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WEST END STARS ANNOUNCED FOR DANIEL AND LAURA CURTIS VIRTUAL CONCERT

• ALICE FEARN, JON JON BRIONES AND OLIVER SAVILE LEAD LINEUP FOR A VIRTUAL CELEBRATION OF WELSH SONGWRITING TEAM DANIEL AND LAURA CURTIS

• THE CONCERT IS THE FIRST OF A NEW SERIES ENITLED THE BARN PRESENTS:, WHICH CELEBRATES THE MUSIC OF BRITISH MUSICAL THEATRE COMPOSERS

The Barn Theatre have announced a new virtual concert series showcasing the works of Britain’s musical theatre composers, beginning with The Barn Theatre Presents: The Music of Daniel and Laura Curtis.

Daniel and Laura Curtis are award winning musical theatre composers and lyricists, whose work has been performed at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the London Palladium. The pair have been described as “a magical, formidable writing team” by Success Circuit, with Broadway World declaring their music “simply lovely to listen to”.

The concert, which airs on the Barn Theatre’s Facebook, YouTube and Twitter channels on 9^th May 2020 at 7:30pm BST, will see the married Welsh songwriters discuss the creative process behind their music, as well as introducing performances from a line-up of West End, Broadway and opera stars.

The Barn Theatre Presents: The Music of Daniel and Laura Curtis will see performances from Sabrina Aloueche (Les Misérables, We Will Rock You), Olivier Award nominee Jon Jon Briones (Miss Saigon), Kieran Brown (Titanic, Les Misérables), Brian Cheney (Carmen, Tosca), Maria Coyne (The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked), Alice Fearn (Come From Away, Wicked), Caroline Kay (The Clockmaker’s Daughter), Luke McCall (Les Misérables, Titanic), Nadim Naaman (Broken Wings, The Phantom of the Opera) and Oliver Savile (Falsettos, Wicked).

The Barn Theatre have launched the virtual concert series to celebrate Britain’s musical theatre composers and to discover more about their creative processes. The second concert of the series will celebrate the music of Scottish award-nominated composer Finn Anderson.

Finn Anderson previously collaborated with the Barn Theatre on the music and lyrics for the theatre’s 2019 world premiere of Alan Pollock’s new version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring Olivier Award nominee Patrick Ryecart (The Crown, The King’s Speech). He is also an Off West End Award nominee for his musical Islander and was recently announced as 2020’s Cameron Mackintosh resident composer at the Lowry and Hope Mill Theatre.

The official date and line-up for Finn Anderson’s concert will be announced at a further date.

The series forms part of the Barn Theatre’s Behind The Barn Door live streaming service. Set up in March, when the theatre had to temporarily close following government guidance, the service includes a full recording of the Barn Theatre’s critically-acclaimed 2019 Built by Barn production of William Shakespeare’s Henry V, directed by Hal Chambers and starring Aaron Sidwell (EastEnders, Wicked) and Lauren Samuels (Bend It Like Beckham, We Will Rock You).

The service also includes a Shakespeare in lockdown series, where creatives have reimagined the Bard’s classic monologues to reflect present day lockdown, entitled Bard From The Barn. The series, which is co-produced by Hal Chambers, Aaron Sidwell and the Barn Theatre, airs weekdays at 5pm and features performances from over 30 performers including Tricia Adele-Turner (Dear Evan Hansen), Max Hutchinson (The Woman in Black) and Jasper Cartwright (War Horse).

The Barn Theatre (registered charity no. 1174253), which is facing a loss of £250,000 and possible permanent closure, have launched their SAVE OUR BARN campaign, via their website and social media platforms, to ensure the Barn Theatre’s survival.

HERE/NOT HERE
Directed by Bim Ajadi
Written by Jonzi D

• HIP HOP DRAMA HERE/NOT HERE BRINGING BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE, VISUAL VERNACULAR (AN EXPRESSIVE AND ARTISTIC FORM OF SIGN LANGUAGE STORYTELLING),  FOOTBALL AND KRUMP TOGETHER FOR DEAF AND HEARING AUDIENCES TO PREMIERE ON FILM4, BSL ZONE AND TOGETHER TV ON MONDAY 11 MAY 2020
   
• COMMISSIONED BY THE BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE BROADCASTING TRUST HERE/NOT HERE IS DIRECTED BY DEAF FILM-MAKER BIM AJADI, WRITTEN BY JONZI D AND FEATURES A DEAF AND HEARING CAST
   
• BEHIND THE SCENES DOCUMENTARY LOOK HERE/NOT HERE FEATURING INTERVIEWS WITH THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM WILL AIR THE FOLLOWING WEEK ON MONDAY 18 MAY
   

HERE/NOT HERE, a brand new British, Deaf hip hop drama exploring British Sign Language, Krump street dance, football and Visual Vernacular – the choreographed and poetic form of sign language – will have its TV premiere on Film4 and Together TV on Monday 11 May and will also be hosted online on BSL Zone where it will remain available to watch following the broadcast.

HERE/NOT HERE brings together a diverse creative team and company from Deaf and hearing communities and is directed by award-winning film-maker and Deaf artist Bim Ajadi whose recent works include docu-drama Dot and short film 4. Written by Jonzi D, Artistic Director of the annual hip hop dance and theatre festival Breakin’ Convention, the film is a unique collaboration with the film’s professional and non-professional, Deaf and hearing cast. The music is composed and produced by Torben Lars Sylvest a long-time collaborator of Olivier Award-winning choreographer Botis Seva. 

HERE/NOT HERE is an urban, funny and thought provoking hip hop drama film which sees three rival groups – Deaf VVers, footballers and Krumpers – clash over who should use an abandoned warehouse space. Despite their differences, they find and inspire a common language through movement to communicate, collaborate and come together. 

As Director Bim Ajadi said: “HERE/NOT HERE is about fear of invasion of a space. The message of this film is not to be too quick to judge strangers, once you’ve crossed that line in getting to know a person more, you might be surprised by how much you have in common, how you’ve learned something new, how much you feel valued. This is about being open-minded and trying to accept and appreciate new and different people.”

Complementary to the film, a special behind the scenes documentary titled LOOK HERE/NOT HERE, directed by Andrew Gillman, will see Director Bim Ajadi and Writer Jonzi D discuss the characters, narrative, themes and the making of the new music drama.

HERE/NOT HERE will be available to see on Monday 11 May on Film4 at 8am (pre-watershed version), Together TV at 7pm (pre-watershed version) and 10pm (post-watershed version), and on BSL Zone from 8.30am where it will remain available online. LOOK HERE/NOT HERE will air the following week on Monday 18 May on Film4 at 8am, BSL Zone online from 8.30am and Together TV at 7pm and 10pm.

The project features a company of both established and first-time BAME actors, dancers and Visual Vernacular performers. The principal cast features: Nadeem Islam, Catrina Nisbett, Theophillus ‘Godson’ Oloyade and Ryan Pendley.

Bim Ajadi (Director) is an award-winning film-maker from London. He co-directed Look Up for the opening of the 2012 London Paralympics Ceremony (Channel 4) and directed and edited I Believe a music video for Zebra Uno, which won Best Music Video and Best Editor at the CKF International Film Festival. Other film credits include 4 (BSLBT), and, more recently, Dot a docu-drama for BSLBT, as well as an online commercial with NFTS alumni.  Bim is profoundly deaf, which gives him a unique visual perspective.

http://www.bimajadi.co.uk/

Jonzi D (Writer) is an MC, dancer, spoken word artist and director, Jonzi D is the foremost advocate for hip hop who has changed the profile and influenced the development of the UK British hip hop dance and theatre scene over the last two decades. Since founding Breakin’ Convention in 2004 Jonzi has triumphed in raising the profile and giving a platform to hip hop disciplines, which has gained worldwide recognition as being at the vanguard of the development of the art form. Through professional development projects Open Art Surgery and Back to the Lab, Jonzi has supported hundreds of hip hop dance and rap/poetry artists on their journey to creating theatre.

His critically acclaimed works include 1995‘s Lyrikal Fearta, 1999’s Aeroplane Man, 2006’s TAG… Just Writing My Name, 2009’s Markus the Sadist and 2013’s The Letter: To Be Or To MBE? Jonzi has been featured in HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, had his short films Silence da Bitchin’ & Aeroplane Man screened on Channel 4, toured his work extensively all over the world and delivered his own TED Talk about the influence and evolution of hip hop culture.

https://www.breakinconvention.com/jonzi-d

Torben Lars Sylvest (Composer) is a music producer and sound designer based in London. A long-time collaborator of Olivier Award winning choreographer Botis Seva (Far From The Norm), Torben has been deeply involved in Hip Hop dance theatre in the UK over the last five years. His collaborations with artists such as Ivan Blackstock, Kwame Asafo-Adjei among many more have established him as a leading figure in the scene.  Other collaborators include the critically acclaimed James Cousins and the internationally renowned Scottish Dance Theatre.

Andrew Gillman (Director and Producer – LOOK HERE/NOT HERE). Having begun his career as a film editor in commercials and music videos, Andrew became a commercials director before splitting his time between advertising and broadcast television. His significant television comedy credits include many groundbreaking, landmark series, Network 7, The Day Today and Peter Kay’s first TV series, That Peter Kay Thing. As a producer, he is responsible for a wide range of productions from music to dance and drama.  He is also a visiting tutor at the National Film & Television School. 

• National Theatre Wales and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru announce the theatre artists behind the first round of Network New Digital Commissions
• First of Network Play Reading to be streamed this weekend

Following the launch of their Network programme earlier this month, National Theatre Wales (NTW), who have joined forces with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Sherman Theatre have today released further news about the digital season.

Working alongside Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru to produce Network New Digital Commissions, and producing house Sherman Theatre, to develop Network Play Readings, NTW’s new digital programme aims to  create opportunities for theatre makers while helping audiences, communities and artists to come together whilst we are all kept apart.

After a hugely encouraging response to the original callout for submissions NTW and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru are pleased to announce the first three Network New Digital Commissions. Theatre makers from across Wales were invited to put forward innovative, exciting and human responses for live digital theatre during the ongoing lockdown. Artists Emily Laurens, Justin Teddy Cliffe and Eddie Ladd, have been chosen to lead Network’s opening season for new commissioned digital performances.

Lorne Campbell, Artistic Director at National Theatre Wales said “After an overwhelming response of quality, originality and ambition we are delighted to be announcing our first round of digital commissions. It is a credit to the diversity and depth of the Welsh theatre community that this was such a difficult decision. In this first round we have gone with three applications that have approached the idea of liveness in a digital space and explored the possibility of form with real innovation. I can’t wait for this work to meet audiences over the coming weeks.”

Alongside Network New Digital Commissions, the first of the Network Play Readings, in collaboration with Sherman Theatre, will be streamed this weekend. Network Play Readings will showcase the talent of companies and creatives across Wales. The first confirmed play, Ripples, by Tracy Harris,directed by Matthew Holmquist and performed by students of Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, will be streamed on Saturday 2 May at 7.00pm. 

Lorne Campbell went on to say “We are also very excited to be premiering the first of our digital play readings this Saturday with Tracy Harris’ Ripples, I’ve seen some of the dress rehearsals and it is going to be a real treat.”

Opening the season for New Digital Commissions are:

Emily Laurens – Dream a little Dream for me

Emily is a multidisciplinary artist who will turn people’s dreams during the lockdown period into puppetry performances accompanied by live, improvised music. 

Justin Teddy Cliffe – Life Coach

Justin is a theatre maker who works across multiple disciplines and is one half of Tin Shed Theatre Co. Life Coach is a multi-platform exploration and satirisation of  self improvement gurus and online wellness trends.

Eddie Ladd – Ynys Las 

Eddie has been a physical theatre performer for over 30 years. Eddie will create a deep map of her family farm in rural West Wales where she currently finds herself, isolating with her mother. She’ll explore the history of Maesglas, stories, interviews, fantasy elements, geological notes and everything that shapes this miniature world. 

NTW are working with Welsh based streaming platform AM to deliver their work to audiences https://www.amam.cymru/ 

Network Play Readings to be streamed:

Ripples, by Tracy Harris and directed by Matthew Holmquist  was originally commissioned for Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama’s new writing festival, NEW: 2020, in collaboration with Sherman Theatre and will be the first play presented in partnership with Sherman Theatre as part of Network Play Readings. For a while it looked like the play wouldn’t be seen by audiences as the run at RWCMD was cancelled the day before opening as a result of the closures due to COVID-19 pandemic. Having been revised and adjusted for an online format, this Saturday will see the original cast of final year RWCMD acting students performing a virtual version of the play which follows eight strangers who join an online rehab group to revisit and replay the traumas of their past.

NTW and Sherman Theatre will deliver play readings by Welsh theatre companies – The Other Room, Powder House and Dirty Protest over the coming weeks. Broadcast dates will be announced soon.

Network was born from National Theatre Wales in response to the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown. It was designed to provide vital job opportunities for the performance industry while connecting,  engaging and sharing moments with audiences and communities through live, online theatre during this period of social isolation.

Network is delivered in partnership with BBC Arts, BBC Cymru Wales, Sherman Theatre and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. 

The call out for the second round of commissions for Network’s New Digital Commissions is underway.  Artists are invited to submit their ideas which can work as a piece of live theatre online. The next deadline for submissions is Wednesday 6 May 2020 at 4.00pm.

• National Theatre Wales a Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru yn cyhoeddi’r artistiaid  theatr y tu ôl i rownd gyntaf Comisiynau Digidol Newydd Network
• Y cyntaf o’r Darlleniadau Drama Network i’w darlledu y penwythnos hwn

Yn dilyn lansiad eu rhaglen Network fis diwethaf , mae National Theatre Wales (NTW), ar y cyd â Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru a Theatr y Sherman wedi rhyddhau newyddion pellach heddiw am y tymor digidol.

Gan gydweithio â Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru i gynhyrchu Comisiynau Digidol Newydd  Network, a’r tŷ cynhyrchu Theatr y Sherman  i ddatblygu Darlleniadau Drama  Network, nod rhaglen ddigidol newydd NTW yw creu cyfleoedd i wneuthurwyr theatr tra’n helpu cynulleidfaoedd, cymunedau ac artistiaid i ddod at ei gilydd tra byddwn ni i gyd yn cael ein cadw ar wahân.

Ar ôl ymateb hynod galonogol i’r alwad wreiddiol am gyflwyniadau, mae NTW a Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru yn falch o gyhoeddi’r tri Chomisiwn Digidol Newydd Network cyntaf. Gwahoddwyd gwneuthurwyr theatr o bob cwr o Gymru i gyflwyno ymatebion arloesol, cyffrous a dynol ar gyfer theatr ddigidol fyw yn ystod y cyfnod hwn o gyfyngiad ar symudiad. Mae’r artistiaid Emily Laurens, Justin Teddy Cliffe ac Eddie Ladd wedi eu dewis i arwain tymor agoriadol Network ar gyfer perfformiadau digidol newydd a gomisiynwyd.

Dywedodd Lorne Campbell, Cyfarwyddwr Artistig National Theatre Wales, “Yn dilyn ymateb ysgubol o ran ansawdd, gwreiddioldeb ac uchelgais rydym yn falch iawn o gyhoeddi ein rownd gyntaf o gomisiynau digidol. Mae’n glod i amrywiaeth a dyfnder y gymuned theatr yng Nghymru fod hwn yn benderfyniad mor anodd. Yn y cylch cyntaf hwn rydym wedi dewis tri chais sydd wedi mynd i’r afael â’r syniad o waith byw mewn gofod digidol ac wedi ystyried posibilrwydd ffurf gydag arloesedd go iawn. Rwy’n edrych ymlaen yn fawr i weld y gwaith hwn yn cyrraedd cynulleidfaoedd dros yr wythnosau nesaf.”

Ynghyd â Chomisiynau Digidol Newydd Network, bydd y cyntaf o’r Darlleniadau Drama Network mewn cydweithreidiad â  Theatr y Sherman, yn cael ei ddarlledu y penwythnos hwn. Bydd Darlleniadau Drama Network yn arddangos talent cwmnïau a gweithwyr creadigol ledled Cymru. Caiff y ddrama gyntaf i’w cadarnhau, sef Ripples gan Tracy Harris, wedi’i chyfarwyddo gan Matthew Holmquist a’i pherfformio gan fyfyrwyr Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru, ei darlledu ddydd Sadwrn 2 Mai am 7.00pm. 

Aeth Lorne Campbell ymlaen i ddweud, “Rydym hefyd yn edrych ymlaen yn fawr at ddangos y cyntaf o’n darlleniadau drama digidol ddydd Sadwrn, gyda Ripples gan Tracy Harris. Rwyf wedi gweld rhai o’r ymarferion gwisg ac mae’n argoeli i fod yn ardderchog.”

Yn agor y tymor ar gyfer Comisiynau Digidol Newydd mae:

Emily Laurens – Dreams a little Dream for me

Mae Emily yn artist amlddisgyblaeth a fydd yn troi breuddwydion pobl yn ystod y cyfnod o gyfyngiad ar symudiad yn berfformiadau pypedwaith ynghyd â cherddoriaeth fyw a byrfyfyr. 

Justin Teddy Cliffe – Life Coach

Mae Justin yn wneuthurwr theatr sy’n gweithio ar draws sawl disgyblaeth ac ef yw un hanner y cwmni Tin Shed Theatre Co. Mae Life Coach yn archwiliad dychanol aml-blatfform o gurus hunanwella a thueddiadau llesiant ar-lein.

Eddie Ladd – Ynys Las 

Mae Eddie wedi bod yn berfformiwr theatr gorfforol ers dros 30 mlynedd. Bydd Eddie yn creu map dwfn o’i fferm deuluol yng nghefn gwlad gorllewin Cymru lle mae’n canfod ei hun ar hyn o bryd, yn ynysu gyda’i mam. Bydd yn archwilio hanes Maesglas, straeon, cyfweliadau, elfennau ffantasi, nodiadau daearegol a phopeth sy’n llunio’r byd bychan hwn. 

Mae NTW yn gweithio gyda’r llwyfan ffrydio Gymreig AM i gyflwyno eu gwaith i gynulleidfaoedd https://www.amam.cymru/ 

Darlleniadau Drama Network i’w darlledu:

Cafodd Ripples, gan Tracy Harris ac wedi’i chyfarwyddo gan Matthew Holmquist, ei chomisiynu’n wreiddiol fel rhan o NEW:2020, Gŵyl Ysgrifennu Newydd Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru, a dyma fydd y ddrama gyntaf i’w chyflwyno mewn cydweithrediad â Theatr y Sherman fel rhan o’r Darlleniadau Drama Network. Am gyfnod, roedd yn edrych yn debyg na fyddai’r ddrama’n cael ei gweld gan gynulleidfaoedd wrth i’r perfformiadau yn CBCDC gael eu canslo y diwrnod cyn iddynt agor o ganlyniad i gau oherwydd pandemig COVID-19. Ar ôl cael ei diwygio a’i haddasu ar gyfer fformat ar-lein, ddydd Sadwrn bydd cast gwreiddiol y myfyrwyr actio blwyddyn olaf CBCDC yn perfformio fersiwn rhithwir o’r ddrama sy’n dilyn wyth o ddieithriaid sy’n ymuno â grŵp adsefydlu ar-lein i ailedrych ar drawma eu gorffennol a’i ail-fyw. 

Bydd NTW a Theatr y Sherman yn cyflwyno darlleniadau o ddramâu gan y cwmnïau theatr Cymreig  The Other Room, Powder House a Dirty Protest dros yr wythnosau nesaf. Cyhoeddir y dyddiadau darlledu yn fuan.

Deilliodd Network o National Theatre Wales o ymateb i effaith y cyfyngiad ar symudiad oherwydd Covid-19. Fe’i cynlluniwyd i ddarparu cyfleoedd gwaith hanfodol i’r diwydiant perfformio tra’n cysylltu, ymgysylltu a rhannu enydau gyda chynulleidfaoedd a chymunedau drwy theatr fyw ar-lein yn ystod y cyfnod hwn o ynysu cymdeithasol.

Cyflwynir Network mewn partneriaeth â  BBC Arts, BBC Cymru, Theatr y Sherman a Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. 

Mae’r alwad ar gyfer ail rownd y comisiynau ar gyfer Comisiynau Digidol Newydd Network ar waith.  Gwahoddir artistiaid i gyflwyno eu syniadau a all weithio fel darn o theatr fyw ar-lein. Y dyddiad cau nesaf ar gyfer cyflwyniadau yw dydd Mercher 6 Mai 2020 am 4.00pm.

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am Network a’r cyfleoedd sydd ar gael ewch i www.nationaltheatrewales.org  

HAMPSTEAD THEATRE’S ASSOCIATE COMPANY, THE MONO BOX, LAUNCHES THE MONOLOGUE LIBRARY, AUDIO RECORDINGS OF RENOWNED ARTISTS PERFORMING THEIR FAVOURITE THEATRICAL SPEECHES

Hampstead Theatre’s Associate Company, The Mono Box, is delighted to announce the launch of TheMonologue Library, audio recordings of renowned artists performing their favourite theatrical speeches.  Available on themonobox.co.uk the Library features over 100 speeches by artists such as Sir Derek Jacobi, Denise Gough, Sheila Atim, Gina McKee, Prasanna Puwanarajah and Sir Simon Russell Beale.   Speech Share Live monologues hosted by Hampstead Theatre will also be available on the Hampstead Theatre website.  The Monologue Library has been created during COVID-19 as a free, creative resource for theatre lovers and artists alike and is available from today.

The Monologue Library will include brand new recordings performed by artists in lockdown such as Vanessa Kirby, Youssef Kerkour, Marion Bailey, Paapa Essiedu, Siobhan Redmond and Gwilym Lee who were all due to perform at Hampstead Theatre this spring as part of The Mono Box’s Speech Share Live events.

Speech Share Live is a public recording of The Mono Box’s podcast, Speech Share.  Since becoming an Associate Company at Hampstead Theatre, The Mono Box has recorded a series of Speech Share Lives at the theatre.

Speech Share is hosted by The Mono Box co-founders, Polly Bennett and Joan Iyiola and is an in-depth and engrossing podcast series with some of the UK’s most admired artists, discussing their experience of working within the theatre industry and a production that they have worked on.  Each podcast ends with the artist performing their favourite monologue.  Some of the recordings in the library were originally performed as part of Speech Share.

Over 100 recordings will feature in The Monologue Library on The Mono Box’s website, leading with a poem read by Riz Ahmed honouring the mood of the time, Sarah Niles’s tribute to frontline workers using the words of Winsome Pinnock, a speech from Thalissa Teixieira from a production which was forced to close when COVID-19 hit, a roar from Clare Perkins to inspire us, and classical greats from Josh O’Connor and Sope Dirisu to remind us of how this is all just history repeating.

The full list of artists performing in The Monologue Library are:

Ronke Adekoluejo, Stefan Adegbola, Riz Ahmed, Thomas Aldridge, Adjoa Andoh, Gethin Anthony, Sheila Atim, Alex Austin, Marion Bailey, Joe Bannister, Ben Batt, Sir Simon Russell Beale, Max Bennett, Leanne Best, Leo Bill, Nicholas Bishop, Kirsty Bushell,  Fiona Button, Richard Cant, Claire Cartwright, Pandora Colin, Alistair Cope, Emma Corrin, Kenneth Cranham, Dona Croll, Liz Crowther, John Dagleish, Les Dennis, Sope Dirisu, Phil Dunster, Laura Elphinstone, Alfred Enoch, Paapa Essiedu, Gershwyn Eustache Jnr, Jake Fairbrother, Patsy Ferran, Dino Fetscher, Denise Gough, Rob Heaps, Georgie Henley, Sarah Hoare, Hazel Holder, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Rebecca Humphries, Siu Hun Li, Joan Iyiola, Sir Derek Jacobi, Valene Kane, Youssef Kerkour, Yolanda Kettle, Vanessa Kirby, Danny Kirrane, Natalie Klamar, Joe Kloska, Gwilym Lee, Lauren Lyle, Pearl Mackie, Simon Manyonda, Joseph Marcell, Sam Marks, Joshua McGuire, Gina McKee, Harry Melling, Justine Mitchell, Amy Morgan, Deirdre Mullins, Joseph Mydell, Mimi Ndiweni, Luke Newberry, Arian Nik, Sarah Niles, Pamela Nomvete, James Norton, Josh O’Connor, Theo Ogundipe, Enyi Okoronkwo, Ciarán Owens, Clare Perkins, Martha Plimpton, Imogen Poots, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Karl Queensborough, Siobhan Redmond, Kirsty Rider, Sule Rimi, Rhys Rusbatch, Jenna Russell, Sirine Saba, Sid Sagar, Cherrelle Skeete, Leo Suter, Sam Swann, Thalissa Teixeira, Paul Tinto, Annie Tyson, Olivia Vinall, Anthony Welsh, Susan Wokoma, Gabby Wong, Daniel York and Shane Zaza.

Roxana Silbert, Artistic Director of Hampstead Theatre said:

“The Speech Share Live podcasts at Hampstead Theatre have been an inspiration to our audiences. We miss them. The collective experience of live performance can’t be replaced but The Mono Box has created a wonderful asset with an extraordinary ensemble of artists performing some of the world’s greatest speeches. Their combined generosity is a real audio treat for any theatre lover.”

The Mono Box, co-founders Polly Bennett and Joan Iyiola, said:

“Like many in the entertainment industry these last few weeks, our working lives have rapidly changed and have been left wondering – what now?

We are aware how hard it is to replace the experience of theatre however we still want to connect with people in the way we know how. The creation of our Monologue Library seems like the perfect way to celebrate beautiful writing and performance whilst also hopefully offering some escapism, humour and inspiration during this period of isolation.

We think of it as a big audio love-letter to the theatre community – please jump in and enjoy!”

The Mono Box is a drama training hub and support network for emerging theatre talent, founded by Polly Bennett and Joan Iyiola in 2013.  It provides access to unique workshops, new writing opportunities, inspirational live professional events in the UK and digital content to reach artists across the world.  It has also created a unique collection of 4,000 plays donated by professional actors, directors and writers working in the theatre industry.  The Mono Box has been an Associate Company of Hampstead Theatre since 2019.

Hampstead Theatre closed its building following UK Government advice on Monday 16 March 2020.  It is currently presenting #HampsteadTheatreAtHome, a free, digital streaming series launched to support audiences in isolation.  In partnership with The Guardian, it is currently streaming #AIWW: The Arrest of Ai Weiwei(2013), the story of the controversial arrest and imprisonment of Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei in 2011.  The production will stream until Sunday 3 May, 10pm (BST).  Based on conversations between Ai Weiweiand journalist/writer Barnaby Martin (Hanging Man: The Arrest of Ai Weiwei), this production is directed by James Macdonald.

LAMBERT JACKSON PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCE SAMANTHA BARKS AT THE ADELPHI THEATRE

Lambert Jackson Productions today announce Samantha Barks at the Adelphi Theatre, a solo concert from the West End and Broadway leading lady. The concert will take place on September 6 at 5pm, and is part of a series of concerts at the Adelphi Theatre presented by Lambert Jackson Productions, which includes the previously announced John-Owen Jones.

This is a rare opportunity to see one of the world’s leading stars perform a beautiful, one-night concert with a live band at the stunning Adelphi Theatre, before she takes on one of the most iconic roles in modern musical theatre, Elsa in the West End cast of Frozen.

Jamie Lambert and Eliza Jackson, CEO and Creative Director of Lambert Jackson Productions, today said, “Samantha Barks is one of the world’s leading performers and we are so thrilled to be highlighting her immense talent in such a phenomenal solo show!”

Samantha Barks’ previous theatre credits include Chess (Umeda Arts Theater Main Hall / Tokyo International Forum Hall), Pretty Woman (Chicago and Broadway), The Last Five Years (St James Theatre), Amelie (Berkley Rep), City of Angels (Donmar Warehouse), Chicago (Hollywood Bowl), Oliver! (UK tour), Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre), and Cabaret (Birmingham Rep). She was one of the participants on the BBC series I’d Do Anything. For film, her credits include Chocolate Cake, For Love or Money, Bitter Harvest, The Revenger, Interlude in Prague, The Devil’s Harvest, The Christmas Candle and as Eponine in Les Misérables (recipient of Empire Award for Best Female Newcomer; and nomination for Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture). She also reprised her performance as Eponine for Les Misérables in Concert: The 25^th Anniversary. Barks was recently announced in the role of Elsa in the West End production of Frozen.

Samantha Barks at the Adelphi Theatre

Listings

Adelphi Theatre

Strand, London WC2R 0NS

Box Office: 020 3725 7060

https://lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/adelphi/

Tickets from £25

Running time: 2 hours, with 20 min interval

ABOUT LAMBERT JACKSON PRODUCTIONS

Lambert Jackson Productions is a production company dedicated to producing musical theatre shows and stunning performances. Founded by Jamie Lambert (CEO) and Eliza Jackson (Creative Director), the company made its debut at Cadogan Hall in August 2018 with There’s Nothin’ Like a Dame – 100 Years of Women in Musical Theatre, and has since received two Broadway World Award nominations. Their various productions have received critical acclaim, including Main Men of Musicals, West End Women, Love at the Musicals, multiple Favourites series at The Other Palace, The Throwaways, Ramin Karimloo and The Broadgrass Band, and Doctor Zhivago. They are currently planning their hotly-anticipated production The Secret Garden plus a concert series at The Adelphi Theatre including superstars John Owen-Jones and Samantha Barks.  In the last two months, Lambert Jackson have created the UK’s biggest online concert series, Leave a Light On, designed to provide income for actors during the Covid-19 lockdown. 

Twitter: @LJProds 
Instagram: @lambertjacksonproductions 
Facebook: /lambertjacksonproductions 

BIRDS OF A FEATHER STAR LINDA ROBSON TO HEADLINE ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL’S CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME

ACTRESS WILL PLAY THE FAIRY GODMOTHER IN CINDERELLA

Regal Entertainments are delighted to announce that award-winning TV actor and radio presenter Linda Robson will play the Fairy Godmother in their forthcoming Christmas panto, Cinderella at St Helens Theatre Royal.

Best known for playing Tracey Stubbs in hit TV sitcom Birds of a Feather, Linda will lead an all-star cast when the curtain goes up on Cinderella at St Helens Theatre Royal from Sat 5 Dec ’20 – Sun 3 Jan ’21. A special early booking offer on adult tickets has been introduced if bought before the end of May, the theatre will also be offering a whole performance complementary to NHS workers.

Linda has worked in many TV productions, including Play for Today and sitcoms such as ITV’s much-loved Shine On Harvey Moon. The show’s writers also created hit BBC sitcom Birds of a Feather, starring Robson and Quirke, running for 10 years and attracting 17m viewers. The popular comedy series has also had two successful UK stage tours that led to the series’ award-winning revival on ITV after a gap of 15 years.

Outside acting, Linda has presented BBC’s Inside Out and The One Show and is a regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women.  She has been a contestant in ITV’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and was part of Gareth Malone’s All Star Choir on the official BBC Children In Need single, Wake Me Up, which became 2014’s Christmas No.1. 

Linda Robson said: “Pantomime is something very dear to me and I absolutely love it!  I’ve played both goodies and baddies over the years and I thrive on the feedback I receive from family audiences.  I have lots of friends in the area and I can’t wait to wave my magic wand and bring a bit of Christmas cheer to everyone in St Helens.”

In the most magical fairy-tale of them all, Cinderella lives a life of servitude, with her Ugly Sisters making her life a misery.  When an invitation to the Grand Ball at the Palace arrives, things may be about to change for our Cinders… but not if her scheming siblings have their way!

Can some fairy magic get her to the Ball and meet the handsome Prince Charming? Expect a festive extravaganza with enchanted pumpkins, glass slippers, a sparkling fairy-tale carriage and a Fairy Godmother to make all your dreams come true, as Regal Entertainments bring you the ultimate ‘rags to riches’ fairy tale.

St Helens Theatre Royal manager, Chantelle Nolan said: “We are delighted to announce that Linda Robson will be playing the Fairy Godmother in our Christmas family panto, Cinderella. She is a well-known and much-loved actress and we cannot wait to welcome her to St Helens. There are still plenty more cast announcements to come, so watch this space and be sure to book early, with our special early booking offer to guarantee the best seats! For every early booking offer purchased, we will be offering a seat to an NHS worker.

“We are continually monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus and following the advice and guidelines from the Government’s experts and public health agencies. The health of our audiences, staff and performers is our top priority. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the theatre very soon.”

St Helens Theatre Royal invites you to the ball with Cinderella fromSat 5 Dec ’20 – Sun 3 Jan ’21.

Tickets are on sale now! Book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information, please visit: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Like us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/St-Helens-Theatre-Royal

Follow us on Twitter: @TheatreRoyalStH

LISTING DETAILS

Regal Entertainments Ltd presents Cinderella

Dates: Saturday 5 December 2020 – Sunday 3 January 2021

Times: Various

Tickets: From £11*

Early Birds Of A Feather Offer: For each adult ticket purchased another adult goes free! (Valid from 13-20 Dec and 30 Dec-3 Jan, offer excludes weekend matinees and school performances) must book by 31^st May! For every ticket booked on the offer, a ticket will go to an NHS worker.

*All prices are inclusive of a £1 per seat transaction fee. On-line bookings are subject to an additional 50p per seat on-line processing fee.

THEATRE ROYAL BOOKING DETAILS

Due to the coronavirus, the Theatre Box Office is closed for in-person and telephone bookings.  Books can be made online at www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com or by emailing the box office at [email protected]

BIBLIOBUZZ ALEXANDRA PALACE’S CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL MOVES ONLINE FOR 2020

Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust has joined forces with Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell and six celebrated children’s authors: Aisha Bushby, Kirsty Applebaum, Helen Peters, Rebecca Westcott, Stewart Foster and Thomas Taylor  to deliver the finale of the annual Bibliobuzz reading initiative online from 4 – 15 May.

Since January, hundreds of young people aged nine to twelve have taken part in Bibliobuzz, the annual literature programme from Alexandra Palace, Haringey Libraries and Haringey School Librarians, which is now in its seventh year. Young readers were challenged to complete six selected books before voting for their favourite. As part of the initiative they were also offered the opportunity to attend workshops and reading group sessions, win prizes and competitions as well as meet famous authors of some of their favourite books. 

Originally due to take place at the end of March, the Bibliobuzz weekend festival was postponed due to the closure of Alexandra Palace during the current Covid-19 pandemic. It will now take place online from 4 – 15 May. The digital festival will see the authors involved give selected online readings from their much-loved stories and set creative challenges for the young readers to complete.

Culminating on 15 May, Cressida Cowell, Waterstones Children’s Laureate and Bibliobuzz ambassador, will bring this year’s challenge to a close with the announcement of the winners of the Alexandra Palace Children’s Book Awards, as voted for by the young participants.

This year’s shortlisted titles were:

• A Pocketful of Stars by Aisha Bushby
• The Middler by Kirsty Applebaum
• Anna at War by Helen Peters
• Can You See Me? by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott
• Check Mates by Stewart Foster
• Malamander by Thomas Taylor

Cressida Cowell, Waterstones Children’s Laureate and Bibliobuzz ambassador, says:

“In these extraordinary and difficult times, children need the magic of books and reading more than ever. With schools and libraries currently closed, initiatives such as Alexandra Palace’s Bibliobuzz are incredibly important in providing children with much-needed space and encouragement to be creative, discover new books, and experience the joy of reading. I’m thrilled to be involved.”

Louise Stewart, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust chief executive said:

“Ally Pally may be closed but we are still delivering our charitable purposes, not only looking after the Park and Palace but continuing our Learning and Community programmes where we can. We are really excited to be able to continue Bibliobuzz, a pillar of our Creative Learning programme. We wanted to make sure there was a finale to enjoy for everyone who has taken part and an opportunity to see and learn with such inspiring authors.”

For more information about Bibliobuzz visit www.alexandrapalace.com/

The Union Theatre’s Elegies Cast dedicate song to NHS Heroes and Theatre Freelancers

In response to Coronavirus and the industry’s shutdown, the phenomenally talented cast of Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens which ran last year at The Union Theatre, have recorded a deeply moving tribute to our NHS heroes and freelancers. They hope the song ‘Heroes’ from the show written by Janet Hood and Bill Russell will raise spirits and vital funds for people who are finding it particularly hard to cope in the present circumstances.

All of the funds raised will be split evenly between NHS Charities Together, and Funds for Freelancers.

NHS Charities Together is providing relief for NHS workers that regular funding doesn’t cover; this includes providing comfortable spaces so NHS staff and volunteers can have breaks, providing electronic tablets to patients, staff and volunteers so they can stay in contact with their loved ones, and offering counselling support to protect mental health, and help staff and volunteers process the issues they are facing during COVID-19.

Funds for Freelancers is a charity initiative set up by the Turbine Theatre, London (led by Paul Taylor-Mills, Helen Clarkson, Sasha Regan, and Sita McIntosh). It was created in the wake of the theatre closures mid-March to help as many people in the theatre industry as possible.

Times are uncertain at the moment for everyone, but any donation you are able to give will go a long way to easing the stress faced by performers, NHS workers and volunteers alike.

Song link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jspdp7-we-need-heroes/campaign/gallery/0?fbclid=IwAR2X952ESzd7-P9FpYFmQlM8v638-w5ZCLggVrwrcAIltRBpv-pi-zygweI

GoFundMe Page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jspdp7-we-need-heroes

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74cMh3ARVMA&feature=youtu.be

BBC RE-MAKES ALAN BENNETT’S

T A L K I N G H E A D S

JODIE COMER, MONICA DOLAN, MARTIN FREEMAN, TAMSIN GREIG, SARAH LANCASHIRE, LESLEY MANVILLE, LUCIAN MSAMATI, MAXINE PEAK, ROCHENDA SANDALL, KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS, IMELDA STAUNTON AND HARRIET WALTER

Filming begins today on new productions of Alan Bennett’s critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning Talking Heads monologues, which first aired on BBC Television in 1988 and 1998. Ten of the original pieces will be re-made with the addition of two new ones written by Bennett last year. They are produced by Nicholas Hytner’s London Theatre Company and Kevin Loader, and will air in the coming months on BBC One.

As the British public service broadcaster, the BBC has a key role to play in continuing to offer new programming for our audience at this time of national crisis. The contained nature of Bennett’s monologues allowed the opportunity to tell timely and relevant stories while following the latest government guidelines on safe working practices during Covid-19.

Alan Bennett says: “In such difficult circumstances, that the BBC should choose to remount both series of Talking Heads, and produce two entirely new ones, is a comfort and a huge compliment. I hope a new generation of actors will get and give as much pleasure as we did twenty and thirty years ago.”

Nicholas Hytner, Bennett’s long-term collaborator and Lead Director and Producer, says: “Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads are among the masterworks of one of the very greatest writers in TV, film and theatre history. It has been a profound and fascinating experience to work out a way of making them again, this time with a company of phenomenal actors who are the equal of those who first made them; with a group of leading theatre directors, colleagues and friends of long standing; and with a team behind the camera that represents the best of the British TV and film industries. It is a wonderful bonus that two of the 2020 Talking Heads are totally new, written only a short time before the current crisis began. And everyone involved has been working in an unprecedented way, rigorously observing social distancing, entirely rethinking ways of filmmaking that until a few weeks ago seemed routine. The shoot will never bring any of us within touching distance of each other, but I hope that in every other way it will reach out and touch millions of viewers. We are all of us beyond grateful to the BBC for setting us this challenge.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, says: “Covid-19 has laid waste to drama production in the UK, but it has also posed a challenge: how do we adhere to restrictions while still offering British viewers the chance to lose themselves in great stories at this time of national need? Full of insight, wit, daring and compassion, these are stories of individual lives – but of great resonance. I am so grateful to Alan, Nicholas Hytner, Kevin Loader and the whole team for the caution, ingenuity and wisdom which they have shown in bringing these stories to the screen.”

The Talking Heads monologues were first broadcast on the BBC in 1988 and 1998, breaking new ground for television and widely celebrated as Alan Bennett’s masterpieces. They had a stellar cast including Patricia Routledge, Maggie Smith, Stephanie Cole, Julie Walters, Thora Hird, Eileen Atkins, David Haig and Penelope Wilton, alongside Bennett himself. The monologues won two BAFTAs, an RTS award and have also since been included on the A-level and GCSE English Literature syllabus.

The monologues which will air on BBC One in the coming months are as follows:

[Listed in alphabetical order]

Jodie Comer in Her Big Chance (1988), directed by Josie Rourke

Monica Dolan in The Shrine (2019), directed by Nicholas Hytner

Martin Freeman in A Chip in the Sugar (1988), directed by Jeremy Herrin

Tamsin Greig in Nights in the Garden of Spain (1998), directed by Marianne Elliott

Sarah Lancashire in An Ordinary Woman (2019), directed by Nicholas Hytner

Lesley Manville in Bed Among the Lentils (1988), directed by Nicholas Hytner

Lucian Msamati in Playing Sandwiches (1998), directed by Jeremy Herrin

Maxine Peake in Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet (1988), directed by Sarah Frankcom

Rochenda Sandall in The Outside Dog (1998), directed by Nadia Fall

Kristin Scott Thomas in The Hand of God (1998), directed by Jonathan Kent

Imelda Staunton in A Lady of Letters (1988), directed by Jonathan Kent

Harriet Walter in Soldiering On (1988), directed by Marianne Elliott

Filming is taking place at BBC Elstree Studios using existing sets. The Talking Heads production team are following the latest government guidelines on Covid-19 to ensure that the series is made safely and responsibly.

Talking Heads will be produced by London Theatre Company for the BBC One, with BBC Studios providing the studios facilities. The series will be produced by Nicholas Hytner and Kevin Loader for London Theatre Company and co-produced by Steve Clark Hall. Executive Producers are Nick Starr and Anthony Jones for LTC, and Piers Wenger for the BBC. The series has been commissioned by Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, and Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content.

Some Enchanted Evening: A free online concert celebrating the music of Rodgers + Hammerstein was streamed last night by Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester

Available until Sunday 3^rd May

Last night Hope Mill Theatre streamed a special online concert featuring an array of musical theatre performers, celebrating the much-loved music from legendary songwriting duo Rodgers + Hammerstein.

The concert saw the cast perform their songs at home, with performances edited together into a complete concert experience, hosted by Hope Mill Theatre’s founders William Whelton and Joseph Houston.

The line-up featured West End stars Maria Friedman (Ragtime, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) Louise Dearman (Wicked, Sideshow) and Sophie-Louise Dann (Lend Me A Tenor, Bend it Like Beckham)

The venue was also thrilled to introduce cast members from the cancelled forthcoming production of Cinderella, Matthew Blaker, Julie Yammanee and Cinderella herself, Georgie Buckland. Buckland is a recent graduate from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and was found through the venue’s open call for the role which received of over 500 submissions.

The concert also included performers from past Hope Mill Theatre productions – Joel-Harper Jackson (Little Women), Laura Harrison (Parade) and Simbi Akande (Putting It Together). As well as Any Dream Will Do contestant Keith Jack.

Songs by the legendary Rodgers + Hammerstein performed included Shall We Dance (The King and I), Edelweiss (The Sound of Music), I Can’t Say No (Oaklahoma!), and of course, Some Enchanted Evening (South Pacific), as well as a ‘singalong’ version of Do, Re, Mi (The Sound of Music). Plus a moving version of You’ll Never Walk Alone (Carousel) reflecting on the current situation and paying tribute to the NHS.

Some Enchanted Evening also featured some special guest hosts and familiar theatrical faces who introduced the songs and paid tribute to Hope Mill Theatre.

These included Hope Mill Theatre patrons Tracie Bennett, Russell T Davies and Denise Welch, director and choreographer Andrew Wright, writer Jonathan Harvey and many supporters of the theatre including Hayley Tamaddon, Sally Dynevor, Nick Winston and more.

The concert was free, but donations can be made by audiences to raise money to help the venue to reopen when the time comes, and to get back on its feet. Full details of this can be found here: https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/support-us

The concert can be found on the theatre’s YouTube channel until Sunday 3^rd May: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sICc_L8tCMw

A video of one of the numbers from the concert – A Lovely Night from Cinderella – can be downloaded and shared here: https://we.tl/t-bMP0FZdBSR

A Lovely Night features orchestrations by Jason Carr, Musical Direction Leo Munby. Cinderella – Georgie Buckland. Charlotte – Helen Aylott and Gabrielle – Eliza Waters 

Joseph Houston, Artistic Director of Hope Mill Theatre, said: “We have worked so hard to bring together our first online production. It is so important to us that we continue to share work and keep engaged with our wonderful audiences. We have had so much support since closing and we are extremely grateful. Theatre is such a powerful art form, so it is important that for now, we continue to bring escapism & entertainment online. However, I think it proves even more the importance and sheer joy that live theatre gives and certainly makes me so excited to be back in a theatre seat. We hope you enjoy our concert and can keep supporting us through these difficult times.”

Like many theatres across the country, Hope Mill Theatre has been closed since Tuesday 17^th March due to Covid-19.

The venue ceased all productions and made the difficult decision to cancel their first in-house production of the year, which was to be the UK theatrical premiere of the Broadway version of  Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, which was due to open in May.

Twitter: @Hopemilltheatr1

Facebook: Hope Mill Theatre