Sonia Friedman Productions presents
LYONESSE
Written by Penelope Skinner
Directed by Ian Rickson

• KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS AND LILY JAMES STAR IN THE WORLD PREMIERE OF ‘LYONESSE’ BY PENELOPE SKINNER, DIRECTED BY IAN RICKSON.

• THIS GRIPPING AND ATMOSPHERIC NEW PLAY WILL RUN AT THE HAROLD PINTER THEATRE FROM 17 OCTOBER –23 DECEMBER 2023.
   
• TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE AT MIDDAY ON THURSDAY 29 JUNE AT WWW.LYONESSEONSTAGE.COM.

Sonia Friedman Productions (SFP) is delighted to announce that Kristin Scott Thomas (Electra, Darkest Hour) and Lily James (All About Eve, Pam & Tommy) will star in the world premiere of Lyonesse, a searingly funny and passionate new play by Penelope Skinner (The Village Bike, Fresh Meat) directed by Ian Rickson (Jerusalem, Uncle Vanya).  Lyonesse will play a strictly limited season from 17 October – 23 December 2023 at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Tickets go on sale at midday on Thursday 29 June at www.lyonesseonstage.com.

Elaine (Kristin Scott Thomas) a reclusive and talented actress, disappears in mysterious circumstances. 30 years later, she finally feels ready to tell her story – summoning Kate, a young film executive (Lily James), to her remote Cornish home to assist with her glorious comeback.

But who really controls the stories we tell, and how we get to tell them? Will these women own their narrative, or will it be swept away from them at any given moment?

Lyonesse is a powerful story for our times by Penelope Skinner, winner of the George Devine Award for Most Promising Playwright for The Village Bike, and whose other works for stage include Angry Alan, Meek, Linda, The Ruins of Civilisation, Fred’s Diner, Eigengrau and F*cked.  For screen, she was a writer on four seasons of Fresh Meat (Channel 4), wrote the film How I Live Now and, along with her sister Ginny Skinner, has created and written the upcoming TV thriller The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies (Sister/BBC1).

Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James join forces for the first time on stage for Lyonesse after appearing together in the Oscar and BAFTA winning film Darkest Hour (Working Title Films/ Universal) and screen adaptation of Daphne De Maurier’s Rebecca (Netflix/ Working Title).  The play also reunites long-time collaborators Ian Rickson and Scott Thomas following their work together on The Seagull (Royal Court/ Broadway – for which Scott Thomas won an Olivier for her performance), Electra (Old Vic) and West End productions of Betrayal and Old Times (both produced by SFP).  This will be Rickson’s twelfth collaboration with SFP including celebrated West End productions such as Jerusalem, Rosmersholm, Walden, The Children’s Hour and The Birthday Party. James last appeared on stage in the SFP production of All About Eve (West End).

Lyonesse will be designed by Georgia Lowe, with lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun, music by Stephen Warbeck and sound by Tingying Dong.

Penelope Skinner said: ‘I am thrilled to be working with Ian Rickson to bring this story to life, alongside such a remarkable cast and creative team. I’m a huge admirer of both Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James, and am so grateful for Sonia Friedman’s faith and vision in giving this new play a home in the West End. I was inspired to write Lyonesse after wondering what would happen if the dramatic action of a traditional revenge tragedy was flipped, so that the story instead became about the person upon whom revenge had been sworn. Themes of creativity, purpose, isolation, violence, magic and mothers rushed to join in with this central provocation, and the characters of the story came into being.’

Kristin Scott Thomas said: ‘Working with Ian is one of the great joys of my professional life.  And a new play is such an adventure. Penelope Skinner’s writing had me gripped from the first page. I love the questions the story raises.  Acting with Lily is starting to become a habit. Luckily it’s good for everyone!’ 

Lily James said: ‘I am thrilled to be joining this wonderful company. I have always wanted to work with Ian Rickson. When I received Penelope Skinner’s brilliant play, I read it in one sitting and adored it – I was utterly gripped by these strong, original characters.  To work with Sonia Friedman again is an absolute dream but most importantly, I am so happy to be reunited with my friend, Kristin Scott Thomas.’

BAFTA and Olivier winning actor Kristin Scott Thomas has extensive credits across stage and screen including the films The English Patient (for which she was Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated), Four Weddings and a Funeral (for which she won a BAFTA and Evening Standard British Film Award), Darkest Hour (for which she was nominated for a BAFTA), Nowhere Boy (for which she was BAFTA and BIFA nominated), Il y a longtemps que je t’aime (for which she was Golden Globe, BAFTA and César nominated), A Handful of Dust, Angels and Insects and Partir (for all of which she won Evening Standard British Film Awards and for Partir was also César nominated) and Gosford Park. On television she was nominated for an Emmy for her role in Fleabag and also recently starred in Talking Heads (BBC) and two series of Slow Horses (Apple TV) with the third soon to be released. Her debut feature film as a director, North Star, in which she also stars, will also be released soon. On stage, she won the Olivier for Best Actress for her performance in The Seagull (Royal Court/ Broadway) and was nominated for her roles in Electra (Old Vic), Three Sisters, Betrayal and Old Times (all West End). Other notable stage roles include playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Audience (West End).

Lily James is best known for her roles in films such as Baby Driver, Cinderella, The Dig, Yesterday, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, Darkest Hour, What’s Love Got To Do With It and TV dramas including Pam & Tommy (for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe and Emmy Award), War and Peace, Rebecca, The Pursuit of Love and Downton Abbey.  Upcoming films released later this year include Relay, The Iron Claw and Finalmente l’alba.  On stage she most recently appeared in All About Eve (West End).  Other theatre credits include Romeo and Juliet (Kenneth Branagh Season, West End) and Vernon God Little (Young Vic).  

‘Remarkable, tour de force one-man show… a teatime hour of unalloyed pleasure.’

The Daily Telegraph ★★★★

‘Gloriously funny’

Independent

‘A hugely accomplished impressionist, with the technical skill to jump in and out of a huge range of real-life characters in a beat.’ 

Chortle

“Kempner exudes a boosted confidence”  

Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph ★★★★  

“The man is stunning, his voice is divine, his comedy is sensational

Ed Fringe Review ★★★★★

Star of Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical, currently on at London’s Phoenix Theatre in the West End, a regular on Steph’s Packed Lunch (Channel 4) and with over 10 million views of his online videos, comedian, top impressionist, singer, actor and now podcaster (Sh*t! I Married a Twin), Luke Kempner brings his brand-new show Gritty Police Drama: A One-Man Musical to the Edinburgh Fringe following a successful run of Macho Macho Man last year which he subsequently took on the road around the UK.  Luke can be seen performing from 2^nd – 28^th August at 6.40pm at Pleasance Courtyard, Upstairs.

Join the heroes of Line of Duty, Happy Valley and Luther as they set out to solve the most treacherous murder they’ve had on their books yet: that of James Corden. It’s Line Of Duty meets Happy Valley meets Clarkson’s Farm, meets Match of the Day meets King Charles meets the Traitors. With around 60 impressions all played by one man…that’s one impression every minute! Whether you’re King Charles, Sir Ian McKellen or even Claudia Winkleman, in GRITTY POLICE DRAMA… no-one is safe.

A big year for Luke has seen him voice approx. 30 puppets including King Charles, Prince Harry, Michael Kane, Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran and Jurgen Klopp to name a few for Spitting Image Live at the West End’s The Phoenix Theatre along with voicing two series of Spitting Image (BritBox).  Luke is also a regular contributor/presenter on Steph’s Packed Lunch (Channel 4) and has recently launched a brand-new weekly podcast series with his wife Alana Macfarlane Kempner and her identical twin sister/co-conspirator Lisa Macfarlane, otherwise known as The Mac Twins – Sh*t! I Married a Twin and is making a weekly appearance as an elite guest on Love Island: The Morning After podcast.

Other TV appearances include The Last Leg (Channel 4), ITV2’s Stand-Up Sketch Show, Love Island Aftersun, It Takes Two (BBC2) and Celebrity Karaoke Club (ITV2). Luke is also familiar to television audiences with his regular appearances in the BAFTA winning Murder in Successville (BBC3), and as the breakout star of The Imitation Game on ITV1, which led to an appearance on The Royal Variety Performance (ITV1). His other credits include CelebAbility, Hey Tracey (ITV2) Catchphrase (ITV), Richard Osman’s House of Games (BBC2) and Pointless Celebrities (BBC1). Luke created and starred in his own review show for ITV2, entitled Luke Kempner’s Impression of 2015 and was the resident comedian on Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit On The Side (Channel 5) for 9 series. He is also a regular on BBC Radio 4’s topical comedy institutions The Now Show and News Jack.

After four years in the West End with Les Miserables, Avenue Q and South Pacific, Luke first garnered global attention in 2012 with his hit viral video Downstairs At Downton. He then took his one man show The Only Way Is Downton to theatres and festivals across the UK and U.S.A. 2018 saw Luke return to the Edinburgh Fringe for a sell-out run of his fourth show House Of Faces which he took on a UK tour followed by hit show Macho Macho Man at last year’s festival which he also took on the road.

EDINBURGH FRINGE LISTINGS INFORMATION   

Luke Kempner –Gritty Police Drama: A One-Man Musical 

Venue:                   Pleasance Courtyard – Upstairs

Date & Time:        2^nd – 28^th August at 5.30pm (excluding 14^th August)

Duration:               60 min

Web                       www.lukekempner.com 

Twitter:                  @LukeKempner          

Instagram:             lukekempner

Actress and Prizewinning Poet Laurie Ogden is currently touring in The Ocean at the End of the Lane, playing the part of Sis. Due to showing at the Mayflower in Southampton from 4 July, tickets can be booked here

Lets start with a few favourites

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

Either Lucy Kirkwood’s The Welkin, or genuinely The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I saw its original production at the National Theatre, and still can’t believe I get to be a part of telling this story.

Favourite book?

Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason or Ella Frears’ poetry collection Shine, Darling

Favourite theatre?

Too tricky, they all have different vibes. I would really love to be in a piece of new writing at the Royal Exchange in Manchester.

Favourite song?

Currently, To Live a Life by First Aid Kit

Favourite type of music?

Folk or lofi hip hop.

Favourite food?

Any pasta, I’m obsessed.

Favourite drink?

Glass of malbec or a big cup of tea.

What is your favourite role so far?

Probably Laurie Jones, a chartist, in Victoria’s Knickers at the Soho Theatre. It was directed by the brilliant Ned Bennett & I got to wear a period drama outfit but attack someone with a chainsaw (and it was funny).

What was your first role?

A horrible schoolgirl bully in a radio play for BBC Radio 4.

And what role would you really like to play?

Tamora in Titus Andronicus.

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

I’m a writer as well as a performer, so hopefully I’d just have more time to dedicate to that!

What made you decide to be a performer?

I’ve loved telling stories in all their forms since I was tiny. I tried really hard to not be a performer because I didn’t think it was possible, but being a part of the NYT REP Company showed me it was – it really changed my life.

How are you finding touring?

It’s very tiring, but it’s incredible getting to travel all over the UK and connect with different audiences. We are so lucky to play theatres that lots of actors dream of playing. Being on at the Liverpool Empire was surreal and incredible.

What advice would you give 16 year old you?

Don’t let anyone make you feel like you are not good enough because of who you are, or where you are from.

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

I’d loved to continue working as a writer and a dramaturg, and to have a bit more time to spend on that. Sadly I would be a rubbish producer.

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

Godot is a Woman by Silent Faces, it’s a hilarious and surprisingly moving. It’s returning to the Edinburgh Fringe this year, hugely recommend it.

Favourite line from the show?

“What makes you who you are? Your face, or what you do?”

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

I received a lovely message from a young ginger girl who used to be picked on for her hair and being pale, and said seeing me made her feel confident. It made me pretty emotional.

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

I’m currently playing Biddy in Great Expectations which is on BBC iplayer and FX in America. When this tour finishes I’ll just be having a big sleep!

“My far-and-away favorite production—and a complete surprise to me—was the musical “Operation Mincemeat… a comedy that has been cheerfully dismantling jingoism builds a stirring vision of real fellowship in its place.”

Helen Shaw, The New Yorker

“Hilarious tale makes Mincemeat out of its rivals…Before curtain I talked to a fan seeing this for the seventh time. I wondered why anyone would see the same show seven times. Now I know.”★★★★★
Neil Armstrong, Mail On Sunday

“irrepressible wartime musical is a West End triumph”
Emma John, The Guardian

“LAUGHING so hard I could barely breathe is not what I expected for a musical about a World War II top-secret plan.…the perfect invasion of the West End. Long may they occupy it.” ★★★★★
Thea Jacobs, The Sun 

It was announced today, 26^th June 2023, that following Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical ‘the best musical in decades – a Hamilton and Book of Mormon love child’ garnering 59 five-star reviews and selling over 50,000+ tickets in the West End, the show has extended its run for the third time by a further six weeks until 4^th November. Operation Mincemeat follows thirty-three hugely successful years of The Woman In Black at the Fortune Theatre.

The news arrives after Sony Masterworks Broadway released the Original London Cast Recording digitally, followed by CD last week in the United States.

Tickets are on General Sale from the Official Box Office at here. Priority access to the best seats is available via the Official Operation Mincemeat Mailing list here

If you would like to enter the ticket lottery sign-up here. £25 tickets are available Wednesday – Saturday. The lottery is drawn every two weeks on a Monday, with the next draw taking place today.

After five sold-out development runs at the New Diorama Theatre in 2019 and Southwark Playhouse in 2020, 2021 & 2022, plus an extended Riverside Studios run last summer, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical is back.

The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse. 

Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler? 

The production is directed by 2023 Olivier Award nominated  Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre – 2023 Best New Musical Olivier Award winner), following providing directorial support for the Riverside Studios run, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. Also from Standing at the Sky’s Edge at theNational Theatre on the creative team are: 2023 Olivier Award nominated  Ben Stones (Sylvia, The Old Vic) as Set and Costume Designer, Tony Award, six-time Olivier Award and Bafta Award winning Mark Henderson (Girl From the North Country, Broadway & Noël Coward Theatre) as Lighting Designer and Olivier Award winning Mike Walker (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) as Sound Designer. Grammy Award winning and Tony, Emmy, Olivier award nominated Steve Sidwell (Beautiful: The Musical, Broadway & Aldwych Theatre) is Orchestrator and Vocal Arranger. Georgie Staight joins as Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles as Associate Choreographer.          

Operation Mincemeat won The Stage Debut award for Best Composer/Lyricist and the Off-West End award for Best Musical Production and Best Company Ensemble. Following the first New Diorama Theatre run, Operation Mincemeat was listed in The Observer’s Top 10 shows of the year and most recently was listed in The Independent’s Top 15 shows of the year.  The show is currently featured in the V&A’s Re:Imagining Musicals display, exploring how musicals have continuously reimagined, reinvented and reinterpreted themselves over time.                  

The 2023 Off-West End Best Musical Production Award winning returning cast (Southwark Playhouse/ Riverside Studios), David Cumming, Claire-Marie Hall, Natasha Hodgson, Jak Malone and Zoë Roberts, are joined by: Seán Carey (returning Riverside Studios), Geri Allan, Christian Andrews and Holly Sumpton.

Operation Mincemeat is written and composed by David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts, who form SpitLip.

Operation Mincemeat is presented in the West End by Avalon (in association with SpitLip), who have supported since the Southwark Playhouse runs. The show was commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and also supported by the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat.

Liza McLean, Andrew Kay

And Jonathan Church Theatre Productions present

DAVID SUCHET

POIROT AND MORE, A RETROSPECTIVE

Following its hugely successful UK tour and West End run, Sir David Suchet returns to stages across the UK in POIROT AND MORE, A RETROSPECTIVE, retracing his steps as a young actor. With a first stop at Cheltenham Everyman Theatre in January 2024, David will visit theatres across the country until March 2024. Further venues to be announced in due course.

Join us in conversation with the man, the actor and his many roles in an unmistakably unique event. A retrospective look at David’s career will have you witness some of his most beloved performances in a new and intimate light. Geoffrey Wansell, journalist, broadcaster, biographer and co-author of Poirot and Me, will be joining David as interviewer.

David Suchet said:

“I am utterly delighted to be taking this show back on the road after such a warm and wonderful reception to its first UK outing and West End run. Regional theatre is where my career began and was nurtured so I’m very much looking forward to sharing my stories, memories and favourite moments across the country again and visiting a number of new towns and cities that we couldn’t reach post-lockdown when theatres were still closed, particularly in Scotland and Ireland.”

For over 25 years he captivated millions worldwide as Agatha Christie’s elegant Belgian detective. Beyond Poirot, this Emmy award-winning actor has been celebrated for his portrayal of iconic roles such as Lady Bracknell, Cardinal Benelli and Freud. David has also graced the world’s stages bringing literary greats to life, including Shakespeare, Wilde and Albee.

Meet the actor behind the detective and the many faces he’s portrayed on stage and screen over a career spanning five decades. Discover why David Suchet is renowned for not only becoming the role, but also taking on the personalities of some of television, film and theatre’s most fascinating characters.

POIROT AND MORE, A RETROSPECTIVE is co-created by David Suchet and Liza McLean. The show was originally produced in Australia and New Zealand by Liza McLean and Andrew Kay and is presented in the UK by Liza McLean, Andrew Kay and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions.

UK TOUR DATES AND BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

Cheltenham Everyman Theatre

Thur 18 – Sat 20 January 2024

Website: www.everymantheatre.org.uk

[On sale now]

Churchill Theatre, Bromley

Sun 21 January 2024

Website: www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

[On sale now]

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh

Fri 26 January 2024

Website: www.capitaltheatres.com/festival-theatre

[On sale soon]

Bord Gais Energy Theatre,Dublin

Sun 28 January 2024

Website: www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

[On sale soon]

Hall for Cornwall, Truro

Thur 08 February 2024

Website: www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

[On sale soon]

Palace Theatre, Southend

Sat 17 February 2024

Website: www.southendtheatres.org.uk

[On sale now]

Theatre Royal, Newcastle

Sun 18 February 2024

Website: www.theatreroyal.co.uk

[On sale soon]

Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow

Mon 19 February 2024

Website: www.paviliontheatre.co.uk

[On sale now]

Rose Theatre, Kingston

Fri 26 – Sat 27 February 2024

Website: www.rosetheatre.org

[On sale soon]

Eden Court,Inverness

Wed 28 February 2024

Website: www.eden-court.co.uk

[On sale soon]

Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff

Sun 10 March 2024

Website: www.wmc.org.uk

[On sale soon]

Additional venues to be announced.

JOCELYN BIOH’S TRAIL-BLAZING COMEDY SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY EXTENDS ITS RUN AT THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH THEATRE

• AWARD-WINNING WRITER JOCELYN BIOH’S HIT COMEDY SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY EXTENDS ITS RUN DUE TO INCREDIBLE DEMAND. THE SHOW WILL NOW PLAY UNTIL SATURDAY 22 JULY. TICKETS ON SALE NOW WWW.LYRIC.CO.UK
  
• HAILED BY CRITICS AND AUDIENCES ALIKE AS ‘ONE OF THE FUNNIEST SHOWS IN LONDON’, THE PRODUCTION CELEBRATED ITS UK PREMIERE AT THE LYRIC ON 14 JUNE AND OPENED TO RAVE REVIEWS

★★★★★ ‘THE FUNNIEST THING ON STAGE THIS SUMMER’ The Independent
★★★★ ‘A SMASHING 80 MINUTES IN THE THEATRE’ WhatsOnStage
★★★★ ‘A TONIC AND JOY INJECTION’ Evening Standard
★★★★ ‘BITINGLY FUNNY’ Guardian
★★★★ ‘COMPLETELY INFECTIOUS’ Time Out
★★★★ ‘BRIMMING WITH HILARITY’ The Stage
★★★★ ‘A FANTASTIC ENSEMBLE’ Broadway World

• THIS EXTENSION BUILDS ON THE LYRIC’S RECENT SELL OUT SUCCESSES (IPHIGENIA IN SPLOTT AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST – OPENING IN THE WEST END THIS WEEK) WITH ARTISTIC DIRECTOR RACHEL O’RIORDAN’S EXHILARATING PROGRAMMING SET TO CONTINUE WITH A MAJOR REVIVAL OF THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING GOD OF CARNAGE THIS AUTUMN.

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre are pleased to announce that the smash hit School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play by Jocelyn Bioh will extend its run until Saturday 22 July.

The UK premiere of the production, directed by Stage Award winner, Monique Touko, opened at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre on 14 June to critical acclaim. Earlier this year, Idris Elba joined the project as an Associate Producer and together with Jocelyn Bioh continue their ambition to further shine a light on Ghanaian stories and West African representation in the UK.

School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play brings together an 8-strong cast including Alison A Addo (The Lion King – Disney), Heather Agyepong (The Power – Amazon Prime), Bola Akeju (Ted Lasso – Apple TV), Deborah Alli (Undercover – BBC), Francesca Amewudah-Rivers (Bad Education – BBC), Jadesola Odunjo (You – Netflix), Anna Shaffer (The Witcher – Netflix), and Tara Tijani (Death in Paradise – BBC).

The Set Design is by Paul Wills, Costume Design by Kinnetia Isidore, Wigs, Hair and Make-up Design by Cynthia De La Rosa, Lighting Design by Matt Haskins, Sound Design by Tony Gayle; Movement and Choreography by Aline David, and Casting by Julia Horan CDG.

This production is produced in association with Mark Gordon Pictures and Francesca Moody Productions.

1986. Ghana’s prestigious Aburi Girls Boarding School. Queen Bee Paulina and her crew excitedly await the arrival of the Miss Ghana pageant recruiter. It’s clear that Paulina is in top position to take the title until her place is threatened by Ericka – a beautiful and talented new transfer student. As the friendship group’s status quo is upended, who will be chosen for Miss Ghana and at what cost?

Bursting with hilarity and joy, this award-winning comedy explores the universal similarities (and glaring differences) facing teenage girls around the world.

Biography

Jocelyn Bioh (Writer) is an award-winning Ghanaian-American writer/performer from New York City. Her written works for theatre include Merry Wives (Public Theater/Shakespeare in the Park, PBS Great Performances), Nollywood (MCC Theater), Goddess The Musical (Berkeley Rep) and the multi-award-winning School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play which was originally produced at MCC Theater in 2017/2018 and has gone on to have nearly 60 regional productions in the USA. She will make her Broadway debut as a playwright with the world première of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at Manhattan Theatre Club in the fall of 2023. She is a former TOW playwriting fellow (2017) and has been commissioned by MTC, Atlantic Theater Co., Williamstown Theatre Festival and Second Stage. Jocelyn has also written for TV on Russian Doll, Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It, the new Hulu series Tiny Beautiful Things, the upcoming new Star Wars series The Acolyte and is also writing the live screen adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Once On This Island for Disney+. She was the 2022 recipient of the Outstanding Adaptation Drama Desk Award.

Listings

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

Lyric Square, King Street, London, W6 0QL

Box office: 020 8741 6850

www.lyric.co.uk

Tickets from £10

Twitter: @LyricHammer

Instagram: /LyricHammersmith

Facebook: /LyricHammersmith

LISTINGS

A Lyric Hammersmith Theatre production

School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play

By Jocelyn Bioh

Directed by Monique Touko

Dates: Thursday 08 June – Saturday 22 July 2023

Open Captioned Performance: Friday 7 July, 7.30pm

Chilled Environment Performance: Wednesday 28 June, 2.30pm

BSL Performance: Tuesday 4 July, 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance: Tuesday 27 June, 7.30pm

York Theatre Royal – 23 June 2023

Reviewed by Sal Marino

5*****

On the bare stage, apart from some wooden, white chairs, eight dancers take their positions. Dressed in simple garments of grey and shades of black: Jose Alves, Isabela Coracy, Alexander Fadayiro, Taraja Hudson, Sayaka Ichikawa, Rosanna Lindsey, Helga Paris – Morales and Ebony Thomas perform to the beautiful poetry recordings by: Hafsah Bashir, Natasha Gordon and Michael Shaeffer. Alongside these profound words, Daniel Pioro’s fabulous ‘Then and Now – variations on a theme by Heinrich Ignaz Franz vob Biber is played. It really was poetry in motion, such a rich tapestry of the arts – movement reacting to the sound and flow of ancient music and profound text.

Ballet Black’s programme is bold and innovative; and the work of choreographers William Tuckett and Mthuthuzeli November encapsulates the wide range of emotions that we, as humans, experience within our complex daily lives. My interpretation of ‘Then and Now’ was that this piece reflected on the relationship we have with nature and the sadness that will befall us unless we change and renew our love and vows to it. Since its formation in 2001, Ballet Black, a company for international dancers of black and Asian descent, always brings outstanding dance and we get the chance to see what makes them such a brilliant and necessary part of the British dance landscape.

Both pieces explore the complexities and vicissitudes of life and they do so in different modes. The result was an evening of stunning contrasts. ‘Then or Now’ and ‘Nina: By Whatever Means’ both celebrate and champion the diverse and daring ballet and both pieces give hope to what can feel like a turbulent and tempestuous world in their own and very unique and different styles. Intricate and precise movements, the dancers’ interlinking bodies conveyed so many messages and emotions.

‘Nina: By Whatever Means’ was simply stunning and the music and words were electrifying and as Mthuthuzeli November says, “Thank you, thank you Nina for everything” really says it all for what she gave us and the legacy she has left. It was a truly moving and inspiring performance and thank you Mthuthuzeli for bringing it to us but of course to the phenomenal dancers who were outstanding in every single moment.

A wonderful evening of trail-blazing ballet!

The Other Palace – until 9 July 2023

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

Be Prepared for a show full of silly musical fun and games – Scouts! The Musical is a treat for all the family.

In partnership with The Scout Association, Gigglemug Theatre have created a wonderfully witty show that laughs along with, but never at, the characters in the show and their mission for badges.

At the annual scout games, the competition is heating up to win the fabled golden badge, and Ayesha (Sydney Spencer) is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. She just doesn’t understand fellow scout Joe’s (Joel Nash) approach to scouting – and life – enjoying new experiences and making friends as he learns new skills for life. When a sore loser with a grudge turns up and subverts the games in a bonkers bid to destroy scouting, Ayesha and Joe must work together to save the day.

With themes of friendship, co-operation, making a difference and being true to yourself, this could have been a sickly saccharine show, but writers Sam Cochrane and David Fallon have captured the gleeful anarchy of childhood and give Ayesha a heroic redemptive arc that rings true without overplaying the moral issues. The talented cast of multi-instrumentalist actors work together with a slickness and humour that is riotously infectious. Musical director Rob Gathercole is a hoot as cheerful but useless Luke and heroic ex-champion Linus Lionheart – riffing on the excesses of a multitude of wildlife and survival TV personalities, Emily Kitchingham is hilariously OTT as the evil Charlotte and Kemi Clarke is a joy as scout leader Dylan, falling to pieces as his big moment becomes a disaster. Katie Pritchard has enough energy to run the national grid as Rosie, with effortless comic timing. Joel Nash and Sydney Spencer are a fantastic duo, with Nash’s sweet, honest and slightly baffled Joe the perfect foil for Spencer’s target-obsessed Ayesha.

The whole cast have stunning vocals and make each of David Fallon’s songs memorable. It is amazing how the cast make the choreography look easy on such a tiny stage with their instruments. The comedy is fast and ranges from corny dad-jokes to scout in-jokes, hitting the mark with every age group at the press performance. Who would have thought that tying knots could be so entertaining? There is some audience participation in the competition, but it is all good fun and games and they seemed to be having a ball onstage.

Scouts! is a gem of a show, a high-spirited romp full of laughs and with a heartfelt message that is as inspiring as it is insane. This will go down a storm with audiences all around the UK – a new musical with a very bright future.

Just wondering if there’s a Reviewer badge?

Menier Chocolate Factory – until 9 September 2023

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

2**

Sometimes, there is no need to tamper with perfection – and this musical adaptation of The Third Man is a prime example. Carol Read brought Graham Greene’s story of the dark underside of post-war Vienna to the screen with a scintillating class and style that has proved impossible to channel into this production, even for such a stellar creative team.

It’s 1947, and writer Holly Martins (Sam Underwood) arrives in Vienna on the promise of an opportunity from his old pal Harry Lime, only to discover that his friend has been killed in a road accident. Suspicious about the circumstances of Harry’s seemingly simple death, Holly begins to make enquiries, even after being warned off by the British army and Harry’s dodgy associates. As the truth about Harry’s immoral dealings on the black market are revealed to him, Holly grapples with his feelings about Harry and becomes more desperate to get to the truth.

Plotwise, the show follows the film, with nods to pivotal images and scenes – the zither player, the vicious parrot, the balloon cellar, the Ferris wheel – but this does start to feel like we are working through a list after a while. Perhaps a straight play could have maintained the tension and pace of the search for Harry Lime and been the mean and moody drama this story deserves. Unfortunately, adding musical numbers into the mix just slows everything down. While George Fenton’s music is enjoyable, it isn’t memorable and the song styles appear to be from three distinct shows. This may be the intent – highlighting the chaotic mix of people and lifestyles in Vienna at the time – but it jars. The book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton are clunky and occasionally laughable – a real shock considering the duo’s pedigree. The attempts at film noir dialogue do not have the same dramatic heft between songs which include many a crime against rhyme to fit in Harry Lime. (Honestly, that could be a direct quote.) Paul Farnsworth’s starkly grey set, with handy piles of rubble for beggars to lie on, and the mostly grey palette of the costumes create a wonderfully seedy and dark atmosphere alongside Emma Chapman’s evocative lighting. Trevor Nunn uses the adaptable space of the Menier ingeniously to allow chases through the streets and sewers of Vienna. This works brilliantly in some scenes but can mean that some of the most iconic lines, delivered from the shadows on screen, are played in a corner, or on an exit aisle.

The cast give their utmost, Edward Baker-Duly and Jonathan Andrew Hume impress as the upright British soldiers on Harry’s tail, and Derek Griffiths is wonderfully frustrated as the doomed porter. Gary Milner is suitably mysterious and suspicious as Baron Kurtz, while Natalie Dunne does wonders with the woefully underwritten part of Anna. Sam Underwood’s loyal but naïve Holly is full of twitches and tears – making it much more explicit that Harry would probably have used him with thoughtless cruelty in his future plans. Underwood shows the physical pain of every revelation about his friend and keeps this frustrating character sympathetic. When Simon Bailey appears, the energy and pace of the show perks up, with a fantastic opening to act two. The cast have impeccable vocal skills and give their all to add emotional weight to such banal lyrics.

In one song Anna sings about music giving her life happiness and meaning – unfortunately that wasn’t the case for me watching this show. I love musical theatre, but The Third Man just doesn’t work. A real shame, as the cast and creatives have such incredible potential, but this show never emerges from the Viennese shadows.

LOUIS GAUNT AND

FRANCES MAYLI McCANN

TO PLAY PETER PAN AND WENDY IN

 Performances run from 9 December at The London Palladium

Louis Gaunt returns to The London Palladium this Christmas after last year’s star turn in Jack and the Beanstalk and his forthcoming summer engagement playing The Scarecrow in TheWizard of Oz.

Frances Mayli McCann joins the company following a celebrated West End run as Bonnie in Bonnie & Clyde.

London, Friday 23 June: Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes today announces further casting for The London Palladium Pantomime confirming that Louis Gaunt will return to the world-famous venue to play Peter Pan in this year’s production and Frances Mayli McCann will join the cast as Wendy. They join the previously announced Jennifer Saunders, Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Gary Wilmot and Rob Madge. Performances begin on Saturday 9 December for a strictly limited five-week run.

Louis Gaunt (Peter Pan) performed the titular role in Jack and the Beanstalk in last year’s Palladium Pantomime. This summer he performs at the venue as The Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz which opens on Friday 23^rd June. Other theatre credits include Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends – A Celebration at the Sondheim Theatre, a West End run of Mary Poppins, Piaf at Nottingham Playhouse, Gypsy at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Grease – National Tour, Standing At The Sky’s Edge and Kiss Me, Kate at Sheffield Crucible, Sweet Charity at Nottingham Playhouse, Dick Whittington at the London Palladium, and Oklahoma! at Grange Park Opera, for which he won The Stage Debut Award for Best Actor In A Musical. His television credits include Lord Lumley in series 2 of Bridgerton for Netflix and Eddie in ITV’s The Larkins.

Frances Mayli McCann is a leading actress whose credits include the titular role of Bonnie in Bonnie & Clyde in London’s West End, following its sell-out concert at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Olivier nominated for her portrayal of Kayla in Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, Frances’ extensive list of stage credits includes Chess at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Heather McNamara in Heathers: The Musical at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, Eponine in Les Misérables, Evita at Regents Park, and Macbeth, The Great Wave and Here Loves Love all for The National Theatre. On screen, Frances can currently be seen as series regular Charlotte in Silverpoint for BBC / ABC and credits include Shetland (BBC), River City (BBC), Lip Service (BBC) and A Tale To Tell (Amazon).

Once again directed by Michael Harrison, Peter Pan will run from Saturday 9 December 2023 – Sunday 14 January 2024. Tickets are on sale now at www.palladiumpantomime.com

On the casting, Michael Harrison said, “I’m so thrilled Louis is joining our cast for Peter Pan this Christmas… following Jack and the Beanstalk last year, he is a firm favourite of both the audience and the regular Palladium company. Louis is a proper leading man who is also brilliant in the Palladium production of The Wizard of Oz. And following her starring performance in Bonnie & Clyde, we all can’t wait to welcome Frances for her Palladium panto debut.”

Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and Paul Zerdin have starred in pantomimes at The London Palladium since the 2016 production of Cinderella. Gary Wilmot joined the cast in 2017, with Rob Madge making a triumphant Palladium Panto debut in last year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk. Louis Gaunt made his West End stage debut in the Ensemble in Dick Whittington at the Palladium in 2017.Frances Mayli McCann makes her Palladium debut this Christmas.

Harrison’s production has set designs by Mark Walters and costume designs by Hugh Durrant created especially for The London Palladium, choreography by Karen Bruce, lighting designs by Ben Cracknell, sound designs by Gareth Owen and composition and orchestrations by Gary Hind.

Peter Pan is produced by Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes.As a producer in the West End his credits include The Drifters Girl, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Gypsy, The Bodyguard, Annie, Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, Crazy For You and The Wizard of Oz.

Crossroads Pantomimes is the world’s biggest pantomime producer and part of Crossroads Live, a global leader in the production of musical theatre and immersive entertainment experiences.