Kings Theatre, Portsmouth – until 11 May 2024

Reviewed by Gill Gardiner 

5*****

Based on the real life story of a 16 year old boy who dreamed about being a drag queen and attending his school prom wearing a dress, this is a heart warming celebration of identity, self expression and proving doubters wrong. After wowing the West End in  2017, the award winning musical is again touring the UK to huge acclaim with a hugely talented cast.

Ivano Turco takes on the role of Jamie in this production, from the moment he steps on stage you know you are in for a good time. Funny, vivacious and vulnerable, whether learning to strut in killer high heels, struggling with self doubt or taking to the stage as a drag queen, Turco captures all the emotions.

Rebecca McKinnis plays Jamie’s devoted and careworn mother Margaret, struggling to protect her son in a world that is trying to bring him down, she gives powerful and emotionally charged performances of ‘If I met myself again” and “He’s my boy”.

Thalia Palamamathan also gives a notable performance as Jamie’s best friend Pritti, another outsider who is unapologetically herself, an aspiring doctor who is more concerned with studying than prom planning.

Taking on the role of Hugo / Loco Chantelle is Kevin Clifton, Kevin gives a very sound performance as the retired drag queen, proving he has many other talents besides dancing. Former X Factor contestant Sam Bailey also shows that she is multi talented, giving a great performance as Jamie’s teacher Miss Hedge.

There is no doubt that everyone will be talking about this show for many years to come, full of humour, song and emotion. This is a modern classic of musical theatre, its strong messages of identity, expression and inclusivity all make it worthy of revisiting time and again.

Yvonne Arnaud – until Saturday 11 May 2024

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

5*****

This exciting new play is written by an insider of the machinations of political office. Writer Michael McManus was a political aide for Edward Heath, working alongside politicians like Margaret Thatcher, so knows a thing or two about how it works. Do not despair, this is a farce and McManus has humour running through from beginning to end! Based in the near future, you can almost see it happening for real!

Matthew Cottle (John) skilfully plays the newly elected prime minister and leader of new political party One Nation. One Nation is made up of defected MP’s from mainly the Conservative and Labour parties, decimating these main parties in the election. He resonates with bumbling Boris Johnson, only with an undercurrent sharp edge of knowing and a good moral foundation. He hilariously talks a jumble of Latin, Greek and gibberish until he is on the political platform talking to the masses. The fast pace of the piece takes you on a journey punctuated by John’s (Cottle) ineptitude in office and inability to make a decision. This gives an open field for the rest of the cast to express their own political views, often interrupted by A1 virtual assistant Medianne (Debra Stepheson). The poor beleaguered civil servants, Luke (Jason Callender) and Candice (Krissi Bohn) have their tolerance stretched to the limits by advisor and sociopath extremist Seth (Ryan Early). Early’s body language creates a caricature out of Seth that has the audience laughing out loud. Callender (Luke) gives a passionate performance and a great contrast to the cool calm Bohn (Candice), who remains the consummate professional. Debra Stephenson plays the lefty Lisa, with familiar reflections of current women in Labour politics. Her ability to deliver a funny line is not lost in the fast paced dialogue. The cynical Anne (Natalie Dunne) who protects and supports her husband, the prime minister, is a great counterbalance to the more extreme characters. To cap it all off you have the Chief Whip (William Oxborrow) and his pet tarantula, who encapsulates all the imagined traits of a back bench politician, portrayed in any other political farce. The audience is laughing before he even opens his mouth!

There is no doubt politics is a serious business, which is why it is so ripe for humour. McManus gives us a revealing insider’s view of government office that will have you belly laughing throughout. However, there is a serious note that gives you the opportunity to see how easy it could be to let extremism into the mix.

RUNAWAY ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS THE UK TOUR OF

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF THE NEW MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF 101 DALMATIANS

101 Dalmatians has today released the full cast joining previously announced Cruella de Vils Kym Marsh and Faye Tozer touring the UK and Ireland from June 2024 – Charles Brunton (Casper), Victoria Compson-Bradford (Swing), Ross Dorrington (Ensemble), Benjamin Durham (Ensemble), Jessie Elland (Danielle), Benedict Hastings (Ensemble), Danny Hendrix (Jasper), Linford Johnson (Pongo), Lottie Johnson (Ensemble), Rachel Lea-Gray (Ensemble), Tom Norman (Ensemble), Hugo Rolland (Ensemble), Lindo Shinda (Ensemble), Eugene Shire (Swing), Samuel Thomas (Tom), Emma Thornett (Perdi) and Jasmine Triadi (Ensemble). 

The new musical version of Dodie Smith’s classic book, 101 Dalmatians is written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris. The director is Bill Buckhurst, with sets designed by David Woodhead, costumes designed by Sarah Mercadé and choreography by Lucy Hind. Musical supervision is from Alfonso Casado Trigo, orchestration by Jack Hopkins, the puppets are designed by Jimmy Grimes, with lighting by James Whiteside and sound design from Chris Whybrow. The musical director is Leigh Stanford Thompson, and casting director is Lucy Casson. 

When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups.

This classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistible puppies!

After launching in Wimbledon the production will visit Birmingham, Norwich, Canterbury, Leicester, Manchester, Belfast, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, Southend, Dublin, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Woking, Cardiff, Southampton, Aberdeen, York, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Oxford and Brighton. 

Kym Marsh |Cruella de Vil

Faye Tozer | Cruella de Vil

Charles Brunton | Casper

Victoria Compson-Bradford | Swing

Ross Dorrington | Ensemble

Benjamin Durham | Ensemble

Jessie Elland | Danielle

Benedict Hastings | Ensemble

Danny Hendrix | Jasper

Linford Johnson | Pongo

Lottie Johnson | Ensemble

Rachel Lea-Gray | Ensemble

Tom Norman | Ensemble

Hugo Rolland | Ensemble

Lindo Shinda | Ensemble

Eugene Shire | Swing

Samuel Thomas | Tom

Emma Thornett | Perdi

Jasmine Triadi | Ensemble

Written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book)

Stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris

Director Bill Buckhurst

Set design David Woodhead

Costume design Sarah Mercadé 

Choreography Lucy Hind

Musical supervision Alfonso Casado Trigo

Orchestration Jack Hopkins

Puppets design Jimmy Grimes

Lighting design James Whiteside 

Sound design Chris Whybrow

Musical director Leigh Stanford Thompson

Casting director Lucy Casson

Original production first performed at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London in 2022

For more information visit www.101dalmatians.co.uk

Facebook: /101Dalmatians  | Instagram/TikTok: @101DalmatiansUK

NEW CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR WEST END PRODUCTION

OF MULTI-AWARD WINNING
HAMILTON
AT THE VICTORIA PALACE THEATRE

Jeffrey Seller and Cameron Mackintosh, producers of the West End production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s HAMILTON, are delighted to announce new casting for the show who will have their first performance at the Victoria Palace Theatre on Monday 17 June 2024 where tickets are currently booking to 29 March 2025.

Alex Sawyer will take on the title role of Alexander Hamilton, having previously been the alternate, opposite Jay Perry who returns to the production, this time in the role of Aaron Burr. Joining them will be Nathania Ong as Eliza Hamilton, Thomas Vernal as George Washington, Jordan Castle as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Jordan Benjamin as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton.At certain performances, the role of Alexander Hamilton will be played by Adam J. Bernard.

Joining the ensemble will be Richard Appiah-Sarpong, Turrell Barrett-Wallace, Roxanne Couch, Nicola Espallardo, Remi Ferdinand, Jack Harrison-Cooper, Jairus McClanahan, Jamai Robinson and Paulo Teixeira.

Continuing in the show will be Jordan Frazier as Angelica Schuyler, Simbi Akande as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds, Lemuel Knights as Marquis De Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson and Joel Montague as King George III. Continuing in the company will be Gabriela Acosta, Elizabeth Armstrong, Alishia-Marie Blake, Manaia Glassey-Ohlson, Amie Hibbert, Sam Holden, Barney Hudson, Nicolais-Andre Kerry, Christian Knight, Ella Kora, Aaron Lee Lambert, Stacey McGuire, Kerri Norville, Samuel Sarpong-Broni and Hassun Sharif.

Please note, Manaia Glassey-Ohlson will perform the role of Aaron Burr from Monday 17 June until Tuesday 13 August, with Jay Perry taking over from Wednesday 14 August.

A second National Company of HAMILTON is touring the UK and Ireland, currently playing at the Bristol Hippodrome until 22 June 2024. Further dates can be found at www.hamiltonmusical.com/uk-tour/

HAMILTON has book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire and is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe.

HAMILTON is produced in London by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Cameron Mackintosh.

LOVEtheatre Week RETURNS IN MAY 2024

WITH NO FEES FOR ALL SHOWS ON LOVEtheatre.com

LOVEtheatre.com, one of London’s leading ticket agents,today announces the return of LOVEtheatre Week. Following the success of the inaugural LOVEtheatre Week last year, the event returns with fees waived on all theatre, dance, opera and musical productions across the website on bookings made from 10 – 19 May 2024 for performance dates from 11 May – 7 July.

Mark Bower, Head of Agency Sales at LOVEtheatre said today “We are delighted to be returning to deliver LOVEtheatre Week this May, offering theatre lovers across the capital the chance to book a wide range of West End and London shows without our standard booking fees. As your trusted source for West End and London theatre tickets at great prices, we at LOVEtheatre.com look forward to welcoming you to shows across London this summer!” 

Current theatre, musicals and events confirmed for LOVEtheatre Week this May include Cabaret, Fawlty Towers, Guys & Dolls, Kathy & Stella Solve A Murder, Kiss Me, Kate, Sister Act, Shrek, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Tina, The Book of Mormon, The Choir of Man, The Hills of California and The Play That Goes Wrong.

LOVEtheatre.com is an official agent for booking London theatre tickets, featuring exclusive ticket allocations for each major venue and for the most popular London shows, events and attractions. It is owned and operated by The Ticket Machine Group Ltd., a multi award-winning, London-based ticket agency, and has been a member of STAR (The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers) for over 25 years. The ticket agency provides exclusive deals and offers, with transparent, clear pricing and seat numbers confirmed at the time of reservation.

Use #LOVEtheatreweek to highlight this exclusive offer – no fees, all shows, all week long.

www.lovetheatre.com

X: @LOVEtheatrecom

Instagram @lovetheatrecom

facebook.com/lovetheatre

YouTube: @lovetheatre

#LOVEtheatreweek

NEW SEMESTER ROLL CALL!

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE LIMITED SEASON AT @SOHOPLACE AND 2024 UK TOUR OF

BY LAURENCE O’KEEFE & KEVIN MURPHY

DIRECTED BY ANDY FICKMAN

WINNER OF

BEST NEW MUSICAL

WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS

****

Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Metro, Daily Express, Daily Mail,

The Stage, Attitude, Sunday Express, The Arts Desk, Broadway World

*****

The New European, City AM

Following smash hit West End seasons at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, two national tours and record-breaking runs at London’s The Other Palace, the WhatsOnStage ‘BEST NEW MUSICAL’ winner, the beloved Heathers the Musical is back in the West End for only six weeks from 22 May before embarking on its third UK tour from 24 July at the Theatre Royal Windsor. Full dates and venues can be found at www.heathersthemusical.com

The 2024 class of Westerberg includes 13 cast members making their West End debuts, with Jenna Innes (Les Miserables) making it beautiful in blue returning as Veronica Sawyer, having wowed audiences up and down the country last year when she first took on the role. She will be joined by Keelan McAuley (Clueless; Grease) taking on the mysterious, Jason “J.D” Dean.

Starring as the titular ‘Heathers’ are Esme Bowdler (ITV’s I have a Dream finalist) as the formidable Heather Chandler, Sedona Sky (professional debut) as Heather Duke and Daisy Twells (Heathers) as Heather McNamara.

The 2024 register is completed by Amy Miles (professional debut) as Martha Dunnstock, Lucy Sinclair (Rehab the Musical, We will Rock You) as Ms. Fleming/Veronica’s Mom, Iván Fernández González (Bhangra Nation; Joseph) as Kurt Kelly, Jason Battersby (Just for One Day)as Ram Sweeney, Alexander Service (Heathers) as Kurt’s Dad/Big-Bud/Principal, Conor McFarlane (Once; Heathers)as Ram’s Dad/Veronica’s Dad/Coach, Ben Fenwick (Pippin in Concert)as Beleaguered Geek, Madeleine Hargrave (Hairspray) as Midwestern Surfer Punk, Eliza Bowden (Heathers)as New Wave Party Girl, May Tether (Very Very Bad Cinderella; Heathers)as Drama Club Drama Queen, Jasmine Cole (Crazy Coqs Cabaret)as Young Republicanette, Kelly Sweeney (Six (NCL); Hair) – as Stoner Chick, Lewis Asquith (Heathers)as Hipster Dork and Bradly Doko (Sideshow in Concert)as Preppy Stud.

Produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills, this high octane, black comedy, rock musical based on one of the greatest cult teen films of all-time that starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, is back with a bang!

Greetings and salutations! Welcome to Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is just another of the nobodies dreaming of a better day.

But when she’s unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true.

That is until JD, the mysterious teen rebel, turns up and teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but its murder being a somebody.

The award-winning writing team, Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy’s hit musical adaptation has enjoyed successful runs in Los Angeles and New York, and its European premiere saw it become the highest grossing show at The Other Palace, having sold over 20,000 tickets across the initial run and selling out prior to its opening gala performance. It had similar success transferring to the Theatre Royal Haymarket. The show then broke records again back at its original home, The Other Palace, as the longest running show in the venue’s history.

The musical is directed by acclaimed American screen and stage director Andy Fickman, with choreography by Gary Lloyd, design by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound by Dan Samson.

NEW CASTING ANNOUNCED

RHEA NORWOOD AS SALLY BOWLES,

LAYTON WILLIAMS AS THE EMCEE,

SALLY ANN TRIPLETT AS FRAULEIN SCHNEIDER

AND

FENTON GRAY AS HERR SCHULTZ

IN

THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING, CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED

WEST END PRODUCTION

OF

CABARET

AT THE KIT KAT CLUB

FROM 3 JUNE 2024

The producers of the multi award-winning, critically acclaimed West End production of CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB are delighted to announce new principal casting.

From 3 June 2024, star of the Netflix smash hit series Heartstopper Rhea Norwood will play Sally Bowles and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Bad Education star Layton Williams will play The Emcee. They will be joined by Sally Ann Triplett as Fraulein Schneider and Fenton Gray as Herr Schultz. 

Rhea Norwood and Layton Williams will play the roles until Saturday 21 September 2024.

CABARET recently celebrated the milestone of 1000 performances at the KIT KAT CLUB and is currently booking until February 2025. kitkat.club

Rhea, Layton, Sally Ann and Fenton join Michael Ahomka-Lindsay as Clifford Bradshaw, Wilf Scolding as Ernst Ludwig, Jessica Kirton as Fraulein Kost/Fritzie, Liv Alexander as Texas, Natalie Chua as Frenchie, Laura Delany as Rosie, Taite-Elliot Drew as Hans, Damon Gould as Victor, El Haq Latief as Helga, Grant Neal as Herman/Max, Hicaro Nicolai as Lulu and Travis Ross as Bobby. The cast is completed by Rebecca Lisewski, Ela Lisondra, Nic Myers, Andy Rees, Toby Turpin and Patrick Wilden.

Nic Myers plays the role of Sally Bowles once a week.

The prologue company are Rachel Benson, Ami Benton, Onyemachi Ejimofor, Joseph Hardy, Liz Kamille, Andrew Linnie, Aine McLoughlin, Jack William Parry, Jazmyn Raikes, Oliver Stockley and Ena Yamaguchi.

Rhea Norwood trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She is probably best known for playing Imogen Heaney in the Netflix hit, Heartstopper, and will also appear in the third series later this year. Her other screen credits include the Amazon Prime comedy Your Christmas or Mine 2 and the Channel 4 drama Consent. Cabaret marks Rhea’s professional stage and West End debut.

Layton Williams recently reached the final of Strictly Coming Dancing. His many theatre credits include Jamie in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in the West End and on the International Tour, Angel in Rent at The Other Palace, Kiss Me, Kate at the Sheffield Crucible, the national tour of Hairspray, Billy in Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace and The Car Man and Lord of the Flies, both for Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures. His TV credits include Stephen Carmichael in Bad Education, Benidorm and Beautiful People and his film credits include Rocketman, The Bad Education movie and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. 

Sally Ann Triplett most recently appeared as Gran in The Witches at the National Theatre and Aunt Eller in Oklahoma! at the Wyndham’s Theatre. Her many other West End credits include Donna in Mamma Mia!, Roxie in Chicago, Grizabella in Cats, Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Rizzo in Grease, Ruby Keeler in Jolson and Miss Berta in Acorn Antiques The Musical. She has also appeared on Broadway in Finding Neverland and Sting’s The Last Ship. She is well known for representing the United Kingdom twice at the Eurovision Song Contest in the 1980s.

Fenton Gray’s many West End credits include Gus in Cats, Blood Brothers and Les Misérables. He has appeared many times with the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company playing lead roles in productions of The Mikado and The Yeoman of the Guard on tour throughout the UK, in the West End and extensively throughout the US. His other credits include Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at Leicester Haymarket and Into the Woods at Manchester Library Theatre.

Rhea Norwood is not scheduled to perform on Wednesday 5 June (matinee), Thursday 13 June (evening), Wednesday 19 June (matinee), Thursday 27 June (evening), Wednesday 3 July (matinee), Thursday 11 July (evening), Wednesday 17 July (matinee), Thursday 25 July (evening), Wednesday 31 July (matinee), Thursday 8 August (evening), Wednesday 14 August (matinee), Thursday 22 August (evening), Wednesday 28 August (matinee), Thursday 5 September (evening), Wednesday 11 September (matinee) and Thursday 19 September (evening. At these performances, the role will be played by our alternate Sally Bowles, Nic Myers.

Layton Williams is not scheduled to perform on Saturday 29 June (matinee and evening), Tuesday 16 July (evening), Wednesday 17 July (matinee and evening), Monday 5 August (evening), Friday 13 September (evening) and Saturday 14 September (matinee and evening). At these performances, the role will be played by Toby Turpin.

This unique production of CABARET opened in December 2021 to critical and audience acclaim, widely praised as the ultimate theatrical experience. In April 2022 it won a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards. The production has also won three prestigious Critics Circle Awards as well as the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Design for designer Tom Scutt.

The Broadway production of CABARET starring Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin opened last month at the KIT KAT CLUB at the August Wilson Theatre and recently received nine Tony Award nominations.

Transforming one of London’s most famous theatres with an in-the-round auditorium and reimagined spaces, before the show guests are invited to enjoy and explore the Kit Kat Club with pre-show entertainment, drinks and dining all on offer. When booking, guests receive a ‘club entry time’ to allow enough time to take in the world of the Kit Kat Club before the show starts. But of course, the show really starts when you first join us in the club…

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.

CABARET is directed by Rebecca Frecknall, set and costume design is by Tom Scutt with choreography by Julia Cheng. Musical supervision is by Jennifer Whyte and musical direction is by Ben Ferguson with lighting design by Isabella Byrd and sound design by Nick Lidster. The casting director is Stuart Burt and the original associate director and prologue director is Jordan Fein. The prologue composer and musical director is Angus MacRae.

CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions and Underbelly.

INITIAL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY’S MAJOR REVIVAL OF

STEPHEN SCHWARTZ AND JOSEPH STEIN’S THE BAKER’S WIFE

The Menier Chocolate Factory today announces initial casting for The Baker’s Wife – with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Joseph Stein. Gordon Greenberg directs Bobbie Chambers (Niece), Mark Extance (The Teacher), Josefina Gabrielle (Denise), Jack Gardner (Philippe), Hana Ichijo (Niece), Lucie Jones (Genevieve) Michael Matus (The Marquis), Robyn Rose (Niece), Clive Rowe (The Baker), David Seadon-Young (Antoine), Matthew Seadon-Young (Priest), and Joaquin Pedro Valdes (Dominique).

This renews the Menier Chocolate Factory’s collaboration with Schwartz, following their production of Pippin in 2011. The production opens on 17 July, with previews from 6 July, and runs until 14 September.

Tickets are on sale to the Menier mailing list from today; with public booking opening tomorrow. Full casting will be announced shortly.

THE BAKER’S WIFE

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and Book by Joseph Stein

Based on the 1938 French film of the same name by Marcel Pagnol and Jean Giono

6 July – 14 September

Director: Gordon Greenberg; Designer: Paul Farnsworth; Lighting Designer: Paul Anderson; Choreography: Matt Cole; Musical Supervisor and Orchestrator: Stuart Morley;

Musical Director: Dustin Conrad

The arrival of a new Baker and his younger wife turns a provincial French village upside down in this cult classic musical from the legendary Stephen Schwartz (composer of Godspell, Wicked, Pippin) and Joseph Stein (writer of Fiddler On The Roof).

Based on the film La Femme du Boulanger by Marcel Pagnol and Jean Giono, The Baker’s Wife is filled with some of Schwartz’s most ravishingly beautiful music, and will immerse the audience into world of Gallic charm in this first major UK revival since its West End première.

Directed by Gordon Greenberg (who previously directed Barnum at the Chocolate Factory), with choreography by Matt Cole (Olivier award winner for Newsies) and designs by Paul Farnworth, this brand new production plays for a limited 10-week season from 6 July.

Bobbie Chambers plays a Niece. Her theatre work includes Newsies (Wembley Park Theatre), Elegies for Angels, Punks & Raging Queens (King’s Head Theatre), Jack and the Beanstalk (Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury), South Pacific (Chichester Festival Theatre), Ordinary Days (Theatre Café), and Let’s Face the Music (Royal Albert Hall).

Mark Extance plays The Teacher. His theatre credits include The Motive and Cue, London Assurance (National Theatre), Don Juan in Soho, Yes, Prime Minister (West End), The Mirror and the Light (RSC), Copenhagen, Old Times (Theatre Royal Bath), The Mullah of Downing Street (The Theatre Chipping Norton), The Box of Delights (Wilton’s Music Hall), Correspondence (The Old Red Lion), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Squerryes Court), Play of Thrones (Union Theatre), Marriage (Belgrade Theatre Coventry), The School for Scandal, Dr Faustus (Greenwich Theatre), Pygmalion (The Old Vic) And Then There Were None (Agatha Christie Theatre Company), Uncle Vanya (ETT), Waiting for Godot, You Never Can Tell (Peter Hall Company at Theatre Royal Bath and West End), and Venice Preserv’d (Arcola Theatre).

Josefina Gabrielle returns to the Chocolate Factory to play Denise – she previously appeared in Merrily We Roll Along (also the Harold Pinter Theatre; Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical), Two Into One and Sweet Charity (also Theatre Royal Haymarket; Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical). Her other theatre credits include 42^nd Street (Sadler’s Wells, Toronto), Farewell Mister Haffman (Theatre Royal Bath), Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre), Chicago (Phoenix and Adelphi Theatres), The Box of Delights (Wilton’s Music Hall), A Little Night Music (The Watermill Theatre), Stepping Out (Vaudeville Theatre), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), The King and I (UK tour), Me and My Girl, A Chorus Line (Sheffield Theatres), Hello Dolly! (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The 39 Steps (Criterion Theatre), Tonight at 8.30 (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Witches of Eastwick (Prince of Wales Theatre), Oklahoma! (National Theatre and Gershwin Theatre), The Goodbye Girl (Albery Theatre) and Carousel (National Theatre). Her television work includes Miranda, Heartbeat – as semi-regular Debbie Black, Totally Frank, Born and Bred, Auf Weidersehen Pet, and Sunburn.

Jack Gardner plays Philippe. His theatre work First Encounters – Romeo & Juliet, Faith (RSC), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace Theatre), and Peter Pan Christmas in Neverland (Wembley Arena and Birmingham NEC). His television work includes Ball and Boe Christmas Special; and for film, One Punch.

Hana Ichijo plays a Niece. Her theatre credits include The Sound of Music (Chichester Festival Theatre), George Takei’s Allegiance (Charing Cross Theatre), Anyone Can Whistle (Southwark Playhouse), and Little Women (Park Theatre).

Lucie Jones plays Genevieve. Her theatre work includes Pippin (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), 13 Going On 30 (BAC), Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre), Wicked (Victoria Apollo Theatre), Treason (Cadogan Hall), Waitress (Adelphi Theatre, UK tour), A Christmas Carol (Dominion Theatre), Title of Show (London Coliseum), Girlfriends (LMTO), Legally Blonde (Curve, UK tour), Rent (St James Theatre, Uk tour), The Wedding Singer (UK tour), Ghost (Asian tour), American Psycho (Almeida Theatre), We Will Rock You (international tour), and The Prodigals (Edinburgh Festival). Her television work includes Sarah-Jane Adventures.

Michael Matus plays The Marquis. His theatre credits include Twelfth Night (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), 42nd Street (UK tour), Aspects of Love (Lyric Theatre), Hex (National Theatre), Singing In The Rain (Sadlers Wells and UK tour), La Cage aux Folles (Park Theatre), The Astonishing Time of Timothy Cratchit (Hope Mill Theatre), Richard III (Headlong), King Lear (Duke of York’s Theatre), Broken Glass (Watford Palace), The Wizard of Oz (Sheffield Theatres), The Frogs, The Return on the Soldier (Jermyn Street Theatre), Peter and the Starcatcher (Royal Theatre Northampton), The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Playhouse Theatre), Lend Me a Tenor (Gielgud Theatre and Theatre Royal, Plymouth), ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Oklamoma! (Chichester Festival Theatre) and Imagine This (New London Theatre). His television work includes Suspect, The Lazarus Project, Invasion, Shakespeare and Hathaway, The Split, Endeavour, A Prince Among Men, Then, A Perfect World, and This is Dom Joly.

Robyn Rose plays a Niece. Her theatre work includes Tammy Faye The Musical (Almeida Theatre), Hairspray (London Coliseum),and The Book of Mormon (Prince Edward Theatre); and for film, Wonka.

Clive Rowe playsThe Baker. His theatre work includes The Prince of Egypt (Dominion Theatre), Celebrating Sondheim (Chichester Festival Theatre), A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic), Sister Act (Dominion Theatre, Eventim Apollo, UK tour – Olivier Award nomination for Beat Supporting Actor in a Musical),  Blues in the Night (Kiln Theatre), The Wind in The Willows (UK tour), Guys and Dolls (Royal Albert Hall), Me and My Girl (Chichester Festival Theatre), Jack and the Beanstalk (Wimbledon Theatre), The Hothouse (Trafalgar Studios), The Ladykillers (West End and UK tour), Kiss Me Kate (Chichester Festival Theatre and The Old Vic), No Naughty Bits (Hampstead Theatre), The Wiz (Birmingham Rep/West Yorkshire Playhouse), Company (Donmar Warehouse), The Fantasticks (Duchess Theatre); Twelfth Night, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Trolius and Cressida (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Chicago (Adelphi Theatre), As You Like It (Wyndham’s Theatre), Simply Heavenly (Young Vic and Trafalgar Studio); and for the National Theatre, The Light Princess,  Carousel, Fuente Ovejuna, Caroline or Change, The Villains’ Opera, Money, Candide, Peter Pan, Guys and Dolls, Trackers (Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for Guys and Dolls and Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Performance in Carousel). Rowe has returned to the Hackney Empire on numerous occasions to play The Dame in their Christmas pantomime for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre for Mother Goose. For television, his work includes The Canterville Ghost, Will, So Awkward, Evermoor, The Kennedys, The Fun Police, All the Small Things, Doctor Who, Networked, Bloodrights, Say it with Music, American Voices, Paper Mask, After the War, Snakes and Ladders and Entertaining Angels Aware; and for film, Beauty and the Beast, Manderlay and Crime Strike.

David Seadon-Young returns to the Menier toplay Antoine – he previously appeared in Assassins and Aspects of Love.His theatre work includesOklahoma!, My Fair Lady (BBC Proms/Royal Albert Hall), The Man of La Mancha (Coliseum), An American in Paris (Dominion Theatre), Ghost (UK tour and Australia), A Damsel in Distress (Chichester Festival Theatre); Mamma Mia! (international tour), Jack and The Beanstalk (Hackney Empire), Oliver! (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) and Gone With the Wind (New London Theatre); and for film, Les Misérables.

Matthew Seadon-Young plays Priest. His theatre work includes Rockets and Blue Lights (Royal Exchange and National Theatre), Death of a Salesman (Young Vic and Piccadilly Theatre), Company (Gielgud Theatre), Assassins (Gate Theatre, Dublin), Big Fish (The Other Palace), Beautiful (Aldwych Theatre), Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace), Sweeney Todd (Coliseum), Urinetown: The Musical (The Other Palace and Apollo Theatre), The School for Scandal (Theatre Royal Bath), She Stoops to Conquer (National Theatre) and Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre); and for film, Les Misérables and Pride.

Joaquin Pedro Valdes returns to the Menier to play Dominique – he previously appeared in Pacific Overtures. His other theatre work includes Death Note (London Palladium), Then, Now & Next (Southwark Playhouse), Killing the Cat (Riverside Studios), The Lion King (UK and Ireland tour), Heathers the Musical (The Other Palace), Vanara the Legend (Hackney Empire), Miss Saigon, The King and I (UK and International tour), Fanny and Stella the Musical (The Garden Theatre), Matilda, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Red and The Last 5 Years (Manila Metropolitan Theatre).

Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for the current West End and Broadway hit Wicked – which is due to be released as a two-part feature film; and has also contributed music and/or lyrics to Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, Working (which he also adapted and directed), Rags and Children of Eden. He collaborated with Leonard Bernstein on the English texts for Bernstein’s Mass, and wrote the title song for the play and film Butterflies are Free. For children, he has written songs for two musicals, Captain Louie and My Son Pinocchio. He has also worked in film, collaborating with Alan Menken on the songs for Disney’s Enchanted as well as the animated features Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and writing the songs for the DreamWorks animated feature The Prince of Egypt. His first opera, Seance on a Wet Afternoon, was produced at Opera Santa Barbara and New York City Opera. Schwartz has been inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His many accolade include three Academy Awards and four Grammy Awards.

Joseph Stein won the Tony Award and Drama Critics Circle Award for Fiddler on the Roof. His other musicals include Zorba (Tony nomination, Drama Critics Circle Award); Rags (Tony nomination), Take Me Along (Tony nomination), Juno, Irene (starring Debbie Reynolds), The King of Hearts, All About Us, and So Long, 174^th Street. He also co-authored, with Alan Jay Lerner, Carmelina; and with Will Glickman, Mr. Wonderful, The Body Beautiful and Plain and Fancy. His plays are Enter Laughing, Before the Dawn, and Mrs. Gibbons’ Boys. He wrote the screenplays of Enter Laughing and Fiddler on the Roof, for which he won the Screen Writers Guild Award. In 2008, he was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame.

Gordon Greenberg returns to the Menier Chocolate Factory to direct, having previously directed Barnum. HIs current directing/writing projects include The Heart of Rock and Roll (which opened recently on Broadway to critical acclaim)  the hit Off-Broadway show Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors (director & co-writer with Steve Rosen; New World Stages & podcast starring John Stamos, Laura Benanti, & Annaleigh Ashford), a new musical about Picasso (director & co-writer with Stephen Schwartz & Caridad Svich), the NBC television series Most Talkative (co-executive producer/writer),  Crime and Punishment, A Comedy (director & co-writer with Steve Rosen; The Old Globe, San Diego), Single White Female (A.T.G.), The Wedding Banquet (Ang Lee, Hua Musicals, Taiwan), Ghost Tour, The Play, and the new comedy podcast series Rolling Calls starring Julie Halston & Richard Kind (co-writer with Steve Rosen). He co-wrote and directed the Broadway stage adaptation of Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn (Studio 54 for Roundabout Theatre Company and Universal Pictures Stage Productions) and directed  Guys And Dolls (Chichester Festival Theatre/Savoy Theatre/Phoenix Theatre), Working (59 E 59 in New York – also adapted), Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well… (Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Award nominations – also adapted), Johnny Baseball (Williamstown), Tangled (Disney), Blue Sky Boys (Capital Rep), Luck Be A Lady  (Asolo), Pirates! Or Gilbert and Sullivan Plunder’d (co-creator; Huntington/Paper Mill/Goodspeed/MUNY), Band Geeks! (also co-writer; Goodspeed), The Baker’s Wife (Paper Mill/Goodspeed), 1776 (Paper Mill), Floyd Collins (Signature), Yentl (Asolo) and Half A Sixpence (Goodspeed).

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

POWER OF SAIL

Until 12 May

JERRY’S GIRLS

18 May – 29 June

THE BAKER’S WIFE

6 July – 14 September

Box Office:                         020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website:                             www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

Tickets:                               Prices vary, as below from discounted preview tickets to premier seats. With the emphasis on ‘the sooner you book, the better the price’:

Please note at this time the restaurant is unable to open due to circumstances beyond the company’s control.

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory

Instagram: @menierchocolatefactory

RICHMOND THEATRE CELEBRATES
125^TH BIRTHDAY IN 2024 – INITIAL CELEBRATIONS ANNOUNCED

2024 marks a momentous year for Richmond Theatre in West London, as the Grade-II listed venue celebrates its 125^th birthday. With further plans to be revealed, the theatre – who scooped three awards at the 2023 Richmond Business Awards – are delighted to announce the first of its celebrations.

First opening on 18 September 1899 with a performance of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, Richmond Theatre was designed by famed theatre architect Frank Matcham. Matcham designed a variety of iconic theatres across the UK, including The London Palladium, Hackney Empire and Bristol Hippodrome. At 125, Richmond is one of the oldest surviving examples of his work. Known as the Theatre Royal and Opera House until 1972, the venue underwent a significant refurbishment in the 1990s transforming into the building as we know it today. Over the last few years, Richmond Theatre has become known for being the home of high quality pre-West End drama, allowing audiences to see highly anticipated new shows before they hit the West End. In 2023 alone it saw three high-profile transfers with A Little Life, Vanya, and The Enfield Haunting.

Theatre Director, Allie Long, says: “I am incredibly proud to be a part of this momentous 125th Birthday year as the Theatre Director for Richmond Theatre. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, I am thrilled for audiences to enjoy an exhilarating lineup of programming and events for 2024 that promises to captivate, inspire, and entertain. For the community and audiences of Richmond, we embark on a journey filled with unforgettable performances, opportunity to form affirming memories in our glorious venue, and continue the enduring magic of live theatre. Here’s to an extraordinary year ahead, celebrating the rich history and vibrant future of Richmond Theatre”.

All at Richmond Theatre are keen to make 2024 a celebratory year, and to begin have announced a selection of limited-edition merchandise to commemorate the theatre. Audience members will now be able to purchase tote bags, magnets, enamel pin badges, mugs and keyrings when they visit the venue. Prices start from just £3.50.

Additionally, the venue are delighted to announce the return of seat sponsorship especially for the 125^th year. Prices are £150 for 1 year or, if purchased during the birthday year, £125 for 5 years. Those who would like to become a part of the venue’s history can find out more and purchase their seat dedication here.   

Richmond Theatre will also be hosting a free open day for the community, with a date to be announced later in the year. Suitable for all ages, the day will allow visitors to feel like a star as they not only get to stand centre stage but peek behind the scenes. The event will include performances and technical workshops, an arts and crafts zone plus further opportunities to find out more about the history of the venue and what’s coming up for the rest of the year and beyond.

For those interested in performing at the Open Day, Richmond Theatre’s regular acting class Class Act will be hosting rehearsal sessions – participants can book spaces here.

For those who just can’t wait that long, have a read of the venue’s local history articles. The theatre will also be continuing to host monthly backstage guided tours, lead by an expert tour guide. For more information and to book tickets, see here.

RECORDING ARTIST &

WEST END & BROADWAY STAR

PETER JÖBACK

TO PERFORM

LIVE CONCERT AT CADOGAN HALL

SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2024

Neil O’Brien Entertainment with FOURTH WALL LIVE are delighted to announce Scandinavian recording star and West End and Broadway performer PETER JÖBACKwill perform a solo concertlive at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 22 September 2024 at 6:30pm. Exclusive pre-sale begins at 10am on 9 May, with general on-sale at 10am on 10 May at www.fw-live.com and www.cadoganhall.com

PETER JÖBACK is a Scandinavian superstar, who has collaborated with musical icons such as Sia, Kate Pierson of the B52’s, Gale Ann Dorsey and ABBA’s Björn & Benny. Peter is a multiplatinum recording artist and has several Swedish Grammy nominations, including Artist of the Year, alongside various radio awards. He has won two Swedish Tony Awards for his work on the stage, and two of his TV specials have been nominated for the Silver Rose at the legendary tv-festival in Montreux. His feature film that Peter co-wrote, based on his life story, won the Audience Award at the Swedish Oscars in 2019. After successful performances in London’s West End and on Broadway, Peter was also handpicked by Cameron Mackintosh, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Hal Prince to play The Phantom in Phantom of the Opera on its 30^th anniversary on Broadway. Peter’s critically acclaimed album I Love Musicals was also released in Japan, UK and Scandinavia.

Peter has also recently released his new album Atlas, which includes ten future classics performed by Peter, produced by Ed Harcourt and co-written by Joback, Harcourt and Kathryn Williams. The album includes features from Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Ed Harcourt and received fantastic reviews in Sweden, with Peter performing incredibly successful release concerts there alongside special guest Ed Harcourt.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Sunday 22 September

Cadogan Hall

5 Sloane Terrace

London 

SW1X 9DQ

Performance: 6:30pm

Tickets from £18

Box Office: 020 7730 4500

Website: www.fw-live.com and www.cadoganhall.com

Instagram: @peterjoback

X: @peterjoback
Tiktok: @officialpeterjoback