IS IT A FRIDAY?
IS IT A SATURDAY?
NO, IT’S SUPER FAN SUNDAYS
AT THE TURBINE THEATRE
FOR

RUNNING FROM 17 MARCH – 28 MAY 2023

EUGENIUS IS BACK. RE-ASSEMBLED AT THE TURBINE THEATRE

Starting this Sunday, get the chance to find out about the cast members behind the iconic cult musical, Eugenius! as each week a different cast member will take over the theatre’s social channel to give you an insight into what goes into the 

Along with the social media takeover, we want to encourage fans to let their G.E.E.K flag fly and be their own superhero for the day by dressing up for our Sunday performance. Furthermore, there will also be a limited number of collectors posters available to purchase on these Sunday’s which will be signed by the cast member taking over the Turbine Theatre’s socials that day.

Eugenius! is currently playing at The Turbine Theatre at Battersea Power Station. It is a reworked version of the iconic cult musical, which previously ran at The Other Palace in 2018, and in concert form at the London Palladium in 2016.

A thrilling, high-energy 80s-inspired British musical with a superhero-sized heart and an uplifting score. 

A show where geeks rule, dreams do come true, and everyone finds the superhero inside themselves.

Leading the cast, as our unlikely hero, Eugene, is Elliott Evans (Kiln – A New Musical) with his two best friends Janey and Feris being played by Jaina Brock-Patel (SIX The Musical) and James Hameed (Be More Chill).

Completing the cast is Naomi Alade (Beautiful – The Carole King Musical) asEugenie (Swing), Dominic Andersen (What’s New Pussycat?) as Gerhard/Tough Man/Dad, Joseph Beach (Ortistic Augasm) as Evil Lord Hector, Lara Denning (Matilda)as Lex, Louis Doran (Bugsy Malone) as Eugenie (Swing), Maddison Firth (Heathers The Musical)as Carrie/Super-Hot Lady, Sebastian Harwood (Treason The Musical In Concert) as Eugenie (Swing) and Rhys Taylor (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) as Theo/Space Diva.

Boasting a pulsating soundtrack, streamed by millions and heard across 125 countries, Eugenius! is a hilarious love letter to the iconic movies, comic books and nostalgia of the 80’s. A champion of the underdog, a place where anyone can become the hero. With our legion of Eugenies we’re set to prove that together we are mighty.

The musical is written by Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins and is directed by Hannah Chissick. It will run at The Turbine Theatre from Friday 17 March until Sunday 28 May 2023.

Musical Direction by Nick Pinchbeck, Set and Lighting Design by Andrew Exeter, Sound Design by Alistair Penman and Video by Andy Walton with Choreography by Aaron Renfree.

at

The Phoenix Theatre

Wednesday 24 May – Saturday 26 August 2023

CO-WRITTEN BY AL MURRAY,

MATT FORDE AND SEAN FOLEY

“The evening triumphs through technical slickness, loving attention to detail, a high gag-rate and character-count and a trenchant storyline… a barrel-load of offence-giving fun and a salty dash of rebellion.” ★★★★★

Dominic Cavendish, The Daily Telegraph

“A healthy disrespect for the Establishment… technically ingenious production… the smarts to crowbar in updated topical references” ★★★★

Mark Wareham, The Mail on Sunday

Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical  written by a tour de force comedy team made up of  Al Murray (The Pub Landlord) Matt Forde (The Political Party) and double Olivier award winner  Sean Foley (The Upstart Crow, The Play What I Wrote) makes its West End Premiere at the Phoenix Theatre in London. 

Critically acclaimedwhen it was developed at the Birmingham Rep earlier this year,  the show is directed by the Rep’s Artistic Director Sean Foley alongside a creative team spearheaded by the original Spitting Image co-creator, Roger Law. 

Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical  will run from Wednesday 24 May to Saturday 26 August 2023.  Tickets are now on sale from https://www.thephoenixtheatre.co.uk/shows/idiots-assemble-spitting-image-the-musical.

Introduced by Master of Ceremonies Sir Ian McKellen,the musical features a stellar line-up of over 100 puppets of the great and the not so good.   Tom Cruise is tasked by His Majesty The King to create the UK’s very own ‘Magnificent Seven’ of celebrity misfits – Tom Cruise, Greta Thunberg, Meghan Markle, Tyson Fury, RuPaul, Angela Rayner and Idris Elba –  to save the nation from a cabal of dark forces seeking to destroy it – that’s all the usual suspects. And James Corden.   They are joined by:  Ant & Dec, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Keir Starmer, Stormzy, Vladimir Putin, The Tory Party Cabinet and many many many many many more. 

 ‘When Spitting Image first appeared on British TV it blew people’s minds,’ said Al Murray ‘Now it’s going to do it all over again in the West End.  All the elements the show was famed for: outrageous depictions of the great and the not so good, catchy songs, famous faces saying the things you’ve always wanted to hear them say, all reinvented for the stage. You won’t know where to look!’

Matt Forde commented: ‘Nothing can prepare you for what you’re about to see, it’s the wildest show in the West End. I don’t want to give anything away, but you’ll never look at Suella Braverman in the same way again.’

Sean Foley added: ‘I’m thrilled that Spitting Image The Musical is set to transfer to the West End.  Audiences at Birmingham Rep, where the show premiered, loved the classic Spitting Image mix of political satire, celebrity send up and Royal family soap opera.  With Rishi Sunak and Angela Rayner battling it out, Tom Cruise making his theatrical debut and Adele singing her heart out, I hope this uniquely anarchic musical will continue to make people laugh.’ 

The full creative team is:   Director Sean Foley, writers Al Murray, Matt Forde and Sean Foley, Caricaturist Supremo Roger Law, Set Designer, Alice Power, Video Designer Nina Dunn for Pixel Lux, Lighting Designer Tim Mitchell, Puppet Master Scott Brooker, Costume Designer Lotte Collet,  Choreographer Lizzi Gee, Incidental Music Composer and Musical Director Alexander S. Bermange, Incidental Music Arranger and Producer Jerome van den Burghe,  Creators of Spitting Image Peter Fluck and Roger Law, General Manager Emma Brunjes for ebp, and Producers Richard Allen-Turner and Jon Thoday for Avalon.

The BAFTA and Emmy award-winning satirical Spitting Image television series originally ran for 18 series between 1984 and 1996, and was watched by over 15 million viewers. It recently made a popular return to TV on BritBox, where across official social media channels, Spitting Image content has been hugely popular with over 200 million views globally, three number 1 trending videos on YouTube and achieved critical praise across the political divide.  Three one-off specials for ITV have also seen huge success on terrestrial television: with a 4.4 million audience achieving ITV’s highest Saturday night ratings at that time in four years.

VIEW SPITTING IMAGE LIVE TRAILER HERE

Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical is presented by Avalon, and originally produced at Birmingham Rep where it had a hugely successful run.

KILN ANNOUNCES

FURTHER PROGRAMMING FOR

SUMMER 2023

With Zadie Smith’s The Wife of Willesden about to begin a run at Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York,  and the world première of Retrograde by Ryan Calais Cameron in rehearsal, Kiln Theatre today announces the next productions in its programme to be presented this summer. Following its opening in Cardiff, Kiln will welcome the Wales Millennium Centre production of Es & Flo by Jennifer Lunn, directed by former Associate Director at Kiln Theatre Susie McKenna. This award-winning new play, which celebrates the love of an older lesbian relationship, will run from 5 – 24 June.

This is followed from 29 June – 15 July by Ellen Brammar’s Modest,with music by Rachel Barnes, co-directed by Luke Skilbeck, Artistic Director of artist-led company Milk Presents,and Paul Smith, Artistic Director of Hull-based company Middle Child. This electrifying new play about Elizabeth Thompson – megastar of the Victorian art scene – is performed by a cast featuring the UK’s hottest drag talent and opens on 4 July.

Following this, Kiln will produce the UK première of Lynn Nottage’s Mlima’s Tale, directed by Miranda Cromwell. The show will play this Autumn with dates and on sale information soon.

Tickets for Es & Flo and Modest are on sale to Kiln Card members now, with general on sale today at 12pm.

Elizabeth Thompson – megastar of the Victorian art scene

Indhu Rubasingham said today, “I am delighted that we will bring these two productions to Kiln this summer. Es & Flo, fresh from its première in Cardiff, shines a light on the experience of older women, whose stories we seldom see portrayed onstage, and I am pleased that we are giving the show a London home. Middle Child and Milk Presents are two award-winning companies, both producing cutting edge work, and Modest will be a thrilling event for our audiences, telling the story of a trailblazing Victorian artist.”

Kiln Theatre presents

A Wales Millennium Centre production

ES & FLO

By Jennifer Lunn

5 – 24 June 2023

Writer Jennifer Lunn; Directed by Susie McKenna; Designer Libby Watson; Lighting Designer Simisola Majekodunmi; Sound Designer and Composer Tic Ashfield; Casting Director Nadie Rennie CDG; Movement Director Dollie Henry MBE; Intimacy Coordinator Ingrid Mackinnon; Associate Director Alice Eklund

Cast: Doreene Blackstock (Flo); Liz Crowther (Es); Michelle McTernan (Catherine); Adrianna Pavlovska (Beata) and Renée Hart/Chioma Nduka (Kasia)

I know it’s difficult. You’ve obviously been a good friend to her but it’s time to let us take over now.

Es and Flo fell fiercely in love in the 80s. They’ve been secretly living as lovers ever since. But as Es becomes more forgetful, an unexpected carer arrives. When the outside world comes crashing in, Flo must battle to hold onto the woman she loves and protect the life they’ve built together. 

Coloured with memories of the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp – where Es and Flo first met as activists – Jennifer Lunn’s award-winning new play, directed by Susie McKenna, celebrates the love of an older lesbian relationship, women coming together to fight for what’s right and the healing power of chosen family.

Es & Flo premieres at Wales Millennium Centre on 28 April – 13 May 2023.

Doreene Blackstock plays Flo. Theatre credits include The Key Workers Cycle (Almeida Theatre); Unknown Rivers (Hampstead Theatre); Equus (Trafalgar Studios); Bullet Hole, Distance (Park Theatre); Much Ado About Nothing (The Globe); Cymbeline, Hamlet, Noughts & Crosses (RSC); Antigone, Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (Pilot Theatre Company); The Container (Young Vic Theatre); One Under, The Gift (Tricycle Theatre); The Carver Chair (Contact Theatre) and Leonora’s Dance (Black Theatre Co-operative). Television credits Sex Education, Wire in the Blood, Doctors, Death in Paradise, EastEnders, The Game, Silent Witness, The Bill, Life Begins, Family Business, Medics, Casualty, Holby City, Judge John Deed, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Tom Jones and Common as Muck. For film work includes This Year’s Love and The Child in Time.

Liz Crowther plays Es. Her theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regents Park); Visitors (Oldham Coliseum); Cardenio, The City Madam, Marat Sade, The White Devil, The Witch of Edmonton, The Roaring Girl and Song of Songs (RSC Stratford); Kite (Soho Theatre and the London Mime Festival); The Country Wife (Haymarket); Onassis (Novello); Ducktastic (West End); Cyrano de Bergerac (Royal Exchange); Abigail’s Party (Hampstead Theatre tour); The Real Thing (UK tour); Communicating Doors (Stephen Joseph and Chicago International Theatre Festival); Animal Farm and Four Short Becketts (National Theatre); Running Wild, Twelfth Night, The Merry Wives of Windsor and Oliver Twist (Regents Park). For television, her work includes Vera, The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies, Miss Scarlet and the Duke, The Chelsea Detective, Mansfield Park, Eastenders, Outnumbered, The Dumping Ground and Holby City.

Michelle McTernan plays Catherine. Theatre includes MaryLand (Sherman Theatre); Revlon Girl (Edinburgh Fringe, Park Theatre); The Three Night Blitz (Swansea Grand Theatre); Bara Bread (Theatr Gwalia); Granny Annie, Trivial Pursuits, Erogenous Zones, Roots And Wings, Family Planning, Kiss On The Bottom (Grassroots Productions); Flesh And Blood (Sherman Theatre/Hampstead Theatre); The Oystercatchers (Swansea Grand/Sherman Theatre); Blue Remembered Hills (Torch Theatre); Under Milk Wood, Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead (Clwyd Theatr Cymru/Tour) and Twelfth Night, Cymbeline, The Merchant Of Venice (Ludlow Festival). Television and film credits include The Crown, Casualty, The Lost Viking Sisters, Stella, Rain, Midnight, Dr Terrible’s House Of Horrible, Tales From Pleasure Beach, Light In The City, Very Annie Mary and Bobinogs.

Adrianna Pavlovska plays Beata. Theatre credits include The Lower Depths (Arcola Theatre); White(Other) (Pole Vault Theatre Company, The Warren, Brighton Fringe); and for television, The Tower.

Chioma Nduka plays Kasia. Training:  Deborah Day Theatre School Theatre credits: The Drifters Girl (West End).

Renée Hart plays Kasia. Theatre credits: Small Island (National Theatre).

Playwright Jennifer Lunn won the Popcorn New Writing Award in 2020 and was the 2022 recipient of the American prize for new writing, the Nancy Dean Lesbian Playwriting Award, both for Es & Flo. It was also shortlisted for the Verity Bargate Award and longlisted for the Bruntwood Prize. Her second play Core was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Playwriting in 2021 and the Papatango Prize in 2022. A filmed reading of Core is available via The Playwrights Laboratory. Writing credits include Terroir (RWCMD/Sherman Theatre), Stop The Drop (Curtain Up – Theatr Clwyd), and Disorder – The Real Name Cannot Be Published (RWCMD). Jennifer is also a producer and director having worked with National Theatre, Theatr Clwyd, Sherman Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Spare Tyre, Grand Ambition, Ellie Keel Productions, Leeway Productions and Dirty Protest.

Susie McKenna has been an actor, writer and director in Theatre, Film and Television for 40 years. wrote and directed Hackney Empire’s critically acclaimed pantomime for 22 years where she was also an Associate Director from 2005 and Creative Director from 2010 – 2017. From 2019 – 2021, Susie was an Associate Director at Kiln Theatre. Directing credits for theatre include NW Trilogy (Kiln); Blues In The Night (Kiln – Olivier Award nominated); The Silver Sword (Belgrade Theatre Coventry/National tour – Writer and Director); Oranges and Elephants (Hoxton Hall – OFFIE Nominated); A Christmas Carol (Arts Theatre); Once On This Island (Birmingham Rep/Nottingham Playhouse/Hackney Empire); Sit and Shiver, King,  Abyssynia Praise Singer, Blues In The Night (all Hackney Empire); Ha Ha Hackney (Sixty Years of British Comedy Festival); Sophie Tucker’s Once Night Stand (Kings Head/Edinburgh Festival/Hackney Empire); A Midsummer Night Madness (Harlem Festival NYC/Edinburgh Festival/Hackney Empire); Macbeth (Edinburgh Festival); Face Value (Hackney Empire).As a television producer,credits include Battles Axes and Journey Into Evil.Susie was the Hackney Empire Artist of the Year in 2000. She has been nominated twice for the Gilder/Coigney International Theatre Award with nominations for Best Director, Best Show and Best Script for Aladdin in 2018. In 2020 Susie won Best Director for her Windrush adaptation of Dick Whittington at the Great British Pantomime Awards 2020/21.

Kiln Theatre presents
A Middle Child production in collaboration with Milk Presents

MODEST

By Ellen Brammar
Music by Rachel Barnes

29 June – 15 July 2023

Writer Ellen Brammar; Co-directed by Luke Skilbeck (Milk Presents) and Paul Smith (Middle Child); Composer & Musical Director Rachel Barnes; Set Design QianEr Jin; Lighting Design Jessie Addinall; Sound Design and Music Production Eliyana Evans; Costume Design Terry Herfield; Movement Directors Tamar and Jo Dance Company; Assistant Director Prime Isaac; Dramaturgy Matthew May, Luke Skilbeck, Paul Smith

Casting to be announced.

“Cause here she comes. She’s the baddest, bitchin’ babe of art.”

In 1874 Elizabeth Thompson stuns the Royal Academy with her painting, Roll Call. Five years later, she falls two votes short of becoming the first woman elected to the academy.

In between, she must shoulder the hopes and dreams of women across the country – including her suffragette sister – while fighting for her place at a table full of top hats, ties and mutton chop beards.

Theatre, music hall and drag king swagger collide as Modest brings you a Victorian art scene superstar.

Performed by a cast featuring the UK’s hottest drag talent, this electrifying new play will break your heart and start a revolution.

Produced by Middle Child (The Canary and the Crow; All We Ever Wanted Was Everything) in collaboration with Milk Presents (JOAN; Trans Filth and Joy), Modest was developed with the support of the National Theatre’s Generate programme and is funded by Arts Council England and Hull City Council.

Prior to the Kiln, Modest will be presented at Hull Truck Theatre, Hull – 23-27 May, New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich – 16-17 June, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough – 19-21 June, Slung Low Warehouse, Holbeck – 23 June.

Writer Ellen Brammar is a Hull-based writer and founding member of Middle Child. For Middle Child her credits include I Hate Alone; Hope for My Daughter (with Signal Fires); Ordinary People (with Leeds Playhouse). Other theatre writing credits include Angel;Ten (Hull Truck Theatre); First Story: Walk in the Park (Back to Ours); and Northern Girls (Pilot Theatre). Ellen took part in the BBC Writers room 2020 Northern Voices programme, delivering a TV pilot of I Hate Alone, and was selected for the BBC Children’s 2021 New Voices Festival.

Rachel Barnes is a Musician, Composer and Actor from Hull. She trained at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and studied English at the University of Hull. Recent composition credits include It’s Different For Girls, (UK Tour) and The StorytEllas (Online Series). Recent theatre credits include Sugar Coat (Southwark Playhouse), Manic Street Creature (Paine’s Plough Roundabout), Tiresius (UK Tour), The Wicker Husband (Watermill Theatre), Joan of Leeds (New Diorama), The Canary and the Crow and I Hate Alone (Middle Child), The Dancing Bear (Leeds Playhouse), The Sicilian Courtesan, and Kasimir and Karoline (Gate Theatre).  Recent TV credits: Ladhood (BBC). 

From cabaret Chekhov (The Bear/The Proposal, Young Vic) to drag king plays (JOAN, winner of Off West End Award and Fringe First Award, Milk Presents/Derby Theatre) director Luke Skilbeck’s work fuses cabaret and theatre and centres queer and trans experiences in unexpected ways. Luke is the Artistic Director of Milk Presents, and Milk is formally an Associate Company of Derby Theatre, and of the Bush Theatre. Milk Presents celebrate queer bodies, uplift queer stories and centre creativity, resilience, action and joy. Their work has been described as “Powerful, dynamic and irreverent” by The Scotsman. Marty and The Party (for 2-6 year olds) is currently touring the UK. Luke works extensively as a director, associate director, writer and screen writer, including directing Trans Filth and Joy (large scale work for Manchester Pride with Trans Creative) and as Associate Director on queer cult musical Fun Home based on Alison Bechdel’s memoir (Young Vic). Luke is the creator and host of historical queer podcast – Perverts Podcast. Their play When We Begin was shortlisted for the Verity Bargate Award 2020, and their work for screen includes writing the pilot episode of a trans centred drama (87 Films / Fremantle). Luke is a recent graduate of the BFI writers programme.

Director Paul Smith is a founding member and the Artistic Director of Middle Child. His work focuses on audiences, specifically creating an environment which breaks down barriers for working class people and those who often feel alienated by the word ‘theatre’. His work with Middle Child has won multiple awards and credits include The Canary and the Crow, Us Against Whatever, One Life Stand, All We Ever Wanted Was Everything, I Hate Alone, Ten Storey Love Song, Weekend Rockstars, Mercury Fur, Saturday Night & Sunday Morning and eleven alternative pantomimes. In 2021 Paul won the Olwen Wymark Award for exceptional encouragement of theatre writing alongside Simon Stephens and Jo Clifford. He has directed multiple productions at Hull Truck Theatre, worked as dramaturg and creative consultant on shows at the Birmingham Rep and Bolton Octagon, and led residencies for the National Theatre, the National Student Drama Festival and the Tron. He trained on the LAMDA Directing Course in 2011, the National Theatre’s Directing Programme in 2018 and is a CLORE Leader.

Kiln Theatre presents

MLIMA’S TALE

By Lynn Nottage
Directed by Miranda Cromwell

“If you not give elephant proper burial he’ll haunt you forever.” 

From two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage (The Secret Life of Bees, Sweat), Mlima’s Tale makes its UK premiere at Kiln Theatre. They call him Mlima, the mountain. Killed for his magnificent tusks, killed for greed, killed for ivory, his spirit journeys through the ivory trade market, marking those complicit in his barbaric death.  

Directed by Miranda Cromwell (Death of a Salesman), this powerful and unforgettable story of the ivory trade and its corruption leaves its mark long after the lights go down. 

More information and tickets on sale soon.

Kiln Theatre

Listings

269 Kilburn High Road, London, UK, NW6 7JR

Box Office: 020 7328 1000

www.KilnTheatre.com

THE WIFE OF WILLESDEN:
Harvey Theater, BAM Strong, Brooklyn: 1 – 16 April 2023

RETROGRADE:
20 April – 27 May 2023
Post show Q&A: Tues 2 May
All performances will be audio described

Captioned Performances: Thu 11 May 7.30pm; Fri 12 May 7.30pm; Sat 13 May, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Touch Tour: Thu 18 May, 6pm
Relaxed Performance: Sat 20 May 2.30pm

ES & FLO:
5 June – 24 June 2023
Opening Night: 8 June
Access Perfs: Touch Tour – Thurs 15 June, 6pm,  Audio Described – Thurs 15 June, 7.30pm, Captioned – Thurs 22 June, 7.30pm, Relaxed – Weds 21 June, 2.30pm

Post Show Q&A: Tuesday 13 June
Monday – Saturday, 7.30pm (Wed mats following press night)
All tickets to first preview £15
Tickets £15-£35

MODEST:
29 June – 15 July
Opening Night: 4 July
Access Perfs:  Touch Tour – Thurs 13 July, 6pm, Audio Described – Thurs 13 July, 7.30pm, Captioned – Mon 10 July, 7.30pm, Relaxed – Weds 12 July, 2.30pm

Post Show Q&A: Fri 7 July
Monday – Saturday, 7.30pm (Wed mats following press night)
All tickets to first preview £10
Tickets £10 – £30

Under 26 – £10 (subject to availability).

Access, Over 65, Local, Student and Group rates available, for further details, please see the website.

Subsidised tickets

We offer free tickets and exclusive discounts to those who can’t afford to come. If you fit any of the below criteria, get in touch and we can help you get a ticket.

If you are homeless, out of work or receive Housing Benefits, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance (valid ID, statements or proof universal tax credit will be required when collecting tickets).

Employees of NHS, Police Force, Fire Brigade, Armed Forces, The Coastguard, RNLI, Prison Officers or Social Care Workers (valid ID payslip and name badges will be required when collecting tickets).

Email [email protected]

BEHIND THE SCENES IMAGES

FROM THE ALMEIDA THEATRE RUN

AND A NEW TRAILER RELEASED

AHEAD OF THE TRANSFER OF

PETER MORGAN’S OLIVIER NOMINATED NEW PLAY

PATRIOTS

RUNNING AT THE NOËL COWARD THEATRE

FOR A LIMITED TWELVE WEEK SEASON

FROM 26 MAY TO 19 AUGUST 2023

STARRING TOM HOLLANDER, WILL KEEN 

AND LUKE THALLON

ALL REPRISING THEIR CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ROLES

‘It had me on the edge of my seat, and a West End transfer is a must’

Mail on Sunday

‘This is a cracking, exciting piece of theatre that’s become, sadly, very timely’

Evening Standard

‘Peter Morgan’s absorbing, acerbic new play’

Variety

Behind the scenes images, taken during the Almeida Theatre run, are being released ahead of Patriots’ transferring to the West End from 26 May 2023, at the Noël Coward Theatre, alongside a new trailer for the production.

Patriots has recently been nominated for three Olivier Awards: for Best New Play, for Tom Hollander for Best Actor for his starring role as Boris Berezovsky and Will Keen for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his role as Vladimir Putin.

Patriots is internationally award-winning writer Peter Morgan’s (Frost/Nixon) first new play since The Audience. Peter is best known for writing the multi award-winning Netflix hit, The Crown.

Patriots is the Almeida’s fastest selling new play and transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre for a limited twelve-week run from 26 May to 19 August 2023, with opening night on 6 June 2023. Directed by the Almeida’s Artistic Director, Rupert Goold (Ink, Enron), Patriots is a brilliant and startlingly timely story of ambition, loyalty and betrayal in a brave new world.

BAFTA-winning actor Tom Hollander (The Night Manager; Travesties) reprises his starring role as Boris Berezovsky, the ‘kingmaker’ behind Vladimir Putin, with Will Keen (His Dark Materials) also returning to play Putin and Luke Thallon (Albion) as Abramovich. Further casting will be announced in due course.

“If the politicians cannot save Russia, then we businessmen must. We have not just the responsibility but the duty to become Russian heroes”

1991. The Fall of the Soviet Union.

With the dawning of a new Russia, there are winners and losers, and today’s patriot can fast become tomorrow’s traitor.

As a new generation of oligarchs fights to seize control, PATRIOTS follows billionaire businessman Boris Berezovsky 

from the president’s inner circle to public enemy number one.

The full creative team for Patriots is Director: Rupert Goold, Set Designer: Miriam Buether, Co-Costume Designers: Deborah Andrews and Miriam Buether,Lighting Designer: Jack Knowles, Movement Director Polly Bennett, Sound Designer and Composer: Adam Cork, and Casting Director: Robert Sterne.

A Frantic Assembly Production, co-produced with Theatre Royal Plymouth, Curve, MAST Mayflower Studios and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

• FULL TOUR DATES AND FURTHER CREATIVE TEAM ARE ANNOUNCED FOR KAFKA’S METAMORPHOSIS, A BOLD NEW FRANTIC ASSEMBLY PRODUCTION IN COLLABORATION WITH LEMN SISSAY OBE.
• DIRECTED BY SCOTT GRAHAM, METAMORPHOSIS WILL PREMIERE AT THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH FROM 12 SEPTEMBER 2023 BEFORE EMBARKING ON AN EXTENSIVE TOUR.

Full tour dates have been announced for Frantic Assembly’s new adaptation of Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, a collaboration between internationally celebrated poet, playwright and broadcaster Lemn Sissay OBE and Frantic Assembly’s artistic director Scott Graham (Othello, Lovesong, Beautiful Burnout).   The new production will premiere at Theatre Royal Plymouth from 12 – 16 September 2023, before touring to Curve Theatre Leicester (19 – 23 September 2023), MAST Mayflower Studios Southampton (26 – 30 September 2023), Connaught Theatre Worthing (3 – 7  October 2023), York Theatre Royal (10 – 14 October 2023), Liverpool Playhouse (17 – 21  October 2023), Northern Stage Newcastle (24 – 28  October 2023), Mercury Theatre Colchester (7 – 11  November 2023), The Lowry Salford Quays(14 – 18  November 2023), Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford  (21 – 25  November 2023), Bristol Old Vic (10-20 January 2024), Belgrade Theatre Coventry (23 – 27 January 2024) and a four week run at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre from 1 February – 2 March 2024.

A new animated version of the Metamorphosis artwork featuring photography by Perou, design by Paul Reardon at Peter & Paul and music by Stefan Janik can be downloaded here.

Further creative team are also today announced. Metamorphosis will be adapted by Lemn Sissay, directed by Scott Graham, designed by Jon Bausor, with video design by Ian William Galloway, music composed by Stefan Janik and sound design by Helen Skiera.  The associate director is David Gilbert, the casting director is Will Burton CDG and the producer is Kerry Whelan. More creatives to be announced soon.

Kafka’s Metamorphosis is a powerful and vital depiction of humans struggling within a system that crushes them under its heel.  Gregor Samsa finds himself transformed from bread winner into burden in this absurd and tragic story.  Frantic Assembly are renowned for their use of physicality and movement and Metamorphosis will be an inherently visceral production about the limitations of the body and the mind, of imagination and aspiration. All of this, coupled with the fluidity and lyricism of Lemn Sissay’s adaptation, promises an exciting and dynamic show.

Metamorphosis sits aside Frantic Assembly’s Othello as the second production in their Iconic strand of work. Iconic sees the company take on titles that bring with them so much history and baggage, love and opinion and create vital, thrilling contemporary theatre.

Metamorphosis is a co-production with Theatre Royal Plymouth, Curve, MAST Mayflower Studios and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.  

CAST REVEALED FOR EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF

A CO-PRODUCTION FROM OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON, QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH AND SHAKESPEARE NORTH PLAYHOUSE OF LAUREN GUNDERSON’S AWARD-WINNING PLAY

European premiere // Marking the 400^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio // With award-winning cast and creative team.

A brand-new production of Lauren Gunderson’s award-winning comedy, The Book of Will, is coming to UK audiences this year in itsEuropean premiere.

This hilarious love letter to theatre is a co-production from Octagon Theatre Bolton, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Shakespeare North Playhouse.

Opening at Queens Theatre Hornchurch from Thu 27 April – Sat 13 May,before transferring to Octagon Theatre Bolton from Wed 17 May – Sat 3 June and Shakespeare North Playhouse from Thu 19 October – Sat 11 November.

Featuring a stellar company of 10 actors, the cast has now been revealed.

The full cast includes: Hollyoaks stars Jessica Ellis and Helen Pearson alongside Zach Lee (ITV’s Coronation Street, Emmerdale plus Bouncers, John Godber Company, A Christmas Carol, Hull Truck); Tomi Ogbaro (Seagulls, Octagon Theatre Bolton, The Wonderful World of Dissocia, Theatre Royal Stratford, Jayne Eyre, Stephen Joseph Theatre and New Vic).

They will be joined by Radio 4 favourite Carrie Quinlan (BBC Radio 4’s John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme, Orpheus Descending, Theatr Clwyd/Menier Chocolate Factory); Russell Richardson (ITV’s Coronation Street, Last Tango in Halifax plus A View From The Bridge, Hindle Wakes, Octagon Theatre Bolton); Callum Sim (ITV’s Emmerdale and Coronation Street) and Tarek Slater (The Jungle Book, Oldham Coliseum, Beauty and the Beast, the Dukes).

Completing the cast is star of stage and screen Bill Ward (ITV’s Coronation Street, Emmerdale & BBC’s Eastenders plus UK tour of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, UK tour of Bath Theatre Royal’s Shakespeare in Love); and Andrew Whitehead (The Book Thief, Octagon Theatre Bolton, A Christmas Carol, Hull Truck).

Directed by the Octagon’s Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham, The Book of Will tells the hilarious and moving story of the breath-taking race against time to gather all of Shakespeare’s works and save them for the ages.

This wonderfully witty, funny and fast-paced play tells the story of The King’s Men as they band together for a near-impossible plan – to collect all of Shakespeare’s plays and compile the First Folio. No easy feat, and what follows is a bonkers race against time through 1620s London.

The creative team includes: Carla Goodman (designer); Simeon Miller (lighting designer); Andy Graham (sound designer); Jonnie Riordan (movement director); Olivia Barr (casting director); Natalie Grady (accent coach); Ryan McVeigh (assistant director); and Ngozi Ugochukwu (observer director).

On the casting announcement, The Book of Will director Lotte Wakeham commented: “I am thrilled to announce this incredibly talented cast of actors and fantastic creative team for our highly anticipated co-production of The Book of Will. Our brilliant playwright Lauren Gunderson is one of the most frequently produced playwrights in the world, and I’m delighted to share her talent with UK audiences, where I’m sure she’ll quickly become a firm favourite.

“2023 marks 400 years since the First Folio was first published, so I am really excited that this European premiere production will honour this special anniversary, which celebrates the legacy of our greatest playwright in a thoroughly joyful and accessible way, whether you’re a die-hard Shakespeare fan or completely new to his work.

“It is wonderful to be collaborating with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Shakespeare North Playhouse so audiences across the country will get to enjoy this hilarious love letter to theatre.”

Tickets for The Book of Will are on-sale now visit venue websites for details.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

THE OFFICIAL TAKE THAT MUSICAL

GREATEST DAYS

UK AND IRELAND TOUR

Producer Adam Kenwright is delighted to announce the full cast for The Official Take That Musical GREATEST DAYS, with a book by award-winning playwright Tim Firth.

The musical will embark on a major UK and Ireland tour from 6 May 2023 and will coincide with the summer 2023 release of the official movie version of this smash-hit musical, starring Aisling Bea and Jayde Adams.

The full cast includes Taylor Alman (The Legend of White Bear Lake), Charlotte Anne Steen (Bat Out of Hell), Holly Ashton (Footloose), Hannah Brown (Hansel & Gretel), Kalifa Burton (Matilda), Benjamin Cameron (Grease Royal Caribbean) Jamie Corner (The Band), Archie Durrant (Matilda), Regan Gascoigne (winner of Dancing on Ice 2022, Cinderella), Kitty Harris (David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny), Bayley Hart (Heathers), Keith Henderson (Shrek the Musical), Karen Holmes (Grease), Christopher D. Hunt (Waitress), Evangeline Jarvis-Jones (The Sound of Music), Rachel Marwood (The Possibility of Colour), Mari McGinlay (Hairspray), Jamie-Rose Monk (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Mary Moore (Grease West End), Alexanda O’Reilly (Mamma Mia!) and Alan Stocks (Calendar Girls).

They join the previously announced Kym Marsh as Rachel and her daughter Emilie Cunliffe as Young Rachel.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Take That’s first ever UK number 1 single Pray, GREATEST DAYS features more than 15 record-breaking Take That songs alongside a heart-warming and hilarious story of love, loss and laughter from the award-winning writer Tim Firth (Calendar Girls, Kinky Boots). The musical follows a group of five best friends in the 1990’s who are obsessed with their favourite boy band. The girls reunite more than 20 years later with a plan to see their heartthrobs one last time in what could be the Greatest Days of their lives.

GREATEST DAYS was originally produced as The Band by David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers + Take That. The UK tour of The Band originally opened at Manchester Opera House in September 2017, breaking box office records along the way.

The book of GREATEST DAYS is written by Tim Firth, with co-direction by Stacey Haynes and Tim Firth, Choreography by Aaron Renfree, Set & Costume Design by Lucy Osborne, Lighting Design by Rob Casey, Sound Design by Tony Gayle, Casting by David Grindrod Burton Casting, Musical Supervision by John Donovan, Costume Supervision by Martin Rodges.

The UK and Ireland Tour of Greatest Days by Tim Firth – The Official Take That Musical is produced by Adam Kenwright for Kindred Partners.

Website: greatestdaysmusical.com

Facebook: @GreatestDaysMusical

Twitter: @Greatest_Days

Instagram: @Greatest_Days

2023 / 2024 TOUR SCHEDULE

6 – 13 May                                          Bromley Churchill Theatre                                  0343 310 0020                                                                                                                                             www.churchilltheatre.co.uk                                                          

16 – 27 May                                        Manchester Palace Theatre                                                                                                                                                                                                   www.atgtickets.com/manchester                                    

29 May – 3 June                                 Newcastle Theatre Royal                                   0191 232 7010                                                                                                                                             www.theatreroyal.co.uk                                                 

5 – 10 June                                         Woking New Victoria Theatre                                                                                                                                                                                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre            

12 – 17 June                                       Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                                  0114 249 6000                                                                                                                                             www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                 

20 – 24 June                                       Southend Cliffs Pavilion                                    0343 310 0030                                                                                                                                              www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk                                 

27 June – 1 July                                  Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre                       029 2063 6464                                                                                                                                              www.wmc.org.uk                                  

3 – 8 July                                             Milton Keynes Theatre                                                                                                                                                                                                           www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre         

10 – 15 July                                         Liverpool Empire Theatre                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire                 

17 – 22 July                                         Wolverhampton Grand                                      01902 42 92 12                                                                                                                                            www.grandtheatre.co.uk                                                

24 – 29 July                                        Cheltenham Everyman Theatre                          01242 572573                                                                                                                                              www.everymantheatre.org.uk                                         

31 Jul – 5 Aug                                     Canterbury Marlowe Theatre                               01227 787787                                                                                                                                            www.marlowetheatre.com                                              

7 – 12 Aug                                           Norwich Theatre Royale                                     01603 630 000                                                                                                                                            www.norwichtheatre.org                                                   

15 – 19 Aug                                         Blackpool Opera House                                     0844 770 0593                                                                                                                                            www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk                               

21 – 26 Aug                                         Glasgow Kings Theatre                                                                                                                                                                                                           www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow        

28 Aug – 2 Sep                                    Edinburgh Playhouse                                                                                                                                                                                                              www.atgtickets.com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse/         

4 – 9 Sept                                            Nottingham Theatre Royal                                 0115 989 5555

                                                             www.trch.co.uk

11 – 16 Sep                                          Bristol Hippodrome                                                                                                                                                                                                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome              

18 – 23 Sept                                         Bradford Alhambra Theatre                                01274 432000   

                                                             Bradford-theatres.co.uk

26 – 30 Sep                                         Southampton Mayflower Theatre                       02380 711 811                                                   

                                                             www.mayflower.org.uk                                                      

2 – 7 Oct                                               Royal & Derngate Northampton                         01604 624811

                                                              www.royalandderngate.co.uk

9 – 14 Oct                                             Brighton Theatre Royal                                                                                                                                                                                                          www.atgtickets.com/Brighton          

17 – 21 Oct                                          Truro Hall for Cornwall                                         01872 262 466

                                                             www.hallforcornwall.co.uk                                              

23 – 28 Oct                                          Leicester Curve                                                    0116 242 3595

                                                            www.curveonline.co.uk                                                     

30 Oct – 4 Nov                                     Hull New Theatre                                               01482 300306

                                                            www.hulltheatres.co.uk/

7 – 11 Nov                                          Aylesbury Waterside Theatre                                                                                                                                                                                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre        

14 – 18 Nov                                      Sunderland Empire                                                                                                                                                                                                                www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire              

21 – 25 Nov                                       Leeds Grand Theatre                                           0113 243 0808                                                                                                                                            www.leedsheritagetheatres.com              

Further venues to be announced 

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 25th March 2023

Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth

5*****

The Great Gatsby stops off at the Sheffield Lyceum, with the intention of whisking you back to spend some time in the glitz and glam of the roaring 1920s, which it does with gust. This show was first premiered in 2013, choreographed by David Nixon CBE. Popular then, as it is now, with no real changes apart from some costume updates, be prepared to feel in awe of the talent and the skill that awaits you.

It is the year 1922 and moving to Long Island is Nick Carraway to try and find a better life for himself. He finds accommodation and his neighbour is Jay Gatsby (millionaire) who happens to throw the most glamorous parties. Jay is not satisfied with his life and just wants to be able to re kindle the relationship that he had with Daisy Fay which they had before he left to fight in the war. But Daisy is now married to Tom Buchanan (unhappily). Nick discovers that Tom is having an affair with Myrtle Wilson, who is married to George the mechanic! Daisy and Gatsby end up having an affair and the story unfolds quite dramatically as you can imagine…

It is impossible to mention all the dancers that you will be blown away by as it is literally every single one, as you would expect with a crew as well-rehearsed as Northern Ballet but to mention a few; Harry Skoupas playing Tom, tall, dramatic and sharp with his delivery. Filippo Di Vilio playing Nick has the most charisma going! A playful and tremendous dancer. Harris Beattie is just sublime playing the gorgeous George, his fluidity and skill with the props he is given are second to none. Rachael Gillespie playing Myrtle Wilson is elegant and wonderful during her passionate scenes and finally we have to mention Sarah Chun playing Daisy Buchanan, so very feminine and delicately tells her story well.

There were some real standout moments during the show including the scenes at the garage with George, he used a tire to dance with and makes it look like it has almost become part of him, he make it look so effortless. The colours and the energetic typical 20’s themed party that takes place at Gatsbys mansion leaves you filled with joy, it is so not expected from a Northern Ballet production and even has singing from the cast on stage. The set during this scene is just beautiful, hats off to the designers.

This is not your typical Northern Ballet production and at times there is a felling of a Matthew Bourne ballet, especially during the garage scenes. A wonderful, inspiring, jaw-dropping piece of theatre.

Grand Opera House, York – until 25th March 2023

Reviewed by Katie Brewerton

4 ****

Going in to this show I knew very little about Buddy Holly and his tragic story. Beginning with his introduction to the music world with everyone around him encouraging him to be a country singer we join Buddy Holly (Christopher Weeks) and the Crickets trying to make a name for themselves in the world of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the 1950s. Buddy refuses to give in to the radio station and record labels and plays the music he loves, he finds a record company willing to record and produce their music and becomes a star. 

After a tragic accident at only 22 Buddy Holly’s legacy lives on in his music and what he achieved is all the more unbelievable given the age he died.

Even if you’re not familiar with Buddy Holly’s music there’s bound to be the odd song you know with hits including ‘Everyday’, ‘Heartbeat’ and ‘La Bamba’.

The second half focuses on Buddy’s final performance in Clear Lake, with hit after hit being performed by Buddy Holly and his band as well as the 2 people who would accompany Buddy in the fateful plane crash that would end his life. Ritchie Valens (Miguel Angel) and J.P. Richardson ‘The Big Bopper’ (Christopher Chandler). Christopher Weeks as Buddy is phenomenal and vocal and instrumental talent is abundant on stage with a wonderful supporting cast. 

Despite the tragic end to the show which left a stunned silence across the theatre this is a fantastic, uplifting and fun filled show and one to add to the list of must see’s whether you’re a Buddy Holly fan or not.

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 25th March 2023

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

4****

Fisherman’s Friends The Musical is based on the true story of the singing Cornish fishermen who were discovered by a London A&R man who, whilst visiting their hometown of Port Isaac, persuaded them to allow him to record a demo and they became a sensation.

There was much to enjoy in this exuberant work. I absolutely loved the lead couple Danny (the out of towner) played with commendable personality, depth and verve by Jason Langley and local lass Alywyn played by Parisa Shahmir. Parisa had a gorgeous voice and the musical highlights for me were her playing guitar whilst singing and, especially, during her solo song when she was reflecting on love, thinking of Danny. Just beautiful.

When the fishermen went to London was their highlight. There were some hilarious scenes playing on the fish out of water aspects of “yokels” in the Big Smoke. Wonderful stuff. And while the men were away, the ladies ensemble back home had their most effective group scene – complete with fantastic ensemble song and dance routine.

Jago (Robert Duncan) and his wife Maggie (played tonight by understudy Janet Mooney) were amusing and tender, with both providing emotional highlights for entirely different reasons. And I very much warmed to the plight of young couple Rowan (Dan Buckley) and Sally (Hazel Monaghan), with these fine actors giving wonderful performances. Sensitively nuanced portrayals from all concerned that genuinely made one feel for and like their characters.

The musicianship was superb, the dancing was joyous, the cast gave it their all with a gusto that was commendable. The show contained a lot of humour with some genuinely funny one liners. And it was amazing to see live musicians on stage providing atmosphere and colour.

There was so much to enjoy here that I found myself asking why it was that I was left slightly unsatisfied. I’m not sure how much was fiction for dramatic effect and how much was the unvarnished truth but I didn’t enjoy watching the visitor to the village treated in a rather unfriendly manner by the locals. Indeed, the only time that the Cornish characters seemed to warm to the Londoner was when he was lining their pockets! It would have been nice to have had them like him without any ulterior motive, (ie just as a friend who enjoyed their music and wanted to help them share it with the world). Perhaps that was the way it was, but I found it uncomfortable viewing. It was obvious I was in the minority in having any problem with the show as everyone else seemed to love it. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy it, I did – just that I would have loved it more had it felt a bit more, well… friendly.

If you enjoy the music of the original band, or the films about them, if you like folk or Irish music (much of the music reminded me of The Pogues), if you like big dance numbers and live musicians onstage and if you have any interest in sea shanties or Cornwall I’m certain you will love this show and have a ball.