A number of theatres across the UK to honour the life and career of Bill Kenwright CBE
Following the sad news of the loss of Bill Kenwright, many theatres will be honouring his career at 7pm on Thursday 26 October.
A number of theatres across the country are coming together to mark his passing by dimming their marquee lights, putting tributes to his career on their house screens, or washing their theatres in Everton blue, the football club to which he was proudly Chairman.
In a multi-award-winning career spanning six decades, Bill produced over 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theatre productions, films and music albums. His impact on the arts industry has been profound.
Eleanor Lloyd, President of the Society of London Theatre, said:
“Bill was a theatrical legend – a true impresario whose passion, spirit and enthusiasm had an immeasurable impact on the British Theatre for 60 years. We are proud the whole industry can come together to pay tribute to his incredible career. He will be deeply missed across the theatre business and beyond.”
Jon Gilchrist and Stephanie Sirr, Co-Presidents of UK Theatre, added:
“Bill was a titan of the touring theatre circuit. His commitment to regional theatre kept some really key industry establishments alive through tough times. He devoted much of his prolific career to productions around the UK and his extraordinary contribution to the sector will not be forgotten. All our condolences are with his loved ones.”
New Victoria Theatre Woking – until Saturday 28th October 2023
Reviewed by Brooke Burlinge
4****
Woking introduces the very well known story of ‘The Bodyguard.’ Based on the 1999 blockbuster movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in which we all know and love. Now transformed into a spectacular and phenomenal musical for all to see.
It tells the story of Rachel Marron (Emily Williams) a famous singer, performer and all around superstar who is in the running for an Oscar. However, not everything is as amazing as it seems when she receives threatening letters from a stalker (Marios Nicolaides) she’s managed to attract. With a letter mysteriously turning up in her dressing room, invading her personal space. It’s clear her safety has now been put into serious danger and the obvious decision to hire a bodyguard is hastily made. When they finally find a bodyguard in the form of Frank Farmer, (Ayden Callaghan) Rachel doesn’t seem too impressed with the changes and quickly becomes dismissive of the extra security, claiming she wants her freedom back. Frank, however stands his ground, not being afraid to tell Rachel no. As the show goes on, it becomes clear that there is a budding romance between the two. Rachel’s son, Fletcher (Kaylen Luke) also begins to form a close relationship with Frank. All while this goes on, Rachel’s sister- Nicki Marron (Emily-Mae) seems to be forever in the shadows, although being incredibly talented and gifted as well. Nicki’s feelings of being overshadowed creates drama and tension throughout the performance. It is clear however that the sisters hold a strong connection with the songs that they sing together, such as ‘Run to You.’
Emily Williams performed her role astonishingly well. The way she presented her character allowed the audience to be caught in the atmosphere of the show at all times. Not to mention, her dynamic and powerful vocals to match the equally passionate songs in the musical.
Ayden Callaghan also added a lot to the play with his acting, presenting himself as a focused and vigilant bodyguard.
Both the costumes and stage design created extra depth and meaning to each scene. For instance, the entrance was an incredibly striking and astounding performance, with flames and flashing lights paired with some sensational singing.
All in all, this is certainly a production not to be missed. Some of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits just make you want to get up a sing along. A spectacular watch and evening out. Definitely a show to come and see.
Michael Harrison David Ian for Crossroads Live with Exposition Productions and Ramin Sabi present Annie. With music by Charles Stouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin and the book by Thomas Meehan
Last night at Hull New Theatre we were treated to a fantastic performance of Annie and to be quite honest it is definitely worth more than the maximum five stars I’m allowed to give it!
Annie is set New York in the Great Depression of the 1930’s and follows the story of Annie (Zoe Akinyosade) who ends up in Miss Hannigan’s (Craig Revel Horwood) orphanage when she is left there as a baby by her parents with only a broken locket and a note. Annie and the other orphans lead a terrible life at the orphanage and love to cause the rather drunk and strict Miss Hannigan a lot of havoc!
After running away from the orphanage Annie spends time on the streets with the homeless and meets Sandy the dog (played by Labradoodle Amber who caused lots of ooohs and awws from the audience!). She is taken back to the orphanage were she then meets New York Billionaire Mr Warbucks (Alex Bourne) and his secretary, Grace Farrell (Alex Bourne) and is invited to spend two weeks over Christmas with them in his fabulous mansion. She gets to live her best life there as the story unfolds.
The music and songs are very recognisable (played magnificently by the Orchestra under the musical direction of Joshua Griffith) from You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile, Hard Knock Life, Tomorrow and many more. My absolute favourite is Easy Street, sang and performed by Miss Hannigan (Craig Revel Horwood) her brother Rooster (Paul French) and Roosters girlfriend Lily (Billie-Kay).
Zoe Akinyosade was brilliant as Annie, she’s a very talented performer and definitely one to watch. The part of Miss Hannigan was made for Craig Revel Horwood, he played the character with such menace, humour and sass that he was great to watch. And I know he’s probably heard this 100’s of times but he really was fab u lous!
The whole cast of this show are brilliant from the very talented orphans to the equally talented ensemble. It is joyous way to spend a couple of hours and I would recommend anyone to go and see it
Tess, Ockham’s Razor’s feminist vision of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel, to have run at West End’s Peacock Theatre Wednesday 31st January – Saturday 3rd February 2024 Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, London WC2A 2HT
Ockham’s Razor have announced the West End run of their bold new vision of Hardy’s classic novel, Tess of the D’Urbervilles. From Wednesday 31st January to Saturday 3rd February 2024, Tess will be performed at Sadler’s Wells’ Peacock Theatre. Hardy’s classic novel still has extraordinary relevance for contemporary audiences as it explores questions of privilege, class, consent, agency, female desire and sisterhood
Tess uses the original text combined with the physical language of circus, allowing the performers to retell the well-known story of power, loss and endurance through a feminist lens. Tess is Ockham’s Razor’s first production based on a novel, capturing the poetry of Hardy and the philosophical depth of the novel, interweaving Ockham’s Razor’s signature physical storytelling to tell this gut-wrenching story about the strength to endure
Tess features an ensemble of circus performers, five women and two men, from diverse backgrounds who will weave together acrobatics, aerial, dance and physical theatre. The distinctive simple, evocative design of Ockham’s Razor will evoke the physical labour of the novel and create Hardy’s Wessex onstage, wielding wooden planks, shifting walls, ropes and swathes of linen to make sets that unfold and which the cast balance upon, climb, carry and construct. The company has a long experience of working with reframing the female body with circus, looking at strength, capability and agency
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S THE SLEEPING BEAUTY TO TOUR THE UK IN SPRING 2024
SIR PETER WRIGHT’S CLASSIC STAGING TO TOUR TO SOUTHAMPTON, BIRMINGHAM, SALFORD, SUNDERLAND, PLYMOUTH, BRISTOL AND LONDON
2024 MARKS 40 YEARS OF SIR PETER WRIGHT’S BELOVED PRODUCTION
ALINA COJOCARU TO GUEST STAR IN SELECT PERFORMANCES AT LONDON’S SADLER’S WELLS
TICKETS FOR ALL VENUES NOW ON SALE – BRB.ORG.UK
Following a sell-out success and one of the most talked about theatrical events of 2023 with Black Sabbath – The Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet returns to the beloved classics with a 2024 UK tour of Sir Peter Wright’s sumptuous staging of The Sleeping Beauty in the production’s 40th anniversary year.
The UK tour will visit the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (8-10 Feb), Birmingham Hippodrome (21 Feb-2 Mar), The Lowry, Salford (7-9 Mar), Sunderland Empire (14-16 Mar), Theatre Royal, Plymouth (20-23 Mar), Bristol Hippodrome (18-20 Apr) and London’s Sadler’s Wells (24-27 Apr).
The acclaimed Royal Ballet and English National Ballet Principal, Alina Cojocaru will return to the London stage for special guest star performances at Sadler’s Wells at evening performances on both Thursday 25 April and Saturday 27 April 2023. Throughout her illustrious career Alina Cojocaru has received acclaim for her performances in classic roles such as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Giselle and, perhaps most famously, Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty – for which she won the Critics’ Circle Dance Award for Outstanding Female Classical Performance in 2017. Alina is a regular guest artist with the Hamburg Ballet as well as appearing with companies across the globe. In 2020, she presented her own programme “Alina at the Wells” at Sadler’s Wells.
The 2024 tour of The Sleeping Beauty follows on from the 2023 UK tour of Sir Peter Wright’s Swan Lake -BRB’s most successful spring tour to date, having been seen by over 53,000 people.
Last seen on UK stages over six years ago, The Sleeping Beauty continues Birmingham Royal Ballet’s legacy of presenting the acclaimed heritage classics and celebrating the beloved work of its founder, Sir Peter Wright. The Sleeping Beauty is the fourth of Sir Peter Wright’s productions to be presented by the company since autumn 2022, following Coppélia, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. The acclaimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia performs Tchaikovsky’s glorious score live, with designs by Philip Prowse and lighting design by Mark Jonathan.
Sir Peter Wright said: “I find it hard to believe that this tour marks the 40th Anniversary of The Sleeping Beauty. This has always been the most opulent of ballets, but Philip Prowse’s incredible design created a unique fairy tale world (with almost 30 fairy character tutus alone!) that allows dancers to really inhabit some of classical ballet’s most famous roles.”
Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet Carlos Acosta said: “I am thrilled to be reviving Sir Peter Wright’s production of The Sleeping Beauty in the Spring of 2024. The Company is excited to be delighting audiences once more with this definitive version of one of the great classical ballets, welcoming people of all ages to our performances throughout the UK.
“I am also honoured that the acclaimed Principal Ballerina, Alina Cojocaru, will be joining the Company for selected performances at London’s Sadler’s Wells, sharing her celebrated interpretation of the role of Princess Aurora.”
A brand-new stage adaptation of THE BADDIES, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s smash-hit 2022 story, will have its world premiere at The Royal Lyceum Theatre next year, playing in Edinburgh from 4 – 20 October, with a press performance on Tuesday 8 October 2024. The Baddies will then play at the Warwick Arts Centre from 26 – 27 October, and then Rose Theatre Kingston from 29 October – 3 November, with further tour dates to be announced.
Meet the very worst Baddies in the world! Don’t you dare to come too close to a witch, a troll and an ancient ghost! The Baddies love being bad. They roar, spook and cast wicked spells to try and scare a girl out of her wits…who will succeed? Or perhaps the girl is braver than they think…
With songs by Joe Stilgoe (Zog and Zog and The Flying Doctors), The Baddies is a wickedly hilarious adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s smash-hit story. A laugh-out-loud riot for all the family.
Casting, creative team and further tour dates will be announced in due course.
Freckle Productions are pioneers in imaginative storytelling for children and the team behind smash -hit stage hits including Stick Man, Tabby McTat, Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales, Zog, and Zog and the Flying Doctors.
Jennifer Sutherland from Freckle Productions said, “Freckle are thrilled and excited to be working with David Greig and the Lyceum Theatre team to create The Baddies and premier the show in such a beautiful theatre in the heart of Edinburgh.”
David Greig, Artistic Director of The Royal Lyceum Theatre said, “The Lyceum is delighted to be working with Freckle Productions again, after the resounding success of Stick Man. We look forward to welcoming a whole new generation of theatre goers to The Lyceum with this Julia Donaldson classic.”
Julia Donaldson said, “I am delighted that The Baddies will be brought wickedly to life on stage next year in Edinburgh by Freckle Productions, who’ve done such fun and inventive things with Zog and Stick Man and my other characters over the years. I’m particularly happy that Joe Stilgoe, with his gift for catchy tunes and clever lyrics, has written the songs for the show, and I feel confident that the result will be a great night at the theatre for kids of all ages.”
“ALANIS MORISSETTE’S JAGGED LITTLE PILL: THE MUSICAL”
Concord Theatricals today announces that it has secured exclusive worldwide stage licensing rights to Alanis Morissette, Glen Ballard and Diablo Cody’s acclaimed Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill: The Musical.
Glen Ballard, who is also represented by Concord Music Publishing, said: “We are excited that Concord Theatricals is taking Jagged Little Pill to so many stages! We are passionate about the messages and music in this show and it’s gratifying to have it brought to an even larger audience. It’s wonderful to widen the circle of this show and Concord knows how to do it!”
“I am thrilled that Jagged Little Pill is being licensed by Concord Theatricals” Diablo Cody adds. “We are in legendary company, and I have fantasized about this moment since our show’s debut. I am very grateful that our show can live on through Concord.”
“We’re delighted to continue our cherished long-term relationship with Glen, Tom and this extraordinary title,” said Sean Patrick Flahaven, Chief Theatricals Executive for Concord. “As early co-producing partners, we knew Jagged would resonate with audiences worldwide and it is an honor to welcome Alanis and Diablo to Concord Theatricals’ catalogue.”
Ignited by Morissette’s groundbreaking lyrics and music – including beloved hits co-written with Glen Ballard such as “You Oughta Know” and “Head Over Feet,” the musical tells the story of a picture-perfect suburban family – but looks can be deceiving. When the cracks beneath the surface begin to show, they must choose between maintaining the status quo or facing harsh truths about themselves, their community, and the world around them. Academy Award-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody’s book draws from the raw emotions laid bare in Alanis Morissette’s 1995 Grammy Award-winning seminal album of the same name.
Jagged Little Pill opened on Broadway at theBroadhurst Theatre on December 5, 2019, following its sold-out world premiere at American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) in Cambridge, MA. Directed by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus, with choreography by Tony Award-nominee and frequent Beyoncé collaborator Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui,and under the Musical Supervision, Orchestrations & Arrangements of Grammy, Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winner TomKitt, the Broadway production was nominated for a season-record of 15 Tony Awards, with Diablo Cody winning for Best Book of a Musical. The show was produced by Vivek J. Tiwary, Arvind Ethan David and Eva Price.
Jenny Seagrove, Lucy Kenwright and everyone at Bill Kenwright Ltd and the Theatre Royal Windsor are devastated to share the sad news of the loss of a beloved Partner, Father, Grandfather and friend: Bill Kenwright CBE.
Following a long battle with illness Bill passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Bill was driven by his passions and devoted his life to them; his deep love of theatre, film, music and his beloved Everton, and the families they created.
He impacted the lives of thousands, whether that be through the launching of careers or his unending loyalty, generosity and unfaltering friendship and support.
In a multi-award-winning career spanning six decades, Bill produced over 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theatre productions, films and music albums. His impact on the arts industry has been profound.
During his time as majority shareholder and Chairman of Everton FC, Bill led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.
We will remember him with huge love and admiration – the shows will of course go on, as he would have wished, and his towering legacy will continue.
A celebration of Bill’s life and career will be announced in due course. At this very difficult time we ask for privacy and respect for Bill’s family and friends.
AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STEPHEN SONDHEIM FOUNDATION
IN SUPPORT OF
YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS, COMPOSERS AND LYRICISTS
CAMERON MACKINTOSH MAKES 5,000 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT £25
FOR UNDER 30’S TO DISCOVER THE WORK OF THE LEGENDARY AUTHOR
To celebrate the opening earlier this month of STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS to rave reviews at the Gielgud Theatre, Cameron Mackintosh today announces that he is making 5,000 tickets available at just £25 each for theatregoers aged 30 or under to have the chance to discover the genius talent of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Subject to availability, an allocation of Stalls and Dress Circle seats has been made available for all performances between Monday 23 October 2023 and Saturday 16 December 2023.
Cameron Mackintosh said today “One of the many joys I’ve experienced during the opening performances of OLD FRIENDS is to witness night-after-night the reaction of younger audiences, many of whom I believe are hearing Stephen Sondheim’s dazzling music and lyrics for the very first time. Steve made a provision under his will for the establishment of the Stephen Sondheim Foundation, of which I am a trustee, to support playwrights, theatre composers and lyricists in early stages of their career. He was passionate about supporting the new generation of theatre writers and I therefore want younger theatregoers to be able to experience Stephen’s genius in this Great Big Broadway Show from great seats at an accessible price.”
The cast of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends is led by Broadway Legends Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga. They are joined by Christine Allado, Clare Burt, Janie Dee, Damian Humbley, Bradley Jaden, Bonnie Langford, Gavin Lee, Jason Pennycooke, Joanna Riding, Jeremy Secomb, Jac Yarrow, Marley Fenton and Beatrice Penny-Touré. The company also includes Harry Apps, Bella Brown, Richard Dempsey and Monique Young, completing a cast that is truly the best of the West End and Broadway.
Celebrating the life and work of the great Stephen Sondheim, last year’s Gala performance of Old Friends won the Best Theatre Event at the 2023 WhatsOnStage Awards. It sold out within a couple of hours last year leaving thousands of disappointed fans unable to get tickets. Now by popular demand, audiences will have another chance to see the never to be forgotten and one of the most talked about theatrical events of the year.
Devised and Produced by Cameron Mackintosh, Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends has Direction and Musical staging by Matthew Bourne, side by side with Julia McKenzie, with choreography by Stephen Mear, conducted by Alfonso Casado Trigo, musical supervision is by Stephen Brooker, musical arrangements by Stephen Metcalfe, set design by Matt Kinley, projection design by George Reeve, costume design by Jill Parker, lighting design by Warren Letton and sound design by Mick Potter.
Announcing the much-awaited London premiere of ‘Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical’ at The Other Palace
The stage musical is based on the hit 1999 Hollywood movie (now celebrating its 25th anniversary) and is packed with ‘90s pop classics from Britney Spears, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, TLC, Natalie Imbruglia, The Verve, *NSYNC, R.E.M and many more!
OPENING 11 JANUARY 2024 for a 14-week season Bill Kenwright Ltd is delighted to announce the London premiere of Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical. Created by Jordan Ross, Lindsey Rosin and Roger Kumble, Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical is based on the hit 1999 Hollywood film by Roger Kumble and will open at The Other Palace on January 11th 2024, for a 14-week season.
A must-see experience in New York and Los Angeles and following a sold-out, critically acclaimed production in the Assembly Palais du Variété spiegeltent at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical, from the producers of Heathers the Musical, finally arrives in London.
Step-siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil, manipulative monsters flushed with their own sexual prowess, engage in a cruel bet: Kathryn goads Sebastian into attempting to seduce Annette Hargrove, the headmaster’s virtuous daughter.
Weaving a web of secrets and temptation, as the two set out to destroy an innocent girl – and anyone who gets in their way – their vengeful crusade wreaks havoc on the students at their exclusive Manhattan high school and the diabolical duo become entangled in their own mesh of deception and unexpected romance, with explosive results…
On the 25th anniversary of the classic hit film Cruel Intentions starring Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Selma Blair and inspired by the French novel, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical is a raucous nostalgic throwback laced with a soundtrack of the greatest ‘90s pop classics, all performed live, including ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ by The Verve, R.E.M’s ‘Losing My Religion’, Natalie Imbruglia’s ‘Torn’, ‘I Saw the Sign’ by Ace of Base, Christina Aguilera’s ‘Genie in a Bottle’, TLC’s ‘No Scrubs’, Boyz II Men’s ‘I’ll Make Love to You’, *NSYNC’s ‘Bye Bye Bye’, Britney Spears’ ’Sometimes’ and many more.
Roger Kumble said: “The perfect 25th anniversary celebration of my 1999 film about a pair of hedonistic Manhattan step-siblings is seeing it re-imagined on the London stage as a musical. It’s an amazing show with a soundtrack loaded with all the greatest ‘90s guilty pleasures songs. Even people who hate musicals will love it!”
The creative team includes Director Jonathan O’Boyle (Hair, Rain Man, Pippin, Aspects of Love) and Choreographer & Associate Director Gary Lloyd (Heathers, Thriller Live, Carrie the Musical).
This London premiere is produced by Bill Kenwright, who recently produced the smash hit Heathers The Musical to great success in the West End, on UK tour and at The Other Palace.
Cast to be announced.
Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical was originally produced by Eva Price. Critical praise in Edinburgh for Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical
