Cinderella Review

New Wimbledon Theatre – until 5 January 2020

Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes

4****

With nights getting longer and colder the best place to be at the moment is the Panto and none is better than Cinderella at the New Wimbledon Theatre. With an all star cast, lots of laughs and plenty of magic, this is a show not to be missed.

Playing the role of Cinderella is former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton, whose powerful vocals make everyone stop and listen. Although she herself doesn’t mention her past, little jokes mention it, including a character singing “Don’t Cha” to themselves for a few seconds.The villain of the show is Baroness Demonica, played by Samantha Womack, who not only mentions her Eastenders past but begs for it to stop. The Fairy Godmother is played by Lesley Garrett whose opera style voice is powerful and enchanting.

However, the true star of the show is Pete Firman as Buttons. With his cheesy jokes, engagement with the audience and amazing magic tricks, he may not have got the girl he loves but he does have the love of the audience. Rounding out the cast are Edward Chitticks as Prince Charming, whose performance of “I’m Still Standing” could rival Elton John, Will Jennings as Dandini, and Leon Craig and Bobby Delaney as the Ugly Sisters.

With an impressive set, including a gold carriage which flies, and catchy songs, this is definitely a family favourite. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because the microphones stopped working at various points so it was hard to hear what was being said.

A good night out with lots of jokes for both young and old, get a ticket before the clock strikes 12.

Liverpool Audiences Are Having A Ball At City’s Cinderella Panto

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LIVERPOOL AUDIENCES ARE HAVING A BALL AT CITY’S CINDERELLA PANTO

REGAL ENTERTAINMENTS LAVISH DEBUT PANTOMIME IS NOW OPEN TO RAVE REVIEWS AT THE EPSTEIN THEATRE

Panto audiences are having a ball with Regal Entertainments debut festive, family panto, Cinderella, which opened at the Epstein Theatre this week.  The greatest rags to riches fairy-tale runs daily (except Christmas Day) until Sunday 5 January 2020.

Emmerdale’s Sammy Winward leads the star-studded cast as Cinderella, with Benidorm’s Crissy Rock and Brookside’s Sarah White as the wicked Ugly Sisters.  The trio are joined by Shameless’ Warren Donnelly as Lord Dandini; Andrew Geater asPrince Charming; Samantha Palin as the Fairy Godmother; and Lewis Devine as Buttons.

Cinderella has something for all the family – hilarious jokes, a talented cast of colourful characters, brilliant heroes, dastardly villains, amazing vocals and a show chock full of both classic and new songs that audiences will want to sing along to – from Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5, George Ezra’s Shotgun to Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out For A Hero and The Jackson 5’s I Want You Back.  

There are great dance routines, amazing costumes and – for the first time at The Epstein Theatre – a fab new interactive 3D scene that, quite literally, makes the action jump right off the stage. 

Producer and Director Chantelle Nolan said: “We’ve had an amazing press launch and audience reaction to the show has been fabulous.  The audiences and cast are having a fantastic time.  This Christmas we’re looking forward to entertaining people from all over Merseyside with the greatest rags to riches story of them all!”

Cinderella runs daily (except Christmas Day) at the Epstein Theatre until Sunday 5 January 2020.

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

Fairy Powered Productions  ★★★★★
“An evening of pure, unfiltered joy.”

Writebase 9/10

“An outstanding cast, a beyond-brilliant script and unique special effects, what more could you possibly want for your festive family night out at the theatre?”

Opening Night ★★★★

“A great fun, family show, with a wonderful ensemble cast, that will have you grinning throughout.”

Good News Liverpool ★★★★

“Cinderella has a great deal of charm and style, and it certainly hits the target.”

LISTING INFORMATION

Cinderella

Date: Running until Sun 5 Jan ‘20
Time: Various Times

Tickets: From £11

SPECIAL OFFER: All tickets £16 on selected performances -10-19 December (10.30am), 20 Dec (1pm), 1 Jan (2pm), 13 Dec (7pm). 20 Dec (6.30pm), 26 Dec (5.30pm).  All tickets £15* -evening performances 11, 12, 18, 19 Dec, 5 Jan. 
* PLEASE NOTE:  There are also a limited number of £11 tickets available for these performances.

Relaxed Performance: Sat 14 Dec, 10.30am

To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411* or go online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk * or in person at The Epstein Theatre Box Office from 12pm – 6pm Monday – Saturday (closed Sun).

*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy

For more details check out www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk and join our mailing list. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre and twitter @EpsteinTheatre.

Tickets go on sale for THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR 2020

THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
 

TICKETS FOR CHRISTMAS 2020 GO ON SALE ON MONDAY 16 DECEMBER 2019

Audiences will be queuing up online at www.thursford.com/christmas-spectacular from 09.30 next Monday 16th December 2019 to purchase their tickets for next year’s Thursford Christmas Spectacular with more performances than ever before going on sale for the 2020 run of the nation’s most lavish Christmas show.

“This is, quite literally, as spectacular as it gets”
Daily Telegraph

This year’s sold-out and award-winning production, which continues performances through until Monday 23rd December, has already been seen by 115,000 visitors from all over the world (including guests from as far as Australia) who have flocked to the tiny Norfolk village for this annual festive treat. 

Hosted by Britain’s Got Talent finalist comedian and ventriloquist Steve Hewlett, the 2019 production of this glittering rhinestone and tinsel-packed variety show has delighted audiences with Cyr wheel specialist Billy George, international roller skating double act Royer and Emelie, leading theatre organist Phil Kelsall dazzling audiences on The Mighty Wurlitzer alongside the company of over 120 dancers, singers and musicians performing show-tunes, chart toppers, rock ‘n’ roll favourites, Irish-dancing, the Can Can and classic Christmas carols.

Since opening its doors in 1977, the family-run Thursford Christmas Spectacular has entertained visitors of all ages from across the globe and become one of Europe’s biggest Christmas shows.

Nestled in the beautiful Norfolk countryside, the truly unique Thursford Collection also includes Santa’s Magical Journey, an enchanted trip for children and grandchildren through a festive fantasy land to meet Father Christmas and the Steam Engine Museum, the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs. The Garden Pavilion transforms into a festive celebration of cafés, restaurant, bar, and shopping village, home to the famous Christmas Shop and pantry; and the luxurious, award-winning bed and breakfast Holly Lodge is just a 3 minute walk away. 

Kevin Clifton to star in THE WEDDING SINGER at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

DLAP ENTERTAINMENT

PRESENTS

“THE WEDDING SINGER”

STARRING

KEVIN CLIFTON

AS ‘ROBBIE HART’

AT TROUBADOUR WEMBLEY PARK THEATRE

FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED RUN

FROM 30 JANUARY – 1 MARCH 2020

DLAP Entertainment is delighted to announce “THE WEDDING SINGER” starring Kevin Clifton will play a strictly limited season at the newly opened Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from Thursday 30 January until Sunday 1 March 2020. Further casting to be announced.

Based on the 1998 Hollywood Blockbuster film of the same name starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, “THE WEDDING SINGER” features music from the Tony Award nominated composer of ‘Elf the Musical’ and ‘The Prom’ Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Begeulin and a book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy.

After thrilling audiences in the UK tour of ‘Rock of Ages’this year Kevin Clifton will return to the stage to play ‘Robbie Hart’ in “THE WEDDING SINGER” in 2020. Kevin Clifton is an international Ballroom and Latin dancer and has won numerous titles, including the British Latin Championships four times. He is best known as a Pro Dancer on BBC One’s, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and is the only pro dancer to ever dance in four consecutive finals. Kevin is the current reigning champion having won with Stacey Dooley in 2018. He made his musical theatre debut in ‘Dirty Dancing the Musical’ at the Aldwych Theatre in London’s West End and went on to become a principle dancer in Burn The Floor Dance Company performing in the West End, on Broadway and across the world. 

It’s 1985. Hair is huge, greed is good and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favourite wedding singer. When his own fiancée dumps him at the altar a seriously bummed out Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Can sweet natured Julia and her best friend Holly lure Robbie out of the dumpster and back into the limelight? Or is he going to see her head off down the aisle with Wall Street bad boy Glenn?

“THE WEDDING SINGER” has a book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy, music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Begeulin. It is directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, designed by Francis O’Connor, lighting design is by Ben Cracknell, sound design is by Ben Harrison, musical supervision is by Sarah Travis, orchestration is by George Dyer and Casting Director is Jim Arnold CDG.

Dick Whittington Review

Bristol Hippodrome – until 5 January 2020

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

4****

Bursting into Bristol, comes Dick Whittington desperately searching for his streets paved with gold!

Whether you are 1 or 101, this is the show for you! Panto is a yearly tradition that this year, has exceeded all expectations and will bring a smile to your face from the opening beat. Ian Talbot’s Dick Whittington is superb and not to be missed this year.

As our titular character, Shane Richie brings Dick to light and does he do a good job? OH YES HE DOES! He commanded the stage with such ease and grace, it was an absolute pleasure to see him swell with pride when the audience joined in. As a Panto person myself, having performed in many over the years, I was taken aback at the smooth and effortless acting and slapstick Richie conveyed. At one point, I was aghast at him falling through the backdrop and his incredible acting had me fooled! Playing the audience was his strength, he obliterated and completely smashed the fourth wall into oblivion and really felt like he was talking individually to you!

Playing against Richie was Peter Piper as Captain Cockles and what a pair these are. The camaraderie and rapport these two have is exquisite and was so joyful to see them break character and guffaw at each other’s mistakes. Both Richie and Piper have brilliant singing voices and got the audience singing and dancing along so easily-a really fabulous cast.

Alternatively, Queen Rat (Jennie Dale) was brilliant at audience hype and it was lovely to hear the theatre adorned with Boo’s and Hisses from the thousands of children in the auditorium.David O’Reilley and Christine Tucker as Sarah the Cook and Alice Fitzwarren were also great, the traditional Dame and Principal Girl carrying the plot along brilliantly. With the Bristol School of Dancing, The Acromaniacs and Blair Cameron as Kitty, the dancing and acrobatics that graced the stage were second to none and jaw dropping.

Technically, this was a feast for the eyes. With rats that booked over the front row and a double-decker bus that flew above our heads, this was stunning and had me mesmerised.

Truly, Shane Richie has earned his spot in Panto history and I would love to see him again. He was absolutely stellar and a real natural – I was more than impressed! This is definitely a staple in your family’s Christmas build up and I would urge you to book tickets quickly; I can see this show selling out very swiftly – the calibre of acting, singing and audience inclusion is phenomenal!!

NEWYDDION CANOLFAN MILENIWM CYMRU – RHAGFYR 2019

NEWYDDION CANOLFAN MILENIWM CYMRU – RHAGFYR 2019

  • THE MIRROR CRACK’D I GAEL EI PHERFFORMIO YNG NGHANOLFAN CELFYDDYDAU PERFFORMIO FWYAF INDIA
  • SIOE NEWYDD GAN GANOLFAN MILENIWM CYMRU: THE BEAUTY PARADE YN CYFUNO FFURFIAU AR GELFYDDYD POBL FYDDAR A PHOBL SY’N CLYWED ER MWYN ADRODD STORI RYFEDDOL O GYFNOD YR AIL RYFEL BYD
  • RHOD GILBERT YN DYCHWELYD I’R GANOLFAN GYDA SIOE NEWYDD SBON
  • CYHOEDDI’R CAST AR GYFER A MONSTER CALLS
  • CYHOEDDI CAST LLAWN TAITH GYNTAF PRYDAIN O ONCE
  • CYHOEDDI’R CAST LLAWN AR GYFER EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
  • BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL YN TEITHIO I GANOLFAN MILENIWM CYMRU
  • TAITH PRYDAIN O THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE YN DOD I’R GANOLFAN
  • STRICTLY BALLROOM YN DAWNSIO EI FFORDD I GANOLFAN MILENIWM CYMRU

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CYNHYRCHIAD CANOLFAN MILENIWM CYMRU A WILTSHIRE CREATIVE, THE MIRROR CRACK’D, I GAEL EI LWYFANNU YNG NGHANOLFAN CELFYDDYDAU PERFFORMIO FWYAF INDIA

Bydd cynhyrchiad newydd o ddrama Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru a Wiltshire Creative The Mirror Crack’d yn cael ei berfformio yng Nghanolfan Celfyddydau Perfformio Genedlaethol India yn Mumbai, rhwng 30 Ionawr a 9 Chwefror 2020.

Cafodd y cynhyrchiad llwyfan gwreiddiol o nofel Agatha Christie, The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side, a addaswyd ar gyfer y llwyfan gan Rachel Wagstaff a’i gyfarwyddo gan Melly Still, ei weld gan fwy na 28,000 o bobl yng Nghaersallog, Dulyn, Caergrawnt a Chaerdydd rhwng mis Chwefror a mis Ebrill 2019.

Bydd y cynhyrchiad yn cael ei ailddychmygu ar gyfer cynulleidfaoedd India gan y dramodydd Ayeesha Menon, gyda Melly Still yn dychwelyd fel cyfarwyddwr. Hon fydd menter gyntaf Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru fel cynhyrchydd yn Asia.

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THE BEAUTY PARADE KAITE O’REILLY A CHANOLFAN MILENIWM CYMRU YN CYFUNO FFURFIAU AR GELFYDDYD POBL FYDDAR A PHOBL SY’N CLYWED ER MWYN ADRODD STORI RYFEDDOL O GYFNOD YR AIL RYFEL BYD

Mae Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru wedi cyhoeddi sioe theatr newydd ac arloesol o dan arweiniad menywod, wedi’i gwneud gan artistiaid Byddar ac artistiaid sy’n clywed. Mae The Beauty Parade wedi’i hysbrydoli gan ddigwyddiadau go iawn, a’i bwriad yw anrhydeddu arwyr di-glod un o ymgyrchoedd mwyaf unigryw’r Ail Ryfel Byd…

Rydyn ni yn y pedwardegau, yng nghanol gofid rhyfel. Mae dynion yn brwydro ar flaen y gad. Dyw’r menywod ddim yn cymryd rhan yn y brwydro; nhw sy’n cadw’r tân ynghyn ar yr aelwyd, yn cadw’r ffatrïoedd i fynd, ac yn rhoi bwyd ym moliau’r plant. Neu dyna oedd y stori swyddogol.

Roedd Confensiwn Genefa yn gwahardd menywod rhag cymryd rhan mewn dyletswyddau arfog, felly aeth y Gweithgor Ymgyrchoedd Arbennig ati i recriwtio byddin gyfrinachol o ddinasyddion, gan gynnwys menywod ifanc o Gymru a Lloegr oedd yn medru Ffrangeg. Ychydig wythnosau o hyfforddiant gafodd y menywod yma cyn cael eu rhoi ar waith gyda’r Gwrthsafiad yn Ffrainc, gan baratoi, yng ngeiriau Churchill, ‘i droi Ewrop gyfan yn wenfflam’.

Y dramodydd llwyddiannus Kaite O’Reilly, y cyfansoddwr Rebecca Applin a’r perfformiwr a’r arbenigwr ar iaith weledol Sophie Stone sydd wedi creu’r cynhyrchiad newydd yma sy’n dilyn grŵp o fenywod cyffredin a gipiwyd o ddinodedd a’u parasiwtio y tu ôl i linellau’r gelyn, a’u siarsio i beidio sôn gair wrth neb eu bod yn rhan o un o ymgyrchoedd peryclaf y rhyfel.

Mae’r Beauty Parade yn cynnwys cerddoriaeth fyw, caneuon atgofus, iaith weledol a sgwrsio, ac mae’n gweithio mewn ffordd gynhwysol rhwng diwylliannau pobl F/fyddar a phobl sy’n clywed i gynnig dehongliad amlsynnwyr o’r stori wir anhygoel yma.

Bydd The Beauty Parade yng Nghanolfan Mileniwm Cymru rhwng 5 ac 14 Mawrth 2020.

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RHOD GILBERT YN DYCHWELYD I’R GANOLFAN GYDA SIOE NEWYDD SBON

Yn dilyn saith mlynedd o egwyl o fyd standyp, mae’r digrifwr sydd wedi ennill llu o wobrau yn ôl gyda sioe fyw newydd sbon. Mae Rhod, un o sêr disgleiriaf Cymru, wedi bod ar daith o gwmpas gwledydd Prydain ers mis Chwefror – ei daith gyntaf ers 2012. Yn dilyn galw anhygoel, mae dyddiadau newydd wedi’u hychwanegu ac mae’r daith wedi’i hymestyn tan fis Ebrill 2020, gan ddod â chyfanswm nifer y sioeau i dros 130. Mae dyddiad newydd yng Nghaerdydd wedi’i ychwanegu, sef dydd Sul 22 Mawrth 2020, ac mae’n fwriad recordio’r perfformiad arbennig yma ar gyfer ei ryddhau yn y dyfodol.

Mae llawer wedi digwydd i Rhod yn ystod y saith mlynedd ers ei daith ddiwethaf. Mae llawer ohono yn s**t. A phan oedd yn meddwl ei fod wedi cyrraedd y gwaelodion, daeth wyneb yn wyneb â rhyw foi… o’r enw John. Mae Rhod mor ddoniol ag erioed, ond cawn olwg wahanol arno yn y sioe yma hefyd. Mae ‘The Book of John’ yn gignoeth, yn bersonol ac yn giaidd o onest; dim rhagor o gelwydd, dim rhagor o nonsens. Dyma Rhod, ond yn wahanol; yr un peth, ond ddim yr un peth chwaith. Dewch draw i weld drosoch chi eich hunain.

Bydd Rhod Gilbert The Book of John yng Nghanolfan Mileniwm Cymru nos Sul 22 Mawrth 2020.

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CYHOEDDI’R CAST AR GYFER A MONSTER CALLS

Mae’r cast wedi’i gyhoeddi ar gyfer taith Prydain o’r sioe sydd wedi ennill Gwobr Olivier, A Monster Calls. Mae’r cast llawn yn cynnwys Greg Bernstein (Harry), Kaye Brown (Mam-gu), Rafaella CovinoAmmar Duffus (Conor), Keith Gilmore (Monster), Jade Hackett (Sully), Cora Kirk (Lily), Kel Matsena (Anton), Maria Omakinwa (Mam), Sarah Quist (Miss Godfrey), Ewan Wardrop (Dad) a Sam Wood.

Mae’r bachgen tair ar ddeg oed Conor a’i fam wedi bod yn ymdopi’n iawn diolch ers i’w dad symud i ffwrdd. Ond nawr, mae ei fam yn sâl a ddim yn gwella. Mae ei fam-gu’n mynnu ymyrryd o hyd ac mae plant yr ysgol yn gwrthod edrych ym myw ei lygaid. Yna, un noson, caiff Conor ei ddeffro gan rywbeth wrth ei ffenest. Mae anghenfil ar gerdded. Mae wedi dod i adrodd straeon wrth Conor am yr adegau pan mae wedi bod ar gerdded o’r blaen. Ac ar ôl iddo orffen, rhaid i Conor adrodd ei stori ei hunan a wynebu ei ofnau dyfnaf.

Daw nofel dreiddgar Patrick Ness yn fyw yn y cynhyrchiad yma sydd wedi ennill Gwobr Olivier, gan y cyfarwyddwr ysbrydoledig Sally Cookson. Mae A Monster Calls yn cynnig cipolwg syfrdanol ar gariad, bywyd a iachâd.

Bydd A Monster Calls yng Nghanolfan Mileniwm Cymru rhwng 28 Ebrill a 2 Mai 2020.

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CYHOEDDI’R CAST LLAWN AR GYFER ONCE

Mae’r cast llawn wedi’i gyhoeddi ar gyfer taith fawr gyntaf Once o gwmpas gwledydd Prydain. Yn ymuno â’r enwau a gyhoeddwyd eisoes, sef Daniel Healy fel Guy ac Emma Lucia fel Girl, bydd Dan Bottomley fel Billy, Matthew Burns fel Eamon, Ellen Chivers fel Reza, Rosalind Ford fel Cyn-Gariad, Lloyd Gorman fel Svejc, David Heywood fel Emcee, Samuel Martin fel Rheolwr Banc, Peter Peverley as Da, Susannah Van Den Berg fel Baruska a James William-Pattison fel Andrej. Bydd y cast hefyd yn cynnwys Emma FraserSeán KeanyHanna Khogali a Conor McFarlane.

Mae Once yn seiliedig ar y ffilm boblogaidd o’r un enw a gafodd ganmoliaeth y beirniaid: hanes hiraethlon ond calonogol dau enaid coll – bysgiwr stryd o Ddulyn a cherddor Tsiecaidd – sy’n cwympo mewn cariad yn annisgwyl. Cawn ddilyn eu perthynas dros bum diwrnod byr, ac mae newidiadau mawr yn digwydd i’r ddau mewn ffyrdd bach. Gyda sgôr wreiddiol wych gan gynnwys y gân Falling Slowly a enillodd Oscar, mae Once yn adrodd stori galonogol a hudolus am obaith a breuddwydion.

Bydd Once yng Nghanolfan Mileniwm Cymru rhwng 11 ac 16 Mai 2020.

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CYHOEDDI’R CAST LLAWN AR GYFER EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE

Mae Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, y sioe gerdd boblogaidd sydd wedi cael canmoliaeth y beirniaid, yn falch o gyhoeddi’r cast llawn ar gyfer ei thaith o gwmpas gwledydd Prydain yn 2020. Mae dau aelod o’r cast wedi’u cyhoeddi eisoes, sef Layton Williams (Bad EducationBeautiful PeopleBilly Elliot the Musical) sy’n chwarae rhan Jamie yn y West End ar hyn o bryd, ac actor poblogaidd EastEnders Shane Richie fu’n chwarae Hugo/Loco Channelle yn y West End yn gynharach yn 2019. Yn ymuno â nhw, bydd Shobna Gulati (Coronation StreetDinnerladies, Eveybody’s Talking about Jamie yn y West End a’r ffilm sydd ar y gweill) fel Ray, a George Sampson (enillydd Britain’s Got Talent) fel Dean.

Mae gweddill y cast yn cynnwys Amy Ellen Richardson (Margaret New),Lara Denning(Miss Hedge), Sharan Phull(Pritti Pasha), Cameron Johnson (Sandra Bollock / Tad Jamie), John Paul McCue (Laika Virgin), Rhys Taylor (Tray Sophisticay), Richard Appiah-Sarpong (Cy), Simeon Beckett (Levi), Kazmin Borrer (Vicki), Ellis Brownhill (Mickey), Jodie Knight (Fatimah), Jessica Meegan (Bex), Talia Palamathanan (Becca), Adam Taylor (Sayid), Alex Hetherington (Swing), Emma Robotham-Hunt (Swing), Ellie Leah (Dirprwy) a Garry Lee (Dirprwy).

Bydd Everybody’s Talking About Jamie yng Nghanolfan Mileniwm Cymru rhwng 18 a 23 Mai 2020.

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BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL YN TEITHIO I GANOLFAN MILENIWM CYMRU

Mae cwmni Selladoor Productions yn falch o gael cyflwyno Taith newydd sbon o gwmpas gwledydd Prydain ac Iwerddon o Bring It On The Musical, sioe sydd wedi’i henwebu am Wobr Tony.

Mae’r sioe wedi’i hysbrydoli gan y ffilm o’r un enw a ryddhawyd yn y flwyddyn 2000. Mae Bring It On The Musical yn cynnwys sgôr wreiddiol gan Lin-Manuel Miranda a greodd “Hamilton” ac sydd wedi ennill llu o wobrau, a Tom Kitt, cyfansoddwr “Next To Normal” sydd wedi ennill Gwobr Pulitzer. Mae’r llyfr wedi’i ysgrifennu gan Jeff Whitty, awdur “Avenue Q” sydd wedi ennill Gwobr Tony, a’r geiriau wedi’u hysgrifennu gan Lin-Manuel Miranda ac awdur addasiad llwyfan “High Fidelity”, Amanda Green.

Mae Bring It On The Musical yn mynd â’r gynulleidfa ar daith llawn egni i’r uchelfannau gan roi sylw i gyfeillgarwch, cenfigen, brad a maddeuant – a’r cyfan wedi’i lapio mewn triciau a choreograffi ffrwydrol.

Fe ddylai Campbell, un o freninesau codi hwyl yr ysgol sydd newydd gael ei choroni yn Gapten y Garfan, fod yn cychwyn ar flwyddyn olaf anhygoel yn Truman High School. Pan mae’n cael ei gorfodi i symud i ysgol talcen caled gyfagos, Jackson High, mae Campbell yn poeni bod ei byd ar ben. Ond mae cyfeillgarwch annhebygol yn ei thynnu’n ôl i ganol y frwydr, gyda charfan rymus a’r angerdd i gyflawni’r amhosib.

Bydd Bring It On The Musical yng Nghanolfan Mileniwm Cymru rhwng 23 a 27 Mehefin 2020.

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TAITH PRYDAIN O THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE YN DOD I’R GANOLFAN

Bydd cynhyrchiad llwyfan uchel ei barch Sally Cookson o nofel C.S. LewisThe Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, a lwyddodd i dorri record am werthu tocynnau pan agorodd yn y Playhouse yn Leeds yn 2017, ac sy’n llenwi theatrau yn Theatr y Bont yn Llundain ar hyn o bryd, yn cychwyn ar daith fawr o gwmpas gwledydd Prydain ac Iwerddon yn 2020.

Mae’r addasiad rhyfeddol yma o nofel annwyl CS Lewis yn ail-ddweud y stori gyda chymysgedd nodweddiadol o bypedwaith, cerddoriaeth, hiwmor a theatredd Cookson. Bydd y gynulleidfa’n cael camu drwy’r cwpwrdd dillad i fyd rhewllyd a hudol Narnia ar gyfer anturiaeth gyfriniol mewn byd hirbell. Ymunwch â Lucy, Edmund, Susan a Peter wrth iddynt ffarwelio â Phrydain adeg y rhyfel a dod i gwrdd â Ffawn sy’n siarad, Llew bythgofiadwy a’r Wrach Wen oeraf, greulonaf fu erioed.

Yn ymuno â Cookson a Smith ar y tîm creadigol bydd y dramodydd yn y stafell Adam Peck, y cyfarwyddwr symud Dan Canham, y cyfarwyddwr a’r cynllunydd pypedwaith Craig Leo (oedd yn rhan o dîm creadigol gwreiddiol War Horse y National Theatr), y cynlluniwr goleuo Bruno Poet, y cynlluniwr sain Ian Dickinson a’r cyfansoddwr Benji Bower.

Bydd The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe yng Nghanolfan Mileniwm Cymru rhwng 1 a 5 Rhagfyr 2020.

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STRICTLY BALLROOM YN DAWNSIO EI FFORDD I GANOLFAN MILENIWM CYMRU

Mae disgwyl i sioe gerdd boblogaidd Baz Luhrmann Strictly Ballroom lorio cynulleidfaoedd unwaith eto gyda chyhoeddi taith newydd 2020/2021, wedi’i chyfarwyddo gan y dawnsiwr, y coreograffydd a hoff feirniad teledu pawb; y camp-us Craig Revel Horwood. Gan ffocstrotio o gwmpas gwledydd Prydain ac Iwerddon o fis Medi nesaf ymlaen, mae’r sioe yn seiliedig ar ‘Strictly Ballroom’, y ffilm a enillodd wobrau a dod yn ffenomen ryngwladol gan ysbrydoli’r byd i ddawnsio.

Gyda llyfr anhygoel gan Baz Luhrmann a Craig Pearce, a chast bendigedig o dros 20 o berfformwyr o safon fyd-eang, mae Strictly Ballroom yn dod â bywyd newydd i ganeuon eiconig fel Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time gydag afiaith dynamig a gorfoleddus. Bydd y daith yma hefyd yn cynnwys ambell gân newydd anhygoel gan artistiaid o fri rhyngwladol gan gynnwys Sia, David Foster ac Eddie Perfect.

Mae Strictly Ballroom The Musical yn adrodd hanes hudolus Scott Hastings, dawnsiwr ifanc dawnus, rhodresgar a gwrthryfelgar. Ar ôl i’w symudiadau dawns radical arwain at ffrae rhwng Scott a Ffederasiwn Awstralia, mae’n cael ei hunan yn dawnsio gyda Fran, dechreuwraig heb ddim symudiadau o gwbl. Gan ddwyn ysbrydoliaeth gan ei gilydd, mae’r pâr annhebygol yn magu digon o blwc i herio confensiwn a herio’u teuluoedd – ac yn darganfod nad oes rhaid bod yn strictly ballroom er mwyn ennill…

Bydd Strictly Ballroom yng Nghanolfan Mileniwm Cymru rhwng 5 a 10 Ebrill 2021.

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE NEWS – DECEMBER 2019

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE NEWS – DECEMBER 2019

  • THE MIRROR CRACK’D TO BE PERFORMED AT INDIA’S LARGEST PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
  • NEW SHOW FROM WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE: THE BEAUTY PARADE FUSES DEAF AND HEARING ARTFORMS TO TELL AN EXTRAORDINARY WORLD WAR II STORY
  • RHOD GILBERT RETURNS TO THE CENTRE WITH BRAND NEW SHOW
  • CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR A MONSTER CALLS
  • FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE FIRST UK TOUR OF ONCE
  • FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
  • BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL TOURS TO WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE
  • THE UK TOUR OF THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE COMES TO THE CENTRE
  • STRICTLY BALLROOM DANCES INTO WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE AND WILTSHIRE CREATIVE’S THE MIRROR CRACK’D TO BE STAGED AT INDIA’S LARGEST PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

A new production of Wales Millennium Centre and Wiltshire Creative’s The Mirror Crack’d will be performed at India’s National Centre for the Performing Arts in in Mumbai, from 30 January to 9 February 2020.

The original stage production of Agatha Christie’s novel The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side, adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Melly Still, was seen by more than 28,000 people in Salisbury, Dublin, Cambridge and Cardiff February-April 2019.

The production will be reimagined for Indian audiences by writer Ayeesha Menon, with Melly Still returning as its director. It marks Wales Millennium Centre’s debut as a producer in Asia.

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WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE & KAITE O’REILLY’S THE BEAUTY PARADE FUSES DEAF AND HEARING ARTFORMS TO TELL AN EXTRAORDINARY WORLD WAR II STORY

Wales Millennium Centre has announced a brand new and innovative, female-led theatre show made by Deaf and hearing artists. Inspired by true events, The Beauty Parade honours the unsung heroes of one of the most unique operations of the Second World War…

It’s the 1940s, deep in wartime. Men are fighting on the front line. Women don’t engage in armed combat; they keep the fires burning, the factories going, and the children fed at home. Or so we were told.  

The Geneva Convention forbade women from engaging in combatant duties, so the Special Operations Executive set about recruiting a top-secret army of civilians including young, French-speaking women from Wales and England. These women were given just a few weeks’ training before being set to work with the Resistance, preparing, in Churchill’s words, ‘to set Europe ablaze’.

Award-winning writer Kaite O’Reilly, composer Rebecca Applin and performer and visual language expert Sophie Stone have created this new production that follows a group of ordinary women plucked from obscurity and parachuted behind enemy lines, who became extraordinary saboteurs and silent killers, sworn to secrecy yet tasked with some of the most dangerous missions of the war.

The Beauty Parade incorporates live music, evocative songs, dialogue and visual language and works inclusively between D/deaf and hearing cultures to give a multi-sensory interpretation of this incredible true story. 

The Beauty Parade will be at Wales Millennium Centre 5-14 March 2020.

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RHOD GILBERT RETURNS TO THE CENTRE WITH BRAND NEW SHOW

Following a seven-year break from stand-up the multi-award-winning comedian is back with a brand-new live show.  The Welsh wonder kicked off a full UK tour in February – his first, since 2012.  Due to overwhelming demand, extra dates have already been added and the tour has already been extended until April 2020, taking the total number of shows to over 130. An extra date in Cardiff has now been added on Sunday 22nd March 2020, and this special performance is due to be recorded for future release.

A lot has happened to Rhod in the seven years since he last toured.  Almost all of it s**t. And just when he thought he’d hit rock bottom, he met a bloke…called John. This show sees Rhod as funny as ever, but like never before.  ‘The Book of John’ is raw, personal and brutally honest; no more lies, no more nonsense.   This is Rhod, but different, the same, but not.   Come along and see for yourself.

Rhod Gilbert The Book of John will be at Wales Millennium Centre on Sunday 22 March 2020.

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CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR A MONSTER CALLS

Casting has been announced for the UK tour of the Olivier Award-winning A Monster Calls. The full cast includes Greg Bernstein (Harry), Kaye Brown (Grandma), Rafaella CovinoAmmar Duffus (Conor), Keith Gilmore (Monster), Jade Hackett (Sully), Cora Kirk (Lily), Kel Matsena (Anton), Maria Omakinwa (Mum), Sarah Quist (Miss Godfrey), Ewan Wardrop (Dad) and Sam Wood

Thirteen-year-old Conor and his mum have managed just fine since his dad moved away. But now his mum is sick and not getting any better. His grandmother won’t stop interfering and the kids at school won’t look him in the eye. Then, one night, Conor is woken by something at his window. A monster has come walking. It’s come to tell Conor tales from when it walked before. And when it’s finished, Conor must tell his own story and face his deepest fears.

Patrick Ness’s piercing novel is brought vividly to life in the Olivier Award-winning production by visionary director Sally Cookson. A Monster Calls offers a dazzling insight into love, life and healing.

A Monster Calls will be at Wales Millennium Centre 28 April – 2 May 2020.

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FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR ONCE

The full cast has been announced for the first major UK tour of Once. Joining the previously announced Daniel Healy as Guy and Emma Lucia as Girl are Dan Bottomley as Billy, Matthew Burns as Eamon, Ellen Chivers as Reza, Rosalind Ford as Ex-Girlfriend, Lloyd Gorman as Svejc, David Heywood as Emcee, Samuel Martin as Bank Manager, Peter Peverley as Da, Susannah Van Den Berg as Baruska and James William-Pattison as Andrej. The cast also includes Emma FraserSeán KeanyHanna Khogali and Conor McFarlane.

Based on the critically acclaimed and much-loved film, Once tells the uplifting yet yearning story of two lost souls – a Dublin street busker and a Czech musician – who unexpectedly fall in love. Following their relationship across five short days, big changes happen to both of them in little ways. Celebrated for its original score including the Academy Award-winning song Falling Slowly, Once is a spell-binding and uplifting story of hopes and dreams.

Once will be at Wales Millennium Centre 11-16 May 2020.

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FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the smash-hit, critically acclaimed West End musical is pleased to announce the full casting for its 2020 UK tour. The cast will include the previously announced Layton Williams (Bad EducationBeautiful PeopleBilly Elliot the Musical) who currently stars as Jamie in the West End and EastEnders’ much-loved Shane Richie who played Hugo/Loco Channelle in the West End earlier in 2019. They are joined by Shobna Gulati (Coronation StreetDinnerladies, Eveybody’s Talking about Jamie West End and upcoming film) as Ray and George Sampson (winner of Britain’s Got Talent) as Dean.

Further cast includes Amy Ellen Richardson (Margaret New),Lara Denning(Miss Hedge), Sharan Phull(Pritti Pasha), Cameron Johnson (Sandra Bollock / Jamie’s Dad), John Paul McCue (Laika Virgin), Rhys Taylor (Tray Sophisticay), Richard Appiah-Sarpong (Cy), Simeon Beckett (Levi), Kazmin Borrer (Vicki), Ellis Brownhill (Mickey), Jodie Knight (Fatimah), Jessica Meegan (Bex), Talia Palamathanan (Becca), Adam Taylor (Sayid), Alex Hetherington (Swing), Emma Robotham-Hunt (Swing), Ellie Leah (Understudy) and Garry Lee (Understudy).

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be at Wales Millennium Centre 18-23 May 2020.

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BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL TOURS TO WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

Selladoor Productions is delighted to present a brand-new UK and Ireland Tour of the Tony Award nominated Bring It On The Musical.

Inspired by the 2000 film of the same name, Bring It On The Musical features an original score by the multi award winning creator of “Hamilton”, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Pulitzer Prize winning Tom Kitt, composer of “Next To Normal”. The book is written by the Tony Award winning writer of “Avenue Q”, Jeff Whitty and the lyrics are by both Lin-Manuel Miranda and writer of the stage adaptation of “High Fidelity”, Amanda Green.

Bring It On The Musical takes audiences on a high-flying, energy fuelled journey which tackles friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness – wrapped up in explosive choreography and tricks.

Cheer-royalty and newly crowned Squad Captain, Campbell, should be embarking on her most cheertastic senior year at Truman High School. But when she’s forced to move to the neighbouring hard-knock Jackson High, Campbell fears her life is over.  But an unlikely friendship catapults Campbell back into contention with a powerhouse squad and the fire to achieve the impossible.

Bring It On The Musical will be at Wales Millennium Centre 23-27 June 2020.

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THE UK TOUR OF THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE COMES TO THE CENTRE

Sally Cookson’s highly acclaimed stage production of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, which is currently playing to packed houses at the Bridge Theatre in London, and broke box office records when it premiered at Leeds Playhouse in 2017, will begin a major tour of the UK and Ireland in 2020. 

This extraordinary adaptation of CS Lewis’ much loved novel re-tells the story with a mix of Cookson’s trade-mark theatricality, humour, music and puppetry.  It will see audiences step through the wardrobe into the icy, enchanted realm of Narnia for the most mystical of adventures in a faraway land.  Audiences will join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to war-time Britain and say hello to a talking Faun, an unforgettable Lion and the coldest, cruellest White Witch. 

Joining Cookson and Smith on the creative team are writer in the room Adam Peck, movement director Dan Canham, puppetry designer and director Craig Leo (part of the National Theatre’s original War Horse creative team), lighting designer Bruno Poet, sound designer Ian Dickinson and composer Benji Bower.  

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be at Wales Millennium Centre 1-5 December 2020.

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STRICTLY BALLROOM DANCES INTO WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

Baz Luhrmann’s smash hit musical Strictly Ballroom is set to sweep audiences off their feet once more with the announcement of the new 2020/2021 tour, directed by dancer, choreographer and Britain’s favourite TV judge; the fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood. Foxtrotting around the UK and Ireland from September next year, the show is based on the award-winning, global film phenomenon, ‘Strictly Ballroom’ that inspired the world to dance.

Featuring a show-stopping book by Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce, and bringing together a sublime cast of over 20 world class performers, Strictly Ballroom brings to life iconic songs, including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time with dynamic and joyous verve. This tour will also feature some amazing new songs by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.

Strictly Ballroom The Musical tells the beguiling story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer. When Scott’s radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he finds himself dancing with Fran, a beginner with no moves at all. Inspired by one another, this unlikely pair gather the courage to defy both convention and their families – and discover that, to be winners, the steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom…

Strictly Ballroom will be at Wales Millennium Centre 5-10 April 2021.

Party with the Wolf of Wall Street this New Year’s Eve

PARTY WITH THE WOLF OF WALL STREET THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE

  • IMMERSIVE PRODUCTION OF THE WOLF OF WALL STREET HOSTS NEW YEAR’S EVE AFTER SHOW PARTY FEATURING DJS, AERIAL ARTISTS, MARCHING BAND, ‘CON-MAN’ MAGICIAN AND MORE AT THE VENUE IN SUN STREET, CENTRAL LONDON
     
  • TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT WWW.IMMERSIVEWOLF.COM

The Wolf of Wall Street immersive production is hosting a celebratory New Year’s Eve party complete with DJs, aerial artists, ‘con-man’ magician, marching band and more to bring in 2020 in style. The world premiere immersive production which is staged in a landmark building in the heart of the City of London close to Liverpool Street Station at 5-15 Sun Street, Central London recreates ‘90s New York and the world of infamous stockbroker Jordan Belfort, whose life was depicted by Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese’s movie of the same name. Tickets for New Year’s Eve are available as a show and party package or individually to the after-show party which will take place from 10.30pm-2.30am via www.immersivewolf.com

The show’s themed bars – The Boardroom, 90s Bar, Bull Bar, Willow Bar and Members’ Bar – will all be open to the public on the night. Entertainment will include aerial artists and a DJ playing ‘90s hip-hop, RnB, pop and club classics in The Boardroom, a second DJ playing chart and commercial hits in the Willow Bar, champagne pong in the Bull Bar and a ‘con-man’ magician doing the rounds. A marching band with a surprise will bring in the New Year when guests can also expect confetti cannons and a Midnight Money Drop where they will be showered with fake money.

This New Year’s Eve, The Wolf has requested your presence at Stratton Oakmont. It’s time to immerse yourself in the world of Jordan Belfort. Become a Master of the Universe with the brokers who broke Wall Street-or sign up to help the FBI take down some of the most notorious criminal entrepreneurs of our time.  The Immersive Wolf of Wall Street places the audience front and centre of this heart- racing story. Then, after the show, let the night unfold around you with two DJs, aerial artists, marching bands and much more. Let’s bring in 2020, Wolf style. 

The Wolf of Wall Street is adapted and directed by Alexander Wright (The Great Gatsby, Orpheus & Eurydice) and is currently booking until 19 January 2020. The production features a cast of 18 who play multiple characters as featured in Jordan Belfort’s memoirs, from his Stratton Oakmont players to the FBI, plunging audiences into a world of greed, power and excess, and bringing to life the highs and lows of Belfort’s millionaire lifestyle in a night of Class A entertainment.

The creative team brings together Director Alexander Wright with costume design by Heledd Rees, lighting by Rachel Sampley, co-sound design and music supervision by Phil Grainger, co-sound design by Lara Gallagher and movement by Chi-San Howard.

The Wolf of Wall Street is presented by Stratton Oakmont Productions Ltd and comes from the creators and producers behind The Great Gatsby – the longest-ever running immersive show in the UK which continues an open-ended run in London Bridge, as well as playing in cities across Europe. Producers Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook’s current shows also include Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical in the West End and Amelie The Musical UK Tour and in the West End. 

Tickets are now on sale at www.immersivewolf.com

Critically-Acclaimed Production of West Side Story Extends Run at Curve (Leicester)

CURVE ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

WEST SIDE STORY

NOW RUNNING AT CURVE, LEICESTER UNTIL 18 JAN 2020

It has today been announced that Curve theatre is extending the run of its critically-acclaimed Made at Curve production of the classic musical, West Side Story.

After being awarded five-stars reviews and national praise, the production will now run until 18 Jan 2020 due to demand from audiences.

Curve’s production of West Side Story is directed by the theatre’s Artistic Director Nikolai Fosterwith new choreography from Ellen Kane and features Puerto Rican native Adriana Ivelisse as Maria, Carly Mercedes Dyer as Anita, Jamie Muscato as Tony, Ronan Burns as Riff and Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez as Bernardo.

The cast also includes Michael Anderson as Swing, Ryan Anderson (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as A-Rab, Richard Appiah-Sarpong as Pepe, Darren Bennett as Detective Lieutenant Scrank, Damian Buhagiar (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Chino, Thea Bunting (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Graziella, Alex Christian (Oklahoma!, Chichester Festival Theatre) as Baby John, Abigail Climer (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Consuela, Isaac Gryn (Oklahoma!, Chichester Festival Theatre) as Action, Beth Hinton-Lever (Hadestown, National Theatre) as Anybodys, Katie Lee (Matilda, Royal Shakespeare Company) as Velma, Martin McCarthy as Swing, Mireia Mambo (Evita, Regents Park Open Air Theatre) as Rosalia, Redmand Rance as Swing, Michael O’Reilly (Dirty Dancing, UK and Ireland tour) as Diesel, Dominic Sibanda (Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre) as Indio, Matt Trevorrow as Swing, Dale White (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Big Deal and Christopher Wright (The Ladykillers, Oldham Coliseum)as Officer Krupke and Doc. The production also includes 30 of Curve’s Young Company performers.

Speaking about the additional performances, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“We’re thrilled to add a further week to our run of West Side Story so even more people will be able to enjoy this astonishing show. Our remarkable actors, orchestra and production team have created something truly special here in Leicester and we’re immensely proud to be able to share our production with more audience members for even longer.”

New York City, West Side, 1957. In the midst of gang rivalry and racial tensions, love at first sight strikes between Tony, a founding member of the White-American Jets and Maria, the sister of Bernardo, leader of the Puerto Rican Sharks. In the face of danger, the two young lovers continue to meet in secret – but the Jets and the Sharks have one last rumble to fight out.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet and with a timeless score including ‘Tonight’, ‘America’ and ‘I Feel Pretty’, West Side Story represents one of the greatest musicals of all time, filled with romance, charm, aggression and heartbreak.

West Side Story is based on a conception of Jerome Robbins, with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Tickets for West Side Story at Curve are available to book now. To find out more and purchase seats, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call Curve’s Box Office on 0116 242 3595 or visit the theatre in person.

Production Team

Director Nikolai Foster
Choreographer Ellen Kane

Set Designer Michael Taylor
Costume Designer Edd Lindley
Musical Supervisor Sarah Travis

Musical Director & Additional orchestration George Dyer
Lighting DesignerGuy Hoare
Sound Designer Tom Marshall
Fight Director Kevin McCurdy
Casting Director Kay Magson CDG

WEST SIDE STORY

Based on a conception of JEROME ROBBINS

Book by ARTHUR LAURENTS  Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN

Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM

Entire Original Production Directed and Choreographed by

JEROME ROBBINS

Originally produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince

by arrangement with Roger L. Stevens

Performed by arrangement with

Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited

Aladdin Review

Hull New Theatre – until 29 December 2019

Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

4****

When times are uncertain and the weather is awful there are certain things that I want to be able to rely on, and the joy and escape that a good pantomime provides is one of them. Qdos Entertainments production of Aladdin at Hull New theatre did not let me down, the front cover of the programme boldly announces that Aladdin is “everything you could wish for in a panto” and I would have to agree with that description.

This production of Aladdin is a very traditional pantomime, it does not rely on fancy technical trickery but is full of sparkle, singing, dancing, bad jokes but most of all big hearted fun. Some of the jokes go over the heads of the children, some are very near the knuckle, some are old and well-worn and you know what is coming… but the mix is exactly what you want and leaves you with aching muscles from laughing (and groaning!) so much.

The story is that Aladdin (Simon Webbe) wants to marry Princess Jasmine (Charlotte Barnes), but he is too poor. Abanazar (Robin Askwith) is the ultimate baddie who wants the magic lamp so he can be master of the universe, but only Aladdin can get it for him. Throw in a Genie, Widow Twankey (Darren Machin), Wishee Washee (Neil Hurst), The Spirit of the Dance (Jake Canuso), Emperor Ming (Keith Higham), mayhem, madness and utter ridiculousness and ultimately you have a happy ending!

Pantomime is by its very nature interactive and the children in the audience were booing loudly from the start when the baddie Abanazar (Robin Askwith) appeared on the stage. Robin Askwith loved every minute of his role and made for a very convincing baddie, thoroughly enjoying whipping the children up into even louder booing!

Simon Webbe was a wonderful Aladdin, he had exactly the right amount of youthful enthusiasm and energy. His singing was superb, a real highlight for me and I could have listened to even more songs.

Neil Hurst as Wishee Washee pulled things together beautifully and had a wonderful rapport with the children in the audience. Darren Machin made a wonderful over the top panto dame as Widow Twankey. Jake Canuso was excellent as The Spirit of the Dance, providing humour and cracking dancing.

The costumes were fabulous, Widow Twankey’s outfits were sublime in their ridiculousness, Emperor Ming’s costumes were suitably luxurious but his hats practically had a life of their own! The sets were simple but worked beautifully. The Ensemble and the Babes provided us with excellent dancing. The New Theatre Band (Jon Chamberlain, Lisa Featherston and Mark Knight) were outstanding and I seriously thought there were a lot more people in the orchestra pit!

This was a wonderful production, the standard of the singing and dancing throughout was superb, there were wonderful nods to the past and tradition, a keystone cops chase and a sand dance. It had traditional characters and jokes, and a cast that loved every minute of it, this is a proper family pantomime. The children in the audience were having the time of their lifes, shouting and cheering and booing and the adults had just as much fun! I was slightly disappointed that there was not a big song and dance to finish the show, but that is my only criticism.

For over 2 hours I forgot about everything that was going on in the world and entered the wonderful world of Aladdin, a world of sparkle, magic and fun and I came out of the theatre feeling that somehow the world had been put right.

Take your family, or your partner or go on your own to see this production of Aladdin, it really has the feel good factor!