Mari Lloyd’s poignantly funny play about two teenagers trying to find their way in an unforgiving and uncertain world is a real treat. The arrival of Yasmin, who would rather live with her Nan in this small Valleys town than with her parents in Cardiff (not far geographically, but worlds apart for the older generation), has dramatic consequences for Rhys, an aspiring boxer.
Rhys’ mum has gone, but his father cannot stop living in the same routine, buying fish every Friday until the freezer is full, and communicating mostly through Post-It notes with his son. After sitting his A levels, Rhys gets a job in the big Aldi to earn some money while he trains and prepares for his big chance to impress a boxing trainer from Cardiff.
Yasmin, expelled from a private girls’ school in Cardiff, knows she has aced her exams and follows her Nan’s advice to get some volunteering on her CV for university admissions. She begins working in the care home and finds out that Rhys’s mum is one of the patients, and Rhys has never visited her. She also becomes fascinated with boxing, and begins to campaign for women to join the boxing gym, seeing a little too much of Rhys’s best mate Chris for his liking. Rhys sees all of this as a huge intrusion on his life, especially his one safe place of escape – the gym – and becomes increasingly suspicious and belligerent towards her.
Emma Kaler is beautifully nuanced as Yasmin, strong and sharp on the surface but always on the move, trying to find the way to escape her feelings and very funny as she quotes the mantras of Enzo Calzaghe as if he was a prophet. Phillip John Jones is wonderful as Rhys – sardonic and naïve at the same time, and keeping the audiences’ sympathy even when he is being a prat as his layered performance never leaves you in doubt that Rhys is holding something back and has no healthy release.
Director Julia Stubbs skilfully takes Lloyd’s smart script and interweaves the stories of the two damaged teenagers seamlessly, eventually explaining where all of the anger, defensiveness and fear is coming from as the narratives shadowbox with each other – both actors only talking directly to the audience until their accounts collide in a moving and cathartic encounter where they finally face their past and stalled futures. The characters are brilliantly authentic in their speech, attitudes and humour – before it got a bit dark, it was like being back home listening to my young cousins. The dialogue is insightful and touches on many social and mental health issues without being issue-led and the sense of place is evident even on Rachel Rooney’s minimalist set resembling a ropeless boxing ring. Warm and funny, with two excellent performances, Still Here is hugely enjoyable.
Live Theatre Newcastle – until Saturday 11th March
Reviewed by Sandra Little
4****
This one hour performance presented on a simple stage set by two women actors is a powerful piece of theatre! Lasagna is a play written by Catrina McHugh MBE and based on the true life experiences of women who have lost multiple children to the care system. It is co-created with women from Pause North East, a charity working with women who have had children taken into care. The accompanying pamphlet also gives special thanks to several social workers for their contribution for this piece of work.
The two characters in the play are Sally (Beth Crame ) and Jane ( Zoe Lambert). Sally is a mum who has had three children taken into care and Jane is a neighbour who develops a friendship with Sally during the first national lockdown. It transpires that the two women are from very different backgrounds but are still able to forge a very meaningful friendship with the help of lasagna and cake.
I felt that one of the most poignant parts of this play is the argument that develops between Sally and Jane. So many issues are raised in this argument and it lays bare difficulties facing both mothers and social workers when children are at risk. It also highlights the lack of support for vulnerable women and the cycle of failure from one generation to another. The anger and hurt felt by Sally, and to a certain extent Jane, was palpable throughout the play. It was a very emotional piece of theatre, especially when you know that the issues raised are based on fact and the experiences of real women, both social workers and mothers who have had children taken into care.
Open Clasp Theatre Company aim to, “Change the world one play at a time,” and in particular they hope to transform the lives of women and girls. With such powerful writing and very important subject matter we can only hope that the decision makers take note!
After the performances at Live Theatre Lasagna is playing in other parts of the country.
How does one translate a novel so heavily narrated and rich in language into a ballet? The key to this lies with David Nixon who has mastered the art of fictional story telling through dance in the form of The Great Gatsby. The production is breath-taking, and I mean that literally. My initial thoughts were that many scenes would be shrouded in glitz and excess due to a high razzamatazz feel of the popular film with Leonardo DiCaprio but what Northern Ballet have created is something far more meaningful: deeply moving, beautiful and elegant. The energetic glamorous numbers are there but the tone is classy, not overdone or crass. I loved it and didn’t expect to feel so filled with heart-felt emotion in several places. I would go further in saying that for me, F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby comes alive and communicates more meaning through the art form of dance (along with the music) as opposed to the fast-paced dialogue and over the top flamboyance that we often associate with it. Nixon’s version gives us the raw feelings of angst and yearning in a more reachable and visceral way as the choreography simply goes beyond words – you feel what the characters are feeling via the energy and frequency they emit. No words are needed.
The stage at The Grand Theatre was transformed into 1920s New York within various locations from a garage to bustling streets and lavish parties held by Gatsby. Despite being the host, Gatsby doesn’t really engage in the whole ‘partying’ activities; he’s only focused on one thing – a person – Daisy (Dominique Larose). Gatsby knew and fell in love with her years ago as a young soldier, but the war cut their love short and he never stopped thinking about her, ever. Unfortunately, all these years later, Daisy is in a toxic marriage with Tom Buchanan (Gavin McCaig), who is also having a torrid and abusive affair with Myrtle Wilson (Amber Lewis). Myrtle is also married to a long-suffering mechanic George (George Liang). Daisy’s cousin (Sean Bates) reunites Daisy and Gatsby and although we witness scenes from them of joy and serenity, their rekindled romance initiates a series of dramatic and tragic events.
Every performer, from Gatsby to the background characters are exquisite, pin-sharp – perfection. Liang exudes sheer frustration in his tortured portrayal of George Wilson – you know that he knows something is wrong and he’s being driven mad by it. The twists and turns of his body emanate such pain and longing and also radiating a lower vibrational frequency is Tom (George’s wife’s lover), who’s extremely aggressive and impatient. His body language is alarming at times as McCaig’s strong form moves so vigorously and precisely with each step and gesture. The young Gatsby and Daisy (Harris Beatie and Rachael Gillespie) melt hearts … Beatie alludes such passion and a sweet sadness that your own heart just breaks for him. And then, so cleverly and beautifully through magical synchronised choreography, Taylor as the older and mature Gatsby, becomes entwined in the young couple’s dance as his memories unfold when he looks out across the bay to where Daisy is. A green light in the skyline keeps flashing and rather like the recent green comet we have been experiencing here on earth in the last month or so, it could be a metaphor for being a harbinger of change. Gatsby has been locked in a mindset of endless longing, wanting and waiting as he looks out and reaches across to the mysterious illumination and appears trapped, so something has to give for him to resolve his issues. Indeed ‘change’ does come and if it wasn’t for the collective trauma and separation that the first world war caused perhaps all could have worked out well? But it’s never that simple and when humans don’t follow the sacred laws of love like Tom and Myrtle, discord is bound to ensue.
Every scene is outstanding, and my guest’s personal favourite was George and Myrtle’s provocative dance in the garage, mine is when Gatsby and Daisy (both the younger and older versions), connect and express their love for one another. You couldn’t have had more of a contrast from Gatsby and Daisy with regards to Myrtle and Tom – their dances being edgy and spiky (expertly done) and Daisy and Gatsby expressing a pure love bursting with passion but one that is in complete harmony – in balance and divine. Kudos must be shared with the wardrobe, technical, stage management, artistic staff, front of house staff and of course the phenomenal orchestra! The music was spectacular, and the timing of the dance and music together was just poetic! This remarkable ballet has everything – class, style, an engaging storyline and one that makes you feel and think – you couldn’t ask for more. Thank you!
Dare you spend Halloween in a haunted West End theatre?
Announcing the West End premiere of
DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS?
created by James Taylor and Julian Woolford directed by Julian Woolford
Adelphi Theatre Strand, London WC2R 0NS
Tuesday 31 October, 2023 at 7.30pm
Theatres are alive. They have a soul. And they all have supernatural stories to tell….
Every theatre has ghosts and sightings, spectral visions reported back stage by terrified actors, mysterious apparitions that walk the stage at night, coridors and stairwells that are avoided by staff who have experienced a sudden drop in temperature…
Do YOU believe in ghosts? And are YOU feeling brave?
The West End premiere of ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ at London’s Adelphi Theatre on Halloween, October 31 (with more West End dates to be announced), has enough chills and shocks to convince even the most die hard sceptic!
Packed with stories of things that go bump in the night – or the day – and things that just don’t add up, ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ is unlike any other ghost story you may have seen or experienced before in a theatre.
Producer James Taylor, who co-created ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ with award-winning writer and director Julian Woolford, said: “Every theatre has at least one ghost – including the Adelphi. In ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ we promise to raise the hairs on your arms and send chills down the back of your neck. . . Join us for a dark night… we dare you!”
‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ is part of a major West End season of 8 shows at the Adelphi produced by producers Entertainers, including the world premiere of The Makings of a Murderer on Tuesday 18 April, Sweet Caroline The Ultimate Tribute to Neil Diamond (Tuesday 6 June), Lost in Music (Tuesday 13 June), Fast Love – A Tribute to George Michael (Tuesday 20 June), 80s Live! (Tuesday 18 July), Legend – The Music of Bob Marley (Tuesday 19 September) and An Evening of Burlesque (Tuesday 10 October).
Entertainers (Producers) Entertainers have 20 years experience producing popular entertainment across the UK. Their new Canvey Island HQ, built since lockdown, houses all aspects of production from set building and maintenance to a recording studio and full-size rehearsal space and a fleet of 36 vehicles.
Entertainers stage more than 1,500 separate performances each year, selling over one million seats, with 25 lavish productions that include: ‘Lost in Music’, ‘Fastlove’, ‘The Magic of Motown’, ‘Cirque: The Greatest Show’, ‘Thank You for the Music’, ‘The Rocket Man’, ‘An Evening of Burlesque’, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’, ‘80s Live!’, ‘90s Live!’, ‘Radio Gaga’, ‘Sweet Caroline’, and ‘Islands in the Stream’,
New shows ‘Do You Believe in Ghosts?’ and ‘The Makings of a Murderer’ mark a move away from music to scripted theatrical productions, and they will both make their West End debut at the Adelphi Theatre in 2023.
Julian Woolford (co-creator /director) Julian Woolford is an award-winning writer and director. His plays and musicals have been performed around the world. Among his works are ‘The Devil’s Advocate (Netherlands tour); ‘Liberace, Live From Heaven’, (Leicester Square Theatre, Edinburgh, New Zealand tour); ‘The Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ (National tour); ‘The Wind In The Willows’ (Sevenoaks Playhouse, Taunton Brewhouse); ‘The Railway Children’ (Sevenoaks Playhouse, Taunton Brewhouse and more than 50 productions worldwide). Julian provided the new book for Lionel Bart’s ‘Twang!!’(GSA and Union Theatre); ‘BlueBirds’ (Cochrane Theatre, Kenneth More Theatre and Above The Stag); ‘Beautiful Young Man’ (Pride Encore Benefit Season, New York);. His musical ‘Oh Carol!’ won the Covent Garden Festival Search for a New Musical and his first play ‘The Oedipus Complex’, premiered at Bristol New Vic.
He is the author of the book ‘How Musicals Work’ (Nick Hern Books), which is the standard text book for musical theatre creation and writing, and of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘The Sound of Music’ (Routledge Fourth Wall) and is currently Head of Musical Theatre at GSA (University of Surrey). Previously he was Artistic Director of Sevenoaks Playhouse; Artistic Director of the Global Search for New Musicals at the International Festival of Musical Theatre Cardiff and Associate Director of the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.
His many directing credits in productions in the West End, any regional theatres, 7 national tours, and work in New York, Australia, Germany, Austria, Poland and the Lebanon. In 2015 he became the first person to direct a commercial musical in Egypt when he staged ‘The Sound of Music’ in Cairo.
James Taylor (co-creator/producer) James is a director of Essex-based producers Entertainers working alongside his father, Michael.
James began his career as the 16-year-old resident DJ at West Ham United Football Club’s functions and parties. He moved to the US to pursue a modelling and acting career, playing the inventor Nikola Tesla in an Off-Broadway production of ‘Tesla’, and appearing in the TV series ‘Being Mary Jane’, in which he played the boyfriend of the lead Gabrielle Union. Returning to Britain, James teamed up with his father to produce ‘Fastlove’, a tribute to the then recently deceased George Michael. It has since sold a million tickets, is touring to 25 countries and became the company’s first show to play the West End, at the Lyric Theatre.
Do You Believe in Ghosts? Tuesday, October 31 at 7.30pm
The Makings of a Murderer Tuesday 18 April A chilling, thrilling, night with Scottish Detective David Swindle.on what makes a serial killer tick, the warning signs and clues behind The Makings of a Murderer.
Sweet Caroline The Ultimate Tribute to Neil Diamond Tuesday 6 June The good times never seemed so good… introducing the ultimate tribute to Neil Diamond featuring Gary Ryan from TVs ‘Stars in Their Eyes’. This musical journey celebrates 50 years of a legend.
Lost in Music Tuesday 13 June We recreate the magical 70s taking you on a musical journey straight to the heart of Disco. Relive some of the greatest songs of all time from artists including Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Fast Love A Tribute to George Michael Tuesday 20 June The world’s favourite George Michael celebration of one of the greatest musicians the world has seen.
80s Live! Tuesday 18 July Bring your jukebox money and get ready to Jitterbug as we spin you around and around for am 80s night to remember.
Legend – The Music of Bob Marley Tuesday 19 September The music of Bob Marley in an unforgettable evening celebrating this musical icon.
An Evening of Burlesque Tuesday 10 October The ultimate variety show, blending stylish cabaret, comedy, music, circus and burlesque to light up all your senses.
NEW CRUCIBLE AND PLAYHOUSE SHOWS AND TOURING PRODUCTIONS FOR 2023
ROGER MCGOUGH’S ACCLAIMED ADAPTATION OF MOLIÈRE’STHE HYPOCHONDRIAC TO BE STAGED IN THE CRUCIBLE THEATRE
CRUCIBLE FESTIVE MUSICAL THIS YEAR WILL BE A NEW PRODUCTION OF IRVING BERLIN’S
WHITE CHRISTMAS
THE INTIMATE AND FLEXIBLE TANYA MOISEIWITSCH PLAYHOUSE TO STAGE
TWO WORLD PREMIERES: ANNA HIBISCUS’ SONG AND WE COULD ALL BE PERFECT
2023
TANYA MOISEIWITSCH PLAYHOUSE
· Anna Hibiscus’ Song:Produced by resident company Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres and staged in the intimate and flexible Playhouse. Thisnew play is adapted from the book by Atinuke and is directed and adapted by Utopia Theatre Founder, CEO and Artistic Director Mojisola Kareem-Elufowoju. Suitable for children aged 3+ and their families, this theatrical adaptation of the much-loved children’s book is told through music, dance, puppetry and traditional African storytelling.
Friday 7 – Saturday 15 July2023.
· We Could All Be Perfect: Commissioned, developed and produced by Sheffield Theatres, this debut play by Doncaster writer Hannah Morley is directed by Ruby Clarke. This new play is a furious and funny exploration of whether teenage girls will save the world and asks if they should have to.
Saturday 23 September – Saturday 14 October 2023 (Press performance: Wednesday 27 September 2023 at 7pm).
CRUCIBLE THEATRE
· The Hypochondriac: Produced by Sheffield Theatres and staged in the Crucible by director Sarah Tipple. Roger McGough’s celebrated adaptationof Molière’switty satire proves that laughter really is the best form of medicine.
Saturday 30 September – Saturday 21 October 2023 (Press performance: Thursday 5 October 2023 at 7pm).
· Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: A new production by Sheffield Theatres, staged on the iconic Crucible stage and directed by Paul Foster (Talent, Kiss Me Kate, Annie Get Your Gun). This classic feel-good musical for all the family features the songs Blue Skies, Sisters and the festive favourite White Christmas.
Saturday 9 December 2023 – Saturday 13 January 2024(Press performance: Thursday 14 December 2023 at 7pm).
“We look forward to a new season of shows that showcase what our theatres do best: offer audiences thrilling experiences with new and reimagined work on all our stages.
We begin with a co-production with our long-standing partners Utopia Theatre, in their new play Anna Hibiscus’ Song. Directed by Mojisola Kareem-Elofuwoju, this magical tale based on Atinuke’s book combines music, dance, puppetry and traditional African storytelling to delight young audiences.
Later in the year, we present Molière’s hilarious satire The Hypochondriac in the Crucible, with Sarah Tipple directing Roger McGough’s playful adaptation. Over in the Playhouse, Hannah Morley’s debut play We Could All Be Perfect, directed by Ruby Clarke, celebrates the power, experiences and potential of teenage girls throughout history.
To round off the year we bring the festive classic White Christmas to the Crucible stage this December. Directed by Paul Foster, it’s a musical that will delight all ages.”
Tom Bird, Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres, said:
“It is an exciting time at Sheffield Theatres, having just transferred Standing at the Sky’s Edge to the National Theatre in London to great acclaim (including a phenomenal eight Olivier Award nominations),and we look forward to the opening of our production of Accidental Death of an Anarchist, which started life in our intimate Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, at the Lyric Hammersmith later this month. Here in Sheffield, we are producing hot new writing with Wildfire Road running now in the Playhouse, before the new season in the Crucible begins with The Good Person of Szechwan: our co-production with ETT and the Lyric Hammersmith. We also welcome an old friend back to the city with Life of Pi opening its UK and Ireland tour at the Lyceum Theatre this August, following its Broadway debut this spring.
All this, plus an exciting summer ahead with our newly reimagined production of Miss Saigon, which we are delighted to be extending by a week due to extraordinary demand, followed by the autumn and winter season of brand-new shows announced today. I’m thrilled to join these daring and beautiful theatres as we look ahead to an exceptional year!”
These new shows join other productions previously announced for 2023. In the Playhouse Wildfire Road is produced by Sheffield Theatres. Thisnew play by Eve Leigh and directed by Laura Keefe is an environmental thriller about a highjacked plane and a disparate group of passengers who try to make sense of their situation as the world burns below. Until Saturday 18 March 2023.
In the Crucible, a new production marking the 80th anniversary of Bertolt Brecht’s popular play The Good Person of Szechwan, is commissioned by ETT and co-produced by Sheffield Theatres, ETT and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. This new version by writer Nina Segal is directed by Sheffield Theatres AssociateArtisticDirectorAnthony Lau (Anna Karenina).Saturday 11 March – Saturday 1 April 2023.
Also in the Crucible Theatre this summer is a new production of Miss Saigon which will mark the first regional non-replica production of Boublil and Schönberg’s hit musical retelling of Madame Butterfly set during the Vietnam war. Miss Saigon will be reimagined by Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic Director Robert Hastie and Associate Artistic Director Anthony Lau as co-directors, with design by Ben Stones and lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun. Joanna Ampil, who has previously played Kim in the London, Sydney, UK touring and 10th anniversary productions of Miss Saigon, is cast as The Engineer. Further casting and creative team to be announced. An extra week has been added to the run, now playing from Saturday 8 July 2023 – Saturday 19 August 2023.
Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre continues to host some of the UK’s best touring plays, musicals and dance. In December, Sheffield Theatres and Evolution Pantomimes will stage the family pantomime Beauty and the Beast. Panto legend Damian Williams returns for his 16th year.Friday 8 December 2023 – Sunday 7 January 2024.
Beyond Sheffield, the Olivier Award nominated new musical which started life at the Crucible Theatre, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, continues at the National Theatre until Saturday 25 March 2023, written by Chris Bush with the music of Richard Hawley and directed by Robert Hastie, nationaltheatre.org.uk. Also in London, the Playhouse Theatre’s acclaimed comedy Accidental Death of an Anarchist by Dario Fo in a new version by comedian and writer Tom Basden runs at the Lyric Hammersmith from Monday 13 March – Saturday 8 April 2023, lyric.co.uk.
In addition to these Sheffield Theatres productions, a number of touring shows will visit the Crucible this year:
James Seabright presents Buffy Revamped on Thursday 1 June. Seventy minutes. Seven seasons. One Spike. All 144 episodes of cult 90s TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer retold by the one person who knows it inside out: Spike. Funny, satirical and bursting with 90s pop-culture references, it’s the perfect parody for Buffy aficionados and those who never enrolled at Sunnydale High alike.
Bridget Christie is hot, but not in a good way. The 51-year-old critically-acclaimed stand-up leaks blood, sweats, and wonders why there are so many films, made by men, about young women discovering their sexuality, but none about middle-aged women forgetting theirs. It’s a menopause laugh-a-minute, Bridget Christie: Who Am I? plays on Thursday 2 November.
Join Danny Robins for the biggest ever investigation into the paranormal with Uncanny: I Know What I Saw on Friday 3 November. Is the impossible, possible? Become immersed in the sights, sounds and scares of brand new, real-life stories of the supernatural and share your own stories – if you dare.
The Lyceum will also host a number of touring productions, both new and returning:
Direct from London’s West End, Showstopper! The Musical returns from Friday 9 – Saturday 10 June. A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning show, as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all dancing productions with hilarious results. So whether you fancy Hamilton in a hospital or Sondheim in the Sahara, you suggest it and The Showstoppers will sing it!
Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet gives Shakespeare’s timeless story of forbidden love a scintillating injection of raw passion and youthful vitality. Confined against their will by a society that seeks to divide, two young lovers must follow their hearts as they risk everything to be together. A masterful re-telling of an ageless tale, running from Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 October.
The award-winning, smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back from Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 October! Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love.
The smash-hit production of Annie returns to Sheffield from Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 October, direct from London’s West End. This ‘glorious revival’ (The Times) stars Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood* as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan! Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes but spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas…
On Saturday 28 October, meet Andy and the Odd Socks. “We jam, we write, we rock… we’re the Odd Socks!” Andy Day, one of the most recognisable faces of CBeebies, leads his sock’n’roll band with fantastic, catchy songs and a true celebration of individuality. Appealing to kids and adults alike, join in with singalong songs that kids adore, with a dash of Mighty Boosh or Flight of the Conchords oddball humour that parents love.
Treason the Musical is the exciting new musical drama about the gunpowder plot, running from Tuesday 31 October – Saturday 4 November. Set to completely blow you away with a stunning new score and lyrics, the production features a fusion of original folk and pop songs that tell a crucial tale in England’s history.
Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None comes to the Lyceum from Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 November. Ten strangers are lured to a solitary mansion off the coast of Devon. When a storm cuts them off from the mainland, the true reason for their presence on the island becomes horribly clear. Directed by Lucy Bailey (Witness for the Prosecution, Love from a Stranger), this brand-new production of the bestselling crime novel of all time will keep you on the edge of your seat…
STOS theatre company present Barnum from Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 November. This joyful and moving musical portrait of the 19th century’s greatest show-biz legend – Barnum. With music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart and book by Mark Bramble, this amateur production is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.
Celebrating 40 years on the road in 2023, Dillie, Liza and Adèle, Britain’s raciest and sassiest musical cabaret trio, are bringing their brand-new Fascinating Aïda show to Sheffield on Wednesday 22 November. Uniquely charming, with diamond-sharp satire, filthy, hilarious, belligerent, political, poignant and outrageous, this indomitable trio are still the mistresses of their craft.
Freckle Productions present the touching, funny and utterly original adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s delightful Stick Man, from Thursday 23 – Saturday 25 November. What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man. How will he ever get back to the family tree? This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.
Noises Off, one of the greatest British comedies ever written, visits the Lyceum from Tuesday 28 November – Saturday 2 December, direct from a triumphant West End season. Michael Frayn’s celebrated play serves up a riotous double bill, a play within a play. Hurtling along at breakneck speed, Noises Off follows the on and off stage antics of a touring theatre company as they stumble their way through the fictional farce, Nothing On.
He’s back and as fabulous as ever – Jamie’s in the spotlight in Sheffield with the return of the much-loved hitmusical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, running from Tuesday 9 – Saturday 20 April 2024. Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Funny, fabulous and feel good, this is the musical for all the family and not to be missed!
Over in the Playhouse, touring productions include:
HeLa cervical cancer cells, stained with Coomassie blue, under microscope.
Actors Touring Company and Belgrade Theatre Coventry, in association with Brixton House present Family Tree, playing on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 May. A beautifully poetic drama about race, health, the environment, and the incredible legacy of one of the most influential Black women of modern times, this award-winning play by Mojisola Adebayo is both a remembrance and a celebration.
Co-produced by Sheffield Theatres and Cambridge Junction, Sheffield’s Forced Entertainment presents If All Else Fails from Thursday 25 – Friday 26 May. A comical and complex two -hander featuring Cathy Naden and guest artist Seke Chimutengwende, two powerful forces in the contemporary theatre scene.
Beth is confident, clever and wants to become the world’s best leader. But people keep calling her bossy… Multi-award winning Zoo Co presents brand new show: Bossy, on Saturday 27 May. Celebrating Black culture and featuring a kick-ass Caribbean soundtrack, the show is performed in BSL and English and will leave you feeling pumped up and powerful!
The Fossil Kids, written by Simon Marshall with Sheffield People’s Theatre Young Company plays on Saturday 3 June. Four siblings raised by their Grandfather suddenly find themselves in charge of his legacy. No family’s perfect, but The Fossil Kids have history. A play about growing up, showing up and learning to be there for those who need you.
We Need New Names, a Fifth Word and New Perspectives co-production, runs from Monday 5 – Tuesday 6 June. Based on the novel by the first Black African woman and first Zimbabwean to be Booker Prize-shortlisted, this defiant coming-of-age story is full of exuberance, humour and humanity.
Middle Child present Modest from Friday 9 – Saturday 10 June. Rooted in music hall and inspired by drag king cabaret, Modest is a farcical play about Elizabeth Thompson, the artist who almost became the first woman elected to the Royal Academy in 1879. Written by Ellen Brammar with music by Rachel Barnes.
Godot Is A Woman plays on Tuesday 13 June. A whip-smart interrogation of gender, authorial copyright and the cultural significance of Madonna’s 1989 album, Like a Prayer. Silent Faces return with their trademark style of playful, political, physical theatre.
When her new community is rocked by tragedy, Liz rediscovers outdoor swimming and how it can keep both her and her new friends afloat. Filled with humour and heart, live music and projection, Swim is a tender tale based on a true story, playing on Saturday 24 June.
Celebrated poet and musician John Hegley brings his latest show Biscuit of Destiny to Sheffield on Thursday 20 July. Star of radio, T.V. and school assemblies, John returns with his Lustrum Award-winning show, which delves into the eccentric side of Romantic poet John Keats.
Watson: The Final Problem plays on Saturday 22 July. The year is 1894. Watson is alone. Sherlock Holmes and his beloved Mary are both gone. London seethes with false reports and rumour. It is time to set the record straight, so Watson tells his tale. Written by Bert Coules and Tim Marriott, and based on the stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Alongside Sheffield Theatres’ own productions, dazzling tours and up-and-coming shows, you can develop creativity and learn more with a dynamic range of activities and events:
Teachers can take part in a wealth of education engagement opportunities. From young people working with industry professionals, to teachers joining the Sheffield Theatres Educators Party (STEP), Sheffield Theatres aims to support teachers in delivering the curriculum while developing creative opportunities for young people.
Sheffield Theatres’ SummerSchool takes place in August and offers expertise from theatre professionals for participants to try their hand at a number of creative skills.
For those looking to be involved in performance, Sheffield People’s Theatre (SPT) is Sheffield Theatres’ intergenerational company for anyone aged 12+ with a shared passion for being involved in great theatre, Launchpad is a group for adults aged 18 plus with learning disabilities and/or Autism, and the Young Company is for anyone aged 18–25 who is looking to develop a career in the creative industries. Following the success of 2021’s celebratory event Together in the City Festival, Together Too will take place from Friday 28 – Saturday 29 July, showcasing the incredible creativity of Sheffield’s community, within the theatres and across the city.
Tickets for new Sheffield Theatres productions: Anna Hibiscus’ Song, We Could All Be Perfect, The Hypochondriac and White Christmas,plus all new touring productions are on sale to Centre Stage Members at 10amSaturday 18 March 2023 and on general sale at 10am on Saturday 25 March 2023. Tickets for all other 2023 productions are on sale now.
Accessible performances are available on the majority of productions. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.
LES MISÉRABLES at the Sondheim Theatre announces today that booking is now extended until Saturday 2 March 2024.
LES MISÉRABLES currently stars Dean Chisnall as Jean Valjean, David Thaxton as Javert, Ava Brennan as Fantine Robert Tripolino as Marius, Nathania Ong as Éponine and Lulu-Mae Pears as Cosette, Gerard Carey as Thénardier, Josefina Gabrielle as Madame Thénardier and Jordan Shaw as Enjolras.
The company also includes Hazel Baldwin, Brad Barnley, Will Barratt, Cameron Burt, Natalie Chua, Matthew Dale, Matt Dempsey, Bryony Duncan, Louis Emmanuel, Sophie-May Feek, Melad Hamidi, Harry Jack, Christopher Jacobsen, Will Jennings, Benjamin Karran, Yazmin King, Bart Lambert, Sarah Lark, Adam Robert Lewis, Georgie Lovatt, Ellie Ann Lowe, Donald Craig Manuel, Jodie Nolan, Sam Peggs, Jo Stephenson, Phoebe Williams and Ollie Wray.
Cameron Mackintosh’s production of LES MISÉRABLES is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Orchestrations are by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke and Stephen Brooker with original orchestrations by John Cameron. The production is directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, projections realised by Finn Ross & Fifty Nine Productions, musical staging by Geoffrey Garratt, and music supervision by Stephen Brooker and Alfonso Casado Trigo.
Cast announced for the 1st London revival of ‘BETTY BLUE EYES’
Union Theatre 29 March – 22nd April, 2023
Sam Kipling, Amelia Atherton, Jayne Ashley, David Pendlebury, Stuart Simons Josh Perry, Tom Holt, Emma Jane Fearnley, Jade Marvin, Katie Stasi
Sam Kipling (Gilbert Chilvers) recently played George in the world premiere of ‘Tasting Notes’ at Southwark Playhouse. He was Josephine in Sasha Regan’s all-male ‘HMS Pinafore’ and Edith in Sasha Regan’s all-male ‘Pirates of Penzance’.
Amelia Atherton (Joyce Chilvers) recently appeared in the UK & Ireland Tour of ‘Waitress’ as Cover Norma/Cover Becky. She was Offie nominated, Best Supporting Performance for ‘Next Thing You Know’ at the Garden Theatre.
Jayne Ashley (Mother Dear) was recently in the UK tours of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, ‘Cilla’ and ‘Sunny Afternoon’ and played Julie Saunders in ‘Bad Girls The Musical’ at the Union.
David Pendlebury (Inspector Wormold) was Judge Turpin in Sondheim’s ‘Sweeney Todd’ at the English Theatre Frankfurt, and The Senator in ‘Hello Again’ at the Union.
Stuart Simons (Dr Swaby) was the male Company Cover in Sondheim’s Passion at Hope Mill Theatre. He was Dad Bostock in ‘Whistle Down the Wind’ at the Union.
Josh Perry (Henry Allardyce) recently graduated with a First Class Degree in Performance in Musical Theatre after playing Sweeney Todd in ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ at Performance Preparation Academy.
Tom Holt (Francis Lockwood) was lead vocalist on ‘A Tropical Tale’ and and The Conductor on ‘The Polar Express – The Tram’.
Emma Jane Fearnley (Mrs Roach / Ensemble) is a recent graduate of the London School of Musical Theatre making her professional debut.
Jade Marvin (Mrs Lester / Ensemble) played Catherine of Aragon in ‘Six the Musical’. She was also in ‘Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens’ (Union); ‘Bad Girls: The Musical’ (Upstairs at The Gatehouse); ‘Mythic’ (Charing Cross Theatre).
Katie Stasi (Mrs Turnbull / Ensemble) was in ‘Gradfest: Christmas Tidings at St Paul’s Church and Glinda in ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
The rest of the cast are: Laurel Dougall, Aimée McQueen, Shannon Farrell, Hannah Lawton, Kane Stone, Jonny Weston, Georgia Boothman, George Dawes
Veronica Allardyce will be played by members of the Union Youth Theatre;
Nellie Regan, Ava Jennings-Grant and Coco Bennett
Creative team: Director Sasha Regan Musical Director Aaron Clingham Choreographer Kasper Cornish
Designer Reuben Speed Casting Adam Braham Produced by Sasha Regan & Stuart Simons
Premiering in 2011, ‘Betty Blue Eyes’, Book by Ron Cowen & Daniel Lipman, Music by George Stiles Lyrics by Anthony Drewe based on the film ‘A Private Function’ by Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray, received nominations for ‘Best New Musical’ in the Olivier Awards, The Evening Standard Awards and the WhatsOnStage.com Awards.
It is 1947, war has ended but Britain’s citizens are suffering under the burden of food rationing, high unemployment and the coldest winter for decades.
The only bright spark on the horizon is the impending marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Enter Betty, an adorable pig who is being illegally reared to ensure local dignitaries of a small community in Yorkshire can celebrate the Royal Wedding with a lavish banquet whilst the local population make do with Spam.
‘Betty Blue Eyes’ is an utterly British musical, full of eccentric characters, such as odd couple Gilbert Chilvers – a humble chiropodist, and his wife Joyce, a nobody determined to be somebody; Inspector Wormold – an obsessive destroyer of illegal meat; Mother Dear – “She’s 74 and ravenous”; along with a weird assortment of bullies, spivs and snobs, and of course, Betty the pig.
It has a deliciously infectious, toe-tapping, retro contemporary score by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, with a book by Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman, adapted and expanded from Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray’s hilariously funny and sharply observed comic film ‘A Private Function’.
‘Betty Blue Eyes’, directed by Sasha Regan, is the first in-house production at the Union Theatre since Covid.
Stiles and Drewe – Music and Lyrics
Stiles and Drewe are a multi award-winning musical theatre writing partnership whose shows have been seen all over the world and have been translated into many languages.
Their scores include the international smash-hit Cameron Mackintosh/Disney production of ‘Mary Poppins’, the Olivier Award-winning ‘Honk!,’ which has been seen by more than 6 million people in over 8,000 productions, and the West End productions of ‘Half A Sixpence’ and ‘The Wind in the Willows’. Their other shows are ‘Soho Cinders’, ‘Travels With My Aunt’, ‘Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure’, ‘Just So’ and ‘Tutankhamun’.
George and Anthony have also completed a trilogy of 50-minute musicals for younger audiences, ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’, ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’ and ‘The Three Little Pigs’.
Current projects include ‘Identical’ based on ‘The Parent Trap’ and ‘Becoming Nancy’ with director/ choreographer Jerry Mitchell.
Future projects include a stage version of Robert Harling’s film ‘Soapdish’.
Independently, as a composer, George’s credits include the musicals ‘Moll Flanders’, ‘The Three Musketeers’, ‘Tom Jones’ and the scores for Sam Mendes’ stage productions of ‘Twelfth Night’ and ‘Uncle Vanya’ (Donmar Warehouse/BAM NYC).
Independently, as a lyricist, Anthony’s credits include ‘The Card’ (Watermill/Regent’s Park) and ‘A Twist Of Fate’ (Singapore Rep).
Honk! has won many international awards including the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Mary Poppins has won 45 major theatre awards around the globe, including Tony, Olivier, Helpmann and London Evening Standard Awards. Stiles and Drewe were nominated for Best New Musical at the 2016 WhatsOnStage Awards for Half A Sixpence and Betty Blue Eyes was nominated for the 2012 Olivier Award. Other awards include the TMA Best Musical Award for Moll Flanders and The Straits Times Award for Best Musical for A Twist of Fate.
Stiles and Drewe’s passion for new musical theatre is recognised via the annual Stiles and Drewe Prize for Best New Song, now in its 13th year, and their Mentorship Award supported by Music Theatre International (Europe). They are also founding board members of Mercury Musical Developments (MMD), Associate Artists at The Watermill Theatre and patrons of the London Musical Theatre Orchestra (LMTO) and The Musical Theatre Academy (MTA).
‘Mary Poppins’ has won 45 major theatre awards around the globe, including Tony, Olivier, Helpmann and London Evening Standard Awards. Stiles and Drewe were nominated for Best New Musical at the 2016 WhatsOnStage Awards for ‘Half A Sixpence’. Other awards include the TMA Best Musical Award for ‘Moll Flanders’.
Along with Anthony, George’s passion for new musical theatre writing is recognised via the annual Stiles and Drewe Prize for Best New Song, and their Mentorship Award supported by Music Theatre International (Europe). They are founding board members of Mercury Musical Developments (MMD), Associate Artists at The Watermill Theatre and patrons of the London Musical Theatre Orchestra and the Music Theatre Academy (MTA).
Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman – Book
Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman are American writers and producers. Their work together includes: ‘Queer as Folk’ (2000–2005) US TV series, ‘Sisters’ (1991) TV series, ‘The Love She Sought’ (1990) (TV film), ‘An Early Frost’ (1985) (TV film), ‘Knots Landing’ (1984). Ron Cowen’s first play, ‘Summertree’ won a Drama Desk Award and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
Sasha Regan and Stuart Simons present
Betty Blue Eyes
Book by Ron Cowen & Daniel Lipman
Music by George Stiles Lyrics by Anthony Drewe
Based on the Handmade film ‘A Private Function’ and the original story by Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray Adapted from the screenplay by Alan Bennett
Director – Sasha Regan
Union Theatre Arch 22 & 23 Old Union Yard Arches 229 Union Street London SE1 0LR
29 March – 22nd April
Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm Saturday Matinee 2.30pm
Previews: Previews 29th, 30th, 31st, March
Tickets: Previews £20 Tickets £25
Social media:
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Originally produced in London by Cameron Mackintosh
Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Her Majesty’s Theatre announces today that booking is now extended until Saturday 2 March 2024. With new production images also released.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA currently stars Earl Carpenter as The Phantom alongside Holly-Anne Hull as Christine Daaé, Matt Blaker as Raoul, Kelly Glyptis as Carlotta, Matt Harrop as Monsieur Firmin, Adam Linstead as Monsieur André, Greg Castiglioni as Ubaldo Piangi, Francesca Ellis as Madame Giry and Ellie Young as Meg Giry. At certain performances the role of Christine Daaé is played by Paige Blankson.
Credit: Johan Persson
Credit: Johan Persson
From Monday 3 April Jon Robyns joins the company as The Phantom.
Credit: Johan Persson
Credit: Johan Persson
The cast is completed by Hollie Aires,Connor Carson, Corina Clark, Michelle Cornelius, Edward Court, Lily De-La-Haye, Hywel Dowsell, Serina Faull, James Gant, Eilish Harmon-Beglan, Emma Harris, Yukina Hasebe, Thomas Holdsworth, Olivia Holland-Rose, Jacob Hughes, Grace Hume, James Hume, Tim Morgan, Michael Robert-Lowe, Eve Shanu-Wilson, Tim Southgate, Anouk Van Laake, Jasmine Wallis, Ralph Watts, Skye Weiss, Simon Whitaker, Lizzie Wofford and Andrew York.
Credit: Johan Persson
Credit: Johan Persson
Credit: Johan Persson
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group Ltd. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Charles Hart, and Additional Lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the novel ‘Le Fantôme de l’Opera’ by Gaston Leroux, with Orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Musical Supervision is by Simon Lee. The Production Design is by Maria Björnson and the Set Design is adapted by Matt Kinley with Associate Costume Design by Jill Parker, Lighting is by Andrew Bridge with Associate Lighting Design by Warren Letton, Sound is by Mick Potter. The Musical Staging and Choreography is by Gillian Lynne, recreated and adapted by Chrissie Cartwright. Originally Directed by Harold Prince, this production is Directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn
IVO VAN HOVE’S ENGLISH LANGUAGE WORLD STAGE PREMIÈRE OF
HANYA YANAGIHARA’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SMASH-HIT NOVEL
A LITTLE LIFE
EXTENDS AT THE SAVOY THEATRE DUE TO UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND
PUBLIC BOOKING FOR THE RUN AT THE SAVOY THEATRE OPENS AT 10AM TODAY
Due to record-breaking demand at Richmond Theatre and the Harold Pinter Theatre, Wessex Grove, Gavin Kalin Productions and Playful Productions today announce that Ivo van Hove’s English language première of Hanya Yanagihara’s critically acclaimed prize-winning novel, A Little Life, will now play a further five weeks only at the Savoy Theatre from 4 July.
Van Hove directs James Norton (Jude), Luke Thompson (Willem), Omari Douglas (JB), Zach Wyatt (Malcolm), Elliot Cowan (Brother Luke/Doctor Traylor/Caleb), Zubin Varla (Harold), Nathalie Armin (Ana), and Emilio Doorgasingh (Andy). The production previews at Richmond Theatre from 14 to 18 March; ahead of opening in the West End at the Harold Pinter Theatre on 5 April, with previews from 25 March, and runs until 18 June; before transferring to the Savoy Theatre from 4 July to 5 August.
Public booking opens for the run at the Savoy Theatre at 10am today.
Wessex Grove’s Benjamin Lowy and Emily Vaughan-Barratt said today, “We could not be more delighted to have the opportunity to extend A Little Life in the West End this summer. Hanya’s book has had a profound impact on so many people’s lives, and it’s a privilege to witness the way in which the production is being embraced by audiences. We’ve just finished rehearsals, and it’s been extraordinary to watch Ivo and this incredible group of actors discover this story anew on stage. It’s a beautiful piece of theatre, and we’re delighted our company want to continue performing the play together at the iconic theatre that is the Savoy – a real honour for a straight play to perform on that stage.”
Twitter and Instagram: @alittlelifeplay
Producers – Wessex Grove, Gavin Kalin Productions, Playful Productions,
Co-Producers – Creative Partners Productions, Patrick Gracey Productions, ROYO,
Rupert Gavin & Mallory Factor Partnership, and New Frame Productions / David Adkin Productions present
Cast: James Norton, Luke Thompson, Omari Douglas, Zach Wyatt, Elliot Cowan, Zubin Varla, Nathalie Armin, Emilio Doorgasingh
Conceived and Directed by: Ivo van Hove; Set, Lighting & Video Design: Jan Versweyveld;
Costume Design: An D’Huys; Music & Sound Designer: Eric Sleichim;
Casting Director: Julia Horan CDG; Hair, Make Up & Prosthetics Designer: Susanna Peretz
Richmond Theatre – 14 – 18 March
Harold Pinter Theatre – 25 March – 18 June
Savoy Theatre – 4 July – 5 August
James Norton (Happy Valley, Grantchester) stars as Jude as the visionary director Ivo van Hove (Network, Hedda Gabler) stages the English language premiere of A LITTLE LIFE, his acclaimed production of the million-copy bestseller by Hanya Yanagihara (To Paradise, Booker Prize Shortlist for A Little Life).
The much-anticipated play also stars Luke Thompson (Bridgerton, Hamlet), Omari Douglas (It’s A Sin, Constellations), Zach Wyatt (The Witcher, I and You), Elliot Cowan (The Crown, 2:22 A Ghost Story), Zubin Varla (Tammy Faye, Equus), Nathalie Armin (Force Majeure, The Doctor), and Emilio Doorgasingh (Best of Enemies, The Kite Runner).
A LITTLE LIFE follows four college friends in New York City: aspiring actor Willem, successful architect Malcolm, struggling artist JB, and prodigious lawyer Jude.
As ambition, addiction, and pride threaten to pull the group apart, they always find themselves bound by their love for Jude and the mysteries of his past.
But when those secrets come to light, they finally learn that to know Jude St Francis is to understand the limitless potential of love in the face of life.
James Norton plays Jude.His theatre work includesBelleville (Donmar Warehouse), Bug (Found111), Journey’s End (West End and UK tour), The Lion in Winter (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Posh (Royal Court Theatre), That Face (Sheffield Theatres) and Cymbeline (Cambridge Arts Theatre). For television his work includes Happy Valley (as series regular Tommy Lee Royce), Grantchester (series lead, Sidney Chambers), The Nevers, The Trial of Christine Keeler, McMafia, War and Peace, Black Mirror, Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Life in Squares, Death Comes to Pemberley, Doctor Who, Restless and Blandings; and for film, Freeguard, Nowhere Special, Things Heard and Seen, Little Women, Mr Jones, Hampstead, Flatliners, Bonobo, Belle, Thicker Than Water, Cheerful Weather for a Wedding and An Education.
Luke Thompson plays Willem. His theatre work includes King Lear (Duke of York’s Theatre), Hamlet (Almeida Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre), The Oresteia (Almeida Theatre and Trafalgar Studios), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe – nomination for the Evening Standard Most Promising Newcomer). For television, his work includes Bridgerton (as series regular Benedict Bridgerton), Kiss Me First, In the Club, and The Suspicions of Mr Whicher; and for film, Misbehaviour, Making Noise Quietly and Dunkirk.
Omari Douglas plays JB. His theatre work includes Cabaret (KiKat Club at the Playhouse Theatre), Constellations (Vaudeville Theatre/Donmar Warehouse – Oliver Award nomination for Best Actor), Romantics Anonymous (Bristol Old Vic/Wise Children), Wise Children (The Old Vic/Wise Children), Rush (King’s Head Theatre), Peter Pan (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Five Guys Named Moe (Marble Arch Theatre), Tristan and Yseult (Kneehigh/Shakespeare’s Globe), The Life (Southwark Playhouse), Annie Get Your Gun (Sheffield Crucible), Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and High Society (The Old Vic). His television work includes Nolly, I Hate Suzie Too, and It’s a Sin (BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor); and for film, Rye Lane, Midas Man and And Mrs.
Zach Wyatt plays Malcolm. His theatre credits include Bartholomew Fair, The Merry Wives of Windsor (Shakespeare’s Globe), Wild East (Young Vic), and I and You (Hampstead Theatre). For television, his work includes The Witcher: Blood Origin, Karen Pirie, and Urban Myths: Hendrix and Handel; and for film, Timestalker and Blithe Spirit.
Elliot Cowan plays Brother Luke/Doctor Traylor/Caleb.For theatre, his credits include 2:22 A Ghost Story (Gieldgud Theatre), A Doll’s House (Lyric Hammersmith), Shipwreck (Almeida Theatre), Julius Caesar (Sheffield Theatre), An Ideal Husband (Vaudeville Theatre), Macbeth (Shakespeare’s Globe), A Streetcar Named Desire (Donmar Warehouse) and The Revenger’s Tragedy (National Theatre). For television his work includes The Crown, Foundation, Death in Paradise, Peaky Blinders, The Spanish Princess, Innocent, Krypton, Beowulf, Frankenstein Chronicles,Cilla, Life in Squares, Luther, Sinbad, Marchlands, The Fixer, Blood and Oil, Marple – They Do It With Mirrors and Ruby in the Smoke;and for film, All the Devil’s Men, Muse, Butterfly Kisses, Angels of Decay,Narcopolis, Angel of Decay, Howl, Hammer of the Gods, Happy Go Lucky, Alexander.
Zubin Varla plays Harold. His theatre credits include Tammy Faye (Almeida Theatre), The Two Character Play (Hampstead Theatre), The Twits (Unicorn Theatre), Ghost Quartet (Boulevard Theatre), Equus (ETT/ Trafalgar Studios), Fun Home, Measure For Measure, The Changeling (Young Vic), Poison (Orange Tree Theatre), The Unknown Island (Gate Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe), The El Train (Hoxton Hall), Troilus and Cressida, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Midnight’s Children, The Tempest, Roberto Zucco, Bartholomew Fair, Faust, The Painter of Dishonour, Romeo and Juliet (RSC), Don Juan Comes Back from the War (NT Studio/ Finborough Theatre), Into Thy Hands (Jericho House/ Wilton’s Music Hall), War Horse (National Theatre/ New London Theatre), Twelfth Night (Donmar Warehouse/ West End), Paradise Regained (Royal Court Theatre), Dara, The Enchantment, Attempts on Her Life, The Life of Galileo, Cyrano de Bergerac (National Theatre), Julius Caesar (RSC/ Lyric Hammersmith), Amadeus (Barbican), Hello & Goodbye (Southwark Playhouse), Teeth ‘n’ Smiles (Sheffield Theatres), Chess (Danish tour), In the Solitude of Cotton Fields (ATC / Aldwych Tube Station), A Day Like Today (Young Vic/ Push Festival), Antigone (The Old Vic/ Donmar Warehouse), Jesus Christ Superstar; Beautiful Thing (West End), In the Heart of America (Bush Theatre), and Romeo and Juliet and Lady Be Good (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). His television work includes Andor, Deep State, Will, Our Girl, Strike Back, Holby City, Garrow’s Law, Hustle, Little Dorrit, Silent Witness, Spooks, Crocodile Shoes, and Luv; and for film, Mad, Sad & Bad; Saddam’s Tribe, Twelfth Night, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Nathalie Armin plays Ana.Her theatre credits include Force Majeure, Limehouse (Donmar Warehouse), Ralegh: The Treason Trial (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Doctor, Machinal (Almeida Theatre), Anna, Another World: Losing Our Children to Islamic State, The Motherf**ker with the Hat, Dara, Behind the Beautiful Forevers, Anna (National Theatre), The Complaint (Hampstead Theatre), On the Record (Arcola Theatre), The Tempest (Barbican) and Arabian Nights and Othello (RSC). Her television credits include Treason, Flatshare, Juice, Magpie Murders, Too Close, Home, Marcella, Unforgotten, Humans, Derailed, William and Mary and The Jury; and for film, The Batman,Final Score, Denial and Grow Your Own.
Emilio Doorgasingh plays Andy.His theatre work includes Persuasion (Rose Theatre Kingston, Alexandra Palace, Oxford Playhouse), Best of Enemies (Headlong/Young Vic), Shadowlands, Present Laughter (Chichester Festival Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Kite Runner (Wyndham’s Theatre, Playhouse Theatre and UK tour), The American Wife (Park Theatre), and Boy (Almeida Theatre). For television, his work includes You and Me, The Good Karma Hospital, Sister Boniface Mysteries, Ted Lasso, Suspicion, The Tuckers, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Unforgotten, and Game of Thrones; and for film, And Mrs, Rupture, Princess Switch 3, Soof 3, Dangerous Game, Red 2, Awakened, Pimp, Extraordinary Rendition, and Kingdom of Heaven.
Hanya Yanagihara is the editor in chief of the multiple National Magazine Award-winning T, The New York Times’ style and design magazine. Previously, she served in various editorial roles at Condé Nast Traveler, W, Departures, Radar, Town & Country, and Brill’s Content. She began her career in book publishing at Random House. Along with her magazine work, Yanagihara is the author of three novels: A Little Life (Doubleday, March 2015 – to be published on 5 January by Picador), The People in the Trees (Doubleday, August 2013), and To Paradise (Doubleday, January 2022). The People in the Trees was shortlisted for the PEN/Robert Bingham Award and longlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize (UK). A Little Life, a New York Times bestseller, has been published in more than 30 countries, and was a finalist for both the Man Booker Prize and the National Book Award, as well as the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction, the Andrew Carnegie Medal, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, the Dublin International Literary Award, and the American Booksellers’ Association Indie Award. It was the winner of the Kirkus Award and the British Booksellers’ Association award, and was a bestseller in the U.K., Australia, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands. She is a recipient of the Benjamin Danks Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and an honorary doctorate from Smith College and serves on the board of PEN America.
Ivo van Hove has been Artist Director of Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (formerly Toneelgroup) since 2001. From 1998 to 2004, he was Artistic Director of the Holland Festival, presenting a varied selection of international theatre, music, opera and dance. His theatre credits include the theatrical adaptation of The Glass Menagerie (Théâtre de l’Odéon, Internationaal Theater Amsterdam), West Side Story (Broadway Theatre), All About Eve (Noël Coward Theatre), Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life (Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, Edinburgh International Festival, Brooklyn Academy of Music), The Human Voice (Harold Pinter Theatre), Network (National Theatre and Cort Theatre, Broadway), Hedda Gabler (National Theatre), A View from the Bridge (Young Vic/Wyndham’s Theatre/Lyceum Theatre, Broadway), The Crucible (Walter Kerr Theatre), Lazarus (King’s Cross Theatre/New York Theatre Workshop); and Visconti’s The Damned (La Comédie-Française, Paris/ The Park Avenue Armory). He is the recipient of two Olivier Awards and two Tony Awards for A View From the Bridge; two Obie Awards for More Stately Mansions and Hedda Gabler. In addition, he is also Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France; and King Filip of Belgium awarded him Commander of the Order of the Crown. Additional directing credits include Angels in America, Roman Tragedies, Kings of War, Opening Night, Taming of the Shrew, Scenes from a Marriage, Othello, The Miser, Mourning Becomes Electra, Long Day’s Journey into Night and The Fountainhead (all Internationaal Theater Amsterdam).
A LITTLE LIFE PARTNERS WITH APPLAUSE FOR THOUGHT
A Little Life is partnering with Applause for Thought, a multi-award-winning community interest company that aims to create safe, empowering and empathetic spaces for all within the arts. Victoria Abbott will be supporting the company as the Production Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP). This role encompasses weekly in person 1-1 and group support within the development, rehearsal room, performance and post-production phases of a show.
Abbott’s role will assist in the appropriate implementation of mental health at work policies and risk assessments, develops resources for members of the audience and front of house teams as well as being an active support for the mental health and wellbeing at work of those both on and off stage. She will work pragmatically and sensitively amidst all the varying themes of the production to aid the creative process and reinforce the resilience of each department and team.
Victoria Abbott is a BACP registered integrative psychotherapist and she began supporting the mental health of those working in creative industries in 2014 when a theatre company asked her for guidance on designing and implementing a mental health at work policy. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology, a masters in the Psychodynamics of Human Development and a PGDip in Integrative Psychotherapy as well as experience and training as a performer. She has her own thriving private practice where she specialises in burnout, life transition, bereavement and anxiety and is the Support Lead at Applause For Thought.
London, Friday 10 March 2023: Producers Lia Vollack, John Branca and John McClain announce today that the multiple Tony Award® winning Broadway musical MJ will begin performances in the U.K at the Prince Edward Theatre, London from Wednesday 6 March 2024 (Press Night: Wednesday 27 March).
Tickets go on-sale in the U.K. on Wednesday 24 May 2023. For more information and to sign up for exclusive fan pre-sale ahead of the general on-sale, go to mjthemusical.com.
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry is heading to the West End in the Tony Award®-winning new musical.
Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status.
With a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize® winning writer Lynn Nottage (Ruined, Sweat) MJ is directed and choreographed by Royal Ballet Associate Artist Christopher Wheeldon OBE, who won the Tony Award® for Best Choreography of a Musical for MJ, and whose previous Award-winning directing credits include An American in Paris.
The internationally renowned creative team for MJ also includes Scenic Design by Tony Award® and two-time Emmy Award® winner Derek McLane (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Lighting Design by six-time Tony Award® winner Natasha Katz (Once), Costume Design by Tony Award® and Emmy Award® winner Paul Tazewell (Hamilton), Sound Design by Tony Award® and Olivier Award winning Gareth Owen (Come From Away), Projection Design by two- time Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen), and Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles LaPointe (The Color Purple). Musical Supervision is by Tony Award® nominee David Holcenberg (Matilda), and the Orchestrations and Arrangements are by David Holcenberg and Tony Award® winner Jason Michael Webb (The Color Purple).
Casting for the London production of MJ is to be confirmed.
