NEW DIORAMA THEATRE ANNOUNCES THEIR TENTH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

• In September New Diorama Theatre embarks on its tenth anniversary with their most ambitious season of ensemble and company work ever

• Nouveau Riche, curious directive, Police Cops and Ugly Bucket will each present their largest scale shows to date
  

• The season consists of three newly-commissioned world premieres and one London premiere, and coincides with the full re-opening of New Diorama Theatre and their City NDT Broadgate space

Artistic Director David Byrne says

“This September, New Diorama turns 10.

We’ve decided to celebrate with a total, complete blowout of a season – premiering four unmissable shows, concocted as an antidote for the last year. While other theatres might be focused on solo shows and revivals, we’re betting on new artists and ambitious work – resulting in the most thrilling season we’ve ever presented.

There’s going to be some tears, some moments of wonder, and a lot of laughter. Most importantly, we’ll be doing it all together again.

Come and join us. There’s ten candles on our cake this year, let’s blow it out together.”  

The season opens with the world premiere of internationally-renowned curious directive’s DECIPHERING (7 Sept – 2 Oct, 21). Inviting the audience on an inter-continental journey to the origins of human creativity, this new show blends expansive storytelling, innovative technology and international collaboration, taking them inside the real-life cave network containing the oldest graphic communication ever found. Conceived with Indonesian artist collective Bombo, who’ve been granted world-first access to this extraordinary site.

Following their ★★★★★ (Guardian) hit Typical and multi-award-winning Queens of Sheba, Nouveau Riche are one of the UK’s most exciting theatre companies. Commissioned by New Diorama, co-commissioned by Boundless Theatre, the world premiere of FOR BLACK BOYS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE HUE GETS TOO HEAVY (12 Oct – 6 Nov, 21) is the company’s biggest show to date. Written by Nouveau Riche’s Artistic Director Ryan Calais Cameron and directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, this landmark new play is located on the threshold of joyful fantasy and brutal reality: a world of music, movement, storytelling and verse – where six men clash and connect in a desperate bid for survival.

New Diorama has always been about young companies and new work. One of the most exciting groups to come out of the last few years is Liverpool-based Ugly Bucket, who blew us away at the National Student Drama Festival. Originally slated for the 2020 Edinburgh Fringe and shortlisted for the New Diorama and Underbelly Untapped Award, we’re thrilled to present the London premiere of GOOD GRIEF (14 & 15 Nov, 21), a hilarious gut-punch of a show on national tour. A dying man’s last wish: for Ugly Bucket to create a show about death. Will it be subtle? Will it be sophisticated? Probably not, but it’s his funeral. Literally.

And finally, we end the year with POLICE COPS: THE MUSICAL (23 Nov – 23 Dec, 21). Yes, really. Based on their multi-award-winning stage show that’s toured the world over, POLICE COPS THE MUSICAL is a cinematic comedy blockbuster joyride full of grit, guns and uncompromising facial hair – all set to a blasting 80s power-pop soundtrack. Commissioned by New Diorama and co-commissioned by the Lowry and New Wolsey Theatre, an expanded cast and a live band supercharge the company’s unique physical comedy mayhem for their most ambitious show yet.

Hackney Empire presents
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

• FOR THE FIRST TIME OLIVIER-AWARD WINNER CLIVE ROWE AND PANTO VETERAN TONY WHITTLE WILL CO-DIRECT, AS WELL AS STAR IN, HACKNEY EMPIRE’S PANTOMIME JACK AND THE BEANSTALK THIS CHRISTMAS.
• IN WHAT WILL BE 120 YEARS SINCE OPENING, HACKNEY EMPIRE’S PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED PANTOMIME JACK AND THE BEANSTALK WILL OPEN ON 20 NOVEMBER 2021 AND RUN TO 2 JANUARY 2022.
• FULL PRINCIPAL CASTING IS ANNOUNCED WITH CLIVE ROWE TAKING TO THE STAGE ONCE MORE IN THE ICONIC ROLE OF THE DAME ALONGSIDE TONY WHITTLE AS COUNCILLOR HIGGINBOTTOM AND KAT B AS SIMPLE SIMON.
• TICKETS FOR JACK AND THE BEANSTALK ARE ON SALE NOW AT WWW.HACKNEYEMPIRE.CO.UK

For the first time, Olivier-Award winner Clive Rowe and Hackney panto veteran Tony Whittle will co-direct and star in Hackney Empire’s 2021 pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk which will run from 20 November to 2 January 2022. Both making their 14th pantomime appearance, Grande Dame Clive Rowe will star as Dame Daisy Trott while Tony Whittle will play Councillor Higginbottom.

Tony and Clive have a theatrical connection spanning the last 20 years and are really looking forward to working together as co-directors of this year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. Troilus and Cressida at Regent’s Park for the New Shakespeare Company was their first job together in 1998, a far cry from the custard pie-filled world they find themselves in now.

Clive Rowe and Tony Whittle said:
“We have a similar sense of humour and it is not uncommon for us to be in floods of tears making each other laugh, sometimes even on stage. We are both really looking forward to working with this new exciting pantomime team and having the best fun whilst creating a multi-generational, traditional Hackney pantomime.”

Full principal casting includes the legendary Kat B as Simple Simon, Zoe Curlett as Fenella Fleshcreep, Julie Jupp as Fairy Fusia, Ellie Ruiz Rodriguez as Jill Higginbottom, Rochelle Sherona as Jack Trot, Tony Whittle as Councillor Higginbottom and Clive Rowe as Dame Daisy Trott.  

Yamin Choudury, Artistic Director, and Jo Hemmant, Executive Director, from Hackney Empire said: “We are over the moon at the thought that panto will be happening at Hackney Empire this year. Seeing our beautiful theatre full of our wonderful audiences and friends once again will be amazing. We look forward to welcoming you in true Hackney Empire style – Oh yes we do!”

Marking the 22nd pantomime at the East End venue, Jack and the Beanstalk which was previously scheduled to open in December 2020 will have a press night on Thursday 2nd December 2021.  Tickets are on sale now from www.hackneyempire.co.uk.

So, as only Hackney Empire can, Jack and the Beanstalk will get the festive season underway once more, with all the fun, magic, mischievous mayhem, and razzle-dazzle that Hackney audiences love and sadly missed last Christmas.

When happy-go-lucky Jack is tempted into selling his family’s beloved cow for a fistful of magic beans, he finds himself tangled in an adventure of epic proportions! Join Jack on his journey up an enchanted beanstalk as he tries to outwit a rampaging giant, all with the help of his larger-than-life mum.

This tall-tale is packed full of slapstick comedy, laugh-out-loud gags, stunning costumes, dazzling song, and dance numbers, and plenty of chances to cheer, boo and hiss.  Hackney Empire’s pantomime has become one of the city’s most anticipated annual highlights bringing West End value at East End prices to attract an ever-growing local, national and global fanbase.

Over 44,000 people attended the 2020 pantomime Dick Whittington and His Cat including 10,000 schoolchildren. 41% of the audience were first-time visitors to Hackney Empire.
 

SAM MENDES ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF THEATRE ARTISTS FUND INTO TWO-YEAR PILOT BURSARY PROGRAMME

At today’s South Bank Arts Awards, in recognition of his leadership in the creation of the Theatre Artists Fund, Sam Mendes was awarded the Sky Arts Individual Award for Innovation in the Arts During the Pandemic.  Accepting the Award, Mendes announced the development of a two year pilot bursary scheme offering longer term support to the cultural workforce. Theatre Artists Fund is working in conjunction with Backstage Trust on this scheme. This new programme has a specific goal of empowering theatre workers and freelancers to be part of the next stage of recovery. It aims to create multiple employment opportunities and to include specific involvement and guidance from theatre practitioners across the entire sector. Initially a two year pilot scheme it will seek to reinforce equality, inclusion and diversity focus and encourage peer support in the freelance community and organisations and skills development. Further details will be announced later this year.

Mendes said: “We want to take what we’ve learned from our work and create a new and permanent way of empowering freelancers for the future…In the coming months we will be piloting a special bursary programme working to make this fund into a foundation in conjunction with the Backstage Trust to ensure our theatre professionals are championed and included in the way they deserve for the benefit of the UK’s entire cultural sector.”

The Theatre Artists Fund, part of the charity Theatre Development Trust and administered by SOLT and UK Theatre has so far given 7,291 emergency grants, having raised just over £7.3million since its inception in July 2020. The financial security of many thousands of vital theatre artists remains in grave peril as the continuing uncertainty created by the pandemic and the Government’s response to it makes finding and keeping work extremely difficult. During his announcement, Mendes cited the extra-ordinary support of the numerous entities and foundations that helped initiate the Theatre Artists Fund and hoped they would continue their support ongoing. The fund continues to provide a lifeline for many and continues to appeal to people’s generosity and support. Donations can be made at https://theatreartists.fund/donate/

Mayflower, Southampton – until 24 July 2021

Reviewed by Jo Gordon 

5*****

Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show has something of a cult status amongst old and new fans alike, you can guarantee a packed out audience of which most will be wearing attire that may come as a shock to the complete novice! If you hang around the local bars long enough, you witness many a person who have arrived straight from the office enter the nearest loo in usual office clothing and emerge looking glorious in fishnets, heels and a basque, like raunchy superheroes from phone boxes …… on this occasion I was the very underdressed, rather frumpy looking woman wishing I’d at least worn a feather boa!

It is a story of a cross dressing alien named Frank N Furter, who resides from the planet Transexual in a galaxy called Transylvania. He is trying to make the perfect man in his lab to satisfy all of his lascivious ways. Brad and Janet, a rather naive newly engaged couple suffer a flat tyre, and like all good B horror movies, find a big spooky castle to try and get help from. Of course, along with the strange yet alluring Frank is his equally interesting entourage. Then the fun begins, number after number that gets the audience on their feet, the narrative where those that know the show inside out heckle from the sideline and are rewarded with witty repertoire back, dance  numbers, love scenes, raunch and comedy whipping the audience up to a level of palpable enjoyment. 

The whole cast are outstanding, add in the magnificent set and lighting alongside the hugely famous musical score ( Time Warp ring a bell ? ) and you’re in for a cracking time. What could have been more pluperfect on “Freedom Day” than the aroma of warm vegan leather and hope hanging in the air? 

THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME IS BACK!

The Bristol Hippodrome will officially re-open with the world premiere production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on Wednesday the 25th of August 2021 after 17 months of closure due to Covid-19.

The Bristol Hippodrome is delighted to announce it is now time to light the lights and re-lift the curtain, Bristol’s West End theatre is back.

We will reopen with the world premiere, yes that’s correct, the world premiere production of Disney’s beloved ‘tale as old as time’ Beauty and the Beast. Spectacularly reimagined using the latest theatrical innovations, The Bristol Hippodrome couldn’t have asked for a better performance to invite audiences back to ‘Be Our Guest’.

Ben Phillips, The Bristol Hippodromes Theatre Director says “Finally the time has come for us to re-emerge from quite a dark period for us all. I am so thrilled that once again my fabulous team will be able to welcome our valued customers back to our fantastic venue in the heart of this amazing city to enjoy world-class entertainment once again. To be hosting the world premiere of Beauty and the Beast for Disney is a huge endorsement of just how highly regarded we are as a regional venue with an amazing team, I am so proud.”

Marvin Rees, Bristol’s elected Mayor says “ I am delighted that audiences will finally be able to return to The Bristol Hippodrome from the 25th August. Like many businesses, they’ve faced incredible challenges over the last year and a half but now, finally, the show will go on.”

Kathryn Davis, Director of Tourism, Visit West says “We’re thrilled to welcome The Bristol Hippodrome back, and with a world premiere as an opening production, the reopening is even more special. The Bristol Hippodrome is a vital part of Bristol’s visitor economy and this is an exciting start of an incredible calendar of events.”

An incredible re-opening season

The Bristol theatre is known and loved for hosting a wide range of high-quality productions from musicals and drama to opera and dance, and this reopening season certainly doesn’t disappoint. The reopening season will include a thrilling new version of Grease, the joyous and award-winning musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Dolly Parton’s rip-roaring musical 9 to 5, the funny, fabulous and feel good Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the high octane, black comedy rock musical Heathers the Musical, and the Christmas family pantomime brought to life with an abundance of jaw-dropping dance, side-splitting comedy, sensational special effects and plenty of festive magic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring Lesley Joseph, Rob Rinder and Bristol favourite Andy Ford.

For a full calendar of shows and events, please visit https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome/

Staying Safe

As a See It Safely approved venue, audiences can feel reassured knowing The Bristol Hippodrome will always follow the latest government advice. Given the recent announcements regarding Step 4 of the roadmap, The Bristol Hippodrome will be opening to full capacity, audiences will not be socially distanced. However, audiences will be strongly encouraged to wear face masks when visiting the theatre. Staff will continue to wear masks and visors around the venue and if not fully vaccinated will be taking lateral-flow or PCR tests on a regular basis. Sanitising stations throughout the venue, optimised ventilation and enhanced cleaning will continue. The Bristol Hippodrome has become a cashless venue and now operates a contactless ticketing system with e-tickets being issued to customers within two weeks of their selected performance. These simple changes allow the theatre to increase safety and hygiene as well as improve the overall booking experience. Visitors can also book with complete confidence knowing that if there are any further suspensions, tickets will remain fully valid for further exchanges or refunds

Tandemworks and New Art Club Present

Cupid’s Revenge

New Art Club dance out the big issues from evolution, through Kerplunk, to LOVE…as they return to UK stages with their first original work since 2016

National Tour begins 9^th September (full tour dates below)

“Physical comedy with brains, I laughed ‘til my face hurt” 

The Observer on Feel About Your Body

After several years of winning acclaim in the comedy world for their humour-infused shows, New Art Club’s Tom Roden and Pete Shenton are reaffirming their commitment to dance and physical theatre in their new work Cupid’s Revenge.

Created before lockdown and now ready to tour as we begin to return to theatres, Cupid’s Revenge is a 60-minute physical poem that plants Love ♥ under the microscope of the 21st century. Performed on a set designed by Will Holt, centred around a 2-metre love heart that has crashed to earth, Cupid’s Revenge uses rhythmic repetition and spoken text to spotlight love’s idiosyncrasies and commonalities.

As New Art Club, Pete and Tom started making shows together in Manchester in 1998 and have been presenting ground-breaking performances together nationally and internationally ever since, drawing a broad spectrum of audiences for their genre-defying shows. Cupid’s Revenge signifies a fresh direction for the pair as they refocus on their roots and training in choreography.

Sometimes funny, sometimes heart-breaking, Cupid’s Revenge counterbalances seriousness with absurdity. Gareth Williams’ original score provides an anchor for the movement, which when combined invites audiences to be swept up into the beat and pace of the work. In their own words “Cupid’s Revenge is a joyful dancing outburst against the forces that masquerade as love. A look at love in the context of now, both big and small, where it really is and what it really means”.   

Cupid’s Revenge ispartially inspired by the myth of Cupid and Psyche – a tale in which Psyche is a princess so beautiful that the goddess Venus becomes jealous. In revenge, she instructs her son Cupid to make her fall in love with a hideous monster; but instead, he falls in love with her himself. 

In true New Art Club style, the performance sees dance, physical theatre, and comedy combine to capture the audience’s imaginations, moving effortlessly from silliness through to punching us in the gut with heartfelt, sometimes painful truths. Cupid’s Revenge touches on big ideas from evolution right through to Kerplunk and makes the fleeting act of holding hands the most perfect gesture of love.

Pete Shenton is a Senior Lecturer Dance and Performing Arts at De Montfort University and has worked as a dancer in Europe with companies such as ContreCour and Teater Tango and in the UK with Vincent Dance Theatre and Motionhouse. In recent years Pete has directed The Three Graces for Laurie Lorry Theatre Company created commissions for Dance Umbrella, Home Ale, Probe, Fan Club and Scottish Dance Theatre. He was commissioned by Dance 4 to create a version of Thomas Lehmann’s Schreibstuck, appeared on TV in Tim Supple’s film Twelfth Night and performed and movement directed for theatre company Metro Boulot Dodo. 

As a solo artist Tom Roden has worked as a movement director at the world’s leading Opera Houses including Glyndebourne and the Royal Opera House. He has choreographed and directed dance and theatre shows with companies such as Scottish Dance Theatre, The Royal Exchange, Reckless Sleepers, Probe, Viv Gordon, Stuart Waters and most recently Candoco Dance Company. He continues to mentor artists and regularly guest lectures at the UK’s leading dance training establishments. He is also the co-director of Anatomical with award winning dancer Anna Williams.

“THE PRINCE OF EGYPT” TO REVERT TO

FULL CAPACITY AUDIENCES FROM 23 JULY

THE HIT WEST END MUSICAL WILL CONTINUE OPERATING

WITH STRINGENT HYGIENE AND COVID-SECURE PROTOCOLS

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, the “huge popular hit” (LBC) based on the classic DreamWorks Animation film, will begin reverting to full capacity audiences from Friday 23 July 2021 onwards. Following the current temporary suspension of performances due to Government Track and Trace legislation, the production will play three socially distanced performances on Wednesday 21 July at 7.30pm and Thursday 22 July at 2.30pm and 7.30pm before gradually reverting to full capacity. The production will continue to maintain its stringent hygiene and COVID-secure audience protocols throughout the venue (including timed arrivals, increased airflow and the expected and recommended wearing of face coverings). The production was previously due to continue socially distanced audiences until 4 September 2021.

In a joint statement, producers DreamWorks Theatricals, Michael McCabe and Neil Laidlaw said: “In adherence of the latest UK Government advice and concurrently with all other West End theatres, we will now begin reverting to full capacity audiences. In order to maintain the maximum safety and comfort of our audiences, and to best protect the Dominion Theatre’s fantastic frontline staff, we will be maintaining stringent hygiene protocols and COVID-secure measures throughout the venue, including timed arrivals and increased airflow. The wearing of face coverings by audiences will be expected and recommended, unless medically exempt. All staff interacting with the public will be wearing face coverings. In the meantime, we’d like to thank our incredible audiences who have so effusively welcomed The Prince of Egypt back to the West End and for all the messages received by the Dominion Theatre praising the exemplary safety protocols already in operation.” 

“Brought to life in truly epic fashion” (Daily Mirror), the Grammy® Award nominated musicalis now booking for all performances from Wednesday 21 July 2021 until Saturday 8 January 2022.The Dominion Theatre Box Office opens on performance days at 12 noon. Venue safety protocols and audience procedures can be viewed here: www.nederlander.co.uk/safety and tickets for all performances are available via the official website: www.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com

The “utterly stand-out cast” (WhatsOnStage) of 46 currently features Luke Brady (Moses), Liam Tamne (Ramses), Christine Allado (Tzipporah), Alexia Khadime (Miriam), Joe Dixon (Seti), Debbie Kurup (Tuya), Clive Rowe* (Jethro), Mercedesz Csampai (Yocheved), Adam Pearce (Hotep), Tanisha Spring** (Nefertari), Silas Wyatt-Barke (Aaron), Simbi Akande, Casey Al-Shaqsy, Joe Atkinson, Danny Becker, Felipe Bejarano, Pàje Campbell, Catherine Cornwall, Adam Filipe, Soophia Foroughi, Natalie Green, Jack Harrison-Cooper, Kalene Jeans, Christian Knight, Jessica Lee, Oliver Lidert, Daniel Luiz, Jay Marsh, Scott Maurice, Carly Miles, Alice Readie, Samuel Sarpong-Broni, Christopher Short, Molly Smith, Ricardo Walker, Danny Williams, Niko Wirachman and Sasha Woodward together with young performers Cian Eagle-Service, Maiya Eastmond, Jersey Blu Georgia, Taylor Jenkins, Mia Lakha, George Menezes Cutts, Iman Pabani and Vishal Soni. *Clive Rowe appears until 16 Oct 2021 / **Tanisha Spring appears until 18 Sept 2021

The orchestra is Dave Rose (Musical Director); Mark Collins (Associate Musical Director, Keyboards); Nina Foster/Fiona McCapra (job share), Sonya Fairbairn, Penny Ainscow, Sebastian Rudnicki (Violins); Fiona Davies (Viola); Magda Pietraszewska (Cello); Rory Dempsey (Bass); Rupert Widdows (Woodwind); Tony Cross (Trumpet, Flugelhorn); Duncan Fuller, David McQueen (Horns); John Gregson (Guitars); Murdoch MacDonald (Percussion) and Dan Ellis (Drums).

The Stage Management team is Anthony Field (Company Stage Manager); Dominique Pierre-Louis (Stage Manager); Ryan Quelch (Deputy Stage Manager); Nuri Chang, Charlotte Johnson (Assistant Stage Managers/Book Cover); Simon Humphris, Chrissie Huxford and Tracey Farrell (Assistant Stage Managers), who, together with a further 84 backstage staff, complete the production’s huge cast, orchestra and company of 154.

“This lavish stage adaptation” (The Guardian) of the classic DreamWorks Animation film features a cast and orchestra of more than 60 artists and Stephen Schwartz’s acclaimed score includes his Academy Award®-winning song When You Believe, which was a global hit for Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, and the “spine-tingling” (Time Out) Deliver Us. The Original Cast Recording, released by Ghostlight Records, received a 2021 Grammy® Award nomination for `Best Musical Theatre Album’.

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

The Prince of Egypt has music and lyrics by multi-Grammy® and Academy Award®-winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), a book by Philip LaZebnik (Mulan, Pocahontas) and features 10 new songs written by Stephen Schwartz together with 5 of his beloved songs from the DreamWorks Animation film (When You Believe, Deliver Us, All I Ever Wanted, Through Heaven’s Eyes and The Plagues).

The Prince of Egypt is directed by Scott Schwartz with choreography by Sean Cheesman;set designs by Kevin Depinet; costume designs by Ann Hould-Ward; lighting design by Mike Billings; sound design by Gareth Owen; projection designs by Jon Driscoll; illusions by Chris Fisher; wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates; orchestrations by August Eriksmoen; musical supervision and arrangements by Dominick Amendum; musical direction by Dave Rose; casting by Jim Arnold CDG and children’s casting by Verity Naughton CDG.

The Prince of Egypt is produced by DreamWorks Theatricals (a division of Universal Theatrical Group), Michael McCabe and Neil Laidlaw together with John Gore, Tom Smedes and Peter Stern, Ramin Sabi, The Araca Group, James L. Nederlander and Michael Park.

A milestone in cinematic achievement, the classic DreamWorks Animation film has been captivating audiences across the world for more than two decades. It has been hailed as “one of the greatest animated films of all time” (Evening Standard) and “a stunning film” (The Guardian).

Tour dates announced for acclaimed children’s author Simon Mole’s 

 I Love My Bike family events 

There’s a flame on the frame
and I love how it feels
from my head to my heels
when my feet push the pedals
and the pedals turn the wheels.
I love my bike. 

Nobody forgets the thrill of riding a bike for the first time, even if it can feel like an uphill battle to begin with. Join acclaimed children’s author Simon Mole to celebrate that excitement, or start the quest towards it, at this series of family events marking the publication of his picture book, I Love My Bike, which is illustrated by award winning artistSam Usher. 

I Love My Bike is about a daughter learning to ride a bike with the help of her father. It’s also about that exhilarating feeling you get when you succeed at something for the first time as a child. And, most importantly, it’s about learning that when you fall off, the best thing to do is get back on again!  

Perfect for 4-7 year olds, these 45-minute family events begin with Simon performing I Love My Bike, followed by some fun (and quite silly) games during which children are supported to ‘build’ their own bike poem with him. They can spin the word wheel and take part in the pedal power challenge to unlock their creative powers! For little word wizards who don’t need stabilisers, Simon can shift gears quickly to introduce some mega metaphors and super similes. All participants will also have the opportunity to attend a FREE follow-up poetry workshop online. 

Simon Mole, who is excited to be bringing these fun creative events into the heart of communities, said: “I love reading with my kids, so hearing about other families enjoying a book that I’ve written is absolutely amazing. These events are a great way to bring books to life and to have fun playing with words. I can’t wait to take this tour out on the road!” 

The I Love My Bike tour will visit Norden Farm, Maidenhead (24 July 11.30am, 14 August 11.30am), Discover Story Centre, Stratford, London (27 July 1pm), Deptford Lounge, London followed by a bike lesson with a Cycle Instructor (28 July 10am) and Herts Libraries (2 August 10am Oakmere Library followed by a session with Bikeability and 2pm Hoddesdon Library).  

For more information and to book tickets, contact tour venues directly or visit Simon’s website: http://www.simonmole.com/projects/i-love-my-bike/. 

Simon Mole is an acclaimed children’s poet (and sleep deprived dad) who has shared stages with Michael Rosen, Kae Tempest and John Hegley. His first picture book Kites was published in 2019, and his second book I Love My Bike was published in June 2021. Simon is a National Poetry Day Ambassador with over ten years’ experience using rap and poetry in community and education settings including projects with Great Ormond Street Hospital and Arsenal Football Club. The tutorial videos at his YouTube channel are used by hundreds of thousands of children and teachers across the world each year, and have been featured on BBC Bitesize.  Simon is also one half of kids comedy rap duo Mole & Gecko (you can probably guess which half).  

Write a poem with Simon in just ten minutes right now: www.youtube.com/simonmole  

Sign up for Simon Mole’s live monthly online poetry workshops at www.youtube.com/simonmole    

I Love My Bike is written by Simon Mole, illustrated by Sam Usher and published by Frances Lincoln (Quarto) 2021. It is available from book shops and online retailers – find out more. 

LISTINGS 

Event: I Love My Bike 

Running Time: 45 minutes  

Category: Poetry, Children’s, Family, Books 

For ages: 4-7 years  

24 July | 11.30AM | Norden Farm, Maidenhead SL6 4PF | Book HERE 

27 July | 1PM | Discover Story Centre, Stratford, London E15 4QZ | Book HERE 

28 July | 10AM | Deptford Lounge, London SE8 4AG followed by a bike lesson with Cycling Instructor (https://www.cyclinginstructor.com/) | Free to attend, Book HERE 

2 Aug | 10.30AM Oakmere Library | 2PM Hoddesdon Library | Herts Libraries | Tickets £5 Book HERE 

14 Aug | 11.30AM | Norden Farm, Maidenhead SL6 4PF | Book HERE 

Tilted Wig, Malvern Theatres and Churchill Theatre Bromley
UK tour announced for thrilling new adaptation
of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Thursday 30th September – Saturday 4th December 2021

Stars of the stage and screen, Wendi Peters (Big! The Musical; Coronation Street) and Bill Ward (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie; Emmerdale), will lead a thrilling new production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Washington Irving’s classic tale has been adapted by acclaimed playwright Philip Meeks (Murder, Margaret and Me; Harpy), unleashing one of the most terrifying monsters from the horror canon on stage – the Headless Horseman. The ghoulish and edge-of-the-seat experience will tour theatres across the UK later this year.

With Hallowmas fast approaching, Sleepy Hollow simmers with anticipation. Arriving as the new teacher, Ichabod Crane finds himself embroiled in the secrets and unsettling traditions of the locals. However, all is not as it seems. When disturbing events overwhelm the small town, he finds himself swept up in a dangerous mystery which leaves him doubting his own sanity.

Transforming the American Dream into the American Gothic, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow unleashes terror on the stage, in a heart-pounding visual masterpiece directed by Jake Smith (The Hound of the Baskervilles; A Christmas Carol; I’m Gonna Pray For You So Hard), with jawdropping illusions by Filipe J. Carvalho (Back To The Future The Musical; Secret Cinema presents Stranger Things). Tilted Wig is excited to return to stages across the UK with their incredible new touring production. This haunting premiere revitalises a classic text for a new audience.

Director Jake Smith comments, Sleepy Hollow is undoubtedly one of the greatest horror
stories ever written and a tour de force to stage. This production has at its heart the power of nomadic storytelling and gathering around 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.

This production has allowed an incredible ensemble of actors to viscerally and inventively bring the Hollow to life. It is a piece that shines on our actors’ athleticism, which is really exciting as we look to theatre returning. We look forward to transporting the audience through a quest of logic and illusion, creating fear and defying expectation.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA begins performances at the newly refurbished Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End on 27 July.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA stars double Olivier Award nominee Killian Donnelly as ‘The Phantom’, Lucy St Louis as ‘Christine Daaé’ and Rhys Whitfield as ‘Raoul’.

The cast also includes Saori Oda as ‘Carlotta Giudicelli’, Matt Harrop as ‘Monsieur Firmin’, Adam Linstead as ‘Monsieur André’, Greg Castiglioni as ‘Ubaldo Piangi’, Francesca Ellis as ‘Madame Giry’ and Ellie Young as Meg Giry. At certain performances the role of ‘Christine Daaé’ will be played by Holly-Anne Hull.

They are joined by Leeroy Boone, Corina Clark, Edward Court, Lily De-La-Haye, Hywel Dowsell, Jemal Felix, Erin Flaherty, James Gant, Eilish Harmon-Beglan, Emma Harris, Yukina Hasebe, Olivia Holland-Rose, Grace Hume, James Hume, Donald Craig Manuel, Jonathan Milton, Janet Mooney, Tim Morgan, Beatrice Penny-Toure, Michael Robert-Lowe, Nikki Skinner, Tim Southgate, Ashley Stillburn, Manon Taris, Anouk Van Laake, Skye Weiss, Simon Whitaker and Karen Wilkinson

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket, SW1Y 4QL

Dates: Now booking to 13 February 2022

Prices: Tickets from £22.50 – No booking fee applies

Box Office: 020 7087 7762

Website: thephantomoftheopera.com

Social Media: facebook.com/thephantomoftheopera

twitter.com/phantomopera

instagram.com/phantomopera/

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