LEAD CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTION
OF THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR UK TOUR

Initial casting is today announced for the UK tour of the Olivier Award-winning reimagined production of and Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Ian McIntosh (We Will Rock You, Follies, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical – Olivier nominated for ‘Best Supporting Actor in a Musical) will play Jesus, Shem Omari James (Dreamgirls UK Tour) will play Judas and Hannah Richardson (Sting’s The Last Ship) plays Mary. Further casting to be announced.

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, Bristol, Crawley, Southampton, Norwich, Eastbourne, Birmingham, Oxford, Wimbledon, Woking, Sunderland, Canterbury, Sheffield, Llandudno, Torquay, Dartford, Cheltenham, Blackpool, Bromley, Inverness and Truro. Further tour dates are to be announced.

“A gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical.”

– The Guardian

“Hallelujah! An almighty revelation.”

– The Daily Telegraph

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where it originated and is helmed by director Timothy Sheader 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.

For additional information about this production, please visit www.jesuschristsuperstar.com

Facebook & Instagram: @JesusChristSuperstar | Twitter: @JCSTheMusical

PAUL MERTON TO STAR AS SARAH THE COOK
IN DICK WHITTINGTON
AT RICHMOND THEATRE THIS CHRISTMAS

SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER – SUNDAY 7 JANUARY

Richmond Theatre is pleased to announce that writer, actor, comedian, radio and television presenter Paul Merton will be stepping out from behind the iconic Have I Got News For You desk and donning the Panto Dame’s heels to star as Sarah the Cook in this year’s must-see family pantomime, Dick Whittington, from Saturday 9 December.

As one of Britain’s best-loved and most popular comedians, Paul’s career began at the infamous Comedy Store and he regularly tours the UK with Paul Merton’s Impro Chums. His television appearances on hit programmes include Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Room 101, various travelogues and documentaries and he is a regular on Radio 4 where he is now the second longest serving panelist on Just a Minute.

The BAFTA and multi-British Comedy Award winner has been a mainstay of the popular BBC news quiz Have I Got News For You since it made its television debut over thirty years ago where his dry sense of humour and quick wit solidified his reputation as one of the UK’s finest funny men. He has had several books published, including his acclaimed autobiography Only When I Laugh. Having appeared in four pantomimes recorded specifically for television broadcast in the late nineties, Dick Whittington will be Paul’s second pantomime season live on stage. 

On his return to panto, Paul said: “I’m thrilled to be appearing at Richmond Theatre as Sarah the Cook, portraying the most beautiful woman you have ever seen. “ 

Dick Whittington is brought to you by the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes. Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Richmond audiences know to expect, don’t miss the action-packed pantomime that promises to be full of laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. 

Chief Executive of Crossroads Pantomimes, Michael Harrison said: “I’m delighted to be announcing such a talented comedian as the lead in our Richmond Theatre pantomime. Paul was last in panto for us back in 2018 and was an absolute hit with audiences and I know that he’s going to bring a brilliant and extremely funny Sarah The Cook to our production of Dick Whittington this year.”

Steve Joyce, Theatre Manager of Richmond Theatre, said: “We are really pleased to welcome the talented Paul Merton to our beautiful Matcham Theatre. We are confident that Richmond audiences will love what he brings to the show, and we can’t wait to see what he ‘cooks up’”.

Join Dick Whittington as he seeks fame, fortune, and happiness journeying to become Lord Mayor. Can he outwit the evil rodent King Rat and free the city from his team of revolting rodents? Find out in the ultimate magical pantomime adventure!

Further casting will be announced later in the year.

SARAH SNOOK TO RETURN TO THE STAGE
IN UK PREMIERE OF SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION

Succession star Sarah Snook to play 26 characters in dazzling adaptation of
Oscar Wilde’s renowned novel

Adapted and directed by Sydney Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Kip Williams

Performances begin Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Theatre Royal Haymarket

www.doriangrayplay.com

The smash-hit production of The Picture of Dorian Gray will make its UK premiere in January at The Theatre Royal Haymarket, starring the critically acclaimed Sarah Snook in a ground-breaking adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s only novel.

This stunning modern reworking of Wilde’s devastatingly brilliant story is adapted and directed by Sydney Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Kip Williams

The Picture of Dorian Gray will begin performances on Tuesday 23 January 2024.

The Picture of Dorian Gray goes on sale today, Thursday 22 June, with tickets available at www.doriangrayplay.com

Wilde’s timeless text is revolutionised by William’s celebrated collision of form employing an explosive interplay of video and theatre through an intricately choreographed collection of on-stage cameras bringing to life a dizzying 26 characters, each brought to life by Snook.

Marking her hotly anticipated return to the London stage following her searing debut in Matthew Warchus’ 2016 production of The Master Builder opposite Ralph Fiennes, Australian star Sarah Snook will play every character in the production.

Snook was most recently seen as Shiv Roy in HBO’s hit series Succession, a role that earned her global acclaim. Over Succession’s four seasons she received a Golden Globe Award and a Critics Choice Award and was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In Australia, Snook has won two Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards for her work in film and television. She received a nomination for the Logie Award for most outstanding actress for her performance in 2015’s The Beautiful and a Helpmann Award nomination for best female actor in a play for her performance in Sydney Theatre Company’s production of Saint Joan.

“I am elated to return to the London stage in such an astonishing piece of theatre,” Snook said. “From Oscar Wilde’s remarkable original text to Kip Williams’ stunning adaptation, this story of morality, innocence, narcissism, and consequence is going to be thrilling to recreate for a new audience. I can’t wait.”

Williams’ interpretation of beauty, excess, and a deal with the devil holds striking resonance in our current era, holding a mirror to 21^st century society’s narcissistic obsession with youth.

Enrapturing audiences, the acclaimed Australian premiere season in 2020 was extended twice in Sydney and played to critical and audience acclaim throughout the country.

Director and Adapter, Kip Williams said “In creating a new piece of theatre like The Picture of Dorian Gray you always hope to have the opportunity to share it with a wider audience.  I am so excited for theatre lovers in London to experience our show and am thrilled to have the extraordinary Sarah Snook bringing to life the many characters of Oscar Wilde’s remarkable story.”

“I knew, from the very first time I saw The Picture of Dorian Gray, that it deserved a global audience,” Michael Cassel, producer of the West End season, said. “Kip Williams’ genius production is transformative, innovative, transfixing and entertaining and I am beyond excited that the inimitable Sarah Snook will star in this incredible production.”

Co-producer Adam Kenwright said, “This thrilling new look at one of Oscar Wilde’s most seminal works is a benchmark work of modern theatre and I am delighted to be joining my good friend Michael Cassel and team bringing it to London. A huge degree of thanks must go to Theatre Royal Haymarket’s Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen. We are enlivened by their vision and their partnership in bringing The Picture of Dorian Gray to London.”

Sydney Theatre Company’s The Picture of Dorian Gray is adapted and directed by Kip Williams, based on the novel by Oscar Wilde. The Picture of Dorian Gray stars Sarah Snook. Design is by Marg Horwell, Lighting Design by Nick Schlieper, Composition & Sound Design by Clemence Williams, and Video Design by David Bergman. The London season is produced by Michael Cassel, Adam Kenwright, Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen, Daryl Roth, Amanda Lipitz and Henry Tisch, Jonathan Church.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR THE NEW UK TOUR OF

THE AWARD-WINNING SMASH HIT PLAY
THE FULL MONTY
BY SIMON BEAUFOY

OPENING AT THE

EVERYMAN THEATRE, CHELTENHAM

ON 14 SEPTEMBER 2023

Everyman Theatre Cheltenham & Buxton Opera House in association with Mark Goucher and David Pugh are delighted to announce full casting for the UK Tour of Simon Beaufoy’s THE FULL MONTY, opening at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham from 14 September 2023. Full tour schedule below. www.fullmontytheplay.com

Joining the previously announced Danny Hatchard as Gaz, Jake Quickenden as Guy, Bill Ward as Gerald, Neil Hurst as Dave, Ben Onwukwe as Horse and Nicholas Prasad as Lomper will be Oliver Joseph Brooke, Katy Dean, Laura Matthews, Danny Mellor, Adam Porter Smith, Suzanne Procter, Alice Schofield, and Leyon Stolz-Hunter. The young actors playing the role of Nathan on tour will be Cass Dempsey, Theo Hills, Rowan Poulton and Jack Wisniewski.

Danny Hatchard is probably best known for his role as Lee Carter in BBC One’s EastEnders, and Gary in BBC One’s Not Going Out. His other television roles include Lee in BBC One’s Ridley Road and Private Rhett Charlton in BBC One’s Our Girl. His theatre credits include Aaron in Eyes Closed Ears Covered at The Bunker Theatre, for which he was nominated for an Off West End Theatre Award, as well as Tom Jenkins in Scrooge at Curve, Leicester, Jack Dawkins and Noah Claypole in Oliver Twist at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Ste in Beautiful Thing at The Arts Theatre and UK Tour and Valentin in Kiss of the Spider Woman.

Jake Quickenden’s theatre credits include the UK Tours of Hair, Footloose and Friendsical, as well as Peter Pan a Musical Adventure at Blackpool Opera House. On television Jake has previously appeared on ITV’s The X Factor, The Chart Show, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, Dancing On Ice, The Real Full Monty: On Ice and Channel 4’s Hollyoaks and Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins. Most recently, Jake has been presenting regularly for ITV shows such as Lorraine and Loose Women.

Bill Ward is probably best known for his roles as Charlie Stubbs in ITV’s Coronation Street and James Barton in ITV’s Emmerdale. His other television credits include ITV’s The Hunt for Raoul Moat, Vera, Midsomer Murders, Heartbeat and Footballers’ Wives, BBC’s Silent Witness, Jonathan Creek, Casualty and Holby City. His West End theatre credits include Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre, Viva Forever at the Piccadilly Theatre, Million Dollar Quartet at the Noel Coward Theatre, Spamalot at the Palace Theatre and Japes at Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Neil Hurst’s television credits include Channel 5’s All Creatures Great and Small, ITV’s Coronation Street and BBC’s Home from Home, Casualty, Doctors, The Syndicate and Moving On.  His theatre credits include the UK Tour of Fat Friends the Musical, Early Doors Live UK Arena Tour, Evita at the Leeds Grand Theatre, and Jungle Book The Musical at the Oldham Coliseum.

Ben Onwukwe’s theatre credits include the UK tours of The Shawshank Redemption and Black Men Walking, The 47^th at the Old Vic, New Nigerians at the Arcola Theatre, The Treatment at the Almeida Theatre and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at the Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh. Ben’s television credits include ITV’s Professor T, Coronation Street and Law & Order UK, Netflix’s Marcella and the BBC’s EastEnders, Doctors and Holby City.

Nicholas Prasad’s theatre credits include Around the World in 80 Days at Theatre by The Lake/Hull Truck, The Comedy of Errors with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Approaching Empty at the Kiln Theatre, Treasure Island at Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Baghdad Wedding at the Soho Theatre. On television he has been seen in the BBC’s Doctors and EastEnders, and SyFy’s Krypton.

This fast and funny play is still very much of our time, as again we are hit by a cost-of-living crisis. Gaz and his mates are down on their luck and feel they have been thrown on the scrap heap, but they are determined to fight back and bare a little more than they ever thought they would have to.

As in the 1997 smash hit film, this brand-new production is a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, laughs and heartbreak.

THE FULL MONTY marks the first co-production and partnership between the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham and Buxton Opera House, which recently became an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation.

THE FULL MONTY is directed by Michael Gyngell, choreography and intimacy direction is by Ian West, Set and Costume design is by Jasmine Swan with Lighting design by Andrew Exeter and Sound design by Chris Whybrow. The Casting Director is Marc Frankum.

THE FULL MONTY

UK TOUR LISTINGS

www.fullmontytheplay.com

THURSDAY 14 – SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2023

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

www.everymantheatre.org.uk 

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 26 – SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Opera House, Buxton

www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk 

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 2 – SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER 2023

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

www.belgrade.co.uk 

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 10 – SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER 2023

Storyhouse Theatre, Chester

www.storyhouse.com 

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 17 – SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER 2023

Grand Opera House, York

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

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 24 – SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER 2023

Theatre Royal, Norwich

www.norwichtheatre.org 

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 30 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2023

Theatre Royal, Nottingham

www.trch.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 7 – SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2023

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

www.mayflower.org.uk 

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 14 – SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2023

Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 21 – SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2023

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury-waterside-theatre

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 27 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER 2023

Cardiff New Theatre

www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 5 – SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER 2023

Winter Gardens, Blackpool

www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 16 – SATURDAY 20 JANUARY 2024

Liverpool Empire

www.atgtickets.com/liverpool-empire

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 23 – SATURDAY 27 JANUARY 2024

Grand Opera House, Belfast

www.goh.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 30 JANUARY – SATURDAY 3 FEBRAURY 2024

The Alexandra, Birmingham

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

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2024

Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea

www.southendtheatres.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 13 – SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2024

Opera House, Manchester

www.atgtickets.com/venues/opera-house-manchester

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 20 – SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2024

Theatre Royal, Glasgow

www.atgtickets.com/theatre-royal-glasgow

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 2 MARCH 2024

Newcastle Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyal.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 5 – SATURDAY 9 MARCH 2024

The Sands Centre, Carlisle

www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/the-sands-centre

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 11 – SATURDAY 16 MARCH 2024

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 19 – SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2024

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 26 – SATURDAY 30 MARCH 2024

Leicester Curve

www.curveonline.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 2 – SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2024

Theatre Royal, Bath

www.theatreroyal.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 9 – SATURDAY 13 APRIL 2024

The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

www.marlowetheatre.com

ON SALE SOON

AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN

THE MUSICAL

BASED ON THE HIT 1980s FILM

TO EMBARK ON UK TOUR

FROM 23 FEBRUARY 2024

Prepare to be swept off your feet – the Curve production of AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN THE MUSICAL is returning to the UK! The show opens at The Alexandra, Birmingham, on 23 February 2024 booking through to 16 November 2024. Based on the 1982 film starring Richard Gere, AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN THE MUSICAL has a book by Douglas Day Stewart & Sharleen Cooper Cohen and will be directed by Artistic Director of Curve, Nikolai Foster, with choreography by Joanna Goodwin.

Casting to be announced.

AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN THE MUSICAL is based on the award-winning 80s movie which starred Richard Gere. This timeless story of love, courage, and redemption will make your heart soar and leave you breathless, longing for more. Be part of the emotional journey of Zack Mayo, a fearless young officer candidate, and the captivating Paula Pokrifki, whose fiery spirit matches his own. Their encounters ignite a spark that transcends boundaries, awakening a passionate love that defies all odds.

With every note, every step, and every heartfelt ballad, immerse yourself in this romantic masterpiece. Set to a smash-hit soundtrack featuring the songs of Madonna, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, and many more, the power of music will carry you through the highs and lows of their extraordinary love story, including the award-winning (Love Lift Us) Up Where We Belong. 

AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN THE MUSICAL invites you into a world where dreams and destinies intertwine. Don’t miss your chance to experience this captivating romance brought to life on stage.

Director, Nikolai Foster said: “filled with love and quiet profundity, An Officer and a Gentleman sensitively charts the lives of working class, military folk in America in the early 1980s. We are proud to be working alongside the film’s creator Douglas Day Stewart, producer Jamie Wilson, Sharleen Cooper Cohen and an incredible creative team to present this beautiful and inspiring story. We are excited to share some iconic 80s songs and this moving story with audiences across the UK.”

AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN THE MUSICAL UK Tour will have musical supervision and orchestration by George Dyer, set & costume design by Michael Taylor, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall, wig, hair and make up design by Sam Cox and casting by Debbie O’Brien. This Made at Curve production is produced by Jamie Wilson, Jack Maple, Gavin Kalin and Jason Haigh-Ellery in association with Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros Theatre Ventures.

Website: officerandagentlemanthemusical.com  

Facebook/ Instagram/ Twitter: @OfficerGentUK

2024 TOUR SCHEDULE

23 February – 2 March           Birmingham Alexandra

www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

5 – 9 March                             Glasgow Kings Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

12 – 16 March                         Belfast Grand Opera House                                     

www.goh.co.uk                                                           On sale soon

19 – 23 March                         Llandudno Venue Cymru                                          01492 872000

                                                www.venuecymru.co.uk       

25 – 30 March                         Bradford, Alhambra Theatre                                     01274 432000

                                                www.bradford-theatres.co.uk                                     On sale soon

1 – 6 April                                London New Wimbledon Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon        

15 – 20 April                            Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre

                                                www.wmc.org.uk

23 – 27 April                            Brighton Theatre Royal

                                                www.atgtickets.com/brighton

30 April – 4 May                      Manchester Opera House    

                                                www.atgtickets.com/manchester

6 – 11 May                              Stoke Regent Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre

13 – 18 May                            Newcastle Theatre Royal                                          0191 232 7010

                                                www.theatreroyal.co.uk                                              On sale soon

20 – 25 May                            Dartford Orchard Theatre                                         01322 220000

                                                www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

27 May – 1 June                     Oxford New Theatre

                                                www.atgtickets.com/oxford

4 – 8 June                               York Grand Opera House

                                                www.atgtickets.com/york

17 – 22 June                           Sheffield Lyceum                                                      0114 249 6000

                                                www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                                      On sale soon

25 – 29 June                           Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre                          02380 711811

                                                www.mayflower.org.uk

2 – 6 July                                Torquay Princess Theatre

                                                www.atgtickets.com/torquay

9 – 13 July                              Canterbury Marlowe                                                 01227 787787

                                                www.marlowetheatre.com

16 – 20 July                            Southend Cliffs Pavilion

                                                www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

22 – 27 July                            Liverpool Empire Theatre

                                                www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

29 July – 3 August                  Nottingham Theatre Royal                                        0115 989 5555              

                                                trch.co.uk

5 – 10 August                          Woking New Victoria Theatre

                                                www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre

12 – 17 August                        Leicester Curve                                                         0116 242 3595

                                                www.curveonline.co.uk

20 – 24 August                        Truro Hall for Cornwall                                              01872 262466 

 www.hallforcornwall.co.uk                                         On sale soon

2 – 7 September                     Bristol Hippodrome

                                                www.atgtickets.com/bristol

10 – 14 September                 Ipswich Regent Theatre

www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk                                        On sale soon

17 – 21 September                 Eastbourne Congress                                               01323 412 000

                                                www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

23 – 28 September                 Wolverhampton Grand                                             01902 429212

                                                www.grandtheatre.co.uk

30 September – 5 October     Blackpool Opera House

                                                www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

8 – 12 October                        Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre                               01224 641122

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com                            On sale soon

21 – 26 October                      Milton Keynes Theatre

                                                www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre

28 October – 2 November      Bromley Churchill Theatre                                         0343 310 0020

                                                www.churchilltheatre.co.uk                                        On sale soon

4 – 9 November                      Hull New Theatre                                                       01482 300 306

                                                www.hulltheatres.co.uk

12 – 16 November                  Carlisle Sands Centre                                                0333 33 55055

                                                www.thesandscentre.co.uk    

Adelphi Theatre London – 20 June 2023

Review by Elizabeth J Smith

4****

Christmas Day 2016 we heard that George Michael had passed away. This wasn’t just a loss to the world of music but a shock to me, he was my pin up boy in the 80’s and his music had
followed me through my life. I wasn’t fortunate enough to see him in concert during his life time so my only hope of enjoying his classic songs were with a tribute and what a tribute Joseph Sansome is.

The performance starts with the band on stage and just the amazing sound of George’s voice, on walks Joseph and the house erupts.

Joseph sounds uncannily like George Michael and has the look to match. We are then treated to some of George Micheal’s all time classic songs from his early days with Wham moving to his solo career. Songs that echo the trials and tribulation of his life through the haunting lyrics he wrote.

The backdrop to the songs were visual displays of graphics and some cheesy moves from Joseph as George.

Joseph is backed by a very impressive group of musicians.
Amy Rhiannon Crowther Musical Director & Backing Vocals
Ludovit Juhasz Keys
Dayle Thompson Bass
Adam Williss Guitar
Carol Riley BVs
Sebastian Kedziora Drums
Jarlath Mulholland Sax

Shout out to Mr Ludo for his great piano playing and Jarlath on the sax. A haunting rendition of ‘Careless Whisper’ made the hairs on my arms stand up and bought a tear to my eye.
Carol Riley captivated the audience with her rendition of “Knew You Were Waiting” a mighty salute to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, she could carry that tribute any day of the week.

Having read previous reviews before attending the show I was expecting some backing dancers and I think they would have been an excellent addition as Joseph isn’t really a mover and the show could feel a little static.

At one point Joseph said he wasn’t stood on stage thinking he was George Micheal, take that back Joe, your not an imposter you are the real deal. Own it, you’ve earned the right to be called the best George Micheal tribute in the world.

If you miss the formidable George Michael and want to relive the energy he delivered and
reminisce with his unforgettable songs Fastlove will fill the gap.

The audience danced, sang, cried and laughed leaving the theatre with a feeling of love for a man who is no longer here to entertain us.

George Michael is dead long live George Michael through the talent of Joseph Sansome.

BIRMINGHAM STAGE COMPANY ANNOUNCE

CAST FOR WEST END RETURN OF

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: TERRIBLE TUDORS

Birmingham Stage Company today announce the wicked cast for their West End return of Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors – Neal Foster, Emma Swan and Jack Ballard, in this delightfully gruesome production about one of history’s most outrageous families. The production opens on 1 August, with previews from 27 July, and runs until 2 September.

Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors is co-written by Terry Deary and Neal Foster, directed by Neal Foster, designed by Jacqueline Trousdale,with lighting by Jason Taylor, music by Matthew Scott, sound by Nick Sagar, with choreography by Kenn Oldfield.

Actor and Manager of Birmingham Stage Company, Neal Foster said today, “Terrible Tudors proved to be the most successful Horrible Histories show we’ve presented in the West End, so we’re delighted to be bringing it back for a second year of summer fun.”

Birmingham Stage Company presents

HORRIBLE HISTORIES – TERRIBLE TUDORS       

Garrick Theatre

27 July – 2 September

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead!

So Terrible Tudors is back with the hit West End show for a second sensational year!

From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as they launch their attack!

It’s history with the nasty bits left in!

Terry Deary is the creator of Horrible Histories and one of Britain’s best-selling authors of the 21st Century. He’s also the tenth most-borrowed author in British libraries. There are around 50 Horrible Histories titles with total sales of 25 million in 40 countries. Deary is also the author of over 200 fiction and non-fiction books for young people including his series of books Dangerous Days.

Terry’s career in the arts began in 1972 Theatre Powys in Mid Wales. He has worked as an actor, theatre-director, drama teacher and television presenter. Terry still acts with roles in British films and has appeared in the Horrible Histories TV, stage-shows and feature film.

As an actor, Terry began writing scripts. One of his most successful was The Custard Kid which he adapted into his first novel in 1977. Now aged 77, Terry is into his sixth decade as a published author of 330 titles in 42 languages including over 80 titles in Horrible Histories.

2023 marks ‘30 Horrible Years’ of the world’s bestselling children’s history series. A household name, Horrible Histories has inspired a star-studded feature film, BAFTA-award-winning TV series, attractions and, of course, stage-shows. The latest books are Horrible Histories: The Worst in the World and Horrible Histories: On the Road.

Neal Foster is Actor/Manager of Birmingham Stage Company which since its foundation in 1992 has staged over one hundred productions. The company has become one of the world’s leading producers of theatre for children and their families, including Horrible Histories Live on Stage for eighteen years in the UK, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. Foster has written and directed all of the most recent Horrible Histories shows including Barmy Britain – Parts One and Two (co-written with Terry Deary), Three, Four and Five (Garrick Theatre, Apollo Theatre and Sydney Opera House), Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders for a national tour and Wicked Warwick at Warwick Castle. His river tour Terrible Thames (co-written with Terry Deary) is enjoying its third year in the capital. Meanwhile his first fictional adaptations were David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, both of which transferred to the Garrick Theatre and were both nominated for an Olivier Award. He is due to appear in the Horrible Histories production of ‘Orrible Opera at the Royal Albert Hall in July.

Emma Swan continues her collaboration with Birmingham Stage Company, having previously appeared in Horrible Christmas and last year’s West End run of Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors. Her other theatre credits include The Merchant of Venice (Royal Shakespeare Company), I Am No Bird (Stute Theatre), the title role in Sparky the Elf and the Secret Toyshop (Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch), and Some Place Better (Red Rose Chain). For television, her work includes Doctor Who: The Diary of Riversong, Doctor Who: Ghost, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Me and My 10 Kids; and for film, Sweet Sue. Her musical comedy duo ‘Hadfield and Swan’ were awarded Best Newcomer at the Musical Comedy Awards 2019. Recently, she was nominated for Audible’s audiobook narrator of the year. 

Jack Ballard returns to Birmingham Stage Company following Horrible Histories: The Worst of Barmy Britain (UK tour), and Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors last year. His other theatre credits include Alice in Wonderland and Rapunzel (UK tours).

Horrible Histories shows are recommended for ages 5 to 105 (106 year olds may not like them!)

www.birminghamstage.com  
Twitter & Instagram: @HHLiveOnStage
Facebook: birminghamstage 

Horrible Histories- Terrible Tudors

Listings

Garrick Theatre
2 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0HH

Box Office:  0330 333 4811
www.terribletudors.com

Tickets from £16.50

27 July – 2 September

Running time: 70 minutes

A Liverpool’s Royal Court & Stockroom Productions Production 

ALAN BLEASDALE’S

BOYS FROM THE BLACKSTUFF

by James Graham

Directed by Kate Wasserberg

Liverpool’s Royal Court, 15 September to 28 October 2023

CASTING ANNOUNCED

40 years after Alan Bleasdale’s ground-breaking television series was essential viewing, Stockroom and Liverpool’s Royal Court are delighted to present an unmissable, powerful new adaptation by James Graham, writer of the hit BBC series Sherwood.

This is 80s Liverpool. Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser are used to hard work and providing for their families. But there is no work and there is no money. What are they supposed to do? Work harder, work longer, buy cheaper, spend less? They just need a chance.

Life is tough but the lads can play the game. Find the jobs, avoid the ‘sniffers’ and see if you can have a laugh along the way.

Casting has been announced and will comprise  Andrew Schofield (Blood Brothers, Scully) as George, Barry Sloane (Pleasureland – C4, Jerusalem – Royal Court), as Yosser, Mark Womack, (Emmerdale – ITV, Good Cop – BBC) as Dixie, George Caple (Doctor Who– BBC, Homebaked – Liverpool’s Royal Court) as Snowie, Kevin and other parts, Dominic Carter (Coronation Street – ITV, Game of Thrones – HBO) various , Helen Carter (The Flint Street Nativity – Liverpool Everyman, Top Girls – Royal Court) as Miss Sutcliffe and other roles, Aron Julius (DCI Banks ITV, As You Like It – Soho Place) as Loggo, Oliver Mawdsley (The Comedy of Errors – more or less –  Stephen Joseph) various, Nathan McMullen (Misfits – E4) as Chrissie and Lauren O’Neil, (This House – National Theatre, The Twilight Zone – Almeida) as Angie and other roles.

Kevin Fearon, Executive Producer, Liverpool’s Royal Court says,

“For a producing theatre in Liverpool it doesn’t get any bigger or better than this. To be able to bring together two of the country’s finest writers on such an important piece of drama is a hugely exciting opportunity for Liverpool’s Royal Court. Everyone in the building is excited about this incredible show and our job now is to make it something we can all be proud of.”

Nathan McMullen                    Chrissie

Barry Sloane                           Yosser

Mark Womack                         Dixie

Aron Julius                              Loggo 

Andrew Schofield                    George

George Caple                         Snowie, Kevin, Scotty 

Helen Carte                             Miss Sutcliffe, Freda, Margaret

Lauren O’Neil                          Angie, Jean, Lawton, Student

 Dominic Carter                       Molloy, Marley, Catholic Priest

Oliver Mawdsley                     Moss, Angelican Reverend 

Liverpool’s Royal Court is a unique theatre success story. Alongside our mission to breathe life back into every corner of our much-loved city centre building, we’ve also created a truly Liverpudlian theatre venue with loyal audiences who adore a big night out. Dedicated to the people and stories of our city, a trip to the Royal Court is about great entertainment before, during and after the show. But we’re not the only ones delivering great nights out in Liverpool, and we’re proud to be part of a citywide theatre family that loves telling stories just as much as we do. The theatre is dedicated to breaking down barriers all over the city with a free to access Youth Theatre and Community Choir reaching people that otherwise would never be able to take part in theatre.

Stockroom is a writers’ room for theatre, and the Stockroom Artists produce new work for midscale stages around the country.   Dedicated to script creation and a radical new approach to playwriting, the company is a creative hub with over 25 years’ experience finding some of the nation’s most influential writers.  The writers room comprises a team of six diverse salaried theatre makers who pool their individual expertise to create new plays for audiences across the UK. The company partners with theatres around the country to create shows that celebrate story and the live experience. 

Stockroom believes strongly in social justice and works hard to maintain a diverse and open creative space, working with creatives from all backgrounds but focussing on those who have socio-economic barriers that make hard for them to work as artists in this industry

A Mercury co-production with Derren Brown, Andrew O’Connor, Michael Vine, Paul Sandler and Kenny Wax

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR DERREN BROWN’S UPCOMING LONDON PREMIERE OF UNBELIEVABLE

EVERYONE YOU MEET IS PERFORMING A KIND OF MAGIC TRICK –

PRESENTING THE PARTS OF THEMSELVES THEY WANT YOU TO SEE,

THEIR ‘EFFECT’ –

AND HIDING THE PARTS THEY DON’T,

THEIR ‘METHOD’

Tickets:https://unbelievablelive.com

Internationally acclaimed psychological illusionist Derren Brown is thrilled to announce his first-ever cast for his brand-new show UNBELIEVABLE, which opens in London’s West End at the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly Circus on 19 September 2023. UNBELIEVABLE is a Mercury Theatre co-production with Vaudeville Productions and Kenny Wax Ltd.

After decades of appearing on stage solo, this will be the first-ever time that one of Derren’s shows will be performed by a cast rather than himself.

UNBELIEVABLE will be a magic show like no other. The Company of multi-talented performers will bring to life on stage an evening of bewildering trickery fusing the best of theatre and music with jaw dropping illusions never before seen on a West End stage. The cast – UNBELIEVABLE’s Magic Company, will play multiple roles while the audience will be the production’s beating heart. Derren is asking any audience member who is prepared to possibly be part of the show to express their interest at the time of booking. 

Speaking on the UNBELIEVABLE cast, Derren Brown said: “This cast has been hand selected for their range of talents and skills. It’s no mean feat casting a show that requires performers to act, dance, and perform magic, and this exciting young cast will no-doubt be able to transport people into a totally new theatrical world.” 

The cast includes:

Samuel Creasey:  Winner of Critics Circle Theatre Awards 2021 Most Promising Newcomer; Young Shepherd in The Winter’s Tale at Shakespeare’s Globe and Malcolm Polstead in The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage atThe Bridge Theatre

Simon Lipkin: Buddy in Elf The Musical at Dominion Theatre; Brian in Brian & Roger at Menier Chocolate Factory and Mr Poppy in Nativity! At Eventim Apollo

Hannah Price: Lauren and Super Swing in Kinky Boots at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch; Vanity in Beauty and the Beast at City Varieties, Leeds and Maria Elena Holly in Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story in theUK Tour

Rhys Shone: Stomp in the West End and on the world tour, Pepper in the inaugural cast of Mamma Mia! On the Royal Caribbean

The show will include five West End debuts from upcoming stage stars including:

Laura Andresen Guimarães: Othello at The Watermill Theatre; Swallows & Armenians at Cumbria Opera Group; and Off the Block at Rabble Theatre 2022 & 2023

Alexander Bean: the Voice of Good Morning Britain, One Man Two Guvnors at Bolton Octagon, Liverpool Playhouse and The Tempest for Wildcard Theatre at The Pleasance

Samuel Brenton: NewsRevue  at Canal Café Theatre

Yolanda Ovide: winner of Best Supporting Actress in a Drama at The British Web Awards in 2021 for her performance of Juliet in The Shakespeare Republic #AllTheWebsAStage; Groan Ups, UK Tour; Jitney at The Old Vic

Emily Redlaff: Singer and dancer for P&O Britannia Cruise Line and Choir during One Young World Opening Ceremony, Royal Albert Hall
Izalni Batista Nascimento Junior: Brazilian trumpet player who has played with artists and musical groups including: Friendly Fires, Urban Soul Orchestra, Maelo Ruiz, TV and film includes: The Voice UK, The Crown, Pretty Red Dress and See How They Run.

Created, written and directed by UK stage and screen phenomenon Derren Brown, and long-time collaborators Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor.

Full Creative Team includes:

Conceived by Andrew O’Connor

Directed and Written by Derren Brown, Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor

Steinmeyer Design: Illusion Designer

Hayley Grindle: Set & Costume Design

Natasha Chivers: Lighting Design

Nicola T. Chang: Sound Design

Simon Wainwright: Projection Design

Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe: Choreography and Movement
Charlie O’Connor: Music
Harry Blumenau: Casting Director

Harry De Cruz: Magic Consultant

Kenny Wax Ltd: General Management

Mercury Theatre Colchester: Co-Producer

John Dalston: Executive Producer

Derren Brown will not appear on stage in Unbelievable.

Full casting announced for  

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s  

 
EVITA IN CONCERT 

Unmissable special performances at Theatre Royal Drury Lane 

on 31 July & 1 August 2023 

with additional performance added due to phenomenal demand 

Full casting has been announced and an additional performance added for Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning Evita at the iconic Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 31 July & 1 August.  

This is the first-time Evita has been in the West End since 2017 and due to phenomenal demand, an additional evening performance has been added on Tuesday 1 August. 

Joining the previously announced Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of Disney’s Moana, as Eva and Matt Rawle (Martin Guerre, Miss Saigon, Zorro) who returns to the role of Che is Jeremy Secomb (Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera) who is also returning to the show in the role of Peron, and Nathan Amzi (Heathers the Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Magaldi. Playing Mistress is Emily Lane, who is currently performing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane as Anna in Disney’s Frozen the Musical.  

Completing the cast is Lloyd Davies, Robin Kent, Emily Langham, Jasmine Leung, Amonik Melaco, Joseph Poulton, Agnes Pure and Sophie Sass.   

Evita in Concert is directed by Bill Deamer, with musical supervision by Simon Lee, musical direction by Ben Ferguson, sound design by Adam Fisher, lighting design by Tim Deiling, Set and Costume design by Rebecca Brower, and casting by Sarah-Jane Price. The concert is accompanied by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra & Chorus conducted by Ben Ferguson 
 

Evita In Concert is arranged with the permission of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group. With lyrics by Tim Rice, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on orchestrations originally by Andrew Lloyd Webber.  

Evita charts the young and ambitious Eva Peron’s meteoric rise to sainthood. Set in Argentina between 1934-1952, the musical follows Eva Duarte on her journey from poor illegitimate child to ambitious actress to, as wife of military leader-turned-president Juan Peron, the most powerful woman in Latin America, before her death from cancer at age 33.  

Theatre Royal Drury Lane is owned and operated by LW Theatres The venue reopened in June 2021 following a total, £60m, 2-year restoration.