EXCLUSIVE LIVE MUSIC SESSIONS ANNOUNCED FOR

NUTCRACKER NIGHTS

AT THE TUFF NUTT JAZZ CLUB, SOUTHBANK CENTRE

• FIRST TEN NUTCRACKER NIGHTS AT THE TUFF NUTT JAZZ CLUB ANNOUNCED FEATURING CELEBRATED UP AND COMING JAZZ ARTISTS FROM TOMORROW’S WARRIORS AND SEASONED PROFESSIONALS BEN BROWN, MARCIO PHILOMENA, LULU PIERRE AND INEZA & WOMEN’S WORDS, SISTERS’ STORIES

• FOLLOWING PERFORMANCES OF NUTCRACKER THURSDAY-SUNDAY FROM 9 NOVEMBER, AUDIENCES ARE INVITED TO JOIN INTIMATE AND EXCLUSIVE LIVE MUSIC SESSIONS IN LONDON’S HOTTEST NEW POP-UP VENUE, THE TUFF NUTT JAZZ CLUB AT THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE

• NUTCRACKER IS DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY OLIVIER AWARD WINNER DREW MCONIE WITH TCHAIKOVSKY’S SCORE REIMAGINED BY MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE NOMINATED CASSIE KINOSHI

• PREVIEWS BEGIN ON 28 OCTOBER WITH GALA NIGHT ON 4 NOVEMBER

• TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR MCONIE COMPANY’S NUTCRACKER.  NUTCRACKER NIGHTS ON GENERAL SALE FROM WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER

Underbelly, Francesca Moody Productions and Southbank Centre with Rachel Edwards and Winkler Smalberg, today announce the first ten Nutcracker Nights at the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club, featuring the brightest emerging jazz artists from Tomorrow’s Warriors and seasoned professionals Ben Brown, Marcio Philomena, Lulu Pierre and Ineza & Women’s Words, Sisters’ Stories.

Nutcracker Nights is a series of live sessions from leading jazz and music artists. Following  performances of The McOnie Company’s Nutcracker, Thursday – Sunday from 9 November, audiences are invited to continue a fun and festive evening at the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club, London’s hottest new pop-up venue, putting audiences at the centre of one of the coolest jazz clubs in town.

The producers of Nutcracker are delighted to be working in collaboration with the Southbank Centre’s long-term partner Tomorrow’s Warriors, a pioneering talent development organisation, creative producer, learning and training provider, giving a platform to some of their astonishing jazz musicians.

A Black-led organisation founded in 1991 by Janine Irons OBE and Gary Crosby OBE, Tomorrow’s Warriors plays a vital role in the UK music scene, pushing young talent to the forefront of the vibrant UK jazz scene and supporting those from challenging circumstances.

Gary Crosby OBE Co-Founder of Tomorrow’s Warriors Said: “We’re incredibly excited to see the creation of a pop-up venue beneath the Southbank Centre that is dedicated to jazz. We can’t wait to see the new interpretation of the Nutcracker and are delighted that audiences will also be able to catch some of Tomorrow’s Warriors’ finest young emerging artists as part of the programme.”

Mark Ball, Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre, said: “This series of late night live sessions will offer Nutcracker audiences something completely unique in our new pop-up venue – the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club. Through our long-standing partnership, Tomorrow’s Warriors have become  part of the Southbank Centre’s DNA, and we’re proud to be collaborating with them to platform the next generation of jazz stars as part of this new performance work.

Nutcracker Nights will be featured as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, 10 – 19 November 2023.

Further Nutcracker Nights to be announced. Admission for Nutcracker Nights is included in tickets purchased for Nutcracker. A small number of additional tickets will be available online on the Southbank Centre’s website and on the door.

The world premiere production of Nutcracker is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie. This new version of the festive classic is playful, mischievous and a lot of fun. Dive into a glittering wonderland head on and prepare to reimagine everything with a jazz infused twist.

The McOnie Company’s Nutcracker is a thrilling reinvention of the timeless holiday classic.

Tchaikovsky’s world-famous score is reimagined by multi award-winning jazz artist Cassie Kinoshi for a swinging onstage jazz band, with dancers moving in and amongst the cabaret style seating bringing the storytelling and wild-spirited adventure of the Nutcracker to life.

The cast for Nutcracker includes Amonik Melaco (Action Man), Sam Salter (Clive) and Patricia Zhou (Sugarplum) with Chanelle Anthony, Christie Crosson, Tim Hodges, Lukas Hunt and Rachel Muldoon. 

Nutcracker will be composed by Cassie Kinoshi with additional music by Rio Kai, venue and set design by Soutra Gilmour, costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight, music supervision by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, lighting design by Joshie Hariette, sound design by Simon Baker, and casting by Will Burton.

Nutcracker is a McOnie Company production produced by Underbelly, Francesca Moody Productions and Southbank Centre with Rachel Edwards and Winkler Smalberg.

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND MUSICAL THEATRE RAVES ANNOUNCES MORE

2024 UK TOUR DATES

Due to popular demand, Musical Theatre Raves has added more dates for its 2024 tour!

Following its initial launch at the end of 2021, Aunty Willy’s Musical Theatre Raves will continue to bring stagey nights to a club near you! The “raves” feature cameo and guest appearances by West End and touring stars, alongside musical theatre-themed DJ sets and lip sync battles and fans are encouraged to attend in fancy dress.

For more information and to book tickets https://bit.ly/45AqqOe

Founder, Willy said today: “It’s fantastic that so many of our early dates are selling out and we are delighted that we have now added in more dates for next summer and beyond. The nights are going to fan favourite spots and travelling to places we haven’t been before and I’m very proud to see them travel”. 

2024 dates confirmed include: 

January 13th – The Liquid Room in Edinburgh – SOLD OUT

February 14th – Club Revenge in Brighton

March 2nd – JUNIOR 13-17 Peckham Levels

April 5th – AXM Glasgow in Glasgow

April 6th – AXM Glasgow in Glasgow – SOLD OUT

April 28th – Heaven in London

June 16th – Heaven in London

June 28th – Kremlin in Belfast

July 6th – Exeter Phoenix in Exeter

July 19th – Thekla Boat Party in Bristol

August 17th – Warehouse in Leeds

August 18th – Heaven in London

September 5th – Digital in Newcastle

September 28th – Camp and Furnace in Liverpool

October 31st – The Church in Manchester

December 8th – Heaven in London 

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/aunty-willy-presents-musical-theatre-raves-2460069

Tiktok: MusicalTheatreRaves

Instagram: MusicalTheatreRaves

Facebook: Musical Theatre Raves

In a ground-breaking initiative from Ardent Theatre Company, 40 young acting graduates from working class backgrounds across the UK auditioned for the opportunity to become part of the Ardent8 ensemble…Cast announced for the premiere of
BEYOND OURSELVES
created for the Ardent8 Ensemble and written by Andrew Muir

UNION THEATRE
7 November 2023 – 12 November 2023

In a ground-breaking initiative from Ardent Theatre Company, 40 young acting graduates from working class backgrounds across the UK auditioned for the opportunity to become part of the Ardent8 ensemble – an 18-month engagement involving participation in 10 industry led workshops and a two-week London based residency culminating in the production of a new play written for them by Andrew Muir.

With an Equity agreed paid contract this is a wonderful showcase and opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise get.

In September 2022, the eight selected participants, selected from De Montfort University Leicester, Manchester Metropolitan University and Bournemouth & Poole College took part in the first of 10 workshops.

‘Beyond Ourselves’ at the Union Theatre from, 7 November 2023 – 12 November 2023, is the play created for the Ardent8 Ensemble and written by Andrew Muir which aims a spotlight on the current state of our creative industry for those young graduates wishing to make a career out of it. The obstacles they face and the drive and determination to overcome them. A dream turned sour and then turned sweet again with the help of a song, a prop and a touch of rouge, this story aims to ignite the flame that is so often blown out.

A group of recent performing arts graduates take over an empty space with the intention of creating something. Anything, it doesn’t matter. A moment that can be shared with an audience if in fact any audience ever turns up to see it. But should that matter? Is art created for an audience or for the artist themselves?

Cast:
Jacob Rayner Blair
Callum Diaz
Eddie Drummond
Danielle Laurence
Caoimhe Mackin
Thoma O’Neill
India Pignatiello
Annabel Worsfold

Creative team:
Director Andrew Muir
Lighting Designer Charlie Speck
Stage Manager Chloe Brown
Social Media Manager Gigi Pacifico

ABOUT ARDENT8

We discover 8 emerging actors from across the UK Manchester, Leicester, Bournemouth and beyond! Our mission is to offer opportunities to those in need. We bring these talented individuals to London, opening doors to countless possibilities. We are bringing outsiders in.

We believe theatre should be for everyone, irrespective of their background or economic
circumstances. We believe artists deserve fair pay based on industry-recognised rates. We believe theatre can be a vehicle for change, where we challenge or deepen our understanding of the world. We believe in bringing outsiders in.

Ardent seeks fresh talent yearly, specifically scouting young graduate actors outside London. We provide opportunities beyond traditional paths, breaking down barriers of class and social divides. We give these eight actors a taste of the real acting world by providing ten professional workshops, preparing them for a week-long performance in a prestigious London theatre. The play, tailored for and inspired by them, is written by Andrew Muir.  

Before signing their contracts, the Ardent8 undergo session with a representative from Actors Equity to gain insights into industry standards, contractual obligations, and tips for navigating the professional acting world. This prepares them with valuable knowledge and a clear understanding of the expectations of their commitment.

Ardent8 is a game-changer for young actors, giving their voices the spotlight they deserve! Passionate about inclusivity, Ardent8 breaks down barriers for outsiders-those often sidelined in society. Through compelling stories and a commitment to emerging talent, especially from outside London, they’re reshaping the theatre scene. Join Ardent8 in creating a space where nobody feels like an outsider.

Ardent Theatre Company
presents

Beyond Ourselves

A new piece of work created
for the Ardent8 Ensemble
and written by Andrew Muir

Tuesday 7 – Sunday 12 November

Union Theatre
229 Union St,
London
SE1 0LX
www.uniontheatre.biz

Tue 7th 7:30pm
Wed 8th 7:30pm
Thu 9th 2:00pm
7:30pm
Fri 10th 7:30pm
Sat 11th 2:00pm
Sun 12th 2:00pm

Tickets:

£10.00 (£8 concs)

Social media:

Website
https://www.ardenttheatre.co.uk

Twitter:
@ardenttheatre

Facebook:
ardenttheatrecompany

Instagram:
ardenttheatre

Government must fund theatre visit for every child before they leave school, call Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre  

·         Today, Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre launch the “Theatre for Every Child campaign” ahead of the next general election. They are asking for politicians to commit that every child will attend the theatre before they leave school. 

·         This ambitious yet deliverable campaign was launched today at an event attended by actors Charlie Russell, Luke Thompson and Nancy Zamit, writer Lolita Chakrabarti, and politicians Baroness Christine Blower and Barbara Keely MP 

All children have the right to experience our country’s world-leading theatre sector. The benefits are far reaching – it enhances children’s educational attainment and wellbeing¹, addresses skills shortages in the theatre sector² and boosts the economy³. 

But access is unequal. Children from low-income families are missing out the most because they are less likely to have access to cultural experiences outside of school.⁴ The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has also led to teachers and parents reporting a reduction in school trips of up to 68% compared to last year, which includes theatre visits.^{5 6} 

Ahead of the next general election in 2024, the Theatre for Every Child campaign asks all political parties to commit to fund a theatre visit for every child before they leave school. A pledge supported by 84 percent of parents.⁷ 

The campaign was launched at an event on stage at London Palladium with campaign supporters, including the following, who said:   

Co-CEO of SOLT & UK Theatre, Claire Walker: 

“We believe every child has the right to experience and enjoy our country’s world-leading theatre. Despite amazing work that theatres do up and down the country, access is not equal. This is not right. Which is why we are calling on all political parties to support our call for every child to attend the theatre before they leave school.” 

Fozia Nisar, Deputy Head at Montgomery Primary Academy,and a member of The Birmingham Hippodrome Education Network which is made up of 44 of the most economically and culturally deprived schools in the Birmingham region reaching over 40,000 young people each year, spoke at the event and adds: 

“As a mother and as an educator I stand firm that the key to unlocking minds is through artistic exposure: music, dance, acting are all fundamental to a child’s emotional journey and senses whereby they can explore a plethora of feelings in the safety of a theatre platform.” 

Luke Thompson, actor and campaign supporter:  

“I was lucky to be taken to the theatre by my school when I was growing up. It’s an exciting and enlightening experience, which can stay with you for a very long time, no matter what you want to do when you grow up. I am passionate about ensuring that every child can have the same opportunities I did. That is why I support the Theatre For Every Child campaign.” 

Lolita Chakrabarti, actor, writer and campaign supporter: 

“Theatre changes lives. It encourages empathy and widens our understanding of ourselves in the world. Every child should experience the transformative effects of going to the theatre. A Theatre Fund would guarantee minimum equal access, which can only benefit every child and in the end, the whole of society.” 

Hull City Hall – until 17th October 2023

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Concrete Youth production of The Whispering Jungle is in association with Mercury Theatre, Colchester and supported by Arts Council England, Hull City Council and Back to Ours.

I reviewed Concrete Youth’s last production called To the Moon and Back and I did wonder how they would be able to do the same high level of show that I saw last time. I needn’t have worried … they were absolutely brilliant!

Concrete Youth provide shows for people who are labelled with having Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). The shows are multi-sensory and are also signed in Makaton. The cast Ewan S Pires (Turtle), Laura Kaye Thomson (Bird), Finn Kebbe (Monkey) and accompanied by Frew (who was also the Music, lyrics and Musical Director) on keyboard all played their parts brilliantly. This multi-talented cast also played guitar, double base and their singing, acting and beautiful harmonies were fabulous.

The set is simple but lovely and very effective, muted greens of the jungle and bright coloured flowers. The audience sits within the speakers so we were surrounded by the sounds of the ocean, the jungle and the animals within it.

The story is of Bird, Monkey and Turtle living in the jungle together and how they are all friends. We meet all the animals individually the cast bring the puppet animals to meet the audience and we were all encouraged to touch and interact with them. From Birds plumage and beak, Turtles shell and head and Monkeys fur and hands. It was lovely to watch the audience interact with the puppets and they really loved the bubble machine!

The animals then lose their home when the men in hard hats come and chop down all the trees and the story then shows us how the animals cope with the change and how home isn’t a place it is where your family and friends are.

This production is beautifully done, it’s thought provoking and it is one of the best pieces of inclusive theatre I have had the pleasure to watch.

The Almeida Theatre announces the full cast for adaptation of Academy Award-nominated film Cold War

Joining the previously announced Anya Chalotra, Elliot Levey and Luke Thallon are Ali Goldsmith, Ryan Goscinski, Elliot Harper, Ediz Mahmut, Anastasia Martin, Alžbeta Matyšáková, Jordan Metcalfe, Katarina Novkovic, Sophie Maria Wojna and Alex Young.  

Almeida Artistic Director Rupert Goold, directs Conor McPherson’s adaptation of Paweł Pawlikowski’s Academy Award-nominated Cold War, featuring music from the original film alongside songs by Grammy Award-winner Elvis Costello. 

The production opens on Tuesday 12 December 2023, with previews from Thursday 30 November, and runs until Saturday 27 January 2024. 

World Premiere   

COLD WAR   

Book by Conor McPherson 
Music by Elvis Costello  
Based on the film by Paweł Pawlikowski  

Director: Rupert Goold; Music Supervisor, Orchestrator and Arranger: Simon Hale; Choreographer: Ellen Kane; Set Designer: Jon Bausor; Costume Designer: Evie Gurney; Lighting Designer: Paule Constable; Sound Designer: Sinéad Diskin; Musical Director: Jo Cichonska; Casting Director: Amy Ball CDG   

Cold War is presented in association with Tanya Seghatchian and John Woodward, and Sonia Friedman Productions.   

This production is supported by The Ruddock Foundation for the Arts. 

Thursday 30 November 2023 – Saturday 27 January 2024  

Poland, 1949.   

Zula is bold and brilliant, a singer who ignites the stage. Wiktor is withdrawn and damaged, a composer longing to write. Irresistibly drawn to each other, they dream of escape. But in communist-controlled Poland that can be a dangerous thing.  

Based on Paweł Pawlikowski’s Academy Award-nominated film, Cold War is an epic love story spanning the decades and breadth of Europe at its most divided.  

Featuring traditional Polish songs, stirring choral arrangements, alongside music from Grammy Award-winner Elvis Costello, Conor McPherson‘s (Girl from the North Country, The Weir) adaptation of Cold War is a compelling story of passion, redemption, and the journey to be free.  

Directed by Almeida Artistic Director Rupert Goold  (Tammy Faye), this poignant new musical features Anya Chalotra  (The Witcher) and Luke Thallon  (Patriots).  

FROM THE COBBLES TO THE CONVENT

SUE CLEAVER

TO STAR AS

‘MOTHER SUPERIOR’

IN THE

UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF

FROM 14 MARCH 2024

AT THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON

The producers of the 2023 Olivier Award nominated production of SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL are delighted to announce that Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver will swap the Rovers for rosary beads as ‘Mother Superior’ in the UK and Ireland tour, from Thursday 14 March 2024 at the Theatre Royal Brighton.

Sue joins the company in Brighton, before playing Manchester Palace Theatre, Cork Opera House, Grand Opera House Belfast, Kings Theatre Glasgow, Grand Opera House York and the Birmingham Hippodrome. Further casting for the role will be announced in due course.

Sue Cleaver said, ‘‘I’m thrilled to be stepping into the habit and joining the incredible company of Sister Act on tour. It’s been over 30-years since I’ve been on stage, but theatre has always been my first love. A chance to take on a role like this feels like heaven.”

The cast also includes Landi Oshinowo as Deloris Van Cartier, Alfie Parker as Eddie Souther and Ian Gareth-Jones as Curtis Jackson, alongside Isabel Canning, Julie Stark, Phillip Arran, Wendy-Lee Purdy, Callum Martin, Esme Laudat, Amber Kennedy, Joseph Connor, Ceris Hine, Eloise Runnette, and Sheri Lineham. Additional casting to be announced.

Sue Cleaver is best known for playing Eileen Grimshaw in the long-running ITV soap Coronation Street, a role she has played for the last 23 years. Her work on Coronation Street has seen her win Favourite Female Soap Star at the TV Now Awards, and Best Soap Actress at the TV Quick and TV Choice Awards, as well as being twice nominated for Most Popular Actress at the National Television Awards. Sue’s extensive work in theatre has seen her perform at some of the country’s most prestigious venues. Her many other television credits include, City Central, Dinnerladies, This is Personal: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper, Peak Practice, Casualty, Band of Gold, A Touch of Frost and most recently appeared in the hugely popular series I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

Based on the iconic movie, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. 

SISTER ACT has direction by Bill Buckhurst, choreography by Alistair David, Set and Costume Design by Morgan Large, Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell, Sound Design by Tom Marshall and Musical Supervision by Stephen Brooker. Casting is by Stuart Burt. 

SISTER ACT features original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken(Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted), lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. SISTER ACT is produced by Jamie Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg.

Sustainable operas and the world premiere of a new opera adapted from the work of Henry Purcell are amongst the highlights in Opera North’s much anticipated season playing Tue 31 Oct – Sat 4 Nov 2023 and Wed 13 – Sat 16 Mar 2024.

The Autumn will see a new production of Verdi’s Falstaff (Tue 31 Oct & Thu 2 Nov) directed by Jo Davies and conducted by Music Director Garry Walker, with Henry Waddington in the title role. After a career in which he had composed some of opera’s greatest tragedies, Verdi turned to Shakespeare’s great comic rogue, drawing inspiration from Henry IV and The Merry Wives of Windsor for his final masterpiece.

The Green Season also features one of Puccini’s finest achievements, La rondine (Wed 1 & Fri 3 Nov), conducted by Kerem Hasan, with a cast including Galina Averina as Magda, Claire Lees as Lisette, Sébastien Guèze as Ruggero and Elgan Llŷr Thomas as Prunier. James Hurley’s new production of this captivatingly beautiful opera transports us from the popular nightspots of 1930s Paris to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, contrasting two bitter-sweet tales of love.

Rounding off the Green Season is the world premiere of a new piece, created by one of the world’s most eminent opera directors, Sir David Pountney. Masque of Might (Sat 4 Nov) recycles music by one of the greatest English theatre composers, Henry Purcell, and reimagines the 17th-century form of the masque with modern technology to create a biting yet humorous contemporary satire, billed as an ‘eco-entertainment’.

With a libretto drawing largely from original texts set to music by Purcell, including The Fairy Queen, Saul and the Witch of Endor, Timon of Athens and The Tempest, this witty, incisive and fantastical work addresses urgently topical themes such as the abuses of a powerful political leader and the gathering climate crisis.

Conducted by renowned baroque specialist Harry Bicket, Masque of Might’s cast includes Andri Björn Róbertsson in the roles of Nebulous / Activist / Wolf and Anna Dennis as Elena, a spirit of the Heavens, while Callum Thorpe returns to the Company as the ‘monstrous tyrant’, Diktat.

All three Green Season productions use shared scenic elements, designed by Leslie Travers, to create three interlinked yet distinctive designs, enabling Opera North to reduce its use of materials and its carbon footprint. All sets, props and costumes in the season are sourced from previous productions or purchased second-hand. Lighting for the season is designed by Paule Constable, with costume design by Gabrielle Dalton (Falstaff, La rondine) and Marie-Jeanne Lecca (Masque of Might).

Opera North will then return in Spring 2024 with a double-bill of short operas pairing a revival of Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana with a new production of Rachmaninov’s rarely performed Aleko (Wed 13 & Fri 15 Mar). Karolina Sofulak directs both halves of the double-bill, which will be conducted by Principal Guest Conductor Antony Hermus. Many of the cast take roles in both works, including Robert Hayward, who sings Alfio in Cavalleria rusticana and the title role in Aleko. Giselle Allen returns to the cast of Cavalleria rusticana to sing Santuzza, joined by Andrés Presno as Turiddù, while in Aleko Presno will take the role of Young Lover, with Elin Pritchard as Zemfira. Anne-Marie Owens joins both casts to sing Lucia in Cavalleria rusticana and Baboushka in Aleko.

Another of the greatest operatic comedies, Mozart’s Così fan tutte (Thu 14 & Sat 16 Mar) is sure to prove popular with Newcastle Theatre Royal audiences. Tim Albery’s classic production, set imaginatively in the 18th century Age of Reason, will feature a new cast including Alexandra Lowe as Fiordiligi and Heather Lowe as Dorabella, with Anthony Gregory and Henry Neill as their duplicitous lovers Ferrando and Guglielmo, who enter a wager to prove that each can seduce the other’s fiancée. Performances will be conducted by Clemens Schuldt and Chloe Rooke, each making their Opera North debuts.

Opera North plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 31 Oct – Sat 4 Nov 2023 and returns Wed 13 – Sat 16 Mar 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Ailey 2 – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s second company – is back in the UK for the first time in over a decade and will play Newcastle Theatre Royal Wed 24 & Thu 25 Oct 2023 as part of a much-anticipated 12-venue tour.

Ailey 2, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this season, is known for bringing together the creative vision of exceptional choreographers with the spirit, energy and talent of the next generation of dance artists. The result is captivating performances of grace, strength and soul, shot through with the unique Ailey spirit.

The company’s new artistic director Francesca Harper has put together an exhilarating repertoire featuring four works: excerpts from her own Freedom Series and William Forsythe’s Enemy in the Figure along with The Hunt, choreographed by Robert Battle, artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Revelations¸ Alvin Ailey’s 1960 masterwork and a signature piece of all the Ailey companies.

Revelations was choreographed by Ailey when he was just 29 years old. A life-changing work, it has been seen by more than 23 million people in 71 countries, more than any other modern dance work. Using African American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, Revelations explores the deepest reaches of the soul. Ailey said that one of America’s richest treasures was the cultural heritage of the African American and this enduring classic is a tribute both to that heritage and Ailey’s genius.

The company will perform the intensely propulsive central section of William Forsythe’s 1989 work, Enemy in the Figure. The choreography is driven by Thom Willem’s percussive and rhythmic electronic score which also influences the radical use of light and shadow in its design. This excerpt puts the formidable dance skills of the Ailey 2 dancers on fine display, giving their craft and vitality an invigorating framework.

Robert Battle is Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. His 2001 classic The Hunt is a primal ritual with a distinctly urban feel fuelled by a thundering percussion soundtrack by Les Tambours du Bronx. This athletic work, originally choreographed for six male dancers, will be performed by an all-female cast for the first time in the UK. It explores the relationship between modern sports and the rites of the gladiators, revealing the predatory side of human nature and the primitive thrill of the hunt. Battle found inspiration for the work in his background in martial arts.

Francesca Harper created her futuristic work Freedom Series on the company in 2021. Inspired by her Ailey homecoming, she has created a landscape of memories, a hybrid world where the past strives to influence the future. Developed in collaboration with the Ailey 2 dancers, Harper’s work examines identity and community. This excerpt is danced to a montage of acoustic and electronic sounds. Freedom Series’ unexpected twists and turns bring tender moments to its intrinsic ferocity.

The dancers of Ailey 2 for the 2023/24 season are: Andrew Bryant; Spencer Everett; Jaryd Farcon; Maya Finman-Palmer; Patrick Gamble; Alfred L. Jordan II; Kiri Moore; Corinth Moulterie; Kali Marie Oliver; Tamia Strickland; Kayla Mei-Wan Thomas; and Maggy van den Heuvel.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey 2 have built powerful legacies which have impacted generations. New Ailey 2 artistic director Francesca Harper embodies this heritage. She took her first dance steps at The Ailey School, the official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where her mother Denise Jefferson was director from 1984-2010. Harper aims to bring fresh perspectives to Ailey’s legacy, while nurturing new creative voices and propelling the company forward.

The company has an extensive community outreach programme. For this Dance Consortium UK tour, the programme includes masterclasses, open rehearsals and workshops alongside special projects being hosted by member venues as part of the Ailey Project UK.

Dance Consortium is a group of 19 large-scale theatres with a mission to bring the best international dance to stages across the UK and Ireland.

Ailey 2 plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 24 – Wed 25 Oct 2023. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

DRAG RACE STARS ALIGN FOR TUCKSHOP’S THIRD SENSATIONAL SEASON OF THEIR HILARIOUS ALL-DRAG WEST END PANTO!
PANTO AT THE PINTER! BACK IN THE WEST END FOR A LIMITED TIME
WEDNESDAY 27 – SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER | HAROLD PINTER THEATRE

TuckShop – the UK’s only specialist production company devoted all things drag – are back in the West End again this Christmas with SLEEPING BEAUTY, the third of its all drag pantomimes, following the first 2019 sell-out hit Cinderella, and 2021’s Dick Whittington. Sleeping Beauty will play at the Harold Pinter Theatre from Wednesday 27 – Sunday 31 December, with a press performance on Thursday 28 December, with tickets on sale now.

Written by Soho and West End drag legend Miss Moppe, Sleeping Beauty will star RuPaul’s Drag Race UK favourites, Kitty Scott Claus (Masterchef, Death Drop, Drag Race UK) as ‘Princess Beauty’, LoUis CYfer (Death Drop, West End, Cowbois, RSC) as ‘King Clyde of Camden’, Yshee Black (Late Night Lycett, Channel 4, Dick Whittington, Phoenix Theatre) as ‘Muddles’, Kemah Bob (It’s a Sin: After Hours, Death Drop, Comedy Central Live) as ‘Prynx Handsome of Hackney’, Victoria Scone (Drace Race Canada vs the World, Drag Race, Death Drop Back in the Habit) as ‘Carabosse’, Ophelia Love as ‘Ensemble Member’, plus season 5 breakout Queens Michael Marouli and Kate Butch (Drag Queens vs Zombies- sold out Edinburgh sensation) as ‘Fairy Fabulous’ and ‘Queen Camilla of Camden’.

Far far away, Princess Aurora is under a cruel spell to sleep for 100 years…or is she just hungover and lazy… you decide. Will the evil Carabosse win the day, or will the dashing, suave, and ever so horny Prince Charming save the day, slay the competition, and save our Princess?! This ridiculous retelling of the sleepiest princess in all the land will have you laughing out loud, singing along, and wondering just WHO is behind you.

From the company who brought you Death Drop: Back In The Habit, Miz Cracker in Who’s Holiday, GALS ALOUD and more, Sleeping Beauty – the Drag version, is bound to be an extravagant (but low budget!) evening of chaos and charisma.

On returning to a TuckShop production Victoria Scone said: “So thrilled to be rejoining TuckShop theatrical universe once again with such an exciting camp cast on this production of Sleeping Beauty!”

Kitty-Scott Claus said: “Super dooper excited to play a role where I get to really show the audience what I do best... sleeping and being beautiful.”

Michal Marouli, a newcomer to TuckShop, said: “Geordie lass landing on the West End! I’m so happy to be joining Tuckshop to make my West End debut with Sleeping Beauty this December! It’s going to be a ball!”