UK TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

FOR

CURVE AND SADLER’S WELLS PRODUCTION

OF THE MUSICAL
42^nd STREET

OPENING AT

CURVE, LEICESTER ON

WEDNESDAY 17^th MAY 2023
FOLLOWED BY A SEASON AT SADLER’S WELLS

FROM WEDNESDAY 7^th JUNE 2023

David Ian for Crossroads Live UK and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions are delighted to announce that the Curve and Sadler’s Wells production of the musical 42^nd STREET will open at Curve, Leicester on Wednesday 17^th May 2023, followed by a season at Sadler’s Wells, London from Wednesday 7^th June 2023 before embarking on a UK tour visiting Canterbury, Leeds, Bristol, Plymouth, Cardiff, Glasgow, Milton Keynes, Liverpool, Manchester, Southampton, Newcastle, Woking and Belfast. Tour schedule below with further dates to be announced. 42ndstreettour.com

This new production will be directed by Jonathan Church (Singin’ in the Rain, The Drifters Girl) with choreography and design by Olivier Award winners Bill Deamer and Rob Jones. Casting and full creative team will be announced in due course.

This iconic song-and-dance spectacular features a hit parade of toe-tapping songs, including the title number, “We’re In The Money”, “Lullaby of Broadway”, “Shuffle Off To Buffalo” and “I Only Have Eyes For You”. 42^nd STREET is a timeless and inspiring showbiz fairy tale that combines breath-taking tap dance routines, backstage intrigue, classic romance and delightful comedy to dazzling effect.

Fresh off the bus from small-town America, young and beautiful Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York City dreaming of her name in lights. She quickly catches the eye of a big-time director and lands a spot in the chorus line of Broadway’s newest show…and when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy gets her shot at stardom.

42^nd STREET is a larger-than-life, massively entertaining celebration of musicals and the irrepressible spirit of Broadway that’s guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits. 

42^nd STREET has music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, and book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, based on the novel by Bradford Ropes. Original direction and dances were by Gower Champion. The show was originally produced on Broadway by David Merrick.

The use of all songs is by arrangement with Warner Bros. and EMI Publishing Ltd.

42^nd STREET 2023 TOUR
42ndstreettour.com

LISTINGS

Wednesday 17^th May – Saturday 3^rd June 2023
Leicester Curve Theatre
www.curveonline.co.uk
ON SALE NOW

Wednesday 7^th June – Saturday 2^nd July 2023
Sadler’s Wells
www.sadlerswells.com
ON SALE NOW

Thursday 13^th July – Saturday 22^nd July 2023
Canterbury, Marlowe Theatre
www.marlowetheatre.com
ON SALE NOW

Tuesday 25^th July – Saturday 29^th July 2023
Leeds Grand Theatre
www.leedsheritagetheatres.com
ON SALE NOW

Monday 31^st July – Saturday 5^th August 2023
Bristol Hippodrome
www.atgtickets.com/bristol-hippodrome
ON SALE 29^TH NOVEMBER

Monday 7^th August – Saturday 12^th August 2023
Plymouth Theatre Royal
www.theatreroyal.com
ON SALE NOW

Monday 14^th August – Saturday 19^th August 2023
Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre
www.wmc.org.uk
ON SALE 9^TH DECEMBER

Monday 21^st August – Saturday 26^th August 2023
Glasgow Theatre Royal
www.atgtickets.com/theatre-royal-glasgow
ON SALE 29^TH NOVEMBER

Monday 28^th August – Saturday 2^nd September 2023
Milton Keynes Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre
ON SALE SOON

Monday 4^th September – Saturday 9^th September 2023
Liverpool Empire
www.atgtickets.com/liverpool-empire
ON SALE SOON

Monday 25^th September – Saturday 30^th September 2023
Manchester Palace Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/palace-theatre-manchester
ON SALE SOON

Tuesday 3^rd October – Saturday 7^th October 2023
Mayflower, Southampton
http://www.mayflower.org.uk
ON SALE 12^TH DECEMBER

Tuesday 10^th October – Saturday 14^th October 2023
Newcastle Theatre Royal
https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/
ON SALE SOON

Monday 16^th October – Saturday 21^st October 2023
Woking, New Victoria Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
ON SALE SOON

Tuesday 24^th October – Saturday 28^th October 2023
Belfast, Grand Opera House
www.grandoperahouse.co.uk
ON SALE 28^TH NOVEMBER

FURTHER DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

CALL THE MIDWIFE’S

HELEN GEORGE

TO STAR AS ANNA IN MAJOR UK TOUR OF

MULTI TONY AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTION

EMBARKS ON UK TOUR FROM JANUARY 2023

Music by RICHARD RODGERS

Book and Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

Directed by Tony Award Winner BARTLETT SHER

“I doubt I will ever see a better production in my lifetime”

WALL STREET JOURNAL

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM KINGANDIMUSICAL.CO.UK

Helen George, known to millions for the past decade as Trixie in the hit BBC One series Call The Midwife, will star as Anna Leonowens in a major new UK tour of the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I, beginning at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre on 4 February. Having trained at the Royal Academy of Music and the Birmingham School of Acting, Helen’s musical theatre credits include Company, Love Never Dies and The Woman In White.

This gloriously lavish production will be brought to the stage by an internationally renowned creative team under Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher (South Pacific / My Fair Lady / To Kill a Mockingbird) and will feature a world-class company of over 50 talented performers and a full-scale orchestra.

Following a critically acclaimed Broadway smash-hit run, a sold-out season at the London Palladium (which resulted in the biggest global live event cinema release of 2018) and a previous record-breaking UK and International tour, this multi-Tony Award-winning production returns to venues all over the country next year – visiting Canterbury, Wimbledon, Liverpool, Birmingham, Llandudno, High Wycombe, Bristol, Dartford, Bradford, Southend, Cardiff, Glasgow and Dublin. Further UK cities and details of a major international tour will be announced soon.

Helen George said: “Theatre is my first love, and I am so excited to be returning to the stage for this beautiful, majestic production of The King and I. I was blown away when I saw Bartlett Sher’s staging of this wonderful show, so I can’t wait to work with him and the rest of the creative team to bring this timeless story back to the stage next year. Anna is such a strong, passionate and determined character, and I’m going to relish bringing her to life every night, as well as giving audiences all over the UK the chance to see this peerless Broadway and West End musical right on their doorstep.”

The critical acclaim for Bartlett Sher’s production has been phenomenal. When the show opened at the London Palladium in 2018, West End critics heaped praise on the show: the Daily Mail “left the London Palladium on a bright cloud of music”, while the The Times awarded the show “Five stars for a sumptuous King and I” declaring it “a hit”. Daily Express hailed it “London’s theatrical event of 2018” whilst The Daily Telegraph concurred proclaiming the show “looks and sounds ravishing”. Another five stars were awarded from the Sunday Express and the Financial Times called it “simply spellbinding”.

The King and I is a sumptuous, timeless romance from the golden age of musicals, adored by the public and critics alike – and boasting one of the finest scores ever written, including Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You, and Shall We Dance.

Set in 1860s Bangkok, The King and I tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

Further casting for the UK tour will be announced soon.

THE KING AND I – 2023 UK TOUR DATES

4 – 11 February Canterbury Marlowe Theatre

14 – 18 February Wimbledon New Theatre

21 – 25 February Liverpool Empire Theatre

28 Feb – 4 March Birmingham Alexandra Theatre

7 – 11 March Llandudno Venue Cymru

14 – 18 March High Wycombe Swan Theatre

28 Mar – 1 April Bristol Hippodrome

4 – 8 April Dartford Orchard Theatre

11 – 15 April Bradford Alhambra Theatre

18 – 22 April Southend Cliffs Pavilion

25 – 29 April Cardiff New Theatre

2 – 6 May Hull New Theatre

16 – 20 May Glasgow Kings Theatre

27 June – 1 July Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

*Helen George will perform on Wednesday – Saturday performances, at venues up to and including Cardiff New Theatre

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Website: KingandIMusical.co.uk

Twitter: @thekingandiuk

Facebook: @thekingandiuk

Instagram: @thekingandiuk

THE MOUSETRAP
THE WORLD’S LONGEST RUNNING PLAY

IS TO MAKE ITS

BROADWAY PREMIERE IN 2023

Agatha Christie’s legendary thriller
to open on Broadway for the first time ever

Special Commemorative Cartoon
marks today’s 70^th anniversary of the London
production, the world’s longest running play

(Friday 25^th November 2022) Agatha Christie’s iconic thriller, The Mousetrap, the longest running play in the world, marks its 70^th anniversary today by announcing that the show will make its Broadway premiere next year.

The legendary show – which has never been performed previously in New York – will open in 2023. For more information and to register for ticketing updates, go to www.mousetrapbroadway.com

Tickets will go on sale in the new year. Full booking and all production details will be announced in due course.

The New York premiere will be a co-production between The Mousetrap’s UK producer, Adam Spiegel, and multiple Tony Award-winning American producer Kevin McCollum, whose credits include Rent, Avenue Q, In The Heights and Motown The Musical, as well as the hugely successful Broadway productions of British smash hit shows The Play That Goes Wrong and Six.

Kevin said: “I am thrilled that Agatha Christie’s beloved murder mystery that changed popular theatre and has been a landmark attraction for US visitors to London’s West End for the past 70 years will now be coming to Broadway. I’m excited for the huge Christie fan-base in North America, and for the acting company in New York who will join the esteemed ranks of The Mousetrap alumni.”.

Adam said: “There can be no better way to mark today’s milestone in The Mousetrap’s illustrious run, than to look ahead to a production in New York. I feel after the longest out of town try-out in history, The Mousetrap is finally ready to transfer to Broadway!”

The Mousetrap today also releases a special cartoon, commemorating 70 years since the show first opened in London, and drawn by acclaimed writer and cartoonist for The Sunday Times and Private Eye, Nick Newman.

The Mousetrap’s history continues to be written into London life – from husband-and-wife Richard Attenborough and Sheila Sim starring in the inaugural production in 1952, and Queen Elizabeth II attending the 50^th anniversary performance, through to the performance on 17 May 2021 marking the official reopening of the West End after the Covid lockdown.

Today, on the 70^th Anniversary, a special midday matinee performance will take place in thanks and recognition of the vast number of people who have worked and continue to work on the production, with many guests having a historic connection to the show.

The Mousetrap is the genre-defining murder mystery from Agatha Christie, the world’s best-selling novelist of all time. The show has been performed over 28,915 times in London and has been seen by over 10 million people.

The 70^th Anniversary touring production of The Mousetrap opened at Nottingham Theatre Royal in September 2022 and will perform at over 70 venues throughout the U.K. and Ireland, ensuring this extraordinary milestone year will be marked across the country.

The Mousetrap is produced by Adam Spiegel.

For further information, see uk.the-mousetrap.co.uk

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 / ticketsales@wiltshirecreative.co.uk

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?