Things That Divide Us was a poignant and informative piece written by Joshua Chandos and Directed by Simon Naylor. The story explores the relationship between two characters Kitty and David who meet in the apocalyptic Calais Jungle. Within this 90 minute performance we delve deep into the political world of Calais and see the impact of war through a refugee crisis.
The technical aspects of the play must be commended as the use of a projected screen added a deeper layer to the play as the audience were shown clips of news reports and French which immersed us into the world. There were moments where the performance space became problematic due to blocking but this was dismissed as we accepted the changing venue of the space.
I personally thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry between Callum Sim as ‘David’ and Beth Lily-Banks as ‘Kitty’ and felt this connection between the two characters moved the plot forwards in incredible ways. The character development throughout this piece was highly commendable as we saw how this experience changed both Kitty and David.
A line that stood out to me in this play came from a short repeated monologue by Kitty “In twenty years time you will be able to say you were stood on the right side of history”. With the recent events of the world this phrase has never been more apt.
Things That Divide Us will run at 53Two until October 1st so if you are in Manchester and fancy pre-drinks with a twist, this fully accessible theatre is located under the arches next to Beetham Tower and only a short walk from the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink Stop!
From great American novel to star-casted film to Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical, Alison Walker’s The Color Purple has seen many formats over the years. A hard-hitting musical at the best of times, and a musical that needs passion, love and a cast to carry the story above and beyond. Like many in the audience, my only experience of this gut-wrenching story has either been with the book taught and analysed in schools or the 2015 new Broadway cast recording starring Cynthia Erivo and Jenifer Hudson – this new staging of the infamous musical was just as breathtaking as every adaptation I have come into contact with.
With a fantastic set designed by Alex Lowde, the show was a visual masterpiece from the very beginning. Simple alcoves built into the wider stage transformed the sets completely and the clever use of projection onto the timber background gave the stage that rustic southern American feel to it. The first look at costumes in the opening number showed that this show truly cared about doing both the book and the original Broadway show justice but also showing us that it was also trying to be its own individual show.
For those who don’t know, The Colour Purple tells the harrowing story of a woman silenced, shunned and shut away; abused by her stepfather and even more so by her husband, Celie’s life has been far from easy. The musical tells a story of resilience and the importance of standing up and keeping the faith. Me’sha Bryan was simply mesmerising as Celie. Bryan’s voice was powerful throughout the show, however, when it came to the infamous power ballad ‘I’m Here’ Bryan almost made herself too small for the stage. Her voice was extremely powerful and her performance as Celie was awe-inspiring and simply magnetic and I truly believe that she will be one of the biggest stars in musical theatre to come but she needs to fill and own the stage a little more when that song comes and not shy away from it.
Anelisa Lamola’s Sofia was just as spicy and punchy as anyone could hope for. Taking the character in her stride and truly making it her own and delivering it with power and determination. Another notable performance was Bree Smith as Shug, delivering the performance as gracefully as her character, teaching everyone in the audience some valuable life lessons.
Portraying Mister was Ako Mitchell. A tough role to perform and really do justice yet Mitchell did just that. The role of Mister is incredibly hard to nail when you consider everything, on the one hand, you hate him from the very beginning for putting Celie through such hell and abuse; from that along it is hard to recover, but when he gets his redemption Mitchell can show the audience the vulnerable side of a character we never even thought we could stand to like.
Overall this production of The Color Purple was simply beautiful. There wasn’t a dry eye in the theatre at the end. Supported by an all-powerful cast this production is bound for a London, maybe even a West End transfer by the end of the tour. Inspirational, gut-wrenching and emotional everyone needs to see this story of love and faith at least once.
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham – until 24 September 2022
Reviewed by Amy Coulson
5*****
Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award-winning musical Jersey Boys has landed in Nottingham for a two-week run until 24 September. I’d obviously heard good things over the years, and was very excited to see the show, which has won over 65 major awards and been seen by over a staggering 27 million people.
Jersey Boys is written by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. The Jersey Boys UK and Ireland Tour is staged by the entire original Broadway creative team, led by the Tony Award-winning team of director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, with scenic design by Klara Zieglerova. Previous tour alumni Michael Pickering and Lewis Griffiths return as Frankie Valli and Nick Massi respectively, with Blair Gibson as Bob Gaudio and Dalton Wood as Tommy DeVito.
The true story, as told by the four band members, who at various stages break the fourth wall to talk directly to you, investigates the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Four guys from New Jersey, with strong accents (truth be told, it took me a while to sync with the accent) who together, sung beautiful top hits. The story looks at their lives offstage as well as on, and it’s thrilling! From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, we are swept along with them in a whirlwind of big hits and big personalities! The show is packed with their hits, including Sherry, Walk Like A Man, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, and Fallen Angel. If not familiar with Frankie Valli already, movie goers will recognise songs which feature in iconic films such as Grease and Dirty Dancing.
I can’t not mention, Michael Pickering as Frankie Valli, who is exceptional. His powerful falsetto kept the audience transfixed and excited. There were gasps every time he hit the high notes. It felt an honour to be in the same room.
The entire cast and production felt very slick, and I was completely swept away by it all. Exactly the escape I needed after a long week (or months) and I have a feeling that others felt the same. The standing ovation and cheers were well deserved, and I encourage you to see for yourself. You won’t be able to take your eyes off of this stage.
Queens Theatre, Hornchurch – until 24th September 2022
Reviewed by Bobbi Fenton
5*****
The Blueprint Festival is a collection of various projects created and produced by different people all presented throughout the space of two weeks. I was lucky enough to experience three of these events, as well as a speech explaining the events given by some of the creators and performers behind them.
The first event I saw was ‘Shakespeare on Sea’, a three-minute short film featuring three monologues from Shakespeare plays presented in a modern context. The Mawa Theatre Company have explored these monologues through the gaze of black female artists in Essex. The film features monologues from Romeo and Juliet, The Comedy of Errors, and The Tempest, which are performed by the wonderfully talented Deborah Imhogiemhe, Mia Jerome, and Sharon Rose. These monologues are performed in such a brilliant way that the typically complicated and difficult to understand Shakespearean language is much easier to understand, and it is much easier to understand what is going on in the scene because of the modern context in which they are presented.
The second event I saw was a 31-minute play with 31 scenes, called ‘In This Smoking Chaos’. This play is the result of asking the question ‘what if design was the first thing you thought about when creating a performance.’ Instead of having typical scenes with short transitions in between, this play is made up of one continuous transition with no definitive beginning or ending. The audience are invited to move about the auditorium to experience multiple different angles, as we follow a person (Yael Elisheva) exploring the process of life from beginning to end. There is no actual speech in the performance, with the exception of a person talking over the phone in a demonic sounding voice, so the performance is all movement. The set is what looks like a house that spins around at various times throughout the performance, and in often lit up in red, with 31 phrases projected onto it every so often, as these are the names of each scene. These are ominous phrases with no obvious meaning or relation to their scenes, only what can be inferred by the audience and their interpretation of the play. Overall, this piece is an absolutely incredible experience.
The final event was a very fun 15-minute presentation and light show projected onto the side of the building, displaying every show the theatre has put on, featuring music from each of these shows as well as very entertaining lighting and exciting pyrotechnics. The evening ended with drinks at the bar accompanied by a musical theatre dj set. Overall, it was the most fun theatre experience I have ever had, and that didn’t cover all the events the theatre had to offer. There are many other events taking place over two weeks, which all sound very entertaining. Everybody should go to this festival for at least one day to experience even a small piece of this magnificent festival.
Adam is a presenter on Gardener’s World and also appears regularly on the BBC’s cover of the RHS Flower Shows. This, his first night of the current tour, was greeted by an enthusiastic audience.
An informative and entertaining evening learning about Adam’s (and ‘Mrs Frosts’s’) life and professional journey. We all have a story to tell and Adam is very honest about some difficult stages in his life, all put across without seeking pity or sympathy of the audience.
Growing up his love of gardening grew from an early age, and he says he was surrounded by creative people and along with his natural talents for design, he has worked hard, along with taking a few risks, so his progression in the industry has been successful.
He had a screen to display images of people and Gardens he had worked with whilst talking about the influences in his life. There were amusing antidotes, and the audience were appreciative as the evening drew to a close.
There was, of course, a book just released, which he was happy to sign after the show.
It was a very pleasant evening, regardless of your knowledge of Adam and his career, this was about the life of, and not a gardener’s question time.
It has been more then 40 years, since the release of Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures, the debut album of four ordinary lads, who inspired by the punk revolution of 1970’s Manchester, came together to form one of the most influential bands of all time. The band name and LP cover for Unknown Pleasures is based on an image of radio waves from pulsar CP1919 and has become an iconic image, even outside the Joy Division fandom. As part of the Autumn 2022 production, New Dawn Fades is celebrating 10 years with an exciting and re-staged Northern Tour, including a return to the Epstein Theatre, located in the heart of Liverpool.
Written by the ingenious Brian Gorman, this highly acclaimed stage play is based on his graphic novel of the same title and brought to the stage by Manchester production company All Roads Meet, with executive producer Nina Whiteman. It is directed by writer, actor and improviser, Sean Mason and visual artist, performer, film maker and designer Giles D Bastow, both very accomplished and both part of the cast. Gorman also made an appearance in the play itself, as the historic characters of the Roman General Agricola, who ordered the founding of Mamucium, the foundations of what became Manchester and Dr John Dee, advisor to Elizabeth I. His appearance was pre recorded and beamed onto a large screen at the back. The sensitivity to history and interesting way of staging makes the story of Manchester and the music scene all the more engaging.
The cast played a handful of Joy Division classics live and imitated the original four piece, amazingly. When they performed Shadow Play, I felt like I was watching them on Granada Reports, live!
The cast in the play are fantastic. Al Donohoe plays the role of the flamboyant Tony Wilson, who co founded the seminal Manchester label Factory Records and acts as narrator.
Ian Curtis was born in 1956, married at 19, joined Joy Division and released Unknown Pleasures by the age of 22 and was dead by the age of 23. Joseph Walsh, who plays Curtis, in his early twenties himself and manages to take youth, innocence and vulnerability, as was at the heart of the real Joy Division story and turn it into an immersive experience. He very skilfully imitates Curtis’ haunting stage presence and dancing.
The rest of the band members, Bernard Sumner (Harry McLafferty), Peter Hook (Bill Bradshaw) and Stephen Morris (Matthew Melbourne) are strong and powerful characters and slightly resemble the real life band members. Bradshaw was hilarious as ‘Hooky’ Hook. Also in her early twenties is Leah Gray playing Deborah Curtis, perfect for articulating the touching tragic tale of Curtis’ wife.
No wonder it had a standing ovation! It is a testament to Joy Division that we are still talking about them today!
The well known, loved and anticipated classics ‘The Lion King’ bounds onto the Mayflower stage, and it is a work of wonder!
We follow the classic storyline through its entirety, but mixed with the visually stunning costumes, effects and exquisite music this really is not one to be missed.
The iconic ‘Nants’ Igonyama’ begins the show and Nosipho Nkonqa as Rafiki has the enviable task of performing ‘Circle of life’. A true piece of artistry and a vocal showcase, this is the perfect start to the piece. The ensemble enhance this song perfectly, with great puppetry, choreography and costumes from Michael Curry, Garth Fagan and Julie Taymor respectively. The whole cast were impeccable, giving the performance of a lifetime and creating emotion that rippled through the audience. Richard Hurst and Jean-Luc Guizonne as Scar and Mufasa were excellent. Hurst had a brilliant costume that, when mixed with his spot on portrayal of ‘Scar’ made it hard to believe this was an act! Matthew Forbes as ‘Zazu’ was also great, cutting any tense situation with excellent comedic timing. It was great to see that ‘Zazu’ was an extension of Forbes and he acted with his whole body, creating a spectacular illusion.
Pumbaa and Timon, played by Carl Sanderson and Alan Mchale were the perfect duo. They were witty, comical and sang with Simba (Stephenson Ardern-Sodje) with ease – bringing the duo into a wondrous trio! Arden-Sodje has a great singing voice and gave his all to his performance. Josiah Araba-Coker and Serenna Hunte as young Simba and Nala brought a wonderful childish energy to the show and really showed how much fun they have on this stage. As well as having great vocals, their energy and chemistry is unmatched-making for a show stopping act!
This is visually stunning and all creatives should be proud of the show. In particular, Richard Hudson-scenic designer. Although the scene changed were simple, they were highly effective and you could hear the gasps of children in the audience as we were transported across the savannahs and lairs of Scar.
This is a show like no other-no wonder it is selling out. There are not enough words to describe what a treat this is for all ages!!
Northern Ballet’sThe Great Gatsby is returning to theatres across the UK in Spring 2023. The ballet will open at Leeds Grand Theatre on Wednesday 8 March before touring to Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre and London’s Sadler’s Wells
Northern Ballet, who have recently come under the new leadership of former Royal Ballet Principal Federico Bonelli, will bring the glitz and glamour of the roaring twenties to life as they reimagine F. Scott Fitzgerald’s infamous novel on stage. The Great Gatsby premiered in 2013 and has since enjoyed four successful UK tours, becoming one of the Company’s most popular productions
Set in New York’s Long Island during the 1920’s, The Great Gatsby tells the tale of Jay Gatsby a mysterious millionaire with a secret past and a penchant for lavish parties. As the sparkling façade of Gatsby’s world begins to slip, the loneliness, obsession and tragedy that lie beneath are revealed
The Great Gatsby is choreographed by Northern Ballet’s former Artistic Director David Nixon CBE and earned him a nomination for Best Classical Choreography in the 2014 National Dance Awards
The production features lavish sets by Jérôme Kaplan and dazzling Chanel inspired costumes designed by Nixon. Sir Richard Rodney Bennett’s CBE’s unforgettable score completes the backdrop, played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia
Director, Choreographer and Costume Designer David Nixon CBE said:
‘Like many, I fell in love with Fitzgerald’s timeless novel at a young age and it continues to capture my imagination to this day.
The glamour of the 1920’s lends itself beautifully to the stage with stunning costumes and sets and the music by the late Sir Rodney Richard Bennett CBE transports the audience to an elusive time of lavish parties and prohibition and jazz.
I’m thrilled that Federico has chosen to bring this beloved production back to theatres next Spring and I hope that audiences will continue to be delighted and entertained by the glitz and glamour of Fitzgerald’s captivating 20s once again. ‘
Tickets to The Great Gatsby will go on sale soon. Please visit northernballet.com/gatsby for more information. To find out more about Northern Ballet’s other touring productions including Autumn 2022’s The Little Mermaid and The Nutcracker visit northernballet.com/whatson.
Aria Entertainment, Bill Kenwright and Heartaches Limited announce
Meet the cast for the brand new production of Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson’s epic musical
‘From Here To Eternity’
Today we announce the full cast for the brand new production of Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson’s epic musical ‘From Here To Eternity’, with casting by Jane Deitch.
‘From Here To Eternity’ is getting its first London revival in a newly revised production at Charing Cross Theatre, from 29 October – 17 December.
Jonny Amies (Maggio) was Link Larkin in ‘Hairspray’ (London Coliseum) and Peter Noone in ‘My Very Own British Invasion’ (Paper Mill Playhouse, New Jersey).
Jonathon Bentley (Prewitt) appeared in ‘Mamma Mia! The Party’ (O2), ‘Miss Saigon’ (International Tour) and ‘Mamma Mia!’ (Novello Theatre).
Desmonda Cathabel (Lorene) won the prestigious 2022 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition. Her stage roles include ‘Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends Concert’ (Sondheim Theatre), ‘Maria Friedman and Friends’ (Menier Chocolate Factory) and ‘Treason’ in Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane).
Leonard Cook (Judson/Colonel Delbert/cover Holmes) appeared in the West End in ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ (Original West End company) and ‘The Comedy About A Bank Robbery’ (Criterion Theatre).
Kyerron Dixon-Bassey (Swing) is a recent graduate of Urdang Academy making his stage debut.
Sarah Drake (Female U/S Lorene & Mrs Kipfer) trained at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Her UK theatre credits include: Deb/Claire alternate in ‘Ordinary Days’ (Cockpit Theatre).
Dominic Adam Griffin (Soldier/cover Warden & Bloom) has just played Handsome Climber/Cover Johan in the world premiere of ‘Identical’, was swing in the original cast of ‘ALW’s Cinderella’ (West End) and ensemble/Cover Magaldi in ‘Evita’ (West End and UK/European Tour).
Cassius Hackforth (Soldier) was a finalist in the 2022 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the year, and has recently filmed a featured role in a major Lucasfilm production. Robin Hayward (Soldier/cover Prewitt) recently played Kurt Kelly in ‘Heathers’ (The Other Palace).
Callum Henderson (Soldier/cover Judson & Colonel Delbert) was Dwayne in ‘9 to 5’ (UK Tour), ‘I Could Use a Drink’ (Garrick Theatre), ‘The Show Must Go On!’ (Palace Theatre) and Luke in ‘Next Thing You Know’ (Garden Theatre).
James Mateo-Salt (Soldier/cover Galovitch) was Raymond/Len in ‘What the Ladybird Heard’ (West End/UK Tour), featured ensemble in ‘The Pirate Queen’ (London Coliseum), John in ‘Peter Pan’ (Under the Bridge) and Hanschen/1st cover Melchior in ‘Spring Awakening’ (Edinburgh Fringe).
Rhys Nuttall (Galovitch) played Brian in ‘Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens’ (King’s Head Theatre) and was The Creature/Movement Director in ‘Frankenstein’ (Garrick Theatre, Altrincham).
Jack Ofrecio (Bloom) appeared in ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ (Bridge House Theatre).
Jaden Oshenye (Soldier) was Young Macduff in ‘Macbeth’ (RSC) and he appeared in ‘The Bodyguard’ (Dominion Theatre).
Eve Polycarpou (Mrs Kipfer) last appeared in the West End as Drosoulla in ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ and in ‘Strictly Ballroom’. She appeared in ‘In the Heights’ at Southwark Playhouse and King’s Cross Theatre.
Adam Rhys-Charles (Warden) was in ‘Curtains’ (UK Tour) ‘Kiss Me Kate’ (Sheffield Crucible), played Young Ben in ‘Follies’ (National Theatre) and ‘Mrs Henderson Presents’ (Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto).
Carley Stenson (Karen) is best known for playing Steph Cunningham in C4’s ‘Hollyoaks’ for which she was nominated for Best Actress and Best Comedy Actress at the NTAs and British Soap Awards. Her recent stage roles include Fantine in ‘Les Miserables’ in the West End and Georgia Hendricks in ‘Curtains’ (West End and UK Tour).
Alan Turkington (Holmes) was in ‘Very Special Guest Star’ (Omnibus Theatre), ‘My Night With Reg’ (Turbine Theatre), ‘Antony & Cleopatra’ (National Theatre), ‘Hamlet’ (Donmar at Wyndham’s Theatre, Elsinore Castle and Broadhurst Theatre, Broadway).
Joseph Vella (Soldier/cover Maggio) is making his professional debut.
Creative team: Director Brett Smock Set & Costume Designer Stewart Charlesworth Musical Direction & Orchestrations Nick Barstow Choreographer Cressida Carré Lighting Designer Adam King Projection Designer Louise Rhodes-Brown Costume Supervisor Lucy Lawless Casting Director Jane Deitch Production Manager James Anderton
Produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Bill Kenwright and Heartaches Limited
General Management by Chris Matanlé
Set in the two weeks leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, ‘From Here To Eternity’ is a compelling portrait of humanity, love, duty and redemption set against the backdrop of a beautiful and conflicted paradise.
Adapted from the classic novel by James Jones, this breathtaking musical unites the writing talents of Tim Rice (lyrics), Stuart Brayson (music) and Donald Rice and Bill Oakes (book), and is directed by Brett Smock (Producing Artistic Director/The Rev Theatre Company).
‘From Here To Eternity’ marked Tim Rice’s first new stage musical for over 10 years. Among the many smash hit musicals he co-wrote are ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ ‘Evita’, ‘Chess’ and ‘The Lion King’. He has won 12 Ivor Novello awards, 4 Tonys and 3 Oscars and an Emmy.
Lyricist Tim Rice said: “It’s wonderful to have ‘From Here To Eternity’ back in London. Since its world premiere in the West End in 2013, there have been two excellent productions in North America, both directed by Brett Smock, and I’m delighted he’s bringing the latest iteration of the show back across The Pond. Katy Lipson and her team are the perfect partners: young, dynamic and energetic – like the fighting men of G Company. It’s been a treat to get back to the writing desk with Stuart, too. If you like your musicals soft and fluffy, this show is not for you. We have nothing to offer but danger, betrayal, heartbreak, hope, blood, sweat and tears!”
LISTINGS INFO
Aria Entertainment, Bill Kenwright and Heartaches Limited present
‘From Here To Eternity’
Adapted from the classic novel by James Jones
Lyrics Tim Rice, Music Stuart Brayson, Book Donald Rice and Bill Oakes
Directed by Brett Smock
Charing Cross Theatre The Arches Villiers Street London WC2N 6NL www.charingcrosstheatre.co.uk Box office: 08444 930650
29 October – 17 December
Performances:
Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 3.00pm
Prices: £25.00 – £39.50 Premium seats £49.50 (includes a programme and a glass of bubbly)
A booking fee applies to phone and internet orders; no booking fee to personal callers The box office is open from 2 hours before curtain time on performance days for personal callers
ORANGE TREE THEATRE ANNOUNCES FULL CAST AND CREATIVES FOR JMK AWARD-WINNER INDIANA LOWN-COLLINS’ PRODUCTION OFTHE SOLID LIFE OF SUGAR WATER BY JACK THORNE
The Orange Tree Theatre today announces the full cast for Jack Thorne’s The Solid Life of Sugar Water. JMK Award Winner Indiana Lown-Collins directs Katie Erich and Adam Fenton. The award provides Lown-Collins the opportunity to stage her own full-scale Orange Tree show production where she will work with designer Ica Niemz. The Solid Life of Sugar Water opens on 19 October, with previews from 15 October, and runs until 12 November. It will be available via OT On Screen between 15–18 November.
Jack Thorne’s
THE SOLID LIFE OF SUGAR WATER Directed by Indiana Lown-Collins
An Orange Tree Theatre Production in association with The JMK Award
Designer: Ica Niemz; Lighting Designer: Jonathan Chan; Sound Designer: Oliver Vibrans; Creative Captioner & Projections Designer: Sarah Readman; Movement Director: Isolte Avila;Intimacy Coordinator & Director: Asha Jennings-Grant; BSL Interpreter: Deborah Hoyte; Access Consultant: Laura Guthrie; Casting Consultant: Christopher Worrrall; Deputy Stage Manager: Bryony Peach; Assistant Stage Manager: Waverley Moran
15 October – 12 November 2022
OT On Screen: 15 – 18 November
Creative captioning will be integrated into every performance.
Life’s always easier in retrospect. And I actually wouldn’t change what happened next for anything.
Alice and Phil bare every messy, painful, hilarious, irritating, delightful, loving detail of their relationship as it bends and shifts to everything life throws at them. Nothing goes unshared …
Writer Jack Thorne (Channel 4’s Skins and This Is England) thrillingly amplifies disabled voices in this witty, impassioned and intimate play. Following its 2015 premiere at Edinburgh Festival Fringe as a Graeae Theatre Company and Theatre Royal Plymouth co-production, The Solid Life of Sugar Water went on a UK tour and transferred to the National Theatre for a critically acclaimed run in 2016.
Katie Erich plays Alice. Her theatre credits include Oliver Twist (Leeds Playhouse – nominated for The Stage Debut Award for Best Performer in a Play), Different Owners at Sunrise (The Roundhouse), Aladdin (CAST), and for television, Doctors.
Adam Fenton plays Phil. As an actor, their credits include Living Archive (Royal Court), Rogue Comet(s) (HOME), Talking Bodies (Hot Coals Theatre), Not Serious (Oldham Coliseum), The Howling (Graeae Theatre Company) and //Tuning In// (Theatre by the Lake).
As a director Indiana Lown-Collins’s credits include The Purple Princess (Guildford Shakespeare Company) a devised TIE tour raising awareness of non-visible disabilities based on her own life experiences and The Last Supper (Fresh Direction ‘Replay Project’ The Young Vic). Other credits include Assistant Director on Julius Caesar (Shakespeare’s Globe), Movement Director on The Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (GSC); Associate Director on Merrily We Roll Along (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre); Assistant Director on All’s Well That Ends Well (Jermyn Street Theatre), Cinderella (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre); A Woman Alone (Etcetera Theatre); All Aboard (Electric Theatre); Language coach on StrictlyBallroom the Musical (Leeds Playhouse). Indianawas the Assistant Director and Producer at the Guildford Shakespeare Company (2019-2021) where she was assistant director on As You Like It, She Stoops to Conquer, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Twelfth Night, Robin Hood, Alice and Wonderland, Romeo and Juliet, The Legend of King Arthur and Associate Director on Macbeth.
Jack Thorne is a playwright and screenwriter. His playwriting credits include The End of History, Hope, Let The Right One In (Royal Court), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace Theatre/Lyric Theatre New York/Princess Theatre, Melbourne), A Christmas Carol, Woyzeck (The Old Vic) and Junkyard (Bristol Old Vic). As a screenwriter for television, his credits include Then Barbara Met Alan, Help, His Dark Materials, Kiri, National Treasure, This is England, Skins, The Fades, Cast Offs and The Accident, and for film; The Scouting Book for Boys, War Book, Don’t Take My Baby, The Last Panthers, Wonder, The Aeronauts and Enola Holmes.
Ica Niemz is a designer. Their recent design work includes Gender Messy (Cambridge Junction), Window of Remembrance – Trans Week of Visibility/Day of Remembrance (Studio 3 Arts), Outside (Space Theatre), The Purple Princess (Guildford Shakespeare Company), Beige (Vault Festival/Online), LDN Dares Vogue (Shakespeare’s Globe), Journey’s of Destiny (Derby Theatre), I Saw a Monster (National Maritime Museum) and Midsummer Night’s Dream (Eastville Park Lido). Ica was awarded a Weston Jerwood Creative Bursary Fellowhip as Assistant Designer with Wildworks 2021-2022.
