TICKETS ARE ON SALE TODAY

FOR THE NATIONAL THEATRE AND

NEAL STREET PRODUCTIONS

WEST END TRANSFER OF

THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE

Following a sold out run at the National Theatre tickets go on sale today from 12 noon for the National Theatre and Neal Street Productions critically acclaimed new play by Jack Thorne, The Motive and the Cue. Inspired by the making of Burton and Gielgud’s Hamlet, the play is directed by Sam Mendes. Playing for a strictly limited season at the Noël Coward Theatre from 9 December 2023 until 23 March 2024 with an official opening night on Monday 18 December 2023.

Johnny Flynn, Mark Gatiss and Tuppence Middleton will return to play the iconic roles of Richard Burton, John Gielgud and Elizabeth Taylor. Further casting to be announced.

Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s exacting direction. But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel. 

Set design is by Es Devlin, costume designer is Katrina Lindsay, lighting designer is Jon Clark, composer is Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, sound designer is Paul Arditti, casting by Alastair Coomer CDG and Naomi Downham, associate director is Zoé Ford Burnett and staff director Yasmin Hafesji.  

Originally commissioned by Neal Street Productions and developed and co-produced with the National Theatre, The Motive and the Cue is currently playing to sold-out audiences in the Lyttelton theatre until 15 July. 

National Theatre Director and Chief Executive Rufus Norris said, “We’re delighted to be transferring The Motive and the Cue to the Noël Coward Theatre later this year continuing our collaboration with Neal Street Productions. Sam Mendes’s production brings the theatrical process to life so vividly, perfectly capturing that heady time in history, with Mark, Johnny and Tuppence playing these well-loved characters with whom we are all so familiar.  We’re so excited to have multiple productions transferring from the National Theatre to the West End this year, testament to the appetite of audiences for live theatre. Motive has been playing to packed houses at the NT all summer and we are thrilled that there will now be more opportunities for a new audience to see Jack’s great play.” 

Inspired by Letters from an Actor by William Redfield and John Gielgud Directs Richard Burton in Hamlet by Richard L. Sterne. 

Tickets can be booked from £20 at TheMotiveandtheCue.com. Assisted performances are available across the run.

QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA NEW TOUR FOR 2024!

OFFICAL QUEEN TRIBUTE BAND PRODUCED BY ROGER TAYLOR & BRIAN MAY ANNOUNCE NEW 2024 TOUR DATES

COMING TO STOCKTON GLOBE: FRI 8TH MARCH 2024

Queen Extravaganza, the official Queen tribute band produced by Roger Taylor and Brian May returns to the UK in 2024, following their triumphant 2023 tour. Most notably for Teesside residents the iconic tribute band will be returning to Stockton Globe after their recent performance earlier this year. For those that missed their last Teesside performance, this is your chance to snap up your tickets.

The band, who have been touring for over a decade, is made up of a rolling cast of gifted musicians, all of whom have been hand-picked by Roger Taylor and Brian May to perform the magical songs from one of the biggest bands in the world… in fact in history! Queen Extravaganza band line up will be confirmed later this year.

Renowned for touring all over the USA, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Brazil and Europe, Queen Extravaganza has earned much love and respect from their devoted and ever-growing fan base. Roger Taylor confirms “It’s our own official tribute band” and millions of fans compare the experience as being the closest they can get to the original.

This spectacular 90-minute show returns to the Stockton Globe on Friday 8th March 2024 and will feature more than 20 Queen classics drawn from the band’s biggest hits: Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Under Pressure, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Radio Ga, Somebody to Love and Killer Queen as well as other fan favourites.

Always a night to remember, for Queen fans across the world it really is A Kind Of Magic!

Queen Extravaganza arrives at Stockton Globe on Friday 8th March 2024. Tickets are available on pre-sale via Stockton Globe at 10am on Thursday 29th June and customers can sign up for exclusive pre-sale tickets via https://www.stocktonglobe.co.uk/sign-up

General sale is at 10am on Friday 30th June. All tickets can be purchased via www.stocktonglobe.co.uk

KINDA DUSTY LTD PRESENTS  

A CONCERTS BY CANDLELIGHT PRODUCTION

GLOBAL SELL-OUT SHOW

MEATLOAF BY CANDLELIGHT COMES TO STOCKTON GLOBE THIS JULY

COMING TO STOCKTON GLOBE: SAT 15TH JULY 2023 

Direct from a critically acclaimed, sell-out tour of Australia, Meat Loaf by Candlelight is ready to rock out at Teesside’s newest live entertainment venue this summer, in a production not to be missed.

Stockton Globe welcomes Meat Loaf by Candlelight to the Stockton stage on Saturday 15th July 2023 in a production led by stars of the West End and International productions of ‘Bat Out of Hell’. The production is set to bring an incredible rock atmosphere juxtaposed by the soft ambience of candlelight, all to the songs of the iconic, industry heavyweight that was Meat Loaf. Featuring some of the most iconic songs of all time including Anything for Love, Bat Out of Hell, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, Dead Ringer for Love and many more!

Producer Daniel Wood said: ‘It is so exciting to bring the show to Stockton, and in such a beautiful venue. The stage will be bathed in candlelight as our stellar cast perform the hits of Meat Loaf like you’ve never heard them before!’

West End Star & fellow producer Simon Gordon said: ‘We have played to sold out audiences across the world for the last year, most recently in Australia, so it’s really special for all of us to bring the show back to the UK and to perform on home turf again

Reviews of Meat Loaf by Candlelight:

‘‘The best tribute to Meat Loaf I’ve ever seen!’’

‘‘A must see for Meat Loaf fans everywhere’’

‘‘Outstanding vocals, epic band – do not miss this show!’’

For Crying Out Loud… book your tickets now! This unforgettable experience is guaranteed to make your Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through!

Meat Loaf by Candlelight arrives at Stockton Globe on Saturday 15th July 2023. Tickets can be purchased via ww.stocktonglobe.co.uk

ANDY SANDBERG DIRECTS THE UK PREMIÈRE OF

ALAN BRODY’S AWARD-WINNING PLAY OPERATION EPSILON

AT SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE ELEPHANT THIS AUTUMN

The UK première of Alan Brody’s award-winning play Operation Epsilon has been announced today. Inspired by actual transcripts that were secretly recorded and then held classified for many decades, Operation Epsilon tells the true story of Germany’s ten foremost nuclear scientists who were rounded up and held captive by the British and American forces toward the end of World War II. While there in England, these men learned that that the Americans beat them to the atomic bomb.

Directed by Andy Sandberg, who helmed the world premiere in the U.S., the London production opens at Southwark Playhouse Elephant on 20 September, with previews from 15 September, and runs until 21 October.

“The whole process of writing Operation Epsilon from its very inception has been a labor of love,” said playwright Alan Brody. “I’m thrilled that the play will now have a life in London, and especially at this time in history.”

Andy Sandberg said today, “We are beyond thrilled to be staging Operation Epsilon in a new production for London. It’s been an honour to collaborate with Alan Brody on this play’s development and extraordinary journey for over a decade now. It feels particularly fitting to present Operation Epsilon in the country where the play is set, and the subject is more relevant today than ever as we grapple with the inherent conflict between scientific advancement and its ethical consequences.”

Ellen Berman & Operation Epsilon Limited present

The UK première of

OPERATION EPSILON

BY ALAN BRODY

DIRECTED BY ANDY SANDBERG

Set Designer: Janie Howland; Costume Designer / Associate Set Designer: Beth Colley; Lighting Designer: Clancy Flynn; Sound Designer: Chris Drohan; Casting Director: Lucy Casson

15 September – 21 October

It’s the close of World War II – the dawn of the atomic age. The Allies have captured Germany’s ten foremost nuclear scientists and sequestered them deep in the English countryside to ascertain the answer to a life-or-death question: how close are the Nazis to making an atomic bomb? The world stands on the precipice of creation and destruction, bound by the gravity of their decisions which hold the power to change the course of history.

Based on actual transcripts of secretly recorded conversations – Alan Brody’s gripping play delves into the darkest corners of human ingenuity, exploring the intimate conflict within the hearts and minds of luminaries with unimaginable power. A once-classified true story buried in the archives amidst an epic war, Operation Epsilon is a poignant, thrilling exploration of the ties that bind us to our actions, our decisions, and one another.

Directed by Andy Sandberg and featuring an exceptional cast of eleven, this award-winning and thought-provoking play makes its UK première at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, celebrating the 10^th anniversary of the critically acclaimed US production. Filled with explosive possibilities, Operation Epsilon shines a light on the ethical complexity of scientific discovery… and its potential for catastrophic consequences.

Alan Brody’s Operation Epsilon received its world première production at Central Square Theater (Cambridge, MA) with the Nora Theater Company in 2013 and received the distinguished IRNE Awards for Best New Play, Best Director (Andy Sandberg), Best Ensemble, and Best Scenic Design (Janie Howland). Named a Critics’ Pick by The Boston Globe, Operation Epsilon also received a 2013 Elliot Norton Award nomination for Best New Play and won the Norton Award for Best Leading Actor. Brody’s other works include The Housewives of Mannheim (a co-production between Off-Broadway’s 59E59 Theatre in NYC and NJ Repertory Theatre), Five Scenes from Life, Greytop in Love, One-on-One, The Midvale High School Fiftieth Reunion, and Reckoning Time: A Song of Walt Whitman. His play Invention for Fathers and Sons was awarded the first annual Rosenthal Award at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in 1989. He also received the 1990 Eisner Award from the Streisand Center for Jewish Culture in Los Angeles for Company of Angels, which had its world premiere at New Repertory Theater in 1993. Brody served as co-director and a founding member of Catalyst Collaborative@MIT, a science-theater collaboration between Central Square Theater and MIT.

Andy Sandberg is a New York-based director, writer, and Tony Award-winning producer. He is also currently Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat in Florida. He directed the UK première of Jeannette Bayardelle’s Shida, which opened to rave reviews and earned 2019 Off West End Award nominations for Best Musical, Best Director, Best Lead Actress (also Off-Broadway at Ars Nova – four AUDELCO Nominations, including Best Director, Best Musical). Additional world premières as director include Straight (Off-Broadway – Critics’ Pick in The New York Times, which he is now adapting into a feature film); Application Pending, a comedy about kindergarten admissions (also co-author; BroadwayWorld Award: Best Off-Broadway Play, Drama Desk nom: Outstanding Solo Show, Winner: Book Pipeline Prize); Operation Epsilon (Four IRNE Awards, including Best Play, Best Director); Craving for Travel (also co-author); and the Off-Broadway musicals The Last Smoker in America and Neurosis, among others. Select regional directing credits in the U.S. include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, City of Angels, Into the Woods, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. He has written the feature-length screenplays for Five More Minutes and Haul Out the Holly. In his role as Artistic Director of the Hermitage, Sandberg has established the organization as one of the leading national arts incubators in the United States.

OPERATION EPSILON

LISTINGS

Southwark Playhouse, Elephant

1 Dante Place, London, SE11 4RX

southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

15 September – 21 October 2023

Ticket prices: previews £16, full price £32, concessions £25.50

Theatre TOPTEN announced for London Lifestyle
Awards® 2023
Voting closes: 14th September 2023

Theatre is one of the most important and vital cultural elements that makes London the greatest city in the world, with a world-leading theatre scene. The London Lifestyle Awards® 2023 has named some of the most extraordinary shows of the last year in their TOPTEN.

Following public nominations of the best theatre shows in London 2022-2023, the London Lifestyle Awards® has shortlisted the TOPTEN shows of the last year. The award winner will be voted for and announced on 30th October 2023 at Grosvenor House, Park Lane at the London Lifestyle Awards® ceremony. Public voting for the award winners is now open at
https://www.britishlifestyleawards.com/londonvote and will run until 11pm on 14th September.

The TOPTEN in the Best Theatre Show in London category are:

2:22 A Ghost Story, Apollo Theatre
This critically acclaimed new play has become one of London’s must-see theatre events. Written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist, 2:22 A Ghost Story is brilliantly funny and intriguing – an adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear. The highly lauded casts have included stage and screen stars Lily Allen, Cheryl, Stephanie Beatriz, Mandip Gill, Jaime Winstone, James Buckley and Sophia Bush.

A Streetcar Named Desire, Almeida Theatre (run finished)
Following her spellbinding (Financial Times) production of Summer and Smoke, Almeida Associate Director Rebecca Frecknall (Cabaret, The Kit Kat Club) took on another Tennessee Williams masterpiece to high acclaim. When Blanche unexpectedly visits her estranged sister Stella, reality and illusion collide and a violent conflict changes their lives forever. This Olivier Award-winning production starred Paul Mescal, Anjana Vasan and Patsy Ferron in sell-out runs.

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage, Dominion Theatre (run finished)
Exploding with heart-pounding music, breathtaking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing, this triumphant, sold out stage production, inspired by the wildly popular film, follows the iconic story of Baby and Johnny. Featuring the hit songs Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart-stopping (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.

Guys & Dolls, Bridge Theatre
The Bridge transforms for one of the greatest musicals of all time. Guys & Dolls has more hit songs, more laughs and more romance than any show ever written. The in-the-round seating provides a perfect view wherever you are, while the immersive standing tickets transport audiences to the streets of Manhattan and the bars of Havana in the unlikeliest of love stories. With star turns by Marisha Wallace, Daniel Mays and Cedric Neal, Guys & Dolls features classic songs Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat, Luck Be a Lady, Guys and Dolls, A Bushel and a Peck and If I Were a Bell.

Legally Blonde, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre (run finished)
Omigod you guys, meet fashion merchandising major Elle Woods (Courtney Bowman) and her college sweetheart Warner Huntington III (Alistair Toovey). Popular and stylish, they have the perfect relationship – that is until Warner heads to Harvard Law School and decides that he needs a more ‘serious’ kind of girlfriend. Directed by Lucy Moss, co-writer and co-director of the smash-hit musical SIX, Legally Blonde was London’s summer hit, based on the seminal 2001 romcom starring Reese Witherspoon.

My Neighbour Totoro, The Barbican (run finished)
Winner of six Olivier Awards and five WhatsOnStage Awards, My Neighbour Totoro is an utterly beguiling (The Stage) and jaw-dropping (Metro) staging of the celebrated 1988 animated feature film. This enchanting coming-of-age story explores the magical fantasy world of childhood and the transformative power of imagination, as it follows one extraordinary summer in the lives of sisters Satsuki and Mei

My Son’s a Queer, Ambassadors Theatre (run finished)
The joyous autobiographical story of social media sensation Rob Madge as they set out to recreate that infamous parade – and this time, nobody, no, nobody is gonna rain on it. This is a triumphant celebration of the ups and downs of raising a queer child, in a hugely successful London transfer after a hit run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Sister Act The Musical, Eventim Apollo (run finished)
This heavenly hit features a marvellous Motown-inspired score by the legendary Alan Menken, winner of eight Oscars and multiple Tony Awards. Based on the beloved film, this story of music, mishaps and nuns on the run is a joyous and uplifting tale of finding your voice and singing out, with your sisters by your side, and starred Beverley Knight and Clive Rowe.

SIX the Musical, Vaudeville Theatre
Created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, audiences worldwide have been losing their heads as they experience the Tudor Wives’ lives. The six Queens of England turn back the clock and take to the stage to reclaim their crowns and tell their stories of love, loss and the infamous royal ex they all have in common.

The Drifters Girl, Garrick Theatre (run finished)
This smash-hit show that had audiences on their feet night after night with a phenomenal soundtrack packed full of iconic Drifters hits including Saturday Night At The Movies, Save The Last Dance For Me and Stand By Me. Discover the remarkable story of The Drifters and the truth about the woman who made them.

The London Lifestyle Awards® celebrate all the lifestyle sectors that make London amazing, including restaurants, bars and hotels, sport and fitness, cafés and coffee shops, hair and beauty, members’ clubs, and of course theatre. The London Lifestyle Awards® is an all-yearround celebration of what this great global city has to offer. CEO Jason Gale created the awards in 2009, after an inspiring meeting and discussion with President Clinton about their shared love of London. Gale’s goal is for the Awards to celebrate London as an incredible city for culture and lifestyle, making it a great destination for tourists and an exciting place to live

HUGH DENNIS IS THE GUEST NARRATOR 11-16 JULY

Anthology Theatre Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Patrick Gracey, and David Wolstencroft 

present The Watermill Theatre Production of 

BLEAK EXPECTATIONS

By Mark Evans

Directed by Caroline Leslie
 

Comedian and actor Hugh Dennis will join the cast of Caroline Leslie’s production of Mark Evans’ Bleak Expectations as the Guest Narrator for one week only from 11-16 July at London’s Criterion Theatre.

Hugh is best known for being in BBC 2’s hit topical panel show Mock the Week, and BBC1’s hit sitcoms Outnumbered and Not Going Out. More recently he has also had great success as a presenter for The Great British Dig and Hugh’s Huge Homes on More4.

Hugh Dennis joins a host of a-list guest stars who will step into the role of Sir Philip Bin each week – the full performance schedule is as follows: 27 June-2 July: Lee Mack, 4-9 July: Stephen Mangan, 11-16 July: Hugh Dennis, 18-23 July: Tom Allen, 25-30 July: Jack Dee, 1-6 August: Alexander Armstrong, 8-13 August: Stephen Fry.

Other guest stars who have already trod the boards in Bleak Expectations during the production’s West End run include Nina Wadia, Dermot O’Leary, Sally Philips, Sue Perkins, Julian Clary, Adjoa Andoh and Craig Ferguson.

Bleak Expectations follows young Pip’s extraordinary exploits with sisters Pippa and Poppy plus best friend Harry Biscuit as they attempt to escape the calculating clutches of the dastardly Mr Gently Benevolent, defeat the hideous Hardthrasher siblings, and deflect disaster at every turn.

Will evil be vanquished by virtue? Can love triumph over hate? Escape with this joyfully anarchic comedy featuring barbarous boarding schools, contemptible conspiracies, roaring romances, devilish disguises, and definitely, probably, hopefully, a happy ending!

Jo Brand was originally announced as the Guest Narrator for 11-16 July but can no longer appear due to circumstances beyond her control. 

Performances continue at the Criterion Theatre until 13 August 2023 – visit bleakexpectations.com for tickets.

Runaway Entertainment presents

2:22 – A GHOST STORY

The hit play by Danny Robins

Directed by Matthew Dunster & Isabel Marr
@222AGhostStory #222AGhostStory 
 

• 2.22 – A GHOST STORY ANNOUNCES CAST FOR UK TOUR FROM SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 2023
   
• JOE ABSOLOM WILL PLAY BEN; CHARLENE BOYD WILL PLAY LAUREN; NATHANIEL CURTIS WILL PLAY SAM AND LOUISA LYTTON WILL PLAY JENNY 
   
• THE CAST FOR JANUARY – JUNE 2024 IS YET TO BE ANNOUNCED
   
• THE SHOW IS CURRENTLY AT THE APOLLO THEATRE LONDON – IT’S 6TH WEST END SEASON – STARRING SOPHIA BUSH, RICKY CHAMP, CLIFFORD SAMUEL AND JAIME WINSTONE
   
• TICKETS FOR UK TOUR ARE AVAILABLE FROM https://222aghoststory.com/uk-tour-tickets/

Producer Runaway Entertainment is delighted to announce the first casting news for the UK tour of Danny Robins’ edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller 2:22 – A Ghost Story. Joe Absolom (A Confession, Doc Martin) will play Ben, Charlene Boyd (Mayflies, River City) will play Lauren, Nathaniel Curtis (It’s a Sin, The Witcher) will play Sam and Louisa Lytton (EastEnders, The Bill) will play Jenny.

The tour opens at Bath Theatre Royal on 1 September 2023 and the cast will perform in venues across the UK until 2 December 2023, with casting for 2024 to be announced soon.

Joe Absolom (who will play Ben) said: ‘I’ve heard so much about 2:22 so am really honoured to be asked to join the new cast…..I can’t  wait to see how A Ghost Story plays out in the medium of theatre….Boo!’ 

Charlene Boyd (who will play Lauren) said: ‘To say I am thrilled to be joining this iconic Ghost Story would be an understatement. The buzz around this brilliant show is incredibly exciting and I for one, cannot wait for the ride. Bring it on!’

Nathaniel Curtis (who will play Sam) said: ‘I am so excited to be joining the touring cast of 2:22 and am looking forward to working with such a talented team. I hope audiences love the show!’

Louisa Lytton (who will play Jenny) said: ‘I am so elated to be joining the 1st UK Tour of the thrilling modern classic 2:22 A Ghost Story. Layered, slick and extremely chilling, writing like this does not come around often, a gift of a role. I cannot wait to get started with this amazing team!’

Written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist, and directed by Matthew Dunster and Isabel Marr; 2:22 is an adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may, or may not, appear…

Danny Robins said: ‘I’m thrilled with our first cast for the 2:22 A Ghost Story UK tour and can’t wait to see how each actor brings their own distinctive take to the play. It’s quite the journey we are on and we look forward to spooking new audiences across the UK. 2:22 is an adrenaline-fuelled experience that gives you the licence to gasp,scream, and yelp!’

What do you believe? And do you dare 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 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’re going to stay up… until 2:22… and then they’ll know.

“A slick, chilling, romp of a play” The Guardian

‘A modern classic’ Sunday Times

The production premiered at the Noel Coward Theatre, starring Lily Allen, Julia Chan, Hadley Fraser, and Jake Wood, where it won the WhatsOnStage award for Best Play. It then transferred to the Gielgud Theatre for 10 weeks, starring Stephanie Beatriz, James Buckley, Elliot Cowan, and Giovanna Fletcher, which completed its run on 12 February 2021. For the first season at the Criterion (May – September 2022), the cast included Tom Felton, Mandip Gill, Sam Swainsbury, and Beatriz Romilly, the second season, launching in September, starred Laura Whitmore, Matt Willis, Felix Scott, and Tamsin Carroll. 

The box office record-breaking run at the Lyric starring Cheryl, Jake Wood, Scot Karim, and Louise Ford, concluded its run on 23 April. The current West End season at the Apollo Theatre stars Sophia Bush, Ricky Champ, Clifford Samuel and Jaime Winstone.

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 and illusions by Chris Fisher. Casting by Matilda James.

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

TICKETS ON SALE TOMORROW

FOR THE

WEST END TRANSFER OF THE

2023 OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING

‘BEST NEW MUSICAL’,

STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE

The National Theatre and Various Productions announce that tickets for the critically acclaimed Sheffield Theatres’ production of Standing at the Sky’s Edge go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Friday 30 June from 12 noon. The show will play at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, in London’s West End, from 8 February 2024, with a press night set for Wednesday 28 February 2024.

Tickets are available at SkysEdgeMusical.com.20,000 tickets across the six- month booking period will be available for £20. Assisted performances are also available throughout the run.

This new British musical recently won ‘Best New Musical’ with Sheffield singer-songwriter, Richard Hawley and Tom Deering winning ‘Best Original Score and New Orchestrations’ at the 2023 Olivier Awards. It has also won ‘Best Musical Production’ at the UK Theatre Awards in 2019 and the 2020 South Bank Sky Arts Award for Theatre. 

Written as a love letter to Sheffield and the iconic Park Hill Estate, Standing at the Sky’s Edge is directed by Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic Director, Robert Hastie and features songs by Richard Hawley with book by Chris Bush. It charts the hopes and dreams of three generations over the course of six tumultuous decades. Revealing the history of modern Britain, through the stories of this iconic housing estate, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, is a heartfelt, touching and funny exploration of the power of community and what it is we all call home.    

Hastie is joined by set and costume designer, Ben Stones; choreographer, Lynne Page; music supervisor, arranger and orchestrator, Tom Deering; lighting designer Mark Henderson; sound designer, Bobby Aitken; wigs, hair & make-up designer, Cynthia De La Rosa and casting director, Stuart Burt CDG. Casting to be announced. 

First commissioned by Sheffield Theatres and Various Productions,Standing at the Sky’s Edge had its world premiere at the Crucible Theatre in 2019. Following a hugely successful, sold-out run, it returned to the Crucible Theatre in December 2022, selling out again, before making its London premiere in the National Theatre’s Olivier theatre in early 2023 where it continued to sell out and receive standing ovations.  

JENNIFER ELLISON JOINS

THE OFFICIAL TAKE THAT MUSICAL

GREATEST DAYS

UK TOUR

Producer Adam Kenwright is delighted to announce that Jennifer Ellison is joining The Official Take That Musical GREATEST DAYS, with a book by award-winning playwright Tim Firth. Jennifer will join as Rachel from 21 August at the Kings Theatre, Glasgow.

The musical embarked on a major UK tour on 6 May 2023, coinciding with the summer 2023 release of the official movie version of this smash-hit musical, starring Aisling Bea and Jayde Adams.

Actress, singer, dancer and businesswoman Jennifer Ellison rose to prominence playing Emily Shadwick in the television soap opera Brookside and secured her place as a household name by playing Meg Giry in her international film debut, the 2004 adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera. Jennifer played Tracey in British horror movie The Cottage alongside other film and TV projects such as Lynda La Plante’s The Commander: Abduction, Liverpool Nativity forBBC Three, Hotel Babylon for BBC1, The Verdict, New Street Law, and The Brief. Jennifer’s other many TV appearances include the most recent series of SAS Who Dares Wins (Channel 4), Dancing On Ice (Semi-Finalist & National Tour), Hell’s Kitchen (Winner), Celebrity challenge show – With a Little Help From My Friends (ITV), as judge on Dirty Dancing – Time of your Life (Living TV) and as a frequent guest on the ITV daytime show Loose Women. Jennifer also fronts the UK version of the hit US series Dance Moms for the Lifetime channel, which follows Jennifer at her very own dance school The Jennifer Ellison Fame Academy. 

Her other theatre credits include: Lina Lamond in Singin’ In The Rain (Palace Theatre), Paulette in Legally Blonde (UK Tour), Cora and Celia in Calendar Girls (UK Tour), Gloria in Boeing Boeing directed by Matthew Warchus (The Comedy Theatre) and Beth in The War Of The Worlds (UK Arena Tour). Pantomime includes Cinderella with Cilla Black and Les Dennis (Liverpool Empire), Wicked Queen in Snow White (Milton Keynes & Opera House, Blackpool) and Roxie Hart in Chicago (Adelphi Theatre, Cambridge Theatre, UK Tour & 10th Anniversary Gala). 

Also joining the company is Olivia Hallett, who will be performing the role of Young Rachel from 24 July at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham.

Olivia Hallett trained at Emil Dale Academy and The Urdang Academy. She originated the role of Marge in ‘KIN’ – A New Musical (The Factory Playhouse Hitchin) and appeared as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (The Other Palace). Other credits include: What I Go to School For – The Busted Musical (Theatre Royal Brighton), The Goodbye Girl (Upstairs at the Gatehouse) Jill in Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime (Little Wolf – The Assembly Halls Tunbridge Wells), Quinn in ‘Chosen’ – A New Musical (BEAM 2023) and The Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair (BEAM 2023). Olivia provided the singing voice of Joy in The Secret of Joy (IMDB).

They join existing cast members Taylor Alman, Holly Ashton, Hannah Brown, Kalifa Burton, Benjamin Cameron, Jamie Corner, Archie Durrant, Regan Gascoigne, Kitty Harris, Bayley Hart, Keith Henderson, Karen Holmes, Christopher D. Hunt, Evangeline Jarvis Jones, Rachel Marwood, Mari McGinlay, Jamie-Rose Monk, Mary Moore, Alexanda O’Reilly, Charlotte Anne Steen and Alan Stocks.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Take That’s first ever UK number 1 single Pray, GREATEST DAYS features more than 15 record-breaking Take That songs alongside a heart-warming and hilarious story of love, loss and laughter from award-winning writer Tim Firth (Calendar Girls, Kinky Boots). The musical follows a group of five best friends in the 1990’s who are obsessed with their favourite boy band. The girls reunite more than 20 years later with a plan to see their heartthrobs one last time in what could be the Greatest Days of their lives.

GREATEST DAYS was originally produced as The Band by David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers + Take That. The UK tour of The Band originally opened at Manchester Opera House in September 2017, breaking box office records along the way.

The book of GREATEST DAYS is written by Tim Firth, with co-direction by Stacey Haynes and Tim Firth, Choreography by Aaron Renfree, Set & Costume Design by Lucy Osborne, Lighting Design by Rob Casey, Sound Design by Tony Gayle, Casting by David Grindrod for Grindrod Burton Casting, Musical Supervision by John Donovan, Costume Supervision by Martin Rodges.

The UK Tour of GREATEST DAYS by Tim Firth – The Official Take That Musical is produced by Adam Kenwright for Kindred Partners.

Website: greatestdaysmusical.com

Facebook: @GreatestDaysMusical

Twitter: @Greatest_Days

Instagram: @Greatest_Days

London, Thursday 29 June 2023: Global Creatures, Producer of Moulin Rouge! The Musical announces that they will be opening the doors of the multi award-winning production at the Piccadilly Theatre in London on Thursday 10 August 2023, to give anyone aspiring to a career in theatre a glimpse behind the curtain. Get Technical! is presented in partnership with the Piccadilly Theatre and Ambassador Theatre Group Creative Learning.

Get Technical! offers the chance to meet members of the production’s backstage and technical teams, see live demonstrations and learn more about what goes into the making of the West End’s leading musical Spectacular!

Get Technical! will take place at the Piccadilly Theatre, London at 2pm on Thursday 10 August 2023. Tickets are £5 and registration is open here

From wigs to wardrobe to sound to stage management, the event aims to motivate and inspire young people to consider a career in backstage positions in the performing arts industry. Attendees will be shown how the different technical departments work together to create the production and be given a sneak peek of some of the stage secrets and magic behind the show.

Backstage and technical team members will share stories from their own career journeys and tips for getting into the industry. The event will round off with a live Q&A.

Get Technical! was first staged by Global Creatures in December 2022 in Sydney as part of the Bohemian Project, an initiative which aims to give back to the community and share the Bohemian Values espoused in Moulin Rouge! The Musical by supporting emerging artists and creatives through arts education and work force training and development. Get Technical! has been staged in cities alongside the Australian tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, including events in Perth in March 2023 and Brisbane in June 2023.

From Producer Carmen Pavlovic (Global Creatures):
“Backstage is where all the magic happens. We, and all producers, are constantly on the lookout for great crew and backstage company members. We’re after stage managers, lighting technicians, hair, wig and makeup artists, wardrobe assistants, set automation and mechanists to name a few. We hope Get Technical! will encourage young people to consider the many potential career pathways into working in live theatre.”

From ATG Creative Learning Producer Conor Hunt:
“We are facing a huge demand in the theatre sector for new talent in backstage and offstage roles and it’s more important than ever to inspire the next generation to see these roles as viable career opportunities. We are so proud to be working with Global Creatures and Moulin Rouge! The Musical on this incredible event, opening up the doors to all the roles that people may not even know exist.”

Presented by Global Creatures in partnership with ATG Creative Learning and the Piccadilly Theatre.

Supported by Go Live Theatre Projects and the National Saturday Club.

GET TECHNICAL EVENT INFORMATION:

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023

Start 2pm (Doors open from 1.30pm)

Running time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

Tickets: £5

Registration is essential as seats are limited.

There are a number of free bursary places available, please indicate on the form if you’d like to be considered for a free space.

Please register your attendance by 21 July 2023 here

Suitable for ages 14+

Anyone who wants to sit in the auditorium to watch the event must purchase a ticket (including parents, carers or guardians). Those under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

There will be limited space in the theatre bars for parents, carers or guardians who wish to accompany a young person but not watch the event. No ticket required.

THE BOHEMIAN PROJECT

Moulin Rouge! The Musical aims to give back to the community and share the Bohemian Values espoused in the story by supporting emerging artists and creatives through arts education and work force training and development.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical honours the artist in all of us by celebrating creative expression across multiple disciplines. We support the freedom for everyone to pursue their dreams to create a meaningful life for themselves and others.

LISTINGS FOR MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL

For further information and tickets, please visit www.moulinrougemusical.com

Piccadilly Theatre
16 Denman Street,
London, W1D 7DY