Mike Leigh’s creation of Abigail’s Party has hit Portsmouth to try and entice you to join the excitement.
We meet Beverley (Rebecca Birch) a bossy hostess who thinks she has the “mostess” and her suffering husband Laurence (Tom Richardson) who are hosting a party to introduce their friends Angela and Tony (Alice De-Warenne and George Readshaw) to Susan (Jo Castleton) the mother of Abigail who is hosting her first house party. As the party continues, the alcohol flows and the conversation gets more suggestive and flirtation erupts until there is fatality amongst the group. The cast seems to have some chemistry on stage, albeit a bit stunted and awkward at times unintentionally. The humour seemed to be strained and didn’t quite hit as intended for me-there were ripples of laughter through the audience however.
The set was fantastic, transporting you back to the 1970’s-with plenty of patterns, record players and fibre optic lights! Along with the costumes, this was visually pleasing and really made us feel that we were back in time (some of us for the first time entering the 1970’s!!)
This show has plenty of promise and room for brilliant performance but it fell just short of this. The storyline seemed to be almost like an episode of Emmerdale, with not much driving the plot forward except for an excessive influx of gin and tonics! It was very easy watching, but didn’t excite me enough to warrant a second viewing.
PRODUCTION IMAGES RELEASED FOR THE MUST-SEE COMIC CAPER, THE CROWN JEWELS COMING DIRECT FROM THE WEST END TO THE LOWRY, SALFORD FROM 19TH TO 23RD SEPTEMBER.
STARRING AL MURRAY, MEL GIEDROYC,
CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER, NEIL MORRISSEY & JOE THOMAS
CAST ALSO INCLUDES AIDAN MCARDLE AND TANVI VIRMANI
First-look images have been released for this year’s must-see theatrical comic caper, The Crown Jewels which following its West End premiere at the Garrick Theatre this summer comes to The Lowry, Salford from Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 September.
Based on the true story of one of British history’s most audacious heist attempts, a super-star cast are confirmed to appear in this raucous royal affair including; Al Murray (The Pub Landlord) as Charles II; Mel Giedroyc (BBC 1’s The Great British Bake Off, Channel 4’s Light Lunch); Carrie Hope Fletcher (Bad Cinderella, Les Misérables, Heathers in the West End); Aidan McArdle (Leopoldstadt, West End, Ridley, ITV); Neil Morrissey (BBC 1’s Men Behaving Badly, Line of Duty); Joe Thomas (Channel 4’s The Inbetweeners, Fresh Meat, BBC 2’s White Gold) and Tanvi Virmani (Life of Pi, West End).
Written by BAFTA-nominated creator of ITV’s The Durrells and BBC 1’s Men Behaving Badly, Simon Nye, and directed by multi-Olivier Award winner Sean Foley (Upstart Crow, The Ladykillers) it would be criminal to miss it.
Following its West End premiere The Crown Jewels then tours to The Lowry, Salford (Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 September), Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury* (Monday 25 – Saturday 30 September), and the New Theatre, Cardiff* (Monday 2 – Saturday 7 October 2023).
* Additional casting to be announced.
The Crown Jewels is a riotous new comedy based on the most unbelievable royal caper in British history. Charismatic and unpredictable Colonel Blood is planning the greatest heist of all time: stealing the Crown Jewels in plain sight. With a gang of misfits by his side, what could possibly go wrong? But Charles II can’t afford a royal scandal, and no King likes people handling their Crown Jewels…
Writer Simon Nye says: “I hope audiences will be as titillated and thrilled as I am at the prospect of a riotous comedy-drama about a crown jewels heist that really happened. True crime comes to the West End, 350 years after the event. The cast is an amazing array of comedy talent, and the subject matter absurdly topical. Satire, sword-fighting, love, violence, an examination of the monarchy and Anglo-Irish relations – could you ask for anything more?”
Director Sean Foley continues: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to direct Simon Nye’s hilarious new play. An entirely modern take on the Restoration Comedy, it transports us to a completely different time – a time when England had a new king…whose name was Charles. I’m excited to be working with our brilliant cast, and we all hope to thoroughly entertain audiences in one of my favourite theatres – the Garrick – over this Coronation summer.”
Producer Simon Friend adds: “The Crown Jewels came out of a mad idea that Simon Nye and I cooked up during lockdown, fantasising about shows we could make if theatres were to ever reopen. We’re incredibly lucky that such a talented cast, with Sean as director, have gathered around for this hilarious play about a famous heist that went awry, and we look forward to bringing some laughter to the West End this summer.”
The creative team is Director, Sean Foley; Writer, Simon Nye; Set and Costume Designer, Michael Taylor; Lighting Designer, Natasha Chivers and Andy Graham, Sound Designer.
The Crown Jewels is produced by Simon Friend in association with Adam Kenwright, Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Jenny King, Gavin Kalin, David Adkin and JAS Productions.
For more information visit www.crownjewelsplay.com or follow FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM @CrownJewelsPlay
With the weather beginning to cool down, Richmond Theatre will be opening its doors once again for what is set to be a thrilling and chilling Autumn season filled with award-winning stars, recognisable favourites and gripping stories. Audiences are encouraged to take shelter from the weather in the theatre’s decadent bar spaces before taking their seat in the Grade II-listed Frank Matcham building for an evening of entertainment.
The venue is incredibly excited to open the Autumn season by welcoming the award-winning Andrew Scott to their stage. Scott will be starring in a new one-man production of VANYA – based on the Chekhov classic – before it heads to the West End. The show broke two Richmond records when it first went on sale: it sold the highest number of tickets in one day, and achieved the highest gross sales in a single day, which A Little Life had set earlier this year. There are limited tickets still available for the show, with audiences encouraged to book soon to avoid disappointment.
Richmond are pleased that the venue continues to attract performers of the highest calibre, with several stars confirmed for the upcoming season. In October, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominee Rupert Everett will star in A VOYAGE ROUND MY FATHER, John Mortimer’s celebrated autobiographical play about a man growing up in the shadow of a brilliant and eccentric barrister, constantly yearning for his father’s love and respect. In November, Catherine Tate and David Threlfall will visit Richmond Theatre in the pre-West End showing of brand-new thriller THE ENFIELD HAUNTING, based on the true story of the Enfield poltergeist of the 1970s. Later that month, Eddie Izzard will be presenting her show THE REMIX, full of her favourite material from the past 35 years. These are the only London dates of Eddie’s tour, so audiences are advised to secure their tickets as soon as possible.
There are also plenty of opportunities to catch a thrilling drama at the venue. Katherine Moar’s debut play FARM HALL will be presented at the theatre, based on the remarkable true story of German nuclear physicists detained at Farm Hall between July 1945 and January 1946. The best-selling crime novel of all time AND THEN THERE WERE NONE will receive a brand-new production, and West End sensation THE WOMAN IN BLACK is set to chill audiences, starring Richmond Theatre’s very own Mark Hawkins. For those looking for something a bit lighter, PETER PAN GOES WRONG sets sail in September – Mischief Theatre’s production of the awfully big adventure promises to definitely and spectacularly not go right.
The venue will also be playing host to several special events this autumn, featuring familiar faces. In October, Ruby Wax returns to the stage with her new show I’M NOT AS WELL AS I THOUGHT I WAS, billed as her rawest, darkest and funniest show yet. Co-presenter of BBC Two’s ‘DNA Family Secrets’ Professor Turi King will uncover how DNA has revolutionised genealogy, forensics and more in her show FAMILY HISTORY, and Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick will offer an antidote to the hectic whirlwind of modern living. In November, SISTER SLEDGE LIVE FEATURING KATHY SLEDGE will take to the stage, playing all their greatest hits. If adventure is more your style, then don’t miss MARK ‘BILLY’ BILLINGHAM, the Chief Instructor on Channel 4’s ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’, as he shares his incredible inspirational story.
Richmond Theatre is dedicated to making sure people of all ages and abilities can take part in theatre and the arts, and our Creative Learning Department has various classes that are inclusive and fun for all! This currently includes Storytime sessions for under 5s, Guided Theatre Tours for all and monthly dance classes for over 50s. In September, the department will be starting a new class called Twirling Toddlers, a movement class for ages 2-4.
For further information regarding workshops and creative learning bookings, please contact richmondcl@theambassadors.com
Audiences are kindly reminded that Local Heroes discounts are offered to teachers, care workers, prison officers, armed forces, ‘blue light’ professionals and Max Card holders. Local Heroes are offered 25%* off ticket prices to a wide variety of shows including family favourites, dramas and musicals. If we can make a night at theatre more affordable for our heroes and their families, it’ll be our pleasure. To find out more, see here.
Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce new casting for the critically acclaimed new production of LES MISÉRABLES at the Sondheim Theatre from Monday 25 September 2023.
Joining the company from 25 September 2023 will be Luke Kempner as Thénardier, Katie Hall as Fantine, Will Callan as Marius, Amena El-Kindy as Éponine and Djavan van de Fliert as Enjolras. They join JoshPiterman as Jean Valjean, Stewart Clarke as Javert, Claire Machin as Madame Thénardier and Lulu-Mae Pears as Cosette.
The company is completed by Annabelle Aquino, Hazel Baldwin, Brad Barnley, Michael Baxter, Emily Olive Boyd, Rosy Church, Ben Culleton, Matthew Dale, Matt Dempsey, Sophie-May Feek, Matt Hayden, Tom Hext, Christopher Jacobsen, Jessica Johns-Parsons, Yazmin King, Sam Kipling, Anouk van Laake, Harry Lake, Sarah Lark, Ellie Ann Lowe, Ben Oatley, Adam Pearce, Jordan Simon Pollard, Jonathan Stevens, Phoebe Williams and Ollie Wray.
Luke Kempner is an acclaimed stand-up comic, impressionist and actor widely recognised for his popular sketch videos which have amassed over 10 million views online. His television credits include being a regular host on Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch, Love Island Aftersun, Spitting Image, The Last Leg, Big Brother’s Bit On The Side, Deep Fake Neighbour Wars, Stand-Up Sketch Show, Murder in Successville, The Imitation Game, and Celebrity Karaoke Club. Luke’s many voices are also regularly heard on The Now Show on BBC Radio. No stranger to the musical theatre world, Luke’s previous performance credits include the 25th Anniversary tour of Les Misérables, Avenue Q and South Pacific as well as starring in the West End production of Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical and his brand new show Edinburgh Fringe show, Gritty Police Drama: A One-Man Musical which follows success with previous shows including The Only Way Is Downton. Luke also co-hosts the Shit, I Married a Twin podcast with The Mac Twins.
Katie Hall returns to the role of Fantine having starred in the recent UK and Ireland tour of Les Misérables. Her numerous theatre credits include the roles of Cosette on tour, at the Queen’s Theatre, and in the 25th Anniversary Concert of Les Misérables at the O2 Arena, Christine in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End and on tour, Johanna in Sweeney Todd at the London Coliseum and Maria in the national tour of West Side Story.
Will Callan returns to the role of Marius, making his West End debut, having previously starred in the recent UK and Ireland tour of Les Misérables.
Amena El-Kindy makes her West End debut in Les Misérables, having recently appeared in Robin Hood: The Legend Rewritten at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Her other theatre credits include the 2022 UK tour of Beautiful, The Carole King Musical.
Djavan van de Fliert can currently be seen in the role of Kristoff in Disney’s Frozen at Drury Lane, which marked his West End debut and first professional role, having recently graduated from Arts Ed.
Since Cameron Mackintosh first conceived this acclaimed new production of LES MISÉRABLES in 2009, to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary, it has taken the world by storm. The UK and Ireland tour recently concluded its acclaimed run and the record-breaking tour of North America relaunched in 2022. A new tour of The Netherlands and Belgium opened in March this year in Amsterdam, and the new Korean production will open this autumn, with performances in Busan, Seoul and Deagu. The world tour of Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular, an expanded version of the hugely successful Les Misérables – The Staged Concert, will open in September 2024. Following this, the Japanese production of Les Misérables will open at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo in December 2024.
Boublil and Schönberg’s magnificent iconic score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs, I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing?, One Day More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Master Of The House and many more. Several of its songs have become real life anthems of revolution wherever in the world people are fighting for their freedom. Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 53 countries and in 22 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular and contemporary musicals.
Cameron Mackintosh’s production of LES MISÉRABLES is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Orchestrations are by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke and Stephen Brooker with original orchestrations by John Cameron. The production is directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou, Christine Rowland and Paul Wills, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, projections realised by Finn Ross & Fifty Nine Productions, musical staging by Geoffrey Garratt, and music supervision by Stephen Brooker and Alfonso Casado Trigo.
Including a new bursary with The Other Room in Cardiff
Artistic Director of MGC, Michael Grandage today announces that the seventh MGCfutures Bursary Programme will open for applications from 12pm today, 10 August, and close on 12pm on 31 August. MGCfutures is a charity, formed in 2013. The bursaries programme was launched in 2016 for arts practitioners who show a commitment to their chosen career and look to progress to the next stage of their development.
Applicants throughout the UK can apply for bursaries of up to £5,000, to support careers within the theatre industry. MGCfutures remains committed to expanding the reach of the bursaries across all the professions that play a vital role in making live performance happen.
In addition, MGCfutures will offer the following bursaries:
The Other Room in Cardiff to create a 12-month placement as the venue’s first in-house Technical and Production Manager
Stephanie Arditti Bursary to support those who wish to pursue a career in any aspects of costuming in theatre
Michael Grandage said today, “To date, MGCfutures has meaningfully helped 126 people develop their chosen career within the theatre. As we enter our seventh year it is my hope that we continue to build on this success and wherever possible, help change people’s lives for the better by supporting them at a crucial moment in their development.”
Please note, bursaries are not available to support training or investments in productions.
Also launched today, is the new MFCfutures website, designed by award-winning design studio Bullet Creative, through which the bursary application is facilitated. The new site also showcases regular news and features from the growing family of bursary recipients; alongside comprehensive insights into careers across the spectrum of the theatre world, with helpful careers advice and guidance.
MGCfutures
MGCfutures is a charitable organisation committed to supporting the next generation of theatre makers and theatre goers, principally through its bursary programme, mentorship and online resources. Established in 2013 by director Michael Grandage, the charity aims to introduce people to the wide variety of jobs available within the theatre, both on and offstage, and also provides vital support to theatre makers at pivotal moments in their careers.
MGCfutures is governed by a Board of Trustees. It is also supported by the charity’s patrons: Judi Dench, Dawn French, Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, Daniel Radcliffe, Simon Russell Beale, Sheridan Smith, Aidan Turner, David Walliams and Ben Whishaw.
As previously announced the Theatre Community Fund, spearheaded by Olivia Colman, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Francesca Moody will continue their 3-year support of the bursary scheme for a final year.
“My MGCfutures Bursary, allowed me to work on the long-term sustainability of my producing career through business and financial training, as well as developing my company’s artistic slates through acquiring rights for two works for adaptation. At this stage of my career, the recognition and support from MGCfutures has given me the confidence to take the next steps in moving towards becoming a leader in the industry – I can’t thank MGCfutures enough.” Nisha Oza, Producer and Bursary Recipient 2021
To find out more about MGCFutures’ work, and how to get involved, please contact Andrew Broadley andrew@mgcfutures.com
The MGCfutures Bursaries are funded through money raised by the company itself, through donations and the support of generous individual givers
The recipients of the awards are selected from an industry panel including Michael Grandage. After the panel, each recipient will be met with to discuss their bursary and the support MGCfutures will give each one moving forward.
Full casting is today announced for the UK tour of the Olivier Award-winning reimagined production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.
Previously announced, the lead cast will include Ian McIntosh (Jesus), Shem Omari James (Judas) and Hannah Richardson (Mary). They are joined by Ryan O’Donnell (Pilate), Jad Habchi (Caiaphas) and Matt Bateman (Annas).
Julian Clary will play the role of Herod during the initial 2023 dates including Manchester (11 – 23 September), Newcastle (26-30 September), Aberdeen (10 – 14 October), Glasgow (16 – 21 October) and Liverpool (23– 28 October).
Further cast will include Jasmine Jules Andrews (Ensemble), Pàje Campbell (Ensemble), Louise Francis (Ensemble/Soul Singer), Francis Foreman (Ensemble/Priest), Megan Bryony G (Ensemble/Mob Leader), Joshua Hawkins (Ensemble/Peter), Darius J James (Ensemble/Priest), Cassandra Lee (Ensemble/Soul Singer), Stephen Lewis-Johnston (Ensemble), Charlie McCullagh (Ensemble/Alternate Jesus), Jago Mottart (Ensemble), Mia Musakambeva (Ensemble/Soul Singer), Timothy Roberts (Ensemble/Priest), Luke Street (Ensemble/Simon/ Alternate Judas), Timo Tatzber (Ensemble/Herod) and Jordan Michael Todd (Ensemble).
Completing the company will be Carla Bertran (Swing/Dance Captain), Daniel Bowskill (Swing/Fight Captain), Myla Carman (On-Stage Swing) and Christopher Tendai (Swing/Resident Choreographer).
Produced by David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions who present the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR embarks on a 2023/24 UK tour opening at Manchester’s Palace Theatre from 11 September 2023. It will then visit Newcastle, Hull, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Plymouth, Wolverhampton, Bradford, Nottingham, Ipswich, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leicester, Stoke, Bromley, Inverness, Bristol, Crawley, Southampton, Norwich, Eastbourne, Birmingham, Truro, Oxford, Wimbledon, Woking, Sunderland, Canterbury, Sheffield, Llandudno, Southend, Torquay, Dartford, Cheltenham and Blackpool*. Further tour dates are to be announced.
Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew LloydWebber, this production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where it originated and is helmed by director TimothySheader and choreographer Drew McOnie. Completing the creative team is design by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Nick Lidster and music supervision by Tom Deering.
A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’S iconic 1970s rock score was originally released as a concept album and opened on Broadway in 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. Jesus Christ Superstar has been reproduced regularly around the world in the years since its first appearance, with performances including a Broadway revival in 2012, an ITV competition TV show called Superstar that led to casting Ben Forster as Jesus in an arena tour of the show, and a production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre celebrating 45 years since the musical’s Broadway debut.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTARis set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.
This production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version during the summer of 2020. The UK Tour runs in tandem with the hugely successful North America tour of the production which has to date played over 700 performances in over 90 venues since the tour opened in October 2019.
The 2023-2024 UK Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is produced by David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions. The original production was produced by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
JEMMA REDGRAVE AND EWAN MILLER STAR IN MAREK HORN’S OCTOPOLIS AT HAMPSTEAD THEATRE FROM 15 SEPTEMBER TO 28 OCTOBER 2023
Jemma Redgrave and Ewan Miller are to star in the world première of Marek Horn’s Octopolis at Hampstead Theatre. Directed by Ed Madden, Octopolis will play Hampstead Downstairs from 15 September to 28 October 2023.
Director Ed Madden said:
“I’m so pleased that Jemma Redgrave and Ewan Miller will star in Marek’s fiercely smart and soulful play, as scientists from differing disciplines who form an intense bond as they study the same octopus. Octopolis is a proper theatrical workout for the heart and mind and needs two stage animals at its centre; the whole team feel very lucky to have Jemma and Ewan on board, and to be the opening play in the new Downstairs season at Hampstead Theatre this autumn.”
“There were three people in my marriage. Dr Giscard… Three people and twelve legs.”
Professor George Grey is a brilliant behavioural biologist who, alongside her recently deceased husband, became world-renowned for her pioneering research into octopus intelligence. Mainly the intelligence of one particular octopus, in fact: Frances, who still resides in a large, purpose-built tank in George’s campus accommodation.
Into this house of grief walks Harry – an ambitious anthropologist, despatched by the university with permission to test his breath-taking new theory on Frances. The nature of his assignment is shocking to George, and threatens to tear her world apart in more ways than one.
Jemma Redgrave plays Professor George Grey. Previous theatre credits include Farewell To The Theatre(Hampstead Theatre); Mood Music (Old Vic); An Ideal Husband and The Cherry Orchard (Chichester Festival Theatre). Her extensive TV credits include Silent Witness; Granchester; Holby City; Doctor Who and her film credits include Howard’s End and Love and Friendship.
Ewan Miller plays Harry. Ewan made his London stage debut in 2022 in Much Ado About Nothing (National Theatre) and other theatre credits include The Comedy of Errors and A Christmas Carol (Citizens Theatre). Recent screen credits include Irvine Welsh’s Crime.
Marek Horn’s plays include Wild Swimming (Edinburgh Fringe and Bristol Old Vic) and Yellowfin (Southwark Playhouse). Octopolis is directed by Ed Madden and is his second collaboration with Marek. Ed’s credits include Yellowfin (Southwark Playhouse), A Table Tennis Play (Edinburgh Fringe) and the original production of Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons. Design will be by Anisha Fields with lighting design by Jamie Platt, sound design by Esther Kehinde Ajayi and movement and intimacy direction by Angela Gasparetto.
Tickets for Octopolisare available from £10 and are on sale now via Hampstead Theatre’s website. For further information please visit hampsteadtheatre.org.uk
Due to phenomenal demand, having delighted audiences across the country since last summer, the producers of the 2023 Olivier Award nominated production of SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL are pleased to announce casting and an extended 12-months of the UK and Ireland tour, returning this Autumn from Friday 8 September at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend. Full tour schedule listed below. www.sisteractthemusical.co.uk
Landi Oshinowo will lead the cast as Deloris Van Cartier, alongside television and stage star Lesley Joseph as Mother Superior. Lesley will play the role until Saturday 25 November 2023, with future casting to be announced.
The cast also includes Lizzie Bea as Sister Mary Robert, Alfie Parker as Eddie Souther and Ian Gareth-Jones as Curtis Jackson, alongside Isabel Canning, Jackie Pulford, Phillip Arran, Lori Hayley Fox, Wendy-Lee Purdy, Bradley Judge, Damian Buhagiar, Callum Martin, Castell Parker, Esme Laudat, Amber Kennedy, Joseph Connor, Ceris Hine, Eloise Runnette, Sheri Lineham and Michael Ward.
Landi Oshinowo can currently be seen as Mrs Phelps in Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre. Additional London credits include Shrek the Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Light Princess at the National Theatre, Big Fish at The Other Palace and Sister Act at the London Palladium. Further theatre credits include the national tours of Barnum, Fame and The Who’s Tommy.
Lesley Joseph is best known for playing ‘Dorien Green’ in the hugely successful sitcom “Birds of a Feather” alongside Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson. They recorded over 100 episodes over a period of nine years. Lesley and her co-stars returned to our screens in “Birds of a Feather” in 2013. She has been seen on screen in ITV’s “Night and Day” and appeared on BBC One’s “Strictly Come Dancing”, Channel 4’s “Celebrity Coach Trip” alongside Linda Robson, and most recently BBC One’s “Celebrity MasterChef”. Lesley’s theatre credits include Miss Hannigan in Annie at the West End’s Victoria Palace and also on national tour, and her Olivier Award nominated performance as Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein. Her other touring credits include Calendar Girls and Hot Flush!.
Lizzie Bea’s London theatre credits include Martha Dunnstock in Heathers The Musical at The Other Palace, Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray at the London Coliseum and A Christmas Carol at the Dominion Theatre. Her other credits include Abigail in the World Premiere of Becoming Nancy at the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta and performing in the UK Tours of Kinky Boots, Fat Friends the Musical, Chicken Little, The Shakespeare Revue and The 3 Little Pigs.
Alfie Parker’s theatre credits include School of Rock at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, which marked his West End debut, and UK tours of Kinky Boots, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Fat Friends The Musical.
Ian Gareth-Jones was most recently seen in Only Fools and Horses The Musical at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. His other West End credits include Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre, Mrs Henderson Presents at the Noel Coward Theatre and Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Additional theatre credits include Mamma Mia, Oklahoma, Scrooge, Chicago and Thoroughly Modern Millie, all on UK tours.
Based on the iconic movie, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
SISTER ACT has direction by Bill Buckhurst, choreography by Alistair David, Set and Costume Design by Morgan Large, Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell, Sound Design by Tom Marshall and Musical Supervision by Stephen Brooker. Casting is by Stuart Burt.
SISTER ACT features original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken(Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted), lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. SISTER ACT is produced by Jamie Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg.
www.southendtheatres.org.uk On Sale Now Starring Landi Oshinowo as Deloris Van Cartier, Lesley Joseph as Mother Superior and Lizzie Bea as Sister Mary Robert
Deborah Findlay, John Heffernan and Malcolm Sinclair head the cast of THE INQUIRY by Harry Davies
Extra week of performances added due to demand
13 October – 11 November, Minerva Theatre
The full cast has been announced for the world premiere of THE INQUIRY by Harry Davies at Chichester’s Minerva Theatre, where an extra week of performances has been added. The production now runs from 13 October – 11 November.
Deborah Findlay,John Heffernan and Malcolm Sinclair lead the company, alongside Shazia Nicholls, Macy Nyman,Nicholas Rowe and Stephanie Street, directed by Joanna Bowman.
The Inquiry is a gripping drama aboutthe pernicious collision between politics, justice and ambition.
MP Arthur Gill is one of Westminster’s rising stars. Still in his 30s, he’s just become the Secretary of State for Justice, assuming the role of Lord Chancellor too; and with a leadership race on the horizon, he’s a favourite to be the next Prime Minister.
But there’s a problem. An inquiry headed by Lady Justice Deborah Wingate is on the brink of publishing its findings about a public health disaster: a scandal that happened on Gill’s watch when he was environment minister. As leaks multiply and the waters grow murkier, how far will he go to hide his past and protect his future?
Harry Davies is a writer and an investigativereporterfor The Guardian; this is his first play. Joanna Bowman (Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads, Festival 2022) directs.
Deborah Findlay makes a welcome return to Chichester (where she last appeared in Separate Tables) as Lady Justice Wingate. Her award-winning theatre work encompasses extensive roles at the National Theatre, Donmar Warehouse and Royal Court; including recently, Orlando (West End) and The Children (Royal Court and Broadway), for which she received a Tony nomination. Her screen work includes three series of The Split, Romeo and Juliet, The Lady in the Van and Making Noise Quietly.
John Heffernan makes his Chichester debut as Arthur Gill. His many leading theatre roles include Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, Saint George in Saint George and the Dragon and the title role in Edward II for the National Theatre, and the title role in Oppenheimer for the RSC and in the West End. His film and television work includes Becoming Elizabeth,The Pursuit of Love, Dracula, Collateral, The Crown, Dickensian, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and The Duke.
Malcolm Sinclair has previously appeared at Chichester in This House (also West End), Rattigan’s Nijinsky and as General Eisenhower in Pressure, which also transferred to the West End and Toronto, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award. His extensive theatre work includes As You Like It (RSC) and The Habit of Art (National Theatre), whilehis many television appearances include Andor: A Star Wars Story, Midsomer Murders and Silk.
The cast is completed by Shazia Nicholls (Paradise Now!, Antigone); Macy Nyman (Plenty, The Stepmother at CFT); Nicholas Rowe(A Spy Among Friends, A Very British Scandal); and Stephanie Street (Quiz, Our Generation at CFT & West End/NT).
The Inquiry will be designed by Max Jones, with lighting by Mark Henderson, sound by Christopher Shutt, movement by Yarit Dor and casting by Charlotte Sutton CDG.
The production is sponsored by Chichester Harbour Hotel.
BOOKING INFORMATION
Tickets £10 – £52
cft.org.uk Box Office 01243 781312
Prologue: £5 tickets for 16 – 30s
£5 tickets are available for 16 to 30 year-olds; sign up for free at cft.org.uk/prologue.
Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 12 August 2023
Reviewed by Louise Ford
3***
You just cannot trust an honest man.
This week’s offering in the Colin McIntyre Classic Thriller Season is a Father Brown mystery based on the GK Chesterton novels and adapted for the stage by John Goodrum.
Before we look at the production I just want to get the elephant in the room into the full glare of the spotlights. Christmas in August? I’m just not sure that it’s right to mention the C word let alone stage a production set on Christmas Eve, in the summer holidays. It just doesn’t feel right. OK the alliteration works and the set had a lovely twinkly feel but it’s just not cricket!
Putting aside the season, the set was simple but effective. The inside/outside door made the actors, and audience, smirk every time they used it. The use of the over the garden wall chat was interesting, it worked best for the conversation between Ruby (Lara Lemon) and John (David Osmond). As they mentioned a “reverse Romeo and Juliet “
The story opens with a brief monologue by Father Brown (John Lyons), every detective has his (or her) Moriarty but has Father Brown met his nemesis? So let me begin…
The setting is Christmas Eve and a house party in a country house is just starting . There’s a mixed crowd meeting up to celebrate Christmas. Ruby an excitable young girl, her beau from next door (John), Ruby’s mother (Susan Earnshaw), the rich Godfather Sir Leopold Fischer (Jeremy Lloyd Thomas) and the Canadian relative (John Goodrum).
As with all good mysteries there are missing jewels, telegrams, a few red herrings and a comic policeman. All wrapped up in the end by the calm all seeing Father Brown.
The slap stick impromptu pantomime moves the story along and some of the costumes made the most of the bits and pieces found around the house. The piano playing was a nice touch.
It was an enjoyable performance, I just think that the story was a little bit thin and lacked any dramatic suspense.
