LEGENDARY DRAG ARTIST DIVINA DE CAMPO RETURNS AS MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES 

FOR THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2024

The Stage Debut Awards today announces that legendary drag artist, songstress and performer Divina de Campo will be returning to host this year’s prestigious awards ceremony.

As the only awards dedicated to recognising breakthrough theatre talent, The Stage Debut Awards, in association with ATG Entertainment, occupy a unique and significant position in the theatre landscape. Following on from her unforgettable, show-stopping debut hosting last year’s ceremony, Divina’s return highlights her iconic status and unwavering support for championing newcomers and the theatre stars of tomorrow.

Divina, widely known for her appearance in the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, has since established an impressive career in Musical Theatre and carved out a reputation as a versatile and dynamic performer.

Divina says: “What’s better than hosting The Stage Debut Awards? Hosting it again! I’m so excited to be back at the most important awards of the theatre world, where we welcome the newest and best talent to the industry! I never won one myself (not bitter) but I’m overjoyed to be helping to celebrate and give out these wonderful awards to the freshest talent. All the best to all the nominees!”

Most recently, Divina has lent her impressive vocal range to the eponymous Dragfox in a new animated LGBTQ+ musical short film alongside the legendary Sir Ian McKellen. Previous roles include the evil Queen Morgiana in the Wyvern Theatre’s Snow White; The SpongeBob Musical’s Plankton and as Mary Sunshine in Chicago. She also enjoyed an award-winning performance in the revival of cult musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

The Stage Debut Awards will take place on September 29, 2024. This illustrious event brings together the previous year’s most exciting and emerging performers and creatives of the past 12 months in a special celebration that shines a special light on their outstanding professional debuts.

The much-anticipated annual event will be held for the third year running in association with headline sponsor ATG Entertainment, and at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London.

The eight awards champion performers, directors, designers, writers, composers and lyricists. 

The award categories are: Best Performer in a Play sponsored by Theatrical Rights Worldwide; Best Performer in a Musical sponsored by Michael Harrison Entertainment; Best Creative West End Debut sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment; Best Director sponsored by Arts Council England; Best Designer sponsored by Preevue; Best Writer sponsored by Sonia Friedman Productions and Best Composer/Lyricist or Book Writer sponsored by Crossroads Live.  The winner of the Best West End Debut Performer sponsored by Noël Coward Foundation is the only category to be determined by a public vote.

Supporters of this year’s awards include: Theatre Royal Haymarket, Cameron Macintosh, encore and Sky Arts.

The shortlist of Nominees will be unveiled on August 22.

A star-studded line-up of performers and presenters will also be revealed at a later date.

The inaugural The Stage Debut Awards took place in 2017 and recipients of these awards have gone on to star in West End shows, television series and films. Last year’s winners included Rob Madge for My Son’s a Queer, (But What Can You Do?) at Garrick Theatre and Ambassadors Theatre, Isobel Thom for their leading role in I, Joan at Shakespeare’s Globe, Michael R Jackson for composing A Strange Loop at the Barbican Theatre and Tingying Dong for her sound design on The Crucible, Gielgud and National Theatre. A further roll call of notable award winners from previous years include Best West End Debut for Jodie Comer (Prima Facie), Shan Ako (Les Misérables), SpitLip (Operation Mincemeat), Tyrell Williams (Red Pitch), Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen), Miriam-Teak Lee (& Juliet), Bush Theatre artistic director Lynette Linton (Sweat) and composers Femi Temowo (Death of a Salesman) and Dan Gillespie Sells (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie).

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until Saturday 20 July 2024.

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

A Dolly Parton musical you say? Well hot diggity dog, what on earth could be more fun? It turns out, not much.

The story concerns a young man finding himself living back at his parent’s house during lockdown, wondering what on earth he’s going to do as his life falls apart. He needs a guardian angel. He gets one, direct from the mountains of Tennessee!

Kevin, our hero, was played by Steven Webb in a simply stunning performance. He is personable, hilarious (the scarf-ography during Jolene is to die for) has exceptional dancing skills that nearly put my back out just watching it, a beautiful singing voice, bags of charisma and acting skills that herald a mega star in the making! A killer performance.

Tricia Paoluccio is an equally incredible Dolly. She looks and sounds just like her, having her mannerisms down to a tee – not easy with such an iconic character. But her singing…she really blows one away with a sensitive yet powerhouse delivery that’s guaranteed to knock the rhinestones off your stetson from the other side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Total perfection!

The show is rammed to the rafters with laughs – Dolly’s original one liners are deployed to great effect and Kevin’s are just as entertaining. It’s a truly witty script from the writers; Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Pauluccio – yes, our lead actress is one of the writers! Multi talented lady.

Backing singers Aidan Cutler and Charlotte Elisabeth Yorke played multiple roles in the show (like Kevin’s parents). They, alongside the live musicians on stage, really enhanced the atmosphere, providing stellar support with moments to shine out front too. I enjoyed the illusions (by Richard Pinner) which propelled the story forward nicely; turning Dolly into a cross between a Fairy Godmother and The Fonz.

A heartwarming story that most of us will (sadly) recognise including breakups, feeling lonely, lost and all at sea… Country music is the natural home for such universal themes and storytelling of this magnitude, so it’s a perfect fit. The writers have cleverly presented the girl next door side of Dolly whilst making Kevin’s everyman quality just as vital and interesting as the marquee name! We find ourselves genuinely caring about these characters.

With a catalogue including the classics 9 to 5 and Islands In The Stream they take some beating – and I Will Always Love You manages to take the roof off the place. But, really, every song is an absolute classic.

At heart this is an inspirational story about overcoming obstacles and grasping the opportunities to live the life you wish. Two Doors Down being a prime example – including a wonderful special guest appearance (I won’t spoil the surprise, but it provides some lovely social commentary too, not just laughs). Faith plays a major role too with God’s Coloring Book being particularly affecting.

I cannot recommend this show full of love, joy, friendship and hope highly enough. It’s impossible to leave without aching sides, a massive grin on one’s face and a lighter heart. Well done all concerned – you did Dolly’s music proud and gave us a humdinger of a night. I absolutely loved it!

BILL KENWRIGHT LTD’S

MULTI AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTION OF

WILLY RUSSELL’S

BLOOD BROTHERS

IS BACK THIS AUTUMN

Bill Kenwright Ltd’s legendary, award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers continues to tour across the UK with latest dates and venues announced for Autumn 2024, opening on 20 August at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.

This autumn will see Vivienne Carlyle returning to the iconic role of Mrs. Johnstone, having received nightly standing ovations for her powerful and poignant performance in the West End production.

Sean Jones and Joe Sleight return to the production as twins Mickey and Eddie, with Gemma Brodrick reprising the role of Linda.

Also returning to the cast for 2024 are Sarah Jane Buckley (Mrs Lyons), Scott Anson (Narrator), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons),Chloe Pole (Donna Marie), Alex Harland (Policeman/Teacher), Graeme Kinniburgh (Postman/Bus Conductor) and Jess Smith (Brenda), with James Ledsham (Sammy), Ben Mabberley (Perkins) and Dominic Gore (Neighbour) joining the production.

Vivienne Carlyle is an actor and singer with an international career as a musical theatre leading lady and recording artist. As well as her acclaimed previous appearances as Mrs Johnstone in the West End and touring productions of Blood Brothers, her theatre roles have included The Narrator in Bill Kenwright’s long-running production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grizabella in Cats, Mrs Walker in The Whos’ Tommy and Songbird in Cirque du Soleil’s long-running Saltimbanco.

Award-winning playwright Willy Russell’s epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981, before opening as a musical at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. It has since triumphed across the globe, completing sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan. Few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers, scooping up four awards for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway. It is considered ‘one of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times). Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. 

The superb score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. 

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.  

When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax. 

Willy Russell is one of this country’s leading contemporary dramatists. His countless credits include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Educating Rita, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two-year run in the West End and was made into a movie starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Shirley Valentine also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti, it was also revived last year, completing a sell out West End run starring Sheridan Smith.

LISTINGS 

Bill Kenwright Limited presents 

BLOOD BROTHERS 

2024 Autumn UK Tour 

Written by Willy Russell 

Directed by Bob Tomson & Bill Kenwright Ltd

Resident Director Tim Churchill

Musical Supervisor Matt Malone 

Sound Design Dan Samson  

Set & Costume Design Andy Walmsley  

Lighting Design Nick Richings 

Running Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including interval)  

Website: kenwright.com 

Social Media: @BKL_Productions 

TOUR DATES – FURTHER DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

Wales Millennium Centre                                          wmc.org.uk

Mon 20 Aug – Sat 24 Aug 2024                                  029 2063 6464

Pavilion Theatre Rhyl                                                 rhylpavilion.co.uk

Mon 28 Aug – Sat 31 Aug 2024                                  01745 332414

Blackpool Opera House                                             wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Mon 03 Sep – Sat 07 Sep 2024                                       0844 770 0593

Embassy Theatre Skegness                                        embassytheatre.co.uk    

Mon 10 Sep – Sat 14 Sep 2024                                   01754 474 100

The Playhouse Weston-Super-Mare                         parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Mon 17 Sep – Sat 21 Sep 2024                                   01934 65544

Edinburgh Playhouse                                                 atgtickets.com

Mon 24 Sep – Sat 28 Sep 2024                                      

His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen                               aberdeenperformingarts.com

Mon 01 Oct – Sat 05 Oct 2024                                   01224 641122

Eden Court Inverness                                                 eden-court.co.uk

Mon 08 Oct – Sat 12 Oct 2024                                   01463 234 234

Kings Theatre Glasgow                                              atgtickets.com

Mon 15 Oct – Sat 19 Oct 2024                                      

Palace Theatre Newark                                              palacenewark.com

Mon 22 Oct – Sat 26 Oct 2024                                   01636 655755

Kings Theatre Portsmouth                                         kingsportsmouth.co.uk

Mon 05 Nov – Sat 09 Nov 2024                                  02392 828282

Darlington Hippodrome                                             darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Mon 12 Nov – Sat 16 Nov 2024                                  01325 405405

Palace Theatre Manchester                                       atgtickets.com

Mon 19 Nov – Sat 30 Nov 2024

The Grand Theatre Leeds                                           leedsheritagetheatres.com

Mon 03 Dec – Sat 07 Dec 2024                                   01132 430808

BLUEBIRD PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

AT THE PLAYGROUND THEATRE FROM
1 – 27 OCTOBER 2024

Written by the exciting playwright Tim Edge, One of The Boys offers a sharp commentary on corporate sexism and the compromises many women feel compelled to make to compete equally with men in the workplace. The play will run at The Playground Theatre starting on 1 October 2024.

Eve is on the brink of a ground-breaking career move; she is about to become the first woman in her company to land the role of CEO. Yes, she has had to compromise, make personal sacrifices, but it was all worth it… right?

Enter Heidi, a mysterious young executive with an agenda. As Heidi gains a foothold within the company, her presence begins to threaten the established culture in which the company thrives, as well as the position that Eve has worked so hard for. Will Eve’s ambition triumph over her conscience, or is it time to smash it all to the ground and start again?

By highlighting and calling out workplace misogyny, One of The Boys raises awareness about the issues women face in professional settings. This can be an eye-opening experience for audiences who may not be fully aware of the extent of the problem.

Tim Edge (writer) says, “The play looks to serve as a catalyst for conversations about gender inequality, discrimination, and harassment. Watching characters battle and overcome workplace misogyny can also be empowering for audience members, especially those who have experienced similar situations. It can inspire them to stand up against injustice and find their voices in challenging circumstances. It may also lead to those who are complicit in a toxic culture to evaluate their behaviour and to change.”

With the potential to engage, educate, and inspire audiences by addressing a critical social issue through the lens of storytelling and artistic expression, One of The Boys provides an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and advocacy for positive change.

Directed by Lydia McKinley, written by Tim Edge with design by Ellie Wintour, One of The Boysis at The Playground Theatre from 1 – 27 October 2024.

FURTHER VENUES ANNOUNCED

FOR THE

CAMERON MACKINTOSH

AND
DISNEY THEATRICAL GROUP
2024/2025 UK AND IRELAND TOUR

OF THE CLASSIC MULTI AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

BASED ON THE STORIES OF P.L. TRAVERS AND

THE WALT DISNEY FILM

Following a record-breaking run in London’s West End, where the show received rave reviews and nightly standing ovations, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group are delighted to announce further venues for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour of the classic multi award-winning musical MARY POPPINS. www.marypoppins.co.uk 

Alongside the previously announced dates in Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh, Plymouth and Manchester, the production will also visit Birmingham Hippodrome (16 July – 23 August 2025), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (27 August – 20 September 2025), Sunderland Empire (1 – 25 October 2025) and Milton Keynes Theatre (29 October – 22 November 2025). Additional venues still to be announced.

Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic Sherman Brothers songs; Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

MARY POPPINS has original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman with new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The book is by Julian Fellowes and this production is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh. It has orchestrations by William David Brohn and dance and vocal arrangements by George Stiles. It has sound design by Paul Gatehouse and lighting by Hugh Vanstone. Co-Choreography is by Stephen Mear. The set and costume designs are by Bob Crowley. Co-direction and choreography is by Matthew Bourne and direction is by Richard Eyre.    

MARY POPPINS UK TOUR – 2024/2025 TOUR LISTINGS

marypoppins.co.uk

MONDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2024 – SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2024

BRISTOL HIPPODROME

www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins and Jack Chambers as Bert.

WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2024 – SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2025

BORD GÁIS ENERGY THEATRE, DUBLIN

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins and Jack Chambers as Bert.

WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2025 – SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2025

FESTIVAL THEATRE, EDINBURGH

www.capitaltheatres.com

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins and Jack Chambers as Bert.

WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2025 – SATURDAY 29 MARCH 2025

THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

www.theatreroyal.com

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins and Jack Chambers as Bert.

WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL 2025 – SATURDAY 17 MAY 2025

PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER

www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins and Jack Chambers as Bert.

WEDNESDAY 16 JULY – SATURDAY 23 AUGUST 2025

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

ON SALE 20 SEPTEMBER 2024

Casting to be announced.

WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST – SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2025

MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON

www.mayflower.org.uk

ON SALE 17 OCTOBER 2024

Casting to be announced.

WEDNESDAY 1 – SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER 2025

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

ON SALE 14 OCTOBER 2024

Casting to be announced.

WEDNESDAY 29 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2025

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre

ON SALE 14 OCTOBER 2024

Casting to be announced.

FURTHER VENUES TO BE ANNOUNCED

Norwich Theatre panto cast announced

7 Dec 24 – 5 Jan 25

Norwich Theatre is excited to announce Lisa Maxwell as the Evil Aunt in the panto this Christmas, opening at Norwich Theatre Royal on 7 Dec 24 and running until 5 Jan 25.  

She will join Tarik Frimpong as Aladdin and Meesha Turner as Jazz in the panto this Christmas, and Joe Tracini playing Reg, Aladdin’s brother, and getting up to his usual mayhem trying to help his family’s pie shop get through times of trouble!

Following her role as Pamela Ketman in BBC1 crime drama ‘In Deep’ with Nick Berry and Stephen Tompkinson, Lisa was asked to join the cast of ITV’s ‘The Bill’ as D.I. Samantha Nixon, followed by appearances in EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Casualty. She has recently appeared in the hit Channel 5 series ‘The Madame Blanc Mysteries’. She is a flagship former regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women and was a semi-finalist in the BBC1 series Celebrity MasterChef.

Her recent theatre appearances include playing Judy Garland in Peter Quilter’s award-winning play ‘End of The Rainbow,’ and Celia in Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s ‘Calendar Girls.’

Lisa Maxwell said: “Returning to panto after 25 years I can’t wait to be booed and hissed at by the lovely people of Norwich!”

Tarik Frimpong recently toured the UK and Ireland with the amazing musical ‘The Drifters Girl’, which visited Norwich Theatre Royal in September. He has also starred in the Disney feature film ‘Mary Poppins Returns’, in West End productions such as ‘Aladdin’ and in Australian productions such as ‘Bring It On – the Musical’ and ‘The Lion King’. In 2022. Tarik was nominated for a Black British Theatre Award (Best Male Actor in a Musical) for his portrayal of The Scarecrow in the UK Revival of ‘The Wiz’.

At taking on the title role Tarik said:

“I’m thrilled to be making my panto debut, playing the role of Aladdin in Aladdin,at the beautiful Norwich Theatre Royal. I’m so looking forward to returning to Norwich where I toured last year with The Drifters Girl. I love the city and the amazing Norwich audiences! I cannot wait to bring my triple threat skills to the Norwich Theatre Royal stage and to help spread some Christmas joy!”

Meesha Turner will play Jazz. Meesha played Catherine Parr in the 2021-22 West End Production of ‘Six the Musical’. She most recently appeared in ‘Stranger Things’ the stage show and as Mrs. Cratchit in The Old Vic’s production of ‘A Christmas Carol’.

On starring in the panto, Meesha said: “I’m super excited to be playing Jazz in this year’s Theatre Royal Norwich panto, and to be bringing a new version of this much loved classic to life! Looking forward to a very festive Christmas in Norwich!”

Aladdin will be set in Norfolk, and is written by Richard Gauntlett. It will be a new interpretation of the old tale but retaining the sense of tradition that Richard brings to Norwich Theatre pantomimes.

Wendy Ellis, Norwich Theatre Creative Programs & Audiences Director, and lead producer of the pantomime said: “We are overjoyed to welcome Lisa, Tariq and Meesha to bring their fantastic musical talents to this year’s panto. Alongside Norfolk favourite, Joe Tracini this is shaping up to be a genie-us Norfolk adventure. Settle in on the magic carpet everyone, this is going to be a thrilling ride!”

With the line up taking shape, one question remains… Who is the Dame?

Aladdin opens at Norwich Theatre Royal on 7 Dec 24, and runs over Christmas and New Year until 5 Jan 25. Further casting to be announced.

Book online at norwichtheatre.org or call 01603 630000

LEAD CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE

WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW MUSICAL

HERE & NOW

AT THE ALEXANDRA, BIRMINGHAM

NOW RUNNING FROM 9 NOVEMBER – 30 NOVEMBER

The producers of the brand new musical HERE & NOW, presented by UK pop sensation, Steps, are delighted to announce the lead cast joining the production. Rebecca Lock will play Caz McGovern, Hiba Elchikhe will play Neeta Thakkar, Sharlene Hector will play Vel King and Blake Patrick Anderson will play Robbie Davies.

HERE & NOW will now run in Birmingham from 9 – 30 November 2024 following a recent date extension due to phenomenal demand.

Rebecca Lock has spent the last two Christmases playing Emily Hobbs in the West End family favourite ELF – The Musical at the Dominion Theatre. Some of her other notable theatre roles include Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock (UK tour), Mrs Cratchit in A Christmas Carol (Dominion Theatre), Carmen Bernstein in Curtains (UK tour and West End), Ms Fleming in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket & The Other Palace), Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins (UK tour) and Rosie in MAMMA MIA! (Novello Theatre).

One of the UK’s top soul, R&B and pop vocalists, lead vocalist of Basement Jaxx Sharlene Hector has also enjoyed a successful career in theatre, recently starring as Grace in Standing At The Sky’s Edge at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Sharlene was previously also seen in A Strange Loop (Barbican Theatre), Dreamgirls (UK tour), Hairspray (London Coliseum) and Derren Brown’s TV recording of Showman at the Apollo Theatre.

Hiba Elchikhe was one of the original leading cast members of the West End and Chester Storyhouse production of The Time Traveller’s Wife – The Musical, with music by Joss Stone and Dave Stewart. She played Pritti Pasha in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie both in the West End and Los Angeles and played Princess Jasmine in the Australian tour of Aladdin. Her other theatre credits include Antony and Cleopatra (National Theatre), Millennials (Other Palace), Lift (Southwark Playhouse) and Brooklyn (Greenwich Theatre).

Blake Patrick Anderson has also performed across the West End, playing Nerd Face in Emojiland (Garrick Theatre), Mark Cohen in RENT (Hope Mill Theatre) and Woof in Hair (Turbine Theatre). Blake was also an original cast member of Be More Chill at The Other Palace, also performing as part of the 30^th anniversary cast of Starlight Express in Bochum, Germany.

Featuring Steps’ most beloved hit songs, HERE & NOW has an original book by Shaun Kitchener and is produced by the band and ROYO with Pete Waterman. It will be directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with choreography by Olivier Award winning Matt Cole and Matt Spencer-Smith as musical supervisor, orchestrations and arrangements.

Further casting to be announced.

Welcome to seaside superstore Better Best Bargains, where it’s Friday night, the vibe is right, and everyone’s dancing in the aisles. But when Caz discovers the shelves are stocked with lies and betrayal, the summer of love she and her friends dreamed of suddenly feels like a tragedy. Have they all lost their chance of a ‘happy ever after’? Or does love have other plans in store… 

Steps (Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Ian ‘H’ Watkins’, Lee Latchford-Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee) are the UK’s most successful mixed sex pop group of all time, with 14 top five singles, 4 number one albums, 22 million record sales, 500 million streams & 11 sold-out national arena tours under their belts. The band’s hits include #1 singles Tragedy/Heartbeat and Stomp, the gold certified One For Sorrow & Better Best Forgotten, the silver certified 5,6,7,8, Last Thing On My Mind, Love’s Got A Hold Of My Heart, Chain Reaction, all of which will feature in the musical alongside many more.

Steps’ 2017 comeback tour sold out all 300,000 tickets, making it one of the biggest pop tours of the year. The band have since continued to release new music including two further iTunes #1 singles, the Sia-penned What The Future Holds in 2020 and the Michelle Visage duet Heartbreak In This City in 2022. In 2022 Steps celebrated their 25th anniversary with a headline summer tour and released the #1 album Platinum Collection which means they join ABBA, Rolling Stones and Stereophonics as the only groups in UK history to score #1 albums in four consecutive decades.

Set design is by Tom Rogers, costume design is by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Adam Fisher, wigs, hair and makeup design by Sam Cox, casting by Will Burton for Grindrod Burton Casting, associate direction by Matt Hassall, associate choreography by Jane McMurtrie with associate sound design by Ollie Durrant.

Website: TheStepsMusical.com

Instagram: @TheStepsMusical

X: @TheStepsMusical

TikTok: @TheStepsMusical

Facebook: @TheStepsMusicalUK

LISTINGS INFORMATION

HERE & NOW

9 – 30 November 2024

The Alexandra

Suffolk Queensway,

Birmingham,

West Midlands,

B5 4DS

Performances: Tuesdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2.30pm

N.B there will only be a 7:30pm performance on Saturday 9 November, Sunday 10 November and Thursday 28 November, and an additional 2:30pm performance on Wednesday 27 November.

There will also be an audio described performance on Tuesday 19 November and a signed performance on Thursday 21 November.

Tickets from £13

www.atgtickets.com/venues/birmingham

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR 

BECOMING NANCY

A NEW MUSICAL

ABOUT FIRST LOVE AND FINDING YOUR VOICE

BASED ON TERRY RONALD’S

‘DELICIOUSLY CAMP RITES OF PASSAGE NOVEL’ The Independent

Directed and Choreographed by Tony Award–winning Jerry Mitchell,

Book by Elliot Davis, music by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe withadditional music and lyrics by Terry Ronald, Elliot Davis and George Stiles

https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/becoming-nancy

Wednesday 2 October – Saturday 2 November 2024

Birmingham Rep

Birmingham Rep today (Tuesday 16 July 2024) announced casting for Becoming Nancy,the UK premiere of a new musical directed and choreographed by the Tony Award-winning Jerry Mitchell.  Performances begin on Wednesday 2 October 2024

Joseph Peacock (The Last Ship; US Tour, Bat out of Hell; West End, Scarborough; BBC) will play David Starr, with Joseph Vella (Fame, Annie Get Your Gun, From Here to Eternity),as Maxie Boswell, Paige Peddie (Book of Mormon,  Oklahoma; West End, The Lion King; UK Tour) as Frances Bailey, Olivier Award-winning Rebecca Trehearn (Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, City of Angels, Showboat; West End), as Kath Starr, Genevieve Nicole (Mother Goose and Magic Goes Wrong; West End and Dr Seuss The Grinch Musical Live; NBC and Sky 1) as Aunt Val, Mathew Craig (Susan Stroman’s s Crazy for You, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole; West End, We Will Rock You; UK Tour) as Eddie Starr, Olivier Award-winning Stephen Ashfield (Maria – a new biopic of Maria Callas to be released this year, The Book of Mormon; West End and Broadway as Hamish McClarnon (a role he created at Coca Cola Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia) and Daisy Greenwood (Made in Degenham concert; London Palladium, There is Nothing Like a Dame; Cadogen Hall, Christmas with the Stars; Covent Garden) as Abigail Henson.  Further casting is yet to be announced.

Becoming Nancy is a coming-of-age story about first love, friendship, and finding your voice, based on the novel by Terry Ronald.  The book is by  Elliot Davis, music by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe withadditional music and lyrics by Terry Ronald, Elliot Davis and George Stiles.  The multi-award winning musical theatre writing partnership of Stiles and Drew’s other scores include the international smash-hit Cameron Mackintosh/Disney Tony and Olivier award-winning production of Mary Poppins, the Olivier Award-winning Honk!, Half a Sixpence and The Wind in the Willows

Jerry Mitchell is also the director of The Devil Wears Prada, which opens in the West End in October 2024.He has worked in London since he first served as Associate Choreographer to Sir Cameron Mackintosh on Follies starring Diana Rigg and Julia McKenzie. Since then Jerry has directed and choreographed 3 Olivier Award-winning musicals in the West End.  He directed and choreographed Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde and choreographed Hairspray. 

The Tony Award-winning director and choreographer was returning to New York from the UK in 2013 and came across the book Becoming Nancy at Heathrow Airport.  By the time he reached the US he knew he had to make the story into a musical!

Jerry Mitchell said ‘Becoming Nancy requires a lot of young fresh talent, and I’m so excited to introduce these incredible young performers to British audiences  alongside some spectacular West End stars.  This beautiful story about finding your true self and the spotlight each of us deserves is going to be a joy to share with audiences of all ages.’

In Becoming Nancy, it’s 1979 and David Starr is unquestionably one of the smartest, most talented sixth formers in East Dulwich – he’s got a wild imagination, a vocal range to die for, and a bedroom plastered with posters of his beloved pop idols: Blondie, Sting, and Kate Bush.  But being clever, having talent, and great taste in music may not be enough to get him through secondary school, where, to his great surprise, he’s just been given the lead role of Nancy, in the school play, Oliver!  The unconventional casting sends shockwaves to everyone around him – including his parents, his aunt, and his classmates. Before long, it seems like everybody has an opinion on whether David should go on with the show, inspiring him to turn to his no-nonsense best friend Frances and his unlikely co-star Maxie, the enigmatic captain of the football team. 

MICHAEL MALONEY TO STAR AS HERCULE POIROT

IN THE UK & IRELAND TOUR OF

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS ADAPTED BY KEN LUDWIG

FROM 6 SEPTEMBER 2024 TO 3 MAY 2025

Michael Maloney will star as Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, in Lucy Bailey’s new production of the UK & Ireland Tour of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS.  Agatha Christie Ltd and Fiery Angel will bring Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic to the stage, opening on 6 September at the Lowry in Salford and running through to 3 May 2025 at the Cheltenham Everyman.

Michael said of playing Poirot, “I am very excited and honoured to be joining a long line of extraordinary actors who have taken on the role of Hercule Poirot and hope I can be so, too.  To work with such a talented director as Lucy Bailey and with top producers Fiery Angel is a gift and a privilege.  Here’s to Orient Express hurtling through your town or city soon!”

Michael Maloney’s extensive film and television work includes Belfast, Iron Lady, Young Victoria, Notes on a Scandal, Branagh’s Hamlet, Zefferelli’s Hamlet, Truly Madly Deeply, The Crown, Magpie Murder, The Trial of Christine Keeler, The Five, River, The White Queen, Bonekickers,  Empire, The Jury and Love on a Branch Line.  On the stage, his many roles for the RSC include Edgar, Romeo and Prince Hal.  For the National, he has appeared in Light Shining in Buckinghamshire as Cromwell, Alice’s Adventures Under Ground as Lewis Carroll and Once in a While the Odd Thing Happens as Benjamin Britten.  In the West End, he has appeared in Peer Gynt (in the title role), Can You Hear Me at the Back? and Taking Steps.

Winter 1934 and an avalanche stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks.  An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Trapped in the snow with a killer still on board, can the world’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot, crack the case before the train reaches its final destination?

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS is one of Agatha Christie’s greatest literary achievements, with a final twist that is amongst her very best.  Gripping, tense and masterfully cryptic, this brand-new production is a deliciously thrilling ride and an ingenious murder mystery, guaranteed to keep you guessing until the end of the line.

Further casting is to be announced.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS will be directed by Lucy Bailey (Witness for the Prosecution, And Then There Were None, The Other Boleyn Girl) and designed by Mike Britton, with lighting design by Oliver Fenwick, video design by Ian Galloway, sound design by Mic Pool, movement direction by Leah Hausman, casting by Abby Galvin and with Victoria Gartner as assistant director. 

Website: www.murderontheorientexpressplay.com

Instagram: @orientexpressplay

Facebook: @orientexpressplay

X: @orientexpressuk

TOUR SCHEDULE

2024

6-14 September                        The Lowry, Salford                                                                                     0161 876 2000

                                                     www.thelowry.com

17-21 September                      Norwich Theatre Royal                                                                             01603 630000

                                                     norwichtheatre.org                                                                                              

24-28 September                      Theatre Royal Plymouth                                                                          01752 267222

                                                     www.theatreroyal.com                                                                          

1-5 October                                CanterburyMarlowe Theatre                                                                01227 787787                                                                                                                             

                                                      www.marlowetheatre.com  

8-12 October                              Glasgow King’s Theatre                                                                                                                                                                           

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow

15-19 October                            Curve, Leicester                                                                                         

www.curveonline.co.uk                                                                         

22-26 October                            Edinburgh Festival Theatre                                                                     0131 529 6000

                                                      www.capitaltheatres.com                                                                     

29 October – 2 November        Cambridge Arts Theatre                                                                           01223 503333

                                                       www.cambridgeartstheatre.com                                                       

5-9 November                             Richmond Theatre, London

                                                       www.atgtickets.com/Richmond                                                          

12-16 November                         Malvern Festival Theatre                                                                         01684 892277

                                                        www.malvern-theatres.co.uk                                                              

19-23 November                         TruroHall for Cornwall                                                                              01872 262 466                                                                                                                             

                                                        www.hallforcornwall.co.uk  

2025                                  

14-18 January                              Newcastle Theatre Royal                                                                         0191 232 7010

                                                        www.theatreroyal.co.uk                                                                        

21-25 January                               The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford                                            01483 44 00 00

                                                        www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk                                                                  

28 January – 1 February             Birmingham The Alexandra

                                                        www.atgtickets.com/birmingham                                                      

4-8 February                                 Sheffield Lyceum                                                                                        0114 249 6000

                                                        www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                                                              

11-15 February                            Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre                                                        

                                                       aberdeenperformingarts.com                                                             

18-22 February                            SouthamptonMayflower Theatre                                                       02380 711 811                                                                                                                                

                                                       www.mayflower.org.uk                   

25 February – 1 March              Milton KeynesTheatre                                                                                                                                           

                                                       www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre           

4-8 March                                    New Theatre, Cardiff                                                                                0343 310 0041

                                                      www.trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff                           

11-16 March                               Theatre Royal Bath                                                                                     01225 448844

                                                      theatreroyal.org.uk                                                                                   on sale 24 May

25-29 March                               York Grand Opera House

                                                      www.atgtickets.com/york                                                                     

1- 5 April                                     NottinghamTheatre Royal                                                                      0115 989 5555

                                                     www.trch.co.uk                                                                                         

8-12 April                                   Gaiety Theatre, Dublin                                                                             00 353 1 646 8600

                                                     www.gaietytheatre.ie                                                                             

22-26 April                                 Theatre Royal Brighton

                                                     www.atgtickets.com/brighton                                                             

29 April – 3 May                        Cheltenham Everyman Theatre                                                            01242 572573

                                                     everymantheatre.org.uk

ABOUT AGATHA CHRISTIE LIMITED

Agatha Christie Limited (ACL) has been managing the literary and media rights to Agatha Christie’s works around the world since 1955. Collaborating with the very best talents in film, television, publishing, stage and on digital platforms, ACL ensures that Christie’s work continues to reach new audiences in innovative ways and to the highest standard.

The company is managed by Christie’s great grandson James Prichard.

Current ACL theatre productions include WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION at London County Hall and a hugely successful UK tour of AND THEN THERE WERE NONE in collaboration with Fiery Angel. Ken Ludwig’s stage adaptation of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS has enjoyed wide international success, particularly in the US and throughout Europe.

ABOUT FIERY ANGEL

Headed by Edward Snape and Marilyn Eardley, Fiery Angel is an award-winning international production company based in London’s West End.

Recent productions include: Kathy and Stella Solve A Murder! (West End and UK Tour), King Lear (West End), And Then There Were None (UK and Ireland Tour), Hairspray (West End), Fleabag (West End), Home, I’m Darling (West End and UK Tour), Mary Stuart (West End and UK Tour), Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company: The Winter’s Tale, Red Velvet, Romeo and Juliet, The Entertainer (West End) and The 39 Steps (9 years in the West End, 3 UK Tours, 3 years on Broadway). Fiery Angel has acted as a co-producer alongside The National Theatre on its West End productions of Nine Night, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and The Lehman Trilogy.

As part of Fiery Angel Entertainment: Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol (Queen Elizabeth Hall), Rob Brydon (UK Tour) and Circus 1903 (Royal Festival Hall, Eventim Apollo).

As part of The Children’s Theatre Partnership: The Boy at the Back of the Class (UK Tour), Unexpected Twist (UK Tour), Animal Farm (UK Tour), Goodnight Mister Tom (West End and 3 UK Tours, Olivier Award winner) and Swallows and Amazons (West End and UK Tour).

As part of Fierylight Productions: Smartest Giant in Town (UK Tour and West End) and  Peppa Pig Live! (West End, UK Tour, US Tour and Australian Tour).

fiery-angel.com 

The Almeida Theatre announces the full repertory company for its Angry and Young season

  Joining the previously announced Morfydd Clark, Iwan Davies, Billy Howle and Ellora Torchia are Michael Abubakar, Eliot Salt, Sophie Stanton, Tony Turner and Deka Walmsley. 

The rep company will perform both Arnold Wesker’s Roots, directed by Diyan Zora,and John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger,directed by Atri Banerjee, as part of the Almeida’s Angry and Young season. Both productions open on Tuesday 1 October, with Roots previewing from Tuesday 10 September and Look Back in Anger previewing from Friday 20 September. Both productions run until Saturday 23 November. More details of the full Angry and Young season will be announced soon. 

ROOTS   
by Arnold Wesker    

Director: Diyan Zora; Set Designer: Naomi Dawson; Costume Designer: Tomás Palmer; Lighting Designer: Lee Curran; Sound Designer: George Dennis; Movement Director: Chris Evans; Fight and Intimacy Director: Yarit Dor; Casting Director: Amy Ball CDG; Associate Director: Tian Brown-Sampson

Tuesday 10 September – Saturday 23 November   

 What’ve you done since you come in? Hev you said anythin’? I mean really said or done anything to show you’re alive?   

Beatie Bryant returns to her rural home in Norfolk, inflamed with political zeal from her time spent living in London. As the family anxiously prepares for the arrival of her firebrand activist boyfriend Ronnie, Beatie struggles to fit back into her old way of life.    

As Beatie’s radical new ideals fail to land with her traditional family, the differences between young and old are laid bare.   

Diyan Zora (Tom Fool; English) directs a new production of Arnold Wesker’s lyrical, impassioned play about a young woman’s journey to self-discovery which, together with John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger, changed British theatre forever. The mirror they held up to 1950s society is now angled towards 2024, with the two plays running alongside each other in repertory for 11 weeks, as part of the Almeida’s Angry and Young season.  

Cast includes Michael Abubakar (Jimmy Beales), Morfydd Clark (Beatie Bryant), Iwan Davies (Mr Healey), Billy Howle (Frankie Bryant), Eliot Salt (Jenny Beales), Sophie Stanton (Mrs Bryant), Ellora Torchia (Pearl Bryant), Tony Turner (Stan Mann) and Deka Walmsley (Mr Bryant). 

LOOK BACK IN ANGER   
by John Osborne  

Director: Atri Banerjee; Set Designer: Naomi Dawson; Costume Designer: Tomás Palmer; Lighting Designer: Lee Curran; Sound Designer: Peter Rice; Movement Director: Imogen Knight; Fight and Intimacy Director: Yarit Dor; Casting Director: Amy Ball CDG; Associate Director: Chloe Christian; Associate Movement Director: Rhys Dennis

Friday 20 September – Saturday 23 November    

You see, I learnt at an early age what it was to be angry – angry and helpless. And I can never forget it.   

Jimmy Porter is frustrated by his post-war life running a local stall. Embittered by the disapproval of his wife Alison’s wealthier family and a world that has shut him out, he frequently spirals into fits of rage. 

One night, when Alison’s friend unexpectedly turns up at their home, this uneasy marriage descends further into freefall, with their friends left trying to keep the peace.      

Former Almeida Resident Director Atri Banerjee (The Glass Menagerie; Julius Caesar) directs a new production of John Osborne’s ground-breaking, furious play which, alongside Arnold Wesker’s Roots, changed British theatre forever. The mirror they held up to 1950s society is now angled towards 2024, with the two plays running alongside each other in repertory for 11 weeks, as part of the Almeida’s Angry and Young season.   

Cast includes Morfydd Clark (Helena Charles), Iwan Davies (Cliff Lewis), Billy Howle (Jimmy Porter), Ellora Torchia (Alison Porter) and Deka Walmsley (Colonel Redfern).