An Hour And A Half Late is an adaptation by Belinda Lang (who also directed this fabulous production) from the French play written by Gérald Sibleyras and Jean Dell. The story concerns Peter’s attempts to leave on time for a celebratory party being thwarted by Laura (his wife) who initiates a conversation that makes them (you’ve guessed it) late.
At it’s heart the play is a study of a long time married couple or, more precisely, of their past roles and decisions and their contemplation of the future as they near Peter’s retirement and explore Laura’s anxiety about what she will do now that their last child has gone away to study and Peter spends more time at home.
We’ve always known Griff Rhys Jones (Peter) is an undisputed comic talent beloved for decades. From tonight’s performance it’s clear that his comic star burns as brightly as ever. His opening unspoken section alone is almost an acting masterclass into how to set a scene and tell a backstory with an economy of physical gestures and is worth the price of admission alone. He has a charmingly affable on stage presence which is a pleasure to behold and I was particularly taken, also, by the depth of his dramatic acting.
Janie Dee (playing Laura) had arguably the greater emotional arc during the play. To make a character who is facing inner turmoil in the beginning so very likeable and to extract the level of empathy she did was quite a feat, evidence of what a superb performance this was. I felt for, I laughed with and I rooted for her. She was magnificent.
But it was the journey the couple took together that was most impressive. They shone most brightly as a totally believable couple, not just individually. I was particularly impressed by the range of emotions they wrought; pathos, concern, upset, frustration, surprise… and all done with a naturalness that does their acting (and Lang’s direction) credit. Flawless performances with a genuine chemistry between them. It is a fast paced show having very little let up in the conversation and yet it felt totally natural and never hurried.
Whether you’re in a long term relationship, are of a certain age (nearing retirement) or are finding yourself looking at an empty nest, you will no doubt see yourself at some point in this play – and will love it too. I honestly didn’t think the play would be as funny as it was and I wasn’t the only one judging by the guffaws reverberating around the auditorium.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening out and one I would recommend unreservedly – in fact, tickets for this show should be given on the NHS as couples therapy! Just try not to squirm too much when you recognise your quirks lampooned in the dialogue. An unadulterated joy and a very deserved 5 stars.
WEST END PREMIÈRE OF HORRIBLE HISTORIES – TERRIBLE TUDORS
TICKETS ON SALE FROM MIDDAY
Birmingham Stage Company today announces Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudorswill make its West End première at the Garrick Theatre this summer. The show opens on 2 August, with previews from 28 July and runs until 2 September.
This brand-new production marks the company’s tenth year in the West End, which happily coincides with the Birmingham Stage Company’s 30th anniversary. The company has recently been nominated for an Olivier Award for its production of David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy.
Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors is directed by Neal Foster, designed by Jacqueline Trousdale, lighting by Jason Taylor, music by Matthew Scott, sound by Nick Sagar, with choreography by Kenn Oldfield.
Birmingham Stage Company presents
Horrible Histories – TERRIBLE TUDORS
Garrick Theatre
28 July – 2 September
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead!
So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Terrible Tudors live on stage!
From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as they launch their attack!
It’s history with the nasty bits left in!
Terry Deary is the creator of Horrible Histories and one of Britain’s best-selling authors of the 21st Century. He’s also the tenth most-borrowed author in British libraries. There are around 50 Horrible Histories titles with total sales of 25 million in 40 countries. Deary is also the author of over 200 fiction and non-fiction books for young people including his series of books Dangerous Days.
Neal Foster is Actor/Manager of Birmingham Stage Company which since its foundation in 1992 has staged over one hundred productions. The company has become one of the world’s leading producers of theatre for children and their families, including Horrible Histories Live on Stage for seventeen years in the UK, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. Foster has written and directed all of the most recent Horrible Histories shows including Barmy Britain – Parts One, Two, Three, Four and Five (Garrick Theatre, Apollo Theatre and Sydney Opera House); Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders for a national tour and Wicked Warwick at Warwick Castle. His first fictional adaptations were David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, both of which transferred to the Garrick Theatre and have been nominated for an Olivier Award. Horrible Histories shows are recommended for ages 5 to 105 (106 year olds may not like them!)
Prima Facie announces partnership with The Schools Consent Project
Rehearsals underway, with performances beginning Friday 15 April 2022 | Harold Pinter Theatre
Producer James Bierman is today thrilled to announce a partnership between the forthcoming production of Prima Facie and charity The Schools Consent Project.
Prima Facie, which yesterday started rehearsals, will begin performances at the Harold Pinter Theatre on Friday 15 April and play a strictly limited 9-week season.
Throughout the season, the production is giving away free tickets to 10 partner school groups that work with the charity, so they can bring their students to see the show and access further ancillary support. Alongside this the production will be donating and raising money throughout the run to support the essential work the charity does to educate young people in the UK about consent.
Prima Facie 1st day of rehearsals ;
Company ;
Suzie Miller – Playwright ;
Jodie Comer ;
Justin Martin – Director ;
14th March 2022 ;
London, UK ;
Credit: Helen Murray
Set up in 2014 by barrister Kate Parker, The Schools Consent Project is a charity which sends lawyers into schools to teach 11-18 year olds the legal definition of consent and key sexual offences. Their aim is to normalise these sorts of conversations amongst young people; to empower young people to identify and communicate their boundaries, and to respect them in others. To date, they have spoken to over 20,000 young people across the country.
Kate Parker commented:
“The Schools Consent Project is delighted to be partnering with Jodie, James and the whole Prima Facie team during its two-month run at the Harold Pinter Theatre. The play shines a critical spotlight on the themes of consent, the criminal justice system and the female experience – topics we discuss daily with young people in classrooms across the country in our lawyer-led workshops on consent. The production is radical for a West End stage, as is its willingness to have a wider community reach. We are very excited about the impact of this partnership on the behaviour and thinking of the young people we work with.
Jodie Comer commented:
“The Schools Consent Project is something that I wish had been available to my friends and me growing up. It’s crucial that we include younger people in this important conversation. It’s an honour to be able to partner with this great initiative.”
Rebecca Lucy Taylor commented:
“I often get asked how can it change? What can be done. An us vs them mentality is pointless. The system is instilled from birth and the only way to make real long lasting change that isn’t born out of fear or force is education. The complicity of women in our ‘behaving’ goes hand in hand with the entitlement given to and encouraged in men. If I had been taught in school to even slightly ask for more my life would have played out differently. I am thrilled to support and work with this charity and find a way to effect change together.”
James Bierman commented:
“All of us involved in PRIMA FACIE are honoured to be able to highlight and support the essential and brilliant work that Kate and her team at THE SCHOOLS CONSENT PROJECT do up and down the country. To try and change the horrific levels of sexual assault we have in this country we have to change the way we as a society see and talk about consent. By educating young people the Schools Consent Project team are making the future a better place.”
Prima Facie, directed by Justin Martin, stars Jodie Comer. She will play Tessa in this gripping, one-person play which takes us to the heart of where emotion and experience collide with the rules of the game.
Tessa is a thoroughbred. A young, brilliant barrister who loves to win. She has worked her way up from working class origins to be at the top of her game; defending; cross examining and lighting up the shadows of doubt in any case. An unexpected event forces her to confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law, burden of proof and morals diverge.
Prima Facie is produced by James Bierman for Empire Street Productions.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
PRIMA FACIE Writer Suzie Miller Director Justin Martin Set & Costume Design Miriam Buether Lighting Design Natasha Chivers Sound Design Max and Ben Ringham Composer Rebecca Lucy Taylor Video Treatment Studio
CAST Jodie Comer
HAROLD PINTER THEATRE Panton Street London SW1Y 4DN
TICKETS Box Office: 0333 009 6690 Ticket prices start from Pay What You Can
Darlington Hippodrome – until Saturday 19 March 2022
5*****
There is nothing like a good thriller to get the brains whirring and the ideas forming; and this latest production, from the legendary Bill Kenwright, is an excellent thriller.
Written in the late sixties by Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert, based on a french play by Robert Thomas, the plot has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. Right up to the final reveal you are trying to work it out – and in my case getting it wrong – but it’s a very satisfactory if unexpected denouement.
Set in the remote Catskill Mountains, over the Labor Day weekend, in the mid 1960’s, newly wed Daniel Corban (Patrick Duffy) is failing to enjoy his honeymoon after his wife Elizabeth went missing after a little argument the week previously. Inspector Levine (Gray O’Brien) is investigating this case, on top of a missing necklace at a nearby hotel.
When Father Kellerher (the divine Ben Nealon) arrives with the missing Elizabeth (Linda Purl). Daniel denies ever meeting her, and off we go on around two hours of joyful escapism. A well written thriller with some laugh out loud funny moments too.
The story moves on at an even pace, with a surprise plot and red herrings thrown in for good measure. Surprisingly wordy, there are no stilted or fumbling moments. Duffy plays his part well, moving through a whole range of emotions – fear, bewildered, happy, sad resignation and anger up to the conclusion. Whilst O’Brien is the one to watch, surely the Inspector should be helping the confused old man, but he’s a fun character and you are rooting for him to solve the case. Ben Nealon is really fun, is he a Priest, is he a Gangster? Who knows, his dark and brooding Father appearing at the most unexpected times and places, full of ambiguity and intrigue from the first moment he appears. Linda Purl makes you think a lot about her character – is she the missing Elizabeth or not.
The set is also expertly crafted; since all of the action of the play takes place in the living room of the honeymoon cabin, it needs to be richly fleshed out. Julie Godfrey’s design with Chris Davey’s lighting and Matthew Bugg’s sound, all under the direction of Bob Tomson made the set feel like a fully realised space.
Catch Me if you Can is a masterclass for the armchair, or in this case theatre chair, detective. Completely engaging and captivating the attention of the audience from beginning to end.
Some of us just have more imagination than others.” CHER
The producers of the brand new production of The Cher Show are delighted to announce the full cast joining Debbie Kurup, Danielle Steers and Millie O’Connell, all starring as Cher – Star, Lady and Babe respectively.
Lucas Rush will play Sonny, Jake Mitchell will play Bob Mackie, Sam Ferriday will play Greg Allman and Tori Scott will play Georgia. Joining them are Jordan Anderton, Jasmine Jules Andrews, Carla Bertran, Catherine Cornwall, Áine Curran, Sam Holden, Samantha Ivey, Aston Newman Hannington, Ingrid Olivia, Clayton Rosa, Chay Wills and Guy Woolf.
Back Row: Guy Woolf, Ingrid Olivia, Jake Mitchell, Carla Bertran, Sam Holden, Jordan Anderton, Sam Ferriday, Danielle Steers, Lucas Rush, Millie O’Connell, Debbie Kurup, Chay Wills, Tori Scott, Clayton Rosa. Bottom Row: Aston Newman Hannington, Jasmine Jules Andrews, Catherine Cornwall, Áine Curran, Samantha Ivey
With book by Tony and Olivier Award-winning Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, The Addams Family, Peter andthe Starcatcher), direction by Arlene Phillips (Saturday Night Fever, Starlight Express, Grease), choreography by Oti Mabuse (two-time Strictly Come Dancing champion) and costume design by Gabriella Slade (Six, In The Heights, Spice World 2019 Tour), the UK & Ireland Tour will open at Leicester’s Curve on 15 April 2022 and will continue through to 1 April 2023.
From a young child with big dreams, the shy daughter of an Armenian American truck driver, to the dizzying heights of global stardom, The Cher Show tells the incredible story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame. Cher takes the audience by the hand and introduces them to the influential people in her life, from her mother and Sonny Bono, to fashion designer and costumier Bob Mackie. It shows how she battled the men who underestimated her, fought the conventions and, above all, was a trailblazer for independence.
The musical is packed with 35 of her biggest hits, including ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’, ‘I Got You Babe’, ‘Strong Enough’, ‘The Shoop Shoop Song’ and ‘Believe’.
With over 100 million record sales, an Academy Award®, an Emmy®, a Grammy®, three Golden Globes® and an award from The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Cher has influenced popular culture more than most. Her on-screen career started in 1971 with her weekly television show that attracted 30 million viewers a week, and went on to include starring roles in iconic films from Moonstruck, for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress, to Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!, which prompted the New York Magazine to realise “every single movie—no matter how flawless—would be infinitely better if it included Cher.” Her ‘Farewell Tour’ became the highest grossing music tour in history – in true Cher fashion, she followed up her ‘Farewell Tour’ with two further sell-out, worldwide arena tours. She is the only artist in history to have a number one hit in the Billboard chart for six consecutive decades; an achievement that caused Vogue to deem her “eternally relevant and the ruler of outré reinvention”. She became known as the Queen of Reinvention.
In the 1990s, she established The Cher Charitable Foundation to support causes around the world. She has been a long-time donor and supporter of Habitat for Humanity, The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and Keep A Child Alive, an organisation that helps to combat the AIDs epidemic. Most recently, she co-founded Free the Wild to help rescue Kaavan the Asian elephant from Islamabad zoo.
Written by Tony Award-winning Rick Elice, The Cher Show made its debut on Broadway in 2018 in a production that earned two Tony Awards and delighted fans from around the world. This new production will be the European premiere.
The Cher Show UK & Ireland Tour will have set design by Tom Rogers, musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Rich Morris, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Dan Samson, music production by Gary Hickeson, wigs, hair and make-up design by Sam Cox, associate direction by James Cousins, associate choreography by James Bennett, musical direction by Danny Belton and casting by Will Burton CDG.
The Cher Show UK & Ireland Tour is produced by ROYO with Fiery Angel, Cuffe & Taylor/LIVE NATION and Playing Field in association with Tilted, Aria Entertainment and JONES Theatrical Group.
FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE RETURN OF JEZ BUTTERWORTH’S
J E R U S A L E M
FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED 16-WEEK SEASON AT THE APOLLO THEATRE
DIRECTED BY IAN RICKSON
Today producer Sonia Friedman announced that joining the previously announced Mark Rylance and Mackenzie Crook, who will reprise their celebrated roles as Johnny “Rooster” Byron and Ginger respectively in Ian Rickson’s production of Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem, are Kemi Awoderu (Pea), Alan David (The Professor), Shane David-Joseph (Mr Parsons), Gerard Horan (Wesley), Ed Kear (Davey), Charlotte O’Leary (Tanya), Indra Ové (Dawn), Jack Riddiford (Lee), Barry Sloane (Troy Whitworth), Niky Wardley (Linda Fawcett) and Eleanor Worthington-Cox (Phaedra). Kobe Champion-Norville, Jesse Manzi and Matteo Philbert will share the role of Marky and joining as understudies are Abigail Green, Amanda Gordon, Callum Sheridan-Lee, Greg Snowden and Anthony Taylor. Final casting will be announced at a later date.
Sonia Friedman Productions and the Royal Court Theatre are delighted to present the return of Jerusalem to London’s West End for a strictly limited 16-week engagement. Previewing at the Apollo Theatre from 16 April 2022 with the opening night on 28 April 2022, Jerusalem will run until 7 August 2022.
Forty day seats for each performance will be available for purchase in person at the Apollo Theatre box office on the day of the performance from 10am. Limited to two tickets per person, they will be £10.00 for preview performances and £15.00 post opening. In addition, every Monday from the week commencing 18 April, 300 seats will be released for that week’s performances on jerusalemtheplay.co.uk at 10am. Limited to four tickets per person, prices for previews will be from £10.00 with post opening prices from £15.00.
The original creative team will return for this 2022 production – designer ULTZ, lighting designer Mimi Jordan Sherin, composer Stephen Warbeck,sound designer Ian Dickinson for Autograph and castingdirector Amy Ball CDG.
Jez Butterworth’s award-winning play, which premiered at the Royal Court in 2009, returns to the West End following record-breaking sold-out runs at the Royal Court and the Apollo Theatres in 2009, 2010 and 2011, as well the Music Box Theater on Broadway in 2011.
On St George’s Day, the morning of the local county fair, Johnny Byron is a wanted man. The Council officials want to serve him an eviction notice, his son wants his dad to take him to the fair, Troy Whitworth wants to wreak his revenge and a motley crew of mates wants his ample supply of drugs and alcohol.
You may not have heard of Steve Steinman before, but he appeared in Stars in Their Eyes as Meatloaf nearly 30 years ago and has been busy touring with his own shows ever since. I have been fortunate to have watched Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock Ghost Train several times before, this was the fourth, and all at the Grand Opera House York. Steinman is the writer, producer, director and plays the lead. This particular show has been touring for the past 19 years. It promises to be a classic rock musical sensation, that rocks the nation.
With tweaks each tour, it does follow a similar story and just gets better each year. Baron von Rockula (Steinman) wants new virginal blood to replace his Vampire Queen (Emily Clark). Instructing his ever-faithful sidekick Bosley (John Evans) to find him an innocent, along comes Roxy Honeybox (Claire Micallef). After a ride on the Ghost Train she is pursued by the Baron, and his entourage of sexy vampires. His Queen is incensed with his fascination with “this day walker” and is more than a match for the Baron. We can’t forget Van Halensing and his quest to finally hunt down and rid the earth of the Baron.
There is great chemistry amongst the cast and you can tell that Steinman, Evans, Clark and Trixabelle Bold, one of the sexy vampires, have worked together for many years. Evans is always a crowd pleaser as the janitor and Van Halensing and doesn’t disappoint here. I was so happy to see him in his iconic zebra print leggings and blue pvc pants on top, bringing the house down with Jump, long may it continue.
As always, the vocals are powerful and handle the rock ballads perfectly. In the last year Steinman has released his own original album, Take a Leap of Faith, and singles, Journey Home and Everything They Said Was True. The title soundtrack slotted perfectly into the show.
The Lost Boys, the excellent musicians, take us through tracks from Queen, AC/DC, Meat Loaf, Journey, Guns n Roses, Van Halen and many more. On stage the whole time, performing on different levels, they had the whole theatre rocking. For this tour The Lost Boys were stripped back and if I’m honest I would have loved to have seen more guitar action. They were still outstanding throughout the show.
This was the first time I’ve caught it on a weekend and not on a “school night”. With having no work on the Saturday either we made an afternoon of it, a few drinks, and a bite to eat beforehand. We visited Plonkers for our food, just opposite the theatre, and several crew members were there with previous ones, including local guitarist Henry Bird. It would have been great to see him back on stage with the show, with blood dripping down his chest, did miss that bit.
Steinman’s shows always have a loyal following and once you have seen his shows you can understand why, he loves his audience. They might not have the best scripts around, but they are such huge fun, with current references and gaffs galore, you can tell they are having a ball on stage. Steve Steinman Productions must be one of the hardest working outfits out there, with this show and Anything for Love, always on tour.
This is 2 ½ hours of pure unadulterated bonkers entertainment. Even though I’ve seen the show several times I’ve never been up dancing on my feet and singing along so much, the energy on the night was so out of the ballpark. I don’t know if that was because it was the last night of the tour, or because I had no constraints. Whatever it was it was brilliant.
Make sure you catch this vampire pantomime rock concert next year, you won’t be disappointed. They are now touring with Anything for Love, and you can catch them back at the Grand Opera House in York in October.
Andrea McLean and Robin Cousins MBE to host starstudded fundraising concert for UNICEF’s Ukraine Emergency Fund Monday 28th March 2022, 7pm Royal Hippodrome Theatre, 106-114 Seaside Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3PF
Ex Loose Women presenter Andrea McLean and Olympic gold medalist Robin Cousins MBE will be joined by X Factor winner Dalton Harris and West End stars to raise money for the UNICEF emergency fund that will go directly to their ground operations in Ukraine. The concert will also be live streamed over stream.theatre.
Also performing will be brothers and professional dancers AJ & Curtis Pritchard, Ellie Fergusson (winner of The Greatest Dancer), Chloe Hewitt (Strictly Come Dancing) and Abbie Quinnen. They will be joined by Giovanni Spano (X Factor, Bat Out of Hell, Cinderella), Sally Ann Triplett (Anything Goes, Guys and Dolls, Mamma Mia); Olivier-nominated Kelly Price (What’s New Pussycat?; A Little Night Music), Olivier-nominated James Gillan (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Starlight Express), Ray Shell (Starlight Express, The Lion King), Lydia Lucy (The Voice) and Andrew Derbyshire(Britain’s Got Talent, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat). The concert will be directed by Michael Strassen (Passion, Godspell 50th). The show will also showcase local talent from Eastbourne schools
As the conflict continues to escalate in Ukraine, millions of children and their families are in danger. With explosions in major cities across the country and thousands of families being forced to flee their homes, UNICEF is calling for an immediate ceasefire. UNICEF are determined to remain in Ukraine to reach the most vulnerable children and families. They are:
helping to provide families with access to clean water and healthy food.
delivering lifesaving supplies to support families who have been forced to flee and are working closely with local health facilities to ensure they have the vital supplies needed.
helping to make sure that child protection services continue.
working with their partners and the UNHCR to assess the refugee situation across neighbouring countries.
delivering Blue Dot safe spaces in neighbouring countries with their partners, which will provide care and support, information to families seeking refuge, psychosocial support, water and sanitation supplies, safe spaces for mothers and children, protection for unaccompanied and separated children and more.
Producers Thomas Hopkins, Michael Quinn and Guy Chapman have teamed up with local actor Natalie Roberts and The Royal Hippodrome in Eastbourne to produce this one-off event raising vital funds. Everyone involved has waived their fees to lend support and make this fundraising endeavour a reality.
The sponsors for this event are Port Hotel Eastbourne, The Landsdown Hotel, The Langham Hotel and Cadence Catering Company.
Tickets are £10, and audiences will be able to make additional donations should they wish
THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL EXTENDS BOOKING PERIOD TO SUNDAY 28 MAY 2023.
A RELAXED PERFORMANCE IS ANNOUNCED FOR SUNDAY 19 JUNE 2022.
THE TWENTIETH CHILDREN’S CAST JOIN THE AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL.
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical has confirmed an extension to the booking period to Sunday 28 May 2023 with tickets for the new dates now on sale at www.matildathemusical.com. Also announced today, a relaxed performance will take place on Sunday 19 June 2022 at 3pm offering full access to the theatre for people with autism and learning disabilities and their families. This follows the sold-out success of the six previous relaxed performances of Matilda The Musical.
The relaxed performance provides a comfortable environment for everyone, with elements of the production adapted to reduce anxiety and stress, including adjustments to lighting and sound levels to soften their impact. The ambience of the auditorium and theatre ‘rules’ will be relaxed, with everyone free to make noise and move around without restriction. Designated ‘chill-out’ areas outside the auditorium will provide soft seating and activities for those who need to take a break. The production will also be captioned and audio-described with an accompanying touch tour. All theatre staff, crew and company members also receive specialist training to anticipate a wider range of different audience needs.
Tickets for the relaxed performance are at the reduced rate of £15.00, £25.00, £35.00 and £45.00, bookable online at http://uk.matildathemusical.com/tickets/accessibility/ or via telephone (020 3925 2998) with LW Theatres where trained staff are available to speak to bookers to ensure their specific needs are considered when allocating seats. All bookers will be sent a visual story to help familiarise themselves with the plot, characters and setting before arrival. Detailed event and transport information is available from http://uk.matildathemusical.com/tickets/accessibility/.
The twentieth children’s cast for Matilda The Musical has also today been announced. Rehearsals are currently underway, with first performances from 22 March. The young performers in the company are now: Hari Aggarwal, Aydin Ahmed, Thommy Bailey Vine, Tilly-Raye Bayer, Sienna Clarke, Kylan Denis, Drew Edwards, Robyn Elwell, Rory Finnegan, Alexander Fitzgerald, Rosie Gell-Marquez, Rudy Gibson, Isla Gie, Beth Gilmour, Gracie Hodson-Prior, Rafferty Ison, Isabella Jonsson, Darcy Kelly, Maisie Mardle, Joshua Moabi, Keanna-Skye O’Quinn, Bella Perdoni, Chancé Quaye, Scarlett Jayne Rackham, Bren Reilly, Niamh Ritchie, Jacob Savva, Jayden Seder and Ethan Sokontwe.
Adapted from the much-loved Roald Dahl book and commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Matilda The Musical has won 99 international awards including 24 for Best Musical and has been seen by more than 10 million people across more than 90 cities worldwide. A tonic for audiences of all ages, this anarchic production about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination has welcomed almost 4 million audience members in London where it recently celebrated 10 years in the West End.
Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the theatre production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by PaulKieve.
With the upcoming film adaptation from the same core creative team as the theatre production (direction by Matthew Warchus, adapted for the screen by Dennis Kelly, with the music and lyrics of Tim Minchin), Roald Dahl’s themes of bravery and standing up for what you believe in will continue to inspire young audiences all over the world. Produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title, Jon Finn, and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company. Sony Pictures U.K. and Tristar Pictures will release Matilda across the U.K. and Ireland exclusively in cinemas on 2nd December 2022 for Christmas. Netflix will release the film in the rest of the world in December 2022.
Rehearsal pictures are released today of Fra Fee as The Emcee, Amy Lennox as Sally Bowles, Omar Baroud as Cliff Bradshaw and Vivien Parry as Fraulein Schneider in CABARET at the Kit Kat Club.
Fra, Amy, Omar and Vivien all join the show on Monday 21 March.
They join Elliot Levey as ‘Herr Schultz’, Stewart Clarke as ‘Ernst Ludwig’ and Anna-Jane Casey as ‘Fraulein Kost’. The cast is completed by Josh Andrews,Emily Benjamin, Sally Frith, Matthew Gent, Emma Louise Jones, Ela Lisondra, Theo Maddix, Chris O’Mara, Daniel Perry, Andre Refig, Christopher Tendai, Bethany Terry, Lillie-Pearl Wildman and Sophie Maria Wojna.
Last week, CABARET at the Kit Kat Club was nominated for 11 Olivier Awards, the most nominations for any production this year.
One of the most successful musicals of all time CABARET features the songs Wilkommen, Don’t Tell Mama, Mein Herr, Maybe This Time, Money and the title number. It has music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, book by Joe Masteroff. Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood.
It is directed by Rebecca Frecknall, set and costume design is by Tom Scutt with choreography by Julia Cheng. Musical supervision and direction is by Jennifer Whyte, Lighting design is by Isabella Byrd with sound design by Nick Lidster. The casting director is Stuart Burt and the associate director is Jordan Fein.
Tickets for CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB are currently on sale until October 2022. kitkat.club
CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions and Underbelly.
