High energy and frantic action bursts onto the stage as soon as the metaphorical curtain rises at The Drayton Arms Theatre in this whodunit farce.
The play is set backstage in a regional theatre, in the dressing room of three formidable, female actors of a certain age, right before the opening night of a new murder mystery. All hell breaks loose when a bombshell drops just moments before the play commences, as we’re nearing the end of Act 1 of our show. It all sounds a bit meta, doesn’t it? A conscious and effective choice by playwright Peter Rae.
While the overall plot of the piece is thin and wears thinner, the character work, “banter”, and dialogue between these women in the scene before the “exciting incident” are where the play truly shines. Rae has masterfully created three-dimensional characters who have their own distinct voices and aren’t afraid to speak up. Wonderfully portrayed by Helen Bang (who also directs), Rosalind Blessed, and Laura Morgan – there’s never a dull moment between these sharp-tongued titans, and the piece really holds up when they’re firing on all cylinders. Supporting the cast are the aforementioned Peter Rae, with Jonny Davidson and James Mackay, who seamlessly support in these often unsung roles throughout the frantic comedy but get a few moments of their own to shine.
The direction is slick and excellently paced. Bang has brought out wonderfully larger than life performances from every member of the company, but they can come across screechy at times; it’s as if they’re playing to a much larger house than this intimate space and some of the comedic beats can feel forced down your throat over allowing the audience to find the humour themselves. There are also repetitive gimmicks, and characterisations which opt for silly rather than genuinely funny. That being said, there are moments when the script dies down on laughs, and it’s up to the action of the play to reel in the comedy, which is successfully manages. This is a prime example of how the direction and writing can help each other out, with the play being at its peak performance when both are at their best.
This Is Not a Murder Mystery is the fast paced, high octane and at times hilarious farce it promises to be.
Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 31st May 2025
Reviewed by Jacqui Radford
5*****
‘Picture You Dead’ is the seventh adaption of a Peter James novel. It is a story about Detective Superintendent Roy Grace (played by George Rainford), drafted in to investigate a cold case that centres around crime in the art world. The story itself is inspired by James’ encounter with a former art forger, Dave Henty.
The show kicks off with a seemingly bland scene of Harry and Freya Kipling (played by Ben Cutler and Fiona Wade) who are an excitable couple, down on their luck and shopping at car boot sales. One of their ‘finds’ is a dusty old painting that was bought simply for its ornate frame. From this point forward, the couple are unwittingly dragged into the darker side of the art dealing world.
Motivated by a sense of curiosity, the Kiplings consult with Dave Heggarty on the best way to clean an old painting. Dave is a reformed criminal who has previously served time for forging paintings, courtesy of an investigation that was led by DSI Grace. Played by Mark Oxtoby, Dave is a slightly comical linch pin for the storyline. His character is endearing to the point that everyone is convinced of his innocence; so much so that he is almost a hero. DSI Grace himself has a soft spot for Dave.
The painting itself moves from scene to scene in various guises and is the primary focus of local art dealer Stuart Piper, whose self -conceit and greed drive him to employ Roberta Kilgore; an art consultant with links to the underworld of art forgery and dodgy dealings. Piper is looking to complete his collection at any cost. Ore Oduba and Jodie Steele each deliver a sterling performance, cementing our disdain for villains everywhere.
As an audience member it is difficult not to be drawn in to the mystery and intrigue that surrounds the painting and its movements through the underworld. The stage set is designed to show four separate locations all at once, while the pace of the performance moves swiftly from one to the other, adding to the sense of participation.
This show is gripping from the beginning. As self- designated supporting investigators, everyone watching the show is involved in second guessing the next turn of events, immersed in the tension throughout and rewarded with a fantastic twist at the end.
Song Contest: The Almost Eurovision Experience performed at the gorgeous Hinckley Concordia is an absolute sensation. Hilariously scripted by Glynn Nicholas and Bev Killick alongside David Spicer Productions, this show is an interactive theatrical experience like no other. Deftly produced and directed by John Hill, its full of glitz glamour and glorious amounts of guffaws.
Upon taking a seat, you get a flag denoting a given country, a voting sheet and a clapper to ensure lots of cheering. Bring a pen so you can vote and take notes about your favourite acts, you will definitely have more than one. There could be a different winner each night so come on more than one evening to experience a different outcome.
The songs are composed by a multitude of multitalented writers and are on par with what you would expect to experience at the real Eurovision. With a variety of power ballads, disco, folk, rock, fusion and confusion, they each have a quirky and humorous slant. Opening with the rousing ‘Beauty, Understanding, Music and Song’ (BUMS) we know we are in for a treat.
Our hosts, Laura Norton as Katarina Vogbogalov, Craig Martin as Iva Vopper and Sian Franklin as Bettina Bitjakokov are fabulous and funny. All the acts have brilliant names and cracking innuendos. Every performer works their socks off to pull off a slick and stella show. Choreography by Chris Moore and Kellie Vallance is arresting and lighting by Pete Watts enhances every performance.
The format of the show follows ten countries competing in act 1. At the end of the act, we vote. The votes are counted in the interval. During Act 2 we have a showstopping performance by hosting country Belarus. We then have each country deliver their points via streaming on screen, and we cut to scenes from the green room. The winners are announced, and they perform again. Chock full of comical capers, it would have been lovely to have ended the night with a sing/dance along. Having each countries song words on the screen would have been handy too as some of the mics were a little quiet at times and the very funny jokes were occasionally missed, but other than that, this show is marvellous and a top party night out.
Most Rare Vision brings to the stage a pacy, minimalist, two-hander of one of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays and does not disappoint.
Ant Henson’s new professional theatre company certainly proves a little can go a long way as alongside newcomer Martha Ibbotson, he seamlessly shapeshifts from Macbeth to Seyton to Duncan to Lady Macduff and more. Dressed entirely in black on a black stage, both Henson and Ibbotson are staggeringly impressive as they race through this five act play in a little over 90 minutes.
Like many, I’ve studied the Scottish play at school and seen countless versions on stage and screen but this has to rank amongst my favourites and I couldn’t tell you what the team have surgically removed to achieve such a well-crafted edit. Shelton Wong’s sound and lighting design complement the stripped back approach, making excellent use of blackouts and torchlight to create dread and drama.
You won’t be able to tear your eyes away from Ibbotson’s enthralling portrayal of Lady Macbeth, anticipating her pitch perfect delivery of that oh so familiar line,“Out, damned spot!, I say”, but it’s her depiction of Macduff’s all-consuming grief in act four where she really excels. Her fight choreographer background has clearly stood her in good stead for these roles and Macbeth’s final showdown with Macduff feels as convincing as it is gripping.
It’s amazing what a hat, a pair of glasses, an accent change or the rolling up of a sleeve can do to guide the audience as this talented pair shifts from character to character. At no point did I lose the thread and it’s as much testament to Shakespeare’s precise language as it is the mastery of these performers in lacing each word with emotional truth.
This exciting new company has pulled off a breathtaking rendition of Shakespeare’s play about ruthless ambition and made it look easy.
Phillip Attmore, Lucy St. Louis, Clive Carter and Sally Ann Triplett lead the cast of Kathleen Marshall’s brand new production of Irving Berlin’s classic musical
TOP HAT
Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Based on RKO’s Motion Picture
Adapted for the stage by Matthew White & Howard Jacques Directed and Choreographed by Kathleen Marshall
14 July – 6 September, Chichester Festival Theatre
The full company has been announced for Chichester Festival Theatre’s eagerly anticipated, brand-new production of Irving Berlin’s classic tap extravaganza Top Hat, directed and choreographed by the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winner Kathleen Marshall. It runs from 14 July – 6 September, with a press night on 24 July.
Based on the classic 1935 film which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the stage adaptation’s original West End production won the 2013 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the Evening Standard Award for Best Night Out.
Phillip Attmore – one of Broadway’s most exciting performers, winner of the Fred and Adele Astaire Award for Best Male Dancer for Shuffle Along and a Playbill Breakout Performance Award for On the 20th Century – makes his UK debut as Jerry Travers. His US credits also include Hello, Dolly!, Cheek to Cheek: Irving Berlin in Hollywood and TV’s The Marvelous Mrs Maisel.
Lucy St. Louis plays Dale Tremont; her award-winning West End roles include Glinda in Wicked, Christine in The Phantom of the Opera (making history as the first Black actress ever to play this leading role), Diana Ross in Motown: The Musical, Guenevere in Camelot in Concert, and Little Eva in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
Clive Carter, three-time Olivier Award nominee for Moulin Rouge, Come From Away and Into The Woods, makes his Chichester debut as Horace. His many West End credits also include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Wicked and Priscilla Queen of the Desert (WhatsOnStage Award nominee).
Sally Ann Triplett, who last appeared at Chichester in A Damsel in Distress (2015),returns to play Madge. Among her many distinguished London roles are Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Gran in The Witches and Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes for which she won a WhatsOnStage Award (National Theatre), and Aunt Eller in Oklahoma!.
Joining them are James Clyde as Bates and Alex Gibson-Giorgio as Beddini.The company is completed by Lindsay Atherton, Rhiannon Bacchus, Jeremy Batt, Freddie Clements, Pedro Donoso,Bethan Downing, Autumn Draper, Tilly Ducker, Laura Hills, Connor Hughes, James Hume, George Lyons, David McIntosh, Jordan Oliver, Emily Ann Potter, Molly Rees Howe, Kirsty Sparks and Toyan Thomas-Browne.
Justin Audibert, CFT’s Artistic Director, comments: ‘We are dancing with delight that Kathleen Marshall has assembled such a fantastic cast for what promises to be a glorious summer highlight in Chichester. In Phillip Attmore, Lucy St. Louis, Clive Carter and Sally Ann Triplett, we have two of the brightest rising stars paired with two of the most distinguished and seasoned performers in musical theatre, on both sides of the Atlantic, with a wonderful supporting company. We can’t wait to welcome them all.’
There may be trouble ahead,
But while there’s moonlight, and music, and love, and romance… Let’s face the music and dance.
The musical equivalent of the finest vintage champagne – effervescent, elegant and exhilarating – Top Hat is a heady romantic cocktail laced with sparklingly witty dialogue, stunning choreography, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes. Irving Berlin’s irresistible score includes some of Hollywood’s greatest songs: the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.
When Broadway star Jerry Travers arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont, whose beauty sleep is rudely interrupted by Jerry tap dancing in the hotel suite above hers. Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor life to win her heart – but the path of true love never does run smooth. Especially since Dale has mistaken Jerry for his hapless producer Horace, who’s trying to avoid the wrath of his formidable wife Madge, and Dale’s own fiery Italian admirer is planning a trip to Venice for her to showcase his couture gowns…
Acclaimed American director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall comes to Chichester to stage this brand-new production. A nine-time Tony nominee and three-time winner for her choreography on the Broadway productions of Wonderful Town, The Pajama Game and Anything Goes, her most recent revival of Anything Goes – which played at London’s Barbican, on a UK tour, and was also televised – received nine Olivier Award nominations in 2022 and Kathleen herself received the award for Best Choreographer. She has worked on more than twenty Broadway shows and she is the first woman to have directed a play, directed a musical and choreographed a musical on Broadway.
The set designer for Top Hat is Peter McKintosh; costume designers Peter McKintosh and Yvonne Milnes;musical supervisor Gareth Valentine, musical director Stephen Ridley,orchestrator & arranger Chris Walker, lighting designer Tim Mitchell, sound designer Paul Groothuis, casting director Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting, associate director Carol Lee Meadows and assistant director & choreographer Richard Pitt.
Following its Chichester run, the production of Top Hat will embark on a UK tour, produced by Kenny Wax Productions and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions.
At Chichester, there will be a Dementia Friendly performance on 31 July and a Relaxed Performance on 26 August. A Summer Gala on 29 August will support Chichester Festival Youth Theatre.
Top Hat is sponsored by Greenwood Wealth Solutions.
BOOKING INFORMATION
Tickets from £15
cft.org.uk Box Office 01243 781312
Prologue: £5 tickets for 16 – 30s Sign up for free at cft.org.uk/prologue
Siobhan Redmond, Forbes Masson, Alan Cumming and Patrick Ryecart in The High Life. Original series available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
New musical announced – touring in Spring 2026, based on the legendary 1990’s TV show.
The High Life reunites Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson with original cast members Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart
Acclaimed artists join the creative team including writer Johnny McKnight and director Andrew Panton
The first production announced, for the National Theatre of Scotland’s 20th anniversary programme in 2026.
National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep Theatre in association with Aberdeen Performing Artsand Capital Theatres present
WORLD PREMIERE
The High Life. The Musical. Still Living it!
Story, Script and Lyrics by Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson and Johnny McKnight
Music by Forbes Masson, additional music by Alan Cumming Directed by Andrew Panton
Cast includes Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart.
Colin Richmond – Set & Costume Designer; Emily Jane Boyle – Choreographer; Musical Supervisor – Sarah Travis; Lighting Designer – Grant Anderson
Touring Scotland from Saturday 28 March until Saturday 16 May 2026.
Touring to Dundee Rep Theatre, His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh and King’s Theatre, Glasgow.
After a 30-year delay in the departure lounge, The High Lifereturns in a new musical spectacular featuring all four original cast members – Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart akaSebastian Flight, Steve McCracken, Shona Spurtle and Captain Hilary Duff.
The production will tour Scotland in Spring 2026, with previews and opening performance at Dundee Rep Theatre from 28 March, then onward touring to HMT Aberdeen, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Eden Court Theatre and King’s Theatre Glasgow until 16 May 2026.
The High Life is a creative collaboration between trailblazing, multi-award-winning artist Alan Cumming (US Traitors, X2 and Avengers: Doomsday and Cabaret on Broadway) and his long-time writing and performing partner, prolific stage and screen actor and writer Forbes Masson (Only Child, The Crown, Eastenders). The creative team is joined by celebrated writer, performer and panto-maker Johnny McKnight (Wendy Hoose, Radiant Vermin, River City) and the award-winning and internationally acclaimed Artistic Director of Dundee Rep, Andrew Panton (August: Osage County, No Love Songs, A History of Paper).
Oh deary me! Air Scotia has been sold, and unless our intrepid cabin crew can prove they’re still fit for purpose it looks like the future destination for Air Scotia is the scrap heap. In this flight for their lives, our cut-price cabin crew must get themselves (and their passengers) to their destination safely, testing their mettle and putting decades old friendships and rivalries finally to rest.
The High Lifewas first commissioned and broadcast by the BBC, created by and featuring Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson. It was a launchpad to its creators’ long and illustrious careers. Since airing in the 90s it has attracted cult status for its sharp wit, farcical storytelling and joyous buffoonery. Taking place in the fictional Air Scotia airline, it centres around air stewards Steve, Sebastian and Shona – the most useless cabin crew ever to push a drinks trolley while asking ‘U Fur Coffee?”.
This revival sees our iconic characters finding themselves growing older in an ever-changing world. It will feature new and original music, is stuffed full of camp silliness and is cleared for take-off.
Siobhan Redmond reprises her TV role as the iconic Shona Spurtle on stage. Siobhan has worked extensively in theatre, film and television and is known most recently for appearances in Two Doors Down, Death in Paradise and Rain Dogs. She is joined on board by Patrick Ryecart as the absent-minded Captain Hilary Duff. Patrick’s screen credits include The Crown, Poldark and The King’s Speech.
Cumming and Masson met at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 1982 and formed the beloved comedy double act Victor and Barry. This momentous showbiz event was recently chronicled in the book Victor and Barry’s Kelvinside Compendium – A Meander Down Memory Close, a 40th anniversary celebration of their birth.
The pair later transmogrified Victor and Barry into Steve and Sebastian when they wrote the BBC sitcom, The High Life.
The High Life was first introduced to TV audience in an initial pilot in 1994 and then in a series of six episodes which were broadcast in early 1995. The series is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson said
“Never say never! We are both beyond excited to be donning those nylon slacks and crimpelene blazers and connecting with our inner trolly dollies after all these years. Returning to these characters alongside the genius that is Johnny McKnight has been a joyful experience and we can’t wait to share what madness we’ve come up with around Scotland!”
Johnny McKnight said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to join the Air Scotia cabin crew. I grew up watching The High Life, wishing that one day I could get to fly thirty thousand feet with Alan, Forbes, Siobhan and Patrick. I never believed that a reunion show would happen, let alone that I would get to be part of the team working on it. The bags are packed, the tena-man pants on, and I am ready for check in. Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for the flight of a lifetime.”
Andrew Panton said:
“Having been a High Life fan right from take-off in 1994, it’s been a total joy to work with this amazing team of pure talent. Our development time together has been a riot of creative energy, hilarity and brilliant music and songs and I feel sure our new stage musical will appeal to both fans of the TV show and folks new to The High Life! I’m thrilled that we’re creating the show at Dundee Rep Theatre before it jets off to entertain audiences across Scotland.“
Alan Cumming is a multi-award-winning Scottish artist and much-loved star of stage and screen. He is the recently appointed Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and his previous collaborations with the National Theatre of Scotland include Burn (Edinburgh International Festival, Joyce Theater, New York) and performances as Dionysus in The Bacchae (2007 Edinburgh International Festival, Scottish tour, London’s Lyric Hammersmith and the Lincoln Center Festival, New York) and as Macbeth which premiered at Tramway in 2012 and was presented on Broadway. Alan won two Emmys for hosting and producing the US Traitors and was seen recently hosting the BAFTA TV awards (BBC). He played the lead in Brian Cox’s directorial film debut Glenrothan and will return to the superhero fold in Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday.
Forbes Masson recently starred in the acclaimed solo performance of Jekyll and Hyde, by leading Scottish playwright Gary McNair (Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and tour). His extensive theatre credits include Much Ado About Nothing and The Tempest (Jamie Lloyd Productions at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), Farm Hall (Jermyn Street Theatre, Bath Theatre Royal and Tour), The Taxidermist’s Daughter (Chichester Festival Theatre) and The Boy in the Dress, Macbeth, Hamlet (Royal Shakespeare Company) He is an associate artist with the RSC and National Theatre of Scotland and he is known for appearances in Only Child (BBC) The Crown (Netflix) Crime, EastEnders, Red Dwarf (BBC) and Catastrophe. Writing includes Victor and Barry (Edinburgh Festival/Donmar Warehouse/Australian tour), Stiff (Tron/Lyceum) and Mince (Dundee Rep).
Johnny McKnight has been described in the press as ‘the new vanguard of pantomime’ with over 32 productions to his name and multiple Panto UK Awards and nominations. Writing credits include the book for the musical adaptation of 101 Dalmations which premiered at Regents Open Air Theatre and then toured the UK. Johnny recently directed the critically acclaimed Scottish premiere of Philip Ridley’s Radiant Vermin at the Tron Theatre and the production has been nominated for four Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2025. He has written over 45 episodes of River City with his anniversary episode winning Best Drama at the RTS Scotland awards.
Andrew Panton is an award-winning theatre director and is currently Artistic Director and Joint CEO of Dundee Rep Theatre, where his directorial credits include August: Osage County, The Children, A History of Paper (Scotsman Fringe First award and Musical Theatre Review’s ‘Best New Musical’), Oor Wullie, Passing Places, Spring Awakening and No Love Songs . He is currently directing Make it Happen, written by James Grahamand starring Brian Cox which previews at Dundee Rep Theatre in July and runs for a week at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2025 co-produced with National Theatre of Scotland. Other previous work with NTS includes director of digital lockdown short Out of the Woods with Alan Cumming and Johnny McKnight and as staff director on the original UK & International tours of Black Watch. He has also directed productions for the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Citizens Theatre Glasgow, Royal & Derngate, Perth Theatre and The Stephen Joseph Theatre.
Siobhan Redmond is known for appearances in Two Doors Down, Death in Paradise, The Nest and Unforgotten. Her extensive stage credits include All’s Well That Ends Well (Shakespeare’s Globe); The Human Body (Donmar); The Straw Chair (Finborough); Vassa (Almeida); Top Girls; Dido, Queen of Carthage (National Theatre); Imperium; King John; Richard III; Dunsinane; Twelfth Night; The Comedy of Errors; Much Ado About Nothing; The Spanish Tragedy (RSC). Previous performances with National Theatre of Scotland include Dunsinane; Mary Stuart and The House of Bernarda Alba. Siobhan is an Associate Artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Patrick Ryecart most recently appeared in the acclaimed revival of Sondheim’s A Funny Thing happened on the way to The Forum directed by Cal McCrystal at the Lido 2, Paris. His first film appearance was in Richard Attenborough’s A Bridge Too Far. Other film appearances include Ken Russell’s Martinu, Prisoner of Honour, Heart of Darkness directed by Nic Roeg, Casanova, Camille, Silver Dream Racer, Michael Winners’ Parting Shots, and The Kings Speech. Stage appearances include Candida playing opposite Deborah Kerr, An Ideal Husband,The Beastly Beatitudes of Balthazar B with Billy Connolly (London and U.S) A Midsummer Nights Dream, See You Next Tuesday, Monogamy, The Importance, and at the National Theatre playing Jack Absolute in the Rivals .TV work includes Dr. Who Midsomer Murders and The Crown.
Touring to Dundee Rep Theatre; His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen; Festival Theatre, Edinburgh and King’s Theatre, Glasgow in Spring 2026.
“an exhilarating ride via pop video, horror movie, art installation and therapy session… an extraordinary piece of theatre… Kimmings is an artist of exceptional integrity, compassion, imagination and guts”★★★★★
Miriam Gillinson, The Guardian
“Her extraordinary new show raises the bar considerably; it’s the best thing she’s ever done… Kimmings is the greatest show-woman in town”★★★★★
Andrew Eaton-Lewis, The Scotsman
★★★★★Evening Standard, Independent, Time Out, The Herald, The Stage
28th May – Playwright, performer, documentary-maker and screenwriter Bryony Kimmings (I’m a Phoenix, Bitch, Last Christmas, Channel 4’s The Sex Clinic, BBC Four’s Opera Mums) returns to the stage with Bog Witch —her first solo show in half a decade. Commissioned to celebrate the launch of Soho Theatre Walthamstow, the production runs from 9–25 October as part of the venue’s inaugural season.
Bog Witch is a show about uncertain times, ecosystem collapse and finding new ways to be happy. Bryony had enough to worry about; mental illness, a sick kid, single motherhood, bills coming out of her ears… she didn’t have time to worry about the planet. She had her coping mechanisms down pat —spending, doing, achieving to fill the void. But she began to wonder if those were the things that were making her unhappy. As with all her previous autobiographical shows Bog Witch follows a part of Kimmings’ real life story… this time the journey of uprooting her and her son’s life to live in a tumbledown cottage in the wilderness… to plug back into nature as a last ditch attempt to be happy again.
Bryony Kimmingssaid:“Bog Witch is about being the least likely eco-convert. The last person to let go of their capitalist trappings. It explores what happens when ordering things online, drinking from plastic coffee cups, and stuffing my face with Deliveroo no longer brings happiness. Beneath all the bought stuff and façade; the endless distraction and dopamine, we find we are sad animals. Animals who have been disconnected from our ecosystems for too long. This is the story not of dropping out… but of plugging back in, and one that changed absolutely everything.”
Steve Lock, Soho Theatre Head of Comedy, said: “Specially commissioned for the launch season of Soho Theatre Walthamstow, Bog Witch is our latest collaboration with Bryony. In the 15 years we have worked together she has created some of the most memorable shows to have played on our stages – from Sex Idiot and Seven Day Drunk to Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model and Fake it ‘til You Make It – and we can’t wait to see what comes next.”
Kimmings is inspired by female stories, social taboos, and dismantling power structures. In 2021 she made a public vow to only work on things that would help the planet at this time of climate crisis and eco-system collapse. Her latest screen-writing project is The Rapture, an upcoming psychological eco-thriller series for BBC One, starring Ruth Madeley, and based on the bestselling novel of the same name. She is also writing a feature with Climate Spring, Little Red Hen, a comedy eco-horror with folkloric elements.
On-stage, Kimmings has toured internationally with her acclaimed shows – all drawn from real events in her life -performing everywhere from the National Theatre to the Sydney Opera House. Her work as a writer and performer includes Sex Idiot, a tour through Bryony’s true-life sexual misadventures and self-realisations; 7 Day Drunk, a 7 day alcohol experiment, inspired by the historical links between artists and mind enhancing drugs; Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model, made with her nine-year-old niece to challenge the sexualisation of girls in pop culture; Fake It ‘Til You Make It, about clinical depression and men, made in collaboration with her former partner; A Pacifist’s Guide to the War on Cancer, a whistle-stop tour through five unconventional stories about cancer; and I’m a Phoenix, Bitch, a powerful, dark and joyful work about motherhood, heartbreak and finding inner strength.
Bryony added: “Everyone is a tree hugger. It’s weird to me nowadays that it’s used as a kind of cuss. As children we all communed with nature. Be it rolling in dirt in a city park or jumping on hay bales in a rural idyll, we knew we were of the earth. Overtime we forget, like a spell cast by a distant force. But when we stare at a fire, or we walk in a green space, a part of us always remembers. Something about it… just helps. The climate crisis is overwhelming, it is riddled with guilt, rage and grief. It is an almost impossible thing to comprehend as a human being. And often we find ourselves hiding or apathetic or exhausted. That is normal. This is a show about moving beyond that… what to do next. For me that started with a reconnection. I was dragged kicking and screaming. Let me drag you too”
Bog Witch is created and led by Bryony Kimmings, who is the Writer, Performer and Director. The creative team includes Tom Parkinson as Composer, Tom Rogers as Set and Costume Designer, Will Duke as Projection Designer, Guy Hoare as Lighting Designer, Lewis Gibson as Sound Designer, Sarah Blanc as Choreographer, Gemma Stockwood as Dramaturg, David Butler as Video Associate, and Faith Dodkins as Producer.
BSL is integrated into four performances. Kimmings reunites with long-time collaborator Katie Fenwick as BSL Interpreter, and works with Deepa Shastri as BSL Consultant to ensure the best access throughout. Joey Burford joins the team as Production Assistant.
Bush Theatre announces a new season of ALT-B events
Unique events from the most exciting up-and-coming talent. ALT B (aka Alternative Bush) is a platform for creatives, makers, and performers across art forms. It sees the Bush hand over its spaces to a diverse range of artists, including musicians, poets, spoken word and drag artists, hosting events that pop up all over the building.
This season includes ongoing partnerships with Elina Saleh’s Talking People and A The Poet’s Poetry & Me Live, as well as a new partnership with New Earth Theatre to present a showcase of work from their 30th Anniversary Incubator.
Pillow forts, fairy lights, potions, and magic. This all-female reading of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will show you how girlhood can change the world.
On the 21st of June, Compass Collective will be holding a number of simultaneous readings and performances of this iconic Shakespeare play to raise money for Refugee Week. This year’s theme is “Community as a Superpower”, so the creators of this show decided to draw inspiration from the community they know best. In addition to poverty and other issues that all refugees may face, female refugees face an added layer of oppression from gender discrimination. And yet, despite everything that makes being a woman, or underrepresented gender, difficult, there is something beautifully unique and magical about “girlhood” – even when this is something that is discovered as an adult.
Proceeds from this performance will be donated to Compass Collective; accompanying their GoFundMe, which can be found at: https://gofund.me/12aa34ba
After six sell-out shows at The Bush, the five-star hit Talking People returns this June for another series of improvised theatre.
Talking People invites you to join them in their one-off theatrical experience that sees some of the industry’s finest actors at work exploring the complexities of human relationships, the stories they create, and the universal themes they uncover. This show offers a unique opportunity to witness storytelling in its purest form—alive, unpredictable, and rooted in truth.
If you’ve seen them before, you’ll know that the show is a totally unique evening of artistic expressions, and if this is your first time, get ready for an unforgettable night of theatre.
Join them in the movement to redefine how stories are created and experienced on stage.
An intimate, stripped-back showcase celebrating raw talent and lending a platform to emerging artists across a variety of disciplines.
Curated and hosted by Yemi Yohannes, this evening features a line up of poets, singers, movement artists, musicians, rappers, monologues, and more. The theme of this event is vulnerability, inviting artists to share work that’s personal and close to their hearts, making for a night of togetherness and authenticity.
THEGDNEWSCHANNEL believes in the power of human connection over status and profile, creating a space where we are all people first and foremost. There are two wildcard slots available for anyone who wishes to perform. Sign up at the door for your chance to take the stage.
Join them for a memorable evening of exceptional talent, live music, and the opportunity to make meaningful new connections. Swap your living room for theirs! Come as you are, and be part of something special.
Lost in Pavilion is a vibrant celebration of Muslim storytelling, poetry, and performance, bringing together diverse voices from across the literary and artistic landscape.
This special night showcases an inspiring line-up of writers, spoken word artists, and nasheed performers, creating a space where words and melodies intertwine to tell powerful stories of identity, faith, and creativity.
From thought-provoking poetry and immersive storytelling to soul-stirring nasheeds, the evening highlights the richness and depth of Muslim expression. Whether through rhythmic verses, heartfelt prose, or melodic devotion, Lost in Pavilion offers a platform for both emerging and established artists to share their craft in an intimate and welcoming setting.
More than just a performance, this event is a celebration of community, creativity, and cultural heritage. Join them for an unforgettable night of words, rhythm, and resonance, where voices rise, stories unfold, and connections are made.
‘When brotherhood transforms into rivalry and despair’.
Tap and Dance is about a mother who passes on her passion for tap dancing to her children. Despite a tragic life, the main character’s story shows that nothing is ever lost. The programme will feature a reading of Act 1 of the play, followed by a singing and tap-dancing performance.
‘Story, in my opinion, is for the people. It is a revolutionary act, which is inherently for the people. So why do we not consult them when we write? Have you ever wanted to grab the writer of a play and ask them, “WHY OH WHY DID YOU HAVE THE CHARACTER DO THIS?” Well, now you can.’
Samples is a showcase of sections from never-before-seen plays, curated specifically from the BackRoom Writers Workshop. Each writer introduces their piece before a sample is performed live by professional actors. The writer will then return to the stage for a discussion between writer and audience, where the audience can offer their thoughts.
Caught In The Act returns for two exclusive performances of experimental theatre, presented by Mohammedally Al-Hashemi and Malachi Pullar-Latchman. This show offers audiences a unique opportunity to witness the interplay between structure and spontaneity in live performance.
28th August – Again & Again. Written by and starring Mohammedally Al-Hashemi, the only person to know the script. The other actor has no script and responds of their own accord. A looping duologue scene where a man is repeatedly broken up with by his girlfriend, reliving the moment and given a new chance each time to desperately save the relationship.
30th August- The Decay Of Writing. Written by Molly Rose Treves. A script that the whole cast has never read before and an invitation to improvise beyond the text and explore character and motivation in real-time.
Caught In The Act challenges traditional boundaries by inviting actors to navigate the delicate balance between adhering to a script and abandoning it altogether. Throughout the show, performers rely on instinct and creativity to drive the narrative, pushing the limits of what live theatre can be. Each performance promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience, shaped in real time by the choices and impulses of its extraordinary cast.
This innovative approach ensures that no two shows are the same, making each night an unrepeatable exploration of storytelling and improvisation. Audiences are encouraged to engage with the unpredictability of the moment, witnessing theatre that is as much about the process as the outcome.
Poetry & Me is an evening of live poetry and conversations brought to you by A The Poet, an award-winning spoken word poet.
A The Poet hosts a variety of poets from across the world as they share their journey into writing. She explores their writing techniques, the way they get over writer’s block and what initially brought them to poetry.
Expect to be inspired and entertained by amazing spoken word poets and writers. Their journeys are not the same but they all share a passion for storytelling!
Open Mic slots will be available at the end of the evening, please provide your name when checking in with one of the Poetry & Me Team.
Over two nights, seven British East and Southeast Asian (BESEA) artists will showcase work-in-progress extracts, a result of their involvement in New Earth Theatre’s 30th Anniversary Incubator.
All pieces incorporate an ESEA heritage performance artform into a contemporary British theatre context. They have been developed in collaboration with seven venues across the country to provide this cohort of BESEA artists with support to develop their practice.
The artist sharing their work are:
Aya Nakamura with Akutagawa hosted by Camden People’s Theatre
Alisha + Alysha with Mahsuri hosted by New Diorama Theatre
Dragonboiz (cabaret collective) hosted by Pleasance Theatre
Jasmine Teo with Ahma and Louise hosted by Mercury Theatre
Crossroads (Grace Waga Glevey, Yanni Ng, and Haley Yiu) with Pamana hosted by The Sheffield Theatre
Lumen Hirata Smith, Isabella So, and Georgia Murphy with Not That Asian hosted by Contact Manchester
Phoebe Chan with Drifting 漂浮 hosted by Theatre in the Mill
The producers of the West End Premiere of Burlesque the Musical, the highly anticipated new musical based on Steven Antin’s film starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, which begins performances at the Savoy Theatre on 10 July, announced the lead cast and complete creative team today.
Musical sensation Jess Folley, who has also written new music for the show alongside Todrick Hall returns to the musical to play Ali Rose. Jess played the role in Manchester and Glasgow last year to huge acclaim. She won the first series of the national ITV show The Voice Kids UK and in 2019 her band RLY were crowned winners of X Factor – The Band. Jess has since dedicated all her time to developing herself as an artist and songwriter, having had the opportunity to work with some of the most respected songwriters and producers in the industry.
Also returning to the musical are Todrick Hall as Sean, and the Olivier Award-winning George Maguire as Vince. Todrick, one of the most high profile and prolific storytellers in the world will also be directing and choreographing the show.
Playing Tess is Broadway legend, Orfeh. The Tony and Grammy Award nominee most recently starred as Kit De Luca in Pretty Woman the Musical on Broadway. Her other Broadway credits include: Paulette in Legally Blonde, Saturday Night Fever, Fascinating Rhythm and Footloose. Her TV work credits include Sex and the City and Law and Order.
(
Asha Parker Wallace makes her professional and West End debut as Nikki. Paul Jacob French, whose musical credits include An Officer and a Gentleman, Annie, The Wizard of Oz and Grease will play Jackson.
Burlesque The Musical is a scintillating journey of self-discovery that absolutely sizzles with songs by Christina Aguilera and Sia, and new music by Todrick Hall and Jess Folley.
The full creative team joining the already announced Todrick Hall (Director and Choreographer), Steven Antin (Book Writer/Producer), Christina Aguilera, Sia, Todrick Hall & Jess Folley (Music and Lyrics)and Kate Wetherhead (Additional material – Book), Tom Curran (Orchestrator and Arranger), Nate Bertone (Set Designer), Marco Marco (Costume Designer), Roberto Surace (Additional Costume Designs), Rory Beaton (Lighting Designer), Nina Dunn (Video Designer) Ben Harrison (Sound Designer), Jessica Plews (Wigs and Hair Designer), Dominic Skinner (Make-up Designer), Toby Higgins (Musical Supervisor), Harry Blumenau (Casting Director), Patrick Malony (Production Manager), Aaron Renfree (Associate Director/Resident Director & Choreographer), Jenni Thomasson(Associate Choreographer), Natalie Jackson (Costume Supervisor), Zoe Gale (Associate Wigs and Hair Supervisor), Nicola Crawford (Associate Lighting Designer), Chris Poon (Musical Director), Caitlin Morgan (Associate Musical Director), Josh Griffiths (Assistant Musical Director), Andy Barnwell (Orchestral Manager) and David O’Mahoney (Script Supervisor).
Welcome to Burlesque the Musical, the glamorous, gritty and outrageously fun new musical based on the much-loved hit movie that reminds us…Life Isn’t Fair…It’s Fabulous!
Discover a club like no other…a place beneath the city lights where the sequins sparkle, seduction shimmers, and a life can change in the flick of a feather boa.
When Ali heads to New York in search of her mother, she finds herself drawn into a dazzling underground world where the beat of the music and the heat of the dance moves will change her life forever. Ali will unwittingly find her extraordinary voice and a most unlikely family of misfits, dreamers, and schemers.
Burlesque The Musical is produced by Adam Paulden & Jason Haigh-Ellery, Sue Gilad & Larry Rogowsky, Steven Antin, Clint Culpepper andExecutive Produced by Christina Aguilera.
The West End run follows the show’s record-breaking previews in Manchester and Glasgow where audiences agreed it’s the most exciting movie musical to come to the stage in decades.
Further casting will be announced at a later date.
53two is giving you a once in a lifetime opportunity to win a priceless Dr Who clapperboard, signed by 9 members of the cast!
MUST END MIDNIGHT, SATURDAY 31st MAY
53two, Manchester’s fully accessible and leading arts venue, is thrilled to announce an exclusive raffle, giving Dr Who’s immense fanbase the chance to win a genuine and extremely rare piece of Dr Who memorabilia. This clapperboard was used during the filming of season two, featuring the 15th Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa and was donated to them by their patron and star of Dr Who, Ruth Madeley.
This priceless clapperboard is an iconic symbol of the show and represents a unique collector’s item for enthusiasts of the long running BBC series. With added value being signed by 9 members of the cast; Anita Dobson, Jemma Redgrave, Varada Sethu, Millie Gibson, Yasmin Finney, Ruth Madeley, Bonnie Langford, Alexander Devrient, Ncuti Gatwa.
‘The clapper board has been in the venue for a few months now and it’s very safely locked up! We couldn’t believe it when Ruth brought it for us – it truly is very special and one-of-a-kind.’ – Simon Naylor, Creative Director
All proceeds will go to the arts charity, 53two, to help them deliver opportunities for their patrons and creatives across Greater Manchester. 53two is Manchester’s only wheelchair accessible, independent theatre venue. It is the only independent theatre in the UK to have a Changing Places toilet. The venue is unfunded from The City and/or Arts Council and survive on sponsors, donors and grants as well as the money spent in-venue.
‘We chose to raffle it to ensure that everyone stood a chance to own such an incredible piece of memorabilia. Everything 53two do is about inclusion and when I was able to donate this brilliant item, raffling was the only option! We’re very excited.’ – Ruth Madeley, 53two Patron
It’s their belief that theatre is for everyone, and why accessibility is at the heart of everything they do. The proceeds from the clapperboard will go towards increasing accessibility across the venue, both in the theatre and the bar/café.
