Lee Mead announces October concert tour
Lee Mead – The Best of Me
UK Tour: October 2023

Lee Mead, award winning stage and screen actor, singer and West End leading man, is thrilled to unveil his all-new October concert tour, set to captivate audiences across the country. Mead, known for his powerful voice and magnetic stage presence, will embark on a series of unforgettable performances, showcasing some of his favourite songs.

His concert promises to be a sensational musical experience, with Mead taking centre stage alongside his live band to perform a repertoire that spans various genres from his musical influences, including musical theatre classics, contemporary hits, soulful ballads and a sneak peek at his brand-new EP. Audiences can expect an evening of extraordinary vocal performances, infused with Mead’s witty charm and heartfelt emotion.

Kicking off at The Apex Bury St Edmunds (17 Oct), the show will also play these unmissable
dates: Redhill’s Harlequin Theatre (18 Oct), Watford’s Palace Theatre (19 Oct), Clacton-on-Sea’s West Cliff Theatre (20 Oct), Portsmouth’s New Theatre Royal (24 Oct), Newbury Corn Exchange (25 Oct), Taunton Brewhouse Theatre (26 Oct) and Worcester’s Swan Theatre (28 Oct).

Currently in rehearsals for the West End’s summer revival of We Will Rock You, Lee Mead’s talent has garnered him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base over the years. From his
breakthrough win on the BBC talent show Any Dream Will Do, to his subsequent career in the West End, including Wicked, Legally Blonde, Chicago, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mead has consistently delivered exceptional performances as one of the most remarkable voices in the industry. Lee has also enjoyed TV regular roles on Casualty and Holby City

Mead said, I am absolutely thrilled to announce my October concert tour. I’m excited to journey back through some of my musical influences and it’s a chance for me to connect and share with my fans my passion for music and live entertainment. We have put together an exciting setlist that I hope will resonate with audiences and be a fun night out for all.

To purchase tickets and for more information about the tour dates and venues, please visit Lee Mead’s official website: www.leemead.co.uk

The Leeds Playhouse   – until 10 June 2023

Reviewed by Sal E Marino

5 *****

The Leeds Playhouse was overflowing with love, laughter and big-hearty chuckles last night as the fabulous Katherine Dow Blyton wowed the audience by embodying Kay Mellor’s ‘Betty’.  This new production of  A Passionate Woman, as it’s 30 years since Leeds born Kay’s gem of a drama was first staged in the Courtyard theatre, must have had her family and friends swelling with pride as yet again; it was a rip-roaring success! Obviously, due to her passing in 2022, there was a tinge of sadness along with the giggles but her positive presence was much stronger and felt through her profound and straight-talking tongue-in-cheek dialogue.

Kay’s Mellor’s play (directed by Tess Seddon) is about a woman called Betty who’s son (Mark) is getting married and although she doesn’t realise it; she’s in deep pain.  What she perceives as losing Mark (Tom Lorcan) is just the precipice of a something bigger that needs unearthing. This process is one in which a chain of events, energised by the trials we face in life, accumulate and finally explode so that we can get to the heart of the matter – which is always fear based.  For Betty, what’s got to her is that she’s feeling old and Mark getting married has made her feel worried that she’ll become useless – just like the rubbish in the loft, forgotten.  Not having a married son makes her feel like a younger person and that means she’s still alive!  Alive means that she’s still got time to take a chance on life again and to go and live it – to be once more: A Passionate Woman!   Now feeling like this and realising she’s stuck with her hapless and lacklustre husband Donald – Betty runs scared – and heads for a break-down.  But what Betty and her family don’t realise is that the word and concept that’s been attached to the word, ‘break-down’, has been inverted and it’s actually a breakthrough!  

At the beginning of the play, poor Mark, who is getting married in an hour, tries to coax his mum down from the loft she’s placed herself in and they go through some poignant exchanges where the roles of parent and child interchange.  Mark is a beautiful human who is like his mum, passionate, and he displays this very clearly through showing his love for his mother and his future wife.  He respects, loves and understands their strengths and vulnerabilities.  And just as it seems like we’re going to have a predictable ending where by ‘they all lived happily after’ – Betty does something incredible – she manifests Craze!  This life can’t go on for Betty anymore and so the puzzle needs solving. In order to experience her epiphany and thus smash the barriers to live life in freedom (instead of living like what’s expected of her sitting with Donald as he flicks through the TV channels) Betty wants PASSION.  This frequency of passion that Betty conjures is a memory – one of music, lust and love.  These are presented to her by the spirit of Craze (Michael Bijok); an old lover who she sometimes wonders about.  When he ‘appears’, as he was back then and she was his ‘Beautiful Betty’, right there in front of us –  Katherine Dow Blyton actually reverses her whole appearance through her aura.  Without any tricks or props her essence goes back to when she was in her early 20s.  It’s quite a scene.  

Without giving too much away, secrets, betrayals and a broken, monotonous marriage start to unfold.  Betty’s husband, Donald, played very authentically by David Crellin, enters into the drama and although it might be easy to just champion Betty and her struggles within their relationship, I really felt for him too.  Donald’s also forgotten who he is in the rat-race of a system and that ground hog day existence so many of us end up in.  Betty refuses to do it any more – enough is enough!  The line Mellor wrote for her, ‘Do you know something, we’ve got to live life for every moment because this might be all we’ve got’ rings so true.  Every moment is a gift – a present – and the more we live in the present then the more we are likely to live in love, harmony and happiness – the true design for humankind.  

This play can appear light-hearted and fun – which it is – however it goes deep and makes you think about your own mortality.  “Am I living my life to the full?” and “If not then what can I do about it?” are the questions that start to swim around in one’s mind?  I love that about theatre and live performances – they stay with you because unlike Donald you don’t immediately switch to another channel once it’s finished and forget about it – you talk about it with the person next to you.  This of course is unless they’re immediately on their phone straight as the appreciation of clapping starts which tragically some were and I’ve been guilty of this myself in the past.  If you do talk about what you’ve just experienced then you start to mull it over and might even be encouraged to start your own epiphany.  “What did you think?” and “I liked the bit when … ” begin the thought processes that lead us to Mellor’s purpose for writing the play – which is obviously open to interpretation.  For me it was about witnessing a woman’s awakening through exploring and ‘bottoming’ her shadow side and letting go of the concept of ‘time’.  Betty had the incorrect view point that time is  ‘slipping away from her’.  Through her journey of – not so much ‘the dark soul of the night’ but more like ‘the crazy (Craze) woman in the loft’ – Betty transcends, literally into the clouds to find her pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  Her face is lit up with joy and it’s coming from inside her – not outside or from another person.  

A Passionate Woman is a play we need right now as more and more people are ‘tiring’ before they retire.  Mellor is trying to tell us that it’s not too late – seize the day!  Unfortunately for Betty this happens to be on the day of her son’s wedding but that’s why it worked for her, as barmy as it may seem.  It had to be dramatic to ignite her into taking this big but necessary step which was leaving her old life behind her. Change was needed, a change of perspective about herself and her freedom of choice and will.  A Passionate Woman is funny, surprising and makes you think and best of all feel.  This is a big sparkly diamond of a show, that you’ll be so glad you went to see, and grateful for Kay and her wisdom to write it.  

MIKE BIRBIGLIA BRINGS HIS HIT BROADWAY SHOW

THE OLD MAN & THE POOL

TO THE WEST END FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED RUN THIS AUTUMN

“Broadway’s greatest comic storyteller” (Deadline) Mike Birbiglia brings his latest one man show The Old Man & The Pool to the West End for a strictly limited 4 week run, following sell out performances across the US, including a Broadway run at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center. The show opens at Wyndham’s Theatre on 15 September, with previews from 12 September, and runs until 7 October, following performances at Underbelly at McEwan Hall at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 22-27 August.

Priority on-sale for DMT members is open now, with public on-sale from 10am tomorrow, 25 May.

Mike Birbiglia said today, “I love everything about London. I love being there. I love performing there. I love walking there. Last summer I got to take my daughter to see Matilda in the West End and it was one of the greatest days of her and my life. I hope that my show The Old Man & The Pool can be your Matilda. With your kids. Or your parents. Though my show is nothing like Matilda. And don’t bring your kids if they’re 7. But I’d like to think of my show as an event you could bring anyone age 12 through 112 to. It’s a series of jokes and stories about life and death and mortality that add up to a single story that will hopefully make you happier about your life than you were when you walked in. Sounds like what Matilda does, right? Maybe the shows do have something in common! In closing, if you see one show this fall in the West End, see Matilda. If you can see two shows, go to Matilda and The Old Man & The Pool. It’s got my heart and soul in it. And about 1,000 jokes. See you there, my London friends.”

Producers Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Patrick Catullo, and Seaview commented, “Working with Mike is a joy and we are thrilled to bring his hilarious and life-affirming comedy to the West End this Autumn. Mike had Broadway audiences roaring with laughter nightly and we look forward to the laughter rolling on to London.”

Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Patrick Catullo, and Seaview present

THE OLD MAN & THE POOL

Written and performed by Mike Birbiglia

Directed by: Seth Barrish

General Managed by: Wessex Grove

Acclaimed comedian and storyteller Mike Birbiglia plays a strictly limited run in the West End this Autumn with his hit show The Old Man & The Pool. 

Chronicling his coming-of-middle-age story Mike asks the big questions: Why are we here? What’s next? What happens when the items at the doctor’s office that you thought were decorative become functional?  This tale of life, death, and a highly chlorinated YMCA pool resonates with audiences ages 12 to 112, and won rave reviews whilst playing to sold-out houses in the US. Now “the best comedy of the year” (The New York Times) promises to charm London audiences.

The Old Man & The Pool is a hilarious reminder for all of us recovering from failing bodies and a flailing world that laughter is indeed the best medicine.  Get your tickets now, and remember: Mike’s here for a good time, not a long time. This strictly limited run plays at Wyndham’s Theatre for just 4 weeks. 

Mike Birbiglia is a comedian, storyteller, director, and actor who has performed in front of audiences worldwide, from the Sydney Opera House to Carnegie Hall to Broadway. His solo shows Sleepwalk with Me, My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend, Thank God For Jokes, and The New One enjoyed successful runs on and off Broadway. My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show, and The New One received the Drama Desk Award as well as the Outer Critics Circle award for outstanding solo performance. Birbiglia is also a filmmaker who wrote, directed and starred in the films Sleepwalk with Me and Don’t Think Twice. As an actor, Birbiglia has appeared in the films Trainwreck, The Fault in Our Stars, Popstar, A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks, Taylor Swift’s music video for Anti-Hero, as well as TV roles in Orange Is the New Black and Billions. He is the host of the podcast Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out.

LISTINGS

THE OLD MAN & THE POOL

Wyndham’s Theatre

Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DA                                                                                                              

Tuesday 12 September – Saturday 7 October 2023

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 7.45pm (and Wednesday 13 September)

Wednesday and Saturday at 6.30pm and 9pm

Ticket Prices: From £15 (£10 standing)

Preview prices: save up to £20 from 12-14 September

Age Recommendation: Recommended for ages 12+

Group booking: 0344 482 5100 / Click here

6+ groups, available Monday to Thursday 12 – 28 September only

Access performances:

Captioned: Wednesday 20 September at 6.30pm

Audio Described: 18 September at 7.45pm, preceded by a touch tour

www.MikeOnWestEnd.com 

Box Office: 0344 482 5151
Group Bookings: 0344 482 5100 
Access Booking Line: 0344 482 5137

Instagram: www.instagram.com/OldManPoolWestEnd
Twitter: www.twitter.com/OldManPoolWE

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OldManPoolWestEnd

Edinburgh Festival Fringe – McEwan Hall

22-27 August

https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/mike-birbiglia

Lyceum, Sheffield – until 27th May 2023

Reviewed by Alison Beaumont

4****

Spongebob the Musical is based on the hit Nickelodeon children’s TV program Spongebob Squarepants.

When the people of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their home, Spongebob and his friends come together to save their undersea world.

The storyline isn’t what makes this show it’s the actors, the scenes, costumes and songs. You might think this is a musical just for the young, but it is enjoyable for us big kids.

The cast all enjoyed themselves and the smiles on their faces and pure enjoyment were felt throughout. At times it felt like the stage was very chaotic, but this just adds to the craziness of this great show. The costumes were bright and colourful and just right for this show., I especially liked Squidward’s (Tom Read Wilson) four legged trousers. The creativeness of the headwear for the Electric Skate Band using plastic cups and plastic straws was very effective.

Screens on the stage gave news bulletins from the famous tv presenter Richard Arnold who played Perch Perkins. Although it was nice to see someone of his stature on the show it didn’t add anything that couldn’t have been achieved by anyone playing the role.

Spongebob played by Lewis Cornay sang a solo (Just a) Simple Sponge which was very good, and the neon dancing sponges added to this routine. The only thing I would say is it would have been better had the spotlight not been quite as bright as you could see some of the faces of the cast moving the sponges when it was supposed to look like the sponges were dancing on their own. Lewis played the part of Spongebob brilliantly with lots of energy and enthusiasm. He kept Spongebob’s accent throughout and at times sounded very much like the tv character Spongebob.

Irfan Damani played Patrick and was very funny. The best part for me was Patrick is a Star song which really made you want to get up and dance.

Sarah Freer who played Pearl is an excellent singer, very strong and shone in the song Daddy Knows Best.

The creativity in the Jelly Fish scene with Squirrel (Chrissie Bhima) was simple but effective.

I’m not a Loser was another song worthy of a mention, the tap routine to this was brilliant and faultless.

The show finished by everyone getting up to the theme song Who lives under the pineapple under the sea Spongebob Squarepants

Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle – until Saturday 3rd June 2023

Reviewed by Sandra Little

3***

Directed by Matt Jamie and Produced by Ellis McGowan, The Lies is written and performed by Degna Stone. Degna is a poet and poetry editor based in the North East. This 45 minute play questions the lies we tell our children, the lies we tell ourselves and the the lies that are told to us.

The Lies is Degna’s debut theatrical performance and in this performance Degna is joined by Luca Rutherford. Luca plays the part of such mythical beings as a very exuberant Easter bunny, a disillusioned Santa and a forthright tooth fairy!

The play begins with video footage of national and global events and the audience are presented with three definitions of “truth”. The stage set is simply a table and 2 chairs covered in newspaper and newspapers displaying bold headlines are strewn around the floor. Against this backdrop a story unfolds of the difficult relationship between a mother and daughter and the lies that are told within this relationship. Whilst considering lies told to children relating to such fictitious characters as the tooth fairy, the question, “was it the magic of childhood or a form of control?” is asked.

The play also highlights how people fall into the trap of accepting lies as part of everyday life. Through video presentation and narrative it hints at wider national and political issues relating to lies. It is suggested for example, that we are led to believe that we are part of a tolerant society, “a society so tolerant that poverty and obscene riches exist side by side”. Issues regarding lies relating to race are also explored from a personal perspective.

Within the comedy of an Easter bunny, a disgruntled Santa and a feisty tooth fairy serious issues regarding truth and lies are explored in this work. We are told that there is no such thing as a harmless lie and we are also reminded that we all remember things differently. I would suggest that both of these assertions could be great material for an after theatre discussion.

I enjoyed this performance and left the theatre thinking about the notion of lies and the assertion that we are all complicit in this deception.

Curve Theatre Leicester – until 3rd June 2023

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

5****

It’s the era of the Great Depression and infamous musical theatre director Julian Marsh is putting on a new show. Every dancer worth a dime wants to be a part of it and none is more determined than the former Miss Allentown, Peggy Sawyer, but can she make it? Mishaps and mayhem, mischief and misunderstandings all cumulate to scupper her dreams of making it big. Is there anything that can get Peggy to where she was born to be, In front of the bright lights of a Broadway stage? Peggy’s pluck, determination and incredible talent earns her the respect, recognition and role of a lifetime but can she pull it off at the 11th hour?

42nd Street is a musical extravaganza steeped in nostalgia. It takes you through the journey of Sawyers serendipitous rise to stardom and this new Made at Curve co-production is a spectacular rendition. Directed by Jonathan Church it is jam packed with iconic song-and-dance showstoppers. Choreographed and designed by Olivier Award winners Bill Deamer and Rob Jones the songs include ‘42nd Street’, ‘We’re in The Money’ and ‘Lullaby of Broadway’ it’s simply not to be missed.

The production is enthralling and the wise-cracking book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble is full of snappy one-liners. It is, however, a little uncomfortable when faced with the misogyny of yesteryear musicals being revived but not updated. It’s quite jarring to hear the chorus sing, ‘Keep Young and Beautiful, if you want to be loved”, and “What’s cute about a little cutie is her beauty, not brains.”, and other such things, but…

42nd Street is a good old-fashioned spectacle, and it is beautiful. The tap dance routines are incredible and leave you open jawed at their intricacies. There is melodrama, backstage intrigue, classic romance and a dazzling show within a show…and it must go on!

Josefina Gabrielle as Maggie Jones and Les Dennis as Bert Barry brought some great comedic moments. Ruthie Henshaw as Dorothy Brock was every bit the divine diva. Her execution of ‘I Only Have Eyes for You’ gave me tingles. Fully embracing the development of her character, she was a joy to watch. Adam Garcia played Julian Marsh with an understated coolness, which worked really well in this production. Sam Lips as Billy Lawlor was a phenomenal talent, both his singing and dancing left me speechless, but the star in every sense was Nicole-Lily Baisden who played Peggy Sawyer. She was the personification of dynamite, what she did with her feet was nothing less than enchantment. Tapping, twirling and all the while flashing a megawatt smile and barely breaking a sweat. She was both youngster and a star. The rest of the ensemble were incredible. It was astounding to behold the huge tap-dancing chorus fill the stage, coming together to create a magical performance. Traditional tapdancing was also enhanced with the addition of some tango and flamenco flavours, which really spiced things up.

The costumes, dazzlingly lavish and bright, added extra layers to the dance routines. The sets, stunning, steeped in art deco, quite simple, but very effective. Many set pieces doubling up, seamlessly moved into place as the action continues before your eyes.

With a running time at 2 hours and 35 minutes, including a 20-minute interval, 42nd Street is a larger-than-life, celebration of hope, grit and the irrepressible spirit of Broadway that’s guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits. It’s a charmingly choreographed extravaganza that both musical veterans and novices can equally enjoy, making it the perfect show for one and all.

OVER £70,000 RAISED AT THE ACTING FOR OTHERS WEST END FLEA MARKET

Theatrical charity Acting for Others today announces that more than £70,000 was raised at their most successful West End Flea Market to date, held on Saturday 20 May at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, with thousands of people enjoying the fun!

Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen, Co-chair of Acting for Others said today “There was a fantastic atmosphere with dozens of cast members from West End shows, stars signing autographs and thousands of fans buying the memorabilia on offer – all of it providing support for everyone from the theatre professions, through our network of 14 member charities”

Taking the prize of Best Dressed Stall this year was Mamma Mia! judged by national star Christopher Biggins and award-winning choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips. Their stall contained an array of delights including show memorabilia, signed posters and cast pictures, as well as a treasure trove of Donna and the Dynamos accessories to take selfies with and join the cast performing in a TikTok.

Many other West End shows had stalls including Back to the Future, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Hamilton, Moulin Rouge, The Mousetrap, SIX, Jersey Boys, Rocky Horror Show, The Book of Mormon, The Play That Goes Wrong  and other attractions included; Menier Chocolate Factory, Go Live Theatre Projects, Concord Theatricals, Disney on Stage, Theatrical Memorabilia, Tombola, face painting, Mariachi Loco, The Pearly Kings and Queens and Flea market favourite Psychic Su Pollard told fortunes aplenty!

There were stars in the autograph tent taking selfies and signing posters and goodies for fans including Christopher Biggins, Arlene Phillips, Bonnie Langford, John Partridge, Harriet Thorpe, Derek Jacobi, Samantha Bond, Frances Mayli McCann, Jordan Luke Gage, George Maguire, Cassidy Janson, Christina Bianco, Mazz Murray, John Owen-Jones, Jon Robyns, Aimie Atkinson, Oliver Tompsett and Giles Terera.

Sara Kestelman took to the mic, as the eventsemcee, announcing the days proceedings.

Biggins’ Bargains, the auction event hosted by Christopher Biggins, returned, with items including, a Shirley Valentine script signed by Sheridan Smith and Willy Russell, artwork signed by the cast of A Little Life and VIP Package to Back to the Future which was followed by a Panto Dame singalong with West End Sensation Emma Lindars.

www.actingforothers.co.uk       

Facebook: /Acting4Others

Instagram: @actingforothers

Twitter: @ActingForOthers

#WestEndFleaMarket

‘Love Never Dies In Concert’

at Theatre Royal Drury Lane this summer

21st and 22nd August

The world’s most famous opera ghost returns to the West End for 2 nights only with much-loved stars reprising the roles of Phantom and Christine in star-studded concert

Sign up for exclusive pre-sale released today (Wednesday 24th May);

pre-sale starts Friday 26th May

https://lwtheatres.co.uk/loveneverdies

Broadway legend Norm Lewis (Les Misérables 25^th Anniversary Concert, Jesus Christ Superstar)stars as The Phantom after a hugely successful run as the first African-American Phantom in the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera. Celinde Schoenmaker (Guys & Dolls, Rocketman) stars alongside him as Christine, following her appearance in London’s West End for the 30th anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera. Shaun Kerrison (My Fair Lady, A Christmas Carol) directs. Further casting and creatives to be announced.

Love Never Dies In Concert, which features the sensational ‘Til I Hear You Sing and the heart-breaking Love Never Dies, is accompanied by the 27-piece London Musical Theatre Orchestra (LMTO), and will run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 21st (7.30pm) and 22nd August (2.30pm).

A closed pre-sale (via sign-up) starts on Friday 26th May, with a general on-sale to follow in due course. Sign up for pre-sale, released today, via: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/loveneverdies. 

This concert comes as The Phantom of the Operain London’s West End continues to break records at the box office, 36 years after opening at the recently-renamed His Majesty’s Theatre on Haymarket.

Norm Lewis comments: My love for Andrew’s ‘Love Never Dies’ meant this was the quickest yes, the moment I was asked! I am honored to don the iconic Phantom mask yet again, and continue the story of a character that forever changed my life.  And to perform it at the famous Theatre Royal Drury Lane?  There’s nothing greater. I cannot wait to be reconnected with the London audiences!”

Described by The Daily Telegraph as “one of the greatest of all Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals”, Love Never Dies returns to the story of The Phantom of the Opera 10 years after the Phantom’s disappearance from the Paris Opera House. Escaped to a new life in New York, he has finally found a place for his music to soar. All that is missing is his love – Christine Daaé. In a final bid to win her back, the Phantom lures Christine, her husband, and their young son Gustave to America to perform one final time. As old wounds are reopened and forgotten memories unlocked, The Phantom sets out to prove that, indeed, Love Never Dies.

‘Love Never Dies In Concert’ is produced by Fourth Wall Live and the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, and arranged with the permission of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group, with a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Lloyd Webber, Slater, Ben Elton and Frederick Forsyth.

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

Website: www.labambaonstage.co.uk

Socials: @LaBambaOnStage #LaBambaOnStage

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

THE WANTED’S SIVA KANESWARAN JOINS THE STAR CAST OF LA BAMBA!

• FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR ORIGINAL NEW MUSICAL LA BAMBA!
• SIVA KANESWARAN MAKES HIS THEATRICAL DEBUT AND WILL BE PERFORMING IN VENUES ACROSS THE UK.

Paul Morrissey Ltd is pleased to announce the casting for the world premiere of the explosive new musical, La Bamba!

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

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

La Bamba! tells the story of how the power of music can transform a generation and celebrate a community.    

Sofia, a 17-year-old from Los Angeles, has music in her blood. From the moment her father handed her a guitar, her dream was to become a superstar. Inspired by her musical heroes and with the help of her family, Sofia discovers that even the longest journey begins with a single step. As she mixes the music from her roots with the music in her heart, Sofia dreams of bringing together a community that has never felt more divided. 

La Bamba! is a jaw-dropping new musical that combines Latin, R&B, and timeless rock and pop to tell the ultimate feel-good story of a young girl with a big voice, big dreams, and an even bigger heart.

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

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

La Bamba! features an electric soundtrack of Latin pop anthems. Tickets on sale now for the fiesta of a lifetime!

Theatre Royal, Nottingham – until Saturday 27th May 2023

Reviewed by Jill Heslop

5*****

A varied and diverse crowd were in force at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham to enjoy a powerful and diversity-aware RSC production of Julius Caesar, directed by Atri Banerjee, part of the RSC’s Power Shifts season.

From the striking opening of a stark black square on stage with musicians entering to stand on top, the sinister mood was established. This was added to by the solemn entrance of the Community Chorus dressed in black, a group of local female community leaders. These women include the current Sheriff of Nottingham – the first Asian woman to hold this civic role, a theatre producer, a primary teacher, a sustainability and building health facilitator, and a trustee for Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature. The RSC will engage local people to join their cast in each venue of their tour, in order to encourage community engagement in the arts and promote awareness of diversity, inclusion, equality and sustainability. Voices were used to great effect here, sounds of thunder and whispers as the cast entered in military lines, and began choreographed dancing, breathing and sometimes shrieking to the throbbing, pulsating music. The minimalist stage set of the cube became a background screen with black and white film of birds flying and flowers trying to push their way through the earth, linking to the themes of freedom and rebellion we were about to watch.

A blustering Caesar, played with suitable confidence by Nigel Barrett, is warned to “Beware the ides of March” to no avail by the Soothsayer ( Niamh Finlay) shouting from amongst the audience. This is a highly effective method used again later as she plays all the voices of the mob during the speeches at Caesar’s funeral, dressed in red track suit bottoms, offering us some of light relief amidst the tragedy. Here Mark Anthony’s famous rhetoric is delivered with energy and emotion by William Robinson. The roles of Brutus, played by Thalissa Teixeira, and Cassius, by Annabel Baldwin, the two leading conspirators, are movingly shown to struggle with their desires for justice and freedom as their noble cause starts to unravel. Stand out scenes are: the slow motion death of Caesar with black paint representing blood; the celebratory dancing scene, watched by the ghost of Portia (Nadi Kemp-Sayfi), between Brutus and the ghost of Caesar with the poignantly repeated refrain “I’m alive” from the song Nine Out of Ten by the exiled Brazilian, Caetano Velosa; and the movingly portrayed relationship between Brutus and their servant, Lucius (Jamal Ajala) using British Sign Language to communicate.

This is an excellent night at the theatre with not a sword or a toga in sight! A refreshing, inclusive and contemporary interpretation of Shakespeare, making his language relevant and pertinent for us all in our society at this time.