HOPE MILL THEATRE, MANCHESTER – UNTIL SATURDAY 8TH JULY 2023
REVIEWED BY ZOE BROWN
4****
Philip Ridley’s powerful play is about ‘how we manipulate our memories of the past to shape the story of our lives’. As Director, Max Harrison, insightfully writes ‘Right now – it feels more relevant than ever’, referencing high-profile names we see in the media pushing ‘their truth’ and ‘recollections may vary’ of truth, in a bid to control the narrative.
Ridley’s ability to encapsulate such universal themes within the life of an everyday East End family leaves you bewildered and emotionally shell shocked. This play covers many difficult subjects matters, with reference to suicide, domestic violence and allusions to child abuse.
Brace yourselves, and if you can stomach the content, this is a production well worth the watch. Bringing into focus, family secrets and the lies we tell ourselves and each other to keep from descending into depression (as matriarch Liz called it a ‘fluey bug thing’ that ‘we never talked about once it was over: What was the point?’) Whilst this content is disturbing it is well worth confronting and exploring as a society. Yes, it’s brutal – however it’s superbly written and performed; a rhythmic piece of drama whose pace and tension builds and builds until a crescendo in the third act with heartbreaking effect.
These are indeed all fine Actors. To carry the weight of this story is no mean feat (a whole 1 hour 45 mins, no interval). Ned Costello as Steven is a powerhouse. His journey into and out of descent was masterful. One to watch in my book. Joseph Potter as his traumatised younger brother Barry was engaging throughout. Katie Buchholz as wife Debbie was strong, dynamic and witty. Kacey Ainsworth as mother Liz, a fine established actor whose experience shone through, finding the perfect balance of powerful demanding matriarch and broken grieving mother.
The minimalist black staging and seamless transitions made this a slick production. However, the seating arrangement left me feeling a tad too exposed. Staged in a hybrid of thrust and raised proscenium seating, it felt strange to be one of those seated stage left and so close to the actors you almost felt you were in the room with them. Ordinarily I love being close, but when the studio lighting encompasses those of us near to the action, you feel very much on display for the rest of the audience. At one point I jumped in my skin as the scarily confident ‘Steven’ stared directly into my soul.
Also, the choice to perform so much of the cellar scene in darkness meant the scene felt too long and we were robbed of the ability to see how the actors were reacting to each other.
Lidless Theatre’s focus on making ‘raw and emotionally impactful theatre through shared human experience’ is indeed vital theatre. Rightfully explored at a pivotal moment in our society’s history.
GARDENS FIT FOR A QUEEN (OR SIX) – THE WEST END COMPANY OF SIX AT THE RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE GARDEN FESTIVAL 2023
The West End company of smash-hit global musical phenomenon Six today visited the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2023, where they were crowned with specially created floral creations from Flowers from the Farm, the not-for-profit membership organisation championing nearly 1000 independent artisan growers of British cut flowers across the UK, and photographed in front of the beautiful RHS Letters, designed by Leigh Chappell Flowers.
Cast members Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky, Baylie Carson, Leah Vassell, Monique Ashe-Palmer, Koko Basigara, and Roxanne Couch visited the iconic 31-acre site in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, and enjoyed visiting some of the 39 gardens, allotments and Sensory Pocket Planting beds which have been designed and created for the 2023 Festival, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and runs until 9 July.
Winner of two 2022 Tony Awards, a Whatsonstage award, and nominated for five Olivier awards, SIXcan 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 production in South Korea, and forthcoming productions in Holland and Canada.
SIX is written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, with Direction by Lucy Moss and Jamie, with Armitage, choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, 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, musical supervisor Joe Beighton.
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 fiercely all-female band,
the Ladies in Waiting, and Get Down to a royal retelling of the sassiest story in British Her-story.
Kenny Wax Family Entertainment, in association with MAST Mayflower Studios UK tour dates announced for award-winning empowering pop musical Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World Thursday 30th November 2023 – Sunday 3rd March 2024
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, winner of the UK Theatre Award, is heading out on a major UK tour. It opens at Wimbledon New Theatre in November before returning to The Lowry for a Christmas season with further touring in 2024. This empowering pop musical, from one of the producers of worldwide sensation SIX, is based on the popular book by Suffragette relative Kate Pankhurst, and has grown to delight and inspire audiences of all ages across the country.
Following a hit run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2022 and a hugely successful 2021-22 tour, the critically acclaimed Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is bringing back its aweinspiring characters, catchy pop soundtrack and TikTok-favourite choreography this winter. The show will play at Wimbledon New Theatre; The Lowry in Salford, Greater Manchester; Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff; Milton Keynes Theatre; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry; and Newcastle Theatre Royal. Audiences who can’t wait until then can download the toe-tapping, fistpumping, sing-along-worthy pop soundtrack on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon
Remarkable – and often forgotten – women from history are lifted from the pages of Kate Pankhurst’s beloved picture book and brought gloriously to life on stage. These inspirational women show audiences of all ages how we can change the world no matter who we are, including Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie, Mary Seacole, Frida Kahlo, Jane Austen and Pankhurst’s own relative Emmeline. When inquisitive heroine Jade breaks away from her school trip to the local museum to peek at the Gallery of Greatness, she meets iconic women from the past, whose actions and lives changed the world as we know it, including explorers, scientists, artists and secret agents. This enthralling, heartwarming musical is full of incredible characters, inspirational moments and a soundtrack that packs a popstar punch.
The creative team behind this uplifting stage show consists of renowned dramatist Chris Bush (multiple Olivier Award-winning Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre; Faustus: That Damned Woman, Headlong); with music by UK No.1 hit songwriter Miranda Cooper (Girls Aloud; Sugababes; Kylie Minogue), whose songs include Sound of the Underground, Round Round and The Promise; and Jennifer Decilveo (Miley Cyrus; Ben Platt) and live arrangements by Jen Green (Beverley Knight; Pixie Lott). The director is Amy Hodge (Mr Gum and The Dancing Bear – The Musical!, the National Theatre), designer Joanna Scotcher (Emilia, Shakespeare’s Globe/Vaudeville Theatre), choreographer Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe (Dick Whittington, the National Theatre), lighting designer Zoe Spurr (Emilia, Shakespeare’s Globe/Vaudeville Theatre), sound designer Carolyn Downing (Summer & Smoke, Almeida/Duke of York’s Theatre) and cosound designer Rob Bettle (Frozen: The Musical, Theatre Royal Drury Lane; Billy Elliott, UK tour; One Man, Two Guvnors, Theatre Royal Haymarket).
Past praise for Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World:
A pop-fuelled, upbeat feminist hit – ★ ★ ★ ★ The Times
A high voltage show with great charisma… a zippy guide to the great women of history that sets toes tapping and young minds alight – The Guardian
Incredibly inspirational, a battle call to women everywhere – ★ ★ ★ ★ Liverpool Echo
This new British musical has all the energy of a girl band concert and enough history to inspire young people – ★ ★ ★ ★ Evening Standard
A celebration of girl power over the centuries… I’m still singing – ★ ★ ★ ★ Daily Mail
Owain Arthur will play the role of Nathan Detroit in Nicholas Hytner’s critically acclaimed immersive production of Guys & Dolls. Arthur will have his first performance on 17 July 2023 replacing Daniel Mays, who will return to the role on 16 October.
Owain Arthur joins the cast which comprises Cedric Neal (Nicely-Nicely Johnson), Andrew Richardson (Sky Masterson), Celinde Schoenmaker (Sarah Brown) and Marisha Wallace (Miss Adelaide). Also appearing are Jordan Castle (Harry the Horse), Cornelius Clarke (Lieutenant Brannigan), Cameron Johnson (Big Jule), Anthony O’Donnell (Arvide Abernathy), Mark Oxtoby (Benny Southstreet), Ryan Pidgen (Rusty Charlie) and Katy Secombe (General Cartwright). Completing the cast are Iroy Abesamis,Simon Anthony, Lydia Bannister, Kathryn Barnes, Callum Bell, Cindy Belliot, Petrelle Dias, Ike Fallon, Leslie Garcia Bowman, George Ioannides, Robbie McMillan, Perry O’Dea, James Revell, Charlotte Scott, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, Isabel Snaas, Sasha Wareham and Dale White in the ensemble.
Arthur continues his collaboration with Nicholas Hytner having previously performed in the West End run and international tour of One Man, Two Guvnors, leading the cast as Francis Henshall, and The History Boys at the National Theatre. His other theatre credits include Romeo and Juliet for the RSC, Birdsong at Harold Pinter Theatre and The Comedy of Errors for Manchester Royal Exchange. On television his credits include Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, London Kills, A Confession, Hard Sun,Death in Paradise, Hinterland and Babylon. On film he has been in Coffee Wars, The One and Only Ivan, White Island, Willkommen im Krieg, Eldra, Mr Nice and The Patrol.
Nicholas Hytner said “I’m delighted that Owain Arthur will be joining the company of Guys & Dolls. He was outstanding in One Man, Two Guvnors and he promises to be a tremendous Nathan Detroit.”
Guys & Dolls– a musical fable of Broadway, based on the story and characters of Damon Runyon – opened on 14 March 2023, marking Hytner’s first musical presented at The Bridge.
The Bridge transforms for one of the greatest musicals of all time. It has more hit songs, more laughs and more romance than any show ever written. The seating is wrapped around the action while the immersive tickets transport you to the streets of Manhattan and the bars of Havana in the unlikeliest of love stories. Join us on Broadway for the explosion of joy that is Guys & Dolls.
Guys & Dolls has music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, with – choreography by Arlene Phillips with James Cousins, musical supervision and arrangements by Tom Brady, set by Bunny Christie, costumes by Bunny Christie and Deborah Andrews,lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Paul Arditti, orchestrations by Charlie Rosen, associate direction by James Cousins, and casting by Charlotte Sutton.
Guys & Dollsis booking at the Bridge Theatre until 24 February 2024
London Theatre Company Bridge Theatre
LISTINGS INFORMATION FOR THE BRIDGE THEATRE
Address: Bridge Theatre, 3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG
The Almeida Theatre announces the full cast for the world premiere of Sam Holcroft’s A Mirror.
Joining the previously announced Jonny Lee Miller, Tanya Reynolds and Micheal Wardare Sara Houghton, Aaron Neil, Geoffrey Streatfeild and musician Miriam Wakeling.
Jeremy Herrin directs Sam Holcroft’s new play A Mirror,interrogating censorship and free speech. The production opens on Wednesday 23 August, with previews from Tuesday 15 August, and runs until Saturday 23 September.
World Premiere
A MIRROR by Sam Holcroft
Director: Jeremy Herrin;Set and CostumeDesigner: Max Jones;Lighting Designer: Azusa Ono;Composer and Sound Designer: Nick Powell;Casting Director: Jessica Ronane CDG; Fight Director: Jonathan Holby
Tuesday 15 August – Saturday 23 September 2023
“I do solemnly declare, of my own accord and without coercion, according to the constitution of this country, and the oath I have sworn to its people and its leadership, that I know not of any lawful impediment why I Joel may not be joined in marriage to Leyla.”
With great pleasure Leyla and Joel invite you to celebrate their marriage. Dress code is smart casual. Doors at 7.30pm, followed by the exchange of vows. And at the signal, the entertainment will begin.
(This performance is being staged without a licence from the Ministry. We recognise the risk that each and every one of you is taking by attending, and we salute your courage.)
Jonny Lee Miller (Trainspotting; Elementary), Tanya Reynolds(Sex Education; Scenes with Girls) and Micheal Ward (Empire of Light; Top Boy) feature in the world premiere of Sam Holcroft’s (Rules for Living) elusive and explosive new play. Interrogating censorship, authorship and free speech, A Mirror is directed by Jeremy Herrin (Best of Enemies).
A Mirror is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award.
£79,000 awarded to talented drama school students in need of financial support
17 drama school students from across the UK have been awarded Laurence Olivier bursaries, administered by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), to help them complete their training.
Thanks to contributions from SOLT, and generosity of key donators – The Estate of Sir Peter and Lady Saunders, The Clothworkers’ Foundation, The Behrens Foundation, Barry Burnett and The Casting Directors’ Guild, a total of £79,000 has been distributed amongst recipients.
Now in its 36th year, the bursaries were established by SOLT in 1987 to mark Laurence Olivier’s 80th birthday, intended to support exceptional students entering their final year of drama school, who are facing financial difficulties that might jeopardize their studies.
Previous bursary winners have included Michaela Coel, Denise Gough, Bryony Hannah, Paterson Joseph, Ewan McGregor, Daniel Rigby, Vinette Robinson, Juma Sharkah, and Michael Sheen.
Nominees, put forward by drama schools across the UK, are auditioned on a West End stage and interviewed by a panel of theatre industry professionals, led by West End producer and Chair of the Laurence Olivier Bursaries Committee, Lee Menzies. This year’s auditions took place at St Martin’s Theatre earlier this month.
Bursary recipients:
The Sir Peter and Lady Saunders Laurence Olivier Bursary
Donated by the Estate of Sir Peter and Lady Saunders
Tamsin Benn (The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art)
The Clothworkers’ Laurence Olivier Bursary
Given in conjunction with the Laurence Olivier Bursary, donated by The Clothworkers’ Foundation
Abdelaziz Sanusi (The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama)
Behrens Foundation Bursary
Given in conjunction with the Laurence Olivier Bursary, donated by The Behrens Foundation
Arabella Smith-James (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School)
Benjamin Skym (Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts)
Ellie Roberts (SLP College Leeds)
Matt Underhill (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire)
Mehmet Yakar (Drama Studio London)
Joseph Stanley (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School)
Shakeel Haakim (The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art)
Carmen Silvera Bursary
Given in conjunction with the Laurence Olivier Bursary, donated by the agent Barry Burnett
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – until Saturday 8th July 2023
Reviewed by Susan Portman
5*****
Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical celebrates 50 years with this special anniversary production. The longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world, The Rocky Horror Show has been seen by 30 million people and continues to delight audiences on its sell-out international tour.
The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When, by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank N Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, and features timeless classics including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting show stopping Time Warp.
When the curtain rose to reveal the first scene with Janet and Brad in their car, my eyes scrutinised the stage backdrop. It was good, but a tad basic, and I wondered if it would improve. Oh my, it did. As it transpired it was a masterpiece of invention, with the band somehow situated above the stage (but in an almost ink-black setting) behind an aspect of the scenery. The scene changes were swift and clever with the insides of Frank N Furter’s castle looking splendid with various animal heads on the walls, but there was also plenty of techno gear as the show progressed – something for all I think.
Of course, this is very much an adult show and if you fancied a hedonistic night in Aylesbury then this was the place to be. There were transvestites, portrayals of straight and gay sex and lots of suggestive interplay between the characters including three in a bed with a hilarious moment involving Riff Raff! The Narrator, Phillip Franks was quite superb in his banter with the audience, some of whom seem to have followed the show for the fifty years that it has existed. As he narrated with alacrity, the loyal cabal in the front rows would shout out and the exchange between them and Franks provided a flawless synchronicity.
I quickly remembered that a Rocky Horror Show audience wants – nay expects – such personal interaction and this is about giving them what they desire, dressed up in all kinds of sexy gear, as they are with as much leather and sexy underwear as the actors wore onstage.
The cast was merely twelve or so strong and the amount of energy that they invested into the song and dance routines was extraordinary. They could all sing, dance and act with skill and panache – the leading players and the supporting crew. The choreography was tremendous and I can only imagine how long it took to arrange.
Brad (Richard Meek) and Janet (Haley Flaherty) gave first-class performances as the initially coy couple who ended up becoming sexual victims of the dastardly Frank N Furter. As with all the players – they possessed marvellous singing voices, and they were a perfect match. Stephen Webb, who played Frank N Furter was rip-roaringly magnificent in the leading role, having his evil way with whoever he wanted it seemed, seducing visitors to his castle. There were moments of sneering domination, and pathos to boot and he really gave us the best of the role. Frank N Furter of course created the ‘monster’ that was Rocky, played by the incredibly well built Ben Westhead with a body that most women and men would die for. He was like a young Charles Atlas (showing my age now) and his dance routines must have been exhausting, but then he looked as fit as a butcher’s dog. He gave a commanding and top notch performance
We all love Riff Raff don’t we? The sort of ‘Igor’ of the castle, slave to Frank N Furter until he turns the tables on his master. Kristian Lavercombe played him brilliantly, and his sister Magenta (Suzie McAdam was equally convincing in her role. Then there was Dr Scott, the wheelchair bound boffin, played with some considerable style by Joe Allen. I initially tried to work out what his role was in the maelstrom of madness at the castle but he fitted into the second act quickly and seamlessly. A special mention for ‘Columbia’, played with the energy of a deranged mongoose (that’s a compliment!) by Darcy Finden. She was a terrific dancer but oh my, did she have a singing voice; almost operatic at times for one with such a slim frame. She stole the show in a way for me – and I hope to see her act again someday.
There were some hilarious moments in this as one would expect, and the narrator essayed some memorable and thankfully not politically correct one-liners that I guess I dare not repeat here. Suffice to say it is adults only, but so what – we all deserve a night without the kids! I must finally mention that superb stage set. The skill of any stage set in my opinion is to seduce the audience into thinking they are actually part of it, that they are in the various scenes. This they achieved as the castle seemed to reach out and devour the audience. The costumes, music, choreography, lighting and sound were second to none and Christopher Luscombe as Director deserves a round of applause for making a lot of people very happy, living as we are in difficult times at the moment.
On the morning of the show I put the Rocky Horror Show CD on at home, just to remind me what it was like. After watching this performance live at the Waterside in Aylesbury I am reminded that ‘live’ really is the only way to experience music, dance and acting. After 50 years, the Rocky Horror Show has lost none of its allure, and it continues to entertain audiences old and new. Here’s to hedonism and cocking a snook at the world.
I am unashamedly giving it a whip-cracking, time warping 5*****
Theatre Royal, Nottingham – until Saturday 8 July 2023
Reviewed by Amy Coulson
5*****
BANG!
The gunshot startles the audience into their seats.
The stage version of the iconic early 1990s romantic thriller starring Whitney Houston is here, and it entertains from start to finish.
Never have I seen pyrotechnics in the Theatre Royal! What an awesome way to kick off this much-loved blockbuster. Literal gasps from the audience echo as the opening number throws us right into the chaos of Grammy award winning songwriter and pop star, Rachel Marron’s (played by Melody Thornton) life.
It’s worth mentioning here that as soon as it started, we felt like we’d got the wrong show! Magic Mike came to mind! These dancers were so very talented, that sometimes I forgot to watch the star!
Marron, strong willed and independent, finds her security strengthened after a stalker manages to get backstage at one of her shows, steals a costume of hers, and leaves a life-threatening letter. Her Manager, Publicist and team decide not to tell Rachel, instead leaving her to her sassy independent ways. It makes for some great tension building moments between Rachel and the new guy, Frank Farmer (played by Ayden Callaghan).
From start to finish, there’s great use of the stage. From unexpected use of projections (which were just a little cheesy) to fabulous sets which range from Academy Award shows, nightclubs, Rachel’s mansion, a recording studio, a cabin in the woods…each scene was beautifully dressed. There were plenty of unexpected thrills. This reviewer nearly dropped her ice cream a couple of times!
There are some fantastically fierce voices in The Bodyguard. We all instantly think of Whitney when we hear the title, so there were some big boots to fill. Multi- platinum Grammy nominated Melody Thornton is probably best known for being a Pussycat Doll. Here, she effortlessly leaves the audience spellbound with emotionally driven ballads that pull you in. Emily Mae as Rachel’s sister Nicki Marron needs a special shout out, for matching the talent of Thornton. Her voice is something special.
I will say, my guest turned to me at the interval and asked, “was Kevin Costner this wooden” and the answer was yes! I know what she meant! The acting did feel a little stiff in comparison to the quality of everything else, but it felt right. Film in the early 90s was all about cheese and awkwardness, wasn’t it?
Every song is a hit. I hadn’t realised how great an album this had been! I’m Every Woman, Saving All My Love For You, Run To You, I Have Nothing, and of course, the song that it felt like everyone had been waiting for, I Will Always Love You. Perfection.
AT closing, the audience is invited to sing along and get on their feet, and we were up, singing badly like no one was watching! It felt like a great way to end the day. Everyone was buzzing as they left the theatre.
A talented cast, incredible singing, world class dancers, sets that transport you to another place…with the quality, it felt like we were in London. If you want a show that leaves an impression and has you humming Whitney’s discography, then this is the show for you!
by Noël Coward With Dugald Bruce-Lockhart and Natalie Walter Directed by Christopher Luscombe
AMBASSADOR’S THEATRE, LONDON FROM 31 AUGUST 2023
Noël Coward’s scintillating comic masterpiece Private Lives starring Nigel Havers and Patricia Hodge heads to the West End this Autumn.
A dazzling comedy which is both a witty and scathing study of the rich and reckless in love, Private Lives is one of Noël Coward’s most beloved plays. Marking the 50th Anniversary of Coward’s death, this acclaimed production is presented by Theatre Royal Bath Productions and will open at the newly refurbished Ambassadors Theatre in London on 31 August 2023 for a strictly limited 12-week run until 25 November 2023. Press night will be on Wednesday 13 September.
Ex-spouses Elyot and Amanda are honeymooning with their new partners in the South of France only to find themselves in adjacent hotel rooms. Their initial horror evaporates as, in no time at all, they’re rekindling their previous passion. But when they daringly elope to Amanda’s Parisian flat their lust thaws as quickly as it had reignited and they resume the slanging match which drove them apart in the first place…
One of the UK’s most popular actors, Nigel Havers has been a favourite with audiences for nearly four decades. His roles on screen have encompassed Downton Abbey and Coronation Street, Chariots of Fire and The Charmer. Stage roles range from Art to Rebecca, to The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre and becoming a mainstay of the annual pantomime at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
One of our best loved actresses, Patricia Hodge’s many theatre credits include Travels With My Aunt, Relative Values, Calendar Girls, His Dark Materials, Noises Off and A Little Night Music. Her recent television credits include A Very English Scandal, Downton Abbey and Miranda.
Dugald Bruce-Lockhart’s recent West End appearances include The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson, The Deep Blue Sea, Mamma Mia!and he toured the UK in The 39 Steps. Television credits include The Crown and Foyle’s War.
Natalie Walter’s most recent theatre credits include Pack of Lies, Jerusalem and A Little Hotel on the Side. She was a regular performer in CBBC’s Horrible Histories.
Director Christopher Luscombe’s award-winning career has included plays, musicals and operas across the globe, from Nell Gwynn at Shakespeare’s Globe (Olivier Award for Best New Comedy) to The Rocky Horror Show which has toured for almost twenty years. Other notable productions include The Madness of George III, Spamalot, Sweeney Todd, The History Boys and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Private Lives will be the first production to be staged in the now fully refurbished Ambassadors Theatre, following ATG’s multi-million-pound investment to improve facilities, customer experience, and access. The access improvement works carried out provide an access lift for the first time, the potential for 6 wheelchair spaces, accessible toilet facilities, and improved audio access to support the hearing impaired.
ELENA SKYE TO PLAY TWIGGY IN THE WORLD PREMIÈRE OF
BEN ELTON’S CLOSE UP – THE TWIGGY MUSICAL
PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS TODAY
The Menier Chocolate Factory today announces that Elena Skye will play Twiggy in the world première of Close Up – The Twiggy Musical. Written and diredcted by Ben Elton, the production opens on 27 September, with previews from 18 September, and runs until 18 November.
Twiggy said today, “It’s very unexpected, but truly an honour, to see my own life translated onto stage – and I can’t imagine a better, more generous, collaborator than Ben. I’ve been approached before about sharing my story, but never has the alchemy felt so right.”
Ben Elton added, “I’m thrilled to be bringing Twiggy’s incredible story to the stage, with an amazing creative team at the Menier – the perfect home to begin our journey. Very London, very authentic, and such wonderful intimacy in which to stage this musical. In Elena, we’ve found a glorious talent – not just a unique voice, but someone who’s funny, honest and utterly authentic, very much like Twiggy herself.”
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 on Broadway later this year.
CLOSE UP – THE TWIGGY MUSICAL
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY BEN ELTON
18 September – 18 November
Choreography: Jacob Fearey; Set and Video Design: Tim Bird; Costume Design: Jonathan Lipman; Sound Design: Gregory Clarke; 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).
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)
