Lavender Theatre, Epsom – until 5th August 2023

Reviewed by Fozia Munshi-Nicholson

5*****

This is the Lavender Theatres inaugural performance. The Lavender Theatre is an open-air theatre set amongst picturesque lavender fields, and boasts all things lavender, lavender trees rows of lavender bushes. They have a gift shop selling lavender honey and soaps amongst other things.

The theatre experience begins before the performance even starts, you can pre-buy a food hamper and enjoy a picnic before the performance whilst enjoying the gorgeous views.

My visit was during the first week of the very first time this theatre has been running, and the team were experiencing a few inevitable teething issues, my food hamper was not as requested but the staff couldn’t do enough to quickly rectify the issue politely and apologetically.

Then we had the English weather to contend with, all week it has been sunny, but on this day when I went attended, it rained, relentlessly. The theatre has many covered areas for guests to enjoy their food, we shared our table with fellow guests and enjoyed meeting new people.

The seating area of the theater is covered by a canopy, however section A was subject to rain falling in their laps from the canopy edge. We scooted to section B which was better covered.

The show performance can only be described as enthralling, the cast, all of them, from the star Surie who played Annie Oakley, down to the three children played by Mahlie Duval, Olivia Ainsworth and Poppy Lerougetel were spectacular, at one point the children had had to lie on the floor pretending to be in bed and they did it naturally as if they were not lying on a soaking wet floor and being rained on.

The show was brilliantly choreographed the cast were amazing and danced and sang as if they were in the sun-soaked prairies and not being soaked by the English rain. I haven’t seen a better musical in the West End. It was slick, it was polished, and the cast were all spectacular.

The show set in the prairies in 19th century follows Surie’s Annie Oakley’s rise to fame as a the best sharpshooter in the west, much to the chagrin of her lover the womanising Frank Butler played by Charlie Mccullagh. Surie’s voice is beautiful, and she has excellent comic timing, stunningly illustrated in the song ‘Anything You Can Do’, during which she displays her great vocal range.

The supporting cast put on a dazzling performance, especially the love affair between Winnie Tate played by Nina Bell and Tommy Keeler played by Joseph Vella. The pair are funny and charming together as the young lovers frustrated by Chloe Harts Dolly Tate who has higher aspirations for her kid sister.

The music was on point and the songs from the opening of ‘There’s no Business like Show Business’ were rousing and fun right to the end.

The only thing I would change is for the stage to be covered as other open-air theaters do. Not because the actors in any way presented as if they were being rained on or uncomfortable, but it can’t have been comfortable for them. I’d also recommend theatre goers taking a wrap in case the weather turns as it was a bit chilly.

I look forward to the Lavender Theatre putting on many more productions and if you can I would highly recommend going to see Annie Get your Gun at the Lavender Theatre, its an entire experience, and a great day out.

The Mill, Sonning – until 29 July 2023

Reviewed by Alec Legge

4****

In order to review Issy van Randwyck’s rendition of the lives and music of Billie Holiday, Marilyn Monroe, Patsy Cline, Janis Joplin, Karen Carpenter, Mama Cass and Dusty Springfield I had to travel to the Mill at Sonning, which is near Reading, by train from Paddington. The evening is a package event consisting of a meal and a show so I will include the full experience in this review.

The Mill at Sonning is situated on an island in the Thames and was built in the 18th century as a working flour mill. The surroundings are extremely picturesque. The interior has been lovingly restored and is now a restaurant and theatre with many of the original features, including a working water wheel, We had a hearty buffet meal with several different choices which was excellent, I can heartily recommend the steak pie! There was plenty of time to enjoy the meal before moving to the theatre for the show.

The theatre has 215 seats, a wrap around stage, with the seats rising quite steeply which makes for a good view from all sides. The backing musicians were in view spread around the rear of stage and consisted of a piano, drums. double bass and guitar.

Miss Randwyck came on stage and immediately started with a Billie Holiday song, following which, she sung 4 more of her songs interspersed with a commentary on Billies life and death. She continued on this theme with songs and commentaries on all the other performers I have mentioned.

In all Miss Randwyck sung 28 songs, she is an extremely talented singer and performer and it was a joy to be present at her show.

However whilst I enjoyed her singing I did feel that the overall choice of 6 of her subjects all dying young as a result of a rackety life style and Dusty Springfield who died in her 50’s of cancer, gave a slightly morbid air to the performance.

Not withstanding that proviso, the evening was enjoyable and dinner and theatre at the Mill makes for a a lovely night out.

Bard in the Botanics Festival, Glasgow Botanic Gardens – until 29^th July 2023

 REVIEWED BY RACHEL FARRIER 

4****

There is always a slightly magical atmosphere at the outdoor Bard in the Botanics, as the light fades and the audience huddle further into their warm layers (praying the rain holds off), and the beautiful gardens fade behind the glow of the stage lights.

Last night’s performance of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest‘ was no exception and the magic continued with an evening that was a riot of energy and colour, crescendo-ing at the night wore on. Oscar Wilde’s brilliant satire of the English class system has (perhaps sadly) stood the test of time; the upper class, raffish and ridiculously entitled duo of Algernon and Jack bear more than a passing resemblance to a certain recent prime minister and his cronies. Under Gordon Barr’s expert direction, the absurdities of (upper class, English) Victorian attitudes towards marriage and respectability are exposed to their full extent. The duet of James Boal as Algernon and Stephen Arden as Jack are the riotous, irrepressible and hilarious centre of the show, and convey the moral bankruptcy and hypocrisy of their characters with charm and zest. They are clearly having a ball and play off one another with a delightful, slightly crazed silliness.

The iconic role of Lady Bracknell is played to its full, camp extent by Alan Steele who effortlessly portrays the doyenne of double standards, cloaked in the guise of ‘respectability’. The early scene in which Lady B interviews Jack as the potential husband for her daughter Gwendolin was the first of many laugh out loud moments, and the momentum of hilarity builds from there. For me, Éimi Quinn brought the loudest laughs of the night, managing to segue brilliantly between wide eyed, naive teenage ward Cecily Cardew and a distinctly weegie version of the same character in moments of high emotion.  The scenes in which she and Claire Macallister (as Gwendolin) oscillate between love and hate for one another have pitch perfect comic timing.

As the plot thickens and the central mistaken/adopted identities of the central characters begin to unravel/become clear, the sub plot of repressed romance between the Reverend Chasuble and Cecily’s governess Miss Prism brings another strand of comedy which is brilliantly rendered by Lynsey-Anne Moffat and Johnny Panchaud who ham it up spectacularly. The denouement in which all identities are revealed and the infamous handbag takes centre stage is terrific, and the audience was still audibly chuckling as we wound our way out of the gardens and into the night. This is a show to lift the spirits, get along in the remaining week if you can.

York Theatre Royal – until Sunday 30th July 2023

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

York’s current summer community play is a world premier adaptation of C.J. Sansom’s novel, Sovereign. It’s a Tudor whodunit, full of murder, treason, and conspiracy, adapted to stage by York playwright Mike Kenny and co-directed by Juliet Forster, Mingyu Lin and John R. Wilkinson.

Set in 1541, Matthew Shardlake (Fergus Rattigan), a London lawyer, and his sidekick Jack Barak (Sam Thorpe-Spinks) have arrived in York ahead of King Henry VIII and his fifth wife Catherine Howard. Not only are they there to smooth the way for the King but they have been tasked with a secret mission, to ensure that a prisoner is delivered safely to the Tower of London for interrogation. Things take a turn for the worst when a local glazier is murdered, the prisoner poisoned and all sorts of shenanigans occurring. Part-time sleuth, Shardlake investigates, uncovering secrets that could lead to the demise of the Tudor dynasty. Who is behind it all? It certainly kept me guessing.

How fitting that not only is the book centred mostly in York, but King’s Manor, the outdoor setting for this show, is an integral part of the story. We are so lucky in York to have such history and stunning buildings. King’s Manor is now part of the University of York’s campus, who have partnered with York Theatre Royal and is just over the road from the theatre. All the action takes place in the courtyard, with a huge tree taking centre stage.

The courtyard is bustling for the majority and told through the voices of the people of York, narrated by the women of York. It features a large local cast of over community production on a grand scale that is utilised to its full potential. You really feel involved in all the hustle and bustle and the action going on all around you.

Rattigan and Thorpe-Spinks share a camaraderie and are confident in their roles as the dogged investigator and his lovable, jack the lad companion. They may be the only two professional actors in the show, but the rest of the cast held their own, with some strong individual performances. Of note were Livvy Potter as the royal servant, and Jack’s love interest, Tamasin Reedbourne, Nick Naidu-Bock as the tortured prisoner Edward Broderick, and Joe Hopper as the sadistic jailer Fulke Radwinter.

The city scenes when Henry VIII appeared in York, included puppetry. Magnificent horses, manned by three actors each, trotting along in harmony with their flowing manes and swishing tails, a caged bear, and some fighting cockerels. It is always good to see the imagination that goes into creating such amazing props.

The costumes, designed by Hazel Fall, are absolutely stunning. The amount of work that has gone into creating so many wonderful costumes for so many people is mind blowing and huge congratulations must go to all the staff and volunteers in the costume department.

If the cast wasn’t huge enough, they are supported by a wonderful choir, who sit in gazebo to the side of the stage. I was lucky enough to sit at the end of the row and could see them in action, but to hear them was something else.

I must say I was fully engrossed in all the action in the first half, but it did wane after the interval, before the final revelation. Make sure that if you do have tickets that you take a cushion to sit on, remember it is outside and though the seating area is covered it could get chilly and seating is not reserved. The poor cast have to work with no cover, whatever the elements.

York really does this type of theatre so well and should be proud of this amazing community project. This is an impressive bit of theatre full of passion and enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, it looks like the run has now all sold out, but York Theatre Royal will be holding free screenings at the end of August, make sure you catch it then.

FLOWERS FOR MRS HARRIS

LONDON PREMIERE OF CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED MUSICAL TO PLAY AT RIVERSIDE STUDIOS THIS AUTUMN

WITH JENNA RUSSELL AS ‘MRS HARRIS’

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED

30 SEPTEMBER – 26 NOVEMBER
TICKETS ON SALE NOW HERE

Aria Entertainment and Tiny Giant Productions have today announced the full cast who will be joining Olivier Award-winning stage legend Jenna Russell in the London premiere of the musical FLOWERS FOR MRS HARRIS this autumn, directed by Bronagh Lagan (Cruise – West End, Rags – Park Theatre, Little Women – Hope Mill Theatre) playing a limited 9-week at the Riverside Studios from 30 September to 26 November

Jenna Russell will star in the role of ‘Mrs Harris’ and will be joined by Hal Fowler (London Road – National Theatre) as ‘Albert Harris / Marquis de Chassagne’, Olivier Award-nominee Kelly Price (What’s New Pussycat? – Birmingham REP) as ‘Lady Dant / Madame Colbert’, Annie Wensak (Half A Sixpence – West End & Chichester Festival Theatre) as ‘Violet / French Char Lady’, Charlotte Kennedy (My Fair Lady – London Coliseum, UK & Ireland Tour) as ‘Pamela / Natasha’, Nathanael Campbell (Come From Away – West End & Abbey Theatre, Dublin) as ‘Bob / Andre’, David McKechnie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge – Sheffield Theatres & National Theatre) as ‘Major / Monsieur Armand’ and Pippa Winslow (Bonnie & Clyde – West End) as ‘Countess / Sybill Sullivan’. The cast will be completed by Issy Khogali (professional debut), Richard Morse (School of Rock – West End, UK & Ireland Tour), Off West End Award-nominee Harry Singh (ANIMAL – Park Theatre & Hope Mill Theatre) and Abigail Williams (Elegies of Angels, Punks & Raging Queens – Charing Cross Theatre). Casting is by Jane Deitch.

Based on the novel by Paul Gallico and adapted for the stage by Richard Taylor (The Go-Between) and Rachel Wagstaff (The Mirror Crack’d), Flowers for Mrs Harris is a celebration of kindness, friendship and carrying on in the face of grief.  This will be the first London production of the critically acclaimed musical since its premiere in Sheffield in 2016, which was followed by a highly successful run at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

For Ada Harris, day-to-day life is spent cleaning houses. But one day when she is working for a wealthy client in Belgravia, she happens upon a Dior dress that takes her breath away.

In that magical moment, Ada has an epiphany and sets off on a journey that will change her life… From the cobbled streets of post-war London to the magical avenues of Paris and beyond, Ada transforms the lives of everyone she meets along the way, but can she let go of her past and finally let her own life blossom?

Producer Ollie Hancock said, on behalf of Tiny Giants Productions and Katy Lipsom for Aria Entertainment said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be announcing such an exceptional supporting cast for the London premiere of Flowers for Mrs Harris. The cast of 12 play 25 characters between them, so casting the show was a very labour-intensive process, but one of absolute joy to be a part of. I’m very much looking forward to charming and moving London audiences for the first time with this gorgeously uplifting British musical.”

Jenna Russell said, “Ada Harris is a dream role in an exceptional piece by Rachel Wagstaff and Richard Taylor. I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing team, bringing “Flowers For Mrs Harris” to the Riverside Studios. Reading the play had a profound effect on me, and I can’t wait to see how that translates to a live experience, for the actors and audience alike.”

Flowers for Mrs Harris is based on the novel by Paul Gallico, a musical by Richard Taylor and Rachel Wagstaff, book by Rachel Wagstaff, music and lyrics by Richard Taylor, with new orchestrations by Jason Carr, and with Jonathan Gill as musical director. It will be directed by Bronagh Lagan, with Anjali Mehra as movement director, and Teenie Macleod as assistant director. The show will have a set design by Nik Corrall, lighting design by Adam King, sound design by Charlie Smith, costume design by Sara Perks, and with Felix Davies as production manager and Ylan Assefy-Waterdrinker as production assistant. The stage management team will consist of Lindah Balfour (CSM), Vicky Zenetzi (DSM) and Gwenan Bain (ASM).

Jenna Russell’s extensive stage credits include, ‘Mill’ in Further Than The Furthest Thing at the Young Vic, ‘Susan’ in Woman In Mind at Chichester Festival Theatre, ‘Marie Lloyd’ in Marie, Marie, Hold On Tight at Wilton’s Music Hall, ‘Carrie’ in Steve at Seven Dials Playhouse, ‘Piaf’ in Piaf at Nottingham Playhouse and Leeds Playhouse, Celebrating Sondheim at Chichester Festival Theatre, ‘Susan’ in Title Of Show (filmed at London Coliseum and streamed), ‘Francesca’ in The Bridges of Madison County at the Menier Chocolate Factory, ‘Helen’ in Fun Home at the Young Vic, ‘Mephistopheles’ in Dr Faustus starring opposite Kit Harington at The Duke of York’s Theatre and ‘Little Edie’ in Grey Gardens at Southwark Theatre with Sheila Hancock. Jenna’s TV credits include: Gentleman Jack, Midsomer Murders, Call the Midwife, The Paradise, Holby City and Doctor Who. Jenna also played the leading roles of ‘Michelle Fowler’ in Eastenders, ‘Deborah’ in Born and Bred (4 series), ‘Maggie’ in On The Up (3 series), ‘Bernadette’ in Picking Up The Pieces (1 series) and ‘Petra’ in Minder (1 series). Films include The Death and Life of John F Donovan and Mortdecai. Jenna also sings the theme tune for BBC cult TV series Red Dwarf.

Bronagh Lagan’s Olivier nominated production of Cruise by Jack Holden was the first new play to open the West End after the pandemic. Cruise returned to the West End last year for a sold out run at the Apollo Theatre. She also directed a film version of the show in Shoreditch Town Hall’s Ditch which won an ONCOMM award for Best Recorded Show. Bronagh’s production of Rags, the musical by Charles Strouse and Stephen Schwartz at the Park Theatre received nine Off-West End Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Production. Bronagh worked closely with Stephen Schwartz in reimagining the script for an actor-musician production and curated a cast album of her production of Rags which is available on iTunes and Spotify. Bronagh directed the world premiere of Broken Wings, the musical first performed at Theatre Royal Haymarket and then at Dubai Opera House and now is on a Middle Eastern Tour. She directed new Persian musical RUMI at the ENO starring Ramin Karimloo; the UK Regional touring production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice starring Christina Bianco; and  the European premiere of Little Women – The Musical, which is available on Broadway HD. Bronagh recently directed the world premiere of A-Typical Rainbow which was nominated for a Visionary Arts Award and Animal by Jon Bradfield which recently ended a run at the Park Theatre and has received 5 Off West End nominations.

Flowers for Mrs Harris is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Runaway Entertainment presents

2:22 – A GHOST STORY

The hit play by Danny Robins

Directed by Matthew Dunster
@222AGhostStory #222AGhostStory 

Runaway Entertainment is delighted to announce that Frankie Bridge will join the cast of 2:22 – A Ghost Story playing the character Lauren in her West End debut after Sophia Bush has unfortunately had to withdraw from the production due to illness. Frankie Bridge will perform from August until the end of the run on 17 September.

The Producers have said: ‘Due to illness, Sophia Bush has unfortunately had to withdraw from the production. We are delighted to welcome Frankie Bridge to the 2:22 family. Our talented understudies Gemma Yates and Allie Dart have been covering the role of Lauren on rotation. We are hugely grateful to them for stepping up so brilliantly. They will continue until Frankie begins.’ 

Sophie Bush added: “I am truly gutted that my time in 2:22 A Ghost Story has come to an unexpected and early end.

I came down with a virus in June and have not been able to bring my body back to a baseline. After weeks of being intermittently pulled off stage, visiting multiple doctors and spending a night in the Emergency Room, I’ve been advised by expert healthcare specialists that I needed to end my time on stage and be under the care of my doctors at home in the US.

I owe a debt of gratitude to my incredible cast mates and to every member of our extraordinary company, who became fast family. It means the world to me that so many fans traveled to London to see the show. If you’re booked for future nights, please still go and support my brilliant costars. They will blow you away! And I know that Frankie Bridge will be astounding as she makes Lauren her own through the rest of this run. 

There is no greater experience than the stage. I miss it madly. I love it deeply. And I cannot wait for the next one.”

On joining the 2:22 cast Frankie said: ‘I’ve loved 2:22 A Ghost Story since I first saw it, so landing the role of Lauren is a total dream come true. Never one to do things by halves, it’s an honour to be making my West End debut on such a clever, suspense-filled production and I couldn’t be more excited to join the cast. Lauren is a joy to play with so many layers and emotions to explore. I can’t wait for you to meet her!’

Frankie Bridge is a versatile entertainer who has seamlessly transitioned from chart-topping pop sensation in The Saturdays to respected broadcaster, author, podcaster and fashion mogul. She joined the ITV1 daytime team as a Loose Women panellist in 2020 and was a finalist in ITV’s ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’. She also danced her way to the semi-finals on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014. Beyond her television work, Frankie has enjoyed success with her Sunday Times Bestseller memoir and guide: ‘OPEN: Why Asking for Help Can Save Your Life’, plus the follow-up: ‘GROW: Motherhood, Mental Health and Me.’ Frankie began podcasting as an extension of her passion for open conversation and connecting with people. She launched OPEN MIND in 2019 and now co-hosts ‘First Dates: The Podcast’. Her fashion label – FW Bridge – was founded in May 2022 and has gone from strength to strength.

The current run is the fifth West End transfer of Danny Robins’ edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller 2:22 – A Ghost Story. It moved to The Apollo in May this year following a hugely successful season at The Lyric theatre – just next door – and two hugely successful seasons at the Criterion. Last year 2:22 A Ghost Story had Olivier Nominations including Best New Play, and won the Best New Play and Best Actor in a play (Jake Wood) categories in the Whatsonstage awards.

The production began its life in the summer of 2021 at the Noel Coward Theatre starring Lily Allen, Julia Chan, Hadley Fraser and Jake Wood. It then transferred to the Gielgud Theatre for 10 weeks from 4 December 2021. The production there, starring Stephanie Beatriz, James Buckley, Elliot Cowan and Giovanna Fletcher, completed its run on 12 February 2022. The show then moved to the Criterion Theatre with the cast featuring Tom Felton, Mandip Gill, Beatriz Romilly, Sam Swainsbury; the second cast at the Criterion Theatre featured  Tamsin Carroll as Lauren, Felix Scott as Sam, Matt Willis as Ben and Laura Whitmore as Jenny, ended its run on 8 January. The show then transferred to the Lyric where Cheryl, Jake Wood, Louise Ford and Scott Karim ended their run on 23 April. The US premiere of 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles opened on 29 October and ended its run on 4 December 2022. The show has also recently opened in Australia.

2.22 – A Ghost Story is written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist and it is directed by Matthew Dunster. Intriguing, funny and scary, it takes audiences into one adrenaline-fueled night where secrets will emerge and ghosts may appear….What do you believe? And do you dare to discover the truth?

“There’s something in our house. I hear it every night, at the same time.”

Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and her new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they are going to stay up… until 2.22am… and then they will know.

2:22 – A Ghost Story features set design by Anna Fleischle, costume design by Cindy Lin, lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph Sound, casting by Matilda James, CDG, illusions by Chris Fisher, and co-direction by Gabriel Vega Weissmanl.

2:22 – A Ghost Story is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Isobel David and Kater Gordon. 

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.222AGHOSTSTORY.COM

Nottingham Playhouse – until 29 July 2023

Reviewed by Jill Heslop

5*****

Summer, Shakespeare, trees, grass, what could be better?

This Nottingham Playhouse outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in Wellington Circus park just outside the theatre, was blessed with a dry night and an appreciative audience.

A compact cast of four talented women covered all of the roles with ease; disappearing behind the child friendly scenery of a slide and climbing frame to transform from Orsino to Andrew Aguecheek as A. K. Golding did, coming out riding her hobby horse to the percussion of coconuts being clacked together. What fun!

This is back to basics lively Shakespeare, with minimal technology and maximum talent. The costumes were colourful and bright, emphasising the warmth of the production. The variety of accents used for the different characters worked a treat with Zoe May Dales playing both the pompous Malvolio with his clipped tones and the contrasting Sebastian, exuding a confident masculinity – all played ironically, enjoying the blurring of gender lines.

The use of humour was intelligently done, at times self-referential, with some slapstick and bawdiness and plenty of audience participation. Gestures, physical theatre, and choreography of the fight scenes enhanced the language making this an accessible performance with immaculate timing. The music was used well, to change the atmosphere and add commentary on the action with the audience joining in to help move things along.

Lisa Ambalavanar as Olivia and Maria, also doubled up as Sir Topaz who talks to Malvolio while he is locked away, openly adding the grey beard which was much appreciated by the children in the audience as a cunning disguise. Charlotte East meanwhile was breaking the fourth wall as she attached the beard, taking suggestions of which accent to use, as well as being a mischievous Toby Belch.

This was a lively, delightful production, enjoyed by young and old alike, reminding us that Shakespeare can be fun!

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR
NEW TOURING PRODUCTION OF

THE BEST-SELLING CRIME NOVEL OF ALL TIME

ON A UK AND IRELAND TOUR
FROM SEPTEMBER 2023

Full casting is announced for the Fiery Angel, Royal & Derngate, Northampton and ROYO production of Agatha Christie’s iconic thriller And Then There Were None.

The full cast are Bob Barrett (Holby City, Propeller West Endand UK Tour) as Doctor Armstrong, Joseph Beattie (Hex and Silent Witness) as Philip Lombard, Oliver Clayton (National Youth Theatre and The Play That Goes Wrong) as Anthony Marston, Jeffery Kissoon (National Theatre and Complicite, Allelujah!) as General Mackenzie, Andrew Lancel (National tours, West End and Coronation Street) as William Blore, Nicola May-Taylor (Rutherford And Son) as Jane Pinchbeck, Louise McNulty as Understudy, Katy Stephens (RSC, Globe and London’s Burning) as Emily Brent, Lucy Tregear (The Country Wife) as Georgina Rogers, Sophie Walter (The Girl On The Train) as Vera Claythorne, Matt Weyland (Witness For The Prosecution) as Fred Narracott and David Yelland (Poirot, Foyle’s War and The Crown) as Judge Wargrave.

And Then There Were None will open at Royal & Derngate, Northampton on 7 September, with Press Night on 13 September and will run until 16 September 2023 before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour, gripping audiences up and down the country into 2024.

This brand-new production has been reinvented for the 21^st century, directed by the renowned Lucy Bailey (Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution – now in its 6^th successful year and Love From A Stranger; Dial M for Murder; Baby Doll; Titus Andronicus and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel).

Ten strangers are lured to a solitary mansion off the coast of Devon. When a terrible storm cuts them off from the mainland, and with their hosts mysteriously absent, the true reason for their presence on the island becomes horribly clear, as secrets from their past come back to haunt each and every one of them.

And Then There Were None is not only Agatha Christie’s most read work, but also the best-selling crime novel of all time. Selling over a 100 million copies worldwide since its first publication in 1939.

In recent years there have been several high profile fresh and modern takes on Agatha Christie’s best loved titles in film, television, and on stage across the UK; all proving the enduring popularity and modern relevance of her work with global audiences.

Following her hugely successful production of Witness for the Prosecution, director Lucy Bailey returns with UK Theatre Award-winning set and costume designer Mike Britton, lighting designer Chris Davey and sound designer and composer Elizabeth Purnell, to direct this bold and exciting reinvention of Christie’s greatest murder mystery. Casting is by Ellie Collyer-Bristow CDG, the assistant director will be Victoria Gartner, fight direction by Renny Krupinski and movement direction by Ayse Tashkiran.

General Management for the tour is by Rich Jones with Production Management by Setting Line Production Management. The Stage Management Team will be Sian Wiggins, William Buckenham, Sara-Jayne Smith and Lewis Mote with Wardrobe headed by Natasha Hancock.

LISTINGS

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE
UK AND IRELAND TOUR
From 7 September 2023
Written by Agatha Christie
Directed by Lucy Bailey

And Then There Were None © 1939, 1943 Agatha Christie Limited. All rights reserved.

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, AGATHA CHRISTIE and the Agatha Christie Signature are registered trademarks of Agatha Christie Limited in the UK and elsewhere. All rights reserved.

Website: andthentherewerenoneplay.com

Twitter: @ATTWNplay

 Instagram: @attwnplay

Facebook: facebook.com/ATTWNplay

DATES AND VENUES

2023

Royal & Derngate, Northampton                               royalandderngate.co.uk

7 – 16 September 2023                                              01604 624811

Gaiety Theatre, Dublin                                               gaietytheatre.ie

19 – 23 September 2023                                             353 1 646 8600

Kings Theatre, Glasgow                                              atgtickets.com/Glasgow

26 – 30 September 2023                                            0333 009 6690

Everyman, Cheltenham                                              everymantheatre.org.uk

3 – 7 October 2023                                                     01242 572 573

Marlowe, Canterbury                                                 marlowetheatre.com

10 – 14 October 2023                                                 01227 787787

Theatre Royal, Newcastle                                          theatreroyal.co.uk

17 – 12 October 2023                                                 0191 232 7010

Malvern Festival Theatre                                           malvern-theatres.co.uk

24 – 28 October 2023                                                 01684 892277

Richmond Theatre                                                      atgtickets.com/Richmond

31 – 4 November 2023                                               0844 871 7615

Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                                             sheffieldtheatres.co.uk         

7 – 11 November 2023                                               0114 249 6000

Cambridge Arts Theatre                                               cambridgeartstheatre.com                

13 –18 November 2023                                              01223 503333

York Opera House                                                       atgtickets.com/York

21 – 25 November 2023                                             0333 009 6690

2024

Theatre Royal, Brighton                                             atgtickets.com/theatreroyal

9 – 13 January 2024                                                    0333 009 6690

Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford                                            yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

16 – 20 January 2024                                                  01483 44 00 00

Theatre Royal, Nottingham                                        trch.co.uk

23 – 27 January 2024                                                  0115 989 5555

Theatre Royal, Norwich                                             norwichtheatre.org

30 – 3 February 2024                                                  01603 630 000

Milton Keynes Theatre                                               atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes

6 – 10 February 2024                                                  0333 009 6690

Theatre Royal Bath                                                     theatreroyal.org.uk

20 – 24 February 2024                                                01225 448844

Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe                                wycombeswan.co.uk

27 – 2 March 2024                                                       0343 310 0060

The Alexandra, Birmingham                                      atgtickets.com/Birmingham

5 – 9 March 2024                                                        0844 871 7615

Theatre Royal, Plymouth                                           theatreroyal.com
12 – 16 March 2024                                                    01752 267 222

New Theatre, Cardiff                                                    newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

19 – 23 March 2024                                                    0343 310 0041

Hall For Cornwall, Truro                                             hallforcornwall.co.uk
26 – 30 March                                                             01872 262466

Churchill Theatre, Bromley                                          churchilltheatre.co.uk

2 – 6 April 2024                                                           0343 310  0020

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton                              mayflower.org.uk

8 – 13 April 2024                                                          023 8071 1811

A celebration of the best of York’s arts scene throughout October

Comedy Music & Spoken Word

York Alive takes place for the first time this October, in the city’s theatres,  music venues and pubs. Miles Salter and his team are working with venues throughout the city to bring an exciting and dynamic programme of events to York this October.

York Alive is the brainchild of Miles Salter, who ran the York Literature Festival successfully for2008 until 2016.  

‘I’m driven by a desire to see York have a great Arts Festival’  says the author, storyteller and band leader Miles. ‘We have so much to offer. Badging things together helps to raise awareness of the fantastic arts scene in York.’  

The acts will perform at various venues across York, including York Barbican, Grand Opera House York, National Centre For Early music and Victoria Vaults.  Contributing acts in 2023 include: Howard Jones, Paul Carrack, Gabrielle, Ruby Wax and poet Helen Mort and acclaimed spoken word performer Luke Wright.  For blues lovers there’s York blues band DC Blues, American guitar wizard Toby Walker and Belfast emerging blues star Dom Martin 

‘I hope that this festival can become a regular yearly event, I must be crazy!’ says Miles

Calendar of Events:

September 28th, 7:30pm I’m Not as Well as I Thought I Was, Grand Opera House York, Tickets: from £32.41

October 2nd, 7:00pm Toby Walker: Guitar Virtuoso, The York Vaults Tickets: £12

October 4th, 8:00pm Luke Wright, The York Vaults, Tickets: £13

October 6th, 7:00pm DC Blues, The York Vaults, Tickets: £9

October 8th, 7:30pm Gifts From Crows Trio, National Centre for Early Music, Tickets: £13.50 (£7 for under 35s)

October 10th, 8:00pm Helen Mort and Miles Salter The York Vaults Tickets: £9

October 11th, 7:00pm Howard Jones: Celebrating 40 Years 1983 – 2023 York Barbican Tickets: from £38.50

October 12th, 7:30pm The Waterboys, York Barbican, Tickets: £45

October 14th, 10:30am Stories with Miles For ages 6-10, The White Horse, The Green, Upper Poppleton, York YO26 6DF Tickets: £5

October 15th, 4pm Miles and The Chain Gang, York Vaults, Tickets: FREE ENTRY

October 19th, 6pm-7:30pm Dylan Thomas: 70 Years On, Marriott Room Tickets: £7.

October 19th, 7:30pm Paul Carrack, York Barbican, Tickets: from £45.95

October 21st, 7:00pm Gabrielle: 30 Years of Dreaming, York Barbican, Tickets: from £45.95

October 21st, 7:00pm The Very Grimm Brothers Plus Miles Salter, The York Vaults, Tickets: from £10.15

October 24th, 7:00pm Samantha Fish & Jesse Drayton, York Barbican, Tickets: from £29.95

October 27th, 8:00pm Dom Martin – Buried in the Hail, Tour York Vaults, Tickets: from £17.50

www.sinatramusical.com

FULL CAST FOR

WORLD PREMIERE OF

SINATRA THE MUSICAL

ANNOUNCED TODAY

ANA VILLAFAÑE and PHOEBE PANARETOS

JOIN MATT DOYLE AS FRANK

TO PLAY

AVA GARDNER & NANCY SINATRA

Birmingham Rep from

23 September – 28 October 2023

The complete cast of over 20 actors who will be performing in Sinatra The Musical – the major new musical based on the life and career of the legendary artist and cultural icon which premieres at Birmingham Rep in September 2023 – was revealed today (Thursday 20 July 2023). 

Joining the already announced Tony Award-winning Matt Doyle as Sinatra are Ana Villafañe as the movie goddess Ava Gardner and Phoebe Panaretos as Frank’s first wife, Nancy Sinatra.  Dawn Buckland will take on the role of Dolly Sinatra, with Vincent Riotta as Marty Sinatra,  Carl Patrick as George Evans and the role of Little Nancy will be shared by Amelia Connor, Effie Gell and Isla Granville.   The cast is completed by Maddy Ambus (Marlene Dietrich), Lindsay Atherton (Swing), Tyler Orphé Baker (Nat King Cole), Greg Bernstein (Gene Kelly), Samara Casteallo (Ensemble), Helen Colby (Hedda Hopper) Alastair Crosswell (Ensemble), Frances Dee (Judy Garland), Alex Gibson-Giorgio (Nelson Riddle), Ryesha Higgs (Billie Holiday), Stevie Hutchinson (Lee Mortimer), Lottie Power (Lana Turner), Spin (Sammy Davis, Jr.) and John Stacey (Mitch Miller).

A group photograph of the cast with Tina Sinatra by Ellie Kurttz 

Matt Doyle won the 2022 Tony Award for ‘Best Featured Actor in a Musical’ for his performance as Jamie in the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company (directed by Marianne Elliott) for which he also won Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and received a Drama League Award nomination. His Broadway credits also include Tony-winning Musicals The Book of Mormon (in the lead role of Elder Price) and Spring Awakening; ‘Best Play’ winner War Horse; and the revival of the beloved musical comedy Bye Bye Birdie. Regionally, he starred in the world premiere of the Huey Lewis musical, The Heart of Rock & Roll at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego; and played Melchoir in the national tour of Spring Awakening. His Off-Broadway and regional credits include Sweeney Todd, West Side Story, A Clockwork Orange, Brooklynite, Giant, and Jasper in Deadland. On screen, he has appeared in The Code (CBS), The Original Gossip Girl, and returned to the show in the HBO Max reboot. He can also be seen in the indie feature Private Romeo, and the short film, The Albatross Cafe. Matt has performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops, at symphonies across The United States and Canada, and continues to headline a sold-out solo show throughout New York City and beyond.  Doyle is currently finishing his run starring as Seymour in the Westside Theatre’s, Off-Broadway production of, Little Shop of Horrors. 

Ana Villafañe  made her Broadway debut originating the role of Gloria Estefan in the Tony-nominated hit musical On Your Feet. She won a Theatre World award for the role and was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Awards. Ana then appeared as Nina Rosario in the Kennedy Center’s 2018 production of In the Heights and made her Off-Broadway debut in MCC’s critically acclaimed Collective Rage: A Play in Five Betties, earning her second Drama League Award in 2019. In 2021, Villafañe returned to Broadway starring as Roxie Hart in Chicago (Broadway re-opening cast). She plays Dr. Valentina Castro on hit medical drama New Amsterdam on Netflix (NBC), and KT on Younger (Paramount+) from executive producer Darren Star. Ana will be making her feature film debut starring as Alina Fernandez in Castro’s Daughter opposite James Franco, directed by Miguel Bardem.

Phoebe Panaretos made international headlines when she was handpicked by Baz Lurhmann to play the lead role of Fran in the World Premiere of the stage adaptation of Strictly Ballroom the Musical directed by Lurhmann.  Her other theatre credits include: Fantastic Mr Fox for Sydney Theatre Company, Zorro at Charing Cross Theatre, Lazarus and Singin’ in the Rain for The Production Company, American Idiot for Shake and Stir and Connie Francis in Dream Lover – the Bobby Darin Musical.  Her TV and film credits include:  Greatest Days and Mr & Mrs Murder.

It is New Year’s Eve, 1942, and a skinny 27-year-old Italian American singer is about to step onto the stage of New York’s Paramount Theatre and give a performance that will change music history. As Frank Sinatra’s career suddenly skyrockets, he struggles with balancing the love of his wife, Nancy, against the demands and temptations of being the most popular singer in America. But when he begins a torrid affair with movie goddess Ava Gardner, his records stop selling and the press turns against him, sending his career into a tailspin. Driven by his devotion to his family, Sinatra employs his peerless artistry and dogged determination to stage the greatest comeback in showbiz history.

Sinatra The Musical is written by the two-time Tony award-winning writer Joe DiPietro (Memphis the Musical, What’s New Pussycat?), directed and choreographed by three-time Tony Award-winning Kathleen Marshall (Wonderful Town, Anything Goes) and the set is designed by Olivier Award-winning Peter McKintosh (Crazy for You, Orlando).  The orchestra of seventeen musicians will be supervised by Gareth Valentine (My Fair Lady, 42^nd Street).  They are joined by Jon Morrell (Costume Designer), Tim Mitchell (Lighting Designer), Paul Groothuis (Sound Designer), Akhila Krishnan (Video Designer), Campbell Young (Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer), Mark Aspinall (Musical Director), Larry Blank & John Clayton (Orchestrators), Ian Eisendrath (Arranger), David Chase (Dance Arrangements), David Grindrod & Will Burton (UK Casting Directors), Jim Carnahan (US Casting Director), Jason Thinger (US Casting (Carnahan)), Stevan Mijailovic (Associate Director), Carol Lee Meadows (Associate Choreographer) and Sam Young (Associate Musical Director).   

Joe DiPietro is the winner of two Tony Awards, a Drama Desk Award and three Outer Critics Circle Awards. His musicals and plays have received thousands of productions across the country and around the world.  His new comedy, Babbitt, starring Matthew Broderick, will premiere at La Jolla Playhouse this autumn. His most recent musical, What’s New Pussycat? played to critical and popular acclaim when it premiered at The Rep last year. His other shows include Memphis (2010 Tony Award for Best Musical); Diana (currently streaming on Netflix), Nice Work If You Can Get It (10 Tony Award nominations including Best Book of a Musical for DiPietro); The Toxic Avenger (Outer Critics Circle Award – Best Off-Broadway Musical); I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (longest-running musical revue in Off-Broadway history); as well as the much-produced comedies Clever Little Lies and Over the River and Through the Woods, amongst others.

Kathleen Marshall is a nine-time Tony Award nominee, winning three times for Best Choreography for the Broadway revivals of Wonderful Town, The Pajama Game and Anything Goes.  She recently received an Olivier Award for her choreography of the West End production of Anything Goes. She has worked on more than twenty Broadway shows and she is the first woman who has directed a play, directed a musical and choreographed a musical on Broadway.  Off-Broadway and regional credits include the New York Shakespeare Festival, Second Stage, Transport Group, Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Old Globe, Long Wharf, Paper Mill,Hollywood Bowl, Boston Pops, Signature Theatre and St. Louis MUNY.  Kathleen served as the Artistic Director for City Center Encores! for four seasons, during which time Encores! received a special Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre.  Her film and television credits include My Week with Marilyn (choreographer), Once Upon a Mattress, The Music Man (choreographer) and 2 Broke Girls.  She has received three Drama Desk Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, an Emmy nomination, the Astaire Award, the George Abbott Award, the Smith College Medal (her alma mater), the Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for the Arts and she has been named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania.  Kathleen previously worked with Matt Doyle on A Jerome Robbins Centennial Concert in New York.

Sinatra The Musical is presented by Birmingham Rep in association with Michele Anthony, Bruce Resnikoff and Scott Landis for Universal Music Group Theatrical and Tina Sinatra and Charles Pignone on behalf of Frank Sinatra Enterprises.

Sinatra The Musical is the first of a series of new projects and initiatives developed by Frank Sinatra Enterprises in partnership with Universal Music Group that will help introduce new audiences and fans to the timeless singer’s rich catalogue and superstar legacy.