Olivier Awards 2025 with Mastercard announces Beverley Knight & Billy Porter as hosts
· Olivier and MOBO Award winner Beverley Knight & Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award winner Billy Porter will host the Olivier Awards for the first time
· Tickets are available exclusively for Mastercard cardholders via priceless.com
Beverley Night and Billy Porter will host the biggest night in theatre, this year’s Olivier Awards with Mastercard. Showcasing the best of London’s world-leading theatre industry the star-studded ceremony will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 6 April.
Herself a three-time Olivier Award nominee, Beverley Knight won in 2023 for her role in Sylvia and is soon to make her professional play debut in Marie and Rosetta at the Rose Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre.
International star of stage and screen, Billy Porter is a Primetime Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner, currently starring in the multi-Olivier Award-winning Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in the West End.
Highlights from the ceremony will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on the evening of the event.
Beverley Knight said:
“I am so chuffed to be hosting this year’s Olivier Awards! I’m even more excited to be hosting alongside Billy Porter who is a phenomenal talent. It is an honour to be asked to hold the reins of such an important and prestigious night of celebrating theatre.”
Billy Porter said:
“I am thrilled and honoured to host the Olivier Awards alongside the fantastic Beverley Knight. I’m so grateful for the warm welcome from the London theatre community, and am looking forward to a magnificent evening!”
First established in 1976, this year marks the 40th Olivier Awards since celebrated actor Sir Laurence Olivier gave his name to the ceremony in 1984.
Mastercard returns as headline sponsor for the 15th year and will again sponsor the Mastercard Best New Musical Award.
Returning to the creative team are Anthony Van Laast, choreographer of hit West End shows MAMMA MIA! and Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, for a third year as Creative Show Director, alongside renowned conductor and arranger Gareth Valentine (Wicked, Cats, Miss Saigon) for the second year, with orchestrator Mark Cumberland and lighting designer Ben Cracknell.
Public tickets for the Olivier Awards 2025 are now on sale exclusively to Mastercard cardholders via priceless.com.
DEM Productions on behalf of Writers’ Cage are delighted to announce AUSTENLAND, a new musical based on the novel by Shannon Hale, will have its world premiere with two concert workshop performances at the Savoy Theatre on Monday 24 March 2025. Tickets on sale Thursday 6 February at 12pm.
The new musical, based on Shannon Hale’s 2007 novel, is the third musical adaptation from the writers of The Book Thief (Leicester Curve, Belgrade Theatre Coventry) and Between the Lines (Off-Broadway),with book by award-winning best-selling author Jodi Picoult (My Sister’s Keeper & Small Great Things) and Timothy Allen McDonald (adaptor of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka & James and the Giant Peach) and music & lyrics by Kate Anderson and Elyssa Samsel (Apple TV’s Central Park & Olaf’s Frozen Adventure).
The West End’s Lucie Jones will star as Jane Hayes, with further casting to be announced.
Meet Jane Hayes – unlucky-in-love and Austen-obsessed, she’s ditching the dating apps for a dream vacation to Austenland, where every dance, duel, and scandal promises a taste of Regency romance.
But beneath the corsets and cravats lies a world where nothing is as it seems, and love is never scripted. Is the mysterious Mr Nobley an authentic suitor… or an actor who works for Austenland? Is the gorgeous gardener the real deal? Will Jane become fully immersed in the fantasy or could her true Mr Darcy be the person she least expects…
Co-Librettists Jodi Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald said “In today’s world, we need some joy — which is why we wanted to create a musical that was a wink to Pride and Prejudice in a post-Bridgerton world. AUSTENLAND is a delightful escape for anyone who’s ever pined over Mr. Darcy… or for anyone who’s never understood his appeal. We promise songs that you’ll sing in the shower for weeks, laugh-out-loud jokes, and a reminder that everyone deserves a grand romance.”
AUSTENLAND will be directed by Jonathan O’Boyle (Cruel Intentions, The Other Palace; Calendar Girls, UK Tour) with choreography by Joanna Goodwin (My Fair Lady, Leicester Curve; An Officer and a Gentleman, UK & Ireland Tour), musical supervision, orchestration and arrangements by Matthew Malone (The Book Thief, Leicester Curve, Carousel, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), music direction by Natalie Pound (The Creakers, Southbank Centre & Theatre Royal Plymouth; Lovestuck,, Theatre Royal Stratford East), design by Polly Sullivan (Cruel Intentions The 90s Musical,The Other Palace & tour; Describe the Night, Hampstead Theatre), lighting by Jack Weir (The Woman In White, Electric Theatre; One Night Only, Sandi Toksvig, Theatre Royal Drury Lane) and sound by Sound Quiet Time (Clueless, Churchill Theatre; Manic Street Creature, Southwark Playhouse, London)
AUSTENLAND is produced by Writers’ Cage and managed by Deus Ex Machina Productions (The Book Thief, RIDE, A Sherlock Carol, Spring Awakening).
Crucible Theatre, Sheffield – until Saturday 8 February 2025
Reviewed by Carol Crann
4****
I was not really sure what to expect from this play – written by Wole Soyinka – as it is not one I am at all familiar with. On doing some research I discovered that its origins are based on true events in Nigeria, and that it is set during World War II. It is based on a Yoruba tradition that, on the death of the King, his horseman should commit ritual suicide so that they’re able to lead the King and his horse and dog into the afterlife. It was believed that if this didn’t happen, not only would the king be left wandering the earth, but that the community would be thrown into the abyss.
It opens with a vibrant market scene where we are introduced to Elesin Oja, played passionately and with real depth of character, by Wale Ojo, as well as the market ladies who clearly have some say in how the ritual will play out. This part of the performance shows a real mix of humour and tragedy as we see Elesin in pursuit of a younger wife, despite the fact that he’s already married, and that the young lady he has chosen has already been betrothed to the son of Iyaloja (Kehinde Bankole) – The “Mother of the Market”.
The atmosphere of the setting is captured powerfully, not only through speech but also by using poetry, music and dance as well as many traditional proverbs. You could appreciate the drama of the situation, and how the tale develops in the first act, even without in-depth context of the situation and traditions, and it was interesting to note the lack of understanding between the white colonials and the Yoruba people.
The situation escalates as the local British colonial Officer in charge, played by David Partridge, and his wife Jane Pilkings (Laura Pyper) decide to put a stop to this ‘barbaric’ ritual and lock up Elesin in order to prevent it. Most of the second act takes place on colonial premises, and as such feels much less genuine than the previous scenes. It felt very shallow and void of real emotion and passion, despite the protagonists shouting at each other across the stage. An extra element is added with the return of Elesin’s son, Olunde (Michael Ahomka-Lindsay), who had gone to England to study to become a doctor and only returned as he expected to have to perform the final rights on his father.
One of the standout performances, for me, was that of the Praise Singer – played by Theo Ogundipe – who managed to accurately portray someone in a trance-like state using song and outstanding choreography.
The show was received well by the audience, with many rising at the end for a standing ovation, and though I did enjoy the performance, it’s probably worth noting that some of the important nuances in the tale can be lost if your ear isn’t used to some of the accents – and that for me, was a real shame as I believe it detracted from the overall experience.
Directed by Isobel McArthur the comedy reinvention of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is currently touring the UK. The show won the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and deserves to continue playing to audiences nationwide. The staging of this version of the story is given a shakeup as it’s performed by an all-female cast of 5 who are outstanding throughout in swapping effortlessly between multiple roles often within seconds. The joy in this production is infectious and you can’t help but smile as you are swept along by it all.
As we were taking our seats the cast were up and down the stairs dusting and mingling with the audience wearing their marigolds. I think we could sense we were in for a fun evening.
Once on the stage, set with a background of the giant staircase, the show begins as they discuss how servants are often forgotten and don’t get a happy ending.
Plenty of modern elements had been added to this version including innuendos, songs and the occasional swear word. The witty and light tone is deliciously delivered throughout with great fun. The delivery of the comedy is sublime, with even the slightest glance sometimes gaining a laugh.
Naomi Preston Low is an excellent Elizabeth Bennet, she carries the role superbly with a punchy heart as the romance with Mr Darcy plays out. The softness underneath the exterior is wonderfully captured. Rhianna McGreevy expertly switches between Mrs Bennet and Mr Darcy. The larger-than-life expressions as Mrs Bennet, the leader of the household who has hope for romance and the future of the family, compared to the po-faced Darcy.
Christine Steel is brilliant as Jane, her softness makes you instantly connect to the character. Her skill in switching up completely is amazing. The staunch ‘Lady In Red’ Lady Catherine is tremendously captured. Emma Rose Creaner is a hoot to watch in every moment she is on the stage. Be that Charlotte Lucas or the more sneering Bingleys.
Susie Barrett is magnificent playing with the humour and the delivery of it adds great laughter. Her Lydia Bennett is great but it’s her Mr Collins that really stands out.
The skill of the 5 performers is really what makes this production so much fun to watch. They are really engaging to watch and sprinkle so much of their own expressive fun throughout.
The clever placement of music throughout adds another layer to the production. Microphones are placed around the set or hidden in props with cracking vocals and harmonies performed. The production ends on a riotous version of ‘Young Heart Run Free‘ and sends you back into the world on a real high.
The standing ovation from the audience was very much deserved, this is a production I would very much recommend that you go to see if you can. A perfectly uplifting production.
They’re with Muriel! Co-producers Curve and Global Creatures have today announced the full company of MURIEL’S WEDDING THE MUSICAL® running 10 April to 10 May in Leicester this spring.
Last year it was revealed the musical would be led by rising star Megan Ellis as Muriel Heslop and original SIX THE MUSICAL Queen Annabel Marlow as Rhonda Epinstall.
Watch brand-new videos of Megan Ellis and Annabel Marlow singing ‘Amazing’ – available to download here.
With rehearsals starting in February, Curve and Global Creatures have now shared full details of the cast bringing the acclaimed stage adaptation of the cult 90s film to stage in this UK premiere.
Playing the role of Muriel’s father, the corrupt and selfish scoundrel Bill Heslop, is West End and television star Darren Day, whose previous credits include JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at the London Palladium and the recent UK tours of EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE and CHICAGO.
Muriel’s mother, the long suffering Betty Heslop, will be played by Laura Medforth, who recently appeared in HELLO, DOLLY at the London Palladium. Muriel’s trio of idle and good-for-nothing siblings will be played by Jacob Warner (MURIEL’S WEDDING THE MUSICAL, 2019 Australian tour) as Muriel’s brother Perry Heslop, Joseph Peacock (BECOMING NANCY, Birmingham Rep) as Malcolm Heslop and Lena Pattie Jones (FANGIRLS, Lyric Hammersmith) as Muriel’s sister Joanie Heslop.
Too hot to hang with Muriel, Porpoise Spit’s girl gang will be led by Helen Hill (PRETTY WOMAN THE MUSICAL, Savoy Theatre) as Tania, Lillie-Pearl Wildman (CABARET, Kit Kat Club) as Cheryl, Jasmine Beel (BONNIE & CLYDE, UK and Ireland tour) as Nicole and Daisy Twells (HEATHERS, @sohoplace and UK tour) as Janine.
Ethan Pascal Peters (CABLE STREET, Southwark Playhouse) will play Brice, with Stephen Madsen (MURIEL’S WEDDING THE MUSICAL, world premiere at Sydney’s Roslyn Packer Theatre) as Alexander Schkuratov, Chris Bennett (ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES, Theatre Royal Haymarket) as Bill Heslop’s business partner Ken, Bronte Alice-Tadman (A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Shakespeare North Playhouse) as Deidre and Frida, Jasmine Hackett (TOYS THE MUSICAL, Pump House, Watford) as Agnetha, Aaron Tsindos (MURIEL’S WEDDING THE MUSICAL, world premiere at Sydney’s Roslyn Packer Theatre) as Benny and Jamie Doncaster (STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE, Gillian Lynne Theatre) as Björn.
The cast is completed by Edward Turner (ALADDIN, Everyman Theatre Cheltenham), Carlo Boumouglbay (MISS SAIGON, Australia and Asia tour), Andrew Berlin (NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812, Donmar Warehouse), Sophie Linder-Lee (WICKED, Appollo Victoria), Charlotte O’Rourke (CRUEL INTENTIONS, The Other Palace), Lizzie Nance (MATILDA THE MUSICAL, international tour), Serina Mathew (HERE & NOW, The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham), Will Luckett (WICKED, UK and Ireland tour) and Jamil Abbasi (THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF MUSICAL, Nöel Coward Theatre).
Based on the international cult classic 1994 motion picture ‘MURIEL’S WEDDING’ (written and directed by PJ Hogan, produced by Lynda House and Jocelyn Moorhouse), the Made at Curve and Global Creatures co-production of MURIEL’S WEDDING THE MUSICAL is directed by Simon Phillips (PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, LOVE NEVER DIES).
Book writer PJ Hogan has updated his own screenplay for the stage, and original music for MURIEL’S WEDDING THE MUSICAL® is written by award-winning multi-platinum selling artists Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, whose work spans the worlds of music theatre, opera, Coachella and Eurovision. The musical includes additional songs by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus & Stig Anderson originally written for ABBA.
Choreography is by Andrew Hallsworth (PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT), music supervisor, orchestrations, arrangements and additional music is by Isaac Hayward, who won the Helpmann Award for Best Musical Direction in 2018 for MURIEL’S WEDDING THE MUSICAL, set design is by Matthew Kinley (LES MISERABLES), costume design by Gabriela Tylesova (LOVE NEVER DIES), video design and creation by Andrzej Goulding (STARLIGHT EXPRESS), lighting design by Natasha Chivers (SYLVIA, Old Vic Theatre), sound design by Adam Fisher (MY FAIR LADY, Curve) and hair, wigs and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates. Casting is by Stuart BurtCDG CDA.
Winner of five HelpmannAwards, seven Sydney Theatre Awards, an Awgie Award, the 2018 David Williamson Prize and an ARIA Award Nomination, MURIEL’S WEDDING THE MUSICAL celebrated its world premiere in a co-production with the Sydney Theatre Company in November 2017 and returned with an Australian tour in 2019. It was hailed a smash hit by critics and audiences alike.
Undateable. Unemployable. Unstoppable.
Stuck in a dead-end life in Porpoise Spit, Muriel dreams of the perfect wedding – the white dress, the church, the attention.
Unfortunately, there’s one thing missing: a groom. Following her dreams to Sydney, Muriel ends up with everything she ever wanted – a man, a fortune and a million social media followers.
That’s when things start to go really wrong.
RSVP to the wedding of the year and enjoy this eccentric, laugh-out-loud musical based on the iconic Australian film.
MURIEL’S WEDDING THE MUSICAL® will run at Curve 10 April to 10 May 2025. To find out more and book tickets – including special on-stage Wedding Seat experiences – visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3595 or visit Curve’s Box Office in-person.
PLAYHOUSE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2025
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
4****
This production has recently concluded its run at the Trafalgar Theatre in the West End and launched its 2025 UK tour at the Playhouse Theatre in Liverpool last night, performing to a sold-out audience. “The Merchant of Venice 1936” is a fresh adaptation of Shakespeare’s controversial play, set in 1930s Britain. Brigid Larmour and Tracy-Ann Oberman, who also portrays Shylock, have reinterpreted this classic work into a compelling and refined adaptation.
Since its premier in 2023, the UK has experienced the sharpest rise in antisemitic attacks in decades. In this context, the play resonates on a deeply emotional level, making it all the more unsettling. “The Merchant of Venice 1936” goes beyond being a mere depiction of antisemitic tropes; it acts as a profound exploration of antisemitism itself. By placing the narrative within the historical framework of Britain’s Fascist movement in the 1930s, the audience is prompted to reflect on modern-day racism. This is no longer a story set in Italy, as Shakespeare originally intended.
From the very beginning, the audience becomes immersed in the performance, joining Russian Shylock, along with her family and companions, as they share a toast at the dining table. Tracy-Ann Oberman excels in her portrayal of the Jewish money lender, bringing the character to life. Oberman delivers a powerful performance as a woman who courageously confronts the daily assaults on her character. She asserts her identity while navigating persistent racism and the continual experience of being treated as an ‘alien’ in society.
The entire cast was exceptional, presenting a range of diverse characters and intertwining stories. Portia’s quest for a suitable suitor added numerous light-hearted and humorous moments for the audience, balancing the seriousness of the play beautifully.
The back wall was effectively utilised to project footage from the events of 1936, creating a chilling atmosphere as it depicted attacks on Jewish homes accompanied by a soundscape of breaking glass reminiscent of Kristallnacht. Additionally, Shylock’s residence was marked with antisemitic graffiti, which added to the unsettling imagery. Throughout the performance, the changes in scenery and backdrop, along with the introduction of propaganda, serve as poignant reminders of this troubling period in history, which, although not far removed, still resonates today.
With Hitler’s ascent to power aligning with the impending outbreak of World War Two, this contemporary retelling offers a thoughtful and engaging blend of uproarious comedy and poignant commentary on pressing issues such as antisemitism, war, and the struggle for power.
Hall for Cornwall, Truro – until 8th February 2025
Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert
5*****
A very special and beautifully crafted play which is still wowing audiences after 40 years!
I was overjoyed when it was announced that Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers would be returning to the Hall for Cornwall. This is the 3rd time I’ve seen this incredible show and I wasn’t disappointed; the story certainly continues to capture hearts and minds. Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright, this is a show that will move you, it will make you laugh, and it will break your heart.
Set in Liverpool, it follows the story of the Johnstone twins, separated at birth, and raised in different circumstances by polar opposite mothers. The lives of Mickey Johnstone and Eddie Lyons could hardly be more different. But the pair are drawn together by a strong unnamed bond and their friendship is the foundation on which all hilarity and tragedy is built.
Vivienne Carlyle brings plenty of warmth and spark as Mrs Johnstone and carries the weight of the show with her powerful voice and emotional believability. Sarah Jayne Buckley provides the perfect contrast with the upright Mrs Lyons. She gave a brilliant performance and had the neurotic traits down to a tee. Sean Jones is absolutely thrilled to return to the role of Mickey, the kid from the disadvantaged side of town, and plays the part effortlessly. From him playing the young boy to being recently released from jail and suffering mental health as an adult. The range he showed throughout was mesmerising. His stage brother was played by Joe Sleight who made us all fall in love with his upper class character Eddie instantly. The pair combined were totally electric on stage and you could really feel their chemistry and relationship throughout.
Whilst the first act features lots of comedy, the second act is much darker and Sean Keany, who has been lurking in the background as the ominous narrator, becomes more threatening. He had the eerie, melodramatic part down to a tee and spent most of the time on stage relaying their emotions and feelings expertly. His poem which was delivered at the end was truly the stand out of his performance and gave me the chills. Gemma Brodrick plays the part of Linda, the boys’ love interest and the catalyst for the fate that ensues them. She did a beautiful job at this role and her scene with Mickey in their new home was jaw dropping.
Andy Walmsley’s set design brings the streets of Liverpool to life through an iconic cityscape backdrop and Nick Richings lighting comes into its own with fragmented light mirroring the anguish oozing from the troubled characters.
The songs, written by Willy Russell, contain the most beautiful lyrics and the live band led by Matt Malone, were absolutely wonderful! ‘Marilyn Monroe’ and ‘Bright New Day’ were my particular favourites.
I so wanted it to be a happy ending, but this is a play that begins at the end, so you know from the start what will happen, just not how it will happen. That final scene where they sing ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ will stick with me for years to come. Every single actor on stage sang the song effortlessly and the pain in their faces felt so real. It was such a powerful ending to a show which deserved it and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.
As the play ended, the audience quickly erupted with cheers and a full standing ovation, which was well deserved. Blood Brothers is a Masterpiece and if you’ve not yet been, it’s probably time that you went!
In response to high public demand, Simon Friend Entertainment is delighted to announce an extra week of performances for Second Best at the Riverside Studios.Asa Butterfield stars, having received critical and audience acclaim for his powerful stage debut in this hilarious and heart-breaking one-man play about the road not travelled. Written by Barney Norris and directed by Michael Longhurst, his not-to-be-missed engagement plays a strictly limited run until Saturday 1 March, 2025. Tickets are on sale now for the additional dates at www.secondbestplay.com.
At ten years old, Martin Hill was on the brink of stardom, down to the final two contenders for the role of Harry Potter but narrowly missing out. Now an adult, Martin is about to embark on the ultimate adventure – fatherhood. As he navigates this whirlwind of emotions, he is pulled back to that pivotal moment in his past as he struggles to move beyond imagining what his life might have been.
Second Best is a playful yet poignant new play about fate, near misses and the winding paths life takes. It explores the ache of almost touching greatness and the humour and hope that come when dreams remain just out of reach. A story about the tender moments that shape us, Second Best is for anyone who has ever wondered about the road not taken, and whether the other life would have been as glittering as it looks.
Producer, Simon Friend says of today’s announcement: “I remain completely in awe of the exceptional work of Asa and the entire creative team of Second Best. It’s wonderful to have such public and critical adoration for this one-of-a-kind hilarious and heart-breaking solo performance which we are fortunate enough to now have around for a little bit longer!”
Michael Longhurst is an award-winning stage director and former Artistic Director of The Donmar Warehouse, where he directed, amongst others, Keeley Hawes in The Human Body by Lucy Kirkwood, Next to Normal (four Olivier Award nominations; also West End), The Band’s Visit (six Olivier Award nominations), Rory Kinnear in Force Majeure, Teenage Dick, Belleville starring James Norton, and the Olivier Award-winning multi-cast revival of Nick Payne’s Constellations (originally Royal Court, West End and Broadway). His programming included the globally transferring pandemic sound installation Blindness, a new version of The Cherry Orchard by Benedict Andrews (starring Nina Hoss and Adeel Akhtar) and Macbeth starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, also transferring to the West End this autumn.
His Chichester production of Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s civil rights-era musical Caroline, or Change, starring Sharon D Clarke in an Olivier Award-winning performance, transferred to the West End and Broadway where it was Tony-nominated for Best Musical Revival.
Other productions include the National Theatre smash hit Amadeus (Olivier Theatre, featuring The Southbank Sinfonia), The Son and Bad Jews (West End), Carmen Disruption (Almeida), A Number (Young Vic), ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore and The Winter’s Tale (Sam Wanamaker) and Between Riverside and Crazy (currently at Hampstead Theatre).
Barney Norris’s work has received awards from the International Theatre Institute, the Critics’ Circle, the Evening Standard, the Society of Authors, and the South Bank Sky Arts Times Breakthrough Awards, among others, and been translated into nine languages. His plays include Visitors, Eventide, Nightfall, The Wellspring and acclaimed adaptations of Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day and Lorca’s Blood Wedding; his novels include the acclaimed Undercurrent and the bestselling Five Rivers Met On A Wooded Plain.
Set and Costume Design will be by Fly Davis.
Second Best is produced by Simon Friend Entertainment.
STARS ANNOUNCED FOR “SOME ENCHANTED EVENING” CONCERT
A BRAND NEW CONCERT CELEBRATING THE BEST OF BROADWAY, SOME ENCHANTED EVENING WILL BE IN LONDON AND YORK THIS SPRING
The English Musical Theatre Orchestra are pleased to announce the stars for Some Enchanted Evening, celebrating the best of Broadway.
From Rodgers & Hammerstein to Lerner & Loewe, Some Enchanted Evening will open at the Richmond Theatre, London on Saturday 5th April before travelling to the Grand Opera House, York on Saturday 20th April 2025.
Renowned for her breathtaking vocals and captivating stage presence, soprano Lisa Jane Kelsey is one of the UK’s most sought-after classical crossover and musical theatre artists. With an extensive career spanning worldwide theatre tours and performances aboard luxury cruise liners, Lisa’s northern charm and stunning voice promise to bring something truly special to the stage.
Internationally acclaimed for his portrayal of The Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, Roy Locke is a powerhouse of musical theatre and classical crossover. His career has taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses and theatre stages. Now, Roy brings his unparalleled talent and passion to this production, delivering an unforgettable and moving performance.
Following its critically acclaimed success in Manchester, this breathtaking tribute to Broadway’s most iconic composers and timeless show tunes is set to captivate audiences once again.
Conductor, Gregor Reid, said: “We were blown away by the audiences’ reactions to Some Enchanted Evening in May 2024, we’re so excited to be bringing the show back, with even more must-see moments and some new additions to the set list. What can beat 26 artists who are all passionate about classic Musical Theatre”
This extraordinary production showcases beloved classics such as People Will Say We’re in Love, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Getting to Know You, and My Favourite Things. The legendary music of Rodgers & Hammerstein takes centre stage alongside audience favourites, including Maria from West Side Story and selections from My Fair Lady.
Two outstanding vocalists will join a full 26-piece orchestra, delivering a stunning performance of unforgettable songs from Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, South Pacific, The King and I, and many more. With soaring melodies and rich orchestration, the concert brings to life the golden era of Broadway in a truly spectacular evening of live music.
This production celebrates the enduring legacy of Broadway’s greatest composers, including Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe, Bernstein & Sondheim. It features music from award-winning musicals such as Annie Get Your Gun, The King and I, South Pacific, Brigadoon, West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Carousel, Show Boat, My Fair Lady, and Oklahoma!
Tickets are now on sale.
Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
On 4 February the UK and Ireland tour of KINKY BOOTS celebrated its gala night at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Pop Icon and the show’s songwriter CYNDI LAUPER attended the show and joined the cast on-stage.
Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2023
Other guests in attendance included: Gethin Jones, Helen Skelton, John Waite, Catherine Tyldesley and Dr Oscar Duke.
Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2023
Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2023
Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2023
Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2023
KINKY BOOTS stars Johannes Radebe as Lola, Dan Partridge as Charlie Price and Courtney Bowman as Lauren, Newtion Matthews as Simon Sr & Lola at certain performances, Kara Lily Hayworth as Nicola, Joe Caffrey as Don, Kathryn Barnes as Pat, Lucy Williamson as Trish, Jonathan Dryden Taylor as Mr Price, Scott Paige as George and Liam Doyle as Harry. The cast is completed by Kofi Dennis, Ru Fisher, Ben Middleton, Ashley-Jordon Packer, Cerys Burton, Cole Dunn, Kaya Farrugia, Jordan Isaac, Deena Kapadia, Tori McDougall and Liam McEvoy.
Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2023
Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2023
Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2023
KINKY BOOTS The Musical was a Broadway and West End phenomenon based on a true story and movie of the same name released in 2005. After inheriting his family’s failing shoe factory and with a relationship on the rocks, life is proving to be very challenging for Charlie Price. That is until he meets Lola, a drag queen whose sparkle and unsteady heels might just hold the answer to saving the struggling business.
Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2023
Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2023
The production will be directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster with choreography by Leah Hill, set and costume design by Robert Jones, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Adam Fisher and casting by Harry Blumenau CDG CDA. KINKY BOOTS is produced by ROYO and CURVE.
