9-year-old Great Ormond Street Hospital Patient Takes Flight as Peter Pan on Truro’s Cornwall Playhouse Stage

9-year-old Woody Grimwade received a bone marrow transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital

Truro theatre, Hall for Cornwall, invited Woody to ‘fly’ on their stage with Peter Pan cast

The hospital is guardian of J.M Barrie’s Peter Pan legacy and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity granted rights to Hall for Cornwall for their 2023 Christmas production

Last week the UK’s most southerly largescale theatre, the Cornwall Playhouse, reignited the ageless appeal of a classic story as they welcomed a very special guest to ‘fly’ on their stage with the cast of their forthcoming production of Peter Pan.

Author J.M Barrie gifted the rights to Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in 1929. Over the years, this generous gift has provided a significant source of income to help support the work of the hospital, and to help give seriously ill children the best chance to fulfil their potential.

Truro venue Hall for Cornwall, home to the Cornwall Playhouse, connected these two threads when 9-year-old GOSH patient Woody Grimwade, who received life-saving treatment at the hospital, was invited to take a magical stage flight (supported by special effects wires) on the Cornwall Playhouse Stage. Little did Woody know that the actors who will play Peter Pan, Wendy and Tinker Bell were waiting in the wings in full costume, ready to guide him through the starry skies of their magical set.

Woody was admitted to GOSH in August 2022 with bone marrow failure. Almost a year on, the boy and his family are relishing the second chance the GOSH intervention has provided.

Laurie, mother of Woody, said: “When Hall for Cornwall asked my son if he’d like to fly like Peter Pan his face lit up. Coming to the theatre and seeing a show is a magical experience but being able to meet the cast and crew and fly was just incredible.”

Woody was taken backstage where he met the cast of Hall for Cornwall’s 2023 Christmas Show, before stepping into his harness and taking flight. Flying company Flying First Class were joined by Tinker Bell to help him fly.

Laurie continues: “Woody has suffered with a lot of anxiety over the past year and flying made him feel very special and brave. Theatre has been a huge part of Woody’s recovery, so this experience was so important. Thank you to Hall for Cornwall, the flying crew, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and Wendy for making my little boy feel so special and thank you for giving him (and me crying from the wings!) this opportunity. We can’t wait to come back to the Cornwall Playhouse to watch Peter Pan.”

Woody was also joined by Kate Orchard, 101, who broke the record for being the oldest person in the UK to fly on the stage on wires. Kate was delighted to meet Woody, taking the opportunity to throw a handful of ‘fairy dust’ over him as they flew side-by-side.

After the flight, Woody exclaimed: “That was probably the most exciting thing I’ve ever done in my life!”

Julien Boast, Chief Executive and Creative Director of Hall for Cornwall, said: “There’s no greater joy than being part of a child’s happiness. These are the moments we treasure for years to come. Nobody ever really grows up – those of us who are lucky enough to work in the creative sector dedicate ourselves to creating experiences that awake that childlike wonder for audiences. I think J.M Barrie understood that connection better than all of us, which is why Peter Pan remains such an enduring story for all ages. We can’t wait to welcome Woody and family back to see the show in December.”

After the experience, Julien Boast extended an invitation to Woody and his family to return to the Truro theatre for their VIP Press night when Peter Pan opens in December. Woody will have the chance to meet the cast again, and see the show, with other special guests.

Helen Calder, Deputy Director of Public Fundraising at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity), added: “After overcoming a serious diagnosis and transplant treatment, what better way to celebrate

Woody’s recovery than to help him fly across the stage with the cast of Peter Pan. On behalf of everyone at GOSH Charity, we’d like to thank Hall for Cornwall for their generous support, and for granting a once-in-a-lifetime experience to one of the hospital’s very brave patients.”

“Peter Pan” is presented by arrangement with GOSH Charity and Concord Theatricals Ltd. On behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk.

You can find out more about Peter Pan and purchase tickets here: https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/whats-on/peter-pan/.

To learn more about GOSH Charity, visit www.gosh.org.

The Other Palace Presents the Naughtiest,

Stagey-est Show this Christmas!

The Other Palace is delighted to present a brand-new twist on the classic fairy tale this Christmas, full of filthy festive fun. A Very Very Bad Cinderella is written by Neil Hurst (Tracks, Dating for Dogs, The Government Inspector) and Jodie Prenger (Coronation Street, I’d Do Anything) and runs from 1 December 2023 to 7 January 2024 at The Other Palace Studio – Suitable for audiences 16+.

Tired of the same old Cinderella story? We’ve read the book and endured many a dodgy pantomime version. But who do we really go to see? You know who they are, those ‘Ugly B**ches who have us in stitches’. We love them, we hate them… the filthy tramps. This is the ‘Real’ Cinderella story direct from the mucky mouths of the “ladies” that were there. So, lock up your Sons, and all of your Misters, Look out London, it’s the UGLY SISTERS.

Featuring loads of songs lovingly ripped off from the repertoire of those West End Wendy’s. You think you know the story of precious little Cinderella? Think again!

Following in the success of The Other Palace’s first adult Christmas comedy in 2022, Ghosted – Another F***ing Christmas Carol, prepare for a musical parody so naughty it could turn anyone into a Bad Cinderella.

The Other Palace Artistic Director, Paul Taylor-Mills, says “We are delighted to carry on our newly established tradition of deliciously naughty Christmas Capers in the Studio after the sold-out success of Ghosted – Another F***ing Christmas Carol last year. A Very Very Bad Cinderella is sure to make us laugh and blush at the same time!”

Praise for Ghosted – Another F***ing Christmas Carol:

“It’s an understated triumph of smut and social commentary” ★★★★ The Stage

“It finds mirth in the clichés of the season, while rattling off a host of R-rated gags and working to suffuse a familiar tale” ★★★★ WhatsOnStage

“An absolute marvel full to the brim with humour” ★★★★★ All That Dazzles

“It is hard not to be overcome with fits of hysterics… It is genuinely hilarious.”

★★★★★ Broadway Baby

A Very Very Bad Cinderella is written by Neil Hurst and Jodie Prenger. Cast and creatives to be announced.

Blackpool Grand Theatre – until 3 September 2023

Reviewed by Debra Skelton

4****

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is flying high in Blackpool and can be seen at The Grand Theatre Blackpool until Sunday 3rd September.

This production by ENSEMBLE Theatre Blackpool is a feel-good adaptation of this classical musical and is a show that has something for everyone bringing nostalgia to the older generation and excitement to the young.

It is based on the MGM motion picture and licenced script adapted by Ray Roderick with music and lyrics by the legendary Richard M Sherman & Robert B Sherman and music by special arrangement with Sony/ATV publishing adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams.

The show is about the adventures of the quirky inventor Caractacus Potts, his delightful children Jeremy and Jemima, the beautiful Truly Scrumptious and their life at home with the eccentric Grandpa Potts and not forgetting the star of the show Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Jeremy and Jemima set their sights on an old racing car with which is out of Caractacus price range but after selling an invention that does not actually work (turkey’s that is all I am saying) he buys and re-invents the car.

This is where their adventure begins with a floating and flying Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a visit to Vulgaria (where the Baron and Baroness covet the car), a toymaker and the not so pleasant Child Catcher.

For me it was lovely to see a production by a locally based theatre company with exceptional talent (voices to die for and perfection of dancing routines) by all the characters young and old with Andy Vitolo playing Caractacus Potts, Rebecca Whittaker as Truly Scrumptious, Chloe Haley as the Baroness, Harvey King as the Baron, Paul Hilton as Grandpa Potts, and many more.

I would however, like to say my favourite characters were Goran played by Jack Learoyd and Boris played by Joshua Coster the two Vulgarian spies who had an amazing duo act that was funny and so very entertaining.

Finally, but not least Elena Bleakley who played Jemima and Rex Tomlinson who played Jeremy had such a commanding presence on stage for their young ages so well done to you both.

This production would not be a success if I did not point out the creative and adaptable set, lighting, sound, authentic costumes, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang itself.

The final thing to say is do not miss this show as you will be disappointed.

MISCHIEF PROUDLY SUPPORT

BATTERSEA’S WEAR BLUE FOR RESCUE THIS SEPTEMBER

• Throughout September, award-winning comedy creators Mischief are supporting leading animal welfare charity Battersea’s ‘Wear Blue for Rescue’, proudly spreading the word and sharing the love for the wonderful rescue dogs and cats who really need a second chance in life, both here in the UK and around the world.
• Throughout September, Mischief will be fundraising at the Duchess Theatre, asking audiences to donate and help give second chances to dogs and cats everywhere. Show support now by donating online or purchasing a Wear Blue For Rescue item from the Battersea Shop.
• Mischief have signed up to Battersea’s Walk for Rescue – with members of the team walking either 30km, 60km or 90km this September to raise vital funds to help Battersea be there for dogs and cats, wherever they are, for as long as they’re needed. Donate or join the Mischief Team at https://events.battersea.org.uk/fundraisers/mischief
• To thank and celebrate Battersea volunteers across London, Mischief have invited Battersea staff, volunteers and supporters to a gala performance of The Play That Goes Wrong on Wednesday 4 October.
• Please find link here to a video and photos of the London cast of Mischief’s The Play That Goes Wrong London cast visiting Battersea to meet a few of the incredible rescue animals…what could go wrong?!

Mischief today announce their support for Battersea’s ‘Wear Blue for Rescue’ throughout September, proudly spreading the word and sharing the love for the wonderful rescue dogs and cats who really need a second chance in life, both here in the UK and around the world.

Mischief will be fundraising at the Duchess Theatre, where their award winning production, The Play That Goes Wrong is currently running. In addition, members of the Mischief team are also taking part in Battersea’s Walk for Rescue – walking either 30km, 60km or 90km this September to raise funds for the charity. Finally Mischief are delighted to invite Battersea staff, volunteers and supporters to a gala performance of The Play That Goes Wrong as a thank you for the incredible work they do.  

Rob Young, Head of Centre Operations at Battersea, said: “We are very grateful to be supported by Mischief throughout September as we ask pet lovers everywhere to support Battersea’s ‘Wear Blue for Rescue’, an opportunity for pet owners and supporters to come together and show their love for rescue dogs and cats who really need a second chance in life, both here in the UK and around the world. People can find out how to support Battersea by visiting our website.”

Henry Lewis, Mischief Director, also commented: “We are so thrilled to be supporting Battersea and Wear Blue for Rescue this September. Battersea are an incredible organization who help so many rescue dogs and cats who really need a second chance in life. We’re delighted to be able to fundraise for them and help spread the word about their great work. To find out more, including how you can help then please visit battersea.org.uk or search Wear Blue for Rescue.”

@MischiefComedy

@Battersea 

#WearBlueforRescue

The Play That Goes Wrong is co-written by Mischief company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields and is directed by Mark Bell,with set designs by Nigel Hook, costumes by Roberto Surace, lighting by Ric Mountjoy, original music by Rob Falconer, sound design by Andy Johnson,the associate director is Sean Turner and the resident director is Amy Milburn. The Play That Goes Wrong is produced in the West End by Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd.

Little Angel Studios – until 3 September 2023 then touring (dates here)

Reviewer Alec Legge

5*****

Arrived at Little Angel Studios which is situated within a Community Centre in the middle of a housing estate. Waited in the Centres garden area till the appointed time when we were led upstairs to the small immersive area where the production takes place. There were only about 24 seats for the audience which consisted of mostly adults with a few children.

The wall facing the audience consisted of a cinematic shadow screen with a hatch either side. To the left the wall was covered with a map of Europe with a railway line running from what was then Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic and Slovakia, through Germany and onto England and eventually ending in Margate. To the right was another large, screened, hatch. At the rear corner there was a hatch in the ceiling.

The show is based on the situation in Czechoslovakia when the Germans under Hitler invaded the country and began the systematic persecution and elimination of the Czech-Jewish population,

.An Englishman, Sir Nicholas Winton organised several trains to save Jewish children from the Nazis and transport them to England and safety.

The story is based on one child, Babi who is shown as an old lady in the present day, who makes a pilgrimage with her grandson back to her childhood home in the then Czechoslovakia and by means of flashbacks her story of her escape on the kinder transports is told, A special emphasis is placed on the kindness of some strangers she met along the way and of a Mrs Walker who took her in when she arrived in Margate.

It is a very harrowing story brought to life by the exceptional skill and talent of the puppeteers with them also involving the audience. The toing and froing skilfully using the various hatches enhanced the performance giving the feeling that the audience were part of the action.

The play is aimed at an audience aged 9 – 18 and is perfectly suited for that age group.

I would hope that it sheds light on this aspect of the Holocaust and that it helps to educate our present day children as to the horrors which took place before and during the WW2. I think that it will also inform them of what makes a refugee so that they become aware of why there are present day refugees.

A must see play for that age group.

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF FLIP!, A POWERFUL NEW SATIRE EXPLORING AGENCY AND SOCIAL MEDIA 

• LEAH ST LUCE WILL PLAY CARLEEN AND JADESOLA ODUNJO WILL PLAY CRYSTAL
   
• JOINING THE CREATIVE TEAM ARE ANNA ROBINSON (SET AND COSTUME DESIGNER), ELIYANA EVANS (SOUND DESIGNER), ALINE DAVID (MOVEMENT DIRECTOR), AND KJ (LIGHTING DESIGNER)
   
• THIS POWERFUL SATIRE EXAMINES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TWO YOUNG WOMEN AND THEIR OBSESSION WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

Casting has been announced for the premiere of FLIP! with Leah St Luce (9 to 5 The Musical Savoy, Jack and the Beanstalk Lyric Hammersmith, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical UK & Ireland Tour)to play Carleen, and Jadesola Odunjo (School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play Lyric Hammersmith, You Netflix) to play Crystal.

Writer Racheal Ofori and director Emily Aboud will be joined in the creative team by set and costume designer Anna Robinson, sound designer Eliyana Evans, movement director Aline David, and lighting designer KJ.

The play, which is produced by Fuel in association with Alphabetti Theatre, will open at Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle (10-28 Oct), before heading to Summerhall in Edinburgh (31 Oct – 4 Nov) and Soho Theatre in London (7-25 Nov).

Meet Carleen and Crystal. The influencers with cultural commentary that will have you in stitches! Love them or hate them, there’s no stopping their fast-growing online following.

Offline, Carleen has her reservations about their cyber personas, but she idolises Crystal and would follow her anywhere…even to FLIP!, the new social media giant that has everyone hooked – and Carleen and Crystal are no exception; especially when it seems that their videos could make them famous.

Superstardom, followers, fame, influence, money: it’s all just one click away. FLIP! is the answer to everything they’ve ever dreamed of. But is it too good to be true?

CASTING & CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH THEATRE’S

15^th ANNIVERSARY PANTOMIME

CINDERELLA

The fairy godmother of panto returns! The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre today announces the full cast and creative team for its highly anticipated production of Cinderella, running 18 November 2023 to 06 January 2024.

The first images are also released of Tilly La Belle Yengo as Cinderella in this magical new adaptation by award-winning comedian, writer and composer Vikki Stone who returns after winning Best Script at The British Panto Awards for Aladdin in 2021 at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. Cinderella is directed by Tonderai Munyevu who is the co-artistic director of Two Gents Productions and currently performing in As You Like It at The Globe.

Returning to the Lyric stage after critically acclaimed appearances in Jack and the Beanstalk in 2022 are Emmanuel Akwafo playing Lady Jelly-Bottom and Jodie Jacobs who will play the Fairy. Joining them and Tilly La Belle Yengo are Charlie Cameron playing Muffy, Damien James playing Prince Henry, Meghan Treadway playing Gusset and Maya De Faria, Jerome Lincoln,and the Lyric’s SPRINGBOARD trainee Bella Macdonald in the Ensemble.

The Lyric’s pantomime stormed West London in 2008 with Jack and the Beanstalk and since then the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has entertained over 330,000 people at its annual pantomime. For the Lyric panto’s 15^th year, Cinderella is back bigger and better than ever before.

Further festivities at the Lyric continue with the return of critically acclaimed Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas, adapted by Pins and Needles running from Wednesday 22 November to Saturday 30 December. Directed by Emma Earle, the production is filled with live music and puppetry and is perfect for under 6-year-olds and their families.

Internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter, Joe Stilgoe, also returns to the Lyric for two nights only on 11 and 18 December for a night of festive jazz and a Christmas party to remember. Expect special guests, gospel choirs, brass bands and singalongs.

Vikki Stone, Writer (Cinderella) said:
“There’s something uniquely special about the Lyric panto. It’s hard to put into words exactly what it is, but there’s just something about the alchemy of talent and fun in this building in particular, that makes this one of the coolest pantos in the country.”

Tonderai Munyevu, Director (Cinderella) said:

 “I cannot wait to bring Cinderella to West London this Christmas. Vikki Stone has outdone herself with this show which takes centre stage in Hammersmith. It is very cheeky, it’s very magical, and it’s definitely very poptastic! This Cinderella is hilarious and exhilarating festive fun for all the family. We have an exceptional cast ready to dance, sing and make you laugh out loud in the aisles this Christmastime. This will be an unforgettable pitch perfect panto of your dreams!”

Rachel O’Riordan, Artistic Director and CEO of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre said:
“The Lyric Panto is tradition for many audiences in West London and beyond and we couldn’t be prouder to produce a brand new iteration of a much-loved story, Cinderella, by Vikki Stone. Our pantomimes are made right here in Hammersmith, with the glorious costumes being stitched and sequined in our wardrobe department. The Lyric Panto is part of our West London DNA – since before the Second World War we have celebrated the joyful and anarchic art of panto; and this year we celebrate 15 years of a reinvigorated version of this traditional art form. We couldn’t be more excited to share this 15^th anniversary production with our audience.”

CINDERELLA
Written by Vikki Stone
Directed by Tonderai Munyevu

Saturday 18 November 2023 – Saturday 06 January 2024

Set and Costume Designer: Good Teeth; Choreographer: Arielle Smith; Lighting Designer: Ciarán Cunningham; Composer and Arranger: Corin Buckeridge; Sound Designer: Nick Manning; Musical Director: Adam Gerber; Casting Director: Sophie Parrott CDG; Assistant Director: Mo Korede.

The Cast includes: Emmanuel Akwafo playing Lady Jelly Bottom, Charlie Cameron playing Muffy, Maya De Faria in the Ensemble, Jodie Jacobs playing the Fairy, Damien James playing Prince Henry, Tilly La Belle Yengo playing Cinderella, Jerome Lincoln in the Ensemble, Bella Macdonald in the Ensemble, and Meghan Treadway playing Gusset.

Musical Direction/Keys: Adam Gerber; Drums/Percussion: Greg Pringle; Bass Guitar: Nixon Rosembert; Guitars: Amy Shaw.

“In this brand-new show, the Queen of Panto herself, award-winning writer and composer Vikki Stone brings her outrageous adaptation of Cinderella, full to the brim with sass and magic, rip-roaring comedy, live music and chart-topping hits, directed by Tonderai Munyevu. 

Cinderella is a bonafide boss-lady who runs her own business at Shepherd’s Bush Market. One day the most handsome Prince Henry, who dreams of a life less spare, wears a disguise to the Market and falls instantly in love with Cinderella. With the paparazzi in hot pursuit the Prince is forced to flee. And so begins the quest to unite the unlikeliest of likely romances, Cinderella and the hapless Prince. But will Cinderella’s step-sisters Muffy and Gusset and step-mother Lady Jelly Bottom get in the way of their happily ever after? Of course they will, it’s panto.

So get ready to go to the ball, because this Prince is throwing one hell of a party in Hammersmith and everyone is invited! 

The Lyric Panto is an unmissable Christmas essential, get your tickets early as prices increase with demand.”

West End premiere for a major new British musical 
‘Billie the Kid’ will be semi-staged in front of a live audience
for the first time at the Vaudeville Theatre
Monday 13 & 20 November

Seventeen-year-old Billie Belle is a girl used to having the odds stacked against her. Born in a Bible Belt town to a delinquent mother, Billie spent her childhood saving discount-store coupons and working night shifts to keep the lights on in her grandma’s tiny trailer. Through it all, Billie has had one person by her side: her childhood sweetheart, Brody Benson. Brody’s a redneck with a heart of gold and they have spent years planning their future together, all pinned on Billie’s hopes for a full-ride scholarship to Charleston City College. But their plans are thrown into chaos when Billie discovers Brody has been trading dirty DMs with David Francis – the school queer punk rocker.

Torn between the pain of this betrayal and her love for her boyfriend, Billie reaches out to David and his gang of misfits. While Billie has put all her energy into thriving within the system, they’ve gone the other way, determined to be wild and joyful outsiders with no fear of offending! Inspired by and united with her new friends, Billie finds herself at the heart of a new kind of love story, one where her happily ever after is with herself in her fight for justice and equality; and the chance to ride out into the sunset on her terms.

This new British musical with music and lyrics by Gez Mercer, book by Conway McDermott and Gez Mercer, directed by Kerry Kyriacos Michael, is being semi-staged in front of a live audience for the first time.

For two nights only, come and experience the birth of a new British musical unlike anything else you may have seen or heard.

Cast and additional creative team to be announced.

Creative team:
Music and Lyrics by Gez Mercer
Book by Conway McDermott and Gez Mercer
Directed by Kerry Kyriacos Michael

Writer and Composer Gez Mercer
Writer and Composer Gez Mercer is a self-taught musician, dancer and natural-born punk. Born in Liverpool, Gez studied Theatre & Performance at the University of Leeds, before joining award winning dance collective Fat Blokes Dance Company, led by performance artist Scottee and choreographer Lea Anderson MBE, touring in their national sell out show, Fat Blokes.

‘Billie the Kid’ is his third full length musical, and his songwriting ability has netted him the Cameron Macintosh Award for Musical Theatre in 2014, West End producer’s Twitter Composer Award in 2013. Gez was a finalist in the Stiles and Drew Prize 2018, as well as being a shortlisted candidate for the Mercury Musical’s Cameron Mackintosh resident composer.

Writer Conway McDermott
Writer Conway McDermott is a trans non-binary writer from Liverpool, with a passion for juicy, accessible stories which ask big questions through the lens of a broke-ass queerdo. ‘Billie the Kid’ was the first project they worked on for stage, and their career as a writer has grown alongside it. They’re currently writing for BBC’s ‘EastEnders’, and are Playwright in Residence at Box of Tricks Theatre.  They are a winner of the Sky Studios 2021 Screen/Play Award, and have had work commissioned by The Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Popelei Theatre Company, and the Liverpool Light Night Festival, as well as working as an artist and performer with FACT, the Liverpool Biennale, Creative Europe, and a handful of other organizations across the UK and Europe.

Director Kerry Kyriacos Michael
Director Kerry Kyriacos Michael was Artistic Director & Chief Executive of Theatre Royal Stratford East from September 2004 to September 2017. For 13 years, he forged the Theatre’s commitment to develop new work & provide a platform for voices under-represented. He won two Olivier awards, seven nominations, two What’s on Stage Awards, and the UK Best Touring Theatre Award. In March 2018, Kerry won Artistic Director of The Year at the OFF WEST END Awards; and awarded the Freedom of the City of London. In the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, he was made an MBE for services to the Arts. Kerry’s theatre directing credits include new plays, musicals, and operas, including John Adam’s I Was Looking At The Ceiling & Then I Saw The Sky (co-production with Barbican Centre, London), The Harder They Come (transferred to the West End & tours of Canada and USA), Ray Davies’ Come Dancing (Winner What’s On Stage Best New Musical) and a new production of The Who’s Tommy – embedding creative BSL, Captioning and Audio Description, produced by Ramps On The Moon. (Winner UK Theatre Awards Best Touring Production 16/17). In June 2022 he became the creative director Theatro Technis @ 26 Crowndale, the home of Theatro Technis.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

BILLIE THE KID

Vaudeville Theatre,
404 Strand,
London
WC2R 0NH

Monday 13 November
Monday 20 November
at 7.30pm

Duration: 2 hours 15  mins  

Age Recommendation: 12+

Trigger warning:  
Depictions of homophobia, transphobic,
gun violence, and mild drug use.
Descriptions of suicide, self-harm, and sex.

Booking Information

Tickets: All seats £25.00
plus a £1.50 Restoration Levy

No booking fee if booked in person at the Box Office

Box Office: 0330 333 4814

www.nimaxtheatres.com

www.billiethekidmusical.com

Social Media

On Twitter and Instagram at
@BillieMusical

Actress, singer, dancer and musical theatre star Carly Mercedes Dyer sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 Questions.  Carly is due to star as Faye Treadwell in the tour of The Drifters Girl.  Tour details and tickets can be found here

Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?

Hadestown, which I was in at The National Theatre, when it was first here in London and Flowers for Mrs Harris (Chichester). 

Favourite book? 

The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger 

Favourite theatre? 

Curve, Leicester 

Favourite song? 

Glow by Victoria Monét 

Favourite music? 

I have an eclectic taste so depends on my mood. RnB, soul, Latin, funk, disco, classical, musicals, jazz. 

Favourite food? 

My mums yellow soup 

Favourite drink? 

Elderflower fizz 

What is your favourite role? 

I’ve had a few favourites but one close to my heart is Erma in Anything Goes. 

What was your first role? 

First job was in High School Musical at Hammersmith Apollo and first role was Helene in Sweet Charity at Nottingham Playhouse with Rebecca Trehearn as Charity & Amy Ellen Richardson as Nicky. 

And what role would you really like to play? 

Speaking of Amy Ellen Richardson, she’s currently being fabulous playing Mrs Wormwood in Matilda in town and I would love to have a go, or Adelaide in The Bridge Theatres version of Guys and Dolls for sure! 

If you weren’t a performer what would you be? 

A vintage clothes curator if that’s a job. 

What made you decide to be a performer? 

I got into dancing because my nursery friend Alice went and I wanted to go with her. Over the years we took part in singing competitions, went to amateur dramatic groups and my love for all things theatrical grew and knowing that I could do this as a profession, I was sold.

 Do you enjoy touring?

Yes it’s great to see the country and the audience response is so different depending where you are.

What advice would you give 16 year old Carly? 

Trust your instincts and be yourself, everybody else is taken! 

Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing? 

Absolutely!! 

What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed? 

Odyssey at The National Theatre; stunning, wholesome and magical. 

Favourite line from any show? 

“Yes….A little bit more..” from The Grinning Man. It won’t make any sense as a stand alone line but you can trust myself, Daniel Boys and Chris Jenko that it was a hysterical moment.

If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be? 

Beyoncé because who wouldn’t want to be. 

What are the nicest/weirdest things you have ever received from fans? 

A flyer that had been mocked up as an award with a side of sugary goodness. So generous and the loveliest humans x 

Can you tell us what you will be up to next? 

Heading off on tour with The Drifters Girl as The Drifters Girl, Faye Treadwell.Carly can be seen on tour for the next few months.  Tickets can be found here

The Grand Theatre, Leeds – until Saturday 2 September 2023

Reviewed By Sal E Marino

5*****

Performing at the exquisite Grand Theatre, Leeds this week is Agatha Christie’s legendary The Mousetrap.  Christie’s and history’s longest running play really is storytelling at its best as Mrs Christie somehow weaves a magic thread of intrigue right up until the very last moment before the truth is revealed.  If you want to see a pacey, classic thriller with good, old-fashioned tongue-in-cheek English humour then this performance will hit all the right buttons.  Right from the get-go the visuals of the set and sound draw you in as the snow effect builds heavily outside on the ledges of the stained-glass windows and a radio broadcast from 1952 is crackling out onto the stage describing a gruesome murder.  I was hooked from the first few seconds!  Molly (Rachel Dawson) and Giles (Michael Lyle) Ralston appear to be just as charming as their beautiful country guest house and it’s all very twee, but one knows with Christie that that won’t last for long …

Brilliantly directed and produced by Ian Talbot OBE, Denise Silvey and Adam Spiegel, The Mousetrap is highly entertaining and manages to be many things without being overdone.  It’s funny without being a farce and complex without being complicated, I really couldn’t and wouldn’t want to fault it.  Without giving too much away, as I’m now part of that exclusive club of knowing ‘whodunnit’ and so obviously sworn to secrecy, the plot involves a group of rather mysterious guests who are staying it the Ralston’s Monkswood Hall guest house.  A terrible murder has just been committed in London and all anyone seems to know is that the culprit was wearing a soft-felt hat, overcoat, and light-coloured scarf.  All the guests arrive wearing this attire and Mr Ralston was also dressed matching the description when he came on set so anyone of them is in the frame. 

What was most pleasing was that the language of the play was kept in line with Christie’s original text and to the time of 1952 meaning that the directors and producer have given the audience the credit of being intelligent enough to understand this and chosen not to heavily edit or cancel it out.  It worked and did the opposite of being offensive as when for instance phrases such as, ‘not in front of the ladies’, were spoken, it created many giggles from the audience and highlighted just how mis-placed that wording is today.  Without these polarities, how can we see how much we’ve progressed in attitudes around issues such as those towards women? To not portray the characters using the speech Christie imagined them to have at that time is simply wrong and doesn’t give the play the correct historical context. It’s horrifying to think of a world where theatre must fit a certain narrative to suit certain sectors of society’s individual ideals to the point that history is completely rewritten.  I was so glad that this production didn’t succumb to the current pressure of cancel culture that others sadly do.

The cast of The Mousetrap are absolutely on point, first-class and totally embody their roles of a quirky bunch of misfits who are all running away and hiding from something.  I’d never really considered that after the war, there were many displaced people and that one could completely reinvent oneself with an elaborate or made up past and no one would really question you.  Christopher Wren (Shaun McCourt), Mrs Boyle (Catherine Shipton), Major Metcalf (Todd Carty), Miss Casewell (Leigh Lothian), Mr Paravicini (Steven Elliott) and Detective Sgt Trotter (Garyn Williams) all brim with energy in this enthralling production.  Every scene is slick, and every line delivered perfectly, it’s top-quality drama from start to finish.  The Mousetrap is shockingly good and even through I now know the end – I still want to go back and see it all again!