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Tuesday, 5 November 2024
Cast Announced for Stiles + Drewe’s Best New Song Prize Concert 2024: A Star-Studded Celebration of New Musical Theatre Talent
Prepare for an unforgettable night of new musical theatre as Mercury Musical Developments and Stiles + Drewe, in partnership with Broadway Licensing Global, present the 2024 Best New Song Prize Concert. Hosted by Olivier Award-winning actor Jenna Russell, this one-night-only gala will take place at The Other Palace on Monday, December 2 at 7:30 pm, showcasing the incredible talent of both emerging and established musical theatre creators.
This unique concert features a glittering cast, including stage icons like Charlie McCullagh (42 Balloons, Jesus Christ Superstar), Desmonda Cathabel (Aladdin, Miss Saigon), Lauryn Redding (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), Natalie Paris (Pretty Woman, SIX), Obioma Ugoala (Frozen, Hamilton), Samuel Barnett (Rock Follies), and Tim Howar (Rock of Ages, The Phantom of the Opera). Also performing are Allyson Ava Brown (Hamilton, Les Misérables), Cassius Hackforth (Something Rotten), Dan Partridge (Grease), Jodie Jacobs (Hello Dolly!), and Liv Andrusier (Fiddler on the Roof).
Alongside performances from these incredible artists, the event will feature songs from recent British musical successes like Becoming Nancy, Cable Street, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and 42 Balloons. The evening celebrates the vitality of new writing with a special showcase of 12 finalist songs, which include:
- 'The Temptation of Me' from Proud by Mark Anderson & Lee Freeman
- 'I’m Going to Stay With You' from The Tale of the Gifted Prince by Lezlie Wade & Dan Green
- 'It Starts Small' from Unfolding by Emma Vieceli
- 'Ideal Robot Assistant' from A.I. Will Solve All Your Problems by Leo Mercer
- 'Someday My Prince Will Come' from Queering the Canon by Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels
- 'Viareggio' from Lifeboats by Gus Gowland
- 'Die Like Trees' from Girl Goes to the Underworld by Sam Norman & Bela Kawalec
- 'Hero' from Man Vs Snake the Epic Musical by Stuart Matthew Price & Daniel Fletcher
- 'Spread a Little Joy Around the Place' from Retail Therapy by Hilmi Jaidin
- 'Locked Away' from The Queen is Mad by Amy Clare Tasker & Tom McGrath
- 'Drek!' from Otto's Weidt's Brush and Broom Workshop for the Blind by Amir Shoenfeld & Caitlyn Burt
- 'Invisible' from Hatched! by Lydia Shaw & Edward Court
A distinguished panel of judges, including Chris Bush, George Stiles, Anthony Drewe, and Joanne Benjamin, will select the winning song, awarding £1,000 toward the winner’s development. An additional award recognising Voice, Vision & Potential will also be presented. Sponsored by Broadway Licensing Global, Dorico, Tarento Productions, and Kenny Wax Productions, the Best New Song Prize Concert celebrates the vibrant future of British musical theatre and its outstanding creative talent.
Thursday, 17 October 2024
Complete Cast Announced for UK Premiere of Dave Malloy’s Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 at Donmar Warehouse
The highly anticipated UK premiere of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, Dave Malloy’s celebrated musical inspired by Tolstoy’s War and Peace, has officially announced its full casting. The production will run at the Donmar Warehouse from December 9, 2024, through February 8, 2025, under the direction of Tim Sheader.
This groundbreaking musical, which garnered 12 Tony Award nominations during its 2017 Broadway run, is set in 19th-century Russia and tells the story of Natasha Rostova, a young aristocrat who falls in love with the dashing Anatole while awaiting her fiancé’s return from war. The tale weaves together passion, scandal, and redemption, with the character of Pierre stepping in as an unlikely hero to restore Natasha’s honour.
The role of Pierre will be played by Jesus Christ Superstar star Declan Bennett, while Chumisa Dornford-May takes on the role of Natasha Rostova. The rest of the cast includes a mix of acclaimed stage performers: Daniel Krikler (Oklahoma!) as Fedya Dolokhov, Eugene McCoy (Only Fools and Horses) as Prince Bolkonsky/Andrey, Annette McLaughlin (Strictly Ballroom) as Marya Dimitriyevna, Maimuna Memon (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) as Sonya Rostova, Jamie Muscato (Heathers) as Anatole, Cedric Neal (Back to the Future) as Balaga, Chloe Saracco (Pride and Prejudice) as Mary, and Cat Simmons (Aladdin) as Helene Kuragina Bezukhova.
Rounding out the ensemble are Andrew Berlin, Kimberly Blake, Ali Goldsmith, Chihiro Kawasaki, Nitai Levi, and Annie Majin, all of whom will add to the show’s immersive, multi-sensory experience.
The Donmar Warehouse production of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is helmed by a top-tier creative team. Tim Sheader directs, with Ellen Kane (Matilda the Musical) providing choreography. Nicholas Skilbeck (Follies) will serve as musical supervisor, and Sam Young will conduct the show’s vibrant, eclectic score.
Leslie Travers handles the set design, bringing 19th-century Russia to life, while Evie Gurney designs the period costumes. Lighting design is by Howard Hudson, with sound design by Nick Lidster and Gareth Tucker for Autograph, ensuring an immersive atmosphere throughout the performance. Additional creative support comes from associate director Fiona Dunn, associate choreographer Nuno Silva, associate casting director Richard Johnston, and resident assistant director Grace Duggan.
Casting is directed by industry veterans Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher.
This UK premiere marks a significant moment for British audiences as they get the chance to witness one of Broadway's most unique musical theatre experiences. With a compelling score that blends folk, classical, and modern influences.
Monday, 7 October 2024
Ncuti Gatwa and Sharon D. Clarke Lead The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre
The National Theatre has announced the complete cast for its highly anticipated revival of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest. Directed by Max Webster, this production marks his debut at the National Theatre and is set to run at the Lyttelton Theatre from November 20, 2024, to January 25, 2025.
The stellar cast features Sharon D Clarke as the formidable Lady Bracknell, Ncuti Gatwa as the charming Algernon Moncrieff, and Hugh Skinner as the earnest Jack Worthing. Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́ will portray Gwendolen Fairfax, while Eliza Scanlen takes on the role of Cecily Cardew. The cast is rounded out by Richard Cant as Reverend Canon Chasuble, Amanda Lawrence as Miss Prism, and Julian Bleach as Merriman/Lane.
Joining this impressive lineup are ensemble members Shereener Browne (The Effect), Jasmine Kerr (Follies), Gillian McCafferty (The Rise and Fall of Little Voice), Elliot Pritchard (Museum of Austerity), and John Vernon (Coriolanus).
This production will also be filmed live for a worldwide cinema release starting February 20, 2025. The creative team behind this revival includes set and costume designer Rae Smith, lighting designer Jon Clark, and sound designer Nicola T. Chang. Other members of the creative team include movement director Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, composer DJ Walde, and intimacy coordinator Ingrid Mackinnon.
Audiences can expect a fresh interpretation of Wilde’s sharp wit and social commentary, delivered by a dynamic cast. This revival is poised to bring new life to a classic that continues to resonate with contemporary themes of identity and societal expectations.
Tuesday, 7 June 2022
Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for Billy Elliot the Musical
Curve has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming Made at Curve production of Billy Elliot the Musical.
The first new UK production is directed by Nikolai Foster (A Chorus Line, Sunset Boulevard – At Home, West Side Story) and will run at the Leicester theatre for six weeks only from Thursday 7 July to Sunday 14 August. Press night will take place on Thursday 14 July.
The titular role of Billy Elliot, the miner’s son with a passion for ballet, will be performed by Leo Hollingsworth from Nottinghamshire, Alfie Napolitano from Northamptonshire, Samuel Newby from Hertfordshire and Jaden Shentall-Lee, whose family live in Leicestershire.
Billy’s dance teacher Mrs. Wilkinson will be played by West End and Broadway legend Sally Ann Triplett, whose iconic roles include Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (National Theatre and Theatre Royal Drury Lane) and Young Phyllis in Follies (Shaftesbury Theatre), as well as Martha in the recent Made at Curve UK tour of White Christmas.
Michael, Billy’s best friend will be performed by Bobby Donald, Lucas Haywood, Ethan Shimwell and Leicester’s Prem Masani, who will make his stage debut in the production.
All hailing from the East Midlands, Pearl Ball, Caitlin Cole, Lola Johnstone and Ellie Copping – who returns to Curve’s stage having previously appeared as Susan Waverly in the 2018 Made at Curve production of White Christmas - will share the role of Debbie, Mrs. Wilkinson’s daughter.
Joe Caffrey, who previously performed in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical, will join the cast as Billy’s Dad Jackie, while Broadway and West End sensation Rachel Izen will play Billy’s Grandma Edna. Luke Baker (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the Made at Curve UK tour of Grease) will play Billy’s older brother Tony and Jessica Daley (recently seen in Made at Curve productions of White Christmas and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber) will play Billy’s Mum.
The adult company will be completed by Craig Armstrong as George, Minal Patel as Big Davey, Cameron Johnson as Mr. Braithwaite, Micky Cochrane as Scab, Robin Paley Yorke as Lesley, Christopher Wright as Mr. Wilkinson, Michael Lin as Pit Supervisor, Jonathan Dryden Taylor as Posh Dad, William Atkinson as Older Billy and ensemble, and Steph Asamoah, Tori McDougall, Anna Rossa and Louie Wood as members of the ensemble.
The young company of ballet dancers and boxers, most of which are Midlands-based or have local family connections, will feature Willow Adamson, Maddie Seren Ashley, Oliver Back, Aneeka Kaur Bains, Ella-Rose Blackburn Price, Harvey Clarridge, Lily Corkill, Miley Dalton, Matisse Didier, Isabelle Francis, Ethan Galeotti, Rahul Gandabhai, Isla Granville, Uzziah Gray, Orlaith Rae Hunt, Ava Rose Johnson, Ava Mia Komisarczuk, Kyrelle Lammy, Lienna-Jean Langdon, Tahlia Maddox, Lorcan Murphy, Nesisa Mhindu, Sophia Pirie, Hayden Polanco, Gopal Thacker and Mirabelle Varakantam.
The Made at Curve production of Billy Elliot the Musical will by choreographed by Lucy Hind, with Musical Supervisor and Musical Director George Dyer. The set will be designed by Michael Taylor with costumes designed by Edd Lindley. Also joining the creative team are Lighting Designer and Curve Associate Ben Cracknell, Sound Designer Adam Fisher, Props Supervisor Lizzie Frankl, RYTDS Resident Assistant Director Lilac Yosiphon, Birkbeck Trainee Director Thyrza Abrahams, Associate Choreographer James Berkery, Dialect Coach Elspeth Morrison, Fight Director Kev McCurdy and Head Chaperone Helen ‘H’ Mclaren-Frost.
Children’s casting is managed by Jo Hawes, with adult casting led by Curve Associate Kay Magson CDG.
Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:
“We are beyond excited to share our extraordinary cast for Lee Hall and Elton John’s astonishing musical Billy Elliot, ensuring this summer in Leicester is truly memorable.“Billy Elliot is a musical filled with incredible characters, epic ideas and at its heart, the story of a young boy who has the passion and courage to dance down a different path from the one prescribed for him. We are thrilled to be working with our four Billys - Alfie, Leo, Jaden and Sam - and the entire young company - all hugely talented, brimming with energy and representing the very best young talent in the UK today.“And leading the entire company, theatre legend Sally Ann Triplett takes on the role of the inspirational teacher we all need in our lives, Mrs. Wilkinson. Joining Sally, we are proud to welcome a first-class company to Curve, totally 55 performers! This is by far the most ambitious show we have staged at Curve and there is no better time to present this musical which recognises the value of culture in our society, the importance of expressing your truest self and gives a voice to the courageous working-class communities who are depicted in Lee Hall’s astonishing play. All beautifully framed by Elton John’s electrifying score.”
Based on Stephen Daldry’s BAFTA-winning 2000 film starring Jamie Bell and Julie Walters, Billy Elliot the Musical features music from Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall. The musical first premiered at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre in 2005 and went on to win a host of international awards, including four Olivier Awards and ten Tony Awards.
Tickets for Billy Elliot the Musical at Curve be purchased on Curve’s website www.curveonline.co.uk, over the phone by calling 0116 242 3595 or in-person at Curve’s Box Office.
photo credit: Marc Brenner
Friday, 5 November 2021
Bonnie and Clyde in Concert Full Cast and Company Announced
Fourth Wall Live is delighted to announce the full cast joining Broadway star Jeremy Jordan in the sell-out BONNIE AND CLYDE IN CONCERT at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 January 2022. www.bonnieandclydeconcert.com
Joining the previously announced Jeremy Jordan as ‘Clyde’ will be Olivier-nominated performer Frances Mayli McCann as ‘Bonnie’. The previously announced Laura Osnes is no longer performing in Bonnie and Clyde in Concert.
The principal cast is completed by West End stars including Olivier Award winner George Maguire as ‘Buck’, Natalie McQueen as ‘Blanche’, Trevor Dion Nicholas as ‘Preacher’ and Liam Tamne as ‘Ted’.
The cast is completed by Casey Al-Shaqsy (The Prince of Egypt, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as ‘Stella’, Simon Anthony (The Wedding Singer, Ragtime) as ‘Cop/Bud/Archie/Deputy Johnson’ Gillian Bevan (Holby City, Into The Woods) as ‘Cummie Barrow/Eleanor’, Eloise Davies (Be More Chill, Grease) as ‘Trish’, Adrian Grove (Follies, Wonder.land) as ‘Henry Barrow’, Olivier Award nominee Debbie Kurup (Girl From The North Country, The Bodyguard) as ‘Governor Miriam Ferguson’, Matthew Malthouse (Matilda, Mrs Henderson Presents) as ‘Bob Alcorn’, Jeremy Secomb (Sweeney Todd, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera) as ‘Judge/Sheriff Schmid’, Russell Wilcox (Billy Elliot, Annie) as ‘Captain Frank Hamer’ and Julie Yammanee (Lazarus, Spamilton) as ‘Emma Parker’.
George Maguire is the winner for the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his performance as ‘Dave Davies’ in Sunny Afternoon. His other theatre credits include 35mm: A Musical Exhibition at The Other Palace Studio, Oliver! at the London Palladium and the European tour of Rent.
Frances Mayli McCann is an Olivier Award nominated actress, who originated the role of Kylah in Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour. Her other West End credits include ‘Heather McNamara’ in Heathers at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, ‘The Mistress’ in Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Eponine’ in the UK and International Tour of Les Misérables.
Natalie McQueen’s West End credits include playing ‘Doralee Rhodes’ in 9 to 5 The Musical at the Savoy Theatre, Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre. Her other theatre credits include the UK tour of Wonderland, Murder Ballad at the Arts Theatre and Starlight Express at The Other Palace.
Trevor Dion Nicholas’s West End credits include ‘George Washington’ in Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre and ‘Genie’ in Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre. He also presents on Magic at the Musicals and appears as a panellist on ITV’s All Star Musicals.
Liam Tamne’s West End credits include playing ‘Ramses’ in The Prince of Egypt at the Dominion Theatre, The Light in the Piazza at the Royal Festival Hall, The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre, Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre and Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.
BONNIE AND CLYDE IN CONCERT has a book by Ivan Menchell (Blended [movie], The Cemetery Club, Death Note The Musical), a Tony Award nominated score by Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll and Hyde, The Scarlett Pimpernel), lyrics by Don Black (Tell Me On a Sunday, Sunset Boulevard, Mrs Henderson Presents) and is directed by Nick Winston (Director of the feature film Tomorrow Morning, MAME, The Royal Variety Performance) with musical direction by Katy Richardson (SIX, Rent, Jersey Boys). The Assistant Director is Alexzandra Sarmiento (Hamilton, Message in a Bottle), Lighting Designer is Zoe Spurr (The Unreturning, Tiny Dynamite), Set and Costume Designer is Philip Whitcomb (Atlantis, Stones In His Pockets, Mame), Sound Designer is Tom Marshall (The Drifters Girl, Nativity! The Musical), Production Manager is Phil McCandlish (Rock of Ages, Elf), Company Stage Manager is Graham Harrison (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Deputy Stage Manager is Anne Baxter (Singin’ in the Rain, Spamalot), Assistant Stage Manager is Tom Fisher (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), Dialect Coach is Charmian Hoare (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, War Horse) and children’s casting is by Keston and Keston (Nativity! The Musical, A Christmas Carol). BONNIE AND CLYDE IN CONCERT is produced by Fourth Wall Live and co-produced by DLAP Group, Jason Haigh-Ellery and David Treatman Creative.
The band is made up of Assistant Musical Director Chris Poon (Keys 2), Kate Ingram (Reed 1), Hannah Lawrance (Reed 2), Kobi Pham (Guitar 1), Jack Pennifold (Guitar 2), Zach Okonkwo (Drums), Elliot Lyte (Fiddle)and Annie Blake (Bass).
At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went from two small-town nobodies in West Texas to America's most renowned folk heroes and the Texas law enforcement's worst nightmares. Fearless, shameless, and alluring, Bonnie & Clyde is the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire country. The show features the songs “Raise A Little Hell”, “This World Will Remember Me” and “Made In America”.
When Bonnie and Clyde meet, their mutual cravings for excitement and fame, combined with a desperate need to lift themselves out of the endless banality and poverty of West Dallas, set them on a mission to chase their dreams. Their bold and reckless behaviour turns the young lovers' thrilling adventure into a downward spiral, putting themselves and their loved ones in trouble with the law. Forced to stay on the run, the lovers resort to robbery and murder to survive. As the infamous duo's fame grows bigger, their inevitable end draws nearer.
Fourth Wall Live is a live entertainment company that produces concerts internationally. It regularly brings Broadway artists to the UK, previous concerts include Broadway and TV regulars Laura Benanti, Sierra Boggess, Kelli O'Hara, Chita Rivera, Laura Michelle Kelly, Megan Hilty, Tituss Burgess, Jeremy Jordan, Matthew Morrison, Erich Bergen, Eden Espinosa, Julia Murney and Cynthia Erivo. Other concerts include West End Stars solo concerts including Michael Ball, Matt Cardle, Kerry Ellis, Oliver Tompsett, Hannah Waddingham, Sharon D Clarke and Bonnie Langford. Upcoming productions at Cadogan Hall include Jenna Russell, Shoshana Bean, Keala Settle and Jessica Vosk.
Tori Amos’s musical The Light Princess was presented to critical acclaim, as a special one-off concert in the summer of 2018. Next year Bonnie & Clyde the musical concert will run for two nights to a sold-out audience at Theatre Royal Drury Lane starring Jeremy Jordan.
Fourth Wall Live also regularly partners with the Hippodrome Casino, in November-December 2020 they produced 25 nights of socially distanced entertainment, proudly being the first live event post lockdown. The current season of Hippodrome concerts runs from September 2021 to December 2021 and features 20 nights of musical entertainment featuring Alice Fearn, Kerry Ellis, Hayley Tamaddon and David O’Reilly.Fourth Wall Live is committed to following all relevant UK Government Covid-19 guidelines, creating a safe working environment for our cast, musicians, creatives, crew and their families.
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