruno Poet (The Tina Turner Musical, Frankenstein), sound design by Gareth Owen (Come From Away, & Juliet) and casting by Jill Green CDG.
The musical is based on Lauren Weisberger‘s best-selling 2003 novel and the 2006 blockbuster film from Twentieth Century Studios which went on to gross $326 million worldwide and received two Academy Award nominations.
The Devil Wears Prada is produced by Tony Award winner Kevin McCollum/ Alchemation (In the Heights, Avenue Q, Rent, SIX and Mrs. Doubtfire), Rocket Entertainment/David Furnish (Tammy Faye, Billy Elliot: The Musical) and Jamie Wilson (Mrs Doubtfire, Ain’t Too Proud, Sister Act The Musical) and presented by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical.
Jerry Mitchell now steers this brand-new reimagined production of The Devil Wears Prada to new heights following a developmental run in Chicago in 2022.
Lead producer Colin Ingram, together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy, are delighted to announce that BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical will extend to 21 July 2024 at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End. Tickets on sale now.
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
The critically acclaimed Olivier, WhatsOnStage and Broadway World Award-winning Best New Musical had its opening night in London on Monday 13 September 2021 and performances began on Broadway on 30 June with the official opening taking place on 3 August 2023. The musical also has further plans to rollout internationally.
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical currently stars Cory English as ‘Doctor Emmett Brown’ and Ben Joyce as ‘Marty McFly’, with Sarah Goggin as ‘Lorraine Baines’, Oliver Nicholas as ‘George McFly’, Jay Perry as ‘Goldie Wilson’, Jordan Pearson as ‘Biff Tannen’, Sophie Naglik as ‘Jennifer Parker’, Lee Ormsby as ‘Strickland’, Rhodri Watkins as ‘Dave McFly’, Patricia Wilkins as ‘Linda McFly’, Elliott Evans as Alternate ‘Marty McFly’ and Stephen Leask as Alternate ‘Doctor Emmett Brown’. Also in the cast are Ella Beaumont, Alexander Day, Reece Darlington-Delaire, Sia Dauda, Dylan Gordon-Jones, Helen Gulston, Matthew Ives, Connor Lewis, Adam Margilewski, Bryan Mottram, Laura Mullowney, Anna Murray, Louis Quinn, Grace Swaby-Moore, Georgia Tapp, Alexandra Wright and Tavio Wright
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
The Original Cast Recording, released on Sony Music’s Masterworks Broadway label, is now available and has had over 3 million streams. It features the new music by multi-Grammy Award-winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard alongside classic songs from the movie including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
Sony Masterworks Broadway are today releasing a new Deluxe Edition of the Original Cast Recording both digitally and as a 2-CD set. The new Deluxe Edition includes 13 never-before-heard demos, alternate and early versions of many of the show’s major numbers, most performed by Glen Ballard himself.
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
Credit: Johan Persson
In July 2023, a brand new behind-the-scenes book documenting the creation of the stage show, Creating Back to the Future the Musical by Michael Klastorin, was released worldwide, published by abrams&chronicle books.
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical, and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical. The productions in London and Manchester have so far been seen by 1.2 million people and the musical has broken box office records at the Adelphi Theatre.
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
Marty McFly is a rock ‘n’ roll teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr Emmett Brown. But before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence.
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On The Town), alongside the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Tim Lutkin (lighting), Hugh Vanstone (lighting consultant), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with choreography by Chris Bailey, musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow and Illusions by Chris Fisher. Orchestrations are by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, with dance arrangements by David Chase. Casting is by David Grindrod Associates.
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
Back to the Future the movie was released in 1985, starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr Emmett Brown. The film grossed $360.6 million (£279 million) at the box office worldwide and the total box office for all three films in the Back to the Future franchise was $936.6 million (over $1.8 billion in today’s money).
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is produced by Colin Ingram, Donovan Mannato, Frankel/Viertel/Baruch/Routh Group, Hunter Arnold, Gavin Kalin Productions, Playing Field, Crush Music, CJ ENM, Teresa Tsai, Ivy Herman/Hallee Adelman, Robert L. Hutt, Universal Theatrical Group, Ricardo Marques, Augury, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, in association with Kimberly Magarro, Stage Entertainment, Glass Half Full Productions/ Neil Gooding Productions.
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
BACK TO THE FUTURE Credit: Johan Persson
Website: BackToTheFutureMusical.com
Twitter: @BTTFmusical
Instagram: @BTTFmusical
LISTINGS INFORMATION
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical
Adelphi Theatre
Strand
Covent Garden
London
WC2R0NS
Currently booking until 21 July 2024
Performances:
Mondays, Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7.30pm, Thursday & Saturday matinees at 2.30pm, Sundays at 3pm
(Please note, there will be additional matinees on 27 December at 2.30pm, 29 December at 2.30pm, 2 January at 2.30pm, Wednesday 14 February at 2:30pm, Monday 1 April at 2:30pm, Wednesday 9 April at 2:30pm, Monday 6 May at 2:30pm and Monday 27 May at 2:30pm. There will be no performances on Sunday 14 April, Monday 6 May at 7:30pm and Monday 27 May at 7:30pm.
There will be a relaxed performance on Sunday 10 March at 3:00pm.
N.B BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical has partnered with Gala Pro – a revolutionary app for accessibility and translation to enhance accessible experiences at live performances so you can enjoy any performance of Back to the Future with audio description and closed captioning.
Tickets: from £19.55
Please book via the website: BackToTheFutureMusical.com – no booking fees
CROSSROADS LIVE AND INDIGO PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCE CASTING FOR THE THREE STAGED CONCERT PERFORMANCES FOR BABIES – A NEW(BORN) BRITISH MUSICAL AT THE LYRIC THEATRE, SHAFTESBURY AVENUE ON 10TH, 11TH AND 12TH NOVEMBER.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE FROM WWW.BABIESMUSICAL.COM. ALL TICKETS ARE PRICED AT £25 FOR THIS COMING-OF-AGE MUSICAL COMEDY WRITTEN BY RISING STARS JACK GODFREY AND MARTHA GEELAN.
Crossroads Live (The Bodyguard, Annie, Chicago, Cats, The Drifters Girl) and theatre development company Indigo Productions (led by James Lane and Ed McGovern) are thrilled to announce the casting for Babies ,a brand-new British coming-of-age musical written by Jack Godfrey (42 Balloons, This Is A Love Story) and directed by Martha Geelan (who makes her debut as a musical book writer). The three staged concert performances will take place at The Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue on 10th, 11th and 12th November 2023.
Casting includes Chloe Bell (Grace), Jaina Brock-Patel (Becky), Lucy Carter (Lulu), Lauren Conroy (Jasmine), Jacob Dachtler (Jacob), Ashley Goh (Alex), Christian Maynard (Ben), Morgan Philips (Toby) and Shakira Riddell-Morales (Leah).
Summer is over. Exams are looming. But Year 11 are only talking about one thing: babies. Not real ones…but the plastic simulator dolls they’ve been tasked with looking after for a whole entire week.
With a blistering pop-rock score, this new(born) British musical follows nine students as they discover that becoming a parent means changing more than just nappies. Friendships are tested, dreams are questioned, and the true meaning of responsibility rears its terrifying head.
From Jack Godfrey & Martha Geelan, Babies is a joy-filled, heart-wrenching comedy about growing out of growing up.
The story so far: In early 2021, Martha and Jack submitted one of the songs that features in Babies titled “Hot Dad”, to British Youth Music Theatre for inclusion in the New Music Theatre Award which it went on to win in 2021. As a result, the writing duo were commissioned to finish the musical with the introduction of a wider creative team, including Music Supervisor, Joe Beighton (SIX), in preparation for an initial run at the New Wolseley Theatre in Ipswich, where it played three performances with a cast made up of 30 talented emerging performers from the BYMT programme. From that run onwards, Indigo Productions and Crossroads Live have joined the project as commercial producers, with the production still proudly partnered with BYMT and supporting the brilliant work of the charity. Development workshops were held in 2022 and 2023 prior to an appearance at West End Live and an initial release of four tracks from the musical that have already been played over 75,000 times.
PART OF A SEASON OF WORK CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF INTERMISSION YOUTH
INSPIRED BY SHAKESPEARE’S TAMING OF THE SHREW
RE-IMAGINED BY DARREN RAYMOND. DIRECTED BY STEVIE BASAULA
10 PERFORMANCES
30 NOVEMBER – 14 DECEMBER
15th Anniversary Gala: 6 December, 7.30pm
To mark 15 years working in theatre and with young people, Intermission Youth (IY) one of the UK’s most exciting theatre companies presents Taming Who? at the Arcola Theatre. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, this special anniversary production, adapted by IY’s award-winning Artistic Director Darren Raymond, will be performed by graduates of its Youth Theatre training programme (IYT), now working professionally across stage and screen.
This fast-paced Shakespeare remix interweaves 400-year-old verse with new dialogue to give fresh relevance, challenges gender stereotypes presented in Shakespeare’s original and explores identity and coming of age through the lens of youth culture in London today.
Petruchio is studying at university and loving London life. An unexpected call from Mum, beckoning him back home to Nigeria, requires him to think on his feet and fast. What could he say to make her change her mind? “Mum I’m married!”. Overjoyed by this news, Mum agrees to let him stay and announces her arrival in London – in 3 days – to meet her….. Mortified, Petruchio needs to find a wife and fast!
The production, staged from 30 November to 14 December, will be directed by Stevie Basaula best known for his role in EastEnders as Isaac Baptiste (he also appeared in SKY’S Bulletproof and various roles at the RSC including Macbeth and Merry Wives of Windsor) and a former Intermission Youth Theatre alumnus
The 11-strong cast includes Keon Martial-Philip (PARK THEATRE, HULU, Netfilx’s Supacell); Donnavan Yates (Witness For The Prosecution, COUNTY HALL, THE ALBANY, SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE); Sara Mokonen (The Jungle PLAYHOUSE THEATRE); Tre Medley (Compositor E OMNIBUS THEATRE, Othello and The Importance of Being Ernest CHANGELING THEATRE). Making their professional stage debuts are Megan Samuel (Joan 2024 ITVX), Tane Siah, Chadrack Mbuini (Lies of Our Confines, Discovery Plus 2024) Rakiya Hasan (ITV’s Riches), Kai Jerdioui, Sian-Leigh Moore and Morenike Onajobi.
Stevie Basuala says: “It’s a real 360 moment directing the same piece that I explored as a young and inexperienced actor, nervously but eagerly making my stage debut almost 10 years ago. So much has changed for me since then, but sadly, so much of the themes Shakespeare aimed to tackle remain the same. I look forward to finding new ways to address but honour his problematic classic in my directorial debut.”
Taming Who? forms part of Intermission Youth’s 15-year anniversary season of work. Since its inception in 2008, the organisation has been creating reimagined Shakespeare plays using theatre and exploring the Bard’s work to engage young, marginalised people lacking in opportunity. The annual 10-month drama training programme (IYT) which culminates in a fully realised stage production, performed by a cohort of young people, also forms part of this year’s anniversary season at the Arcola Theatre.
This year’s cohort production, titled Excluded is a powerful piece of new-writing which transplants Shakespeare’s most iconic characters into a classroom setting whilst highlighting current issues facing young people in education. The production will also run from 29 November to 16 December, including the Gala Night. The play is programmed to sit alongside the graduates/professional’s production.
Darren Raymond, Intermission Youth’s Artistic Director comments: “To be able to celebrate 15 years of youth work is incredible. I can’t think of a better way to mark this milestone than inviting back former graduates to perform in their own production alongside the current cohort show. It underpins what we are about, constant care, support and nurture and lifelong relationships. The celebration will give our audiences the opportunity to witness the “before” and “after” and how the organisation positively impacts the life of those we engage. You will also be thoroughly entertained by two productions, that put a spin on Shakespeare’s work, like you have never seen before!”
Mehmet Ergen, Artistic Director of Arcola Theatre said: “I’ve been aware of the incredible work of Intermission Youth for many years and the impact they are having on theatre and young people in the capital. I’m honoured to have them at the Arcola Theatre presenting their Anniversary season of work and look forward to welcoming audiences to see their productions.”
BACKGROUND
Notable Intermission Youth Theatre graduates who have gone on to have successful careers both on and off stage and on screen include Tosin Cole (DOCTOR WHO), Mark Akintimehin (FOR BLACK BOYS, ROYAL COURT, APOLLO THEATRE), Aaliyah James (BBC EASTENDERS), Baba Oyejide (Netfilx’s TOPBOY and Sky Original’s THE BEEKEEPER), director and founder of Uproot Productions Deya and Abigail Sol.
The renowned organisation has a long-standing association with the RSC and Shakespeare’s Globe and is also supported by trustee Mark Rylance who says: “Intermission Youth is the most exciting young people’s theatre company I have ever witnessed.”
Set up in 2008, Intermission Youth’s aim is to help transform the lives of disadvantaged young people aged between 16-25 years of age, living in deprivation and experiencing high levels of anti-social behaviour, family breakdown, dependency, and criminality. They believe that constant support, nurture, and care in a young person’s life can give them the confidence and self-belief to make positive choices and change the course of their lives. Through its outreach arm, running programmes in schools, pupil referral units, young offender institutions and prisons, Intermission Youth has engaged with over 10,000 people across the UK since its inception.
“A high-energy production, that is a joy to watch; full of wit, repartee and humour but not afraid to engage in more solemn moments and to drive home its message. “
Broadway Baby, on MNSD, 2022 (Midsummer Night’s Dream)
“Its Impact can be described as magical”
The Reviews Hub on MSND 2022 (Midsummer Night’s Dream)
“A welcome reversal: Angelo Irving reviews a flipped take on Shakespeare by an impressive youth theatre company.” Exeunt on Juliet & Romeo 2021
“Juliet and Romeo was everything and more.”The Rendition on Juliet & Romeo 2021
“Reversed, deconstructed and re-imagined to create a truly remarkable piece of theatre.” Broadway Baby on Juliet & Romeo 2021
“One of the most moving celebrations of Shakespeare I’ve experienced: one in which his characters were transformed from distant figures on a stage to recognisable people anxious to communicate their crises to passing spectators.“The Guardian’s Michael Billington after seeing members of Intermission Youth Theatre perform alongside actors from Shakespeare’s Globe in Westminster Abbey, as part of Shakespeare’s birthday celebrations 2018.
“Artistic Director Darren Raymond does an exceptional job making Shakespeare modern and relevant today.”London Theatre Reviews
“I love the work these young people perform. They are inquisitive, full of energy, authentic talent and creativity. They give voice to important issues facing them today. “Naomie Harris, Patron
Theatre Royal Windsor – until Saturday 28 October 2023
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge
5*****
Windsor Theatre Royal brings you Twelve Angry Men, originally written by Reginald Rose in the 50’s, now on stage Directed by Christopher Haydon. It tells the powerful story of a young man who, at the tender age of 16, stands accused of the first-degree murder of his father. If convicted, he faces the death penalty, and his life hangs in the balance of 12 very different men (Patrick Duffy, Tristan Gemmell, Micheal Greco, Ben Nealon, Gary Webster, Gray O’Brien) who form the Jury. The play centres around the jury room where different minds come to different conclusions based on the evidence presented to them. It soon becomes apparent just how different these men are with one even being impressed that they got a murder trial and not burglary. With eleven jurors wanting a conviction of guilt and to get things wrapped up quickly due to their ignorance, they are challenged by Juror 8 (Duffy); a calm and collected individual who places a value on life and feels the boy deserves at least a fair discussion on all evidence presented within his case. As the play unfolds the jurors deliberate, the conversations become deeper and more intense with all characters now being exposed for who they really are. With a tense atmosphere everything is not as it seems, and the tables are beginning to turn; sometimes literally!
This play highlights to the viewer the potential we all have to bring our existing biases to the judicial system and the consequences it can have.
With an outstanding ensemble cast, who bring much talent and experience to the stage, I could literally ramble on about just how amazing and realistic this performance was. I don’t believe there could be any improvement. It was just an exceptional portrayal; this led to a standing ovation at the end which was truly deserved!
I feel that the set needs a mention; although simple and understated it magnified the tension in the room on a hot day in 1950s America. Somehow enhancing the perception of heat through lighting, alongside the large sash windows and vintage fixtures and fittings – pure brilliance!
What an outstanding show and what a beautiful theatre where all the staff are so friendly and just amazing!
After an overwhelming success in 2022, the Queen of Dance, both on stage and screen, Dame Arlene Phillips (Grease, Starlight Express, The Wizard of Oz, Strictly Come Dancing) returns to the Peacock Theatre for a limited run of the House of Flamenka. Staring Flamenco Dancer supreme, Karen Ruimy (When Jazz Meets Flamenco), together with Contemporary and world-renowned Flamenco Dancers. Promising to be back “Bigger, Bolder, with More Sass, More Sex, More Style than ever”, mixing Flamenco and Contemporary Dance in a “High Drama” show. The story revolves around the owner and Goddess of the House of Flamenka, played by Karen Ruimy. Her lavish lifestyle conceals a hidden debt to the Gods and a need for redemption, through dance and passion amongst her 20 men strong collective.
The Peacock Theatre goes black and the bass kicks in, resonating through your body, your chair, the walls and floor around you. Large picture frames and draped curtains surround the stage in a simple, yet effective arrangement, that give each dancer their own moment in the spotlight. You can fully immerse yourself in the show’s look and feel, thanks to the loud, deep bass and daring blend of modern pop and Latin music with traditional flamenco music.
Award-winning Set & Costume Designer Jasmine Swann created the extravagant, sensual and eye-catching costumes. Contemporary Dancers wear nothing but simple, minimalist costumes, leaving nothing to the imagination. More traditional, yet glamorous attire is worn by the Flamenco Dancers. When Karen Ruimy wears the traditional flamenco dress, she radiates pure elegance. Ruimy has more than 10 costume changes, and each one was equally stunning as the last. The straightforward use of feather boas, fans and hats as accessories all aid in capturing the passion in their dance.
The world-famous Flamenco Dancers were without a doubt the stars of the show. Their presence demands the attention of the audience, leaving those watching in wonder and amazement. Spanish-born Carlos Quintana, commands the stage and displays no signs of fatigue, unlike some of the other performers. Their intense dancing demonstrates their passion, flair, impeccable rhythm and timing. Even though incredibly skilled, the Contemporary Dancers by themselves were unimpressive and underwhelming. This was however remedied in the second act, with the combined fusion of contemporary and flamenco choreography.
Regretfully, Ruimy’s stage presence lacked the same intensity and flair of those around her, despite the fact she was meant to be the centre of attention. Although Ruimy was clearly a talented singer and dancer in her younger years, her brief time on stage meant that she was outperformed when she did make an appearance. Ruimy would have commanded the stage in her prime, but I think her abilities would be more suited to mould and shape the dancers of the future, as demonstrated by Dame Arlene Phillips.
By the time the show ended, I was left feeling perplexed and unaware of the plot as this was not made evident on stage. My 3*’s are solely in honour of the astounding flamenco dancers, who throughout the entire performance, oozed respect and passion for dance through their eyes and feet. They performed flawlessly and Flamenco, Francisco Hidalgo’s, choreography deserves the highest praise.
