Pleasance Theatre Trust announce more shows
to delight audiences this summer

The second official on-sale for Pleasance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe brings theatre, comedy, children’s shows and music from bold, inventive creatives around the world. With a brilliant mix of highly anticipated debut shows, returning award winners showcasing new work and innovative artists trying something that little bit different, this unmissable programme has something for everyone.

True stories are often at the heart of new writing in theatre and this year is no exception: a story of grit, love and danger, Tiger Lady introduces us to Mabel Stark – the queen of the Circus and the only woman to step into the ring with seven tigers! Today I Killed My Very First Bird is a pacey, powerful and heartbreakingly authentic exploration of hope and despair. Lived experience is combined with immersive sound and bold storytelling, compellingly presented by Theatre Royal Plymouth. In Deaf Ears, a poignant and captivating solo show, therapist and Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) Joe Friedman explores what it is like growing up when your parents cannot hear.

Politics and societal expectations provide fascinating material for exciting writers. Rob Ward (Gypsy Queen, Away From Home) returns to the Fringe with The MP, Aunty Mandy & Me, a bittersweet tale of political campaigns, sexual consent and steam trains. Gut-wrenching, exhilarating new writing from Fringe First and Stage Award winner Luke Wright, The Remains of Logan Dankworth sees Logan faced with the looming EU referendum. An unmissable new play from Offie-Award nominee Sam Potter, Unicorn, follows a young woman trying to find a balance between her sexuality and what society expects of her.

Comedic elements bring us theatre filled with belly laughs. A dreamlike comedy Who Here’s Lost? is about what we value as we go along and how we present it to others, from Herald Angel Award winner Ben Moor (The Queen’s Gambit, IT Crowd). Mischief Theatre presents Charlie Russell Aims To Please, a hilarious and heart-warming show that hits as many solo Fringe show tropes and styles as possible within an hour.

Much theatrical inspiration comes from the world of cinema; back after five sold-out Fringe seasons, Trainspotting Live is the acclaimed immersive adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s classic, staged in a bespoke venue unique to the show. The world premiere stage adaptation, inspired by the sequel to the cult classic Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh’s PORNO is set to be disturbing, shocking and extremely funny. Wes Anderson meets Hitchcock meets Spaghetti Western in this fast-paced, raucously funny and endlessly inventive OFFIE-nominated whodunnit in The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much, with live, original music and virtuosic acrobatics from LET/Greenwich Award winners 2020.

The programme offers up phenomenal diversity of styles this year: fresh from wowing crowds opening for The Libertines and John Cooper Clarke, Luke Wright serves up banger after banger at the hottest late-night show in town – rock ‘n’ roll poetry at its visceral best in Luke Wright’s Late Night Dance Floor Fillers (poems). A worldwide sensation from Montreal to Beijing, the two exceptional drummers Fills Monkey are back with an exhilarating new show We Will Drum You, fusing musical styles from Rock and Heavy Metal to Latin and Jazz. Also programmed is the Edinburgh-based Scottish/African choir Shona the Musical Choir. These supremely talented artists are inspired by historical events around the Shona tribe in Africa and socio-political turmoil of Robert Mugabe’s rule of Zimbabwe; their incredible vocals were first seen at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2021.

There’s also family fun at the Pleasance this summer. From award-winning Covid researcher Professor Tom Solomon CBE who brought you Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Medicine, COVID for Kids follows the adventures of Corry the Coronavirus who causes chaos and misery until controlled by the Science Superheroes. Magic Gareth returns to the Courtyard with Magic Gareth’s Magic Eye – expect some kick-ass, eye-bending magic and a whole load of nonsense (and balloons) in this brandnew show for ages 4+. World record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo makes mad music with his mouth in SK Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids. He returns on his mission to empower the next generation of superstar beatboxers to find their true voice, no matter who they are!

With lots of shows already announced from the comedy programme, there are still many incredible comedians to pack into the programme. If comedy equals tragedy plus time, then boy, Sarah Keyworth’s Lost Boy is going to be good! You’ve seen her recently on Live At The Apollo, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Dark Horse (Comedy Special) on Amazon Prime Video, and many more. A show about the hair we want, the friends we have, and living the vast difference between virus and viral, expect frank and funny stand-up from Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee Sindhu Vee. Sophie Duker, the sexy baby from Taskmaster and Best Newcomer Nominee 2019 is all grown up, and she’s back in her sparkling new stand-up show.

The Pleasance programme is excitingly packed full of brilliant comedians making their debut hours this summer: Join Sikisa for an epic house party and highly anticipated show – as seen and heard on Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club (ITV), Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2) and The Off-Menu podcast. In this UK premiere, South Africa’s top ventriloquist Conrad Koch chats racism, apartheid and colonialism with his double international EMMY award nominated puppet friend, and South African TV star, Chester Missing. Hair is about one bizarrely life-changing haircut from musical comedy double act Shelf (who can boast over 1 million views on BBC Three). Meanwhile, rising star Rajiv Karia (Lazy Susan, BBC Three) wants to be your friend – and you really should support your friends – especially when they are doing their debut hour in Edinburgh.

Join up-and-coming Jamie D’Souza as he performs his first stand-up show, about the terrible teen emo band he was in and his first school crush. Soho Theatre’s Young Company alumnus, comedy talent and naive suburbanite Jake Farrell ponders, how far would you go for the people you love?, in his show about family, the future and Stevenage. Leicester Comedy Festival Best New Show Winner 2022 Ania Magliano tackles the stuff that matters, looking at LUSH, horse girls and buying a cat off Gumtree. No Scrubs is the highly anticipated show from BBC New Comedy Award finalist and junior doctor, Michael Akadiri, where he traverses the challenges of life within and outside the NHS. Lord Christian Brighty is the country’s most notorious rake, so prepare to swoon over TikTok’s answer to Mr Darcy (@brightybuoy). Aurie Styla (Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club (ITV)) has been looking at his own hilarious way of dealing with change and finally going GREEN (his real last name) … but what does being green actually mean?

Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circles is the hilarious new comedy that will leave you gasping for breath from Mischief, the team behind Magic Goes Wrong and The Play That Goes Wrong. Mischief also step back to their roots with Mischief Movie Night, the improvised movie live on stage, where every show is different, as the audience suggest a genre, location and title.

Comedy’s miserable cheeky scamp and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Will Duggan is returning with the weight of the world across his shoulders and some burning questions in his soul. International microstar Sean McLoughlin returns to the Fringe with his best stand-up show reminding us that the world may be a strange and scary place but life is still worth living! 2019’s Best Newcomer nominee and your favourite self-aware stand-up Helen Bauer is back with an hour about self-confidence, self-esteem and self-care. Visceral, real and achingly brave, Colin Hoult (After Life, Netflix) presents a hilarious meditation on life, death and literally everything in between in The Death of Anna Mann. After 21 years and 224 days Hal Cruttenden is back being single, but it’s all going to be fine and, instead of getting the therapy he clearly needs, he’s made a cracking show about it.

Character-comedians and IRL sisters Maddy and Marina Bye, who perform as the double-act Siblings, present a raucous hour of absurdist sketch comedy in Siblage. Watch multi-award winning impressionist Jess Robinson save the world in under an hour as she stars in Spitting Image, a brand new, musical multimedia, one-woman show.

Award-winning performer and viral YouTube sensation with 40 million+ views, Chris Turner presents his most ambitious show yet: a one-man comedy and hip-hop spectacular. Legendary magician Joz Norris has perfected the hardest magic trick of all time – making an entire audience think and blink in unison. Nothing can possibly go wrong! Cursed to return to the Fringe, multi award-winning stand-up Alasdair Beckett-King unravels life’s shallowest mysteries. Shropshire’s worst writer, Christopher Bliss (8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown) has decided to pull on his socks and sandals, comb his curtains, and leave Shropshire to bring his fifth show to the Pleasance. All aboard The Cambridge Footlights International Tour Show 2022, where we join five of the Footlights’ best comedians to swap stories and trade tales

Get Off Comedy Fundraiser aims to work to eradicate sexual harassment in the industry we love. The line up will be announced in due course, but past phenomenal acts include Russell Howard, Nish Kumar, Sara Pascoe, Daliso Chaponda, Stephen Bailey, Rachel Fairburn and Sikisa. The Pleasance Comedy Reserve is back for its 16th year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with another four brilliant new acts (Abi Clarke, Dee Allum, Katie Green and Tadiwa Mahlunge), hand-picked by the Pleasance and supported by the Charlie Hartill Special Reserve Fund. This is your chance to discover the most exciting comedy newcomers before they become household names. The show has launch the careers of Jack Whitehall, Roisin Conaty, Joe Lycett, Jamali Maddix, Darren Harriott, Sophie Duker,
Nigel Ng and 57 others!

With more shows to be announced over the coming months, there will be comedy, theatre, circus, magic, dance, kids’ shows and much more, alongside support for some of the most innovative newcomers through artist development strand Pleasance Futures. The Pleasance should certainly be the pick of your Fringe this August.

THE SMASH HIT, SELL OUT ALMEIDA THEATRE PRODUCTION

OF MULTI AWARD-WINNING DIRECTOR

ROBERT ICKE’S

THE DOCTOR

WRITTEN BY ROBERT ICKE

VERY FREELY ADAPTED FROM PROFESSOR BERNHARDI BY ARTHUR SCHNITZLER

STARRING THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED JULIET STEVENSON

WILL TOUR FOR THREE WEEKS TO BRIGHTON, BATH AND RICHMOND

BEFORE A WEST END RUN AT THE DUKE OF YORK’S

FROM 29 SEPTEMBER – 11 DECEMBER 2022

★★★★★

The Guardian, The Telegraph, Financial Times, The Sunday Times, WhatsOnStage

★★★★

The Times, Evening Standard, The Observer, Independent, The Stage, Metro

Robert Icke’s (Animal Farm, The Wild Duck, Hamlet, Mary Stuart, Oresteia, 1984) sold- out, five-star Almeida Theatre production, The Doctor, will tour to Brighton (5-10 September), Bath (13-17 September) and Richmond (19-24 September) before transferring to the Duke of York’s Theatre from 29 September – 11 December 2022.

Olivier Award winner, Juliet Stevenson, ‘delivering one of the peak performances of the theatrical year’ (The Guardian), will reprise her role as Professor Ruth Wolff. Juliet won a Critics’ Circle Award and was nominated for an Evening Standard Award for Best Actress for her performance in this role.

Juliet Stevenson said “I am beyond thrilled that The Doctor is travelling to Brighton, Bath and Richmond and then onto the West End. So much has happened in the last two years since we first played the show – I am so excited to share these new resonances and conversations with audiences, everywhere we go. Never has this debate been more needed”

The Doctor, by Robert Icke, very freely adapted from Professor Bernhardi by Arthur Schnitzler, has been critically lauded since it opened at the Almeida in August 2019. The play headlined the Adelaide Festival in 2020, before it was due to transfer to the West End. This was delayed until 2022 due to the outbreak of Covid-19.

This is the third West End transfer for Robert Icke and Juliet Stevenson, following the critical and commercial smash-hit productions of Mary Stuart and Hamlet. She most recently voiced one of the puppets in Robert Icke’s current production of Animal Farm.

In a divisive time, in a divided nation, a society takes sides.

The latest smash-hit by “Britain’s best director” (Telegraph) is a “provocative, wonderfully upsetting” (Independent) whirlwind of gender, race and questions about identity, “one of the peaks of the theatrical year” (Guardian) and a “devastating play for today” (Financial Times). 

The production has designs by Hildegard Bechtler, lighting by Natasha Chivers, sound and composition by Tom Gibbons and casting by Julia Horan. Further casting will be announced in due course.

3800 STALLS TICKETS – PRICED AT JUST £25 will be available across the run exclusively for NHS employees and blue light workers (which includes emergency services, those who work in the social care sector and the armed forces). These tickets are available via the official box office ATG Tickets (just select the ‘NHS/Blue Light’ option whilst booking, and present one ID per transaction when you arrive).

The Doctor is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions & Almeida Theatre, Gavin Kalin Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions & Wessex Grove.

MISCHIEF RETURN TO THEIR COMEDY ROOTS WITH THREE SHOWS AT THE 75^TH EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE

Mischief today announces their return to Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with three productions for 2022. The Olivier Award nominated improv show, Mischief Movie Night runs at the Pleasance at EICC (Pentland Theatre), 3 – 28 August, with full cast to be announced. Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields create a brand new comedy, Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle at Pleasance Courtyard (Beyond), 3 – 28 August; and Charlie Russell tries to make everyone happy in her new heart-warming show, Charlie Russell Aims To Please at Pleasance Courtyard (Below), 3 – 27 August.

Mischief was founded in 2008 by a group of acting graduates of LAMDA and began as an improvised comedy group performing annually at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 2009. This marks the company’s first month-long run back at the Festival since they presented The Play That Goes Wrong in 2013.The productionwent on to win an Olivier Award, and has since played to an audience of over two million with productions in over 30 countries. In August 2021 itbecame the longest running play at the Duchess Theatre (since the theatre opened in 1929), and is the longest running comedy in the West End.

Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer said today, “We’re absolutely delighted to be heading back to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year. The fringe is full of amazing memories for us and to be part of the 75^thanniversary with three shows, including new work is incredibly exciting.”

Charlie Russell also commented, “I’m thrilled to be able to create new work with Mischief, and to be returning to Edinburgh and sharing with festival audiences who have supported us from the beginning and helped us get to where we are now.”

MischiefEdFringe.com | MischiefComedy.com

@MischiefComedy

@TheMindMangler

CHARLIE RUSSELL AIMS TO PLEASE

Written and performed by Charlie Russell

Pleasance Courtyard (Below)

3 – 27 August at 3.15pm

Charlie Russell wants to do a show in Edinburgh, but all she can think about is what she wants people to think of it and ultimately, of her.

So rather than focusing on what she wants to say, she’s just going to create a show that will please absolutely everyone by trying to hit as many solo fringe show tropes and styles as possible within an hour. That’s doable, right? 

Charlie Russell is an actor, writer, improviser, and Creative Associate of Mischief Theatre. Charlie is an original creator and cast member of all of Mischief’s work so far, including The Play That Goes Wrong (UK tour/West End/Broadway), Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Pleasance/West End/BBC1 adaptation), The Comedy About a Bank Robbery (West End), Groan Ups (West End), Mischief Movie Night (London/UK tour) A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong (BBC1), and The Goes Wrong Show (BBC1). Charlie co-produced (as part of Mischief) the Mischief Movie Night (London/UK tour, 2017/2018). In 2019 she produced Piano_Play (Edinburgh Festival Fringe). Her other acting credits include And Then There Were None (BBC1 & Mammoth Screen).

MISCHIEF MOVIE NIGHT

Pleasance at EICC (Pentland Theatre)

3 – 28 August at 6.30pm

Starring them, directed by you, every show is different with you suggesting a genre, location and title, and Mischief hilariously bring the show to life, complete with rewinds, directors cuts, thrilling live music and DVD extras that will have you howling with laughter.

Over 100,000 households tuned in from over 45 countries to watch the live streamed version in lockdown, now see Mischief’s Olivier-nominated improv delight live on stage.

MIND MANGLER: MEMBER OF THE TRAGIC CIRCLE

By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields

Pleasance Courtyard (Beyond)

3 – 28 August 2022 at 9.30pm

Mind Mangler returns to the stage at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe following a reasonably good two-night run at the Luton Holiday Inn conference centre, suite 2b. His new spectacular is predicted to spiral into chaos as he attempts to read your mind.

Performed by Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer.

Jonathan Sayer is an Olivier Award-winning writer, actor, producer and Director of Mischief. His work has been performed in over 40 countries worldwide. Theatre credits include Mischief Movie Night In (co-creator/actor/producer – live stream), Magic Goes Wrong (writer/actor – West End/Lowry/UK Tour – Nominated for Best New Entertainment/Comedy Play – Olivier Award 2020, co-created with magicians Penn & Teller), Groan Ups (writer/actor – West End/UK tour), Mischief Movie Night (co-creator/actor/producer- West End/UK tours – nominated Best New Comedy – Olivier Award 2018), The Comedy About a Bank Robbery (writer/actor- Criterion Theatre/UK tour), Peter Pan Goes Wrong (writer/actor- UK tour/West End), The Play That Goes Wrong (actor/writer – Lyceum Theatre,Broadway/Duchess Theatre, West End/UK and international tour – Best New Comedy – Olivier Award and WhatsOnStage Award), Lights! Camera! Improvise! (actor, improviser, producer – Spirit of the Fringe Award 2013, Best Improv Show Award 2012) and Happy Birthday Simon (actor, Orange Tree Theatre). Television credits include The Goes Wrong Show (BBC1, writer/actor), Peter Pan Goes Wrong (BBC1, writer/actor/associate producer), The Royal Variety Performance: The Play That Goes Wrong (ITV, writer/actor), A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong (BBC1, writer/actor). Jonathan has also appeared in We are Most Amused and Amazed (ITV1), Keep it in the Family (ITV1), Children in Need 2020 (BBC1) and Comic Relief 2022 (BBC1). Jonathan is a trustee for Mousetrap Theatre Projects and is the co-chair of Ashton United Football Club. He is currently working on his first book.

Henry Lewis is an Olivier Award-winning writer, actor and Director of Mischief, whose work has been produced in over 40 countries worldwide. Theatre credits include Mischief Movie Night In (co-creator/actor/producer – live stream), Magic Goes Wrong (writer/actor – West End/Lowry, 2020 Olivier nominee for Best New Entertainment/Comedy Play, co-created with Penn & Teller), The Goes Wrong Show (BBC1, writer/actor), Groan Ups (West End, writer/actor), Mischief Movie Night (West End/UK tours – 2018 Olivier Award nominee for Best New Comedy), The Comedy About a Bank Robbery (West End—2017 Olivier Award nominee for Best New Comedy), The Play That Goes Wrong (writer/actor, West End/Broadway/UK and international tours —2015 Olivier Award winner of Best New Comedy and WhatsOnStage Awards 2014), Peter Pan Goes Wrong (BBC1, West End/UK tour — 2016 Olivier nominee for Best New Comedy), A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong (BBC1, writer/actor). Henry has appeared at The Royal Variety Performance (ITV1), We are Most Amused and Amazed (ITV1), Keep it in the Family (ITV1), Children in Need 2020 (BBC1) and Comic Relief 2022 (BBC1). Henry produced and performed in the critically acclaimed revival of Mercury Fur (Trafalgar Studios— Off-West End Awards nominee for Best Production), Beasts & Beauties (Hampstead Theatre) and produced the UK premiere of Tracy Letts’ Superior Donuts (Southwark Playhouse—winner of Peter Brook Empty Space Award). Henry created and founded The Mystery Agency.

Henry Shields is an Olivier award-winning writer, has been a member of Mischief Theatre since 2009 and is a Creative Associate of the company. Theatre credits include Magic Goes Wrong (writer/actor – West End/Lowry/UK Tour – Nominated for Best New Entertainment/Comedy Play – Olivier Award 2020, co-created with magicians Penn & Teller), Groan Ups (West End, writer/actor), Peter Pan Goes Wrong (writer/actor – 2016 Olivier Award nominee for Best New Comedy), The Comedy About a Bank Robbery (writer/actor), The Play That Goes Wrong (writer/actor – winner 2015 Olivier Award and WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Comedy), The Nativity Goes Wrong (writer), and The Busy Body (Southwark Playhouse). Television credits include The Goes Wrong Show (BBC1), Peter Pan Goes Wrong (BBC1), and A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong (BBC1).

Mind Mangler and Mickey are based on characters originally created in Magic Goes Wrong

by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer & Henry Shields and Penn & Teller

LISTINGS                                                                                                                                                                             

Box Office: www.pleasance.co.uk

CHARLIE RUSSELL AIMS TO PLEASE

Pleasance Courtyard (Below)

3 – 27 August (except 15 August) at 3.15pm

Tickets:

£12.50 – £14 (concessions: £10.50 – £12)

3 – 4 August: £10 (previews)

8 – 9 August: 2 for 1

MISCHIEF MOVIE NIGHT

Pleasance at EICC (Pentland Theatre)

3 – 28 August (except 15 August) at 6.30pm

Tickets:

£17 – £19.50 (concessions: £15 – £17.50)

3 – 4 August: £10 (previews)

8 – 9 August: 2 for 1

MIND MANGLER: MEMBER OF THE TRAGIC CIRCLE

Pleasance Courtyard (Beyond)

3 – 28 August (except 15 August) at 9.30pm

Tickets:

£16 – £18.50 (concessions £14 – £16.50)

3 – 4 August: £10 (previews)

8 – 9 August: 2 for 1

All Mischief shows will include access performances with dates confirmed soon. Please visit MischiefEdFringe.com for announcements. 

Leeds Grand Theatre – until 9 April 2022

5*****

A whole host of children with more talent and courage in their little fingers, than I will ever have in a lifetime, lead this fabulous production.

Based on the Jack Black film of the same name, Dewey Finn (Jake Sharp) is a rock star in his head and a waster in real life.  No job, living in the spare room of his friend Ned (Matthew Rowland) and hated by Ned’s girlfriend Patty (Nadia Violet Johnson) and thrown out of his own band.  But all of this changes when Dewey takes a phone call intended for Ned, inviting him to teach at the prestigious Horace Green Prep School.  Dewey Finn is suddenly substitute teacher Mr Schneebly and the chaos ensues.

After witnessing his class being taught to play Mozart by Principal  Rosalie Mullins (Rebecca Lock), Dewey realises he has a band and sets about changing them from classical musicians to rock stars so they can compete in Battle of the Bands.

With three sets of youngsters playing the individual roles, it’s fair to say the future of musical theatre is assured with the insane talent of these amazing child performers.  Eva McGrath, Emerson Sutton, Thomas Harvey and Isaac Forward who play Freddy; Chloe Marler, Marikit Akiwumi, Daisy Hanna and Ivy Balcombe who play Katie; Oliver Forde, Angus McDougall, David Gluhovsky and Oliver Pearce who play Lawrence;  Joseph Sheppard, Harry Churchill, Hanley Webb and William Laborde who play Zack;  Wilf Cooper, Logan Matthews and Alfie Morwood who play Billy;  Keira Laver, Florrie May Wilkinson and Saffia Layla who play Summer; Jasmine Djazel, Souparnika Nair and Angel Lucero who play Tomika; Hadlee Snow, Darmani Eboji, Devon Francis and Riotafari Gardner who play James; Lily Rose Martin, Elodie Salmon and Paris Banyong who play Marcy; Caelan Wallington, Alex Shotton and Nesim Adnan who play Mason; Kyla Robinson, Eden Anthony and Elisha Kerai who play Shonelle; Ophelia Parsons, Jemima Newman, Ava Masters and Inez Danielak who play Sophie

The grown up band (Sam Hall, Eddie Tatton, Ben Castle, Adam Smith, Dan Humphries, Gordon Wilson and Stephen Hill) led by Michael Riley are wonderful and it’s nice to see them cheering on the ultra talented youngsters

I still find it hard to equate the people who wrote The Phantom of the Opera and Downton Abbey could collaborate to write a rock musical, but the Lords have done an excellent job.  Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music and Julian Fellows book, come together with Glenn Slater’s fabulous lyrics and Laurence Connors assured direction to give us one of the best shows that I’ve reviewed in a long time.

York Theatre Royal – Monday 4th April 2022

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4 ½ ****

To be honest with you I was unaware of Oi Frog & Friends, the best-selling books by Kes Gray and Jim Field, before going to see this production. It has been adapted for the stage by Emma Earle, Zoe Squire, Luke Bateman and Richy Hughes. I would like to get my grandchildren interested in theatre, so, after arranging a day off from work I took my 3 year old grandson and son, who just got off the train from Glasgow, where he is studying, and is back home for the week.

It’s a new day at Sittingbottom School, where everything is dictated by Cat’s Rule Book, all animals can only sit on something that rhymes with them, so Cats on a Mats, Hares on Chairs, Mules on Stools, you get the gist. It’s Frog’s first day and he is unhappy to hear that Frogs must sit on Logs, far too bumpy and full of splinters and can’t understand why everything must rhyme.

When Frog finds out that Dogs sit on Frogs, a coup d’état unfolds, with Frog gaining control of the Rule Book. Hit by the rhyming bug, chaos ensues with Frog laying down new rules. What follows is a frenzy of rhyming creatures, with head prefect Cat, now being forced to sit on gnats, plagued by bites to her bottom.

There is quite a bit of audience participation, which added to the enjoyment of the whole show. It’s hard to keep up with all the creatures and to work out what they rhyme with, but we all, both young and old, loved shouting out our own suggestions. An unsuspecting gentleman in the front row was also used and became one of the animals, Dolly the Duckbilled Platypus, can you think of anything to rhyme with that? There was also a challenge of trying to rhyme your own name. It was such great fun.

For this performance Sarah Palmer was Frog, she shares the role with Emily Essery, Rebecca Ayres was Cat, Jake Addley was Dog and Christopher Dobson was Cheetah, they do also play other creatures. The way the whole cast utilised their props and puppets, swapping and changing characters, was impressive and bought the characters to life. I particularly enjoyed Dog’s waggy tail and Cheetah’s fajita song. They truly are a talented bunch, acting, singing and puppetry.

The performance we watched was delayed by ½ hour due to technical difficulties. It is a testament to the show that it still kept the audience entertained, for what ended up being the full hour, very hard to do with such a young audience. The only reason I’ve knocked ½ a star off is because at times we couldn’t quite hear what was said.

A thoroughly engaging and fast paced show that had us all joining in and clapping along. Perfect for children, my grandson loved it, but also a joy to experience for us oldies.

ALL ALRA STUDENTS ABLE TO CONTINUE THEIR STUDIES WITH ROSE BRUFORD COLLEGE

Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance will offer all students of ALRA a place to study, regardless of which course they are studying or how far through their studies they are. This comes as it was announced today that the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) has closed. Rose Bruford College has been named as the provider of choice to support ALRA’s 284 students in completing their studies with minimal disruption.

Rose Bruford College has committed to supporting the existing students from both Wigan and London campuses by ensuring that they receive high quality teaching, and have access to the full suite of student support services during an understandably concerning time. All students across foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate courses will be offered places to continue their education as students of Rose Bruford College. The College has been working closely with the Office for Students, ALRA, St Mary’s University and Arts University Bournemouth to ensure that all the necessary planning has taken place to ensure that students are offered stability and certainty in continuing the education they have invested heavily in so far.

Vice Principal Mary Oliver said “We are committed to supporting each individual student through the transition period and into a stable and productive learning environment.”

You can read the full statement from Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of the Office for Students here.

It is proposed that students based at ALRA North will receive tuition at the same site in Wigan, while students at ALRA South will be taught at a London location, so as to minimise disruption for them. With courses already successfully being run in Brighton, Edinburgh and Belfast, Rose Bruford College are well placed to understand the learning and support needs of students based across different locations. Staff from the college will be available over the coming days and weeks in person, and by phone or email. Students are also being offered the opportunity to log in to an online meeting to get more information about how the transition to Rose Bruford College will take place.

Students who wish to study elsewhere should talk first to St Mary’s University, Twickenham. St Mary’s was responsible for awarding most of the qualifications at ALRA.  Those students are welcome to apply to their institution of choice by contacting their admissions team and applying through their formal channels. Students on the Linklaters course should talk to Arts University, Bournemouth.

Principal of Rose Bruford College, Clarie Middleton said “We are very pleased with the level of trust and respect the Office for Students is placing in us to support ALRA students through this very difficult time. We are preparing to welcome all students who wish to join us and to support them in reaching their full potential.”

For students who have been affected by this closure there is more information here

Star-studded performances and presenter line-up announced for Olivier Awards 2022 with Mastercard – plus details of how to tune in on the night

• Nominees on the sustainable ‘Green Carpet’ will include Lily Allen, Jessie Buckley, Liz Carr, Emma Corrin, Omari Douglas, Cush Jumbo, Arinzé Kene,  Beverley Knight, Robert Lindsay and Eddie Redmayne

• Among those taking part in the evening are Jade Anouka, Anne-Marie Duff, Noma Dumezweni, Tom Felton, Kit Harington, Oti Mabuse, Dame Arlene Phillips, Jonathan Pryce, Keala Settle and many more

• Special performances from all nominated musicals including Cabaret, Frozen, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Back To The Future – The Musical and others, plus an exclusive performance from Life Of Pi

• Public tickets to experience theatre’s biggest night at the Royal Albert Hall still available via Priceless.com

• Olivier Awards ceremony to be broadcast in the UK on ITV and Magic Radio

officiallondontheatre.com/olivier-awards

Sunday 10 April 2022

With under a week to go until the Olivier Awards 2022 with Mastercard, details have been revealed for British theatre’s most prestigious and glamorous night, including the star-studded list of award presenters and performances, and how people can buy tickets or tune in at home to be part of this spectacular celebration of London’s world-leading theatre.

The Olivier Awards take place on Sunday 10 April at the Royal Albert Hall – returning after a two-year pandemic hiatus – hosted by comedian, actor and presenter Jason Manford.

All five Mastercard Best New Musical nominees will be performing at the ceremony; Back To The Future – The Musical, The Drifters Girl, Frozen, Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

The evening will also feature performances from the three Magic Radio Best Musical Revival nominees; Anything Goes, Cabaret and Spring Awakening – plus a performance from Life Of Pi, which is nominated in nine categories including Best New Play.

The show will culminate in a special musical tribute to legendary theatre composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, who died last year aged 91 – with full details to be a surprise for the night.

Among those taking part in the evening are Jade Anouka, Baroness Dame Floella Benjamin, Don Black, Anne-Marie Duff, Noma Dumezweni, Tom Felton, Kit Harington, Max Harwood, Ruthie Henshall, Cassidy Janson, Beverley Knight, Bonnie Langford, Miriam-Teak Lee, Oti Mabuse, Dame Arlene Phillips, Jonathan Pryce, Keala Settle, Dr Ranj Singh, Giles Terera, Sam Tutty, Eric Underwood and Layton Williams – with more to be announced in the next few days.

Tickets to theatre’s biggest night are still available exclusively for Mastercard cardholders via priceless.com. As part of this year’s sustainability focus for the Olivier Awards, Mastercard has pledged to plant a tree for each public ticket sold.

In what is thought to be a world first, celebrity guests will be walking a ‘Green Carpet’ made from real, reusable grass – supplied by WowGrass, an eco-friendly company which uses solar energy and ethical farming methods, growing the grass on biodegradable felt made from recycled British textiles.

The Olivier Awards is also teaming up with fashion rental platform HURR to encourage sustainable Green Carpet fashion choices.

The Olivier Awards continues its partnership with ITV, which will broadcast the ceremony the same evening at 10:15pm. The full ceremony will be broadcast live from the Royal Albert Hall on Magic Radio, the Official Radio Partner, hosted by Alice Arnold and Ruthie Henshall from 5:30pm.

The popular Green Carpet Live show will this year be streamed live worldwide on the Official London Theatre YouTube channel from 4:30 to 5:30pm, with hosts Emma B, Angellica Bell, Frank DiLella and Anita Rani chatting to nominees and presenters as they arrive at the Royal Albert Hall.

Outside the UK, the Olivier Awards will stream around the world at 10:15pm EST (7:15pm ET) on YouTube.

Nominations for the Olivier Awards 2022 with Mastercard were announced on 8 March and celebrated during a special press event at The Londoner, a new flagship hotel in Leicester Square from Olivier Awards partners Edwardian Hotels London. The full list of nominations is available to view on the Olivier Awards website. 

Additional 2022 Olivier Awards partners include Audi, Cunard, Getty Images, Global, Heart of London Business Alliance, the Noël Coward Foundation and See Tickets. Production partners include Blue-i, d&b audiotechnik, Newmans, the Royal Albert Hall and White Light.

OlivierAwards.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

#OlivierAwards

New menu launch connects community & creatives at The LINK

The LINK, situated in the heart of Stockton-on-Tees, is officially launching their brand-new menu on Tuesday 5th April. Part of the iconic and newly refurbished Stockton Globe theatre, The LINK will operate by day as a café, bar and community hub serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake in an exciting, multifunctional space.

The new menu will feature a number of specialities that are sure to entice people across the town, including an all-day brunch selection, classic lunchtime dishes, vegan and vegetarian friendly options plus an exciting children’s menu.

Head of Food and Beverage, Andrew Lewis commented: “We are excited to throw open the doors to The LINK with our brand new menu and can’t wait to welcome local residents, families and businesses. Whether it’s for lunch, an informal meeting or an evening enjoying a glass of wine against a soundtrack of the brightest in emerging talent, The LINK is a space to be used by all.”

The venue also plays host to an intimate gig and performance space supporting the cultural scene in Teesside. Along with the new menu, The LINK will be offering a diverse live entertainment and events programme throughout the year. The Live @ The LINK programme of music, comedy and arts helps grassroots artists and new talent get seen and be heard. Upcoming events include:

• Jazz, Wine & Cheese Evening with Zoe Gilby – Saturday 2nd April

• Open Mic Night – Saturday 9th April

• Stockton Calling 2022 – Saturday 16th April

• A Night with Jack Lukeman – Saturday 4th June

• Bottomless Bank Holiday Brunch – Sunday 1st May

As a cultural centre for the town, The LINK is a great place to enjoy fantastic food and drinks, relax with friends, and see some of the brightest upcoming music and comedy talent from the North-East and further afield. To celebrate the brand-new menu The LINK is offering everyone 10% off their entire food bill in April, with the code ‘LOVETHELINK’.

The LINK is located at 153 High Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1PL and will open on Tuesday 5th April with their new menu launch. The venue is also available for private hire and events with various packages for your requirements.

Open Monday to Saturday, 9am – 4pm. For more information or to book a reservation to one of the upcoming Live @ The LINK events visit: www.thelinkstockton.co.uk or email [email protected]

THE OTHER PALACE
ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF
THE PREVIOUSLY SOLD-OUT MUSICAL

LOVE IS ONLY LOVE

RUNNING FROM 29 APRIL – 15 MAY 2022 IN THE STUDIO

After a sold-out debut run at The Other Palace in 2019, Love Is Only Love makes a triumphant return for a limited run from 29 April to 15 May.

Directed by Jason Morell, with Sam Harrison playing the boy and David Seadon-Young as all the loves of his life, this is a joyful, tender, and honest celebration of young love.

“I’m six years old, about to watch Hello Dolly starring Barbra Streisand for the first time, and I’m terrified.”

A young boy’s life is changed forever when he discovers the passionate romance of Hollywood musicals. So begins a decades-long, round-the-world quest to find his own kind of romance.

This uplifting musical received its first workshop at The Other Palace, thanks to Artistic Director Paul Taylor-Mills, before moving to the Pride Festival where it received its first full staging. In February 2019 it was staged for eight performances at The Other Palace and at the start of 2020 could be seen at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester.

Writer and performer, Sam Harrison, says of Love Is Only Love’s journey: “back in 2018 I wrote Love Is Only Love for myself. It was the play I wanted to see – a romantic comedy with two boys where no one was bullied or died at the end. Not much to ask, huh? The inspiration to write it was little me, but the surprise was that it was about little me.

Now the greatest pleasure has been all the audiences – falling in love in all sorts of ways – who have seen it and said it is about them too. And what’s more, now they want to see it again.

A lot has changed since 2018, and perhaps more than ever we need to sit together in a room and celebrate love, family, human connection, and romantic joy. I know I do. I am particularly thrilled to be returning to our original home at The Other Palace, to help them blow open the doors of their wonderful Studio, and welcome back everyone to that glorious community – the theatre.”

Paul Taylor-Mills said, “we’re thrilled to be producing Love is Only Love in our studio which continues to be a safe space for artists to play and try new work. This is a full circle moment as the show returns in its full form to The Studio having started with us many years ago. 

The story is an important one, a universal one, one that we can all relate to. And one which the world needs right now. This marks an important chapter in the future of The Other Palace as we start to build-up our programme of producing and supporting quality work, new writing and cultivating the next generation of theatre-makers.

WEST END for UKRAINE 

A host of West End stars will join together  

for a fundraising night of musical entertainment in aid of UNICEF 

at the Charing Cross Theatre on Monday 9 May 2022 

A top line-up of West End stars will be taking to the stage at West End for Ukraine on Monday 9 May 2022 at the Charing Cross Theatre. The musical fundraiser is in aid of the UNICEF Ukraine Emergency Appeal, raising vital urgent funds for children in desperate need. 

The line-up for West End for Ukraine is*: Sabrina Aloueche, Paul Baker, Lizzie Bea, Gina Beck, Nikki Bentley, Kieran Brown, Joanne Clifton, Scott Garnham, Natalie Green, Adrian Hansel, Christopher Howell, Kim Ismay, Sooz Kempner, Joshua Lay, Emma Lindars, George Maguire, Jai McDowall, Nadim Naaman, Caroline Sheen, Simon Shorten, Courtney Stapleton, Harriet Thorpe, Shona White and Rachael Wooding alongside The Barricade Boys, members of the cast of Heathers and Titanic and the West End Musical Choir (*subject to availability). 

West End performer, Kieran Brown, who is organising the fundraiser in association with RedRock Entertainment, said: “Like so many people, I watched with horror as events unfolded in the Ukraine. I felt so helpless watching news reports of the Ukrainian’s courage and resilience, and of the unspeakable tragedies taking place. Thinking about what I, and the caring community I am part of could do, I resolved to organise a gala concert to raise funds for UNICEF. I’ve been blown away by the outpouring of support from creatives, technicians and performers alike. The evening will be an incredible showcase of just how strongly we ALL feel about challenging this unnecessary and barbaric war. I couldn’t be more grateful to each and every person who has offered their time and talent – not least a huge thank you to the Charing Cross Theatre for hosting us – ensuring that 100% of the money raised goes straight to UNICEF.”  

Actress Lizzie Bea (Heathers, Hairspray), who is performing on the night, said: “The situation in Ukraine is unimaginable and I have been desperate to help in any way possible. I’m honoured to be a part of this concert and truly hope that we can raise a lot of money to help Ukraine and people in need. Please come and raise vital funds and listen to some amazing talent at the same time!” 

UNICEF states that more than half of Ukraine’s 7.5 million children have now been forced to flee the ongoing violence. Homes, schools, water supplies and hospitals have been damaged or destroyed. Children have been separated from their families, and hundreds of thousands of people have been left without clean water, food or electricity. Explosives are a daily threat to children’s lives. UNICEF is working around the clock in Ukraine and at the borders of neighbouring countries, providing access to clean water, health care services and other critical support. 

West End for Ukraine, on 9 May 2022 at 7.30pm at the Charing Cross Theatre, is now on sale online: www.charingcrosstheatre.co.uk and by phone: 08444 930 650. 

For more information about UNICEF’s work in Ukraine, or to donate to their appeal, visit: https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/donate-now-to-protect-children-in-ukraine/.  

-LISTINGS- 

Show: West End for Ukraine 

Venue: Charing Cross Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6NL 

Date: Monday 9 May 2022 

Time: 7:30pm 

Tickets: £25, £32.50, £39.50 and Premiums (with a free glass of bubbly) £49.50 

Box office: www.charingcrosstheatre.co.uk / 08444 930 650