ST LUKE’S BOMBED OUT CHURCH, LIVERPOOL – 4TH SEPTEMBER 2022

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

4.5****

Kenneth Grahame’s classic riverbank tale, The Wind in the Willows (first published in 1908) comes dramatically alive at this wonderful outdoor theatrical experience, as part of the Liverpool Theatre Festival at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church. This location is fully equipped for serving alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and snacks to your seat and creates the perfect immersive and open-air venue.

Award winning theatre company Calf2Cow brings to stage this new adaptation of the classic children’s novel, perfect for the modern day audience, young and old. After their 2021 sell out tour, they are touring the UK again this summer, with a 30 day tour of The Wind in the Willows.

The story begins with the arrival of spring, as the timid and home-loving Mole performed by Samuel Freeman, emerges from his underground home and ends up by the river. Here he befriends the charming and affable Ratty, a water vole, performed by Isobel Witcomb. They get along well and spend many more days boating. Mole is then introduced to the eccentric and gregarious Toad, performed by Alexandra Ricou. Toad is rich, jovial and friendly but arrogant and rash; he regularly becomes obsessed with current fads, only to abandon them abruptly. His craze for caravan travel is immediately replaced by an obsession with motorcars. Mole and Ratty seek out the elusive but virtuous and wise Badger, performed by Matthew Emeny, to help change Toad’s ways.

Ricou as Toad gave a larger than life and wonderfully boisterous performance and completely embodied the character in Grahame’s timeless tale. Emeny’s performance as the horse that pulls the caravan was absolutely hilarious and had the crowd, big and small in fits of laughter. The chemistry between Witcomb and Freeman as Ratty and Mole respectively, was lovely. As an audience, because Ratty and Mole were having fun, so were we, their enthusiasm and curiosity were infectious. During the intermission Emeny and Freeman, dressed as the Judge and a Barrister, walked around the audience and interacted with the crowd, setting the scene for the second half.

The comedy timing, acting, playing live music and having fun despite the physical challenges posed by the roles was truly remarkable. The talent displayed by these artists was incredible.

The staging, mise en scẻne and choreography were lovely and complimented the beautiful alternative artistic location.

This production is vibrant, bonkers and contains elements of spectacle as well as some great folk rock music. Calf2Cow’s wistful ode to telling stories is bold, brave and energetic.

REGENERATE: Lost Songs from the Musicals

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR ONLINE CONCERT

Olivier Award Winners ADRIAN LESTER, JANIE DEE, DOUGLAS HODGE, and GEORGE MAGUIRE

Ex – SIX Queens NATALIE PARIS and GRACE MOUAT Plus DUNCAN JAMES, ANITA DOBSON, ALICE FEARN, LUKE FRIEND, FRANCES MAYLI MCCANN and many more!

On Sunday 18^th September 2022 at 7.00pm GMT (1900hrs), greats of the West End and Broadway join together for a unique night of musical theatre at  REGENERATE: Lost Songs from the Musicals. The concert will be livestreamed online in support of charity Mercury Musical Developments (MMD) and Musical Theatre Network (MTN). Tune in for free and donate at: www.regeneratemusicals.com

Titans of musical theatre are supporting emerging musical theatre talent, gifting their favourite songs cut from classic shows, or chosen stunning songs from their new projects; culminating in an incredible evening of 16 never before-heard-songs, for one night only!

REGENERATE Livestreamed Online Gala Fundraiser is free for everyone to join and watch – and whilst watching the audience can donate via online or text. Everyone who donates will be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to SIX in the West End or on Broadway**. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to support new writing talent to present their work at BEAM2023.

Complete line up of the WORLD PREMIERES and PERFORMERS:

• Tony Award-winning writersof SIX Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss gift a new composition How Far We’ve Come to be sung by an original SIX cast member and Olivier-nominee Natalie Paris.
• Tony Award-winning writing team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime, Anastasia) sent a song from their forthcoming Broadway show Little Dancer, called Life Of The Person, to be performed by Adrian Lester.
• Oscar winner Don Black and Debbie Wiseman’s It’s Still Me In Here from their brand new musical Feather Boy sung by Anita Dobson.
• Elton John and Tim Rice’s song I Could Not Miss You More (cut from the movie Gnomeo and Juliet) to be sung by Duncan James.
• Emerging writers Kit Buchan and Jim Barne‘s jettisoned song Midtown Christmas Eve from The Season to be sung by Grace Mouat (Legally Blonde, SIX) and Dan Partridge (Danny in Grease).
• Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil‘s song cut from Miss Saigon, Too Much for One Heart, will be sung by Desmonda Cathabel (winner of 2022 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of The Year).
• Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Godspell) is gifting Leaving Myself Behind from his new project Marley. He will accompany the Broadway actor Michael McCorry Rose on the piano.
• Composer / lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party, The Addams Family) gifts It Should Be Funny from musical Jerry Christmas, written with Daniel Goldfarb (The Amazing Mrs Maisel), to be sung by Olivier Award-winner Janie Dee (Follies).
• Tony and Olivier Award-winning actor and writer Douglas Hodge (101 Dalmatians) will perform Counting The Hairs from his musical Wigmaker, written with dramatist Bryony Lavery.
• A duet from Masi Asare (Paradise Square, recently on Broadway) How Would You Know? from new show Rishvor, sung by Alice Fearn (Come From Away, Wicked) and Aisha Jawando who is currently playing Tina in The Tina Turner Musical.
• Stuart Brayson’s song You And Me Buddy, written for From Here to Eternity,will be performed by Olivier Award-winner George Maguire (Dave Davies in Sunny Afternoon) and Luke Friend (X Factor finalist).
• Emerging composing talent Omar Baroud (Cliff in Cabaret) will be singing a duet Without from his new musical After Elijah with Hanna Khogali (Britannicus). Omar is the most recent recipient of the Stiles + Drewe Mentorship Award in association with MMD.
• Another brand-new musical song from Maury Yeston (Nine, Titanic), from his current writing project The Great Bridge about the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. The song For My Father will be sung by Luke McCall (Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera).
• George Stiles and Anthony Drewe‘s Mrs. Me, written for a romcom movie, “which like so many projects in Tinseltown bit the dust long before the final script”, will be sung by Michael Ahomka-Lindsay(Legally Blonde).
• New writer Urielle Klein Mekongo sings her song Nobody’s There from Black Power Desk.
• Canadian husband and wife team Irene Sankoff and David Hein (Come From Away) have gifted an early song, Subway Sparrow, sung by Frances Mayli McCann (Bonnie & Clyde, Chess In Concert).

Composer, comedian, actress and musician,Vikki Stone (The John Bishop Show, The Now Show – BBC R4)will host the Gala, creating a glorious evening of musical theatre.

Why is it so important to support & nurture musical theatre writing and composing talent?

Anthony Drewe: As with all art forms, musical theatre is an evolving beast that needs fresh blood just as much as it celebrates old. Shows as innovative or daring as Hamilton, The Band’s Visit, The Book Of Mormon and Come From Away wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the legacy handed down from previous generations of song writers. You read, you listen, you learn – and then you create.

Stephen Schwartz: For those of us who love the genre, it means we’ll continue to have good musicals to go see.

Andrew Lippa: New musicals with original scores are friggin’ hard to get right. And they are expensive. Without support, guidance, funding, nurturing, practice, space, time, room to fail, new musicals can’t really grow.

Maury Yeston: The musical theatre is now a worldwide form. It brings us together and unites so many disparate and unique national styles and techniques. Its musical and theatrical force has fostered a common bond in theatre communities all over the world. The nurturing of its creators and its traditions creates a continuing force for peace.

Theatrical Rights Worldwide are lead sponsor of REGENERATE. The event is also supported by Music Theatre International and Clintons Solicitors.

Conceived and Produced by Neil Marcus. Musical Director Nick Barstow. Studio Producer Bartek Podkowa. Supporting BEAM2023 – removing financial barriers for creatives to share their work at the UK’s biggest showcase of new musical theatre.

Join free online Livestreamed Gala Musical Theatre Fundraiser concert

REGENERATE: Lost Songs from the Musicals

Sunday 18^th September 2022

at 7.00pm GMT(1900hrs)

at www.regeneratemusicals.com

 Donate and support the future of musical theatre.

Please give generously!

**Everyone who donates will be entered into a prize draw to win a pair of Six tickets (West End, UK Tour or Broadway, depending on winner’s location) + a programme signed by the cast.

TO DONATE: https://bit.ly/regeneratedonate

OR

Text MUSICALS followed by your donation amount to 70085 to give that amount.

e.g: MUSICALS5 for £5 / MUSICALS10 for £10 etc…

Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message

Fuel presents

A Dead Body in Taos

A new play by David Farr

Directed by Rachel Bagshaw

• The full cast and creative team are now announced for the world premiere of David Farr’s new play A Dead Body in Taos
  
   
• The cast features previously announced Gemma Lawrence as Sam and Eve Ponsonby as Kath who will joined by David Burnett, Nathan Ives-Moiba, Clara Onyemere and Dominic Thorburn
  
   
• Director Rachel Bagshaw, Designer Ti Green and Video Designer Sarah Readman will be joined by Lighting Designer Katy Morison, Movement Director Ingrid Mackinnon and Composers Ben and Max Ringham. Full details of the creative team are below
  
   
• A Dead Body in Taos will preview at Bristol Old Vic and The Drum at Theatre Royal Plymouth prior to opening at Wilton’s Music Hall on 27 October. The show will then move to Warwick Arts Centre on 15 November
  
   
• The play explores how Artificial Intelligence is stretching the boundaries of a person’s life and the effect that has on the world

Full casting and creative team have been announced today for the world premiere of David Farr’s new play exploring how Artificial Intelligence is increasingly becoming part of peoples’ lives.  A Dead Body in Taos will preview at Bristol Old Vic and Theatre Royal Plymouth before its official opening at Wilton’s Music Hall from 26 October – 12 November with a press night on 27 October.

Sam hasn’t spoken to her mother Kath for three years when she learns that she’s been found dead in the New Mexico desert. 

Travelling to the small town of Taos to identify the body, she discovers Kath has become embroiled in a shadowy enterprise, offering Sam an unimaginable chance to rebuild their broken relationship. But to do so, she must decide whether she can finish what her mother started. 

Directed by Rachel Bagshaw (The Shape of the Pain, Midnight Movie), designed by Ti Green (Touching the Void), and featuring original composition by Ben and Max Ringham (Blindness, Electric Hotel), David Farr’s compelling new play is both an unsettling science fiction and an intimate study of loss and bereavement, examining how artificial intelligence could alter our understanding of death, consciousness, and the soul. 

A Dead Body in Taos includes fully integrated captioning as part of every performance.

A Dead Body in Taos is co-commissioned by Fuel, Theatre Royal Plymouth and Warwick Arts Centre with support from Bristol Old Vic; A Dead Body in Taos is supported by Arts Council England and produced by Fuel.

www.bestofenemiesplay.com

@BestEnemiesPlay | #BestofEnemies

Second Half Productions, Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Wessex Grove, Young Vic Theatre and Headlong present
BEST OF ENEMIES
Written by James Graham 

Directed by Jeremy Herrin

Inspired by the documentary by Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon

• Full cast and creative team announced for West End production of Best of Enemies – the award-winning play by James Graham, directed by Jeremy Herrin.
• Zachary Quinto will make his West End debut as Gore Vidal opposite David Harewood who reprises the role of William F. Buckley Jr. 
• Deborah Alli, Emilio Doorgasingh, Clare Foster, Tom Godwin, John Hodgkinson, Syrus Lowe, Kevin McMonagle and Sam Otto also star.
• The play explores Vidal and Buckley’s bitter political rivalry and historic clashes which transformed political debates and revolutionised current affairs broadcasting.
• The play won the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Best New Theatre Production, the Critics Circle Theatre Award for Best New Play and received two Olivier Award Nominations following its run at the Young Vic Theatre. 
• Best of Enemies will preview at the Noël Coward Theatre from 14 November for 14 Weeks, with opening night on Monday 28 November.
• Tickets start from £15 with over 30,000 at £35 and under available throughout the run.
• Tickets go on general sale from 10am on Tuesday 6 September. 

Zachary Quinto (The Boys in the Band, American Horror Story, Star Trek) will make his West End debut as Gore Vidal in James Graham’s (Sherwood, Quiz, This House) award-winning new play Best of Enemies opposite David Harewood (Homeland, Super Girl, Ten Percent) who is reprising his role as William F. Buckley Jr. 

Directed by Jeremy Herrin (People, Places & Things, Wolf Hall Trilogy, This House), Best of Enemies will begin previews at the Noël Coward Theatre on 14 November with an opening night on 28 November. This sold-out hit from the Young Vic Theatre and Headlong originally premiered at the Young Vic in December 2021. Tickets go on sale for priority bookers from Monday 5 September with tickets on general sale from 10am on Tuesday 6 September. Tickets start from £15 with over 30,000 at £35 and under available throughout the run. 

1968 – a year of protest that divided America. As two men fight to become the next President, all eyes are on the battle between two others: the cunningly conservative William F. Buckley Jr., and the iconoclastic liberal Gore Vidal. Beliefs are challenged and slurs slung as these political idols feud nightly in a new television format, debating the moral landscape of a shattered nation. Little do they know they’re about to open up a new frontier in American politics, and transform television news forever…

Completing the cast are Deborah Alli, Emilio Doorgasingh, Clare Foster, Tom Godwin, John Hodgkinson, Syrus Lowe, Kevin McMonagle and Sam Otto who will each perform multiple roles within the play including Andy Warhol, James Baldwin, Patricia Buckley, Howard Austen, Aretha Franklin and Martin Luther-King. The ensemble includes David Boyle, Lincoln Conway, Vivienne Ekwulugo, Jamie Hogarth and Saaj Raja.

Written by James Graham and Directed by Jeremy Herrin, Best of Enemies is Designed by Bunny Christie, with Lighting Design by Jack Knowles, Sound Design by Tom Gibbons, Video Design by Max Spielbichler, Composition by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, Movement Direction by Shelley Maxwell, Casting by Charlotte Sutton CDG (UK) and Jim Carnahan CSA (US), Voice and Dialect by Hazel Holder and Associate Direction by Annie Kershaw.

Best of Enemies won the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Best New Theatre Production and the Critics Circle Theatre Award for Best New Play and was also nominated for two Olivier Awards following its run at the Young Vic. This production is brought to the West End by Second Half Productions, Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Wessex Grove, the Young Vic Theatre and Headlong. Wagner Johnson Productions will be Executive Producers.

David Harewood says: “I consider Best of Enemies to be one of the most enjoyable and challenging experiences of my whole career and I cannot wait to once again get under the skin of this uniquely complex character. Jeremy’s brilliant direction and James’s wonderful script combine to give both actor and audience a stimulating, thought-provoking and wildly entertaining evening out and I’m counting down the days to performing this show again in the West End.”

Zachary Quinto says: “Living and working in London has long been an aspiration of mine. But to be making my West End debut in such a thrilling and relevant play – amongst such a distinguished creative team – and playing such a scorching and complex character as Gore Vidal – far exceeds my expectations of what living and working in London would look like… I’m full of gratitude and excitement. Best of Enemies harkens back to a vital time – when genuine discourse was possible from even the most opposite ends of the ideological spectrum. My hope is that such discourse may be once again rekindled in response to the work itself.”  

James Graham says: “To be given the opportunity to bring new writing to the West End is always a thrill. Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville’s original hit documentary about the televised debates between Buckley and Vidal in the 1960s, and their surprise influence on our politics and media today, enraptured me when I first saw it. It’s been an honour to take inspiration from their work to create this drama for the stage.

We’re living through another “1968 moment” right now – that same spirit of protest, resistance, and a thirst for change; of political polarisation and toxicity, all of which was the backdrop to the clash between these two men live in front of the world.

Working with Jeremy again, and having the epic talents of this cast – led by David and Zach, fighting it out every night on the Noel Coward stage – is such an exciting prospect, I can’t wait.”

Jeremy Herrin says: “One of the privileges of running Headlong was being able to get the rights to Neville and Gordon’s pertinent documentary, and to persuade James Graham to bring his singular vision and regular wit to yet another of our collaborations. Kwame Kwei-Armah inspired and supported our production at the Young Vic. It’s great to bring our talented ensemble to one of the West End’s best playhouses at the Noel Coward Theatre to thrill a broad audience with plenty of affordable tickets. 

We are honoured that one of the US’s finest actors Zachary Quinto will  join forces, and trade blows, with David Harewood, a multi hyphenate homegrown star worthy of celebration.

The story of these two nuanced and charismatic men speaks as engagingly of contemporary politics and punditry as it does of the turmoil of 1968, and I can’t wait to take the production to the next level.”

David Harewood’s theatre credits include: Best of Enemies, Peribanez (Young Vic); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Theatre for a New Audience); Welcome To Thebes, Henry IV, His Dark Materials (National Theatre); The Mountaintop (Trafalgar Studios/Theatre 503); An Oak Tree, Bad ‘Nuff (Soho Theatre); Woyzeck (St. Ann’s Warehouse, New York Grassmarket Project); Exonerated (Riverside Studios); The Misanthrope (Minerva Chichester); Othello (RNT World Tour); Antony and Cleopatra (Public Theatre NY/Alley Theatre, Texas & Tour/Riverside Studios); Pinchy Cobi & The 7 Duppies, Worlds Apart (Stratford East); King Lear (Talawa Theatre Company); Othello, Black Poppies (Stratford East/NT Studio); Anowa (Gate Theatre).

His television credits include: Homeland Series 1 & 2 (SHOWTIME), The Night Manager (BBC), Supergirl Seasons 1-6 (CW), Madiba (BET), Beowulf (ITV), Selfie (ABC), By Any Means (BBC), The Vice 1-5 (ITV), Treasure Island (Sky), Hustle (BBC), Dr. Who (BBC).
 

David’s film includes: Free In Deed, Blood Diamond, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now, Separate Lies, The Merchant of Venice, The Hot Potato.

Zachary Quinto’s theatre credits include: Angels in America (Signature Theatre, Theater World Award winner and a Drama Desk Award nominee); Glass Menagerie (Broadway, Booth Theatre); Smokefall (MCC); The Boys in the Band (Broadway, Booth Theatre, Tony Award for Best Revival Of A Play); and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (The Geffen). 

His television credits include: Heroes (NBC), American Horror Story (FX), American Horror Story: Asylum (FX, Critic’s Choice Award winner and Emmy Award nominee), NOS4A2 (AMC).

Zachary’s film credits include: Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek Beyond, The Boys in the Band, Margin Call, Aardvark, and All Is Lost (producer), A Most Violent Year (producer).

James Graham is a playwright and film and television writer. His play This House premiered at the National Theatre’s Cottesloe Theatre in September 2012, directed by Jeremy Herrin, and transferred to the Olivier in 2013 where it enjoyed a sell-out run, and garnered critical acclaim and a huge amount of interest and admiration from current and former MPs for his rendition of life in the House of Commons. It went on to have an Olivier-nominated sell-out revival in the West End in 2017 and it was chosen by popular vote as the best play of the 2010’s for the major theatre publisher Methuen.

Ink, his play about the early days of Rupert Murdoch, opened to huge praise at the Almeida and transferred to the West End in September 2017 where it played in the theatre next door to James’ other new play – political romantic comedy Labour of Love – creating theatre history. Labour of Love went on to win an Olivier Award. Ink went on to transfer to Manhattan Theatre Club on Broadway and be nominated for six Tony Awards.

James wrote the book for Finding Neverland, the musical with music by Gary Barlow. It opened in Boston in Summer 2014 and transferred to Broadway in Spring 2015. His first film for television, Caught in a Trap, was broadcast on ITV1 on Boxing Day 2008.

Brexit: An Uncivil War, tapped into a national conversation, garnering huge public attention and critical acclaim. It was broadcast on Channel 4 and HBO and starred Benedict Cumberbatch. It was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie, a BAFTA for Single Drama and a Satellite Award for Best Motion Picture Made for Television.

This coincided with James being featured on the leading arts programme Imagine. The show explored James’s influences and, in turn, his influence.

His recent screen work includes Quiz (ITV and AMC) in 2020, directed by Stephen Frears and was one of the most watched UK television dramas of the year and Sherwood (BBC One House Productions) which launched to over six million people earlier this year receiving wide-spread critical acclaim.

Jeremy Herrin trained as a theatre director at both the National Theatre and the Royal Court, where he became Deputy Artistic Director in 2008. Between 2000 and 2008 he was an Associate Director at Live Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne. Jeremy replaced Rupert Goold as Artistic Director of Headlong Theatre in September 2013. In 2007, he directed the UK premiere of David Hare’s play, The Vertical Hour, as well as Polly Stenham’s award-winning That Face at the Royal Court. That Face later transferred to London’s West End, where it starred Lindsay Duncan and Matt Smith and was produced by Sonia Friedman. Two years later, in 2009, Jeremy directed Polly’s second play, Tusk Tusk for which he was nominated for an Evening Standard Best Director Award. Other work at the Royal Court includes EV Crowe’s Hero, Richard Bean’s The Heretic, Kin, Spur of the Moment, Off The Endz and The Priory, which won an Olivier Award for best Comedy.

In 2012 Jeremy directed the Olivier-nominated This House, written by James Graham, at the National Theatre. The production was revived at the Garrick Theatre at the end of 2016 and toured the UK in 2018.

In 2014 Jeremy directed the critically acclaimed adaptations of Hilary Mantel’s novels Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies for the RSC and was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Director. The productions transferred to the West End at the end of 2014 and opened on Broadway in April 2015. He also directed the Broadway production of Noises Off which opened in January 2016. His production of People, Places and Things at the National Theatre transferred to the Wyndhams Theatre in March 2016 and then to St Ann’s Warehouse in October 2017. Jeremy directed James Graham’s Oliver Award Winning Labour of Love which opened in November 2017 and his production of David Hare’s The Moderate Soprano transferred from Hampstead Theatre to the West End in April 2018.

Most recently Jeremy directed Noises Off at The Garrick Theatre, The Visit at The National Theatre and After Life at The National Theatre, The Mirror and The Light at the Gielgud, West End, and Best of Enemies at The Young Vic. For TV Jeremy directed Talking Heads and Unprecedented for the BBC.

Jeremy has most recently directed The Glass Menagerie at Duke of York’s Theatre, West End, starring six-time Academy Award nominee, Amy Adams.

New cast announced for the
Spectacular, Spectacular!
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL

Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life

Melissa James to play Satine, Jamie Muscato to play Christian and Matt Rixon to play Harold Zidler as the hit musical enters its second year at the Piccadilly Theatre, London

Monday 5 September 2022: Global Creatures, Producers of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, are delighted to welcome a new cast of bohemians and aristocrats as the hit show enters its second year at the Piccadilly Theatre in London.

From 17 October 2022, the cast will include Melissa James (The Bodyguard UK Tour and Cats UK Tour) as Satine, Jamie Muscato (Heathers The Musical) as Christian and Matt Rixon (Hairspray UK Tour) as Harold Zidler.

They will be joined by Ian Carlyle (Disney’s The Lion King, Porgy and Bess) who remains with the cast and takes over the role of Toulouse-Lautrec, Ben Richards (The Bill and Emmerdale) as The Duke, Elia Lo Tauro (Disney’s The Lion King, On Your Feet) who continues to play Santiago and Amy Thornton (Matilda, Rock of Ages) who continues with the cast and steps into the role of Nini, with recent graduate Tiago Dhondt Bamberger as Baby Doll, Hannah Jay-Allan (TINA: The Tina Turner Musical) as Arabia, Elliotte Williams-N’Dure (Unfortunate) as La Chocolat, and Tanisha Spring (The Prince of Egypt)who will continue to play Alternate Satine.

The full cast will also include Michael Afemare, Yandrick Agius, Femi Akinfolarin, Ollie Augustin, Will Bozier, Robson Broad, Jonathan Cordin, Anthony Cragg, Katie Deacon, Fletcher Dobinson, Taofique Folarin, Honey Joseph, Alicia Mencía Lopez, Georgia Morgan, Nathaniel Morrison, Melissa Nettleford, Alice Readie, Ben Rutter, Craig Ryder, Elly Shaw, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, Misty May Tindall, Jon Tsouras, Lily Wang, and Jason Leigh Winter.

Set in Paris, 1899, a world of indulgent beauty and unparalleled extravagance, of bohemians and aristocrats, of boulevardiers and reprobates, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the story of a lovesick American writer, Christian, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub. 

When their lives collide at the Moulin Rouge, they fall hopelessly in love, only to be thwarted by the nightclub’s host and impresario, Harold Zidler, and The Duke of Monroth, the wealthy and entitled patron of the club who thinks he can buy anything he wants, including Satine. Together with his Bohemian friends – the brilliant and starving artist Toulouse-Lautrec, and the greatest tango dancer in all of Paris, Santiago – Christian stages a musical spectacular in an attempt to save the Moulin Rouge and win the heart of Satine.

Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film comes to life onstage, remixed for today in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Moulin Rouge! The Musical invites you to enter a world of passionate romance and eye-popping splendour… a place where Bohemians and aristocrats revel together in electrifying enchantment… a place where all your wildest dreams come true! 

LISTINGS

For further information and tickets, please visit www.moulinrougemusical.com

Piccadilly Theatre
16 Denman Street,
London. W1D 7DY

York Theatre Royal – 02 September 2022

Reviewed by Sal Marino

5***** 

Not being a jazz expert of any kind personally (apart from being a Miles Davis fan and enjoying some events over the years), I won’t embarrass myself by trying to say anything technical or ‘clever’ so this review is purely from a musical entertainment point of view and wow – entertained I most definitely was – to the brim and overflowing!  The Ronnie Scott’s Story at the wonderful York Theatre Royal (where the staff are so warm and accommodating – especially the lovely lady who looked after us in the circle seats), was not only awe-inspiring and fabulous but I came away being blown away and just want to see and learn more about this amazing musical genre!  

It’s hard to know where to start because every performer (James Pearson – piano, Alex Garnett – Saxophone, Chris Higginbottom – drums, Sam Burgess – bass and Natalie Williams – Vocals) and every number was outstanding, genius and mesmerising!  I felt privileged to be there, truly!  What also struck me about this concert, putting the the pure, unquestionable talent aside, was that the musicians were also seductive storytellers and made us laugh!  What could be better than music and laughter together – not much else!  

If being honest, I have never had any real appreciation for the drums before as it’s often the vocals or the saxophone that steal the show but seeing the Ronnie Scott’s Story has given me a new perspective (and I’m sure the rest of the audience too) because I was totally entranced at points during the show.   What we heard, saw and experienced was simply ‘magic’ – magic that was so magnificently weaved and crafted by this incredible instrument –  it was scintillating!  Every musician on the stage was enthralling (the band members are after all Ronnie’s ‘All stars’) but I think because I’ve never seen drumming like this before, I was quite taken aback and now I’m hooked!  Thank you to Chris for that spell-binding solo you performed in the middle of the show.  

Alex on the saxophone, who gave a most witty narrative as well as being a world-class player, actually performed on one of Ronnie’s own saxophone’s which felt like an honour and the perfect homage to the man himself.  I could not agree more with Alex when he commented that, “It’s important to support live music.” and we really must or we’ll lose it and that is unthinkable!  Rather than choosing to stay in and binge on the latest Netflix series, experiencing a ‘live’ musical performance – which has been scientifically proven to improve our physical and mental health – seems like the better choice to me and if it’s shared with others, even better – spread the love!  Obviously in today’s current climate it can be difficult to justify the cost but I’ll certainly be saving up to see another gig soon whenever possible.    

The Ronnie Scott’s Story will also teach you about some of jazz’s: greatest stars, styles, times and of course about Ronnie too. The legend that is Nina Simone (who the ‘All Stars’ did a phenomenal tribute to) said, “Jazz is not just music, it’s a way of life, it’s a way of being and a way of thinking.” and after last night’s performance I totally concur.  I would like to end this review by expressing much appreciation and gratitude to the Ronnie Scott’s Story All Stars – you’ve sent me and I’m sure many others on a beautiful and new musical journey.  

Jack Studio Theatre – until 17 September 2022

5*****

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Arrows & Traps’ outstanding online films of reimagined Greek myths were a joy during the pandemic, and you should not miss the chance to see Persephone live on stage.

Ross McGregor takes the story of Hades’ snatching Persephone and making her queen of the underworld abduction and places the gods on earth in modern times. No longer worshipped or feared, they get on with their lives and jobs just like the little clay humans Zeus created on a whim. Hades doesn’t appear in the play and although Zeus looms large in the most dysfunctional of extended families, this is a story about motherhood and sisterhood told by the female gods.

The actors portraying Hestia, Demeter and Cora/Persephone lie on the floor in a formation echoing triple goddess symbolism as the audience enter before the play begins at Zeus’s trial, with Hestia called to give evidence as he faces human judgement for his actions. Hestia (Beatrice Vincent) and Demeter (Cornelia Baumann) relate their story of how the sisters left Olympus for their new life among the humans in vastly different styles. Hestia’s warmth and need for peace contrasting wonderfully with Demeter’s expletive riddled version, peppered with furious and vengeful anecdotes about humans destroying the planet. Demeter’s 15-year-old daughter Cora (Daisy Farrington), home-schooled and fed up with being used as a mouthpiece for Demeter’s environmental campaigns, spends most of her time online where she finds a kindred spirit in Hades – who runs a dogs’ home – and runs away to be with him, changing her name to Persephone. The reasons for the ferocity of Demeter’s love and the sisters’ need to protect her are all revealed to Persephone when her father Zeus (Jackson Wright) starts taking an interest in her for his own selfish reasons after he realises he has lost his family.

Ross McGregor’s writing is as clever, funny and heart-breaking as ever, exquisitely portraying the damage and succour created by the searing power of love and the bonds of sisterhood amongst these very human gods. The references to capitalism, ecology, climate change and social media scattered throughout the first act all build into a showstopping rant from Zeus as he bemoans humanity’s new gods – blessed are the meek for they shall have free shipping! The location of scenes is shown effortlessly by Laurel Marks’ video design and Jonathan Simpson’s lighting. There are some beautifully performed movement sections that add layers to the storytelling. The cast are exceptional: Daisy Farrington is a convincing teenager frustrated with her embarrassing family in a beautifully judged performance that never strays into stroppy stereotypes of rebellion. Jackson Wright as Zeus is vile, entitled, unrepentant and made my skin crawl – perfect! Beatrice Vincent is simply phenomenal as Hestia – seemingly afraid of her own shadow and full of apologetic fidgets, wonderfully awkward in the face of modern gadgets but ultimately showing the strength that love gives her. Cornelia Baumann is full of fire as Demeter, abrasive and unbending, but always keeping the character’s pain visible. The two actors are a formidable team, and the scene where Demeter apologises to Persephone is incredible, with Baumann emotionally and physically laying herself bare while Vincent tears your heart out with her silent reactions.

Everything we have grown to expect from Arrows & Traps is here in this wondrous reflection on family – an incredibly talented and connected cast, exquisite design and intelligent, sensitive, witty writing. Grab a ticket while you can.

One week to go

Made in Leeds: Three Short Ballets

Northern Ballet premieres three new dance works at Leeds Playhouse

Next Saturday Northern Ballet will open their autumn season with the World Première of three exhilarating new dance pieces in Made in Leeds: Three Short Ballets at Leeds Playhouse.

Yorkshire audiences will be the first to see exciting new works from award-winning choreographers Mthuthuzeli November, Stina Quagebeur and Dickson Mbi, performed by Northern Ballet’s world-class dancers. Made in Leeds: Three Short Ballets will première at Leeds Playhouse from the 10-17 September before moving onto London’s Linbury Theatre from the 1-3 November.

Olivier award-winning Mthuthuzeli November’s Wailers is described as a work that gives thanks to life. To its struggles, beauty and its people. Those with us and no longer with us. It is a prayer for guidance.

Stina Quagebeur, Associate Choreographer with English National Ballet, will present Nostalgia, an exploration of that familiar state of longing, poignancy and piercing joy, the quiet force that transforms our pain and connects us together.

Following the release of a short film of the same title, world-renowned hip hop dancer and choreographer Dickson Mbi will reimagine Ma Vie on stage, exploring Giacomo Casanova’s thirst for love, his complex relationship with the church and his eventual downfall.

Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director Federico Bonelli said:

“We’re delighted to be premiering Made in Leeds: Three Short Ballets in Leeds this autumn.

It is my passion to work with a wide range of creative talent and to allow our dancers to expand their horizons. Dickson Mbi, Stina Quagebeur and Mthuthuzeli November are all exceptionally talented choreographers with unique voices and perspectives which bring a wonderful quality to this programme.

It is also a great source of pride that this world-class trio of works has been created, rehearsed and brought to life in our home town of Leeds. I can’t wait for you to see how our dancers shine in these new pieces.”

Tickets are on sale now, to book visit northernballet.com/three-short-ballets

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THIS YEAR’S HIGH-FLYING PANTO AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME STARRING CHRISTOPHER BIGGINS

Darlington Hippodrome has today announced further casting for this year’s high-flying family pantomime, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.

Previously announced panto legend Christopher Biggins, who is returning to Darlington where his panto dame career began over 45 years ago, will be joined by comedian Rikki Jay, North-East panto favourite Steve Arnott, Darlington returner Peter Peverley, West End performers James Hameed and Tegan Bannister and newcomer Sheri Lineham.

Comedian Rikki Jay joins the line up as Smee. With a television career launched from ITV’s The Big Big Talent Show, Rikki went on to appear on comedy programmes across UK television including The Big Stage, Jay Walking and Gagging For It and is a regular on Sky TV. Rikki has been a mainstay of pantomime for several years starring alongside the biggest names in UK theatre and television. Rikki also regularly entertains global audiences on board the QE2 and world cruises, in cabaret venues across the United States, and has entertained British troops across the Middle East and the Falkland Islands.

Whitley Bay born, Steve Arnott started his professional career as a voice-over artiste for radio and television and appeared on national television as the original Dairy Crest milkman. He toured extensively with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra as the production manager. Steve has done many a panto in the North-East and returns to Darlington for a fourth time for The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.

Peter Peverley trained at Newcastle College and spent three years with the RSC long ensemble performing in Stratford London and New York. He spent 15 years with the Northern Stage ensemble based at the Old Newcastle Playhouse Theatre appearing in many productions including Animal Farm, A Clockwork Orange, and 1984, touring nationally and internationally. His TV credits include Byker Grove (BBC/Zenith), Emmerdale (YTV), Harry, Spender and The Parables (BBC), The Bobby Thompson Story, Show People and Planet North. Peter returns to Darlington Hippodrome after a successful season in Cinderella last year.

The cast is completed with Sheri Lineham as Wendy and West End performers James Hameed, Tegan Bannister as Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will be a fun-filled Christmas extravaganza with a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and of course, plenty of audience participation.

Join Biggins and the rest of the cast on a swashbuckling trip this Christmas at Darlington Hippodrome where laughter is guaranteed by the barrel-load. Be part of the panto magic and hook your tickets today!

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan runs from Friday 9 to Saturday 31 December. Tickets are on sale now with early booking advised. For full details and to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the box office on 01325 405405

A UNION (J) MADE IN A CASTLE………. 

Casting Directors at Enchanted Entertainment are proud to announce JJ Hamblett from Union J will play the lead character of Prince/Beast at this year’s Christmas pantomime of Beauty & The Beast at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle. 

Alongside his character, Amelle Berrabah from Sugababes will play Good Fairy, stalwart panto funny man Charlie Richmond playing the Comic and panto regular Lewis Denny will be returning as Dame. 

JJ rose to fame as a member of the Top British boy band, Union J, who competed on the popular TV talent show The X Factor UK in 2012. They then released five top 10 singles, had an iTunes #1 and a sold-out UK Tour. 

Since JJ’s boy band days, he has been making the transition into his true passion that is acting. JJ made his feature film debut in ‘Tango One’ (Universal) in Spring 2018 playing ‘Parker‘.  

He then played ‘Bobby Warren’ in the feature film ‘Once Upon a Time in London’ and starred as the lead in film ‘Ethel’ alongside Miriam Margolyes, as well as recently supporting Christina Aguilera on stage, alongside Union J. 

JJ will tread the boards at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House from 9^th December to 8^th January 2023.  Tickets are on sale now – but selling fast.  To book your seats or for more information go to www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk