Sheffield Lyceum – until 14 October 2023

Reviewed by Charlotte Davis-Browne

4****

The Bodyguard is a big bold musical adaptation based on the 1992 movie of the same name. Packed with hit after hit of the late Whitney Houston’s successful chart topping songs, it’s a musical that has a bit of everything – from gun shots to fire to romance, loss, ultra slick choreography that has you dancing in your seat to a grand finale which gives the chance for the audience to dance and sing along with the cast. 

Having seen various productions and casts previously – from my first visit to the Adelphi (London) in 2013 starring Beverly Knight as Rachel Marron and Tristan Gemmill in the title role (aka Frank Farmer) followed by Alexandra Burke’s takeover in 2014 with Gemmill staying on in his role at the Adelphi and later on in 2015 and 2016 seeing the tour six or seven times (at least!) with Burke reprising  her role as Rachel and Stuart Reid taking over as Frank Farmer and being fortunate enough to also catch Zoe Birkett in a matinee performance (absolutely worth the wait to see!) and again seeing Burke several times during the 2018-2019 tour alongside Benoît Marcéchal as Farmer; it’s difficult to not have a soft spot for my two leading favourites in the two main roles, however I always go with a clean slate and open mind policy and imagining I’m seeing the show for the first time. However it doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen it know what’s coming – I ALWAYS jump out of my skin at the very start of the show (no spoilers here – just be warned if you’ve got a nervous disposition!)

I was over the moon to find out it would be touring again in 2023 and that Zoe Birkett would be reprising her role – but sadly this was only through the Summer with New Zealand born Australian singer songwriter and former Australian Idol runner up Emily Williams taking over the role from September.  This however was a big selling point for me – someone who I’d previously never heard of before and therefore I had no prior views in my head on what she’s like as a singer and performer. I admit after the first couple of songs I wasn’t blown away by her either vocally or as an actress but tried to remain neutral and open minded to the end of the show.  Whilst I did warm up to her and she hit all the right notes, I was still left slightly underwhelmed – I’m not sure if this is because I’ve got a firm favourite in this role previously (and no, it’s actually NOT Birkett) or if others had the same thoughts as me.  After speaking with others at the interval, I found it was the latter and most people were saying the same thing.   Don’t get me wrong – William’s has got a decent voice – she just doesn’t have the “X Factor” for me personally (maybe that’s where she went wrong – going on the wrong talent show – pun intended!)

On the other hand let’s talk about the OTHER Emily – Emily-Mae Walker – who’s playing Rachel’s sister Nicki.  Oh my Mae – WHAT. A. VOICE!!!!  I’d have paid triple or quadruple to see Emily-Mae as Rachel. Such a hauntingly sensational voice. Clearly others thought the same as whenever Mae was singing the was utter silence – you could hear a pin drop – and her voice demands attention but in such a magical way – it’s one of those moments where the hairs on your body all stand to attention and you get goosebumps that make you shiver. It’s a sweet syrupy voice yet powerful when it needs to be. I am keeping all my limbs crossed that we will soon get to have Mae in the lead role – I for one will certainly be buying multiple tickets if that was to happen. 

Now let’s talk Frank – Farmer that is! Again I’ve a firm favourite actor from previous productions in this role but again tried to keep a neutral mind. I have come to the conclusion that Frank is obviously MEANT to be a somewhat wooden and monotonous character who softens over time as he gains Rachel’s trust and respect (let’s face it, she’s not overly keen on the idea of having 24/7 protection at first but as her stalker ups his game, she soon changes her tune and accepts Franks rules and regulations).  Ayden Callaghan (Emmerdale and Hollyoaks) is currently starring as Frank Farmer and again this was an actor I’d previously not seen in anything (I don’t do Soaps!) so it was someone fresh and new to me. I warmed to his portrayal as Frank instantly and found him not only pleasing on the eye but an utter joy to watch. His rendition of “I Will Always Love You” was a highlight of the show for me and I found myself on the edge of my seat when that stand off with the Stalker was coming up. 

Speaking of the Stalker – each production I’ve seen of this musical I’ve always found myself drawn to the Stalker – Marios Nicolaides definitely did not disappoint in this production.  Whilst yes at first Marios really does put the fear of a creepy dangerous stalker in you and gives a real sense of danger and threat, the more you watch him the more you warm to him – or maybe that’s just me?!

What makes this musical so magical that I keep going back for more, is not only the killer soundtrack that is high energy and makes you leave the theatre on a real high, but the punchy and uber slick choreography and a stellar of an ensemble. 

Hard to believe it’s been eleven years since Whitney Houston’s tragic passing. She may be gone but her music lives on, and I’m so grateful that this stage adaptation exists as it will continue to ensure her music lives on for future generations.  Even if people don’t remember her name they will certainly remember her music. 

Obviously there’s some changes to the set with this being a touring production but having seen previous touring productions some have mirrored the Adelphi set whilst others, like this current production at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre, have been altered to suit the stage layout etc. One major change I noticed and missed is Frank’s family’s log cabin – gone is the 3D rotating cabin and in its place a flat backdrop. It still works and obviously makes it easier for a touring production but this was just one of many changes I’d noted from previous productions. There’s still the big finish with “I Will Always Love You” however this again is tweaked slightly to work with different theatres stages. However the show still feels as fresh as it did many moons ago at The Adelphi and still blows me away just as much as it did the first time round. 

One final mention – this time to Ryo Appadu – one of the few young actors sharing the role of Fletcher – Rachel’s young son – who is making his professional debut in this production. Whilst he’s playing the only child character in the show and performing alongside established performers yet gave such an outstanding performance anyone would think he’d been doing this since he was old enough to walk and talk. Not only can Ryo sing but he’s an outstanding dancer and convincing actor – definitely a triple threat to watch out for in a few years time!

Playing at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 14th October before continuing its tour across the U.K, The Bodyguard is an uplifting night out and the perfect way to shake off the Autumn Blues and warm even the coldest of hearts on these chillier evenings. Sheffield Theatres earlier today posted on social media to say that a number of stalls tickets had opened up for the remaining dates but it’s a case of fastest finger first as these WILL sell out fast. This musical pretty much sells itself based on the many iconic hits of Whitney Houston, so if you want to be part of the action you’ll need to be fast to grab the hottest ticket in the city right now. 

KILLIAN DONNELLY

RETURNS TO

LES MISÉRABLES

AS

‘JEAN VALJEAN’

FOR 15 WEEKS ONLY

AT THE

SONDHEIM THEATRE

FROM 31 OCTOBER 2023

Cameron Mackintosh announced today that Killian Donnelly will return to LES MISÉRABLES as Jean Valjean in the critically acclaimed production at the Sondheim Theatre from Tuesday 31 October 2023 for 15 weeks only.

Due to sudden family reasons, Josh Piterman, who is currently playing the role, will return home to Australia. His final performances will take place on Saturday 21 October 2023.

Killian Donnelly returns to the role having previously played Jean Valjean to critical acclaim in both the original West End production and the sell-out UK and Ireland tour of Les Misérables. This will be his first time playing the role in the new London production at the Sondheim Theatre. Killian was most recently seen as ‘Bruce Bechdel’ in Fun Home at Gate Theatre, Dublin. His other theatre credits include the role of ‘The Phantom’ in The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre, ‘Charlie Price’ in Kinky Boots on Broadway, a role he originated at the Adelphi Theatre in the West End in 2015, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award, ‘Huey’ in the original London cast of Memphis at the Shaftesbury Theatre for which he was also nominated for an Olivier Award.  He created the role of ‘Deco’ in The Commitments at the Palace Theatre and has also played ‘Tony’ in Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace Theatre as well as ‘Raoul’ in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre. He first joined the company of Les Misérables in 2008, going on to play the role of ‘Enjolras’ from 2009 to 2011. In 2010, he played the role of ‘Courfeyrac’ in the “25th Anniversary Concert of Les Misérables” at The O2 Arena and also played the role of ‘Combeferre’ in the multi-award-winning film of the show, released in 2012.

LES MISÉRABLES currently stars Stewart Clarke as Javert, Katie Hall as Fantine, Will Callan as Marius, Amena El-Kindy as Éponine, Lulu-Mae Pears as Cosette, Luke Kempner as Thénardier, Claire Machin as Madame Thénardier and Djavan van de Fliert as Enjolras.

The company is completed by Annabelle Aquino, Hazel Baldwin, Brad Barnley, Michael Baxter, Emily Olive Boyd, Rosy Church, Ben Culleton, Matthew Dale, Matt Dempsey, Sophie-May Feek, Matt Hayden, Tom Hext, Christopher Jacobsen, Jessica Johns-Parsons, Yazmin King, Sam Kipling, Anouk van Laake, Harry Lake, Sarah Lark, Ellie Ann Lowe, Ben Oatley, Adam Pearce, Jordan Simon Pollard, Jonathan Stevens, Phoebe Williams and Ollie Wray.

Since Cameron Mackintosh first conceived this acclaimed new production of LES MISÉRABLES in 2009, to celebrate the show’s 25^th anniversary, it has taken the world by storm. The UK and Ireland tour recently concluded its acclaimed run and the record-breaking tour of North America relaunched in 2022. A new tour of The Netherlands and Belgium opened in March this year in Amsterdam, and the new Korean production opens this month in Busan, followed by performances in Seoul and Deagu. The world tour of Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular, an expanded version of the hugely successful Les Misérables – The Staged Concert, will open at the SSE Arena Belfast on 19 September 2024. Initial dates and venues were announced earlier this week and the production goes on general sale Thursday 12^th October. Following this, the Japanese production of Les Misérables will open at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo in December 2024.

Boublil and Schönberg’s magnificent iconic score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs, I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing?, One Day More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Master Of The House and many more. Several of its songs have become real life anthems of revolution wherever in the world people are fighting for their freedom. Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 53 countries and in 22 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular and contemporary musicals.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of LES MISÉRABLES is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Orchestrations are by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke and Stephen Brooker with original orchestrations by John Cameron. The production is directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou, Christine Rowland and Paul Wills, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, projections realised by Finn Ross & Fifty Nine Productions, musical staging by Geoffrey Garratt, and music supervision by Stephen Brooker and Alfonso Casado Trigo.

Newcastle Theatre Royal – until Saturday 14th October

Reviewed by Sandra Little

5*****

The stage version of 42nd Street is based on a book from 1932 by Bradford Ropes and a Hollywood film adaptation from the same year.

This fantastic musical is set during the Great Depression and is based around rehearsals for a Broadway show. It begins with black and white cinema footage of life in New York at this very difficult time. The programme which accompanies the show informs us that 12 million American workers were unemployed during the early 1930s and nearly 2 million people were homeless. On reading the programme I learned the meaning of the phrase, “on the breadline.”

The stage performance begins when a young and naïve Peggy Sawyer (Nicole-Lily Baisden) arrives in New York City dreaming of stardom. She attends a rehearsal for a new Broadway show, soon catches the eye of director Julian Marsh (Michael Praed) and is cast as a chorus girl. From this point the story moves at a pace with several twists and turns along the way. Romance and comedy play their part and one significant event in the production is when the leading lady Dorothy Brock ( played by Samantha Womack) breaks her ankle when Peggy accidentally bumps into her during rehearsals. Following some persuasion, Peggy steps in to take Dorothy’s place.

Despite the dismal background of the Great Depression, this musical is far from dismal! It is a fabulous, feel good, uplifting experience from beginning to end. The dancing is superb, there are amazing tap dancing routines and the level of energy from the dancers is palpable. It would be unfair to give credit to any one member of the cast as everyone on stage seemed to enjoy what they were doing and give it their all!

Whilst the sets for this musical are not particularly lavish, most have a lovely art deco style which fits the era exactly. The relatively plain sets are a perfect backdrop to the performance of the dancers and don’t detract at all from the wonderful dance routines.

The costumes for this production are stunning. There is glitz and glamour, sparkle and sequins in abundance! They are simply fabulous and complement perfectly the dance routines and the sets.

The singing from several performers is absolutely beautiful and I would find it almost impossible to single out any one performer as they were all equally stunning. Similarly the sound quality for this production was really good. I think that a live orchestra at the theatre was a very positive addition to the evening.

This stellar performance from a stunningly talented cast captures perfectly the glamorous atmosphere which was life in 1930s New York for some people. Needless to say I loved every minute of this performance and found it so uplifting.

• HAVE YOURSELF A NUTCRACKER CHRISTMAS!

• BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET RETURN TO BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME STAGE WITH SIR PETER WRIGHT’S ACCLAIMED FESTIVE TREAT THE NUTCRACKER

• STEP INSIDE THE WORLD OF THE NUTCRACKER IN A UNIQUE IMMERSIVE WALKING TRAIL ACROSS BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE

Following the huge success of Black Sabbath -The Ballet this autumn, the award-winning Birmingham Royal Ballet make a spectacular return to the Birmingham Hippodrome stage this Christmas with another Birmingham iconic production – Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker.

The Nutcracker, which opens on 17 November, features 60 dancers accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia in what has become THE traditional festive treat for the whole family.

Set on Christmas Eve The Nutcracker, which features the music of composer Tchaikovsky, revolves around a young girl named Clara, who receives a Nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift from the magician Drosselmeyer. The Nutcracker comes to life as a Prince and the magical journey begins.

In 2022, after over 30 years, the production was given a much needed make over with new sets and costumes by designer John Macfarlane. This year BRB is once again ready to dazzle audiences in an enchanting winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, magical Christmas trees and of course the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Principal casting for The Nutcracker, which ends its 2023 run on 9 December, has now been announced and full details can be found at www.brb.org.uk

New to this year, and continuing The Nutcracker theme, BRB has partnered with RiVR, a UK-based virtual reality company to bring a new look to a much-loved favourite. The 12 Days of NutcrackAR is the world’s first Nutcracker themed augmented reality walking trail around Birmingham.

Opening on 4 November at a special BRB Nutcracker themed free event at the Bull Ring, the NutcrackAR, part of the company’s pioneering *Virtual Stage, offers everyone the chance to discover the hidden world of some of the props and costumes from the production.

Using a smart device such as a phone or tablet, viewers can see the Sugar Plum Fairy Tutu and its many hand-sewn pearls and sequins, the heavily embroidered coat of King Rat and the famous Christmas Tree where you can see graffiti from dancers and crew from over 30 years of shows!

Each day of the countdown to opening night will highlight a different AR site across the city.  Content will be accessed through posters presented in various formats housing unique QR codes with AR content, descriptive text and voiceover, plus links to ticketing information.

After opening night of The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome on 17 November, BRB’s NutcrackAR will also be accessible in and around Hippodrome Square so audiences leaving the ‘reality’ of a performance will be able to enjoy this ‘augmented reality’ for the duration of The Nutcracker season.

*Virtual Stage is a pioneering project featuring content developed in collaboration with Canon and RiVR funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator Programme.

BRB’s The Nutcracker opens at Birmingham Hippodrome on 17 November-9 December 2023.

Tickets can be purchased online at Birmingham Hippodrome www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Touch Tour: Sat 25 Nov 2023, 12.15pm. Audio Described: Sat 25 Nov 2023, 2.30pm

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE – TRAILER
***

TRAILER RELEASED FOR

NEW TOURING PRODUCTION OF

THE BEST-SELLING CRIME NOVEL OF ALL TIME

ON A UK AND IRELAND TOUR
FROM SEPTEMBER 2023

New trailer released for the Fiery Angel, Royal & Derngate, Northampton and ROYO production of Agatha Christie’s iconic thriller And Then There Were None.

The full cast are Bob Barrett (Holby City, Propeller West EndandUK 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.

And Then There Were None will embark on a UK and Ireland tour, gripping audiences up and down the country into 2024.

This brand-new production has been reinvented for the 21^st century, directed by the renowned Lucy Bailey (Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution – now in its 6^th successful year and Love From A Stranger; Dial M for Murder; Baby Doll; Titus Andronicus and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel).

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.

And Then There Were None is not only Agatha Christie’s most read work, but also the best-selling crime novel of all time. Selling over a 100 million copies worldwide since its first publication in 1939.

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.

Following her hugely successful production of Witness for the Prosecution, director Lucy Bailey returns with UK Theatre Award-winning set and costume designer Mike Britton, lighting designer Chris Davey, sound designer and composer Elizabeth Purnell and movement direction by Ayse Tashkiran to direct this bold and exciting reinvention of Christie’s greatest murder mystery. Casting is by Ellie Collyer-Bristow CDG, fight direction is by Renny Krupinski and the assistant director will be Victoria Gartner.

General Management for the tour is by Rich Jones with Production Management by Setting Line Production Management. The Stage Management Team will be Sian Wiggins, William Buckenham, Sara-Jayne Smith and Lewis Mote with Wardrobe headed by Natasha Hancock.

Please rehearsal images for the world premiere of TO WONG FOO THE MUSICAL, which opens at Hope Mill Theatre on 21 October for a limited 9-week run

TO WONG FOO THE MUSICAL stars Peter Caulfield as Vida Boheme, Gregory Haney as Noxeema Jackson and Pablo Gómez Jones as Chi-Chi Rodríguez, with Carolyn Maitland Duncan Burt, Alexander Kranz, Arthur Boan, Ayesha Maynard, Emily Ooi, Jermaine Woods, Lee Harris, Natalie Day, Scott Hunter, Susie Fenwick, Samantha Bingley, Theo Maddix, Jamil Abbasi and Megan Davies-Truin.

TO WONG FOO THE MUSICAL is based on the 1995 cult-classic film, To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar, written by multiple Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane and featuring an all-star cast including Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo, Stockard Channing, Robin Williams and RuPaul. 

The new musical has a book and direction by original film screenplay writer Douglas Carter Beane, with music and lyrics by Lewis Flinn.

STRATFORD EAST ANNOUNCES

NATHAN KILEY AS MILKY LINDA

FOR THEIR UNIQUE TWIST ON THE MUCH-LOVED PANTOMIME

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Saturday 18 November 2023 – Saturday 06 January 2024

Stratford East is delighted to announce Nathan Kiley (he/him) as the dame, Milky Linda, completing the cast for this year’s pantomime, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK. Book and lyrics by Succession/Killing Eve writer Anna Jordan (she/her), music and lyrics by Stratford East pantomime veteran Robert Hyman (he/him) and directed by Stratford East’s Sky Arts Associate Artist for 2023 Denzel Westley-Sanderson (he/him).

Nathan joins the previously announced Lucy Frederick (she/her) as Flesh Creep, Max Gill (they/he/she) as Bill, Savanna Jeffrey (she/her) as Winnie the Moo, Eli London (they/them) as Ensemble, Billy Lynch (he/they) as Junior, Nikhil Singh Rai (he/him) as Jack and Jamie Tait (he/him) as Ensemble.

The creative team are Set and Costume Designer Lily Arnold (she/her), Lighting Designer Simisola Majekodunmi (she/her), Sound Designer Beth Duke (she/her), Musical Director Lee Freeman (he/him), Chorographer André Fabien Francis (he/him/they/them), Assistant Director Ashen Gupta (they/them)*, Casting Director Richard Johnston for Pippa Ailion Casting (he/him), Illusion Consultant Sam Lupton (he/him) and Costume Supervisor Isobel Pellow (she/her).

Welcome to Splatford! Jack lives here with his cow, Winnie The Moo, and his mum, Milky Linda. The town is home to a magical marsh full of healing mud, which Jack and his pals spend their days mining. But there’s a BIG problem: Giant Belch. He dominates Splatford from the sky – stealing the mud, charging outrageous rents and polluting the air with his burps and farts!

One odd shepherd, a handful of beans and an unexpected beanstalk later, Jack is on a life-changing journey. Can he reach the top? Can he defeat Flesh Creep – Belch’s hateful henchwoman who has seriously got it in for him? Can he triumph over Belch and be crowned Splatford’s unlikely hero? And can he make Milky Linda proud?

Stratford East pantos are full of original music, outrageous characters and famous for tearing up the rulebook and telling classic stories with a special Stratford East twist.

Tickets from £10 for every performance of every show. Ticket prices increase as the theatre fills, so book early for the best seats at the best prices.

*Assistant Director position funded by Fenton Arts Trust and Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation.

The London 50-Hour Improvathon is back!

After a five-year break the event will take place at Wilton’s Music Hall

The London 50-Hour Improvathon: The Wedding Party

From 7pm Friday 8 March continuously until 9pm Sunday

Prepare to say Say ‘I Do!’ to an hilarious weekend with the world’s best improvisers

The London 50-Hour Improvathon is back! It’s the 13th London Improvathon and back for the first time since 2019.

So get ready to say ‘I Do!’ to an hilarious weekend with the world’s best improvisers.

It’s wedding season at Wilton’s Castle – the UK’s number one wedding venue. Loved-up couples arrive with friends and family to celebrate their big day, but will they even make it to the altar?

Expect bouquet tosses, best man speeches, first dances, family feuds, adventurous catering and cold feet.

Inspired by cinematic classics including ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’, ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’, ‘Mamma, Mia!’, ‘Muriel’s Wedding’, ‘Bridesmaids’, ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’, ‘Wedding Crashers’, ‘The Wedding Singer’ and many more!

A 50-hour improvised comedy soap opera in 25 hilarious episodes – you can catch just one episode, or binge watch the whole season like your favourite Netflix show.

Starting at 7pm on Friday and playing continuously in 2-hour episodes until 9pm on Sunday (yes, right through the night!) with a live band and refreshments available throughout. There’s even a special ‘Family Episode’ at 11am on Sunday, suitable for kids of all ages!

Featuring stars of Olivier Award-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical and Tony Award-winning Mischief Theatre (‘The Play That Goes Wrong’), alongside comedians, performers and international guests.

Full line up to be announced in 2024.

Come and join London’s biggest weekend wedding party!

Directed by Adam Meggido (co-artistic director of Olivier Award-winning ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’ and director of the Olivier Award-nominated ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’) and Ali James.

Produced by Showstopper Productions & Oak Ash and Thorn .

Adam Meggido (co-creator/director)
Adam is director of Olivier-nominated comedies: ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’ (West End, UK tour, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, New York, Los Angeles); ‘Magic Goes Wrong’ (West End, UK tour); and consultant on ‘Mischief Movie Night’ (West End and UK tour), and ‘A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong’ (BBC). He has improvised at Royal National Theatre, Royal Court, Shakespeare’s Globe, BBC TV & radio, with The Society Of Strange, The School Of Night, Ken Campbell, Nina Conti, and Rhapsodes. He is the author of ‘Improv Beyond Rules’ (Nick Hern Books), is a world record holder in improvisation (55 hours in Toronto, 2013), and creator of the London 50 Hour Improvathon, which has played annually since 2008. Adam’s musical, ‘Burlesque’, won Best New Musical at the 2012 Offie Awards. He also wrote lyrics and co-composed the West End musical ‘Tailor Made Man’.
adammeggido.com @adammeggido

Ali James (co-director)
Movement Director:  ‘Showstopper! – The Improvised Musical’ (Cambridge Theatre / Edinburgh Fringe Festival / UK Tour); ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’ (UK Tour); ‘Magic Goes Wrong’ (The Lowry / Vaudeville Theatre / Apollo Theatre / UK Tour); ‘Good Luck Studio’ (Mercury Theatre / UK Tour); ‘Dirty Disney’ & ‘Blitz Kids’ (National Youth Theatre). Director:  ‘Southend 48 Hour Improvathon’ (Southend on Sea), ‘Oh Yes It Is – The Improvised Pantomime’, ‘PS I’m a Terrible Person’ (Soho Theatre), ‘Angry Salmon’ – a new family musical (British Youth Musical Theatre).
@ali_james22

About Wilton’s Music Hall
Wilton’s is a Grade II* building of international significance as it is the only surviving Grand Music Hall in the world, the foremost arts venue in the East End, Wilton’s welcomes world-class artistic talent to the East End all year-round. Wilton’s programmes and produces extraordinary music and theatre, which speak to the magical space of Wilton’s and are enhanced by it. It is home to over 300 performances and over 80 productions each year. Wilton’s has been home to the first East End BBC Prom, hosted the London International Mime Festival and championed new writing including plays by James Graham, Patterson Joseph, Chris Thorpe, and Joy Wilkinson.  It has hosted international work from Hong Kong to Canada and the team of artistic associates have kept diversity at the heart of all they do. Recently named the fifth most iconic building in London by Time Out, Wilton’s has a unique spirit that has captured the imagination of generations of artists for over 160 years. Wilton’s invest in the next generation of actors, directors and musicians through its Heritage and Artistic Engagement programmes.

LISTINGS INFO

Showstopper Productions & Oak Ash and Thorn present

The London 50-Hour
Improvathon: The Wedding Party

Wilton’s Music Hall
Graces Alley,
London E1 8JB

From 7pm Friday 8 March
continuously until 9pm Sunday

To book online:
http://wiltons.org.uk/whatson/860-the-london-50-hour-improvathon-the-wedding-party

Box Office: 020 7702 2789

Tickets:
£12 for your first episode
£8 for subsequent episodes
£65 weekend pass
(£55 early bird offer – pre 31 Dec)
£6 under-12 tickets for the family
episode, 11am Sunday

Booking fees may apply

Social media:

Show Website:
https://www.improvathon.co.uk/

Twitter: @theimprovathon
Instagram: @theimprovathon
TikTok: @theimprovathon
Facebook: /theimprovathon

National Theatre Live announces Dear England with Joseph Fiennes and VANYA with Andrew Scott, set to release in cinemas across the UK and Ireland

The National Theatre today announces two new National Theatre Live productions that will be released to audiences in cinemas across the UK and Ireland this winter. Following sold-out runs, Dear England and VANYA will be new to NT Live, alongside the rerelease of Olivier-award winning production, Skylight.

A hard-hitting tale of love, passion and ideology, David Hare’s Skylight with Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy will return to UK cinemas on 16 November 2023. Filmed from its hugely successful run in the West End in 2014, it is one of the highest grossing NT Live titles of all time, with the original broadcast seen by over 115,000 people in the UK almost 10 years ago.

Next January, audiences are invited to James Graham’s spectacular hit play, Dear England, filmed live during its sold-out run at the National Theatre. With the worst track record for penalties in the world, Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt, to take team and country back to the promised land. With Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) as Gareth Southgate and directed by Rupert Goold, the production will be released in cinemas from 25 January 2024.

Andrew Scott (Fleabag) brings to life multiple characters in VANYA – a radical new version of Chekhov’s comedic and tragic masterpiece Uncle Vanya, adapted by Simon Stephens (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time) and directed by Sam Yates. Filmed during its sold-out critically acclaimed run in London’s West End, this one-man adaptation exploring the complexities of human emotions will be released to cinemas from 22 February 2024, presented by Wessex Grove, Gavin Kalin Productions and Kater Gordon.

In addition to these releases, four other popular productions from recent years will be available in cinemas between now and Christmas, perfect to keep audiences warm this autumn season. The rollicking comedy, Jack Absolute Flies Again, the fantastical adventure The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage, Simon Stone’s powerful reworking of Yerma featuring Billie Piper (I Hate Suzie) and Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy, Romeo & Juliet will be available for screenings from 19 October 2023.

Andrew Scott, on the NT Live broadcast of Vanya, said:

“We put our heart and souls into creating this show together, and we are completely overwhelmed and thrilled with the response. I’m honoured and delighted that our version of this masterpiece can be watched by a wider audience through our colleagues at NT live.

I’ve never been more convinced by the necessity and connective power of live theatre. Long may it reign.”

Emma Keith, Managing Director, Digital, National Theatre, said:

“We are delighted to grow our National Theatre Live offering and bring some of the very best of NT’s theatre capture to screens across the country. We are stead-fast in our commitment to making world-class theatre accessible to all, and we can’t wait to see these new and beloved productions resonate with audiences nationwide.”

Sky Arts is the Headline Sponsor of National Theatre Live in the UK. 

Adelphi Theatre, London – Tuesday 10th October 2023

Reviewed by Julia Spargo

5*****

The world might be spiraling out of control but last night I got to hang my woes behind the door of the Adelphi Theatre as An Evening of Burlesque made its West End debut.

What a treat! Billed as “a night of laughter, cabaret, mystery and glamour”, it does entirely what it says on the tin. From Bell De Beauvoir’s frenetic striptease to a sultry number featuring compere Ivy Paige and the L’Sheila Showgirls, we laughed, gasped, cheered and giggled our way through nipple tassels, fire-eating, circus acts, tap-dancing and a Marilyn Monroe pastiche.

I love Burlesque. A couple of years ago I went to see Dita Von Teese in London and was hugely disappointed because I found it sleazy, over-stylised and quite frankly, dull. This was quite the opposite. The costumes were gloriously sparkly and glamourous, particularly those worn by Ivy Paige (an excellent compere), Velvet Jones and the L’Sheila Showgirls.

The music was eclectic but familiar, from Tom Jones to Lady Marmalade and Sara James’ atmospheric cover of Running Up That Hill. The acts were varied and well-organised; sensual strip acts (all kept the right side of classy) were broken up by comedy and circus acts, highlights for me being the brilliant Saucy Davis Jr with his tap and singing routine and Matt Pang with his insane circus act, which (bravely) involved audience participation. A bold move, not least because it relied on the audience being engaged and up for it, and so all credit to the performers that the man pulled from the front row was (somewhat) happy to be involved in reaching between the legs of the act to do up the strap of his straitjacket before helping him mount a six-foot unicycle (yes, really. A highlight for me).

The varied pace sustained the attention for the full 150 minutes. I found my friend searching for local Burlesque classes during the interval (“I want their confidence!”) and she told me her cheeks hurt from smiling so the glamour and joy was clearly infectious.

A lot of fun and a real hoot. Gather your friends, get dressed up, leave the front row for the extroverts and enjoy an evening of saucy entertainment. Highly recommended.