A Sheffield Theatres and Evolution Pantomimes co-production
SHEFFIELD THEATRES ANNOUNCES CAST FOR BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Writer and Director Paul Hendy Choreographer Sarah Langley Lighting Designer Jack Weir Sound Designer Nick Greenhill Set Designer Morgan Large Costume Designer Ella Neal Dame Costume Designer Michael J Batchelor Musical Director Alex Turney Musician Seb Williman Musician Seb Foster
Friday 8 December 2022 – Sunday 7 January 2024
Today, SheffieldTheatres and EvolutionPantomimes announce the full cast for Beauty and the Beast at the Lyceum Theatre, alongside the previously announced Blue’s Duncan James,CBeebies’ JennieDale, and legendary Dame Damian Williams.
Joining them will be: comedian and ventriloquist Max Fulham as Phillipe Fillop, alongside Gordon the Monkey, Bessy Ewa as Belle, Aidan Banyard as Beast and Prince Henri, plus a talented ensemble including: Ronnie Burden, Luke Cartledge, Hollie Duncan, Shona Masson, Amber Ochieng and Rhys Wyn Owen.
Once again, the show will be written and directed by Paul Hendy (Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella) and produced by the award winning, Evolution, the same team behind last year’s fabulous panto, Jack and the Beanstalk.
This fairy-tale extravaganza promises to be full of hilarious comedy, lavish sets, fantastic music, beautiful costumes, magic and mayhem. It’s never too early to book your favourite seats!
Beauty and the Beast runs from Friday 8 December 2022 – Sunday 7 January 2024 at the Lyceum theatre, Sheffield. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.
Duncan James will not be performing on Sat 16 Dec – 10.15am and Sat 6 Jan – 10.15am.
READING REP THEATRE ANNOUNCE FULL CAST & CREATIVE TEAM FOR FIRST UK REVIVAL OF
SHAKESPEARE’S R&J
BY JOE CALARCO
RUNNING FROM 11 OCTOBER – 4 NOVEMBER
Reading Rep Theatre has today announced the full cast and creative team of the first UK revival of Joe Calarco’s queer play Shakespeare’s R&J, which will run from Wednesday 11th October – Saturday 4th November 2023 (Press Night: 16th October) at the Berkshire venue.
In a rigid boarding school, four repressed adolescents unearth a secret copy of Shakespeare’s tale of forbidden love… what begins as a rebellious laugh soon turns into something more violent.
Award-winning actor Elijah Ferreira (Hedwig And The Angry Inch – Leeds Playhouse/Manchester Home) will return to Reading Rep Theatre for the production, having played the roles of Young Scrooge and Fred in their 2022 remount of Beth Flintoff’s retelling of A Christmas Carol.
Ferreira will be joined in the cast by Luke Daniels (Youth and the Young Person – Reading Rep, Penetration – The Cockpit), Brayden Emmanuel (You & Me – ITV, DNA – New Wolsey Theatre) and Tom Sowinski (Million Dollar Quartet – NCL, Cilla – The Musical – UK and Ireland Tour).
Reading Rep Theatre’s Founding Artistic Director Paul Stacey will direct the play’s first UK revival, which hasn’t played a UK stage since the play’s West End debut 20 years ago, and will be joined on the creative team by Chris Cuming (A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Reading Rep, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow – UK Tour) as Movement Director, Anna Kelsey (The Wicker Husband – The Watermill Theatre, Indecent Proposal – Southwark Playhouse) as Designer, John Rainsforth (Some Enchanted Evening – Barn Theatre & Tour, Chop, Dissolve, Burn – Alphabetti Theatre)as Lighting Designer, Jamie Lu (Hedda Gabler – Reading Rep, Tokyo Rose – Southwark Playhouse & UK Tour)as Sound Designer and Sarah Harkins (Jekyll & Hyde – Reading Rep) as Casting Director.
Paul Stacey said of today’s announcement “I can’t wait for audiences to see this epic story of forbidden love turned on its head. This modern adaption shakes off the cobwebs many associate with Shakespeare and allows us to see the text anew. We are very excited to welcome our talented cast to Reading Rep and it’s a pleasure to have Elijah and Luke back on our main stage.”
Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 19 August 2023
Reviewed by Louise Ford
3***
Revenge is a dish best served cold.
The penultimate offering in this season’s Classic Thriller is seasonally set in sunny Spain. The Costa del Crime where everyone is not quite who they seem. It’s the 1980’s cue big hair, shoulder pads and Wham! Murderous Liaisons comes from the pen of Brian Clemens who originally found fame in the 1950s when the BBC snapped up one of his original thrillers.
The stage is set inside a terracotta dream villa with the glamorous Suzy (Lara Lemon) who has a proposition for the handsome rogue Larry (Pavan Maru ). However it’s not the kind of proposition that he is either hoping for or expecting. The plotting wheels are oiled and greased with vodka and then for more serious business whisky. Suzy flatters and cajoles Larry into helping her escape from a difficult situation. He doesn’t take much convincing and happily demonstrates his skills. Off stage a roar of an engine and on to the stage enters the problem, Alex (Jeremy Lloyd Thomas). A vision in relaxed beige. Not quite the medallion wearing gangster we were perhaps expecting.
The first half is a little slow, with a couple of twists and turns. It ends with a bang! The second half has much better pace and again twists with both parties flattering Larry who feels he has the measure of everyone and is top dog! Oh how the mighty are fallen!
In some ways it is a simple “ ménage a trois”, think of The Postman Always Rings Twice, but as we know life (and theatre )is rarely that simple.
We thought that we had guessed the murderer/victim just before half time. Of course, as with all good drama, we were right but for the wrong reason.
So brush up your Spanish and escape to the Costa del Crime for an evening of double-crossing and deceit. Olé.
FIRST VIDEO from the English language premiere of REBECCA at Charing Cross Theatre
Richard Carson as Maxim de Winter
Lauren Jones as Second Mrs de Winter
sing “Through the Night”
Pianist Tom Knowles
Richard Carson, Lauren Jones and Kara Lane head the cast for the eagerly anticipated English language premiere of the critically acclaimed musical ‘Rebecca’.
Based on Daphne Du Maurier’s 1938 novel, by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay, two of the most successful German-language musical theatre creators, ‘Rebecca’ has already captivated more than two million people worldwide in hugely successful productions in 12 countries and eight languages.
‘Rebecca’ had its world premiere at VBW’s Raimund Theater in Vienna, Austria, in September 2006, where it went on to play to sold-out houses in three seasons, and where it is currently enjoying a hugely successful revival.
The rest of the cast are: Alex James-Ward, Piers Bate, Sarah Harlington, David Breeds, Amanda Minihan, Neil Moors, Nicholas Lumley, Nigel-Joseph Francis, Elliot Swann, Scott McClure, Emily Apps, Melanie Bright, Gail MacKinnon, Tarisha Rommick, James Mateo-Salt, Rosie Glossop.
Rebecca, with an orchestra of 18, will be directed by Alejandro Bonatto (director of the critically acclaimed production of Donizetti’s ‘Rita’ and Francis Poulanc and Jean Cocteau’s ‘The Human Voice’ at Charing Cross Theatre).
It has a new English translation by Christopher Hampton (two-time Tony Award winner Best Score & Best Book for ‘Sunset Boulevard’ and Oscar winner for Best Adapted Screenplay ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ & ‘The Father’) and Michael Kunze.
Featuring 22 original songs, Rebecca is a gripping thriller full of intrigue and surprises that sticks closely to the original novel. Wealthy Maxim de Winter brings his naïve new wife home to his Cornish estate, Manderley, where the manipulative housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, resents the new wife’s intrusion. She persuades her that she is an unworthy replacement for the first Mrs de Winter, the glamorous and mysterious Rebecca, who perished in a drowning accident, with tragic results…
The world-famous novel was also turned into a celebrated Alfred Hitchcock film in 1940, starring Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, Judith Anderson, George Sanders and Gladys Cooper. It was nominated for 11 Oscars, winning two awards; Best Picture and Best Cinematography. Rebecca was recently filmed again by Netflix starring Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas and Keeley Hawes.
Creative team Original Book and Lyrics: Michael Kunze Music and Orchestrations: Sylvester Levay English Book Adaptation: Christopher Hampton English Lyrics: Christopher Hampton and Michael Kunze Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier
Director Alejandro Bonatto Choreographer Ron Howell Musical Supervisor/Conductor Robert Scott Production Designer Nicky Shaw Lighting Designer David Seldes Sound Designer Andrew Johnson Projection Designer Matt Powell Costume Supervisor Jess Richardson-Smith Casting Stephen Crockett/Grindrod Burton Casting on performance days for personal callers
REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE ANNOUNCES AN EXTRA WEEK EXTENSION FOR
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
Due to popular demand, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre today announces an extra week for its new production of La Cage aux Folles, with 8 added performances from Monday 18 – Saturday 23 September2023.
Tickets are on sale now to Patrons, Members and Priority Booking Members, with public sale from 11am Thursday 17 August 2023. To book visit www.openairtheatre.com.
The final production by outgoing Artistic DirectorTim Sheader at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, La Cage aux Folles celebrates 40 years since its original premiere on Monday 21st August. With a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, La Cage aux Follesis based on the play by Jean Poiret, and includes the classic songs ‘I Am What I Am’ and ‘The Best of Times’.
Georges, Albin and their son Jean-Michel re-discover the true meaning of family, and of putting yourself last so that the ones you love can come first.
Carl Mullaney (Chicago/Les Misérables) plays Albin and Billy Carter (A Moon For The Misbegotten) plays Georges. Further principal casting includes Ben Culleton (Jean-Michel), Julie Jupp (Marie Dindon), Shakeel Kimotho (Jacob), Debbie Kurup (Jacqueline), John Owen-Jones (Edward Dindon) and Sophie Pourret (Anne).
Completing the cast are Jak Allen-Anderson (Hanna), Craig Armstrong (Cagelle), Tom Bales (Cagelle),Taylor Bradshaw (Cagelle), Daniele Coombe (Mme. Renaud), Jordan Lee Davies (Chantal), Nicole Deon (Ensemble), Lewis Easter (Cagelle/Swing/Dance Captain), Harvey Ebbage (Cagelle), Emma Johnson (Ensemble/Swing), George Lynham (Phaedra), JP McCue (Cagelle), Rishard-Kyro Nelson (Cagelle/Swing), Alexandra Waite-Roberts (Cagelle/Ensemble) and Hemi Yeroham (Francis).
Completing the creative team are: Thyrza Abrahams (Associate Director), Amy Ball (Casting Director), Jason Carr (Orchestral and Dance Arrangements), Arthur Carrington (Associate Casting Director), Guy Common (Make Up Designer), Ryan Dawson Laight (Costume Designer), James Hassett (Associate Sound Designer), Howard Hudson (Lighting Designer), Nick Lidster (Sound Designer), Ingrid Mackinnon (Season Associate – Intimacy Support), Stephen Mear (Choreographer), Ebony Molina (Associate Choreographer), Janis Price (Voice & Text Director), Colin Richmond (Set Designer), Tom Slade (Assistant Musical Director), Ben van Tienen (Musical Director) and Jennifer Whyte (Musical Supervisor)
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s remaining 2023 season also includes Nicoll Entertainment’s Dinosaur World Live(11 August – 3 September) which returns to the Open Air Theatre, written and directed by Derek Bond.
DIVORCED, BEHEADED, LIVE! NOW BOOKING AT THE VAUDEVILLE THEATRE UNTIL APRIL 2024 www.sixthemusical.com
Producers Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes and George Stiles have today released an epic new trailer for the home-grown hit musical sensation, SIX. Featuring the current West End company Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky (Aragon), Baylie Carson (Boleyn), Claudia Kariuki (Seymour), Dionne Ward-Anderson (Cleves), Koko Basigara (Howard), and Roxanne Couch (Parr), the trailer has been produced using the drone and ‘bullet-time’ camera technology, showing off the award-winning choreography, costumes and design live in ultra-HD.
The cast of Six – credit Pamela Raith
Think you know the six Wives of Henry VIII? Think again…
Prepare to lose your head and experience the Tudor Wives’ lives as they turn back the clock and take to the stage to reclaim their crowns and retell their stories of love, loss and the infamous ex they all have in common.
Join Aragon, Boleyn, Seymour, Cleves, Howard and Parr, backed by their fierce on-stage band,
the Ladies in Waiting, and Get Down to a royal retelling of the sassiest story in British Her-story.
The trailer is released as the global Queendom hits 1.5million followers globally – across YouTube, Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook in the UK, US, Australia, Korea and beyond.
Producer Andy Barnes said, “It’s now been six years since SIX first premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe, and we’re delighted to mark that anniversary, and the shows incredible fans, the Queendom, by releasing our brand-new trailer. We and the cast had great fun filming it with drones and cranes, in front of our live audience from the Queendom, and we are all very proud to share it with them and everyone else.”
The crowning glory of the West End, Broadway and beyond, SIX, created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, is currently booking in the West End until 28 April 2024 at the Vaudeville Theatre.
Winner of over 35 international awards, including two 2022 Tony Awards, a Whatsonstage award, and nominated for five Oliviers, SIX can also be seen live on stage worldwide: on Broadway at the Lena Horne Theatre in New York, across the UK on its current sell-out, record-breaking tour, with two concurrent North American tours, a recent Australian tour and forthcoming productions due to play Korea, Holland and Canada.
The show’s 2018 debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe hastened its West End transfer in January 2019 at the Arts Theatre. In 2020, SIX transferred for a short West End season at the Lyric Theatre before opening at its current home, the Vaudeville theatre in November 2021.
SIX is written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, with direction by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage, Choreography is by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, with set design by Emma Bailey, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Tim Deiling, sound design by Paul Gatehouse, musical orchestration by Tom Curran, and musical supervision by Joe Beighton. The current West End Queens are supported by their talented alternates Monique Ashe-Palmer, Danielle Rose, Leah Vassell, Rachel Rawlinson and Esme Rothero.
THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING, CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF
CABARET
AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
FROM MONDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2023
The producers of the multi award-winning, critically acclaimed production of CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB are delighted to announce that from Monday 25 September 2023, the roles of The Emcee and Sally Bowles will be played by music icons Jake Shears and Rebecca Lucy Taylor AKA Self Esteem. They join Nathan Ives-Moiba as Clifford Bradshaw, Beverley Klein as Fraulein Schneider and Teddy Kempner as Herr Schultz.
Emily Benjamin will continue as the production’s alternate Sally Bowles until 18 October, with Nic Myers taking over (scheduled to perform once a week) from 19 October.
Also joining the company on 25 September are Wilf Scolding as Ernst Ludwig, Jessica Kirton as Fraulein Kost/Fritzie, Liv Alexander as Texas, Natalie Chua as Frenchie, Taite-Elliot Drew as Hans, Damon Gould as Victor, El Haq Latief as Helga, and Travis Ross as Bobby, joining Laura Delany as Rosie, Grant Neal as Herman/Max and Hicaro Nicolai as Lulu. The cast is completed by Rebecca Lisewski, Ela Lisondra, Nic Myers, Andy Rees, Toby Turpin and Patrick Wilden.
From 16 October, the prologue company will be Rachel Benson, Ami Benton, Onyemachi Ejimofor, Joseph Hardy, Liz Kamille, Andrew Linnie, Aine McLoughlin, Jack William Parry, Jazmyn Raikes, Oliver Stockley and Ena Yamaguchi.
Jake Shears said today “It is my privilege and honour to play the Emcee in this incredible show. I am especially excited to be sharing the stage with the force that is Self Esteem. This role has been a lifetime dream of mine and I couldn’t imagine a better production of it to be a part of.”
Rebecca Lucy Taylor said today “I’ve never made a secret of my love of theatre and I honestly couldn’t be more excited about getting to make my stage debut as one of the greatest leads of all time. I’ve joked for years that there’s no need for a Self Esteem musical really because Sally’s story covers most of the points and here we are. I am both artistically and emotionally raring to take on this challenge. Pinch me!”
Singer, songwriter, actor and writer Jake Shears is best known as the lead singer of the multiplatinum-selling, Grammy-nominated, Brit award-winning glam rock band SCISSOR SISTERS. The band’s hits include ‘Comfortably Numb’, ‘Take Your Mama’, ‘Let’s Have A Kiki’ and the UK #1 hit ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancing’. Born in Arizona, Jake grew up in the Seattle area before moving to New York City, where he studied fiction writing at The New School. He wrote the music for Tales of the City, a 2011 stage musical based on Armistead Maupin’s best-selling book series of the same name before starring in Bent at the Taper Forum in 2015. In 2018 he released his debut book, the memoir Boys Keep Swinging and joined the cast of Kinky Boots on Broadway in the lead role as Charlie Price – a role he reprised in 2022 at LA’s Hollywood Bowl. In August 2018 Jake Shears released his eponymous debut solo album to critical acclaim, followed by tours in the UK and US, and in Australia with Kylie Minogue. 2023 saw the release of Jake’s second studio album ‘Last Man Dancing’ which featured the BBC Radio 2 A-List singles ‘Too Much Music’, ‘I Used To Be In Love’ and the title track. Around album release, Jake continued to tour including as special guest to Duran Duran on their UK arena tour as well acclaimed sets at 2023’s Glastonbury and Mighty Hoopla Festivals. Jake has recently co-written the music for the new musical ‘Tammy Faye’ alongside Elton John which has just sold out its initial run at London’s Almeida Theatre and won 2 Olivier Awards. When not on the road, Jake divides his time between London and New Orleans.
As Self Esteem, Rebecca Lucy Taylor has become the unapologetic pop star she always wanted to be. With her 2019 statement debut Compliments Please, Taylor gave voice to the feelings of insecurity and misogyny-induced frustration that many of us face every day, emboldening a whole new audience with powerful, truth-telling lyricism. Her second album Prioritise Pleasure arrived to universal critical acclaim, crowned both The Guardian and Sunday Times Culture’s Album of the Year, with the empowering ‘I Do This All The Time’ also named The Guardian’s #1 song of 2021. Praised for its fearless ability to tackle important issues around female autonomy, comparison culture and self-love, its intimate, confessional and witty lyricism and anthemic maximalist pop rhythms, the album was a catalyst for an unprecedented few years for Taylor. Prioritise Pleasure received a slew of award nominations including the esteemed Mercury Prize, a BRIT Award for Best New Artist, Sky Arts and NME awards nominations, while also winning BBC Introducing’s 2022 Artist Of The Year award and Attitude Magazine’s 2021 Music Award. Summer 2022 saw Taylor play a mammoth 30 festivals, teeing up her biggest run of shows to date: the 2023 I Tour This All The Time tour included a huge three nights at London’s Eventim Apollo, three nights at Manchester’s Albert Hall, and two nights at her hometown’s O2 Academy Sheffield. Self Esteem also supported Blur at their huge Wembley Stadium show and performed with the Royal Northern Sinfonia at the 2023 BBC Proms. Gathering a passionate and vast legion of fans, Taylor is one of a handful of artists to have been playlisted across BBC Radio 1, 2 and 6 Music simultaneously. She has appeared on numerous iconic television series including The Graham Norton Show and Jools Holland (including the NYE Hootenanny) and has graced the covers of magazines from Grazia to NME to The Times Magazine and Sunday Times Style. Taylor composed the soundtrack for PRIMA FACIE, the arresting one woman play starring Jodie Comer which sold out a 9-week run in London’s West End and in the US on Broadway. As an actor, Taylor played a cameo role in I HATE SUZIE TOO, and will soon be seen starring in a regular role in Sky’s upcoming series SMOTHERED as well as making her feature film debut in LAYLA.
This unique production of CABARET opened in December 2021 to critical and audience acclaim, widely praised as the ultimate theatrical experience. In April 2022 the production won a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards, the most for any musical revival in Olivier history. The production has also won three prestigious Critics Circle Awards as well as the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Design for designer Tom Scutt.
Transforming one of London’s most famous theatres with an in-the-round auditorium and reimagined spaces, before the show guests are invited to enjoy and explore the Kit Kat Club with pre-show entertainment, drinks and dining all on offer. When booking, guests receive a ‘club entry time’ to allow enough time to take in the world of the Kit Kat Club before the show starts. But of course, the show really starts when you first join us in the club…
One of the most successful musicals of all time CABARET features the songs Wilkommen, Don’t Tell Mama, Mein Herr, Maybe This Time, Money and the title number. It has music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, book by Joe Masteroff. Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood.
CABARET is directed by Rebecca Frecknall, set and costume design is by Tom Scutt with choreography by Julia Cheng. Musical supervision is by Jennifer Whyte and musical direction is by Ben Ferguson with lighting design by Isabella Byrd and sound design by Nick Lidster. The casting director is Stuart Burt and the associate director and prologue director is Jordan Fein. The prologue composer and musical director is Angus MacRae.
CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions and Underbelly.
Chloe Petts doesn’t really need this glowing review from me as it looks like her entire Fringe run is pretty much already sold out – and rightly so: this is a joyous hour in the company of a young woman who gives an excellent impression of someone who is gloriously just being her (very funny) self.
Her schtick is that she has previously been known as nice and polite, but now has recognised she is angry and is working through this, and although she is absolutely right to say that there is so much to be angry about in the world, she really just comes across as wonderfully forthright.
The combination of football and lesbian jokes collide surprisingly perfectly and her interaction with the audience has a wonderfully mischievous edge. The routine with Brian from the front row was pitch perfect and had the teenager who was with me in stitches. As a tall woman myself I very much appreciated all of her hilarious references to being a woman of height.
There are sometimes tickets available on the door for sold out Fringe shows – if you can get hold of one for Chloe Petts’ show, you won’t regret it.
The Menier Chocolate Factory today announces full casting for the world première of Close Up – The Twiggy Musical. Joining the previously annouced Elena Skye as Twiggy are Lauren Azania AJ King-Yombo (Kay), Matt Corner (Justin de Villeneuve), Darren Day (Michael Witney), Beth Devine (Sally), Aoife Dunne (Cindy), Hannah-Jane Fox (Nell Hornby), and Steven Serlin (Norman Hornby), with Emma-Katie Adcock, Liam Buckland, Harriet Bunton, Leanne Garretty, Luke Johnson, David McIntosh, Danny Nattrass, Sydney Spencer, and Karen Walker. Written and diredcted by Ben Elton, the production opens on 27 September, with previews from 18 September, and runs until 18 November.
Completing the season is the Menier and Umeda Arts Theater’s co-production of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Pacific Overtures – directed by Matthew White – which opened earlier this year at the Nissay Theatre in Tokyo. The musical, which was significantly revised by both Sondheim and Weidman in 2017, will be seen here in the UK for the time in this version. This continues the venue’s history of Sondheim collaborations, which also sees the company’s production of Merrily We Roll Along open at the Hudson Theatre on Broadway in October.
CLOSE UP – THE TWIGGY MUSICAL
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY BEN ELTON
18 September – 18 November
Cast: Lauren Azania AJ King-Yombo (Kay), Matt Corner (Justin), Darren Day (Michael), Beth Devine (Sally), Aoife Dunne (Cindy), Hannah-Jane Fox (Nell), Steven Serlin (Norman), and Elena Skye (Twiggy) with Emma-Katie Adcock, Liam Buckland, Harriet Bunton, Leanne Garretty, Luke Johnson, David McIntosh, Danny Nattrass, Sydney Spencer and Karen Walker
Choreography: Jacob Fearey; Set and Video Design: Tim Bird; Costume Design: Jonathan Lipman; Sound Design: Gregory Clarke; Hair, Wig & Makeup Design: Diana Estrada Hudson; Musical Supervision, Direction and Orchestrations: Stuart Morley;
The story of a skinny kid from Neasden who became the most famous teenager on the planet and the ‘face of the 1960s’ may seem like the stuff of fairy tales, but there is tragedy as well as triumph in this intimate portrayal of a true 20th century icon. It’s the story of a young working class woman who faced snobbery and sexism in a pre-Me Too world and yet achieved her dreams without ever compromising who she was. Author and director Ben Elton charts Twiggy’s journey through laughter and tears from the suburbs of London to the world’s fashion capitals to Hollywood and Broadway and ultimately to becoming a national treasure and Dame of the Realm. All accompanied by a fabulous score featuring the hits that have been the soundtrack to Twiggy’s life. Grab your miniskirt and re-live the swinging ‘60s and soulful ‘70s in this joyful, uplifting and empowering world première musical!
Elena Skye plays Twiggy. Her theatre work includes Lauren in Kinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre), Eponine in Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre) and as Scaramouche in WeWill Rock You (London Coliseum and UK tour).
Lauren Azania AJ King-Yombo plays Kay. Her theatre credits include Heartbeat of Home (Piccadilly Theatre), The Magic of Motown (UK & European tour), Boogie Nights (Gatehouse), The Wizard of Oz (Millfield Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Quarterhouse), Robin Hood (Salisbury Playhouse), Cinderella (Lighthouse, Poole) and Fame and The Wiz (MYT).
Matt Corner returns to the Menier to play Justin de Villeneuve – he previously appeared in Fiddler on the Roof. His other theatre credits include Cuttlefish (Trinity Arts Centre), The Last Ship (Northern Stage and UK tour), Jersey Boys (Piccadilly Theatre/UK tour), A Day at the Races/A Night at the Opera (Ireland) and Jim Caruso’s Cast Party (Birdland Jazz Club, New York). His film credits include Les Misérables and You’re a Musical Star.
Darren Day plays Michael Witney. His theatre work includes Footloose, Chicago, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show, Defending the Caveman, We Will Rock You, The Rocky Horror Show, Carousel, Beauty and the Beast, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Hello Dolly! (UK tours), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (West End, UK and world tours), Great Expectations (Theatr Clwyd), Copacabana, Grease, Bumblescratch, Les Misrables (West End), Summer Holiday (West End and UK tour), Bob in Rita, Sue and Bob Too (Theatre Royal, St Helens), Extremities (The Old Red Lion), Alfie (Watford Palace), The Last Session (Tristan Bates Theatre) and Mame (Salisbury Playhouse). On television, he won Opportunity Knocks; and he also hosted You Bet and has appeared on the Royal Variety Performance and Don’t Try This at Home. His other television work includes Doctors, Hollyoaks (as series regular Danny Houston), Stella, Holby City, Crime Stories and Mile High; and for film, Rudy, White Island, Rough Cut, The Krays, Demon Eye, Hellbreeder and Dangerous Game.
Beth Devine plays Sally. Her theatre credits include White Christmas (UK tour).
Aoife Dunne plays Cindy. She was the winner of Play in A Day at Alexandra Palace for Sky Arts. Her theatre credits include Maria Friedman – Legends (Menier Chocolate Factory), Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends (Sondheim Theatre), The Witches of Eastwick (Sondheim) and Toy Show the Musical (The Auditorium in Dublin).
Hannah-Jane Fox plays Nell Hornby. Her theatre credits include Tommy (Prince Edward Theatre), Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be (Union Theatre), Dick Whittington (Hackney Empire), We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre), Hot Stuff (Leicester Haymarket), and Rent (Shaftesbury). For television, her credits include Flatmates, Upstart Crown, The Yowling, Millie Inbetween (as series regular Sharon), The Wright Way (as series regular Cheryl), Slings and Arrows. Raging, Blessed and Fifteen Stories High.
Steven Serlin plays Norman Hornby. His theatre credits include Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors (Kilworth House), Heathers the Musical, The Wild Party (The Other Palace), Preludes (Southwark Playhouse), Amour (Charing Cross Theatre), We’ll Live and Die in These Towns (Belgrade Theatre Coventry), Oklahoma! (Grange Park Opera), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), The Infidel (Theatre Royal, Stratford East), I Can’t Sing (London Palladium), Sleeping Arrangements (Landor Theatre), Mack & Mabel, Company (Southwark Playhouse), Oscar’s World (Above the Stag), Arsenic and Old Lace (Salisbury Playhouse), Popcorn (Bolton Octagon), Imagine This (New London Theatre), Our House, Scrooge, Chess (UK tours), Desperately Seeking Susan (Novello Theatre), Saturday Night Fever, Boogie Nights (West End and UK tours), Grease (Dominion Theatre) and Piaf (Piccadilly).
In the mid-1960s at 16 years of age, Twiggy became internationally known as the world’s first supermodel. Her photographic modelling success epitomised the age. She appeared, and continues to appear, on the cover of Vogue, Tatler,Elle and countless other major magazines worldwide. She is now an actress, singer, writer, designer, presenter, producer and activist, as well as a model. Twiggy became a successful actress on stage, film and television, and won two Golden Globe Awards for her first film, The Boyfriend, directed by Ken Russell. In the mid-1980s, she was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the hit Gershwin musical, My One and Only, on Broadway. She has appeared several times onstage in the UK and the USA, including in Sir Peter Hall’s production of Mrs Warren’s Profession, and played Gertrude Lawrence in If Love Were All, Off-Broadway. Her television credits include playing Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion. She has recorded several albums, ranging from country pop to standards.
Also known as a fashion designer, she has designed successful ranges in the UK, the US and Japan. Twiggy was a guest judge for several seasons on the phenomenally successful America’s Next Top Model. She is an ardent supporter of many charities, including Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, breast cancer, many animal welfare charities, and she is an anti-fur campaigner. In 2020 Twiggy was invited to launch a podcast, Tea with Twiggy, in which she chats to friends and people she admires. Due to its ongoing success, the fourth series was launched in 2023. In 2019, she received a Damehood in the Queens New Year’s Honours list, for her contribution to fashion, the arts and charity.
Ben Elton is a multi-award-winning novelist, playwright, television writer, screenwriter and lyricist. He is also a theatre, screen and television director, a stand-up comedian and occasional actor. His work for the stage includes The New Review (1985) – with Richard Curtis, Gasping (1990), Silly Cow (1991), Popcorn (1997), Blast from the Past (1998), The Beautiful Game (2000) – book and lyrics, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, We Will Rock You (2002) – book, music by Queen, Tonight’s The Night (2004) – book, music by Rod Stewart and others, Love Never Dies (2010) – co-writer of the book, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. His many television credits include The Young Ones (1982/4) – writer with Rik Mayall and Lisa Meyer; Alfresco (1982/4) – performer and co-writer with Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson; Happy Families (1985) – writer; Blackadder 2 (1983) – co-writer with Richard Curtis; Filthy Rich & Catflap (1986) – writer; Saturday Live (1986/7) – comedian/host; Blackadder The Third (1987) – co-writer with Richard Curtis; Friday Night Live (1988) – comedian / host; Blackadder Goes Forth (1989) – co-writer with Richard Curtis; Ben Elton The Man From Auntie (1990 and 1994) – writer/performer; The Thin Blue Line (1995/6) – writer/co-director; The Ben Elton Show (1998) – writer/performer; Blessed (2005) – writer/director; The Wright Way (2013) – writer/co-director; and Upstart Crow (2016/17) – writer. Elton also wrote Mr Bean’s “exam” episode. In 2007 he was awarded the Special Golden Rose D’Or at The International Television festival in Lucerne Switzerland for his life-time contribution to the Television Arts. As a novelist, his work includes Stark (1989), Gridlock (1991), This Other Eden (1993), Popcorn (1996), Blast From The Past (1998), Inconceivable (1999), Dead Famous (2001), UK No 1. High Society (2002), Past Mortem (2004), The First Casualty (2005), Chart Throb (2006), Blind Faith (2007), Meltdown (2009), Two Brothers (2012), Time. And Time Again (2014); and for film, he has written and directed Maybe Baby (2000) and Three Summers (2017).
LISTINGS INFORMATION
MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY
53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU
THE THIRD MAN
Until 9 September
CLOSE UP – THE TWIGGY MUSICAL
18 September – 18 November
PACIFIC OVERTURES
25 November 2023 – 24 February 2024
Box Office: 020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)
AMY DI BARTOLOMEO LEADS PRINCIPAL CAST IN NEW MUSICAL FOR TONIGHT
ONE-NIGHT ONLY STAGED WEST-END CONCERT SHOW
By Shenelle Salcido and Spencer Williams
Directed by Nick Evans
ADELPHI THEATRE,5 September, 7.30 PM
“To be born Welsh is to be born with music
in your blood and poetry in your soul.” – Welsh Proverb
Amy Di Bartolomeo (SIX, We Will Rock You) and Jacob Young (Mamma Mia, Heathers) are today announced in the leading roles of new musical For Tonight, alongside Dale Evans (Jesus Christ Superstar) and BAFTA award-winning actress Emily Burnett (CBBC’s So Awkward, The Dumping Ground). The four Principals will be joined by a further 14 cast members and a choir, to be announced shortly.
This staged West-End concert show at the Adelphi Theatre on the 5 September uniquely blends, for the first time on stage, the rich and distinct traditions, language and culture of the Welsh and Romani peoples in a stirring journey exploring the power and meaning of home. Di Bartolomeo originated the leading role of Mirela Deram in workshops and also sang on the concept album along with Dale Evans, which has already hit 100k streams.
Inspired by true events, with its origins in the writer Spencer Williams’ own third great-grandfather’s handwritten journal, For Tonight’stimeless love story, one of difference and divide, is propelled by a riveting, foot stomping, atmospheric score incorporating traditional Welsh choral, indie-pop, folk, and Romani style melodies and rhythms.
The team behind For Tonightcome with solid musical theatre and theatre credentials including Tony award-nominated producer Blair Russell, who brought Slave Play by Jeremy O. Harris to Broadway, Sweeney Todd, the critically-acclaimed immersive show to off-Broadway and Lizard Boy from the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester and the Edinburgh Fringe to Off-Broadway. Welsh Director Nick Evans whose musical theatre credits include Mary Poppins,Bat Out of Hell, Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia, Rock of Ages and Jesus Christ Superstar joins forces with Welsh musical director lestyn Griffiths (Bat Out of Hell – World Tour), West End choreographer Kevan Allen (Jesus Christ Superstar – World Tour) and writers ShenelleSalcido and Spencer Williams. Award-winning poet and playwright Raine Geoghegan provides cultural script consultancy.
Set in 1832, the story begins at the Parry farm in Trelawnyd, a small town in North Wales where a Romani family find shelter and friendship, but soon after their arrival, an unknown disease brings tragedy. Blame falls on the Romani travellers who are forced to flee and the three Parry children, Tomos, Haydn and Nettie, have to grow up fast after losing their parents.
Tomos, Haydn and Nettie’s lives twist and turn along different paths but fate reunites them with the traveller community from long ago. The Parry siblings encounter love, joy and friendship, as well as pain, prejudice and struggle before finally being forced to face their past, and their biggest fears.
This one-night only staged concert will be the first opportunity for UK audiences to see the full show following the release of the concept album in 2021 which has had over 100k streams to date, and a UK development workshop in 2022. Prior to this, For Tonight has been in development at New York Musical Theatre Festival, New York Theatre Barn, Queensbury Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals, Michigan State University and Isle of Man’s Gaiety Theatre.
Co-writer Spencer Williams says: “This musical is rooted in my Welsh family history, but like the Romani peoples has journeyed far and wide in the course of its development. I can’t wait for UK audiences to experience this timelesstale that showcases the distinct music, movement, and language of the Welsh and Romani cultures.”
Raine Geoghegan, cultural script consultant adds: “This musical is really like no other. In both the Welsh and Romany culture there is an abundance of story, song, music that touches the soul, nowhere is that more apparent than in the title song ‘For Tonight’, I love the balance of word, music and song, not forgetting dance and movement. These are ancient cultures that carry voices from the past, there is something for everyone. “
Further cast, choir and creative teams to be announced shortly
PRINCIPAL CAST
MIRELA DERAM Amy Di Bartolomeo
HAYDN PARRYJacob Young
TOMOS PARRYDale Evans
HENRIETTA PARRY Emily Burnett
CREATIVE TEAM
Book, Music & LyricsShenelle Salcido & Spencer Williams
DirectorNick Evans
Musical DirectorIestyn Griffiths
ChoreographerKevan Allen
ProducerBlair Russell
OrchestratorJen Green
Set DesignerStewart J Charlesworth
Lighting Designer Jai Morjaria
Orchestral ManagementDave Danford for Absolute Music Services Ltd
