THE EPIC MONGOLIAN PRODUCTION THE MONGOL KHAN TO RUN AT THE LONDON COLISEUM THIS NOVEMBER FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON

• WITH A COMPANY OF OVER 70 ACTORS, DANCERS & MUSICIANS, THIS PRODUCTION HAS PLAYED TO SOLD OUT HOUSES IN ULAANBAATAR FOR OVER A YEAR
   
• INSPIRED BY HISTORICAL EVENTS, THIS PLAY FUSES A HAUNTING ORIGINAL SCORE WITH DRAMATIC STORYTELLING, DANCE AND PUPPETRY
   
• THE PRODUCTION’S ARRIVAL IN THE UK MARKS THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANGLO- MONGOLIAN DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
   
• PERFORMANCES RUN FROM THE 17 NOVEMBER – 2 DECEMBER & ARE ON SALE NOW

Website  www.themongolkhan.com

Mongolia. 2000 years ago. A brutal succession battle threatens the very heart of the Empire. As the great Khan struggles to maintain his supremacy, a plot unfurls that will forever alter the balance of power.

The Mongol Khan is a lavish, large-scale production, with an ensemble of over 70 performers, that has played to packed houses in Mongolia for over a year. Based on historical events, the show explores the evolution of Mongolian culture through a gripping story, brought to life with a stunning original score, dance, puppetry, and elaborate sets and costumes inspired by traditional nomadic culture. 

The Mongolian creators are now collaborating with an international team of world-renowned artists and practitioners on the show’s development, including prolific historian and travel writer John Man, an expert in Mongolian history and culture.

This spectacular production celebrates 60 years of Anglo-Mongolian relations and cultural exchange. Bordered by China and Russia, Mongolia is one of the world’s best kept secrets as a travel destination for adventure-fuelled people and lovers of luxury alike. Captivating, rugged expanses, stunningly beautiful landscapes, a vast unspoilt wilderness, extremely welcoming people and nomadic tribes with rich traditions, Mongolia has it all. The Mongol Khan serves as an introduction to the country and its history, giving audiences and would-be travellers a taste of the rich culture of this remarkable nation.

The Mongol Khan has all the ingredients of a classic tragedy: jealousy, mistaken identity, adultery, rivalry, sacrifice, succession and the struggle for power. With the stability of an empire at stake, the story culminates in an epic battle for the future of the Hunnic Empire. It’s a multi-sensory feast, the like of which audiences will have never experienced before.

Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, The Prime Minister of Mongolia said: ‘Welcome to Mongolia! 2023-2025 are ‘The Years to Visit Mongolia’. We are landlocked, but not mind-locked so come and see what we have to offer and enjoy a holiday of a lifetime. 

‘To celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Mongolia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the classic play The Mongol Khan will play at the London Coliseum. The very first time a Mongolian play has been presented to a European audience, The Mongol Khan offers audiences a unique insight into the mentality and philosophy of early eastern civilisations.’

The Mongol Khan was written in 1998 by renowned Mongolian writer and poet Lkhagvasuren Bavuu and was revived in April 2022 at the Mongolian State Academic Theatre of Drama. The production takes inspiration from historical events, archaeological findings, traditional nomadic dances, and the music of the ancient Hun culture of Central Asia from the period of the Hunnic Empire.

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 1st April 2023

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

The Time Machine: A Comedy comes to Malvern! Or is that returns to Malvern? Or is it yet to come to Malvern? No, luckily for all of us close to Malvern, I can confirm it is indeed here and was well worth the wait.

The show is very loosely based on H.G. Wells famous novel but this is just the launching off point for a roller coaster ride of epic proportions encompassing stage and rehearsal space and time as the actors attempt to mount a production given a most peculiar set of circumstances and tribulations.

The cast is small but perfectly formed. Unfortunately, it’s hard to say too much without spoiling the tortuously convoluted plot but I’ll just mention that (amongst their other attributes) Dave Hearn was every inch the comic genius you know and love from the Goes Wrong franchise, here in a meatier role than usual, with a surprising family connection… Amy Revelle is the accident prone love interest with a penchant for song and Michael Dylan the romantic, perpetual victim with all the right moves. Individually all master comedians; together a finely honed comic ensemble! Also present is Noah Marullo who has a couple of important supporting functions, which he played to perfection.

If you’re a fan of astonished glances breaking the fourth wall, this show will have your boat floated. There’s some pseudo science that I thoroughly enjoyed – testament to the quality of writing, making the driest of material positively drip with hilarity. Pay attention – there may be questions later. There’s even a surprise guest appearance. This clever show throws in locally flavoured jokes, has slapstick and showtunes… In fact, there’s very little this show doesn’t have – it even weaves in a cliffhanger! The second half is way funnier than the first – and that’s some feat! There literally isn’t a moment where the laughter eases up.

Audience participation features heavily and it’s without doubt the funniest I’ve ever seen. I’m guessing that this part of the show is very ad-libbed, with the actors reacting to the audience members “helpful” input. They certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves and I know we were. So be prepared to join in (or take a show-off friend along you can duck behind).

I had astronomically high hopes when I saw that Dave Hearn was in this because I have loved his previous work. My hopes were more than exceeded. I could happily watch this show time and again and I’m certain it would get funnier and funnier.

A thoroughly enjoyable romp through the sands of time, casting inopportune footprints in the literary shoreline of a revered classic whilst dropping its comedy choc ices into the sandcastles of science fact (or something). An absolute classic making its live debut before transferring (I’m sure) to the small screen. A must see show. Every inch the play that goes right and one I have no hesitation in recommending you rush out and see asap!

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 1st April 2023

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

4****

From the very beginning of this production, the scene is set to discover the complications of a 1950s fantasy lifestyle. As soon as the lights come up and nostalgia music plays, you are drawn into the home of a modern-day couple living out a 1950s ‘arrangement’, also referred to as a marriage.

For three years, Judy (played by Jessica Ransom) and her husband Johnny (Neil McDermott) have been living the dream that Judy constructed for herself as a child. Dressed in full skirts, bright colours and perfectly styled hair, Jessica Ransom portrays Judy initially as a perfectionist; dancing around the house with duster in hand, decanting food into 50s style containers and tending to every whim and fancy that she perceives her husband to have. Only a few modern touches are allowed into the house, quietly introducing the convenience and benefits of change.

As we move through the play, we discover that Judy is also a victim of her own perfectionism. Judy’s desire to stay in the 50s and live it to perfection soon unveils some cracks in their plan and their marriage. Johnny begins to discover that he can’t expect his world of work to adjust to his ‘50s style expectations of promotion and simultaneously discovers joy in eating pizza. Faced with mounting debts and growing tension between them, Judy and Johnny have to decide whether sticking with the ‘50s life should win over their love for each other. Judy struggles most with the idea that having lived so long in a bygone era she may not be able to adjust, likening the experience to returning to school after an illness.

Other cast members add extra dimension to the thread of the play, nimbly contributing to scenery changes and dance routines. Friends Fran (Cassie Bradley) and Marcus (Matthew Douglas) enjoy 1950s themed activities and still enjoy the benefits of the modern day, including a ready meal or two. Judy’s mother, Sylvia and Johnny’s manager, Alex are both firmly fixed in the 21st Century and both are clear on the pitfalls of the 1950s; discrimination and fewer rights as a starting point.

This production did have me questioning the role we all play in setting out norms and the judgements we make about people, lifestyle choices and assets but it was certainly not a gloomy comment on any of that. All in all it was a perfect combination of vintage style, jive and humour.

MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO RETURNS TO THE BARBICAN THIS AUTUMN

Today (Thursday 30 March), Executive Producer Joe Hisaishi and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), in collaboration with Improbable and Nippon TV, announce that the record-breaking production of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro will return to the Barbican Theatre for a strictly limited run in Autumn 2023.

The global stage premiere of Hayao Miyazaki’s celebrated 1988 animated feature film, adapted by Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer), was first announced in April 2022 and broke the Barbican’s Box Office record for most tickets sold in a single day. The production opened at the Barbican in October last year, where it received both critical and audience acclaim, winning five What’s on Stage Awards, and being nominated for nine Olivier Awards, the most nominations for any production this year.  My Neighbour Totoro will return to the Barbican from Tuesday 21 November to Saturday 23 March 2024,with priority booking opening on Tuesday 11 April and public booking open on Friday 21 April 2023.

Griselda Yorke, RSC Executive Producer, said:

‘The most extraordinary group of artists have come together from all over the world to adapt this iconic film for the stage, and I am delighted that the production will return to the Barbican in 2023.

My Neighbour Totoro is a story of imagination and courage which asks us to trust the youngest amongst us to see further than most of us dare to dream. With our return to the Barbican, many more audiences will be able to experience the joy of Totoro and we can’t wait to welcome them.’

Directed by Improbable’s Phelim McDermott with production design by Tom Pye, costume design by Kimie Nakano, lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun, and movement by You-Ri Yamanaka. Puppetry design and direction is by Basil Twist, created with puppetry associate Mervyn Millar’s Significant Object and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. The production features music from Joe Hisaishi’s iconic score in a new orchestration by Will Stuart, performed live with sound design by Tony Gayle. Video design is by Finn Ross and Andrea Scott. Associate Director is Ailin Conant.

Artwork for the stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro includes a hand drawn title by Toshio Suzuki, Producer for Studio Ghibli, who was involved in the planning and production of the original animated film.

Casting for the 2023/24 run of My Neighbour Totoro will be announced soon.

This enchanting coming-of-age story explores the magical fantasy world of childhood and the transformative power of imagination, as it follows one extraordinary summer in the lives of sisters Satsuki and Mei.

In order to be closer to their mother while she recovers from an illness in a rural convalescent hospital, their father moves the family to the countryside. As the girls explore their beautiful new surroundings, Mei encounters magical creatures and the ancient protector of the forest she calls Totoro.

Although Satsuki doesn’t believe her little sister at first, they are soon both swept up in exciting adventures with their new neighbours – transported to a long-forgotten realm of spirits, sprites, and natural wonder.

Theatr Clwyd, Yr Wyddgrug – until Saturday 1st April 2023

Reviewed by Julie Noller

4****

Heathers originally a 1989 black satirical comedy film that unfortunately flopped but retains a following of those who didn’t want to watch the sickly sweet teen movies that began with the Brat Pack.

I admit I was more than curious, just how would it appeal not just as a theatre production but as a musical. Firstly I was struck by the age of the audience not just those of my age who were teenagers back in 1980s but lots of younger Generation Zs. Not only that but I was impressed by the costumes donned by many who dressed as the Heathers, in brightly coloured suits. I immediately became aware of the buzz; the anticipation of what was to come. It is set in the 1980s – 1989 to be exact yet it doesn’t feel dated or weighed down by the yuppie era. There is a deliberate unpolitical correctness that should be attached to the 80’s, words that are no longer accepted are used to add to the teenage angst. It takes a long deep look at the politics of high school.

What struck me after my initial confusion of trying to settle into the story, is that it’s a musical; this isn’t another teenage movie much as the original film broke the mould then the award winning writing team of Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy have followed suit.

Forget the story just listen to the brilliant songs let yourself get carried away. It is a teenage school musical much akin to High School Musical, yet it isn’t saccharine sweet more like it’s hit the steroids. As I said I watched the audience around me, I witnessed the singing, cheering, whooping; without a doubt Heathers has gained a cult following and is truly set to become a modern classic.

So much is similar to the film, the characters, personalities, setting. Westerberg High School the home of the rottweilers, very apt considering it’s a dog eat dog battle of survival. There’s Veronica Sawyer (Jenna Innes) great singing voice, lost within herself. Facing the battle of wills her good self happy to be supporting her friend Martha Dunnstock (Kingsley Morton) or the other side hitting the popularity highs, the sliding down into the murderous encouragement of boyfriend and new boy the sadistic JD (Tom Dickerson who stepped into the role). Together Jenna and Tom are a power couple he never misses a beat and they gel so well especially with ‘Our Love is God’. Then there are three Heathers, queens of bitches, rulers of Westerberg kingdom. Verity Thompson, Elsie Zavou and Billie Bowman play them to perfection. Verity Thompson as the leader and total dominant Queen Bee shines as a ghost communicating to an extremely guilty Veronica telling her that the highschool system they as the masses and lesser people knew and even hated was breaking down after her death and things would get worse.

I loved the costumes the fact that every student group from punk to emo was represented. The Heathers are dressed in suits of prime colours aiming to stand out as leaders, the only blip being when green changes to red (to some green is not a true prime but a mix of shades) Everyones favourite jocks Kurt (Alex Woodward) and Ram (Morgan Jackson) bring much needed laughs, poking fun at the whole beef before brains, you can’t help but love them. The fact that the homophobic scenes are played down with additions of having a song titled ‘I Love my Dead Gay Son’ brings it smack upto date with today.

Heathers should be added to everyones tick list, a future cult classic that stands out apart from the pack as quirky, fun and comical.

JASON DONOVAN & PETER ANDRE 

RETURN TO

GREASE

AT THE DOMINION THEATRE

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED

Lead Producer Colin Ingram is delighted to announce Australian stars Jason Donovan and Peter Andre will return to Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical GREASE at the Dominion Theatre following their highly acclaimed performances last year. Jason will play the role of Teen Angel at certain performances from 14 August to 28 October. Peter will play the roles of Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel at certain performances from 29 August to 19 October. As previously announced, Louise Redknapp will play Teen Angel from 2 June to 29 July, excluding Mondays. Patrons are advised to check the website for specific dates.

Colin Ingram is also happy to announce the full cast joining previously announced 2022 returning cast members Dan Partridge as Danny, Olivia Moore as Sandy and Jocasta Almgill as Rizzo. Soloman Davy will play Kenickie, Callum Henderson will play Roger, Katie Brace will play Jan, 2022 returning cast members Jake Reynolds and Ellie Kingdon will play Doody and Marty respectively, George Michaelides will play Sonny, Olivia Foster-Browne will play Frenchy, Jayd’n Tyrone will play Eugene, Chloe Saunders will play Patty Simcox, Katie Dunsden will play Cha Cha, Liam McHugh will play Johnny Casino, Darren Bennett will play Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel at certain performances and Rachel Stanley will play Miss Lynch. Also in the cast are Michael Anderson, Alicia Belgrade, Kirsty Ingram, Jordan Isaac, D’Mia Lindsay-Walker, Carly Miles, Luke Redmore, Samuel Routley, Darcey Simmons, Sario Solomon, Joshua Steel and Allana Taylor.

GREASE is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Dame Arlene Phillips.

Jason Donovan first appeared as Scott Robinson in the hit Australian series Neighbours in the 1980s. He then followed on as a recording artist and had several hit songs in the late 1980s. His album Ten Good Reasons was the best-selling album of 1989.  His hit songs included Too Many Broken Hearts, Especially For You (with Kylie Minogue), Any Dream Will Do, Sealed With A Kiss, and many more.  On stage, he had a record-breaking run in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat and subsequently starred in The Rocky Horror Show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The Sound of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, The King’s Speech, Million Dollar Quartet, Jeff Wayne’s The War Of The Worlds and Chicago. In autumn 2021, Jason undertook his first solo music concert in five years with his ‘Even More Good Reasons’ Tour which he performed whilst also filming the BBC hit show Not Going Out. Jason’s recent TV credits also include ITV’s Dial M for Middlesbrough and Dave’s Meet the Richardsons. In 2019 and 2021, Jason spent the summer months at The London Palladium as Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and in 2022 starred in the nationwide tour taking the show to venues throughout the UK. He can currently be seen playing Dr Frank-N-Furter in cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Theatre Royal Sydney in Australia.

Peter Andre has achieved immense success over the years with many No1 hit singles and international awards.

Now a global media star, Peter has diversified into film, theatre and television, as well as continuing to tour all over the world.  2023 sees Peter celebrating an incredible 30 years in show business and he is currently on a UK tour: Peter Andre 30.

In 2022, GREASE was seen by over 500,000 people in the West End, making it the Dominion Theatre’s most successful summer run since We Will Rock You. GREASE recently received 4 WhatsOnStage Award nominations for Best Musical Revival, Best Choreography for Arlene Phillips and Best Supporting Performer in a Musical for original cast members Jocasta Almgill and Paul French.

This production of GREASE is dedicated to the memory of Olivia Newton-John, who sadly passed away in August 2022.

GREASE originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. During the show’s eight-year run at the time, little known actors including Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta all appeared in the production, with Richard Gere understudying many roles before going on to star as Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere. GREASE was first performed at the Dominion Theatre in 1993 before transferring to the Cambridge Theatre in 1996. It returned to the West End, opening at the Piccadilly Theatre in 2007.

The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is the fourth highest-grossing live action musical of all time. The musical features beloved songs, including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted To You and You’re The One That I Want.

GREASE has designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and Richard Brooker, video and projection design by Douglas O’Connell and casting by David Grindrod CDG.

This production of GREASE is produced by Colin Ingram for InTheatre Productions, Donovan Mannato, Playing Field, Gavin Kalin, and Curve.

Website: www.greasemusical.co.uk

Facebook: @GreaseWestEnd

Twitter: @GreaseWestEnd

Instagram: @GreaseWestEnd

TikTok: @GreaseWestEnd     

LISTINGS INFORMATION

2 June – 28 October 2023

Dominion Theatre

268-269 Tottenham Court Road

London

W1T 7AQ

Performances: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm

Please note, there will be an additional matinee at 2.30pm on Tuesday 24 October

Tickets from: £17.50

Box Office: 0345 200 7982

Southampton Mayflower – until 1st April 2023

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

3***

Roddy Doyle’s well loved book has been transformed into a stage production, directed by Andrew Linnie and brings a taste of Dublin to Southampton.

The story starts in Dublin, with Jimmy Rabitte (James Killeen) wanting to start up a band and so enlists a group of misfits-ending up with a superstar band that becomes successful in their own right. This is a great cast, with some incredible vocal talents. The driving force of the show is undoubtedly Ian McIntosh as Deco, the short tempered lead singer of the band who blows a fuse at almost any given moment! His incredibly infectious energy was radiating and he got the audience on their feet, dancing and singing away. As a natural entertainer, it was a real joy to watch him navigate through his character – ultimately creating one of the greatest encores around! We see Deco spat with almost every member of the band and ends up with some members leaving, causing Jimmy to need to rethink his ensemble.

Tim Blazdell’s set design was great, effortlessly transporting you to a backstreet in Dublin and creates some interesting and smooth transitions through the performance. Along with Emma Stillman’s costuming, it was easy to define who was who, with signature pieces for the 3 girls-Imelda, Natalie and Bernie. This helped aid the understanding of the audience and navigation of the story.

With some great music including hits like ‘Proud Mary’, ‘Papa was a Rolling Stone’ and ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours’, make sure that once you have ‘Heard it Through the Grapevine’, you book a ticket to this rousing success.

I, Daniel Blake stage premiere: cast & creative team announcement 

Cast and creative team announced for first stage adaptation of I, Daniel Blake

• Adapted by Dave Johns who played Daniel Blake in Ken Loach and Paul Laverty’s multi-award winning film
• Premiere at Northern Stage (25 May – 10 June) before touring

The world premiere stage adaptation of I, Daniel Blake that exposes the stark reality behind the cost-of-living crisis headlines will open at Northern Stage (25 May – 10 June) before touring.

The first stage adaptation of Ken Loach’s Palme d’Or and BAFTA award-winning film will be written by actor and comedian Dave Johns who won the Best Actor award at the British Independent Film Awards and Best Newcomer at the EMPIRE Awards for his role in the film. Ken Loach said, “This story is more relevant now than ever. And who better to put it on stage than Dave Johns, the original Daniel Blake?”

David Nellist will play Daniel. Originally from Wallsend in Newcastle, he appeared as Mike Stamford in Sherlock on BBC ONE with Benedict Cumberbatch and was recently in Stonehouse opposite Matthew Macfadyen on ITV. His theatre credits include West End productions Billy Elliott, War Horse, The Pitmen Painters and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and closer to home A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Not Too Tame, Shakespeare North Playhouse, Northern Stage), and Close the Coalhouse Door (Northern Stage). Bryony Corrigan will play Katie. Inspired to become an actor after doing work experience at Northern Stage aged 15, Bryony is best known as series regular Vanessa in Mischief Theatre’s The Goes Wrong Show on BBC ONE. Her theatre credits include the recent stage adaptation of Bill Bryson’s Notes from a Small Island (Watermill Theatre) and My Romantic History at Live Theatre, which she won Performing Artist of the Year for at the Journal Culture Awards. Kema Sikazwe (also known as Kema Kay) will play China, a role he played in the film after being spotted by Ken Loach on a visit to Newcastle. The actor, rapper and singer wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed Shine at Live Theatre – a show about his experience of moving to Newcastle aged three which is about to be adapted for a TV musical drama. The rest of the cast are Janine Leigh who appeared alongside Joanne Froggatt in Channel 4 film In Our Name, Micky Cochrane (Billy Elliot the Musical, Curve), and former Northern Stage Young Company member Jodie Wild making her professional stage debut.

Dave Johns is a multi-award-winning film actor, stage actor and stand-up comic who has written for theatre and radio, including the stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption. He says, “I was thrilled to be asked to adapt Paul Laverty’s screenplay. But I didn’t just want to put the film on stage, I wanted to update the story for 2023, making it contemporary and exploring more of single mum Katie’s journey and the family unit she forms with Daniel. To show the kindness, compassion, humour, and hope that can help us through the toughest of times. Sadly, during my research it was disheartening to find not much had changed since the film’s release. The story is still as relevant as it was in 2016; maybe even more so now with the cost-of-living crisis making it even harder for those who are already struggling. Daniel and Katie’s story could be anyone’s.”

With 14.5m people in the UK now living in poverty*, and more people than ever relying on food banks** Director Mark Calvert says, “It’s a big responsibility to honour the film but also to find ways to raise awareness of the hardship huge numbers of people in our country are facing right now. I’ve spent months volunteering at local food banks, and I can tell you that this is not fiction. It is reality. And the cost-of-living crisis affects even more people now than when the film was released in 2016. For me I, Daniel Blake frames the working-class experience in modern Britain – there’s hope, humour and humanity in the story, but audiences should feel angry and outraged; I know I am.

“When we first started to think about how to adapt the film for the stage we knew that we needed to offer a fresh perspective on the ramifications of 13 years of government cuts. Inspired by activists Led By Donkeys, Cold War Steve and Cassette Boy, the production will feature factual interviews, speeches and social media posts showing the impact of government decisions on people’s lives. We hope reflecting the harsh reality will galvanise audiences and inspire activism.”

I, Daniel Blake will be designed by Rhys Jarman (Gecko), lighting design by Simisola Majekodunmi (Is God Is/Royal Court Theatre and winner of the 2022 Light Recognition Award at the Black British Theatre Awards), original music by Ross Millard (The Futureheads, Putting the Band Back Together/Unfolding Theatre), sound design by Roma Yagnik (The Mare of Easttown/HBO), movement direction by Martin Hylton (Gateway Studio and Phoenix Dance) and AV design by Matthew Brown for PixelLux (Bonnie & Clyde/West End) incorporating creative captioning for all performances.

Composer Ross Millard says, “I vividly remember seeing the film at Tyneside Cinema when it came out – how profoundly moving it was, and how relevant it still feels now. The film has no music, no soundtrack, which means composing for the show has a weight of responsibility but is hugely appealing, too. Presenting the story to an audience in a new context has the potential to be extremely powerful.”

I, Daniel Blake is a Northern Stage, Birmingham Rep, Oldham Coliseum, English Touring Theatre, and tiny dragon Productions co-production, in association with Cardboard Citizens who make theatre for social change with and for homeless people who are working with Northern Stage on a programme of wraparound events.

After its Newcastle premiere at Northern Stage (25 May – 10 June), the production will tour to Birmingham Rep (13 – 25 June), HOME Manchester (27 June – 1 July) and Exeter Northcott Theatre (5-8 July). Confirmed venues for the autumn include Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Leeds Playhouse and the Belgrade Theatre Coventry and a full autumn 2023 tour will be announced soon.

For more information or to book tickets visit northernstage.co.uk 

The UK Pantomime Association appoints Derek Griffiths  

as its inaugural Vice President 

Derek Griffiths MBE, the highly-acclaimed and much-loved actor, children’s television presenter, composer and pantomime performer, has been appointed as the inaugural Vice President of the UK Pantomime Association.  

Founded in 2021, the UK Pantomime Association is a charity that explores, shares and celebrates pantomime by investigating the genre’s rich past, engaging with contemporary practice and inspiring the future.  

Derek Griffiths has played numerous pantomime roles over the years, both comic and villain, from Dick Whittington which he wrote, directed and composed at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, in 1976 to Beauty and the Beast, at Fairfield Halls, Croydon, in 2021. Special memories include the prestigious London Palladium 1987 pantomime Robin Hood and the Babes in the Woods with actress Barbara Windsor, who has one of The Pantomime Awards named in her memory. This was the final pantomime to play the Palladium until the welcome return of star-studded pantomimes at the venue in 2016. Derek also appeared with the UK Pantomime Association’s President Christopher Biggins in Mother Goose at Theatre Royal Brighton, and its Trustee Chris Jarvis in Peter Pan at The Hexagon, Reading, and in the CBeebies pantomime, A Christmas Carol. 

Derek’s countless other stage credits in the West End and around the UK, include The Mousetrap at St Martin’s Theatre, Exit The King at the National Theatre, Driving Miss Daisy on tour, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof alongside James Earl Jones and Adrian Lester at the Novello Theatre, and Miss Saigon at the Drury Lane Theatre playing the Engineer. Family stage highlights include West End roles playing the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and originating the role of Lumière in the West End première production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. 

Alongside his theatre work, Derek Griffiths has worked in television for many years from his early days on Play School and Play Away to most recently the hit drama series, Unforgotten. 

Derek Griffiths said: “I am delighted and honoured to become the Vice President of the UK Pantomime Association. I understand the importance it holds in the UK Theatre industry. It is critical in introducing children to live theatre. I look forward to working with a great team of people who share the same passion, to help them promote and nurture pantomime for many future generations of theatregoers.”  

Simon Sladen, Chair of the UK Pantomime Association, said: “We are delighted to welcome Derek as Vice President of the UK Pantomime Association. He is such an experienced, respected and loved performer, with a wealth of pantomime knowledge. We look forward to working together to champion pantomime; an artform we both care so much about.” 

The UK Pantomime Association recently announced the nominations for The Pantomime Awards 2023 in association with Butlin’s. The Awards ceremony will be held at the Trafalgar Theatre, in London’s West End, on Tuesday 11 April 2023, hosted by Christopher Biggins.  

For further information about The UK Pantomime Association visit: https://pantomimeassociation.co.uk.   

Duke of York’s Theatre then touring until May

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Nick Mohammed’s brilliantly bonkers creation is touring the UK for the first time – and the country is in for a treat.

Addressing fans of hit show Ted Lasso in the audience who have never seen Mohammed’s alter ego before with a sharp intake of breath and “this is a VERY different show”, Mohammed’s squeaky-voiced character soon has the audience in the palm of his hand as he whizzes through his material. Much of the content has been seen on his appearances on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, but rather than feeling like a rehash, the show is more of a celebration of greatest hits. Audiences who have seen Mr Swallow’s Houdini and Christmas Carol live shows may miss the more manic and egotistical side of Mr Swallow as he berates his co-stars, but this tour showcases the more mild-mannered, but still snarky know-it-all pedant as seen on TV.

Split into two parts with low tech presentations on numbers, then improving your memory, Mr Swallow begins with an increasingly irate examination of the cumulative reality of receiving all those gifts in The 12 days of Christmas before taking the audience down a rabbit hole critiquing the plot of Les Mis. The audience breathlessly follow Mohammed on various insane and seemingly random meanderings and he even manages to make solving a Rubik’s cube exciting. Watching him use the memory linking method he showcased in ridiculous fashion to recall a set of cards shouldn’t really be this entertaining, but the squeaks and grimaces as he does the trick are fabulous. Mr Swallow’s original libretto for Jurassic Park is a highlight that gets funnier each time you see it, and the failed number demonstrations and tricks throughout the show aren’t the disasters they appear, with Easter eggs that the audience missed revealed with glee in a whirlwind mind-melting reveal that highlights the intricate and clever writing and skill behind this seemingly chaotic hour.

Equally annoying and irresistible – but always hilarious – Mr Swallow is a comedy character that can make you howl with a simple grimace and shrug. The absurd energy – he performs on roller skates, never explaining why – and ridiculous analysis carries the audience along on waves of laughter leaving them wanting more of this strange little man. A seriously silly evening of comedy gold – get your skates on and catch Mr Swallow at a venue near you.

TOUR DATES:

01.04.22 EDINBURGH – ASSEMBLY ROXY

02.04.22 GLASGOW – INT’L COMEDY FESTIVAL AT TRAMWAY

05.04.23 LEEDS, CITY VARIETIES MUSIC HALL

13.04.22 BIRMINGHAM – THE OLD REP THEATRE

14.04.22 LEEDS, CITY VARIETIES MUSIC HALL

15.04.22 DURHAM, GALA THEATRE

16.04.22 SALFORD, THE LOWRY

27.04.22 OXFORD, OXFORD PLAYHOUSE

28.04.22 BRIGHTON, THEATRE ROYAL

29.04.22 BRISTOL, REDGRAVE THEATRE – & MATINEE

30.04.22 MACHYNLLETH COMEDY FESTIVAL

03.04.22 EXETER, CORN EXCHANGE

05.04.22 CARDIFF, SHERMAN THEATRE

14.04.22 NORWICH, NORWICH THEATRE PLAYHOUSE

14.05.22 NORWICH, NORWICH THEATRE PLAYHOUSE – MATINEE

17.05.23 SALFORD, THE LOWRY

21.05.23 LONDON, DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE