Seven Dials Playhouse announces
exciting Autumn 2022 shows – on sale now!
September 2022 to January 2023
1a Tower Street, London WC2H 9NP

Following a critically-acclaimed inaugural season of sold-out shows and five-star reviews, followed by a mini Summer season focusing on contemporary texts, plays and new writing from breakthrough voices, Seven Dials Playhouse now announces their Autumn 2022 slate. Both productions will be accompanied by the venue’s trademark Associated Programme of events. This innovative programme serves as a stimulus for a variety of bespoke curated events created in tandem with the visiting company and Seven Dials Playhouse, bringing an ever-changing and exciting perspective to the organisation.

Opening the season from 5th September to 15th October, Help! We Are Still Alive is a postapocalyptic musical comedy that will have its premiere at Seven Dials Playhouse. Directed by OFFIE nominated theatre director Georgie Rankcom, straight from their blazing (The Guardian) revival of Anyone Can Whistle at Southwark Playhouse, Tim Gilvin and Imogen Palmer’s new musical comedy is about queer relationships during the impending apocalypse. Set in the not-too distant future, the world as we know it is in ruin from a mysterious ‘fog’ that wiped out the human race. Jass and Finn might just be the last two people on earth, stuck together above a Sainsbury’s car park, raiding the tinned goods aisle for survival. Help! We Are Still Alive is a brand new musical comedy that looks at our relationships with each other and to our changing world.

Daddy Issues, a thrilling one woman play, has its world premiere from the 24th October to 19th November. Written by Soho Writer and OFFIE award winner Lewis Cornay, this startling dark comedy centres around 23 year old Imi on the verge. Isolated, she finds herself slipping further and further from reality, trapped inside her mind as she tries to explain the complexities of grief, Cliff Richard and dead dogs. As she spirals, she has to fight to remember all the reasons why she must choose to live. Daddy Issues, produced by Liam Gartland for Gartland Productions, interrogates the lengths we’ll go to forget the things that haunt us.

The festive season, from 28th November to 7th January, will see Seven Dials Playhouse embrace the time honoured tradition of presenting a new take on a classic tale – more details to be announced soon!

Amanda Davey, Chief Executive at Seven Dials Playhouse comments, Rounding off an incredible first year, we are thrilled to present these exciting new productions this autumn. Help! We Are Still Alive addresses some of society’s most pertinent issues, marking the inaugural musical at Seven Dials Playhouse while Daddy Issues presents a deft exploration of the intricacies and complexities of grief. Both productions offer a timely insight into today’s culture; simultaneously reflecting and questioning the zeitgeist. We cannot wait for audiences to experience each show and please do stay tuned over the coming weeks for our exciting Christmas announcement, along with the bustling Associated Programme which sits alongside each production and is an opportunity to continue to hone your craft. You don’t however need to wait until then to engage, we are open 6-days a week, 12 hours a day, feel free to use the space to work, to network, to meet. We look forward, as always
to welcoming you.

Seven Dials Playhouse is helmed by Chief Executive Amanda Davey, with Executive Creative Producer Mitchell Reeve leading on producing and programming, and Head of Marketing and Communications Jamie Tuohy leading on organisational marketing, communications and PR strategy.

THE ALEXANDRA BIRMINGHAM CELEBRATES

ONE YEAR ON – 20 JULY 2022

THE ALEXANDRA BIRMINGHAM CELEBRATES

ONE YEAR ON – 20 JULY 2022

• The Alexandra Birmingham is celebrating one year of reopening today – welcoming back audiences old and new to enjoy the magic of live performances

• A new season awaits of dazzling dramas, monumental musicals and wonderful one-nighters to enchant and enthral audiences

Wednesday 20 July 2022 marks exactly one year of re-opening for The Alexandra Birmingham, after being closed for a whopping 491days. The Alex was the very first regional venue within Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) to re-open following the pandemic and the first theatre in Birmingham to re-open to full capacity.

Since then, The Alex team have welcomed over 269,000 audience members back through their doors to experience over 100 dazzling shows. The first year back has been a celebration of bringing quality entertainment to Birmingham, tying into the 120^th birthday of this iconic venue. From West End tours and world premieres, to one night only favourites, the theatre’s first year back has been packed with nights to remember.

Having presented over 350 performances, Birmingham audiences have had the chance to experience the magic of live theatre once more, from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Bedknobs & Broomsticks, to Johannes Radebe, School of Rock, Chicago, Jersey Boys and much more.

Simon Creed, Theatre Director of The Alexandra Birmingham said;

“The Alexandra and our outstanding team proved their resilience one year ago, enabling theatre-lovers to return at the earliest opportunity possible, being the first Birmingham venue to reopen and the first of the regional ATG theatre family.

The pandemic resulted in the longest closure in this much-loved theatre’s history –– but, after a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work, the lights were switched on and the curtain was raised and we welcomed back audiences.

Over the past year, we’ve bedazzled audiences with shows to appeal to every taste and predilection and we’d like to thank the bravery and patience of our audiences returning as the world reopened again. Our team have learned new ways of working and their enthusiasm at being able to once again offer audiences fantastic service and fabulous shows cannot be underestimated.

Looking ahead, it’s important to me and the entire Alex team that we continue to bring high quality productions to the heart of Birmingham. From musicals and dramas to one-night spectaculars, we hope that our new season will entice you to return to our gorgeous theatre, as we all enjoy the magic of being able to collectively enjoy performances with friends and strangers alike, enriching our experiences once again and providing some wonderful memories.”

This year, The Alexandra Birmingham will be welcoming an eclectic mix of shows, including Birmingham premieres Fisherman’s Friends, South Pacific, The Osmonds and Noughts & Crosses; the Christmas extravaganza Dreamgirls; as well as returning favourites The Mousetrap, The Shawshank Redemption, Saturday Night Fever, and An Inspector Calls.

For a full calendar of shows and events, please visit atgtickets.com/Birmingham 

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY

AT THE O2 LONDON

BOOKING EXTENDS TO 26 FEBRUARY 2023

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 22 JULY 2022

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY, London’s premier dining experience, has extended its booking period due to extraordinary demand and is now playing to Sunday 26 February 2023. Tickets for the new booking period at The O2 London are on sale this Friday 22 July.

Created by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is a unique and magical experience in a class of its own, bringing all ABBA’s hits to life more vividly than ever before: over the course of four glittering hours, guests can immerse themselves in a spectacular musical extravaganza, a four-course Greek feast and an ABBA disco, all in one unforgettable evening of dancing, dining and singing!

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is set in a taverna on the beautiful Greek island of Skopelos, where most exteriors of the first MAMMA MIA! film were shot. Nikos and his wife Kate run this exotic and wonderful restaurant together with their family and friends. Told through dialogue and timeless ABBA songs, a warm, romantic and funny story evolves and unfolds during the evening, taking place around the guests as they sit at their tables enjoying a gourmet Greek meal. The evening ends with a 1970s disco, where audience members are welcome to stay to sing and dance to ABBA recordings.

Food is at the heart of the experience and a menu has been created that collects the finest Greece has to offer, made from the best, freshest ingredients. Guests are served with a traditional mezze followed by the iconic Greek salad of fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber and feta. For the main course, confit lamb shoulder and slow-cooked beef are served with roasted garlic potatoes, courgettes peperonata, romesco and aromatic jus. For vegetarian and vegan guests, there is roasted cauliflower with a lemon-herb dressing and stuffed tomato with lentil ragout. A sumptuous Greek lemon cake served with confit orange skin and citrus yoghurt is the perfect end to this delicious meal. Vegan guests are served traditional loukoumades, delicious dough balls accompanied by a sweet fig jam.

Guests can get the ultimate MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY experience with one of the available packages. The Platinum Package provides a Tier A ticket in a prime location, a meet & greet and photo opportunity with members of the cast right at your table, champagne on arrival, half a bottle of wine and a MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY merchandise party pack. Guests can also upgrade their existing booking by adding the VIP upgrade package, taking their experience to the next level with champagne on arrival, half a bottle of wine and a MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY merchandise party pack. 

The cast includes Fed Zanni as Nikos, Lorraine Chappell as Kate, Linda John-Pierre as Debbie, Jonathon Bentley as Adam, Molly Cleere as Konstantina, Allie Ho Chee as Bella, Jessica Spallis as Nina, Dawn Spence as Grandma, Gregor Stewart as Fernando and Oscar Balmaseda, Claudia Bradley, Ellis Dackombe, Tamara Perks, Tasha Sheridan and Garrett Tennant. The musicians are John Donovan, Luke Higgins, Kathryn Tindall, Steve Rushton and Luke Roberts.

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY has music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (some songs with Stig Anderson), and a story by Calle Norlén, Roine Söderlundh and Björn Ulvaeus, with the English book by writer, comedian and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig.

The London version of MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY, which originally opened in Stockholm in January 2016, is co-directed and choreographed by Stacey Haynes and Roine Söderlundh, with set designed by Bengt Fröderberg, lighting designed by Patrick Woodroffe, sound designed by Gareth Owen, costumes designed by Annsofi Nyberg, music supervision by Robin Svensson and casting by David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting.

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is executively produced by Björn Ulvaeus and produced by Sally Davies for U-Live.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY

The O2

Peninsula Square

London SE10 0DX

Box Office: www.mammamiatheparty.co.uk / 020 3995 6288

Website: www.mammamiatheparty.co.uk

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @mammamiapartyuk

#mammamiatheparty

Booking to Sunday 26 February 2023

Minimum age: 5

Tickets: From £99 to include admission, a four-course set meal and welcome drink (additional drinks extra)*

Platinum Package: From £195 to include a Tier A ticket, a four-course set meal, cast meet & greet, champagne on arrival, half a bottle of wine and Mamma Mia! The Party merchandise pack (limited Platinum Packages are available per party)*

VIP Upgrade Package: £25 in addition to the price of an existing booking to include; champagne on arrival, half a bottle of wine and a Mamma Mia! The Party merchandise party pack*

*All listed prices are per person plus booking fees.

Performances: Wednesday to Sunday doors open at 6:30pm, Saturday & Sunday at 12:00noon**

**Subject to schedule – please see website.

 Edinburgh Playhouse – until 23^rd July 2022

 Reviewed by Rachel Farrier

4****

As with a lot of cult 1980s pop culture, I somehow managed to miss out on the phenomenon of ‘Footloose‘ in my very rural 80s childhood, but the audience for the stage version last night were, I would guess, mostly ardent fans of the film and accompanying soundtrack – the excitement in the packed crowd was palpable before the show had even started.  And they were right be excited: this show is high energy FUN from the get-go. Joshua Hawkins as Ren does a fantastic job of bringing his energetic, fun loving but thoughtful character to life and he effortlessly bounced between songs, acrobatic dance routines and moments of poignant dialogue. Lucy Munden as his eventual love interest Ariel is the perfect match – she likewise had the audience in the palm of her hand as she sashayed with huge confidence between classics such as ‘I Need a Hero‘, whilst also managing to convey the complexities of a teenager trying to find her own voice and place in the world in other scenes. 

The context of the small American town of Bomont where dancing has been banned by the church Minister provides the backdrop to a group of teenagers who find their peer Ren – freshly and unwillingly moved from Chicago – the rebel leader that they didn’t know they had been looking for. Brilliant ensemble performances from the gang of high school seniors  – in particular Oonagh Cox as Rusty – really make this show. On the warmest night of the year outside, their energy, exuberance and pitch perfect performances were outstanding. Especially impressive is the fact that the orchestra/band for the show are the on-stage performers themselves, and they swap in and out of providing musical accompaniment and backing vocals, to acting and dancing stunning routines with apparently effortless ease. One stand out moment came when two of the high school seniors were playing guitar, singing and jumping rope simultaneously – all with huge grins. 

Darren Day plays Rev Shaw Moore, the joy-crushing church Minister whose heart and mind are changed by Ren and his antics, and while this role could feel somewhat cliched, Darren Day manages to bring a depth and warmth to the character that I actually found moving. And he still has an outstanding voice!

The set design is cleverly conceived, and manages to convincingly evoke a variety of settings that typify  small-town America in movies – from the burger joint, to the school locker room, to the cosy home of the Minster and his family. 

Whilst this is a high energy musical which exudes fun and entertainment, there are moments of serious dialogue and reflection in song which deal with some hefty issues, and these are handled brilliantly by the cast. Toxic masculinity and abusive power dynamics are broached when Rev Moore’s wife Vi (Holly Ashton) sings ‘Learning to be Silent‘ with Ren’s mum Ethel (Wendy Paver) and Ariel about having to maintain silence and ‘behave’ for the domineering men in their lives in order to keep the peace and a roof over their heads, and this certainly seemed to speak to the predominantly female audience. The duet ‘Almost Paradise‘ between Ren and Ariel towards the end of the show is a beautifully conveyed expression of their sweet and respectful burgeoning romance, after they have both acknowledged the pain of loss in their lives. 

The only slightly jarring element of the show was the eighties-tastic humour which felt out of place in the 21^st century (the ‘accidental’ grabbing of breasts, slightly mysoginistic jokes) but I guess Footloose is, to some extent, is now a historical depiction of another time and place. There were also perhaps some issues between the audio balance of singers and instruments, but this was the opening night and will no doubt be remedied. 

Overall, it is an exhilarating and hugely fun night out and the cast’s enthusiasm and talent richly deserved the standing ovation they received at the end of the night last night.. 

THE ALEXANDRA THEATRE BIRMINGHAM – UNTIL SATURDAY 23RD JULY 2022

REVIEWED BY NADIA DODD

5*****

A great reminder ofa real British sitcom comedy from the 1970’s which Raymond Allen wrote the original TV series starring Michael Crawford as the loveable accident prone Frank Spencer.

As the opening music played which was the title theme to the sitcom show it bought back some fantastic childhood memories of this real haphazard character that plenty in the theatre tonight adored.

Star of the stage show production is comedy legend Joe Pasquale who mimics Crawford’s characterisms and facial expressions of Frank (Spencer) to an astounding tee. His fellow actors had their work cut out in keeping a straight face, composing themselves and carrying on with the show when Pasquale looked like he was about to burst into laughter on more than a couple of occasions…. the reason I love theatre, it’s real and happening right in front of your eyes, no two shows will ever be the same, and the audience soaked it up tonight.

Not a real gripping storyline but its British sitcom, it doesn’t need to be, daft jokes, ridiculous high jinks foolery and general clowning around is all that was needed and the 6 actors on stage tonight certainly did this.

Betty Spencer (Sarah Earnshaw), Frank’s long suffering wife, deserved a medal keeping calm and extremely professional working alongside Pasquale. Mrs Fisher, Betty’s mother (Susie Blake) was hilarious during a scene following her having drunk rather a large amount of homemade prune wine whilst visiting her daughter and son in laws house for dinner one evening along with a new pompous male ‘friend’ of hers Mr Worthington (Moray Treadwell). Treadwell also plays the part of Mr Luscombe, a director of a show from the BBC who came to film Frank for a new upcoming TV show.

Further comical scenes follow and it becomes apparent Frank is no dab hand at DIY around the house with all of the mishaps that occur. The best scene for me would have been 3 Frank Spencer’s dancing on staircase to ‘Knock Three Times’. Simple but so effective and great vision from choreographer Jenny Arnold.

With record summer temperatures today being hit in the UK, it was a tad warm sat in the audience, goodness knows how they felt on stage under the lights and in full make up and costume, but they all delivered the final scene with unflagging energy, dancing to the disco tune ‘Tiger Feet’. There was hardly a dry eye in the house – all from laughter of course!

Theatre Royal Concert Hall Nottingham – until Saturday 23rd July 2022

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

3***

Sugar, Butter, Flour…perhaps I am diabetic, vegan and gluten intolerant but Waitress did not sit well with me.

The production is lovely. Colourful vibrant and lively. Pretty sets, beautiful people, a talented stage placed band and ensemble cast that come together to produce an aesthetically wonderful show. Peppered with upbeat songs and some humour that often hits the mark, the show appears to have all the ingredients that should make it a smash. But something is not quite right and leaves a bitter taste in one’s mouth.

Waitress has music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles and a book by Jessi Nelson. It tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a baker and waitress in an abusive relationship with her husband, Earl. After Jenna unexpectedly becomes pregnant, she begins an affair with her gynecologist, Dr. Jim Pomatter. Looking for ways out of her troubles, she sees a pie baking contest and its grand prize as her chance. But it’s not free to enter and Earl will not support her growth. How will Jenna get out of the jam she is in?

The main issue with Waitress is that it is predictable and implausible. In a show that is supposed to champion the protagonist’s strong female independence, its surprising to find she is led and governed by men throughout her life. Even at the shows supposed epiphany filled climax, you are left with the conclusion that without a man’s intervention, Jenna would not find happiness.

The actions and motivations of some characters are bizarre and the sudden introduction of others during a hurried ending left me baffled. Am I the only one who thinks a married doctor embarking on an affair with his married, pregnant patient strange? Perhaps if there had been a song exploring his feelings and actions, more than a brief mention of his social awkwardness, anxiety and lust, this would have made for a more rounded explanation. Or perhaps it really was the power of pie? Whatever it was it still left me seeing circles.

Putting this aside, I feel Waitress is the Marmite of musicals. Some people in the theatre absolutely loved it and I felt some were left as perplexed as I was. Aimee Fisher was breathtaking as Jenna. Stepping into the breach last minute, her voice was majestic and the emotion she portrayed was spinetingling. David Hunter was enchanting as the rogue resident who romanced Jenna. Supported by a wonderful cast the performers did not put a foot wrong, they were simply let down by a strange and disjointed storyline.

Alice Ellen Wright and Luke Harley join
acclaimed Edinburgh cast of I Wish My Life
Were Like A Musical
Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose (The Other Yin), 3 Chambers Street,
Edinburgh, EH1 1HT
Wednesday 3rd – Sunday 28th August 2022, 20:45

Alice Ellen Wright, best known for her performances as both Eponine and Fantine in the West End production of Les Misérables, and Luke Harley, renowned for his performances around the UK and internationally as Leo Bloom in The Producers and in Titanic, will join the cast of the Edinburgh production of the award-winning musical revue I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical.

Alice and Luke join Hannah Taylor (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, London Palladium) and Harry Winchester (Peter Pan, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; The Pirate Queen, London Coliseum).

Some of the many personalities who have seen the show’s past productions have been voicing their support for the Fringe run. Legendary lyricist Sir Tim Rice tweeted: “Alexander S Bermange is a great musical talent and this will be another top production of this fine show… I hope I can catch it”. National treasure Miriam Margolyes has posted on Facebook: “If you’re going to Edfest this year, don’t miss this!” and musical theatre superstar Ruthie Henshall enthused on her Magic at the Musicals radio show, “You need to get to see this show!”.

From voice-straining high notes to limb-spraining high kicks, via on-stage smooches and offstage feuds, I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical from iTunes comedy album chart-topper Alexander S. Bermange reveals everything that you could want to know about being a musical theatre performer… if only there were any who would dare to admit it. Returning to the Fringe with its unique blend of wit, whimsy and warmth, it presents the innermost secrets of the industry. The 2022 Edinburgh production is directed and choreographed by Joanna Goodwin (Gypsy, Sunset Boulevard, Funny Girl, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), with associate direction/choreography by Holly Prentice

Following the Fringe, the production will be opening this year’s Liverpool Theatre Festival, with two performances on 31st August 2022.

Grace Farrell and Carl Douglas, who were previously announced as cast members, are no longer performing in I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical.

THE AWARD-WINNING INTERNATIONAL

SMASH HIT MUSICAL 

THE BODYGUARD

STARRING

GRAMMY-NOMINATED SINGER AND

FORMER PUSSYCAT DOLL
MELODY THORNTON

AS RACHEL MARRON

TO TOUR THE UK AND IRELAND

OPENING AT GLASGOW KING’S THEATRE
ON SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2023

Producers, Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce that the award-winning international smash hit musical THE BODYGUARD starring former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton will tour the UK and Ireland opening at Glasgow King’s Theatre on Saturday 28 January 2023. Full tour schedule attached. Further casting to be announced soon. www.thebodyguardmusical.com

Selling over 70 million albums as a member of one of the most celebrated girl groups of all time, The Pussycat Dolls, Melody Thornton is a multi-platinum Grammy-nominated artist. In 2020 she released her much-lauded debut solo EP, Lioness Eyes. Melody received rave reviews and audience acclaim for her performance as Rachel Marron when The Bodyguard toured China for six months. In 2018 she reached the final five in ITV’s Dancing On Ice.

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the biggest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD, directed by Thea Sharrock with book by Oscar winning Alex Dinelaris, had its world premiere at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End and was nominated for four Olivier Awards. A sell out 18 month UK and Ireland tour followed, before the show returned to the West End at the Dominion Theatre ahead of a second sell out tour of the UK and Ireland in 2018/19.  To date, THE BODYGUARD has played to over 3.6 million people in 15 countries and 45 US cities. Countries include the Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, China, Canada, Italy, Australia, Spain, France, the US, Austria and Japan.

THE BODYGUARD 2023 TOUR

www.thebodyguardmusical.com

LISTINGS

Saturday 28 January – Saturday 4 February 2023

Glasgow King’s Theatre

www.kingstheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Tuesday 7 February – Saturday 11 February 2023

Bradford Alhambra Theatre

www.alhambratheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Monday 13 February – Saturday 18 February 2023

Sunderland Empire

www.sunderlandempire.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Monday 20 February – Saturday 25 February 2023

Edinburgh Playhouse

www.edinburghplayhouse.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Monday 27 February – Saturday 4 March 2023

Stoke Regent Theatre

www.regenttheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Monday 6 March – Saturday 11 March 2023

New Wimbledon Theatre  

www.newwimbledontheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Monday 20 March – Saturday 25 March 2023

Liverpool Empire

www.liverpoolempire.com

ON SALE NOW

Monday 27 March – Saturday 1 April 2023

Dartford Orchard Theatre

www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Monday 3 April – Saturday 15 April 2023

Manchester Palace Theatre

www.palacetheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Monday 17 April – Saturday 22 April 2023

Leicester Curve Theatre

www.curvetheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Monday 24 April – Saturday 29 April 2023

Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre

www.walesmillenniumcentre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Tuesday 2 May – Saturday 6 May 2023

Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre

www.aberdeentheatres.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Monday 8 May – Saturday 13 May 2023

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

www.grandtheatre.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

Monday 15 May – Saturday 20 May 2023

Bromley Churchill Theatre

www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

Monday 22 May – Saturday 27 May 2023

Southend Cliffs Pavilion

www.cliffspavilion.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

Monday 29 May – Saturday 3 June 2023

Milton Keynes Theatre

www.miltonkeynestheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Monday 12 June – Saturday 17 June 2023

Leeds Grand Theatre

www.leedsgrandtheatre.com

ON SALE SOON

Monday 19 June – Saturday 24 June 2023

Llandudno Venue Cymru

www.venuecymru.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

Monday 26 June – Saturday 1 July 2023

Plymouth Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyal.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

Monday 17 July – Saturday 22 July 2023

Bristol Hippodrome

www.bristolhippodrome.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

FURTHER DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

Southampton Mayflower – until 23 July 2022

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

5*****

Jake Sharp as Dewey Finn brings to life Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘School of Rock’ and it does not disappoint!

This incredible cast is a flurry of talented children who follow their substitute teacher through his journey as he tries to win the ‘Battle of the Bands’ with their help. The twist is, that Dewey Finn is not a real substitute and has forged his way into the school under his best friends credentials! With the help of the children, Dewey takes them on stage where they ‘Stick it to the Man’ and prove to their parents that they are more than just brains!

The children in this cast are superb, all playing their own instruments and singing whilst keeping a solid performance is no easy task-and they succeed. There are so many children in the cast that it is impossible to praise each one for their talents, but for me, the stand out was Alfie Morwood as Billy. He stole every scene he was in with his cheeky grin, his perfectly timed sass and sweet voice.

Heading up the school, Rebecca Lock as straight laced principal ‘Miss Mullins’ is a true star. Her vocal agility was the envy of the audience, with a rendition of ‘Queen of the Night’ and the nostalgic ‘Where did the Rock go?’, she earned every ounce of praise the audience could give. Together with Jake Sharp as ‘Dewey Finn’, they were a force to be reckoned with. Sharp was extraordinary and portrayed the bumbling ‘Dewey Finn’ perfectly, paying a slight homage to the original Jack Black whilst making it truly his own.

This really is an incredible show, and to know that the children are playing the instruments themselves brings a new level-they are truly superb.

Southampton, get down to see School of Rock because ‘You’re in the Band’!!!!

Hull New Theatre Hull – until 23rd July 2022

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

(Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd present the Mischief production) The Play That Goes Wrong bounced into Hull New Theatre on Monday night and got a very well-deserved standing ovation for a brilliant, funny show.

From even before the show started, we had the “stage crew” putting the set back together with the help of an audience member, a hunt for a lost dog and the audience asked to look out for missing Duran Duran CD Box Set.

The Play that Goes Wrong is a play within a play. We see Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society present a whodunnit called Murder at Haversham Manor and as their director Chris Bean (Colin Burnicle) explained to the audience it was the first time they had been able to put on a full play due to lack of cast members (Snow White and the Tall Broad Man being one of the previous shows!)

From start to finish we are treated to a masterclass in comic timing, and it would be extremely hard to single out any actor in the show as every performance was just brilliant. From the set (designed by Nigel Hook) which fell apart around the cast (causing sharp intakes of breath from the audience!) forgotten lines, fighting cast members and missing props.

The Play that Goes Wrong is hilarious, full of belly laughs, physical comedy and good old-fashioned slapstick. I have seen a number of Mischief productions and this one is one of the best yet. Long may they continue going wrong!