Forum Theatre, Malvern – 23rd November 2022

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

4****

The show began, in the grandest tradition of the King (not him, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll), with a singabout through the crowd. A nice warmup for the audience and I can only guess at how exciting touching the real thing must have been. No scarves were thrown or smooching (yet) but the night was young so many ladies (and some gentlemen I’m sure) lived in hope.

This show wasn’t just a Christmas show, so soon enough we were into some solid gold rock ‘n’ roll hits. And on this cold, rainy night a bit of Sun was most welcome. Sun Records that is and “Good Rockin’ Tonight” in particular.

“Baby Let’s Play House” and an Ed Sullivan themed section including “I Was The One” and “The Jordinaires” singers followed bringing us to another welcome part of the evening – a rich seam of comedy, with the Jordinaires (the band) doing “Winter Wonderland” (not seriously) with bells. Highly entertaining.

Elvis’s film career was showcased via “Don’t Be Cruel”, “Devil In Disguise”, “Jailhouse Rock” and “Treat Me Nice” (a massively underrated song in this reviewers humble opinion). All showed that though the scripts may have often fallen flat the film music remained of the uttermost quality! Hawaii (and more generally South America) we’re featured by “Rock A Hula Baby”, “Return To Sender” and “Viva Las Vegas” – I mean, that’s enough to justify seeing most shows right there!

Mario Kombou was visually enough like Elvis to suspend disbelief but if you shut your eyes he sounded remarkably like the original. He had the moves, the gestures and the patter down pretty well and was certainly a crowd pleaser. He was also genuinely funny – he had us in stitches throughout.

The second half opened with a recreation of the 68 Comeback Special – seated, leather clad and powerful. This included a Christmas favourite from Mud, “Lonely This Christmas” and culminated in “If I Can Dream”, one of Elvis’s best songs.

The ladies got to shine individually with “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” from Chelsea and “Santa Baby” gaving Billie her chance to make a couple of fellas nights with the lines “Think of all the fellas that I haven’t kissed” (complete with pecks on the cheek). Later, both ladies duetted on “Fever” in a lively disco version. That’s all apart from the marvellous dancing and backing vocals!

That most famous of openings “Also Sprach Zarathustra” (still thrilling) brought the evening to a chronologically logical and exciting climax with a couple of jumpsuits, the 70s touring years repertoire and scarves liberally dispensed to an eager throng. I really loved hearing “Way Down” from the last album.

A massive feel good show whose tickets ought to be dispensed by the NHS! “Good Rockin’ Tonight” kicked off the show and continued throughout, for that is what Mario and the gang delivered, very good rockin’! Give yourself an early Xmas prezzie and see The Elvis Years at Christmas

WILTSHIRE CREATIVE ANNOUNCES PROGRAMMING FOR THEIR SPRING/SUMMER SEASON 2023

Artistic Director, Gareth Machin and Executive Director Sebastian Warrack today announces Wiltshire Creative’s 2023 spring/summer programme.

Alan Ayckbourn’s How the Other Half Loves kickstarts Salisbury Playhouse’s season, inviting audiences into a world of dysfunctional marriages, domestic drama and infidelity. Gareth Machin directs one of Ayckbourn’s best loved plays, set in the 1970s – his follow up to Relatively Speaking, which previously staged at Salisbury Playhouse in 2019.

On 14 and 15 March Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence will present the Mischief production of Mind Mangler. For two nights only, from the team who brought Good Luck, Studio to the Playhouse in 2022, the Mind Mangler’s solo spectacular is predicted to spiral into chaos as he attempts to read minds…

Following this the company will co-produce Noel Coward’s Brief Encounter, with New Wolsey Theatre in association with Yvonne Arnaud Theatre – a dazzling adaptation of this renowned love story by Emma Rice.

Salisbury Arts Centre also brings a varied line up, featuring music, cabaret, and comedy. In January Moscow Drug Club will bring elements of Berlin Cabaret, Latin Tinge, French musette and storytelling for one night only. Following this, Sarah Louise Young and co-creator Russell Lucas pay glorious homage to the music, fans, and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music in An Evening Without Kate Bush. Britain’s Got Talent’s The Noise Next Door will invite the audience to an evening of music and improv about your hometown.

Finally, Wiltshire Creative will present The Tempestin Churchill Gardens. Residents are invited to take part in this fantastic outdoor theatrical event – in either a backstage capacity or, for those interested, there is a chance to perform alongside the professional cast too.

Artistic Director ofWiltshire Creative Gareth Machin said today:“I am thrilled to announce Wiltshire Creatives upcoming 2023 season. We are really looking forward to these superb productions at the Playhouse and co-producing with New Wolsey Theatre for Brief Encounter. Our programme at the Art Centre is a varied array of one-to-two-night special events from improv to Cabaret to Kate Bush. Finally, I am so excited to announce our outdoor production of The Tempest and would encourage all residents to get involved.” 

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE:

Wiltshire Creative Presents

How The Other Half Loves

By Alan Ayckbourn

Director: Gareth Machin

9 February – 4 March

Three couples. Two dining rooms. One big mess.

The lives of three couples frantically intertwine in this classic Ayckbourn comedy of confusion and chaos. When one of the women arrives home suspiciously late one night, a chain of events unfolds drawing each of the couples ever deeper into hilarious misunderstanding.

Kenny Wax Ltd & Stage Presence Ltd present the Mischief production of

Mind Mangler

By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Seyer, and Henry Shields

14 March – 15 March

From the original cast of the multi award-winning sold-out smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong, Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer star in this hilarious new comedy by Mischief. Join the Mind Mangler as he returns to the stage following a reasonably good two-night run at the Luton Holiday Inn conference centre, suite 2b.

Wiltshire Creative and New Wolsey Theatre present in association with Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Noel Coward’s

Brief Encounter

Adapted by Emma Rice

Director: Douglas Rintoul

31 March – 22 April

When a chance encounter in a train station tearoom kindles a timid, yet passionate, love affair between a married doctor and a suburban housewife, the two are forced to question if it’s worth risking everything for the sake of love. Tender and joyous, this show has all the drama of the original masterpiece with added live music, comedy and spectacle, taking you on a rollercoaster ride through all of love’s beautiful complications.

SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE:

Moscow Drug Club presents

Moscow Drug Club

28 January 2023

Combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen & Eartha Kitt, Moscow Drug Club delivers an intoxicating and intimate musical experience.

Russell Lucas and Sarah Louise Young present

An Evening Without Kate Bush

18 March 2023

Howl with the Hounds of Love and dance on the moors with Wuthering Heights! Whether a fan for decades or recently joined the shoal via the Stranger Things phenomenon, there has never been a better time to celebrate Bush with this joyful, unique and mind-blowing show. Following its sold-out, critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe runs, two Soho Theatre seasons and 2020-2022 UK tours this smash-hit, award-winning show is back.

The Noise Next Door presents

Hometown Heroes

24 March 2023

The quickest wits in comedy are coming to town with a side-splitting evening of hilarious off-the-cuff songs, scenes and characters. The stars of Tonight at the Palladium (ITV1) will spin comedy gold out of all the things that the live audience, think are the best, worst and down-right weirdest things about your hometown

A Wiltshire Creative production

The Tempest

By William Shakespeare

24 May – 4 June

Churchill Gardens, Salisbury, SP1 2HS

“Oh brave new world That has such people in’t!”

A stunning re-imagining of Shakespeare’s fabulous tale, and journey deep into one of Salisbury’s most beloved parks. A mighty storm shipwrecks a King and his entourage on an island of magic and mystery. It is a place of music and visions, surprising encounters and unlikely friendships. But what secrets does this island hold? Who or what is really in charge? And will the world ever be the same again? This unique new show is an outdoor walkabout production, meaning our professional actors and talented community contributors will take you from scene to scene to different locations around the park. Some locations will involve standing. Before booking please be confident that you can move with us during this performance (approx. 1km).

LISTINGS

WILTSHIRE CREATIVE

Salisbury Playhouse, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury,

SP2 7RA

Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury,

SP1 3UT

Churchill Gardens, Salisbury, SP1 2HS

Box office: 01722 320 333 / [email protected]

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE:

HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES

7.30pm/2.15pm

Tickets from: £12

MIND MANGLER

14 March and 15 March

7:30pm

Tickets from £15

BREIF ENCOUNTER

7.30pm/2.15pm

Tickets from: £12

SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE:

MOSCOW DRUG CLUB

28 January 2023

7.30pm

Tickets from £18

AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH

18 March 2023

7.30pm

Tickets from £19.50

HOMETOWN HEROES

24 March 2023

7.30pm

Tickets from £15.50

CHURCHILL GARDENS:

THE TEMPEST

Wednesday 24 May – Sunday 4 June

Various times

Tickets from £20

WILTSHIRE CREATIVE

Wiltshire Creative brings together Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury International Arts Festival and Salisbury Playhouse. Salisbury Playhouse is one of Britain’s leading producing theatres, with a national reputation for home-grown work of the highest quality that attracts audiences from across Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset and beyond. Recent theatre productions include the world premieres of Blood Wedding by Barney Norris and The Mirror Crack’d by Rachel Wagstaff. Recent audio and digital productions include the world première of Making Massinger by Simon Butteriss, the British première of Call Cutta at Home by Rimini Protokoll and Shift a significant youth led project amplifying young voices.

www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Twitter, Instagram and Facebook: @WiltsCreative

Original Theatre, in association with New Wolsey Theatre, 

presents the premiere of 

THE TIME MACHINE – A COMEDY 

Written by Steven Canny & John Nicholson  

Based on a story created with Mark Shanahan 
Adapted from the novel by H.G. Wells  

Directed by Orla O’Loughlin  

Opening at New Wolsey Theatre on 23 February 2023, and then on tour

Original Theatre, in association with New Wolsey Theatre, presents the UK premiere of THE TIME MACHINE, a fast-paced and wise-cracking retelling of the world-famous novel by H.G. Wells, written by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, based on a story created with Mark Shanahan. The production, directed by Orla O’Loughlin, will open at New Wolsey Theatre with a run from 23 February – 4 March 2023, followed by a national tour. Casting is to be announced. 

The 2023 tour of THE TIME MACHINE visits Derby Theatre (7-11 March), York Theatre Royal (14-18 March), Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (21-25 March), Malvern Theatres (28 March-1 April), Octagon Theatre Bolton (12-22 April) and Theatre Royal Bath (24-29 April). 

From the team behind the smash hit comedy The Hound of the Baskervilles and the award-winning Original Theatre who delivered Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d and Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art, this is an adaptation like no other. When the world of science fiction and science fact collide extraordinary and mind-boggling things can happen. Audiences can expect the most surprising and unforeseen consequences as they go on a roller coaster journey through time. Warning: may contain show tunes.  

THE TIME MACHINE’s creative team is Orla O’Loughlin (Director), Steven Canny and John Nicholson (Writers), Fred Meller (Designer), Colin Grenfell (Lighting Designer) and Greg Clarke (Sound Designer). 

Director Orla O’Loughlin said: “If there was ever a moment for some silliness, escapism and chaotic, joyous fun, it is now. This riotous take on a much-loved classic celebrates our timeless desire to turn the clock back. In these trying times this story has never felt more timely. It feels vital that we can gather together to dispel the gloom and allow ourselves the release of a good night out.” 

Writers Steven Canny and John Nicholson said: “Writing a new play is a bit of a bananas undertaking at the moment. But undertake it we have and we can’t wait to see what this world-beating creative team make of it. We’ve tried to write a show that is funny, poignant, ridiculous and we sincerely hope it will give people a memorable, laugh-filled, time. We love being in a room filled with laughter – so that’s always our aim. And we’re grateful to Original for backing us and giving us that chance.” 

Original Theatre’s Artistic Director Alastair Whatley said: “I’m thrilled to be bringing John and Steve’s latest re-invention to the stage in the form of this inspired adaptation of H.G. Wells genre defining classic THE TIME MACHINE. Audiences up and down the country loved The Hound of the Baskervilles when it toured last year, and we couldn’t be more delighted to bring the team back together for another adventure – this time to the outer edges of human experience…and we hope back.” 

For more information and for booking links, visit Original Theatre: www.originaltheatre.com/our-productions/the-time-machine. 

Age guidance: 10+. 

2023 TOUR LISTINGS  

23 February – 4 March            New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich (on sale now) 

7-11 March                             Derby Theatre (on sale soon) 

14-18 March                           York Theatre Royal (on sale now) 

21-25 March                           Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (on sale now) 

28 March – 1 April                   Malvern Theatres (on sale now 

12-22 April                              Octagon Theatre, Bolton (23 Nov; general on sale 5 Dec) 

24-29 April                              Theatre Royal Bath (on sale now) 

Crazy Coqs – 23 & 30 November 2022

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

The bizarre story of the beginnings of spiritualism is told by the most unreliable narrator possible, Kate Fox, whose childhood pranks led to fame and the birth of the movement. Bitter, defiant, unrepentant – and a little sloshed – Kate shares her story as she “retires”.

Having only seen the online version pf Luke Bateman and Michael Conley’s mad musical, the energy and atmosphere of a live audience elevates Michael Conley’s performance to even greater heights. This is a man who knows how to work a room. Conley’s version of Kate is hilariously arch and self-serving, an early admission that there are only two honest reasons for doing anything – profit and attention says it all. The ghosts of sisters Leah and Maggie are present – or are they? – in the form of musical supervisor Tamara Saringer and percussionist Calie Hough, who both admirably manage to keep deadpan expressions throughout.

Bored and resentful after being moved to a quiet hamlet that she can’t quite bring herself to name without gagging, Kate and her sisters’ tricks soon develop into her communicating with a spirit in the house through knocking sounds. Gleefully explaining the simple trick through song, Popping my Toes the audience are let in on her methods early on in the show. Kate’s oft-repeated mantra that people want to believe never quite brings her to self-realisation, but that could be down to her two best friends – Jim Beam and Glen Livet. The true (?) history of the Fox sisters makes incredible reading, and it is now hard to imagine the public’s need and fascination for communing with the dead, but as Kate points out, the civil war provided plenty of new customers – Kerching. All this couldn’t last however, and the sisters’ relationships soured thanks to marriages and alcohol – all explained in scathing detail by Kate.

In Kate, Bateman and Conley have created a monster that you just can’t stop watching. Conley’s performance is a tour de force – broad and brassy, with small moments teasing some remorse or shred of humanity, before landing a bitchy and hilarious insult. The songs work brilliantly with a live audience, with lyrics as funny as Kate’s monologue. The jokes come thick and fast, with Conley’s comic timing perfectly judged to milk every laugh.

The only spirits present at the Crazy Coqs are on the drinks menu, but that won’t stop you falling under the influence of this eccentric and joyous show.

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 24th November 2022

Reviewed by Emma Barnes

4****

Welsh National Opera brings La Bohème to Southampton,  and with winter on the horizon what a befitting way to transition into the new season. 

Picture the scene, it’s a cold and bitter Christmas eve in 19th-century Paris.  Four artist friends – a painter, a musician, a poet and a philosopher are poverty stricken but happy in their Bohemian existence, avoiding the rent man and scrounging free meals.   Their fates change forever with a visit from a neighbour, the ill fated Mimi (Anush Hovhannisyan), an embroiderer, who is looking for a light for her candle and finds love with poet Rodolpho (Luis Gomes).

The first half of the opera is optimistic and exuberant. Love is in the air and the café scene lights up the stage with birds, song, fireworks and happiness.  Musetta (Haegee Lee) a singer and on off lover of Marcello, the painter (Rodion Pogossov) makes an entrance, for us the highlight of the show was undoubtably Musetta’s flirtatious waltz accompanied by the wonderful WNO orchestra, what a treat.

The second half becomes increasingly dark and impending as Mimi’s health weakens and it becomes clear that fate, circumstance and poverty allows the four friends very little opportunity to influence her fate.  

La Bohème is a love story,  a tragedy. It is said to be one Puccini’s greatest works,  a deeply emotional opera with wonderfully romantic music.  The clever juxtaposition between dark and light, poverty and wealth, sickness and health are all played out as we were exposed to the extremes of human experience.

The staging was excellent,  from the smoky grey rooftops scenes of the Latin Quarter,  the joyous and colourful café scene, to the snowfall at the start of act three which set the tone for the events that followed,   everything was perfectly balanced to capture the emotion played out in scene.

La Bohème is often cited as the perfect opera for a newcomer. I watched this production alongside my Mother who has enjoyed this opera several times,  and my friend who was entirely new to the experience.  We were all thrilled by the rollercoaster of emotions.

Is it better to have loved and lost than never loved at all ?    We think so. This was both a heartwarming and heartbreaking story of love shining through, told through the lens of poverty, despair and loss.

New Wimbledon Theatre – until 26 November 2022

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge 

5***** 

New Wimbledon Theatre brings you the entertaining and established, amazing rock and roll musical created by Richard O’Brien. The one and only Rocky Horror Show! With fantastic outfits that are raunchy and sexy complete with some spectacular dancing that’s at another level of seductive and alluring that will entertain you from start to finish. A great tribute to the original Rocky Horror show. 

The story starts with Brad (Richard Meek) and Janet (Haley Flaherty) A newly engaged young strait-laced couple who are on their way to meet a professor in which they both knew from college. When things take a turn for the worst and their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. The only thing that seems to be around is a creepy castle that belongs to a strange creature called Frank N Furter (Stephen Webb) an alien transvestite from the planet Transexual! When all they want to do is use the phone, in order to get help they embark on a night that will change their world forever. They go on to experience things that to them, would never seem possible! As the night begins to unfold it’s clear that anything goes in this strange and unusual place that’s full of sex, lust and lots of manipulation and even murder! 

This show has so much extravagance and is certainly not the norm offering a different experience from most shows. You definitely know the ones who love and frequent this show from the shout out participation from the audience, which adds more excitement and laughter throughout. Along with a narrator (Jackie Clune) that was as sharp and charismatic as her audience, not letting a single comeback get past her. Just brilliant! 

The whole cast were just exceptional from start to finish offering an experience that will stay with your forever. 

Frank N Furter played his part exceptionally well as a master of sexual lust and glamour that was just fascinating to watch. To be fair if I looked as good as he did there would be no issues! 

Looking around the theatre it was great to see so many outfits as well as the show full of basques, heels eye catching suspenders for the novices! 

The production offered so much fun and excitement watching everyone participate loud and proud and dancing and thrusting their pelvis away to ‘The Timewarp‘. If you’re not into being loud and taking part this is definitely not the show for you. On the other hand, if you want a wild night out with much laughter and excitement get yourself down to The Rocky Horror Show it won’t disappoint. For me spectacular is all I need to say. 

If you’re a complete beginner, then hold onto your seats for an extravagant rollercoaster ride of pure brilliance!

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 26th November 2022

Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth

4****

The majority know of Pride and Prejudice or have at least heard of Jane Austen, well here comes a fantastically bold, humorous and bright spin on the original.

Get ready for a very similar storyline to the original Pride and Prejudice but with so much more fun and humour injected into it. Follow the journey, just like the classic English literature 1813 novel, of the Bennet sisters. The sisters are under pressure from their mother Mrs Bennet (Isobel McArthur), to find a suitable husband as soon as possible, in order to have someone male to receive the inheritance from Mr Bennet (the inheritance can only be passed to a male heir). Mrs Bennet lacks an inheritance so the family face becoming poor after Mr Bennet’s death.

The all-female casts take on all the roles, quite marvellously, right from Elizabeth (Leah Jamieson) through to Mr Darcy (McArthur) and Mr Bingley (Hannah Jarrett-Scott). The transition between characters is super smooth and impressive. The show starts out as five servants coming out of the shadows of Austen’s book to tell the tale, then the revolving door of changes and characters sets going…

This is not a musical as such, but has lots of music running through it and all the female cast are blessed with beautiful singing voices. Such a beautiful tone on Jamieson, even seen through some of the songs that she is clearly acting out in character rather than trying to impress. The songs are all recognisable big hits, some could say karaoke style, but such a welcome part of the show; which did need some breaking up at times, with it being a two-and-a-half hour performance. Maybe a few more songs would be welcomed!

The cast are all extremely talented, each bringing their own ingredients to an uplifting performance. Stand out funny with excellent comedic timing is Jarrett-Scott, she had the auditorium in stitches throughout, she has an excellent energy which transfers to every scene. Great timing again from Jamieson, dry and likeable. Also getting laughs was Tori Burgess, multiple great gags and moments.

The set and props are well thought out and really effective, keeping the audience interested and engaged. Hats off to lighting designer Colin Grenfell for such a great use of his tools. The lighting plays such a huge part in this show, sometimes transforming the set completely with just a drop of light or the addition of another.

Funny and light with some really lovable characters…what’s not to like?

OPENING HOURS EXTENDED!

It’s nowhere near closing time at the best pub in the world!

After sell-out shows on its return to the West End, THE CHOIR OF MAN extends bookings to 28th May 2023

The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham – until Saturday 26th November 2022

Reviewed by Emma Millward

4****

Saturday Night Fever boogied into Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre this week. Based on the storyline of the hit 1977 movie starring John Travolta, this jukebox musical features mostly songs written and performed by the Bee Gees. Directed by Bill Kenworthy, it tells the story of Tony Manero (Jack Wilcox), an Italian American man who lives in Brooklyn with his overbearing parents. His only break from reality is when he’s at the ‘2001 Odyssey’ discotheque, where he’s the king of the dance floor and admired by everyone.

As the curtain goes up, we are immediately immersed in the sights and sounds of New York, including the sound of the subway clattering in the distance. We get our first glimpse of Tony as he walks the famous strut through the streets from the original film’s opening scene, carrying paint cans back to the hardware store where he works. Jack Wilcox plays Tony with just the right amount of arrogant confidence and swagger necessary for such an iconic role. This was particularly evident in the approving whoops and wolf whistles from the audience during one particular scene when Tony is changing very slowly into the iconic white suit!

While he is dancing and romancing at the disco one Saturday night, Tony meets a talented dancer called Stephanie Mangano (played brilliantly by Rebekah Bryant). Unlike most of the other women at the disco, Stephanie rejects Tony’s sexual advances, but ultimately agrees to take part in an upcoming dance contest. Their rehearsals for the contest, including learning the dance routine to ‘More Than a Woman’, offer some comedic but also tender moments in the show.

The whole cast work well together as an ensemble. The two lead characters, of course, stand out. But other exceptional performances for me included Harry Goodson-Bevan as the doomed Bobby C, a man struggling with a major life decision for him and his pregnant Catholic girlfriend. His solo performance of the song ‘Tragedy’ was touching, but also had an unexpected nostalgic nod to the ‘Steps’ dance routine thrown in for good measure by choreographer Bill Deamer. Billie Hardy also shone as Annette, the smitten girl who is pushed aside by Tony, and ends up in the arms of his friends with disastrous results.

On stage throughout are talented musicians led by Musical Director Jeremy Wootton. Up in the rafters of the stage backdrop that doubles as the Brooklyn Bridge and the nightclub itself, they are joined by the show’s very own Bee Gees (Drew Gerry, Oliver Thomson, and AJ Jenks). All clad in shiny gold suits and Bee Gee appropriate wigs, they sing most of the songs in the show. Their vocals were pitch perfect, even on those well-known falsetto parts. 

Although the catchy songs and the energetic dance routines are all very ‘feel good’, there is no denying this is a very adult show. Misogyny, racism, drug abuse, sexual assault and suicide are all themes heavily featured in the show. The derogatory language and violence has been toned down from the original film, but there is still a lot of offensive language and a recommended audience age of 14 years or older. 

My only real criticism would be that the show seemed a bit rushed towards the end and the story seemed to finish rather abruptly. But the cast soon made up for this with an all-singing, all-dancing Bee Gees medley for an encore that got everyone up out of their seats dancing and singing along. Grab your tickets (and your dancing shoes) for the best disco in Brum this weekend!! 

★★★★★

“Punchy, playful and sexy, this Oklahoma! is an absolute knockout” The Telegraph

INITIAL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED

SMASH-HIT PRODUCTION OF RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S OKLAHOMA!

★★★★★

“Oklahoma! is stunningly reimagined” Financial Times

Eva Price, Sonia Friedman Productions and Michael Harrison in association with the Young Vic Theatre today announce initial casting for the West End transfer of the critically acclaimed production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!. Reprising their roles from the run at the Young Vic are Raphael Bushay (Mike), Arthur Darvill (Curly McLain), James Patrick Davis (Will Parker), Stavros Demetraki (Ali Hakim), Greg Hicks (Andrew Carnes), Rebekah Hinds (Gertie Cummings), Anoushka Lucas (Laurey Williams), Marie-Astrid Mence (Lead Dancer), Liza Sadovy (Aunt Eller) and Patrick Vaill (Jud Fry), with full casting to be announced shortly. The production will open at Wyndham’s Theatre on 28 February 2023, with previews from 16 February, and run until 2 September 2023. The production is currently nominated for four Evening Standard Awards, including for Best Musical, Best Director and Best Musical Performance for Vaill.

The Producers have set aside a number of £10 tickets for Monday – Wednesday performances that are offered directly to those currently under-represented in West End theatre audiences. These are made available via an outreach programme run by Sita McIntosh of Inclusive Audiences – www.inclusiveaudiences.com.

Reimagined for the stage by Daniel Fish, the production played a sold-out run at the Young Vic earlier this year, having previously transferred to Broadway from St. Ann’s Warehouse winning the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival.

★★★★★

“Your heart will soar. Exceptional.” Metro

Eva Price, Sonia Friedman Productions, Michael Harrison

in association with the Young Vic Theatre

present

The Bard Summerscape production of

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s

OKLAHOMA!

Music by RICHARD RODGERS

Book and Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

Based on the play “Green Grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs

Original Choreography by Agnes de Mille

Director: Daniel Fish; Orchestrations, Arrangements and Co-Music Supervision: Daniel Kluger; Choreographer: John Heginbotham; Scenic Designers: Lael Jellinek & Grace Laubacher;

Costume Designer: Terese Wadden; Lighting Designer: Scott Zielinski; Sound Designer: Drew Levy;

Projection Designer: Joshua Thorson; Co-Music Supervision and Additional Vocal Arrangements: Nathan Koci

Forget what you think it is… this is Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! as you’ve never seen it before – re-orchestrated and reimagined for the 21st century. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, Daniel Fish’s bold interpretation recently enjoyed a sold-out run at the Young Vic following sold-out runs in New York and across the U.S. on tour.

Oklahoma! tells a story of a community banding together against an outsider, and the frontier life that shaped America. Eighty years after Rodgers & Hammerstein reinvented the American musical, this visionary production is funny and sexy, provocative and probing, without changing a word of the text.

Raphael Bushay plays Mike. His theatre work includes The Crucible (National Theatre), Red Riding Hood (Theatre Royal Stratford East), The Tempest, Henry V (Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre), Don Quixote (Royal Shakespeare Company), As You Like It (The Lamb Players), Peter Pan, Henry V (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Queen of Chapletown (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox (UK / UAE tour, NST / Lyric Hammersmith / Leicester Curve), and Kampala (The Miniaturists / Arcola Theatre). For television, his work includes Holby City.

Arthur Darvill plays Curly McLain. His theatre work includes Rare Earth Mettle (Royal Court Theatre), Been So Long (Young Vic), The Antipodes, Treasure Island (National Theatre), Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse), Once (Broadway and West End), Genesis INC. (Hampstead Theatre), Hir (Bush Theatre), Elevenses/Beginning To End (Somerset House), Our Boys, Swimming With Sharks (West End), Marine Parade (Brighton Festival), Doctor Faustus (Shakespeare’s Globe), White Rabbit Red Rabbit (Gate Theatre), Is Everyone OK? (Nabokov), Stacey (Arcola Theatre), and Terre Haute (Edinburgh Fringe Festival/West End/tour). For television, his work includes Grace, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, World on Fire, Danny & the Human Zoo, Broadchurch, Doctor Who, The White Queen, The Paradise, Little Dorrit, He Kills Coppers, and The Verdict; and for film, Fairytale Sect, Minutes Past Midnight, Robin Hood; Sex Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Pelican Blood.

James Patrick Davis plays Will Parker. His US theatre credits includeOklahoma! (Theatre World Award recipient for Breakthrough Performance on Broadway, also at St. Ann’s Warehouse and Bard Summerscape), The House of Blue Leaves (Broadway), We Are Proud to Present a Presentation… (Soho Rep), The Mother of Invention (Abingdon), The More Loving One (La MaMa),  Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare Theatre Company), Richard II, Long Day’s Journey into Night, As You Like It (Quintessence Theatre Group), Clybourne Park (Long Wharf Theatre), and American Buffalo (Studio Theatre). For television, his work includes Search Party.

Stavros Demetraki plays Ali Hakim. For theatre his work includesPeter Pan (Birmingham Rep), The Vote (Donmar Warehouse), Timon of Athens, Antigone, She Stoops To Conquer, The Kitchen (National Theatre), Adventures In Wonderland, Supermarket Shakespeare (Teatro Vivo), As You Like It (Dash Arts / Curve), Blood Wedding (Liverpool Everyman), By The Way (Chopped Logic), Gilgamesh (Belgrade Theatre / UK tour), and Birds Without Wings (Eastern Angles). For television, his work includes Miss Scarlett & The Duke, Doctor Who, Tyrant, and White Van Man; and for film, The Phantom Warrior, Hampstead, Risen, Dracula Untold, The Hope Rooms, Blush Furiously, and The Simple Equation.

Greg Hicks plays Andrew Carnes. His theatre work includes Dinner with Groucho (Civic Theatre Dublin, Belfast International Festival, Arcola Theatre), The Open House (Bath/Print Room), Richard III, The Kreutzer Sonata, Clarion (Arcola Theatre), Play Strindberg (Ustinov Studio), All’s Well That Ends Well, Hamlet, Little Eagles, Anthony & Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, A Winter’s Tale, King Lear (RSC), Angels in America (Headlong), Venice Preserved (Citizens), Coriolanus (The Old Vic – Critics’ Circle Award and Olivier nomination Best Actor). For television, his work includes  Domina, Citizen Charlie, Burton & Taylor, and The Bible; Midsomer Murders; and for film, The Mercy,and Snow White and the Huntsman.

Rebekah Hinds plays Gertie Cummings. Her theatre work includes Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder (Paines Plough’s Roundabout – Winner of Best Musical Edinburgh Fringe), What’s New Pussycat? (Birmingham Rep), Paradise (Hampstead Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (Watford Palace), Grotty (The Bunker), Humble Boy (Orange Tree), Anita & Me (UK tour), The Government Inspector (Birmingham Rep/Ramps on the Moon UK Tour – Olivier Award Nominated), Billy Liar (Royal Exchange), Around the World (Sadler’s Wells & Mint Theater, New York), The Little Prince – Concert (Savoy), and Sondheim Prom (Royal Albert Hall). Hinds won the Audience Favourite Award in the Musical Comedy Awards 2019 as half of comedy duo Maris Piper. For television, her work includes Scarborough, Inside No. 9, The Syndicate, Trollied, Shameless, Aunties, and Stains of Staines; and for film, Who Fired That Cannon?, Shandyland, The Public Benefits, and Woman of the Night.

Anoushka Lucas plays Laurey Williams. Her theatre credits include Elephant (Bush Theatre – also playwright), Henry V (Donmar Warehouse), After Life (National Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Chiaroscuro (Bush Theatre), Faces in the Crowd (Gate Theatre), and Sparks (Edinburgh Fest / Vault Festival). For film, her work includes Murder on the Orient Express and Been So Long. Her recording work includes her debut album Dark Soul (debut album); and her composition includes Sparks (BBC Radio 4 / Edinburgh Festival / Vault Festival), The Ballad of Klook and Vinette (Park Theatre / NAMT Festival NYC), and The Etienne Sisters (Theatre Royal Stratford).

Marie-Astrid Mence is Lead Dancer. Her theatre work includes Then Or Now, Table Talk, The Waiting Game, Courage, Like Water, Click, Pendulum, Captured, Washa, Ingoma, House Of Dream, The Suit, Red Riding Hood, Storyville, A Dream Within A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Dépouillement, Tearfall, Melt, Mapping, Until Without Enough, Undivided Love. For television, her work includes Find me in Paris, L’Opera, and Spellbound.

Liza Sadovy plays Aunt Eller. Her theatre credits include Cabaret (KitKatClub at The Playhouse Theatre – Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical), Living Newspaper, A Separate Reality (Royal Court), Present Laughter (The Old Vic), I’m Not Running, Absolute Hell, Tales from the Vienna Woods, The Heiress (National Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (Chichester Festival Theatre), Pygmalion (Headlong), Wicked (Victoria Apollo), Oliver! (Sheffield Crucible), Mrs Klein (Northampton Theatre Royal – winner of TMA Best Supporting Actress), La Bête (Comedy Theatre and Music Box Theatre New York), Annie Get Your Gun, The Good Soul of Szechuan, Six Characters Looking for an Author (Young Vic), Sunday in the Park with George (West End and Menier Chocolate Factory), Secret Rapture (Bristol Old Vic), Richard II (Berkoff Productions), The Dresser and the UK première of Into The Woods (West End), Alice (RSC), The Slow Drag (Whitehall Theatre), Broken Glass (Manchester Library Theatre), Company (Donmar Warehouse and West End), and Sugar Hill Blues (Hampstead Theatre). For television, her work includes A Small Light, Outlander, Ridley Road, Vera, Babylon, The Honorable Woman, Emma, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Extras, Prime Suspect, Tonight at 8:30, Castles,and I Remember Nelson; and for film, Kativta & Teresa, Disobedience, The Knot, Sweeney Todd, Topsy-Turvy, and Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire.

Patrick Vaill plays Jud Fry – reprising the role he has played in Daniel Fish’s production since its conception. He is currently nominated for Best Musical Performance at this year’s Evening Standard Awards. His US theatre credits include I’m Revolting (Atlantic Theatre Company), Oklahoma! (Broadway, St. Ann’s Warehouse, Bard SummerScape – Drama Desk and Grammy Award Nominations), Macbeth (Lincoln Center Theatre), Peter Pan (Bedlam), Cabaret (national tour, Roundabout Theatre Company), Edward II (Red Bull), Camelot, Othello, Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, Henry V, Richard II, As You Like It, Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Shakespeare Theatre Company, DC), and also work with Bay Street Theatre, Capital Rep, amongst others. For television, his work includes Dash & Lily; and for film, Bleecker, Xmas In July, and short films The Lovers and Research.

After long and highly distinguished careers with other collaborators, Richard Rodgers (composer, 1902-79) and Oscar Hammerstein II (librettist/lyricist, 1895-1960) joined forces in 1943 to create the most successful partnership in American Musical Theater. Prior to joining forces, Rodgers collaborated with lyricist Lorenz Hart on musical comedies that epitomized wit and sophistication (Pal Joey, On Your Toes, Babes in Arms and more), while Hammerstein brought new life to operetta and created the classic, Show Boat, with Jerome Kern. Oklahoma!, the first Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, introduced an integrated form that became known as “the musical play.” Their shows that followed included Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music. Collectively, the Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals have earned Tony, Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, Pulitzer and Olivier Awards. The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization is a Concord Company.

Daniel Fish is a New York-based director who makes work across the boundaries of theatre, film, and opera. He draws on a broad range of forms and subject matter including plays, film scripts, contemporary fiction, essays and found audio. His 2019 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! transferred to Broadway from St. Ann’s Warehouse and won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. Other recent work includes White Noise, inspired by the novel by Don DeLillo (Ruhrfestspiele Recklingshausen, Theater Freiburg, Skirball NYU), Most Happy, based on Frank Loesser’s “The Most Happy Fella” (Williamstown Theater Festival), Michael Gordon’s opera, Acquanetta (Prototype Festival/Bard SummerScape), Don’t Look Back (The Chocolate Factory), Who Left This Fork Here (Baryshnikov Arts Center, Onassis Center), Ted Hearne’s The Source (BAM NEXT WAVE, LA Opera, San Francisco Opera), and Eternal, a video installation. His work has been seen at theatres and festivals throughout the U.S. and Europe including, The Walker Arts Center, PuSH, Teatro Nacional D. Maria, Lisbon/Estoril Film Festival, Vooruit, Festival TransAmériques, Noorderzon Festival, The Chocolate Factory, The Public Theater’s Under The Radar, Opera Philadelphia/Curtis Opera Theater, American Repertory Theater, Richard B. Fisher Center at Bard College, Yale Repertory Theater, McCarter Theater, Signature Theater, The Shakespeare Theater Company, Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus, Staatstheater Braunschweig, and The Royal Shakespeare Company. Residencies and commissions include The MacDowell Colony, Baryshnikov Arts Center, Mass MOCA, and LMCC/ Governor’s Island. In December 2022, he will première a new production of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide for Opera National de Lyon. He is graduate of Northwestern University’s Department of Performance Studies and has taught at The Juilliard School, Bard College, and The Department of Design for Stage and Film at NYU Tisch School of the Arts.  He is the recipient of the 2017 Herb Alpert Award in the Arts for the Theater.

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OKLAHOMA! 

LISTINGS:

Wyndham’s Theatre

Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DA

Box Office: 0344 482 5151 / www.OklahomaWestEnd.com

Groups booking: 0344 482 5100

Access booking: 0344 482 5137

Tickets from £10