FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE UK PREMIERE OF

NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812

DIRECTED BY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TIM SHEADER

With the critically acclaimed The Fear of 13 currently running, the Donmar Warehouse today announce the full cast for the UK premiere of Dave Malloy’s Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812 which marks new Artistic Director Tim Sheader’s directorial debut at the venue. Sheader directs Declan Bennett (Pierre), Chumisa Dornford-May (Countess Natasha Rostova), Daniel Krikler (Fedya Dolokhov), Eugene McCoy (Prince Bolkonsky/Andrey), Annette McLaughlin (Marya Dimitriyevna), Maimuna Memon (Sonya Rostova), Jamie Muscato (Anatole), Cedric Neal (Balaga), Chloe Saracco (Mary) and Cat Simmons (Helene Kuragina Bezukhova), with Andrew Berlin, Kimberly Blake, Ali Goldsmith, Chihiro Kawasaki, Nitai Levi and Annie Majin.

The production opens on 16 December, with previews from 9 December, and runs until 8 February 2025.

Generously supported by Charles Holloway OBE, Season Supporter, and The Len Blavatnik Family Foundation.

We are grateful for additional Production Support from Sue Butcher and Crawford Harris. 

THE UK PREMIERE OF

NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812
Music, lyrics, book and orchestrations by Dave Malloy

Directed by Tim Sheader
Choreography by Ellen Kane
Musical Supervisor Nicholas Skilbeck
Set design by Leslie Travers
Costume design by Evie Gurney
Lighting design by Howard Hudson
Sound design by Nick Lidster and Gareth Tucker for Autograph
Musical Director Sam Young
Casting Director Pippa Ailion CDG for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting
Intimacy Director Ingrid Mackinnon
Voice Coach Barbara Houseman
Associate Director Fiona Dunn
Associate Choreographer Nuno Silva
Associate Casting Director Richard Johnston
Resident Assistant Director Grace Duggan

9 December 2024 – 8 February 2025


“Gonna have to study up a little bit
If you wanna keep with the plot
Cuz it’s a complicated Russian novel
Everyone’s got nine different names
So look it up in your program
We’d appreciate it, thanks a lot.
Da da da
Da da da
Da da da”

Arriving in the glittering opulent world of Moscow High Society, the impulsive and romantic Natasha Rostova awaits the return of her fiancé from the front lines. But when she falls under the spell of an intoxicating aristocrat, it is up to the unlikely hero, Pierre, to pick up the pieces of her shattered reputation.

Inspired by a scandalous slice of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, multi-award-winning Dave Malloy’s dazzling, genre-defying musical is a ravishing party from start to finish.

Nominated for 12 Tony Awards on Broadway, this brand new Donmar production is directed by Artistic Director Tim Sheader in its UK premiere. His international Olivier Award-winning musical productions include Jesus Christ Superstar and Into the Woods.

Declan Bennett – Pierre. His theatre work includes The Marilyn Conspiracy (Park Theatre), Boy Out the City (Writer and Creator – Lyric Theatre West End/Edinburgh Fringe), Moulin Rouge! (Al Hirschfeld Broadway), Carousel, Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The View Upstairs (Soho Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar Concert (Tokyo Orb), Striking 12 (Union Theatre), Fatherland (Lyric Hammersmith), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Menier Chocolate Factory), Once (Phoenix Theatre), American Idiot (St. James Theater/Broadway/US National tour), Rent (Nederlander Theater/Broadway/US National tour), Taboo (The Venue/UK tour), The Kissing Dance (Edinburgh Festival/UK tour), It’s a Lovely Day Tomorrow and Our Day Out (Belgrade Theatre). For television, his work includes The Long Call and EastEnders – as series regular Charlie Cotton; and for film, Inside Llewyn Davis; A Beautiful Day to Die; Contagion and Broadway Idiot. Bennett has released 5 albums and 4 EPs on his own label ‘CovBoy’.

Andrew Berlin – Ensemble.His theatre work includesBonnie and Clyde (UK & Ireland tour), Oklahoma! (Wyndham’s Theatre), Kinky Boots, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Norwegian Cruise Lines), Elf: The Musical (Engamen Theatre), Jersey Boys (US regional premiere), A Christmas Story: The Musical (Fulton Theatre / US national tour), The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Sierra Rep. Theatre), Reefer Madness 10th Anniversary Concert (54 Below) and Tonya and Nancy: The Rock Opera (New York Musical Theatre Festival); and for television, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. 

Kimberly Blake – Ensemble. Her theatre work includesPriscilla: The Party (West End), Pretty Woman: The Musical (Savoy Theatre), Cinderella, Aladdin (Qdos), The Phantom of the Opera, Barnum (Cameron Mackintosh Ltd), Aspects of Love (Hope Mill Theatre), Chess (ENO/ London Coliseum), Company (Aberdeen Arts Centre), Half a Sixpence (Chichester Festival Theatre/Noël Coward Theatre), A Little Night Music (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre), The Sound Of Music (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and Momo (Filament Theatre); and for television, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?.

Chumisa Dornford-May – Countess Natasha Rostova. Her theatre work includes The Phantom of the Opera (His Majesty’s Theatre), The Addams Family – Musical in Concert (London Palladium), Evita (Curve, Leicester – nomination for Best Supporting Performance, UK Theatre Awards) and Aspects of Love (Lyric Theatre). 

Ali Goldsmith – Ensemble. His theatre work includes Volcano (Attic Projects), The Hunt (Almeida/St Ann’s Warehouse, New York), Cold War (Almeida Theatre), The Burnt City and The Drowned Man: A Hollywood Fable (Punchdrunk). Dance includes Coal and Wasteland (Gary Clarke Company), The Ephemeral Life of an Octopus, TOYS, Starving Dingoes (Léa Tirabasso) and Dancehall (Emma Martin Dance/United Fall).His television work includes The Third Day; and for film, Romeo + Juliet, Rebecca, Mary Queen of Scots and The Mummy.

Chihiro Kawasaki – Ensemble. Her theatre work includes Blossfeldt, Placebo (Clod Ensemble), World Piano Day in collaboration with Float (National Gallery), The Burnt City, The Drowned Man Hollywood Fable (Punchdrunk), We are as Gods (James Cousins Company/Battersea Arts Centre), Nutcrusher (Sung Im Her) and Within Her Eyes (James Cousins Company). Her site-specific performance includesTerminal 1 (Glastonbury), Salt of the Earth (Sophie Hunter), Waldorf Project (Chapter Three/Futuro), La Traviata; Swan Lake welcome performance (Royal Opera House), The Great Masked Ball (The Lost Estate), Haenyo, Underwater film & photography (Zena Holloway) and Duchampiana (Lilian Hess, Biennale, Venice Immersive). Her opera work includes Wozzeck (Aix Festival, France), Weimar Nightfall: The Seven Deadly Sins (LA Philharmonic/Walt Disney Concert Hall) and The Rake’s Progress (Stanislavski Theatre, Moscow/Aix Festival/National Opera). Her television work includes Dope Girls, Nourouz Persian New Year, Time of Your Life and Frankenstein’s Wedding live in Leeds; and for film, The Marvels, Matilda, Catherine, Called Birdy, Cats, Brave New World, Maleficent 2, Mari and The Mummy. 

Daniel Krikler -Fedya Dolokhov. His theatre work includes Fiddler on the Roof (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Motive and the Cue; The Normal Heart (National Theatre), The Book Thief (Leicester Curve/Bolton Octagon), The Secret Life of Bees (Almeida Theatre), The Tempest; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth (Guildford Shakespeare Company), Fighting Irish (Belgrade Theatre), Pippin (Charing Cross Theatre), Present Laughter (The Old Vic), Unicorns, Almost (Bristol Old Vic/Story of Books, Hay Festival), Homos, or Everyone in America (Finborough Theatre), Pink Mist (Bristol Old Vic/UK tour), Jersey Boys (Dodger Productions), Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre), Bare: A Pop Opera (Union Theatre) and Loserville (Garrick Theatre/ West Yorkshire Playhouse); and for television, The Halcyon. 

Nitai Levi –Ensemble. Levi returns to the Donmar, having previously appeared in The Band’s Visit. His other theatre work includes The Other Boleyn Girl (Chichester Festival Theatre), Scenes From Rent (Curve, Leicester), Til It Stops (Cockpit Theatre), A Midsummer’s Night Dream and Spring Awakening (Edinburgh Fringe); and for television, We Were The Lucky Ones and Masters of the Air.

Annie Majin – Ensemble. This marks her professional stage debut.

Eugene McCoy – Prince Bolkonsky/Andrey. His previous work for the Donmar includes Guys and Dolls. His other theatre work includes The 39 Steps (Trafalgar Theatre/UK tour), Legally Blonde (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Man In The White Suit (Wyndham’s Theatre/Theatre Royal Bath), Man of La Mancha (English National Opera), A Christmas Carol; Groundhog Day (The Old Vic), The Pajama Game (Shaftesbury Theatre/Chichester Theatre), American Psycho (Almeida Theatre/Headlong), Jersey Boys (Prince Edward Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors, They’re Playing Our Song (Menier Chocolate Factory UK tour), Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival), Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales Theatre) and West Side Story (Cyprus). For television his work includes Unforgotten and Little Crackers; and for film, Wonka, Matilda and Paddington 2.

Annette McLaughlin -Marya Dimitriyevna. Her theatre work includes Player Kings (Noël Coward Theatre/UK tour), The Box Of Delights, Volpone, Love’s Sacrifice, The Jew Of Malta, Measure for Measure, Heresy of Love (Royal Shakespeare Company), 42nd Street (Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris), Scandaltown (Lyric Hammersmith), Matilda The Musical (Cambridge Theatre), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace Theatre), Pinocchio; Love’s Labour’s Lost, Anything Goes, Singin in The Rain (National Theatre), Twelfth Night (Shakespeare’s Globe), Billy Elliot (UK tour), Our Town, The Odyssey, Lysistrata (Almeida Theatre), Apocalypse Meow: Crisis is Born (Southbank Centre), Dick Whittington (Hackney Empire), Brief Encounter (UK, US and Australian tour/St Ann’s Warehouse, Brooklyn/Studio 54, Broadway), She Loves Me, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, 5/11 (Chichester Festival Theatre), Chicago The Musical (Adelphi Theatre/ Cambridge Theatre), Anything Goes (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Written on the Heart (Duchess Theatre), Noises Off (Birmingham Rep), Lenny (Queen’s Theatre), Damn Yankees (Adelphi Theatre), Beauty and the Beast (Dominion Theatre), Crazy for You (Prince Edward Theatre), Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Henry IV Part 1, High Society (Regent’s Park Open Air), The Women (The Old Vic), The Vagina Monologues (UK tour), Tomorrow Morning (New End, Hampstead), Imagine This (Theatre Royal Plymouth), Into the Woods (Derby Playhouse), Handmaidens of Death, What the Women Did (Southwark Playhouse), Dreams From a Summerhouse (Newbury Watermill Theatre), Horse and Carriage, Singin in the Rain, Stepping Out (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Godspell (Haymarket Theatre Basingstoke), BBC Proms – Sondheim at 80, Trevor Nunn – A Celebration (Royal Albert Hall)and the Opening of the Welsh Millenium Centre in Cardiff. For television, her work includes Outrageous, Silent Witness, Grantchester, The Frank Skinner Show and Law & Order UK; and for film Legionnaire and Lunar V1.

Maimuna Memon -Sonya Rostova. Her theatre work includes Grapes of Wrath (National Theatre), Manic Street Creature (Southwark Playhouse/Paines Plough Roundabout – Stage Award For Acting and Fringe First Award), Standing at the Sky’s Edge (National Theatre/Sheffield Theatres – Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role), Living Newspaper Edition 6 (Royal Court Theatre), Nine Lessons and Carols (Almeida Theatre), The Band Plays On (Sheffield Theatres), Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Ghost Quartet (Boulevard Theatre), Hobson’s Choice, Into the Woods (Royal Exchange Theatre), Electrolyte (Wildcard/Pleasance Dome), Lazarus (King’s Cross Theatre)and The Busker’s Opera (Park Theatre). Her writing and composing credits include Grapes of Wrath (National Theatre), Portia Coughlan, Lessons and Carols, Nine (Almeida Theatre), Manic Street Creature (Edinburgh Fringe/ Southwark Playhouse), Henry VIII (Globe Theatre), Electrolyte (Edinburgh 2018/19 and National Tour) and Welcome to Iran (Stratford East/ BBC Radio 3). Her television work includes Time, Domino Day, Sherwood and Unforgotten.

Jamie Muscato – Anatole. His theatre work includes Moulin Rouge! (Piccadilly Theatre), Les Misérables The Staged Concert (Sondheim Theatre), West Side Story (Leicester Curve), Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket/ The Other Palace), Big Fish (The Other Palace), Lazarus (King’s Cross Theatre), A Subject of Scandal and Concern (Finborough Theatre), Stay Awake Jake (The Vaults), Bend it Like Beckham (Phoenix Theatre), Sweeney Todd (Welsh National Opera), House of Mirrors and Hearts (Arcola Theatre), Dogfight (Southwark Playhouse), The Light Princess (National Theatre), Rock of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre), Love Story (Duchess Theatre), Les Misérables (25 Anniversary tour) and Spring Awakening (Novello/ Lyric Hammersmith). For television his work includes Chemistry of Death, The Undeclared War, Pistol, The Trial of Christine Keeler and Cilla; and for film, The Colour of Spring, The Nun and Les Misérables.

Cedric Neal – Balaga. His theatre work includesGuys And Dolls – Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (Bridge Theatre), 42nd Street (Théâtre du Châtelet), Back To The Future (Adelphi Theatre), The View Upstairs (Soho Theatre), Chess (London Coliseum), Motown (Shaftesbury Theatre), After Midnight (Brooks Atkinson Theatre), The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bees (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Dreamgirls (Signature Theatre), Stagger Lee, Death of a Salesman and It’s A Bird, It’s a Plane…It’s Superman (Dallas Theatre Centre).

Chloe Saracco makes her professional stage debut asMary. Saracco graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and Harvard University. In 2023, she was the recipient of the HRH Princess Alice Duchess of Gloucester Prize.

Cat Simmons – Helene Kuragina Bezukhova. Her theatre work includes Saving Grace (Patrick Gracey Productions Ltd), Mum (Francesca Moody Productions), Come From Away (The Abbey Theatre, Dublin/West End), The Lady In The Van (Theatre Royal Bath), One Love (Birmingham Rep), Sweet Charity (Royal Exchange Theatre), Henry V (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Lyric Hammersmith), Jane Wenham: The Witch of Walkern (Watford Palace Theatre), Sid (Mercury Colchester/HighTide), Hopelessly Devoted (Paines Plough/Tricycle Theatre), Lightning Child, Macbeth (Shakespeare’s Globe), Oliver! (Cameron Mackintosh Ltd), Decade (Headlong), And I and Silence (Finborough Theatre), Coming Home (Arcola Theatre), Been So Long (Young Vic/English Touring Theatre), AMERICA – Visions of Love (Winter Guests), Aladdin (The Old Vic), We Happy Few (Malvern Theatres), Simply Heavenly (Young Vic Theatre), Fame! (Cambridge Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar and Whistle Down The Wind (Really Useful Group). For television, her work includes Out There, Halo, All Creatures Great and Small, Mary & George, Malpractice, The Holiday, Killing Eve, Moving On, Ordinary Lies, Vera, The Bill – as series regular DC Kezia Walker, Soko Leipzig, Family Affairs – as series regular Scarlett Anderson, No Angels, Girl’s Weekend, Big C and Children’s Ward; and for film, Chuck Chuck Baby, Dune: Part 2, Silent Hours, A Silent Night, Tubby & End, Macbeth On Screen, Postcode and Life and Lyrics.

Dave Malloy is an award-winning composer, writer, performer, and orchestrator. He has written music for eighteen musicals, including Three Houses, a post-pandemic open mic night parable about magic, madness, and the end of the world; The Witches, an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel at the National Theatre; Love Around the Block, a musical commissioned by Hermѐs for the grand opening of their new flagship store in New York City; Moby-Dick, a four-part musical reckoning with Herman Melville’s epic; Octet, a chamber choir musical about internet addiction; Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (12 Tony nominations, including Best Musical, Score, Book, and Orchestrations); Ghost Quartet, a song cycle about love, death, and whiskey; Preludes, a musical fantasia set in the hypnotised mind of Sergei Rachmaninoff; Three Pianos, a drunken romp through Schubert’s “Winterreise”; Beowulf—A Thousand Years of Baggage, an anti-academia rock opera; Beardo, a reinterpretation of the Rasputin myth; Sandwich, a musical about killing animals; and Clown Bible, Genesis to Revelation told through clowns. He has won three Obie Awards, a Smithsonian Ingenuity Award, a Drama Desk Award, a Lortel Award, a Theater World Award, the Richard Rodgers Award, an ASCAP New Horizons Award, and a Jonathan Larson Grant; has been a MacDowell fellow and Composer-in-Residence at Ars Nova; and is a Residency 5 Writer at the Signature Theatre. His upcoming work includes a musical adaptation of the film Black Swan.

Tim Sheader is Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive of the Donmar Warehouse. He was previously Artistic Director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where he directed over 20 productions, including the Olivier and Evening Standard Award-winning musicals Into the Woods (also Central Park’s Delacorte Theater), Hello Dolly, Crazy For You (also West End), and Jesus Christ Superstar which, following two sold out seasons at Regent’s Park and a transfer to the Barbican, has been touring the US for three years, is currently on tour in the UK and opens in Australia this September. His critically acclaimed production of To Kill a Mockingbird also toured the UK ending with a sell-out run at the Barbican. Committed to taking the company’s work to as wide an audience as possible, he oversaw further UK tours of productions including Pride and Prejudice, Lord of the Flies and Running Wild. His other stage work includes The Monstrous Child (Royal Opera House), My Fair Lady (Aarhus Theatre), Barnum (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Magistrate (National Theatre), Don Pasquale (Opera National de Lorraine and upcoming in Lausanne and Nice).

DONMAR WAREHOUSE

LISTINGS

41 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9LX

Box Office: www.donmarwarehouse.com / 020 3282 3808

Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook: @donmarwarehouse

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Evenings Mon – Sat 7.30pm

Thursday & Saturday matinees 2.30pm  

TICKET PRICES

The Fear of 13
£70 / £50 / £30

Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
£65 (£60) / £50 (£45) / £30 (£25)

Backstroke, Intimate Apparel
£60 (£55) / £45 (£40) / £25 (£20)

Preview discounts apply to the first four performances only

Standing £15 to be released at a later date

35 AND UNDER TICKETS AT £20
Aged 16-35? Sign up to our exclusive email list to book tickets for £20, located throughout the theatre including the front row. Plus receive insights to shows, invites to socials, and exclusive offers at the bar and more. Book early to secure these prices. www.donmarwarehouse.com/35under

Maximum two tickets per person – both need to be aged 35 or under at time of the performance. Subject to availability. ID will need to be shown at Box Office to collect tickets. 

DONMAR DAILY

New tickets on sale every day at the Donmar. Allocations of tickets will be made available every day for performances 7 days later. Tickets will be available across the auditorium at every price band.

ACCESS

The Donmar Warehouse is fully wheelchair accessible. Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome in the auditorium. There is a Loop system and a Radio Frequency system fitted in the main auditorium and there are also hearing loops at all the front of house counters.

ASSISTED PERFORMANCES
If you require a companion to attend the Donmar, their ticket will be free. To book call 020 3282 3808 or email [email protected].

For all other access enquiries or bookings call 020 3282 3808.

SEASON AT A GLANCE

THE FEAR OF 13
Until 30 November 2024
Captioned: Monday 18 November 7.30pm
Audio described: Saturday 16 November 2.30pm

NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812
9 December 2024 – 8 February 2025
Captioned: Monday 27 January 7.30pm
Audio described: Saturday 1 February 2.30pm

BACKSTROKE
14 February 2025 – 12 April 2025
Captioned: Monday 31 March at 7.30pm
Audio described: Saturday 5 April at 2.30pm

 INTIMATE APPAREL
20 June 2025 – 9 August 2025
Captioned: Monday 28 July at 7.30pm
Audio described: Saturday 2 August at 2.30pm

DONMAR WEST END:

MACBETH
Directed by Max Webster
HAROLD PINTER THEATRE
Until 14 December 2024

MACBETH IN CINEMAS
Filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse
From 5 February 2025
Cinemas and tickets macbethdonmarcinema.com  

DONMAR WAREHOUSE

The Donmar offers a uniquely intimate theatre experience where no audience member is ever more than four rows from the action.  In our converted warehouse in the heart of the West End, we bring together exceptional artists to tell powerful, popular and inclusive stories.  For over 30 years we’ve been making celebrated productions of classic plays, new work and intimate musicals that illuminate the human experience and thrill theatre-goers at our home base and further afield through transfers and on screen.  We enable talented emerging artists to find new routes into the industry, and create opportunities for local young people to experience the artform as both audience members and makers.  Through our productions and participation programmes we inspire audiences and artists of all backgrounds to embrace the experience of live theatre as a catalyst for inquiry, compassion, connection and joy.

FURTHER CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

 MAJOR UK TOUR OF

DONNY OSMOND PLAYS PHARAOH IN EDINBURGH

JOE McELDERRY PERFORMS AS PHARAOH AT SELECT DATES

CHRISTINA BIANCO IS NARRATOR

ADAM FILIPE IS JOSEPH

Performances begin at the Edinburgh Playhouse Tuesday 3 December 2024

Michael Harrison is delighted to reveal further casting for the second tour of the acclaimed London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Joining the tour’s previously announced Pharaohs – and Joseph alumni – Donny Osmond and Joe McElderry, are Christina Bianco as Narrator and Adam Filipe as Joseph. The 2025 tour opens at the Edinburgh Playhouse for a magical Christmas season – and Donny’s only UK tour dates – from Tuesday 3 December 2024. Tickets for all dates are on sale now at www.uk.josephthemusical.com.

Marking his first UK performances on stage as Pharaoh, global entertainment icon and celebrated star Donny Osmond returns to this production, having previously played the titular role of Joseph in over 2,000 performances. This iconic portrayal was later captured on film in 1999 alongside Joan Collins, Richard Attenborough, and Maria Friedman, filmed at Pinewood Studios.

Joe McElderry shares regal duties across the tour performing asPharaohin this sensational production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconicmusical, having last performed as Joseph during an extensive 2017 / 2018 UK tour. Joe joins the tour at the Sunderland, Empire Theatre; Canterbury, Marlowe Theatre; Nottingham, Theatre Royal; Belfast, Grand Opera House; Leeds, Grand Theatre; Wimbledon, New Theatre; Blackpool, Winter Gardens; Woking, New Victoria Theatre; Newcastle, Theatre Royal; Plymouth, Theatre Royal; Leicester Curve;and Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre. Please see Notes To Editors for dates.

Further Pharaoh casting is to be announced.

Playing all dates across the tour are Christina Bianco as Narrator and Adam Filipe as Joseph. Christina Bianco is a two-time Drama Desk Award nominee, who made her West End debut starring in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s production of Forbidden Broadway at the Vaudeville Theatre. She captured international acclaim as a YouTube sensation with her ‘diva’ impression videos gainingover 25 million views and more recently delighted audiences as Glinda in The Wizard of Oz at The London Palladium. Adam Filipe’s credits include Titanic The Musical (UK Tour); Prince Of Egypt, Original West End Cast and Les Misérables (Queens Theatre). Concert Credits: vocalist for Lea Salonga: Stage, Screen & Everything In Between (UK Tour) and Houdini in Side Show: in Concert (London Palladium).

The 2025tour completing company are also announced today with Hugh Cotton asReuben and Will Haswell as Simeon. The rest of the company comprise Aaron Archer; Bella Baldock; Daniel Bowskill; Imogen Bowtell; Taylor Bridges; Joseph Browlie-Johnson; Joseph Craig; Davide Fienauri; Ellie Greenway; Oliver Hawes; Kiera Haynes; Siobhan James; Ben Lancaster; Nicole Lupino; Bradley Perret; Harvey Shulver; Jessica Sutton; Charley Warburton; Jenna Warne and Alex Woodward.

The production’s children’s company consists of Luke Beggs, Sofija Bele, Sidney Bond, Chloe Boyle, Coco Chapman, Charlie Cox, Max Crisp, Shae Marie David, Isabelle Chiara Dawodu, Josh Desai, Erin Donovan, Jasper Eglin, Safia Francis, Ernest Fransella, Marisia Georgiannaki, Poppy Graham, Coco-Lili Hodder, Poppy Kunorubwe, Eliott Marsden, Alex Neophytou, Shyanne Ononiwu, Rio-Blake Power, Leia O’Sullivan, Zachary Richardson, Daniel Rodriguez Castillo, Felix Schmitt, Dexter Seaton, Azalea-Belle Sharp, Arthur Tennant and Raine Williamson.

Released as a concept album in 1969, the stage version ofJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoathas become one of the world’s most belovedfamily musicals. The multi-award-winning show – Tim Rice (lyrics) and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s (music) first major collaboration – has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway and international tours in over 80 countries worldwide. Featuring much-loved pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door, There’s One More Angel In Heavenand Go, Go, Go, Joseph, the London Palladium production received a rapturous reception during its 2019 and 2021 summer seasons, ahead of its first major UK tour in 2022.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is directed by Laurence Connor. Laurence’s credits include the acclaimed London production of School of Rock and the Tony-Award nominated production on Broadway, the recent London productions of Miss Saigon, Chess and Cinderella, the international arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and he is also the Co-Director of the new version of Les Misérables which has enjoyed worldwide success including Broadway, UK and US tours.

JoAnn M Hunter (who has 20 Broadway shows to her credit, including School of Rock and On A Clear Day You Can See Forever) is the show’s choreographer; Set and Costume Design are by the award-winning Morgan Large, Ben Cracknell is Lighting Designer; Gareth Owen, Sound Designer; Sam Cox is Wigs, Hair & Make Up Designer; John Cameron, Orchestrator; John Rigby, Musical Supervisor and Musical Director; Nikki Woollaston is Associate Director; Thalia Burt, Associate Choreographer; David Grindrod CDG, Casting Director and Amy Beadel, Children’s Casting Director.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is produced by Michael Harrison.

For further information, please see http://uktour.josephthemusical.com/

Birmingham Repertory Theatre – until 2nd November 2024

Reviewed by Emma Millward 

5*****  

Becoming Nancy started life as the 2011 debut novel by Terry Ronald. This very British show first premiered in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2019. Making its UK premiere at Birmingham Rep, the show has gone through some adaptations and gained a few songs along the way. The show boasts an impressive creative team, with two-time Tony award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde) at the helm, a book by Elliot Davis and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, with additional songs by Terry Ronald and Elliot Davis. 

The first thing that struck me as I took my seat in The Rep’s vast auditorium was the anticipation from the audience. As the lights went down and the band started to play, there was applause and cheers you would expect to hear at the curtain call. This crowd was ready and eager to see this show!

We meet David Starr (Joseph Peacock), a sweet daydreamer who loves to act and wants to play Fagin in the school production of Oliver! His hopes are dashed when drama teacher Mr McClarnon (Stephen Ashfield, reprising his role from the original Atlanta show) decides David would make the perfect Nancy. David is reluctant to accept the part as he already suffers relentless bullying from Jason Lancaster (Seb Harwood) and Marcia Tubbert (Layla Armstrong-Hughes) for being different and being best friends with Frances Bassey (Paige Peddie), a young black girl who also suffers at the hands of racists. David’s family are also not happy about this turn of events, especially his father Eddie (Mathew Craig), who doesn’t want his son wearing a dress on stage. David’s mother Kath (Rebecca Trehearn) and Aunt Val (Genevieve Nicole) are torn between wanting to support David and being worried about the consequences of him playing such a part.

Set in East Dulwich, London, in 1979, a time when bigotry and racism were still rife. There are some hard-hitting moments throughout that still ring true today. David meets carefree Maxie Boswell (Joseph Vella), who will play Bill Sykes in the school play. There is an instant attraction that fuels the outrage of the people around them, not least the school football coach Bob Lord (Richard Meek), who is determined to stop the show going ahead. In order to try to stop everyone questioning his sexuality, David pretends to date Abigail Henson (Daisy Greenwood), who has the extra catchy tune ‘Abigail Henson’ sang about her at the start of Act 2.

The songs throughout range from feel good toe-tappers to touching, often heartbreaking songs. ‘About Six Inches From Your Heart’, sang with pitch perfect vocals by Rebecca Trehearn, drew tears as well as cheers from the crowd. While Paige Peddie excels in all her solo songs, especially her turn as Donna Summer, which showcased her amazing vocal talents. A special mention must be given to Stephen Ashfield, Rebecca Trehearn and Genevieve Nicole, who play dual roles within the show, as Sting, Debbie Harry and Kate Bush, who come to life from the posters on David’s wall to give him guidance throughout. The subtle mannerisms of the pop star they are portraying during the song ‘You Do You’ drew much laughter and was definitely one of my favourite parts. 

The applause, cheers and prolonged standing ovation when the show came to an end is testament to how entertaining this show is. Although it features a very strong ensemble cast who all deserve praise, I would say Joseph Peacock and Paige Peddie stole the show with their performances. Hopefully, this show will get the chance to tour the UK, so more people get the chance to experience a show that is funny, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking in equal measure. 

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 19 October 2024

Reviewed by Alison Beaumont

4****

Hairspray is set in 1962 in Baltimore.  It tells the story of Tracy Turnbland, an oversized teenager, who has a dream of dancing on “The Corny Collins Show”.  Tracy’s signature big bouffant hair leads her to get detention with the African-American students in the school.  Whilst in detention they teach her some of their dance moves.  These new moves win her a place on The Corny Collins Show and overnight she becomes a star.  She faces bullying from the producer, Velma and her popular daughter, Amber.  Tracy uses her newfound fame to promote racial integration on the television show and eventually succeeds in her mission.  Tracy Turnblad teaches everyone to look past the colour of skin and fight for every human being’s equal rights.

Tracy Turnblad is played by Katie Brace and Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby and in this performance, we had the pleasure of being entertained by Katie Brace.  Katie portrayed the character well and showed lots of energy.

In this performance there were quite a few changes with understudies stepping into the roles.  Olly Manley stepped into the role of Link, Shemar Jarrett played Seaweed, Sasha Monique the role of Motormouth, Ryan Appiah-Sarpong  was Gilbert and Shaniquah played one of the Dynamite’s.  With all the changes this did lead to there only being two performers in Dynamite group instead of three.  

Some of the vocals during the performance were a little bit poor but considering all the changes I think the cast did a really good job.

In the musical Edna Turnblad is always played by a male and my favourite part of the show was when Edna Turnblad (Neil Hurst) and Wilbur Turnblad (Dermot Canavan) did “You’re Timeless To Me”.  Both characters throughout the performance had the audience in laughter, they had improvised jokes and really had a connection with each other, and you could see they really did enjoy performing.

The best vocal performance by far was Sasha Monique when she sang “I Know Where I’ve Been”, this truly was amazing, she reminded me of Whitney Houston.  

The costumes were bright and colourful and the dancing was energetic.

Yvonne Arnaud – until Saturday 19^th October 2024

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

5*****

Ryan Craig’s adaptation of 1984 carries all the intensity and drama contained within Orwell’s book. The essence of the story is clearly represented in the dialogue. Be prepared for a gripping, gruelling performance that has you wincing!

Mark Quartley (Winston) lets you into his bones with his constant gaze and firm grip on reality. Winston (Quartley) knows Big Brother has become a totalitarian oppressor with leaders that truly believe in what they are doing, however barbaric. He is grasping at whatever hope he can to escape. Quartley’s (Winston) depiction of pain in the mind and body is masterful. 

Julia (Eleanor Wyld) offers a brave confidence in her wilful rule breaking, finding ways to evade Big Brother. She would go mad if it wasn’t for it. Wyld’s (Julia) performance is brazen, conveying a sense of deep fear and repressed anger that sneaks out and is released through the sexual exploits of Julia. 

Keith Allen is perfectly suited to the character of O’Brien, his ability to convey a twisted humanity well known. Allen allows you to physically feel the evil of every crime against humanity that this character imbues. The stuff of nightmares!

David Birrell (Parsons) gives a standout performance of an everyday husband and father, doing everything he can to comply and do his best for his family. Like every foot soldier loyal to Big Brother, he believes himself to always be at fault, even praising his daughter for her disparaging attitude towards him. In the dreaded room 101, Birrell (Parsons) delivers a broken and tortured soul to the audience that is emotionally gut wrenching. 

Although written 78 years ago, by today’s standards you are left with a sense of possible things to come and knowing it is possibly near the reality for those in countries ruled by dictators. There are parts of the play that reflect our UK reality today. Orwell continues to provoke thought and challenge the status quo. 

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre= until 17 October 2024

Reviewed by Julia Spargo

3***

Lord of the Dance opens with a flamboyant video about the history of the show, and its creator, Michael Flatley, leaving us in no doubt that while he no longer dances in the show, his presence must still be felt. Soon afterwards, the show begins with the “Little Spirit” (Cassidy Ludwig), ushering in the eponymous melody with her penny whistle, surrounded by female dancers clad in white. Thereafter follows a short first act, where we are introduced to the characters of Lord (Matt Smith), the Dark Lord (the incredible Zoltan Papp), the Lord’s love interest Saoirse (Tiernagh Canning), her rival Morrighan (Andrea Papp Kren), via interludes from musical numbers. Erin the Goddess (Celyn Cartwright) sings the beautiful Mo Ghile Mear with an unexpected chorus from the dancers, and fiddlers Giada Costenaro Cunningham and Helena Gullan must be given special mention for their incredible prowess at playing while dancing in stilettos.

There is no doubt, Lord of the Dance is a spectacle. Technically brilliant, it is a visual extravaganza with video graphics and lighting used to create a sense of place and infuse the show with its own brand of Celtic folklore. The costumes are dazzling, with many changes, including one on stage where the women whip their dresses off with such speed I missed it, to continue dancing in black bikinis embroidered with Celtic symbols, to the gasps of the audience. The men, too, whip their tops off on a couple of occasions, but more in context; in a show of strength against the Dark Lord and his army. Kudos to Team Dark Lord, who perform throughout in leather trousers. I have been out clubbing in leather trousers, and it was not an experience I ever wish to repeat. Frequently, I found my attention wandering to the costume team and how they clean the huge number of high-maintenance leather or sequinned garments.

I felt the first half of the performance lacked cohesion and I found myself a bit confused about the storyline. The second half had more of a flow, enabling the audience to follow a plot, but I felt the Lord vs Dark Lord fight scenes lacked the tension and arrogance needed from Matt Smith in a dance-off when faced with the swaggering, masked Dark Lord in his leather trousers.

I wondered if some parts of the show were a relic from past times and the ego of its creator. The finale, which saw the Lord showcasing the undeniable talent of his dance troupe while picking various female members of the cast to either kiss or dance with felt dated, and indeed Matt Smith looked uncomfortable himself. On a couple of occasions he almost looked apologetic for being expected to dance with such hubris. I wished in a way that his confidence would match his talent.

The show concludes with another odd video about the show’s history (let not the performance speak for itself?) and for at least the third time reminds us that there have been “25 years of standing ovations” which felt more like a direction than a celebration. Then followed a very odd few minutes of video of not one but three Michael Flatleys showcasing their footwork against a white backdrop. The ego is alive and well.

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 19th October 2024

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

I was new to The History Boys so had no preconceived notions for tonight. Alan Bennett’s other works were known to me though, so I knew I was in for a quality script and a potential emotional roller coaster ride.

The “boys” opened the show with an a cappella rendition of St Elmo’s Fire – very apt for setting the scene since we enter the story as the boys received their O-Level results and were about to move on to their A-Levels. Music was used to great effect throughout with songs deployed to punctuate (or underline) and the choice of those tunes really helped to heighten the emotional impact of the scenes or individuals within them – as such, it was part musical and part movie type soundtrack. Very impressive. In fact, the 80’s soundtrack was so masterfully interwoven in the fabric of the piece that I was surprised to learn the work’s premiere was only 2004!

The ensemble was a strong one with everyone on top form, bringing their A-game and adding to the onstage action superbly. It’s therefore hard to give everyone the praise they deserve due to this review’s word count; so apologies for anyone not mentioned individually.

Having said that, I think that Lewis Cornay (Posner) was superb. A special talent with a wonderful singing voice (in multiple languages), he brought a poignancy that was subtle yet vivid at the same time. He was ably accompanied (live on piano on stage!) by Yazdan Qafouri (Scripps) who, apart from his musical prowess, was a quasi-narrator and the conduit to shine light on other character’s stories. Archie Christoph-Allen (Dakin) was probably the most confusing and yet somehow honest of all the boys and Archie’s performance was thoroughly enjoyable due to a sensational performance.

The teachers Gillian Bevan (Mrs Lintott) and Bill Milner (Irwin) both gave us richly nuanced portrayals that were a joy to behold whilst Milo Twomey (Headmaster) was suitably officious and hissable with a focus on league tables and governor’s rather than the pupil’s wellfare. But it was Simon Rouse (Hector) who had the saddest story arc with the actor doing a marvellous job of sensitively portraying this troubled character.

Mr Bennett didn’t shy away from exploring many difficult subjects in this play and the full panoply of human emotion was worked through. There really was very little out of bounds one feels and he threw the kitchen sink at it. Although at times it was an uncomfortable watch it was, overall, a very joyful work infused with many laughs along the way.

A thought provoking piece that stays with one long after you have left the auditorium, the actors enjoyed the rousing and much deserved applause from the very appreciative audience. It’s no wonder that this piece was the launching pad for James Corden’s glittering ascent – it’s a showcase for those on stage. An opportunity to see this work doesn’t come around every day and I would encourage everyone to catch this production (in effect its 20th anniversary tour). Another fantastic triumph from the stage at Malvern Theatres, bravo to all involved.

Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge until Saturday 19^th October 2024

Reviewed by Steph Lott

5*****

On October 14, 2024, the Cambridge Arts Theatre played host to a delightful and unconventional production of WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s operetta, “The Pirates of Penzance” This all-male rendition, directed by Sasha Regan offered a fresh perspective on the timeless tale of duty, love, and, of course, piracy!

I will state from the off that I am not at all expert in Gilbert and Sullivan’s operas, so please forgive any amateurish errors! However, I will say that the whole piece from start to finish was wonderfully entertaining. From the moment the curtain rose, the all-male cast tackled both male and female roles with gusto, showcasing not only their impressive vocal ranges but also their ability to inhabit characters across the gender spectrum. This unique approach added an extra layer of comedy and intrigue to WS Gilbert’s fabulously witty libretto and Arthur Sullivan’s pretty melodies and harmonies.

 Cameron McAllister perfectly captured Frederic, the pirate apprentice torn between duty and desire, with a charming naive earnest portrayal.

In a true tour de force performance, Luke Garner-Greene took on the role of Mabel, one of the Major-General’s daughter. Garner-Greene’s ability to sing this soprano role seemed astonishing to me. He hit the stratospheric notes of “Poor Wandering One” with apparent ease. His ability to switch between his natural register and a convincing soprano was a testament to his vocal prowess and versatility. I was astonished to find this was his professional stage debut!

David McKechnie brought down the house as Major-General Stanley. His rapid-fire delivery of the iconic patter song “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General” was a highlight of the evening, with every syllable crisp and clear. McKechnie’s comedic timing was impeccable, drawing plenty of laughs from the audience.

As the Pirate King, Tom Newland exuded charisma and bravado. His rich voice filled the theatre and his swaggering presence commanded attention in every scene. Newland found the perfect balance, embodying the lovable rogue at the heart of the character.

The ensemble deserves special mention for their extraordinary talent and versatility. The gentlemen of the chorus seamlessly transitioned between gruff pirates and demure maidens, their voices blending beautifully in the complex harmonies. The vocal range required to cover both male and female parts was truly impressive, and the cast rose to the challenge admirably.

Lizzi Gee’s choreography was a joy to behold, infusing the production with energy and wit. The dance numbers were executed with precision and flair. The juxtaposition of burly pirates attempting to move stealthily created moments of pure comedic gold and I particularly enjoyed the moustachioed policemen!

The costumes, with Josh Bamling as associate designer, struck a clever balance between period authenticity and theatrical whimsy. The pirates’ attire was appropriately swashbuckling, while the “female” characters’ costumes managed to suggest femininity without resorting to caricature. This nuanced approach to costuming enhanced the production’s playful exploration of gender roles.

All these elements together wove into a cohesive and thoroughly entertaining whole. Regan’s vision respects the source material while finding new ways to surprise and delight the audience. The pacing was spot-on, allowing moments of tenderness and reflection to shine amidst the comedic chaos.

In conclusion, this production of “The Pirates of Penzance” at the Cambridge Arts Theatre was a triumph of creativity and talent. The all-male cast brought a unique energy to Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic, their vocal performances were consistently strong, and the production values were top-notch. For both newcomers to the world of operetta and die-hard G&S fans, this swashbuckling spectacle offered a fresh and thoroughly enjoyable evening of theatre

GARY OLDMAN STARS IN

SAMUEL BECKETT’S KRAPP’S LAST TAPE

AT YORK THEATRE ROYAL

YTR DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE PRIORITY BOOKING OPENS FROM 6 NOVEMBER

YTR MEMBERS PRIORITY BOOKING OPENS FROM 11 NOVEMBER

PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS 16 NOVEMBER

York Theatre Royal today announces that Gary Oldman will return to the theatre where he began his career in Samuel Beckett’s seminal work, Krapp’s Last Tape. The production begins previews on 14 April, and runs until 17 May 2025.

CEO Paul Crewes said today, “When Gary visited us at the beginning of the year, it was fascinating hearing him recount stories of his time as a young man, in his first professional role on the York Theatre Royal stage. In that context when we started to explore ideas, we realised Krapp’s Last Tape was the perfect project. I am very happy that audiences will have this unique opportunity to see Gary Oldman return to our stage in this brand new production.”

With tickets from £25, priority booking for the YTR Director’s Circle opens on 6 November at 1pm, with YTR Members priority booking from 11 November at 1pm, and public booking opens on 16 November at 1pm.

To become a member and access priority booking: https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/support-us/.

Krapp’s Last Tape completes York Theatre Royal’s Spring Season joining the previously announced co-production with Wise Children of North by Northwest.

A YORK THEATRE ROYAL PRODUCTION

Gary Oldman in

KRAPP’S LAST TAPE
by Samuel Beckett

14 April – Sat 17 May 2025

Tickets from £25

Each year, on his birthday, Krapp records a new tape reflecting on the year gone by.

On his 69th birthday, Krapp, now a lonely man, is ready with a bottle of wine, a banana and his tape recorder. Listening back to a recording he made as a young man, Krapp must face the hopes of his past self. 

Gary Oldman returns to the stage in Beckett’s one-act masterpiece at York Theatre Royal in spring 2025. 

Samuel Beckett (1906 – 1989) was an Irish writer, dramatist and poet. He wrote in both English and French, and his principal works for the stage also include Endgame, Krapp’s Last Tape and Waiting for Godot. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969.

Academy Award, BAFTA, SAG, BIFA and Golden Globe winner, Gary Oldman returns to York Theatre Royal where he began his professional career in 1979. He worked in the theatre for several years, from 1985 through 1989 working extensively at the Royal Court Theatre. 

With a career spanning over 30 years, winning acclaim, and every award a screen actor can win, appearing in record breaking blockbusters, playing iconic characters, Oldman is not only regarded as one of the foremost cinema greats of all time, but is one of the highest grossing actors in film history.

His many iconic screen appearances include Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour – for which he received the 2018 Academy Award as the Best Actor, the BAFTA Award as Best Actor, and also the Golden Globe, SAG Award and the Palm Desert Award, among many others; Sirius Black in the Harry Potter franchise, Commissioner Jim Gordon in Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises.

Other acclaimed and memorable screen appearances include Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (Academy Award and BAFTA nominations), Mank (Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations), Oppenheimer, The Book of Eli, Meantime, The Firm, Sid and Nancy, Prick Up Your Ears, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, State Of Grace, JFK, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Romeo Is Bleeding, True Romance, Leon/The Professional, The Fifth Element, Immortal Beloved, and Dawn of the Planet Of The Apes, among many others.

Directors he has worked with include Stephen Frears, Oliver Stone, Frances Ford Coppola, Luc Besson, Alfonso Curon, Chris Nolan, Tony Scott, Ridley Scott, Steven Soderbergh, David Fincher, and Paulo Sorrentino.

In 1995 Oldman and producing partner Douglas Urbanski founded a production company, which produced Oldman’s screenwriting and directorial debut, the highly acclaimed Nil By Mouth, which won nine of seventeen major awards for which it was nominated. It was selected to open the main competition for the 1997 50th Anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival, for which Kathy Burke won Best Actress. The same year Oldman won the prestigious Channel Four Director’s Prize at the Edinburgh Film Festival, in addition to winning the British Academy Award (shared with Douglas Urbanski) for Best Film and also the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay, which he also wrote.

Currently Oldman appears in the hugely acclaimed hit Apple TV+ series, Slow Horses, for which he has been nominated for the BAFTA, the SAG Award and a Golden Globe.

Listings 

YORK THEATRE ROYAL

St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD

Box Office: 01904 623568

ALADDIN

3 December 2024 – 5 January 2025

BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY VOICE

26 February

CAPULETS AND MONTAGUES

1 March

SHAKESPEARE’S SONGS

28 February – 1 March

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

York Theatre Royal

18 March – 5 April

HOME Manchester

29 April – 10 May

Liverpool Playhouse

20 – 24 May

https://www.everymanplayhouse.com

KRAPP’S LAST TAPE

14 April – Sat 17 May 2025

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

BAT OUT OF HELL – THE MUSICAL

2025 UK TOUR

The producers of the Award-winning Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical, featuring Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s greatest hits, are delighted to announce the full cast joining the 2025 UK tour. Performances will begin on 6 January 2025 at Edinburgh Playhouse, running through to 20 September 2025 in Northampton.

Joining the previously announced Glenn Adamson as Strat, Katie Tonkinson as Raven, Rob Fowler as Falco and Sharon Sexton as Sloane will be Georgia Bradshaw (A Night With Janis Joplin, Peacock Theatre) as Zahara, Ryan Carter (Ain’t too Proud, West End) as Jagwire, Carla Bertran (Jesus Christ Superstar, UK Tour) as Tink, Luke Street (Jesus Christ Superstar, UK Tour) as Ledoux and Carly Burns (Rehab The Musical) as Valkyrie. 

Completing the cast are Leo Abad (Hello Dolly, West End), Peter Camilleri (MAMMA MIA! UK & International Tour), Joshua Dever (Mrs Doubtfire, West End), Reece Duncan (Rock of Ages, UK Tour), Georgia Holland (We Will Rock You, UK Tour), Georgia Iudica-Davies (Heathers, The Other Palace), Natalie Pilkington (SIX the Musical, UK Tour), Harriet Richardson-Cockerline (ITV’s Starstruck), Sophie-Rose Emery (Lead vocalist for Aida Cruises), Catherine Saunders (SuperYou, Leicester Curve), Ethan Tanner (The Boybands, UK Tour), Craig Watson (Cruel Intentions, The Other Palace), James Wilkinson-Jones (An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical, UK & Ireland Tour) and Beth Woodcock (The Rocky Horror Show, International Tour). 

At certain performances the role of Strat will be played by Luke Street, the role of Falco by Joshua Dever, the role of Sloane by Beth Woodcock and the role of Ledoux by Reece Duncan.

Inspired by the spectacular arena tour of Australia and New Zealand, this reimagined show promises to be a thrilling experience, featuring a dynamic eight-piece rock band on stage and sprawling multi-level platforms that will transport you through the diverse worlds of Bat Out of Hell, and featuring some of the most iconic rock songs ever recorded!

Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical wowed critics and public alike when it played limited seasons at Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum and London’s Dominion Theatre. The musical also had successful runs in Canada, Germany and New York, a residency in Las Vegas and the international tour took the show to the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Bat Out of Hell – The Musical won the Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical at the Evening Standard Awards and was nominated for 8 WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical.

Bat Out of Hell became one of the best-selling albums in history, selling over 68 million copies worldwide.  16 years after the release of the original album, Steinman scored again with Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell, which contained the massive hit I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).

For the stage musical, the legendary and award-winning Jim Steinman incorporated iconic songs from the Bat Out of Hell albums, including You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth, Bat Out of Hell, I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) and Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad, as well as the previously unreleased song What Part of My Body Hurts the Most.

As the Lost boys and girls flee into the tunnels below the city from its ruler Falco, his teenage daughter Raven locks eyes with fearless leader of the Lost, the immortal Strat, and the immensity of their love-at-first-sight-obsessions threaten to destroy both of their families. Experience the thrill of the electrifying songs of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s epic collaboration: “Bat Out of Hell.”

Bat Out of Hell – The Musical has book, music and lyrics by Jim Steinman, direction by Jay Scheib, with musical supervision and additional arrangements by Michael Reed, additional choreography by Xena Gusthart, set and costume design by Jon Bausor, original wig designs by Linda McKnight, video design by Finn Ross, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestrations by Steve Sidwell, original casting by David Grindrod CDG, UK Tour casting by Anne Vosser and General Management by Julian Stoneman & Jack Maple for MPSI Ltd.

The West End & UK Tour of Bat Out of Hell – The Musical is produced by Michael Cohl, Tony Smith & David Sonenberg with executive producer Julian Stoneman.

Website:  BatOutOfHellMusical.com

Instagram, X & Facebook: @BatTheMusical

2025 TOUR SCHEDULE

6 – 11 January                                   Edinburgh Playhouse

                                                           atgtickets.com/edinburgh

13 – 18 January                                 Portsmouth Kings Theatre

                                                           kingsportsmouth.co.uk

20 – 25 January                                 Liverpool Empire Theatre

                                                           atgtickets.com/liverpool

27 January – 1 February                   Bromley, Churchill Theatre

                                                           churchilltheatre.co.uk

3 – 8 February                                   Cardiff New Theatre

                                                           trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff

10 – 22 February                               Birmingham The Alexandra

                                                           atgtickets.com/venues/birmingham

24 February – 8 March                      Manchester Palace                                 

                                                           atgtickets.com/venues/manchester

10 – 15 March                                    Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre

                                                           aberdeenperformingarts.com

17 – 22 March                                    Peterborough New Theatre

                                                           newtheatre-peterborough.com

31 March – 5 April                             Cheltenham Everyman

                                                           everymantheatre.org.uk

7 – 19 April                                         Glasgow King’s Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

21 – 26 April                                       Leeds Grand Theatre                                                                   0113 243 0808

                                                           leedsheritagetheatres.com           

28 April – 3 May                                 Sheffield Lyceum                                                                         On Sale Soon

                                                           sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

5 – 10 May                                         Woking New Victoria Theatre

                                                           atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre

12 – 17 May                                       Plymouth Theatre Royal

                                                           theatreroyal.com

21 May – 7 June                                London Peacock Theatre

                                                           sadlerswells.com

9 – 14 June                                        Leicester Curve

                                                           curveonline.co.uk                                                                                                       

16 – 28 June                                      Milton Keynes Theatre

                                                           atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre                                                                        

30 June – 5 July                                Stoke Regent Theatre                                         

                                                           atgtickets.com/stoke                                                                                                  

21 – 26 July                                       Wycombe Swan

                                                           wycombeswan.co.uk

4 – 9 August                                       Southend Cliffs Pavilion

                                                           thecliffspavilion.co.uk

18 – 23 August                                   Sunderland Empire

                                                           atgtickets.com/sunderland-empire

25 – 30 August                                  Dartford Orchard Theatre                                                             01322 220000

                                                           orchardtheatre.co.uk

1 – 13 September                              Bristol Hippodrome

                                                           atgtickets.com/bristol

15 – 20 September                            Northampton Royal & Derngate             

                                                           royalandderngate.co.uk                                                                                             

Further dates to be announced

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