FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR UK TOUR OF MICHAEL FRAYN’S ‘NOISES OFF’STARRING LIZA GODDARD, MATTHEW KELLY & SIMON SHEPHERD 

DIRECT FROM THE WEST END 

UK Tour: from 23 August 2023 

The 40th anniversary production of Michael’s Frayn’s multi award-winning farce, Noises Off is heading out on a major UK tour this autumn, following a sell-out West End season at the Phoenix Theatre earlier this year. Directed by Lindsay Posner, the touring production will star Liza Goddard as Dotty Otley, Matthew Kelly as Selsdon Mowbray and Simon Shepherd as Lloyd Dallas. They will be joined on tour by Simon Coates as Frederick Fellowes, Lucy Robinson as Belinda Blair, Daniel Rainford as Tim Allgood, Dan Fredenburgh as Garry Lejeune, Lisa Ambalavanar as Brooke Ashton and Nikhita Lesler as Poppy Norton-Taylor. 

Noises Off will open at Birmingham Rep on 23 August for three weeks, before touring to a further 13 cities nationwide until 13 January 2024 including: Newcastle, Bath, Truro, Blackpool, Poole, Salford, Guildford, York, Norwich, Aberdeen, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Chichester. Further dates and casting for 2024 to be announced. 

One of the greatest British comedies ever written, Michael Frayn’s celebrated play serves up a riotous double bill, a play within a play. Hurtling along at breakneck speed, Noises Off follows the on and off-stage antics of a touring theatre company as they stumble their way through the fictional farce, ‘Nothing On’. From the shambolic final rehearsals before opening night in Weston-super-Mare, to a disastrous matinee in Ashton-Under-Lyme seen entirely, and hilariously silently, from backstage, we share their final, brilliantly catastrophic performance in Stockton-on-Tees. 

Liza Goddard’s extensive stage comedy credits include Life of Riley, Communicating Doors, Season’s Greetings and Relatively Speaking. Matthew Kelly won the Olivier Award for Of Mice and Men and his West End credits include Waiting for Godot, Comedians and Troilus and Cressida.Simon Shepherd’s many stage and TV credits include Peak Practice and West End productions of Posh, The Duck House, Rapture, Art and Hay Fever. 

Hailed as the master of farce comedy, multi award-winning playwright and novelist Michael Frayn has inspired a generation of comedies since his production of Noises Off first opened in 1982. Now considered a comedy classic, Frayn’s legendary play has enjoyed stagings worldwide, including five productions in the West End and three on Broadway. 

The 40th anniversary production also returns to the West End in September playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket with Felicity Kendal, Jonathan Coy and Alexander Hanson reprising their roles. The West End production will run concurrently with the touring production. 

Noises Off is written by Michael Frayn. Directed by Lindsay Posner, with design by Simon Higlett, lighting by Paul Pyant, sound by Gregory Clarke, composition by Will Stuart, movement and fight direction by Ruth Cooper-Brown and casting by Ginny Schiller. The Associate Director is George Jibson. Produced by Theatre Royal Bath Productions in association with Birmingham Rep. 

Listing Information: 

NOISES OFF UK TOUR 2023-24 

Wed 23 – Sat 9 Sep

BIRMINGHAM Rep

BOX OFFICE 0121 236 4455 | birmingham-rep.co.uk

Tue 12 – Sat 16 Sep

NEWCASTLE Theatre Royal

BOX OFFICE 08448 11 21 21 | theatreroyal.co.uk

Tue 19 – Sat 23 Sep

BATH Theatre Royal

BOX OFFICE 01225 448844 | theatreroyal.org.uk

Tue 26 – Sat 30 Sep

TRURO Hall for Cornwall

BOX OFFICE 01872 262466 | hallforcornwall.co.uk

Tue 3 – Sat 7 Oct

BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre

BOX OFFICE 01253 290 190 | blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Tue 10 – Sat 14 Oct

POOLE Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts

BOX OFFICE 01202 280000 I lighthousepoole.co.uk

Tue 17 – Sat 21 Oct

SALFORD The Lowry

BOX OFFICE 0343 208 6000 | thelowry.com

Tue 24 – Sat 28 Oct

GUILDFORD Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

BOX OFFICE 01483 44 00 00 | yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Tue 31 Oct – Sat 4 Nov

YORK Theatre Royal

BOX OFFICE 01904 623568 | yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Tue 7 – Sat 11 Nov

NORWICH Theatre Royal

BOX OFFICE 01603 63 00 00 | norwichtheatre.org

Tue 14 – Sat 18 Nov

ABERDEEN His Majesty’s Theatre

BOX OFFICE 01224 641122 | aberdeenperformingarts.com

Tue 21 – Sat 25 Nov

MILTON KEYNES Theatre

BOX OFFICE 0844 871 7652 | atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Tue 28 Nov – Sat 2 Dec

SHEFFIELD Lyceum Theatre

BOX OFFICE 0114 249 6000 | sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Tue 9 – Sat 13 Jan

CHICHESTER Festival Theatre – ON SALE SOON

BOX OFFICE 01243 781312 | cft.org.uk

Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale present
SHREK THE MUSICAL

• FIRST LOOK AT THE BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION OF SHREK THE MUSICAL UK AND IRELAND TOUR
   
• THE OFFICIAL DREAMWORKS PRODUCTION OPENED AT THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH ON FRIDAY 21 JULY AND  TOURS THROUGH TO APRIL 2024.
   
• THE SHREK-TACULAR PRODUCTION STARS ANTONY LAWRENCE (SHREK), JOANNE CLIFTON (FIONA), JAMES GILLAN (LORD FARQUAAD), BRANDON LEE SEARS (DONKEY) AND CHERECE RICHARDS AS THE DRAGON.

Footage and images are released today for the brand-new production of Shrek The Musical which opened at Theatre Royal Plymouth on Friday 21 July. The official Dreamworks production is touring through to April 2024 with a Shrek-tacular principal cast line up including Antony Lawrence (Shrek), Joanne Clifton (Princess Fiona), James Gillan (Lord Farquaad), Brandon Lee Sears (Donkey) and rising star Cherece Richards (Once on This Island, Regent’s Park Theatre) who is making her debut in a principal role as the Dragon. The smash hit musical will tour through to April 2024 to a total of 31 venues. 

Shrek the Musical opened at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 21 July 2023 and then tours to Manchester, Dublin, Bristol, Southend, Carlisle, Aberdeen, Oxford, Wimbledon, Dartford, Northampton, Bradford, Woking, Eastbourne, Cardiff, York, Blackpool and in 2024: Glasgow Kings, Edinburgh Playhouse, Coventry Belgrade, Sunderland Empire, Liverpool Empire, Southampton Mayflower, Milton Keynes Theatres, Hull New, Cheltenham Everyman, Theatre Royal Nottingham, Norwich Theatre Royal, Grand Opera House Belfast, The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham and The Millenium Forum, Derry. For full listings, please see the notes to editors below.

From the producers of Hairspray and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Shrek the Musical has brought together a new creative team to re-imagine this award-winning Broadway and West End hit show for a new audience, featuring all the classic characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks animated film and the iconic songs and story from David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s original musical.

The team who have joined forces to re-create the bright and beautiful world of Shrek the Musical includes acclaimed director and choreographer Nick Winston (Bonnie and Clyde, Arts Theatre; Beauty and the Beast, UK tour), co-director Sam Holmes (Club Tropicana the Musical), who returns to the swamp having played Lord Farquaad in the previous UK tour. He is joined by set and costume designer Philip Witcomb (Bonnie & Clyde,Garrick Theatre; Jack & The Beanstalk, Everyman Theatre Cheltenham). Further creative team includes Ben Cracknel (lighting), Jim Arnold (casting) and Ben Harrison (sound), Nina Dunn (projection design) and Jimmy Grimes (puppet design).

As previously announced, Antony Lawrence plays Shrek. His previous credits include Scar in The Lion King, (International Tour) Mary Poppins (National Tour), Matilda the Musical (Cambridge Theatre/RSC) and We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour).

Joanne Clifton, best known for her time as a professional dancer on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, plays Fiona.  She joined the iconic TV show after winning the World Professional Showdance Champion and the European Professional Ballroom Championship. During her time on the show, she won the Christmas Special with McFly’s Harry Judd and went on to win the glitterball trophy as the 2016 champion with her partner Ore Oduba. On stage Joanne Clifton was most recently seen in Windfall (Southwark Playhouse) and The Addams Family (UK Tour).  

Olivier Award-nominee James Gillan (Lord Farquaad) most recently created the role of Tray in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue) – a role he stayed with through the show’s entire West End run. He has also performed in productions of Wicked, Starlight Express and Taboo!

Brandon Lee Sears (Donkey) most recently played the role of Jimmy Early in Dreamgirls (UK tour).  His previous theatre credits include the original West End productions of Be More Chill (Shaftesbury Theatre), Come From Away (Phoenix theatre); Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket); Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre); and On The Town (Regents Park Open Air Theatre).

The ensemble cast of Shrek the Musical are Leo Abad, Scotty Armstrong, Imogen Bailey, Jabari Braham, Georgie Buckland, Natasha Cayabyab, Mark D’Arcy, Jonathan David Dudley, Remi Ferdinand, Sonny Grieveson, Edward Leigh, Bethany Kate, Jessica Lim, Andile Mabhena, Bronte MacMillan, India Thornton. Talia Duff, Gabriela Gregorian, Rory Shafford and Jamie Jonathan complete the full cast line-up.

Leave your troubles Far Far Away and come join the adventure as Shrek and Donkey endeavour to complete their quest of defeating the dragon and saving Princess Fiona. Featuring fabulous songs including ‘I’m A Believer’, ‘Big Bright Beautiful World’ and ’I Know It’s Today’. Shrek the Musical has cemented itself as the “musical extravaganza for big kids and little kids alike”.

ANNETTE HANNAH JOINS THE CAST OF

FRANKENSTEIN

A NEW STORY INSPIRED BY MARY SHELLEY’S CLASSIC NOVEL

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY SÉAN AYDON

ON A MAJOR UK TOUR FROM 14 SEPTEMBER

Annette Hannah will play the role of ‘Francine’ in Séan Aydon’s brand-new adaption of Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein which will start a major UK theatre tour at the Churchill Theatre Bromley on 14 September, before playing 10 further venues around the country.

Frankenstein marks Annette’s professional theatre debut. She has most recently appeared in the third season of Netflix’s The Witcher and in the CBBC show The Worst Witch as ‘Mabel Tapioca’. Annette made her first on screen appearance in HBO’s Game of Thrones.

She will join the previously announced Eleanor Mcloughlin who will play ‘Victoria Frankenstein’, Basienka Blake as ‘Captain/Richter’, Cameron Robertson as ‘The Creature’, Dale Mathurin as ‘Henry’ and Lula Marsh as ‘Elizabeth’.

This new thriller, inspired by the classic gothic novel and complete with a stunning original score, explores the very fabric of what makes us human and the ultimate cost of chasing “perfection”.  

1943. Whilst Europe tears itself apart, two women hide from their past at what feels like the very end of the world. And one of them has a terrifying story to tell…

“I created life. You don’t believe me but it’s true. I didn’t start from scratch of course but out of portions and odd ends I made something –alive. But what I created… it wasn’t a superhuman. It was a monster.”

Frankenstein is an electrifying reimagining of the world’s favourite horror story that will send shivers down the spine and ignite the imagination.

The production is unsuitable for under 12s.

Frankenstein is produced by Tilted Wig Productions.

https://www.tiltedwigproductions.com/frankenstein

Twitter @tiltedwiguk

Facebook @TiltedWigProductions

Insta @tiltedwig

FRANKENSTEIN TOUR DATES 2023

14 – 16 September                Churchill Theatre Bromley

19 – 23 September               Derby Theatre

26 – 30 September              Exeter Northcott

3-7 October                          Cambridge Arts Theatre

10 – 14 October                     Theatre By The Lake, Keswick

17 – 21 October                      Darlington Hippodrome

24 – 28 October                   York Theatre Royal

31 October – 4 November  Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

7 – 11 November                    Ipswich New Wolsey Theatre

14 – 18 November                 Malvern Theatres

21 – 25 November                Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne

TREASON CELEBRATES 1 MILLION STREAMS AS THEY CROWN THEIR KING AND LEADING LADIES

EXPLODING INTO
EDINBURGH, SHEFFIELD, LONDON
AND DARTFORD

FROM 25 OCTOBER – 25 NOVEMBER 2023

“…shines iridescent in its music…”
Guardian

“…exciting new piece of theatre…dynamite.”
Reviews Hub

The much-anticipated pivotal role of Martha Percy in Treason the Musical will be played by Nicole Raquel Dennis. They recently starred as Effie White in the smash hit UK tour of the Olivier Award Winning Dreamgirls, as Alana Beck in the original West End cast of Dear Evan Hansen, where they won “Best Supporting Actress in a Musical” at the Black British Theatre Awards, and as a semi-finalist on ITV’s The Voice, during which she performed a memorable duet with Jennifer Hudson. The role of Martha Percy has previously been played in development by West End stars, Rosalie Craig, Lucie Jones and most recently Carrie Hope Fletcher and this autumn audiences will witness “The Inevitable” and be blown away by Nicole as they step into the thick of the Gunpower Plot.

Starting his reign as omnipotent yet paranoid King James I of England, will be King of the Strictly dance floor, Joe McFadden (Holby City; Priscilla, Queen of the Desert). No stranger to the stage, Joe has appeared in many musicals and plays over the years, most recently taking on the role as The Narrator in the celebrated The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Emilie Louise Israel (Hamilton; Once on This Island) will star as the woman commonly thought to have kept Catholicism alive, Anne Vaux, a role she reprises from the WhatsOnStage award nominated Theatre Royal Drury Lane Treason concerts last year.

Further casting will be announced in due course.

Since the release of the original EP back in 2020, Treason’s songs have set the world on fire, now being streamed a staggering 1 million times by over 100,000 plotters across 96 countries. Songs, including fan favourites Take Things Into Our Own Hands and No Happy Ending have featured on The Original EP (2020), The Acoustic Fables (2021) and Lighting the Fuse: Sparks from Treason in Concert (2023).

This is the latest development in a show that has so far garnered a global audience with a streamed concert in 2021 and a mesmerising twice sold-out live concert at the iconic Theatre Royal Drury Lane last year.

Treason the Musical is a historic tale of division, religious persecution, and brutality, ending in an ambitious yet fateful plot to bring down both the monarchy and the government.

Set to blow you away with stunning original folk and pop songs, this one-of-a-kind show tells one of the most intriguing tales in Britain’s history as it’s never been seen before.

This October, the plotters will travel to the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Sheffield Lyceum and London’s Alexandra Palace, with the tour ending at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford on 25 November. Now see the fully staged world premiere of Treason the Musical this autumn.

Sign up to our mailing list to become a Plotter and be the first to find out all the news for Treason: https://treasonthemusical.com/newsletter.php

JAS Theatricals, Gabriel Creative Partners,

The Araca Group and Lively McCabe Entertainment

present

UK TOUR

FEBRUARY – AUGUST 2024

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM CLUEDOSTAGEPLAY.COM

Following the huge success of the critically acclaimed original play, Cluedo is back on stage in 2024 with a brand new comedy mystery. The hilarious whodunnit returns with a new story, a new house, new suspects and lots of new bodies. Tickets available from CluedoStagePlay.com

Based on the classic Hasbro boardgame, the five month UK tour marks the world premiere of Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter, which kicks off at Richmond Theatre on 29 February and visits more than 20 venues across the length and breadth of the UK, visiting Richmond, Woking, York, Brighton, Cambridge, Salford, Hull, Milton Keynes, Shrewsbury, Malvern, Bath, Sheffield, Nottingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, Southampton, Cardiff, Norwich, Truro, Cheltenham, Birmingham and Dartford.

With an original new story set in the 60s, featuring The Honourable Mrs. Emerald Peacock, Colonel Eugene Mustard, ‘Professor’ Alex Plum, Miss Annabel Scarlett, ‘The Reverend’ Hal Green and the housekeeper Mrs White, Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter is a riotous spoof of a comedy thriller penned by the BAFTA Award winning TV writing duo, Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, whose numerous credits include Birds of a Feather and Dreamboats and Petticoats, and directed by Mark Bell, who directed the original Cluedo play in the UK and the worldwide phenomenon, The Play That Goes Wrong.

As the bodies pile up and our infamous colourful characters dart from room to room trying to escape the murderer and survive the night, Cluedo 2, will keep you guessing right up to the finale and invites budding detectives of all ages to watch for the clues and unravel the secrets, as they try to work out whodunnit… with what… and where!

Produced by JAS Theatricals, Gabriel Creative Partners, The Araca Group and Lively McCabe Entertainment. Casting will be announced soon.

CLUEDO 2 – The Next Chapter: UK Tour Dates

29 February – 2 March Richmond Theatre ON SALE NOW

5 – 9 March Woking, New Victoria Theatre ON SALE NOW

12 -16 March York, Theatre Royal ON SALE NOW

19 – 23 March Brighton, Theatre Royal ON SALE NOW

25 – 29 March Cambridge, Arts Theatre ON SALE SOON

2 – 6 April Salford, The Lowry ON SALE NOW

9 – 13 April Hull, New Theatre ON SALE NOW

16 – 20 April Milton Keynes Theatre ON SALE NOW

23 – 27 April Shrewsbury, Severn Theatre ON SALE NOW

30 April – 4 May Malvern, Festival Theatre ON SALE NOW

6 – 11 May Bath, Theatre Royal ON SALE 10 AUG

14 – 18 May Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre ON SALE SOON

21 – 25 May Nottingham, Theatre Royal ON SALE NOW

28 May – 1 June Newcastle, Theatre Royal ON SALE SOON

4 – 8 June Glasgow, Theatre Royal ON SALE NOW

19 – 23 June Southampton, Mayflower Theatre ON SALE NOW

25 – 29 June Cardiff, New Theatre ON SALE NOW

2 – 6 July Norwich, Theatre Royal ON SALE NOW

9 – 13 July Truro, Hall for Cornwall ON SALE SOON

16 – 20 July Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre ON SALE SOON

23 – 27 July Birmingham, Alexandra Theatre ON SALE NOW

30 July – 3 August Dartford, Orchard Theatre ON SALE NO

DISNEY’S THE LION KING UK & IRELAND TOUR WELCOMES NEW CAST MEMBERS INCLUDING APHIWE NYEZI AS ‘SIMBA’, BRIAN GILLIGAN AS ‘SCAR’
AND ANDRE JEWSON AS ‘ZAZU’

The UK & Ireland Tour of Disney’s award-winning musical, THE LION KING, will welcome new cast members including Aphiwe Nyezi as ‘Simba’, Brian Gilligan as ‘Scar’ and Andre Jewson as ‘Zazu’, beginning on Tuesday 5 September 2023. 

The newcomers join a talented international company who represent  17 countries around the world whilst the show plays its season in Birmingham, before moving on to Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Aphiwe Nyezi was born in Cape Town, South Africa and is currently a member of THE LION KING company in London’s West End. Brian Gilligan, from Dublin, Ireland, is currently covering the role of ‘Scar’ in UK & Ireland Tour cast and has featured in numerous stage productions including Romeo & Juliet at Mill Theatre Dublin and Jimmy’s Hall at Abbey Theatre Dublin. Australia’s Andre Jewson has played ‘Zazu’ across the globe in the  International Tour and Australian Tour of THE LION KING.

They are joined by existing principal cast members Thandazile Soni as ‘Rafiki’, Jean-Luc Guizonne as ‘Mufasa’, Janique Charles as ‘Nala’ (until 16 Sep), Nokwanda Khuzwayo as ‘Nala’ (from 28 Sep), Alan McHale as ‘Timon’ and Carl Sanderson as ‘Pumba’.

Also joining the cast are Aleasha Grace, Francessca Daniella-Baker, Phumelele Jili, Joshua Lloyd, Abon Saliljan, Keorapetse Sebokolodi and Karlene Wray.

THE LION KING is currently playing a limited season at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 16 September with some good seats still remaining for midweek performances in August and September. The production will then return to Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from Thursday 28 September – Saturday 11 November 2023 where it completes its UK and Ireland Tour.

The story of THE LION KING leaps into life using spectacular masks, puppets and costumes to tell the story of Simba’s epic adventures, as he struggles with the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming king.

Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation of THE LION KING opened on Broadway in 1997 and 25 global productions in nine different languages have been created since then (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese). THE LION KING is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher. 

Since the UK premiere in 1999, THE LION KING London has entertained more than 18 million theatregoers and is the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time. 

The stunning artistry of the production is the work of a team of designers which drew on diverse cultural influences to recreate the rich colours and vast expanses of the African savanna in this daring and inspiring reinvention of one of the most successful animated feature films of all time. 

Julie Taymor, one of the world’s most innovative directors, brought a vast array of disciplines to THE LION KING, including extensive experience staging epic theatre and opera productions, exploring classic myths through ritualised puppetry, mask, and movement. The Lion King was the first musical Taymor directed in the commercial theatre and she made Broadway history by becoming the first woman to win the Tony Award® for Best Director of a Musical.   

The Broadway show’s full creative team, which won five Tony Awards® for its work on THE LION KING, reunited in 1999 to recreate the show in London. Julie Taymor and Michael Curry created hundreds of masks and puppets. 

Scenic design is by British designer Richard Hudson and lighting is by Donald Holder. Costume design is by Julie Taymor, and choreography by Garth Fagan. The book was adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated feature and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay. 

The original score from the animated film was expanded for the stage and now features 15 musical numbers.  As well as writing completely new songs, South African composer Lebo M created an evocative blend of African rhythms and chorales, with additional material by Julie Taymor and Mark Mancina. 

Elton John and Tim Rice have added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the award-winning score of the animated film. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, including the Academy Award®-winning Can You Feel The Love Tonight and the haunting Shadowland. 

THE LION KING runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until 16 September. For best availability check midweek performances in August and September – thelionking.co.uk

FIRST LOOK AT THE MUSIC OF LA BAMBA!

LA BAMBA! A BRAND-NEW ORIGINAL JUKEBOX MUSICAL IS EMBARKING ON A UK TOUR FROM 1^st AUGUST.

LA BAMBA! FEATURES AN ALL-STAR CAST INCLUDING THE WANTED’S SIVA KANESWARAN AND STRICTLY COME DANCING CHAMPION PASHA KOVALEV.

Website: www.labambaonstage.co.uk

Socials: @LaBambaOnStage #LaBambaOnStage

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Paul Morrissey Ltd is pleased to share a first look at the music for the world premiere of the fiery new jukebox musical, La Bamba!

La Bamba! is a pulsating new musical that will open at Curve inLeicester on Tuesday, 1st August 2023 before heading to London’s Peacock Theatre, Sadler’s Wells West End theatre, for a limited seasonon Tuesday 22 August 2023 until Saturday 2^nd September 2023. La Bamba! will continue a UK tour until December 2023.

La Bamba! is an explosive new musical starring Strictly Come Dancing champion Pasha Kovalev, The Wanted’s Siva Kaneswaran and rising star Inês Fernandez.

Featuring an electric soundtrack of Latin pop anthems such as Ricky Martin’s Livin’ La Vida Loca, Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie, Marc Anthony’s Vivir Mi Vida, Becky G’s Fulanito, Camilla Cabello’s Havana, J-Lo’s Let’s Get Loud and many more.

Joining previously announced Strictly Come Dancing champion Pasha Kovalev, will beboyband star Siva Kaneswaran playing the role of Mateo. Singer and songwriter and best known for being one fifth of pop band The Wanted, Siva has recently appeared in ITV’s Dancing on Ice. He will be joined by rising star Inês Fernandez in the lead role of Sofia.

The full company includes Bethan Mitchell, Stefani Ariza, Julia Ruiz Fernandez, Nicolle Matheu, Gabriella Rose-Marchant, Alex Sturman, Brendan Graham, Tristan Ghostkeeper and Luke Jarvis

La Bamba! tells the heartwarming story of Sofia (Inês Fernandez), a small-town girl from Los Angeles on her journey to stardom. Her dream of becoming a superstar began when her father, Ricardo (Pasha Kovalev), handed her a guitar. Sofia, inspired by her musical heroes, will discover, with the help of her family and best friend Mateo (Siva Kaneswaran), that while talent makes you a star, fate can make you a legend.

La Bamba! is written by Paul Morrissey, directed by multi-award-winning American director Ray Roderick, and features choreography by Graziano Di Prima, Erica Da Silva and associate choreography by Giada Lini. This brand-new musical will feature music from across the Latin genre from traditional folk songs to recent chart-topping hits all arranged by award-winning musical maestro, Alfonso Casado-Trigo. 

La Bamba! is a vibrant new musical fiesta about passion and pride and the realisation that every journey begins with a single step! Tickets are on sale now.

TOUR DATES

Tuesday 1^st August – Saturday 5^th August 2023

Curve, Leicester

Box Office – 0116 242 3595

Website – www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/la-bamba/

Thursday 10^th August – Saturday 12^th August 2023

Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe

Box Office – 0343 310 0060

Website – https://wycombeswan.co.uk/Online/tickets-la-bamba-wycombe-2023

Thursday 17^th August – Saturday 19^th August 2023

The Lowry, Salford

Box Office – 0161 876 2000

Website – https://thelowry.com/whats-on/la-bamba/

Tuesday 22^nd August – Saturday 2^nd September 2023

Peacock Theatre, London

Box Office – 020 7863 8000

Website – www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/la-bamba/

PRESS NIGHTS & MEDIA NIGHT

TUESDAY 22^nd AUGUST

WEDNESDAY 23^rd AUGUST

Tuesday 5^th September – Saturday 9^th September 2023

Swansea Grand, Swansea

Box Office – 01792 475715

Website – https://www.swanseagrand.co.uk/LaBamba

Tuesday 19^th September – Saturday 23^rd September 2023

Theatre Royal, Brighton

Website – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/la-bamba/theatre-royal-brighton/

Tuesday 26^th September – Saturday 30^th September 2023

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Box Office – 024 7655 3055

Website – https://www.belgrade.co.uk/events/la-bamba/

Tuesday 3^rd October – Saturday 7^th October 2023

Regent Theatre, Stoke-On-Trent

Website – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/la-bamba/regent-theatre/

Tuesday 10^th October – Saturday 15^th October 2023

New Theatre, Cardiff

Box Office – 0343 310 0041

Website – https://newtheatrecardiff.co.uk/Online/tickets-la-bamba-cardiff-2023

Tuesday 17^th October – Saturday 21^st October 2023

Princess Theatre, Torquay

Website – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/la-bamba/princess-theatre-torquay/

Tuesday 24^th October – Saturday 28^th October 2023

Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

Box Office – 0343 310 0040

Website – https://swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/tickets-la-bamba-swindon-2023

Tuesday 31^st October – Saturday 4^th November 2023

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

Box Office – 0343 310 0033

Website – https://orchardtheatre.co.uk/Online/tickets-la-bamba-dartford-2023

Tuesday 7^th November – Saturday 11^th November 2023

Grand Opera House, York

Website – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/la-bamba/grand-opera-house-york/

Tuesday 21^st November – Saturday 25^th November 2023

Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Box Office – 01253 290190

Website – www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/event/la-bamba

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 29th July 2023

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

Heathers The Musical is the award winning stage adaptation of the cult 1988 film “Heathers”. I didn’t know the film but was intrigued by the brief synopsis I had seen and I was surrounded by people who had loved and were raving about it – so expectations were high. I was not disappointed.

Although the name of the work is Heathers it is really Veronica (who is desperate to join the Heathers group to gain some popularity) who is the real star. Jenna Innes brought amazing range to the role giving us tenderness, fear, anger, vulnerability, a warrior spirit in the face of spiralling events and much more. Her singing voice was gorgeous and I found her acting utterly compelling as she made this quirky leading role very believable. Every inch a star in the making.

Jacob Fowler, as lead male Jason “J.D.” Dean, was equally charismatic in a poetic reading. I loved his introduction with the comical slow motion fight scene which justified his place on the stage alone – wonderful direction from Andy Fickman in evidence.

The two jocks (think American football, not Scotland) – Kurt (Alex Woodward) and Ram (Morgan Jackson) were the most obvious comedy elements (though there is much comedy throughout for all the cast). They worked exceptionally well together, providing many laugh out loud (and cringeworthy) moments. As did the actors playing their fathers: Jay Bryce (Kurt’s dad) and Conor McFarlane (Ram’s) were hilarious, particularly in the song “My Dead Gay Son” – my favourite number of the entire piece. I would happily vote for a spin off show of the dad’s further adventures.

The entire cast displayed a rambunctious spirit and all deserve much praise. I was especially taken with Billie Bowman’s Heather McNamara; she brought a refreshing, youthful exuberance that was infectious. Kingsley Morton playing Martha Dunnstock was another pivotal character that was sensitively wrought.

The music is very 80’s influenced (to my ears) giving a Buffy meets High School Musical feel. It’s an extremely catchy score, supported by lyrics that intelligently propel the story along as well as being stand alone pieces, many of which are very inspirational.

The set was a masterclass in how to produce maximum effect with limited stage real estate. A balcony, a screen, some movable pieces that double as several things. The costumes were exactly what you would expect from 17 year old fashionistas and were a feast for the eyes. Very inventive stuff from David Shields (Set and Costume Designer).

What I was most impressed with was that the writers (Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe) managed to weave a rather uplifting musical out of some very dark, perhaps unpromising subject matter. The really clever part was juxtaposing the darkest of elements with the lightest, giving us plenty of emotion as well as some much needed light relief.

At the finale the audience were on their feet cheering loudly in vociferous support. And rightly so, for this is a superb show with amazing music, fantastic singing and dance routines… It really has everything. Most of all, it’s a whole lot of fun! If you loved SiX you will love this. Get yourself down to Malvern Theatre and mingle with the in-crowd. You won’t regret it.

HOME THEATRE, MANCHESTER – UNTIL 12TH AUGUST 2023

REVIEWED BY ZOE BROWN

5*****

Following its sell-out tour of the West End ‘Cruise’, the one-man show written and performed by Jack Holden, hit the stage this week at HOME.

With set design by Nik Corrall, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were entering a 80’s underground with black walls, dimly lit but for the occasional striking neon strip and a DJ booth raised above all else, as if an altar at which to pray.

Jack Holden wrote his debut stage play during the depths of the first year of the pandemic and watching this show you understand how its themes continue to resonate.

The story begins within the call room of Switchboard, a volunteer led helpline dedicated to providing signposting and information to the LGBTQIA+ communities across the UK.

Based on the writer’s own experience of working for the helpline it’s the perfect springboard from which the action soon pulls us back to the 80’s using the testimony of a Switchboard caller, Michael, who, to enlighten our young Switchboard volunteer Jamie, relives his wild rollercoaster of a life throughout this turbulent time in Gay history.

This show is a powerful reflection of cultural Gay history packed full of evocative punches, breathtaking spoken word, pumping music, and clever use of a rotating wooden structure that swiftly takes us from one venue to another. Set in London’s Soho, Michael takes us on a tour of iconic Soho haunts, retelling his early life with a mix of nostalgia, pride, and sadness. Arguably this list of haunts could easily be replaced with that of our own Gay Village or indeed any of the underground Gay venues in the 80’s across the UK.

Reflecting on the fragments of so many lives lived and lost in the 80’s and the communities’ experience of dealing with the devastating impact of a new and deadly virus, HIV.

The direction by Bronagh Lagan is laser focused. The music is phenomenal, composed and performed by John Patrick Elliot, who in 2022 won the Stage Debut award for Best Composer for his original score.

Slick, keen character observations, flawless voice, fast paced dialogue (with some15,000 words and thirty characters) Jack delivers a rich story with such energy you can’t help but be in awe of his stamina.

My only small critique is that, at times, it felt like system overload. An hour and 45 mins without interval the story told with such pace and vigor I was on edge keeping up with it. Perhaps a slowing down in places may have been helpful to give this piece, and the storyteller, a moment to breathe.

Breaking down barriers, dispelling myths and sharing insight into what was, as Jack Holden beautifully described, a tragic moment in Gay history, with a new deadly virus sweeping the world, much like the Covid virus today (minus urgency given to finding a cure or treatment).

Overall, a fantastic, essential story, with the same impact of the brilliant ‘It’s A Sin’, informing not only the younger LGBTQIA+ community but all communities across the UK.

HAMPSTEAD THEATRE ANNOUNCES FULL CAST FOR LAUREN GUNDERSON’S ANTHROPOLOGY, DIRECTED BY ANNA LEDWICH, FROM 7 SEPTEMBER – 14 OCTOBER 2023

Hampstead Theatre is delighted to announce the full cast and creative team for the world premiere of anthropology  – Lauren Gunderson’s gripping thriller about Artificial Intelligence – directed by Anna Ledwich from 7 September until 14 October. 

MyAnna Buring (Twilight: Breaking Dawn; The Witcher; Downton Abbey; Ripper Street; A Very Expensive Poison, Old Vic; The Wasp, Hampstead Theatre) and Dakota Blue Richards (The Golden Compass; Skins; Arcadia, English Touring Theatre) are joined by Yolanda Kettle (Patriots, Almeida; Deep Blue Sea, National Theatre and Eden, Hampstead Theatre) and Abigail Thaw (Endeavour and The Strange Death of John Doe, Hampstead Theatre).

Lauren Gunderson, playwright said:

“I can’t quite express how meaningful it is that Hampstead Theatre is welcoming me back and trusting me for the world premiere of anthropology. I began this play in 2022 a full year before the launch of ChatGPT and the rapid growth of AI that we see all around us now. Hampstead was the very first theatre I shared it with, and its truly exhilarating to meet this moment and bring this play to life with Anna Ledwich and our phenomenal cast and creative team.

“While anthropology is a roller coaster of the contrasting tensions between technology and its creators, this play is truly a very human story of family, grief, resilience, love and sisterhood. The grounding thesis of this play is that all new technology – like all art – is first and foremost a method of expressing and coming to understand ourselves. Our tech tells us who we are long before we tell it what we want it to be.” 

“I built you because this is what I do. It’s my job. These are my tools, I used them, and honestly it’s not that hard – you’re basically a chatbot.”

Merril is one of silicon valley’s leading software engineers, but her life disintegrates when her younger sister Angie vanishes on her way home from college. A year later, when the police have long abandoned their search, Merril assembles all the digital material Angie has left behind and sets about building herself a digital simulation of her sister. The resultant ‘virtual Angie’ offers her some solace – until, that is, it starts to reveal new details about the real Angie’s disappearance.

Official anthropology trailer starring Dakota Blue Richards

San Francisco-based Lauren Gunderson is widely recognised as America’s most performed playwright and this autumn will have three plays running simultaneously in London and the UK. These include the world premieres of anthropology at Hampstead Theatre and The Time Traveller’s Wife in the West End, along with The Book of Will at Shakespeare North. Lauren’s play I and You was a huge success at Hampstead Theatre in 2018. Author of over 20 plays, Lauren has also received the Lanford Wilson Award at the Dramatists Guild Awards and two Steinberg/ ATCA New Play Awards. 

Anna Ledwich will be directing her twelfth Hampstead Theatre production where her previous work has ranged from Labyrinth to the Olivier-nominated productions Dry Powder and Four Minutes Twelve Seconds. Joining Anna Ledwich is designer, Georgia Lowe; lighting designer James Whiteside; sound designer Max Pappenheim and video designer Daniel Denton.