JANE ASHER LEADS AN ALL-STAR CAST IN

SOMERSET MAUGHAM’S THE CIRCLE

TOM LITTLER’S INAUGURAL PRODUCTION

AS ORANGE TREE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

The Orange Tree Theatre today announces the full cast for Somerset Maugham’s The Circle, directed by Tom Littler in his Orange Tree debut as Artistic Director since taking up the role in January this year. Littler directs Jane Asher (Lady Catherine Champion-Cheney), Pete Ashmore (Arnold Champion-Cheney), Chirag Benedict Lobo (Teddie Luton), Clive Francis (Clive Champion-Cheney), Nicholas Le Prevost (Lord Hughie Porteous) and Olivia Vinall (Elizabeth Champion-Cheney).

Somerset Maugham’s sparky comedy of manners was first staged in 1921 and has remained a firm favourite with audiences ever since. The Circle will open at the Orange Tree Theatre on 5 May, with previews from 29 April, running until 17 June, and will be available to stream online at OT On Screen from 20 to 23 June.

Tom Littler said: “I feel very lucky to announce this remarkable cast for Maugham’s perfectly constructed comedy. It’s a pleasure to welcome Clive Francis and Nicholas Le Prevost back to the Orange Tree, where they have already entertained audiences so brilliantly. The wonderful Jane Asher, Pete Ashmore, Chirag Benedict Lobo and Olivia Vinall are all making their Orange Tree debuts, and together we can learn how to navigate The Circle in our very own circular theatre.”

Somerset Maugham’s

THE CIRCLE

Director: Tom Littler; Designer: Louie Whitemore; Lighting Designer: Chris McDonnell;

Sound Designer: Max Pappenheim; Assistant Director: Sam Woof

29 April – 17 June 2023

OT On Screen: 20 – 23 June

Isn’t it fun being in love with someone who’s in love with you?

The sun is shining on the manicured lawns of the Dorset home of Arnold Champion-Cheney, MP. The Great War is over. Arnold’s political career is blossoming. He has a beautiful young wife, Elizabeth. If only the servants would dust his antiques properly, everything would be perfect.

But Arnold’s idyllic life is about to explode into chaos. His rakish father is staying for the weekend. His scandalous long-lost mother is descending with her detested husband in tow. And there’s a dashing young stranger who seems far too interested in Elizabeth…

Will history come full circle? Or can one generation learn from their parents’ disastrous mistakes?

Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) was an English novelist and playwright. His plays include Loaves and Fishes, Lady Frederick, Smith, Penelope, The Land of Promise, Our Betters, Caesar’s Wife, The Constant Wife, The Letter, The Sacred Flame, The Bread-Winner, For Services Rendered and Sheppey; and his novels include Liza of Lambeth, Mrs Craddock, The Magician, Of Human Bondage, The Moon and Sixpence, The Painted Veil, Cakes and Ale, The Narrow Corner, Theatre, Up at the Villa, The Razor’s Edge, Then and Now and Catalina.

Jane Asher plays Lady Catherine Champion-Cheney. Her recent theatre credits include A Song at Twilight, Moon Tiger (Theatre Royal Bath), An American in Paris (Dominion Theatre), Great Expectations (West Yorkshire Playhouse), The Gathered Leaves (Park Theatre), Pride and Prejudice (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Charley’s Aunt (Menier Chocolate Factory), The Importance of Being Earnest, Farewell to the Theatre, Bedroom Farce (Rose Theatre, Kingston), Blithe Spirit (Vaudeville Theatre), To Those Born Later, The School for Scandal and House/Garden (National Theatre). For television, her credits include Holby City (as series regular Lady Byrne), Eve, Stella, Dancing on the Edge, The Old Guys, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Crossroads, Jackanory, Wish Me Luck and The Mistress; and for film: Death at a Funeral, Burn Burn Burn, Drunk on Love, I Give it a Year, Deep End, The Masque of Red Death and Alfie.

Pete Ashmore plays Arnold Champion-Cheney. His recent theatre credits include Brief Encounter (Stephen Joseph Theatre/UK tour), Zorro: the Musical (Charing Cross Theatre), The Jungle Book, A Christmas Carol (Watermill Theatre), Venice Preserved, The Provoked Wife (RSC), The Lovely Bones, Treasure Island (Birmingham Rep), The Dog Beneath the Skin (Jermyn Street Theatre), Peter Pan, Private Lives, The Wind in the Willows, James and the Giant Peach (Mercury Theatre) and The Itinerant Music Hall (Lyric Hammersmith).

Clive Francis plays Clive Champion-Cheney, returning to the Orange Tree following Three Farces, The Woman Hater and The Skin Game. Other recent theatre credits include Slaves of Solitude (Hampstead Theatre), An Inspector Calls (Playhouse Theatre), 84 Charing Cross Road (Cambridge Arts Theatre/UK tour), Les Blancs (National Theatre), Thark (Park Theatre), The Madness of George III (Apollo Theatre), The Reluctant Debutante, Our Man in Havana, Three Men in a Boat, The Hollow Crown, Travels with My Aunt, The Lavender Hill Mob (UK tours), Enron (Noël Coward Theatre), Loot (Bristol Old Vic), The Tempest (Nottingham Playhouse), Entertaining Mr Sloane (Arts Theatre) and The Shakespeare Revue (international tour). For television, his credits include Anatomy of a Scandal, The Crown (as series regular Lord Salisbury) and Lipstick on Your Collar; and for film: A Clockwork Orange, Official Secrets, Dolittle, The Lost City of Z and Mr Turner.

Nicholas Le Prevost plays Lord Hughie Porteous, returning to the Orange Tree following Winter Solstice. Other recent theatre credits include Antony and Cleopatra, Man and Superman, People, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, The Magistrate (National Theatre), The Maid’s Tragedy, Festival of Firsts, The Winter’s Tale (Shakespeare’s Globe), What Shadows (Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh), My Fair Lady (National Theatre/Civic Opera House, Chicago – nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role), Love for Love, Much Ado About Nothing, Look Out…Here Comes Trouble!, Solid Geometry, Landscape of Exile (RSC), Bedroom Farce (Rose Theatre Kingston), The Last Cigarette (Minerva Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing, Mind Millie for Me (Theatre Royal Haymarket), As You Like It (Sheffield Theatres), Neville’s Island (Salisbury Playhouse), Emily Needs Attention! (Theatre Royal Bath), Hedda Gabler (Chichester Festival Theatre) and The Wild Duck (Donmar Warehouse). For television, his credits include Up the Garden Path, The Larkins, The War of the Worlds, Cranford, The Camomile Lawn, The Jewel in the Crown, It Takes a Worried Man, The Ghosts of Motley Hall and Wild at Heart; and for film: Testament of Youth, Shakespeare in Love, Here Comes Hell, Run for Your Wife, Margaret, Miss Conception, Gladiatress, Bright Young Things, The Land Girls and Made in Romania.

Chirag Benedict Lobo plays Teddie Luton. His recent theatre credits include Life of Pi (Wyndham’s Theatre), The Odyssey, The Public Servant (Jermyn Street Theatre) and The Winter’s Tale (Shakepeare’s Globe). For film, his credits include An Action Hero and Nasha.

Olivia Vinall plays Elizabeth Champion-Cheney. Her recent theatre credits include Women Beware Women (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse), As You Like It (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Young Chekhov Trilogy: The Seagull, Ivanov and Platonov (Chichester Festival Theatre/National Theatre), The Hard Problem, King Lear, Othello (National Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (Leicester Square Theatre) and The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (Belgrade Theatre). For television, her credits include Roadkill, Queens of Mystery, The Woman in White and Apple Tree Yard; and for film: Where Hands Touch, Götterdämmerung and A Beautiful Curse, which won three awards at the Paris International Film Festival 2022.

Tom Littler is Artistic Director of the Orange Tree Theatre, and The Circle marks his inaugural production at the theatre. He was formerly Artistic Director of Jermyn Street Theatre, Associate Director of Theatre503, Artistic Director of Primavera, and Associate Director of the Peter Hall Company. He has directed over 70 productions throughout the UK and Europe, recently including Love All and Cancelling Socrates at Jermyn Street Theatre, and Hamlet for Guildford Shakespeare Company.

Orange Tree Theatre

Listings

1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9 2SA

Box Office: 020 8940 3633 (Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm)

orangetreetheatre.co.uk

Ticket prices (NO BOOKING FEES)

In person tickets: £15, £26, £34, Under 30s: £15

Access: £15

Prices increase based on demand

SEASON AT A GLANCE

DUET FOR ONE

Until 18 March 2023

Mon – Sat 7.30pm

Thu & Sat 2.30pm (from 18 Feb)

Captioned Performance: Tue 14 Mar 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance: Mon 13 Mar 7.30pm

Distanced Performances: Wed 1 Mar 7:30pm

Relaxed Performance: Tue 7 Mar 7.30pm

Post-Show Talk & Patrons’ Evening: Tue 28 Feb 7.30pm

YOU BURY ME

27 March – 22 April 2023

Mon – Sat 7.30pm

Thu & Sat 2.30pm (from 1 Apr)

Captioned Performance: Fri 14 April 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance: Mon 17 Apr 7.30pm

Distanced Performance: Thu 13 Apr 7.30pm

Relaxed Performance: Wed 5 April 7.30pm

Post Show Talk & Patrons’ Evening: Tue 4 April 7.30pm

THE CIRCLE

29 April – 17 June 2023

Mon – Sat 7.30pm

Thu & Sat 2.30pm (from 6 May)

Distanced Performance: Tue 16 May 7.30pm

Captioned Performance: Mon 5 June 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance: Tues 30 May 7.30pm

Relaxed Performance: Wed 7 June 7.30pm

Post Show Talk & Patrons’ Evening: Wed 10 May 7.30pm

PRIMARY SHAKESPEARE: AS YOU LIKE IT May – June

Public performance: Sat 6 May, 10.30am Schools performances: 9 May – 16 June Tue, Wed & Fri, 10.30am & 2pm

THE SWELL

24 June – 29 July 2023

Mon – Sat 7.30pm

Thu & Sat 2.30pm (from 29 June)

Captioned Performance: Mon 17 July 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance: Thu 13 July 7.30pm

Distanced Performance: Tue 18 July 7.30pm

Relaxed Performance: Wed 19 July 7.30pm

Post Show Talk & Patrons’ Evening: Tue 4 July 7.30pm

Robert Fox, Jonathan Church Theatre Productions and Theatre Royal Bath Productions present

RUPERT EVERETT in

A VOYAGE ROUND MY FATHER

by John Mortimer

Directed by Richard Eyre

Theatre Royal Bath from 28 September – 7 October 2023, before U.K. tour

BAFTA and Golden Globe nominee Rupert Everett will star in John Mortimer’s celebrated autobiographical play A Voyage Around My Father, whichwill open at Theatre Royal Bath, with performances from 28 September to 7 October 2023, before embarking on a U.K. tour. Tour venues and schedule to be announced.

Growing up in the shadow of a brilliant and eccentric barrister, a man whose tea-time conversation could take in music hall, adultery, evolution, the ridiculous inconvenience of sex, Shakespeare, and the importance of avoiding anything heroic in wartime, the son continually yearns for his father’s love and respect.

In shining a light on this delicate relationship between a young man and his father who adored his garden and hated visitors, and whose blindness was never mentioned, A Voyage Round My Father introduces us to a gallery of unforgettable and often hilarious characters.  

John Mortimer was a novelist, playwright and a barrister in his own right, renowned for his political dramas and creator of Rumpole of The Bailey.

Rupert Everett’s leading roles have included the multi award-winning film My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Importance of Being Earnest, An Ideal Husband, Dance With A Stranger and The Happy Prince. His stage roles have included Blithe Spirit on Broadway, Pygmalion and The Judas Kiss in the West End and Uncle Vanya in the Theatre Royal Bath Summer Season.

The world class artistic team for A Voyage Around My Father will include former Director of the National Theatre, the multi Award-winning film, television, opera and theatre Director Richard Eyre, alongside Olivier® and Tony® Award-winning creatives Bob Crowley (Designer) and Hugh Vanstone (Lighting Designer).

Further casting and creative team to be announced.

Further information can be found at theatreroyal.org.uk

FIRST EVER UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF DISNEY’S HIT BROADWAY AND WEST END MUSICAL, ALADDIN TAKES FLIGHT FROM OCTOBER 2023

BASED ON THE HIT 1992 ANIMATED FILM WITH NEW SONGS BY TONY®, OLIVIER®, GRAMMY®, EMMY® AND EIGHT-TIME ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER ALAN MENKEN

Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, today announce that their critically acclaimed Broadway and West End musical Aladdin will tour the UK and Ireland for the first time, opening in Edinburgh in October 2023, followed by dates in Cardiff, Plymouth, Sunderland, and Milton Keynes, with further cities to be announced. For a full list of dates and details, including an opportunity to sign up for early access to tickets before the general on sale, please visit aladdinthemusical.co.uk. Tickets will go on sale in March and full casting will be announced in due course.

Experience the timeless story of Disney’s Aladdin, a thrilling production filled with unforgettable magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle! Don’t miss this extraordinary theatrical event already seen by over 14 million people worldwide, where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.

Adapted from Disney’s 1992 animated film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights”, this smash-hit musical is brought to theatrical life in a unique and dazzling way. The show continues its record-breaking run on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre, and since opening there in March 2014, nine subsequent productions have launched around the world, including its 2016 West End premiere at the Prince Edward Theatre, London where the show ran until August 2019.

“As Aladdin approaches its second decade onstage, we are thrilled that the 11th production of the glorious Broadway show will soon be seen by audiences throughout the UK and Ireland.   Thanks to Casey Nicholaw’s direction, Alan Menken’s music and the peerless design team of Bob Crowley, Natasha Katz and Gregg Barnes this show is a powerful tonic, an irresistible lift for every audience who sees it,’ said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer Disney Theatrical Productions. “The musical theatre performers in the UK and Ireland rival any on the planet and we look forward to presenting the best of them in this joyous new production.”

Aladdin features the timeless songs from the animated film, as well as new music by Tony®, Olivier®, Grammy® and eight-time Acadamy Award® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Sister Act), lyrics by two-time Academy Award® winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), three-time Tony® and three-time Academy Award® winner Tim Rice (The Lion King, Evita, Aida) and six-time Tony® nominee Chad Beguelin (The Prom, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by Tony® and Olivier® Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).   

Aladdin is designed by seven-time Tony®-winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, seven-time Tony®-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, two-time Tony®-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes and sound designer Ken Travis.

The production team also includes illusion designers Jim Steinmeyer and Rob Lake, hair designer Josh Marquette and makeup designer Milagros Medina-Cerdeira.  The music team is headed by music supervisor and music director Michael Kosarin, who also created the vocal and incidental music arrangements, joined by orchestrator Danny Troob and dance music arranger Glen Kelly. Ben Clare is the associate director, Kyle Seeley is the dance supervisor, Jason Trubitt is the production supervisor and Myriah Bash is the US general manager. Casting is by Jill Green CDG.

The producers of Operation Mincemeat are excited to announce that David Cumming, Claire-Marie Hall, Natasha Hodgson, Jak Malone and Zöe Roberts, the 2023 Off-West End ‘Best Musical Production’ award winning cast (Southwark Playhouse/ Riverside Studios), are returning for the West End transfer with previews starting on the 29^th March 2023, followed by an 8-week run beginning on the 9^th May. Operation Mincemeat will be following thirty-three hugely successful years of The Woman In Black at the Fortune Theatre.

Cast members David Cumming, Natasha Hodgson and Zöe Roberts, alongside Felix Hagan, form SpitLip, the writers and composers of Operation Mincemeat, while the full cast and creative team is to be announced shortly.

Praise for Operation Mincemeat at Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios:

“a dazzling series of gender-switching roles…a Beyoncé-esque assertion of female power…excellent performers… There are some big, blowsy shows around in the West End, but this little belter is staging its own audacious invasion plan” ★★★★★
Suzi Feay, Financial Times

“a miraculous musical that tells the entire story in a kind of accelerated farce that is part Mel Brooks, part SIX, part Hamilton with a side order of One Man, Two Guvnors.” ★★★★★
Neil Norman, The Daily Mirror

“the stage show’s comic power rests in its ability to subvert expectation and provide a revisionist commentary on the establishment figures”

Emma John, The Observer

“a buzz louder than a doodlebug surrounds Operation Mincemeat…a kind of genius declares itself”

Dominic Cavendish, The Daily Telegraph

“this is the musical you didn’t know you needed…a little show with a very big future.”
David Benedict, Variety

Tickets are on General Sale now from the Official Box Office at OperationMincemeat.com. Priority access to the best seats is available via the official mailing list.

After sold-out development runs at the New Diorama Theatre in 2019 and Southwark Playhouse in 2020, 2021 & 2022, plus an extended Riverside Studios run last summer, Operation Mincemeat is back.

The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse. 

Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler? 

Operation Mincemeat won The Stage Debut award for Best Composer/Lyricist, the Off-West End award for Best Musical Production and Best Company Ensemble and has been listed in The Observer’s Top 10 and The Independent’s Top 15 shows of the year.  The show is currently featured in the V&A’s Re:Imagining Musicals display, exploring how musicals have continuously reimagined, reinvented and reinterpreted themselves over time.

The show was commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and supported by the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat with additional support from Avalon. 

Operation Mincemeat is presented in the West End by Avalon in association with SpitLip.           

SIX announces a new West End booking period

Capturing hearts, delighting audiences and winning accolades across the world, the homegrown British hit musical SIX, written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, has extended its record-breaking reign at the Vaudeville Theatre until April 2024, with tickets now on sale.

The news comes in addition to the show’s win at the recent WhatsonStage Awards, where SIX was crowned London’s Best West End Show. Received by members of the West End cast at the prestigious ceremony at the Prince of Wales Theatre, the award marked the second time SIX has received the highly-coveted award, where it continues to play to sold out houses at each performance at the Vaudeville Theatre.

With tickets proving so popular, producers have also extended the booking period, adding a future six months of SIX, with performances booking up to April 2024, allowing its ground-breaking reign to continue in the capital, featuring cast members Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky (Aragon), Baylie Carson (Boleyn), Claudia Kariuki (Seymour), Dionne Ward-Anderson (Cleves), Koko Basigara (Howard), Roxanne Couch (Parr) and the incredible alternate performers Monique Ashe-Palmer, Danielle Rose, Leah Vassell, Rachel Rawlinson and Esme Rothero.

SIX can be seen live on stage at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, the Lena Horne Theatre in New York, across the UK on its current sell-out, record-breaking tour, with two concurrent North American tours, a recent Australian tour and forthcoming productions due to play Korea, Holland and Canada.

The new booking period, which goes on sale today, will see SIX play up until Sunday 28 April 2024, including a hugely popular Sing-along performance on Sunday 21 January and numerous access performances, providing Audio Description, British Sign Language Interpretation and Captioning for audience members to experience.

Speaking on the booking extension and the WhatsonStage Award win, producers said: “It was a huge honour to have won Best West End Show at last year’s awards, so to win it for the second year running is incredible. We’re all so grateful to the shows’ wonderful fans, the Queendom, for continuing to support SIX and we’re very proud to continue its history in London’s West End.”

Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale present
SHREK THE MUSICAL

• PRINCIPAL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR SHREK THE MUSICAL UK AND IRELAND TOUR.
• ANTONY LAWRENCE WILL PLAY SHREK, JOANNE CLIFTON WILL PLAY FIONA, JAMES GILLAN WILL PLAY LORD FAQUAAD AND BRANDON LEE SEARS WILL PLAY DONKEY IN THE BRAND-NEW TOURING PRODUCTION OF ‘SHREK THE MUSICAL’
• DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY NICK WINSTON AND CO-DIRECTED BY SAM HOLMES, THE SHREKTACKULAR PRODUCTION WILL PAINT THE TOWN GREEN THIS SUMMER, OPENING IN PLYMOUTH ON 21 JULY 2023 AND TOURING THROUGH TO APRIL 2024.
• SHREK THE MUSICAL WILL PERFORM ON BBC1’S BIG NIGHT OF THE MUSICALS ON 27 FEBRUARY

Producers Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale are delighted to announce a Shrektacular principal cast line-up including Joanne Clifton (Princess Fiona), James Gillan (Shrek) and Brandon Lee Sears (Donkey) in the brand-new production of Shrek the Musical. Opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 21 July 2023, the smash hit musical will tour through to April 2024 to a total of 31 venues.  

Anthony Lawrence (Shrek) recently played Scar in The Lion King (International Tour) as well as performed in Mary Poppins (National Tour), Matilda the Musical (Cambridge Theatre/RSC) and We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour).

Best known for her time on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, after winning the World Professional Showdance Champion and the European Professional Ballroom Championship, Joanne Clifton (Fiona) joined the iconic TV show as a professional dancer. During her time on the show she won the Christmas Special with McFly’s Harry Judd and went on to win the glitterball trophy as the 2016 champion with her partner Ore Oduba.  On stage Joanne Clifton was most recently seen in Windfall (Southwark Playhouse) and The Addams Family (UK Tour).  

Olivier Award-nominee James Gillan (Lord Faquaad) most recently created the role of Tray in Everybody’s talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue) – a role he stayed with through the show’s entire West End run. He also performed in Everybody’s talking About Jamie at the Ahmanson Theatre in LA for its six-week run.

Brandon Lee Sears (Donkey) most recently played the role of Jimmy Early in Dreamgirls (UK tour).  His previous theatre credits include the original West End productions of Be More Chill (Shaftesbury), Come From Away (Phoenix); Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket); Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury); and On the Town (Regents Park).

On 27 February 2023, the cast of Shrek the Musical will perform at BBC Big Night of the Musicals at Manchester’s AO Arena. The programme will be shown in a special 90-minute presentation on BBC One and on BBC Radio 2 in the spring.

From the producers of Hairspray and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Shrek the Musical brings together a new creative team to re-image this award-winning Broadway and West End hit show for a new audience, featuring all the classic characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks animated film and the iconic songs and story from David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s original musical.

Shrek the Musical opens at Plymouth Theatre Royal on 21 July 2023 and then tours to Manchester, Dublin, Bristol, Southend, Carlisle, Aberdeen, Oxford, Wimbledon, Dartford, Northampton, Bradford, Woking, Eastbourne, Cardiff, York, Blackpool and in 2024: Glasgow Kings, Edinburgh Playhouse, Coventry Belgrade, Sunderland Empire, Liverpool Empire, Southampton Mayflower, Milton Keynes Theatres, Hull New, Cheltenham Everyman, Nottingham Playhouse, Norwich Theatre Royal, Grand Opera House Belfast, The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham and The Millenium Forum, Derry. For full listings, please see the notes to editors below.

The team joining forces to re-create the bright and beautiful world of Shrek the Musical includes acclaimed director and choreographer Nick Winston (Bonnie and Clyde, Arts Theatre; Beauty and the Beast, UK tour), co-director Sam Holmes (Club Tropicana the Musical), who returns to the swamp having played Lord Farquaad in the previous UK tour. He is joined by Set and costume design will be by Philip Witcomb (Bonnie & Clyde (Garrick Theatre); Jack & The Beanstalk, Everyman Theatre Cheltenham). Further creative team includes Ben Cracknel (Lighting), Jim Arnold (Casting) and Ben Harrison (Sound).

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, the Broadway and West End smash hit Shrek the Musical is a fun-filled and hilarious musical comedy with a cast of vibrant characters and a ‘shrektackular’ score.

Featuring the beloved Princess Fiona, the evil Lord Farquaad, a host of magical fairy-tale characters and fabulous songs including the smash hit ‘I’m a Believer’, Shrek the Musical is a musical extravaganza for big kids and little kids alike.

Come join the adventure as Shrek and Donkey endeavour to complete their quest, finding unexpected friendships and surprising romance along the way.

The Lowry, Salford – until 25th February 2023

Reviewed by Jen Hughes

4*****

The biggest secrets shared, and the telling of neighbourhood gossip , wrapped up in a 1980’s perm-tastic explosion …..  is everything you need to know about this Robery Harling classic, directed by Anthony Banks. Ten minutes in, and I wasn’t sure if I’d stepped back into the set of the  Dolly Parton Louisiana hit, or if  ITV’S Loose Women were doing a Southern Belle Special – the flow of  conversation and content was that good, that emotive and that kind of cup of coffee chit chat humor!  Interestingly,  not much changes in terms of the set, other than a  clever reversal of the stage salon and the funky 80’s neon lights, but that compliments  perfectly the fact that the audience attention is firmly fixed on the enthralling conversation and one liners  which were delivered perfectly by the amazing cast.  Lucy Speed as the blonde bombshell Truvy Jones was Dolly Parton reincarnated . She walked like her and talked like her, so much so, I’m pretty sure she would sing like her if production allowed. 

The chemistry between the women ensured that comedy timing was delivered effortlessly, every  blue lined eye roll, every shoulder padded shrug and every shake of a permed bouffant  represented true friendship. Truvy’s salon is a safe space for the six strong female characters to show their vulnerabilities. Their transformations are not only cosmetic, they are meaningful and poignant in terms of  the challenges women face both then and now. In a clear stand out moment, Laura Main’s delivery of M’lynn Eatenton’s monologue, depicting a mothers heartache, was hard hitting and full of passion. Some real gritty, emotive  topics are covered in this play  and then instantly blown away by a genius comedy one liner, very much like the juxtaposition of its  Steel Magnolias title, something hard and strong yet so delicate and short living. 

This play is a real easy watch, it’s like being a fly on the wall behind the mirror of a tight community salon. A perfect night out and a fun trip down 1980’s memory lane. 

MAUREEN LIPMAN IN

ROSE

BY MARTIN SHERMAN

TRANSFERRING TO THE WEST END FOR 28 PERFORMANCES ONLY

THE AMBASSADORS THEATRE

TUESDAY 23 MAY – SUNDAY 18 JUNE

The award-winning, critically acclaimed production of Martin Sherman’s ROSE transfers to the West End this summer, playing at the Ambassadors Theatre for 28 performances only from Tuesday 23 May. Following sell-out runs at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester, and Park Theatre in London, Maureen Lipman will once again take the role of ‘Rose’ – a performance described as one of ‘unassailable greatness’ (Whatsonstage.com).

Rose, a woman whose tumultuous journey through anarchic times takes her from the devastation of Nazi- occupied Europe to the allure of the American dream. Through the life of one woman, Rose tells the story of a century where everything changed except the violence of the strong against the weak.

The original production of Rose was produced at the National Theatre and on Broadway in 1999. It is perhaps even more relevant today, with the plight of refugees and allegations of antisemitism continuing to dominate the news. This powerful production – described as ‘a masterpiece’ (The Spectator) – is a moving reminder of the harrowing events that shaped the last century. 

Olivier Award winning Maureen Lipman has performed with The National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, and has starred in innumerable West End productions including, Messiah, Wonderful Town, ReJoice, Glorious, Oklahoma, & Daytona. For the last five years she has been delighting television audiences as ‘Evelyn Plummer’ on Coronation Street.

Maureen Lipman said, “I am delighted to be putting Rose back on her bench for a limited run at the Ambassadors in May. I thought I could never have the power to revisit Martin Sherman’s mystical, magical deeply philosophical and wildly funny creation, but Rose is in my blood, and she has to be revived.”

Written by award-winning Martin Sherman whose other plays include Bent, Messiah, A Madhouse In Goa, When She Danced, Gently Down The Stream, as well as the Broadway musical The Boy From Oz and the films Alive and Kicking and Mrs Henderson Presents.  

Martin Sherman said, Maureen Lipman’s performance as Rose is the greatest gift a playwright could ever dream of. Performance is perhaps the wrong word; she totally inhabits the role, the woman, the space, the language, the times, the events. I’m so happy that her astonishing alchemy has the opportunity to be witnessed again, for four weeks (only!) at the Ambassadors Theatre.”

Rose is directed by Scott Le Crass, designed by David Shields with musical composition and sound design by Julian Star with lighting design by Jane Lalljee.

Theatre503 Battersea – until 4th March 2023

Reviewed by Carol Crann

5*****

A stark set greeted us as we walked into this intimate theatre… Walls that appeared to have been cut from rock, and a few plants in the corners were all that were on show – aside from a slightly raise circular platform in the centre which would serve as a focal point throughout.

The lighting was minimal; fluorescent tubes above each actor that changed colour and were used to emphasise some aspects of the play. A set of lights framed the stage as the only other means of illumination.

The story starts at a bus stop in the seaside town of Margate, where two Nigerian brothers, Aman (Tapiwa Mugweni) and his older brother Hassan (Tito Williams), are waiting. Margate is their new home, as designated by the Home Office.

The difference between the brothers is apparent from the onset. Hassan appears older than his 21 years as he talks about the relationship between the two of them, his promise to his mother, and the responsibility he feels to look after his younger brother. Aman, meanwhile, still has the impetuousness of youth and views the world through much more self-absorbed eyes. 

We are then introduced to three of the residents of this seaside town; Bill Bradley, a struggling hotelier played by Philip Wright, as well as his son Aidan (Oscar Adams) – who is clearly dealing with his own demons. You also meet Bill’s long-term friend, Linton (Peter Eastland), who wastes no time in displaying his outdated and racist viewpoints.

This play is not an easy watch as it tackles and explores many aspects of everyday people; their prejudices and pre-conceived opinions on immigration, politics, racism, and sexuality.

Characters are brought to life by all of the performers, but those playing the younger generation in particular manage to showcase the real dynamics in their relationships with others. The performances had the audience – which notably displayed the wonderful diversity of this country – gasping in shock and indignation one minute, and the next laughing at the absurdity of some of the situations and retorts from the characters.

Awkward relationships start to develop as mutual interests are discovered, only to then be threatened by other people’s opinions and views. 

This was a real insight into a society where many still feel so vulnerable whilst trying to make their way in a world which is always too ready to see the perceived shortcomings in people. Throughout the performance I felt myself clinging to my belief that attitudes would change, only to see those hopes dashed by another unfounded or inciteful comment.

I would highly recommend a visit to Theatre503 to watch this performance of My Brother’s Keeper. Mahad Ali has written and co-produced an incredibly thought-provoking play, which offers rollercoaster of emotions throughout. At times it makes for uncomfortable viewing as it holds a mirror up to the world we live in, but the perspectives offered make it worth the emotional investment.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre- until 5th March 2023

Reviewed by Emma Millward 

5*****

‘He came out to me as gay, and I came out to him as an ABBA fan’.

The Way Old Friends Do is a brand new play written by Ian Hallard and directed by Mark Gatiss. It tells the story of two Birmingham school friends, Peter (Ian Hallard) and Edward (James Bradshaw), who meet up thirty years later and, after some reminiscing about old times and their mutual love of all things ABBA, discover there has been a recent cancellation of a tribute band at the local Library Theatre where Peter’s friend Sally (Donna Berlin) works. They decide it’s the perfect time to form the world’s first ABBA tribute- in drag. 

At the small library theatre we meet aspiring actor Jodie (Rose Shalloo) and piano player Mrs Campbell/Mrs C (played at this performance by understudy Tariye Peterside), who will assume the roles of Bjorn and Benny in the gender-bending tribute band they have now christened ‘Head Over Heels’.  Mrs C definitely is one of the stand out performances of the show. She hasn’t really got a clue who Benny is (or what day it is!) but she rocks a false beard and is more than capable of sitting at the piano and nodding her head. Tariye Peterside’s calm but always hilarious portrayal of her was definitely a hit with the audience. 

As the story progresses, the band go from strength to strength and get more gigs in and around the Birmingham area. The mention of various local areas such as Acocks Green and Balsall Common were definitely enjoyed by the Midlands audience. We meet fellow super fan Christian (Andrew Horton), who offers to photograph the band. It soon becomes clear his motives are less than innocent as he comes between Peter and Edward. 

The play has a small but perfectly formed cast of six actors, plus the voices of Paul O’Grady as the radio DJ and Miriam Margolyes as Peter’s Nan (with a brilliantly accurate Brummie accent). The stage, designed by Janet Bird, is a small revolving set that is a simple but extremely clever use of space. The central wall with two ‘A’ shaped doors either side of two ‘ B’ shaped shelves spells out (unsurprisingly) ABBA. The set revolves at intervals in the show to provide different backdrops throughout, including Peter’s flat, a cafe and the dressing room backstage at the Library Theatre. Janet Bird’s costumes are also authentically ABBA, including an amazing pair of 5 inch gold platform boots. Andrew Exeter’s clever lighting design throughout the show adds to the disco nostalgia. 

Special mention must be given to writer and actor Ian Hallard. Throughout, you can feel his total love for ABBA.  There are, of course, the inevitable jokes about the band, but they are delivered with an obvious respect for them. Hallard’s script is funny, but also moving and bittersweet. Hardcore ABBA fans may be slightly disappointed that, apart from the play’s title song, there are only snippets of the band’s hits throughout the show.  The play more than holds its own against other ABBA-based productions. The prolonged standing ovation was well deserved after a feel-good evening that made you want to get your platform boots on and thank ABBA for the music!!