CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES

FESTIVAL 2023

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR DANIEL EVANS’ FINAL SEASON INCLUDES:

FOUR WORLD PREMIERES

THREE MUSICALS

COMPANY INCLUDES EILEEN ATKINS, SAMUEL BARNETT, CARLY BAWDEN, GINA BECK, RORY BREMNER, SEBASTIAN CROFT, CARLY MERCEDES DYER, JOSHUA JAMES, DANNY MAC, ALEXANDRA ROACH, ZIZI STRALLEN, LIA WILLIAMS, GREG WISE, SUSAN WOKOMA

Chichester Festival Theatre’s Festival 2023 – the final season programmed by outgoing Artistic Director Daniel Evans – has today been announced by Daniel and Executive Director Kathy Bourne.

• Three musicals:

• THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s beloved musical, is produced at Chichester for the first time, with Gina Beck as Maria, directed by Adam Penford

• ASSASSINS, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by John Weidman, is directed by Polly Findlay; the cast includes Amy Booth-Steel, Luke Brady, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Harry Hepple, Nick Holder, Danny Mac, Sam Oladeinde and Jack Shalloo

• ROCK FOLLIES, a new musical by Chloë Moss with lyrics by Howard Schuman and music by Andy Mackay, is directed by Dominic Cooke with a cast including Samuel Barnett, Carly Bawden and Zizi Strallen

• Three new plays:

• NEVER HAVE I EVER by Deborah Frances-White, with a cast including Alexandra Roach, Greg Wise and Susan Wokoma, directed by Emma Butler

• THE INQUIRY by Harry Davies, directed by Joanna Bowman

• A new adaptation of THE JUNGLE BOOK by Sonali Bhattacharyya for Chichester Festival Youth Theatre

• Great modern and classic dramas:

• Lia Williams and Joshua James in Noël Coward’s THE VORTEX, directed by Daniel Raggett

• Eileen Atkins and Sebastian Croft in Amy Herzog’s 4000 MILES, directed by Richard Eyre

• MOM, HOW DID YOU MEET THE BEATLES? by Adrienne Kennedy and Adam P. Kennedy, directed by Diyan Zora, in a UK premiere

• Rory Bremner in James Graham’s QUIZ, directed by Daniel Evans and Seán Linnen, prior to a UK tour

• Arthur Miller’s A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, directed by Jaz Woodcock-Stewart in a co-production with Headlong, Octagon Theatre Bolton and Rose Theatre

• Chichester Festival Youth Theatre promenade Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM through West Dean Gardens, directed by Jon Pashley

• Family Friendly shows and activities; live events, exhibitions and workshops; and the return of CFT Lates for 16+

• £10 tickets extended to the Minerva as well as the Festival Theatre; 9,000 £5 PROLOGUE tickets for 16 – 30 year olds

• Susan Stroman’s 2021 production of CRAZY FOR YOU plays at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, West End from June, while Steven Moffat’s THE UNFRIEND continues at the Criterion

Daniel Evans and Kathy Bourne said:

This year, we have an outstanding range of plays and musicals, including a handful of world premieres and renowned plays which have never been performed at CFT before. For example, we’ve never staged a play by the great Arthur Miller; nor have we staged Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most-loved musical. There is a rare outing of a play by US writer Adrienne Kennedy and, 50 years after his death, a new production of Noël Coward’s first big success. Contemporary, 20th century or classical, every piece has something to say about the world around us today.

‘A company of exceptional actors are already lining up to join us including Dame Eileen Atkins, Samuel Barnett, Carly Bawden, Gina Beck, Rory Bremner, Sebastian Croft, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Joshua James, Danny Mac, Alexandra Roach, Zizi Strallen, Lia Williams, Greg Wise and Susan Wokoma; and seven directors are making their Chichester debuts.’

Daniel Evans adds:

‘On a personal note, this is the seventh and last season I’ve programmed at Chichester. I’d like to thank the many thousands of freelance artists, creatives and technical staff who’ve brought them to life; CFT’s indefatigable staff; and of course our audiences, who are among the most supportive and adventurous theatregoers in the country. I know they will welcome my successor, Justin Audibert, with the same warmth that greeted my and Kathy’s own arrivals in this beautiful and unique theatre.’

FESTIVAL 2023 PRODUCTIONS – APRIL TO OCTOBER

Lia Williams Joshua James

THE VORTEX

By Noël Coward

Directed by Daniel Raggett

28 April – 20 May, Festival Theatre

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

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

Daniel Raggett, nominee for the 2022 Evening Standard Emerging Talent Award, directs this new production in which Florence and Nicky Lancaster are played by mother and son, Lia Williams and Joshua James.

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

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

The cast also include Priyanga Burford as Helen; her work includes Consent (National Theatre), The Winter’s Tale (Shakespeare’s Globe), and TV’s Industry, Innocent and Press.

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

The production is sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Management.

Eileen Atkins Sebastian Croft

4000 MILES

By Amy Herzog

Directed by Richard Eyre

4 May – 10 June, Minerva Theatre

Late one night, 21-year-old Leo arrives without warning at his grandmother’s Manhattan apartment – the furthest point on a momentous bike ride across America. Vera is 91 and lives alone, her independence undimmed by the challenges of modern living. Baffled by each other at first, this odd couple slowly edge across the distance between them.

Amy Herzog’s award-winning drama – named Time magazine’s best play of 2012 – is a warm, wry and compassionate story about love, loss, memory and moving on.

Eileen Atkins makes a long-awaited return to Chichester as Vera. One of the UK’s most distinguished actors, last seen here in Vita and Virginia in 1992, her many screen roles include her BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning role in Cranford, Doc Martin and The Crown.

Sebastian Croft makes his CFT debut as Leo; he is best known for Netflix’s Heartstopper and Horrible Histories: The Movie for which he received a children’s BAFTA nomination. This year he will lead Amazon’s How To Date Billy Walsh. His theatre work includes Trevor Nunn’s production of King John (Rose Theatre).

The cast is completed by Nell Barlow, named a BAFTA Breakthrough Talent in 2022 and BIFA Best Newcomer 2021 for Sweetheart; and Elizabeth Chu (Lesbian Space Crime at Soho Theatre, Much Ado About Nothing UK tour).

Director Richard Eyre returns to Chichester following The Stepmother (2017) and 8 Hotels (2019). Formerly Director of the National Theatre, his recent films include The Children Act and Allelujah.

4000 Miles will have set and costume design by Peter McKintosh, lighting design by Peter Mumford, sound design by John Leonard, and casting by Ginny Schiller CDG.

The production is sponsored by Behrens Sharp.

4000 Miles is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. concordtheatricals.co.uk

ASSASSINS

Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Book by John Weidman

Directed by Polly Findlay

3 – 24 June, Festival Theatre

A surreal carnival. And a group of people who have one thing in common: they want to assassinate the President of the United States.

Some succeed, some fail. But there’s a prize for them all: a place in the history books.

John Wilkes Booth. Lee Harvey Oswald. Leon Czolgosz. Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme. John Hinckley. Charles Guiteau. Sara Jane Moore. Giuseppe Zangara. Samuel Byck. Men and women whose fervour took them to the very edge.

Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Tony Award-winning biting musical comedy takes us on a daring, time-bending journey through American history.

A giant of musical theatre, celebrated for the inventive sophistication of his melodies and lyrics, Sondheim died in 2021. His landmark works also include Company, Follies and Sweeney Todd. John Weidman’s Tony Award-winning works include Contact as well two further collaborations with Sondheim, Road Show and Pacific Overtures.

Director Polly Findlay makes her CFT debut. Her recent productions include White Noise and A Number (Bridge Theatre), Beginning and Middle (National Theatre) and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (Donmar Warehouse).

The cast includes Amy Booth-Steel (Tammy Faye, The Magician’s Elephant) as Moore, Luke Brady (The Prince of Egypt, Sweeney Todd Festival 2011) as Zangara, Carly Mercedes Dyer (Olivier Award nominee and WhatsOnStage Award winner for Anything Goes) as Fromme, Harry Hepple (Hamilton, Follies) as Guiteau, Nick Holder (The Threepenny Opera, London Road) as Byck, Danny Mac (Sunset Boulevard, Pretty Woman The Musical) as Booth, Sam Oladeinde (Come From Away, A Christmas Carol) as Czolgosz and Jack Shalloo (Girl From The North Country, Groundhog Day) as Hinckley.

The designer will be Lizzie Clachan, and the choreographer, Neil Bettles; musical supervisor Richard John, musical director Jo Cichonska, lighting designer Richard Howell, sound designer Gregory Clarke, video designer Akhila Krishnan, fight director Kate Waters, and casting directors Charlotte Sutton CDG and Christopher Worrall.

Assassins is sponsored by Genesis Town Planning and Kuoni.

MOM, HOW DID YOU MEET THE BEATLES?

By Adrienne Kennedy and Adam P. Kennedy

Directed by Diyan Zora

16 June – 8 July, Minerva Theatre

Playwright Adrienne Kennedy impulsively leaves New York for London with her young son, intent on adapting John Lennon’s book ‘In His Own Write’ for the stage.

In the heady atmosphere of the Swinging ‘60s, she finds herself rubbing shoulders with a dizzying array of celebrities, including all four Beatles. And when her idols, Laurence Olivier – director of the National Theatre – and his influential literary manager Kenneth Tynan, along with actor Victor Spinetti, promise to produce her play, it seems like a dream come true. But slowly the stars seem to align in a different way.

Adrienne Kennedy’s autobiographical play – told in the form of a one-act, near-monologue to her son Adam – is a mesmerising and disquieting tale of a young Black woman’s betrayal at the hands of the establishment.

Diyan Zora, winner of the 2021 Genesis Futures Award, directs.

The creative team will include designer Anisha Fields and sound designer George Dennis; the casting director is Lotte Hines CDG.

The production is sponsored by Bishops Printers.

Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles? is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd concordtheatricals.co.uk

Gina Beck

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Music by Richard Rodgers

Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse

Suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp

Directed by Adam Penford

10 July – 3 September, Festival Theatre

Austria, 1938. Free-spirited nun Maria is sent away from her abbey to become governess to the widowed Captain von Trapp’s seven children. She brings music and laughter back to his unfeeling household, but the future holds more joy and jeopardy than she ever dreamed possible.

The Sound of Music was Rodgers & Hammerstein’s last and perhaps most treasured musical, and is now produced at Chichester for the first time. The glorious score is a box of delights, from Climb Ev’ry Mountain, My Favorite Things and Edelweiss to Do-Re-Mi and The Sound of Music itself. This brand-new production of the original stage musical is directed by Adam Penford, Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse, where his productions include Piaf and The Madness of George III; and designed by Robert Jones (Murder on the Orient Express, The Unfriend, Oklahoma!).

Gina Beck, whose performance as Nellie Forbush in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific in 2021 was also acclaimed in London and on a UK tour, returns to play Maria.

The choreographer will be Lizzi Gee; the musical supervisor, Gareth Valentine; musical director Matt Samer; original orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett; orchestral adaptation by Larry Blank; lighting designer, Johanna Town; sound designer, Paul Groothuis; casting director Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion Casting; and children’s casting director Verity Naughton CDG.

The Sound of Music is sponsored by R.L. Austen and Greenwood Wealth Solutions.

The Sound of Music is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organisation concordtheatricals.co.uk

ROCK FOLLIES

A new musical by Chloë Moss

Lyrics by Howard Schuman, music by Andy Mackay

Directed by Dominic Cooke

24 July – 26 August, Minerva Theatre

Before the Spice Girls, Sugababes and The Saturdays…

It’s the 1970s and feminism is on the rise. Fed up with the male-dominated entertainment industry, Anna, Dee and Q take the future into their own hands and form a rock band – the ironically named ‘Little Ladies’. And so begins the musical helter-skelter ride of a lifetime. Can principles and ambition co-exist? And can their friendship survive in the dog-eat-dog world of rock?

With a book by Chloë Moss and original songs from the ground-breaking TV series by Howard Schuman and Andy Mackay, this punchy new musical is a rousing, riotous rollercoaster of woman power!

Dominic Cooke, former Artistic Director of the Royal Court, directs; his recent work includes Good (West End), his multi award-winning production of Sondheim’s Follies (National Theatre), and on screen, The Courier.

Carly Bawden, who appeared in CFT’s Concert in the Park in 2021 and whose theatre credits include Julie Jordan in Carousel (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Romantics Anonymous (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse), wonder.land (National Theatre) and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (Sheffield Crucible), plays Anna. Zizi Strallen returns to Chichester (The Music Man Festival 2008) to play Q; Her West End appearances include the title role in Mary Poppins (for which she received an Olivier Award nomination) and the NT’s Follies.

The cast also includes Samuel Barnett, whose stage credits include Olivier and Tony-nominated roles in The History Boys (also on film) and Twelfth Night; and on screen, The Lady in the Van and Twenty Twelve; Tamsin Carroll (Barnum Festival 2013; 2:22, Hex and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in the West End); and Fred Haig (Tammy Faye, A Christmas Carol, The Courier).

Rock Follies will have set design by Vicki Mortimer, costume design by Kinnetia Isidore, choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, musical supervision and arrangements by Nigel Lilley, musical direction by Toby Higgins, lighting design by Paule Constable, and casting by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG.

Rock Follies is based on the television series written by Howard Schuman from an original idea of the Rock Bottom Group (Diane Langton, Gaye Brown and Annabel Leventon) and Don Fraser.

Rock Follies was commissioned and developed by Fictionhouse, Longshot Films and Elpis Theatre Productions Ltd.

The production sponsor is ITD Consultants.

Music used by kind permission of Universal Music Publishing.

Chichester Festival Youth Theatre

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Jon Pashley

4 – 19 August, West Dean Gardens

Oh hell! To choose love by another’s eyes.

Faced with unwanted marriages and parents who don’t listen, four teenage lovers flee the city. But in the forest things are no better: the Fairy King and Queen are at war and a bunch of wannabe actors struggle to get their show off the ground.

In this enchanted, topsy-turvy world, their dream of escape threatens to turn into a nightmare. Friends fall out, transformations abound, and magic piles on mayhem.

The renowned Chichester Festival Youth Theatre perform a fresh take on Shakespeare’s bewitching romantic comedy, promenading through the beautifully atmospheric setting of West Dean Gardens near Chichester, directed by Jon Pashley.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be designed by Abigail Caywood; the composer, arranger and musical director will be Michael Henry, and the fight director Bethan Clark.

For ages 7+

The production is sponsored by Chichester College.

Alexandra Roach Greg Wise Susan Wokoma

NEVER HAVE I EVER

A new play by Deborah Frances-White

Directed by Emma Butler

1 – 30 September, Minerva Theatre

Jacq and Kas’s boutique restaurant has gone bust, and telling their oldest friends Adaego and her rich husband Tobin that his investment is toast is only the start of the evening. Cash, class, identity and infidelity are all on the menu. As the last of the expensive wine flows, a dangerous drinking game reveals long-hidden truths and provokes an unspeakable dare.

This explosive, savagely funny first play by Deborah Frances-White, comedian, screenwriter and host of the global hit podcast The Guilty Feminist, brilliantly skewers the contradictions of contemporary society, and the shifting sands of power and sexual politics.

Emma Butler was formerly resident director at the Almeida Theatre; her directing credits include Camelot (London Palladium), Hole (Jermyn Street Theatre) and Echoes (UK and international tour).

The cast includes Alexandra Roach (Utopia, No Offence, The Light in the Hall), Greg Wise (The Crown, Sense and Sensibility, A Private War) and Susan Wokoma (Enola Holmes, Cheaters, Chewing Gum).

The designer is Frankie Bradshaw; lighting designer, Ryan Day; and casting director Lotte Hines CDG.

Contains strong language. Ages 15+

Never Have I Ever is sponsored by Wiley.

Rory Bremner

QUIZ

By James Graham

Directed by Daniel Evans and Seán Linnen

22 – 30 September, Festival Theatre

Is Quiz:

A) A provocative re-examination of the conviction of Charles Ingram, ‘the Coughing Major’, his wife Diana and accomplices, for duping the world’s most popular TV quiz show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, out of £1,000,000?

B) Another chance to see James Graham’s smash-hit comedy, which premiered at Chichester in 2017 before transferring to the West End, being nominated for two Olivier Awards and becoming a hit TV drama?

C) The opportunity to see Rory Bremner, Britain’s top satirical impressionist, playing Chris Tarrant?

D) A highly entertaining, razor-sharp analysis of the 21st century’s dangerous new attitude to truth and lies?

Prepare to cast your vote for the ultimate 50:50: guilty or not guilty?

This revised version of James Graham’s celebrated comedy is directed by Daniel Evans and Seán Linnen and opens a brand-new UK tour at Chichester. Graham’s multi award-winning plays also include Best of Enemies, This House, Ink and the TV series Sherwood.

Quiz is designed by Robert Jones, with lighting design by Ryan Day, music and sound design by Ben and Max Ringham, video design by Tim Reid and casting by Ginny Schiller CDG.

Following its opening at Chichester, the production will tour to Newcastle Theatre Royal, Glasgow King’s Theatre, Cardiff New Theatre, Salford Lowry Theatre, Norwich Theatre Royal, Bromley Churchill Theatre, Canterbury Marlowe Theatre, Bath Theatre Royal and Birmingham Alexandra Theatre. Dates and details at quiztheplay.co.uk

At Chichester, the production is sponsored by Henry Adams.

QUIZ is a fictional imagination based on real events which took place in 2001 following an episode of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? It is not in any way connected with the makers of the programme or any of the individuals portrayed. The television programme Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? is produced by 2waytraffic.

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE

By Arthur Miller

Directed by Jaz Woodcock-Stewart

A co-production with Headlong, Octagon Theatre Bolton and Rose Theatre

6 – 28 October, Festival Theatre

Every man’s got somebody that he loves, heh? But sometimes… there’s too much. You know? There’s too much and it goes where it mustn’t.

On the Brooklyn waterfront, where the fierce passions of ancestral Sicily linger, the orphaned Catherine falls for her handsome, newly arrived cousin Rodolfo – an illegal immigrant. Their romance is encouraged by her aunt Beatrice but viewed with revulsion by her uncle, Eddie Carbone, who harbours an unspoken desire. As tensions rise, their story spins inexorably beyond control.

Arthur Miller’s visceral and compelling drama is a timeless masterpiece.

This new co-production with Headlong, Octagon Theatre Bolton and Rose Theatre is directed by Jaz Woodcock-Stewart, whose recent work includes Paradise Now! (Bush Theatre).

At Chichester, the production is sponsored by The Portsmouth Grammar School.

THE INQUIRY

A new play by Harry Davies

Directed by Joanna Bowman

13 October – 4 November, Minerva Theatre

MP Arthur Gill is one of Westminster’s rising stars. Still in his 30s, he’s just become the Secretary of State for Justice, assuming the role of Lord Chancellor too; and with a leadership race on the horizon, he’s a favourite to be the next Prime Minister.

But there’s a problem. An inquiry headed by Lady Justice Deborah Wingate is on the brink of publishing its findings about a public health disaster: a scandal that happened on Gill’s watch when he was environment minister. As leaks multiply and the waters grow murkier, how far will he go to hide his past and protect his future?

The Inquiry is a gripping drama about the pernicious collision between politics, justice and ambition.

Harry Davies is a writer and an investigative reporter for The Guardian; this is his first play. Joanna Bowman (Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads, Festival 2022) directs.

The Inquiry will be designed by Max Jones; the casting director is Charlotte Sutton CDG.

The production is sponsored by Chichester Harbour Hotel.

Chichester Festival Youth Theatre

THE JUNGLE BOOK

By Rudyard Kipling

Adapted by Sonali Bhattacharyya

16 – 31 December, Festival Theatre

Once upon a time a little boy finds himself lost in the jungle, in hiding from the fearsome tiger Shere Khan. He finds shelter with a wolf pack who name him ‘Mowgli the Frog’ and raise him like one of their own cubs.

Baloo, the fun-seeking bear, and Bagheera, the serious panther, try to teach him the law of the jungle, but the more Mowgli the learns, the more confusing all these rules become.

He’s stolen by the Bandar-log monkeys, but his friends will always rescue him, even when Shere Khan tries to banish him from the jungle forever. Mowgli’s adventures are far from over…

This brand new stage adaptation by Sonali Bhattacharyya, written specially for Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, spins Rudyard Kipling’s beloved tale into exciting, pulsating life, with a huge cast of characters from Akela, the leader of the wolf pack to Ikki the spiky porcupine and Mao the strutting peacock.

A coming of age story about the desire for freedom that beats in the heart of every child.

For ages 7+.

The Jungle Book is sponsored by Chichester College.

FESTIVAL 2023 EVENTS

A lively programme of events and activities will complement the shows on stage.

Join Deborah Frances-White for a live recording of The Guilty Feminist podcast, and also for a practical workshop on Stage Presence and Confidence. Delve deeper into the world of Noël Coward with a free exhibition celebrating his work, and into the work of Arthur Miller over a weekend workshop on the great American playwright.

We continue the conversations around gender equality in our Fizz and Feminism events, and invite you to a musical experience on the South Downs in The Hills Are Alive. Free Pre- and Post-Show Talks, with the director and cast members, are held for each production.

A Summer Gala performance of The Sound of Music on 28 July will support CFT’s Light a Spark fundraising campaign helping more people experience theatre for the first time.

CFT Lates, our monthly series of late night entertainment for ages 16+, returns with music, improv, comedy, drag and cabaret, while special Prologue Events for 16-30 year-olds include the chance to meet James Graham and Daniel Evans and the casts of The Sound of Music and Rock Follies, as well as a writing workshop with author of The Inquiry, Harry Davies, and a series of backstage masterclasses.

Family Friendly performances and activities range from free Family Fun sessions and storytelling to shows including Truth & Tails and The Bug Hotel, and the return of Fold Our City.

The Leeds Playhouse – until 25 February 2023

Reviewed by Sal Marino 

5*****

If like me you sometimes struggle to understand what is going on in Shakespeare’s plays (especially the lesser known ones) then fear not because if you’re fortunate enough to see Headlong’s (in association with Leeds Playhouse and Shakespeare’s Globe) Henry V, the acting is so brilliant that it just interprets the language for you.  Every facial expression, gesture, tone, movement and interaction told the story for you and because each and every actor on that stage is such a brilliant story teller in their own right; the play just flowed and unfolded without need for translation.  For that reason there is no need for distracting dazzling scenery and props to aid the audience with further clues – you just have to watch the performers who captivate ones imagination through their energy and passion. Indeed, the stark scenery is a mirror (and literally a rusty mirror) for the state of the country at the time – theft of natural resources and the relationship between nature and colonisation. 

Helena Lymbery as Henry IV commands the stage from the opening line and you just know from the quality of her portrayal of the dying king that this is going to be a stellar production.  From there on we meet Henry V and for me, he now is Oliver Johnstone, who just embodied every sinew of the young king; perfect casting.  ‘Perfect casting’ is the right phrase for every character in this production because you just believed who they were and could tell their ‘ranking’ from how they related to one another.  The cast worked in complete harmony with one another playing multiple roles so smoothly and cleverly and so kudos must be shared with all of the creative team.

Through Johnstone, we watch how Henry quickly transforms from a benevolent young prince into a powerful young king and in the end, how he begins to display some lower vibrational behaviour.  We see Shakespeare’s message here once again that power can and often does corrupt a person.  The final scenes when Henry meets the Queen of France (Eleanor Henderson) and Princess Katherine (Joséphine Callies), as Katherine is given to Henry shows just how cruel he has become as he takes advantage of his privileged position in one of the worst ways possible.  

Going even further with how power corrupts, the final ‘added’ scene that is mixed in with modern times shows how this play is relevant to today.  This world-class production will enthral you and evokes that age old problem of how power can be a force for good or evil and who has it is vital to our societies future.  

Reviewed by Jen Hughes

Epstein Theatre Liverpool – until 19 February 2023

4****

Full credit to Chantelle Nolan (director and producer) for a hilarious, toe curling adaptation of the 80s comedy classic,  Rita, Sue and Bob too. 

Sue (Jenna Sian O’hara) and the iconic  Rita ( Kay Nicholson)  the two teenage best  friends are represented  to perfection. Both become besotted as they embark on a coming of age adventure with the Maggie Thatcher, Tory party hating, married man and lothario Bob (Michael Parr). Sue, vowing not to become pregnant before leaving school, begins to compete for Bob’s affections with Rita playing the same game and eventually succeeding  until  – in perfect comedic timing –  Bob’s wife Michelle (Jessica Ellis) gets wind of his antics after finding a very telltale piece of evidence  in his jeans pocket!

Sue’s dad (Jamie Greer), the  stereotypical foul mouthed, drunken slob, somewhat akin to a 1980s Shameless‘ Frank Gallagher and his wife, (Crissy Rock) a downtrodden working class mother,  have a hostile relationship and short, fiery tempers. Both characters  effortlessly rant at anyone they see fit with hilarious results. Their portrayed drunken rants were pitch perfect. The audience cheered, laughed and heckled with a whole host of spectacular expletives to boot.  

Full of 80s classic tunes, humour and bare bottoms from the start, this show really is like no other. Not for the easily offended, however  there was not a single audience member who looked anything but spectacularly entertained,  Memory lane has never been so hilarious ! 

Leeds Playhouse – until 18 February 2023

Reviewed by Katie Brewerton

4****

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel comes to Leeds! This new adaption of the novel by Deborah Moggach tells the story of a struggling hotel in India. After Sonny’s (Nishad Moore) father passes away he finds himself responsible for the crumbling hotel which has been in his family for many years, being in debt and struggling to fix all the never ending list of problems he has an idea. Together with his mother (Reckha John-Cheriyan) they turn the hotel in to a retirement community for elderly English people looking for a new adventure or looking to settle somewhere exotic. Upon arrival they soon realise the hotel is not as it appears in the photos as a variety of maintinence issues come to light. Sonny and his mother struggle to keep the hotel running while Sonny also battles with his responsibilities at the hotel while trying to keep a relationship going with Sahani (Shila Iqbal) without his mother finding out. When it seems there may be no choice other than to sell the hotel the elderly guests and their new friends must rally to try to save what has become their home. 

The wonderful guests in the hotel each bring their own story to the stage, including Evelyn, played by Oscar, winner Hayley Mills who overcomes her worries about leaving the hotel to gain a whole host of new friends. Douglas (played by understudy Adam Morris during this performance) and Jean (Eileen Battye), husband and wife who want to explore as much as they can but who are having troubles or their own behind the scenes and a whole host of other fasinating characters. We see how their lives become entwined and they begin to see each other as a family.

The cast is fantastic, with a host of experienced and talented performers this is a show not to be missed. Embarking on it’s first tour and with a beautiful set this is a show full of laughter and romance The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a wonderful story showing you are never too old to have an adventure or find love. 

Malvern Festival Theatre – until Saturday 18 February 2023

Reviewed by Julie Bellerby

3***

This adaptation by Juliet Forster is suitable for all ages of theatre goers. It combines the story by Jules Verne along with the real life experiences of journalist Nellie Bly, who completed her trip around the world in less time than Phileas Fogg.

Presented on Stage by the Tilted Wig Productions Theatre Group which has been performing and touring plays since 2017, was founded by Katherine Senior and Matthew Parish along with the Theatre Group Creative Cow Company have produced and toured plays have 16 years’ experience together.

The stage was very impressive when we took our seats, it was bright and colourful like a circus tent where the story took place. There was some acrobatics and much slap-stick humour throughout, I feel more practice with the acrobatics is required, it was not confidently performed. This is only the 3rd theatre in the tour so hopefully this will improve. You needed to have a good imagination to picture the various scenes.

With a team of 5 actors lead by Alex Phelps playing Phileas Fogg, who commanded the stage well, with Genevieve Sabherwal, Wilson Benedito, Eddie Mann and Katriona Brown all performed well together with good timing on stage for a smooth production.

The lighting was impressive, designed by Alexandra Stafford, it changed to reflect countries and the mood of the characters well, subtly completed without the audience necessarily realising the changes were happening. With production Design by Sara Perks, Sound by Edwin Gray and Costume Supervisor Hazel Jupp, and all brought together by Director Juliet Forster, it was a light hearted, easy watching, and funny production

Theatre Royal Windsor – until 25 February 2023

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge and daughter Brooke Burlinge aged 14 

4.5 **** 

Windsor brings you the musical Heathers- based on the 1988 cult hit starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater that we all know and love. You’re welcomed to Westerberg High where Veronica Sawyer (Jenna Innes) is just another girl trying to survive high school. Then there are theHeathers, Heather Chandler (Verity Thompson), Heather Duke (Elise Zavou) and Heather Mcnamara (Billie Bowman) who float above them all, are beautiful, popular and everyone wants something to do with them. On the downside, they are brutal, fierce, nasty, spiteful and won’t stop at anything to get what they want. When Veronica uses her forgery to get the Heathers out of trouble, they decide to take her under their wing as they feel she could be beautiful and beneficial to their group. Therefore, creating the new and popular Veronica where things become much easier for her but at what price? When the mysterious rebel, JD (Jacob Fowler) turns up, he catches Veronica’s eye yet hidden beneath is a darkness that she knows nothing about… 

Jenna Innes played her part as Veronica extraordinarily well providing exquisite vocal skills that had the audience captivated. I especially loved her in, ‘Fight for me’ and ‘Dead Girl Walking’, pure brilliance.  

Verity Thompson as Heather Chandler executed her role with much confidence as the leader of Heathers, her rudeness and cruelty was played well and on point, also offering great ability and technique within her song, ‘The Me Inside of Me’.  

Jacob Fowler as JD provided a very distinctive role that came across very sinister and eerie as the show began to unfold. He showed a great connection with Veronica making their chemistry more believable which we see in ‘Seventeen’. Along with solos such as, ‘Freeze your brain’ which was remarkable to watch. 

The stage was simple and compact yet effective with parts of the set being pulled out to produce a completely new setting. Small props were used to create an impact to the scenes.  

Through the use of costumes, you can clearly tell what cliques’ people are in and whether they are popular or not.  

Heathers was a truly captivating production to watch while offering a compelling storyline with many intriguing plot twists added in. The show manages to balance various dark themes with humour throughout. It also really puts forward the message that love can be a powerful yet murderous thing.  

It was lovely and personal visiting Windsor Theatre with the director coming up on stage at the beginning to say it was a privilege to be at this gorgeous, historical area for the first time. He emphasised this with great emotion, making us all smile and laugh, it was a nice touch. 

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 18 February 2023

Reviewed by Gemma Gibson

4****

It’s o-fish-ial – Fisherman’s Friends The Musical has finally docked at Southampton Mayflower. An energetic, wholesome tale of love, community and the magic of the sea shanty.

Fisherman’s Friends is Cornwall’s answer to a famous ‘bouy band’ – a group of seafarers that bring historic sailor chants and song to the mainstream. Their irresistible story has been on the big screen since 2019 and has finally made it to the stage.

The story revolves around Jim, fisherman and unofficial leader of the musical group, played by James Gaddas, and his relationship with hometown Port Issac, his bandmates, daughter Alywyn (Parisa Shahmir) and parents Jago (Robert Duncan) and Maggie (in the 14 February production, played by Janet Mooney). 

When washed up music manager Danny, played exquisitely by Jason Langley, stumbles on to the scene and catches the acapella group in action, he is at first bewildered, then starstruck. It becomes his mission to record a demo and get Fisherman’s Friends the recognition they deserve. A slot at Glastonbury even. 

It’s a storyline we’re used to – London underdog finds the answer to his problems through a community that captures his heart – but it’s done so refreshingly well.

And, of course, it’s the wonderful music that makes this production a stand out and two hours of toe-tapping fun.

After watching Fisherman’s Friends, I can confidently say you have not heard a sea shanty until you have heard it live. Watching the group in a semicircle belting their beloved chants on sailing, love, and the sea, complete with rhythmic stomps, claps and cheers, you are transported to their world.

The power and soul of hearing the group’s catalogue of sea shanties live, you can feel the ancestors, the history, the emotion, and the magic that these Cornish seafarers are so protective and passionate about. Little Liz I Love You was a personal favourite.  

With minimalist and casual set and costume, stripping away the normal musical ‘razzle-dazzle’, Fisherman’s Friends is clever and sensitive in how it transports sea shanties and their candid nature to the stage.

I thought incorporating the band into the Port Issac world was just genius. Watching the musicians perform their upbeat tunes while immersed in the storyline and expertly executed choreography really hammered the sense of community home. 

Shahmir stole the show with her fiery personality and powerful voice to match. Her rendition of Village by the Sea was enchanting.

The somewhat simple storyline is aided by emotional sub plots that allow the story to swim along nicely, in doing so further depending our connection with the Fisherman’s Friends community and characters. 

In a large and charismatic cast, this also brought important characters to the spotlight including new father and pub owner Rowan (Dan Buckley) and the talented and hilarious Leadville (Pete Gallagher). 

Opening night at The Mayflower ended with a very deserved standing ovation. Fisherman’s Friends will make you laugh, cry and try to sing along. It had us hooked. 

NEW CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

LES MISÉRABLES

JOSH PITERMAN AS ‘JEAN VALJEAN’

STEWART CLARKE AS ‘JAVERT’

LUCIE JONES AS ‘FANTINE’

CLAIRE MACHIN AS ‘MADAME THÉNARDIER’

AND

HARRY CHANDLER AS ‘ENJOLRAS’

AT THE

SONDHEIM THEATRE

FROM 27 MARCH 2023

DEAN CHISNALL RETURNS TO PLAY ‘JEAN VALJEAN’

BETWEEN 28 FEBRUARY AND 25 MARCH 2023

Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce new casting for the critically acclaimed new production of LES MISÉRABLES at the Sondheim Theatre from Monday 27 March 2023.

Joining the company from 27 March 2023 will be Josh Piterman as Jean Valjean, Stewart Clarke as Javert, Lucie Jones as Fantine, Claire Machin as Madame Thénardier and Harry Chandler as Enjolras. They join Gerard Carey as Thénardier, Robert Tripolino as Marius, Nathania Ong as Éponine, Lulu-Mae Pears as Cosette.

From 28 February to 25 March 2023 Dean Chisnall will return to London to play the role of Jean Valjean for a strictly limited season, following the completion of the LES MISÉRABLES UK and Ireland tour.

The company is completed by Hazel Baldwin, Brad Barnley, Emma Barr, 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.

Josh Piterman is an established Australian musical theatre performer and classical crossover artist, who made his West End debut in 2019 as The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre. He is currently reprising the role at the Arts Centre in Melbourne, having recently played the Sydney Opera House to critical acclaim with a “star performance” (Australian Arts Review) described as “nothing short of perfection” (Broadway World). Josh’s musical theatre credits include Tony in West Side Story, Jamie in The Last Five Years, Edward in Blood Brothers and Gerry Goffin in Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, all in his native Australia. He also played Bustopher Jones/Gus/Growltiger in the Australian 2016 season of Cats, a role for which he won the Green Room Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. Josh’s UK theatre credits include playing Corny Collins in the UK Tour of Hairspray.

Stewart Clarke most recently appeared in Mandela at the Young Vic. His previous credits include the role of Ersnt Ludwig in the original cast of the multi-award-winning Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Be More Chill at The Other Palace, Fiddler on the Roof at the Playhouse Theatre for which he received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, and Loserville at the Garrick Theatre. He also appeared in Assassins at the Menier Chocolate Factory and The Rink at the Southwark Playhouse.

Lucie Jones returns to the role of Fantine following her recent WhatsOnStage award winning appearance as Elphaba in Wicked at the Victoria Apollo. Her London theatre credits include Jenna in Waitress, also on tour, Fantine in the Les Misérables Staged Concert and Cosette in the original production of Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre, Victoria in American Psycho at the Almeida and Maureen in RENT at The Other Palace. Her other credits include Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at Leicester Curve, on UK Tour and at the South Korea Opera House, Molly in the International tour of Ghost, Meatloaf in the International Arena tour of We Will Rock You and Holly in the UK tour of The Wedding Singer.

Claire Machin was recently seen as Mrs Brill in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre. Her previous theatre credits include her Olivier-nominated performance as Cora in Girls the Musical at Phoenix Theatre, Gladys in the original  London cast of Memphis at the Shaftesbury Theatre, for which she was nominated for a WhatsOnStage award, Claire in Amour at the Charing Cross Theatre, Violet Butterfield in Flowers for Mrs. Harris at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Alice Beane in Titanic (UK Tour), Barbara Castle in Made in Dagenham at the Queens Theatre Hornchurch, Mabel in The Pajama Game at the Chichester Festival Theatre and Shaftesbury Theatre, Mrs. Metcalf in Betty Blue Eyes at the Novello Theatre, and Widow Corney in Oliver! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and on tour.

Les Misérables marks Harry Chandler’s West End debut, having recently played Feuilly in the UK and Ireland tour of the production.

Dean Chisnall most recently played the role of Jean Valjean in the UK and Ireland tour of Les Misérables, having also closed the original production of Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre and appeared in the West End Staged Concert version of the show. His previous theatre credits include George Mole in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole at the Menier Chocolate Factory, the Narrator in Blood Brothers (UK tour), Working at Southwark Playhouse, Shrek in Shrek The Musical at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and National Tour, Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre, La Cage aux Folles at the Playhouse, Never Forget at the Savoy and on tour, Evita at the Adelphi Theatre and The Woman in White at the Palace Theatre.

Since Cameron Mackintosh first conceived this acclaimed new production of LES MISÉRABLES in 2009, to celebrate the show’s 25^th anniversary, it has taken the world by storm. The UK and Ireland tour recently concluded its acclaimed run and the record-breaking tour of North America relaunched in 2022. A new tour of The Netherlands and Belgium opens in March this year at the Royal Theater Carré in Amsterdam.

Boublil and Schönberg’s magnificent iconic score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs, I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing?, One Day More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Master Of The House and many more. Several of its songs have become real life anthems of revolution wherever in the world people are fighting for their freedom. Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 53 countries and in 22 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular and contemporary musicals.

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.

DAVID IAN FOR CROSSROADS LIVE
AND WORK LIGHT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

THE REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE PRODUCTION OF

THE AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTION
OF THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

TO TOUR THE UK IN 2023/2024

“A gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical.”

– The Guardian

“Hallelujah! An almighty revelation.”

– The Daily Telegraph

Following several acclaimed and sold-out runs in London as well as an extensive tour of North America, the Olivier Award-winning reimagined production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s celebrated musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will embark on a UK tour in 2023/2024.

Produced by David Ian for Crossroads Live, the UK tour will launch at Manchester’s Palace Theatre from 11 September 2023 and will visit Newcastle, Hull, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Plymouth, Wolverhampton, Bradford, Nottingham, Ipswich, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leicester, Stoke, Bristol, Crawley, Southampton, Norwich, Eastbourne, Birmingham, Oxford, Wimbledon, Woking, Sunderland, Canterbury, Sheffield, Llandudno, Torquay, Dartford, Cheltenham and Blackpool. Further tour dates are to be announced.

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where it originated and is helmed by director Timothy Sheader and choreographer Drew McOnie. Completing the creative team is design by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Nick Lidster and music supervision by Tom Deering.

A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’S iconic 1970s rock score was originally released as a concept album and opened on Broadway in 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. Jesus Christ Superstar has been reproduced regularly around the world in the years since its first appearance, with performances including a Broadway revival in 2012, an ITV competition TV show called Superstar that led to casting Ben Forster as Jesus in an arena tour of the show, and a production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre celebrating 45 years since the musical’s Broadway debut.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTARis set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

Producer David Ian said: “I am thrilled to be taking this award-winning production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s much loved musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR on tour in 2023/2024. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has created a fresh and bold new version of a beloved classic which will enthrall both longtime fans of the show and delight those seeing it for the very first time”.

This production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version during the summer of 2020.

The 2023-2024 UK Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is produced by David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions. The original production was produced by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

Casting to be announced.

For additional information about this production, please visit www.jesuschristsuperstar.com

Facebook & Instagram: @JesusChristSuperstar | Twitter: @JCSTheMusical

TOUR DATES

2023

Palace Theatre, Manchester

11 – 23 September 2023

www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

On sale 23 February 2023

Newcastle Theatre Royal

26-30 September 2023

www.theatreroyal.co.uk

On sale 16 March 2023

New Theatre, Hull

02 – 07 October 2023

www.hulltheatres.co.uk

On sale 17 February 2023

Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre

10 – 14 October 2023

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/his-majestys-theatre

On sale 21 February 2023

Glasgow Kings Theatre

16 – 21 October 2023

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow/

On sale 23 February 2023

Liverpool Empire

23– 28 October 2023

www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire

On sale 23 February 2023

Milton Keynes Theatre

30 October – 04 November 2023

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/

On sale 23February 2023

Plymouth Theatre Royal

06 – 11 November 2023

www.theatreroyal.com

On sale 01 March 2023

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

14– 18 November 2023

www.grandtheatre.co.uk

On sale 24^th February 2023

Bradford Alhambra Theatre

27 November – 2 December 2023

www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/venues/the-alhambra-theatre

On sale 20th February 2023

2024

Nottingham Royal Concert Hall

08 – 13 January 2024

www.trch.co.uk

On sale 01 March 2023

Regent Theatre, Ipswich

15 – 20 January 2024

www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

On sale soon

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

29 January – 03 February 2024

www.wmc.org.uk

On sale 10 March 2023

Edinburgh Playhouse

06 – 10 February 2024

www.atgtickets.com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse

On sale soon

Leicester Curve

12 – 17 February 2024

www.curveonline.co.uk

On sale soon

Regent Theatre, Stoke

19 – 24 February 2024

www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre

On sale soon

Bristol Hippodrome

11 – 16 March 2024

www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome

On sale soon

The Hawth, Crawley

18 – 23 March 2024

www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/the-hawth

On sale soon

Southampton Mayflower Theatre

25-30 March 2024

www.mayflower.org.uk

On sale 10 March 2023

Norwich Theatre Royal

08 – 13 April 2024

www.norwichtheatre.org

On sale soon

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

15 – 20 April 2024

www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk/venue/congress-theatre

On sale soon

Birmingham Hippodrome

22-27 April 2024

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

On sale soon

New Theatre, Oxford

06 – 11 May 2024

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford

On sale soon

New Wimbledon Theatre

13-18 May 2024

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre

On sale soon

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

03 – 08 June 2024

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre

On sale soon

Sunderland Empire Theatre

11 – 15 June 2024

www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

On sale soon

Canterbury Marlowe

17 – 22 June 2024

www.marlowetheatre.com

On sale soon

Sheffield Lyceum

24–29 June 2024

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/lyceum

On sale soon

Venue Cymru, Llandudno

01-06 July 2024

www.venuecymru.co.uk

On sale soon

Princess Theatre, Torquay

16 – 20 July 2024

www.atgtickets.com/venues/princess-theatre-torquay

On sale soon

Orchard Theatre, Dartford

22 – 27 July 2024

www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

On sale soon

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

05-10 August 2024

www.everymantheatre.org.uk

On sale soon

Blackpool Winter Gardens

12 – 17 August 2024

www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

On sale soon

Further tour dates to be announced.

**BEWARE!**

A NEW CAST READY TO CREATE CHAOS IN LONDON AS

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG EXTENDS UNTIL APRIL 2024

The Play That Goes Wrong, the Olivier Award-winning smash hit, today announces a brand new cast at the Duchess Theatre from Tuesday 4^th April 2023 as well as a new booking period until 28 April 2024.

The new cast – the majority making their West End Day-Boos – will include Rolan Bell as Robert, Daniel Cech-Lucas as Chris, Luke Dayhill as Jonathan, Lucy Doyle as Sandra, Gavin Dunn as Trevor, Iona Fraser as Annie, Keith Ramsay as Dennis, and Ross Virgo as Max. The company is completed by Harry Bradley, Elliot Goodhill, Rosie Meek, Hisham Abdel Razek, and Tommi Vicky.

The Play That Goes Wrong is the longest running play at The Duchess Theatre (since the theatre opened in 1929), and is the longest running comedy in the West End – now crashing through its 9^th chaotic year. Last month Mischief celebrated 3000 performances of The Play That Goes Wrong at the West End’s Duchess Theatre.

Awarded the 2014 WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Comedy, the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and a Tony Award for the Broadway transfer, The Play That Goes Wrong continues to delight audiences in the West End and around the world. The show’s success is a testament to the hard work and determination of a group of drama school graduates who became friends, set up a company under the name ‘Mischief’ and created an extraordinary body of work. The Play That Goes Wrong shows no signs of slowing down since its first performance at The Old Red Lion 10 years ago with only four paying customers. Since then, it has played to an audience of over two million and now has productions in over 30 countries.

The Play That Goes Wrong is co-written by Mischief company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields and is directed by Mark Bell, with set designs by Nigel Hook, costumes by Roberto Surace, lighting by Ric Mountjoy, original music by Rob Falconer, sound design by Andy Johnson, the associate director is Sean Turner and the resident director is Amy Milburn. The Play That Goes Wrong is produced in the West End by Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd.