YORK THEATRE ROYAL ANNOUNCES THE WORLD PREMIERE OF DEBBIE ISITT’S MILITARY WIVES – The Musical

York Theatre Royal, in association with Everyman Theatre Cheltenham and Buxton Opera House,today announces the world premiere of Debbie Isitt’s Military Wives – The Musical. The brand-new musical will also be directed by Isitt and is inspired by the true story of the Military Wives choir and based on the film Military Wives.

The production opens at York Theatre Royal on 16 September, with previews from 10 September and runs until 27 September.

Writer and Director Debbie Isitt said, “This inspirational new musical about a group of women who triumph against all odds has been a joy to create.  It is so exciting to be working with York Theatre Royal on such a funny and exhilarating new musical and I can’t wait to share it with audiences.”

Paul Crewes, CEO of York Theatre Royalsaid, “It is so great to be working with Debbie Isitt, to produce the world premiere of this brand-new musical here at York Theatre Royal. It is a very moving yet uplifting story inspired by the film and the true story of the Military Wives choirs. It is also packed full of songs that our audiences will know and love. Don’t miss this joyous production in York this autumn.”

Priority booking for York Theatre Royal Members opens today (Feb 24th) from 1pm, with general on sale on 1 March at 1pm.

A York Theatre Royal Production

MILITARY WIVES – The Musical

Inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie

Written and directed by Debbie Isitt

In association with Everyman Theatre Cheltenham and Buxton Opera House 

10 September – 27 September

This Autumn, join us for the world premiere of a brand-new British musical, based on the 2019 hit movie Military Wives and inspired by a true story.

A joyous celebration of female friendship, courage and ‘unsung’ heroes. Get ready for the inspirational story of the Military Wives choir as they change the world one song at a time. 

Written and directed by Bafta award winner Debbie Isitt (Nativity!), this new production is a funny, feel-good story of female empowerment and the perfect harmony of laughter, emotion and fun.

With their husbands and partners away at war, the women are isolated, bored and desperate to find a focus to take their minds off feelings of impending doom.  Enter Olive who arrives on the ‘patch’ to help them form a choir and learn to sing.  But Olive gets a lot more than she bargains for with this diverse group of women – who through the power of song find themselves facing their fears and making unexpected friendships along the way. 

Featuring a fantastic mix of pop, rock and power ballads to make you laugh, cry and sing your hearts out! 

Debbie Isitt is a BAFTA and EMMY award winning writer and director of film, television and theatre. Debbie originally trained as an actor and spent her youth touring the world with her internationally renowned theatre company, Snarling Beasties and after a successful run in London’s West End, her play The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband is still performed across the globe. In recent years Debbie has created a hugely successful UK film franchise by writing and directing (in her inimitable improvisational process) a series of blockbuster Christmas films; NATIVITY! Starring Martin Freeman, Nativity 2 starring David Tennant, Nativity 3 starring Martin Clunes and Catherine Tate, and Nativity Rocks! starring Celia Imrie and Craig Revel Horwood which have all been major box office hits. She also adapted and directed the hit stage show Nativity! The Musical which is heading into its 5th sensational season this Christmas. Last year Debbie wrote and directed a major new stage musical I Should Be So Lucky featuring Kylie Minogue, based on the songs of hit factory composers Stock, Aitken and Waterman which embarked on an extensive UK tour. Her other films include CONFETTI (Fox Searchlight) and CHRISTMAS ON MISTETOE FARM (Netflix)

Listings

YORK THEATRE ROYAL

St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD

www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Box Office: 01904 623568

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

York Theatre Royal

18 March – 5 April

THE STORM WHALE

14 – 19 April

KRAPP’S LAST TAPE

14 April – Sat 17 May 2025

Press performances: 7.30pm 23 April, 7.30pm 24 April, 7.30pm 25 April, 5pm & 7.30pm 26 April

HIS LAST REPORT

19 July – 3 August

MILITARY WIVES THE MUSICAL

York Theatre Royal

10 Sep – 27 Sep 2025

Press night: Tuesday 16 September at 7:30pm

www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Dave Moutrey reappointed as Theatres
Trust’s Chair

Theatres Trust, the national public advisory and advocacy body for theatres, is pleased to announce that Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has reappointed Dave Moutrey as Chair for a further three-year term.

Two Trustees have also been reappointed; James Dacre, Director and Producer, founder of Living Productions and Stephanie Hall, a barrister specialising in town and country planning at Kings Chambers.

As an arms-length public body, appointments to the Theatres Trust’s Board are made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. All appointments are for a three-year term, beginning on 21st February 2025.

Dave Moutrey is Director of Culture for Manchester City Council where he is responsible for advising the council on policy and strategy for culture. He was appointed as Theatres Trust’s Chair in February 2022, and during his first three-year tenure he oversaw a refresh of the organisation’s vision and mission and led the recruitment of Theatres Trust’s new CEO, Joshua McTaggart.

Dave says I am delighted that the Secretary of State has approved my re-appointment for another term as Chair of the Theatres Trust alongside the renewal of two other trustees who give their valuable time to our brilliant board. To have the Secretary of State’s confidence to do this work is a great honour. As a Department for Culture, Media and Sport Arm’s Length Body, Theatres Trust is the only organisation empowered to protect the UK’s theatre ecosystem, from small-scale community spaces through to large-scale commercial auditoriums. Given the numerous challenges currently facing the sector, our mission and purpose feel more vital than ever. I am especially looking forward to working with our new Director Joshua McTaggart as he and our team develop our next strategic plan to ensure theatres across the country continue to be fit for the future.

Joshua McTaggart, Theatres Trust’s CEO says, It is fantastic news that Dave [Moutrey] has been reappointed as Theatres Trust’s Chair, and James [Dacre] and Stepanie [Hall] reappointed as Trustees. Their collective knowledge and experience are invaluable to Theatres Trust, especially as we head towards our 50th anniversary in 2026. I am excited to work with them, and the rest of our Board, to expand Theatres Trust’s reach and impact, develop our impartial professional advice services, and grow the recently established Sector Skills Bank.

OLIVIER-AWARD WINNING STAR

CASSIDY JANSON

LIVE AT THE VAUDEVILLE THEATRE

MONDAY 7 APRIL, 7.30PM

THE SECOND CONCERT IN THE WESTWAY SESSIONS SERIES – WHERE LEADING STARS OF THE WEST END AND BROADWAY PERFORM EXCLUSIVE CONCERTS AT THE VAUDEVILLE THEATRE ON MONDAYS

Westway Music is pleased to announce further details of Cassidy Janson’s concert, the second of the Westway Sessions, a series of Monday night concerts with leading stars of the West End and Broadway at the Vaudeville Theatre.

On Monday 7 April, Cassidy will be back on the West End stage for the first time since her Olivier Award winning role of Anne Hathaway in & Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre.  

Cassidy will be recreating her much acclaimed rendition of the Celine Dion classic It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, which she performed on Strictly Come Dancing, alongside many of her favourite songs, which have inspired her career.

Cassidy explains, “It’s such an honour to perform so many well-loved songs. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ has a special place in my heart as a Carole King song, and one that I also recorded for the Classic Brit award nominated album Leading Ladies: Songs from the Stage with Beverley Knight and Amber Riley. 

It’s always a thrill to perform Nobody’s Side from Chess, which brings back great memories of playing opposite Michael Ball and Alexandra Burke a few tears ago. Music and lyrics are so powerful for the audience, and I’m sure I will see a few tears with the Bette Midler classic Wind Beneath My Wings.

“The set is eclectic and filled by my musical influences, which is an absolute joy. It’s no secret that I adore jazz and a baritone vocal, so singing the Gregory Porter ballad Wolfcry will be a special moment.”

The show also features When a Woman, taken from the hit Brit film ‘Fisherman’s Friends’, the hit Brit Flick that featured one of Cassidy’s self-named album tracks.

Well known for playing Carole King in ‘Beautiful’, to rave reviews, Cassidy received the approval of the American singer/songwriter herself following a surprise visit to one of her performances. Ms King praised the performance, saying: “Cassidy Janson literally brought me to tears this evening with her performance of Natural Woman. She was who I was, she felt what I felt. She was me!”. This accolade led a to a duet with Carole King in Hyde Park for 65,000 people in 2016.

Westway Sessions celebrates the very best talent of musical theatre and the recording label Westway Music that in the past three years has become the home to leading stars of the West End, Broadway, and musical theatre. 

 Cassidy’s performance follows the first Westway Session by Lee Mead in March, followed by Kerry Ellis (Monday 21 April) and Aimie Atkinson (Monday 23 June), with further details to be released.

 Tickets for all concerts are available here.  All Concerts Start at 7.30pm, with tickets from £25.

 For more information about Westway Music please visit www.westwaymusic.com

Follow Cassidy on socials @cassidyjanson

ADDITIONAL DATES AND VENUES ANNNOUNCED
FOR THE MAJOR NEW UK TOUR
OF THE WORLDWIDE SMASH HIT MUSICAL
MAMMA MIA!
BEGINNING FROM OCTOBER 2025

The sensational feel-good musical MAMMA MIA! embarks on a new UK tour from 24 October 2025 and today announces additional dates and venues.

The new dates and venues for 2026 are: Swansea Building Society Arena (13 January – 24 January 2026), His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (27 January – 7 February 2026), Newcastle Theatre Royal (11 – 28 February 2026), Palace Theatre Manchester (3 – 21 March 2026), Curve, Leicester (24 – 29 March 2026).

Previously announced dates are: Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (24 October – 8 November 2025), Bristol Hippodrome (11 – 22 November 2025), New Theatre Oxford (25 November – 6 December 2025), Edinburgh Playhouse (9 December 2025 – 4 January 2026).

Further tour dates and venues are to be announced. For more information and to book the newly announced venues visit mamma-mia.com. Casting for the tour is to be announced.

From West End to global phenomenon, MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with a sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads unfolding on a Greek island idyll.

This irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world and now there’s never been a better time to see this unforgettable musical. Whatever age you are, you can’t help but have the time of your life at MAMMA MIA!

Now in its 26th year, MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 11 million people and has played over 10,000 performances in London’s West End. The MAMMA MIA! International Tour has visited 42 countries in the past 20 years, performed more than 3,750 shows and has been seen by over 7.3 million people. MAMMA MIA! became the 9th longest running show in Broadway history where it played a record-breaking run for 14 years. In 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China. MAMMA MIA! has been seen live on stage by over 70 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies.

Produced by Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008.  A second film, MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN, opened in July 2018 and became the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time. Both films starred Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper, with Lily James, Andy Garcia and Cher joining them in the second film.

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

The MAMMA MIA! UK Tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal and NGM.

LISTINGS

MAMMA MIA! UK TOUR DATES 2025-2026:

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton                                                       24 October – 8 November 2025

www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/mamma-mia-2025

on sale now

Bristol Hippodrome                                                                                   11 – 22 November 2025

www.atgtickets.com/shows/mamma-mia/bristol-hippodrome   

on sale now

New Theatre Oxford                                                                                 25 November – 6 December 2025

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford

on sale now

Edinburgh Playhouse                                                                                9 December 2025 – 4 January 2026

www.atgtickets.com/shows/mamma-mia/edinburgh-playhouse

on sale now

Swansea Building Society Arena                                                            13 January – 24 January 2026
www.swanseagrand.co.uk

On sale 26 February

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen                                                          27 January – 7 February 2026
www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on

On sale 4 March

Newcastle Theatre Royal                                                                         11 – 28 February 2026
www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on

On sale 4 April

Palace Theatre Manchester                                                                    3 – 21 March 2026

www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

On sale 26 February

Curve, Leicester                                                                                          24 – 28 March 2026www.curveonline.co.uk               

On sale soon

www.mamma-mia.com

NEW WEST END COMPANY ANNOUNCED FOR THE OLIVIER NOMINATED INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL SENSATION

THE CHOIR OF MAN

REOPENING AT THE ARTS THEATRE FROM 12 MARCH AND RUNNING UNTIL 31 AUGUST 2025

TICKETS AT THE ARTS THEATRE AVAILABLE TO BOOK HERE

The producers of Olivier-nominated international stage sensation THE CHOIR OF MAN are delighted to reveal details of the new company who will re-open the hit musical at the Arts Theatre from 12 March, following a period of closure for some minor venue redevelopment, and play an extended season through until 31 August.

Welcome to THE JUNGLE, the best pub in the world.

Here, an (extra)ordinary cast of nine guys combine beautiful harmonies and foot-stomping singalongs with first-rate tap dance and poetic meditations on the power of community.

Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry to name but a few, this is a pub like no other!

An uplifting celebration of community and friendship with something for everyone – including free beer! Enjoy 90 minutes of feel-good, foot-stomping entertainment unlike anything else in the West End.

The new cast is Jason Brock (Thriller Live – lead vocalist, Lyric Theatre and Shaftesbury Theatre) as ‘Romantic’, Benji Lord (Dreamboats and Petticoats: Bringing on Back The Good Times!, world premiere, UK tour, The Ruff Tuff Cream Puff Estate Agency, world premiere, UK tour) as ‘Joker’, David Booth (The Threepenny Opera, Royal Philharmonic Choir, Fiddler On The Roof, Grange Park Opera, BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall) as ‘Pub Bore’, Paul McArthur (Tracks, Union Theatre, Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens, Camden Fringe) as ‘Poet’, Oliver Jacobson (Come From Away, UK tour, Grease, UK tour) as ‘Barman’ and Alex Mallalieu (As You Like It, UK tour, Buddy Holly & The Cricketers, UK tour) and Toby Francis (High Fidelity, Hayes Theatre Co., We Will Rock You, Neil Gooding Productions) as swings.

The new members of the cast join pub regulars Rob Godfrey (Choir of Man – Sydney Opera House) as ‘Beast’, Ifan Gwilym-Jones (The Choir of Man, NCL; Australia and Chicago) as ‘Maestro’, George Knapper (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, UK Tour and The Choir of Man NCL; Canada; Australia; Chicago; Florida and West End) as ‘Handyman’ with Bradley Walwyn (We Will Rock You, Royal Caribbean; The Choir Of Man NCL and Australia) as ‘Hardman’.  David Shute (Once: The Musical, Barn and The Choir of Man NCL; Chicago; Tampa; Australia; Edinburgh; Coventry) and Tom Carter-Miles (Frankenstein Illyria; The Choir of Man, NCL and West End) both return as swings.

Nic Doodson said on behalf of the producers, “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to go into our fourth year at the Arts Theatre in the heart of the West End and are delighted that the new cast members will have the chance to appear in front of such passionate and engaged audiences”.

The show kicked off its West End journey at the Arts Theatre in October 2021, and went on to welcome over 280,000 audience members through the doors over 1,000 performances.

THE CHOIR OF MAN previously played three sell-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and multiple sold-out US and European tours. Following its last run at the Arts Theatre from October 2021 to April 2022, it received an Olivier nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, and then went on to play in Coventry as part of the City of Culture Assembly Festival season and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The show re-opened at the Arts Theatre in October 2022, and has continued to see many sold-out shows, with loyal audiences returning again and again. In 2023 the show announced partnerships with suicide prevention charity CALM (The Campaign Against Living Miserably), and Big Drop Brewing Co – the world’s first brewer dedicated to alcohol-free beer – as the show’s Official Alcohol-Free Beer Partner.

THE CHOIR OF MAN is created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, directed by Nic Doodson, with Daniel Harnett as associate director and resident director; monologues written by Ben Norris; with musical supervision, vocal arrangements and orchestrations by Jack Blume, with Lee Freeman as resident musical director, and Alistair Higgins as associate musical supervisor; movement direction and choreography by Freddie Huddleston, with Adam Hilton as associate choreographer and movement director; scenic design by Oli Townsend, lighting design by Richard Dinnen, costume design and co-scenic design by Verity Sadler, sound design by Sten Severson, with Liam McDermott as associate sound designer; casting by Debbie O’Brien.

The show is produced by HH Productions Ltd, Nic Doodson, Andrew Kay, Wendy & Andy Barnes, Gavin Kalin and Hunter Arnold.

Website: choirofmanwestend.com

Facebook: @thechoirofman

Twitter & Instagram: @choirofman

The Other Palace (Studio), London – until 9th March 2025

Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith

3***

Mia, Sami, Ren, Prudence, and Veronica are all through to the final rounds of Miss I-Doll, an all rounder televised talent contest. At the centre of the story is Mia, a sweet girl who is just there to have a good time, however her true nature is revealed when a bump to the head in a backstage accident leads to an on air rant about the reality of talent shows, and all is not as it seems. Miss I-Doll is a new satirical musical from writers Tobia Rossi and Oliver Lidert, with music by Simone Manfredini. Taking aim at the ethics, green-washing, image, identity, fame, and the soulless commodification of people and talent at whatever cost, Ruthie Stephens’ production is an interesting take.

The action alternates between on air scenes and backstage drama. Daisy Steere is an undeniably excellent performer who makes light work of playing every character, giving each a distinctly different accent whether it’s Geordie, Scouse, Irish, or Italian with very different characteristics. She powers through the songs and there is never any confusion as to which character is present. There is a producer called Maria who is juggling contestants, sponsors, and ratings, and ultimately her own place within the talent machine, and a villainous CEO of a conglomerate who own every aspect of the show including every sponsor – Fanny-Fresh Spoon Cup, Commune Kombucha, and LoCal Fem Water. One of my favourite of the characters is Anita Johnson, the ever smiling presenter of Miss I-Doll who has to balance the on stage tension, being upbeat, and advertising the insane products that sponsor the show. Steere also plays various characters in pre-recorded Gogglebox style videos of viewers commentating on the show as it goes out “live”. Although Steere is fantastic playing every role, Natalie Casey is a great addition in the role of the ‘Big Sis’, a mix of booming X Factor announcements and the voice of the Big Brother diary room, adding another dynamic to the show.

In this feminist-ish slant on how women are perceived and how they navigate the world, the jokes come thick and fast, taking aim at common talent show tropes, people in the public eye, advertising, and other reality shows. There are a lot of swipes at low hanging fruit, and the humour and the jabs are at times obvious and a bit predictable. In trying to create a full picture of the talent show machine – multiple contestants, backstage/on stage, advertisers, audience, societal expectations etc – the story is unable to scratch the surface and go deeper. However, there is no denying that there are some excellent gags, and the songs are very catchy and the singing is impeccable in this fun new show.

The Mill at Sonning – until 12 April 2025

Reviewed by Marcia Spiers

4****

In these challenging times with dreary weather boot, it was great to watch an evening of comedy at which I laughed a lot. A true farce according to an early definition is “a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay, typically involving ludicrously improbable situations.” This lived up to all expectations in this regard.

Written by Ray Cooney and directed by Ron Aldridge, the story is set in 1992 in the Doctors Common Room of a London hospital. It was fabulous to see accomplished actors, Mill regulars and new talent in this play. The simple but effective set meant no scene changes and clever use of a window with a view and a ledge gave the stage depth.

Dr. David Mortimore (Stephen Pinder) is preparing to deliver a keynote address to a group of neurologists. His main aim being to impress his audience and Sir Willoughby Drake (Eric Carter) with the prospect of achieving greater things. He has been practising, and his wife Rosemary Mortimore (Rachel Fielding) is there to support him.

It is the arrival of Jane Tate (Natasha Gray), an ex-nurse at the hospital minutes before the event where things start to unravel. She has an 18-year-old son, Leslie (Francis Redfern) who has found out who his father is and wants to meet him. Naturally, the doctor wants to keep this revelation from his wife at all costs and assumes the role of a vicar. Queue (James Bradshaw) David’s colleague Dr. Hubert Bonney who somehow gets hoodwinked into the role much to Leslie’s excitement and Jane’s shock.

Add to the mix, Dr. Mike Connolly (Oscar Cleaver) who is running rehearsals for the hospital panto. Little does he know that he will be playing matron (Elizabeth Elvin) along with duplicate matrons following the real matron’s fall from the window and rescue, after an appropriately placed injection of sedative. The unfortunate Police Sergeant (Titus Rowe) sent to investigate the situation, cannot establish what is going on, at which he declares the place a madhouse. The equally mad Bill Leslie (Iain Stuart Robertson), an eccentric hospital patient, identified as Jane’s ex-husband or one of them despite the fact Jane has never been married to anyone, is very enthralled with Jane, his new room and refuses to leave. This contributes to the mayhem.

All the actors gave very credible performances. A particular mention must go to James Bradshaw who for me provided brilliant comic timing in multi guises (so funny), Elizabeth Elvin as Matron especially when under the influence of sedative and to Francis Redfern’s portrayal of a confused, angry young man desperate to know his father, the one serious point of this play.

There was so much going on it is difficult to cover it all, but it is well worth seeing if you are seeking a right good laugh and of course the Mill is lovely setting together with the new food arrangements. We had a great evening.

Petersfield Festival Hall – until 22nd February 2025

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

4****

Stage One Youth Theatre invite you to cut loose and kick off your Sunday shoes with a performance of Footloose this half term!

This incredibly talented cast of performers have hit the nail on the head of this show. we follow Ren (Arthur Westmorland) as he navigates a move to Bomont, a town with officials who have outlawed dancing following a car crash-headed up by Reverend Shaw (Joshua Witt). Together with Rev.Shaw’s daughter-who likes to break the rules-Ariel (Emma Moignard) Ren manages to persuade the officials to look within themselves and the town finally gets to see the beauty of dance!

This show is a triumph, the talent and energy this group had was infectious-I was engrossed with every scene as they sang, danced and acted perfectly. The vocals from Westmoreland and Witt were astounding, I found it hard to believe these are young people-they had the gravitas and stage presence of professionals! Caitlin Biddlecombe as Reverend Shaws wife Vi was incredible. Her rendition of ‘Can you find it in your heart?’ was breathtaking-she told the story beautifully with such a tender tone that nearly had me in tears. Another stand out was Ella Burgos as Rusty, along with her crew Jessica, Urleen and Wendy-Jo (Tori Clark, Tayla Fallon, Lucy Mengham). This quartet were fabulous, with some really difficult harmonies executed with ease and in perfect pitch. Burgos is definitely one to watch-I am so excited to see where she goes, she is superb at what she does.

It was hard to find anything I would change with this production, it was truly brilliant. My one note, is I would have loved to see the cast slow their dialogue a little and really relish in their characters, savouring the moments on stage. There were a few lighting issues, with some of the cast not being fully illuminated during their solos-but I don’t believe this caused too much of a problem for the overall production.

This is a perfect way to spend your half term, enjoy the vocals, tap your toes….everybody, Footloose!!

Images are released today of the new cast of the UK and Ireland tour of the multi award-winning HAMILTON, in Bradford until Saturday 15 March before playing Southampton,Liverpool, Sunderland, Plymouth, Norwich and Glasgow.

The production stars Marley Fenton as Alexander Hamilton and Billy Nevers as Aaron Burr, alongside Roshani Abbey as Eliza Hamilton, KM Drew Boateng as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Chasity Crisp as Angelica Schuyler, Ashley J. Daniels as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Shak Mancel James as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, Naomi Katiyo as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds, Akmed Junior Khemalai as George Washington and Louis Maskell as King George.

Casey Al-Shaqsy will play Eliza Hamilton from Wednesday 26 March.

The UK and Ireland tour of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical opened at the Manchester Palace Theatre on Saturday 11 November 2023 and has continued to play to packed houses and critical acclaim in Edinburgh, Bristol, Birmingham, Dublin and Cardiff. The production continues to break records at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London, where it is currently booking until 29 March 2025, and on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. 

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography.  The HAMILTON creative team previously collaborated on the Tony Award®-Winning Best Musical In the Heights.

HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe.

HAMILTON is produced in the UK by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Cameron Mackintosh.

Hull New Theatre – 20th February 2025

Reviewed by Anne Walker

5*****

“Romeo and Juliet,” a ballet interpretation of Shakespeare’s iconic play, graced the stage at the Hull New Theatre, courtesy of the esteemed Varna International Ballet and Orchestra. 

While traditional dialogue is absent, the dancers’ expressive movements vividly narrate the passionate and tragic love story of the star-crossed lovers perfectly.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Renaissance Verona, Prokofiev’s evocative score breathes life into this tale of intense emotion and enduring sorrow. Sergei Bobrovs choreography, infused with deep emotion, perfectly complements the narrative, showcasing the exceptional talent of Varna International Ballet under the guidance of Daniela Dimova and Peter Tuleshkov. Their award-winning soloists and impressive corps de ballet truly embody the spirit of this timeless narrative.

This ballet adaptation draws directly from Shakespeare’s original work, focusing on the immediate and intense attraction between Romeo and Juliet while streamlining the plot by sidelining some supporting characters. This approach allows the audience to appreciate the technical prowess of the dancers without getting lost in the complexities of the storyline.

The first act unfolds with the meeting of Romeo and Juliet at a grand ball, where their instant connection leads to a series of secretive exchanges. The narrative then transitions to the darker second act, highlighting the tragic consequences of Romeo’s impulsive actions, including the death of Tybalt, yet Juliet remains steadfast in her belief in his love, culminating in the well-known tragic conclusion. The stark contrast between the light-hearted moments in the first act and the somber themes of the latter encourages the audience to ponder the cruel twists of fate.

This seemed to be a young and vibrant company of performers who showcased remarkable ballet technique, excelling in both ensemble pieces and the standout solos of the lead characters. Mercutio, in particular, brought a playful and humorous energy to the performance, providing a refreshing contrast to the tragedy. Romeo’s character was portrayed with depth, revealing his loyalty, courage, and youthful innocence as he navigated the festivities to catch a glimpse of Juliet, who also stole our hearts with her beautiful performance.

The production also introduced some surprising elements. Alongside traditional ballet, modern dance influences were evident, especially during the conflict scenes between the feuding families. This blend of styles enriched the storytelling experience. The costumes, curtesy of Dmitry Tcherbadzhi, were used in a very surprising way. Dresses that were taken off and stood on their own, striking black and white ‘Death Herald’ outfits and the effectiveness of putting the two families in different colours.

Overall this production, with its unique blend of classic and contemporary style, gave us a compelling retelling of this well known tale and left the audience giving a rapturous applause.