Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 1 April 2023

Reviewed by Louise Ford

4****

Do anything rather than marry without affection….

The Tron Company based in Glasgow was set up in 2017 to early critical acclaim. The Company’s writer Isobel McArthur was tasked with adapting Pride & Prejudice for the stage. The adaptation was an immediate hit. With the support of Harriet Mackie ( the producer at The Lyceum in Glasgow), the show was picked up and started touring in the regions. Fast forward a few years and the show was scheduled to hit the West End. Post covid the show won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy.

This is no ordinary bonnet ripper adaptation for a start the, reduced, cast is just six women playing all of the roles. The story is moved along with songs and some choice language. Viewers of a nervous disposition be warned!

This is not, in case you haven’t already guessed, a Sunday evening costume drama . The show opens with some underdressed cleaning ladies doing some final touches to their daily clean of the auditorium, the audience and the grand hallway. They set the scene at Longbourn, the eyes and ears of the servants who watch, help and hinder the pursuit of love and of happiness!

We see the Bennett family at home, with Mrs Bennett (Dannie Harris) lamenting her and her daughters’ fate that when ( the silent but smoking) Mr Bennett dies they will all be homeless and destitute unless at least one of the girls manages to get married. As (unmarried ) woman they cannot inherit property or money in their own right.

So the game is a foot to find a husband. Could it be the cousin, Mr Collins, ( Leah Jamieson) the dull curate obsessed with his benefactor Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Megan Louise Wilson), the nice but dim Mr Bennett, the  dastardly George Wickham or the vain and aloof Fitzwilliam Darcy? Through a series of balls, walks through the parks, letters and periods of ennui the matches are finally made.

The opening set is dominated by a sweeping staircase which comes into its own as a stage for the songs. From the landing the scenes unfold with limited props being brought on by the cast . All the time the servants are working and watching the story unfold.

As previously said this is a modern adaptation and a musical one to boot. The choice of songs is at times inspired and I won’t spoil any of the surprises.  The songs are performed by different cast members and are accompanied at times by a piano, accordion, saxophone and even a flute!

It’s an energetic and youthful production a little reminiscent of a fringe offering which the audience clearly loved !

So hold on to your bonnets, grab a microphone and let’s all have pride in this adaptation!

@PaddingtonBearExperience

#PaddingtonBearExperience

http://www.paddingtonbearexperience.com/

‘THE PADDINGTON BEAR EXPERIENCE’ WILL OPEN AT LONDON COUNTY HALL LATER THIS YEAR

• A LARGE-SCALE INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE INSPIRED BY THE WORLD OF PADDINGTONTM WILL OPEN AT LONDON COUNTY HALL ON THE SOUTHBANK THIS YEAR, 65 YEARS SINCE MICHAEL BOND’S FIRST PADDINGTON BEAR BOOK WAS PUBLISHED.
• EMBARK ON A MISSION TO HELP PADDINGTON AND THE BROWN FAMILY GET OUT OF A STICKY SITUATION IN THIS MULTI-SENSORY, INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE.
• TO BE THE FIRST TO KNOW WHEN TICKETS GO ON SALE, SIGN UP HERE http://www.paddingtonbearexperience.com/

The Paddington BearTM Experience is a large-scale interactive experience inspired by everyone’s favourite bear. It will be taking up residence in the iconic County Hall on the Southbank later this year, unfolding across 26,000 square ft. To be the first to know when tickets go on sale sign up at www.paddingtonbearexperience.com 

Get ready to be thrown into the thick of the action as you embark on a mission to help Paddington and The Brown family prepare for a very special day. Step into the world of Paddington and become immersed in some of the most iconic locations, culminating in a Windsor Gardens extravaganza. This multi-sensory experience incorporates ground-breaking design, live performance, and video to capture the hearts of the entire family from ages 4-94. Themed food, beverage, and retail will also be available.

About Paddington:

2023 marks 65 years since a kind bear from Peru with a big appetite for marmalade was first introduced to the world. Paddington is a beloved children’s character, created by author Michael Bond in 1958. The first book, “A Bear Called Paddington”, introduced readers to the friendly and polite bear from Peru who is discovered by the Brown family at Paddington Station in London. The series of stories that followed, chronicle Paddington’s adventures in London and around the world. Since its first publication, the Paddington books have sold more than thirty-five million copies worldwide.

The popularity of these books led to numerous adaptations, including television shows and feature films. In 2014, a live-action feature film called “Paddington” was released, which was followed by a sequel, “Paddington 2” in 2017. A third film is in the works. The movies were produced by Studiocanal, part of the international content and media group Vivendi. In 2020, a brand-new Paddington TV series designed for a pre-school audience, ‘The Adventures of Paddington’ launched on Nickelodeon, introducing him to a whole new set of fans.

About ‘The Paddington Bear Experience’:

‘The Paddington Bear Experience’ will be directed by Immersive Octopus, written by Katie Lyons (Peaky Blinders: The Rise, Camden Stables Market), designed by Rebecca Brower (Doctor Who: Time Fracture, West End), with costume design by Stewart J Charlesworth (Respect La Diva, West End), lighting design by Terry Cook (Dubai World Expo 2020) for Woodroffe Bassett, sound design by Luke Swaffield (Saw: The Escape Experience, Tower Hill) for Autograph and video design by Novak (Lumiere Festival, London, Durham and Derry-Londonderry).

‘The Paddington Bear Experience’ is presented by The Path Entertainment Group and The Copyrights Group in partnership with Lionsgate, Copyrights’ agent for experiences.

Runaway Entertainment presents

2:22 – A GHOST STORY

The hit play by Danny Robins

Directed by Matthew Dunster

@222AGhostStory #222AGhostStory 

• SMASH HIT 2.22 – A GHOST STORY ANNOUNCES RECORD-BREAKING 5TH WEST END TRANSFER TO THE APOLLO THEATRE FOR A LIMITED SIXTH SEASON OF 18 WEEKS WITH PREVIEWS FROM 14 MAY 2023
   
• THE APOLLO WILL BE THE SHOW’S 5TH THEATRE IN THE WEST END, AND THE 3RD THEATRE ON SHAFTESBURY AVENUE
   
• THE WORLD PREMIERE WAS AT THE NOEL COWARD THEATRE IN SUMMER 2021
   
• THE PRODUCTION MOVED TO THE GIELGUD THEATRE BEFORE TRANSFERRING FOR TWO SEASONS AT THE CRITERION AND THEN ON TO THE LYRIC WHERE THE CURRENT CAST WILL PERFORM UNTIL 23 APRIL 
   
• THE PRODUCTION IS DIRECTED BY MATTHEW DUNSTER AND IS WRITTEN BY AWARD-WINNING WRITER DANNY ROBINS
   
• CAST FOR THE APOLLO THEATRE WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON
   
• TICKETS FOR THE APOLLO THEATRE ARE ON SALE FROM 10AM ON MARCH 28 FROM WWW.222AGHOSTSTORY.COM WHERE THERE IS ALSO STILL SOME AVAILABILITY FOR THE CURRENT CAST

Producer Runaway Entertainment is delighted to announce that the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 – A Ghost Story will transfer theatres for a record-breaking 5th time  – and its sixth season – to The Apollo Theatre, where it will play a 18 week season beginning on 14 May 2023. No other play has ever transferred this many times within a two year period.

The production began its life last summer 2021 at the Noel Coward Theatre starring Lily Allen, Julia Chan, Hadley Fraser and Jake Wood. It then transferred to the Gielgud Theatre for 10 weeks from 4 December 2021. The production there, starring Stephanie Beatriz, James Buckley, Elliot Cowan and Giovanna Fletcher, completed its run on 12 February 2022. For the first season at the Criterion (May – September 2022) the cast was Tom Felton, Mandip Gill, Sam Swainsbury and Beatriz Romilly. In Late September Laura Whitmore, Matt Willis, Felix Scott and Tamsin Carroll took over at the Criterion before the show transferred once again to it’s biggest house yet at the Lyric Theatre where the current cast of Cheryl, Jake Wood, Louise Ford and Scott Karim will end their run on 23 April. Cast for the transfer to the Apollo Theatre will be announced soon. 

‘Danny Robins has penned a modern classic’Sunday Times 

The West End theatre event of 2021, 2022 and now 2023 returns again by popular demand. A UK wide tour begins at Theatre Royal Bath in September 2023 and continues through to May 2024. Cast for the touring production is also to be announced.

“It’s happening again…”

2:22 is written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcasts The Battersea Poltergeist and Unanny, and is directed by Matthew Dunster. Look out for the clues to unlock the mystery in this brilliantly funny and intriguing play; it’s an adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear…

Danny Robins said: ‘We’re on the move again! This time next door! It blows my mind that we have been on this incredible journey of what is now a record breaking 5 transfers and 6 seasons! I’m just delighted to see the continued appetite for my play. The amazing audience reactions, coupled with one outstanding cast after another, have catapulted it into bonafide long-runner territory and I can’t wait to see who’ll pick up the mantle in this next iteration. Watch this space and prepare to be deeply spooked!’

What do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?

“THERE’S SOMETHING IN OUR HOUSE. I HEAR IT EVERY NIGHT, AT THE SAME TIME”

‘Sheer nerve-shredding escapism! I jumped out of my skin several times’ Mail on Sunday

Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they’re going to stay up… until 2:22… and then they’ll know.

‘A sensational event’ Evening Standard

2:22 – A Ghost Story features set design by Anna Fleischle, costume design by Cindy Lin, lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph Sound, illusions by Chris Fisher, casting by Matilda James CDG and co-direction by Gabriel Vega Weissman.

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

TIM MAHENDRAN, HIBA ELCHIKHE & ROSS DAWES

JOIN THE CAST OF THE WORLD PREMIERE OF

THE TIME TRAVELLER’S WIFE: THE MUSICAL

WITH MUSIC & LYRICS BY JOSS STONE & DAVE STEWART

& BOOK BY LAUREN GUNDERSON

AT THE APOLLO THEATRE IN LONDON’S WEST END

WITH PERFORMANCES FROM 7 OCTOBER 2023

Producer Colin Ingram (Back to the Future the Musical, Grease the Musical) is delighted to announce that joining the previously announced David Hunter (Henry) and Joanna Woodward (Clare) in the West End cast of The Time Traveller’s Wife: The Musical will be Tim Mahendran as Gomez, Hiba Elchikhe as Charisse and Ross Dawes as Henry’s Dad.  The world premiere production of The Time Traveller’s Wife: The Musical, based on the best-selling novel by Audrey Niffenegger and the New Line Cinema film screenplay by Bruce Joel Rubin, will open at the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End on 1 November, with previews from 7 October 2023.  Further casting is to be announced.

With a book by Lauren Gunderson, original music and lyrics by Joss Stone and Dave Stewart and additional music by Nick Finlow and additional lyrics by Kait Kerrigan, the production will be directed by Bill Buckhurst.  As with David Hunter and Joanna Woodward, Tim Mahendran, Hiba Elchikhe and Ross Dawes will be reprising the roles they played in Chester in October 2022.

Tim Mahendran played the regular role ofNelly in Channel 4’s comedy The Horne Section last year and previously appeared in Channel 4’s Stath Lets Flats.  He made his professional debut in Spring Awakening, directed by Luke Sheppard, before playing Raj in The Midnight Children for Chichester Festival Theatre and Francois in the original cast of & Juliet in the West End.

Hiba Elchikhe’s credits include Pritti Pasha in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (West End & LA), Millennials (The Other Palace), Secretary in Lift (Southwark Playhouse), Brooklyn in Brooklyn The Musical (Greenwich Theatre), Fiver (Southwark Playhouse), Antony & Cleopatra (National Theatre), Princess Jasmine in Aladdin (Australia), Mrs Santiago/Understudy Molly in Ghost the Musical (Asia) and The Sound Of Music: Live (ITV).

Ross Dawes can currently be seen in Disney’s Newsies at London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.  His West End credits include The Phantom of the Opera, Girl from the North Country, the original cast of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Shrek the Musical, Passion, Spamalot, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Starlight Express and Saturday Night Fever.

Henry and Clare’s relationship is like no other.  And yet, it’s like all others.  Clare is a talented sculptor and Henry is – well – a time traveller.  They meet, fall in love, and marry – but not in that order.  Flung apart by time but united by love, Henry is always trying to get back to Clare. Their journey is one of resilience, impossibilities and trying to hold on to each other when everything is pulling you apart.

The Time Traveller’s Wife: The Musical is a joyous, uplifting celebration of the strange wonder of love, however and whenever we experience it.  The musical weaves a heart-breaking and soaring original musical score by multi Grammy Award-winning composers Joss Stone and Dave Stewart with one of the most beloved novels of the last 50 years.  All couples ask how to truly know one another, to trust, to commit, to build a family, to work at something bigger than ourselves.  Not all of us are time travellers.  How do you love across time?

With a book by Lauren Gunderson, original music and lyrics by Joss Stone and Dave Stewart, additional music by Nick Finlow and additional lyrics by Kait Kerrigan, the production will be directed by Bill Buckhurst and designed by Anna Fleischle, with choreography by Shelley Maxwell, lighting design by Lucy Carter and Rory Beaton, illusions by Chris Fisher, video design by Andrzej Goulding, sound design by Richard Brooker, sound FX design by Pete Malkin, musical supervision & arrangement by Nick Finlow, orchestrations by Malcolm Edmonstone and wigs, hair and make-up design by Susanna Peretz.  Casting will be by Grindrod Burton Casting.  It will be produced by Colin Ingram, InTheatre Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Teresa Tsai, Crossroads Live, by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures.

Website: timetravellerswife.com

Twitter: @TimeTWMusical

Instagram: @TimeTWMusical

TikTok: @TimeTWMusical

LISTINGS

THE TIME TRAVELLER’S WIFE: THE MUSICAL

From 7 October 2023

Apollo Theatre

Shaftesbury Avenue

London

W1D 7EZ

Currently booking to 30 March 2024

Performances: Mondays – Saturdays at 7.30pm*, Wednesday & Saturday matinees at 2.30pm**

(*No performance on Monday 9 October; **No Wednesday matinee on 11 October)

Box Office:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0330 333 4809

Tickets from: £25

Christmas 2023 Performance Schedule

MONDAY                   25/12/2023           No Performance

TUESDAY                  26/12/2023           7.30pm

WEDNESDAY MAT    27/12/2023           2.30pm

WEDNESDAY            27/12/2023           7.30pm

THURSDAY MAT        28/12/2023           2.30pm

THURSDAY               28/12/2023           7.30pm

FRIDAY                     29/12/2023           7.30pm

SATURDAY MAT        30/12/2023           2.30pm

SATURDAY EVE        30/12/2023           7.30pm

FURTHER DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR THE NEXT SEASON OF THE TAKEOVER AT THE KING’S HEAD THEATRE

A QUEER INTERROGATION
CURATED BY GUEST ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TOM RATCLIFFE
19 APRIL – 14 MAY

ALONGSIDE THE WEEK-LONG PLATFORM NEW WRITING FESTIVAL, FOR NEW LGBTQI+ STORIES AND VOICES, CO-CURATED WITH RIKKI BEADLE-BLAIR
8 – 14 MAY

CASTING NOW ANNOUNCED FOR HEADLINE SHOW, BREEDING

The King’s Head Theatre are thrilled to announce further details of A QUEER INTERROGATION, the second season of the Takeover, curated by Guest Artistic Director Tom Ratcliffe, playing at the iconic Islington pub theatre 19 April – 14 May. In the final week, from 8 – 14 May, Tom will be working with artists such as writer, actor and director Rikki Beadle-Blair to produce Platform Festival – a full week of work-in-progress writing aimed at promoting new LGBTQI+ stories and voices. Rikki will be bringing 4 new plays by 4 different writers to the festival which contains 15 new plays in just one week.

Casting has also been announced for Tom’s headline show Breeding  by Barry McStay – a funny, moving drama about adopting as gay  parents – written by Barry McStay and directed by Offie Award Winning Director Matthew Iliffe (Bacon – Finborough Theatre), playing 19 April – 7 May, with a press night on Monday 24 April. Aamira Challenger (The Lavender Hill Mob – UK tour, Blithe Spirit – Bath Theatre Royal and West End) will play ‘Beth’, alongside Barry McStay as ‘Eoin’ and Dan Nicholson (Sleep No More – Punchdrunk, The Man Who Would Be King – Dawn State) as ‘Zeb’.

The rest of Tom’s season centres on new writing – plays and stories that have something BIG to say and ask important, necessary questions about the world we live in today. These stories are plot driven, and from the best up and coming LGBTQI+ playwrights.

Playing alongside Breeding is Vault Festival transfer That’s Ace, a story about asexuality, attraction and the difference between romantic and platonic love; Rapture, from interdisciplinary group Pink Sky uses verbatim recordings to explores polyamory, ones chosen family and queer identities; Belinda, from regular KHT cabaret collective  Bold Mellon (Aqueerius), a new play of friendship, tarot cards and imposter syndrome; Post Traumatic Slay Disorder a story exploring how mental illness can be navigated through Tik Tok trends; Rotting Hart, explores the history of homophobia in Spain, a horror period drama but with Werewolves. Brighton Fringe Nominated comedy Generation Why looks at how Pokemon ruined the millennial generation. Director Scott Le Crass (Harry’s Christmas) returns to King’s Head Theatre with Self-Tape a narrative that oscillates between a jobbing actor and his online sex-shows for clients. Written during lockdown this piece holds a mirror up to society. 

Tom’s season continues with Tangerines – a show looking at what would happen if Princess Charlotte was gay; Naughty, an intimate story about a taboo relationship between a teacher and their student. Another royal themed show God Save The Kink, performed on King Charles III coronation, this kinky cabaret by Letitia Delish is on a mission to expose our heads of states, guiding the audience through BDSM & fetishes. Finally, Drag Queen Rosacea Blemish brings you Will it Actually Ever Happen? a camp murder mystery set in a drag contest.

In the final week Tom will be working with artists such as writer, actor and director Rikki Beadle-Blair to produce Platform Festival – a full week of work-in-progress writing from some of the most exciting up and coming LGBTQI+ playwrights. Rikki will be bringing 4 new plays by 4 different writers to the festival which contains 15 new plays in just one week.

Tom Ratcliffe said, “I’m so excited to announce a season of work which celebrates and platforms such an exciting and important range of queer stories and artists. Having my work staged at fringe and off-west end venues such as the Kings Head over the years has absolutely shaped the artist I am still becoming. To be able to provide the same opportunities that have benefitted me to other artists is something that I am incredibly passionate about. Audiences can expect to be entertained, challenged, to laugh and cry but most importantly, they can expect to question the world around them through engaging with theatre that asks questions about our society.”

Rikki Beadle-Blair said, “It’s my thrill and ongoing passion to introduce exciting new visions from brave new minds to the world; to offer unforgettable new experiences to audiences, creatives and performers. These four performances offer the chance to say – ‘I was there that night. And what a night it was!”

Senior Producer Sofi Berenger said “A commitment to staging new writing has been important to the artistic ethos of Kings Head Theatre since founding artistic director Dan Crawford, who famously championed the early careers of writers such as Tom Stoppard, Steven Berkoff and Bryony Lavery. I’m so glad Tom and Rikki are continuing this during this season, especially since they have both previously had new writing themselves on at Kings Head Theatre.”

The Takeover sees the iconic Islington pub venue welcoming four guest Artistic Directors, drawn from different theatre backgrounds, curating their own individual programmes. The guest Artistic Directors – Isabel Adomakoh Young, Tom Ratcliffe, Tania Azevedo and David Cumming – are all mid-career LGBTQ+ artists from various disciplines.

The King’s Head Theatre was established in 1970. A vibrant and vital part of the UK theatre scene, they are known for their challenging work and support of emerging artists. They are committed to fighting prejudice through the work they stage, the artists and staff they work with. They believe in fair pay for all on the fringe and create accessible routes for early career artists to stage their work – work they are passionate about. 

Their artistic policy is unapologetically broad: they welcome new work, critical theatrical revivals, accessible opera and a full spectrum of LGBTQIA+ work.

The guest artistic directors’ seasons will be some of the final seasons ever programmed in the Kings Head Theatre Pub in its current building, London’s oldest pub theatre. More details on the new theatre space to be announced in due course. 

The programme has been supported by Arts Council England.

Further casting announced for Noël Coward’s THE VORTEX at Chichester Festival Theatre

Lia Williams and Joshua James lead the company, directed by Daniel Raggett

28 April – 20 May, Festival Theatre

Further casting has been confirmed for Noël Coward’s THE VORTEX, the opening production of Festival 2023 at Chichester Festival Theatre, playing from 28 April – 20 May (press night: Thursday 4 May).

Daniel Raggett, nominee for the 2022 Evening Standard Emerging Talent Award, directs this new production in which Florence and Nicky Lancaster are played by mother and son, Lia Williams and Joshua James. Joining them are Jessica Aladeas Clara, Priyanga Burford as Helen, Richard Cant as Pawnie, Sean Delaney as Tom, Hugh Ross as David, Evan Milton as Bruce, and Esme Scarborough as Preston.

Fifty years after his death, Noël Coward’s brilliantly witty and stinging portrait of the darkness beneath the glittering surface of the Jazz Age is as vivid today as when it premiered, causing a sensation and catapulting its young writer to his first great success.

The roaring twenties. A world in flux. The magnetic Florence Lancaster draws people to her like moths to a flame. But when her son Nicky arrives home from Paris with an unexpected fiancée and a secret, it sets off a chain of events which threatens to pull them all into a maelstrom.

Lia Williams’s multi award-winning roles include Wallis Simpson in The Crown, Dr Cooper in His Dark Materials, and on stage Mary Stuart (Almeida & West End) and John Gabriel Borkman (The Bridge). Her critically-acclaimed production of Doubt was seen at Chichester last year.

Joshua James returns to the Festival Theatre where he appeared in the Young Chekhov trilogy as Nikolai in Platonov and Konstantin in The Seagull (for which he was nominated for an Ian Charleson Award), bothalso at the National Theatre.

Priyanga Burford’s work includes Consent (National Theatre), The Winter’s Tale (Shakespeare’s Globe), and TV’s Industry, Innocent and Press.

The Vortex will have set design by Joanna Scotcher, costume design by Evie Gurney, lighting design by Zoe Spurr, music and sound design by Giles Thomas, movement by Michela Meazza and casting by Lotte Hines CDG.

The production is sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Management.

BOOKING INFORMATION

Tickets £10 – £46

cft.org.uk         Box Office 01243 781312          

Prologue: £5 tickets for 16 – 30s

£5 tickets are available for 16 to 30 year-olds; sign up for free at cft.org.uk/prologue.

MYRA DUBOIS ANNOUNCES NATIONAL TOUR AND EDINBURGH FRINGE RUN FOR 2023

MYRA DUBOIS: BE WELL

Following a national tour of Australia, British comedy sensation Myra DuBois will be bringing her new show ‘Be Well’ to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe before embarking on a UK tour for 2023. Tickets are on sale now and available from www.myradubois.co.uk

Myra DuBois calls out to you, the disadvantaged, downtrodden and tyrannised of the world, with her manifesto for mental health: AdMyrism! But are you ready to receive the call? Myra will head to Edinburgh Fringe to perform in Pleasance KingDome at 8pm throughout the month of August.

Audiences will be delighted to know that she will then kick off her nationwide live tour in Salford on 29^th September before heading

to Ilkley, Leamington Spa, Southend, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Carlisle, Cambridge, Cardiff, Oxford, Nottingham, Swindon, Birmingham, Newbury, Liverpool, London before closing the tour in Brighton on 16^th November.

“Be Well” is a sardonic side-eye at the Wellness Industrial Complex as Myra continues of the tradition of the likes Shirley McClean and Gwyneth Paltrow, a celebrity that knows best.

Having left audiences across the globe in physical pain from laughter with her take-no-prisoners brand of rapid-fire comedy; Myra DuBois lays her healing hands on the masses in this; her wellness sermon.

Unpredictable, intelligent character comedy, the self-declared siren of South Yorkshire works the room, sparing no-one her sharp tongue, and yet somehow keeping everybody affectionately on-side.

Myra DuBois will be supported on her UK tour by comedian Frank Lavender, who will performing highlights from his own Edinburgh Fringe Show “Be Funny” which is at Just the Tonic’s La Belle Angele at 17:00, 3^rd – 27^th August (not 14^th).

Both Myra DuBois and Frank Lavender are comic creations of character comedian Gareth Joyner.

ABOUT MYRA DUBOIS

Myra DuBois is the acid-tongued comedic force of nature whose quick-wit and unrivalled crowd work has been taking the UK by storm for over a decade.

A 21st Centenary renascence woman from England’s North, Myra uses her skills as an actress, author, wellness guru, energy worker, Gemini, and (dare we forget) singer, to enrich each member of her audience personally. So popular is Myra’s ‘take-no-prisoners’ style amongst her fans, the ‘AdMyras’, that fighting for front row seats is a frequent occurrence at her shows. Springing forward from the Burlesque scene, Myra has trodden the boards of such prestigious stages as the London Palladium, the London Hippodrome, the Royal Festival Hall, and the Soho Theatre to name but four. Myra has opened for Bianca Del Rio on Del Rio’s 2018 & 2022 UK tours, and Myra’s own solo show ‘DEAD FUNNY’ premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019 before transferring for a two-week run at the Sydney Opera House, followed by a UK tour launched at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End. The show was filmed for an exclusive special on comedy streaming service; NextUp Comedy. She has since turned her hand to healing the public with her interactive self-help seminar “A Problem Shared” which was a cult hit at the Edinburgh Fringe and is set for a run at the Soho Theatre in May 2023.

@myradubois

PRAISE FOR MYRA DUBOIS

“Myra DuBois is a COMIC GENIUS, if you don’t believe me… ask HER!”

Bianca Del Rio

“Bust a gut funny” Graham Norton

“Hilarious”Boy George

“Acid tongued, funny to the bone” Time Out London

“Hilarious… comic timing that never misses a beat” Edinburgh Festival Magazine

“Incredibly quick-witted comedy” The Scotsman

“Raucous” New York Times

Theatre Royal, Newcastle – until Saturday 1st April 2023

5*****

We are all aware of the story behind the great ship Titanic and the fate of the many men women and children who lost their lives to the sea that dreadful evening. The history books have given us true accounts of the events of that night which have been portrayed previously through film and documentaries, however the story has made its way onto the stage in this amazing production.

Currently on its 10 Year Anniversary Tour, Danielle Tarento has produced a thing of beauty. With Maury Yeston’s music and lyrics, Peter Stone’s book and a cast almost as big as the ship itself, this ensemble piece is both poignant and breath taking.

The staging take you straight into the setting with the huge backdrop of a ships enormous frame, just giving an idea of the sheer size of the original vessel. The lighting throughout the production allows for the audience to feel the excitement of the passenger as they board the majestic Titanic. And I swear as we sailed along the northern passage on our collision with the iceberg, the theatre got steadily colder.

Passengers from all walks of life are portrayed as we meet just a few of the people who joined the ill fated ship on the 10th April 1912 from the port at Southhampton. Passengers from Steerage, Second class and First Class were introduced and to the audience as they talked about going home or heading to the New World where many dreamed of a better life. Each having their own story to tell.

Captain Smith (Graham Bickley) is seen throughout the production, meeting the staff, passengers and also the architect Thomas Andrews (Ian McLarnon) and J. Bruce Ismay (Martin Allanson). On many occasions he is seen being informed of the impending sighting of icebergs from other ships, but chooses to brush these aside. Pressure is put on him from Ismay who wants to beat the record time of getting to New York as early as possible so encourages Captain Smith to push the ships engines faster and to the maximum capacity. A decision that would be regretted as this may well have been deciding factor if this dreadful accident could have been prevented. And during The Blame, Ismay, Smith and Andrews all blame each other, whilst knowing they all played a part

The musical score throughout the production was very apt and helped the audience relate to what the passengers and staff may well have been experiencing at the time. From the opening song In Every Age to No Moon which closes Act 1 and then Wake Up, Wake Up which starts Act 2 in a dramatic manner.

This is a production I would recommend everyone takes the opportunity to see as you will not be disappointed. Although we all know how the tragic voyage ends with first hand accounts from some of the 711 survivors this will leave you with a reminder of just how precious life is. Take tissues because the superb score played by a live band, amazing acting, stunning vocals and outstanding production values will tear at your heartstrings

 @aspotlightonline on Tik Tok, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram

@aspotlighton on Twitter

www.illuminateyourcuriosity.co.uk | #illuminateyourcuriosity

ILLUMINATE YOUR CURIOSITY – 

A SPOTLIGHT ON COMING SOON.

·       HAPPY WORLD THEATRE DAY – THE PERFECT TREAT FOR EVERY THEATRE LOVER WILL LAUNCH APRIL 2023.

In celebration of World Theatre Day 2023, leading West End and Broadway theatre producers have announced that in April 2023 they will be illuminating your curiosity with A Spotlight On.

They will soon be shining a light on the people, artistry, and culture of theatre like never before as they launch something special that will ignite the passion of every theatre lover.

The joint founders and CEOs of A Spotlight On said: 

“World Theatre Day celebrates the essence, beauty, and importance of theatre all across the world and the symbolic impact that theatre has on life. The uniquely collaborative art form that is built not on any one individual, but on hundreds of different players. Those on stage. And those behind. Each one a storyteller. 

We are thrilled to launch A Spotlight On, on World Theatre Day, a place that celebrates each and every one of these artists and the incredible industry they inhabit. The movers, shakers and show-makers.

At our core, the simple mantra to motivate, educate and inspire anyone with an interest in theatre. To get up close and personal with the people they already know and love and introduce the other crucial roles that exist behind the curtain. A Spotlight On is for anyone who loves theatre and needs to know more about the people and roles that make it one of the greatest art forms in the world.”

In advance of the launch, a secret star-studded event where the full details of the project will be revealed will take place in London’s West End. Theatre enthusiasts from all over the world can sign up to find out more and (for UK residents only) the chance to join the producers there. All entries must be completed by midnight on Friday 31st March 2023.

The lucky ones who sign up (UK entries only), and are selected, will get VIP access to the exclusive launch in London, an overnight stay in a London hotel, and much more. 

All entries must be completed by midnight on Friday 31st March 2023. To enter the ballot and to find out more about A Spotlight On visit www.illuminateyourcuriosity.co.uk.

Forum Theatre, Malvern – 25th March 2023

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

The Bootleg Beatles back at Malvern Theatres – I’m there already!

The lights dimmed, the video wall set the scene in glorious monochrome and our heroes got straight into a commemoration of the 60th anniversary (this week) of Please Please Me. The attention to detail in this show is astonishing with the early Beatles logo with insect antennae on the bass drum head showing meticulous care, adding to the atmosphere.

I love the early stuff but it’s Rubber Soul and Revolver which, for me, see The Beatles going from a popular band writing wondrous pop songs to something truly earth shattering. So when The Bootlegs reappeared with the longer wigs, the 1966 tour costumes and matching Epiphone Casinos, my heart leapt. The band play these songs with commendable ease (especially the fiendishly tricky vocal harmonies on Paperback Writer and Nowhere Man) displaying their formidable musicianship, reproducing the visceral excitement of those records. George’s (Steve Hill) playing gets a special mention for “Taxman” alone and a note perfect playing of that fizzing lead guitar riff. Sensational!

Revolver (of course) expanded the band’s instrumental palette, necessitating extra players onstage. “Got To Get You Into My Life” gave the horn/woodwind section a muscular introduction and “Tomorrow Never Knows” gave everyone the chance to go wonderfully bonkers. What a stunning achievement to recreate this seminal track so accurately. A total joy to hear played live and what a way to end the first half of a show!

The second half took us into psychedelic realms courtesy of the Magical Mystery Tour era and pre-Pepper double sided love song to Liverpool; “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Penny Lane”. John (Tyson Kelly) and Paul (Steve White) gave us another round in the ongoing verbal battle of who had the coveted A side. Very entertaining; the Bootlegs sure knows the original band’s stuff with these in jokes. Ringo (Gordon Ellesmore) got his famous spotlit moment with “Yellow Submarine” before “All You Need Is Love” and “I Am The Walrus” gave the orchestra another chance to stand out, especially the strings!

A final change and the band exploded into a scintillating rendition of “Revolution” and the ‘68-69 era complete with encore including “Hey Jude”. Was it really all over? Nah (na na na na na…) well, yes, unfortunately it was.

A very different feel to last year but no less enjoyable, only different. With a songbook like this it’s hard to go wrong! A splendid time was guaranteed for all and with so many hits from them to us I did feel very fine!

The show is perfection incarnate: the mannerisms, the Beatle humour, the outfits, all those gorgeous guitars – I’d pay just to look at those lined up – everything present and very correct. They also have a natural rapport with their adoring audience as shown by the thoughtful way George gave a couple of young fans some picks.

I cannot recommend this show highly enough. During these worrying times it should be prescribed on the NHS! I only hope they please please me with another visit very soon.