A BRAND NEW PRODUCTION OF

THE AWARD-WINNING SMASH HIT PLAY
THE FULL MONTY
BY SIMON BEAUFOY

TO TOUR THE UK

OPENING AT THE

EVERYMAN THEATRE CHELTENHAM

ON 14 SEPTEMBER 2023

Celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the film, the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham & Buxton Opera House in association with Mark Goucher and David Pugh are delighted to announce a major UK tour of Simon Beaufoy’s award-winning smash hit play THE FULL MONTY opening at the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham on 14 September 2023. Tour schedule below with further dates and casting to be announced soon. www.fullmontytheplay.com

This fast and funny play is still very much of our time, as again we are hit by a cost of living crisis. Gaz and his mates are down on their luck and feel they have been thrown on the scrap heap, but they are determined to fight back and bare a little more than they ever thought they would have to.

As in the 1997 smash hit film, this brand new production is a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, laughs and heartbreak.

THE FULL MONTY marks the first co-production and partnership between the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham and Buxton Opera House, which recently became an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation.

THE FULL MONTY is directed by Michael Gyngell, choreography and intimacy co-ordination is by Ian West, Set and Costume design is by Jasmine Swann with Lighting design by Andrew Exeter and Sound design by Chris Whybrow. The Casting Director is Marc Frankum.

New Wimbledon Theatre – until 18 March 2023

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge

4.5 ****

Wimbledon brings you Girl from the North Country. Written and directed by Conor McPherson. With music and Lyrics by Bob Dylan. I must admit being brought up with Bob Dylan as a child and a great fan now, I was very excited to go and watch this production and it certainly didn’t disappoint with 20 of his songs sung with great talent, which were very enjoyable to watch and listen to.

Set in 1934 it tells the story of a small community living in Duluth, Minnesota during the Great Depression. Where Nick (Graham Kent) and his family the Burkes run a guest house.  He finds himself crumbling under the pressure of losing their property, the only thing that feels like a constant. With no money coming in the form, of help from his son Gene (Gregor Milne) who plays a drunkard, useless and incapable individual. His adoptive black daughter Marianne (Justina Kehindle) has fallen pregnant and refuses to disclose any information regarding the father, this only adding  to more panic as he feels he is unable to take care of her now, let alone when the baby arrives.

Justina Kehindle plays a strong character and has an incredible voice in which she shows in ‘Tight Connection to my Heart’   which was outstanding to watch. His wife Elizabeth (Frances McNamee) who seems demented and has lost her mind, comes across nervous and tormented at times but then appears to be larger than life and  back on a mission. She loves to recall tales of her childhood that not everyone wants to hear, making some scenes awkward but also very entertaining and funny at the same time. Frances McNamee plays her character exceptionally well and was fascinating to watch. When she took the stage in a dress the colour of pink whilst wearing sunglasses her vocals were just outstanding as she took on Dylan’s ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ and what a performance it was. All songs had there own version and was executed particularly well along side the band The Howlin Winds together they delivered some spectacular music for all to hear.

With more guests showing up throughout the evening it’s clear that they all have their own stories to tell that bring along with them struggles of their lives, causing heartbreak amongst other things wrapped up in secrets untold. What is there for them to hold in the future or is the struggle to go on?

This was a fabulous production using transparent screening of rooms and landscapes, with detailed lighting to get the audience focused as at times there was a lot going on.  The costumes were kept in line with the times simple but effective.

But for me the songs alongside much talented vocals and the band, made the whole experience a wonderful and beautiful one to watch, listen to and just to take in. If your a fan of Dylan then it’s well worth a watch and even if your not, the show offers much more. One to be seen and not to be missed. I truly had an enjoyable evening out.

The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 18th March 2023

Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth

4****

Cbeebies, very popular, Hey Duggee is on its first ever tour and touring until August this year. With a short stop at the Lyceum, it is welcomed by a huge audience of kids, all donning their best Hey Duggee clothing, bags and other popular accessories! Hey Duggee is aimed at pre-schoolers mainly so suited to a younger audience and oh my they love it!

This production is very well rehearsed with different aspects to the show, to keep the little ones interested (thankfully) as it is almost an hour long and that hour can be quite long when you are the adult! There are some interactive stickers for the kids on arrival so if they are able to not unstick them straight away then they are used throughout when the children have earned their ‘Duggee’ badge.

The energy is on top form from all the cast that you get to see on stage. They work extremely hard to deliver three shows a day with so much gust involved! The majority are puppeteers controlling their characters. The puppets are well designed with some intricate details to ensure they can provide expressions. The cast are all super talented, providing beautiful singing voices and well-executed choreography by Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe-Mosca, which can’t be easy when you have some rather heavy looking puppets to hold or wrapped around some of their body parts (as Duggee is). Duggee is played by Benedict Hastings and he stands out with his indistinguishable Duggee voice, quite comforting in a way and the children love him! Lunga Anele-Skosana plays multiple roles and adapts well in each one. She provides a lot of singing and dancing (as the only person on stage without a puppet) in varying roles fantastically.

The set is designed by Jackie Trousdale and is a real treat. Stand out moments are the space segment, the lights go down and there is a spaceship that lights up, lots of different space related light up objects on the stage, which is visually appealing. Then they introduce the different planets and some of the planets (big bouncy balls) are thrown in to the audience which is really appreciated by the young theatre attendees.

A lovely 55-minute piece of theatre for the younger children: bright, loud and fun, leaving lots of smiles across many faces.

Wilton’s Music Hall, London E1 – until 25th March 2023

Reviewed by Phil Brown

4.5****

Ruddigore or, The Witch’s Curse, is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and a brilliant, witty libretto by WS Gilbert.  Pre-show research hinted it might be a demanding watch.  Its start in life at the Savoy Theatre in January 1887 didn’t go particularly well and it seems to be regularly revised.  The story is a mix of the bizarre and the banal, and possibly out-bards even Shakespeare’s most extreme inventions. 

So I am particularly pleased to report it was fantastic fun –  a delightful and quite entrancing production.  Perhaps the most succinct way to describe it is a highbrow pantomime for “grown ups”, although Director and Producer, Peter Benedict might well disdain such a view.  He must certainly take the credit for creating such an accessible performance.   In his expert hands, the convolutions of plot came across with real comedic clarity, whilst the surreal premise involving bad baronets required to commit a dastardly crime every day, seemed almost reasonable.   There is a wealth of high quality content to absorb in Ruddigore, and a second viewing feels almost obligatory in order to catch any delicious moments missed..

The antique nature of Wilton’s and liberal use of the smoke machine makes a perfect setting for Ruddigore which mostly takes place in the brooding hotel, formerly Ruddigore Castle, in the Cornish village of Rederring.  Clever things occur with the portraits of past baronets that cover the walls.

The main characters are the diffident Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd (well acted by Joe Winter) who has assumed the identity of Robin Oakapple, a young farmer, and Rose Maybud (Madeline Robinson), a village maiden who he wants to woo.  He has a brother, Sir Despard Murgatroyd (the outstanding Peter Benedict) who has inherited  the wicked baronetcy in the apparent absence of Sir Ruthven, and also a foster brother, Richard (call me Dick) Dauntless (Kieran Parrott) who has returned from years at sea on the sloop TomTit, accompanied by two sailor friends, Thomas (Max Panks) and Harry (Edward Watchman). 

Particularly prominent are three relentlessly perky professional bridesmaids Zorah (Ellie Styles), Mercy (Eleanor Monaghan, and Ruth (Rosie Weston) whose yearning for a wedding to take place is barely contained.  Their singing and dancing was absolutely joyous and injected charm and energy when it was most needed.  One of the best moments in the show is in Act One when they engage with the three sailors in a wonderfully choreographed hornpipe.

Alongside the main players are Mad Margaret (Charlie Baptie) who ends up marrying Sir Despard.  She invents the unlikely trigger word Basingstoke for Sir Despard to control her mad urges.   Then there is Rose’s Aunt, Dame Hannah (Rosemary Ashe), who was once betrothed to a disguised Sir Roderick Murgatroyd (Steve Watts), the 21st Baronet, before she discovered the subterfuge.  Sir Roderick appears as a lively ghost from the past.  Last but not least with some understated comic acting is Robin’s stoic faithful retainer, Old Adam Goodheart (Graham Stone)

With more acting than is typical in regular opera, Ruddigore calls for uniquely multi-talented performers and the entire cast was more than equal to the task.  The acting was perfectly pitched.  Whilst it was sometimes difficult to catch all of the very fast singing, the often challenging songs were delivered with skill and zest.  And Sullivan’s outstanding music, in turns tender, jaunty and stirring, with folk, sea shanty and operatic elements, was consistently well played by a small group of multi-instrumentalists plus on-stage violinist (Luca Kocsmárszky) under the direction of Tom Noyes.  Overall, it was a truly impressive ensemble performance.

Most of the musical passages were highlights, but there were several outstanding moments.  In particular, the arrival of the cocksure Dick Dauntless in Act One was transformational.  His performance of “I Shipped D’ye See in a Revenue Sloop” was full of boisterous vigour and excitement and shifted the story into top gear. He turned out to be more of a Dick Dastardly, but see the show to find out more.  Director Peter Benedict playing Sir Despard Murgatroyd took the opportunity to make a couple of well received contemporary jokes.  In Act Two, he, Mad Margaret and Sir Ruthven perform a charming “My Eyes are Fully Open” which is followed by a beautiful duet between Hannah and Sir Roderick (“They Grew a Little Flower”). 

This splendid production of Ruddigore belies its troubled beginning.  It’s a minor masterpiece and, as a relative newcomer to Gilbert & Sullivan, I am now a fully converted admirer. 

Theatr Clwyd, Yr Wruddgrug – until 18th March 2023

Reviewed by Julie Noller

5*****

Home, I’m Darling written by Laura Wade and directed by Tamara Harvey has returned to the home of its 2018 world premier supported by the National Theatre.

I attended the matinee which no matter what I am watching always has a different vibe to the evening performance. I enjoy rewatching a performance in a different theatre with a change of cast. As someone who enjoys depth of character and observing interactions, it always fascinates me how subtle differences can alter my perception massively. I am happy to say the set is as impressive as ever looking like a 2 dimension dolls house with small pieces of furniture that indeed wouldn’t look out of place in one. Is the set a nod to the fact that what we are seeing is a dream; a fantasy? Something the music as the play begins gives a gentle nudge to… Mr Sandman, cue me humming along and bom, bom,boming to. That 2 dimension vibe almost has you feeling like you’re watching an old tv show perhaps Bewitched – perfect housewife, perfect life. When things start to go wrong in your life sometimes it feels like that dream world is the place to be.

Home, I’m Darling is witty, amusing and without doubt an extremely intelligent view of characters who don’t understand themselves yet alone others. Well done Laura Wade for making us look at our own lifestyles and ask the questions; who looks after your home? Who does the cooking and cleaning? Even by todays standards can you say you’ve never apologised if you’ve forgotten something from the shop? Have you ever put something on the stairs ready to take up? Have you walked past that item? I sniggered, yes I have and yes I’ve grumbled when others did just that too. I heard so many cliches ‘just a housewife’ ‘what do you do all day?’ Housewife – It’s not just physically demanding but mentally too. Jessica Ransom is infuriatingly perfect as Judy recently made redundant but obsessed and totally in love with the 1950s post war era. Where film stars ruled the golden screen with ideas of fluffy lifestyles of slippers and cocktails before dinner. Obsession can be a dangerous thing and she became annoyingly obstinate. You wanted to jump on stage and slap her for not listening.

Neil McDermott as Johnny is a wife pleaser a man in love with a woman not just an era. He goes along with Judys plan of 50s utopia, 6 months experiment that becomes a 3 year chore, his ottness is brilliant the way he utters darling. He pleads for things to return to a normality, he misses his wife’s sharp mind that could run rings around him. He misses simply a bag of crisps after a long day, he misses sharing the work load, the joy of bringing his wife a cup of tea in bed. What is apparent is that they are a lonely somewhat socially awkward couple whose love of the 1950s fashion and music led them to friends Fran (Cassie Bradley) and Marcus (Matthew Douglas) a couple who enjoy life to the max yet remind us that the grass isn’t always greener behind a different front door. Diane Keen as Sylvia; Judy’s Mum was my stand out character her love of Judy and somewhat disappointment in the fact she gave up a career to become a housewife has left a bitter taste of shame. Believing Judy lives a fantasy cartoon life when she was brought up in a commune of feminists, offers an understanding of Judy rebelling. Yet Sylvia’s speech about the realities of the 1950s; where winter from October through to March had you offering to help with cooking not to learn but just to be warm. I wanted to stand and applaud that Sylvia had true girl power.

I saw characters who lived with blame culture, it was the job, it was him, it was the clothes, it was the cocktails, it was pizza. It’s easy to say I’m listening but to truly listen you need to hear what is actually being said. I hope to catch Home, I’m Darling again soon, whats not to love wonderful characters full of depth, kitsch furniture that looks like its an up-cyclers dream, it just ticks so many boxes.

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

THE THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR SUMMER SEASON

FEATURING TWO WORLD PREMIERES

THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR SUMMER SEASON

FRANK AND PERCY BY BEN WEATHERILL

and

ALONE TOGETHER BY SIMON WILLIAMS

Bill Kenwright is proud to present the third Theatre Royal Windsor Summer Season under the Directorship of Sean Mathias.

The season will comprise of two world premieres Frank and Percy by Ben Weatherill starring Ian McKellen and Roger Allam (Theatre Royal Windsor Friday 9 June – Saturday 22 July 2023 and Theatre Royal Bath Tuesday 25 July – Saturday 5 August 2023) and Alone Together by Simon Williams, with casting to be announced, (Friday 4 August 2023 – Saturday 19 August 2023).

2023 will be Sean Mathias’ third summer season at Theatre Royal Windsor. 2021 saw two classics with Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. The 2022 season had two modern classics including Frederick Knott’s Dial M for Murder, Enid Bagnold’s The Chalk Garden. The 2023 season will be focussed on new writing.

Director Sean Mathias said:

“I cannot believe my luck in finding not one but two charming and original new plays for the season. Ben Weatherill (Frank & Percy) is a true young talent in the theatre. And to have reunited Ian and Roger after almost 20 years since we all did Aladdin together at the Old Vic is a real coup. Both Frank and Percy, and Alone Together  explore the fragility and joy of relationships in all their different forms, and what forges and strengthens bonds between humans, at a time when more than ever, we all need to love and support one another.

Producer Bill Kenwright said:

“Sean has firmly established the summer season at Theatre Royal Windsor as the highlight of our dramatic theatrical year. (We should never forget our hugely loved and much needed record-breaking annual panto!). This year it is great to be exploring two new plays from an exciting new playwright (Ben Weatherill), and a dear friend of mine and of Theatre Royal Windsor (Simon Williams) whose writing skills get better with every play of his I read.

I love for us to present new plays at Windsor, although to be honest it’s not always easy in a regional theatre with no subsidy whatsoever. so I’m particularly pleased that Sean and I have chosen these two as our new adventures.”

Frank and Percy is a poignant and witty take on the unexpected relationship that blossoms between two men.

Ever seen a couple of old boys on a park bench and wondered what they are chatting about?

In his new play Ben Weatherill lets us overhear Frank and Percy as they discuss the weather, then their dogs and then each other and so much more. Will the widowed schoolteacher and the elder statesman dare to risk changing their lives or let sleeping dogs lie?

Old friends, three-time Olivier Award winner Roger Allam, and one of our greatest stage and screen actors, Ian McKellen, re-unite with Director Sean Mathias, for this witty, poignant two-hander.

Alone Together

Driven by the loneliness of a dismal marriage to Colin, Angela finds comfort in a chance meeting with Jonty, a young novelist. Each have secrets to protect and pasts to work through, was it really a chance encounter?

In a world where you can be anyone online, can you really escape reality?

Casting to be announced.

Ian McKellen, the first actor ever to top The Stage 100 list of the most influential people in British theatre, returns to Windsor following his critically acclaimed performance in the titular role in Hamlet, followed by Firs in The Cherry Orchard in Sean Mathias’s inaugural summer season at Theatre Royal Windsor.

Ian’s unsurpassed performances as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings films made him one of the world’s biggest film stars, but in spite of that and his further iconic screen performances in such box office hits as The X-Men Trilogy he has never forsaken his first love – theatre.

His performances have won him countless awards, but most importantly to us, Ian made his Theatre Royal Windsor debut in 2019 with his one-man show Ian McKellen On Stage (also directed by Sean Mathias), which toured to 80 UK venues to mark his 80th birthday and concluded with a West End run. The tour and London performances raised more than £4m with profits being donated to venues and theatre charities.

Roger Allam has been one of this country’s favourite actors for the past three decades thanks to his many starring appearances on stage, tv, film, and radio.

He has been nominated for six Olivier Awards winning three. His many memorable performances include the role of Javert in the original production of Les Misérables Michael Frayn’s Democracy and the hugely successful revival of Boeing Boeing opposite Mark Rylance, as well as extensive work at the Royal Shakespeare Company (of which he is an associate artist), The National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the West End.

He has become one of our biggest tv stars appearing in the first series of Game of Thrones, the last series of The Thick if it and of course ten years as DI Thursday in Endeavour which aired its final episode this month.

On film he has featured in Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lady in the Van and two Stephen Frears hits The Queen and Tamara Drew and his many radio roles including his hit series with Joanna Lumley Conversations from a Long Marriage.

Sean Mathias is a leading British Theatre Director, Film Director, and Writer with numerous awards to his name including the WhatsOnStage Award, Evening Standard Theatre Award, the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award, a Fringe First at Edinburgh, and the Prix de la Jeunesse at Cannes. His multi-award-winning career includes productions at the Royal National Theatre, The Kennedy Centre, The Mark Taper Forum, Paris, Sydney, and Cape Town, including many productions on Broadway.

In 2009/10 Sean was the Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Haymarket where his legendary production of Waiting for Godot played two seasons, as well as touring the UK and internationally. In 2013 Sean directed and co-produced Two Plays in Rep of Broadway, comprising Beckett’s Godot and Pinter’s No Man’s Land. His production of No Man’s Land, starring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, was the highest grossing play in the history of the Wyndham’s Theatre.

The plays are produced by Bill Kenwright, who, as a young actor in the 60’s and 70’s had been so encouraged by Theatre Royal Windsor’s John Counsell, he eventually bought the famous theatre’s lease when it was on the brink of administration in 1997. His company Bill Kenwright Limited has been looking after the future of this beautiful (unsubsidised) producing theatre ever since.

Further star casting for Alone Together will be announced soon.

LISTINGS

Bill Kenwright presents

THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR SUMMER SEASON

Directed by Sean Mathias

Frank and Percy by Ben Weatherill

Starring Ian McKellen & Roger Allam

Friday 9 June 2023 – Saturday 22 July 2023

Performance Schedule: Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm

                                                Thursdays & Saturdays at 2.30pm

Alone Together by Simon Williams

Friday 4 August 2023 – Saturday 19 August 2023

Performance Schedule: Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm

                                                Thursdays & Saturdays at 2.30pm

Priority Booking:                Thursday 16 March at 12pm

General Sale:                       Friday 17 March at 12pm

Website: www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @TheatreWindsor

Address: Theatre Royal Windsor, 32 Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1PS

Box Office: 01753 853888

NEW ADVENTURES, MARTIN McCALLUM AND MARC PLATT

PRESENT

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS

A NEW ADVENTURES PRODUCTION

DEVISED, DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY

MATTHEW BOURNE

RETURNING FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2014

THE UK TOUR OPENS 20 NOVEMBER 2023 AT THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH AHEAD, OF A 7 WEEK CHRISTMAS SEASON

AT SADLER’S WELLS, LONDON

New Adventures, Martin McCallum and Marc Platt are delighted to announce that EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, devised, directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne will return in 2023.

The tour opens at Theatre Royal Plymouth on Monday 20 November and runs until Saturday 25 November before going to The Lowry, Salford from Tuesday 28 November to Saturday 2 December, ahead of a seven-week Christmas Season at Sadler’s Wells, London from Tuesday 5 December 2023 to Saturday 20 January 2024.

The four-month UK tour continues in 2024 and will visit The Marlowe, Canterbury from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 January and Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 February.  Full tour dates until May 2024 to be announced soon.

Matthew Bourne’s magical dance production of EDWARD SCISSORHANDS has carved a place in the hearts of audiences world-wide since its premiere in 2005.  Following sell out performances in America, Australia, Korea and Japan and Europe, it had its first major revival in 2014 and now returns to UK theatres for the first time in 9 years.

Based on the classic Tim Burton movie and featuring the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Bourne and his company, New Adventures return to this witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world.

In a castle high on a hill lives Edward; a boy created by an eccentric inventor. When his creator dies, he is left alone and unfinished with only scissors for hands until a kindly townswoman invites him to live with her suburban family. Can Edward find his place in the well-meaning community which struggles to see past his curious appearance to the innocence and gentleness within?

Matthew Bourne said: “I’ve always been attracted by ‘outsider’ stories in my work and Edward Scissorhands is the ultimate ‘outsider’ story. Its tale of how we treat people who we perceive as being ‘different’ in our communities has never been more timely, so I’m delighted to be bringing it back after an absence of 9 years to theatres throughout the UK. What I particularly love about this modern-day fairy tale is that although it does have an important message to convey, and a bitingly satirical look at American society, it is also the most wonderful fun you could possibly have in a theatre! Add to that a touching love story, the magical music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, the spectacular lighting of Howard Harrison, the genius of Lez Brotherston’s witty designs …. plus a mini ballet of dancing topiary people and you have an unbeatable and unique theatrical treat! I’m grateful, as ever, for the trust that Tim Burton, Danny Elfman and Caroline Thompson had in New Adventures to grant permission for us to make our version of their now classic tale – the only company in the world to perform Edward Scissorhands as a live theatrical experience.” 

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS is devised, directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, with new music and arrangements by Terry Davies based on themes from the motion picture score composed by Danny Elfman. The show is based on the original motion picture by arrangement with 20^th Century Studios, with original story and motion picture directed by Tim Burton, and original screenplay, story and co-adaptation by Caroline Thompson. The set and costumes designed by Lez Brotherston, lighting designed by Howard Harrison and sound designed by Paul Groothuis. By Special Arrangement with Buena Vista Theatricals.

Full casting to be announced shortly.

Cast announced for the world premiere of
NUL POINTS!
A new Eurovision comedy by Martin Blackburn

Union Theatre
Arch 22 & 23 Old Union Yard  Arches 229 Union Street London  SE1 0LR

26 April – 20 May 2023

Adèle Anderson, Charlotte East,  Marcus J. Foreman, Sean Huddlestan and Kane Verrall are to star in the world premiere of NUL POINTS!, a new Eurovision comedy by Martin Blackburn.

Josh loves Eurovision. He knows every insane figure and fact. Ukraine entering a guy in a hamster wheel. Ireland with Dustin the Turkey. The Russian grannies. And each May he hosts a Eurovision party – the highlight of his year. Join this hilarious rollercoaster of a journey over 10 years of Eurovision Parties from 2012 to 2022 as Josh bestows his guests with Bucks Fizz, Euro-V trivia and games of Eurovision truth or dare. Will they Rise Like a Phoenix, get Ooh Aah, Just a Little Bit…or meet their Waterloo with NUL POINTS!?

The performance on Saturday 13 May will start at 5.00pm to be followed by a Eurovision party including a screening of the Eurovision Final live in the theatre.

Creative Team: Director William Spencer, Designer David Shields, Producer Peter Bull
Associate producer Conor Dye.

Adèle Anderson
Adèle is best known as a member of the acclaimed cabaret group Fascinating Aida and co-writes much of their material with founder member Dillie Keane. Fascinating Aida have been nominated for the Perrier Award, the Olivier Award (three times) and the New York Drama Desk Award. Theatre credits include: ‘She Loves Me’ (Sheffield Crucible), ‘Closer To Heaven’ (Above The Stag), ‘Doctor Dolittle (UK Tour), ‘Follies’ (Landor), ‘Into The WOODS (Derby Playhouse and The Forum, Wythenshawe), ‘Ken Hill’s Phantom of the Opera’ (National Tour), ‘Salad Days’ (National Tour), ‘Plan 9 From Outer Space – The Musical’ (National Tour), ‘Sunset Boulevard’ (Sydmonton Festival).

Charlotte East
Charlotte graduated from The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 2020 as one of the BBC Radio Drama Carleton Hobbs Winners. Theatre credits include: ‘Earthquakes In London’ (Bristol Old Vic Studio) ‘Love Song’ (BOVTS) ‘The Tempest’ (Nottingham Playhouse) ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (Nottingham Playhouse).

Marcus J. Foreman
Theatre credits include:  ‘Alright B*tches!’ (Above the Stag), ‘Gatsby’ (Southwark Playhouse), ‘Boy Toy’ (Above the Stag), ‘Top Hat’ (Upstairs at the Gatehouse), ‘Mack and Mabel’ (Hackney Empire), ‘West End Women’ (Orchard Theatre), ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (Birmingham Rep).

Sean Huddlestan
Theatre includes: Eddie in ‘Three Wise Monkeys’ (Turbine Theatre) Andy in ‘Happy Ending’ (Garden Theatre) Roy in Jonathan Harvey’s ‘Boom Bang-A-Bang’ (Above the Stag) Ghost in ‘The Inheritance’ (West End) Max in ‘Time For Tea (Etcetera) Joe in ‘Bluethroat’ (Arcola). Off Broadway: Micah in ‘Asking for Trouble’ and Philly in ‘True Hollywood Story’ (Ensemble Studio Theatre).

Kane Verrall
Theatre credits include: Blaine in ‘Club Tropicana’ (UK & Ireland tour), Rolf Gruber & Dance Captain in ‘The Sound of Music’ (UK Tour), Neil Kellerman in ‘Dirty Dancing’ (UK Tour), Fanny in ‘Fanny & Stella’ (Garden Theatre), Will Scarlett in ‘TWANG!!’ (New Union Theatre), Spirit of the Beans in’ Jack and the Beanstalk’ (Everyman Theatre), Various roles in ‘Tweedy’s Reduced Pantomime’ (Everyman Theatre), Dandini in ‘Cinderella’ (Everyman Theatre), Dandini in ‘Cinderella’ (Civic Theatre, Chelmsford), Dick Whittington in ‘Dick Whittington’ (Yvonne Arnaud), Gregory in ‘Free as Air’ (Finborough).

Martin Blackburn – Writer  
Martin is an avid theatregoer and mega fan of the Eurovision Song Contest.  His previous plays include the Bitches Trilogy (‘Alright Bitches!’, ‘Bitches Ahoy!’ and ‘Bitches Down Under!’) all originally produced by Peter Bull at the Above The Stag Theatre as well as ‘Last One Here’ (White Bear Theatre).

William Spencer – Director
William trained at Bird College and as an intern/student ambassador to the McOnie Company. Alongside this, he has had the pleasure of working with West End and internationally renowned creatives such as Carole Todd, Nick Winston, Steven Dexter and Bronagh Lagan. Recently, he was twice Offie nominated for Best Choreographer for ‘[Title of Show]’ and ‘Boy Toy’. His two all male narrative ballets ‘Coppelia’ and ‘The Supermarket Suite’ received seven 5 star reviews along with an Offie Commendation Award. Other choreographic and directorial credits include: ‘A-Typical Rainbow’, ‘LOL Surprise’, ‘Next Thing You Know’, ‘Frostbite’, Gradfest’s Showcase, ‘Black Magic Woman’, ‘Queereteria TV’, ‘Diary of a W*nky Actor’ and the cabaret show ‘Cut Before Curtain Up’. Assistant choreographer/director credits include the following Offie nominated productions: Pippin’, ‘Romance Romance’, ‘Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)’, ‘Mother Goose’ and ‘Cynthia’s Girls’.

Peter Bull – Producer
Peter founded Above The Stag Theatre where he was artistic director for 11 years until 2019. He has produced over 100 Off West End plays, musicals and pantomimes as well as cabaret and stand up performances. His outdoor production of ‘Fanny & Stella’ was the first musical to open in the UK after the first Covid 19 lockdown. Highlights of his career include the 25th anniversary production of Jonathan Harvey’s ‘Beautiful Thing’, the Pet Shop Boys’ musical ‘Closer to Heaven’ and ‘Silence! The Musical’ as well as his legendary Above The Stag adult pantos. In addition he has directed in London, New York, Milwaukee and Chicago.

LISTINGS INFO

Peter Bull presents Nul Points!

A new Eurovision comedy
by Martin Blackburn

Director William Spencer

UNION  THEATRE
Arch 22 & 23 Old Union Yard  Arches
229 Union Street
London
SE1 0LR

26 April – 20 May 2023

Tuesday – Saturday 7.30pm
(except Saturday 13th May)

Sunday 2.00pm
Saturday 13 May at 5.00pm
followed by Eurovision party

Bookings : uniontheatre.biz

Tickets : £15 / £20 / £25
Wednesday 26 April  : £15
Thursday 27 April : £15
Friday 28 April : £20
Saturday 29 April : £20
Sunday 30 April : £20
Tuesday 2 May – Saturday 20th May : £25
Saturday 13 May: £30 to include a glass of bubbles and Eurovision party

A Northern Broadsides and New Vic Theatre Co-production
Cast announced for the tour of J.M. Barrie’s
acclaimed regency comedy Quality Street
UK Tour – March to July 2023

The cast has been announced for the delicious Regency farce Quality Street, touring the UK this year. From the beloved writer of Peter Pan, the acclaimed original run in 2020 was cut short by the pandemic and has now been revived for 2023. The popularity of J.M. Barrie’s romantic comedy was such a sensation in its day that it gave its name to the UK’s most loved chocolates: Quality Street™.

The lead, Phoebe Throssel, this time will be played by Calderdale’s very own Paula Lane, who will be familiar to audiences for her 6 years in Coronation Street as Kylie Platt, as well as her work in Call The Midwife, Father Brown and Kinky Boots.

In a co-production with New Vic Theatre, Northern Broadsides is reviving their delectable production of Quality Street, stirring in a good helping of Yorkshire wit in a new version for 2023. This sweet and sumptuous show was created with a team of retired workers from the Halifax factory where Quality Street™ chocolates have been proudly made since 1936, wrapping the action in their witty and outrageous observations.

Two of the cast are returning from the orginal run: Alicia McKenzie (Small Island, National Theatre; Bleak Expectations, The Watermill Theatre) as Mary Willoughby / Lotte and Louisa May Parker (Coronation Street, ITV; Sitcom Stories, Edinburgh Fringe) as Susan Throssel.

They are joined by Paula Lane (Coronation Street, ITV; Road, Oldham Coliseum), as heroine Phoebe Throssel, Jelani D’Aguilar (My Voice Was Heard But It Was Ignored, Red Ladder Theatre Company; Planet Caravan, People Zoo) as Fanny Willoughby / Isabella / Sandra, Alice Imelda (Stick Man, Freckle Productions; I Spie, The Telling) as Charlotte Parratt / Jo, Aron Julius (As You Like It, Northern Broadsides; A Christmas Carol and Love, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse) will be Captain Valentine Brown and Alex Moran (War Horse, National Theatre; A Clockwork Orange, Volcano) as Ensign Blades / Arthur / Brenda

Jamie Smelt (Macca & Beth, Royal Court Liverpool; Ackley Bridge, Channel 4) is Recruiting Sergeant / Georgy / Lieutenant Spicer and Gilly Tompkins (Murder, Margaret & Me, Tilted Wig Productions; Gangsta Granny, National Tour and Garrick, West End) completes the cast as Patty / Barbara.

Laurie Sansom, director of Quality Street and Artistic Director / CEO of Northern Broadsides comments,

“It was heart-breaking to have to abandon this production in 2020 when it was being enjoyed by so many. We are thrilled to be working with our wonderful partners at New Vic Theatre to bring it back to stages up and down the country with a fantastically playful company. They capture the wit and wisdom of J.M. Barrie’s delightfully comic creation, as well as the Halifax women who helped us make the original show. We can’t wait to get it back on the road.”

Theresa Heskins, Artistic Director of New Vic Theatre, comments,

“It is a real treat to be working with Northern Broadsides on Quality Street. We were eagerly
anticipating the show in 2020 when it was cut short due to Covid, so we couldn’t be happier
that we’re now collaborating in our workshops and rehearsal rooms once again on this
delightful romantic comedy. We can’t wait to finally be able to share it with our audiences
after almost three years of waiting.”

Phoebe Throssel runs a school for unruly children on Quality Street. Ten years after a tearful goodbye, her old flame returns from fighting Napoleon. But the look of disappointment on Captain Valentine’s face when he greets an older, less glamorous Phoebe spurs the determined heroine to action, becoming the wild and sparkling Miss Livvy, a younger alterego who soon beguiles the clueless Captain. As their romance is rekindled, and Miss Livvy melts the Captain’s heart, Phoebe must juggle both personas while trying to avoid scandalizing the town with her deception, or wrecking her future with the man she loves.

Quality Street will open in March at the New Vic Theatre and then visit Devonshire Park Theatre, Royal & Derngate, Richmond Theatre, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Leeds Playhouse, York Playhouse, Crucible Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Theatre by the Lake, Blackpool Grand Theatre and The Victoria Theatre, Halifax. The tour will conclude on World Chocolate Day.

Previous Praise for Quality Street

★★★★ A sweet and slightly nutty confection, The Mail on Sunday

★★★★ A lot of giddy fun, The Telegraph

★★★★ J.M. Barrie’s frothy confection is mined for all its comic potential, The Stage

Website: www.labambaonstage.co.uk

Socials: @LaBambaOnStage #LaBambaOnStage

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GET READY FOR A SUMMER FIESTA AS

LA BAMBA! – A BRAND NEW DANCE MUSICAL – HEADS TO LONDON’S WEST END THIS AUGUST

·      FURTHER TOUR DATES AND OPEN CASTING CALL ANNOUNCED FOR LA BAMBA!

Paul Morrissey Ltd is thrilled to announce that the world premiere of the explosive new musical, La Bamba! is heading to London’s West End this summer.

Featuring breath-taking Choreography from Strictly Come Dancing favourite and Italian Latin champion Graziano Di Prima, La Bamba! will open at London’s Peacock Theatre, Sadler’s Wells West End theatre, for a limited seasonon Tuesday 22 August 2023 until Saturday 2^nd September 2023, with tickets on general sale on Monday 27^th March 2023.

Graziano Di Prima will work alongside Commercial Latin Choreographer Erica Da Silva. 

Inspired by the unbelievable life and legacy of Rock ‘n’ Roll legend, Ritchie Valens, and featuring some of the most iconic songs of all time, La Bamba! is a jaw-dropping new musical that mixes Latin, R & B and timeless rock and pop to tell the ultimate feel-good story of a young girl with a big voice, big dreams, and an even bigger heart. A story of passion and pride and the discovery that every journey starts with that first step.

Directed by multi-award-winning American director Ray Roderick, with music by award-winning Alfonso Casado-Trigo, an associate choreography by Giada Lini, La Bamba! is a pulsating dance musical that will open at Curve in Leicester on Tuesday, 1st August 2023.

La Bamba! will then travel to cities across the UK including Swansea, Cardiff, Swindon, Dartford, Coventry and High Wycombe. Tickets on sale soon. 

The producers are searching for their leading lady and other cast members, they will be holding open-call auditions in London on Thursday 30th March 2023. Applicants must be 18 years or older and eligible to work in the UK. For casting breakdowns and further information, please visit the La Bamba! website.