Sheffield Lyceum Theatre – until Saturday 16th September 2023

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

5*****

What an honour it was to be in Sheffield where the Life of Pi premiered in 2019, and there is no doubt as to why the best-selling book by Yann Martel, won five Olivier Awards and conquered the West End and Broadway. Life of Pi is a feast for the eyes and soul. A sumptuous smorgasbord of sound, sights and immersive delights, It’s a theatrical triumph which must be seen to be believed.

An epic storm destroys a Japanese cargo ship on its way to Canada. Among its passengers were Pi, his family, and the animals Pi’s zookeeper father tended to. Their journey began in Pondicherry, India. The move was due to economic instability. Almost everyone drowned during the storm, except Pi, who is left stranded in the Pacific Ocean, on a lifeboat with four other survivors: a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger, named Richard Parker. The tale opens in Mexico in 1978, in a hospital room. Pi was washed up in a fishing village after 227 days lost at sea. Confused and traumatised, he recounts his experiences in a way the authorities find hard to comprehend, but is everything as it seems?

Lolita Chakrabarti transports Martel’s story to the stage with the intention of it being playful and theatrically rich, and she achieves this with aplomb. While the dialogue lacks some of Martel’s sublime and stirring language, the production more than makes up for it with its dazzling visuals. Director Max Webster’s magnificence, Tim Hatley’s versatile set, Tim Lutkin’s atmospheric lighting, Andrzej Goulding’s stunning video and Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell’s incredible puppets, blend imagination and artistic genius to give Life of Pi an ethereal and otherworldly quality. Every element combines to create seamlessly interchangeable moments in time, as well as countries, land, ocean, and ultimately merges reality with fantasy as we journey with Pi through his life changing experience. We are plunged into moments of joy, harrowing loss, terror, and utter strength. Within moments a hospital room has transformed into a zoo, blink, and it’s an Indian bazaar, seconds later it’s a vast ship and then you would swear blind it’s raining as you witness a storm. A boat appears from nowhere but it’s now a hospital bed…and there is a tiger, a mysterious, magnificent, majestic tiger… or is there?

The puppets are the heart and soul of the show. Wonderous beasts whose every breath and movements are so meticulously choreographed, you would testify you are watching an orangutan with its baby, a shoal of fish swimming in the ocean, a flutter of butterflies, a rumbunctious goat and again, that stunning, beautiful, ferocious tiger. The show’s cast and crew conjured a dynamic and powerful tale, taking on multiple roles they brought Life of Pi to life. Its mind blowing to think this is Divesh Subaskaran’s professional debut. Immensely talented, he takes on the role of the philosophically inclined Pi with ease. He is arresting, delightful, athletic, and charmingly funny. He balanced the many stages of Pi perfectly, enabling us to believe the character has endured a whole gambit of emotions and experiences over the course of the performance. Hypnotic, I was engaged by him, and his love hate relationship with Richard Parker.

Lolita Chakrabarti included more female characters to the production which was not a part of the original novel. This added a wonderful dimension and depth to the production. Bhawna Bhawsar was fabulous and entertaining as Lulu Chen/Mrs Biology Kumar, Goldy Notay was wonderful as Amma, and without giving away spoilers, her last scene gave me goosebumps. Keshini Misha was a great playful balance to Pi as his sister Rani. Lilian Tsang was brilliant as Mrs Okamoto/Ships Captain, navigating the stage with ease. Ralph Birtwell as Father, Antony Antunes as Cook/Father Martin, Chand Martinez as Mama-Ji/Admiral Balbir Singh and Vinesh Veerasami as the Russian Sailor all gave incredible performances which added energy and spirit to the play. Sebastian Goffin, Akash Heer, Romina Hytten, Katie Kennedy-Rose and Kate Rosewell deserved their standing ovation as the head, heart, and hind of Richard Parker the Tiger. Undulating, his meticulous movements, from a flick of the tail to a lick of the paw were mesmerising. Without this incredible skill and effort, I’m not sure what Life of Pi would be? For Richard Parker, along with Pi, is the head, heart and hind of the tale. I was spellbound from the moment he stalked on stage.

Life of Pi is bewitching in every sense, from its sounds, colours and its dance like movement. A thought provoking and touching production there is always something to ponder and consider. You are presented with the most fascinating detail, how you choose to interpret it is up to you. From the moment the show begins, it’s all there for you. Allow yourself to be captivated and transported through this voyage in all its meaning. Life of Pi is a spectacular work of living, breathing theatre, a blend of magical realism that will leave you speechless for all the right reasons, and I will once again say, it really does need to be seen to be believed.

Cast announced for Theatr Clwyd’s Big Top Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto, Sleeping Beauty

As the summer comes to an end and the school year starts once again there is only one thing on everyone’s mind, PANTO! Today the cast for Theatr Clwyd’s annual Rock ‘n’ Roll panto has been announced.

Written once again by award-winning writer Christian Patterson, audiences can expect a show full of quick wit and comedic quips. For one year only the show will take place in a Big Top Tent. Christian is one of the most recognisable faces on the Theatr Clwyd stage, having performed on it many times in shows including The Rise and Fall of Little Voice and Insignificance.

Returning to this dreamy panto is Phylip Harries as Nurse Nellie, also returning is award-winning panto villain Ben Locke as Mordecai, Alice McKenna as Fang, Celia Cruwys-Finnigan as Muddles, Caitlin Lavagna as Cwtch, Georgina White as Calon and Dan Bottomley as King Dom.

Making their Theatr Clwyd debuts are Theo Diedrick as Snarl, Emma Kinney as Beauty and Ai Kumar as Cariad.

The creative team includes Set and Costume Designer: Adrian Gee, Choreographer: Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster, Lighting Designer: Johanna Town, Sound Designer: Matthew Williams, Musical Director: Tayo Akinbode, Fight Director: Kaitlin Howard, Casting Director: Kay Magson, Assistant Director: Juliette Manon.

This year Francesca Goodridge and Daniel Lloyd, Associate Directors of Theatr Clwyd, will direct the Rock ‘n’ Roll panto. Having performed in Theatr Clwyd pantomimes for many years and been Associate Director on last year’s award-winning panto, Daniel is no stranger to the genre. Francesca Goodridge was Assistant Director on Dick Wittington Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at Theatr Clwyd in 2018 as well as directing Christmas shows at other venues.

Francesca Goodridge and Daniel Lloyd said:

We are delighted to be directing the legendary Theatr Clwyd pantomime this year. The two of us have so much love for the Clwyd panto and, to get to step off the stage and direct it is proof that dreams can come true in real life – and not just in fairy tales! This will be a brand-new experience for our audiences as the Big Top promises to deliver rockin’ panto on a scale we’ve never seen before – it’s going to be a treat! Our terrific team is made up of some familiar faces and some exciting new debut performances. We will have all the silly gags, all the panto magic, and tunes that will rock your socks off…with some new surprises along the way of course. Strap in – It’s going to be big and bold, colourful, and Christmassy. We can’t wait to share it with you all!

For one year only Theatr Clwyd’s Rock ‘n’ Roll panto takes place in a Big Top Tent as the re-development of the building continues. The Big Top will seat over 900 audience members on three sides, meaning audiences will be closer to the action than ever before. The space is heated and has padded seats. There is level access with 10 wheelchair spaces available, the shuttle bus will also be running from the car park for those that need it.

Theatr Clwyd is one of only four theatres in the country to build sets, and props, create and paint scenery and makes costumes entirely in-house. And this production will be no different. The creative team have already been hard at work painting, building, sewing and making props for this huge-scale production.

Tickets are selling fast for this year’s show with over 18,000 already booked, so don’t miss out, be quick and book now.

Sleeping Beauty can be seen at Theatr Clwyd (Big Top) from Thursday 30 November 2023 to Saturday 6 January 2024.

Accessible performances take place on the following dates: Singed 9 Dec 2pm/7pm. Captioned 15 Dec 7pm/5 Jan 7pm. Audio Described 21 Dec 7pm/29 Dec 7pm. Relaxed 4 Jan 2pm.

Tickets are from £15 and are available from the Theatr Clwyd Box Office on 01352 344101 or at www.theatrclwyd.com

Royal Shakespeare Company and Neal Street Productions in association with Hera Pictures present

Maggie O’Farrell’s

HAMNET 

Adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti 

Directed by Erica Whyman 

• HAMNET EXTENDS ITS WEST END RUN BY SIX WEEKS, NOW BOOKING UNTIL 17 FEBRUARY 2024
• FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE WEST END TRANSFER
• ALSO RELEASED TODAY ARE IMAGES FROM THE FIRST DAY OF REHEARSALS 

• TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE AT: nimaxtheatres.com/shows/hamnet/ 

Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and Neal Street Productions in association with Hera Pictures today announce a 6 week extension for the West End transfer of Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet, adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti (Life of Pi) and directed by Erica Whyman. 

Also announced today is the full West End cast. Joining the company are Gabriel Akuwudike (Bartholomew), Phoebe Campbell (Susanna), Mhairi Gayer (Tilly/Caterina/Landlady) and Liza Sadovy (Mary). Reprising their roles from the RSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon run are Sarah Belcher (Joan), Will Brown (Burbage/Father John), Ajani Cabey (Hamnet), Frankie Hastings (Eliza/Customer), Karl Haynes (Ned), Alex Jarrett (Judith), Madeleine Mantock (Agnes Hathaway), Hannah McPake (Jude), Tom Varey (William Shakespeare) and Peter Wight (John/Will Kempe), Haydn Burke and Faye Campbell complete the cast as off-stage understudies. 

The production had a sell-out run in Stratford-upon-Avon, breaking box office records at the RSC’s Swan Theatre and will open to the biggest advance of any production at the Garrick Theatre. Previews begin on 30 September, with press night on 18 October and booking until 17 February 2024. 

Warwickshire, 1582. Agnes Hathaway, a natural healer, meets the Latin tutor, William Shakespeare. Drawn together by powerful but hidden impulses, they create a life together and make a family. 

As William moves to London to discover his place in the world of theatre, Agnes stays at home to raise their three children but she is the constant presence and purpose of his life.

When the plague steals 11-year-old Hamnet from his loving parents, they must each confront their loss alone. And yet, out of the greatest suffering, something of extraordinary wonder is born.

The production will feature Set and Costume Design by Tom Piper, Lighting by Prema Mehta, Music by Oğuz Kaplangi, Sound Design by Simon Baker, Movement by Ayse Tashkiran, Dramaturgy by Pippa Hill, Fights by Kate Waters and Casting by Amy Ball CDG.

Hamnet has sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide and was named both Waterstones Book of the Year and winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award in 2020. The novel also saw Maggie O’Farrell named the winner of the 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction; the UK’s most prestigious annual book award celebrating and honouring fiction written by women. As the No. 1 Sunday Times Bestseller in 2021, Hamnet was shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction (2021) and British Book awards ‘Fiction Book of the Year’ (2021). 

PHOENIX DANCE THEATRE APPOINTS NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Phoenix Dance Theatre based in Leeds today announced the appointment of Marcus Jarrell Willis as its new artistic director. 

Marcus Jarrell Willis, 38, dancer and choreographer, was born in Houston, Texas in 1985. Following his passion for dance, he moved to New York at the age of 16 to study at The Ailey School. He performed with Ailey II and in 2008 joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He stayed with the company for eight years, choreographing, teaching and performing in New York and on tour, and participating in outreach work in local and international communities. He has also performed with RIOULT, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater and Tania Pérez-Salas Compañía de Danza. 

He received his first choreographic commission at the age of 23 and has since choreographed dozens of works for a wide variety of companies and festivals across America and Europe, particularly focusing on creating opportunities for young people in hard-to-reach communities. In 2008 he founded MJ Willis/Project-Inc., collaborating with like-minded artists on experimental projects across music, dance and the spoken word. In 2018 he was selected for a Leverhulme Choreography Fellowship at Rambert in London and decided to move to the UK. He was appointed as Resident Choreographer for Ballet Cymru in Newport, Wales, in 2021 and there went on to develop a number of new initiatives including Works In Progress which aims to bridge the gap between mid-career choreographers and venues in Wales.  

Phoenix Dance Theatre was founded in 1981 in Leeds by three young Black British men – David Hamilton, Donald Edwards and Vilmore James – inspired by the tuition they received from one of the UK’s dance pioneers, Nadine Senior (1939-2016) at Harehills Middle School, which famously championed the role of dance in education. It is the longest-standing contemporary dance company outside of London and one of the few mid-scale contemporary dance companies to employ a permanent company of professional dances. Over four decades the company has grown to be internationally respected for creating extraordinary dance that encapsulate the diverse spirit of multicultural Britain. 

From its inception Phoenix Dance Theatre’s story has been one of opportunity, creating pathways for dance artists to perform and be represented, and offering young people the chance to access and experience dance, regardless of background or training. The company’s Learning & Development department is celebrated for inspiring and empowering people through the medium of contemporary dance. Its programmes range from weekly classes to pre-vocational training in the Youth Academies based in Leeds, York, Doncaster, Sheffield, Gateshead and Oldham, to bespoke schools’ packages working on cross-curricular or performance led projects. Phoenix Dance Theatre’s presence both on and off the stage continues to develop and establish diverse new audiences for contemporary dance. 

Phoenix Dance Theatre’s commitment to enabling opportunity is being extended through the professional pathways it creates. Willis will join the company as artistic director on a fixed four-year contract which heralds Phoenix Dance Theatre’s new touring and production cycle and artist development programme.  

Delia Barker, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Phoenix Dance Theatre, said today: “We are delighted to make this announcement today of the appointment of Marcus Jarrell Willis. This is an exciting time for Phoenix as we are at the beginning of a new chapter for the company. Marcus’ appointment is key to a different way of working, nurturing and providing opportunities for talented individuals who may otherwise face barriers to securing leadership opportunities. Marcus’s depth of experience and his commitment to involving our many diverse communities, especially young people, match our ambition to create pathways for the development of artistic talent, particularly those from Black and other global majority communities. I am truly excited about what Marcus will bring to Phoenix, but also the role he will play in aiding Phoenix Dance Theatre to redefine leadership paths and development opportunities in the dance industry.” 

Commenting on his appointment, Marcus Jarrell Willis, said: “I am thrilled and honoured to be chosen to lead Phoenix Dance Theatre at a time of tremendous opportunity for new creative thinking, and I am excited about what Phoenix is doing to shape the sector. From my childhood I have aspired to be involved in dance. Phoenix holds such an important place in the contemporary dance landscape of the UK and its commitment to remaining loyal to its roots and fostering opportunity is something I am passionate about. I want to do my best to share this passion and experience with the next generation of dance makers to help to open up new opportunities for them in their futures.”  

Willis takes up his appointment next month. His first global engagement with the company will be in South Africa and marks Phoenix Dance Theatre’s first international performances since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Requiem: Journeys of the Soul is at Artscape, Cape Town, from 12 – 14 October and is a remounting of Opera North’s cross-cultural production which premiered at Leeds Grand Theatre earlier this year. Choreographed by Phoenix guest choreographer and former artistic director, Dane Hurst, Phoenix Dance Theatre and South Africa’s Jazzart Dance Theatre will revive their performances, this time in collaboration with Cape Town Opera and Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.  

Phoenix Dance Theatre’s new touring cycle will commence this autumn with a community tour in Leeds. In Spring 2024 Phoenix Dance Theatre will tour to mid-scale venues across the UK with a mixed bill which will include the world premiere of Willis’ first choreographic work for the company. Further details are to be released. 

FULL CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

ANNOUNCED FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF

TO WONG FOO THE MUSICAL

AT HOPE MILL THEATRE

Hope Mill Theatre are delighted to announce the full cast and creative team for the world premiere of TO WONG FOO THE MUSICAL,based on the 1995 ground-breaking film, To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar. The musical is written and directed by original film screenplay writer and multiple Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane, with music and lyrics by Lewis Flinn. The production will open at Hope Mill Theatre on 21 October for a limited 9-week run, with a national press night on 26 October.

TO WONG FOO THE MUSICAL will star Peter Caulfield (Tammy Faye, Almeida Theatre; Jesus Christ Superstar,Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) as Vida Boheme, Gregory Haney (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, West End; Hamilton, Original Broadway Production) as Noxeema Jackson and Pablo Gómez Jones (In Dreams, Leeds Playhouse; Les Misérables, Mexico City) as Chichi Rodríguez.

Joining them are Carolyn Maitland (Next To Normal, Donmar Warehouse; Jersey Boys, West End) as Carol Ann, Duncan Burt (FRIENDSICAL, UK Tour) as Sheriff Dollard, Alexander Kranz as Bobby Ray (professional debut), Arthur Boan (OKLAHOMA!, West End) as Tommy Paul, Ayesha Maynard (Hairspray, Kilworth House Theatre) as Beulah June, Emily Ooi (Miss Saigon, Sheffield Crucible Theatre) as Bobby Lee, Jermaine Woods (Sister Act, Eventim Apollo) as Willie Joe/John Jacob, Lee Harris(Les Misérables, West End) as Ed Earl/Crazy Elijah, Natalie Day (The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Arts Theatre) as Mary Lou, Scott Hunter (The Play That Goes Wrong, West End) as Billy Budd, Susie Fenwick (Beautiful, UK Tour) as Clara Pearl, Samantha Bingley (Beauty and the Beast, London Palladium) as Rose of Sharon Theo Maddix (Cabaret, The KitKat Club) as Rachel Tensions/Jimmy Jack. Also in the cast are Jamil Abbasi (Great British Bake-Off Musical, Noel Coward Theatre) and Megan Davies-Truin (Jerry Springer the Opera, Hope Mill Theatre).

TO WONG FOO THE MUSICAL has direction byDouglas Carter Beane, choreography by Jane McMurtrie musical supervision by Brad Simmons, set design by Katie Lias, costume design by Gregory Gale, wig design by Bobbie Zlotnik, make up design by Andrew Sotomayor, sound design by Sam Glossop, lighting design by Jack Weir, video design by Dan Light, musical direction by Andrew Hilton, associate direction by Joseph Houston, intimacy coordination and fight direction by Haruka Kurado, associate costume design by Rachel Tansey and casting by Sarah Leung. The artwork is designed by FEAST Creative with videography by Umbrella Rooms.

The 1995 film, To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar, which has become a cult-classic, featured an all-star cast including Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo, Stockard Channing, Robin Williams and Ru Paul.

Set in 90s New York TO WONG FOO THE MUSICAL tells the story of 3 Drag Queens, Vida, Noxeema and Chichi, who embark on a trip across America to attend the Drag Queen of the Year Finals in Hollywood. When their car breaks down in Middle America, their lives, as well as those in the town, are turned upside down, in this joyous, heartfelt and high camp musical extravaganza! 3 drags have come to save America, one show tune at a time! The musical was created at The American Academy  of Dramatic Arts where Douglas Carter Beane is on the Board of Directors.

TO WONG FOO THE MUSICAL is produced by Hope Mill Theatre.

Website: hopemilltheatre.co.uk

Facebook: @HopeMillTheatre

X: @hopemilltheatre

Instagram: @hopemilltheatre

LISTINGS INFORMATION

21 October – 17 December 2023

Hope Mill Theatre

113 Pollard St

Manchester

M4 7JA

Performances: Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday at 2.30pm and Sunday matinee options.

Tickets from: from £25

Box Office: 0161 275 9141

MATT SMITH LEADS THE COMPANY

IN THOMAS OSTERMEIER’S PRODUCTION

OF IBSEN’S AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE

David Binder Productions and Wessex Grove today announce the West End production of Thomas Ostermeier’s bold reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People, originally produced at Schaubühne Berlin. Making his West End debut, Ostermeier directs Matt Smith as Dr Stockmann, opening at the Duke of York’s Theatre on 20 February 2024, with previews from 6 February, and runs until 6 April.

To sign up for priority access on 20 September please register at www.anenemyofthepeople.co.uk

Public on sale is on 21 September. The full company will be announced shortly.

Matt Smith said today, “Thomas Ostermeier pushes the form and boundaries of theatre; I have been a fan for quite some time. Seeing his Richard III with Lars Erdinger was electric. When I heard he was interested in coming to the British stage for the first time, with Ibsen’s classic An Enemy of the People I was delighted to say the least. It is an honour to be able to work with him on this great play and become part of this unique project. We’re beginning an exciting casting process, and I very much look forward to returning to The Duke of York’s Theatre early next year.”

Thomas Ostermeier added, “As we face the immediate impact of climate change and global warming, and our seeming incapacity to change these burning threats, Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People is unfortunately more relevant than ever. This is an urgent reason to create an English version of the production for London, and I look forward to collaborating with Matt Smith, an actor whose body of work I greatly admire.”

David Binder, Benjamin Lowy, and Emily Vaughan-Barratt commented, “It is thrilling to be able to announce the magnificent artistic marriage of Thomas Ostermeier, his seminal An Enemy of the People, and the extraordinary actor Matt Smith for the West End next year. This celebrated production has been enjoyed in German around the world and to be able to present this production in English at the Duke of York’s is an absolute privilege. Matt is a brilliant and daring actor who is going to thrill audiences as Dr Stockmann, and Thomas is a visionary artist, and we are so lucky he is making his West End debut with this admired production.”

David Binder Productions and Wessex Grove present

AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE

by Henrik Ibsen

In a version by Thomas Ostermeier and Florian Borchmeyer

Conceived and directed by: Thomas Ostermeier

Originally produced by Schaubühne Berlin

What is truth without power?

Doubt spreads faster than disease in Ibsen’s thought-provoking play about truth in a society driven by power and money.

When Dr Stockmann makes an unbelievable discovery about the healing waters in his local baths, he holds the future of the town in his hands, but those with everything to lose refuse to accept his word. As the battle goes beyond contaminated water, barriers are broken in this contemporary production as Ostermeier shows us why this perennial classic will be relevant forever.

Making his West End debut, celebrated director Thomas Ostermeier‘s iconoclastic production of An Enemy of the People premieres at the Duke of York’s Theatre for a strictly limited run.

Matt Smith plays Dr Stockmann. His theatre credits include Lungs (The Old Vic), Unreachable, Fresh Kills (Royal Court Theatre), American Psycho (Almeida Theatre), That Face (Duke of York’s Theatre and Royal Court Theatre), Swimming with Sharks (Vaudeville Theatre), Burn/Chatroom/Citizenship, The History Boys, On the Shore of the Wide World (National Theatre), and The Master and Margarita (NYT/Lyric Hammersmith). His television work includes House of the Dragon (as series regular Daemon Targaryen), The Crown (as Prince Philip), Bert and Dickie, Christopher and His Kind, the title role in Doctor Who, Moses Jones, Belle De Jour, The Street, Party Animals, and Ruby in the Smoke; and for film, Starve Acre, Morbius, The Forgiven, Last Night in Soho, His House, Official Secrets, Charlie Says, Mapplethorpe, Screen Gems, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Terminator Genisys, Lost River, Womb, and In Bruges.

Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was a Norwegian playwright. His principal works include Brand, Peer Gynt, Emperor and Galilean, A Doll’s House, Ghosts, The Wild Duck, Rosmersholm, The Lady from the Sea, Hedda Gabler, The Master Builder, John Gabriel Borkman, and When We Dead Awaken.

Since September 1999 Thomas Ostermeier is resident director and member of the Artistic Direction of the Schaubühne Berlin. His most recent productions for the company include An Enemy of the People, Death in Venice, The Little Foxes – audience award of the Theatergemeinde Berlin, Richard III – Premio della Critica Teatrale, Bella Figura, Professor Bernhardi, Returning to Reims, History of Violence, Italian Night, Abgrund – co-production with Salzburger Festspiele, Youth Without God, Vernon Subutex, Ödipus, Qui a tué mon Père andThe Seagull. His other theatre work includes Der starke Stamm, Vor Sonnenaufgang, Die Ehe der Maria Braun, and Susn (Münchner Kammerspiele), The Girl on the Sofa (Edinburgh Festival – Herald Angel Award), The Master Builder (Burgtheater in Vienna), The Seagull(Théâtre-Vidy, Lausanne), Knives in Hens, Nora – Nestroy Prize and Politika Prize, Hedda Gabler – audience award of the Theatergemeinde Berlin, Die Ehe der Maria Braun, Returning to Reims (Theatertreffen Berlin), John Gabriel Borkman – Grand Prix de la Critique of France, Hamlet – Barcelona Critics Prize and critic’s prize as Best International Production 2011 in Chile, The Cut – critic´s prize at the international theatre festival KONTAKT in Torun, Measure for Measure – Friedrich-Luft-Prize for the Best Theatre Performance in Berlin, La Nuit des rois ou Tout ce que vous voulez (Comédie-Française Paris) – Prix Molière for the best Production in France 2022 – as well as productions across the globe. In November 2004 Ostermeier was appointed Artiste Associé for the Festival d’Avignon by the artistic director of the festival, Vincent Baudriller, and has been presenting shows at the Festival regularly since then. In 2023 he opened the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence with his version of Brecht’s/ Weill’s The Threepenny Opera. He has been appointed Officier des Arts et des Lettres by the French ministry of Culture, was German president of the Deutsch-Französischer Kulturrat (DKFR) – German-French Council of Culture, was the recipient of the Golden Lion of the Venice Biennale, Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the KYTHERA-Price for Culture, and is a member of the Deutsche Akademie der Künste, of the Académie de Berlin and of the Deutsch-Französischer Kulturrat, as well as receiving honorary doctorates from the Universities of Kent and Gothenberg.

For the Schaubühne Berlin, Florian Borchmeyer’s work includes The Return of Ulysses after Claudio Monteverdi, Eugene Onegin after Alexander Puschkin, Das wohltemperierte Klavier Musical theatre after Johann Sebastian Bach and László Krasznahorkai, An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen, Galaxy, Summerfolk by Maxim Gorki, Hyperion. Letters of a Terrorist after Friedrich Hölderlin, Romeo und Julia by William Shakespeare, For the Disconnected Child by Falk Richter, The Little Foxes by Lillian Hellman, 2666 by Roberto Bolaño, Kasimir and Karoline by Ödön von Horváth, The Marriage of Maria Braun after Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Richard III by William Shakespeare, Ödipus the Tyrant after Sophocles/Friedrich Hölderlin, Bella Figura by Yasmina Reza, Compassion. The History of the Machine Gun by Milo Rau, Professor Bernhardi by Arthur Schnitzler, Dead Dog at Dry Cleaners: the Strong by Angélica Liddell, Returning to Reims after Didier Eribon, LENIN by Milo Rau & Ensemble, Im Herzen der Gewalt by Édouard Louis, Italian Night by Ödön von Horváth, Youth Without God by Ödön von Horváth, Returning to Reims after Didier Eribon, and Qui a tué mon père (Who killed my father). He is a filmmaker and works as a literature critic and curates the international programme at Filmfest Munich.

www.anenemyofthepeople.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/enemyplayldn/

https://www.facebook.com/EnemyPlayLDN/

First look at LIZZIE THE MUSICAL

LIZZIE, directed & choreographed by William Whelton, co-founder  of Manchester’s acclaimed Hope Mill Theatre, where the production premieres from 1 to 30 September. 

It will then play regional dates prior to a 

London run at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, from 26 October to 2 December.

The cast features three stars of ‘SIX’ the musical:

Lauren Drew (Catherine of Aragon, ‘SIX’, UK tour; Brooke in ‘Legally Blonde’, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; ‘The Voice’ 2021 semi finalist, team will.i.am) plays Lizzie.

Maiya Quansah-Breed (Olivier nominated Best Supporting Actress as Catherine Parr, ‘SIX’, original West End cast; Mimi in ‘Rent’, Hope Mill Theatre; and just announced to play Princess Diana in ‘Diana the Musical in concert) is Alice.

Shekinah McFarlane (Anna of Cleves, SIX’, UK tour, Anna of Cleves & Catherine Aragon alternates in ‘SIX’, West End; Alysha in ‘American Idiot’, UK tour, Dionne in ‘Hair’, 50th anniversary UK tour, ‘The Voice’ 2022 semi-finalist under the name Shaka, team Olly Murs) is Emma.

Mairi Barclay (Fastrada/Berthe in ‘Pippin’, Southwark Playhouse; Monkey in Ian McKellen’s ‘Mother Goose’, West End & UK tour) is Bridget.

Ayesha Patel (Dima Bawab in ‘Broken Wings’, Charing Cross Theatre, receiving a Broadway World nomination for ‘Best Performance as an Understudy or Alternate’ for covering and playing the lead role of Selma Karamy) is cover Bridget.

Emma Louise Hoey (Lou in ‘Club Mex’, Hope Mill Theatre) is cover Lizzie and Alice.

Creative team:
Director/Choreographer William Whelton
Set and Lighting Design Andrew Exeter
Musical Supervision Katy Richardson
Associate Choreographer Yandass Ndlovu
Video Design Dan Light
Musical Direction Honor Halford-Macleod
Costume Design Rachel Tansey
Sound Design Adam Fisher
Casting by Pearson Casting CDG CDA CSA
Produced by Hope Mill Theatre.

LIZZIE premiered in New York in 2009 at The Living Theatre, with the Danish production of the show running in London in 2017 at the Greenwich Theatre.

This new production will be the first UK-created version of the show and the first UK tour.

LA VOIX

BRINGS NEW ‘RED AMBITION’ TOUR

TO THE WEST END

Over 30 years since Madonna embarked on her infamous ‘Blonde Ambition Tour’ Britain’s funniest red head will be donning the ‘cone bra’ and swinging into town.  La Voix will visit The Lyric Theatre, London for one night only on 08 October  with her live band for her most ambitious show yet The Red Ambition Tour.

The much-loved Drag Queen, best known from Britain’s Got Talent and Ab Fab the Movie, brings fans and first timers a unique evening of entertainment in the company of a true legend.

The Red Ambition tour promises an evening like no other, with huge live vocals, a live band and side-splitting comedy. Expect dazzling impersonations of all your favourite diva’s punctuated with La Voix unique razor-sharp and saucy wit – guaranteed to bring you to your feet with music, laughter and an abundance of glitz and glamour.

‘When I grow up I want to be La Voix’ – Dawn French

Wear thick pants because you’ll wet yourself laughing! – JENNIFER SAUNDERS

The feisty flame-haired phenomenon is a regular on both stage and screen and has worked closely with stars including Mickey Rooney, Cilla Black, Pamela Anderson, Brigitte Nielsen, Ruby Wax, Jennifer Sunders, Dawn French and many more.  She was most recently seen on ITV’s Queens for the Night alongside Lorraine Kelly and Melanie C and has some very exciting projects lined up for 2023 which all will be revealed very soon!

La Voix says:  ‘This Tour is going to be like no other. We are swinging into towns and cities across the country with my huge spectacle for all to see. I don’t know any other one night show that tours with the production, the band and the set we do!’

The perfect night out for theatre, comedy and musical fans! La Voix’s shows are not to be missed! Find out more and book your tickets at www.lavoix.co.uk   

The Red Ambition Tour is sponsored by P&O Cruises.  La Voix regularly performs in The Limelight Club on P&O Cruises newest, greenest and most contemporary ship Iona. Limelight Club is a supper club combining fine dining with comedy, singing, acting from many celebrity names.

A celebration of the best of York’s arts scene throughout October

Comedy Music & Spoken Word

York Alive is working with venues throughout the City to bring an exciting and dynamic programme of events this October to theatres,  music venues and pubs.  York Alive is the brainchild of Miles Salter, who ran the York Literature Festival successfully for2008 until 2016.  

‘I’m driven by a desire to see York have a great Arts Festival’  says the author, storyteller and band leader Miles. ‘We have so much to offer. Badging things together helps to raise awareness of the fantastic arts scene in York.’  

Venues include York Barbican, Grand Opera House York, National Centre For Early music and Victoria Vaults.  Contributing acts in 2023 include: The Waterboys, Howard Jones, Paul Carrack, Gabrielle, poet Helen Mort and acclaimed spoken word performer Luke Wright.  For blues lovers there’s York blues band DC Blues, American guitar wizard Toby Walker and Belfast emerging blues star Dom Martin 

‘I hope that this festival can become a regular yearly event, I must be crazy!’ says Miles

For a full list of events go to:  https://shorturl.at/aruOQ

The Charlie Kristensen Foundation in partnership with  

New Frame Productions proudly presents 

There’s No Place Like Home 

A West End Musical Celebration hosted by Jodie Prenger 

on Sunday 22 October 2023 

at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue 

celebrating the launch of 13-year-old Charlie’s anti-bullying charity 

To celebrate the launch of The Charlie Kristensen Foundation, join Charlie – the 13-year-old multi-award-winning anti-bullying campaigner, stage and screen actor and presenter of #MusicalChairs online chat show – and his West End friends for a sensational evening of performances in There’s No Place Like Home at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, on Sunday 22 October 2023 at 7.30pm.  

Hosted by Jodie Prenger, West End leading lady (Oliver!, Spamalot, Les Misérables) and ITV Coronation Street’s much-loved Glenda Shuttleworth, the show will take a journey down the yellow brick road of Charlie’s imagination, to find the place where he belongs. 

With direction by Dean Johnson, musical direction by Ellie Verkerk, choreography by Khiley Williams and lighting design by Joseph Ed Thomas, There’s No Place Like Home will feature a ten-strong band and guest appearances by top West End stars. The full line-up will be announced soon. 

Charlie is thrilled to be launching The Charlie Kristensen Foundation, a registered charity through which he will share his own story in person to young people and teachers in schools, whilst delivering anti-bullying support and resources which they can also access online. Charlie started his #CheerUpCharlie campaign in 2019. Having been bullied severely for over 18 months, in part due to his love of performing, he couldn’t take any more. When Charlie opened up to his performance coach, West End actress Jacqueline Hughes, she rallied the theatre industry into action. Hundreds of performers and creatives from the West End, Broadway and Hollywood identified with Charlie’s story, inundating him with supportive video messages. Following backstage invitations and national media interviews, Charlie decided to channel his own experiences and the support he’d received into fighting for others, becoming an anti-bullying ambassador. In 2021, he was recognised with The Diana Award – the highest accolade a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts.   

Charlie now devotes over one hundred hours each month to help others by mentoring, campaigning, fundraising and raising awareness. Highlights include releasing a charity single which he performed alongside West End talent. Guests of Charlie’s YouTube chat show, Musical Chairs, in which he discusses bullying and also lighter topics, include the likes of Matt Lucas, Gaby Roslin, Faye Tozer, Baz Bamigboye, Lucie Jones, Rob Madge and Rachel Tucker. 

Charlie says: “When this all began, my dream was to form a charity so we could be the voice that children need.  I would like The Charlie Kristensen Foundation to be associated with acceptance and to encourage children to be who they want to be, not what society thinks they should be. Our first concert is a chance to raise awareness of the charity, whilst reminding the world just how life-changing – and fabulous – theatre can be.”  

The Charlie Kristensen Foundation is grateful for the support and commitment of its Chair Jamie Read, the Board of Trustees and its Patrons Nikki Bentley, Dominic Ferris, Danyl Johnson, Nathaniel Morrison, Will Poulter, Jodie Prenger, Sam Retford and Ben Stock.  

To find out more about The Charlie Kristensen Foundation (registered charity no. 1201186), including donating, fundraising or signing up to volunteer, visit https://cheerupcharlie.co.uk.  

To join Charlie for a truly wonderful evening of music, ruby red carpets and fundraising at There’s No Place Like Home on 22 October, visit: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/theres-no-place-like-home/ Ticket prices range from £10-£65 (£65 tickets include an exclusive signed poster). 

The production is presented by The Charlie Kristensen Foundation in partnership with New Frame Productions. Media Partner: WhatsOnStage.   

 -LISTINGS- 

2023 TOUR 

Show: There’s No Place Like Home 

Venue: Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue 

Date/Time: Sunday 22 October 2023, 7.30pm 

Tickets: £10-£65 

Box Office: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/theres-no-place-like-home/ 

Running Time: tbc 

Access details: 0330 333 4815 or email [email protected]. For full venue access information, visit: https://nimaxtheatres.com/accessibility/.