POLICE COPS: THE MUSICAL

TO TRANSFER TO

SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE BOROUGH

FOR A LIMITED RUN

Following their performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August, POLICE COPS: THE MUSICAL will transfer to The Large at Southwark Playhouse Borough for a limited run, from 8 September 2023 to 14 October 2023.

After five sell-out years at the Edinburgh Fringe, globally acclaimed comedy company POLICE COPS are back with a new version of their first ever musical. Featuring a brand-new score written by Brit Award winning Ben Adams (Eugenius! The Musical), the Police Cops are bringing their fast paced, action packed physical comedy back to the stage in their biggest show yet.

Creators Zachary Hunt, Nathan Parkinson and Tom Roe are joined by Melinda Orengo and Natassia Bustamante. The cast is completed by Mychele Lebrun and Ben Lancaster.

Rookie Police Cop Jimmy Johnson joined the force to protect and serve… But now Jimmy’s in deep, partnered up with a renegade Police Cop and leaned on by a racist Chief. With guns loaded and safety catches off, Jimmy’s on a freewheeling adventure from the mean streets of America to Mexico, where destiny awaits in the form of grizzled ex-Police Cop Juanita Gonzalez.

The creative team is Rich Morris (Musical Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations), Andrew Exeter (Set & Lighting), Charlie Smith (Sound) and Pearson Casting (Casting Director).

Welcome to the U.S.Eighties.

Website: www.policecopsmusical.co.uk

Instagram: @policecopsmusical

Twitter: @policecopslive
TikTok: @policecopsmusical

LISTINGS INFORMATION

8 September – 14 October 2023

Southwark Playhouse Borough

77-85 Newington Causeway

London SE1 6BD

Performances:

Mondays – 7:30pm

Tuesdays – 3pm & 7:30pm

Wednesdays – 7:30pm

Thursdays – 7:30pm

Fridays – 7:30pm

Saturdays – 3pm

Sundays – no performance

Box Office

020 7407 0234 / southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

Pioneers’ Preview 8^th September (all tickets £7.50)

Previews 9^th – 16^th September (all tickets £16)

Performances 18^th September – 14^th October (Standard tickets £29.50, Concession tickets £23.50)

Concessions apply to full time students, patrons over 65, patrons under 16, disabled patrons, and patrons claiming Universal Credit.

Disabled patrons may bring a companion/carer free of charge.

Southwark Playhouse has a group booking deal that offers ten tickets for the price of nine.

Southwark Playhouse

Southwark Playhouse is a registered charity that delivers a year-round programme of entertaining and enriching work. Southwark Playhouse operates two separate venues ‘Southwark Playhouse Borough’ and its newest theatre ‘Southwark Playhouse Elephant’ which opened earlier in 2023. Southwark Playhouse has always prided itself in telling stories and inspiring the next generation of storytellers and theatre makers, where support for the community has been rooted at the core of the organisation.

Twitter: @swkplay Facebook: SouthwarkPlayhouse

Instagram: @swkplay TikTok: swkplay YouTube: southwarkplayhouse

The Lowry, Salford – until Saturday 8^th July 2023

Reviewed by Matthew North

5***** 

Right – full disclosure. I’ve been obsessed with Titanic in general for as long as I can remember. I’ve listened to the original Broadway cast recording of the musical endlessly since it first landed on my iPod (yes… my iPod…) in the mid noughties – and I’ve been completely hooked on Thom Southerland’s production of the show since I first sat down in the Southwark Playhouse back in 2013… the first of seven visits in five weeks. It was that good.  

So… did this 10^th anniversary tour live up to such expectation, and manage to not compromise such fond memories? 

It really really did.  

Seeing what began as such an intimate chamber production of a musical that can only be described as epic up-sized in every way to fill one of the biggest stages in the country was one of the biggest theatrical thrills in I can recall in recent memory. Yes, a few moments are lost – but the production still packs every single emotional punch, and a few new ones thrown in too.  

The cast are uniformly excellent – not a note missed, every emotional and comedic beat hit (yes, Titanic the Musical will also make you laugh) and the way every single person on the stage weaves in and out of various characters is a testament to their talent and Southerland’s stunning direction. Every character is real, with their own story to tell, and crikey – the way the conclusion of this show hits you right in the feelings (we all know how it ends…) has to be experienced to be really understood. 

Across such a strong company, it’s difficult to pick out standouts – but I’d be lying if I said that Bree Smith (Alice Beane) and Valda Aviks (Ida Straus) didn’t totally steal my heart. Watching Aviks tie up the lifejackets of Straus’ maids ahead of arguably the most heartbreaking song in the show is a moment I won’t soon forget – and she easily plays the role the best I’ve ever seen… and I’ve seen this show a lot.  

People have a habit of chuckling at the prospect of Titanic the Musical, and often decide that Jack and Rose must turn up for a rousing rendition of some song by Celine Dion (never heard it myself…) but if you haven’t seen this show – and specifically this production – you’re missing out. This tour marks 10 years since this production first premiered, and it’d be a real loss to the industry should this be the last time we see it.  

Am I fighting the urge (unsuccessfully) to buy tickets to see it again this week? Yes. Yes I am. 

Truly unmissable – musical theatre at its heartbreaking best.

GEORGINA CASTLE,

REBECCA LOCK, NICHOLAS POUND,

KIM ISMAY AND DERMOT CANAVAN

TO RETURN TO ELF THE MUSICAL

AT THE DOMINION THEATRE

Marking the 20^th anniversary of the original release of the motion picture featuring Will Ferrell, a worldwide success that has since become a holiday perennial, the smash-hit musical adaptation of ELF returns to London’s Dominion Theatre for a second consecutive year for a strictly limited season from 15 November 2023 until 6 January 2024.

Reprising their roles are Georgina Castle (Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia) as Jovie, Rebecca Lock (The Phantom of the Opera, Avenue Q)as Emily Hobbs, Nicholas Pound (Cats, The Rocky Horror Show)as Santa, Kim Ismay (Wicked, Saturday Night Fever) as Debsand Dermot Canavan (Hairspray, Oklahoma!) as Store Manager. Further casting is to be announced, including new actors featured in the roles of Buddy and Walter Hobbs.

After a seven-year absence from the West End, ELF’s 2022 sold-out run at the Dominion was proof of the production’s public and critical success, facilitating its return in 2023 due to popular demand

Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF features a book by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), with songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer).

This production will once again be directed by Philip Wm. McKinley, with choreography by Liam Steel, original set and costume design by Tim Goodchild, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound by Gareth Owen and video design by Ian William Galloway. Casting will be by Grindrod Burton Casting.

ELF is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts as a baby and is transported back to the North Pole and raised as an elf! Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities finally cause him to face the truth and realise he’ll never belong in the North Pole. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York to find his birth father, discover his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

ELF is produced by Temple Live Entertainment.

Website: elflondon.com

Instagram: @elfmusicalLDN

Facebook: @elfmusicalLDN

Twitter: @elfmusicalLDN

LISTINGS INFORMATION

ELF the Musical

15 November 2023 to 6 January 2023

Dominion Theatre

268-269 Tottenham Court Road

London W1T 7AQ

Box Office:  0345 200 7982

Performance Schedule

15 November – 2 December

Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 2.30pm

N.B there are additional matinees on 22 & 30 November

4 – 16 December

Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm

Christmas 2023/2024

Monday 18 December – 2.30pm

Tuesday 19 December – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Wednesday 20 December – 2.30pm

Thursday 21 December – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Friday 22 December – 7.30pm

Saturday 23 December – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 24 December – No Performance

Monday 25 December – No Performance

Tuesday 26 December – 7.30pm

Wednesday 27 December – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 28 December – 2.30pm

Friday 29 December – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Saturday 30 December 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 31 December – no performance

Monday 1 January – 7.30pm

Tuesday 2 January – 7.30pm

Wednesday 3 January – 7.30pm

Thursday 4 January – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Friday 5 January – 7.30pm

Saturday 6 January – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Running Time:  2 hours 25 minutes (including interval)

KEVIN CLIFTON, GIOVANNA FLETCHER AND SAM BAILEY
TO JOIN THE UK TOUR OF
AWARD-WINNING HIT MUSICAL

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the smash-hit and critically acclaimed musical, is pleased to announce further casting for the 2023-24 UK Tour. Strictly Come Dancing professional and series 16 winner Kevin Clifton will play Hugo/Loco Chanelle from 25 March – 15 July 2024, author, podcast host and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here winner Giovanna Fletcher will play Miss Hedge from 8 January  –  23 March 2024 with X-Factor winner Sam Bailey taking over the role of Miss Hedge from 25 March – 15 July 2024.

Kevin Clifton said “I’m really excited to be joining the UK Tour of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie after being involved in the movie. It’s inspiring, uplifting and infectious and I can’t wait to jump into Hugo/Loco Chanelle’s heels across the country. I’m proud to be part of a show that carries such an important message and celebrates everyone for who they are.”

Giovanna Fletcher said “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a wonderful show. Not only does it have great music, dance and humour, it also has masses of heart. The story is a universal tale of courage and acceptance, and one I can’t wait to help bring to life. I’m thrilled to get back on stage with such a talented cast and look forward to audiences across the UK falling in love with this show.”

Sam Bailey said “I’m so excited to be joining the cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie on tour! As an actress it’s just a dream to be playing an amazing role like Miss Hedge, and to be part of a show that has such a heartfelt and positive message.”

They join the previously announced Ivano Turco (Get Up, Stand Up!, Cinderella) as Jamie New, Rebecca McKinnis (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie West End, Dear Evan Hansen, We Will Rock You, Les Misérables) as Margaret New,  Shobna Gulati (The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie West End and Film, Coronation Street, Brassic) as Ray and Talia Palamathanan (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Tour and film) as Pritti.

John Partridge plays Hugo / Loco Chanelle from 7 September  – 11 November 2023 and 8 January – 23 March 2024. Kevin Clifton plays Hugo / Loco Chanelle from 25 March – 15 July 2024. Hayley Tamaddon plays Miss Hedge from 7 September – 26 November 2023, Giovanna Fletcher plays Miss Hedge from 8 January  –  23 March 2024, and Sam Bailey plays Miss Hedge from 25 March – 15 July 2024.

Completing the cast for the 2023-24 UK Tour are KY Kelly (Anthony Gyde) (Laika Virgin), Garry Lee (Sandra Bollock), David McNair (Tray Sophisticay), Akshay St Clair (Dad), Jordan Ricketts (Dean), Liv Ashman (Vicki), Rhiannon Bacchus (Fatimah), Geoff Berrisford (Sayid), Jessica Daugirda (Bex), Finton Flynn (Young Loco Chanelle / Jamie New cover), Annabelle Laing (Becca), Luca Moscardini (Levi), Joshian Omana (Cy), Thomas Walton (Mickey), Takayiah Bailey (Swing) and Georgina Hagen (Understudy Margaret / Ray / Miss Hedge).

Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency, sold out UK & Ireland Tour and Amazon studios award-winning film the show opens at The Lowry on 7 September 2023 before visiting Sunderland, Nottingham, Bromley, Birmingham, Cardiff, Brighton, Leeds, Blackpool, Llandudno, Oxford, Southampton, Newcastle, Wolverhampton, Woking, London, Bristol, Plymouth, Sheffield, Liverpool, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Northampton, Bradford, Milton Keynes, Hull and Leicester.

Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.

This ‘Funny, outrageous, touching’ (Daily Telegraph) musical sensation is to be experienced by all the family and not to be missed!

Set to an original score of catchy pop tunes that will ‘blow the roof off the theatre’ (Mail on Sunday) by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells and writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who). Choreographed by Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Kate Prince (Into The Woods, Some Like It Hip Hop, SYLVIA, Message In A Bottle). This ‘sparkling coming-of-age musical’ (The Times) will have everybody talking about Jamie for years to come.

Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true.

Watch the Everybody’s Talking About Jamie trailer here.

Music by Dan Gillespie Sells

Book and Lyrics by Tom MacRae

From an idea by Jonathan Butterell

Directed by Matt Ryan from original direction by Jonathan Butterell

Design by Anna Fleischle

Choreography by Kate Prince

Lighting design by Lucy Carter

Sound design by Paul Groothuis

Video Design Luke Halls

Casting by Will Burton

Musical Supervisor Theo Jamieson

TOUR DETAILS

The Lowry, Salford Quays

Thu 7- Sun 17 September 2023

Website: www.thelowry.com

Sunderland Empire

Tue 19 – Sat 23 September 2023

Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

Nottingham Theatre Royal

Mon 25 – Sat 30 September 2023

Website: www.trch.co.uk

Bromley Churchill Theatre

Mon 2 – Sat 7 October 2023

Website: www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

Birmingham Hippodrome

Tues 10 – Sat 14 October 2023

Website: www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Mon 23 – Sat 28 October 2023

Website: www.wmc.org.uk

Brighton Theatre Royal

Tue 31 October – Sat 11 November 2023

Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton

Leeds Grand Theatre

Tue 14 – Sun 19 November 2023

Website: www.leedsheritagetheatres.com

Blackpool Winter Gardens 

Tue 21 – Sat 25 November 2023

Website: www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Venue Cymru, Llandudno

Tue 28 November – Sat 2 December 2023

Website: www.venuecymru.co.uk

New Theatre, Oxford

Tue 12 – Sat 30 December 2023

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

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

Tue 9 – Sun 14 January 2024

Website: www.mayflower.org.uk

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tue 16 – Sat 20 January 2024

Website: www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Tue 23 – Sat 27 January 2024

Website: www.grandtheatre.co.uk

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Mon 29 January – Sat 3 February 2024

Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre

Peacock Theatre, London

Thur 8 February – Sat 23 March 2024

Website: www.sadlerswells.com

Hippodrome Theatre, Bristol

Mon 25 – Sat 30 March 2024

Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome

Theatre Royal, Plymouth

Mon 1 – Sat 6 April 2024

Website: www.theatreroyal.com

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Tue 9 – Sat 20 April 2024

Website: www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Empire Theatre, Liverpool

Mon 22 – Sat 27 April 2024

Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

Tue 30 April – Sat 4 May 2024

Website: www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Kings Theatre, Portsmouth

Mon 6 – Sat 11 May 2024

Website: www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

Mon 13 – Sat 18 May 2024

Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow

His Majesty’s Theatre,Aberdeen

Tue 21 – Sat 25 May 2024

Website: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/his-majestys-theatre

Royal & Derngate, Northampton

Mon 27 May – Sat 1 June 2024

Website: www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

Mon 3 June – Sat 8 June

Website: www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/venues/the-alhambra-theatre

[On sale soon]

Milton Keynes Theatre

Mon 10 – Sat 15 June 2024

Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/miltonkeynestheatre

Hull New Theatre

Mon 17 – Sat 22 June 2024

Website: www.hulltheatres.co.uk

Curve Theatre, Leicester

Mon 15 – Sat 20 July 2024

Website: www.curveonline.co.uk

THE UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF

ANNOUNCES CASTING

AMBER DAVIES TO STAR AS VIVIAN WARD,

ORE ODUBA AS HAPPY MAN/MR THOMPSON

OLIVER SAVILE AS EDWARD LEWIS

AND

NATALIE PARIS AS KIT DE LUCA

Following a hugely successful run in the West End, the producers of the smash hit PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL are delighted to announce casting for the UK and Ireland tour.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will star Amber Davies as Vivian Ward, Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson, Oliver Savile as Edward Lewisand Natalie Paris as Kit De Luca. They are joined by Becky Anderson, Rebekah Bryant, Josh Damer-Jennings, Ben Darcy, Andrew Davison, Lila Falce-Bass, Noah Harrison, Sydnie Hocknell, Elly Jay, Rachael Kendall Brown, Michael Kholwadia, Joshua Lear, Stuart Maciver, Victoria Rachael McCabe, Eleanor Morrison-Halliday, LJ Neilson, Annell Odartey, Curtis Patrick and Chomba Taulo.

Amber Davies can currently be seen in the West End as Lorraine Baines in Back to the Future: The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre. Her previous theatre credits include the role of Judy in the Original West End Cast of 9 to 5 the Musical at the Savoy Theatre and on tour, and Campbell in Bring It On at London’s Southbank Centre.

Ore Oduba was most recently seen as Brad Majors in the West End and UK tour of the 50^th anniversary production of The Rocky Horror Show. His previous theatre credits include Aaron Fox in Curtains on tour and in the West End, and Teen Angel in Grease on a UK tour. Ore was crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion in 2016 and more recently made it to the final of Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Oliver Savile’s West End credits include Fiyero in Wicked, Whizzer in Falsettos, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and the UK tour of Cats and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Oliver also starred alongside Sting in the US tour The Last Ship.

Natalie Paris is best known as the original Jane Seymour in the West End production of SIX, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award. She is currently touring North America with the production, having also toured the UK. Natalie’s previous theatre credits include Sunday in the Park with George at the Menier Chocolate Factory and Wyndham’s Theatre, Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace and Les Misérables at the Palace and Queen’s Theatre.

Big night out. Big. HUGE. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is Hollywood’s ultimate rom-com, live on stage. Once upon a time in the late ’80s, Vivian met Edward and her life changed forever. Be swept up in their romance in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages – and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way – in a sensational show guaranteed to lift your spirits and light up your heart.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL features original music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, a book by Garry Marshall and the film’s screenwriter J.F. Lawton, it is directed and choreographed by the two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.

Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. PRETTY WOMAN the film (produced by Arnon Milchan – New Regency Productions) was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990.

Atlantic Records’ PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL (ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING) is produced by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and is now available on all DSP’s.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has scenic design by David Rockwell, costumes by Tom Rogers from the original Broadway designs by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, and music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke. 101 Productions, Ltd are the Global General Management Consultant. Direction recreated by Dominic Shaw.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL had its world premiere at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre in March 2018 before transferring to Broadway where it ran at the Nederlander Theatre. The German production opened in Hamburg at the Stage Theater an der Elbe in September 2019 to rave reviews, and a US Tour of the show opened in October 2021. 

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL was produced in the West End by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Paula Wagner, Nice Productions, LPO, New Regency Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Kilimanjaro Theatricals/Joshua Andrews, Hunter Arnold, Caiola Productions & Co., Roy Furman, Edward Walson, deRoy Kierstead, Stage Entertainment and John Gore Organization.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL

UK AND IRELAND TOUR LISTINGS

TUESDAY 17 – SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER 2023

BIRMINGHAM, THE ALEXANDRA

www.atgtickets.com/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2023

BRISTOL HIPPODROME

www.atgtickets.com/bristol-hippodrome

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

TUESDAY 14 – SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2023

GLASGOW, THEATRE ROYAL

www.atgtickets.com/theatre-royal-glasgow

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba* as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

*Ore Oduba is not scheduled to perform Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 November 2023

MONDAY 27 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER 2023

WOKING, NEW VICTORIA THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward

MONDAY 4 – SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER 2023

OXFORD, NEW THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/new-theatre-oxford

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward

THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER – SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER 2023

STOCKTON GLOBE THEATRE

www.stocktonglobe.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward

MONDAY 15 – SATURDAY 20 JANUARY 2024

ABERDEEN, HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

TUESDAY 23 JANUARY – SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2024

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE

www.atgtickets.com/liverpool-empire

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 5 – SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2024

HULL NEW THEATRE

www.hulltheatres.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 12 – SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2024

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/new-wimbledon-theatre

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 19 – SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2024

YORK, GRAND OPERA HOUSE

www.atgtickets.com/grand-opera-house-york

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

TUESDAY 5 – SATURDAY 16 MARCH 2024

MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE

www.atgtickets.com/opera-house-manchester

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

TUESDAY 19 – SATURDAY 30 MARCH 2024

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE  

www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

TUESDAY 2 – SATURDAY 13 APRIL 2024

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

www.atgtickets.com/edinburghplayhouse  

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 15 – SATURDAY 20 APRIL 2024

PLYMOUTH, THEATRE ROYAL

www.theatreroyal.com

ON SALE SOON

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 29 APRIL – SATURDAY 4 MAY 2024

CARDIFF, WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

www.wmc.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 6 – SATURDAY 11 MAY 2024

BROMLEY, CHURCHILL THEATRE

www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

TUESDAY 14 – SATURDAY 25 MAY 2024

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

www.leedsheritagetheatres.com

ON SALE SOON

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

TUESDAY 28 MAY – SATURDAY 8 JUNE 2024

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

www.atgtickets.com/sunderland-empire

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 10 – SATURDAY 15 JUNE 2024

BELFAST, GRAND OPERA HOUSE

www.goh.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 24 – SATURDAY 29 JUNE 2024

CORK OPERA HOUSE

www.corkoperahouse.ie

ON SALE SOON

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

TUESDAY 2 – SATURDAY 13 JULY 2024

DUBLIN, BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

ON SALE SOON

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 15 – SATURDAY 20 JULY 2024

STOKE REGENT THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 22 – SATURDAY 27 JULY 2024

SOUTHAMPTON, MAYFLOWER

www.mayflower.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

TUESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 17 AUGUST 2024

SOUTHEND, CLIFFS PAVILION

www.southendtheatres.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 26 – SATURDAY 31 AUGUST 2024

DARTFORD, ORCHARD THEATRE

www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 2 – SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2024

NOTTINGHAM, THEATRE ROYAL

www.trch.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 9 – SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2024

NORTHAMPTON, DERNGATE THEATRE

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

MONDAY 23 – SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2024

SHEFFIELD, LYCEUM THEATRE

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

Starring Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson

FURTHER VENUES TO BE ANNOUNCED

TONY AND OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

CELEBRATES 18 YEARS SINCE OPENING ON BROADWAY AND ANNOUNCES NEW LONDON CAST

“This fresh and vibrant production

is the feel-good hit that everyone will adore” BroadwayWorld

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM WWW.JERSEYBOYSMUSICAL.CO.UK

The original Grammy, Tony and Olivier award-winning smash-hit musical, Jersey Boys, celebrates its 18th birthday after opening on Broadway in 2005. This musical extravaganza goes behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the true-life phenomenon and is currently booking until 28th January 2024. Christmas performances are now on sale.

Alongside the birthday celebrations, the London production is delighted to announce its new cast from 26th July at the Trafalgar Theatre. Luke Suri as Frankie Valli and Karl James Wilson as Nick Massi continue their roles, with Peter Nash (Singin’ in the Rain UK tour) as Tommy De Vito and Declan Egan as Bob Gaudio, who previously played the role at the Piccadilly Theatre and on the UK tour, completing the Four Seasons.

Joining them will be Joey Cornish as Joe Pesci, Joseph Peters as Bob Crewe, Andy Barke as Gyp De Carlo, Kirsty Whelan as Mary Delgado, Oliver Tester as Norm Waxman/Hank Majewski, Jacob McIntosh as Barry Belson, Gracie Lai as Lorraine, Rosie Needham as Francine, Danny Knott, Bonnie Page, Olly Manley, Daniel Parkinson, Matthew Lawrence and Pearce Barron.

“Tough guys and tender harmonies. A cracking story and a seemingly

endless catalogue of hit songs”

The Guardian

They were just four guys from New Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story—a story that has made them an international sensation all over again.

From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true. The show is packed with the hits of The Four Seasons, including Beggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You.

“Too good to be true” New York Post

Howard Panter, producer for Trafalgar Entertainment Productions, said: “Eighteen years is a magnificent milestone for Jersey Boys and I’m thrilled that audiences continue to give standing ovations at the Trafalgar Theatre night after night. I can’t wait to see our incredible new cast take to the stage and perform the legendary hits that make Jersey Boys the smash hit musical it is”

Jersey Boys is written by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. Recipient of Broadway’s Tony, London’s Olivier and Australia’s Helpmann Awards for Best New Musical, Jersey Boys is the winner of 65 major awards and has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide. Jersey Boys was voted the favourite Olivier Winning musical of the 21st Century in a survey of theatregoers by The Stage newspaper. The musical opened to rave reviews at the newly refurbished Trafalgar Theatre in July 2021.

Jersey Boys originally opened on Broadway on 6 November 2005 and ran for more than 11 years. It was the 12th longest running show in Broadway history. It ran in London’s West End from 2008 to 2017 – nine amazing years – and, at the time, was the sixth longest musical running in the West End. It has recently completed its third record-breaking UK & Ireland tour which ran until May 2023, having previously played two tours from 2014-2016 and from 2017-2019.

“Staged with true all-American flair and polish” WhatsOnStage

They had a look, an attitude, and a sound like no other. Sure, they were born in Jersey. But they were made in America.

During the month of July celebrate Independence Day with the original American Feel-Good Musical, Jersey Boys! Use promo code 4JULY online for all performances in July and have a drink on us!*

*T&Cs £75 (Band A seat) plus your choice of a Frankie cocktail (Gin, Prosecco, Passion Fruit syrup) or Brooklyn Lager (Alcohol Free option available). Valid on all performances 1 – 31 July. Subject to availability.

Jersey Boys at the Trafalgar Theatre is staged by the original Broadway creative team, led by the Tony Award-winning team of director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, with scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Steve Canyon Kennedy and projections design by Michael Clark. The orchestrations are by Steve Orich and the music supervision and vocal arrangements by Ron Melrose. Casting Director is Jill Green CDG.

Jersey Boys is produced in London by the Dodgers and Trafalgar Theatre Productions, with BB Investments, Kevin Kinsella, Pelican Group in association with Latitude Link and Eilene Davidson Productions.

Listings Information:

Website: www.jerseyboysmusical.co.uk

Twitter & Instagram: @JerseyBoysUK

Facebook: @JerseyBoysLondon

Trafalgar Theatre, 14 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY

Performance Schedule:

Monday, Wednesday – Saturday 7:30pm

Thursday & Saturday 2:30pm

Sunday 4:00pm

Christmas schedule:

As above with an additional matinee at 2:30pm on 20, 27 December and 3 January.

There are no performances on 24, 25 December and 1 January.

Tickets from £25

Actor and Director Jason Merrells answered 20 questions.  Jason is currently touring with The Verdict playing the lead role of Lawyer Frank Galvin.  Tickets are available to catch the tour here

Let’s start with a few favourites

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

I’m enjoying being in The Verdict and I enjoyed playing Astrov in Uncle Vanya which was a tick box role for me.  Shows I’ve not been in and enjoyed, I’d say Burn This with John Malkovich in the early 90’.  And Jerusalem must come a close second

Favourite book?

Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Favourite theatre?

The National Theatre

Favourite song?

I like all music but Into My Arms by Nick Cave if I must choose one

Favourite type of music?

Again, I like it all but I’d have to say electronic music if I can only have one

Favourite food?

Mexican

Favourite drink?

Manhattan

What is your favourite role so far?

I think your current role is always your favourite as it’s in your consciousness.  But like I said before Astrov in Uncle Vanya was a tick box role for me

What was your first role?

A fringe show where I play the Earl of Essex.  My first role on TV was Matt in Casualty

And what role would you really like to play?

Coriolanus and I’d like to be in the Scottish play

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

I’m also an Artist, I paint and make prints.  I like wood work so I think I’d be happy as a Carpenter and I cook, so maybe a Chef?  But I think I’d enjoy working with wood

How are you finding touring?

It’s a long tour and it’s hard being away from home, but we get to revitalise new audiences every night

What advice would you give 16 year old you?

Hang in there.  Look after yourself. Observe and be kind

Do you fancy branching out in another avenue beyond acting e.g. Producing or Directing?

I already direct, I’ve done a some films and I have a few films up in the air, so I am happy directing

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

I saw Bleak Expectations in the West End with my daughter and it was very funny

Favourite line from the show?

I say “Very good” in The Verdict, which is after a very dramatic moment and that’s my current favourite

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

I don’t really get anything, but it’s always weird to me when I’m given my photo to sign.  It’s weird to see my face

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

No, not really.  I need a break after this tour and then we’ll take it from there

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 8th July 2023

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

4.5****

Like many people, I knew Abigail’s Party from the TV adaptation starring Alison Steadman. With such an iconic performance to live up to, I had high expectations.

Ah, the 70’s – “the decade that taste forgot”. Set (and costume) designer Bek Palmer did a wonderful job recreating the era, immersing us immediately into the world (and psyches) of our hosts for the evening…

….and from word go Beverly set her stall out, boogeying whilst laying out the nibbles, glamorously decked out like the movie queen she knows she is in her orange evening dress. Rebecca Birch gave a winning performance of this cracked actress who conveys all the surface sheen and glamour of the thoroughly modern woman whilst being as frail as gold leaf on the inside. I really loved the small details In her portrayal. A different take from Steadman’s – neither better nor worse. Slightly more sexual I would say and less smarmy (but not by much). Great (two thumbs up) – truly cringeworthy.

Bev’s frustration lashes out mostly at her husband Laurence. Actor Tom Richardson’s performance was nicely nuanced – I really liked his various attitudes towards the guests invading his house. His pent up frustration, held in check with just a little escaping through the cracks, was particularly effective when it did eventually explode.

The first guests, Angela and Tony, provide the perfect canvas for Bev to play out her fantasies. Alice De-Warrenne was hilarious as Angela, wonderfully off kilter, it was a comedy tour de force, not least that voice and lack of etiquette! George Readshaw played her husband Tony with perfect pacing and barely held rage. Less was more with Tony and I loved it.

The last guest, Susan, Abigail’s mum who has been ousted from her house so that her daughter can have the eponymous party, is hard put upon by life and the overpowering Bev. The normal in the middle of the madness. Brilliantly underplayed (and I mean that as a compliment) by the wonderful Jo Castleton.

I wonder how close this production was to the original stage play. For instance, there was different music to the TV version I knew – no Demis Roussos. There was particularly brilliant use of Beethoven’s 5th opening movement, the “fate” theme, used to comi-tragic effect.

Each actor portrayed perfect range within the madness of their characters and situations as they unravel during the evening, everyone doing a stellar job of conveying the tension, drama, pathos and tragedy! I really loved Bev and Angela getting progressively more drunk and Angela’s use of props. The director’s use of the male cast when moving the sofa was masterful, (Tony with one hand, Laurence with 2) like Rams butting horns.

A wonderful play with something for everyone; nostalgia for those who remember this seminal, heady decade and fascination and wonderment for others (perhaps younger) at the ghastly fashions, music, décor and attitudes. But from whichever angle you come at it, it’s a fabulous night out being a fly on the wall of this excruciating soirée and one that I would recommend to everyone. Top marks to all concerned – terrific!

Gillian Lynne Theatre – until 20 January 2024

5*****

Charlie Stemp dazzles in this gloriously daft show full of joyous escapism, jaw dropping dancing and corny humour.

Created in 1992, but perfectly recreating the dizziness of the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals, Crazy For You is based on 1930’s Girl Crazy by George and Ira Gershwin, with some old favourites from the Gershwins’ catalogue added. Ken Ludwig’s book feels just like one of those old musicals – the flimsiest of plots with ridiculous situations, groan-inducing jokes, physical comedy interspersed between barnstorming song and dance numbers – brilliant! Beowulf Borritt’s glorious set, Ken Billington’s luscious lighting and William Ivey Long’s colourful costumes are on song.

Bobby Child (Charlie Stemp) wants to dance, but that’s not in his family’s business plans. Bobby is sent to Deadrock, Nevada to foreclose on the town’s theatre. Instead, he falls for the owner’s daughter, Polly (Carly Anderson) and somehow ends up impersonating theatre impresario Bela Zangler and putting on a show to save it. Of course, the real Zangler (the hilarious Tom Edden) shows up and things get complicated.

The frothiness and fizziness of the storytelling and performances draw you in, and it is wonderful to see Stemp get the chance to really show his comedic side – the scene where Bobby and Zangler, dressed identically, drunkenly mirror each other is a masterpiece of comic timing. Whether a huge set piece dance number or a heartfelt romantic song, the vocals are stunning, and with songs like these – what’s not to like? Embraceable You, Someone To Watch Over Me – gorgeous.

Susan Stroman’s choreography and direction is simply sublime. Making the most of Stemp’s incredible dancing talent, Bobby’s choreography becomes his language, the only time he is truly himself. The imaginative and intricate ensemble sequences are high energy and intoxicating. I Got Rhythm is mind-blowingly good – you’ll need a drink in the interval to recover.

Polly is clever, funny and full of strength and Carly Anderson allows her vulnerabilities to show in her beautifully performed songs. Sam Harrison and Rina Fatina make a huge impression as English tourists, and Natalie Kassanga is wonderful as Bobby’s fiancé Irene. But this is Charlie Stemp’s show – his dancing will take your breath away and his charm and comic characterisation will put a goofy grin on your face.

A revival with old school class and fizzing with energy, silliness and joy – Crazy For You is THE show of the Summer.

Curve Theatre Leicester – until 8th July 2023

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

5****

Bourne’s breathtaking interpretation of the Bards bad romance is enthralling. Refreshing, it reframes and reimagines the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers, set not in the Italian city of Verona but in a stark white, sterile Institute for Boys and Girls. It’s not clear of its purpose except segregation and compliance, what is clear is that the youth are forced into submission as they swallow medication and stiffly march in formation on command. The Verona Institute is perhaps part reform school, part hospital and is most definitely open to corruption. In this version, there is no direct feud between families, but rather a struggle between youth and authority, freedom and incarceration, love and brutality.

Drawing you in like the proverbial bull, a red curtain falls revealing tragedy before launching into the Dance of the Knights, powerful and urgent, you feel the angst pour from the pores of the performers. Bourne flips the script as expected so you don’t quite know what to expect. Tybalt is now an unorthodox and threatening guard, with inappropriate designs on Juliet. Nurse/Friar Lawrence is now a kindly Chaplain, Mercutio is a fiery, flirty and feisty, fellow inmate pushing boundaries. Early on there is a suggestion of something quite sinister happening to Juliet at the hands of Tybalt, which makes the final twist and deviation from the original plot, plausible. (No spoilers here)

We are introduced to the youth with some truly spectacular dance sequences, staccato stomps, and sullen swings with the youth literally climbing the walls in their caged confinement. Romeo, accompanied by paparazzi conscious parents, arrives at the institute and is deftly stripped and admitted, blending in, to become another brick in the wall.

Romeo and Juliet’s love is evident and celebrated in this production as is youth. Through the most exquisite dance their love blossoms. In ‘A Verona Institute’ dance for boys and girls. It flips from formal disco overseen by guards and chaplain, to full-on raunchfest when the authorities are out of sight, reminiscent of ‘Dirty Dancing’, the scene in the basement, with the watermelons. There are elements of ‘Grease’ and ‘Summer Nights’ when Romeo and Juliet’s friends huddle excitedly to debrief the morning after. Whilst their peers writhe, gyrate and undulate with sexual fury during the disco, they alone stand pure, centre of the stage, oscillating on a different frequency. The kiss sequence is spectacular, lips locked whilst they dance with abandonment, breathless, effortless and youre left questioning afterwards, how did they do that? Cordelia Braithwaite is a multifaceted Juliet, not simply passive and innocent, she portrays this Juliet with the depth she deserves. Paris Fitzpatrick is a gentle Romeo who develops in strength as the performance goes on and he endures the various trials forced upon him. Richard Winsor is sensational as a chilling and tyrannical Tybalt. More in need of incarceration than the inmates, Winsor completely encompasses the tortured rage and violence that consumes him. A fleeting moment of perceived softness is quickly shunned for the familiarity of brutalisation. The cast, as a whole, were energetic, enthusiastic and had you entertained at every moment. The tireless movements were innovative and polished but at the same time free and fluidlike. They had you on the edge of your seat trying to take it all in, all at once.

Terry Davies’s shaping of Prokofiev’s score is a stripped-back version of the score, which suits this adaptation, still dramatic and poignant, it delivers strong in the dramatic stakes. Lez Brotherston’s white-tiled set was cold and clinical. Monochrome, with splashes of colour for effect. Wired gates, walls you could climb with a walkway which so cleverly doubled as Juliet’s balcony. A huge light fitting coming down from the ceiling which was a sort of surgical UFO and a glitter ball. Combined with Paule Constable’s lighting it set the scene for a dystopian future for our youth, so bright, yet so bleak, full of shadows and things that haunt us. A medicated future to suppress impulses.

Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet is beautiful. Full of spectacular performances and pathos, combined with Prokofiev’s haunting score and set through the lens of youth, this truly is a fresh and surprising adaptation that absorbs and awakens the senses.