SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE AND HEADLONG ANNOUNCE CASTING FOR
HENRY V

Launching Shakespeare’s Globe’s Winter Season, Henry V opens in the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse on 10 November, running until 4 February. In a Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong production with Leeds Playhouse and Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Henry V will be performed in the intimate, indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse for the first time, exploring the single-minded pursuit of Henry V, and what it means to be ‘English’.

Director Holly Race Roughan (Artistic Director, Headlong) says: “Shakespeare’s plays are packed with so many universal ideas, that they remain intriguingly relevant to contemporary society hundreds of years on. However, occasionally, one of his plays speaks to the present moment so directly, that it takes your breath away. Staging Henry V with the backdrop of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Brexit, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, feels like one of these moments. This play that teems with the anxiety of royal succession, nationalism, war and imperialism, rips through the centuries and offers us a chance to reflect on our present moment in a powerfully heightened way. We were keen when we embarked on this production to not make a history play, but to treat the play as if it were a new piece of writing that is in conversation with our immediate experience. Our hope is that through this stripped back production, and lean edit, there is space for the audience to bring their imagination and question with us our present situation.”

The Globe’s winter season also includes the premiere of Hakawatis: Women of the Arabian Nights (1 December – 14 January) by Globe writer-in-residence Hannah Khalil. A Tamasha co-production directed by their Artistic Director Pooja Ghai. Hakawatis tells the story of a tyrant revenging his wife’s infidelity by wedding, bedding, and beheading a new bride every day. Years later, only five brides-in-waiting remain. From 15 – 31 December, The Fir Tree returns to the open-air Globe Theatre, directed by Artistic Director Michelle Terry and written by Hannah Khalil. This re-imagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale includes puppets, carol-singing, and tree decorating for families under the wintry star-lit sky.

In the new year, Shakespeare’s most deadly revenge tragedy Titus Andronicus will run from 19 January – 15 April, directed by Jude Christian. Betrayed by a nation, and with a family in ruins, Roman general Titus Andronicus seeks justice the only way he knows how: tooth for tooth and limb for limb. For the first time ever, audiences of The Winter’s Tale will traverse between both iconic theatres, journeying from aristocratic Sicilia in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse to pastoral Bohemia in the Globe Theatre. Directed by Associate Artistic Director Sean Holmes, The Winter’s Tale (9 Feb – 16 April) marks the start of the Globe’s year-long Folio 400th Anniversary celebrations.

The cast of Henry V comprises Joséphine Callies as Katherine / Boy, James Cooney as Thomas / Orleans / Gower, Georgia Frost as Nym / Michael Williams / Rambures, Jon Furlong as Bardolph / John Bates / Constable of France, Joshua Griffin as Bedford / Fluellen, Eleanor Henderson as Queen of France / Prince Louis / Ambassador 1 / Le Fer, Oliver Johnstone as Henry V, Geoffrey Lumb as King of France / Erpingham / Governor of Harfleur /Ambassador 2, Helena Lymbery as Henry IV / Exeter and Dharmesh Patel as Scroop / Pistol / Montjoy / Officer. Full cast biographies are as follows:

Joséphine Callies will play Katherine / Boy. Joséphine trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and at the Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique in Paris. She was nominated as a finalist of the Spotlight Prize 2021. Work whilst training includes Bad Roads, The Bacchae, Hamlet, Anatomy of a Suicide, All My Sons, The Cherry Orchard (RCS), Les Frères Ennemis (CNSAD). Theatre credits include: Aglavaine et Sélysette (La Colline, CDN
Besançon, Comédie de Reims), A Christmas Carol (Théâtre de Nesle). Television credits include Super (FEMIS), Sam (TF1).  Film credits include:  À Fond (Chic Films). Short film credits include: Luna (ESRA), The Dog (RCS).

James Cooney will play Thomas / Orleans / Gower. James trained as an actor at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) and recently gained a Masters in Actor Training and Coaching at Central School of Speech and Drama. He recently performed in The 47th and is well known for Bottleneck and work with The RSC. Theatre credits include: Around the World in 80 Days (Eastbourne Theatres); The 47th (Old Vic); The Taming of the Shrew, Measure for Measure, Troilus and Cressida, Hamlet, King Lear, Cymbeline (RSC); Hamlet (RSC – Hackney Empire/UK tour/Kennedy Center, Washington DC); Flare Path (UK tour); Plastic (Latitude); The Natives, 24 Hour Plays: Cinderland, The Bird and the Two-Ton Weight (Old Vic New Voices); Hamlet (Watermill, Newbury); Bottleneck (High Tide); Bottom Up (Southwark Playhouse); The Only Way is Chelsea’s (York Theatre Royal Newcastl/Soho); Apples/Thatcherwrite (Theatre503); Island (National Theatre). Television credits include: Andor, Casualty, The ABC Murders, Silent Witness, Doctors. Film includes: Strangeways Here We Come, Jester and Flora, Vic/Tim, Cushy, Etu. Radio credits include: The Verb: Sebastian (et Moi) / Brighter Later; Women in Love; Welcome to Medpatch; Stone; Elegies; Antic Hay; Emergency (All BBC Radio).

Georgia Frost will play Nym / Michael Williams / Rambures. Georgia trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Credits include Gaia (BBC + Breach Theatre), This Is Going To Hurt (BBC/ Sister Pictures), Death Drop (The Criterion Theatre), Placenta Pâté (Salisbury Productions), Europeana (RSC), Dead Dog In A Suitcase (Kneehigh/International tour), The Other One (BBC), Much Ado About Nothing (Tobacco Factory/ Wiltons Music Hall), A Monster Calls (The Old Vic), The Little Mermaid (The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath), Casualty (BBC).

Jon Furlong will play Bardolph / John Bates / Constable of France. Jon was most recently seen in Cyrano de Bergerac and is known for his work on All Creatures Great and Small. This is his debut at Shakespeare’s Globe. Theatre credits include Cyrano de Bergerac (Harold Pinter/ Glasgow Theatre Royal/ Brooklyn Academy of Music). Television credits include: The Last Kingdom (Netflix), All Creatures Great and Small (Channel 5), Ghosts (BBC). Other credits include: The Sandman: Act 2 (Audible), Mrs Lowry & Son, A Day in the Life.

Joshua Griffin will play Bedford / Fluellen. Joshua trained at Royal Central School of Speech & Drama. Theatre credits include Dear Elizabeth (Gate Theatre), The Mousetrap (West End), The Tempest (Wanamaker Festival), Fahrenheit 451 (Complicité ). Television credits include: Father Brown (BBC). Film credits include: Reach (LondonNew Wave), Magic Mike’s Last Dance (Warner Bros).

Eleanor Henderson will play Queen of France / Prince Louis / Ambassador 1 / Le Fer. Eleanor trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Theatre credits includes: little scratch (Hampstead Theatre), The BlueWoman (Royal Opera House), Blood Wedding (Salisbury Playhouse), The New Romantic (VAULTS Festival), Deep in
the Garden of Light (The Yard), Gave Her The Eye, (Soho Theatre), Corialanus (Bard in the Botanics), Albee Vector the Sound Collector, (House/UK Tour). Film credits include Saviours (National Film and Television School), Where the Mountains Grow (Black Apron Entertainment), Seven Deadly Sins (Discovery Channel), All is Not Lost, (Affixius Films/Leicestershire Police).

Oliver Johnstone will play Henry V. Theatre credits include Antigone (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (ETT), All My Sons (Old Vic), The Haystack (Hampstead Theatre), Imperium (RSC/Gielgud), Tribes (Crucible Theatre), King Lear (RSC/Barbican/BAM), Cymbeline (RSC/Barbican), Teddy Ferrara (Donmar Warehouse),
Oppenheimer (RSC), Spring Awakening (Headlong/WYP), Another Country (Chichester Festival Theatre). Film credits include: The Courier (42, FilmNation Entertainment, SunnyMarch), Open (Short Film) (Sunset Round); On Chesil Beach (Golan Films), The Inbetweeners 2 (Bwark Productions), Skyfall (Eon Productions). TV credits include:
Endeavour (ITV), Loaded (Hillbilly Films), Inspector George Gently (BBC), The Syndicate (BBC, Lewis (ITV), Whitechapel 3 (Carnival Films).

Geoffrey Lumb will play King of France / Erpingham / Governor of Harfleur / Ambassador 2. Geoffrey trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Theatre credits include: The Homecoming (Theatre Royal Bath/ UK Tour), The Mirror and the Light (Playful Productions/RSC/Gielgud Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (STF/Wilton’s), Tartuffe (National Theatre), This House (NT Tour/Headlong), King Charles III (Almeida UK tour/STC Sydney Australia), Macbeth and Twelfth Night (Filter), Prophesy and Macbeth (Baz Theatre), Chekhov in Hell (Soho Theatre/Drum Plymouth), Romeo and Juliet (US Tour), His Dark Materials (Birmingham Rep/West Yorkshire Playhouse), Rendition Monologues (Bridewell Theatre/Queen Elizabeth Hall), The Changeling (ETT), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shrew, The American Pilot, The Comedy of Errors, Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, King John, Vice Versa, Coriolanus and Troilus and Cressida (RSC), Hansel & Gretel (Northampton Theatre Royal), Twelfth Night (ETT). Television credits include: Midsomer Murders (ITV), Vera (ITV), Holby City (BBC), 24: Live Another Day (Fox), Doctors (BBC), Hollyoaks (Channel 4) and Luther (BBC). Film credits include Paddington 2 (Warner Brothers).

Helena Lymbery will play Henry IV / Exeter. Theatre credits include: Measure For Measure (Shakespeare’s Globe); Britannicus (Lyric, Hammersmith); Run Sister Run (Soho Theatre/Sheffield Theatres/Paines Plough); Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear; Treasure Island; This House; The Cat in the Hat; …some trace of her; Women of Troy; Attempts on her
Life; Iphigenia at Aulis; His Dark Materials; Wicked Yaar; Henry V (National Theatre); Dear Elizabeth (Gate Theatre); Queen Margaret (Royal Exchange Theatre); Pity (Royal Court); Wolves Are Coming For You (Pentabus); Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (West End); We Want You To Watch (RashDash/National Theatre); The Secret Agent (Young Vic/Theatre O); After Dido (Young Vic/ENO); Sleeping Beauty (Young Vic); Coasting (Bristol Old Vic); Faith, Hope and Charity; (Southwark Playhouse); Think About Japan (Southwark Playhouse/Nabokov); Yerma (West Yorkshire Playhouse); Blackpool (Theatre 503); Light Shining in Buckinghamshire (Arcola Theatre); Al Gran Sole Carico D’Amore (Salzburg Festival); Hansel and Gretel (Catherine Wheels/Barbican); Mammals (Bush Theatre); Blue
Remembered Hills (New Victoria Theatre, Stoke). Television credits include: Doctor Foster (Series 1&2), Father Brown, Oliver Twist, Alastair McGowan’s Big Impression, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, The Bill, Nietta’s Farm, Oranges and Lemons. Film credits include London Road.

Dharmesh Patel will play Scroop / Pistol / Montjoy / Officer. Dharmesh trained at Hope St Physical Theatre School. Previous work for Shakespeare’s Globe includes: The Captive Queen, Love’s Labour’s Lost, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Tempest and Cymbeline. Other theatre credits include: Groan Ups (Mischief Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (Creation Theatre), Duchess of Malfi (Creation Theatre), Wizard of Oz (Creation Theatre), Macbeth
(Big Telly Theatre), Alice in Wonderland (Creation Theatre), A Belly Full (Theatre at the Mill), Double Dealer (Orange Tree), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Lyric Theatre/Filter), Julius Caesar, Anthony and Cleopatra, Titus Andronicus, King Lear, Hamlet, Comedy of Errors, As You Like It, Romeo and Juliet (all RSC), East is East (National Tour), Fever Dream Southside (Citizens Theatre), Albion (Bush Theatre), England Away (National Tour), Too Clever by Half (Manchester Royal Exchange), The Snow Queen (Trestle), Happy and Married? (Freedom Studios), Satyagraha (Improbabl/New York), Beauty and the Beast (Lyric Hammersmith Theatre), Satygraha (Improbable/ENO), Coast (Contact, Manchester), Too Close to Home (Lyric Hammersmith Theatre/National Tour); Accidental Death of an Anarchist (Octagon, Bolton), Slow Time (National Theatre), Silent Cry (Red Ladder Theatre Co.), The Happy Prince (Leicester Haymarket Theatre). Television credits include: Vera (ITV), Casualty (BBC), Doctors (BBC), Ray’s Daze (BBC).

Henry V was cast by Becky Paris, Head of Casting at Shakespeare’s Globe.

Creative Team:
Mona Camille – Associate Designer
Naeem Hayat – Associate Director
Azusa Ono – Candle Consultant & Lighting Designer
Max Pappenheim – Composer & Sound Designer
Hattie Barsby – Costume Supervisor
Moi Tran – Designer
Holly Race Roughan – Director
Cordelia Lynn – Dramaturg
Kate Waters – Fight Director
Glynn MacDonald – Globe Associate – Movement
Tess Dignan – Head of Voice
Malik Nashad Sharpe – Movement Director
Katie Heath – Seasonal Voice Coach

CASTING ANNOUNCED AS REHEARSALS BEGIN FOR NEW MUSICAL

S A V I N G   G R A C E

AT THE RIVERSIDE STUDIOS

Producers Barney Wragg, Liz Murdoch, Xavier Marchand, Mark Crowdy and Craig Ferguson are delighted to announce casting today (18 October 2022) as rehearsals begin for the previously announced intimate first run of the new musical Saving Grace.

The cast comprises Dianne Pilkington (Grace), David Fynn (Matthew), Cat Simmons (Nicky), Gunnar Cauthery (Dr Bamford), Craig Ferguson (Charley), Ellen O’Grady (Morgelyn), Gay Soper (Posy), Wendy Somerville (Pam) and Tim Prottey-Jones (Shag) with Nathanael Campbell, Taite-Elliot Drew, Claire O’Leary, Anna MacLeod, Johan Munir, Tasha Sheridan, Madison Swan and Silas Wyatt-Barke.

Saving Grace will have twelve performances only at the Riverside Studios from Tuesday 22 November – Sunday 4 December 2022, with tickets from £30.

With book by April De Angelis and music and lyrics by KT Tunstall, Saving Grace is directed by Laurence Connor. Musical supervision and arrangements are by John Rigby with set and costume designs by Laura Hopkins, lighting by Bruno Poet, sound by Richard Brooker, orchestrations by KT Tunstall and John Rigby, choreography by Sophia McAvoy and casting by David Grindrod for Grindrod Burton Casting. The production is based upon the original Sky film Saving Grace, written by Craig Ferguson and Mark Crowdy, based on a story by Mark Crowdy.

Grace’s new joint venture makes the most of her skills as a gardener but stepping into the underworld was never part of the bargain. The sudden death of her husband leaves Grace alone and on the verge of bankruptcy. But can an unlikely friendship and a surprising idea for a business save the day? Discover how Grace reaches new “highs” in this hilarious and heart-warming adventure.

Saving Grace was originally released in 2000 as the British comedy film starring Brenda Blethyn and Craig Ferguson, was directed by Nigel Cole and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where it won the World Cinema Audience Award. After the success of the film, two prequels were made which were eventually developed into the hit ITV series Doc Martin.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Theatre:                             Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline St, London W6 9BN

Dates:                                22 November – 4 December 2022

Performances:Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Sundays at 2pm

Box Office:                         020 8237 1010

Website:                            savinggracethemusical.com

Facebook:                           SavingGraceMusical

Twitter:                              @savinggrace_uk

Instagram:                          @savinggrace_uk

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

AT HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE

EXTENDS BOOKING UNTIL AUTUMN 2023

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Her Majesty’s Theatre today announces a booking extension until Saturday 30 September 2023 and releases new production images.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA currently stars Killian Donnelly as The Phantom alongside Lucy St. Louis as Christine Daaé, Matt Blaker as Raoul and Kelly Glyptis as Carlotta, Matt Harrop as Monsieur Firmin, Adam Linstead as Monsieur André, Greg Castiglioni as Ubaldo Piangi, Francesca Ellis as Madame Giry and Ellie Young as Meg Giry. At certain performances the role of Christine Daaé is played by Holly-Anne Hull.

The cast is completed by Hollie Aires, Connor Carson, Corina Clark, Edward Court, Michelle Cornelius, Lily De-La-Haye, Hywel Dowsell, Serina Faull, James Gant, Eilish Harmon-Beglan, Emma Harris, Yukina Hasebe, Thomas Holdsworth, Olivia Holland-Rose, Jacob Hughes, Grace Hume, James Hume, Tim Morgan, Michael Robert-Lowe, Eve Shanu-Wilson, Tim Southgate, Anouk Van Laake, Jasmine Wallis, Ralph Watts, Skye Weiss, Simon Whitaker, Lizzie Wofford and Andrew York.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group Ltd. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Charles Hart, and Additional Lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the novel ‘Le Fantôme de l’Opera’ by Gaston Leroux, with Orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Musical Supervision is by Simon Lee. The Production Design is by Maria Björnson and the Set Design is adapted by Matt Kinley with Associate Costume Design by Jill Parker, Lighting is by Andrew Bridge with Associate Lighting Design by Warren Letton, Sound is by Mick Potter. The Musical Staging and Choreography is by Gillian Lynne, recreated and adapted by Chrissie Cartwright. Originally Directed by Harold Prince, this production is Directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn.

Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment

CLAUS THE MUSICAL

How the Boy became a Man. How the Man became a Legend

• CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR WORLD PREMIERE OF CLAUS THE MUSICAL BASED ON THE L.FRANK BAUM CLASSIC
• NEW MUSIC VIDEOS RELEASED OF THE CAST SINGING ‘THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS’ AND ‘THE CHILDREN’
• FROM THE WRITER OF ‘THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ’, THIS MAGICAL STORY OF SANTA CLAUS WILL RECEIVE ITS WORLD PREMIERE AT THE LOWRY, SALFORD FROM 14 DECEMBER 2022 – 8 JANUARY 2023
• TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.THELOWRY.COM

Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment is delighted to announce the casting for the world premiere of Claus The Musical which will run at The Lowry from 14 December 2022 – 8 January.

The cast includes Georgie Buckland who will play Necile, Junior Delius (AK), Chris Draper (Will Knook), Jazz Evans (Awgwa), Jessica Lim (Shiegra), Mari McGinlay (Zurline), Alwyne Taylor (Narrator), Corrine Priest (The Fairy Queen), Harry Winchester (Claus). Ensemble cast includes Emily George, Michael Kholwadia, Nic Cain, Emily Tang and Simon Oskarsson.

Directed by Kate Golledge, adapted for the stage by Simon Warne and with spellbinding music and lyrics from Andy Collyer, Claus The Musical brings the beloved L.Frank Baum children’s classic The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus to life in a show that will appeal to the child in everyone. 

New festive music videos have been released of the cast singing ‘The Miracle of Christmas’ and ‘The Children’ for the first time. These can be viewed here: The Children and The Miracle of Christmas (Please credit videographer Ben Hewis).

Further creative team includes Alex Beetschen (Musical Director), Stewart J Charlesworth (Set and Costume Design), Aaron Dootson (Lighting Design), Jane Deitch (Casting Director), Andrew Johnson (Sound Designer) and Lucinda Lawrence (Choreography).  Claus the Musical is Co-Produced by Jason Haigh-Ellery.

From the writer of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comes the story of Santa Claus, the man who will be forever in our hearts and, on Christmas Eve, forever in our skies. Abandoned as a baby in the magical Forest of Burzee, he is gifted to Necile, a wood nymph, who showers him with love and names him Claus.  With a helping hand from the mystical inhabitants of the forest – Fairies, Knooks and Ryls – she teaches him that kindness is the most important lesson of all, a gift that Claus eventually shares with us, as he embarks on a journey to bring the miracle of Christmas to the whole world.

NEW ROCK MUSICAL

SUPERYOU

TO MAKE UK DEBUT

AT MUSICAL CON ON 22 OCTOBER

AHEAD OF LONDON WORKSHOP

The new rock musical SUPERYOU with book, music, and lyrics by Lourds Lane, will be making its debut UK performance on the Main Stage at Musical Con, the West End’s first ever musical theatre fan convention, on Saturday 22 October at 12noon at EXCEL London. The performance comes in anticipation of a workshop of the musical which will take place in London in November with presentations in December.

Vicki Manser (SIX), Renée Lamb (SIX), Tom Francis (& Juliet) and Natalie Green (Les Misérables) will perform alongside creator Lourds Lane in the presentation at Musical Con with casting for the workshops to be announced.

SUPERYOU isan empowering female-led musical, celebrating the journey of a comic book artist who learns to love herself and find her voice when her own superheroine creations come to life. With rock music at its core, the score also incorporates many different styles of music including pop, hip hop, swing, gospel, and anthemic power ballads.

Originally slated to open off-Broadway in May 2020, SUPERYOU subsequently became the first theatrical show to safely perform live during the pandemic via concerts on pick-up trucks at a drive-in in upstate New York where it garnered a lot of attention both nationally and internationally. The concerts were filmed and released as a documentary on Broadway on Demand and extended three times due to overwhelming demand. The musical’s TikTok account has so far over 21 million views worldwide and the concept album of demos recorded by Lourds Lane has developed a substantial cult following. #FANCOVERFRIDAY was created in response to fans across the world recording and posting their own versions of the songs. Due to its online success SUPERYOU presented two sold out concerts at Carnegie Hall in New York City in July 2022.

SUPERYOU has direction and choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter, music direction and co-arrangements by Wendy Bobbitt Cavett. It is produced by All Awesome LLC / Melissa M. Jones.

The concept album can be heard here.

Website:www.superyoumusical.com

TikTok: @superyoumusical

Twitter: @superyoumusical

Instagram: @superyoumusical

The Great British Bake Off Musical Prepares to Transfer to the Noël Coward Theatre in London’s West End

Today, Mark Goucher Productions are delighted to announce The Great British Bake Off Musicalwill transfer to the West End opening at the Noël Coward Theatre for a limited twelve-week run from 25 February to 13 May 2023. Created in association with Creative Director and Executive Producer Richard McKerrow and the producers of the TV phenomenon, Love Productions, this musical comedy has perfectly reimagined the nation’s favourite baking show into a warm-hearted comedy musical. The Great British Bake Off was co-created by Anna Beattie and Richard McKerrow.

This adrenaline-fuelled, uplifting, funny new British musical which captivated the audiences at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham this summer is directed byRachel Kavanaugh [Wind in the Willows, Half a Sixpence]. Award winning West End and Broadway star John Owen Jones [Les Misèrables, The Phantom of the Opera] reprises his starring role as Phil Hollinghurst, the esteemed blue-eyed, silver-fox judge.

The Great British Bake Off Musical features an original and clever score, written by multi-award-winning duo Jake Brunger,(book and lyrics) and Pippa Cleary (music and lyrics) critically acclaimed as “one of musical theatre’s most dynamic writing partnerships”.

Inspired by the TV show this showstopper musical follows the amateur bakers as they seek to impress the judges and battle their way to be crowned Star Baker. The audience are taken on a rollicking journey of tap along songs and dance as the bakers face trials, tribulations, and baking failures along the way.

Scott Paige [The Addams Family, Nativity!] reprises his role as a presenter along with  the original cast of musical professionals who play the contestants; ], Claire Moore [Mary Poppins, The Girls, The King & I], Catriana Sandison [Evita, We Will Rock You], Charlotte Wakefield [The Boy In The Dress, Crazy For You, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang], Damian Humbley [Merrily We Roll Along, Hedda Gabler], Jay Saighal [Hedda Gabler , Romeo and Juliet, Richard III) Michael Cahill [Martin Guerre, Les Misérables, Starlight Express, Joseph], and making his West End debut Aharon Rayner. More cast will be announced soon.

The original creative team includes: choreographer Georgina Lamb, set, costume and cake designer Alice Power,  lighting designer Ben Cracknell, sound designer Ben Harrison, orchestrations Tom Curran, musical supervisor Mark Collins, assistant musical director Chris Poon and casting director Jim Arnold CDG.

Richard McKerrow said, “Working on this new Bake Off musical with Mark, and the fantastic team of creatives, cast and crew, has been a brilliant experience and thanks to this dedicated  team I really hope we have created a musical that celebrates the spirit of the television show and will bring tears and laughter to a wide audience.”

Mark Goucher said “Having won over the Cheltenham audience, I’m so thrilled that this talented creative team and cast are getting this opportunity to bring this new musical to the audiences of the West End. If you are a fan of the iconic Great British Bake Off on Channel 4 you will love it, and if you’ve never watched Great British Bake Off, you’ll be sure to tune in after seeing this.”

Prue Leith said “I am thrilled to bits that The Great British Bake Off Musical is going to the West End. It is an uplifting, funny, heartfelt story, which will have you singing and dancing out of the theatre with a huge smile. A theatrical sweet treat. Just what we need right now.”

Social Media

Facebook/Instagram/Twitter

@BakeOffMusical

Website – www.bakeoffthemusical.com

Listings information

The Great British Bake Off Musical

Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AU

25 February to 13 May 2023

Book online here

Tickets starting from £20

Full company announced for Leeds Playhouse’s sensational new production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical for Christmas 2022 and UK Tour

Leeds Playhouse has today revealed the full company who will join previously announced Gareth Snook (Willy Wonka) in its exciting new production of Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY – THE MUSICAL, presented in association with Neal Street Productions & Playful Productions. The show will premiere at Leeds Playhouse from 18 November 2022 – 28 January 2023, ahead of a major UK Tour.

Roald Dahl’s glorious story follows the adventure of five young people who find a golden ticket to head into the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory. The famous five golden ticket winners include Kazmin Borrer (Veruca Salt), best known for her starring role in both the UK tour and film version of the smash hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie; Teddy Hinde (Mike Teavee), who recently starred in Bird Brigade at The Other Palace; Marisha Morgan (Violet Beauregarde), known for her role in Top Boyon Netflix, and Robin Samões Da Silva (Augustus Gloop), who recently starred in the UK tour of Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

The loving Bucket family all live happily together in a tiny house with only one bed, which the four grandparents share. Grandpa Joe will be played by Michael D’Cruze who will was part of Grace Not Dead Enough on ITV1; Grandpa George by Christopher Howell, who recently was part of The Witches of Eastwick in Concert (Sondheim Theatre); Grandma Josephine by Kate Milner Evans who performed as part of Brief Encounter at the Watermill Theatre; Grandma Georgina by Julie Mullins, who is widely known from starring in the hit Australian soap Neighbours; and Mrs Bucket by Leonie Spilsbury, who recently starred in the hit comedy-drama series Heartstopper on Netflix.

The fully company includes Lydia Bradd; Darcie Brown; Josh Donovan; Ewan Gillies – last seen at Leeds Playhouse in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; Lucy Hutchinson; Patrick King; Jodie Knight; Jonathan Macdonald; Victoria Nicol; Katherine Picar; Lewis Rae; Emma Robotham-Hunt; Ty-Reece Stewart;and Natasha Volley.

The role of Charlie Bucket will be shared in Leeds by Amelia Minto; Isaac Sugden; Kayleen Nguema and Noah Walton, who all gained the role through an open call out.

Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining said:“We’re thrilled to have assembled such a fantastic cast and creative team for this new version of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY – THE MUSICAL in Leeds and for the UK tour. They are an exciting company that includes some brilliant fresh faces and rising stars with some hugely talented and experienced artists. I am really looking forward to working with them all in creating the world of this production. It is such a special story, loved by many generations, and we’re seeking to create a joyful, spectacular production for all. It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to revisit the successful West End and Broadway versions and create a new production for audiences here in Leeds and on tour.”

Directed by Leeds Playhouse’s James Brining and adapted from Dahl’s novel by David Greig, with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman, this dazzling reinvention of the successful West End and Broadway musical will transport the show to mouth-watering new heights for audiences in Leeds.

Joining James in the creative team are Music Supervisor & Orchestrations David Shrubsole; Set & Costume Designer Simon Higlett; Choreographer Emily Jane Boyle; Musical Director Ellen Campbell; Lighting Designer Tim Mitchell; Sound Designer Mike Walker; Video Designer Simon Wainwright; Illusions Chris Fisher; Casting Director Jim Arnold (Jim Arnold Casting); Children’s Casting Director Emily and LJ (Keston & Keston); Orchestral Management Sylvia Addison (Music Solutions Limited); Voice Coach Eleanor Manners; Associate Director Priya Patel Appleby; Associate Choreographer Natasha Volley; Associate Video Designer David Callanan; Rehearsal Pianist and Children’s MD Jamie Noar; Assistant Director Karlene Wray and Voice Coach Eleanor Manners.

The scrumptious tale features memorable songs from the iconic 1970s film including ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination’, plus new songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. It also features an entrancing set created by award-winning designer Simon Higlett that will transform the Quarry stage at Leeds Playhouse into the chocolate-fuelled, magical and mysterious world of Willy Wonka’s factory.

Based on the novel by Roald Dahl and the Warner Bros. film,thisdevilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and wild confectionary wizard Willy Wonka will take audiences to a world of pure imagination.

This Leeds Playhouse production is presented in association with Neal Street Productions & Playful Productions.   

Families are at the heart of the theatre experience at Leeds Playhouse and the Autumn/Winter 22 Season is jam-packed with half-term treats and festive offers. As well as enjoying the theatrical delights, families can make use of the theatre’s child-friendly facilities, including its free creative play area, baby change and family toilets, highchairs and special catering options.

Listings information

All dates are on sale now unless otherwise indicated.

A Leeds Playhouse production presented in association with Neal Street Productions and Playful Productions

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical

By Roald Dahl

Book by David Greig

Music by Marc Shaiman

Lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman

Directed by James Brining

18 November 2022 – 28 January 2023.

Box office 0113 213 7700. Book online leedsplayhouse.org.uk

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE ANNOUNCES ITS 2023 SUMMER SEASON

 ‘ONCE ON THIS ISLAND’ IS DIRECTED BY OLA INCE

    ‘ROBIN HOOD: THE LEGEND. RE-WRITTEN’ BY CARL GROSE IS DIRECTED BY MELLY STILL

·      ‘LA CAGE AUX FOLLES’ IS DIRECTED BY TIMOTHY SHEADER

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE ANNOUNCES ITS 2023 SUMMER SEASON

·      ‘ONCE ON THIS ISLAND’ IS DIRECTED BY OLA INCE

·      ‘ROBIN HOOD: THE LEGEND. RE-WRITTEN’ BY CARL GROSE IS DIRECTED BY MELLY STILL

·      ‘LA CAGE AUX FOLLES’ IS DIRECTED BY TIMOTHY SHEADER

THREE NEW SHOWS FOR YOUNGER AUDIENCES AND FAMILIES PERFORMED DURING THE DAY

·      IN A CO-PRODUCTION WITH THE UNICORN THEATRE ‘THE TEMPEST RE-IMAGINED FOR EVERYONE AGED SIX AND OVER’ IS REVISED AND DIRECTED BY JENNIFER TANG

·      CHINONYEREM ODIMBA ADAPTS BEN OKRI’S ‘EVERY LEAF A HALLELUJAH’ FOR AGES 4+ AND THEIR FAMILIES

·      NICOLL ENTERTAINMENT’S ‘DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE’ FOR AGES 3+ IS WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY DEREK BOND

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre have today announced their 2023 summer season. The season opens with Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s musical Once On This Island (10 May – 10 June), directed by Ola Ince. This is followed by Carl Grose’s Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written (17 June – 22 July), a Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre commission directed by Melly Still. Timothy Sheader then directs the musical La Cage aux Folles (29 July – 16 September), with a book by Harvey Fierstein, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, based on the play by Jean Poiret.

Work for younger audiences and families includes a brand new adaptation of Ben Okri’s Every Leaf A Hallelujah (22 May – 10 June), adapted by Chinonyerem Odimba, The Tempest re-imagined for everyone aged six and over (30 June – 22 July) revised and directed by Jennifer Tang in a co-production with the Unicorn Theatre, and Nicoll Entertainment’s Dinosaur World Live (11 August – 3 September), written and directed by Derek Bond.

Artistic Director Timothy Sheader said:

“Our 2022 season was big and bold; we were thrilled with how all three shows brought very different audiences to the Park. The 2023 season increases our commitment to commissioning and producing new work alongside our reimagined revivals and we are delighted to welcome Carl Grose and Chinonyerem Odimba to our stages. After the completion of a major capital project this winter the auditorium will be increased by a further 53 seats, all of which will be sold in the lower price bands. I am particularly excited that we can offer productions for children and families throughout the entirety of the season, engaging younger audiences with the magic of live performance. We look forward to you joining us next summer.”

With book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, Once On This Island is based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy. Directed by Ola Ince, the story of love, grief, faith and hopetells of peasant girl Ti Moune, a boy called Daniel, and a union that prejudice forbids. Against the heat of the Caribbean sun and destruction of tropical storms, can Ti Moune settle the wager of the Gods, and prove that love is more powerful than death? 

Told with epic storytelling, stirring songs, and absolutely no green tights (well, maybe just a flash), Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written, is a thrilling new take on the classic tale, set in a desperate, divided kingdom where only the truly cunning can outwit the sheriff’s terrifying wrath. Directed by Melly Still and promising humour, heart and a forest full of secrets, expect the arrows to fly in a bold new direction as trickery and truth collide with fiery results. From Carl Grose, the writer behind Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs), Grand Guignol and the West End musical The Grinning Man.

With a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, La Cage aux Folles is based on the play by Jean Poiret, and includes the classic songs ‘I Am What I Am’ and ‘The Best of Times’. Directed byTimothy Sheader, Georges, Albin and their son Jean-Michel re-discover the true meaning of family, and of putting yourself last so that the ones you love can come first.

Booker Prize-winner Ben Okri‘s new fairytale, Every Leaf A Hallelujah invites children aged 4+ and their families into an enchanted world of extraordinary endangered trees. Commissioned by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, this 45-minute show is adapted by Chinonyerem Odimba, and plays during the day on the theatre lawn. All you’ll need is a blanket to sit on and an open heart.

Revised and directed by Jennifer Tang, The Tempest re-imagined for everyone aged six and over brings Shakespeare’s original text thrillingly to life for younger audiences. With daytime performances on the main stage, when the sorcerer Prospero conjures up a storm to shipwreck his enemies, he sets the scene for a tale of spells, monsters, revenge and romance. A co-production with the Unicorn Theatre, the show will transfer to the Unicorn Theatre in September 2023.

Returning to the Open Air Theatre for the first time in five years, Dinosaur World Live is written and directed by Derek Bond. Experience the dangers and delights of this roarsome interactive show for all the family, and meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Full creative teams and casting for all productions to be announced.

_______________________________

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar embarked on the next leg of its North American tour on 13 October, with dates confirmed through to June 2023. The multi-award winning production originated at the Open Air Theatre in 2016, with a subsequent revival in 2017. Following a transfer to the Lyric Opera of Chicago in 2018, the production returned to London and played a season at the Barbican in 2019 ahead of its first North American tour produced by Work Light Productions. In 2020, the production was the first to open in London during the pandemic.

_______________________________

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Memberships are now on sale, and Members’ priority booking for the 2023 season opens at 11am, Tuesday 18 October 2022.

Visit www.openairtheatre.com/membership for more information.  

Public booking opens at 11am, Tuesday 8 November 2022.

SPOOKTACULAR CIRCUS OF HORRORS RETURNS TO STOCKON THIS NOVEMBER

For the first time in over two years The Circus of Horrors is back with its latest incarnation ‘THE WITCH’ and it’s heading to Teesside. A sensational new phantasmagoria which encompasses amazing and bizarre circus acts with an original Rock score, not forgetting the sinister story of Witchcraft arrives at Stockton’s Globe theatre on Wednesday 2nd November.

In 1995, when the Circus of Horrors began many people thought it wouldn’t last 26 weeks let alone 26 years. But with its ability to re-invent itself time and time again it has taken the extreme to the mainstream and become a household name after reaching the finals of Britain’s Got Talent and performing in London’s West End.

Whether a Rock fan or theatre gore The Circus of Horrors has something for everyone.

Imagine a brilliant rock show combined with amazing, bizarre & dare devil Circus acts, a stella light show and all performed with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek. If Quentin Tarantino had directed Cirque Du Soleil you would be halfway there.

THE BIRTH OF A MONSTER – A potted history of The Circus of Horrors – The Wildest Show on Earth

The Circus of Horrors performed for the fourth consecutive year in 2019 BC (Before Covid) at the Download Festival and it also returned to the place of its birth Glastonbury Festival.

As part of its 25th Anniversary tour it performed with The Damned at The London Palladium, a show promoted by Hammer House of Horrors and was preceded by torch light funeral cortège through London’s West End where a new Guinness World Record was set for over 1040 vampires in the same pace at the same time. This event sold out within 5 days of going on sale.

Each year the Circus of Horrors undertakes a 100 venue UK theatre tour in addition to Festivals throughout the world including Download (4 times), Reading, Leeds, Isle of White, T in the Park etc in the UK, Fuji Rock Festival in Japan (twice), Wacken festival in Germany plus shows in Chile, Uruguay, Holland, Belgium, Argentina, France, Italy, Ireland, Finland, Hong Kong and Moscow where it created history by becoming the first UK circus ever to perform in Russia. And an astounding 10 nights in London’s O2.

This is not the first time however that The Circus of Horrors has created history, it became the only Circus ever to reach the finals of Britain’s Got Talent and the first Circus to perform in London’s West End for over 100 years, and the only Circus to perform in a single venue in London (The Roundhouse) for an astounding 24 weeks, (previous record was 17 weeks).

In addition to BGT it’s appearances on various other TV shows have turned what set out as a cult show into a household name, without compromise – taking the extreme to the mainstream, TV credits now also boast The X Factor, The Slammer, Daybreak, Fairground Attractions, Who wants to be a Millionaire, Body Shockers, Fake Reaction, This Morning, Ant & Dec, The One Show, A Royal Command Performance and even an appearance on Judge Rinder!

Media Quotes:

‘A Must see’ Download Festival

‘The Circus of Horrors completely WOWED the audience’ The Daily Mail

‘A Bloody Great Night Out’ The Times

‘Freaking Awesome’ The Sun

‘Bloody Good Fun – Barnum would be proud’ Time Out

‘Bloody Marvelous’ Edinburgh Festival

‘Blood Thirsty & Burlesque’ The Independent

Celebrity Quotes:

‘It was phenomenal, one of those shows that if you missed you would say Gosh, I wish I could have seen that’. Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin after seeing Damned / Circus of Horrors at London Palladium

‘You have to go & see this if, one day something will go wrong & you will be able to say I was there’ Graham Norton

‘That’s what I call entertainment’ David Hasselhoff

‘I loved it’ Simon Cowell

‘Like Rocky Horror on acid’ Amanda Holden

‘Totally Unbelievable’ Scott Mills, Radio 1

‘A Brilliant marriage between Circus & Cabaret’ Judge Rinder

Tickets including Stockton Globe, are now available to purchase via www.stocktonglobe.co.uk

LISTING:

Circus of Horrors

Stockton Globe

Wednesday 2nd November, 7.30pm

Tickets from £20 (subject to a transaction fee of £3.65)

www.stocktonglobe.co.uk I 0844 8717615

THE MULTIPLE TONY AWARD® WINNING BROADWAY MUSICAL

TO MAKE ITS U.K. PREMIERE IN MARCH 2024

Book by two-time Pulitzer Prize® winning writer Lynn Nottage

Directed and Choreographed by Royal Ballet Associate Artist Christopher Wheeldon OBE

THE PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE, LONDON

www.mjthemusical.com

London, Monday 17^th October 2022: Producers Lia Vollack Productions and The Michael Jackson Estate announce today that the multiple Tony Award® winning Broadway musical MJ will open in the U.K. at the Prince Edward Theatre, London from March 2024.

For more information and to be first in line for tickets, go to mjthemusical.com. Tickets will go on sale in Spring 2023. Full booking details will be announced in due course.

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry is heading to the West End in the Tony Award®-winning new musical.

Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status.

With a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize® winning writer Lynn Nottage (Ruined, Sweat) MJ is directed and choreographed by Royal Ballet Associate Artist Christopher Wheeldon OBE, who won the Tony Award® for Best Choreography of a Musical for MJ, and whose previous Award-winning directing credits include An American in Paris.

The internationally renowned creative team for MJ also includes Scenic Design by Tony Award® and two-time Emmy Award® winner Derek McLane (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Lighting Design by six-time Tony Award®winner Natasha Katz (Once), Costume Design by Tony Award® and Emmy Award® winner Paul Tazewell (Hamilton), Sound Design by Tony Award® and Olivier Award winning Gareth Owen (Come From Away), Projection Design by two- time Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen), and Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles LaPointe (The Color Purple). Musical Supervision is by Tony Award® nominee David Holcenberg (Matilda), and the Orchestrations and Arrangements are by David Holcenberg and Tony Award® winner Jason Michael Webb (The Color Purple).

Lynn Nottage says:

“As a Black musician and a pioneering voice in the music industry, Michael Jackson demanded inclusion, broke incredible barriers and in the process made indelible music that continues to resonate, delight and move listeners today. I am drawn to his complicated, singular and uncompromising creative process, and to understand where, why and how he made his music.”

Christopher Wheeldon OBE says:

“I am thrilled that MJ will come to London, having been embraced by New York audiences since it opened. Michael Jackson had a profound influence on popular culture, as well as all of us as performing artists, and this musical is an exploration of that artistic mind and a creative process which is unmistakably Michael Jackson. It has offered us the opportunity to put one of the greatest catalogues of pop music ever written up onstage in a show that combines the thrill and energy of a Michael Jackson concert with a glimpse into a pivotal moment of his pioneering career. After many years working with the Royal Ballet and bringing the Tony Award winning American In Paris to the West End, I now very much look forward to bringing MJ to UK audiences.”

Casting for the London production of MJ is to be confirmed.