RECORD-BREAKING BOX OFFICE SUCCESS ADDS

MUCH-LOVED COMEDY TREASURES

TESSA PEAKE-JONES, RUTH MADOC AND BELINDA LANG

GRAHAM SEED ALSO JOINS THE CAST ALONGSIDE PAUL NICHOLAS WHEN THE SECOND LEG OF THE TOUR OPENS AT

CHELTENHAM’S EVERYMAN THEATRE ON TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY2023

Simon Friend Entertainment is today delighted to announce the latest additions to the cast of the box office sensation The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Simon Friend, producer of the show, commented: “It has been an incredibly heart-warming experience touring this wonderful production, filling theatres with audiences who have otherwise been slower to come back to plays following the pandemic. While touring a play with a large cast in this climate was a considerable risk, this show has demonstrated that regional play-going audiences are certainly hungry for theatre, and never before has this life-affirming story been more relevant.”

Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel in BBC 1’s Only Fools and Horses, ITV’s Grantchester), Ruth Madoc (Gladys Pugh in BBC 1’s Hi-de-Hi! and Little Britain; Calendar Girls UK Tour), Belinda Lang (ITV’s Second Thoughts;BBC 1’s 2point4 Children) and Graham Seed (Nigel Pargetter in BBC Radio 4’s The Archers) are to join the cast of Deborah Moggach’s celebrated show, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Tessa Peake-Jones will perform as Evelyn, Ruth Madoc will appear as Muriel, Belinda Lang joins the cast as Madge and Graham Seed as Norman from Tuesday 28 February 2023 when the play opens at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham.

Today’s newly announced cast members join Paul Nicholas (Jesus Christ Superstar, BBC 1’s Just Good Friends, Eastenders) who continues in the role of Douglas having joined the tour in September 2022 alongside Tiran Aakel (The Kite Runner, UK and Dubai Tour; Umm Kalthoum and The Golden Era, Dubai Opera House) who performs as Mr Gupta, Rekha John-Cheriyan as Mrs Kapoor (Kerbs, Tomb Raider, Dream Horse); Shila Iqbal (East Is East, Octagon Theatre; Eaten by Lions); as Sahani, Kerena Jagpal (Mismatch and Twitch, Birmingham Rep; Circle Game, Southwalk Playhouse) as Kamila, Nishad More (King Lear, Royal Shakespeare Company) as Sonny Kapoor, Anant Varman (who makes his professional UK stage debut with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) as Mohan and Adam Morris (Dial M for Murder and The Messiah, UK Tours); and Julie Wood (Brave New World, Harrogate Theatre) who join the company as male and female understudies.

Further casting to be announced.

TESSA PEAKE-JONES

Television includes: Mrs Chapman, series regular in Grantchester (ITV); Raquel, series regular and Christmas specials in Only Fools and Horses (BBC) and a variety of TV shows including Unforgotten (ITV), Legacy (UPN); Poirot (ITV);  Poppy Shakespeare (Channel 4); Dalziel and Pascoe (BBC); A Summer in the Suburbs (BBC); Births Marriages and Deaths (Tiger Aspect Productions); Holby City (BBC); Tom Jones; Midsomer Murders (Bentley); Two Gentleman of Verona (BBC); The Bell (BBC) and Quartermaine’s Terms (ITV).

Theatre includes: Ladies of Letters (The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre); The Winslow Boy (Chichester Festival Theatre and UK Tour); Bang Bang! (Northcott Theatre and Tour); While We’re Here (Bush Theatre and Tour); Beacons (Park Theatre); Home (Arcola); Brimstone and Treacle (Arcola); Park Avenue Cats(The Arts Theatre); The Five Wives of Maurice Pinder (National Theatre); Shirley Valentine (Haymarket Theatre); The Park (RSC); Pride and Prejudice (Old Vic); Hamlet and Comedy of Errors(RSC) and a year at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in the Round. Tessa was a founder member of Tight Assets Theatre Ltd and has done numerous radio plays.

Film includes: Bonobo (Fable Films); The Devil Went Down to Islington (Skinned Productions and Reelscape Films) and First Night (Scorpio Films).

RUTH MADOC

Ruth Madoc is well known for the iconic roles of Gladys Pugh in nine series of Hi-de-Hi! for the BBC & Dafydd’s Mum in Little Britain (also BBC). Other recent TV appearances include Alice in The Tuckers (BBC), Millie Faulkner in Casualty (BBC) and Jean March in Doctors (BBC).

Theatre credits include: Jessie in Calendar Girls (Calendar Girls: The Musical); Grandma Rose in The Wedding Singer(UK Tour); Matron in Be My Baby (Autumn tour 2016); Ada in You’re Never Too Old (Edinburgh Fringe); Older Dorothy Squires in Say it with Flowers (Sherman, Cymru); Marie in Calendar Girls (Various UK Touring); Miss Hannigan in Annie (UK Tour); The Vagina Monologues(UK Tour); Dorothy Brook in 42^nd Street (UK Tour); Mrs Bardell in Pickwick The Musical (Apollo Leisure) & Mama Rose in Gypsy (Newpalm Productions).

Film work includes: the short films Cardiff (Alpha Productions) and Skinny Fat (BBC Wales); Journey Man (Wild Films) and feature films Very Annie Mary (Film Four/Dragon Pictures); Crossed Swords (Warner Bros); Prince and the Pauper (Miramax); Fiddler on the Roof (MGM).

BELINDA LANG

Most recent theatre credits include: Duet For One (National Tour); Humble Boy (Orange Tree); The Country Wife (Chichester); Oklahoma! (Royal Albert Hall and UK tour) and The Constant Wife (Gate, Dublin).

London Theatre credits include: The Letter of Last Resort (Tricycle/Traverse Edinburgh); Liberty (Globe); The School For Scandal (Park Theatre); The Killing Of Sister George (Arts Theatre); Hay Fever (Haymarket Theatre); Forgotten Voices (Riverside Studios); Ring Round The Moon (Playhouse Theatre); The Secret Rapture (Lyric) Theatre); What The Butler Saw (Hampstead Theatre/Criterion); Life x 3 (Savoy Theatre); My Boy Jack (Hampstead Theatre); Things We Do For Love (Duchess Theatre); Dead Funny (Savoy) and Mrs Klein (Apollo).

For her company, Haig Lang Productions she has done National tours of My Boy Jack and Private Lives. Other tours include Single Spies, Gabriel, Ladies in Lavender and A Song at Twilight.

Her leading roles on television include Bill in 2 Point 4 Children, Agatha Troy in The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries, Christine Hamilton in Justice in Wonderland and she can most-recently be seen as Mrs Clam in The Sister Boniface Mysteries and as Josephine McAfee in the Sky drama This England.

She has translated numerous French plays, film scripts and television dramas.

Her work as a director includes Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children for Salisbury Playhouse; national tours of An Hour and A Half Late, Present Laughter, The Reluctant Debutante, and also This Was a Man at the Finborough Theatre. Her next project is to be Rocchiccioli’s Letters From the Heart due to open in Sidney in 2023.

GRAHAM SEED

Theatre credits include: Bloody Difficult Women (Riverside Studios and Edinburgh Festival); Dead Sheep, (Park Theatre and National Tour); An Audience with Jimmy Savile (Park Theatre); Bedroom Farce and Separate Tables (Salisbury Playhouse); Jim Hacker in Yes Prime Minister (National Tour); Basket Case(National Tour); The Mousetrap (60th Anniversary tour and India); Toad of Toad Hall (WestEnd); Me and My Girl (Adelphi Theatre); The Ladykillers, Journey’s End, Flare Path, Translations, Design for Living, Relatively Speaking, A Chase Maid of Cheapside and Confusions (National Tours); Someone to Watch Over Me (Frankfurt); The Skin Game (Orange Tree); Nelson (Nuffield, Southampton); Present Laughter(Theatr Cymru); Accolade (Finborough Theatre). He has also played many repertory seasons including: Birmingham, Greenwich, Library Theatre, Manchester, and Perth.

TV credits include: Doctors, Casualty, The Durrells, I, Claudius, Edward VII, Brideshead Revisited, Mike Leigh’s Who’s Who, Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV, Jeeves and Wooster, The Cleopatras, Crossroads, Coronation Street, Brookside, Prime Suspect, Nature Boy, Dinnerladies, Station Jim, Band of Brothers, The Chatterley Affair and Midsomer Murders.

Film credits include: Peterloo, Gandhi, Good and Bad at Games, Honest, Little Dorrit, These Foolish Things and Wild Target.

Radio credits include: The Archers. Words and Music (Radio 3) Pick of the Week and What the Papers’ Say (Radio 4), The Pargetter Triptych (Podcast)

He was awarded Broadcaster of the Year and the Voice of Listener and Viewer Special Award 2010 for his portrayal of Nigel Pargetter in The Archers for 27 years.

PAUL NICHOLAS

Paul Nicholas became a household favourite in the role of Vince Pinner in the celebrated British sitcom Just Good Friends which won the BAFTA award for Best Comedy Series. Paul has continued to star in many TV series including the evil Gavin Sullivan in EastEnders and can be seen as himself in the BAFTA-nominated series The Real Marigold Hotel and Marigold On Tour.

On stage, Paul’s theatrical success began more than fifty years ago in 1968 when he originated the role of Claude in the London premiere of Hair. Following this, in 1972 he originated the role of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. He starred as Danny Zuko in the original West End production of Grease with Elaine Page and as the Rum Tum Tugger in the original production of Cats. His other leading role musical credits include Jekyll & Hyde; Barnum; 42nd Street; Singing In The Rain; Dr. Doolittle; A Christmas Carol; Pirates of Penzance; Tale of Two Cities; Fiddler On The Roof and Jerry Herman’s Dear World.

Most recently, Paul’s theatrical ventures have included leading roles in The Exorcist directed by Sean Mathias for a UK tour; Quartet directed by Peter Rowe for the Cheltenham Everyman Theatre and a UK tour; And Then There Were None directed by Joe Harmston for a UK tour Paul has also co-produced numerous shows including Grease, Singing in the Rain, Evita, Pirates of Penzance, Chess and Saturday Night Fever. In 2021 Paul published his autobiography Musicals, Marigolds & Me and a three-CD boxset Paul Nicholas Gold featuring his pop and musical career including Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Hair, and Grease.

Deborah Moggach adapts her bestselling novel 2004’s These Foolish Things for the stage, it previously having inspired the BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated film. Directed by Lucy Bailey (Oleanna, UK Tour & West End); Gaslight, UK Tour; Witness for the Prosecution,London’s County Hall) the rest of the creative team comprises Costume and Set Designer, Colin Richmond; Lighting Designer, Oli Fenwick; Sound Designer, Mic Pool; Composer, Kuljit Bhamra; Casting Director, Ginny Schiller CDG; Associate Director, Breman Rajkumar; Movement Director, Lucy Hind; Costume Supervisor, Chris Cahill; Production Manager, Digby Robinson;Props Supervisor, Lizzie Frankl and Associate Props Supervisor, Zoe Wilson.

Based on the Sunday Times bestseller which inspired one of this century’s most treasured films, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes us on a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life. The luxury residence is far from the opulence they were promised, but as their lives begin to intertwine and they embrace the vibrancy of modern-day India, they are charmed in unexpected and life-changing ways.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a joyous, feel-good comedy about taking risks, finding love, and embracing second chances, even in the most surprising of places.

The film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (directed by John Madden) saw its UK theatrical release in 2012. Within two weeks of its cinematic distribution, the film had topped the UK Box Office and went on to become a hit internationally performing as one of the highest-grossing films of 2012 in Australia and New Zealand in addition to the United Kingdom.

The interwoven stories of the film’s stellar ensemble, which included Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilson, Tom Wilkinson, Celie Imrie, and Ronald Pickup – with Dev Patel as the put-upon owner of a past-its-best hotel for ‘the elderly and beautiful’ – shone a light on issues such as the outsourcing of care and NHS treatments, the complexity of family relationships around the world, love, compassion, and companionship in our twilight years.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is produced by Simon Friend, Jenny King, Trafalgar Entertainment, and Gavin Kalin.

Get ready for the journey of a lifetime.

www.marigoldshow.com

TONY! [THE TONY BLAIR ROCK OPERA]

BY HARRY HILL & STEVE BROWN

TO OPEN IN LONDON’S WEST END

AT THE LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE ON 15 APRIL 2023

AHEAD OF UK TOUR

‘Look anyone will tell you, I’m a pretty straight sort of guy.’ Tony Blair

A reckless reappraisal of the life of former Ugly Rumours front man and Britain’s first pop Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Following its critically acclaimed, sold-out world premiere at Park Theatre this summer Harry Hill and Steve Brown’s musical, TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera], will run in London’s West End at the Leicester Square Theatre from 15 April to 21 May.  Following the West End limited season, the musical will tour the UK from 25 May to 29 July, including Tony Blair’s previous constituency of Sedgefield, where it will play from 27 to 29 July in the Parish Hall, with further dates to be added.

The musical tells the story of how one man went from peace-loving, long-haired hippy and would-be pop star to warmongering multimillionaire in just a couple of decades. Throw in a stellar cast of larger-than-life characters – Cherie Blair, Princess Diana, John Prescott, Peter Mandelson, Alastair Campbell, Osama bin Laden, George W Bush, Saddam Hussein and Gordon Brown – it’s Yes, Minister meets The Rocky Horror Show and a musical like no other.

Please note: Neither Tony Blair, the Tony Blair Institute, nor any other person featured in this production have endorsed the production or its marketing materials and are in no way affiliated with the production.

Harry Hill and Steve Brown said, “After the great response from audiences on its launch this summer, we’re thrilled that TONY! is going on the road in 2023. It’s a show for Tony Lovers and Haters everywhere – and everyone in between – don’t expect a history lesson – in our world Tony’s born singing and dancing, Saddam Hussein is played as Groucho Marx and Gordon Brown occasionally turns into the Incredible Hulk – let’s just say all the facts are there… but not necessarily as they occurred!  Tony hasn’t yet replied to our invite to see the show, but we do hope he’ll pop along to his old stomping ground of Sedgefield to give his verdict when we open there at the Parish Hall. Tony? If you’re reading this we’ve put a couple of tickets in your name on the door.”

TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] is directed by Peter Rowe, with set and costume design by Libby Watson, lighting design by Mark Dymock and choreography by Francesca Jaynes.  The Park Theatre production of TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] is produced in the West End and on tour by Nicholson Green Productions.

For more information, visit www.tonyblairrockopera.co.uk

Twitter and Instagram: @tonyrockopera

LISTINGS INFORMATION

15 April – 21 May 2023

Leicester Square Theatre

6 Leicester Place

London WC2H 7BX

Performances vary, so please check the website

Box Office: 020 7734 2222

Website: leicestersquaretheatre.com

Tickets: from £26.50

Running Time at Leicester Square Theatre: 2 hours (inc. interval)

Suitable for 14+

TOUR SCHEDULE

25 May – 3 June             Guildford Yvonne Arnaud                                                                   01483 44 00 00                

                                  www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk                                                                on sale

14 – 17 June                    Cardiff New Theatre                                                                            0343 310 0041

                                          www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk                                                           on sale

21 – 24 June                    Richmond Theatre                                                                                 

                                          www.atgtickets.com/Richmond                                                       on sale

27 June – 1 July              Brighton Theatre Royal                                                                        

                                         www.atgtickets.com/Brighton                                                           on sale             

3 – 8 July                          Bath Theatre Royal                                                                             01225 448844

                                          Theatreroyal.org.uk                                                                            on sale soon

11 – 15 July                      Chester Storyhouse                                                                            01244 409113

                                          storyhouse.com                                                                                   on sale 5 December   

18 – 22 July                      Malvern Festival Theatre                                                                   01684 892277

                                          www.malvern-theatres.co.uk                                                            on sale 5 December

24 – 26 July                      Darlington Hippodrome                                                                     01325 405405

                                          www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk                                                  on sale

27 – 29 July                      Sedgefield Parish Hall                                                                         on sale details soon

Further dates to be added

Adjoa Andoh directs and stars in

RICHARD III

Rose Theatre and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres in association with Swinging the Lens

6 – 22 April 2023 at Liverpool Playhouse

26 April – 13 May 2023 at Rose Theatre

Rose Theatre and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres today announce a new production of William Shakespeare’s Richard III. Following her critically acclaimed production of Richard II at Shakespeare’s Globe, Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury in Bridgerton) returns to the stage to direct and star as Shakespeare’s iconic antihero, Richard III. Richard III opens at Liverpool Playhouse on 11 April with previews from 6 April 2023 and plays at Rose Theatre from 26 April – 13 May 2023.

Rose Theatre today also announce Lord of the Flies (18 – 22 April 2023) and Peter Pan (1 December 2023 – 7January 2024).

Priority booking is now available for Richard III, Lord of the Flies, and Peter Pan, with general booking open from Monday 5 December 2022.

A tale of ambition and manipulation, Richard III charts the rise of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, as he deceives and murders anyone who stands in his path to becoming King. 

Reflecting on her own childhood in rural England in the 1960s, Adjoa Andoh sets out to explore how pathologising the body and ascribing evil intent due to a person’s physical appearance can wear away at the soul. 

Adjoa Andoh said:

“When Christopher Haydon, Artistic Director of the Rose Theatre, asked me what I might be interested in directing for their 2023 spring season, Richard lll was top of my list. 

Richard is a character I have loved since childhood. Growing up in a tiny Cotswold village in the 1960s & 70s, I immediately felt a connection to someone singled out because of their appearance.

On first reading Shakespeare’s play as a child, I was outraged at the way Richard was portrayed, but now appreciate one of the questions Shakespeare posits – what happens to a person and their sense of self, if throughout their life bad intentions are ascribed to them based solely on their appearance? I call this body pathologising. It happens to many people in many circumstances across the world to this day, and in this production, I want to explore the story, and that question through the lens of race.

I’m delighted that the show is a co-production with Liverpool Playhouse, as my mother is a Liverpudlian, and finally I get to perform in her beloved city; our childhoods united on stage. I can’t wait to whip off the corsets and share this production with audiences in Liverpool and London next spring.”

Christopher Haydon, Artistic Director of Rose Theatre said:

“Starting with Richard III, the Rose continues to offer audiences fiercely fresh perspectives on familiar stories. I last collaborated with Adjoa Andoh in 2017 when I ran the Gate Theatre. I’m thrilled that she’s now bringing her ferocious intellect and incandescent stage presence to the Rose, in the first Shakespeare we’ve presented in my tenure here as Artistic Director. Adjoa will both direct and star in a no doubt powerful and provocative production, that will both entertain and challenge.

I’m delighted that we are partnering with Leeds Playhouse and the Belgrade Theatre to present Amy Leach’s startling new production of this epic and visceral story. Amy is a champion of creating accessible theatre, and this show will have creatively integrated audio description available at every performance. 

Our youth theatre will remain integral to our Christmas production which in 2023 will be a new version of Peter Pan. I’ve wanted to work with Evan Placey for many years – he is a terrifically talented writer with a particularly strong understanding of family audiences. I’ve no doubt that he and director Lucy Morrell, will be taking us on a very special trip to Neverland.”

Suba Das, Creative Director of the Liverpool Playhouse and Everyman said:

“Both the Playhouse and the Everyman have had a long history of incredible Shakespeare performances by Liverpool acting royalty from Pete Postlethwaite to David Morrissey to Kim Cattrall treading our boards in some of the bard’s most iconic roles. It’s an honour in my first year here to continue this proud tradition and with the team at Rose Theatre to entice Adjoa off the Bridgerton set and back to Liverpool (where her mum grew up) to take on Richard III, one of the greatest plays and characters ever written.  As both lead actor and director, Adjoa is assembling a stunning cast and creative team around her for a production that will examine race and trauma. It’s a timely reimagining and I’m so very proud our audiences at the Playhouse will be the first in the world to experience what will be one of the year’s theatrical highlights.”

2023 at the Rose continues with a contemporary staging of Lord of the Flies, adapted by Nigel Williams from the novel from William Golding, will be directed by Amy Leach, and is a Leeds Playhouse and Belgrade Coventry co-production in association with Rose Theatre.

Lord of the Flies made an immediate impact when it was first published as a novel in 1954 by Nobel Prize-winning British author William Golding. Almost 70 years later, its searing iconoclastic gaze remains intact, giving us the chance to reflect anew on modern society.

Next Christmas, an enchanting adventure awaits. 

Award-winning writer Evan Placey adapts J.M. Barrie’s children’s classic Peter Pan in a brand-new version directed by Lucy Morrell (Beauty and the Beast). Packed with song, dance, magic and featuring members of our talented Rose Youth Theatre, we promise to have you hooked.

Chasing his runaway shadow, a mischievous young boy crash lands through an open window and meets a headstrong young girl not yet ready to face growing up. With a sprinkle of fairy dust, they take flight on a whirlwind festive voyage across pirate ships, through mermaid lagoons and into the heart of Neverland.   

SUSAN STROMAN’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION
TRANSFERS TO LONDON

Charlie Stemp,
Carly Anderson & Tom Edden to lead cast

Performances begin on Saturday 24 June 2023,
Gillian Lynne Theatre

www.CrazyForYouMusical.com

oey Parnes, Sally Horchow and Michael Harrison are thrilled to announce the transfer of the smash hit Chichester Festival Theatre Production of Crazy For You. Susan Stroman’s celebrated new production of the classic Gershwin musical, which played a sold-out season in Chichester this summer, will transfer to London next year.

Crazy For You, which received critical acclaim across the board when it opened in Chichester, will play a strictly limited 6-month season at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London, with performances beginning on Saturday 24 June 2023. Tickets are now on sale at www.CrazyForYouMusical.com

He’s a fish out of water and she’s a real catch.

Theatre-mad Bobby Child is torn between his show-business dreams and running the family bank. He reluctantly heads west to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a theatre’s mortgage, only to fall for the theatre owner’s daughter, Polly. Desperate to prove his good faith, Bobby decides to put on a show – complete with dancers from the glamorous Zangler Follies in New York City – to save the theatre, renew the town and hopefully win Polly’s love.

With a riotously entertaining book by Ken Ludwig and overflowing with glorious Gershwin melodies (including Someone to Watch Over Me, I Got Rhythm and They Can’t Take That Away from Me), this production is a joyful celebration ‘blessed with ingenious, sparkling choreography from Susan Stroman, which sends you out on a high from the joy of music and dance’ Financial Times. The original production of Crazy For You won several Tony and Olivier Awards, including Best Musical.

Directed and choreographed by multi-Tony and Olivier award winner Susan Stroman, with book by Olivier Award winning Ken Ludwig, this spectacularproduction transfers from a sell-out season at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Starring Charlie Stemp, the Olivier-nominated star of Half a Sixpence and Mary Poppins as Bobby, Carly Anderson, star of Wicked as Polly, and Drama Desk Award winner Tom Edden as Bela Zangler.

Producers Joey Parnes, Sally Horchow and Michael Harrison said:
“Susan Stroman’s exuberant production of Crazy For You was the most infectiously joyful show of the year. Charlie and Carly’s performances brought both great romance and spectacle to its heart, and Tom Edden was absolutely hilarious! We are so thrilled that London audiences will now be able to experience this dazzling musical in the superb setting of the Gillian Lynne Theatre.”

Hope Theatre – until 3 December 2022

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

Making a speech is a nerve-wracking experience for lots of people, but when the speech is celebrating a mother whose parenting has left you damaged, it’s a nightmare. Cheryl May Coward-Walker’s debut play, set in a wedding venue bathroom, sees Rosemary (Princess Donnaugh) last minute preparation of her speech – and herself – at her mother’s wedding. Her grandfather’s recent death means she is making a speech, so naturally she locks herself in the bathroom with champagne and cake.

Princess Donnaugh makes Rosemary sympathetic and relatable from the moment she bursts onto the stage. Paula Chitty’s set design has all the abandoned paraphernalia of the latter stages of a wedding party and makes it easy for the audience to buy into the situation, and Simone Watson-Brown’s assured direction allows the story to flow like an incredible TMI encounter with an over-sharing stranger after a few drinks. Using the audience as a sounding board, Rosemary rehearses some celebratory phrases before abandoning her original speech and explaining her difficult relationship with her mother. Told in verse, the narrative mostly works, although there are some shoehorned rhymes that jar a little. This is easily forgotten and forgiven thanks to Donnaugh’s natural and charming performance. Details of the emotional abuse she and her siblings suffered is detailed between her explanations of the reasons for her mother’s behaviour – childhood abuse that she has never dealt with. Coward-Walker cleverly keeps the audience wondering whether Rosemary’s account of her mother is exaggerated until we “see” her mother on a trip to Nigeria. Rosemary’s great plan to visit together to bond and ground themselves is a complete disaster, and her mother’s behaviour is exactly as she had hinted. The emotional turmoil of loving someone who cannot love you in the same way, and the co-dependency of the two women is described beautifully. Rosemary’s need to be loved and cared for leads to a whirlwind romance and marriage to a man she meets on the ill-fated holiday, but the emotional scars from her childhood put that relationship in jeopardy. It gets very broad during the Nigeria episode, but that is a fantastic contrast to the tightly wound tension of earlier scenes.

There are lots of laugh out loud moments as Rosemary mocks herself and her situation, with some quiet darker emotional revelations that are played exquisitely without the need for the unsubtle lighting changes. It is a testament to Princess Donnaugh’s performance that the audience were listening intently as she finally confronted her mother and exposed her true self off stage and whooped along with her as she celebrated her triumph before realising that her mum could never let her have the last word.

An emotional rollercoaster tackling abuse that engages and entertains with a stellar performance from Princess Donnaugh.

Leeds City Varieties Music Hall – until 8th January 2023

Reviewed by Sal E Marino

5*****

There was an infectious feeling of fun, frivolity and non-stop belly-busting laughter across Leeds last night, as the famous Rock ‘n’ Roll panto presenting Dick Whittington, was showing at the fabulous City Varieties Music Hall.  After receiving the most festive and friendliest of welcomes from the front-of-house team, an excited audience settled down for what was the best pantomime I’ve ever seen this December – ha! – only joking – oh no you weren’t – Oh yes I … – that’s pretty much how it went all night!  And it brought the house down!  It brought the house down because it was traditional but unique.  A ‘traditional’ panto being ‘unique’ sounds like a contradiction but it really was!  Where else can you see Tabby the Cat (Rhiannon Hopkins) fighting King Rat (Ben Stratton), who lives in a sewer with a punk band, quickly switching to playing a sax as the Fairy belts out some rock tunes?  

The gags were aplenty and didn’t stop.  All the adults were in stitches and bent over double with the constant innuendos so if you easily get offended by such material, then this wouldn’t be for you but, if you love a panto because of it’s ‘traditional’ characters with that old style nostalgic humour, then you won’t get a better night out until next December either!  After what’s feeling like a ‘winter of discontent’ with all that is happening in our world today, this would be the perfect night out for a works do or with a group of mates.  If you want to forget the blues and the latest ‘crisis’ and to get the party started instead – then a night out at this panto will definitely get the laughter flowing and everyone up singing and dancing.

The very multi-talented performers made the live music numbers appear effortless and all of the musicians were note-perfect .  One wonders just how this is done after performing very physical and challenging all-singing and all-dancing scenes – I really don’t know but it was and always is most impressive! Brilliantly written by Peter Rowe and directed by Rob Salmon, this year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll panto really got everyone singing along with a whole jukebox of top hits.  The music, directed by Bex Hughes, was outstanding!  

Each character was funny in their own right but Simon Nock, as Sarah The Cook, caused a riot on stage – no man is safe!  Not for the faint-hearted,  he totally embodied his character  – not just physically (which was hilarious on sight) but in every scene that Sarah was on stage.  You felt like you were at a stand-up comedy show!.  Of course, Nock was complemented by an extremely uproarious and side-splitting gang: Kenny Davies as Alderman Fitzwarren , Daniel Miles as Billy Bungalow, Claire Keenan as Alice, Ben Mabberley as Dick,Tim Roberts as Smallpox, James Hudson as Scurvy, Tabby and King Rat (aforementioned) and Lana Walker as the Fairy . 

Amongst the jokes (ranging from crazy slap-stick to blue) we also had romance and heart-felt moments which came from the beautiful Alice and Dick.  These two didn’t fail to deliver the traditional fairy-tale love story we all want to see and due to their chemistry – all believed! There was a dicey episode when Alice was lured into King Rat’s lair, which didn’t have a pleasant tone but the laughter was restored when Sarah had some romance too – she got her man on stage and made a ‘friend’ in the audience too!  It created lots of funny moments and never ceased to spark lots of laughter.  

By the end of the show the whole theatre was bouncing as everyone was on their feet dancing and singing their hearts out.  Simon Nock gave an emotional shout out to Peter Manchester who had stood in and filled his stage shoes for three nights due to recently being in hospital.  There was a rousing applause of appreciation.  So if you want some Christmas cheer or to start off the New Year rocking and jiving, I can guarantee that the Dick Whittington: Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto will get you into the groove and shimmying down the aisles.  

Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury – until 8th January 2023

Reviewed by Alexandra Browning

Panto is finally back!!! Oh yes, it is!

Salisbury Playhouse provides a warm panto welcome back after a long three years the Playhouse is back with full festive merriment.

The show starts with a modern and exciting twist on the classic childlike tale. Fairy Showbiz flies onto the stage, pulls out all the stops and sets the scene for the show ahead, introducing us lovingly to the theatre and telling us about her goddaughter Cinderella. We are then introduced to Cinderella, Jasmine Triadi, a strong empowering inventor, whom loves her sisters and step-mother. Cinders is completely modernized with her mean step sisters Hashtag, Lucy Aiston and Viral, Fergie Fraser and their influencer ways. We are finally introduced to the quirky and unforgettable panto Dame, Lady Stella Hardup, Daniel Goode. Lady H has a fantastic costume and always has a marvelous up do to go with the frock, we are quickly introduced to Lady Hardup and her onstage chant, “Who needs a fella” “Its Lady Stella”. Like a true pantomime Dame, Lady H has a great mix of jokes for the younger, and the older audience. The small unusual family are the focus of the pantomime for the first half, with their newly created “sister school” the step sisters have their wicked way with Cinderella and turn her into the house maid we know and love her to be.

After our introduction to Cinderella and her unconventional family we are whisked away to a magical palace like surrounding to meet Prince, George Olney and Deldini, Alex Crandon, who share a very lively friendship. Deldini or Del, is an easy-going cockney lad who likes to make jokes similar to Del Boy himself. You quickly find yourself waiting in anticipation of his next joke!

As we follow the cast through the plot of the pantomime you find yourself constantly wanting to hear what happens next. The show follows the same outlines we have grown to love, with some unlikely modern elements, such as Sails-Baked-Beans and more! The first act ends with a magical transformation of Cinderella into a beautiful princess and the audience is blown away to a fantastic song from Triadi, who is an incredibly talented singer.

The second half of the Panto picks straight up from where we left off with lots of action, lots of singing and lots of Audience participation. The band are the main focus for the audience sing-along and Tacos are the only thing you’ll be thinking of for dinner! We then follow Cinderella in her magical journey to attending the ball.

Overall the show is a very modern twist on a wonderfully classical fairy tale. I would recommend this pantomime to anyone who wants to quickly get into the festive fairy tale Christmas mood. The standout performer of the show is Cinderella who is an incredible talented actress with a wonderfully strong voice

Hull New Theatre – until 3rd December 2022

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Northern Ballet brought David Nixon’s magical Nutcracker Ballet to life last night and brought Christmas to Hull’s New Theatre.

From Charles Cusick Smith’s beautiful sets to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, played by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia (conducted by Daniel Parkinson and led by Geoffrey Allan), it was a fabulous night.

The party scene in Act 1 is so good, watch the other characters on the stage, there are lots of different things going on, Grandma Edwards (Dominique Larose) and Grandpa Edwards (Wesley Branch) are two to watch, funny and charming!

Clara (Rachael Gillespie) is given a present of a Nutcracker by the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer (Mlindi Kulashe) at a family Christmas Eve party and overnight it comes to life as the Nutcracker Prince (Harris Beattie).

The ballet takes us on an enchanted journey meeting different people along the way from the Sugar Plum Fairy (danced amazingly by Saeka Shirai), French and Chinese Dolls (Sena Kitanio, Archie Sherman, Antoni Canellas Artigues) to the marvellous Mouse King (Bruno Serraclara) who reduced the audience to fits of giggles with his antics!

In the second act we have some amazing solos, pas de deux and group dances all watched on by Clara and the Nutcracker prince, this defiantly shows the Northern Ballet dancers at their best. Their timing, skill and musicality and danicng is second to none, every time I have had the pleasure of watching them, they never disappoint.

I must give a mention to the students of RS Dance, who were Party Children and Mice, for such young dancers their stage presence, facial expressions, acting and dancing was lovely to watch.

If this is the first Ballet that you go and see or one of the many you have watched over the years go and watch it you won’t be disappointed in this 5-star performance.

Mayflower Southampton- until 3 December 2022

Reviewed by Lorna Hancock

5*****

Raymonda is a ballet in three acts, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa to music by Alexander Glazunov. It was first presented by The Imperial Ballet at The Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg in 1898. Unfortunately, with a slightly problematic plot set in the Crusades, at times being offensive, the original was never performed in full by any UK company. As Tamara Rojo bids farewell to the English National Ballet after ten years as Artistic Director, with her vision to reinvigorate the classical ballet repertoire, it was her belief that it was time to do something about that.

Rojo has magnificently reimagined the classic work for the 21st century. Now set in the Crimean War, adding a connection to British history, she has also made some changes to create a more compelling story with a modern heroine. She has still however presented as much as Petipa’s original choreography as possible. She has also added a new section, to pay tribute to fallen soldiers and nurses to reflect on their sacrifice in Crimea.

The first Act takes us from England to a camp outside Sevastopol. The cleverly choreographed scene makes it easy to believe that we are there with them preparing for battle. Soon the romantic dilemma between Raymonda (Fernanda Oliviera), handsome soldier John de Bryan (Francesco Gabriele Frola) to whom she becomes engaged and Abdur Rahman (Erik Woolhouse) a Prince and Agha from the Ottoman Army becomes apparent. The act concludes with an exquisite dream sequence where Raymonda is torn between the love of the two men. The choreography is mystical with mesmerising synchronisation, and the use of lamps give a nod to ‘The Lady with the Lamp’ Florence Nightingale, the inspiration for Raymonda’s character.

Act 2 transports us from the stricken war camp, to the Prince’s extravagant party. It was very interesting here to see different countries dance traditions fused with the classical ballet style. Turkish and Hungarian clapping and stomping, and I particularly loved the Flamenco fusion to the sound of castanets.

The final act contains the most famous part of Alexander Glazunov’s 1898 score. We are transported back to an English garden party for the wedding of Raymonda and John. As Ramonda appears, the company begin the most elegant synchronised pas de deux, that had to be my personal highlight of the show. The Prince then arrives at the scene, which leads Raymonda to conclude the show by facing the decision of her own destiny.

The principals all danced flawlessly, and it was a delight to the eyes to watch them perform their art. However, the stand out performers for me were Fernanda Oliveria as Raymonda and Precious Adams as Sister Clemence. Their beautiful lines, exquisite pointe technique and stretched out arabesques were absolutely charming to watch.

Although you would think this show would be all about the ballet, and I’m not saying it isn’t, this review could not possibly be complete without mentioning the astonishing music. Watching and listening to The English National Ballet’s Philharmonic 65 piece orchestra playing the score live in its entirety was astounding.

It was such a pleasure to be lucky enough to see one of ballets classics, charmingly reimagined into a beautiful modernised masterpiece.

Bristol Old Vic – until 7th January 2023

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

4****

Tom Morris and Lee Lyford have reimagined the classic ballet, The Nutcracker and brought it into the 21st century!

Headed by Mae Mundo as the plucky young girl ‘Claire’ desperate to help the Nutcracker (Denzel Baidoo) escape his prison. This is an immaculate piece, with some really catchy songs and interesting dances, but almost pantomime-esque! The songs were performed beautifully, perfectly accompanied by onstage MD and Queen Mouse Gwyneth Herbert, making for a special show.

The cast were great and really told the story, encapsulating the audience and minds of the children, but the stand out performance for me was Gwyneth Herbert. She had, what was easily, the most challenging songs in the show but performed the with ease and had a real depth to her voice. It was a delight to watch her revel in the role.

The staging was superb, using every aspect of the stage to its full potential-it was also a delight to see the band playing onstage in accompaniment. Guy Hughes deserves a special mention for his portrayal of curly-pearly-he donned a dress with ease and rocked it!!

This is the ultimate feel good show and introduces children to the world of ballet in a modern way. Definitely not one to miss!!!