Full cast announced and a first look at Twelve Angry Men in rehearsals, prior to its national tour
As previously announced, this stage adaptation of the classic title stars Patrick Duffy (Man from Atlantis, Dallas), Tristan Gemmill (Coronation Street, Casualty), Michael Greco (EastEnders), Ben Nealon (Soldier Soldier), Gary Webster (Minder, Family Affairs) and Gray O’Brien (Coronation Street, Peak Practice).
Completing the cast are Paul Beech, Samarge Hamilton, Jeffrey Harmer, Mark Heenehan, Kenneth Jay, Paul Lavers, and Owen Oldroyd.
Rehearsal images of this knife-edge thriller have also been released, showing this all-star cast of TV and theatre stars in action ahead of the tour due to open at Theatre Royal Windsor next week.
Probably best remembered as the 1957 three-time Academy Award nominated movie starring Henry Fonda as the juror who fights for justice, Twelve Angry Men has recently completed two west end seasons at London’s Garrick Theatre starring Martin Shaw followed by Tom Conti. Considered one of the great ‘must-sees’ of all time, this gripping knife-edge courtroom thriller follows a jury who have murder on their minds and a life in their hands as they decide the fate of a young delinquent accused of killing his father. But what appears to be an open and shut case soon becomes a huge dilemma, as prejudices and preconceived ideas about the accused, the trial, and each other turn the tables every which way, until the nail-biting climax…
This powerful production returns to theatres across the UK with the most star-studded line up this show has ever seen, opening at Theatre Royal Windsor in October 2023, with dates and casting for 2024 to be announced.
POPULAR WHODUNNIT COMES TO NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL
Newcastle Theatre Royal audiences are in for a gripping week when best-selling crime novel of all time – Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None – takes to the stage Tue 17 – Sat 21 Oct 2023.
The iconic thriller has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide since it was first published in 1939 and is Agatha Christie’s most read work.
Ten strangers are lured to a solitary mansion off the coast of Devon. When a terrible storm cuts them off from the mainland, and with their hosts mysteriously absent, the true reason for their presence on the island becomes horribly clear, as secrets from their past come back to haunt each and every one of them.
The full cast are Bob Barrett (Holby City, Propeller West End and UK Tour) as Doctor Armstrong, Joseph Beattie (Hex and Silent Witness) as Philip Lombard, Oliver Clayton (National Youth Theatre and The Play That Goes Wrong) as Anthony Marston, Jeffery Kissoon (National Theatre and Complicite, Allelujah!) as General Mackenzie, Andrew Lancel (National tours, West End and Coronation Street) as William Blore, Nicola May-Taylor (Rutherford And Son) as Jane Pinchbeck, Louise McNulty as Understudy, Katy Stephens (RSC, Globe and London’s Burning) as Emily Brent, Lucy Tregear (The Country Wife) as Georgina Rogers, Sophie Walter (The Girl On The Train) as Vera Claythorne, Matt Weyland (Witness For The Prosecution) as Narracott/Understudy, and David Yelland (Poirot, Foyle’s War and The Crown) as Judge Wargrave.
This brand-new production has been reinvented for the 21st century, directed by the renowned Lucy Bailey (Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution – now in its 6th successful year and Love From A Stranger; Dial M for Murder; Baby Doll; Titus Andronicus and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel).
In recent years there have been several high profile fresh and modern takes on Agatha Christie’s best loved titles in film, television, and on stage across the UK; all proving the enduring popularity and modern relevance of her work with global audiences.
And Then There Were None plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 17 – Sat 21 Oct 2023. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.
Howard Panter for Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Mallory Factor for Hill Street Productions and Rupert Gavin present in association with Christian C. Yegen, Mark Lubkeman, Kathryn Bricken and Jason Brueschke for APOTA Productions Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show.
I have to confess that the Rocky Horror Show is my all-time favourite musical, I have seen it numerous times in the last 30+ (cough) years and last night was up there with one of the best I’ve seen.
If you’ve never seen the show (or the film of the same name) I’ll try and describe the plot! Janet (Haley Flaherty) and Brad (Reece Budin) when travelling back from a wedding get a flat tyre in a storm and have to go to a near by house for help. It’s at the house we meet the people who live in it. Riff Raff (Kristian Lavercombe), the butler/handyman his sister Magenta (Beth Woodcock) and Columbia (Darcy Finden) and the very flamboyant, sweet transvestite himself Dr Frank N Furter (Richard Meek). Frank has made himself, in the lab, a man with blond hair and a tan called Rocky (Ben Westhead) with bits of the brain of his unfortunate former lover called Eddie (Joe Allen who also plays Dr Scott later in the production)). It then follows the story of what happens on that dark stormy night.
Jackie Clune, as the narrator is so good with her comebacks to the quite lively audience heckles! Her “off script” retorts are brilliant and caused a lot of laughter in the audience!
Richard Meek plays a brilliant Frank N Furter, his singing voice is off the scale and his rendition of I’m Going Home was just wonderful.
Kristian Lavercombe is the best Riff Raff in the business, funny, quirky and his timing…wow!
I really love watching Joe Allen on stage, he plays his characters (Eddie and Dr Scott) so well, he’s just not on the stage long enough for my liking!!
Reece Budin and Haley Flaherty are outstanding as Brad and Janet as are Beth Woodcock, Darcy Finden and Ben Westhead as Magenta and Columbia and Rocky.
The ensemble, playing the phantoms (Fionán O’Carroll, Stefania Du Toit, Ryan Carter-Wilson and Tyla Dee Nurden) brought the production together. Their singing, dancing and acting were so good.
The Band, under Musical Director Charlie Ingles, played the iconic tunes brilliantly.
This is the 50th Anniversary Production, and it is gloriously camp, shocking and brilliant in equal measures. Go early and see all the costumes some the audience wears in homage to their favourite characters, lots of stockings and basques out in Hull on a Monday night!
Do not miss this show. Go and see it and do the Time Warp again!
Trevor Ashley’s powerhouse voice and personality are fundamental in Ashley’s ability to bring the house down and even though the Queen of the Universe competitor didn’t snatch the crown in the last season of the singing competition reality show, she proved to us last night that she is a winner regardless.
Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Trevor Ashley has had a long and varied career performing in drag and in and out of drag in the Musical Theatre world down under, and it shows. Years of treading the boards have honed the skills and technique it takes to perform a full and varied one-woman show in front of a live band and proscenium theatre. This is a polished and sleek show of ballads, up-tempo megahits and just a dash of self-deprecated storytelling.
With a full and supportive band of eight members behind her, Ashley’s show raises the bar in comparison to some drag acts knocking around these days. A clear conception had been designed and new material written – a lot of attention to detail for a Monday one-nighter but it paid off in full. Ashley gave us a medley of divas to enjoy throughout the evening which ran over two hours including an interval for costume and wig changes. Ashley’s voice is big, brash and a dominant force, it may not be one you would choose to listen to wind down on a Sunday afternoon and there were some raspy vocals and breathy intonations throughout. However, the voice is only a condiment to the main dish, Ashley’s larger than life personality and outlandish humour.
Of course, no Trevor Ashley show could go on without an appearance from Liza. Ashley’s act has now become synonymous with her rendition of the global superstar’s onstage persona and musical hits and it was truly a pleasure to witness. Vocally and physically, this is where Ashley shines. Having announced that they will be moving to London in the not-too-distant future, I will be eager to see what else Ashley has up her sleeves to entertain audiences over here; and after teasing us with the possibility of a Liza Christmas special, Trevor Ashley has certainly only left us wanting more.
Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are thrilled to announce today that Strictly Come Dancing’slongest-standing judge, Craig Revel Horwood, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing on Ice finalist, The Vivienne will both play The Wicked Witch of the West in the upcoming tour of The Wizard of Oz. Gary Wilmot will reprise his West End role as The Wizard following a celebrated run at the world-famous London Palladium. The new musical, based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum, tours the UK and Ireland throughout 2023-2024 where the trio will play select dates.
To book tickets and for information about specific casting at all UK and Ireland tour venues, go to www.wizardofozmusical.com. Further casting is to be announced for all dates.
Craig Revel Horwood will perform as The Wicked Witch of the West at New Victoria Theatre, Woking; Grand Opera House, Belfast; Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin; Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham; King’s Theatre, Glasgow; His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen; Milton Keynes Theatre;Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff.
The Vivienne will appear in a previously announced Christmas season at the Liverpool Empire* as The Wicked Witch of the West before touring to New Theatre, Oxford; Mayflower Theatre, Southampton; New Theatre, Hull; Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield; Theatre Royal, Plymouth; Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol; Theatre Royal, Nottingham; Theatre Royal, Newcastle; Palace Theatre, Manchester; Grand Theatre, Wolverhamptonand the Empire Theatre, Sunderland
The Vivienne will be joined by Gary Wilmot as The Wizard at the following dates: Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury; Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh; Cliffs Pavilion Southend;Theatre Royal, Norwich; Venue Cymru, Llandudno; and the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford.
*Aston Merrygold will perform as The Tin Man in Liverpool.
Join Dorothy, Toto and friends on an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old land of Oz.
Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, including Over The Rainbow,Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We’re Off To See the Wizard – with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice – this spectacular production will be a truly magical experience for all the family.
Craig Revel Horwood says: “I am super excited about taking on the iconic role of The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. She’s mean, green and wants those shoes! Aquaphobic and fab-u-lous…here I come!”
The Vivienne adds: “It is quite literally a dream come true to be asked to play The Wicked Witch of the West and to bring this amazing character to life. The Wizard of Oz means everything to me, it’s the ultimate story of overcoming adversity. I first saw the movie aged five and I’ve probably seen it about 100 times since. I played The Tin Man at primary school and got to skate to ‘Over The Rainbow’ on Dancing on Ice so it’s fair to say I’ve had a life-long love affair with the story. Your favourite characters are all there, telling the story you know and love … but with SO much more added to this new production. Prepare to be whisked into an amazing new world of colour.”
Gary Wilmot, who reprises his London Palladium role as The Wizard continues: ”I am delighted to revisit a role so wonderful, it’s in the name! Performing as The (wonderful) Wizard in a smash-hit season at the London Palladium was truly a magical experience and I can’t wait to share that with venues around the country next year.”
Craig Revel Horwood is a household name having appeared as a Judge on all 21 series of the hit BBC1 entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing. He also both directs and appears in the annual Strictly Come Dancing Live arena tour. He created the touring show Strictly Confidential, was Head Judge on Dancing with the Stars New Zealand and is currently Head Judge on Dancing with the Stars Australia.
Craig started his career as a performer in musical theatre in his home country of Australia, moving to London to appear in many West End musicals including Miss Saigon and Crazy for You. After many years, he returned to the West End starring as Miss Hannigan in Annie, which he also twice successfully toured around the UK. He has starred in pantomime every year with roles including the Wicked Queen in Snow White, Captain Hook in Peter Pan and the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella.
In 2012 Craig won the BBC2 series Maestro at the Opera, the final of which saw him conduct Act 2 of La Boheme at the Royal Opera House. He has also won Celebrity Masterchef and discovered his Australian roots in Who Do You Think You Are. In Summer 2021 Craig was seen travelling the UK with fellow Strictly Judge Bruno Tonioli on the ITV primetime show Craig and Bruno’s Great British Road Trips and was revealed as ‘Knickerbocker Glory’ on ITV’s The Masked Dancer, reaching the semi-final. In 2022 Craig toured the UK in his solo show All Balls and Glitter and in 2023 Craig reprised the role of Miss Hannigan in the UK Tour of Annie. This Christmas, Craig will be playing the ‘Wicked Stepmother’ in Cinderella at the Wimbledon Theatre. Craig has three volumes of memoirs published, and his debut novel ‘Dances and Dreams on Diamond Street’ was published in 2020.
The Vivienne is without doubt the UK’s No.1 drag superstar, after emerging as the original champion of the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Since then, she has become a huge star both in the UK and internationally appearing on TV regularly and releasing music for fans across the globe. 2022 saw The Vivienne’s TV career go global when she appeared on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars All Winners’ on US TV.
2023 saw The Vivienne make history as the first drag star to appear on a major UK reality competition series, competing in ‘Dancing On Ice’ on ITV. Viv made it all the way through the Top 3, with breathtaking performances in the final. 2023 also saw The Vivienne become the face and voice of the BBC’s Eurovision Song Contest trailers.
In addition, she performed ‘Waterloo‘ at the massive Eurovision opening ceremony in Liverpool city centre.
Gary Wilmot has starred in a string of television series making him a household name as a comic-actor and singer. He has been a subject of This is Your Life, hosted the Laurence Olivier awards and won a TMA best actor nomination in his musical theatre debut as Bill Snibson in Me And My Girl.
His many theatre credits include The Wizard in The Wizard of Oz (London Palladium), The Wizard in Wicked (Apollo Theatre), Jethro in Prince of Egypt (The Dominion) and Badger in The Wind in the Willows (The London Palladium).
Gary’s star turn in the Christmas London Palladium Pantomime – which includes as Queen Nigella in Jack & The Beanstalk, Dame Gary in Pantoland at The Palladium, Mrs Crumble in Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs and Sarah The Cook in Dick Whittington – has cemented his place as one of the legends of the iconic theatre. This year, he appears at the world-famous venue as Mrs. Henrietta Hook in Peter Pan.
Directed by Nikolai Foster (Billy Elliot The Musical, A Chorus Line) The Wizard of Oz has choreography by Shay Barclay, Set Designer is Colin Richmond, Projection Designer is Douglas O’Connell,Costume and Puppet Designer is Rachael Canning, Lighting Designer is Ben Cracknell, Sound Designer is Adam Fisher, Creative Consultant is Mark Kaufman, Musical Supervisor is George Dyer, casting by Debbie O’Brien, Props Supervisor is Marcus Hall Props, and Wigs, Hair and Makeup Designer is Elizabeth Marini.
The Wizard of Oz on tour is presented Michael Harrison, Gavin Kalin Productions, David Mirvish, Crossroads Live, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Nick Thomas, Rupert Gavin and Mallory Factor, Jake Hine and Playing Field, by arrangement with the Really Useful Group Ltd.
LA CLIQUE AT THEIR RENOWNED CHRISTMAS IN LEICESTER SQUARE
Underbelly today announces the initial cast for the return of the Olivier award-winning, ground-breaking cabaret, La Clique to the West End.
La Clique will preview from the 8th of November, opening the curtains officially from 15th November and will conclude on the 6th January 2024 in in the iconic Spiegeltent in Leicester Square. With Christmas fast approaching La Clique is the critically acclaimed, pulse-racing show to watch this festive season and is guaranteed to blow audiences away night after night.
Returning to the West End this Christmas, is Lj Marles who once again will astound audiences with his tension strap artistry, internationally renowned clown Tara Boom will once more take to the stage with her incredible foot juggling and David Pereira will defy the laws of the human body with his contortion.
Vocalist Chastity Belt will make her Leicester Square debut and will raise the roof with her powerhouse voice alongside further world-renowned artists still to be announced.
Born at the Edinburgh Festival in 2004 and subsequently travelling the world to international acclaim, La Clique is widely regarded as THE original Spiegeltent cabaret show that created a genre of its own. With its award winning and superlative family of circus, cabaret and music performers as well as its unique and irreverent atmosphere, La Clique promises once again to be the highlight of the festive calendar as it makes it’s eagerly anticipated return for the fourth year.
The Leicester Square Spiegeltent sits at the heart of Underbelly’s Christmas in Leicester Square, which transforms the centre of bustling London into a magical destination. This festive season enjoy the Christmas markets at both Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. They include a range of beautiful outdoor bars, delicious food vendors and traditional market stalls. Underbelly has delivered Christmas in Leicester Square on behalf of City of Westminster since 2016.
The exciting full ‘Super-Power’ cast are announced for SuperYou!
Joining the previously announced Lucie Jones (Wicked/Waitress/Les Miserables/X-Factor)as Katie, is the show’s writer, composer Lourds Lane as Rise, with Luke Brady(The Prince of Egypt) as Jay, Jenny O’Leary(Heathers) as Ima-Mazing, Sharon Ballard(Mother Goose) as Blast, Joni Ayton-Kent(Carousel) as Seven, Aaliyah Monk(School of Rock West End) as Young Katie, Jonty Peach(Romeo) as Matty, Maddy Brennan(My Fair Lady, Cabaret, Oklahoma!) as Mom, and completing the cast is assistant director and choreographer, Will Bozier(Wicked, Moulin Rouge!) as Mi-Roar.
SuperYou Musical, centers around the transformative journey of a comic book artist who discovers self-love and her own voice as her superheroine creations spring to life. It will make its West End debut, in a concert version, at the Lyric Theatre for one performance only on 15 November 2023.
The musical’s score is a dynamic rock soundtrack that seamlessly incorporates a wide range of musical styles, including pop, hip hop, swing, blues, gospel, country, and soulful power ballads.
By delving into themes of discovering inner strength, while fostering acceptance, inclusivity, and celebrating kindness, both towards others and, crucially, oneself, SuperYou is conveyed through poignant dialogue and modern, instantly memorable music, making it a tale that feels particularly relevant and timely in today’s world.
Initially planned for an off-Broadway debut, SuperYouwas the first theatrical production to perform during the pandemic, performing concerts on socially distanced pick-up trucks at a drive-in, in upstate New York. These pandemic concerts garnered national and international attention, and a film was later released as a popular documentary on Broadway on Demand.
During the pandemic, while many shows stopped activity and shut down, SuperYougained what Playbill calls “a substantial cult following” for its online content and concept album of demos with over 23 million views on TikTok. #FANCOVERFRIDAY emerged as fans worldwide created their own SuperYoumusic renditions, a trend continuing for three years.
Due to its online popularity and viral videos, SuperYou quickly sold-out Carnegie Hall in July 2022. The musical continued its success with a critical and audience- acclaimed developmental production at Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee in June 2023.
Following their impressive debut in 2022, SuperYouwill be returning to London’s Musical Con this year! Watch the SuperYou mainstage performance on Sunday 22 October at 11:55 AM along with a panel discussion on “How to Write a Musical” with SuperYou creator, Lourds Lane, later that day at 4:00 PM.
Tickets to the SuperYou Concert at the Lyric are available here:
SuperYou has book/music/lyrics by Lourds Lane, direction and choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter, music supervision by Wendy Bobbitt Cavett, projection design by Caite Hevner, lighting design by Charlie Morgan Jones, sound design by Justin Teasdale, arrangements and orchestrations by Lourds Lane and Wendy Bobbitt Cavett, and is produced by Melissa M. Jones / All Awesome with general management by Anthology Theatre Productions. Casting by Pearson Casting.
BASED ON THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST-SELLING MEMOIR BY HENRY FRASER
EXTENDS TO SATURDAY 2 MARCH 2024
Michael Harrison and Nica Burns today announce extension to the critically acclaimed new British musical The Little Big Things, based on the best-selling memoir by Henry Fraser, with music by Nick Butcher, lyrics by Nick Butcher and Tom Ling and book by Joe White. The production, directed by Luke Sheppard, will now run at @sohoplace until Saturday 2 March 2024.
The extension is announced as @sohoplace, the first new theatre in West End for more than 50 years, approaches its first birthday. The Little Big Things is the first musical to perform at the venue and the fifth production in the @sohoplace’s first year, following Marvellous, As You Like It, Medea, and Brokeback Mountain.
Nica Burns said: “All of us @sohoplace theatre are delighted that, in response to the nightly enthusiastic standing ovations from audiences, we are extending our joyful, new musical with all the original cast to 2 March2024. We realised we needed to give more people the opportunity to enjoy this premiere production of Henry Fraser’s inspiring story told by such a great cast – and now they can!”
Michael Harrison said:“Henry’s story is incredibly inspiring and since our very first performance, the musical has been overwhelmingly embraced by our audiences, as they see his incredible achievements brought to life on stage. I’m thrilled that we announce today the extension of The Little Big Things and that many more people will now be able to experience this unforgettable night in the theatre.”
An extraordinary true story about an ordinary family.
When one moment changes everything, Henry’s family are split between a past they no longer recognise, and a future they could never foresee.
Can Mum and Dad rally his three brothers; as the family start a journey to overcome the unimaginable?
Based on the Sunday Times best-selling autobiography by Henry Fraser, The Little Big Things is a new British musical with an explosive theatrical pop soundtrack in a world premiere production. This uplifting and colourful new musical is a life-affirming reminder about the transformative power of family, and how sometimes it really is the little things which matter the most.
An avid sportsman and academy player with a premiership Rugby club, Henry Fraser’s life changed forever when in 2009 he had a diving accident. From that moment he had a new life to live as a tetraplegic and new circumstances to accept and adapt to. Henry’s defiance and determination to prosper against devastating odds led to him wheeling himself out of hospital a whole year earlier than predicted. Today he is a successful artist, inspirational speaker and best-selling author.
Cast: Ed Larkin and Jonny Amies as Henry Fraser, Linzi Hateley and Alasdair Harvey as Henry’s parents, Fran Fraser and Andrew Fraser. They are joined by Jordan Benjamin (Dom), Rebecca Bowden (Surgeon), Jamie Chatterton (Tom), Gracie McGonigal (Katie), Tom Oliver (Marco), Malinda Parris (Dr Graham), Cleve September (Will) and Amy Trigg (Agnes) alongside Stephen John Davis, Elena Pitsiaeli, George Salmon, Amy West and Joseph Wolff.
THE LITTLE BIG THINGS
Creative Team
Music Nick Butcher
Lyrics Nick Butcher and Tom Ling
Book Joe White
Director Luke Sheppard
Set Design Colin Richmond
Choreographer Mark Smith
Costume Design Fay Fullerton
Video Design Luke Halls
Lighting Design Howard Hudson
Sound Design Paul Gatehouse
Orchestrator, Arranger and Musical Supervisor Matthew Brind
Glasgow born actor and winner of Strictly Come Dancing Joe McFadden will join the tour of the legendary, classic smash hit musical The Rocky Horror Show for a limited run in his beloved hometown of Glasgow. Scottish audiences should buckle up for this one off special moment as Joe is set to bring charisma, charm and witty repartee to the role of the Narrator in this thrilling musical extravaganza at the Glasgow Pavilion between 30th January – 4th February 2024.
2023 saw Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical celebrate its 50th Anniversary, marking half a century of thrilling, transgressive and tantalizing entertainment. The Rocky Horror Show defies space and time as it continues to captivate audiences up and down the country. The nonstop partying production continues to play through 2023 to sell-out crowds. Tickets are on sale now from RockyHorror.co.uk.
Joe, whose expansive career spans across both stage and screen (Holby City/Heartbeat /Priscilla Queen of the Desert/The Mirror Crack’d), is excited to be returning to the show, after performing for a four-week limited run earlier this year to rave reviews. No stranger to the dancefloor, Joe is more than qualified to don his fishnets as the Narrator and join this extraordinary cast in his hometown to deliver a guaranteed party not to be missed.
Joe said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to play the Narrator in my hometown of Glasgow. My time in the The Rocky Horror Show earlier this year was an absolute blast so I am looking forward to donning my fishnets once more as the Narrator and Time Warping with audiences at the Pavilion in Glasgow”.
Since it first opened in London in June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre The Rocky Horror Show has become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world. The show has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages as it continues to delight audiences on its sell-out international tour.
“So fast, so funny, so sexy” – Daily Mail
“Still the sexiest and funniest show in town” – Evening Standard
Without doubt the Rocky Horror Show is as iconic as it gets. Lighting up the stage this phenomenal cast will perform songs that are embedded in pop culture. The celebratory tour will continue throughout 2023, visiting Ipswich, Hull, Sunderland, Dublin, Manchester, Glasgow and Wolverhampton – with further dates to be announced. The cast are in full throttle and ready to honour this monumental moment, delivering a guaranteed party that leaps off the stage and transcends into the audience.
Producer Howard Panter said: “Rocky Horror has always been a show I loved, since its earliest days in the Kings Road. Richard O’Brien and I are delighted this non-stop party continues to thrill audiences across the world, and we look forward to the next 50 years!”
Richard O’Brien said: “Back in the 1970’s when someone asked me to entertain the Christmas staff party at the EMI Film Studios and I turned up with a song called Science Fiction Double Feature who would have known this was the germ of the idea to turn into today what is The Rocky Horror Show. To be celebrating fifty years is beyond my wildest expectations – from the humble beginnings back in 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre in London. The fact that The Rocky Horror show continues to delight audiences as it tours the UK fifty years on is simply thrilling. The Rocky Horror Show is one of Britain’s most performed and beloved musicals of all time.”
A brilliant cast are already wowing Rocky Horror audiences up and down the country, with West End star Stephen Webb(Jersey Boys/Legally Blonde) continuing in the iconic role of Frank, slipping into a corset and heels with ease, Richard Meek (Hairspray/Spamlot) makes a welcome return as Brad and is joined by fan favourite Haley Flaherty (Mamma Mia/Chicago) as Janet.
Kristian Lavercombe (Jersey Boys/Jesus Christ Superstar) once again reprises his role as Riff Raff, following more than 2000 performances around the world, with Darcy Finden who made her professional debut last year as one of the Phantoms now stepping up to play the role of as Columbia. Ben Westhead (Oliver/The Sound of Music) plays Rocky, Suzie McAdams (School of Rock/Kinky Boots) takes on the role of Magenta and Joe Allen (Little Shop of Horrors/Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) plays Eddie & Dr Scott. Playing the Phantoms are Stefania Du Toit (Starlight Express/Singing in the Rain), Beth Woodcock (Bat Out Of Hell), Reece Budin (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical/Man of La Mancha) and Fionán O’Carroll (Theatre whilst training: Urinetown/Children of Eden) who is making his professional debut. Ryan Carter Wilson (Jersey Boys) and Tyla Nurden (Funny Girl/Carrie, The Musical) are Swings.
Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, and features timeless classics including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting show stopping Time Warp.
The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity. The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation – meaning, of course, getting dressed-up in the most outrageous fancy dress.
The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs. It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80. In 1975 it was transformed into a film called ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history. Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan and Meatloaf have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past 45 years.
In 2015, as part of a sold-out season at London’s Playhouse Theatre, a special star-studded Gala charity performance in aid of Amnesty International was broadcast to over 600 cinemas across the UK and Europe. The live screening – featuring a host of celebrities playing The Narrator including Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc, Emma Bunton, Ade Edmondson, Anthony Head and Richard O’Brien – smashed box office records and was the biggest grossing film in cinemas across the UK. The performance was subsequently screened on the Sky Arts channel.
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!
What the press have said about The Rocky Horror Show:
“Relentlessly energetic and high on audience participation” – The Times
“Hard to think of another musical quite as unique as this. Christopher Luscombe’s affectionate production feels like a genuine blast from the past” – Mail on Sunday
“As delightfully naughty as ever!” – Daily Telegraph
Bat Boy: The Musical announce full cast and creatives for star-studded Halloween concert Tuesday 31st October 2023, 8.00pm London Palladium, 8 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF
The producers of Bat Boy: The Musical, which will be descending on the London Palladium this Halloween, have announced the full cast and creatives for the semi-staged concert of this cult classic.
Joining Jordan Luke Gage (Bonnie and Clyde, Heathers), two-time Olivier Award nominee Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Cinderella, In The Heights), Trevor Dion Nicholas (Hamilton, Next To Normal) and Jodie Steele (Bonnie and Clyde, Heathers) already announced, are Tosh Wanogho-Maud (Ain’t Too Proud, The Drifters Girl), Glenn Adamson (We Will Rock You), Kyle Birch (A Strange Loop), Gillian Kirkpatrick (The Bridges of Madison County), Shane O’Riordan (Miss Saigon), Jenny O’Leary (We Will Rock You), Rumi Sutton (Miss Saigon, Hex), Thomas Vernal (The Book Of Morman) and Edward Flynn Haddon (13).
Creatives include Director Dean Johnson, Musical Director Paul Schofield, Set & Lighting Designer Andrew Exeter, Video Designers Dan Light & Andrea Scott, Assistant Musical Director Liam Godwin, Production Manager James Anderton, Sound Designer Aidan Jones, Make Up Artist Katie Allday, Movement Director Rhys Wilkinson and is produced by Chris Steward & Shanay Holmes for West End Musical Productions.
With Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe (Heathers, Legally Blonde) this will be the rock horror musicals return to the West End after awarding winning runs in London and Broadway since it first premiered on Halloween in 1997.
Producer Chris Steward says, A new obsession for fans of cult musicals to sink their teeth into and a bloody brilliant way to spend Halloween.
