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 DameArlene 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.
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);
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic Love Never Dies returns to London’s West End this summer in a star-studded concert at LW Theatres’ Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Broadway legend Norm Lewis (Les Misérables 25th 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.
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 2023until Saturday 2nd 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 RayRoderick, 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.
Chaillot Théâtre national de la dansa bring you a unique piece that explores the boundaries of flight and freedom. The grace and fluidity of movement is almost hypnotic, except the strong dose of jeopardy that keeps you fully attentive.
The merge between art and extreme sports is reflected beautiful in the strength and skill of the performers. The dialogue, although small it is mighty in its impact. Rachid Ouramdane’s choreography creates a sense of flight and yearning to be at one with the sky, to be free. Fear is ever present, hovering in the very air. In its simplest form, the challenges faced in life that evoc such strong emotion are played out here by facing intense fear on the rock face or high wire and overcoming it. Throw in self doubt, fear of failure, need to achieve and you have an explosive cocktail expressed through spectacular movement and dance, using a climbing wall and high wire as the stage!
The set and staging is cleverly done so the projection of the cliff faces on the climbing wall feel quite real. The only mar for me is the quality of music. It is too loud and slightly distorted.
If you want an hour of exhilarating escapism that takes you into another worldly place, Corps Extrêmes will not disappoint.
“Oliver Twist with a twist – you have to see it to believe it”
Unexpected Twist is based on the children’s story book written by one of the most renowned children’s authors, Michael Rosen. It cleverly combines two stories in one, Rosen’s story and the Dicken’s classic with a clear recreation of each character based on the iconic characters in Oliver Twist.
The story is set in a contemporary urban setting around Shona a teenage girl whose mother has passed away and father who has lost his job. This means that they move from place to place resulting in a struggle to support themselves and end up living predominantly on chips.
When Shona starts at a new school which is okay as far as schools go, she is still going through significant issues at home as now her maternal grandmother has become ill, and money is still tight so settling in is not easy. When reading through the book being taught in Miss Cavani’s English class which is Oliver Twist, Shona realises that there are quite a lot of similarities between Oliver’s life and her own and she starts to compare people in her life to characters from the novel.
Unfortunately, Shona becomes involved with the wrong crowd after being offered a free phone which sparks the start of discovering easy ways of making money even if it is illegal. This causes great concern for her father and especially her grandmother who does not want her to take after her dodgy business lifestyle.
By using the story of Oliver Twist, Miss Cavani, helps not only Shona but the rest of the class to understand areas such as illness, family, social care, poverty, and antisemitism. For Shona, Miss Cavani’s sympathy and concern helps her to understand the situation that she is in and how to get out of it.
This production starred Drew Hylton as Shona, Rosie Hilal as Miss Cavani, Thomas Vernal as Dad, and Polly Lister as Nan with an incredible cast that created such a presence on stage. Their voices were truly amazing and with the use of Beatboxing this created a unique way in which to tell a tale.
The production also needs special thanks to Conrad Murray for musical direction, Frankie Bradshaw for creating a set to adapt to all scenes, Leigh Davies for sound, Rory Beaton for the dazzling lighting and Arielle Smith for the streamlined choreography.
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 27 May 2023
Reviewed by Gemma Gibson
4****
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a love letter to growing old and growing old well. And with the backdrop of India, what’s not to love?
A group of seven eclectic British retirees travel across the world for a new start and adventure, where their lives quickly intertwine in the setting of a run-down hotel.
Despite the lack of promised luxury, The Marigold quickly finds a place in the hearts of its guests, with some twists, turns and interesting Indian cooking along the way.
This wholesome, feel-good comedy by Deborah Moggach will leave you with a new appreciation for growing old and living life to the full.
It was lovely watching each character transform with the charm of India, opening their eyes to the wonder of new opportunities and change, no matter their age or background.
The casting of this show is exquisite. You can’t help but admire each character for their quirky one-liners, exciting secrets and warm hearts. It really is the best mix up of people played by some brilliant actors.
Madge, played hilariously by Belinda Lang, got the biggest laughs on opening night, while Evelyn (Tessa Peake-Jones) won the audience over with the biggest character growth. Muriel (Marlene Sidaway) was my favourite, an absolute sweetheart oozing charisma and warmth.
Hotel owners Sonny and his mother Mrs Kapoor (Nishad More and Rekha John-Cheriyan) are at the core of the show; not only frantically keeping a falling apart building on its feet, but celebrating Indian culture and customs and the importance of union, family and love.
This cast is energetic and effortlessly funny, a complete joy to watch.
While the set is quite static the hotel is a marvel to look at (especially transformed onstage for Christmas!), and the use of music and colour captures the history, nature and vibrancy of India beautifully.
My favourite scenes include the ending (fulfilling my love of dance and parties), the group coming together to create an advert for the hotel, and a touching revelation by Dorothy, played eloquently by Paola Dionisotti.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a great night out, reminding you that you’re never too old to take a chance and try something new. I’m ready to retire to India.
A star-studded concert directed by Nick WinstonLondon Palladium
Monday 21 & Tuesday 22 August
Tickets will go on sale 2 June, 2023
Following acclaimed productions in Japan and Korea Death Note: The Musical will get its English language premiere with two star-studded concerts at the London Palladium.
Based on the best-selling Japanese manga series of the same name by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, this ground breaking musical (Winner Best Musical, Korea Musical Awards) has a score by Frank Wildhorn (‘Jekyll & Hyde’, 4 years on Broadway, ‘Dracula’, ‘Bonnie & Clyde’) with lyrics by Jack Murphy and book by Ivan Menchell.
It will be directed by Nick Winston and is produced by Carter Dixon McGill Production (‘Chess in Concert’, ‘Kinky Boots in Concert’, ‘Treason the Musical in Concert’) and Indie Theatrical.
Light Yagami, a bright but dissatisfied high school student in Tokyo comes across a discarded notebook owned by Ryuk, a mythological god of death. Discovering he can kill anyone by just writing their names in the supernatural notebook, Light takes justice into his own hands by filling the notebook with names of the nation’s most wanted criminals. But a detective only known as “L” is soon tracking him down…
Death Note: The Musical premiered in 2015 in Tokyo, Japan. A 2022 Korean production won four awards at the Korea Musical Awards after being nominated in 10 categories (“Death Note offers a glimpse at the future of musicals”, The Korea Herald).
In 2017, Netflix released a TV adaptation of ‘Death Note’ starring Willem Defoe.
Frank Wildhorn said: “Death Note: The Musical has been the most unique, strange, edgy, and wonderful musical journey for me. It’s been a dream of mine to bring this show from Asia to the West End of London, and here we are!”
The producers said: “We are beyond excited to be presenting the first English language production of Death Note: The Musical for two nights only this summer! Fans and those we look forward to welcoming into the world of Death Note are in for a musical treat.”
Cast to be announced.
Creative team: Director and Choreographer Nick Winston Associate Director and Choreographer Alex Sarmiento, Costume Designer Kimie Nakano Musical Supervisor Katy Richardson Musical Director Chris Ma Orchestrator Jason Howland Designer Justin Williams Lighting Designer Ben Cracknell Sound Designer Ben Harrison Casting Harry Blumenau Artwork by Rebecca Pitt Creative Producers Carter Dixon McGill Productions and Indie Theatrical
Frank Wildhorn
In 1999, Frank became the first American composer in 22 years to have three shows running simultaneously on Broadway with Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Civil War. Also for Broadway: Bonnie & Clyde, Dracula, Victor/Victoria, Wonderland, and the revival of Jekyll & Hyde. West End: Bonnie & Clyde. International: Carmen, Camille Claudel, Casanova, Cyrano, Death Note, Fist of the North Star, Mata Hari, Mitsuko, Never Say Goodbye, No Longer Human, Rudolf, Tears of Heaven, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Man Who Laughs, Your Lie in April and Xcalibur. Upcoming: Song of Bernadette and Reunion. He Produced Harlem Song at the famed Apollo Theatre. The Korea Times recently proclaimed Wildhorn as “Korea’s most popular musical composer”.
Carter Dixon McGill Productions
Carter Dixon McGill Productions are an Olivier nominated production and general management company with offices in London and Glasgow. Co-founded by John-Webb Carter, Jamie Chapman Dixon & Stephen McGill, they have over 30 years of experience within the entertainment industry. Recent productions include: ‘Blippi the Musical ‘(Apollo Theatre & Lyric Theatre); ‘Chess the Musical in Concert’ (Drury Lane Theatre); ‘Kinky Boots the Musical in Concert’ (Drury Lane Theatre); ‘Treason the Musical in Concert’ (Drury Lane Theatre). Previous productions include: ‘Wonderville: Magic & Illusion’ (Palace Theatre, London); ‘Death Drop’ (Criterion Theatre, Garrick Theatre & UK Tour).
Indie Theatrical
Indie Theatrical was established in 2014 by Broadway veteran, Louis Hobson, and theatrical producer, Jake Groshong. In addition to serving as Frank Wildhorn’s US producer, Indie has created global partnerships and established collaborations with industry leaders, top regional theatres, festivals, film and theatre producers, both domestically & internationally, to produce a wide variety of programming. Credits include ‘Grey House’ on Broadway, executive producer of the 2023 Grammy nominated album, ‘Some Lovers’, by Burt Bacharach and Steven Sater; Shaun Cassidy’s ‘Magic of the Midnight Sky’; and Frank Wildhorn’s, ‘The Song of Bernadette’, which is will premiere in 2024 by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical. Indie is also currently developing Frank Wildhorn’s new musicals ‘Reunion’, and ‘Your Lie In April’, which will both premiere in 2024.
Carter Dixon McGill Productions and Indie Theatrical present
Julia Pascal’s warm and witty play tells the story of three Jewish sisters and their mother, based on Pascal’s own family. The play spans the years from 1910 to 2013, although the narrative is not linear, with jumps through time and space. The cast announce each scene, making it easier to keep track of the main story, and the history of each character is easy to follow.
Esther (Rosie Yadid) reluctantly marries Emmanuel (Eoin O’Dubhghaill) in Bucharest in 1910. Fleeing persecution, they come to Manchester and their three daughters grow up there. The eldest, Isabel (Lesley Lightfoot) dreams of being a doctor’s wife, while Edith (Giselle Wolf) becomes a soldier and the youngest, Pearl (Amanda Maud) marries a GI. The dreams and voice they had growing up are silenced with marriage, but Edith continues her career throughout her unhappy relationships. The prejudice faced as Jewish women born to foreign nationals (their parents couldn’t afford to naturalise) are stark, and Edith’s conversion to marry her Christian soldier is particularly unsettling.
The play’s narrative becomes purposefully more muddled, with switches through time getting briefer as an ailing, elderly Isabel bemoans her lot and confused memories of perceived slights and unfairness pile up in her mind. Once this change of rhythm settles, it works well, portraying the jumbling of thoughts as mind and body fade. There are many hard-hitting topics affecting these women’s lives – religious prejudice, racism, misogyny – but Pascal also highlights the moments of joy in their life, with a wonderful sense of mischief and humour throughout to add some lightness. There are some lovely musical numbers, with the cast’s voices working wonderfully together. The ensemble work is crisp and engaging. Eoin O’Dubhghaill is lots of fun as the initially promising, but always disappointing, men in the women’s life, and Rosie Yadid is very impressive as the matriarch and various other characters. Both shine using a wide range of accents.
A Manchester Girlhood is a noble and satisfying play. Its structure may not appeal to everyone, but Pascal has given these women a voice that deserves to be heard
Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale present SHREK THE MUSICAL
FULL CASTING HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED TODAY FOR SHREK THE MUSICAL’S UK AND IRELAND TOUR.
CHERECE RICHARDS WILL PLAY THE ROLE OF DRAGON, JOINING ANTONY LAWRENCE (SHREK), JOANNE CLIFTON (FIONA), JAMES GILLAN (LORD FARQUAAD) AND BRANDON LEE SEARS (DONKEY) IN THE BRAND-NEW TOURING PRODUCTION OF SHREK THE MUSICAL.
DIRECTED BY NICK WINSTON (WHO ALSO CHOREOGRAPHS) AND SAM HOLMES,THE SHREK-TACULAR PRODUCTION WILL PAINT THE TOWN GREEN THIS SUMMER, OPENING IN PLYMOUTH ON 21 JULY 2023 AND TOURING THROUGH TO APRIL 2024.
The full cast line up forShrek The Musicalhas today been announced. Rising star Cherece Richards (Once on This Island, Regent’s Park Theatre) will make her debut in a principal role as the Dragon, joining the Shrek-tacular principal cast line up which includes Antony Lawrence (Shrek), Joanne Clifton (Princess Fiona), James Gillan (Lord Farquaad) and Brandon Lee Sears (Donkey) in this brand-new production. Opening at Plymouth Theatre Royal on 21 July 2023, the smash hit musical will tour through to April 2024 to a total of 31 venues.
The ensemble cast of Shrek the Musical including Leo Abad, Scotty Armstrong, Imogen Bailey, Jabari Braham, Georgie Buckland, Natasha Cayabyab, Mark Darcy, Jonathan David Dudley, Remi Ferdinand, Sonny Grieveson, Edward Leigh, Bethany Kate, Jessica Lim, Andile Mabhena, Bronte MacMillan, India Thornton. Talia Duff, Gabby Gregorian, Roy Shafford and Jamie Jonathan complete the full cast line-up.
As previously announced, Antony Lawrence will play Shrek. His previous credits include Scar in The Lion King, (International Tour) Mary Poppins (National Tour), Matilda the Musical (Cambridge Theatre/RSC) and We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour).
Joanne Clifton, best known for her time as a professional dancer on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, will play Fiona. She joined the iconic TV show after winning the World Professional Showdance Champion and the European Professional Ballroom Championship. During her time on the show, she won the Christmas Special with McFly’s Harry Judd and went on to win the glitterball trophy as the 2016 champion with her partner Ore Oduba. On stage Joanne Clifton was most recently seen in Windfall (Southwark Playhouse) and The Addams Family (UK Tour).
Olivier Award-nominee James Gillan (Lord Farquaad) most recently created the role of Tray in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue) – a role he stayed with through the show’s entire West End run. He has also performed in productions of Wicked, Starlight Express and Taboo!
Brandon Lee Sears (Donkey) most recently played the role of Jimmy Early in Dreamgirls (UK tour). His previous theatre credits include the original West End productions of Be More Chill (Shaftesbury Theatre), Come From Away (Phoenix theatre); Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket); Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre); and On The Town (Regents Park Open Air Theatre).
From the producers of Hairspray and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Shrek the Musical brings together a new creative team to re-imagine this award-winning Broadway and West End hit show for a new audience, featuring all the classic characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks animated film and the iconic songs and story from David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s original musical.
Shrekthe Musical opens at Plymouth Theatre Royal on 21 July 2023 and then tours to Manchester, Dublin, Bristol, Southend, Carlisle, Aberdeen, Oxford, Wimbledon, Dartford, Northampton, Bradford, Woking, Eastbourne, Cardiff, York, Blackpool and in 2024: Glasgow Kings, Edinburgh Playhouse, Coventry Belgrade, Sunderland Empire, Liverpool Empire, Southampton Mayflower, Milton Keynes Theatres, Hull New, Cheltenham Everyman, Theatre Royal Nottingham, Norwich Theatre Royal, Grand Opera House Belfast, The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham and The Millenium Forum, Derry. For full listings, please see the notes to editors below.
The team joining forces to re-create the bright and beautiful world of Shrek the Musical includes acclaimed director and choreographer Nick Winston (Bonnie and Clyde, Arts Theatre; Beauty and the Beast, UK tour), co-director Sam Holmes (Club Tropicana the Musical), who returns to the swamp having played Lord Farquaad in the previous UK tour. He is joined by set and costume designer Philip Witcomb (Bonnie & Clyde,Garrick Theatre; Jack & The Beanstalk, Everyman Theatre Cheltenham). Further creative team includes Ben Cracknel (lighting), Jim Arnold (casting) and Ben Harrison (sound), Nina Dunn (projection design) and Jimmy Grimes (puppet design).
Leave your troubles Far Far Away and come join the adventure as Shrek and Donkey endeavour to complete their quest of defeating the dragon and saving Princess Fiona. Featuring fabulous songs including ‘I’m A Believer’, ‘Big Bright Beautiful World’ and ’I Know It’s Today’. Shrek the Musical has cemented itself as the “musical extravaganza for big kids and little kids alike”.
