NATIONAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES RUFUS NORRIS’ FINAL SEASON

A CULMINATION OF TEN YEARS INCLUDING NEW VOICES AND WORLD PREMIERES, RETURNING HIT SHOWS, EXPANDED GLOBAL REACH AND SECTOR-LEADING SUSTAINABILITY

• New season will showcase four world premieres with new plays by Suzie Miller, Shaan Sahota, David Lan, and David Eldridge.
• The UK premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s final musical Here We Are, first staged in New York during 2023,with a book by David Ives and directed by Joe Mantello in a new production at the National Theatre.
• New production of Michael Abbensetts’ Alterations, a seminal work from the Black Plays Archive based at the National Theatre.
• Casting for productions include Adeel Akhtar, Arinzé Kene and Rosamund Pike making their National Theatre debuts. Actors returning to the National Theatre include Tracie Bennett, Rory Kinnear, Denis O’Hare, Michael Sheen, Cherrelle Skeete and Juliet Stevenson.
• The return of the award-winning London Road,directed by Rufus Norris, for a limited run at the National Theatre.
• Two national transfers with the revival of Dear England playing for four weeks atThe Lowry in Salford and Nye returning to Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
• The National Theatre Green Store, a major new sustainability centre, opens in Bermondsey, marking the latest milestone on the National Theatre’s journey to reach net zero by 2030.
• The National Theatre’s nationwide youth theatre programme, Connections celebrates its 30th anniversary with 125,000 young people having taken part.
• Audiences around the world are invited to ‘Take your Seats’ for a free stream of Nye on YouTube in November.

Rufus Norris today announces his final programme as Director of the National Theatre, concluding his decade leading the organisation and creating a lasting impact for generations to come. The work on stage and the initiatives announced today exemplify the commitments he has driven forward – to new work, representation on and off stage, sustainability and nationwide reach.

The programme was launched today at the new National Theatre Green Store, the latest and most significant National Theatre environmental initiative marking Rufus’ profound commitment to sustainability, and includes four world premieres by playwrights Suzie Miller, Shaan Sahota, David Lan, and David Eldridge alongside the return of some of the National Theatre’s most popular and loved productions – Dear England, London Road and Nye.

Together they showcase the National Theatre as a powerhouse for new writing and celebrate the creation by Rufus of the New Work Department, which over ten years has expanded the range of voices and stories told on the National Theatre’s stages. His final season continues the commitment to increasing the recognition of the work of underserved creative talent with the programming of Michael Abbensetts’ Alterations, a seminal work from the Black Plays Archive based at the National Theatre.  Also announced today is the long-awaited return of the musical London Road, originally directed by Rufus in 2011 which led to him becoming an Associate of the National Theatre and then Director in 2015, as well as a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s last musical Here We Are. This staging of Sondheim’s final work follows the huge success of Follies and cements the National Theatre as the UK home of the legendary composer’s work.

Rufus Norris’ passion to bring new audiences to theatre and cultivate future generations of theatre-makers is seen through the continued expansion of the digital reach of the National Theatre with a free global YouTube stream of Nye as part of his ‘Take Your Seats’ initiative, available to watch from 7pm GMT on 7 – 11 November on the National Theatre’s YouTube channel. His focus on creative education and access to the arts will also have a landmark moment in 2025 with the 30th anniversary of the National Theatre’s flagship nationwide youth theatre programme Connections,over the decades 125,000 young people have taken part.Over the past 30 years, Connections alumni have forged careers across the creative industries as well as gained vital transferable skills for roles in wider sectors. Tonight, the National Theatre celebrates the homecoming of one of its most celebrated Connections alumni, David Oyelowo, taking centre stage for Coriolanus.

Productions announced today

This final season features stories told by world-class theatre-makers that reflect a rich and resonant range of perspectives. From Shaan Sahota’s brand-new play The Estate,directed by Daniel Raggett, a family drama and political satire about the moral downfall of a politician played by Adeel Akhtar, to Suzie Miller who reunites with director Justin Martin following the global success of Prima Facie, for the world premiere of Inter Alia, with initial casting that includes Rosamund Pike making her National Theatre debut as an eminent High Court Judge forced to reckon her professional life and role as wife, mother, friend and feminist. Guyana-born British writer Michael Abbensetts’ era-defining comedy from the Black Plays Archive Alterations,which illuminates the Guyanese experience of 1970s London and the aspirations and sacrifices of the Windrush generation. Refreshed with additional material by Trish Cooke, Alterations will receive its largest ever staging by director Lynette Linton, withinitial casting that includes Arinzé Kene making his National Theatre debut and Cherrelle Skeete. Former Young Vic Artistic Director David Lan‘s new play The Land of the Living will be directed by Stephen Daldry, with a cast that includes Juliet Stevenson, and tells the story of displaced children after World War II. End, a new play by David Eldridge – the concluding part of his trilogy of plays commissioned by Rufus during his tenure – will be directed by Lyric Hammersmith Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan.

Two musicals will be staged at the National Theatre in 2025. Stephen Sondheim’s final musical Here We Are, with a book by Tony Award-nominee David Ives, makes its UK debut in a new production after its Off-Broadway premiere in 2023, directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello and with a cast including Tracie Bennett, Rory Kinnear and Denis O’Hare. Alongside this is the return of Alecky Blythe and Adam Cork’s innovative award-winning musical London Road, directed by Rufus Norris,which will also be captured for a future streaming release on National Theatre at Home. This season will also see the return of two epic state-of–the-nation plays, Dear England by James Graham,directed by Rupert Goold, telling the story of the England men’s football team under Gareth Southgate, with Graham updating his epic examination of nation and game to reflect Southgate’s final chapter as England Manager, and Nye, Tim Price’s celebrated Welsh fantasia which charts the life of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan and his battle to create the NHS, directed by Rufus Norris.

Sustainability

Confirming the National Theatre as sector leader for sustainable theatre practice, the National Theatre Green Store, a 36,000 sq. ft warehouse in south Bermondsey is the latest groundbreaking National Theatre sustainability initiative led by Rufus Norris. The National Theatre Green Store embodies the National Theatre’s commitment to making essential change to theatre making practice, by not only housing the National Theatre’s costumes, props and scenery in one space to encourage further reuse of production resources, but also through working together with cultural organisations to establish a production hub for subsidised London theatres and creating a circular economy of industry materials.

The central London location means that the production resources stored at the National Theatre Green Store will now be much more accessible for designers and creatives, leading to increased reuse of materials across National Theatre productions. In addition, DAF Trucks have generously donated an electric truck to the National Theatre for the transportation of production materials further reducing the carbon impacts of all transportation. 

Across the UK and around the world

Following the success of the inaugural ‘Take Your Seats’ last year where 185,000 people watched Deputy Artistic Director Clint Dyer’s Othello streamed live on YouTube, today it is announced that this autumn Nye will be streamed for audiences around the globe for free. This is the latest digital initiative further building the National Theatre’s national and global reach, which has exponentially grown during Rufus’ tenure with the expansion of National Theatre Live now seen in 74 countries across the globe, which has twice broken the UK event cinema record for the highest-grossing event cinema release ever.

With the creation of National Theatre at Home, powered with funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies, a pioneering theatre streaming service now present in 184 countries around the globe, combined with the National Theatre’s commitment to working with over 100 partner theatres across the UK and national and international touring, the National Theatre reaches a global audience of 19 million each year. 

Young People and Schools

Rufus’ commitment to community engagement and introducing young people to theatre has resulted in the National Theatre being active in every local authority in the UK. The creation of the streaming service National Theatre Collection, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year and has been expanded to New York public schools, means world class theatre has never been more accessible for young people.

Following last year’s secondary schools tour of Jekyll & Hyde, which reached 10,000 young people nationwide, at the start of 2025 the National Theatre will return to schools with a tour of The LeftBehinds, a new play co-created by Bristol playwright Ross Willis and director Ned Bennett. In a post-apocalyptic future, the LeftBehinds must race across a desolate wasteland in a high-octane quest to rebuild an android, unlock its power and save the planet. This new play will embark on a national tour, visiting secondary school halls in 11 areas nationwide across ten weeks in partnership with local theatres. 

In June 2025, Connections, the National Theatre’s annual nationwide youth theatre programme with esteemed alumni including Rose Ayling-Ellis, Callum Scott Howells and Keira Knightley celebrates its 30th anniversary.By giving young people experience on all aspects of staging and performing a new play, they develop truly transferable skills and the ability to think creatively, which is vital for any career path. Playwrights who have been commissioned to write Connections plays over the last three decades include Alice Birch, Chris Bush, James Graham and Lenny Henry to name a few.

Rufus Norris, Director and Co-Chief Executive said ‘Leading the creative powerhouse that is the National Theatre over the past decade has been a profound privilege. I am humbled by the commitment, dedication and passion shown day in and day out by the extraordinary people who have joined me in the mission to make the NT a representative, sustainable, world class theatre, reaching far beyond its concrete walls. From establishing the New Work Department, which has sparked an explosion of new voices on and off stage, to creating NT at Home, now streaming in nearly every county in the world, I am beyond thrilled that NT now has a global audience reach of 19 million.  There is simply nowhere else like it on earth. I can’t wait to watch from the wings as it flourishes and grows for future generations to enjoy under the brilliant leadership of Indhu Rubasingham and Kate Varah.’

Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive said, ‘It has been a joy and privilege to work alongside Rufus for the past three years. His unwavering commitment to creating a truly national theatre, platforming new writers and artists, has given the country a decade of exciting and important cultural moments. Whether through the stories told on our stages, across the UK and around the world, or through his dedication to providing opportunities for young people and communities to experience theatre, the work of the National Theatre reaches more people than ever before, with an innovative new global digital footprint, all sparking creativity and changing lives. The qualities you see in his work – heart, generosity and integrity – have been the hallmarks of his leadership. As Indhu and I lead the NT into its next chapter, we stand on the shoulders of both Rufus and my predecessor, Lisa Burger. It is because of them that today, we have a vibrant, thriving National Theatre.’

Michael Sheen to reprise role as smash-hit Nye returns to Cardiff

Following a sell-out run earlier this year, a major play starring Michael Sheen as one of Wales’s most influential figures will return to Cardiff in August 2025.

Nye, the smash-hit co-production between the National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre, will return to the Welsh capital for a strictly limited run at the Donald Gordon Theatre on 22 – 30 August 2025.

Michael Sheen (Good Omens) will reprise his iconic title role of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, with further casting to be announced.

Tickets for the revival of Nye will be on public sale from Friday 11 October 2024, with Wales Millennium Centre members able to skip the queues to secure their tickets days before public release. Find out more about Ffrind membership at wmc.org.uk/ffrind.

Nye charts the life and legacy of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, a former coal miner from Tredegar who transformed the UK’s welfare state. It is written by Welsh playwright and screenwriter Tim Price (Teh Internet is Serious Business) and directed by the National Theatre’s outgoing Artistic Director Rufus Norris (Cabaret – West End, London Road, Small Island).

From campaigning at the coalfield to leading the battle to create the NHS, Nye Bevan is often referred to as the politician who’s had the greatest influence on the UK without ever being Prime Minister. Confronted with death, Nye’s deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill in an epic Welsh fantasia.

The team behind this production once again includes Welsh artists Jess Williams (co-choreographer), Will Stuart (composer) and Francesca Goodridge (revival co-director).  The creative team is completed by set designer Vicki Mortimer, costume designer Kinnetia Isidore, lighting designer Paule Constable, co-choreographer Steven Hoggett, sound designer Donato Wharton, projection designer Jon Driscoll, casting by Alastair Coomer CDG and Chloe Blake, dialect coach Patricia Logue, company voice work Cathleen McCarron and Tamsin Newlands, consultant medical advisor Matt Morgan and associate lighting designer Lucy Adams.

Graeme Farrow, Wales Millennium Centre’s Chief Creative and Content Officer, said:
“With the perfect casting of Michael Sheen and powerful writing by Tim Price, combined with our own deep Welsh storytelling roots and the National Theatre’s producing brilliance, Nye undoubtedly struck a chord with audiences here in Cardiff and beyond. We’re thrilled to be giving Wales another chance next year to witness this epic, resonant theatrical experience.”

This co-production between the National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre continues a growing relationship between the two national companies,  following the transfer of The Boy with Two Hearts from Cardiff to the National’s Dorfman Theatre in 2022, as well as the ever-increasing touring presentations of National Theatre productions including the multi-award-winning War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR THE

2024/2025 UK AND IRELAND TOUR

OF THE CLASSIC MULTI AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

MARKING THE MUSICAL’S 20^TH ANNIVERSARY

Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group are delighted to announce full casting for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour of the classic multi award-winning musical MARY POPPINS, opening at Bristol Hippodrome from 4 November 2024, returning to where the magic originally began and marking the 20^th anniversary since the musical’s world premiere. www.marypoppins.co.uk 

Joining the previously announced Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins and Jack Chambers as Bert, who played the roles in Australia to critical and audience acclaim are Michael D. Xavier (Olivier nominee for Into the Woods and Love Story, Sunset Boulevard on Broadway) as George Banks, Lucie-Mae Sumner (West End production of Mary Poppins and Barnum at Menier Chocolate Factory) as Winifred Banks, Rosemary Ashe (original casts of the West End productions of The Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins and Olivier nominee for The Witches of Eastwick) as Mrs Brill, Patti Boulaye (West End and recording star, Carmen Jones at the Old Vic) as Bird Woman, Wendy Ferguson (West End productions of Mary Poppins, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera 25^th Anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall) as Miss Andrew, Sonia Swaby (West End productions of Oliver!, Miss Saigon and Cats) as Mrs Corry and Miss Smythe, Ruairidh McDonald (Matilda, West End) as Roberston Ay and David Burrows (West End productions of Half a Sixpence, My Fair Lady and Oliver!) as Admiral Boom and Bank Chairman.

Olivia Ainsworth, Olaya Martinez Cambon, Matilda O’Sullivan, Katie Ryden and Florence Amelia Swann will alternate the role of Jane Banks with Charlie Donald, Jude Martin-Thomas, Oscar McCulloch, Joshua Miles and William Stafford alternating the role of Michael Banks.

The company is completed by Jay Luca Allan, Marianne Bardgett, Rhys Batten, Lydia Boulton, Ben Culleton, Jasmine Davis, Matthew Dawkins, Lily de-la-Haye, Nathan Elwick, Darcy Finden, Lyndsey Gardiner, Ryan Gover, Emma Harrold, Billy Mahoney, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, Yujin Park, Roan Pronk, Henry Rhodes, Jacob Ritzema, Scarlet Roche, Callum Rose, Charlie Waddell, Rachael Ward, Jemima-Jane Willcox, James Wolstenholme and Ellie Young.

Cameron Mackintosh said today “I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing Mary Poppins back, opening at the Bristol Hippodrome where she first took flight 20 years ago when we opened the first ever stage musical adaptation of Pamela Travers’ books, featuring many of the great Sherman brothers’ songs from The Walt Disney Company’s iconic movie. Since then, Mary has continued to fly around the world dispersing her magic, bringing families together and audiences to their feet in a most supercalifragilisticexpialidocious way! Last year, Disney Theatrical Group and I produced the show again in Australia where it was even more successful the second time round.  Our Australian Mary and Bert, Stefanie and Jack, were so practically perfect that we invited them to lead this brilliant new company which also includes such marvellous leading actors of the British theatre as Michael D. Xavier, Rosemary Ashe, Wendy Ferguson, Sonia Swaby and Patti Boulaye. Mary Poppins remains a timeless classic for all ages, full of wonderful characters, brilliant songs, showstopping dances and spectacular magic. So, you are assured of an unforgettable performance and the jolliest of holidays with Mary. But step in time to get tickets, as Mary has a lot of places to visit and her bag is packed!.”

Since its premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome in 2004, the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins has gone on to record-breaking productions around the world, gaining over 50 major international awards, including two Olivier Awards and one Tony Award. Over 15 millionpeople have witnessed the magic worldwide with the production having been translated into 13 languages.

Mary Poppins flies back into Bristol Hippodrome on 4 November 2024 where it will run until 30 November 2024 ahead of playing Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin (11 December 2024 – 11 January 2025), Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (22 January 2025 – 15 February 2025), Theatre Royal Plymouth (26 February 2025 – 29 March 2025), Palace Theatre Manchester (9 April 2025 – 17 May 2025), Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (21 May – 29 June 2025), Birmingham Hippodrome (16 July – 23 August 2025), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (27 August – 20 September 2025), Sunderland Empire (1 – 25 October 2025) and Milton Keynes Theatre (29 October – 22 November 2025). Additional venues still to be announced, alongside further casting.

Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and The Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic Sherman Brothers songs; Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

MARY POPPINS has original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman with new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The book is by Julian Fellowes and this production is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh. It has orchestrations by William David Brohn and dance and vocal arrangements by George Stiles. It has sound design by Paul Gatehouse, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, projections by Luke Hall andillusions by Paul Kieve & Jim Steinmeyer. The set and costume designs are by Bob Crowley. Co-Choreography is by Stephen Mear. Co-direction and choreography is by Matthew Bourne and direction is by Richard Eyre. The UK & Ireland Tour is directed by James Powell with choreography recreated by Richard Jones and musical supervision by Stephen Brooker.

MARY POPPINS UK AND IRELAND TOUR – 2024/2025 TOUR LISTINGS

marypoppins.co.uk

MONDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2024 – SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2024

BRISTOL HIPPODROME

www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins, Jack Chambers as Bert and Patti Boulaye as Birdwoman

WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2024 – SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2025

BORD GÁIS ENERGY THEATRE, DUBLIN

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins, Jack Chambers as Bert and Patti Boulaye as Bird Woman

WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2025 – SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2025

FESTIVAL THEATRE, EDINBURGH

www.capitaltheatres.com

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins, Jack Chambers as Bert and Patti Boulaye as Bird Woman

WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2025 – SATURDAY 29 MARCH 2025

THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

www.theatreroyal.com

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins, Jack Chambers as Bert and Patti Boulaye as Bird Woman

WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL 2025 – SATURDAY 17 MAY 2025

PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER

www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins, Jack Chambers as Bert and Patti Boulaye as Bird Woman

WEDNESDAY 21 MAY – SUNDAY 29 JUNE 2025

ALHAMBRA THEATRE, BRADFORD

www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Casting of Mary Poppins, Bert and Bird Woman to be announced.

WEDNESDAY 16 JULY – SATURDAY 23 AUGUST 2025

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

ON SALE 20 SEPTEMBER 2024

Casting of Mary Poppins, Bert and Bird Woman to be announced.

WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST – SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2025

MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON

www.mayflower.org.uk

ON SALE 17 OCTOBER 2024

Casting of Mary Poppins, Bert and Bird Woman to be announced.

WEDNESDAY 1 – SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER 2025

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

ON SALE 14 OCTOBER 2024

Casting of Mary Poppins, Bert and Bird Woman to be announced.

WEDNESDAY 29 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2025

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre

ON SALE 14 OCTOBER 2024

Casting of Mary Poppins, Bert and Bird Woman to be announced.

FURTHER VENUES TO BE ANNOUNCED

THE UK’S MOST EXCITING ORCHESTRA OF YOUNG MUSICIANS

TO PERFORM FIRST CONCERT SINCE THEIR ACCLAIMED BBC PROMS DEBUT

STRINGS AND SERENADES

ST GABRIEL’S CHURCH, PIMLICO, LONDON

FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 2024

Fantasia Orchestra, the dynamic and versatile ensemble of some of the UK’s finest young musicians, will perform their first concert since making their debut at the BBC Proms 2024.

Strings and Serenades will take place St Gabriel’s Church in Pimlico on Friday 18 October,a programme exploring some of the musical giants of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

From meditative Pärt and smooth Duke Ellington to virtuosic Ligeti and trailblazing Alberga, the evening will showcase Fantasia’s strings and percussion.  Star soloists Ben Goldscheider (horn) and Toby Spence (tenor) join Fantasia Orchestra to perform Benjamin Britten’s iconic Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, a beautiful work that will soar through the mid-19^th century gothic interior of St Gabriel’s – a venue renowned for its resonant acoustics.

This concert demonstrates the orchestra’s ethos of creating genre-blurring programmes and forging creative connections and collaborations through music.

Programme

Pärt – Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten

Ellington, arr. Gould – Sophisticated Lady

Kidane – Be Still

Alberga – Shining Gate of Morpheus (for horn & strings)

– Interval –

Ligeti – Ramifications

Ellington, arr. Gould – Solitude

Percy Grainger – Irish Tune from County Derry (Danny Boy)

Benjamin Britten- Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings

Conductor and Artistic Director Tom Fetherstonhaugh said, “Making long-lasting connections through music is at the heart of Fantasia’s mission, and it is a joy to be bringing this programme to London with two of the country’s finest soloists – Ben Goldscheider and Toby Spence. For the first concert this season, I’m delighted to be playing an eclectic programme that brings together music from Duke Ellington to Eleanor Alberga.”

Fantasia’s BBC Proms debut at the Royal Albert Hall in August featured soloists and long-time collaborators Sheku and Braimah Kanneh–Mason and Plínio Fernandes,and won them a host of new admirers as they brought a youthful energy and vibrancy to the famous festival. Their repertoire included music by Bartok, Brahms, Dvorak, Laura Mvula, Piazzolla, and Chic.

Fantasia Orchestra was founded in 2016 by conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh and is home to the best of young British classical music talent today. It has recently collaborated with other eminent soloists including Martin James Bartlett, Alim Beisembayev, Jess Gillam, Thomas Gould, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Vadym Kholodenko, Jennifer Pike, Laura van der Heijden, and Steven Osborne. The connections in the orchestra were forged at the Royal Academy of Music, where Tom and many of the other musicians and soloists met and studied together from 2011 onwards.

Education is central to the ethos of Fantasia and 2020 saw the launch of its partnership with the music education charity the DaCapo Music Foundation. Together, they have delivered initiatives including a series of school workshops entitled ‘Take Note’, bringing music-making to primary schools in London with little or no music provision – these sessions repeatedly receive fantastic feedback from children and teachers alike. They have also created a new resource for the primary classroom: DaCapo Online is a comprehensive, ambitious and inclusive music curriculum that features Fantasia musicians at every stage.

Hull New Theatre – until 28th September 2024

Reviewed by Cath Wright

5*****

What if Juliet didn’t die at the end of Romeo and Juliet? This is what Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning) asks of Shakespeare (Matt Cardle) at the start of & Juliet, cue the reimagining of the play by Anne, with Shakespeare being unable to resist interfering in the process. Cue a fast, frenetic, glitzy, and glorious performance with an incredibly talented cast.

& Juliet is interspersed throughout with Max Martin’s many hits, his music and lyrics often having a new tempo and being delivered in a totally unexpected context. Max Martin produces & Juliet with Luke Sheppard directing. Written by David West Read, this is a funny show, full of wit and wry humour. Jennifer Weber has choregraphed the stunning dance routines and Paloma Young’s costumes are an inspired Elizabethan/80’s mix.

Matt Cardle’s Shakespeare is an utter delight, played with a twinkle and a certain devilishness, yet still producing pathos at times. His singing voice is sublime. He and Anne bounce off one another superbly.

Lara Denning is superb, playing Anne (and April), she bounces through the show with glee and yet we see her tender and emotional side too. Her singing voice is quite simply phenomenal.

Geradine Sacdalan is stunning as Juliet, her singing voice is amazing. She is undoubtedly a talent to watch out for in the future.

Sandra Marvin as Angeliqué has the most perfect comic timing, and has a wonderful singing voice. The interactions with Lance (Ranj Singh) are superb. Ranj Singh is a revelation as Lance, he absolutely owned the part.

Jordan Broatch (May), Kyle Cox (François) and Jack Danson (Romeo) are incredibly talented and once again have the most wonderful voices.

The band, Musical Director Marcus Carter-Adams are excellent, for a small band they produced an amazing sound.

& Juliet is a simply phenomenal show, a fabulous night out at the theatre. Had the lights not gone up the audience would have been happy to give the cast a much longer standing ovation last night. Fun, fabulous, frivolous, and frenetic I can totally recommend & Juliet, I now have a new favourite musical!

King’s Head Theatre – until 25 September 2025

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Gaia House Productions’ haunting play is a gut-wrenching and unforgettable show. Writer and performer Minjeong Kim delivers an emotional masterclass as she tells the story of Minja, one of the thousands of Korean women taken by the Japanese army to become sex slaves during World War 2.

Dressed in traditional Korean white robes, traditionally symbolising cleanliness, Kim captures the sweet innocence and small acts of childish defiance as Minja goes about her quiet life in her small Korean town. From skipping stones to tentative first love, Kim builds the image of a delightful child, making the impact of her betrayal by a trusted family friend even more heartbreaking.

The horror of life in the Japanese comfort stations is told through the eyes of the naïve teenager – each act of violence and brutality described almost matter-of-factly with a mix of bewilderment and fear. Alone on the stage, with only a small step stool as a prop, Kim’s magnificent physical performance is utterly mesmerising with her shifting posture making each character instantly recognisable as she morphs from victim to rapist, and most chilling as the chain-smoking boss of the station.

Director Kate Elliott’s intuitive touch keeps Kim’s story moving forward, capturing the despair and shame, but also the defiant will to survive. The handful of women alive today are still waiting for acknowledgement and an apology from the Japanese government, but in a nation where the atrocities of the invading Japanese forces in Nanjing and many other places are barely mentioned, this seems unlikely. The women will not be forgotten however, as long as passionate and heartfelt productions like The Comfort Woman are presented.

A must-see production – an extra show has been added on 25 September at 9pm, grab a ticket for this vital and evocative show.

Drayton Arms Theatre – until 28 September 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

This dark comedy from Broken Gods is fantastically filthy and silly. Calum McArthur’s hitman spoof chronicles the chaos inflicted on a houseproud homeowner (Tom Lane) by Agent King (Gregor Copeland) after King crashes through his window. King used to live in the house and is expecting other agents to turn up, all contracted to kill him. Lane’s character’s horror – and fear for the safety of his beloved orchid begins to mellow, even as the bodies pile up, and the play begins to riff on familiar odd couple buddy movie tropes – there’s even a pastiche musical montage as the duo gather weapons preparing for the arrival of the big crime boss.

Hannah Clancy-Hughes plays multiple oddball characters who enter the house to meet a grizzly end amid a poonami of scatological humour. Copeland is a hoot as manchild King – the polar opposite of the cool hitmen we see in the movies, definitely more Hot Fuzz than Hollywood. Lane is wonderful as the increasingly frustrated homeowner who seemingly just relaxes into the role of partner. But, like all good crime stories, all is not as it seems. Calum McArthur writes and directs confidently and has created a devilishly funny show with exciting potential. However, an unnecessary epilogue with two comedy bobbies cleaning up the carnage misses the mark and diminishes the impact of the gruesomely satisfying ending of the previous scene.

A fun production filled with gruesome giggles – well worth a look.

CRUCIBLE THEATRE

A Sheffield Theatres production

SHEFFIELD THEATRES ANNOUNCE CAST AND
CREATIVE TEAM FOR

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Director Amy Hodge
Designer Georgia Lowe
Choreographer Jade Hackett
Lighting Designer Jessica Hung Han Yun
Sound Designer Rob Bettle
Musical Director Chris Poon
New Orchestrations by Matthew Jackson
Puppet Designers & Directors Daisy Beattie and Seb Mayer
Casting Director Jacob Sparrow
Orchestra Manager David Gallagher
Video Designer Matt Powell
Associate Choreographer Nicola Mac
Assistant Director Beth Knight
Assistant Musical Director Caitlin Morgan

Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith

Originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director)

Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre,

David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization

Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Saturday 7 December 2024 – Saturday 18 January 2025

Sheffield Theatres today announce the cast for Little Shop Of Horrors, the Christmas musical in the Crucible which runs from Saturday 7 December 2024 – Saturday 18 January 2025. This killer rock musical will be directed by Amy Hodge (Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World).

The cast includes: Sam Buttery playing The Plant (Audrey II); Lizzy Rose Esin Kelly playing Ronette; Paige Fenlon playing Chiffon; Charlotte Jaconelli playing Crystal; Michael Matus playing Mr Mushnik; Georgina Onuorah playing Audrey; Colin Ryan playing Seymour and Wilf Scolding playing Orin.

Completing the Ensemble is: Christopher Akrill as Ensemble and Understudy; Will Arundell as Ensemble and Understudy; Jamal Franklin as Ensemble and Understudy; Arethajay McEwen as Swing; Purvi Parmar as Ensemble and Understudy; Kate Playdon as Ensemble and Understudy; Jaz Terry as Ensemble and Understudy; and Riley Woodford as Swing.

Returning to Sheffield after previously performing in Sheffield Theatres productions is Michael Matus who performed in The Wizard of Oz and The Comedy of Errors,Riley Woodford who performed in Miss Saigon and Kate Playdon who performed in She Loves Me and Guys and Dolls. All other members of the cast make their Sheffield Theatres production debuts with Little Shop of Horrors.

“Feed me, Seymour!”

When flower shop assistant Seymour acquires a mysterious new plant, he names it ‘Audrey II’ after his crush and co-worker.

As the succulent grows and grows, it offers Seymour the kind of success he could only ever dream of… as long as he keeps feeding it!

Blooming with favourites including Little Shop of Horrors, Suddenly Seymour and Skid Row (Downtown), this hilarious rock musical is out of this world.

Tickets for Little Shop of Horrors are on sale now. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.

HOLLYWOOD HARDMAN

VINNIE JONES

TO MAKE HIS STAGE ACTING DEBUT

IN

AT LONDON’S HAMMERSMITH EVENTIM APOLLO

17 DECEMBER – 5 JANUARY

Written by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan, fully endorsed by the Sullivan estate
Based on the programme ‘Only Fools and Horses’ written by John Sullivan

Original music – Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan
Additional music – John Sullivan & Chas Hodges
Director – Caroline Jay Ranger

Musical Supervisor & Arranger – Stuart Morley

TICKETS ON SALE ON NOW
FROM ONLYFOOLSONSTAGE.COM

The ultimate movie villain Vinnie Jones is swapping Tinsel Town for Peckham this Christmas as he makes his stage acting debut as Danny Driscoll in Only Fools and Horses The Musical. The strictly limited season runs at London’s Hammersmith Eventim Apollo from 17 December – 5 January for 28 performances only. Tickets are on sale now from OnlyFoolsOnStage.com.

Vinnie stars as local crime lord Danny Driscoll – one half of the notorious Driscoll Brothers – who puts the frighteners on the locals and commands respect wherever he goes.

The former professional footballer is known for his tough guy acting roles in hit movies including Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Mean Machine, The Big Ugly and most recently in the Netflix series The Gentlemen.

Vinnie Jones said: “I’ve always been a fan of Only Fools and Horses, and when my longtime friend Phil McIntyre called me up and said he was interested in me playing the role of Danny Driscoll, I told him to count me in. The director CJay Ranger and her creative team are great and I’m excited to contribute to the legacy of the show.”

The cast also features comedy giant Paul Whitehouse (Grandad), Sam Lupton (Del Boy), Tom Major (Rodney), Georgina Hagen (Raquel), Craig Berry (Boycie), Nicola Munns (Marlene / Cassandra), Lee VG (Trigger), Bradley John (Denzil), Darryl Paul (Tony Driscoll / Mike the Barman), Peter Watts (Mickey Pearce), Richard J Hunt (Dating Agent), Gloria Acquaah-Harrison (Mrs Obooko), Philip Childs (Alternate Grandad / Phil), Andrew Bryant (Jumbo Mills), Amanda Coutts (Tina), Christopher Arkeston (Monkey Harris), Rhys Owen (Em), Kieran Andrew (Skinner), Katie Paine (Sharon) and Oscar Dobbins (Roy Taylor).

Following the London dates, the musical bids ‘bonjour’ to Vinnie and heads back out on the road to complete its huge UK tour.

Directed by the originating West End director Caroline Jay Ranger, the tour kicks off in Bromley in September and then travels to over 30 towns and cities up and down the country, before culminating in Dublin at the end of June 2025.

Based on John Sullivan’s legendary record-breaking television show, this critically acclaimed home-grown musical spectacular – which played over 1,000 performances at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket – features cherished material from Britain’s best loved TV series. With a script and original score written by John’s son, Jim Sullivan and comedy giant Paul Whitehouse, prepare to get reacquainted with Britain’s most lovable rogues and experience the classic comedy brought to life on stage through an ingenious script and 20 hilarious songs.

Fans and critics alike praised Only Fools and Horses The Musical in their droves during its triumphant West End run: The Sun awarded five stars, hailing it “One Del of a show!”; the Daily Mirror said it was “a treat for Trotter fans” in their five-star review. The Sunday Times bestowed four stars and remarked that “Only Fools is a blast from our wide-boy past. A hearty stage adaptation of the 1980s BBC television comedy”. Evening Standard also awarded four stars, complimenting the “unashamedly British night out. A jubilant lovely jubbly!”. While the Daily Mail urged its readers to “raise a glass of ‘Tittinger’ to Del Boy and Rodney as Only Fools and Horses storms the West End!”

Join us as we take a trip back in time, where it’s all kicking off in Peckham. While the yuppie invasion of London is in full swing, love is in the air as Del Boy sets out on the rocky road to find his soul mate, Rodney and Cassandra prepare to say ‘I do’, and even Trigger is gearing up for a date (with a person!). Meanwhile, Boycie and Marlene give parenthood one final shot and Grandad takes stock of his life and decides the time has finally arrived to get his piles sorted.

With musical contributions from the iconic Chas & Dave, the beloved theme tune as you’ve never heard it before, and an array of brand-new songs full of character and cockney charm, you’re guaranteed to have a right ol’ knees-up! Only Fools and Horses The Musical is a feel-good family celebration of traditional working-class London life in 1989 and the aspirations we all share. So don’t delay, get on the blower, and get a ticket for a truly cushty night out – only a 42 carat PLONKER would miss it!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“One Del of a Show!”

The Sun

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Viva, Hooky Street. C’est Magnifique!
A treat for Trotter fans”

Daily Mirror

★ ★ ★ ★

“Call it comfort food for our troubled times,
this show serves up some lovely jubbly”

Metro

★ ★ ★ ★

“Only Fools is a blast from our wide-boy past.

A hearty stage adaptation of the 1980’s BBC Television comedy”

Sunday Times

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES THE MUSICAL – UK & DUBLIN TOUR 2024/2025

DATE	VENUE
23–28 September	Bromley: Churchill Theatre*
30 September–5 October	Southend: Cliffs Pavilion*
7–12 October	Bradford: Alhambra Theatre
14–19 October	York: Grand Opera House
21–26 October	Wolverhampton: Grand Theatre
28 October–2 November	Glasgow: Theatre Royal*
5–9 November	Edinburgh: Playhouse*
11–16 November	Manchester: Opera House*
18–23 November	Manchester: Opera House*
25–30 November	Sunderland: Empire Theatre
2–7 December	Stoke: Regent Theatre
11–14 December	Brighton: Dome*
17–23 December	London: Hammersmith Eventim Apollo*
27–31 December	London: Hammersmith Eventim Apollo*
2–5 January	London: Hammersmith Eventim Apollo*
6–11 January	Ipswich: Regent Theatre

13–18 January	Norwich: Theatre Royal
20–25 January	Llandudno: Venue Cymru
27 January–1 February	Bristol: Hippodrome*
3–8 February	Bristol: Hippodrome*
10-15 February	Newcastle: Theatre Royal
17-22 February	Newcastle: Theatre Royal
24 February-1 March	Leeds: Grand Theatre*
3-8 March	Southampton: Mayflower Theatre*
10-15 March	Oxford: New Theatre
17-22 March	Milton Keynes Theatre
24-29 March	Milton Keynes Theatre
31 March-5 April	Birmingham: Hippodrome*
7-12 April	Birmingham Hippodrome*
14-19 April	Canterbury: Marlowe Theatre
21-26 April	Nottingham: Concert Hall
28 April-3 May	Blackpool: Winter Gardens*
5-10 May	Truro: Hall For Cornwall
12-17 May	Cardiff: Wales Millennium Centre*
19-24 May	Plymouth: Theatre Royal
26-31 May	Sheffield: City Hall*
2-7 June	Northampton: Derngate Theatre
9-14 June	Liverpool: Empire Theatre*
16-21 June	Liverpool: Empire Theatre*
23-28 June	Belfast: Opera House*
30 June-5 July	Dublin: Bord Gais Energy Theatre*

*Paul Whitehouse will perform at these venues

LISTINGS INFORMATION
Website: OnlyFoolsOnStage.com
X / Twitter: @OFAHMusical

Instagram: @OFAHMusical

Facebook: /OFAHMusical

LONDON PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Matinees 2:30pm, Evenings 7:30pm

Matinee and evening performances:

December 11-12, 14, 18, 21-23, 27-30

January 2-5

Evening performances only:
December 13, 17, 19-20

Matinee performance only:

December 31

OVER £4,000 RAISED AT
THE BIG WEST END WALK IN AID OF
ACTING FOR OTHERS

West End Charity Football Club today announces that more than £4,000 was raised at The Big West End Walk, in aid of Acting for Others. The walk,held on Sunday 8 September 2024, smashes last year’s target, which totalled just over £3.5k raised. The West End Charity Football Club also announce that The Big West End Walkwill become an annual event with plans for supporters to take on the challenge in aid of Acting for Others.

The walk covered over 16 miles passing 58 West End theatres across London. This year, starting at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and finishing at the London Palladium, with the walk totalling over 6 hours.

The West End Charity Football Club were at the helm joined by Acting for Others Ambassadors Kim Ismay, John Partridge, Tom Read Wilson, Ben Stock, Harriet Thorpe, Gary Wilmot; with supporters Cassidy Janson, Caroline Sheen, Michael Jibson and Natalie Shay. The West End stars were also joined by competition winners Maisie Cohen, Flick-Marie Baker and Becky Holland who were invited to come down and take part in the challenge on the day.

The West End Charity Football Club team led by team Captain Jon Scott Clark (Hamilton, Miss Saigon) and Jonny Purchase (Les Misérables) included: John Addison (School of Rock, Pretty Woman The Musical), Danny Colligan (Les Misérables, Dirty Dancing), Jacob Fisher (Newsies, Evita) Euan Bennet (The Play That Goes Wrong) Liam Doyle (Wicked, Heathers)  Dan Roach, Kieran Messer (Hair) Ryan Goscinski (The Rocky Horror Show, Phantom of The Opera).

The donation link is live for anyone that would still like to donate:

https://actingforothers.enthuse.com/pf/the-big-westend-walk-2024