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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.
Wednesday 9 October 2024
David Tennant and Cush Jumbo’s Macbeth to be Released in Cinemas
Trafalgar Releasing, in collaboration with the Donmar Warehouse, has announced the cinema release of Macbeth, starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo. This sold-out production, currently playing in London's West End, will be screened in cinemas across the UK, US, Australia, and select international locations starting February 5, 2025. Directed by Max Webster, this critically acclaimed performance was filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse.
Tickets for the cinema release go on sale October 16 at MacbethDonmarCinema.com.
Tim Sheader, Artistic Director of the Donmar, and Executive Director Henny Finch expressed excitement over the production's expanded reach, saying, “We are thrilled that this innovative staging of Macbeth will reach even more audiences beyond its original run. It’s exciting to think that thousands of viewers globally will get to experience this unique, immersive production in cinemas.”
Trafalgar Releasing’s CEO, Marc Allenby, highlighted the continued success of theatre in cinemas, remarking that, “Theatre remains a key driver of cinema box office, and working with the Donmar to bring Macbeth to global audiences further broadens our cultural content portfolio.”
The production, with David Tennant (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) as Macbeth and Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife, Criminal Record) as Lady Macbeth, has garnered rave reviews. The Daily Telegraph called it "enthralling," while The Guardian praised its "wolfish imagination and alarming surprise." The live cinema screening will capture the intense and brutal pace of this tragic tale of ambition, power, and fate, enhanced by immersive 5.1 surround sound.
The production also features Moyo Akandé as Ross, Cal MacAninch as Banquo, and Rona Morison as Lady Macduff, along with a host of seasoned performers, many with extensive theatre, television, and film credits.
The Donmar Warehouse, renowned for its intimate staging and groundbreaking productions, has teamed up once again with Trafalgar Releasing to bring theatre to a global audience. The company has previously collaborated with Trafalgar on successful cinema releases, and Macbeth promises to be no exception.
For more information and tickets, visit MacbethDonmarCinema.com.
Wednesday 15 July 2020
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre to present Jesus Christ Superstar: The Concert
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is the first London theatre to welcome back audiences with 70 live performances in August and September, with venue capacity reduced to 390 seats, 30% of its usual capacity, together with new safety protocols
From 14 August, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre will produce a special concert staging of their production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar.
William Village, Executive Director said: “Following the government’s announcement last week that outdoor theatres may re-open, we have been working around the clock to find a way to open in August and September this year. With social distancing, seating capacity has been dramatically reduced to 390 seats (down from 1,256). This makes producing any large-scale show economically extremely challenging, particularly as we are an unfunded organisation. Nevertheless, both for us as a venue, and the industry as a whole, we believe it is incumbent upon us to do everything possible to re-open this year, and we’re delighted to announce this special concert staging of our award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Of course, the safety of our audience, performers and staff remains of paramount importance to us. We will follow government guidance meticulously; measures to be introduced at the entirely open air venue include: reduced capacity, distanced performers, enhanced cleaning, one-way systems, mandatory face coverings, temperature checks, paperless and cashless systems and multiple hand sanitiser stations. All information will be set out clearly on our website and communicated with audiences in advance of their arrival.”
Running for six weeks from Friday 14 August until Sunday 27 September 2020, the concert will run for 90 minutes with no interval.
The creative team is: Will Burton CDG and David Grindrod CDG (casting); Lee Curran (lighting design); Tom Deering (musical supervisor); Barbara Houseman (associate director, voice and text); Drew McOnie (choreography); Nick Lidster for Autograph (sound design); Tom Scutt (design); Timothy Sheader (director); Kate Waters (fight director) and Denzel Westley-Sanderson (co-director). Full casting information will be announced in due course.
A series of one-off MOREoutdoor Mondays will also play throughout the run with comedy from Rob Beckett, Russell Brand, Jimmy Carr, Kerry Godliman, Judi Love and Russell Kane.
Timothy Sheader, Artistic Director said: “It has been, and continues to be, an incredibly challenging time for everyone working in the theatre industry. Whilst the arts sector awaits details of how the government’s support package will be disseminated, I’m heartened that we have been able to start work again with a number of our colleagues and to employ over 140 people including 70 performers and freelancers, at least for a brief period this summer.
However, a clear and specific timeframe for the re-opening of the rest of our industry, together with the complete and safe removal of social distancing measures in all venues, remains critical to secure the future of the arts in the UK.”
Public Booking for Jesus Christ Superstar: The Concert, opens 11am, Tuesday 21 July 2020; Public booking for MOREoutdoor Mondays opens 11am, Thursday 23 July 2020
Tuesday 9 July 2019
Jesus Christ Superstar, Barbican Theatre | Review
Jesus Christ Superstar
Barbican Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 4th July 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Back for its third triumphant year, the Regent's Park Open Air production of Jesus Christ Superstar is exciting, vibrant fresh and thrilling. Originally released as a concept album, Timothy Sheader's production strips Superstar back and puts on a glittering and compelling performance which lets every aspect of the show shine.
Of course Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock score is the heart of this production, with huge belters from the two Js: Jesus and Judas, and more soothing, lighter numbers from Mary Magdalene. However, it's Drew McOnie's choreography that really elevates everything about this version of Superstar. Each riveting moment is sharp but free and grungy at once. The frenetic energy flits between excitement, fury, trance and sadness and creates a pulse which sizzles and entertains throughout.
What's particularly striking about this show is the mob mentality of the followers and apostles of Jesus. Turning on a dime to support and then attack Jesus, there are very few loyalties when peer pressure gets overwhelming. Emphasised even further through Lee Curran's lighting, it's equal measures devastating and thrilling.
Robert Tripolino's Jesus is charismatic and obviously troubled as he pours everything he has into his preaching, but is exhausted and alone as he privately questions his destiny on earth. His storming vocals are the perfect balance of sincere and shocking and his hugely dramatic death, manages, in a strange way, to resonate; and his heartbreakingly truthful performance of Gethsemane in act two enthrals the audience. Ricardo Afonso is a complete superstar as Judas, played with a ferocity which is electrifying. Again he shows off the versatility of his voice but is most vibrant in his bold, angry moments. A real masterclass performance.
Matt Cardle comes to life in act two whilst Nathan Amzi and Cavin Cornwall provide entertaining vocals throughout. Samuel Buttery brings a comic relief which suddenly turns brutish in his excellent portrayal of King Herod. The ensemble are a body of their own as they pulse across the stage with an energy and intensity that jumps off the stage. Without a weak link, the performances are consistently full-out and electrifying. This team work as one throughout and give a continually flowing show.
This is a thrillingly furious, highly millennial production, in which miraculous performances are given and striking images resonate long after the curtain falls.
photo credit: Johan Persson
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