New Season Launch, 16th May 2019

Leeds Playhouse

Feature by Dawn Smallwood

Be My Baby marks the conclusion of the successful Pop-Up 2018/19 season which hosted a variety of productions featuring an ensemble of 10 actors. During that time Leeds Playhouse has been undergoing a capital redevelopment and is set to re-open its doors in October 2019.

A full season across the refurbished Quarry and Courtyard Theatres and its new studio space, the Bramall Rock Void was announced. Everyone has been asked to save the date, 11th to 13th October, for Playhouse’s Open Weekend which coincides with Leeds Light Night, and everyone is invited to explore the brand-new building and spaces.

To begin proceedings, Charley Miles’ There are No Beginnings (11th October to 2nd November) will be staged at the Bramall Rock Void. An insight was given about the Playhouse’s production reiterating what it’s like to be a woman during the five years when they were urged to stay at home due to the surge in attacks and murders which eventually linked to the Yorkshire Ripper.

Leeds Playhouse has an exciting Creative Engagement Programme which continues to expand with its new initiatives and more opportunities particularly for young people. The Leeds Playhouse Youth Theatre will be presenting Influence (31st October to 2nd November), commissioned jointly with six other regional theatres, and will be presented in the new Leeds City College’s School of Creative Art Theatre, and marking an exciting new partnership with the college.

The programme also extends to supporting adults with learning disabilities and will host Beautiful Octopus Club (14th October) and Lemn Sissay, known for his adaptation of Benjamin Zephaniah’s Refugee Boy which lead to theatre to become the World’s first ever Theatre of Sanctuary, will be paying a visit for one night (7th October) to share his new book.

Furnace is reputedly known for supporting and developing new productions and also up and coming artists. The following productions that have benefited from the celebration of new work are as follows; Lung Theatre’s Trojan Horse (3rd to 5th October), which will be Courtyard’s first production when the doors re-open and its popular festival in November will feature Furnace Scratch, Tess Seddon’s Amateur Politician (work in progress) and Jim Cartwright’s Northern Soul (script reading).

Leeds Playhouse always welcome visiting productions including Northern Ballet’s Dracula, (29th October to 2nd November), Rifco Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre’s Mushy: Lyrically Speaking (8th to 12th October), Co-production of My Beautiful Laundrette (15th to 26th October), Graeae’ and Theatre Royal Plymouth’s One Under (5th to 9th November), English Touring Theatre and Sheffield Theatres’ Reasons to Stay Alive (12th to 16th November), and Breach Theatre’s It’s True, It’s True, It’s True (21st to 23rd November),

Cartwright Productions’ Jellyfish (28th to 30th November), and the popular Barber Shop Chronicles (20th to 23rd November) after a successful tour will make a return visit.

Leeds Playhouse ensures there is something for everyone particularly at Christmas with the Playhouse’s production of The Wizard of Oz (20th November to 25th January), directed by James Brining, Leeds Playhouse’s Artistic Director. Particularly for children and babies, The Night Before Christmas (30th November to 28th December) and Snow Mouse (10th to 21st December) respectively and also other productions during the autumn schools’ half term holiday; Jackie and the Beanstalk, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Tabby McTat.

The Leeds Playhouse inclusively invites everyone to its theatre and experience as always another exciting and diverse season of productions which will appeal to many and no doubt address what matters here and everywhere.

Leeds Playhouse – until 1 June 2019

Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

4****

Amanda Whittington’s Be My Baby is the final production of this exciting 2018/19 Pop-Up Season. This joint all-women Leeds Playhouse and Mind The Gap production, is directed by Jacqui Honess-Martin and is about four expectant young women who are at St Saviours, a church run maternity home, for unmarried women who have fallen pregnant. The matron (Susan Twist) inflexibly intends them to give their babies up for adoption, mainly against their will, to the Welfare Service.

Set in the early 1960s where, compared to today, women didn’t really have any say in the final decision making concerning their child and the guidelines were strongly influenced by the church and a patriarchal political system/culture. Not to mention the very little or no access to family planning support and support concerning the women’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. The play explores the social, political and religious contexts of the story and also the women’s unheard feelings for their plight concerning their babies. Set to popular music at the time the four women are given an Open Mic as a platform to express themselves through song.

The lead character is Mary (Simona Bitmate) who arrives at St Saviour with her mother (Jo Mousley) and after learning about the typical arrangement she is determined to keep her baby. Three other characters; Queenie (Crystal Condie), Dolores (Tessa Parr) and Norma (Anna Gray) are introduced and intermittently tell their stories and circumstances which eventually brings them to the maternity home. Strong themes, though suttle, such as pregnancy, violation including rape and sexual assault, inequalities, discrimination, self consciousness including body image are raised. They are strongly encouraged to forget and get over giving up their baby for adoption and not taking in account the emotional and psychological consequences the women have to face. Decisions that are made in their interest are patronised but their stories shared are contradictory.

Set to Amanda Stoodley’s staging and clever captioning, Be My Baby is performed excellently from the members of the Playhouse’s Ensemble and also Anna Gray, from Mind The Gap. Their portrayals are moving and certainly reflect the realities of the circumstances at that time. The play is disturbingly summarised with regards to women’s rights however with some human touches and camaraderie from the women.

The play certainly reminds how far women’s rights have come today from nearly 50 years ago with regards to equality and legislation. However there is a lot a work yet to be done for women with regards to the criminal justice system, equality and diversity, employment laws around pregnancy and maternity leave and also those who have mental health and learning disabilities. It isn’t just limited to women in exclusive groups but in many other groups and cultures particularly female asylum seekers and refugees where accessing health care (including antenatal and postnatal care) is getting increasingly impossible.

Be My Baby is poignantly moving and there are a lot of issues resonate to themes where many can compare and relate to what matters to them. It is definitely recommendable.

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO HG WELLS’ VICTORIAN ENGLAND FOR THE MARTIAN INVASION OF 1898…

•     New for 2019: Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience will take audiences to another world through immersive theatre, virtual reality, holograms and other state-of-the-art technology

•     Opens 31 May with tickets from £49.50 – www.dotdot.london/TWOTW

•     Featuring never-before-seen Victorian set design, virtual reality environments and multi-sensory immersive theatre surprises

•     The experience lasts 110 minutes including a 20 minute intermission in the immersive Red Weed Bar

•     Opening on Leadenhall Street in the City, nearest tube Aldgate

New for 2019: Book early to be the first to live through HG Well’s Martian invasion of 1898 in Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience opening on Friday 31 May. 

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds, the all-time best-selling double album that terrified generations, has been transformed into a never-before-seen interactive 110-minute adventure. The multisensory experience will combine Jeff’s Musical Version, immersive theatre, virtual reality, augmented reality, holograms and other cutting-edge technology giving audiences the chance to survive the Martian invasion of 1898. Live and virtual actors will lead groups of up to 12 to walk, crawl and travel into the heart of the story from the moment they step inside. The show is split into two-acts and includes an interval in the immersive Red Weed bar where you can enjoy a drink and listen to extended versions of Jeff Wayne’s The Red Weed.   

The journey will encompass key aspects of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds, the scenes include:

The Theatre

Meet George and Carrie in hologram form and travel back into George’s memories through the use of a magic lantern, a zoetrope and 360 degree projection mapping.

The Observatory 

Walking in Head Astronomer Professor Ogilvy’s shoes, audiences are taken on a dazzling tour of the Royal Observatory to experience the magic of constellations and planets whilst spotting a peculiar object heading straight to Earth.

Horsell Common 

Smell the freshly cutgrass, and feel the misty chill that hangs in the air as you walk across Horsell Common. Approaching a silver cylinder, you are suddenly met with slithering, animatronic tentacles as the powerful baseline of Jeff Wayne’s iconic soundtrack kicks in. As you try to escape a deathly pyrotechnic Martian Heat Ray, you experience everything from the scent of burning flesh to writhing dead bodies.

George Herbert’s House

Considered the ‘Horror Room’ of the experience, this room is not for the faint hearted. Audience members will break into George Herbert’s house and enjoy tea and biscuits before being plunged into complete darkness and immersed in terror as the Martians slowly close in. The scene climaxes in a terrifying flash of strobe lighting and ambisonic surround audio, it’s the first interaction with the Martians, and by no means the last.

Journey to London 

Get ready to battle through war-zone England as you encounter fully animated 300ft Martian Fighting Machines. All players travel through large-scale social VR environments as you try to reach London. The volumetric-captured actors mean that everyone in the group will have a different experience.

Forever Autumn/Thunder Child

The first act ends with a climactic naval battle as audiences are placed in boats with motion simulators – as you try to flee the attacking Martians you’ll be able to feel the water, wind and chill in the air, as you escape down the River Thames in a steamer chasing HMS Thunderchild.

Dead London

In the final scene of the show, audiences are taken on one unforgettable journey. By jumping into hot-air balloons the audience will feel themselves soaring over England in Virtual Reality. The wind and smoke billows in your face where the biggest surprise is saved until last the final moments of the show, all scored by the iconic final song on Jeff Wayne’s album.  

Tickets start from £49.50 and are available to book now at www.dotdot.london/TWOTW. The experience lasts 110 minutes including a 20 minute intermission in the immersive Red Weed Bar. 

Pulse Records Limited in association with Bill Elms present

‘A BIG SWEEPING STORY WITH REAL EMOTION!’

THE STAGE

FIRST WAVE OF CAST ANNOUNCED FOR UK TOUR OF

HELEN FORRESTER’S BY THE WATERS OF LIVERPOOL

Mark Moraghan and Eric Potts return to reprise their roles

The producers of Helen Forrester’s By The Waters Of Liverpool are thrilled to announced the first wave of cast for the play’s major UK tour in Spring 2020.

By The Waters Of Liverpool is the stunning production from the team that brought you Helen Forrester’s timeless story, Twopence To Cross The Mersey.

After a hugely successful premiere run at the Liverpool Empire Theatre last Autumn, the play will now make its way round the country telling the next part of Helen’s fascinating tale.

Tour dates have already been announced for Wirral, Stockport, Warrington, St Helens, Lancaster, Crewe, Southport, Rhyl, Swansea, Darlington and Malvern. The second leg of the tour will be announced shortly.

Writer and friend of Helen Forrester, Rob Fennah has written both the stage play versions ofTwopence To Cross The Mersey and By The Waters Of Liverpool.

The new touring production is again produced by Pulse Records Limited in association with Bill Elmsand is directed by Gareth Tudor Price.

The creative team are delighted to reveal the first cast members for the 2020 tour.

Mark Moraghan will play John Forrester (Helen’s father). Mark previously played ‘Father’ in the 2007 and 2009 adaptations of Twopence To Cross The Mersey.  He returned to play the role in By The Waters Of Liverpool in 2018. Mark is best known for his roles in Holby City, Coronation Street and Brookside.

Coronation Street and Doctor Who’s, Eric Potts will play ‘Mr Ellis’, Helen’s fiery-tempered boss. Eric has also appeared in Peak Practice, Heartbeat, The Royal, Last of the Summer Wine and Steel River Blues.

Other confirmed cast members are Lynn Francis as the ‘Deaconess’; Danny O’Brien as ‘Harry O’Dwyer’; Chloe McDonald as ‘Fiona’ (Helen’s sister); and Roy Carruthers as ‘The Detective’.

The search is now taking place to find the lead role of ‘Helen’ – together with ‘Mother’ and ‘Alan’ (Helen’s brother).

By The Waters Of Liverpool is the next chapter of Helen Forrester’s life story. The production follows the smash-hit success of Twopence To Cross The Mersey and is being brought to audiences by the team behind both the musical and stage play versions of the award-winning true story.

Millions of people know Helen Forrester’s best-selling volumes of autobiography – Twopence To Cross The Mersey, Liverpool Miss and By The Waters Of Liverpool.

By The Waters Of Liverpool is a period drama set in the 1930s. The story opens in 1935. Helen Forrester is 16 years old  and fighting a bitter battle with her parents for the right to educate herself and go out to work.

During the Great Depression, Helen’s father lost his fortune when the stock market and the family were suddenly thrown into poverty. Leaving behind the nannies, servants and comfortable middle-class life in the South West of England, the Forrester’s chose Liverpool as the place to start over. They were in for a terrible shock. Taken out of school to care for her younger brothers and sisters while her parents struggled to re-build their shattered lives, Helen is treated as an unpaid slave and desperate to escape.

By 1939, now aged 20 and with Britain on the brink of war, she has never been kissed by a man. But things start looking up for Helen when she meets a tall strong seaman and falls in love.

And in celebration of what would have been Helen Forrester’s 100th Birthday, the 11-week tour willopen at Wirral’s New Brighton Floral Pavilion from 3 to 8 March 2020 –just a few miles from where she was born.

The tour will then move on to the Stockport Plaza from 10 to 12 March; Warrington Parr Hall on 14 and 15 March; St Helens Theatre Royal from 17 to 21 March; Lancaster Grand on 23 and 24 March; Crewe Lyceum on 25 and 26 March; before heading to Southport Theatre on 27 and 28 March.

It continues with dates at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre from 31 March to 4 April; Swansea Grand Theatre on 6 and 7 April; Darlington Hippodrome from 9 to 11 April; followed by Malvern Theatres on 14 and 15 April.

Playwright Rob Fennah commented: “We had an amazing response when we premiered By The Waters Of Liverpool last autumn at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool. Helen Forrester’s books resonate with millions of people across the UK and many more around the world.

“This adaptation of By The Waters Of Liverpool features a sizeable chunk from Liverpool Miss, Helen’s second volume of autobiography, together with flashbacks to Twopence To Cross The Mersey, so newcomers to Helen’s story will get a complete picture of her life.

“As with its prequel, Twopence To Cross The Mersey, this next instalment of Helen’s autobiography is once again staged using a ‘narrative style’ of theatre whereby our cast of nine take on multiple roles. This way of telling a story is new to many audiences and those who witness it are amazed at how such an epic tale can be told in just a couple of hours.”

By The Waters Of Liverpool by Helen Forrester has sold more than a million books. Now this is your chance to see it come to life in this exciting new stage play adaptation.

Adapted by Rob Fennah   ·   Directed by Gareth Tudor Price

Produced by Pulse Records Limited in association with Bill Elms

Fully endorsed by the Helen Forrester Estate

Website:         www.bythewatersofliverpool.com

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/ByTheWatersThePlay

LISTING INFORMATION

Helen Forrester’s

BY THE WATERS OF LIVERPOOL

FLORAL PAVILION

Tuesday 3 March – Sunday 8 March 2020

Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, CH45 2JS

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.floralpavilion.com

Box Office:      0151 666 0000

STOCKPORT PLAZA

Tuesday 10 March – Thursday 12 March 2020

Mersey Square, Stockport, SK1 1SP

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Box Office:      0161 477 7779

WARRINGTON PARR HALL

Saturday 14 March – Sunday 15 March 2020

Palmyra Square, Warrington, WA1 1BL

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          https://parrhall.culturewarrington.org/whats-on

Box Office:      01925 442345

ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL

Tuesday 17 March – Saturday 21 March 2020

Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1LQ

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Box Office:      01744 756000

LANCASTER GRAND THEATRE

Monday 23 March – Tuesday 24 March 2020

St Leonardgate, Lancaster, LA1 1QW

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.lancastergrand.co.uk

Box Office:      01524 64695

CREWE LYCEUM

Wednesday 25 March – Thursday 26 March 2020

Heath Street, Crewe, CW1 2DA

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.crewelyceum.co.uk

Box Office:      01270 368242

SOUTHPORT THEATRE

Friday 27 March – Saturday 28 March 2020

The Promenade, Southport, PR9 0DZ

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.waterfrontsouthport.co.uk/events/whats-on

Box Office:      01704 500036

PAVILION THEATRE RHYL

Tuesday 31 March – Saturday 4 April 2020

East Parade, Rhyl, LL18 3AQ

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.rhylpavilion.co.uk

Box Office:      01745 330000

GRAND THEATRE SWANSEA

Monday 6 April – Tuesday 7 April 2020

Singleton Street, Swansea, SA1 3QJ

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseagrandtheatre

Box Office:      01792 475715

DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Thursday 9 April – Saturday 11 April 2020

Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Box Office:      01325 405405

MALVERN THEATRES

Tuesday 14 April – Wednesday 15 April 2020

Grange Road, Malvern, WR14 3HB

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

Box Office:      01684 892277

OI FROG & FRIENDS! LEAPS INTO THE WEST END THIS WINTER

Join FROG, DOG and CAT live on stage inOi Frog & Friends! at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue for a strictly limited season from 29 November 2019 to 5 January 2020. Packed with music, songs, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at!

Are you sitting comfortably? 

‘Cats sit onmats, haressit on chairs, mules sit on stools, 

gophers sit on sofas and frogs sit on logs’

Kenny Wax Family Entertainment presents the premiere of Oi Frog & Friends! the highly anticipated stage show which brings together Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling and award-winning picture books Oi Frog!, Oi Dog! and Oi Cat! published by the Hachette Children’s Group, into one action-packed musical production. 

Oi Frog & Friends! opens at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue from 29 November 2019 until 5 January 2020. Prior to its West End premiere, Oi Frog & Friends! previews at Frensham Heights, Farnham (12 October) and plays Norwich Playhouse (15-20 October) before heading to Ipswich, New Wolsey Theatre (24-25 October), Hertford Theatre (26-27 October) and The Rose Theatre, Kingston (29 October-3 November) for half term fun.

It’s a new day at Sittingbottom school and FROG is looking for a place to sit, but CAT has other ideas and DOG is doing as he’s told. Little do any of them know that chaos is coming… who knew there were so many rhyming rules and what will happen when FROG is in charge?  Oi Frog & Friends! is an action-packed play with songs, puppets, laughs and, of course, rhymes! It is an ideal introduction to theatre and the perfect entertainment for families with children aged 3+.

Hailed as one of the bestselling picture book series of the decade, with more than 900,000 copies sold to date and growing, Oi Frog & Friends! is created for the stage by Emma Earle, Zoe Squire, Luke Bateman and Richy Hughes. Cast to be confirmed. 

Author Kes Gray says, “Just when we thought we knew where we were heading, Oi takes a leap in an entirely new direction! Working with Kenny and his outstanding creative team is a dream come true. Jim and I have already booked our front row seats and can’t wait to see where this new adventure will take us.” 

Illustrator Jim Field says, “I am pinching myself about Oi Frog! now coming to the stage later this year. It’s wonderful! Kenny Wax Family Entertainment have produced some incredible award-winning shows based on prolific children’s books so I can’t wait to see how they bring our characters to life for the Oi fans!” 

For the full performance schedule and to book visit www.nimaxtheatres.com. 

LISTINGS

London – West End

Show: Oi Frog & Friends!

Adapted from the bestselling books by Kes Gray and Jim Field

Dates: 29 November 2019 – 5 January 2020

Venue: Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London W1D 7ES

Press Performances:Thursday 5 December 11am & Friday 6 December 11am 

Flexible press dates available

Times: Daytime performances at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm

Tickets: From £15.50

Schools & Groups: 10+ £10 plus 11thticket free

Family Ticket (Admits 4): £66 

West End Early Booking Offer: QUOTE EARLYFROG for £14.50 premium and band A tickets purchased by 14 June 2019. Applies to selected performances only. 

For the full performance schedule and prices visit www.nimaxtheatres.com 

Box office: 0330 333 4812

Category: Theatre / Family Shows / Children

Suitability: Families with children 3+, Early Years, Reception and Key Stage 1

Running time: Approximately 55 minutes (no interval)

Mandatory Legal lines to be used with artwork: Based on the books by Kes Gray and Jim Field. Published by Hachette Children’s Group

Theatre Royal Bath Productions presents
MY COUSIN RACHEL
Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier
Adapted by Joseph O’Connor
 

• HELEN GEORGE TO STAR IN THE STAGE ADAPTATION OF MY COUSIN RACHEL, OPENING AT THEATRE ROYAL BATH IN NOVEMBER 2019
   
• MY COUSIN RACHEL, ADAPTED BY JOSEPH O’CONNOR AND DIRECTED BY ANTHONY BANKS, WILL RUN IN BATH FROM 13 TO 23 NOVEMBER FOLLOWED BY LIMITED TOURING DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED
   
• PRIORITY BOOKING OPENS ON 1 JUNE WITH GENERAL ON-SALE FROM 10 JUNE
   

Theatre Royal Bath Productions today announces a new production of Daphne du Maurier’s psychological thriller My Cousin Rachel, starring Helen George (BBC One’s Call The Midwife) in the titular role. Adapted by Joseph O’Connor and directed by Anthony Banks, the production will run in Theatre Royal Bath’s Main House from 13 to 23 November with opening night for press on 20 November. 

My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier, author of Rebecca and Don’t Look Now, enthralled readers when it was first published in 1951 and went on to become an international bestseller. This acclaimed stage adaptation by Joseph O’Connor premiered at Dublin’s Gate Theatre in 2012 and now returns to the stage in a brand new production. The novel was also adapted for film in 2017.

Helen George said: “My Cousin Rachel was one of my favourite books when I was growing up, so I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing the wonderfully exotic and complex Rachel. I can’t wait to get my wig on!”

Ambrose Ashley, a wealthy landowner, is wintering in Italy when he meets a distant relation, Rachel. Everything changes as his young ward, Philip, receives news that Ambrose has married Rachel and then goes on to find that Ambrose has died suddenly, and his widow has gone. Philip, convinced that Rachel was responsible for Ambrose’s death, travels to meet her in Cornwall, only to become seduced by her charms. Philip is torn between believing that Rachel is a murderess and a gold-digger, or on the other hand that she is a maligned victim of rumour and suspicion.

Helen George is best known for starring in the lead role of Trixie Franklin in the BAFTA-winning BBC One series Call the Midwife. Further credits include Paul W S Anderson’s The Three Musketeersand 7 Lives. On radio, Helen appeared alongside Toby Jones in BBC Radio 4’s dramatisation of Penelope Fitzgerald’s Human Voices and in Colin Bytheway’s drama Departure. Helen has received critical acclaim for her varied stage credits, including Trevor Nunn’s revival of Terrance Rattigan’sLove in Idleness and in the title role of Patrick Marber’s After Miss Julie, also directed by Anthony Banks. Helen also appeared on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 where she reached the semi-finals. 

Anthony Bank’s was Associate Director at the National Theatre from 2004 – 2014. His manydirecting credits include The Girl on the Train (National Tour), Hogarth’s Progress (Rose Kingston), Strangers On A Train (ATG/Smith&Brant), Twilight Song (Park Theatre), Gaslight  (ATG/Smith&Brant), After Miss Julie (Theatre Royal Bath & National Tour),  Raz  (Trafalgar Studios, Assembly Edinburgh & National Tour),  More Light,  The Eternal Not and Prince Of Denmark(National Theatre), Pignight (Menier Chocolate Factory), The Experiment (Soho Theatre & Berliner Ensemble);  Herding Cats  (Theatre Royal Bath & Hampstead Theatre), Bassett  (Bristol Old Vic),  DNA(National Tour).

Joseph O’Connor is a novelist, screenwriter, playwright and broadcaster. His novels include the international number one best-seller Star of the Sea, Ghost Light and Shadowplay. He has received the Prix Zepter for European Novel of the Year, France’s Prix Millepages, Italy’s Premio Acerbi, an American Library Association Award and the Irish Pen Award for Outstanding Achievement in Literature. His work has been translated into 40 languages across the world.

LISTINGS

Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET
Box Office: 01225 448844
Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
Facebook: TheatreRoyalBath
Twitter: @TheatreRBath

My Cousin Rachel
Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier
Adapted by Joseph O’Connor
Directed by Anthony Banks

Wednesday 13 November – Saturday 23 November 2019
Press night: Wednesday 20 November, 7pm
Performance Schedule: Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm (no matinee Thursday 14 November)
Tickets: £24 – £38.50

StoryHouse Live! Chester – until Sunday June 2nd 2019

Reviewed by Julie Noller

5*****

Most of us would know Little Shop of Horrors from the 1986 cult classic film not to mention it was the era of video bringing film and music to the masses at home, however you could be forgiven for not realising the Frank Oz directed film was in fact an adaption itself of the off Broadway musical comedy hit of the same name. Originally written and composed by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken it tells the tale of a geeky florist shop owner who discovers that his venus flytrap can speak, sounds simple enough. However put into context that it is all based on a 1960 low budget science fiction film and you realise that anything can happen.

The 1960s when black and white became colour, where people discovered freedom to speak their voice despite race or background. The American Dream was long ingrained and Little Shop of Horrors has it in abundance. With a direct quote from Alex Clifton, Art Director of Storyhouse ‘this is a joyous musical, telling a story of young love and killer plants. It’s very funny’ This made by Storyhouse production is deliciously kitsch and utilises the intimate thrust stage to bring us the audience even loser to the action…. If we dare.

I’ve read lots of opinions regarding Little Shop of Horrors, what is it really about? I think ultimately that’s for you to decide. Set in the era of fear over communism, the race into space, the after years following the economic crashes and world wars. Some say it’s based on a Greek tradegy, I saw flashes that hinted at seven deadly sins, greed, lust, wrath, gluttony,envy, pride and sloth. They all play their part in this brilliant retelling of a modern theatrical comedy classic.

It’s intriguing to be so close to the action almost part of the stage set, your eyes dart everywhere, desperately hoping not to miss any part of the action. It’s obvious it’s a rare treat to see the actors on stage performing equally – no one singer stands out above others, they all gel and give as much as the song requires. The pure abandonment of enjoyment is plain to see and the audience lap it up.

This is Director Stephen Mear’s first production at Storyhouse and I certainly hope this won’t be his last. He promised a few shocks and surprises and the squeals and laughter are the proof he succeeded with that brief.

Chiffon, Ronette and Crystal (Cindy Belliot, Emily-Mae and Tanisha Spring) are sassy with extra umph as the three grade school drop outs selling secrets for a fast buck, at one point I feared for their safety as they climbed down a ladder from the upper floor onto the stage.

Mr Mushnik (Tony Timberlake) a man who exploits a young man for his own greed, it touches on modern day slavery and is sad to see how exchanging an orphanage for sleeping on a shop floor is seen as betterment. Poor delicate Audrey (Michelle Bishop) who is doomed in a star crossed lover way, such a voice within a tiny frame, the audience loved her and winced at every black eye, every broken bone. Willing her into the arms of fellow flower shop worker turned owner Seymour (Joshua Lay) he is convincing as a nerdy wannabe botanist, lovable and vulnerable you just want to scoop him up and cuddle him. His problem is that he knows it’s wrong but he can’t help himself. Seeking the approval of both Mr Mushnik and Audrey longing hopefully for their love. Sounds like the classic tale of boy loves girl and boy wins girl. But no Greek tragedy ended thus and this isn’t Hollywood.

There’s two other characters; firstly Orin (Stephane Anelli) who’s turn as gas sniffing, sadistic dentist is in fact the show stealing character, he’s camp with a hint of Elvis and we can’t write a review without mentioning that motorbike cum dentist chair it’s genius. He also plays numerous other characters blink and you may miss his bag lady, lisping university agent, camp Dame Ednaesque magazine editor. He played the part and audience to perfection, from those naughty one liners to eye popping hip thrusts. Audrey II has a few changes from small venus fly trap plant to murderous greedy monster. Theres fake arms as Joshua Lay is puppet master that is slightly ridiculous but nothing is hidden and you see the humour. Brett Shiels and Ryan O’Gorman received well deserved applause as puppet and voice of Audery II. Audery II the green machine, demanding to be fed, trading deals like the devil collected souls. Is it a coincidence that Audrey II is green like cash is green? After all the saying is that money talks.

There is poor Seymour’s mental state, a break down and attacking Audrey II with an axe do not stop this alien plant on it’s journey to ultimate world domination. You see where Little Shop of Horrors belongs in the world of musical theatre, it’s story has itself influenced many films and shows from Gremlins to Avenue Q.

If you need a reminder of the short comings of humanity or just want to enjoy a superb show that has abundance of laughter and the odd surprise to keep you on your toes then Little Shop of Horrors at Storyhouse should be your night or afternoon matinee of choice

MOUNTVIEW COMPLETES THEATRE FUNDRASING CAMPAIGN 

WITH MILLION POUND GIFT

Theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh has today (17 May 2019) announced a gift of £1 million to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.

His gift ensures the completion of Mountview’s new home in Peckham, including a 200-seat main auditorium to be named the Cameron Mackintosh Theatre in honour of this incredibly generous gift. The theatre will present over 20 student productions annually as well as hosting work from professional companies and community groups.  

Mountview Chairman Vikki Heywood CBE said: “This extraordinary gift is game-changing for Mountview. Cameron’s generosity provides us with our first main house theatre in our 75-year history. His commitment to training the next generation of talented actors and theatre technicians, from wherever they come, is perfectly in tune with the vision of our Principal, Stephen Jameson and Executive Director, Sarah Preece. The Cameron Mackintosh Theatre will provide an ideal space for the training and showcasing of our exceptionally talented students for generations to come.”

Cameron Mackintosh added: “I am delighted to support the completion of Mountview’s spectacular and ambitious renaissance in its striking new home in Southwark.  It was an inspired idea to relocate this long-established drama school into an exciting and diverse borough of London, far away from the leafy affluent suburbs where drama schools are usually sited.  The vision of the school’s Principal, Stephen Jameson, vigorously supported by their brilliant Chair, Vikki Heywood and her Board, including my industry colleagues such as André Ptaszynski, together with their President Dame Judi Dench, have convinced me that Mountview is on track to enjoy a brilliant new era as one of Britain’s finest Drama schools, harnessing thrilling raw talent from every corner of society and preparing them for a great career in both drama and musical theatre. A lot has been written recently, sometimes unfairly, about careers in the theatre being out of reach to anyone who is not from a well-heeled background.  The new Mountview will prove that to get on, you don’t have to be posh.  You just have to be good.” 

Dame Judi Dench, President, said: “I was overwhelmed to receive Cameron’s hand-written note revealing the news.  His extraordinary gift is a milestone moment in Mountview’s history, completing its new home in Peckham and giving generations of students for years to come a world-class stage to match the calibre of its training. This philanthropic investment in the future stars of our profession, both onstage and off, is testament to Mountview’s position as one of the most exciting, innovative and accessible theatre training grounds in the world. I am very excited and proud to have been Mountview’s President for the past fourteen years.”

Giles Terera, Actor and Mountview Alumnus, commented: “Working with Cameron on the West End production of Hamilton was one of the highlights of my career and I am thrilled that he has chosen to support my former drama school. The training I received at Mountview has been the foundation of my career and allowed me to go on to perform Shakespeare and Ibsen as well as West End musicals.  I couldn’t have asked for a better place to begin my journey as an actor.”

One of the UK’s most diverse drama schools, Mountview holds a reputation for opening its doors to exceptionally talented youngsters – half of whom receive a means-tested bursary to enable them to train. Mountview has been training actors, musical theatre performers and production artists since 1945. With 90% of students from across the UK, Mountview also attracts students from all over the world with 33 countries currently represented.  Alumni include Eddie Marsan, Amanda Holden, Michael Longhurst (newly appointed Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse), playwright Ayub Khan-Din and Giles Terera.

The £1 million gift completes a £6.5 million fundraising campaign which has enabled Mountview to build its £30 million home in Peckham. The new school provides 21 dance and acting studios, two theatres, TV and sound recording studios, as well as production and set building facilities, all of which will be used to teach the next generation of theatre artists as well as being available for use by the local community of Peckham. The capital campaign has been championed by Stephen Daldry, Olivia Colman, Dame Twiggy Lawson and Mountview’s President Dame Judi Dench.  

The completion of the campaign means Mountview can now focus on raising bursaries and hardship funds to support training for the most talented students, both on and off-stage.

BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL

TO OPEN AT MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE

ON THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2020 FOR 12-WEEK SEASON AHEAD OF WEST END TRANSFER

BOX OFFICE OPENS 10:00 ON FRIDAY 24 MAY 2019

Producer Colin Ingram (Ghost – The Musical) and the creators of the film Back To The Future, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, are delighted to announce that BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical will open at the Manchester Opera House on 20 February 2020 for a strictly limited 12-week season, finishing on 17 May, prior to transferring to the West End. The Box Office will open at 10.00am on Friday 24 May 2019. 

Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, the new musical will have a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical will be directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On The Town), alongside the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Hugh Vanstone (lighting), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with choreography by Chris Bailey, illusions by Paul Kieve and musical supervision and vocal arrangements by Nick Finlow. Orchestrations will be by Ethan Popp, with dance arrangements by David Chase.

The role of Marty McFly will be played by Olly Dobson, whose previous West End credits include the original cast of Bat Out Of Hell The Musical and Matilda. Further casting to be announced.

Back to the Future the movie was released in 1985, starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr Emmett Brown. The film grossed $360.6 million (£279 million) at the box office worldwide and the total box office for all three films in the Back to the Future franchise was $936.6 million (over $1.8 billion in today’s money).

Marty McFly is a rock ‘n’ roll teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr Emmett Brown.  But before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence.

All members of the original cast of the film are excited about this new musical version. Christopher Lloyd, who played Doc Brown, said, “Ever since Bob Gale told me about this, I’ve been eagerly anticipating it and, in particular, wondering what it will be like to hear Doc Brown sing. So I’m really looking forward to attending the opening in Manchester to experience our wonderful movie as a musical. I’m only sorry I don’t have a real time machine so that I could see it tomorrow!”

Bob Gale, who wrote the film with Robert Zemeckis and who is writing the book for the musical said, “Bob Zemeckis and I have been trying to get this project off the ground for years, but good things take time and finally, the time is right. Our cast is outstanding, the songs are fantastic, and director John Rando is doing an amazing job ensuring the show truly captures the magic of the movie.  We’re thrilled that we can retell our story on stage in a brand-new way, and we’re certain that Back to the Future fans all over the world will share our enthusiasm. In the words of Marty McFly, ‘your kids are gonna love it’ – and so will you and your parents. There’s truly no better way to celebrate the movie’s 35^th Anniversary, and we’re happy to say ‘The Future’ is coming back!”

Producer Colin Ingram said, “This show has been six years in the making and we are delighted to be showing it to the people of Manchester first before the rest of the world gets to see it.  As I did with Ghost – The Musical, Manchester gets it first, so synchronize your watches because, when this musical hits 88 mph, you’re going to see some serious…entertainment!”

John Rando has directed extensively internationally and on Broadway, winning the Tony Award for Urinetown the Musical in 2002, and receiving a further nomination in 2015 for the Broadway revival of On the Town. Other productions include Gettin’ the Band Back Together and Jerry Springer – The Opera.

Robert Zemeckis directed all three of the Back to the Future films, as well as Romancing the Stone, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Forrest Gump, for which he won the Oscar for Best Director. Further directing credits include Cast Away, What Lies Beneath, The Polar Express, Flight and A Christmas Carol starring Jim Carrey.

Bob Gale co-wrote and co-produced the Back to the Future Trilogy with Robert Zemeckis, his long-standing collaborator. In addition to numerous other screenplays, he has also written comics, including issues of Batman and The Amazing Spider-Man.

Alan Silvestri first worked with Robert Zemeckis on the 1984 film Romancing the Stone. Since then, he has composed the music for all of Zemeckis’s films, including the Back to the Future Trilogy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Death Becomes Her, Forrest Gump, Cast Away and The Polar Express. He won two Grammy Awards for ‘Believe’ from The Polar Express and for Cast Away.

Six-time Grammy award-winner Glen Ballard has sold more than 150 million records worldwide and has worked with Aretha Franklin, Van Halen, Aerosmith and Katy Perry, to name a few. He co-wrote and produced Billboard magazine’s Best Album of the Decade (1990s), and the multi-platinum Jagged Little Pill for Alanis Morissette. He co-wrote the Grammy Award-winning ‘Believe’ with Alan Silvestri for The Polar Express,and his other songs for films include ‘Ordinary Miracle’ for Charlotte’s Web and ‘A Hero Comes Home’ for Beowulf. He co-wrote music and lyrics for Ghost – the Musical with Dave Stewart.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is produced by Colin Ingram, Donovan Mannato, Frankel/Viertel/Baruch/Routh Group, Gavin Kalin Productions, Hunter Arnold, Crush Music, CJ ENM, Teresa Tsai, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, Augury in association with Herman-Adelman, Kimberly Magarro, Robert L. Hutt, Ricardo Marques, Glass Half Full Productions.

Website: BackToTheFutureMusical.com

Twitter: @BTTFmusical

Instagram: @BTTFmusical         

LISTINGS INFORMATION

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical

20 February – 17 May 2020

Opera House Manchester

3 Quay Street 
Manchester 
M3 3HP

Box Office: 0844 871 3018

Performances: 
20 Feb – 14 Mar: Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm

17 Mar – 17 May: Tue – Sat 7.30pm, Wed, Sat & Sun matinees 2.30pm

Tickets: From £19.55

DAN LOONEY, ADAM PAULDEN AND

JASON HAIGH-ELLERY FOR DLAP ENTERTAINMENT

PRESENT

A UK TOUR OF THE CLASSIC

WEST END AND BROADWAY SMASH HIT COMEDY

BOEING-BOEING

STARRING TOM LISTER AND DANIEL CASEY

OPENING AT BRIGHTON THEATRE ROYAL

ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2019

Dan Looney, Adam Paulden and Jason Haigh-Ellery for DLAP Entertainment are delighted to announce a national tour of the classic West End and Broadway smash hit comedy BOEING-BOEING starring Tom Lister as Bernard and Daniel Casey as Robert, opening at Brighton Theatre Royal on 4 September 2019. Tour schedule below with further casting and dates to be announced soon. boeing-boeing.com

Tom Lister is best known for his role as Carl King in ITV1’s Emmerdale, a role he played for nine years. Tom most recently starred as Julian Marsh in the critically acclaimed production of 42^nd Street at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. His other theatre credits include the national tour of Calamity Jane where he played Wild Bill Hickock. 

Daniel Casey is probably best known for playing Sgt Troy in ITV’s Midsomer Murders and more recently Tom Bailey in BBC1’s EastEnders. His theatre credits include Laurence in the national tour of Abigail’s Party and Roger Shears in the National Theatre’s production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Bernard has managed to keep his three fiancés blissfully unaware of each other – until now. Three Flight Attendants, three different airlines, three different timetables, each perfectly manoeuvred to avoid Bernard’s intricate love life crashing down to earth.  But it’s 1965, and Boeing have launched a new, faster aeroplane that’s going to create some serious turbulence, with Bernard’s three fiancés landing unexpectedly and simultaneously! As the hilarity really starts to take off, can Bernard survive while his long-suffering maid struggles to keep up with the changes and his befuddled friend Robert can’t even remember which stories go with which airline….?

BOEING-BOEING by Marc Camoletti is translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans and is directed by Guy Unsworth.