Watford Palace Theatre – until Saturday 8th April 2023

Reviewed by Julia Spargo

4****

The Lost Words and The Lost Spells by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris are a lament to children’s lost connections to nature and a reaction to the subsequent removal of words for nature being removed from the Oxford Junior Dictionary.

Like the books, this new musical celebrates the natural world and is beautiful in its simplicity; a small cast, almost no costume changes and a magical set; the light of a large moon presiding over a muted stage. The instruments, played by the cast throughout, are already on set when the audience arrives and remain so, deftly incorporated into scenes; a cello becoming the trunk of an old oak.

Jay, a schoolgirl (played beautifully by Miriam Nyarko), moves to a new area and becomes so overwhelmed on her first day of a new school she forgets her own name. She finds a book of spells which takes her into a wild world where she is shown how to bin-dive by Fox (Alex Wingfield), the magic of a dandelion clock by Hare (Toby De Salis), takes part in a conker competition, refereed by Woodpecker (the mischievous Lucy Yates, whose drum solos are a highlight) and is shown the beauty of the sea by a grey seal. The set is used to great effect; grey scarves are used to create waves of the sea. A puppet of a barn owl is raised across the stage, silhouetted by the moon and creating a sense of magic.

I enjoyed the references to land access and the right to roam, when Jay is shown how to enter “forbidden” areas of nature with swagger by Hare. The highlight for me was Mary Erskine and Wil Dollard’s music. A saxophone mimics the cry of the fox and the drums represent the sounds of a woodpecker looking for food. Fox shows Jay around the bins of restaurants to a jazz number, the grey seal sings about the beauty of oceans to a sea shanty, and the commanding Jackdaw preens to a cabaret number.

Children will be spellbound by the magic of the set and the catchy tunes, and adults will be reminded of the innocence of their childhoods. All will be reminded of the beauty of the natural world, and hopefully inspired to protect it. A delight.

Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond – until 22nd April 2023

Reviewed by Bobbi Fenton

5*****

‘You Bury Me’, brilliantly written by Ahlam, has left me absolutely speechless. There is not a single combination of words that could accurately describe how fantastic this play is.

Set in Cairo, Egypt, with scenes ranging from 1997 to 2015, ‘You Bury Me’ tells the story of six individuals whose lives are intertwined. The main focus of this play is the revolution of 2011, and how this affects these six individuals and their relationships with one another and with the city. We have revolutionary blogger and journalist Osman (Tarrick Benham), his rebellious half-sister Maya (Yasemin Özdemir), her friend from high school, the permanently nervous Lina (Eleanor Nawal), Osman’s friend Rafik (Nezar Alderazi), who moves in with Osman after his parents have thrown him out after catching him with a boy, Alia (Hanna Khogali) whose father and uncles are police officers, and her boyfriend Tamer (Moe Bar-El), who is a Christian. We watch as these characters navigate life in a city that is metaphorically, and later literally, burning to the ground under the rule of a Tyrant. When blogging in support of the revolution, having the app Grindr downloaded on your phone, losing your virginity accidentally before marriage, being the one to accidentally take said virginity, or kissing another girl are all things that are potentially dangerous if witnessed by the wrong person, these characters are living in fear of going missing. Everybody should be able to relate to at least one of these experiences, whether it’s figuring out your sexuality as a teenager, sneaking around with a partner, or having and expressing strong political beliefs, and yet the circumstances make it so that these relatable experiences are also completely unique to these characters. I particularly enjoyed the ending of the play, where the audience feels a sense of impending doom that something bad is going to happen to each of the characters as they battle with trying to escape their inevitable fates.

This incredibly powerful play is spectacular, and it would be a huge mistake to miss it. It is no wonder that it won the women’s prize for playwriting in 2020.

T I N A – T H E   T I N A   T U R N E R   M U S I C A L

EXTENDS BOOKING TO 11 FEBRUARY 2024

AS THE SHOW CELEBRATES 5 YEARS IN THE WEST END

The hit production TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL which is based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner and produced in association with Tina Turner herself, today (31 March 2023) announces that booking is extending to 11 February 2024 as the show celebrates 5 years in the West End. 

The critically acclaimed production of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL received its world premiere in April 2018 in London and subsequently broke all Box Office records at the Aldwych Theatre.

Discover the heart and soul behind the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll at TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, the undeniable mega hit in London’s West End. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, experience Tina Turner’s triumphant story live on stage as this exhilarating celebration reveals the woman that dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers, and conquer the world—against all odds.

In March 2023, the German production opened at the Stage Apollo Theater in Stuttgart following a successful run in Hamburg which opened in 2019. The North America tours continues following the 12 Tony Awards nominated production on Broadway and productions at the Beatrix Theater, Utrecht and the Teatro Coliseum in Madrid.

Produced by Stage Entertainment and Ghostlight Records and featuring the original London cast, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL: Original Cast Recording is also available worldwide on CD, both online and in stores. The CD features a 20-page booklet, which includes liner notes, synopsis, and production and studio photography. The album was recorded in February 2019 at Angel Studios and RAK Studios, produced by the show’s Music Supervisor Nicholas Skilbeck and Kurt Deutsch, and co-produced by Tom Kelly. To download or stream the album, or order the CD http://www.ghostlightrecords.lnk.to/riverdeep-tinaturnermusical

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is choreographed by Anthony van Laast, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson, musical supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Bruno Poet,sound by Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Jeff Sugg and orchestrations by Ethan Popp. 

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is produced in the West End by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Theatre:                             Aldwych Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF

Dates:                                now booking to 11 February 2024

Performances:Tuesday at 7pm, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm and Sunday at 3pm

Box Office:                          0845 200 7981

Website:                             www.tinathemusical.com

Facebook:                           TinaTheMusical

Twitter:                              TinaTheMusical

Instagram:                          TinaTheMusical

Cast announced for the world premiere of
DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS?

created by James Taylor and Julian Woolford
directed by Julian Woolford

180-date UK tour launches at Bedford Corn Exchange, Thursday 18 May

The cast is today revealed for the world premiere of ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’.

Robbie Capaldi was Malcolm in ’Sh!tfaced Shakespeare: Macbeth’, Tybalt/Lord Capulet in ‘Sh!tfaced Shakepseare: Romeo and Juliet’, Lysander in ‘Sh!tfaced Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and  Bassanio  in ‘Sh!tfaced Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice’. On TV he will be see in June in the upcoming Marvel Studios series, ’Secret Invasion’.

Courtney Winston was most recently in ‘Small Island’ at the National Theatre. On TV he was Jamaal in  ‘Top Boy’.

Georgia Jackson recently played Stick Lady Love in ‘Stick Man’ at Leeds Playhouse. She also appeared in the Ramps on the Moon/Leeds Playhouse production of ‘Oliver Twist’, and was Boot in the immersive  “Monopoly Lifesized’ in London.

Ellen Whitehed was recently in ‘Romeo & Juliet’ at dlr Mill Theatre, Dundrum. Her other roles include Niam in the musical ‘TÍR NA NÓG’ and Boo Who in’ Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (UK tour).

Nick Howard-Brown has just be completed filming on the film of ‘Hamlet’ starring Ian McKellen, having appeared in the stage version at Theatre Royal Windsor. He was also in ‘The Cherry Orchard’ in the same Ian McKellen season. He was  also in ‘The Gunpowder Plot: Immersive Experience’ at the Tower of London.

Do YOU believe in ghosts? And are YOU feeling brave? 

‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ (West End premiere at London’s Adelphi Theatre on Halloween, October 31 with more West End dates to be announced), has enough chills and shocks to convince even the most die hard sceptic!

Packed with stories of things that go bump in the night – or the day – and things that just don’t add up, ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ is unlike any other ghost story you may have seen or experienced before in a theatre.

Producer James Taylor, who co-created ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ with award-winning writer and director Julian Woolford, said: “Every theatre has at least one ghost – including the Adelphi. In ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ we promise to raise the hairs on your arms and send chills down the back of your neck. . . Join us for a dark night… we dare you!”

‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ embarks on a 180-date UK tour from May 18 – full dates can be found at: https://www.entertainers.co.uk/show/do-you-believe-in-ghosts

‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ is part of a major West End season of 8 shows at the Adelphi produced by producers Entertainers, including:

The world premiere of The Makings of a Murderer on Tuesday 18 April,
Sweet Caroline The Ultimate Tribute to Neil Diamond (Tuesday 6 June),
Lost in Music (Tuesday 13 June),
Fast Love – A Tribute to George Michael (Tuesday 20 June),
80s Live! (Tuesday 18 July),
Legend – The Music of Bob Marley (Tuesday 19 September)
An Evening of Burlesque (Tuesday 10 October).

Julian Woolford (co-creator /director)
Julian Woolford is an award-winning writer and director. His plays and musicals have been performed around the world. Among his works are ‘The Devil’s Advocate (Netherlands tour); ‘Liberace, Live From Heaven’, (Leicester Square Theatre, Edinburgh, New Zealand tour); ‘The Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ (National tour); ‘The Wind In The Willows’ (Sevenoaks Playhouse, Taunton Brewhouse);  ‘The Railway Children’ (Sevenoaks Playhouse, Taunton Brewhouse and more than 50 productions worldwide). Julian provided the new book for Lionel Bart’s ‘Twang!!’(GSA and Union Theatre); ‘BlueBirds’ (Cochrane Theatre, Kenneth More Theatre and Above The Stag); ‘Beautiful Young Man’ (Pride Encore Benefit Season, New York);. His musical ‘Oh Carol!’ won the Covent Garden Festival Search for a New Musical and his first play ‘The Oedipus Complex’, premiered at Bristol New Vic.

He is the author of the book ‘How Musicals Work’ (Nick Hern Books), which is the standard text book for musical theatre creation and writing, and of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘The Sound of Music’ (Routledge Fourth Wall) and is currently Head of Musical Theatre at GSA (University of Surrey). Previously he was Artistic Director of Sevenoaks Playhouse; Artistic Director of the Global Search for New Musicals at the International Festival of Musical Theatre Cardiff and Associate Director of the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.  

His many directing credits in productions in the West End, any regional theatres, 7 national tours, and work in New York, Australia, Germany, Austria, Poland and the Lebanon. In 2015 he became the first person to direct a commercial musical in Egypt when he staged ‘The Sound of Music’ in Cairo.

James Taylor (co-creator/producer)
James is a director of Essex-based producers Entertainers working alongside his father, Michael. James began his career as the 16-year-old resident DJ at West Ham United Football Club’s functions and parties. He moved to the US to pursue a modelling and acting career, playing the inventor Nikola Tesla in an Off-Broadway production of ‘Tesla’, and appearing in the TV series ‘Being Mary Jane’, in which he played the boyfriend of the lead Gabrielle Union.  Returning to Britain, James teamed up with his father to produce ‘Fastlove’, a tribute to the then recently deceased George Michael. It has since sold a million tickets, is touring to 25 countries and became the company’s first show to play the West End, at the Lyric Theatre.

Entertainers  (Producers)
Entertainers have 20 years experience producing popular entertainment across the UK. Their new Canvey Island HQ, built since lockdown, houses all aspects of production from set building and maintenance to a recording studio and full-size rehearsal space and a fleet of 36 vehicles.

Entertainers stage more than 1,500 separate performances each year, selling over one million seats, with 25 lavish productions that include: ‘Lost in Music’, ‘Fastlove’, ‘The Magic of Motown’,  ‘Cirque: The Greatest Show’, ‘Thank You for the Music’, ‘The Rocket Man’, ‘An Evening of Burlesque’, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’, ‘80s Live!’, ‘90s Live!’, ‘Radio Gaga’, ‘Sweet Caroline’, and ‘Islands in the Stream’,

New shows ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ and ‘The Makings of a Murderer’ mark a move away from music to scripted theatrical productions, and they will both make their West End debut at the Adelphi Theatre in 2023.

LISTINGS INFO

Do You  Believe in Ghosts?
created by James Taylor and Julian Woolford

directed by Julian Woolford

Tuesday, October 31
at 7.30pm

ADELPHI THEATRE
Strand,
London
WC2R 0NS

Box office: 020 7557 7300
online: lwtheatres.co.uk

Social media

Faceboook.com
DoYouBelieveInGhostsShow

Instagram.com
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Twitter.com
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Do You Believe in Ghosts?
is on a 180-date UK tour from May 18

Full tour dates can be found here
entertainers.co.uk/show/do-you-believe-in-ghosts

SAMANTHA WOMACK TO STAR AS ‘DOROTHY BROCK’

MICHAEL PRAED AS ‘JULIAN MARSH’

FAYE TOZER AS ‘MAGGIE JONES’

LES DENNIS AS ‘BERT BARRY’

AND

NICOLE-LILY BAISDEN AS ‘PEGGY SAWYER’

IN THE UK TOUR OF

CURVE AND SADLER’S WELLS PRODUCTION

OF THE MUSICAL
42^nd STREET

OPENING AT THE MARLOWE THEATRE, CANTERBURY

ON 13 JULY 2023

David Ian for Crossroads Live and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions are thrilled to announce that Samantha Womack will star as Dorothy Brock, alongside Michael Praed as Julian Marsh, Faye Tozer as Maggie Jones, Les Dennis as Bert Barry and Nicole-Lily Baisden as Peggy Sawyer in the UK tour of 42^nd STREET.

The cast will be completed by Sam Lips as Billy Lawlor, with Erica-Jayne Alden, George Beet, Charlie Bishop, Kevin Brewis, Olly Christopher, Briana Craig, Jordan Crouch, Rhianna Dorris, Ashleigh Graham, Alyn Hawke, Aimee Hodnett, Connor Hughes, Deja Linton, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, Greta McKinnon, Ben Middleton, Benjamin Mundy, Anthony Ofoegbu and Jessica Wright.

Following its run at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, the production will visit Leeds, Bristol, Plymouth, Cardiff, Glasgow, Milton Keynes, Liverpool, Manchester, Southampton, Newcastle, Woking and Belfast. Current tour schedule below, with further dates to be announced. 42ndstreettour.com

Samantha Womack most recently starred as the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Her other credits include the role of Rachel in The Girl on the Train both in the West End and on tour, Morticia Addams in The Addams Family UK tour, Nellie Forbush in the Lincoln Center’s production of South Pacific at the Barbican and on tour, and Miss Adelaide in Michael Grandage’s production of Guys and Dolls alongside Patrick Swayze. Her screen credits include Ronni Mitchell in EastEnders, Mandy in Game On, the titular role in Imogen’s Face and The Kingsman franchise.

Michael Praed’s theatre credits include Tom Beauregard in Darker Shores at Theatre Royal Windsor and on tour, George in War of the Worlds at the Dominion Theatre, Alex in Aspects of Love at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Lawrence Jameson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Dexter Haven in High Society and Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music all on UK tours. His television credits include the role of Frank Clayton in Emmerdale, Prince Michael in Dynasty and the titular role in Robin of Sherwood.

Faye Tozer is best known as a member of BRIT Award winning pop band Steps. Her theatrical credits include Singin’ In The Rain at Sadler’s Wells and on tour in the UK and Canada, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre, and touring productions of In The Spotlight, Over The Rainbow, Me And My Girl, Love Shack and Tell Me On A Sunday. Faye was also a runner-up in BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2018.

Les Dennis most recently starred as Grandad Trotter in Only Fools and Horses The Musical. His other West End credits include Wilbur in Hairspray opposite Michael Ball at the London Coliseum, Amos Hart in Chicago and Bill in Me and My Girl. His touring theatre credits include Art, Legally Blonde, High School Musical 2 and Uncle Fester in the musical comedy The Addams Family. His many TV credits include Michael Rodwell in Coronation Street and a fictional version of himself in Extras.

Nicole-Lily Baisden’s theatre credits include the role of Nabulungi in The Book of Mormon, both in the West End and on tour, and Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes at the Barbican Theatre and on tour.

Sam Lips’theatre credits include the role of Don Lockwood in Singin’ In The Rain and Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom, both in the UK and Canada. His Broadway credits Cats, Chicago, Pippin, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella and The Cher Show.

This new production will be directed by Jonathan Church (Singin’ in the Rain, The Drifters Girl) with choreography and design by Olivier Award winners Bill Deamer and Rob Jones, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Ian Dickinson and Gareth Tucker, video design by Jon Driscoll, musical supervision by Jennifer Whyte and orchestrations by Larry Blank.

This iconic song-and-dance spectacular features a hit parade of toe-tapping songs, including the title number, “We’re In The Money”, “Lullaby of Broadway”, “Shuffle Off To Buffalo” and “I Only Have Eyes For You”. 42^nd STREET is a timeless and inspiring showbiz fairy tale that combines breath-taking tap dance routines, backstage intrigue, classic romance and delightful comedy to dazzling effect.

Fresh off the bus from small-town America, young and beautiful Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York City dreaming of her name in lights. She quickly catches the eye of a big-time director and lands a spot in the chorus line of Broadway’s newest show…and when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy gets her shot at stardom.

42^nd STREET is a larger-than-life, massively entertaining celebration of musicals and the irrepressible spirit of Broadway that’s guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits. 

42^nd STREET has music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, and book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, based on the novel by Bradford Ropes. Original direction and dances were by Gower Champion. The show was originally produced on Broadway by David Merrick.

The use of all songs is by arrangement with Warner Bros. and EMI Publishing Ltd.

“MAMMA MIA!”

NEW BOOKING PERIOD TO SATURDAY 2 MARCH 2024

AT LONDON’S NOVELLO THEATRE

Producer Judy Craymer is delighted to announce that the global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! has extended its booking period at London’s Novello Theatre to Saturday 2 March 2024, with tickets now on sale.

The London cast is led by Mazz Murray as Donna, Josie Benson as Tanya, Gemma Goggin as Rosie, Norman Bowman as Sam, Christopher Dickins as Harry, Stephen Beckett as Bill, Meg Hateley as Sophie, Miles Henderson as Sky, Natasha Heyward as Ali, Olivia Lallo as Lisa, Lucca Chadwick-Patel as Eddie and Jake Bailey as Pepper, with Jennifer Adab playing Donna at certain performances.

Also in the cast are Zac Adlam, Victoria Anderson, Gemma Atkins, Sinéad Courtney, Ellie-Grace Cousins, Lawrence Guntert, David Haydn, Jennifer Hepburn, Frankie Jones, Olivia Neville, Annell Odartey, Jessie Odeleye, Callum Rose, Jack Rose, Robert Slatter, Michael Storrs, Chloe Way, Simon Willmont, Dan Wilshire and Jacob Young.   

Since premiering in London in 1999, the irresistible feelgood musical has captured the hearts of millions around the globe.  The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island idyll, all unfolding to the magic of ABBA’s timeless pop masterpieces, has now been seen live on stage by 65 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies – MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again.

To date, MAMMA MIA! has been seen in 50 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than $4 billion at the box office.  In 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China.   

MAMMA MIA! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004, and then to the Novello Theatre in 2012.  The London production of MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 10 million people, played over 9,300 performances and has broken box office records in all three of its London homes.  It is the fifth longest running musical in West End history.

Produced by Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008.  A second film, MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN, opened in July 2018 and is the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time.

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Novello Theatre

Aldwych

London WC2B 4LD

Ticket Prices: from £17.75*

*All prices include a £2.75 per ticket booking fee and £1.50 restoration levy

Early Bird Pricing – anyone booking 16 weeks or more in advance of the performance they are attending (Monday to Thursday performances only) will save £20 on Band B, Band A and Premium tickets, but only through Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, either online or by calling the Novello Theatre Box Office.

Family Ticket Rate – £199 for a group of four on Band B or Band A tickets (up to a saving of £151), OR £99 for a group of four on Band D and Band C tickets (up to a saving of £111), for Monday to Thursday performances, excluding peak performances, but only through Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, either online or by calling the Novello Theatre Box Office.

Performance Times:

Monday, Wednesdays – Saturdays 7.30pm

Matinees – Thursdays & Saturdays 3.00pm, Sundays 2.30pm*

*Extra 3pm matinee on Wednesday 12 April, Wednesday 2 August, Wednesday 16 August, Monday 2 October, Wednesday 25 October 2023 and Wednesday 14 February 2024; no matinee on Thursday 5 and Sunday 8 October 2023.

Christmas 2023/24 Performance Schedule

Monday 18 December                3pm & 7.30pm

Tuesday 19 December               NO PERFORMANCE

Wednesday 20 December          7.30pm

Thursday 21 December              3pm & 7.30pm

Friday 22 December                  7.30pm

Saturday 23 December              3pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 24 December                NO PERFORMANCE

Monday 25 December                NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 26 December               NO PERFORMANCE

Wednesday 27 December          3pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 28 December              3pm & 7.30pm

Friday 29 December                  7.30pm

Saturday 30 December              3pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 31 December                2pm

Monday 1 January                     7.30pm

Tuesday 2 January                    NO PERFORMANCE

Wednesday 3 January               3pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 4 January                   3pm & 7.30pm

Friday 5 January                       7.30pm

Saturday 6 January                   3pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 7 January                     2.30pm

Currently booking to 2 March 2024

The performance lasts 2 hours and 35 minutes (including a 15-minute interval)

Box Office: 0344 482 5151

http://www.mamma-mia.com/

http://www.facebook.com/mammamiamusical

http://twitter.com/MammaMiaMusical  

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED TODAY

Joining

MICHAEL BALL

in

New West End Revival of

REHEARSALS BEGIN THIS WEEK

New production begins performances Friday 12 May 2023 at Lyric Theatre, London

The full cast has been announced for the West End revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical Aspects of Love, produced by Nica Burns, as the new production began rehearsals this week.

The cast join the previously announced Michael Ball as George, Laura Pitt-Pulford as Rose, Jamie Bogyo as Alex and Danielle de Niese as Giulietta.

The cast is completed by: Rosemary Ashe (Elizabeth), Anthony Cable (Ensemble) Vinny Coyle (Hugo), Chumisa Dornford-May (Ensemble), Sophia Foroughi (Ensemble), Dickon Gough (Barker/Ensemble), Ben Heathcote (Co-Barker/Ensemble), Eu Jin Hwang (On Stage Swing), Daniel Jagusz-Holley (On Stage Swing), Linda Jarvis (Ensemble), Natasha O’Brien (On Stage Swing), Joanna O’Hare (On Stage Swing), Michael Matus (Marcel), Anna Unwin (Jenny) and sharing the role of Young Jenny are:  Indiana Ashworth, Millie Gubby and Katie Mitton.

Performances begin on 12 May 2023, with a press night on 25 May 2023. For more information and tickets, please see www.aspectsoflove.com

In ravaged post war France, beautiful actress Rose Vibert finds herself homeless and penniless after her hoped-for career break play closes early. Invited to a country villa by a love struck young American, Alex Dillingham, she impulsively accepts. When unexpectedly interrupted by Alex’s distinguished uncle George, everything changes.

So begins a tumultuous 20-year love story, entwining the three of them and George’s mistress, the feisty artist Giulietta. Everything changes once again when Rose’s daughter Jenny turns 18.

From the cobbled streets of Paris, through the French countryside to the splendours of Venice, Aspects of Love is a sweeping romantic story of passion, love, betrayal and heartbreak across three generations.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart, based on the novel by David Garnett, Aspects of Love is directed by Jonathan Kent.  Set and costume design is by John McFarlane, Lighting Design by Jon Clark, Sound Design by Paul Groothius, Video Design by Douglas O’Connell, Choreography by Denni Sayers, Musical Supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck and the Musical Director is Cat Beverbridge.

Aspects of Love at The Lyric Theatre is produced by Nica Burns, Max Weitzenhoffer, Adam Blanshay Productions and Tegan Summer by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Limited. 

AL MURRAY, MEL GIEDROYC,

CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER,

NEIL MORRISSEY & JOE THOMAS

TO STAR IN THE ROYAL EVENT OF THE

YEAR

WEST END PREMIERE BEFORE TOURING

CAST ALSO INCLUDES AIDAN MCARDLE AND TANVI VIRMANI

Garrick Theatre

Friday 7 July – Saturday 16 September 2023

Simon Friend Entertainment is delighted to today announce a 24-carat cast for this summer’s must-see West End comic caper, The Crown Jewels which plays at the Garrick Theatre from Friday 7  July – Saturday 16 September 2023 ahead of regional autumn engagements.

Based on the true story of one of British history’s most audacious heist attempts, a super-star cast is confirmed to appear in this raucous royal affair including; Al Murray (The Pub Landlord) as Charles II;  Mel Giedroyc (BBC 1’s The Great British Bake Off, Channel 4’s Light Lunch); Carrie Hope Fletcher (Bad Cinderella, Les Misérables, Heathers in the West End); Aidan McArdle (Leopoldstadt, West End, Ridley, ITV); Neil Morrissey (BBC 1’s Men Behaving Badly, Line of Duty); Joe Thomas (Channel 4’sThe Inbetweeners, Fresh Meat, BBC 2’s White Gold) and Tanvi Virmani (Life of Pi, West End).

Written by BAFTA-nominated creator of ITV’s The Durrells and BBC 1’s Men Behaving Badly, Simon Nye, and directed by multi-Olivier Award winner Sean Foley (Upstart Crow, The Ladykillers) it would be criminal to miss it.

Following its West End premiere The Crown Jewels then tours to

The Lowry, Salford (Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 September), 

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury* (Monday 25 – Saturday 30 September)

and the New Theatre, Cardiff* (Monday 2 – Saturday 7 October 2023).

* Additional casting to be announced.

The Crown Jewels is a riotous new comedy based on the most unbelievable royal caper in British history. Charismatic and unpredictable Colonel Blood is planning the greatest heist of all time: stealing the Crown Jewels in plain sight. With a gang of misfits by his side, what could possibly go wrong? But Charles II can’t afford a royal scandal, and no King likes people handling their Crown Jewels…

Writer Simon Nye says: “I hope audiences will be as titillated and thrilled as I am at the prospect of a riotous comedy-drama about a crown jewels heist that really happened. True crime comes to the West End, 350 years after the event. The cast is an amazing array of comedy talent, and the subject matter absurdly topical. Satire, sword-fighting, love, violence, an examination of the monarchy and Anglo-Irish relations – could you ask for anything more?”

Director Sean Foley continues:“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to direct Simon Nye’s hilarious new play. An entirely modern take on the Restoration Comedy, it transports us to a completely different time – a time when England had a new king…whose name was Charles. I’m excited to be working with our brilliant cast, and we all hope to thoroughly entertain audiences in one of my favourite theatres – the Garrick – over this Coronation summer.”

Producer Simon Friend adds: “The Crown Jewels came out of a mad idea that Simon Nye and I cooked up during lockdown, fantasising about shows we could make if theatres were to ever reopen. We’re incredibly lucky that such a talented cast, with Sean as director, have gathered around for this hilarious play about a famous heist that went awry, and we look forward to bringing some laughter to the West End this summer.”

The creative team is Director, Sean Foley; Writer, Simon Nye; Set and Costume Designer, Michael Taylor; Lighting Designer, Natasha Chivers and Andy Graham,Sound Designer.

The Crown Jewels is produced by Simon Friend in association with Adam Kenwright, Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Jenny King, Gavin Kalin, David Adkin and JAS Productions.

For more information visit www.crownjewelsplay.com or follow FACEBOOK | TWITTER  | INSTAGRAM @CrownJewelsPlay

FULL CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR

WORLD PREMIERE STAGE ADAPTATION OF

ANNIE PROULX’S

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

A NEW PLAY WITH MUSIC

BY ASHLEY ROBINSON, SONGS BY DAN GILLESPIE SELLS

DIRECTED BY JONATHAN BUTTERELL

@SOHOPLACE

• Full cast announced for the world premiere stage adaptation of Annie Proulx’s story, Brokeback Mountain. Emily Fairn makes her stage debut as Ennis’ wife Alma,having recently received acclaim for her role in the BBC series The Responder, Paul Hickey as Older Ennis and Martin Marquez as Joe/Bill/Jack’s Father.
• They join the previously announced Tony and BAFTA Award nominated Mike Faist (Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway, West Side Story film) as Jack, Academy Award nominated Lucas Hedges (Manchester By The Sea, Boy Erased) as Ennis and Eddi Reader (Fairground Attraction) as the Balladeer with her band: Sean Green, Meelie Traill, Julian Jackson and BJ Cole.
• A new play with music, by Ashley Robinson making his playwriting debut, with songs by Dan Gillespie Sells and directed by Jonathan Butterell who reunite with Producer Nica Burns, the team behind the hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
• Shaheen Baig: Casting Director; Tommy Ross-Williams: Intimacy Director; Kevin McCurdy: Fight Director; Phil Wilding: Production Manager; Zeb Lalljee: Costume Supervisor; Sam Cox: Wigs Maker / Supervisor; Lily Mollgaard: Props Supervisor; and Mary Irwin and Ben Furey: Vocal / Dialect Coach join Tom Pye: Set & Costume Designer; David Finn: Lighting Designer; Christopher Shutt: Sound Designer to complete the creative team.
• The first performance is on 10 May, with press night on 18 May. Running for a limited season @sohoplace until 12 August 2023.
• Brokeback Mountain is the first world premiere play to be originated @sohoplace and the fourth production to open at the new venue, following Marvellous, As You Like It and Medea. 
• Brokeback Mountain is produced by Nica Burns with Adam Blanshay Productions, Lambert Jackson Productions, and Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment.
• Tickets are on sale now.

Nica Burns today announces the full cast and creative team for world premiere of Brokeback Mountain, a new play with music, written by Ashley Robinson with songs by Dan Gillespie Sells, based on Annie Proulx’s short story, and directed by Jonathan Butterell. Introducing Emily Fairn (The Responder) making her stage debut as Alma, Paul Hickey (Older Ennis) and Martin Marquez (Joe/Bill/Jack’s Father) joining the previously announced Mike Faist (Jack), Lucas Hedges (Ennis), and Eddi Reader as the Balladeer with her onstage band Sean Green, Meelie Traill, Julian Jackson and BJ Cole.

Completing the creative team alongsidethe previously announced Tom Pye (Set & Costume Design), David Finn (Lighting Design), Christopher Shutt (Sound Design) are Shaheen Baig (Casting Director), Tommy Ross-Williams (Intimacy Director), Kevin McCurdy (Fight Director), Phil Wilding (Production Manager), Zeb Lalljee (Costume Supervisor), Sam Cox (Wigs Maker/Supervisor), Lily Mollgaard (Props Supervisor), and Mary Irwin and Ben Furey (Vocal/Dialect Coach).

Brokeback Mountain @sohoplace opens on 10 May, with press night on 18 May, and runs for a limited season until 12 August 2023.

Wyoming 1963:  a wild landscape where people live in extreme rural poverty in tight, insular and conservative communities. When Ennis and Jack take jobs on the isolated Brokeback Mountain, all their certainties of life change forever as they flounder in unexpected emotional waters of increasing depth. Dan Gillespie-Sells beautiful Country and Western songs weave heartbreakingly through this intense tale of an unresistible and hidden love spanning twenty years and its tragic consequences.

This is a play with original music by Dan Gillespie Sells, performed by the extraordinary singer, Eddi Reader, joined by her onstage Country and Western band: Sean Green (piano/MD), Meelie Traill (upright bass), Julian Jackson (chromatic harmonica), BJ Cole (pedal steel guitar).

ENDS

CAST

(in alphabetical order)

Emily Fairn makes her stage debut as Alma. Her television credits include Rain Dogs and The Responder; and is appearing in the forthcoming film, Chuck Chuck Baby. She trained at Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Mike Faist plays Jack and was most recently seen as Riff in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, for which he received a BAFTA award nomination.  He will next be seen in Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers for MGM and Jeff Nichols’ The Bikeriders for New Regency.  Mike originated the role of ‘Connor Murphy’ in the international megahit Dear Evan Hansen, which earned him a Tony Award Nomination, Grammy Award and Emmy Award.  Additional New York theatre credits include Steven Levenson’s Days of Rage (Second Stage), A Month in the Country (Classic Stage Co.) and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Appropriate (Signature).  Additional films include Fritz Böhm’s Wildling, The Grief of Others (both premiered at SXSW), The Atlantic City Story and upcoming indie Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game.

Lucas Hedges plays Ennis. His credits include Manchester by the Sea (Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Lady Bird, Mid 90s, Boy Erased (Golden Globe Nomination for Best Actor), Ben is Back, Honey Boy, Waves, Let Them All Talk, and French Exit. Hedges can next be seen in John Ridley’s upcoming Shirley. He also appeared in BJ Novak’s Anthology Series The Premise in the episode entitled The Ballad Of Jesse Wheeler. Stage credits include Yen (Lucille Lortel Nomination for Best Actor) at MCC, And Kenneth Lonergan’s The Waverly Gallery at the Golden Theater with Elaine May, Michael Cera and Joan Allen. 

Paul Hickey plays Older Ennis. Theatre includes Waste, Our Class, Children of the Sun, The Playboy of the Western World, Romeo and Juliet, Peer Gynt (National Theatre), Fewer Emergencies, Bang Bang Bang, Crazyblackmuthafukinself, O Go My Man, Who Cares (Royal Court Theatre), Macbeth, The Deep Blue Sea (Royal Exchange, Manchester), The Merchant of Venice (RSC, World Tour), Incognito and Drink Dance Laugh Lie (Bush Theatre), Little Light (Orange Tree Theatre), In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play) (The Ustinov), Fred’s Diner, Wallenstein (Chichester Festival Theatre), Ghosts (Arcola Theatre), Pentecost, In a Little World of Our Own (Donmar Warehouse), Helen and I (Druid), Red Roses and Petrol, Lady Windermere’s Fan and The Ash Fire (Tricycle Theatre), Dealer’s Choice and My Night With Reg (Birmingham Rep), The Last Yankee (The Print Room), The Silver Tassie, The Plough, The Stars (Abbey Theatre). Television includes Red Rock, House of the Dragon, and plays Gary in Apple TV’s New 7-Part thriller, Hijack with Idris Elba, to be released This Summer. Other television includes Catherine The Great, The Last Tsars, Three Girls, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Doctor Who, Father Ted, Nuremberg , Whitechapel, Sunshine, The American, Critical, Doctors, Friends and Crocodiles, The Governor, Murder Squad, Rebel Heart and The Informant. Film includes 100 Streets, Bitter Harvest, Saving Private Ryan, War Machine, Noble, The Matchmaker, Though The Sky Falls, Nora, Spin The Bottle, Moll Flanders, The General, On The Edge and Ordinary Decent Criminal.

Martin Marquez plays Joe/ Bill/ Jack’s Father. Theatre credits include Othello, Husbands & Sons, Love’s Labours Lost, Mother Courage and Her Children (National Theatre), Leopard (Rose Theatre), Guys & Dolls, Blasted (Sheffield Theatres), Sweet Charity, Fool For Love, Front Page (Donmar Warehouse), Still Alice, The Crucible, Don Juan, Of Mice and Men (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Much Ado About Nothing, Imogen (Shakespeare’s Globe), This House, Boeing Boeing (UK tours), Before I Leave (National Theatre Wales), Ah, Wilderness (Young Vic), From Here to Eternity (Shaftesbury Theatre), 4 Knights In Knaresborough (Tricycle Theatre), Anything Goes (National Theatre/Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Brothers Maquez (Soho Theatre), Cleansed, Identical Twins (Royal Court Theatre), Flesh & Blood, Jude The Obscure, Private Lives (Method & Madness), Gondoliers, I Caught My Death in Venice, Insignificance, Pal Joey (Chichester Festival Theatres), Snowball (Hampstead Theatre). Television credits include Kate and Koji, The Chelsea Detective, Dead Pixels, Bounty Hunters, The Crown, Modus, Decline and Fall, Suntrap, The Javone Prince Show, The Job Lot, Woody, Vera, Knifeman, Benidorm, The Whale, Twenty Twelve, Falcon – Blind Man of Seville, Holy Flying Circus, New Tricks, Hotel Babylon, Lead Balloon, Elizabeth, Empire, Dirty Tricks, The Plastic Man, Murder Most Horrid, The Bill and In Suspicious Circumstances. Film credits include: 7 Hours on Earth, The Mercy, After Louise, Girl on a Bicycle, A Louder Silence, Les Miserables and The Business.

Eddi Reader performs as the Balladeer / Jack’s Mother. Celebrating over 40 years as a live performer, she was first brought into the limelight as front woman for Fairground Attraction, who’s #1 single, Perfect and parent album, First of a Million Kisses, both topped the U.K. charts and the charts in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan,  it was Eddi’s subsequent solo albums that signaled her ability to assimilate different musical styles and make them very much her own. Notably, The Songs of Robert Burns (2003) is a timeless interpretation showcasing the poems of Scotland’s national bard and gained her Five honorary degrees from Strathclyde University, Caledonia University, Stirling university, Edinburgh university and Paisley University, plus an MBE for outstanding contributions to the Arts.

Understudies: Rob Alexander-Adams (Understudy Joe Aguirre/Bill/Jack’s Father/Older Ennis), Tom Mahy (Understudy Jack/Ennis) and Sophie Reid (Lureen and Waitress/Understudy Alma/Understudy Balladeer & Jack’s Mother).

Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard announces stellar line-up of presenters and list of confirmed attendees

●        Star-studded presenting line-up includes Milly Alcock, Sheila Atim, Darcey Bussell, Luke Evans, Eddie Izzard, Tim Minchin, Lea Salonga, Sheridan Smith, Mark Strong, Dita Von Teese and Aimee Lou Wood

●        Nominees attending the ceremony include Rose Ayling-Ellis, Jodie Comer, Arthur Darvill, Jean Paul Gaultier, Beverley Knight, Janet McTeer, Paul Mescal, Caroline Quentin, Rafe Spall, David Tennant

Ahead of the ceremony this Sunday (2 April), the Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard today announces its line-up of presenters for the event taking place at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Hannah Waddingham.

Hannah will begin the ceremony with an opening number, written by Pippa Cleary (The Great British Bake Off Musical, My Son’s A Queer, (But What Can You Do?)), featuring many performers from current long-running West End shows.

Among those taking part in the evening are 2023 BAFTA Rising Star nominee Aimee Lou Wood who is currently starring as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Liz Carr who won the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at last year’s ceremony and multi Olivier Award Winner Matthew Bourne. 

Stage stars including Callum Scott Howells, Divina De Campo, Eddie Izzard, Milly Alcock and Sheridan Smith who are currently all performing in or preparing for London and touring shows will also be presenting awards.

Further presenters on the star-studded line-up include Sheila Atim, Darcey Bussell, Es Devlin, Luke Evans, Helen George, Cush Jumbo, Ronan Keating, Tim Minchin, Anne Reid, Golda Rosheuvel, Lea Salonga, Harriet Scott, Mark Strong, Meera Syal, Sindhu Vee and Dita Von Teese.

Nominees on the sustainable ‘Green Carpet’ will include Rose Ayling-Ellis, Jodie Comer, Arthur Darvill, Jean Paul Gaultier, Beverley Knight, Elliot Levey, Janet McTeer, Paul Mescal, Caroline Quentin, Clive Rowe, Sharon Small, Rafe Spall, Marisha Wallace, David Tennant and Giles Terera.

AWFC football icon and Mastercard ambassador Alex Scott will also be in attendance to enjoy the show. Other VIP guests include Louise Redknapp, Charlotte Tilbury and Amber Davies.

The Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercardare also delighted to announce a new partnership with makeup brand, ICONIC London.

Nominations were announced on 28 February and celebrated during a special Nominees event at The Londoner, a super boutique hotel in the heart of London’s theatre district from Olivier Awards partners Edwardian Hotels London. The full list of nominations is available to view on the Olivier Awards website.

officiallondontheatre.com/olivier-awards