RICKY WILSON TO PLAY TEEN ANGEL

IN SECRET CINEMA’S SMASH HIT

GREASE: THE IMMERSIVE MOVIE MUSICAL

Secret Cinema today announces that Ricky Wilson, lead singer of the Kaiser Chiefs, will be taking on the role of Teen Angel in the critically acclaimed Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical across selected performances. He will be joining the previously announced Stephanie Costi and Lucy Penrose who are returning as Sandy and Rizzo respectively, reprising their roles from last year; and they are joined by Giórgios Michaelídes as Danny and Arcangelo Ciulla as Kenickie. Full casting will be announced in due course. 

Ricky Wilson said today, “At school I was in Grease and I feel I have to redeem myself. I was not yet the international pop sensation I am today and I only really wanted to do it cos I fancied the girl who played Frenchie (I was Doody) so this is my chance to show everyone I should have got a bigger part. I don’t believe anyone from that production is now a professional singer, so in short, I win.”

This summer Secret Cinema is welcoming audiences back to Rydell High once more with the return of the smash-hit Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical, following its sold-out run in 2025. The production opens at Evolution London in Battersea Park for a strictly limited run from 22 July to 13 September.

★★★★★

‘The entire production is movie magic come to life’ Radio Times

Each performance of Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is a two hours and fifteen minutes spectacular. Come down to Rydell High as we relive memorable moments from ‘Beauty School Dropout’, featuring Teen Angel star Ricky Wilson (Kaiser Chiefs, The Voice), and ‘Summer Nights’, to ‘Greased Lightnin’’ and ‘We Go Together’. Every iconic song from the beloved 1978 Paramount Pictures film comes to life as a knock-out cast and live band perform against multiple movie screens.

From the moment they enter this modern live experience, audiences step into the world of the movie, exploring the iconic locations including Frosty Palace, The Autoshop, and The Carnival and immerse themselves in school spirit, training with Coach Calhoun, cheering on the T-Birds, taking part in a choir practice and even tasting 1950s American diner-style delights.

The innovative production is brought to life by the multi-award-winning creative team of Matthew Costain – Director; Tom Rogers – Set Designer; Jennifer Weber – Choreographer; Howard Hudson – Lighting Designer; Gareth Fry – Sound Designer and Ian William Galloway – Video Designer.

Due to popular demand, summer 2026 will feature even more themed Roam and Return seating, allowing audiences to explore the experience and return to dedicated seating at Frosty Diner or The Drive-In.

★★★★

‘This is a masterpiece. A spectacularly ambitious show’ Evening Standard

Secret Cinema & TodayTix present

GREASE: THE IMMERSIVE MOVIE MUSICAL

Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is produced by Secret Cinema and TodayTix (Merritt Baer, Artistic Director and Co-Founder; Ben Hosford, Executive Producer).

Director: Matt Costain; Choreographer: Jennifer Weber; Set Designer: Tom Rogers; Lighting Designer: Howard Hudson; Sound Designer: Gareth Fry; Music Supervisor, Orchestrator and Arranger: Steve Sidwell; Video Designer: Ian William Galloway; Costume Designer: Susan Kulkarni and Martina Trottman; Wigs, Hair and Make-up: Farida Ghedwar and Jessie Deol; Casting Director: Grace McInerny for Pippa Aillion and Natalie Gallacher Casting

22 July – 13 September

Gala Performance: Wednesday 29 July at 7:30pm

Ricky Wilson plays Teen Angel. Wilson is the lead singer of one of Britain’s most treasured bands, Kaiser Chiefs. The band have released 7 original studio albums which includes ‘Education Education Education and War’ which entered the UK album charts at number 1 in 2014. They achieved platinum record sales, top ten singles (including the number 1 hit ‘Ruby’), 3 Brit Awards, an Ivor Novello award for album of the year, toured with U2, Foo Fighters and Green Day and sold 8 million albums. The band recently completed a hugely successful World tour to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of ‘Employment’, the album which launched them into the stratosphere. This will be followed by a slew of festivals and shows across the UK in 2026. He has been a coach on The Voice UK alongside Tom Jones, Will-I-Am, Boy George and Paloma Faith and was named the winning coach for the second year in a row in 2016. He hosted his own prime-time entertainment show for Sky One called Bring The Noise with Nicole Scherzinger and Tinie Tempah, presented The One Show and had a weekly show on Radio X. On CBBC he had his own show, Ricky Wilson’s Art Jam, and also hosted Britain’s Best Young Artist. In 2023, he appeared on The Masked Singer UK. Performing as Phoenix, he eventually finished as runner-up, finally being unmasked in the grand final. He presented Drive on Virgin Radio for a number of years, leaving just ahead of the Employment 20th anniversary tour. He has covered a number of shows across Radio 2 and continues to be in demand on a number of Entertainment TV shows.

Arcangelo Ciulla plays Kenickie. His theatre credits include A Knight’s Tale The Musical (Manchester Opera House), Singin’ in the Rain (Dubai and China), Mamma Mia! (West End), Disney’s Newsies (Troubadour, Wembley Park – The Stage Debut Award nomination for Best Performer in a Musical), Billy Elliot (Italian and international tour), and Dick Whittington (New Wimbledon Theatre). His film credits include Cruel Peter. 

Stephanie Costi returns to play Sandy. Her stage credits include Something Rotten! (Manchester Opera House), Pretty Woman (Zurich), Sleeping Beauty (Darlington Hippodrome), Fame (Athens), The Sound of Music (Beirut & Lebanon tour), and Romeo & Juliet (English National Ballet); and concerts include Children of Eden, West End Does: Love (Cadogan Hall), Roles We’ll Never Play (Union Theatre), and One Young World: Opening Ceremony (Royal Albert Hall). She came third in Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream for ITV. 

Giórgios Michaelídes plays Danny. His stage credits include Justin Timberlake’s opening act on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, Grease (UK tour and Dominion Theatre), Disney’s Newsies (Troubadour Theatre), and Here Come The Boys (The London Palladium). His film credits include Mistletoe Farm.

Lucy Penrose returns to play Rizzo. Her theatre credits include Ancient Grease (The Vaults), Growled (Royal Vauxhall Tavern), Judy! (Arts Theatre, Southwark Playhouse and London Hippodrome), Eurovision, Your Decision (Above The Stag Theatre, Wonderville, King’s Head Theatre and Royal Vauxhall Tavern), Top Hat, California Suite (Royal Court Liverpool), and A Pissedmas Carol (Sh!tfaced Showtime, Edinburgh Fringe Festival). For television, her work includes Watchmen. 

Listing Information           

Evolution London, Battersea Park,

Chelsea Bridge Gate, Queenstown Road, London SW11 4NJ 

www.greasetheimmersivemoviemusical.com

22 July – 13 September PERFORMANCES

Tues – Sun 7:30pm (Sun 5:30pm) Sat 2:30pm, Sun 12:30pm

Ricky Wilson will appear as Teen Angel on 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 and 31 July; 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25 and 26 August.

Social: @greaseimmersive on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook

TICKETS

General Admission (Standing Ticket) from £39

Roam & Return (Seated Ticket) from £59 – Roam and return to dedicated themed seating at either The Drive-In or Frosty Diner

TRANSFERS TO THE WEST END

A BREATHTAKING NEW MUSICAL BASED ON THE GLOBAL BESTSELLING NOVEL.

Book by David Greig

Music and lyrics by Abner and Amanda Ramirez

Additional Material by Jeremy Sams

Based on the novel by David Nicholls

and Focus Features film

Directed by Max Webster

Produced by arrangement with Universal Theatrical Group

Every day matters. But some days change everything.

www.onedaymusical.com

Melting Pot presents the West End premiere of One Day, the acclaimed new musical is an adaptation of David Nicholls’ beloved, era-defining novel. Following its world premiere at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh earlier this year, performances in London are set to start at the Garrick Theatre on Tuesday 17 November, 2026. The production welcomes the return of Jamie Muscato (Cabaret, Playhouse Theatre; The Great Gatsby, London Coliseum; Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre) and Sharon Rose (Sylvia, Old Vic Theatre; Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre) as they reprise their celebrated roles as ‘Dex’ and ‘Em.’

Tickets go on general on sale Thursday, 18 June at 10am at www.onedaymusical.com

This brand-new adaptation of the beloved story is written by the Lyceum’s former Artistic Director David Greig (Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Touching The Void, The Lorax), with music and lyrics by Abner and Amanda Ramirez (of acclaimed US band Johnnyswim), with additional material by Jeremy Sams, and directed by Tony and Olivier award nominee Max Webster (Macbeth with David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, The Importance of Being Ernest with Ncuti Gatwa, Life of Pi, Sheffield Crucible, West End and Broadway). 

Emma walks into Dexter’s life on the night of their graduation. One unsuspecting day that changes them both forever. But where will they be on this day next year? And the year after that? And every year that follows? As Em and Dex’s lives intertwine through joy and heartbreak, missed opportunities and second chances, they navigate love, ambition, and the unpredictable twists of life.

One of the most treasured romances of the 21^st century, which has sold over five million copies worldwide and inspired both film and television adaptations, is brought to life as never before in the life-affirming ONE DAY – The MUSICAL. The fresh and emotionally rich interpretation captures the intensity of youthful romance, the moments that define us forever, and the enduring hope that love will find its way.

Simon Friend and Hanna Osmolska for Melting Pot added:“From the moment we encountered One Day, we recognised its extraordinary emotional power. This is a story for anyone who has been in love, for anyone whose life hasn’t gone to plan, for anyone whose life has, for anyone who has had a parent, or a child, or a friend – so everyone really – which is why is has resonated with millions of people around the world. With a remarkable creative team, a score that takes us on the emotional rollercoaster of Emma and Dexter’s journey, and the world-class talents of Jamie Muscato and Sharon Rose originating the lead roles, One Day The Musical promises to be a very special show indeed. We cannot wait to bring this story to life on the West End stage.”

Jamie Muscato’s theatre credits include: Cabaret (Playhouse Theatre); The Great Gatsby (London Coliseum; WhatsOnStage Award nomination – Best Performer in a Musical); Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 (Donmar Warehouse; Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical); Moulin Rouge! (Piccadilly); Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (Sondheim); West Side Story (Leicester Curve); Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket & The Other Palace; WhatsOnStage Award nomination – Best Actor in a Musical). His TV And Film credits include: What We Wished We Could Be; The Colour of Spring; Les Misérables.   Chemistry of Death; The Undeclared War; Pistol; The Trial of Christine Keeler; Cilla.

Sharon Rose’s extensive theatre credits include the titular role in Sylvia at the Old Vic Theatre, alongside Beverley Knight, and her leading role as Eliza Hamilton in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning Hamilton. Further theatre credits include Caroline, Or Change, Motown, Beautiful: The Carol King Musical and Sister Act. Her work on screen includes roles in BBC’s Silent Witness and feature film Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, with Forest Whitaker.

Sharon will next be seen in the upcoming PBS series The Forsyte Saga, with Stephen Moyer and Francesca Annis. Most recently Sharon starred in the critically acclaimed The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry at the Chichester Festival Theatre and as Emma in One Day: The Musical, which premiered at Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh.

The creative team is completed by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, Choreographer; Nigel Lilley, Musical Supervisor, Musical Director and Co-Arranger; Rae Smith, Set and Costume Designer; Bruno Poet, Lighting Designer; Simon Baker, Sound Designer; Simon Hale, Orchestrator and Co-Arranger and Stuart Burt CDG – Casting Director.

Full casting to be announced.

ONE DAY is produced by Simon Friend & Hanna Osmolska for Melting Pot, in association with Joshua Andrews, Kevin McCollum, Stuart McAlpine, Tulchin/Bartner Productions, Ramin Sabi, Hilary, Andrew and Stuart Williams, Vibecke Dahle, Hiroko Murata, Jenny King, and the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh.

LISTINGS

ONE DAY

A breathtaking new musical based on the global best-selling novel.

Garrick Theatre

2 Charing Cross Road

London

WC2H BH

CREATIVE TEAM

Book by David Greig

Music and lyrics by Abner and Amanda Ramirez

Additional Material by Jeremy Sams

Max Webster | Director

Carrie-Anne Ingrouille | Choreographer

Nigel Lilley | Musical Supervisor, Musical Director & Co-Arranger

Rae Smith | Set and Costume Designer

Bruno Poet |Lighting Designer

Simon Baker | Sound Designer

Simon Hale | Orchestrator & Co-Arranger

Stuart Burt CDG | Casting Director

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Performances begin Tuesday 17 November, 2026

Please see website for performance schedule.

www.onedaymusical.com

SOCIAL HANDLES

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/onedaymusicaluk/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/OneDayMusicalUK

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@onedaymusical

YouTube – https://youtube.com/@onedaymusicaluk/

Festival Theatre, Malvern -until 20th June 2026

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

4****

Like most people, I knew Abigail’s Party from the TV version starring Alison Steadman. With such an iconic template, I had high expectations.

Set (and costume) designer Peter McKintosh did a fab job immersing us immediately into the decade that hid behind the sofa of style, evoking that bygone age (and psyches) of our hosts for the evening with a revolting concoction that looked like the inside of a Terry’s Chocolate Orange (or my dear old mum’s kitchen from that era).

Tamzin Outhwaite gave a stylish performance as Bev, host of the party we see and cracked actress with all the surface sheen and glamour of the “thoroughly modern woman” whilst being as frail as gold leaf on the inside. Her opening dance was sensuous and mesmerising in equal measure – reminding me of Tales of the Unexpected – and setting the tone for a truly cringeworthy and fully wonderful portrayal!

Bev frequently lashes out, mostly in her husband Laurence’s direction. The marvellous Kevin Bishop gave an awe inspiring evocation, full of pent up frustration, held in check with just a little escaping through the ever widening cracks. A fine foil and balance to Bev, in a wholly believable couple’s performance a lá George & Mildred.

Guests Angela and Tony provide the perfect audience for Bev to play out her social mobility fantasies. Lauren Patel was tragic (in the best way) as Angela; being wonderfully off kilter, not least in a lack of social awareness! Omar Malik, as husband Tony, was riveting in his boredom. Less is always more with Tony and this was perfectly pitched.

The last guest, Sue, Abigail’s mum who has been ousted from her house so that her daughter can have a party, is hard put upon by life and the overpowering Bev. The mundane in the middle class crass madness. Brilliantly underplayed (and I mean that as a compliment) by Pandora Colin.

Music plays a key role throughout, setting the scene and being used as an allegory for a marriage barely holding together at the seams There was particularly brilliant use of Beethoven’s 5th, the “fate” theme, used to comi-tragic effect.

The tension, drama, pathos and tragedy of the evening unfolded in logical fashion (as far as the 70’s had any logical fashions)! Bev and Angela getting progressively more drunk was a joy to behold through finger covered eyes. This show is mostly about the women, with the men largely being the butt of the jokes, snide comments and largely unwanted (and unwarrented) sexual attention. Blokes bored and desperate to be loved in a world that only seems to value them as breadwinners and DIYers.

Something for everyone for sure; nostalgia for those who remember this car crash decade and fascination and wonderment for other (perhaps younger) viewers at the ghastly fashions, music, decor and attitudes. But from whichever angle you come at it, it’s a fabulous night out being a fly on the wall of this excruciating soirée and one that I would once again recommend to everyone. Great! Now, I just need to dig in the back of the drinks cabinet for the bottles of Advocaat and Babycham and we can toast all involved…

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield until 20 June 2026

Reviewed by Lauren Fordham

5*****

The Choir of Man is created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay. It is a ‘jukebox’ musical, meaning that it incorporates popular songs from other writers rather than original music. It is an all-male show set in a pub called The Jungle, where a cast of characters named for their roles or characteristics sing, with their backgrounds introduced through monologues by ‘Poet’ who is played by Oluwalonimi Owoyemi. 

Ben Norris’s moving monologues are like pliable putty in Owoyemi’s more than capable hands as he narrates tales of love, loss and grief. His rendition of Luther Vandross’s Dance With My Father is as powerful as it is poignant and bravely belies the ‘stiff upper lip’ men often feel that they have to put on. I wish I could have captured and recalled Norris’s monologues more specifically as I loved their melodic poetry and rhyme.

This harkens back to the musical’s association with the male-suicide-prevention organisation Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and Ben Norris’s point that men often still don’t feel able to talk about their mental health, but that pubs, and this show, can encourage them to do so. When this reviewer was describing The Choir of Man plot to my companion, I called it ‘Andy’s Man Club (another male suicide prevention organisation) with music!

But The Choir of Man swiftly sweeps away any preconceived (perhaps pejorative) ideas or misgivings one may have about jukebox musicals like a bartender wipes away dirty glass imprints at the end of a busy shift. Because each song is not shoe-horned in around a shallow plot, but carefully chosen to represent genuine emotion that may be otherwise difficult to express or identify in real life. Not to mention that there is so much that is original about this show.  

The first original thing, as unignorable as a pint of liquid landing in your lap, is Oli Townsend and Verity Sadler’s set design which transforms the stage into a vibrant, visceral bustling pub complete with beer on tap. The show is evocatively lit by Richard Dinnen to look like sun streaming through real stained glass windows, representing the idea that when things look dark there are always glimpses of light (and hope) peeping through.

The ensemble numbers would have benefited from follow spots to light each cast member, however,  as it was not always clear who was singing and that distraction diluted the emotional impact somewhat.

Few other shows feature the cast singing (Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ Under The Bridge) in a urinal, either, another fantastically funny moment.

The fourth wall is not so much fractured in this show as it is destroyed, as theatregoers are invited onstage to drink and be merry from the moment they enter the auditorium.

The only criticism I have of the set, and the thing that distinguishes it from most real pubs is the lack of wheelchair access to the stage (or burly men to lift you up!) The cast do offer beer to individuals throughout the show but this diva reviewer wanted her stage moment too!

The audience participation always feels germane to the pub image, with elaborate card games and beer pong. Plus, a lucky older audience member was serenaded by the frankly gorgeous Gustav Melbardis as Maestro in a seductive, slowed-down rendition of Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream, something cheekily copied in 2019 in another aspiring jukebox musical, ‘& Juliet.’ (The Choir of Man is vastly superior, in this reviewer’s opinion, because every day in The Jungle is a sing-a-long-show.) The Choir of Man’s songs feel authentic and the audience can truly empathise with them, not least in Sam Walter’s (AKA The Romantic) passionate performance of Adele’s ‘Hello’ after the breakdown of a relationship, a totally relatable but often, for men, little-spoken-about situation.

Melbardis’ talents do not end with his singing voice, he is also an adept pianist and he is not alone – Rob Godfrey, who plays Beast, plays guitar throughout the show and Ben Mabberley’s Joker also plays a variety of stringed instruments. Oluwalonimi Owoyemi also accompanies himself on the piano when he sings ‘Dance With My Father Again.’ Actor-musicians’ skills always astound me and make for a much more absorbing performance. But every performer and creative contributes a unique and unifying thread to this beautiful tapestry of talent.

Talking of tap, tribute must be paid to the extraordinary athleticism of Jack Skelton who quietly dominates the number ‘Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover’, his magnetic moves impossible to resist.

Credit is also due to Niall Woodson, the Swing who played the Barman at this production, and his show-stopping performance of Somebody To Love. Should ‘We Will Rock You’ be re-re-revived, this reviewer thinks he’d be a shoe-in for Scaramouche and Galileo. 

Freddie Huddlestone’s complex choreography with plastic cups put the Pitch Perfect movies in the shade too, how the cast coordinated themselves to such perfection is beyond the skills of this reviewer.

This show left the reviewer feeling warm, fuzzy and thoughtful. Forgive the mixing of the musical metaphors, but when it comes near you, heed the bugle call and I guarantee you’ll say, as I did, let’s have another round tonight!

Curve Theatre Leicester – until 20 June 2026

Reviewed by Leanne W

5*****

Matthew Bourne OBE’s The Car Man is one of those rare productions that feels alive from the moment you step into the theatre. Even before the show officially begins, the stage is already humming with activity, and that early spark sets the tone for a night that is bold, sexy, cinematic, and utterly gripping. Bourne’s reimagining of Bizet’s Carmen has always been one of his most daring works, but this revival feels especially confident — a polished, full‑throttle piece of dance theatre that earns its five stars with ease.

The story unfolds in the fictional Midwestern town of Harmony during the 1950s/60s, a place where sweat, grease, and small‑town frustration cling to every surface. Lez Brotherston’s garage‑and‑diner set is so atmospheric you can almost smell the oil and dust. Dancers drift across the stage as the audience arrives, accompanied by the low rumble of engines and the rhythmic grind of tools. It’s a clever way of pulling viewers straight into the world, long before the plot kicks in.

And then Luca arrives. A drifter with dangerous charisma, he strolls into Harmony and answers a “Man Wanted” sign at the garage. From that moment on, the town’s fragile balance begins to crack. Bourne leans into the noir influences here — the stranger who disrupts a community, the simmering sexual tension, the inevitable slide toward violence. What follows is a heady mix of lust, jealousy, betrayal, and revenge, told with the kind of visual flair that has become Bourne’s signature.

The score, built around Rodion Shchedrin’s 1967 Carmen Suite and expanded by Terry Davies, is another driving force. The familiar motifs from Bizet’s opera are still there, but they’re reworked into something darker, more percussive, and more cinematic. The music pulses beneath the choreography like a heartbeat, giving the production a constant sense of momentum. It’s dramatic without being overwhelming, and it blends beautifully with the mid‑century American setting.

The cast is exceptional across the board. Luca — danced by Harrison Dowzell — has the kind of magnetism that makes it completely believable that an entire town would fall under his spell. Ashley Shaw’s Lana is a perfect match for him: seductive, sharp, and simmering with ambition. Leonardo McCorkindale’s Angelo provides the emotional core of the show, delivering a heartbreaking transformation from awkward outsider to hardened survivor. Anna-Maria De Freitas brings a gentle sincerity to Rita, grounding the story with moments of genuine warmth.

Bourne’s choreography is as playful as it is provocative. There are scenes that drip with sensuality, moments of cheeky humour, and sequences that hit with real emotional force. The adults‑only reputation is well earned — there’s nudity, sex, violence and some very dark themes — but none of it feels gratuitous. Bourne handles the material with care, ensuring that every moment, no matter how shocking, serves the story and the characters.

One of the standout elements of this production is Chris Davey’s lighting, which does far more than illuminate the action. It intensifies it. Pools of neon light give the diner a seductive glow, while harsh, angled shadows turn the garage into a pressure cooker. During the more intimate scenes, the lighting softens into warm, hazy tones that make the air feel thick with desire. In moments of violence or confrontation, it snaps into sharp contrasts that heighten the danger. The lighting doesn’t just support the drama — it fuels it, adding to the heat and tension that define the entire show. A perfect example of set and light working in complete harmony.

The Car Man is a show that keeps you hooked from start to finish, blending high drama with irresistible style. By the time the final tragedy unfolds, the audience is left breathless, shaken by the destruction one man can bring to an entire community.

This revival is a five‑star triumph — stylish, steamy, and completely unmissable.

Kings Theatre, Portsmouth – until Saturday 20th June 2026

Reviewed by Sally Lumley

4****

Classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers has made the leap from screen to stage and to the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth. Based on the original scripts by John Cleese and Connie Booth, and adapted by Cleese himself, the production skillfully combines three of the original episodes into one fast-paced evening of chaos, misunderstandings and laugh-out-loud comedy.

Danny Bayne is superb as Basil Fawlty, perfectly capturing his exasperation, pomposity and increasingly desperate attempts to maintain control as the chaos escalates. Bayne has Basil’s mannerisms down to a tee, nailing the slapstick and the ‘german’ walk, yet still makes the role very much his own. Despite Basil’s many flaws, I couldn’t help but be on his side as everything around him descended into complete mayhem.

Mia Austen is fabulous as Sybil, proving the perfect foil for Basil’s escalating chaos. With terse delivery and an instantly recognisable cackle, she captures everything I remembered about the original character.

As in the original TV show, some of the best moments are delivered by the supporting cast. Hemi Yeroham is hilarious as the hapless Manuel, bringing charm and incredible comic timing to the role. Joanne Clifton is the calm in the storm as Polly, keeping an incredibly straight face while surrounded by pandemonium. Paul Nicholas also shines as the Major, earning some of the night’s biggest laughs.

Liz Ascroft’s clever set design instantly transports the audience to 1970s Torquay. It feels like we can see the whole hotel on stage, giving the actors the space to recreate so many of the classic scenes without the need for scene changes, and allowing the comedy to flow.

This stage adaptation brings a fresh look to the classic comedy of Fawlty Towers while remaining just as hilarious as ever. Packed with chaotic laughs, brilliant performances and plenty of nostalgia this is a production that will delight fans while introducing a new generation to one of Britain’s greatest sitcoms.

Paul O’Grady’s Iconic Lily Savage Celebrated in SAVAGE at the Playhouse

Inspired by the life of Paul O’Grady, the new comedy SAVAGE will make its world premiere in 2027, touring to Liverpool Playhouse from Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 March 2027, with RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard in the title role.

Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres Creative Director Nathan Powell said:

“We’re excited to welcome Paul O’Grady’s much-loved Lily Savage to the Playhouse stage, celebrating a character whose wit, warmth and unmistakable spirit have left a lasting mark on audiences across the country.

This season brings together so much of what we value at the Playhouse, powerful drama, exceptional contemporary dance, family favourites and unforgettable one-night events. From award-winning productions to beloved TV stars, the programme celebrates bold, inclusive storytelling and offers audiences from across Liverpool and beyond a great night out.”

Award-winning Circus Zambia and Wake the Beast present Afronauts on Friday 4 September 2026, tells one of Zambia’s most bittersweet yet hopeful stories through a cosmic clash of circus, theatre, music, dance and space exploration, sharply questioning the true meaning of freedom and global equality.

Five-star comedy sensation from the West End and Laurence Olivier Award winner for Best Comedy, Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of), from Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 October 2026. This is followed by Tracy-Ann Oberman’s return to the Playhouse with a new production of Noël Coward’s Present Laughter, running from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 October 2026. 

Audiences looking for a chilling night at the theatre can enjoy two horror productions coming to the Playhouse. The Haunting of Hill House, based on the novel by Shirley Jackson, is adapted for the stage by Olivier and BAFTA Award winner Stef Smith and directed by Sky Arts Award winner Martin Constantine, and runs from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 November 2026. Charles Dickens’ nerve-tingling ghostly masterpiece, The Signalman, stars Chris Walker (Doctors, Merseybeat, Playing the Field, The Bill and Coronation Street) and John Burton (Father Brown), alongside James Morley, Bruce and Adam Mort, and comes back to Merseyside from Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 January 2027.

Internationally acclaimed choreographer Jasmin Vardimon returns to Liverpool with a groundbreaking new production that echoes the emotional depth of her 2003 breakthrough work Lullaby on Friday 9 October, while innovative theatre company imitating the dog brings Remember Romeo, a tender reimagining of Shakespeare’s enduring love story, to the city from Wednesday 10 to Saturday 13 March 2027.

Looking for the perfect half-term treat, families can enjoy Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure by Kristina Stephenson, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the much-loved modern classic. Featuring live music, glorious puppets, interactive storytelling, magical props and plenty of laughs, the show runs from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October 2026. Families can also look forward to the return of Eric Carle’s timeless The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, featuring a menagerie of more than 75 magical larger-than-life puppets, wiggle their way back to Liverpool from Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 February 2027.

Autumn one-night shows promise plenty of laughs and a great night out. In September, audiences can catch regular guest on BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz and The Now Show, Scott Bennettwith Stuff on Wednesday 9, followed by the return of the sold-out Mike Wozniak: The Bench on Friday 11 due to huge demand and Sindhu Vee’s Swanky on Saturday 12. Later in the month, Daniel Kitson brings his new comedy show Thrum on Wednesday 16, Taskmaster alumnus John Kearns presents his brand-new stand-up show Tilting at Windmills on Thursday 24, and Henry Paker rounds off the month with

Pencil Case, featuring live illustration, on Wednesday 30 October opens with Rhys James’ Chop Logic on Friday 2, followed by an evening of improvised comedy hosted by two of the UK’s masters of improvisation, Paul Merton and Suki Webster, on Saturday 3. Later in the month, Maisie Adam returns with the brand-new show Whatsherface, while Sir Lenny Henry brings his new live show Still At Large to the Playhouse on Saturday 10.

And the laughs don’t stop there, with plenty more familiar faces heading to the Playhouse in November, including Ivo Graham with Orange Crush on Wednesday 11, Nish Kumar: Angry Humour From a Really Nice Guy on Thursday 12, Flo & Joan’s With Feeling on Friday 13 and Saturday 14, and Mark Thomas celebrating 40 Years in Stand-Up on Friday 20. The fun continues into 2027 with Sue Perkins bringing The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins on Wednesday 3 March. Whether you’re after razor-sharp stand-up, musical comedy or a great night out with friends, tickets are on sale now at everymanplayhouse.com

Rising Stars Recognised with 2026 Laurence Olivier Bursaries

The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and the Theatre Development Trust have awarded Laurence Olivier Bursaries to exceptional drama school students, providing them with vital financial support as they enter their final year of training.   

Now in its 39th year, the bursary scheme was established in 1987 to celebrate Laurence Olivier’s 80th birthday and continues to champion the next generation of acting talent. It is awarded to students who demonstrate extraordinary promise but face financial barriers to complete their training.  

In addition to the Theatre Development Trust, this year’s bursaries were made possible by the generous support of the Estate of Sir Peter and Lady Saunders, The Clothworkers’ Foundation, the estate of Carmen Silvera (via Barry Burnett), and The Casting Directors’ Guild.      

Nominees are put forward by drama schools across the UK and invited to audition in central London. Each nominee is also interviewed by a panel of theatre professionals, chaired by SOLT President and Executive Director at Sonia Friedman Productions, Kash Bennett.  

Past recipients include some of the UK’s most celebrated performers, such as Michaela Coel, Denise Gough, Paterson Joseph, Ewan McGregor, and Michael Sheen.  

Bursary recipients: 

Laurence Olivier Bursary

Donated by the Theatre Development Trust 

Bonnie Lowden (Manchester School of Theatre) 

Charlotte Jameson (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School) 

Finley Miller (ArtsEd) 

Jay Gherie (Rose Bruford College) 

The Sir Peter and Lady Saunders Laurence Olivier Bursary  

Donated by the Estate of Sir Peter and Lady Saunders 

Annie McGinn (Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama) 

The Clothworkers’ Laurence Olivier Bursary 

Given in conjunction with the Laurence Olivier Bursary, donated by The Clothworkers’ Foundation 

Jack Wright (The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama) 

Carmen Silvera Bursary   

Given in conjunction with the Laurence Olivier Bursary, donated by the agent Barry Burnett 

Jola Olajide (Guildhall School of Music & Drama) 

Phoebe Douglas (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) 

The Casting Directors’ Guild Bursary 

Given in conjunction with the Laurence Olivier Bursary, donated by The Casting Directors’ Guild

Asante Finlay (Urdang) 

Laurence Olivier Bursaries Panel: 

Kash Bennett (Executive Director at Sonia Friedman Productions, SOLT President and Bursary chair)  

Heather Basten (Casting Director and Member of The Casting Directors’ Guild)  

Lee Menzies (Producer and SOLT Member) 

Winnie Imara (Producer & Writer, and SOLT Associate Member)  

MATTHEW BOURNE’S NEW ADVENTURES,

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FARNHAM MALTINGS,

ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF

DOORSTEP DUETS

BRINGING FREE DANCE PERFORMANCES TO COMMUNITIES

ACROSS SOUTH-EAST ENGLAND

FROM 14 JULY – 8 AUGUST 2026

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, in partnership with Farnham Maltings, is delighted to announce the return of Doorstep Duets, bringing free world-class dance performances to communities across the South-East of England this summer.

Now in its sixth year, Doorstep Duets was born in 2021 to combat social isolation by bringing the magic of live performance right to people’s doorsteps. We offer free, world-class dance-theatre experiences in local parks, town squares, and in partnership with local community organisations. By taking our work out of traditional theatres and directly into everyday spaces, we connect intimately with communities, captivate newcomers, and ensure the joy and wonder of dance is accessible to everyone.

This year, a brand-new piece called THE BENCHhas been created by choreographer Glenn Graham and will be performed by stars of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Mark Austin, Benjamin Barlow Bazeley, Rosanna Lindsey, Mami Tomotani and Daisy West. Performances will begin on 14 July at Farnham Maltings, before visiting Surrey, Essex, Suffolk, Faversham, Canterbury, Dover, Margate, Ramsgate and Crawley.

Have you ever sat on a park bench and wondered who came before you, what they were thinking, and what hopes and fears they were hiding? The Bench tells the story of three people whose lives overlap in unexpected ways. It is a poetic and moving exploration of memory, connection, and the quiet moments that shape us. 

Choreographer Glenn Graham said, “Returning to choreograph for Doorstep Duets for a second time is a massive privilege. This project is incredibly close to my heart because it breaks down barriers, bringing high-quality dance theatre directly to communities who might otherwise never experience it. If this initiative had come to my hometown when I was growing up, I would have been introduced to this amazing art form sooner, giving me access to a whole new world.

With The Bench, I wanted to explore the shared histories and growth across different decades. It’s a beautifully relatable piece, and I’m so grateful to apply everything I learned from my first time around to create something that provokes thought, sparks the imagination, and makes everyone feel included in the magic of theatre.”

New Adventures is thrilled to be working with its 2026 partners: Farnham Maltings, The Children’s Trust, Mercury Theatre Colchester, Dance Network Association, Latitude Festival, The Alex in Faversham, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, Future Foundry, ARK Cliftonville, Creative Crawley and Surrey Libraries.

Created with support from Arts Council England, The Backstage Trust and The Head Family.

Find out more www.new-adventures.net/doorstep-duets 

PERFORMANCE LISTINGS 2026

Farnham Maltings                               14 – 16 July

The Children’s Trust in Surrey                17 July

The Mercury Theatre in Essex               21 – 22, 24 July

Dance Network Association, Essex     23 July

Latitude Festival                                  25 July

The Alex in Faversham                        28 July

Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury          29 July

Future Foundry Dover                          30 July

Ark Cliftonville in Margate                   31 July

Ark Cliftonville in Ramsgate                1 August 

Creative Crawley                                3 – 4 August

Surrey Libraries                                     5 – 8 August

Please check the website for full performance times, including details of public performances: www.new-adventures.net/doorstep-duets

MYRA DUBOIS TO BOARD SHIP OF DREAMS AS RUTH IN OLIVIER AWARD WINNING

STARRING FOR 6 WEEKS FROM 1 SEPTEMBER – 11 OCTOBER

AT CRITERION THEATRE

london.titaniquemusical.com

Producers Eva Price and Michael Harrison are delighted to announce further casting news for their must sea, splash hit, Olivier Award Winning Titanique at the Criterion Theatre. Self-declared South Yorkshire Siren Myra DuBois is set to board the ship of dreams and star as Ruth for 6 weeks from 1 September to 11 October 2026. Prior to that, William Hanson extends his current run to Sunday 26 July due to popular demand and beloved original West End Ruth Stephen Guarino returns for 5 weeks from 28 July to 30 August 2026.

The critically acclaimed hit is currently booking through until January 2027 with tickets on sale at london.titaniquemusical.com.

Myra DuBois is a multi-award-winning comedian, singer and actress. She reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent and her screen credits include the feature film Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and ITV1’s Queens For The Night, on which she was the winning mentor. Her theatre work includes Death Drop at the Garrick Theatre, and her solo shows have played everywhere from the Edinburgh Fringe to Sydney Opera House.

Myra DuBois commented:“How thrilled I am to be joining the cast of Titanique in London’s glittering West End! I saw the show a few weeks back and had one of the best nights out in the theatre I’d had in a long time; gales of laughter from start to finish. And Ruth is the role of a lifetime. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the character and give the part the dramatique gravitas, levity, brevity and integrity that this script is calling out for!”

William Hanson is an etiquette coach and co-host of award-winning podcast ‘Help I Sexted My Boss’, which has over 100 million streams. He is the author of five books, including the Sunday Times bestseller Just Good Manners, and in 2025, he completed his first solo tour, Solitary Refinement.

Stephen Guarino is a three-time Emmy-nominated American actor and comedian. His television credits include Happy Endings, I’m Dying Up Here and EastSiders. He is also the creator of the Off-Broadway cult hit improvised musical The Nuclear Family and a former Director of the CBS Diversity Showcase.

They join shipmates Lewis Francis as The Iceberg, Rose Galbraith as Rose, Astrid Harris as Céline Dion, Freddie King as Jack, Cameron Vear as Cal, Michael Vinsen as Victor Garber / Luigi and Nikki Wheeldon as Molly Brown; with AJ Lewis, Joi Lurrie and Corrine Priest as on-stage background vocalists. Finton Flynn, Josh Lovell and Charlotte Soo complete the cast as offstage understudies.

Further casting for Ruth from 11 October is to be announced. 

★★★★★
The Times, Daily Mail, Sunday Express, Sunday Mirror, Gay Times, London Theatre

 Titaníque is the hysterical musical comedy bursting with nostalgia, non-stop laughs and killer vocals. Featuring all your favourite Céline Dion hits, including My Heart Will Go On, All by Myself and To Love You More, all backed by a sensational live band. 

Celebrated as ‘The West End’s Funniest Musical’ (Smooth Radio), Titaníque is brilliant and bonkers fun. ‘If you love the film Titanic or Celine Dion, you’ll love Titaníque. Hell, if you couldn’t care less about them, you’ll love it’ (Mail on Sunday). 

It’s the musical that’s making hearts go on… and on, so get on board as this ship of dreams is one voyage you simply can’t miss!

Co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli, Titanique celebrated its Off-Broadway premiere in June 2022 at Asylum Theater, starring the musical’s co-authors Mindelle and Rousouli as Céline Dion and Jack Dawson. After several sold-out extensions, the musical transferred to the Daryl Roth Theatre on 20 November 2022 where it played until 15 June 2025. As well as New York and London, the musical comedy has had smash hit runs in Paris, Sydney, Montreal and Toronto. Titanique made its Broadway debut at the St. James Theatre in March 2026, receiving four Tony Award Nominations including Best Musical.

Titanique is directed by Tye Blue and choreographed by Ellenore Scott. Music Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations are by IRNE Award-Winner Nicholas James Connell,Scenic Design is by Gabriel Hainer Evansohn and Grace Lauchbacher for Iron Bloom Creative Production; Costume Design is by Alejo Vietti; Lighting Design is by Paige Seber; and Sound Design is by Lawrence Schober with casting by Pearson Casting CDG and Richard Johnston (for cast joining from 9 June).

In addition to its 2026 Tony Award Nominations and 2025 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, Titanique won seven major awards during the 2022/23 theatre season, including three Lucille Lortel Awards, the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical, Las Culturistas Culture Award for Best Indoor Performance and two Dorian Awards.

The London production of Titaniqueis produced by Eva Price and Michael Harrison.