THE HAUNTED SEASON AT YORK THEATRE ROYAL

World premieres by Emma Rice, Matthew Bourne and Tonderai Munyevu plus appearances from Dracula, The Hound of the Baskervilles and the Headless Horseman all feature in The Haunted Season at York Theatre Royal this autumn. 

Season highlights include:

• Emma Rice’s Wise Children company with a fresh theatrical take on Emily Brontë’s epic tale of love, revenge and redemption Wuthering Heights in a co-production with the National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic

• New Adventures explore the underbelly of 1930s London in Matthew Bourne’sThe Midnight Bell

• Tonderai Munyevu writes and performs Mugabe, My Dad & Me, a high voltage one man show exploring familial love, identity and what it means to return ‘home’

• The return of Phoenix Dance, Ballet Black and English Touring Opera 

• An adaptation by Philip Meeks of Gothic horror novel The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with a cast led by Wendi Peters and Bill Ward

• Appearances by horror favourites Dracula and The Hound of the Baskervilles

As nights start to draw in, York Theatre Royal is filling its stage with spirits and shadows in The Haunted Season.

Emma Rice’s Wise Children follow appearances at the Theatre Royal in Angela Carter’s Wise Children and Malory Towers with Wuthering Heights (9-20 November) in a York Theatre Royal co-production with the National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. Lucy McCormick plays Cathy in this epic story of love, revenge and redemption as Rice’s celebrated musical and visual style brings new life to the classic story.

Emma Rice said: “It is with an earthy spring in my step and epic twinkle in my eye that I announce our new plans for Wuthering Heights. So many projects have fallen by the wayside during lockdown that there were times when I lost hope – but there was no need! Wise Children are back; stronger, wiser and grateful for the chance to sing and dance again. The exceptional cast, crew, administrative and creative teams are ready to go and we are fizzing with ideas, dreams and anticipation.”

The second world premiere in the Haunted Season presents “intoxicated tales from darkest Soho” in Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell (30 Sept-2 Oct) inspired by English novelist Patrick Hamilton and exploring the underbelly of 1930s London life. New Adventures invite audiences to step inside The Midnight Bell, a tavern where one particular lonely hearts club gather to play out their lovelorn affairs of the heart; bitter comedies of longing, frustration, betrayal and redemption.

Tonderai Munyevu is writer and performer of the season’s third world premiere Mugabe, My Dad & Me (9-I8 Sept). The one man show charts the rise and fall of one of the most controversial politicians of the 20^th century through the personal story of Tonderai’s family and his relationship with his father.

Philip Meeks – whose play Murder, Margaret and Me proved a big hit at York Theatre Royal – has adapted  The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (5-9 October), Washington Irving’s classic tale of the Headless Horseman, for the stage. A pair of familiar TV faces, Wendi Peters and Bill Ward, lead the cast of a production featuring illusions by Filipe J Carvalho.

Director Jake Smith said: “Sleepy Hollow is undoubtedly one of the greatest horror stories ever written and a tour de force to stage. The production has at its heart the power of nomadic storytelling and gathering round the campfire for a good ghost story. It is an important story for now as we look at conversations around the identity of nations, communities and humankind throughout the world.”

Two familiar figures from the world of horror put in appearances although not quite as you might expect. Award-winning kings of comedy La Navet Bete sink their teeth into Dracula: The Bloody Truth (24-25 Sept) which mixes slapstick with carefully-crafted comedy and a healthy dose of things going wrong as the action moves from dark and sinister Transylvania to the ‘awkwardly charming seaside town of Whitby’.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles (19-23 Oct) gets a farcical overhaul in Lotte Wakeham’s production that has been dubbed ‘rib-bustingly hilarious’ by The Times. This twist on the classic detective story promises an ‘exhilarating collision of farce, theatrical invention and wonderfully comic performances’.

Pride and Prejudice’s most roguish gentleman George Wickham is ready to set the record straight as Adrian Lukis performs in Being Mr Wickham (14-16 Oct). Lukis, who played Mr Wickham in the BBC TV adaptation, will reveal what really happened with Darcy, how he felt about Lizzie and, of course, what happened at Waterloo.

Two popular dance companies return to the Theatre Royal stage. Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black Double Bill (26 October) features Then and Now, in which Olivier award-winning choreographer Will Tuckett blends classical ballet, poetry and music to explore ideas of home and belonging. The second piece finds another Olivier award-winning choreographer Mthuthuzeli November contemplating the purpose of life in The Waiting Game.

Leeds-based Phoenix Dance celebrate 40 Years of Phoenix (23-24 Nov) with a birthday programme  featuring a selection of work by internationally acclaimed and award-winning choreographers, including former artistic directors and collaborators.

A new theatrical version of The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff (28-30 Oct) is performed by BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners The Young ‘uns. This musical celebration of northern working class activism features songs from the original album alongside new material and animation. It’s the true story of one man’s journey from poverty and unemployment in Stockton-on-Tees through the Hunger Marches of the 1930s, the mass trespass movement and the Battle of Cable Street  to fighting fascism in the Spanish Civil War.

English Touring Opera returns with Handel’s Amadigi (11-12 Oct) based on a chivalric romance about three young people imprisoned by a sorceress. York Opera presents The Magic Flute (2-6 Nov), Mozart’s magical and last great opera sung in English with an orchestra.

For younger audiences, Rod Campbell’s much-loved lift-the-flap book leaps off the page in Dear Zoo Live! (28-29 Sept), a show packed full of puppetry, songs and, of course, all the animals from the zoo.

THE HAUNTED SEASON AT A GLANCE (press nights in brackets)

9-18 September Mugabe, My Dad & Me 

24-25 September – Dracula:The Bloody Truth 

28-29 September – Dear Zoo Live ! 

30 Sept-2 Oct – Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell

5-9 October – The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Hollow 

11-12 October – English Touring Opera: Amadigi 

14-16 October – Being Mr Wickham

19-23 October – The Hound of the Baskervilles

26 October – Ballet Black 

28-30 October The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff 

2-6 November – The Magic Flute 

9-20 November – Wuthering Heights 

23-24 November – 40 Years of Phoenix 

Tickets from £15

Up to 50 per cent off season ticket shows for York Theatre Royal Members

Box office 01904 623568 | yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Leeds Playhouse – until 17th July 2021

Reviewed by Katie Goldsbrough

4****

Opera North’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music has everything, music, comedy, romance, and drama.

It tells the story of Desiree Armfeldt (Stephanie Corley) and her romantic entanglements with two married men, Fredrik Egerman (Quirijn De Lang) and Count Carl-Magnus Malcom (Christopher Nairne). When the two men and their wives Anne Egerman (Corinne Cowling) and Countess Charlotte Malcom (Helen Evora) join Desiree, her mother (Dame Josephine Barstow) and her daughter Fredrika (Agatha Meehan) in the country along with Fredrik’s son Henrik (Laurence Kilby) hilarity ensues.

This is a fantastic light-hearted production to introduce you back to the world of theatre. 

Dame Josephine Barstow, delivers hilarious one liners throughout as she gives advice to her granddaughter Fredrika, she is also excellent at portraying a character you would not want to get on the wrong side of. 

It’s not all fun and games and A Little Night Music also shows how the characters suffer due to the actions of the rest of the cast leading you to empathise with them and hope things work out, despite a lack of morals from many of them. The whole cast is wonderful and they all do an excellent job of bringing their characters to life.

A special mention must also go to the Opera North Orchestra who perform Sondheim’s music exquisitely, the lyrics are catchy and are performed beautifully by all the cast.

Although the stage is small the set is cleverly utilized throughout, particularly during act 2. 

A Little Night Music is a joy to watch and a must see at Leeds Playhouse. 

Families flock back to theatre for Kids Week with over 55,000 sales on day 1 
Tickets still available at officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week 

Kids Week, the long-running audience development scheme offering free London theatre tickets for children throughout August, got off to a phenomenal start after going on sale this week, with families showing their loyalty and support for the initiative as they plan for a return to theatre this summer.

Despite a shorter lead-up and fewer shows on offer this year due to the pandemic, Kids Week’s 2021 sales have so far surpassed all expectations, with more than 55,000 tickets sold on the first day alone, for over 30 top London shows. 

With thousands of tickets still available and new shows being added, now is the perfect time to book for a variety of shows – from hit musicals and plays like The Prince Of Egypt, Come From Away and The Play That Goes Wrong to family favourites like What The Ladybird Heard, Zog and Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain.

Emma De Souza, Kids Week founder and Head of Marketing and Communications at the Society of London Theatre, said:

‘It has been truly astonishing to see the level of demand for Kids Week. Having been forced to cancel last year due to the pandemic, we weren’t sure what to expect this time round – but this confirms the importance of live culture for families, and the hunger to get back into theatres once restrictions are fully lifted. Whether you’re a Kids Week veteran or bringing your children to a show for the first time, the West End can’t wait to welcome you through our doors to experience the magic of live theatre!’

During Kids Week, a child goes free to participating shows when accompanied by a full-paying adult. For the first time, Kids Week has been extended to ages 17 and under (previously 16 and under) for families with teenage children who missed out in 2020. The offer looks slightly different this year; although it will be the same fantastic deal in terms of what you pay, instead of one full price adult ticket and one free child ticket (as in previous years) all tickets are presented as half price. As always, there are no booking fees.

The safety of audiences and staff throughout Kids Week is our highest priority. Our industry-wide See it Safely mark, displayed at theatres across London, assures theatregoers that participating venues are following the latest Government guidance for live arts events.

Kids Week bookers can benefit from our ‘Book with Confidence, Exchange with Ease’ pledge, allowing them the opportunity to exchange up to 24 hours prior to a performance if they are unable to attend due to Covid. 

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DARLINGTON PANTOMIME FANS SHALL GO TO THE BALL!

Steps star Faye Tozer leads the cast of this year’s Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes, Cinderella, at Darlington Hippodrome in December.

Darlington Hippodrome has announced that much-loved singer and television personality Faye Tozer will headline this year’s Hippodrome pantomime, Cinderella, from Friday 10 December.

As one fifth of the multi award-winning pop band Steps for the last two decades, Faye and her band-mates released over twenty hit singles, five chart-topping studio albums and toured the nation nine times with their inimitable style of pop and famous dance routines, amassing record sales of over 20 million worldwide. After a brief hiatus the group reformed to celebrate their 20th anniversary, releasing new critically acclaimed material delighting existing fans and winning them legions of new ones. Most recently the group combined forces with Michelle Visage, releasing their celebrated hit Heartbreak in this City.

Outside of the Steps-phere, Faye has also enjoyed an extensive theatre career, starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s one-woman musical Tell Me On A Sunday to great critical acclaim, the UK tour of Love Shack, Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens in London’s West End, Me and My Girl and Over The Rainbow where she played the late Eva Cassidy as well as appearing in numerous pantomimes. In 2018 Faye took part in the sixteenth series of BBC1’s primetime show, Strictly Come Dancing. Coupled with Giovanni Pernice, the pair sashayed into the final and wowed audiences with their incredible footwork, only narrowly missing out on winning the coveted glitter ball trophy. Before she line-dances her way into Darlington, Faye will star in the hit musical Singin’ in the Rain at London’s Sadler’s Wells theatre.

Cinderella will see pantomime make its long-awaited return to Darlington Hippodrome following the closure of the venue due to the Covid pandemic, brought to audiences by the critically-acclaimed production team behind the last twenty festive productions. The show will be packed full of the magical ingredients Darlington audiences have come to expect from their annual festive pantomime, including special effects, hilarious comedy and plenty of audience participation in a celebration of festive joy following such unprecedented times.

Chief Executive of Crossroads Pantomimes Michael Harrison said: “Faye is undoubtedly an absolute star, and a natural at pantomime, bringing all of her undeniable warmth, humour, fancy footwork and stunning vocals. We’re delighted to be able to team up with her once again and let her cast her spell over Darlington audiences and bring back the magic of pantomime now that we are able to do so.”

Heather Tarran-Jones, Programming and Development Director of Darlington Hippodrome said “We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Faye will be with us for Cinderella and I am sure she will be a great hit with audiences of all ages.”

Cinderella runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Friday 10 to Friday 31 December 2021. Tickets are on sale now, with early booking advised. For full details and to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call 01325 405405.

BRIAN EPSTEIN PROJECT TO HONOUR LATE LIVERPOOL MUSIC LEGEND

New £100,000 fundraising target to develop a further lasting legacy in the name of the ‘Fifth Beatle’

Partnership announced with Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Association Hall of Fame & Museum

The whole world is being urged to ‘come together’ to honour the late Brian Epstein with a lasting memorial to the man who helped change the face of popular music forever.

The Brian Epstein Legacy Project – which is being relaunched following a pause in activity due to the pandemic – will see the creation of a statue of the late legendary music entrepreneur, while additional money that is raised will be dedicated to developing a wider legacy in his memory.

And the campaign, first unveiled as The Brian Epstein Statue Project in 2019, today also announced a new Stateside partnership with the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Association Hall of Fame & Museum – helping to champion plans on the global stage.

The appeal is currently a third of the way towards an initial £60,000 target for the proposed new statue which will be created by renowned Liverpool sculptor Andy Edwards and sited at a key Liverpool location yet to be revealed.

Generous sums have so far been received from people in more than a dozen countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Sweden, Italy and France – as well as a substantial anonymous donation.

Now it is hoped the appeal will go on to raise a minimum of £100,000, enabling it to further honour Brian’s energy and vision.

The Beatles’ former manager, born in Liverpool in 1934, is credited with catapulting the Fab Four to global success and has been fondly dubbed the ‘Fifth Beatle’ to underline his central role in their stratospheric rise to become the most famous band the world has ever seen.

Yet while there are dozens of Beatles’ statues and monuments across several continents, there is no lasting tribute to recognise and celebrate the vital part he played in the band’s history, nor how he changed the face and sound of popular music.

Brian owned NEMS record shop in Whitechapel. It was a lunchtime visit to The Cavern Club in the heart of Liverpool to watch a four-piece rock and roll band on 9 November 1961 which would change the course of history. Music and life in Liverpool would never be the same again. That band was The Beatles – whom Brian would go on to manage.

In addition to the Fab Four, he also nurtured a number of other star performers including Cilla Black, Gerry and The Pacemakers, Billy J Kramer and The Dakotas, The Chants, The Scaffold and The Moody Blues.

There are several film projects about his life and career which are currently in development.

The Brian Epstein Legacy Project committee includes cultural campaigner and activist Tom Calderbank; Beatles fan Marie Darwin who waspart of a group who campaigned for a plaque to be placed on the birthplace of Brian Epstein; Beatles historians, researchers and authors Kevin and Julie Roach, and son Robert; Larry Sidorczuk was the personal assistant to the late Joe Flannery, Brian Epstein’s original business partner and bookings manager; and Bill Elms, a producer of the smash hit play Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, which was staged in Liverpool and London’s West End.

Tom Calderbank, who is leading the project, said: “Following the pause in our campaign due to the pandemic, we’ve now got fresh wind in our sails.

“Our new partnership with the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame & Museum is a major part of that. They have helped us revamp our marketing and web presence and injected fresh energy into the project. Watch this space for future announcements.

“In addition, an anonymous donor has given us £10,000, doubling our funds so far.

“We now need £40,000 to complete the statue. Once completed, however, the sculpture will be only phase one of the wider project.

“Phase two aims to raise at least another £40,000 to establish a musical instrument library, to give access to music to underprivileged young people across the Liverpool City Region and help develop the next generation of talent.

“Phase three will then look further afield to see what can be achieved to celebrate and develop Brian’s legacy.

“We’re all very excited at what’s to come.”

And Ralph Kluseman, President of the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame & Museum, added: “As a lifelong Beatles fan, and a great admirer of Brian Epstein’s vision, drive and determination, I’m really pleased to be connected with the project – and with the dedicated team based in Liverpool.

“Brian needs his legacy to be recognised and we want to help; without him the world would never have been blessed with The Beatles and so much more.”

Andy Edwards is best known for his famous statue of The Beatles located at Liverpool’s world-famous Liverpool Pier Head, and co-sculpted the statue of Cilla Black in Mathew Street.

Meanwhile his poignant sculpture The Truce can be found in the grounds of St Luke’s the Bombed Out Church and depicts the historic moment on Christmas Day 1914 when a game of football spontaneously broke out between British and German soldiers on the First World War battlefield.

The Brian Epstein Legacy Project also has the support of Liverpool-born actor Andrew Lancel, who portrayed Brian in the smash hit play Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles on stage in Liverpool and London’s West End to critical acclaim.

He later played Brian again in a UK wide tour of Cilla The Musical –and is a huge advocate of recognising all Brian achieved.

He said: “Brian’s contribution to the music industry, The Beatles, Liverpool, and the world really was incomparable. And I can think of few people more worthy of this tribute in his home city.”

Donations can be made by visiting https://www.thefifthbeatlestory.com/

FOLLOW:

Website:         www.thefifthbeatlestory.com/

Facebook:       @BrianEpsteinLegacyProject

Twitter:           @epsteinlegacy

Video:             https://vimeo.com/359005122

Instagram:       https://www.instagram.com/thefifthbeatlestory 

THE TURBINE THEATRE, THE CINEMA IN THE ARCHES AND BATTERSEA POWER STATION PRESENT 

SUMMER SHOWTIME ON THE COALING JETTY 

RUNNING FROM 17 JULY – 30 AUGUST 2021 

Following its smash 2020 run, Summer Showtime on The Coaling Jetty is back for 2021. Hosted on the historic Coaling Jetty on the River Thames in front of the Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station, London’s only open-air cinema and theatre experience will feature special theatre and comedy performances from The Turbine Theatre and film screenings from The Cinema in The Arches, formerly known as Archlight Cinema. Both retailers can usually be found nestled under the railway arches in Circus West Village, a thriving riverside neighbourhood for London and the first completed chapter in the regeneration of Battersea Power Station. 

Following sold out performances last year of popular musical Hair, theatre fans heading to Summer Showtime on The Coaling Jetty will be spoilt for choice with exciting performances from members of the renowned Brit School, productions of Jane Eyre, Romeo & Juliet, The Best of Frankie Valli, family-friendly Wind in The Willows, Beauty in the Beast and Three Little Pigs, as The Turbine Theatre takes to the stage again. There will also be double the laughs this year as comedian and member of comedy sketch group Daphne, Phil Wang, joins the line-up.   

Paul Taylor-Mills, Artistic Director, The Turbine Theatre, said: 

“After a successful Summer Showtime last year, we’re thrilled to be welcoming audiences back to the beautiful Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station. The notion of presenting live entertainment came out of necessity to ensure we continue to engage our audiences. It’s wonderful that we can bring this outdoor experience back for a second year and extend the theatre’s reach across this exciting riverside neighbourhood at the foot of the iconic Battersea Power Station. We’re looking forward to hosting a variety of work such as Shakespeare, compilation musical performances, comedy and our first children’s musical; Wind in the Willows.  

The Wind in the Willows is a beautiful and enchanting musical production written by Academy Award winner Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) with music by the award-winning Stiles & Drewe (Mary Poppins). The show was last seen at the London Palladium in 2018 and has been specially adapted for a more intimate outdoor performance. It promises to be the perfect Summer treat for all the family, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to Summer Showtime on The Coaling Jetty.” 

Extra measures are being taken to ensure the safety of visitors attending Summer Showtime on The Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station. One-way systems and signage have been installed for guidance to help everyone entering the development keep a safe distance and hand sanitisers are located across the site.  

Travelling to Battersea Power Station couldn’t be easier. The riverside destination is accessible by bus, bike, car, train and tube. Or why not hop on board an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to Battersea Power Station pier for a one of a kind journey on the Thames – only a 15-minute journey from Embankment, 20 minutes from Blackfriars, 30 minutes from Putney and 40 minutes from Canary Wharf.  

For the full Summer Showtime schedule including film screenings from The Cinema in The Arches and more information on Battersea Power Station, please visit https://bpwrstn.com/summershowtime and follow @BatterseaPwrStn to keep up to date with the latest news and events. 

SUMMER SHOWTIME ON THE COALING JETTY

THE TURBINE THEATRE PERFORMANCES

 

HENRY V 

The Brit School 

Saturday 17 July @ 11:00 

Running Time: 70-90 Minutes – No Interval  

Recommended Age: 12+ 

7th July @ 11:00, 13:00 & 15:00 

In this version of Henry V, the eponymous hero acts not to save the country, but to save face and his own career. Twas ever thus, of course – but the stakes were never anywhere near this high. A Covid ridden, post-Brexit Britain appears as a post-apocalyptic wasteland, standing in stark contrast to a vibrant, multicultural Europe. The villains of politics wash us with verbose rallying calls while our reality yields to further swathes of grey, turgid, English blandishments. We are the living animals being tested upon by the privileged, as they buffered and untarnished with offshore bank accounts statements as shields. 

*** 

THE TEMPEST 

The Brit School 

Saturday 17 July @ 13:00 

Running Time: 70-90 Minutes – No Interval  

Recommended Age: 12+ 

A group of migrants arrive in a new land and through Shakespeare’s Tempest they explore the meaning of love, forgiveness and new beginnings. Prospero uses magic to conjure a storm and torment the survivors of a shipwreck. Prospero’s Caliban, plots to rid himself of his master, but is thwarted by Prospero’s spirit-servant Ariel. The King’s young son Ferdinand, thought to be dead, falls in love with Prospero’s daughter Miranda. Their celebrations are cut short when Prospero confronts his brother and reveals his identity as the usurped Duke of Milan. The families are reunited and all conflict is resolved. Prospero grants Ariel his freedom and prepares to leave the island. 

*** 

AS YOU LIKE IT 

The Brit School 

Saturday 17 July @ 15:00 

Running Time: 70-90 Minutes – No Interval  

Recommended Age: 12+ 

In the kingdom of Duke Frederick, it’s the cold harsh grey world of business and money, money, money! Rosalind, the daughter of Fredrick’s brother the banished Duke Senior is cast out by Frederic and forced to run away to a new life in the forest of Arden with Celia, Frederick’s daughter and their motley friend Touchstone. Orlando tries to prove himself in Frederick’s world, but is forced to flee to the forest, to escape the jealousy of his brother Oliver, where he meets the banished Duke with his alternative way of living in harmony with the world. The Duke teaches Orlando this alternative way. It is here that he meets again Rosalind disguised as Ganymede, they both discover what it is to love, to be open, to be kind. A fun caper of mistaken identity, freedom to express and be yourself, in an open and inclusive world. Where you can live AS YOU LIKE IT. 

*** 

OUT OF THE THUNDERDOME 

​Sunday 18 July @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – Including interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

David Breeds: failed footballer, failed royal marine, accidental rock-climbing instructor, night shift factory worker, theme park ride operator and Apple genius, decided to try his hand at acting and singing. Isolated in lockdown, the Dear Evan Hansen star created a bizarre group of mythical friends who became way more popular than he ever was. 

The show features some of David’s favourite songs. Check out his TikTok account @david_breeds to get all the in jokes. Bring your own onesie.  

*** 

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS 

Wednesday 21 – Sunday 25 July 

Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes – Including interval  

Recommended Age: 3+ 

1st – 2resented with Theatrical Rights Worldwide 

Join Ratty, Badger, Mole and the impulsive Toad as they embark on a series of riotous adventures spiralling from Toad’s insatiable need for speed! 

The Wind in the Willows is a beautiful and enchanting musical production written by Academy Award winner Julian Fellowes with music by the award-winning Stiles & Drewe, presented by the Turbine Theatre, London.  

Last seen at the London Palladium in 2018, The Wind in the Willows has been specially adapted for a more intimate outdoor performance. 

*** 

QUEENS OF MT 2 feat. Tiana Biscuit 

Sunday 25 July @ 20:00

Running Time: 2 hours – Including interval

Recommended Age: 14+ (This performance contains scenes of an adult nature and strong language) 

An Evening of Show tunes on the River Thames with Drag Queens: River Medway, Kate Butch, Samantha Stone and your Host: Tiana Biscuit! 

Join these Broadway babes for ‘One Night Only’. They‘ll be singing some of your favourite tunes. This is guaranteed to be a ‘Sunday In The Park With George’ you’ll never forget! So, ‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’ and BOOK NOW!!! 

After the success of the first “Queens Of MT’, they’re back, back, back, back, back again, this time even bigger & better than before, and on The Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station!! Featuring some of your favourite musical theatre hits from some of London’s best Drag Queens! Last time sold very fast so make sure to grab a ticket now, to avoid missing out! 

*** 

JANE EYRE 

DOT Productions 

Tuesday 27 July @ 14:00 

Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes – Including interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

Charlotte Bronte’s masterpiece is brought vividly to life in this new stage adaptation. From the cruelty of Jane’s life as a child to the passions and mysterious secrets of her adult life, this is the story of Jane Eyre, an orphan with no love or family. Only the spirit to endure and grow into a strong and independent women. 

DOT Productions return in their 11th year of touring with another adaptation of a well-loved English classic. Charlotte Bronte’s bold and enduring novel is full of gothic drama and heart wrenching choices that translate onto the stage in a powerful production played out by 5 actors that is not to be missed! 

*** 

BARD IN THE YARD 

​A Will & Co Production  

Monday 2 August @ 14:00 

Running Time: 1 hour – No interval

Recommended Age: 10+ 

Will & Co Production 

They say Shakespeare Macbeth in plague quarantine… what they don’t say is that you helped, a lot. 

This “irresistible” (The Guardian) play by author and director Victoria Gartner is “funny and moving, not to mention immersive” (The Independent). 

William Shakespeare is stuck. Like, really stuck. Blank parchment stuck. He is trying to write a new masterpiece and has the weight of his company’s eager return to the stage on his shoulders. 

What’s more, his rival Ben Jonson, on top of making the best sourdough bread ever, also has a new play in the works… So he has decided to pick your brains and make sure this new show is the smash hit it is promising to be. 

This year, you can help the Bard write Macbeth!This new play is urgently requested by the King, on pain of all of our heads ending up on spikes. 

Bard in the Yard is an antidote to lockdown blues, as well as a moving and fun conversation between Shakespeare and you, the audience. 

Join us for this roller-coaster ride of classic monologues and plague quarantine travails, “delivered to perfection” (The Telegraph). 

*** 

ROMEO & JULIET 

A Sirrah Sisters Production  

Tuesday ​3 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour – No interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

Production 

An ancient grudge has torn the city and families apart, two teenagers find solace within each other, but at what cost? 

You know the story from GCSE English, now it’s our time to tell it with our female and non-binary cast. 

The Sirrah Sisters engage with audiences and communities from all backgrounds, presenting fun, dynamic, relatable and energetic productions of Shakespeare’s works, concentrating on Shakespeare’s imagery and storytelling, allowing the plays to be accessible and clear for all. We are forging our female and non-binary mark in productions famously and historically performed by all male casts. 

*** 

THE BEST OF FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS 

​Wednesday 4 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – No interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is a spectacular high-pitched celebration of timeless music from one of the biggest selling groups of all time. 

This nostalgic musical journey pays tribute to the life and career of those four boys from Jersey, who started singing under a street lamp but soon went on to become one of the most recognised groups in history. 

From the streets of New Jersey to the dizzying heights of the West End and Broadway, this incredible music has delighted audiences for over five decades. The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons features all your favourite songs including Sherry, My Eyes Adored You, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and many more. 

Featuring cast members from the smash hit Tony award-winning show Jersey Boys and other hit West End musicals, The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons will leave you on a ‘high’ and guarantee you’ll be saying ‘Oh, What A Night! 

*** 

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS 

​An Unusual Theatre Company Production  

Wednesday 4 – Saturday 7 August 

Running Time: 55 Minutes – No interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

 Theatre Company Production 

This new version of the classic story is full of catchy songs, clever rhymes and silly charm, but also has some very smart things to say about home and family. 

Join Bar, Bee and Q, this Summer as they set off into the big wide world, to build their three little houses out of hay, sticks and bricks, but will they escape the Big Bad Wolf? 

He can huff and puff until the cows come home, but will the Wolf get the better of the three little superstar piglets in this new version of the family musical, retelling the classic story live on stage! 

From the award-winning writers of the international smash hit Mary Poppins, this fun-filled musical is directed by Victoria Gimby (Rock Of Ages UK tour & Myth with Arlene Phillips) along with Musical Director Flynn Sturgeon (Soho Cinders at The Charing Cross Theatre & The Roles We’ll Never Play at The London Palladium). 

Full of catchy songs, jokes and japes for little ones and adults alike, this endearing musical will leave you squealing with glee and howling with laughter. It’s the perfect family show to keep your little piggies entertained this summer! 

*** 

THE GRAD FEST 

​A Grad Fest Production  

Thursday 5 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – No interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

Liam Gartland and Alice Croft of The Grad Fest have brought together a group of 10 incredibly talented 2021 drama school graduates to showcase the future of our industry. Directed by Alex Conder, the show will also feature a very exciting special guest host/keyboard player for the graduates. 

*** 

 

THE PHANTASTICS 

​Friday 6 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour – No interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

An extraordinary male classical crossover group featuring some of London’s top leading men from The Phantom of the Opera and other West End musicals! Let your fantasies unwind as they showcase the world’s greatest musical theatre and incredible pop, rock and opera ballads. Here are the exceptional vocal talents of The Phantastics. 

*** 

ROLES WE’LL NEVER PLAY 

​A Tom Duern Production – Hosted by Grace Mouat  

Sunday 8 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes – Including interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

After two successful West End weekends at The Apollo Theatre (December 2020) & The Vaudeville (May 2021), we are excited to be back on The Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station. 

Roles We’ll Never Play will see a star-studded cast singing songs outside of their casting brackets. Notable performances in the last concert included a show stopping ‘All Male’ version of ‘Ex-Wives’ from Six the Musicaland power house leading lady Alice Fearn ending the show with an incredible rendition of Santa Fe from Disney’s Newsies. 

This is an exceptional cast so expect big performances and show stopping vocals. 

*** 

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 

​A Scott Theatre Production  

Tuesday 17 August @ 14:00 

Running Time: 1 hour – No interval

Recommended Age: 5+ 

 Theatre Production 

Hermia loves Lysander. Lysander loves Hermia. But Demetrius loves Hermia. And Helena loves Demetrius. They all run into the woods where the mischievous sprite Puck has plenty of tricks in store for them! Meanwhile, the local cricket team is getting together to rehearse a play… 

Join Scoot on The Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station for our family-friendly, sixty-minute production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Whether you’re five or 105, a Shakespeare newcomer or a Bard aficionado – we’ve got something for everyone! 

**** “I loved it” The Telegraph 

“Hilarious…accessible for all ages” The Family Stage 

*** 

 

CRIME SCENE IMPROVISATION 

​Thursday 19 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour – No interval

Recommended Age: 12+ 

No one knows who the killer is; not even the cast! Crime Scene Improvisation is a rip-roaring comedy entirely made up on the spot to solve a surreal murder chosen by the audience.  

“The slickest and quickest improv at the [Edinburgh] Fringe” – Wee Review 2019 

Once you’ve picked your victim, grab your detective hats and prepare to laugh as you meet the suspects, grill them in a line up, and ultimately decide who’s off to the clanger. 

“Innovation and top-tier entertainment” ★★★★★ – The Wee Review 

“A spectacular must see” ★★★★★ – Bunbury Magazine 

“Spontaneous mastery” ★★★★ – Fringebiscuit 

*** 

VOICES & LYRICS 

A G&J Production

Friday 20 August @ 17:00 

Running Time: 1 hour – No interval

Recommended Age: 15+ (This performance contains strong language)  

  G&J Production 

Voices & Lyrics debuted at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton as a musical theatre cabaret show celebrating “b” side musicals and musical theatre writers. Over the years Voices & Lyrics has returned featuring some incredible musical theatre performers sharing many stand-alone songs that don’t get heard as often as commercial musicals touring the country. 

*** 

FATT BUTCHER’S DISCO BINGO 

Presented by Fatt Projects  

Friday 20 August @ 20:30 

Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes – Including interval

Recommended Age: 16+ (This performance contains strong language)  

20th August @ 20:3rojects 

WARNING: this is not your ordinary bingo, Fatt Butcher’s Disco Bingo is a FULL-ON PRODUCTION BABES!

Join Birmingham’s queen of [bingo] balls, statement earrings and sausage rolls, Fatt Butcher for an unmissable night of outrageous performance, party poppers, and prizes, with a wall to wall soundtrack of disco beats from superstar DJ Sophie Ellis Bisto. 

A critically acclaimed artist and winner of many awards, Fatt’s Butcher has been described by NME as ‘ramshackle’ and by trolls on Twitter as ’the accelerating decline of humanity’ (accolades of which they are understandably proud). See you there babes! 

*** 

BEAUTY & THE BEAST 

Presented by IPK

Saturday 21 August @ 14:30 

Running Time: 2 hours – Including interval

Recommended Age: 3+  

Following their sell-out success with The Wonderful Wizard of Ozin 2021, IKP are proud to present this enchanting production which promises to be fast-paced, family-friendly and fun, so prepare to be amazed and amused as IKP give this tale of adventure and acceptance their trademark ‘bonkers’ treatment. 

*** 

IN PIECES 

​Future Spotlight Productions  

Sunday 22 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour 20 minutes – No interval

Recommended Age: 12+ (This performance contains strong language)  

Get lost in theatrical magic as we see this brand-new musical by Joey Contreras come to life in one exhilarating feature film with live performances from the stars of the film and West End Stars alongside some new talent. 

Directed by Louis Rayneau, Choreography by Rachel Sargent & Produced by Future Spotlight Productions. 

Our love lives are constantly in pieces. Shifting in and out of feeling fully complete. But you never know how a single spark one day can unlock a new you, so we make a choice at the crossroad, we say yes to the coffee date, and wherever that leads, we learn to embrace the journey. 

Could it be another New York love story? 

LISTINGS

SUMMER SHOWTIME ON THE COALING JETTY  

17 JULY – 30 AUGUST 2021 

Address: The Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station, Circus West Village, London, SW11 8EZ 

Website/Box Office/Tickets: TheTurbineTheatre.com 

The Theatre Cafe:  The Turbine Theatre ticketing will be powered by The Theatre Cafe, West End’s stagiest destination and social platform. 

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @TurbineTheatre 

#PoweringTheImagination 

TUCK SHOP WEST END

A SUMMER FESTIVAL OF BRITISH DRAG – THE FIRST EVER IN THE WEST END, ANOTHER TUCKSHOP FIRST!

AT THE GARRICK THEATRE

27 JULY – 8 AUGUST 2021

FEATURING SHOWS FROM DRAG RACE FAVOURITES, THE BEST OF THE DRAG KING SCENE, GIGS FROM GALS ALOUD AND THE SPICE GALS, DIVERSE CABARET, DRAG BINGO AND MORE!

TuckShop – the UK’s only specialist production company devoted all things drag, and the team behind the 2019 sell-out hit Cinderella – the UK’s first ever all drag pantomime in the West End – and the recent critically acclaimed comedy Death Drop – the first all drag spectacular in a West End playhouse – will present TUCK SHOP WEST END, a summer festival of drag shows and performances from 27 July – 8 August, at the Garrick Theatre; the first time a West End theatre has hosted such a celebration of homegrown talent.

The season will see a season of incredible British Drag, including RuPaul’s Drag Race favourites Joe Black, and Ginny Lemon both take to the West End stage with solo shows; the five-star smash Gals Aloud featuring Cheryl Hole will play two gigs; Star of Death Drop LoUis CYfer hosts All The Kings Men, a regal night full of Drag King excellence from Oedipussi Rex, Richard Energy, Sigi MoonLight, Len Blanco and more; the Spice Gals perform with DRAG SOS star Tete Bang; Baga Chipz brings two nights of hilarious classic drag live with the Broads of soho – Lola Lasagne, Rose Garden, Mrs Moore and LoUis CYfer– be ready for the unexpected. Charlie Hides, from Drag Race US brings their CRAZY bingo night to the stage; Born This Way, an epic tribute to Lady Gaga plays host to viral sensation Bailey J Mills, and an incredible line up including HERR, Ophelia Love, Jason Kwan, Bones and more. Juno Birch and Liquorice Black bring their Absolutely Completely Normal cabaret to the West End for the first time ; a night of the spectacular Bitten Peach – the UK’s only gender-diverse Pan-Asian cabaret collective, and The Cocoa Butter Club showcasing an exciting roster of queer performers of colour. The festival climaxes on 8 August with Drag Me to the Musicals, a night of the best of theatre, with a fierce, fabulous and funny Drag Twist with some exciting special guests. 

Producer Chris Clegg said, “After an incredible smash hit summer with Death Drop, I’m beyond delighted that Nica Burns and the incredible Nimax team have asked Tuck Shop back to the Garrick for the West End’s first ever drag season. This festival is showcasing all kinds of drag in the biggest and best ways! I hope audiences come and experience the broad scope of what the UK drag scene has to offer in a way like never before. And be sure to book four shows – you’ll get a tucking good discount!”

Tickets for individual shows start from £17.50, with audience members who purchase four shows enjoying 25% off the total price – https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/

FULL LINE UP FOR TUCK SHOP WEST END:

Ginny Lemon – Tues 27th July – 7.30pm: A night of madness, music, mayhem, and more madness from Drag Race UK’s hilarious Ginny Lemon. Supported by Midgette Bardot and Yshee Black. 

Joe Black – Weds 28th July – 7.30pm : Joe Black is coming to the West End for a gin-soaked, hilarious musical extravaganza. 

Holly Stars: Comedy Club – Thurs 29th July – 7.30pm: Star, and writer, of Death Drop and the Amazon Prime/OUTtv’s INSPIRATIONAL, leads this hilarious comedy night! Iincredbile hilarious line up to be announced. 

Gals Aloud – Friday 30th July 7.30 / 10.30pm: Starring Cheryl Hole from Drag Race UK. The FIVE-Star smash hit comedy Gals Aloud are coming to the West End for the first time. This is the ultimate drag tribute to the best girl band of this millennium… Girls Aloud! Direct from smash hit seasons at the Underbelly Festival, Manchester, and Christmas in Leicester Square, Nadine, Cheryl, Kimberley, Nicola and Sarah are back, as you’ve never seen them before, in a show packed full of the biggest hits from their classic solo singles, hilarious TV appearances, plus the return of the one and only; Javine!

Drag Queen Bingo: with Charlie Hides – Saturday 31st July 7.30pm: A raucous, hilarious, madcap night of bingo in an actual west end theatre with Drag Race star Charlie Hides. Amazing prizes to be won, and a lot of fun to be had. 

Born this Way: A tribute to Gaga – Saturday 31st July 10.30pm: An iconic tribute to Mother Monster, with some of the best drag the UK has to offer. It’s going to be Stupid, Love. All the hits, looks, and iconic moments you’d expect from Lady Gaga, with a fierce drag twist. Featuring HERR, Ophelia Love, Bones, Jason Kwan, and Bailey Jay Mills.

All the Kings Men – Sunday 1st August – 7.30pm: LoUis CYfer pulls together the best of the best from the incredible Drag King scene, including Richard Energy, Oedipussi Rex, Dorian T. Fisk, Len Blanco, Sigi MoonLight and more. 

Baga and the Broads – Tuesday 3rd / Wednesday 4th August 7.30pm: Baga Chipz headlines this raucous, who-knows-what-could-happen night live in the West End with some of the staples of the UK Drag scene… Son of a Tutu, Mrs Moore, Lola Lasagne, LoUis CYfer, and Rose Garden. Join them for a night of classic british drag like nothing ever seen on a West End stage before. 

The Bitten Peach – Thursday 5th August – 7.30pm: The Bitten Peach is the UK’s only gender-diverse Pan-Asian cabaret collective made up of performers of Asian descent working in a variety of nightlife performance genres, including drag, burlesque, dance, comedy, music, and circus. Founded in 2019, The Bitten Peach is dedicated to increasing and diversifying Asian representation on the drag and cabaret scene. 

Juno Birch and Liquorice Black: ABSOLUTELY COMPLETELY NORMAL CABARET – Friday 6th August 7.30pm: Two absolutely completely normal humans Juno Birch and Liquorice Black grace the West End for the first time. Full of camp chaos and sparkly sexiness. Get your tickets now to witness the stunningness! yes that’s happening!

Spice Gals – Friday 6th August 10.30pm: If you wanna love my lover, you’ve gotta tuck with my friends… The Spice Girls are back as you’ve never seen them before in SPICE GALS. Spice Up Your Life as Baby, Sporty, Posh, Scary and Ginger come Right Back Atcha with this hilarious, fierce, camp drag show will have you reliving all the best moments and biggest hits of the Spice Girls. This hilarious and fierce full drag show takes you on the highs, the lows, the break ups, and the reunions! You don’t Wannabe be missing this fabulous night as they Swing, Shake, Move and Make your night!

The Cocoa Butter Club – Saturday 7th August 7.30pm / 10.30pm: A night of daring drag, designed to decolonise and moisturise your life, is coming to take the stage of The Garrick! It’s time for a thick, generous serving of the UK’s premier platform for showcasing and celebrating Performers of Colour. An award-winning affair; expect everything from Burlesque to Circus, Voguing to Vocals, and Regal AF pieces by our Kings, Queens, Otherworldly Beings. 

Remember, The Cocoa Butter Club DO.NOT.PLAY and AAAAALWAYS SLAY

They’re the Black-British led collective that promises to have us screamin’ “oooweee, smells like Cocoa Buttuh up in hurrr!” 

Drag me to the Musicals – Sunday 8th August 7.30pm: A camp ol’ knees up salute to musicals, with a fierce drag twist. Expect surprise guests from the West End! 

With the huge rise in drag popularity over the last ten years, TuckShop is at the forefront of UK Drag culture, coming hot off the heels of Chris’s fifteen years’ experience in the West End as a producer, theatre manager, and marketing expert. As well as creating bespoke productions and producing nationwide tours, TuckShop also represent some of the UK’s best Drag talent, raising their profile through branding, promotion and regular bookings. With new productions in development, an ever expanding roster of headline performers and our new online store, TuckShop works tirelessly to give Drag the leg-up it deserves.

WEST END TRANSFER ANNOUNCED

Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Royal & Derngate, Northampton present

Ralph Fiennes

in the world premiere stage adaptation of

FOUR QUARTETS 

By T.S.Eliot
Directed by Ralph Fiennes

 Designer Hildegard Bechtler
Lighting Designer Tim Lutkin
Sound Designer Christopher Shutt
Creative Producer James Dacre

Harold Pinter Theatre, London
18 November to 18 December 2021

Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Royal & Derngate, Northampton are delighted to announce that Ralph Fiennes’s world premiere stage adaptation of T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets will transfer to London’s Harold Pinter Theatre for 36 performances only from 18 November to 18 December 2021.

This critically acclaimed production re-opened Theatre Royal Bath in May 2021, and launched Royal & Derngate’s Made in Northampton season as well as helping reopen theatres across the country by touring to Oxford Playhouse from 14 – 26 June Cambridge Arts Theatre 28 June – 10 July, Southampton MAST 12 – 17 July, Malvern Theatre 19 – 24 July and York Theatre Royal 26 – 31 July 2021

Nobel Prize winner T.S. Eliot is one of the giants of modern literature. Compelling, moving and symphonic, Four Quartets was the culminating achievement of his career as a poet, offering four interwoven meditations on the nature of time, faith, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment. Mostly written during WWII when the closure of playhouses during the Blitz interrupted Eliot’s work in theatre, the Four Quartets (Burnt Norton, East Coker, The Dry Salvages and Little Gidding), contain some of the most exquisite and unforgettable reflections upon surviving periods of national crisis.

Ralph Fiennes’s distinguished stage work is matched by performances in some of the greatest films of our time. The winner of a Tony Award for playing Hamlet, he has worked extensively in theatre, where his recent credits include Antony and Cleopatra, Richard III and The Master Builder. His numerous film roles include a BAFTA award winning performance in Schindler’s List; The English Patient; The Grand Budapest Hotel; The Constant Gardner; Skyfall; In Bruges; The Dig and The Harry Potter series.

Four Quartets is directed by Ralph Fiennes who will be joined by a remarkable creative team including Hildegard Bechtler (Designer) who won an Olivier Award for After the Dance at the National Theatre and received nominations for Top Hat and Oresteia; Tim Lutkin (Lighting), winner of an Olivier Award for Chimerica and Christopher Shutt (Sound), winner of a Tony Award for War Horse. The Assistant Director is Eva Sampson and the Movement Director is Fin Walker.

Four Quartets is presented by Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Royal & Derngate, Northampton as part of the venue’s 2021 Made in Northampton season.

GEMMA KNIGHT JONES AND SAM OLADEINDE JOIN THE CAST OF INTERNATIONAL AWARD-WINNING ‘BEST MUSICAL’

PHOENIX THEATRE, LONDON FROM 22 JULY

London, 1 July: As the multi award-winning Come From Away prepares to welcome audiences back to the Phoenix Theatre in London from 22 July, the international hit musical announces two new members of the London cast and confirms the full Come From Away UK family, on and off stage.

Gemma Knight Jones (Falsettos, Sister Act UK Tour, Hairspray UK Tour, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) will play Hannah and others, and Sam Oladeinde (Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, A Christmas Carol, The Prince of Egypt) will play Bob and others.

They join the current London cast Jenna Boyd (Beulah and others), James Doherty (Claude and others), Mary Doherty (Bonnie and others), Mark Dugdale (Kevin T/Garth and others), Alice Fearn (Beverley/Annette and others), Kate Graham (Diane and others), Alasdair Harvey (Nick/Doug and others), Jonathan Andrew Hume (Kevin J/Ali and others), Harry Morrison (Oz and others), and Emma Salvo (Janice and others) with Chiara Baronti, Ricardo Castro, Stuart Hickey, Sorelle Marsh, Alexander McMorran, Micha Richardson, Jennifer Tierney and Matthew Whennell-Clark.

The UK production team forCome From Away includes Claire Sibley (Company Manager), Diane Norburn (Stage Manager on the Book), Alexandra Legg (Assistant Stage Manager), Sophie Macfadyen (Assistant Stage Manager), Joey Pocket (Assistant Stage Manager), Alice Jenkins (Rehearsal Assistant Stage Manager), Andy Yiannaki (Sound No. 1), Rebecca Page (Sound No. 2), Olivia McColl (Sound No. 3), Oliver Burridge (Sound No. 3 Maternity Cover), Thomas King (Automation), Rose Connelly (Head of Wardrobe), Lucy Edgeworth (Wardrobe Assistant), Derek Johnston (Dresser), Rochelle Porter (Head of Wigs), Milly Roberts-Smith (Head of Wigs Maternity Cover), Jasmine Roy (Wigs Assistant), Josh Attwood (LX Show Chief), Alex Wintle (Deputy Show LX), Suzie Harrison (Follow Spot Operator), Jemma Newton (Follow Spot Operator), Anthony Pearson (Technical Swing), Playful Productions and Smith & Brant Theatricals (General Management), Luke Shires Marketing (Marketing Directors), Natalie McCormack (Ticketing and Sales Management), AKA (Artwork Design and Advertising), Mediacom (Digital Media), Matthew Murphy (Production Photographer), Story House PR (Press Representative), Shine Creative Solutions (Partnerships and Promotions), Chris Luscombe (Health and Safety Consultant), Sophie Lane (Physiotherapist), Ross Williams (General Manager of the Phoenix Theatre), Chris Ioannou (Assistant General Manager of the Phoenix Theatre), Vivienne Litherland (Phoenix Theatre Administrator), Mark Poisson (Phoenix Theatre Sales and Ticketing Manager), Charlotte Bezant (Phoenix Theatre Deputy Sales and Ticketing Manager), Alice Mowatt and Harry Cutts (Phoenix Theatre Box Office Assistants), Gary Swain (Phoenix Theatre Master Carpenter), Rebecca Wide (Phoenix Theatre Deputy Master Carpenter), Gary Hamilton (Phoenix Theatre Chief Electrician), Tamsyn Ross (Phoenix Theatre Deputy Chief Electrician), Kayleigh Aston, Lauren Donnelly and Emma Harper (Phoenix Theatre Customer Experience Supervisors), Simon Moore (Phoenix Theatre Cellar Person), Kellie Barker and Rebecca Zamani (Phoenix Theatre Stage Door Keepers).

The Come From Away Creative team include Irene Sankoff and David Hein (Book, Music and Lyrics), Christopher Ashley (Director), Kelly Devine (Musical Staging), Ian Eisendrath (Music Supervision and Arrangements), Beowulf Boritt (Scenic Design), Toni-Leslie James (Costume Design), Howell Binkley (Lighting Design), Gareth Owen (Sound Design), David Brian Brown (Hair Design), August Eriksmoen (Orchestrations), Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG (Casting), Joel Goldes (Dialect Coach), Michael Rubinoff (Creative Consultant), Bob Hallett (Newfoundland Music Consultant),  Shirley Fishman (Dramaturg), Tara Overfield Wilkinson (Associate Director and Choreographer UK), Kirsty Malpass (Assistant Director and Choreographer UK), Richard J. Hinds (Associate Choreographer US), Jenna Carino (Associate Scenic Designer), Devario Simmons (Associate Costume Designer), Ryan O’Gara (Associate Lighting Designer US), Warren Letton (Associate Lighting Designer and Programmer UK), Russell Godwin (Associate Sound Designer), Matt Towell (Production Manager), Chris Marcus and Jonathan Hall (Props Supervisor), Sabrina Cuniberto (Costume Supervisor), and Betty Marini (Hair and Wigs Supervisor).

The Come From Away band includes Alan Berry (Musical Director/UK Musical Supervisor), Matt Bashford (Whistles/Irish Flute/Uillean Pipes), Aoife Mairead Ní Bhriain (Fiddle), Oli Briant (Electric/Acoustic Guitar), Justin Quinn (Acoustic Guitars/Mandolins/Bouzouki), Joey Grant (Electric and Acoustic Bass),  Ray Fean (Bodhrán/Percussion), Ian Whitehead (Drums/Percussion), Huw Evans (Associate Musical Director), Andrew Barrett for Lionella Music, LLC (Electronic Music Design), Phij Adams (Associate Keyboard Programmer), Ryan Driscoll (Music Preparation), and David Gallagher (Orchestral Management).

Come From Away is produced in the UK by Junkyard Dog Productions and Smith & Brant Theatricals. The European premiere of Come From Away was co-produced with the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s National Theatre.

Winner of every major Best Musical award when it opened in the West End in March 2019, Come From Away tells the remarkable and inspiring true story of 7,000 stranded air passengers during the wake of 9/11, and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but as uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

Twenty years ago on 11 September 2001, the world stopped. On 12 September and in the years following, their stories of kindness, generosity and love have moved us all.

The international hit musical has celebrated sold-out, record-breaking engagements on Broadway, in Canada, throughout Australia, and on a 60-city North American Tour.

Tickets for Come From Away at the Phoenix Theatre are available via comefromawaylondon.co.uk.

WILTSHIRE CREATIVE ANNOUNCES

SNOW WHITE AND THE HAPPY EVER AFTER BEAUTY SALON

THIS CHRISTMAS

Salisbury Playhouse, part of Wiltshire Creative, today anounces Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon by Mike Akers as their festive family show opening on 8 December, with previews from 3 December, and running until 31 December. Directed by Gareth Machin, with music by Tayo Akinbode, lyrics by Mike Akers, and additional songs by Christopher Peake,the production enables Wiltshire Creative to share Christmas cheer with audiences this year following a revised performance plan; and 2022 will see the return of the full scale pantomime Cinderella.

Artistic Director Gareth Machin said today, Mike Akers has created a wonderful Christmas present for all the family. Working with our brilliant pantomime creative team, I know we’ll be able to bring the show to life with laughter, colour and joy. I can’t wait to share this magical production with our audience!

Executive Director Sebastian Warrack says, Christmas is an incredibly important time for Wiltshire Creative and we know that Snow White will bring sparkle and fun, as we look forward to a bright New Year.

SNOW WHITE AND THE HAPPY EVER AFTER BEAUTY SALON

Written by Mike Akers

Music by Tayo Akinbode, Lyrics by Mike Akers, with additional songs by Christopher Peake.

3 December – 31 December 2021

Director Gareth Machin; Designer James Button; Musical Director Christopher Peake; Choreographer Nicky Griffiths; Lighting Designer Nic Farman; Sound Designer Michael Scott;

Casting Director Gabrielle Dawes CDG

In a magical 1950s fairytale wonderland, young apprentice Snow is working hard in her Aunt Trish’s Beauty Salon. She curls the tails of the three little pigs, sharpens the teeth of the Big Bad Wolf, and perfectly sets Prince Charming’s quiff.

But, suddenly stumbling upon Aunt Trish’s magic mirror puts Snow’s life in peril.

Will she be able to survive as she heads underground and attempts to carve her own path to a happily ever after?

With toe-tapping live music, dazzling design, puppetry and laugh out loud entertainment, the show will delight the whole family this Christmas.

LISTINGS

SNOW WHITE AND THE HAPPY EVER AFTER BEAUTY SALON

Salisbury Playhouse, Wiltshire Creative

Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, SP2 7RA

https://bit.ly/SWNEWS21

Ticket Sales: 01722 320333

BE THE FIRST TO HEAR ABOUT NEW EVENTS BY BECOMING A MEMBER TODAY
MEMBERS PRIORITY BOOKING OPENS END OF JULY
Group Bookers please contact [email protected] 

CINDERELLA TICKET HOLDERS 

Your current booking will automatically transfer to 2022/2023 with no action needed. 

We are also offering ticket holders Membership benefits of priority booking for Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon and 10% discount off up to 2 tickets. 

Group Bookers will be contacted directly by the box office team to make revised arrangements with you. 
 

New bookings, credit or refunds can be arranged through the box office. 

In person at Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 3pm. 

By email [email protected] 

To arrange group or access bookings please phone 01722 320 333 Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 12pm.

Thank you for your patience as we are operating with a reduced box office team.