Runtime 114 minutes | BBFC 12A

DONMAR WAREHOUSE’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF MACBETH TO BE SCREENED IN

CINEMAS ACROSS THE UK AND INTERNATIONALLY

FROM 5 FEBRUARY 2025

Trafalgar Releasing, in partnership with the Donmar Warehouse today announces the cinema release of Macbeth, starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo which is currently playing to sold out houses in the West End. The production will be screened in cinemas across the UK, US, Australia and selected international territories from 5 February 2025. The critically acclaimed production, directed by Max Webster was filmed live during its run at the Donmar Warehouse in London.

Tickets will go on sale from 16 October at MacbethDonmarCinema.com.

The Donmar Warehouse’s Artistic Director Tim Sheader and Executive Director Henny Finch added, “We are delighted that our innovative production of Macbeth will continue to reach new audiences beyond the original run at the Donmar and in the West End. It’s so exciting to think that thousands of global audiences will now get to experience this brilliant cast and the intimacy of the Donmar in their local cinema.” 

Trafalgar Releasing’s CEO, Marc Allenby commented, “It’s great to be working with the Donmar Warehouse once again to bring their sold-out production of Macbeth to cinema audiences both across the UK and globally. Theatre continues to be a significant driver of cinema box office revenue and is a priority genre for Trafalgar Releasing as we grow our wide-ranging portfolio of cultural content captured especially for the big screen.”

David Tennant (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) and Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife, Criminal Record) lead a stellar cast in an ‘enthralling’ (★★★★★ Daily Telegraph) new production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse in London, especially for the big screen. Unsettling intimacy and brutal action combine at breakneck speed as Max Webster (Life of Pi, Henry V) directs this tragic tale of love, murder, and nature’s power of renewal. With staging ‘full of wolfish imagination and alarming surprise’ (★★★★★ The Guardian), the immersive 5.1 cinema surround sound places the audience inside the minds of the Macbeths, asking are we ever really responsible for our actions?

Moyo Akandé playsRoss. Her theatre work includesThe Special Relationship (Soho Theatre), Interference (National Theatre of Scotland), The Two Noble Kinsmen, Lightning Child, Macbeth (Shakespeare’s Globe), Flowers for Mrs Harris (Sheffield Crucible), Only the Brave (Wales Millennium Centre), Skins & Hoods (Institut Francais – Edinburgh Festival), The Witches, Sunshine on Leith (Dundee Repertory Theatre), Wallace (The Arches), White Christmas (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Thoroughly Modern Millie (The Watermill Theatre), The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Birmingham Rep), Peter Pan (Barbican/National Theatre of Scotland),and The Wizard of Oz (Royal Festival Hall). For television, her work includes Professor T, Crime, Inside No.9, The Wedding, Agatha Raisin, Annika, Back, Scenes for Survival – The Present, Guilt, The Demon Headmaster, Still Game, The Cry, Vera, Only an Excuse?, The Rebel, Porridge, Bob Servant Independent, and Lip Service; and for film, A.V. Van,Man & Witch, Tetris, Up on the Roof, Zebra Girl, Make Me Up, The Hurricane Heist,and 1745.

Annie Grace plays Musician and Gentlewoman. Her theatre work includes Macbeth (RSC), Anything that Gives off Light (NTS/The Team/EIF), Hello in there (Òran Mór), The Tale of Little Bevan (Pentabus), Hysteria! (Òran Mór/Traverse), The Winter’s Tale (Royal Lyceum Theatre), The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, Blabbermouth, Five Minute Theatre, The Tin Forest, Peter Pan (National Theatre of Scotland), Threads (Stellar Quines), Dark Woods Deep Snow (Northern Stage), Ness, Hello in there, Thank God for John Muir, Cyrano de Bergerac, Poker Alice, Tir Na Nog  (Òran Mór/A Play, A Pie and A Pint), Pinnochio (Arches Theatre), Tam O’Shanter (Perth Theatre/Communicado), Homers (Traverse), Hysteria! (Òran Mór/Traverse), The Celtic Story (Wildcat Theatre), The Wedding (Rightlines Productions), The Stamping Ground (Eden Court/Raw Material), Fisherman’s Friends (Cornwall Playhouse), and The Last Ship (Northern Stage/USA tour/Toronto).

Brian James O’Sullivan plays Donalbain/Soldier/Murderer and Musician. His theatre credits include Maw Goose – winner of Best Dame at UK Pantomime Awards (Macrobert Arts Centre), Uh Huh: The Janice & Frank Story Parts 1, 2 & 3 (Òran Mór), The Stamping Ground (Raw Material), Oscar; My Name is Sarah, and…, Meetings with the Monk (Glasgow Lunchtime Theatre), An Edinburgh Christmas Carol, The Arabian Nights, The Winter’s Tale (Royal Lyceum Theatre), Chic Murray: A Funny Place for a Window (Òran Mór, Glasgow/Winhill Productions/Fair Pley/BBC Scotland/Lemon Tree Theatre), McGonagall’s Chronicles (Òran Mór/Traverse Theatre), Twelfth Night (Royal Lyceum Theatre/Bristol Old Vic), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Dundee Rep), The James Plays (National Theatre of Scotland), The View from Castle Rock (Stellar Quines), and Oliver! (West End). He also hosts the popular Scottish theatre podcast, Putting it Together, which has released over 350 episodes since 2017.

Cush Jumbo plays Lady Macbeth. Her previous Donmar credits include Julius Caesar (also St Ann’s Warehouse, New York). Her other theatre includes Hamlet (Young Vic), Common, She Stoops to Conquer (National Theatre), The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare in the Park, New York), The River (Broadway), Fred’s Diner (Chichester Festival Theatre), Pygmalion – Ian Charleson Award nomination, A Doll’s House, As You Like It (Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester), An Argument About Sex (Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh), Liquid Gold (Almeida Theatre), Brixton Stories (Lyric Hammersmith), and Love’s Labour’s Lost (Shakespeare’s Globe). As writer/performer, her theatre work includes Josephine and I (Bush Theatre/Public Theater, New York); and as writer, The Accordion Shop (National Theatre Connections). Her television work includes Criminal Record, Balestra, Stay Close, The Beast Must Die, Deadwater Fell, The Good Fight, Trying, The Good Wife, Vera, Getting On, Lip Service, Torchwood, and Harley Street; and for film, The Postcard Killings, City of Tiny Lights, Remainder, and The Inbetweeners.

Casper Knopf plays Macduff’s Son/Fleance/Young Siward, marking his professional stage debut. His television work includes Silent Witness, Rough Diamonds, Our House, Halo and The Small Hand; and for film, How to Date Billy Walsh.

Cal MacAninch plays Banquo. His theatre work includes The Judas Kiss (BAM/Ed Mirvish Theatre/Hampstead Theatre/West End), Peter Pan (National Theatre of Scotland/Barbican), The Mistress Contract (Tron Theatre), A Tale of Two Cities, A Whistle in the Dark, Enrico Four, Frankenstein, Hamlet, Oedipus Rex, ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore (Glasgow Citizens Theatre), Anna Karenina (Shared Experience), Childminder (Traverse Theatre), How Like an Angel (Edinburgh Traverse Theatre), Macbeth (Open Act Theatre Co.), Not About Heroes (Heroes Theatre Company), Wee Andy (Òran Mór), The Bacchae (National Theatre of Scotland/Lincoln Centre, NY), The Cherry Orchard, The Philanthropist (Dundee Repertory Theatre), The Wood Demon (Playhouse Theatre), Under the Black Flag (Shakespeare’s Globe), and My Eyes Went Dark (Finborough/Traverse Theatre). For television, his work includes Mayflies, The Essex Serpent, Trigger Point, Vigil, Time, Des, Vera, The Small Hand, The Victim, Frontier, Crown Court, Scott and Bailey, Banished, DCI Banks, Mr Selfridge, Lake of Darkness, Rik Mayall – The Big One, Alive & Kicking, Angel Eyes, The Chestnut Soldier, The Riff Raff Element, The Advocates, Nervous Energy, Dangerous Lady, A Mind to Murder, Speak Like a Child, Warriors, Littlebird, Waking the Dead, Rockface, Best of Both Worlds, Silent Witness, Murphy’s Law, Ghost Squad, Sorted, Merlin, Strike Back, Garrow’s Law, and Downton Abbey; and for film, Nobody Has to Know, Intrigo: Dear Agnes, Intrigo: Samaria, Calibre, The Hamilton Trilogy 2, The Awakening, Screwed, Slapper, Doomsday, Rag Tale, Dear Frankie, The Point Men, Breathtaking, Truel, Best, The Lost Son, Sentimental Education, Splitting Heirs, The Woodlanders, and Doctor Reitzer’s Fragment.

Kathleen Macinnes plays The Singer and ensemble. MacInnes is a Scottish singer and actress who performs primarily in Scottish Gaelic. She won the Scots Trad Music Award for Gaelic Singer of the Year in 2006 and in 2012 her second album, Cille Bhrìde won Best Album. In 2010, she appeared on the soundtrack to the Ridley Scott film Robin Hood and was vocalist on GoM Circus, Macro at the opening of The Edinburgh Festival 2022. Her television work includes Machair, RanDan, Highland Sessions, and Transatlantic; and for film, An Ceasnachadh: The Interrogation of a Highland Lass, Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle, Choirmaster for Justin Kurzel’s Macbeth, Outlaw King, and Robert The Bruce.

Alasdair Macrae playsMusician and ensemble. His theatre work includes Macbeth (RSC),The Cheviot, The Stag and the Black, Black Oil (National Theatre of Scotland/Dundee Rep), A Six-inch Layer of Topsoil and the Fact it Rains (Perth Rep/Horsecross Arts), Twelfth Night (Bristol Old Vic/Royal Lyceum Edinburgh), Cockpit, The Winter’s Tale (Royal Lyceum Edinburgh), The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (National Theatre of Scotland/McKittrick Hotel, NY), The James Plays (National Theatre of Scotland/National Theatre/EIFF), Gastronauts (Royal Court Theatre), Interiors, Subway (Vanishing Point), Once in Concert (London Palladium), and Hi-Viz (Forest Row Village Hall). For film, his work includes Wild Rose.

Rona Morison plays Lady Macduff; she previously appeared at the Donmar inThe Prime of Miss Jean Brodie for which she was nominated for the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Emerging Talent. Her other theatre work includes The Meaning of Zong (Barbican Theatre), Mary, The Haystack (Hampstead Theatre), Cover My Tracks (The Old Vic), Dead Don’t Floss, The James Plays (National Theatre), Glory on Earth (Royal Lyceum Theatre), Orca, The Diary of a Teenage Girl (Southwark Playhouse), Julie (Northern Stage), The Crucible (Bristol Old Vic); buckets (Orange Tree), Scuttlers (Manchester Royal Exchange); Anhedonia (Royal Court Theatre), To Kill a Mockingbird (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Illusions (Bush Theatre), The Second Mrs Tanqueray (Rose Theatre), and Illusions and Crave (ATC). For television, her work includes The Control Room, Absentia and Decline and Fall; and for film, Our Ladies, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Ready Player One, and Love Bite.

Noof Ousellam plays Macduff. His theatre credits include Baghdaddy (Royal Court Theatre), Leopoldstadt (West End), Buggy Baby (The Yard Theatre), Wildefire (Hampstead Theatre), Richard III (Cockpit Theatre/Custom Practice), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Almeida Theatre), Respect (Birmingham Rep), and Rendition Monologues (Sheffield Theatres). His television work includes Bridgerton, Vigil, Rebus, Andor, Guilt, The Cure, Trust Me, Hanna, Love, Lies and Records, and Meet the Jury; and for film, Entebbe, Teen Spirit, The Mummy, Leave to Remain, The Conversations,and Extraordinary Rendition.

Raffi Phillips plays Macduff’s Son/Fleance/Young Siward. His theatre work includes Winnie the Pooh (UK tour), Over the Waves; Max to the Future (Strange Town Youth Theatre), and An Inspector Calls (National Theatre). For television, his work includes The Gold and Pennyworth.

Jatinder Singh Randhawa plays The Porter/Seytan. His theatre work includes Moorcroft (Tron Theatre/National Theatre of Scotland), Cinderella the Musical (Dundee Rep), Peter Gynt (National Theatre), and The Arrival by Shaun Tan (Solar Bear). His television work includes Crime, Scot Squad, The Control Room, and The Nest; and for film, Damaged and Shepard.

David Tennant plays Macbeth. His theatre work includes Macbeth (Donmar Warehouse, Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor, Critics’ Circle Award for Best Shakespearean Performance), Good (Harold Pinter Theatre, Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor), Don Juan in Soho (Wyndham’s Theatre,winner of WhatsOnStage Award for Best Actor), Much Ado About Nothing (Wyndham’s Theatre), Richard II (RSC/Barbican/BAM, winner of WhatsOnStage Award for Best Actor), Hamlet (winner of Critics Circle Award for Best Shakespearean Performance); Love’s Labour’s Lost; Romeo and Juliet, The Comedy of Errors, The Rivals, As You Like It, The Herbal Bed, The General from America (RSC), Look Back in Anger (Royal Lyceum Edinburgh/Theatre Royal Bath, CATS Award), The Pillowman, What the Butler Saw (National Theatre), Push Up (Royal Court Theatre), Comedians (Exeter/Oxford), Lobby Hero (Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor), King Lear; An Experienced Woman Gives Advice (Royal Exchange Theatre), Vassa (Albery Theatre), The Real Inspector Hound/Black Comedy (Comedy Theatre), Hurlyburly (Queen’s Theatre), Long Day’s Journey into Night, and The Glass Menagerie (Dundee Rep). His television work includes Rivals for Disney Plus – coming later this year, Doctor Who (BAFTA Wales Best Actor, TV Times award, four National Television Awards and three TV Choice awards for Best Actor), Des (International Emmy Award for Best Actor, Broadcasting Press Guild Award for best actor, and National Television Award, Most Popular Drama Performance), Litvenenko, Good Omens Series 1 and 2, Inside Man, Staged, Around the World in 80 Days, Criminal, Deadwater Fell, There She Goes, Jessica Jones, Camping, Broadchurch (three TV Choice awards for best actor, Crime Writers Association award for Best Actor), W1A, Gracepoint (People’s Choice Award), The Escape Artist (BAFTA Scotland Award), The Politician’s Husband, Spies of Warsaw, Playhouse Presents: The Minor Character, True Love, Twenty Twelve, This is Jinsy, United, Single Father (TV Choice Award for Best Actor), The Sarah Jane Adventures, Hamlet, The Catherine Tate Show, Einstein and Eddington, Extras, Learners, Recovery (Royal Television Society Award nomination for Best Actor), The Chatterley Affair, Secret Smile, The Quatermass Experiment, Casanova, Blackpool, He Knew He Was Right, Terri McIntyre, Posh Nosh, Trust, Foyle’s War, People Like Us, Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased), The Mrs Bradley Mysteries, Love in the 21st Century, Duck Patrol, The Tales of Para Handy, Dramarama, Rab C Nesbitt, and Takin’ Over the Asylum. Film credits include Mary Queen of Scots, Bad Samaritan, You, Me & Him, Mad to Be Normal, What We Did on Our Holiday, Fright Night, The Decoy Bride, Glorious 39, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Bright Young Things, Being Considered, The Last September, LA Without a Map, and Jude.

Ros Watt plays Malcolm. His theatre work includes Dracula: Mina’s Reckoning (National Theatre of Scotland), Never Swim Alone (StoneCrabs Theatre Company), Godot is a Woman (Silent Faces/Pleasance Theatre), Wait Til the End (The Pappy Show), and Charlotte’s Web (UK tour).

Benny Young plays Duncan/The Doctor. He previously appeared at the Donmar in Be Near Me (co-production with National Theatre of Scotland). His other theatre work includes Eulogy, Philoctetes, The Importance of Being Alfred, Love with a Capital L, Sweet Silver Song of the Lark (Òran Mór), Don Quixote (Perth Theatre), Monarch of the Glen (Pitlochry Festival Theatre), Still Game Live 2: Bon Voyage (Phil McIntyre Entertainment), Hay Fever (Citizens Theatre), The Tempest (Xinchan Performing Arts Co.), Waiting for Godot, Hedda Gabler (Edinburgh Lyceum Theatre), Right Now, Unfaithful (Traverse), Macbeth (Park Avenue Armoury, New York/Manchester International Festival), Never Land (Eden Court), Wallace (Glasgow Arches), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Seafarer (Perth Theatre/Belfast Lyric), Midsummer, and A Christmas Carol (National Theatre of Scotland). For television, her work includes Good Omens; Shetland, Rillington Place, Scot Squad, Still Game, One Day Like This, Garrow’s Law, Ian Brady: Roghainn a’ Bhàis?, Waking the Dead, Spooks, Talk to Me, Taggart: Genesis, Playing the Field, Castles, Doctor Finlay, All or Nothing at All, Tell Tale Hearts, Boon, Star Cops, Screen Two, Maggie, The Gentle Touch, Play for Today, Square Mile of Murder, Airport Chaplin, and Sutherland’s Law; and for film, Funny Man, A Woman at War, Captive, Out of Africa, White Nights, The Girl in the Picture. King Lear, Chariots of Fire, and Nosy Dobson.

Max Webster was previously Associate Director at the Donmar Warehouse under Michael Longhurst, where he also directed Henry V. Max’s other work as a theatre director includes Minority Report (Nottingham Playhouse/Birmingham Rep/Lyric Hammersmith), Life of Pi (Sheffield Crucible/West End/Boston/Broadway, Olivier Award nomination for Best Director); Antigone; As You Like It; Twelfth Night (Regent’s Park Open Air); The Lorax (The Old Vic/Children’s Theatre, Minneapolis/Old Globe, San Diego), Fanny and Alexander and Cover My Tracks (The Old Vic), The Sea of Fertility and Mary Stuart (Parco, Japan), The Jungle Book and King Lear (Royal & Derngate, Northampton/UK Tour), The Winter’s Tale (Lyceum, Edinburgh), The Twits (Curve, Leicester), Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare’s Globe/World Tour), James and the Giant Peach and My Generation (WYP), Orlando, To Kill a Mockingbird and My Young and Foolish Heart (Royal Exchange, Manchester), The Chalk Circle (Aarohan Theatre, Kathmandu) and Carnival Under the Rainbow and Feast Kakulu (Hilton Arts Festival, South Africa). Film Credits include The Lorax: In Camera (Old Vic) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical (Sky Arts/NBC). Opera credits include La Bohème (Goteborg Opera, Sweden) and The Merry Widow (ENO). Nominated for the Olivier Award, Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Director.

NOREL PRODUCTIONS AND ADAM BLANSHAY PRODUCTIONS
ANNOUNCE THE TRANSFER OF FAREWELL MISTER HAFFMANN
FROM THEATRE ROYAL BATH TO PARK THEATRE

Norel Productions and Adam Blanshay Productions today announce the transfer of Jean-Philippe Daguerre’s Farewell Mister Haffmann adapted by Jeremy Sams and originally directed by Lindsay Posner. One of France’s most successful and long-running plays, this acclaimed UK première production transfers from Theatre Royal Bath Ustinov Studio to Park200 on 10 March, with previews from 6 March, and runs until 12 April.

The French play Adieu Monsieur Haffmann by Jean-Philippe Daguerre has been a commercial and critical success in France, winning four Molière Awards, including Best New Play. One of the longest running plays in France, it was also made into a film starring Daniel Auteil.

Farewell Mister Haffmannmade its UK premiere at the Ustinov Studio at Theatre Royal Bath in September 2023 in Lindsay Posner’s production that The Times described as “gritty, surprising and resonant” ★★★★, WhatsOnStage as, “a cracking night’s theatre” ★★★★ and The Mail on Sunday said, “The tension is crackling… I was totally gripped… it’s a hit” ★★★★.

Casting for the Park200 run is to be announced.

Farewell Mister Haffmann is on sale to Park Theatre members now. Public booking opens on 11 October at 10am.

The author of Adieu Monsieur Haffmann, Jean-Philippe Daguerre today said, “It is a great honour and a great pleasure for me to see our Adieu Monsieur Haffmann crossing the Channel to become Farewell Mister Haffman for this exceptional exploration in London. My eternal gratitude for the wonderful adaptation, the brilliant and elegant staging and the beautiful production. It has been beyond all my expectations.’

Jeremy Sams, who adapted the play from French, said, “It was a privilege to be the first adaptor of Farewell Mister Haffmann, and I’m delighted that it can now be seen in London. This is an important and (sadly) timely play which shows us how times of conflict challenge acceptance and deepen prejudice.”

The original director of Farewell Mister Haffmann, Lindsay Posner said, “In turns shocking, funny and deeply moving, this tense thriller combines the personal and the political to great effect. In these times the play feels more urgent than ever.”

Norel Productions and Adam Blanshay Productions
in association with Park Theatre present

FAREWELL MISTER HAFFMANN

By Jean-Philippe Daguerre

Adapted by Jeremy Sams

Original Director Lindsay Posner
General Management Alex Turner Productions

6 March – 12 April 2024

One of France’s most successful and long-running plays, and a winner of four Molière Awards, Farewell Mister Haffmann makes its London premiere following a critically acclaimed debut at Theatre Royal Bath.

Set in 1942 in Nazi-occupied Paris, Jewish jeweller Joseph Haffmann faces imminent danger as Jews are being rounded up across the city for deportation. Desperate, Joseph turns to his trusted employee Pierre Vigneau for help.

In a risky and unconventional deal, he transfers ownership of his jewellery shop to Pierre in exchange for being hidden from the Nazis. But the deal comes with an unexpected condition: in return for hiding him from the Nazis, Pierre requests that Joseph enter into a particular arrangement with his wife, Isabelle. This unusual request raises the stakes, as the three of them find themselves struggling with the dangers and moral complexities of their situation. 

A Matisse painting and an art loving Nazi officer and his flamboyant wife complicate matters further for Pierre, Isabelle and Joseph. As the marital pressures and absurd demands pile up, their deal teeters on the edge of collapse. 

Blending dark humour and suspense against the background of unprecedented times, this play shines a light on human resilience in the face of impossible choices. 

Casting for the Park200 run is to be announced.

Jean-Philippe Daguerre is a French writer and director. His work over the last 20 years includes Paroles de Prévert, Le Médecin malgré lui, Les Contes des 1001 Nuits, Alice au Pays des Merveilles, Aladin, Cyrano de Bergerac and Le Cid.  Jean-Philippe Daguerre is also the Artistic Director of Le Grenier de Babouchka Company. He was nominated for Molière Awards in 2016 for Aladin, in 2017 for Scapin and in 2018 for Le Malade Imaginaire and Clérambard. In 2018, the play Adieu Monsieur Haffmann, which he wrote and directed, won four Molière awards. Since then, he wrote and directed La Famille Ortiz, Le Petit Coiffeur, Le Voyage de Molière, La Chambre des merveilles and Huitième ciel.

Jeremy Sams is a translator, director, composer and playwright. His translations and adaptations have been used at the National Theatre, on Broadway, in the West End, as well at ENO and the Metropolitan Opera New York. He has directed and written music for many shows at the National Theatre, on Broadway, in the West End and pretty much everywhere else. His most recent credits are What’s in a name?,Edmond de Bergerac and Roman Holiday (Bath); The Lavender Hill Mob and The Good Life (UK tours); as well as the operas Flight (Royal College of Music) and Die Fledermaus (The Met).

Original Director Lindsay Posner has directed in every major London theatre as well as the RSC and on Broadway. His recent credits include the West End Production of A View from the Bridge (Ustinov Studio and Theatre Royal Haymarket), Noises Off (Theatre Royal Bath, Phoenix Theatre and UK tour), Edward Albee’s classic Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, The Lover and The Collection by Harold Pinter and Terence Rattigan’s The Deep Blue Sea (Ustinov Studio), the latter will be in the West End next year, and 1984 (Theatre Royal Bath and UK Tour).

Listings

Farewell Mister Haffmann

Park Theatre, Park200
Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP

FAREWELL MISTER HAFFMANN

6 March – 12 April

Mon – Sat Evenings at 7.30pm, Thu and Sat matinees at 3pm
Box Office: 020 7870 6876*www.parktheatre.co.uk*Telephone booking fee of £3 per transaction applies. All ticket prices are inclusive of a £1.50 building levy. 

Ticket prices

Previews: £15 – £29.50

Standard: £22.50 – £47.50
Mon eve, Thu mat: 65+: £20 – £26.50
Access: £18.50
Park Up (16-26 years): £10 on Band C seats throughout the run

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre – until 12^th October 2024

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

3***

If you are expecting a murder mystery along the lines of Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, you will be disappointed. Middle Ground Theatre Company has been going for almost four decades now. This play is based on their tour of the said play in the highlands and islands during the 90’s. 

The story development of this comedy play within a play feels protracted and you can be forgiven for losing concentration. This is not helped by the busy set which is quite distracting. As a result, the set changes are drawn out. 

This gentle farce is interspersed with plenty of laughs. In the first half you are drawn a picture of a theatre company on tour in towns across North Scotland, wherever they can get a gig. They arrive in a small Scottish town in the back of beyond with a broken van, only to find their stage is a dilapidated community hall. Hall manager Jean Murray (Eliza Langland) has a strong Scottish accent and really sets the scene with her descriptions of local characters and advisements about the failings of the hall, all delivered with a matter of fact honesty that has to be accepted. According to her the residents are glad to have them. Of course, this lays the ground for the many mishaps that ensue. 

Alasdair Baker plays Alasdair McGillivray, a larger than life caricature of a Scottish landowner that sweeps in and sweeps out with gusto. Baker flips with ease into Rupert Valentine Tinglewell the stage lovely that does very little apart from fart and cause chaos! He spends most of the play wandering around in his underpants!

Luke Rhodri is convincing as the company producer Sean Farrell, trying to hold it all together, dealing with malfunctioning equipment and mediating fractured relationships. That and the lack of box office takings is enough to cause a meltdown. The lukewarm relationship between him and lead actress Samantha Middleton (Isabella Inchbald) comes tantalizingly close to something more, leaving you thinking that it strangely needs a sequel! Rhodri and Inchbald offer a well played tender moment.

The fast pace of the finale is well timed and hilarious, with broken sets, missing props and fractious relationships coming to boiling point. Andy Jenkins (Theo Woolford) is a pent-up frustrated character on the brink of losing it most of the way through the production. Accused by  Samantha (Inchbald) of taking advantage when she was drunk, he feels wronged and hopes to leave the company. In fact it seems everyone except the producer is planning to leave for better things!

The dark side of this play reflects the reality of many small touring theatre companies, doing their best to entertain and suffering the strife of being constantly on the road with not always the best equipment and stars that want to move on to better things. It offers bittersweet comedy. However, they are the breeding ground of some of the greatest actors of our time and not to be undervalued. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Really Useful Group launches

The new dedicated home for fans to immerse themselves in the world of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals

(LONDON) WEDNESDAY 9th OCTOBER Today,The Really Useful Group launches a new home for fans of music and musical theatre. The Box Five Club invites all fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals to explore a world of unseen archives, behind-the-scenes moments, new videos and articles and special previews from new shows and music.

Fans can sign up for exclusive free access to The Box Five Club at www.boxfiveclub.com, subscribing to the curated newsletter featuring first looks, news, articles and video content, early access to tickets and events, as well as additional members’ perks and benefits.

The launch of The Box Five Club comes on the same day as Andrew Lloyd Webber Musicals launches a new online presence at https://www.andrewlloydwebber.com/ .

Today’s launch coincides with the 38th anniversary of the opening of The Phantom of the Opera in London in 1986. This kicks off a new global fan celebration of the show around the world over the coming weeks and months.

To mark the anniversary of Phantom, The Box Five Club launches with a programme of content celebrating the much-loved show, including never-seen before photography, news articles and video content.

Immediately available (9th October), only for The Box Five Club members, is an exclusive pre-sale of three limited edition art prints, inspired by moments from The Phantom of the Opera, designed in collaboration with leading design house, Studio MinaLima. General sales go live globally on Friday 11th October.

Fans will also get sneak peeks of other exciting news and features, including exclusive content from two soon-to-be-released albums: SUNSET BVLD (25th October), recorded at The Savoy Theatre London and soon to open on Broadway, and Starlight Express (8th November), recorded with the cast of the critically-acclaimed revival of this much loved show, currently playing in London.

James McKnight, CEO of The Really Useful Group: “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s fanbase is one of the most passionate, enduring and diverse in the world. For over 50 years, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s incredible music has been brought to life for his fans across the globe through groundbreaking productions, in film & television and with concerts and experiences.

“From streaming the iconic Jesus Christ Superstar album, to music from new productions of Starlight Express in London or Sunset Boulevard on Broadway, or the pure joy of seeing The Phantom of the Opera for the first time, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s fans connect with his work in different ways, different languages and different countries. As the fandom continues to grow, we are excited to launch The Box Five Club to give all fans a carefully curated online experience, getting closer to the world of Andrew Lloyd Webber – from an incredible musical legacy to new productions and projects for years to come.”

The Box Five Club and the new online presence are significant new initiatives from the Really Useful Group as it seeks to celebrate Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work and continue to explore new ways to bring his work to fans, old and new, around the world.

Festival Theatre Edinburgh – 7 October 2024 then touring across the UK until 12^th November 2024

Reviewed by Rachel Farrier 

3***

When I mentioned to my teenage children that I was going to review a show about the menopause, they both assumed it was going to be a musical on the topic, until I corrected them. Perhaps this could be the next step for Dr Newson in her valiant attempts to get people talking about, and understanding, perimenopause and the menopause. Certainly, the show that she is touring with tries to be entertaining and with some light relief in the form of comedian Anne Gildea providing comedic interludes throughout. I found these interludes genuinely funny and they do break up the intensity of some of the more ‘academic’ elements of the evening, and I guess make the show more inclusive and less intimidating. However, as a perimenopausal woman myself, I was all ears to learn from the knowledge and experience of a doctor who has own menopause clinics and has chosen to focus her career on helping women to navigate this turbulent period of their lives. I didn’t need the comedy relief, or the sometimes sensationalist short videos which examined the extremely difficult experiences that some women have had of the menopause – for me, they were confirming what I already know, and want to know how to avoid. Perhaps I was alone in thinking that a straight 2 hour lecture from Dr Newson behind a lectern (perhaps with a break) would have been preferable – it seemed that most of the women around me (and yes, the audience was almost entirely female, with a handful of men) were enjoying the style and content.

But I did get the feeling that Dr Newson was preaching to the converted: I would guess that most of the audience have already read her books/articles or listen to her podcasts, or have seen her on TV – I doubt there were many there who needed convincing that the menopause has been misunderstood and mistreated (sometimes horrifically) throughout history and in the present day. 

My favourite parts of the show were where Dr Newson explained the ‘science’ of hormones and perimenopause and the menopause; this was where I did learn something, and it helped me to understand why she is known as a vociferous advocate for women being able to access HRT when they begin to experience symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, rather than having to wait until they have suffered from a catalogue of symptoms before their GP will join the dots and consider what is happening for a woman hormonally. 

Dr Newson did not directly address the controversy which has seen her in the headlines in recent days after the Panorama programme discovered the British Menopause Society has removed Dr Louise Newson from its register of menopause specialists because of concerns over high dose, off-label prescribing in her clinics. 

She did, however, seek to align herself with medics who in the past have been ridiculed and ostracized for their  outlandish beliefs and practices, but who have come to be recognized as trailblazers for the advancement of the understanding of women’s bodies and the menopause. 

Time will tell whether Dr Newson will continue to be seen by some as a heretic, or a hero, and she should be applauded for her attempts to get as many people as possible talking about, and understanding, perimenopause and the menopause. I didn’t need the productions gimmicks of the show, but if they help capture the attention of a wider audience, then all to the good.

Concrete Youth and Barnsley Civic Announce exciting

cast for Upcoming West End Show

SENSORY CINDERS

The Studio, 5^th Floor @sohoplace from 30 October – 5 November 2024

Sensory Cinders; the West End’s first production for audiences labelled with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), has announced its full casting.

Leading the ensemble is Ellana Gilbert as Cinders. Her recent credits since graduating include Roger McGough’s The Sound Collector (Glastonbury Festival), Sabbath: A Tragedy of Witches (OSO Arts Centre), Teacher’s Pet (Edinburgh Fringe, Pleasance Courtyard), and The Q (Kings Head Theatre). This marks Ellana’s West End Debut.

Also set to appear are Emilia Harrild (The Threepenny Opera) as Fairy Godmother, Mark Pearce (Groundhog Day, Les Misérables) as Mama Disco, Jess Lobo (The Museum of Marvellous Things) as Step Sister, and Kaine Hatukai (The Secret Love Life of Ophelia) as Prince.

Sensory Cinders is a new sensory pantomime adaptation of Cinderella for audiences living with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), featuring original music that explores themes of identity, transformation, and authenticity. What does it mean to pursue self-love and understanding in a world that doesn’t understand you?

The production features specially designed sensory materials by Henshaws Arts & Crafts, a Yorkshire-based collective supporting local learning-disabled visual artists. The show marks all the artists’ professional theatre debuts.

Sensory Cinders is directed by Belle Streeton (Co-Artistic Director at Concrete Youth), with music/lyrics, musical direction and sound design by Guy Hughes, the production is creatively produced by Daniel Swift FRSA (CEO & Co-Artistic Director of Concrete Youth). The production will be designed by Stella Backman, with lighting design by Hugo Dodsworth, dramaturgy is by Lizzie Milton, assistant sound design by Will Fletcher,creative access consultancy is Phoebe Kemp and movement direction by Annabelle Lee.

Belle Streeton (Co-Artistic Director of Concrete Youth – Director of Sensory Cinders) said:

“It is a joy to be welcoming our audiences at Concrete Youth to the first ever sensory pantomime for learning disabled audiences. Pantomime is a hallmark of British culture and often audiences first experience of theatre. I’m so excited that we get to be a part of the journey in making this long-standing tradition accessible to our audiences. We believe it is hugely important to provide a positive cultural experience in going to the theatre, where nothing is diluted or toned down but still delivered in an accessible way. 

We have assembled an extraordinary cast and creative team to re-imagine this pantomime classic, this has enabled us to thoroughly immerse ourselves in the world of a re-imagined Cinderella. This pantomime has something for everybody, and I can’t wait for our audiences to see the fruits of our labour and all the love and hard work that we’ve poured into this show.”

Concrete Youth and Barnsley Civic’s co-production, Sensory Cinders runs for a limited season at @sohoplace from 30^th October until 5^th November. The production is sold out.

Listings Information:

Studio | 5^th Floor @sohoplace | 4 Soho Place | London | W1D 3BG

Box Office

www.sohoplace.org     

0330 333 5961

Access Bookings/Customer Ticketing Enquiries: 0330 333 5962

Group Bookings: 0330 333 5963

Wed 30 Oct – 11am & 1.30pm

Thu 31 Oct – 11am, 1.30pm & 4pm

Fri 1 Nov – 11am, 1.30pm & 4pm

Sat 2 Nov – 11am & 1.30pm

Sun 3 Nov – no performances

Mon 4 Nov – 11am, 1.30pm & 4pm

Tue 5 Nov – 11am & 1.30pm

Press Performances: Friday 1 November, 11am & 1.30pm

Ticket prices

From £15

CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP AT MAYFLOWER

Following a record-breaking festive season in 2023, Mayflower has once again got Christmas All Wrapped Up across Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios. From ballet, to pantomime and youth theatre to music nights, Mayflower’s Christmas offering is bigger and better than ever.

Shows include:

The Overtones: Good Times Christmas Tour 2024

Date: 11 November 2024 at Mayflower Theatre

The multi-platinum selling vocal harmony group are back on tour – bringing back the ‘GOOD TIMES’ with their unique blend of original material and feel-good classics, alongside special guest Tom Ball. The four-piece, made up of Mark Franks, Darren Everest, Jay James and Mike Crawshaw are best known for their exquisite vocals, pitch perfect harmonies, effortless and perfectly timed dance moves, and their distinctive style.

https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/overtones-2024/

English National Ballet’s Nutcracker 

Date: 28 – 30 November 2024 at Mayflower Theatre 

A magical Christmas tradition for all the family – in a brand-new production for 2024 and world premiering in Southampton. This festive season, Clara is on a fantastical adventure where anything is possible. The journey is full of colour and wonder as English National Ballet brings the Nutcracker to life with over 100 dancers and musicians.

https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/enb-nutcracker-2024/

Festive Wreath Making Workshops 

Date: 29 November – 6 December 2024 at Mayflower Theatre 

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as you create a stunning festive wreath. Guided by a qualified florist, the workshops offer a relaxed and welcoming environment where creativity can flourish.  It’s the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill, enjoy some seasonal treats, and leave with a gorgeous wreath that you’ve made with your own hands.

https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/festive-wreath-making-workshops/

Fairytale of New York

Date: 1 December 2024 at Mayflower Theatre 

From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture with Fairytale of New York as our talented singers, musicians and dancers perform a world class concert featuring all the festive favourites including Driving Home for Christmas, Step Into Christmas, Oh Holy Night and, of course, The Fairytale of New York.

https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/fairytale-of-new-york-2024/

Elf the Musical

Date: 3 – 7 December 2024 at Mayflower Theatre 

Elf the Musical features Santa’s magical flying sleigh, an audience snowball fight, a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, amongst many spectacular scenes all set against amazing video-film backdrops on a large LED screen. With a large cast and live orchestra, the winter spectacular will star, Jordan Conway, who will step into the big floppy shoes of Will Ferrell. 

https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/elf-the-musical-2024/

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show 

Date: 4 – 14 December 2024 at MAST Mayflower Studios 

Suitable for all ages, the show faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, the magical Christmas story Dream Snow and, of course, the star of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The best-selling children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 48 million copies worldwide. Brown Bear, Brown Bear – now celebrating 50 years – has sold more than 18.2 million copies. This show is a vibrant celebration of Eric Carle’s adored classics and the perfect way to introduce children to live theatre.

https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/the-very-hungry-caterpillar

Jack and the Beanstalk

Date: 14 December 2024 – 5 January 2025 at Mayflower Theatre 

Britain’s Got Talent winners and street dance sensations Ashley Banjo and Diversity will return to lead this year’s cast as Jack and the Trot Family. Also returning is award-winning actor and stand-up comedian Kev Orkian as the comical Silly Simon, actress Anne Smith as the evil Mrs Blunderbore and west-end performers Matt Rixon as the hilarious Dame Trot, Jacqueline Hughes as the magical Spirit of the Beans and Lauren Hampton as the loveable Princess Jill. For three weeks only, Jack and the Beanstalk will bring all the laughter, spectacle, special effects and glittering festive magic audiences have come to expect each year from Mayflower Theatre’s spectacular Christmas panto. So, Fe-fi-fo-fum, It’s the panto you’ve bean waiting for! 

https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/jack-and-the-beanstalk-2024

Festive Afternoon Teas 

Date: 21 December, 23 December 2024 & 2 January 2025 at Mayflower Theatre

Enjoy a lovely pot of tea and delicious classic treats in the historic Grade-II listed theatre. Full menu and price listing can be found on mayflower.org.uk

https://www.mayflower.org.uk/experience/afternoon-tea/

The Wind in the Willows: Toad’s BIG Musical Adventure

Date: 22 – 31 December 2024 at MAST Mayflower Studios

This Christmas, join Rat, Badger and Mole on Toad’s BIG Musical Adventure as the classic tale of The Wind in the Willows is brought to life packed with musical hits, comedy and thrills for all the family. 50 young people take you on a wonderful journey through the seasons along the banks of the Test, down the open road (watch out for Toad in his motorcar!) around the snow- covered New Forest, and through the Wild Wood (beware of those weasels!) to the magnificent Toad Hall.

https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/the-wind-in-the-willows-2024

Ratty’s Festive Picnic

Selective dates and times between 24 – 31 December 2024 at MAST Mayflower Studios

Hop down to Ratty’s picnic for the perfect afternoon full of delicious treats in the MAST Cafe Bar. Full menu and price listing can be found on mayflower.org.uk under The Wind in the Willows page. 

https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/the-wind-in-the-willows-2024/#ratty-s-festive-picnic

Tickets for all shows and events are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.

Studio MinaLima and The Really Useful Group

 launch a new collaboration celebrating Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 

The Phantom of the Opera

Three exclusive, limited-edition art prints, designed by Studio MinaLima, 

celebrating iconic moments from The Phantom of the Opera, 

one of the world’s longest running and most successful musicals 

An exhibition at House of MinaLima London will open on 11th October 

Tuesday 8 October – Today, The Really Useful Group and leading design house, Studio MinaLima, announce a new collaboration celebrating Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic The Phantom of the Opera. This partnership celebrates the power of evocative design and visual storytelling to awaken the imagination.

Studio MinaLima and The Really Useful Group have worked together to create three   limited edition art prints, inspired by moments from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic music. 

The art prints depict iconic moments, featuring leading characters, The Phantom and Christine Daaé, including three of the best loved songs, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Angel of Music’ and ‘The Music of the Night’. Each of the three designs is limited to an edition of 250. 

These collectible art prints will be available to purchase globally from Friday 11th October at House of MinaLima London and on minalima.com. An exclusive early access pre-sale for Andrew Lloyd Webber newsletter subscribers will be available from 9th October. Visit www.andrewlloydwebber.com to receive early access.

As part of this collaboration, a new The Phantom of the Opera exhibit will open at House of MinaLima London Flagship gallery and shop in Soho on Friday 11th October. These new art prints will be presented alongside a narrative exhibit of key theatre props; central to the showcase will be The Phantom’s famed mask and Christine’s costume. [House of MinaLima: 157 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WQ]

James McKnight, CEO of The Really Useful Group, said, “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most evergreen and enduring entertainment franchises ever created. We look for partners who understand what makes Phantom so special, and join us in celebrating this remarkable show, its creativity and incredible music for the millions of fans around the world. MinaLima have brought their beautiful artistry to The Phantom of the Opera with respect and admiration and we’re thrilled to have worked with our friends Mira and Eduardo on this new, global collaboration.”

Miraphora Mina, co-founder of Studio MinaLima, comments:  “Our decades of experience in the entertainment industry has touched on many media, however, to be invited into Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world of theatre is a true honour”.

Eduardo Lima, co-founder of Studio MinaLima, adds: “How serendipitous that after all the years of listening to The Phantom of the Opera songs in our studio, the entire MinaLima design team now has the opportunity to celebrate some of these iconic theatrical scenes through their artistry”.

A special print edition will be donated to the Music in Secondary School’s Trust (MiSST) to support the Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme, bringing free musical tuition and instruments to children across the country.

ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY RETURNS TO LONDON
WITH SIRENS OF SWING

Ann Hampton Callaway today announces her return to The Pheasantry Jazz Club with a brand-new show, Sirens of Swing.The show runs for a limited time from 25 until 27 October.

Tickets are on sale now via https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/ann-hampton-callaway-sirens-of-swing.

‘For sheer vocal beauty, no contemporary singer matches Ms. Callaway’
Stephen Holden, The New York Times

The Tony nominated star of the Broadway musical Swing! will be performing selections from her highly acclaimed CDs To Ella with Love, From Sassy to Divine: The Sarah Vaughan Project and Fever: A Peggy Lee Celebration! as well as signature songs from singers Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Anita O’Day, Josephine Baker, Julie London, Etta James, Carmen McCrae and more. The first half of the night will celebrate groundbreaking legends and the second half will spotlight more contemporary greats. Not to be missed!

‘…superbly intelligent, singularly creative pop-jazz stylist who can stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Streisand, Ronstadt, Shirley Horn and Dianne Reeves…’
Christopher Loudon, JazzTimes

Ann Hampton Callaway is one of America’s most gifted artists in pop and jazz. A leading champion of the great American Songbook, she’s made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and producer. Voted by Broadwayworld.com as “Celebrity of the Year” and two years in a row as “Best Jazz Vocalist,” Ann is a born entertainer. She is best known for Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical “Swing!” and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series “The Nanny.”  She made her feature film debut opposite Angelina Jolie and Matt Damon in the Robert De Niro film “The Good Shepherd.” Callaway is a Platinum Award selling writer whose songs are featured on seven of Barbra Streisand’s recent CD’s. She’s recorded over 50 CDs as a soloist and guest and her latest critically acclaimed CD “Fever: A Peggy Lee Celebration!” has been in high rotation on Siriusly Sinatra.  Ann’s honors include The Theater World Award, 16 MAC Awards, several Bistro Awards, The Mabel Mercer Award, The Johnny Mercer Award for Songwriting, The Blanton Peale Award for Positive Thinking and her induction into The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her new record Finding Beauty, Originals Volume 1, was recently released via Shanachie Entertainment.  For more info go to www.annhamptoncallaway.com.

“Just as Ella Fitzgerald was the greatest jazz singer of her era, so too is the magnificent Ann Hampton Callaway of hers.” – Musical Theatre Review

Listings

Ann Hampton Callaway
The Pheasantry (Chelsea)
152 King’s Road, London, SW3 4NX

ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY ‘SIRENS OF SWING’
25-27 October (with the 25th sold out)

Box Office: 0203 798 9192
Mon – Sun from 10am – 5pm (phone lines from 12pm – 4pm)
www.pizzaexpresslive.com

Ticket prices
£25 for all performances

BELGRADE THEATRE, IN ASSOCIATION WITH IMAGINE THEATRE, PRESENTS 
 CAST ANNOUNCED FOR  

DICK WHITTINGTON 

WRITTEN BY AND STARRING IAIN LAUCHLAN 
 THE BELGRADE THEATRE’S ANNUAL PANTOMIME 

WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 2025 
 TICKETS ON SALE HERE 

Creative Director Corey Campbell, interim CEO Neil Murray, and the whole team at the Belgrade Theatre are delighted to announce full cast and creative team for this year’s family favourite panto Dick Whittington, written by and starring by the award-winning Iain Lauchlan. Dick Whittington will play from Wednesday 20 November until Saturday 4 January 2025, with a press night on Friday 22 November at 7pm. 

Get ready to cheer for Dick and his trusty cat, boo and hiss at the dreaded King Rat and laugh out loud at the antics of our disastrous Dame. We can’t do it without you! 

With its breathtaking sets, lavish costumes and lovable characters, the legendary Belgrade panto is an unmissable Christmas treat for thousands of families every year. We cannot wait to welcome you back this year when the theatre will be bursting with festive sparkle, the smell of freshly baked mince pies and loads of excited, smiling faces. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. 

Leading the cast of Dick Whittington is writer and director Iain Lauchlan (a veteran of numerous pantomimes in Coventry, including most recently Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Beauty and the Beast) as ‘Dame ‘Sarah the Cook’. Iain will once again appear alongside his co-winner from the 2023 Pantomime Association Winner Awards Andy Hockley (Wicked, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Phantom of the Opera) as ‘King Rat’. Appearing in his 13^th Belgrade Pantomime will be Craig Hollingsworth (Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella) whowill play ‘Idle Jack’; Aonghas Ewen (Wind in the Willows, Cinderella, The Strange Affair of Herschel Grynszpan), as Scratch’;Declan Wilson (One Man, Two Guvnors, Hamlet, Twelfth Night)as ‘Alderman Fitzwarren’ and ‘Sultan of Morocco’; making her pantomime debut as ‘Dick Whittington’ will be Lois Brook; Sam Woods (Beetlejuice, Jack & The Beanstalk, Aljaž Skorjanec & Janette Manrara) will be ‘Tommy The Cat’,  and playing both ‘Alice Fitzwarren’ and ‘Fairy Bowbells’ will be Gabriela Harris (RENT, NINE, The Golden Gala). The Ensemble will be Beth Gourlay, Mia King-Harmes, Caleb Griggs and Reiss Hinds.  

Coventry based Imagine Theatre are once again associate producers on the panto. 

Imagine Theatre’s Joint CEO Steve Boden said, “We are delighted to be working alongside Iain and the brilliant team at the Belgrade on this year’s production of “Dick Whittington”. The Belgrade creates a brand-new show every year and the production is routed firmly within the communities of Coventry, Warwickshire and the West Midlands. Imagine Theatre are panto producers across the whole of the UK and it’s fair to say that the Belgrade panto also has a great reputation nationally, seen as a great example of the artform, with Iain Lauchlan and the panto team being recognised at the UK Panto Awards earlier this year.” 

As well as Dick Whittington, Belgrade Theatre will also be playing host to the stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ much loved classic Father Christmas, directed by Emma Earle which is appearing between Thursday 5 December and Sunday 29 December. Come and join Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. Tickets for Father Christmas (5^th December – 29^th December) available HERE