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.

Jack Studio Theatre – until 22 October 2022

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

James Woolf’s meta-comedy is a hoot. Director Penny (Gillian King) and writer Anthony (Matthew Parker) are setting up for auditions for their new play and find out that the space has been double booked, so the auditions take place in front of a paying audience. Katherine Reilly’s assured direction keeps the audience on its toes but never more than one step behind the evolving story as Woolf’s script leaves just enough breadcrumbs to foreshadow the ending.

Awkward explanations to the audience soon become increasingly showy, emotional and honest as the pair get used to the situation, and the moments when they forget that they are not alone are comedy gold. Anthony’s play The Play with Speeches is a series of speeches from various plays that he has put together to tell a tragic story. Penny is obviously not as enamoured with the play as Anthony, and between the audition pieces, their past relationship is laid bare, with some of the plays involved being from disastrous date nights. King and Parker bounce off each other gloriously, exchanging barbs, accusations and glares convincingly as the ultimate mis-matched exes. Their reactions as they watch the other flirt with various actors are wonderful. Gillian King’s Penny becomes more professional and assured as Anthony’s vision disintegrates, while Matthew Parker gradually gets deliciously OTT as Anthony realises he is losing control of his play – as well as his chocolate Hobnobs.

The twelve actors playing the actors who are auditioning all make the most of their brief roles, playing out the tragedy of Ralph Finch’s death. The style of each speech is different, and each actor has their own distinct personality. There are lots of laughs at their reactions to the speeches, and one “impromptu” audition is wonderfully bad. Luckily, the stage is small enough to be able to see the auditioning actor and the reactions of Anthony and Penny without turning your head, as these are some of the highlights of the show. This is a very funny and clever play, with exceptional comedic performances from Parker and King

Arts Theatre – booking until 5 February 2023

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

The Jungle reopens its doors in the West End for the return of one of the most uplifting shows of the year. Another Edinburgh Festival hit that has gone global, The Choir of Man is a warm bearhug of a show that has something for everyone.

With a functioning bar on stage to serve preshow beers (and some during the performance if you are lucky), The Arts Theatre is the perfect venue to turn into The Jungle pub, with its wonky, sometimes sticky, flooring and ancient seats always giving charming giant pub theatre vibes. The concept is simple – 9 men singing in a pub with a few monologues in between. But the song choices (from Adele and Sia to Queen via the Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Ben Norris’s writing gives the show a huge heart. Perfectly capturing the camaraderie, earned trust and honesty (and occasional idiocy) of a group of male friends, the show touches on loss, relationships, men’s mental health and community with Norris’s poet linking songs and introducing the pub’s regulars with heartfelt and funny words. Celebrating the community and shelter of pubs and mourning the loss of those amazing places where 90-year-olds and teenagers mix and share shaggy dog stories with a bar food menu that runs to peanuts and crisps, the audience cannot help but be caught up in the sense of belonging and togetherness emanating from the stage.

The cast are introduced as pub stereotypes early on – The Bore, The Beast, The Romantic etc. – before a beautiful section where Norris gives more insight into the actors as he talks about what home means to each of them – cue cheers from audience members whenever their hometown is mentioned. The cast are phenomenal, with varying vocal styles, but voices blending beautifully in harmonies. Jack Blume’s arrangements are gorgeous, especially in the acapella numbers. On press night I was sitting between two former West End Beasts, and by the last number they couldn’t resist joining in with the bass harmonies – surround sound increased the goosebumps during The Parting Glass. Lemuel Knights is hilarious as The Barman, and his smooth vocals are incredible. Jordan Oliver taps his way into everyone’s hearts and Matt Thorpe, Levi Tyrell Johnson and Matt Beveridge’s rendition of Under the Bridge is wonderful, producing varying reactions from the audience, depending on how much beer they have drunk. Michael Baxter, Owen Bolton and Matt Nalton will make you grin for the rest of the night – everything seems so natural and off the cuff, even the choreography, and that is the joy of the show. The cast all play instruments throughout the show, accompanying the amazing band above the bar – Emmanuel Nana Kwasi Bonsu, Jack Hartigan, Caleb Wilson and Darius Luke Thompson.

The Choir of Man is a great night out – full of heart, packed with fun and incredible musical performances.

Leeds Grand Theatre – until 19 November 2022

Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

4****

Opera North and South Asian Arts UK collaborates Orpheus, a new reimagined production, for this autumn season. Orpheus is based on of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Claudio Montevideo’s Orfeo, one of the world’s oldest operas. Orfeo at the time played a significant role in combining dialogue, song, music and dance and this myth certainly offers scope for creators past and present to re-imagine the legendary Orpheus and his musical and spiritual journey he took.

Orpheus was guided by two worlds, and this is the case for both Opera North and South Asian Arts UK to offer in union baroque style and Indian classical music. Montevideo and Jasdeep Singh Degun’s musical compositions are combined with the musing of two cultures and traditions which aren’t compromised but celebrates two worlds.

Music and myth legends introduce the story and invites one and all to honour the marriage of Eurydice (Ashnaa Sasikaran) and Orpheus (Nicholas Watts). There is an eclectic of traditions and cultures that are merged colourfully and musically during the wedding festivities which continue into the night and morning. Eventually and unexpectedly, Orpheus learns the death of Eurydice from Silvia (Kezia Bienek), a messenger.

The world becomes a different place following Eurydice’s death and Orpheus’ resolve to bring his wife back. He travels to the Land of the Dead where he is guided by Nambikkai (Yarlinie Thanabalasingam) and he is acquainted with the gods and spirits of his family and friends. Orpheus meets Caronte (Kaviraj Singh), a boatman who refuses him to cross the boundary, and after a serenading the boatman with song Orpheus crosses and reaches the other world.

In the other world he meets Proserpina (Chandra Chakraborty), Land of the Dead’s Queen, and she learns of Orpheus plight. Proserpina allows him to take Eurydice home, world of the living, without looking back in which he with doubt does. Back at home and alone Orpheus however is changed forever and is supported by Apollo, guru god (Kirpal Singh Panesar), as a changed man dealing with loss and having new perspectives.

No doubt inspiration is sought from this Greek myth and how Orpheus traverses from one world to another dealing with loss through pursuing a personal and spiritual journey – past, present, and future. The blended of melodic and baroque and Indian Sargam music creatively and skilfully explores, reimagines, and retells the story of Orpheus under the excellent collaboration of Laurence Cummings and Jasdeep Singh Degun. The transient project of the melodies, songs and sounds certainly ambiences one to join Orpheus’ journey to one world to another and back.

The musical ingenuity is supported with stunning staging, courtesy of Leslie Travers, Jackie Shemesh and Camila Tirado which represents a universal meeting point which could be anything and anywhere in the world. Under the direction of Anna Himali Howard, the cast excellently portrays the characters. An Orpheus re-imagined with the re-imagination of two Eastern and Western cultural worlds telling one legendary myth and emphasising how relevant the content is for whoever, wherever and whenever.

The first performance is coincided with Light Night Leeds with Shahbaz Hussain’s Taal Yatra light installation nearby and how the “journey of rhythm” encapsulates a spiritual journey and how lights and sounds become one – a similar vein to Orpheus’ journey and a continuation of it.

Orpheus is a musical and cultural feast of the re-imagining!

Leeds Playhouse – until 15 October 2022

Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

4****

Leeds Playhouse and Opera North jointly brings this production, Orpheus in the Record Shop, to the Playhouse. Running for three nights Testament, an acclaimed rapper, playwright, and beatboxer, brings this live on stage after it being previously filmed for BBC Four’s Lights Up, a virtual theatre festival that took place during lockdown in 2021.

Testament who portrays Orpheus takes one on an aural and visual personal journey. A record shop owner and loner, he takes pride in his vinyl records and plays tunes that resonates his journey past, present and an uncertain future. Following a friend’s visit, unexpected and strange things happen as he goes on a mythical, musical, and realistic journey, a similar vein to Orpheus, and searches something that is eclectically filled with hopes and dreams.

Inspiration sought from the Greek myth of Orpheus who had took on a similar journey and had faced similar predicaments. In parallel to Orpheus’ music of the Sirens, Orpheus (Testament) fuses spoken dialogue, rap, beatboxing with song and classical music, courtesy of Opera North’s chorus and orchestra. Supported with incredible and ambient staging, lighting, and soundscapes, created by Aletta Collins, Chris Davey and Hazel Plummer, Orpheus in the Record Shop certainly transports one into this journalistic world.

Originally directed by Collins and revived by Amy Leach, Orpheus in the Record Shop is a short moving entertaining production which Testament legendarily tells and performs with an eclectic musical arrangement.