NEW CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR THE UK AND IRELAND TOUR

OF THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING

HAMILTON

IN CARDIFF UNTIL SATURDAY 25 JANUARY

AHEAD OF PLAYING BRADFORD,

SOUTHAMPTON, LIVERPOOL, SUNDERLAND

PLYMOUTH, NORWICH AND GLASGOW

Producers Jeffrey Seller and Cameron Mackintosh are delighted to announce new casting for the UK and Ireland Tour of the multi award-winning HAMILTON. Currently playing in Cardiff until 25 January,the new cast will have their first performance at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre on Monday 20 January 2025.

Joining the production as Alexander Hamilton is 2024 Black British Theatre Award-winner Marley Fenton, whilst Billy Nevers, who currently performs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson in the tour, will now play Aaron Burr.

Roshani Abbey, who has previously performed in Hamilton in the West End, will play Eliza Hamilton until Tuesday 25 March. Casey Al-Shaqsy will play Eliza Hamilton from Wednesday 26 March, joining the company for the first time.

Also joining the company are Chasity Crisp as Angelica Schuyler, Ashley J. Daniels as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Shak Mancel James as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, Naomi Katiyo as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds and Louis Maskell as King George.

Continuing in the production are KM Drew Boateng as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison and Akmed Junior Khemalai, now playing the role of George Washington.

Also continuing are Simeon Beckett, Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez, Richard Logun, Tamara Morgan, Antoine Murray-Straughan, Izzy Read, Harry Robinson, Phoebe Samuel-Gray, Samantha Shuma, Michael James Stewart, Jack Whitehead and Sian Yeo.

New to the production and completing the cast are Jonathan Andre, Melad Hamidi, Imogen Rose Hart, Bethany Kate, Jago Mottart, Patrick Munday, Chris Otim, Castell Parker, Eva Phillips, Sydney Spencer, Sylvie Stenson, Ethan Vijn, Lashane Williams and Ynez Williams.

Marley Fenton trained at The Arts Educational School, receiving the Ian Fleming Award, from where he graduated in 2023. His theatre credits include The Tin Man in the National tour of The Wizard of Oz, for which he won the 2024 Black British Theatre Award for Best Supporting Male Actor in a Musical. His West End credits include Company in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre, and his professional and West End debut covering and playing The Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. Marley’s feature film credits include Wicked: Part Two (Marc Platt Productions/Universal Pictures) for forthcoming release. Most recently, Marley played the iconic role of Danny Zuko in the UK & Ireland Tour of Grease.

Billy Nevers takes on the role of Aaron Burr, having played Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson since the UK and Ireland tour began in November 2023. His London credits include Groundhog Day at the Old Vic, &Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Legally Blonde at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Jesus Christ Superstar at the Barbican and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. He has appeared in the concerts I Could Use A Drink in Concert at the Garrick Theatre, Roles We’ll Never Play at the Vaudeville Theatre and Apollo Theatre, and An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth at the London Palladium. On television he has appeared in NBC’s The Grinch Live.

Roshani Abbey returns to Hamilton having previously played Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds in the London production at the Victoria Palace Theatre, a role she recently reprised on Strictly Come Dancing. Roshani’s other West End credits include & Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre and Rumi: The Musical at the London Coliseum Her other theatre credits include Gypsy at the Royal Exchange and Sleeping Beauty at the Broadway Theatre Catford. 

Casey Al-Shaqsy West End credits include Prince of Egypt at the Dominion Theatre, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium and Rumi: The Musical at the London Coliseum. Casey’s other theatre credits include UK and Ireland tours of Wicked and Six The Musical.

Chasity Crisp returns to the UK to play the role of Angelica Schuyler after having originated the role in Germany in the first ever translated production of Hamilton in 2022, and having appeared on the original German cast recording. Her other theatre credits in Germany & Austria include Hercules The Musical at the Neue Flora, Hamburg, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at Operettenhaus, Hamburg, Ghost The Musical at Theater Des Westens, Berlin, Ragtime at Landestheater Linz, Austria, and The Bodyguard at Musical Dome, Cologne.

Ashley J. Daniels returns to Hamilton having performed in the London production at the Victoria Palace Theatre. His other theatre credits include Frozen the Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Wonderful Town at Opera Holland Park, Porgy & Bess at Grange Park Opera, Motown the Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Midnight: The Musical at the Union Theatre, Bring It On: The Musical at Southwark Playhouse, Into The Woods at Cockpit Theatre Marylebone, Annie Get Your Gun at the Union Theatre, Get ‘Em Off at Above the Stag Theatre and International Tours of The Producers and Ghost the Musical. 

Shak Mancel James’ West End credits include Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre, We Will Rock You at the London Coliseum and The Lion King at The Lyceum Theatre. His other theatre credits include UK Tours of Motown The Musical and Hairspray.

Naomi Katiyo’s West End credits include Just for One Dayat The Old Vic and Ain’t Too Proud at the Prince Edward Theatre.

Louis Maskell’s theatre credits include The Lord of the Rings at the Watermill Theatre, Doctor Faustus at Shakespeare’s Globe, Flowers for Mrs Harris at the Chichester Festival Theatre and Sheffield Crucible, The Grinning Man at Trafalgar Theatre and Bristol Old Vic, Fiddler on the Roof at the Chichester Festival Theatre, My Fair Lady at the Sheffield Crucible, and the UK tour of West Side Story.

KM Drew Boateng continues as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison having played the role since the UK and Ireland tour began in November 2023. His other theatre credits include Scroogelicious at Theatre Peckham, Five Guys Named Moe at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, The Color Purple at Curve, Leicester and via streaming platforms, Motown The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Hotel at the National Theatre, Blues in the Night at Hackney Empire, The Warriors at Barbican and Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells. On film he can be seen in Walking On Sunshine.

Akmed Junior Khemalai continues in the tour, playing the role of George Washington. His West End credits include Ain’t Too Proud at the Prince Edward Theatre and Book of Mormonat thePrince of Wales Theatre, and his other theatre credits include Mandelaat the Young Vic.

The UK and Ireland tour of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical opened at the Manchester Palace Theatre on Saturday 11 November 2023 and has continued to play to packed houses and critical acclaim in Edinburgh, Bristol, Birmingham, Dublin and Cardiff. The production continues to break records at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London, where it is currently booking until 29 March 2025, and on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. 

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography.  The HAMILTON creative team previously collaborated on the Tony Award®-Winning Best Musical In the Heights.

HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe.

HAMILTON is produced in the UK by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Cameron Mackintosh.

HAMILTON TOUR

TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2024 – SATURDAY 25 JANUARY 2025

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF

wmc.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 28 JANUARY – SATURDAY 15 MARCH 2025

THE ALHAMBRA THEATRE, BRADFORD

bradford-theatres.co.uk/

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 18 MARCH – SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2025

MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON

mayflower.org.uk/

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 6 MAY – SATURDAY 7 JUNE

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE

atgtickets.com/shows/hamilton/liverpool-empire/

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 17 JUNE – SATURDAY 26 JULY 2025

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

atgtickets.com/shows/hamilton/sunderland-empire/

ON SALE NOW

WEDNESDAY 30 JULY – SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2025

THEATRE ROYAL, PLYMOUTH

theatreroyal.com/

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER 2025

NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL

norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/Hamilton/

ON SALE NOW

WEDNESDAY 29 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 27 DECEMBER 2025 

THEATRE ROYAL GLASGOW 

atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow/

ON SALE SOON

The Almeida Theatre announces initial casting for upcoming productions Otherland and Rhinoceros 

• Jade Anouka, Jackie Clune, Fizz Sinclair and Amanda Wilkin cast in the world premiere of Otherland, a new play by Chris Bush, the playwright behind the Olivier Award-winning Standing at the Sky’s Edge, directed by Ann Yee. 
• Following his critically acclaimed production of The Chairs, Omar Elerian returns to the Almeida to direct Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù in his version of Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist satire Rhinoceros. 

Otherland opens on Thursday 20 February 2025, with previews from Wednesday 12 February, and runs until Saturday 15 March. 

Rhinoceros opens on Tuesday 1 April 2025, with previews from Tuesday 25 March, and runs until Saturday 26 April.  

Further casting for both productions will be announced in due course.  

OTHERLAND  

by Chris Bush   

Director: Ann Yee; Set Designer: Fly Davis; Costume Designer: Milla Clarke; Lighting Designer: Anna Watson; Sound Designer: Pete Malkin; Composer and Music Supervisor: Jennifer Whyte; Casting Director: Amy Ball CDG

Wednesday 12 February – Saturday 15 March 2025   

Jo and Harry are changing.  
Harry is changing more than most, undeniably,  
And change is beautiful. Necessary. Terrifying.  

Break-ups aren’t just about who gets the CD collection. As Jo and Harry begin to untangle themselves from each other, new worlds start to open up – worlds filled with new partners, new identities, new possibilities. What kind of women do they want to be, and do they have the courage, or the permission, to get there?  

From Chris Bush, the playwright behind the Olivier Award-winning Standing at the Sky’s Edge, and director and choreographer Ann Yee (Next to Normal; The Human Body),Otherland explores what it means to be true to yourself in the face of unstoppable change.  

Cast includes Jade Anouka, Jackie Clune, Fizz Sinclair and Amanda Wilkin, with further casting to be announced.  

  RHINOCEROS   
by Eugène Ionesco  

Translator and Director: Omar Elerian; Set and Costume Designer: Ana Inés Jabares-Pita; Lighting Designer: Jackie Shemesh; Sound Designer: Elena Peña; Casting Director: Amy Ball CDG

Tuesday 25 March – Saturday 26 April 2025  

Who knows what is good and what is evil? You’re only concerned with yourself. That’s the truth. But you’ll never really become a rhinoceros… you haven’t got the chops!  

A provincial town in France.  

Jean meets his friend Berenger for a drink, but things take an unexpected turn when a rhinoceros charges through the town square. After all, there are no rhinoceroses in France, right?  

Suddenly, one by one the townspeople are transforming into the thing they first feared. An epidemic has taken hold and rhinoceritis is spreading like wildfire, until there are almost no human beings left.  

Returning to the Almeida following his ★★★★★ (The Telegraph) production of The Chairs, Omar Elerian directs and translates Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist satire about resisting conformity and holding onto what’s left of our humanity as we resist the rumbling power of the herd.  

Cast includes Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, with further casting to be announced. 

NICA BURNS ANNOUNCES

THE WEST END TRANSFER OF

RYAN CALAIS CAMERON’S

RETROGRADE

OPENING AT THE APOLLO THEATRE
FROM MARCH 2025

Nica Burns today announces the West End transfer of the Kiln Theatre’s acclaimed production of Retrograde by Ryan Calais Cameron (For Black Boys…) starring Ivanno Jeremiah (Constellations, Donmar West End; Humans, Channel 4) who reprises the role of Hollywood icon Sidney Poitier. Joining him as his protagonist Mr Parks is Stanley Townsend (Kaos, Netflix; The Normal Heart, National Theatre) and Oliver Johnstone (Antigone, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; All My Sons, The Old Vic) as writer Bobby. The production, directed by the Kiln Theatre’s Artistic Director Amit Sharma, begins performances at the Apollo Theatre for a strictly limited run playing from 8 March until 14 June 2025.

Tickets go on sale at 1pm today, Thursday 5 December and can be booked via www.nimaxtheatres.com.

Sidney Poitier: outstanding actor, trail blazer, activist, icon. The first black artist to win an Oscar for Best Actor. 

Ryan Calais Cameron’s gripping thriller captures the moment when a young Sidney Poitier is about to sign a career-defining Hollywood contract that could make him a star. But there’s a catch. Will he put his career before his principles? In a time of betrayals, will he name names? Will he sign his life away?

Retrograde follows Ryan’s smash West End hit For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy – so good it sold out twice – first at the Apollo in 2023, returning swiftly by public demand to the Garrick in 2024.

Ryan Calais Cameron said today, “I’m absolutely thrilled to see Retrograde take its next step onto the West End stage. This play holds a deeply personal resonance for me as a writer. Sidney Poitier’s journey — his courage, conviction, and the weight of the choices he faced — is not just his story; it’s a reflection of the challenges and dilemmas many of us still navigate today. I can’t wait for audiences at the Apollo Theatre to join us in this moment of reflection, urgency, and ultimately, celebration.”

Ivanno Jeremiah said, “It’s an honour to share this work in the West End at the Apollo Theatre, paying tribute to the Titans of Hollywood’s Golden Era. Ryan Calais Cameron’s imaginative portrayal of the 1950s, based on real events, ignites intelligent debate, questioning morality, ambition, and integrity amidst wealth—from a 1955 NBC corner office to today’s world. It challenges us to consider the limits we may not cross.”

Stanley Townsend said, “With morals and ethics on the ropes, and a man’s life in the balance: Retrograde is a Runyonesque rollercoaster with a ticking time bomb on board.”

Oliver Johnstone said, “Retrograde is one of the best new plays I’ve read in a long time. Ryan’s writing is electric. So I’m excited to be working on it alongside two actors whom I greatly admire and an incredibly talented creative team.”

Amit Sharma said, “I’m incredibly proud that Retrograde transfers from a sold out run at Kiln Theatre to the West End’s Apollo Theatre. When I first read Ryan Calais Cameron’s vital new play, I knew its themes were as relevant today as the era in which the play is set; centring around the iconic Sidney Poitier and the Golden Age of Hollywood, it’s a tale full of twists and turns. A magnificent and essential story that audiences will now have another opportunity to experience.”

Nica Burns said, “When I saw Retrograde at Kiln Theatre I was gripped for 90 thrilling minutes. Full of twists and turns, the whole audience sat on the edge of their seats until the very last moment. This is a wonderfully exciting evening inspired by true events. In only three years and with two plays, Ryan Calais Cameron has swiftly become a significant West End playwright who has also introduced new audiences to the theatre. An extraordinary achievement.”

Joining director Amit Sharma are Frankie Bradshaw (Set and Costume Designer), Amy Mae (Lighting Designer), Beth Duke (Sound Designer) and Juliet Horsley CDG (Casting Director).

Ivanno Jeremiah plays Sidney

Ivanno Jeremiah is an Ugandan, Rwandese & proud South London TV, Film, Voice and Theatre actor. He studied at the BRIT School of Performing Arts before winning a scholarship to RADA.

Theatre credits include: The Suit (Peter Brook International Tour); The Convert & Measure for Measure (Young Vic); A Soldier’s Tale (City of London Sinfonia); The Nether (Headlong/Royal Court); Truth and Reconciliation (Royal Court); Julius Caesar (RSC); Constellations (Donmar West End); Retrograde (Kiln).

Film credits include: Woken, The Flood, Bees Make Honey, Julius Caesar, The Veteran, A Few Miles South, No More Wings (TriBeCa winner), Last Words, Limbo, The Agreement (Producer), Ozi: Voice of The Forest.

Television credits include: Halo 2, Humans, Unaired Game of Thrones Prequel, Lockwood & Co, A Discovery of Witches, Cold Feet, Counterpart, Black Mirror, Injustice, The Jury, Julius Caesar, The Hollow Crown, The Jury.

Upcoming Work: We Go Again (BBC)

Stanley Townsend plays Mr Parks

Stanley Townsend was born in Dublin, Ireland. He is co-founder of Rough Magic Theatre Company.

Theatre credits include: Solar Bones (Abbey Theatre Dublin), All About Eve (Noel Coward Theatre), Incantata (Galway International Arts Festival), Glengarry Glen Ross (The Playhouse, London), Girl From the North Country (Old Vic), King Lear, Phedre, Gethsemane, Happy Now, Remember This, Guys and Dolls at the National Theatre, London; The Alice Trilogy, Shining City (for which he won the Irish Times Best Actor Award), The Nether, Under the Blue Sky, The Weir and Tribes at the Royal Court, London; The Dead, The Wake, Trinity for Two and Sacred Mysteries at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin; The Gingerbread Mix-up at St Andrews Lane, Dublin; A View from the Bridge (Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh), Prayers of Sherkin at the Old Vic, London; Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds; The Plough and the Stars at the Young Vic, London; Democracy at the Bush Theatre, London; Speed-the-Plow for Project Arts Centre, Dublin; Saint Oscar for Field Day Theatre Company, Derry; Who Shall Be Happy…? for Mad Cow Productions, Belfast, London and tour; and Art in the West End at the Wyndham Theatre.

Television credits include: The Regime, Black Shore, Kaos, Zen, Whistleblower, He Kills Coppers, Prosperity, Saddam’s Tribe, Rough Diamond, Waking The Dead, Spooks, The Virgin Queen, Hustle, Omagh (film), The Brief, Murder Squad, Fallen, Wire in the Blood, The Commander, Menace, Seventh Stream, Heartbeat, Station Jim, Table 12, Casualty, Best of Both Worlds, Active Defence, DDU (Making the Cut), Ballykissangel, Peak Practice, Jonathan Creek, A Touch of Frost, The Governor, The Bill, Parnell, Nighthawks, Fortycoats & Co., Lost Belongings, Lapsed Catholic, Glenroe, Ashes to Ashes, Mad Dogs, Sherlock, Call the Midwife, Quirke, Ripper Street, 24: Live Another Day, Galavant, The Collection, Redwater, Informer, The Spy and Dangerous Liaisons.

Film credits include: Jay Kelly, The Teacher, Song of Names, The Girl from Mogadishu, The Current War, Florence Foster Jenkins, The Voices, One Chance, Standby, The Physician, Lovely Louise, Killing Bono, Happy Go Lucky, Nativity, Flawless, The Tiger’s Tale, Isolation, The Libertine, Inside I’m Dancing, Tulse Luper II, Suzie Gold, Wondrous Oblivion, American Girl, Monsieur N, Mystics, The Van, My Friend Joe, Moll Flanders, Jake’s Progress, Beyond Reason, Good Girls, In the Name of the Father, Blue Ice, The Miracle and Taffin.

Oliver Johnstone plays Bobby

Theatre credits include: The Real Thing, All My Sons (The Old Vic); Imperium, Oppenheimer (RSC/West End); Duchess of Malfi, Henry V (Headlong/Shakespeare’s Globe); Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (ETT/UK tour); The Haystack (Hampstead); Tribes (Sheffield Crucible); Cymbeline (RSC/Barbican); King Lear (RSC/Barbican/BAM); Teddy Ferrara (Donmar); Spring Awakening (Headlong/UK tour); Another

Country (Chichester).

Television credits include: Endeavour, Loaded, The Syndicate, Inspector George Gently, Whitechapel, Lewis.

Film credits include: The Courier, Open, On Chesil Beach, The Inbetweeners Movie 2, Skyfall.

Ryan Calais Cameron

Theatre Credits include: For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy was originally produced by Ryan’s theatre company, Nouveau Riche and New Diorama Theatre, directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu.  Following a sold out run at New Diorama, a revised version of the production directed by Ryan, transferred to the Royal Court in March 2022 (produced by Nouveau Riche, New Diorama) and then to the Apollo Theatre, West End in March 2023. For Black Boys… was winner of Black British Theatre Awards 2022, Best Production Play Award and Ryan was the winner of Best Director Award alongside Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu; the ensemble was joint-winner of ‘Best Performer in a Play’ at 2022 Stage Debut Awards.  The play was also nominated for ‘Best New Play’ and ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role’ at the 2023 Olivier Awards.  A revival of the production opened at the Garrick Theatre on 29th February 2024; the run sold out and was extended.

Retrograde (Kiln Theatre, April/May 2023), nominated for Evening Standard Award, ‘Best Play’ 2023.

Human Nurture (Theatre Centre/Sheffield Theatres and national tour 2022); Typical (Nouveau Riche), which starred Richard Blackwood (Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Soho Theatre Upstairs 2020); Queens of Sheba, (Nouveau Riche), co-written with Jessica Hagan, winner of the 2018 Edinburgh Untapped Award, (Edinburgh Fringe, New Diorama Theatre, London and national tour 2019).  Ryan was the winner of the 2018 Off West End ‘Adopt A Playwright Award’ for his play Rhapsody, which was produced at the Arcola in March of that year.

Ryan is an Associate Artist at the Royal Court.

TV & Film:  Guest writer on The Flatshare S1 (42/Paramount+), Boarders (Studio Lambert/BBC3), Queenie (C4); Original projects in development include: My Brothers’ Keeper (Warp Films/C4), Blerd (Wychwood/Sister Pics), an adaptation of the novel Blood Rights by Mike Phillips (Red Planet), Angell Town (5Acts/Netflix). Ryan has recently completed short film Dark Side of the Moon which he wrote and directed for Film4.

Amit Sharma

Amit Sharma is Artistic Director and CEO of Kiln Theatre, opening his inaugural season with Pins and Needles and The Purists. He is an international award-winning director of theatre and television. Before becoming Artistic Director, he was Associate Director of Kiln Theatre, as well as Deputy Artistic Director of Birmingham Rep, Associate Artistic Director at the Royal Exchange, Manchester, and Associate Director at Graeae Theatre Company where his journey into theatre began. Sharma directed the critically acclaimed and sell-out run of Retrograde at the Kiln. He has also directed two productions at the National Theatre – The Solid Life of Sugar Water (Graeae Theatre Company/Theatre Royal Plymouth co-production) and The Boy With Two Hearts (also Wales Millennium Centre). He also co-directed Prometheus Awakes, one of the largest outdoor productions featuring Deaf and disabled artists as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad (Graeae Theatre Company/ Greenwich+Docklands International Festival/ Stockton International Riverside Festival/La Fura Dels Baus); and Aruna and The Raging Sun in Chennai, India as part of UK/INDIA Year of Culture 2017. Amit is a BAFTA nominated directed for his two films which were part of the Criptales season on BBC and BBC AMERICA. He also co-directed the award-winning BBC and NETFLIX television drama Then Barbara Met Alan (Best Single Drama, 2023 Broadcast Awards). He began his training at Graeae Theatre Company with Missing Piece 1. His other theatre credits include One Under (Graeae Theatre Company/Theatre Royal Plymouth), Cosmic Scallies (Graeae Theatre Company/Royal Exchange Theatre), and Iron Man (Graeae Theatre Company/international tour). His other television work includes Hamish, and Thunderbox.

LISTINGS

Apollo Theatre

Saturday 8 March – Saturday 14 June 2025

Box Office: www.nimaxtheatres.com / 0330 333 4809

Access Performances:

BSL:                                     Friday 18 April, 7.30pm

Captioned:                         Saturday 26 April, 2.30pm

Audio Described:              Saturday 3 May, 7.30pm

UNICORN THEATRE, SHEFFIELD THEATRES AND CHILDREN’S THEATRE PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCE THE FULL CAST
FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
PIG HEART BOY
BEGINNING PERFORMANCES FROM 26 JANUARY 2025

Unicorn Theatre, Sheffield Theatres and Children’s Theatre Partnership today announce the full cast for the powerful new stage adaptation of multi-award-winning writer Malorie Blackman’s beloved novel Pig Heart Boy.

The incredible cast includes Immanuel Yeboah as Cameron, Tré Medley as Dr Bryce/Andrew, Akil Young as Mike/Rashid, Christine During as Cathy/Julie, Christina Ngoyi as Marilyn/Elrich/Presenter/Officer, Chia Phoenix as Nan/Trudy/Mrs Stewart/LEPAR Lady and Olivia Williams Freeman and Rhys Lanahan as Understudies.

Pig Heart Boy will premiere at the Unicorn Theatre (26 January – 22 February),  and then play at Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, Sheffield Theatres (27 February – 15 March), before embarking on a UK Tour  playing at Playhouse, Liverpool (18 – 22 March), Lowry, Salford (26 – 29 March), Belgrade, Coventry (2 – 5 April), Wolverhampton Grand Theatre  (8 – 12 April), Norwich Theatre Royal (23 – 26 April), Newcastle Theatre Royal (29 Apr – 3 May), Lighthouse, Poole (7 – 10 May), Blackpool Grand Theatre (14 – 17 May), Royal & Derngate, Northampton (21 – 24 May), Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (4 – 7 June) and Curve, Leicester (10 – 14 June).

Adapted by acclaimed playwright Winsome Pinnock and directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, this poignant adaptation of the 1997 book explores themes of childhood illness, identity and the profound choices we make to survive.

Cameron has always dreamed of living a normal life: making friends, going to school, and diving to the bottom of his local swimming pool. But his world is turned upside down when he is diagnosed with a serious heart condition and faces an urgent need for a heart transplant. With time running out, Cameron is offered a new heart – as he finds himself having to face a difficult decision – how far will he go to get the life he desperately wants back?

The development of Pig Heart Boy is being informed by a group of young Creative Associates who have lived experience of health conditions and through the Unicorn’s partnership with GOSH Arts who have facilitated a relationship with the children, families and staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital, with a focus on cardiology wards.

To amplify the voices of children receiving medical treatment, the Unicorn’s Creative Hub has also been running workshops in hospital settings around the country to create a set of poems inspired by the young people’s stories and experiences. Participants take part in fun creative activities, see their contributions transformed into collective poems, and share their reflections and experiences with children from other parts of the UK. Curated by Pig Heart Boy director Tristan Fynn-Aidenu, and audio-recorded by the young people involved, the final work will be shared nationally – through tour venues, school resources and directly with children in hospitals.

With special thanks to the patients, families and staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Malorie Blackman said: “I am delighted that Pig Heart Boy will be staged at the Unicorn, the UK’s leading theatre for young audiences, ahead of a national UK tour.  Though I wrote the story a while ago, it is still as relevant today as it was when first published and the topic of organ donation is still an urgent one. The Unicorn has the most lively and enthusiastic audience and a world class reputation for tackling big weighty issues in an accessible way so it will be a thrill for me to see how audiences will react to the challenges Cameron, the main character, faces in the play.”

Pig Heart Boy is a co-production with Unicorn Theatre, Sheffield Theatres, and Children’s Theatre Partnership, marking a thrilling collaboration between leading institutions dedicated to creating thought-provoking theatre for young audiences.

Malorie Blackman is a celebrated British author and former Children’s Laureate. Her work has received numerous awards and critical acclaim, with Noughts and Crosses being one of her most iconic and influential novels. Her moving novel speaks to both young and adult audiences alike, tackling complex questions about life, survival, and the moral dilemmas that shape us. Adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright, Winsome Pinnock (Rockets and Blue Lights, Royal Exchange Theatre; Bristol Old Vic’s Legacy Writer 2024) captures the productions emotional depth and urgency, with dynamic direction from director Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu (For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, Nouveau Riche/Boundless/New Diorama; Little Baby Jesus, The Orange Tree Theatre).

Pig-Heart Boy © Malorie Blackman was first published by Doubleday in 1997, and now Corgi Books, both imprints of Penguin Random House.

Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until 5^th January 2025

Reviewed by Steph Lott

5*****

Oh yes it is! The magical season of pantomime has returned to Cambridge Arts Theatre, and this year’s “Cinderella” sparkles brighter than ever. As a devoted panto-goer who hasn’t missed a Cambridge Arts Theatre Christmas show in several years, I can confidently say this production hits all the right notes.

The moment you settle into your seat, you’re treated to a visual feast with glorious backdrops featuring familiar Cambridge landmarks. It’s these thoughtful touches that make our local panto so special, grounding the fairy tale firmly in the city’s heart.

Matt Crosby, our treasured Cambridge panto veteran, takes on the role of Buttons this year – and what a change to see him out of a dress! His natural comic timing and warm rapport with the audience shine even brighter in this role, proving he doesn’t need a frock to have us rolling in the aisles. Crosby’s performances at the annual panto are the beating heart of the Cambridge shows, delivering both laughs and touching moments with equal skill.

The Wicked Stepsisters, played with deliciously wicked abandon by Harry Howle and Steven Roberts, are a master class in pantomime villainy. Their outrageous costumes and even more outrageous performances had the audience booing and hissing with gleeful enthusiasm. They struck that perfect balance of being menacing enough to drive the plot forward while being thoroughly entertaining in their awfulness.

Jack Wilcox as Prince Charming delivers a standout performance. His rendition of “Never Enough” brought the house down, showcasing a beautiful voice. But it’s not just his vocal prowess that impresses – he brings a contemporary charm to the role that makes this Prince feel thoroughly modern while maintaining all the fairy tale romance we expect from our panto hero, with a healthy dose of cheese!

The script, penned by Al Lockhart-Morley with additional material from Michael Gattrell and Matt Crosby, deserves special mention. It’s packed with local references and the adult humour is perfectly pitched – cheeky enough to keep the grown-ups entertained while sailing harmlessly over younger heads. There’s something deeply satisfying about a script that can make both grandparents and grandchildren laugh out loud, albeit often for different reasons!

Under Michael Gattrell’s sharp direction, the show moves at a cracking pace, never dragging but allowing just enough time for the audience participation moments that make panto such a unique theatrical experience. The “Oh no it isn’t!” moments feel fresh and spontaneous, despite being as traditional as turkey at Christmas.

This production of “Cinderella” proves once again why Cambridge Arts Theatre’s annual pantomime holds such a special place in local hearts. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary flair, served up with enough glitter, glamour, and good humour to brighten even the darkest winter evening. Don’t miss this magical treat – it’s everything a pantomime should be.

Blackpool Winter Gardens – until Saturday 7 December 2024

Reviewed by Debra Skelton

5*****

Ghost The Musical has landed at the Winter Gardens Blackpool and will be showing until Saturday 7th December.

This musical is based on an all-time favourite and highest grossing film of 1990 ‘Ghost’ which starred the late Patrick Swayze alongside Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. The screenplay from the film has been adapted for the stage by the Oscar winning screenwriter himself Bruce Joel Rubin and directed by Bob Tomson.

As Ghost is a nostalgic film from me, I was really looking forward to seeing how this was portrayed on the stage and the only word I can say is WOW. Just everything was beyond my imagination and will be classed as one if not the best show that I have seen for a while.

The story centres around Sam Wheat and his girlfriend Molly Jenson who are navigating their life when one night when they are walking back to their apartment, Sam is murdered leaving Molly lost and alone and wondering how she will carry on.

Sam doesn’t move on and stays in the in-between watching over Molly when he sees that she is in danger so seeks the help of a phoney psychic, Oda May to get a message through to her.

Unfortunately, Molly is sceptical but after various attempts and with the help of Oda May, Sam does help to prevent anything dangerous from happening to Molly with a very touching scene at the end.

This production starred Rebekah Lowings as Molly Jenson, Josh St Clair as Sam Wheat, Jacqui Dubois as Oda Mae Brown, James Mateo-Salt as Carl Bruner and to my delight, Les Dennis as the Hospital Ghost / Lionel Ferguson with the help and support of an incredible cast. Their voices can only be described as out of this world and along with their acting talents created such a presence on stage with a standing ovation at the end.

Ghost features two terrific hours of fabulous songs co-written by ‘Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart and of course includes the iconic The Righteous Brothers song ‘Unchained Melody’.

The production also needs special thanks to Mark Bailey for creating such an adaptable set, Dan Sampson for the wonderful sound, Nick Richings for the lighting and Alistair David for the streamlined choreography.

YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD – UNTIL SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2025

REVIEWED BY REBECCA SCOTT

4****

It’s time to head to Nottingham and meet Robin Hood (Ricky Oakley), Maid Marion (Safia Bartley), and their cavalry sort to out the wicked Sheriff (Lucy Benjamin) in their most bonkers pantomime yet!

This panto takes us on a rip-roaring ride through Sherwood Forest, that delivers original songs, fantastic dancing, and A LOT of silliness. The panto has been cleverly directed by Joanna Read and is a far sight livelier than the story originally written by Howard Pyle.

The Sheriff is taxing everyone and stealing their money…and the people of Nottingham are not happy. Benjamin is a brilliant Sheriff! She engaged with the crowd fantastically, and really lapped up the boos! She had good comedic timing with her one liners, and dare I say it even likeable at times for a ‘baddie’.

Oakley and Bartley have been well cast, and I particularly enjoyed Marion being portrayed as feisty and confident, rather than weak and desperate for a hero to save her. The scenes when something supposedly goes wrong were very well done, and this silliness was elevated by Nanny Fanny Annie (Peter Gordon), Much (Matt Pinches) and Lil John (Jacob Kohli). They got the most laughs, and their engagement with the crowd was great, especially during the 12 Days of Christmas! Watching children jumping up and down, screaming for a water pistol soaking and asking for more chocolate just shows how family friendly this show is!

My only reservation is the panto lacked some of the nostalgic heckles of ‘he’s behind you’ and ‘oh no it’s not’, and when a moment/scene did warrant it, the audience either didn’t catch on, or an actor just moved onto their next lines before the audience could even engage. This didn’t happen all the time, but it was noticeable.

The show is filled with so many songs, for all ages, especially Swifties! It really elevated the show, and all the songs were crowd-pleasers. I would like to give a huge mention to the ensemble. They were incredible! As they often go unnoticed in a panto, but the team of 8 dancers were talented, charismatic, and I often found myself watching them more than the main characters. Bravo!

This panto is funny, fast paced, and will leave you feeling 2 feet taller!

PRODUCERS LOOKING FOR SOUTH ASIAN DANCERS, ACTORS AND SINGERS TO APPEAR IN

COME FALL IN LOVE – THE DDLJ MUSICAL A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY INSPIRED BY Bollywood’s Most Successful Film

comefallinlovemusical.com

Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical, a ‘high energy, colourful’ new musical comedy based on one of the biggest blockbuster films in the history of Indian cinema, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, will make its UK premiere at Manchester Opera House on Thursday 29 May 2025 where it will run until Saturday 21 June 2025.

Producers are looking for South Asians to join the cast. If you’re an exceptional dancer, singer and actor from a South Asian background, send your CV, contact details, headshot and a short audition video (2 minutes maximum) showing off your skills to [email protected].

All genders are invited to submit. Closing date for submissions of interest is 7^th January 2025. Please note submission does not guarantee an audition. Auditions will start on Monday 13^th January 2025 – successful applicants will begin rehearsals in London on 14^th April 2025 and performances at Manchester Opera House from 29^th May 2025 until 21^st June 2025. Full details on comefallinlovemusical.com.

Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical will be set in the UK and directed by Aditya Chopra, the original director of the record-breaking, award-sweeping Hindi-language film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, also known as DDLJ. DDLJ is the longest-running title in Indian cinema, playing continuously in Mumbai since its release in 1995.

Cultures will collide in the stage musical adaptation of the beloved hit romantic-comedy film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, set to the exuberant beat of 18 all-new songs created for the production.

Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical is the story of Simran, a young British Indian woman whose future is set: an arranged marriage back in India to a family friend. But when she convinces her strict father that she should spend a summer of freedom and fun in Europe, she falls in love with Rog, a rich, charming British boy who is her father’s worst nightmare. Can she be true to both her heritage and her heart? Can carefree Rog win over her traditional father?

The award-winning creative team for Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical includes Book and Lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Mean Girls with Tina Fey, Olivier Award winner for Legally Blonde with Laurence O’Keefe), Music by Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani (popularly called Vishal & Shekhar in India), Choreography by Rob Ashford (Tony, Olivier and Emmy Award winner whose credits include Frozen, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Broadway), Associate Choreography – Indian Dances by Shruti Merchant (Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl, Taj Express), Scenic Design by Derek McLane (two-time Tony Award winner whose credits include MJ the Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway and West End) and Casting by David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting.

FURTHER DATES ANNOUNCED FOR

THE VIVIENNE AND CHARLIE BROOKS

TO PLAY ‘THE CHILDCATCHER’

ALONGSIDE

ORE ODUBA AS ‘CARACTACUS POTTS’,

EMMERDALE STAR LIAM FOX AS ‘GRANDPA POTTS’

AND

ELLIE NUNN AS ‘TRULY SCRUMPTIOUS’

IN

THE NEW PRODUCTION OF THE

MOST FANTASMAGORICAL MUSICAL OF ALL TIME

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

CURRENTLY TOURING THE UK

David Ian for Crossroads Live is delighted to announce further dates for The Vivienne and Charlie Brooks to play The Childcatcher in the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, currently touring the UK.

The Vivienne, who currently performs in the role,will play The Childcatcher at The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield (18 February – 1 March 2025), Birmingham Hippodrome (4 – 9 March 2025), Palace Theatre, Manchester (11 – 16 March 2025), and Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth (19 –23 March 2025).

Charlie Brooks will then return to the role, performing at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (1 – 12 April 2025), Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff (15 – 19 April 2025), Sunderland Empire (22 – 27 April 2025), Bristol Hippodrome (29 April – 4 May 2025) and Theatre Royal, Plymouth (6 – 10 May 2025). Casting schedule and listings below. www.chittyontour.com

The Vivienne and Charlie Brooks will perform alongside Ore Oduba as Caractacus Potts, Emmerdale star Liam Fox as Grandpa Potts, Ellie Nunn as Truly Scrumptious, Martin Callaghan as Baron, Jenny Gayner as Baroness, Adam Stafford as Boris, Michael Joseph as Goran and John Macaulay as The Toymaker.The cast also includes Charlie Bishop, Ruaraidh Blackwood, Hadrian Delacey, Belle Kizzy Green, Tia Gyngell, Kirsty Ingram, Bibi Jay, Isabella Mason, Joe Press, Theo UK Rose, Molly Rees Howe, Callum Train and Luke Woollaston.

The roles of Jeremy and Jemima Potts will be shared by Charlie Banks, Melody Caruana, Gracie Cochrane, Isla Ithier, Charlie McGuire, Lara Simon, Huxley Syers and Roshan Thomson.

The Vivienne is an actor, singer, and comedian, known for being crowned the first ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and subsequently appeared in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. The Vivienne recently appeared as The Wicked Witch of the West in the UK tour of The Wizard of Oz, and at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London’s West End. Her film credits include Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and TV credits include Emmerdale. In 2023, The Vivienne was a finalist in the UK series of Dancing on Ice, finishing in third place.

Charlie Brooks is a seasoned actor with a long list of television and theatre credits to her name. Charlie is well known for playing the iconic role of Janine in BBC’s EastEnders,for which she won several British Soap awards. Her other television credits include BBC’s Bleak House, alongside Carey Mulligan and Gillian Anderson, ITV’s Wired, starring Sacha Dhawan and Jodie Whittaker, and Channel 5’s crime thriller Lie With Me, which was nominated for Best Television Script at the Australian Writers Guild awards. She has also recently wrapped on a major recurring role in ITV’s Broken News directed by Lewis Arnold and written by Jack Thorne. On stage, Charlie most recently played the role of Ursula in the National Theatre’s West End run of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Charlie’s other theatre credits include leading roles in All in a Row at the Southwark Playhouse, Monogamy at the Park Theatre, Beautiful Thing at the Arts Theatre (West End) and Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar Named Desireat Curve, Leicester.

Ore Oduba was most recently seen as Happy Man/Mr Thompson in the UK and Ireland tour of Pretty Woman. His previous theatre credits include Brad Majors in the West End and UK tour of the 50^th anniversary production of The Rocky Horror Show, Aaron Fox in Curtains on tour and in the West End, and Teen Angel in Grease on a UK tour. Ore was crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion in 2016 and more recently made it to the final of Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Liam Fox is probably best known for playing the role of Dan Spencer in ITV’s Emmerdale, where he featured in more than a thousand episodes. His many other TV credits include Stephen Poliakoff’s Dancing on the Edge, Cold Feet, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Clocking Off, A Touch of Frost, Always and Everyone, At Home with the Braithwaites and Dinnerladies. His many theatre credits include The Collector and Tuesday’s Class, both at The Lowry Studio and Iron at Manchester’s Royal Exchange.

Ellie Nunn’s many theatre credits include Identical at Nottingham Playhouse, the UK tour of Posh, Shakespeare in Love at the Noel Coward Theare, Twelfth Night at Leicester Square Theatre, The Game of Love and Chance and Daughter in Law, both at the Arcola Theatre, Honk! at the Union Theatre and on tour and Gatsby at the Arts Theatre.

Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children and later made into the famous 1968 film, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG features the unforgettable songs by the Sherman Brothers including Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious and the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

This new production is directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic, Parade), choreographed by Karen Bruce (BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, The Bodyguard) with Set and Costume design by Morgan Large (Newsies, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat), Lighting design by Ben Cracknell, Sound design by Gareth Tucker, Musical Supervision by George Dyer (The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Billy Elliot) and casting by Debbie O’Brien.

In CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG we meet absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious, the family end up on a hilarious fantastical adventure to far off lands.

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG has Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Music by Special Arrangement with Sony/ATV Publishing and is Adapted for the Stage by Jeremy Sams. Based on the MGM Motion Picture the Licensed Script is adapted by Ray Roderick. It was Originally produced by Eon Productions, Dana Broccoli, Frederick Zollo, Nicholas Paleologos, Jeffrey Sine, Miriam Productions and Michael Rose at The London Palladium.

This production is presented by permission of Music Theatre International.

The Kings Theatre, Southsea – until 31st December 2024

Reviewed by Sally Lumley

5*****

We follow our hero Richard Henry Whittington (George Sampson), as he chases his dream of going to London with his cat Caroline (Jacob Bailey) to fall in love and become the new Lord Mayor. Dick quickly achieves the first of his goals when he meets shopkeeper’s daughter Alice Fitzwarren (Imogen Bailey), but the second is a little more difficult. Dick must defeat evil Queen Rat (Lorraine Stanley) who wants to take over London with her rat gang and become mayor herself. With a bit of help from his friends, and with a good helping of fairy magic on their side, Dick sets off on his adventure.

As always, the Kings Theatre panto ticks all the boxes: a hero, a baddy, true love, adventure, magic, sing-a-longs, a brilliant dame, and of course the traditional Portsmouth flying toilet rolls. George Sampson showcased his classic dance moves, and Joe Rowntree as Silly Billy had all the children shouting along to join his gang. Lorraine Stanley (Queen Rat) and Julia Worsley (Fairy Bowbells) were a brilliant balance of bad vs good, and Imogen Bailey as Alice Fitzwarren showcased a brilliant vocal performance that hit all the right notes, while managing to keep a mostly straight face amongst the chaos that was going on around her.

The star of the show for me however was Pompey legend, and self-proclaimed “fat bloke in a dress”, Jack Edwards, who returns this year for his tenth panto at the Kings Theatre as Dame Dolly. He has become part of Christmas for so many, and clearly has fun doing it, with just the right levels of silliness and chaos. I have to say, Dolly was really pushing the boundaries in her new beachwear outfit this year, well done to the costume designer Helga Wood, and Jack himself for pulling it off! Without giving away any spoilers, the moment when Dolly is rescued from the shipwreck is absolute camp magic. Does it make any sense? None whatsoever, but it was hilarious.

As a musical theatre fan, I really loved the music choices this year. With Hamilton themes for Queen Rat, and a wonderful homage to Les Mis before the interval, it was a real treat and showcased the strong vocal talents of the cast. More traditional sing-a-longs were also part of the fun and had the whole audience on their feet dancing and singing along.

Yet again, the Kings Theatre have created a wonderful panto full of magic, laughter and fun, and it’s a wonderful way to start the festive period. Oh yes it is!