Wednesday 16 October 2024
New Cast Joins Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre
The producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child- Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender, and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions—are thrilled to welcome a new cast that begins performances at the Palace Theatre this week. This acclaimed, multi-award-winning London production continues to enchant audiences, with bookings now open until 29 June 2025.
The new cast features Claire Lams as Ginny Potter, alongside David Ricardo-Pearce reprising his role as Harry Potter and Ellis Rae returning as their son Albus Potter. Eve de Leon Allen will make her debut as Rose Granger-Weasley, daughter of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, with Thomas Aldridge and Jade Ogugua continuing in their roles as Ron and Hermione, respectively. Steve John Shepherd remains as Draco Malfoy, joined by Harry Acklowe as his son Scorpius Malfoy.
In addition to the core cast, the ensemble includes Ishmail Aaron, David Annen, Nicole-Lily Baisden, Sabina Cameron, Rob Curtis, Zijuan Elsol, Gabriel Fleary, Rory Fraser, Tim Hibberd, Sally Jayne Hind, Max Hunter, Dewayne Jameson Adams, Emma Louise Jones, Julia Kass, Debra Lawrance, Tasha Lim, Matty Loane, Sophie Matthew, Jaden Oshenye, Helen Power, Jocelyn Prah, Conor Quinn, Ian Redford, Catherine Russell, Martin de los Santos, Adam Slynn, Benjamin Stratton, Alex Tomkins, Jake Tuesley, Sam Varley and Katie Wimpenny. Oliver Dawson, Layla Duke, Aubrey Hayes, Rhiannon Parry, Aljosa Radosavljevic, Sienna Sibley and Ethan Webster alternate two children’s roles.
Set 19 years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s legendary battle against dark forces, this new chapter invites audiences to join them on an extraordinary adventure with a brave new generation arriving at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Spectacular spells, a breathtaking race through time, and an epic showdown against mysterious forces await as the characters grapple with the weight of the future.
Tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are currently available, with prices starting at £15 per part. The regular performance schedule is Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday—no performance; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 2 PM for Part One and 7 PM for Part Two; and Sunday at 1 PM for Part One and 6 PM for Part Two. Access performances are scheduled, including an Audio Described show on Saturday, 9 November 2024, and a Captioned Performance on Saturday, 16 November 2024, with more access performances planned for 2025.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the first story from the Harry Potter universe to be adapted for the stage and serves as the eighth story in the series. Now in its ninth year at the Palace Theatre, the production has captivated over 1.7 million people in the West End and over 11 million globally, boasting an impressive collection of 60 major awards, including nine Laurence Olivier Awards and six Tony Awards for Best New Play. Currently, there are five productions running worldwide, including those in New York, Hamburg, and Tokyo. A North American tour began in September at Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre and will move to Los Angeles’ Hollywood Pantages from February to June 2025, before continuing to Washington DC’s Broadway At The National starting on 8 July 2025.
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is crafted into a play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany, featuring movement by Steven Hoggett, set design by Christine Jones, and an impressive array of creative talents including Imogen Heap, Neil Austin, and Jamie Harrison. Produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender, and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions, this magical experience continues to be a must-see event for fans of all ages.
photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Full Cast Announced for 2025 UK Tour of Bat Out of Hell The Musical
The producers of the award-winning Bat Out of Hell The Musical, which features Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf's greatest hits, have announced the full cast for the upcoming 2025 UK tour. This electrifying show, which begins performances on 6 January 2025 at the Edinburgh Playhouse, will tour across the UK until 20 September 2025, concluding in Northampton. Fans can expect a spectacular production featuring a dynamic cast, iconic rock songs, and unforgettable theatrical energy.
Joining the previously announced Glenn Adamson as Strat, Katie Tonkinson as Raven, Rob Fowler as Falco, and Sharon Sexton as Sloane, new cast members include Georgia Bradshaw as Zahara, Ryan Carter as Jagwire, Carla Bertran as Tink, Luke Street as Ledoux, and Carly Burns as Valkyrie. The full ensemble cast features a talented mix of West End and touring performers, including Leo Abad, Peter Camilleri, Joshua Dever, Reece Duncan, Georgia Holland, Georgia Iudica-Davies, Natalie Pilkington, Harriet Richardson-Cockerline, Sophie-Rose Emery, Catherine Saunders, Ethan Tanner, Craig Watson, James Wilkinson-Jones and Beth Woodcock. At certain performances, roles such as Strat, Falco, Sloane, and Ledoux will be covered by alternate actors, including Luke Street and Beth Woodcock.
Inspired by its arena tours in Australia and New Zealand, this reimagined production promises to be a high-octane experience, with a sprawling set design featuring multi-level platforms and an on-stage eight-piece rock band. The show immerses the audience in the fantastical world of Bat Out of Hell, delivering some of the most iconic rock anthems ever recorded. The musical features Jim Steinman’s legendary songs like You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth, Bat Out of Hell, I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That), and Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad. It also includes the previously unreleased song, What Part of My Body Hurts the Most.
The stage adaptation of Bat Out of Hell has wowed audiences worldwide, with successful runs in Manchester, London’s West End, and international productions in Canada, Germany, New York, Las Vegas, and beyond. It received critical acclaim and won the Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical at the Evening Standard Awards, in addition to eight nominations at the WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical.
The musical tells the story of the immortal leader Strat and his love-at-first-sight obsession with Raven, the daughter of Falco, the ruler of a dystopian city. As their passionate connection grows, the two lovers find themselves caught in a struggle that threatens to tear both of their families apart. The production brings Steinman and Meat Loaf's epic collaboration to life on stage with a thrilling mix of music, romance, and rebellion.
The creative team behind Bat Out of Hell The Musical includes book, music, and lyrics by Jim Steinman, direction by Jay Scheib, musical supervision by Michael Reed, additional choreography by Xena Gusthart, set and costume design by Jon Bausor, and lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe. The UK tour is produced by Michael Cohl, Tony Smith, and David Sonenberg, with executive producer Julian Stoneman.
Audiences across the UK will have the chance to experience the exhilarating power of Bat Out of Hell when it kicks off its tour in 2025. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of rock ‘n’ roll, love, and rebellion!
photo credit:
TINA- The Tina Turner Musical launches costume exhibition in Covent Garden
To honour the life and legacy of Tina Turner, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical has launched a stunning pop-up costume exhibition in Covent Garden. This free-to-attend display showcases six iconic costumes from the hit West End production, set against the backdrop of the legendary artist's most memorable moments and songs. Visitors can see these outfits up close and explore the visual legacy of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the heart of one of London's most vibrant cultural districts.
The exhibition features six costumes, each tied to pivotal moments in Tina Turner’s career, from the golden fringe dress she wore during “Proud Mary” to the famous red dress from “The Best (Simply).” Displayed along Central Avenue in Covent Garden’s historic Market Building, the costumes are accompanied by photographs that compare their use in the musical to how Tina herself wore these iconic looks. Fans can immerse themselves in the story of Tina’s musical journey, which continues to electrify audiences in London’s West End after six record-breaking years at the Aldwych Theatre.
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical premiered in 2018, created in collaboration with Tina herself, and has since become a global sensation, with productions on Broadway and across Europe, Australia, and North America. The London show features Karis Anderson and Zoe Birkett sharing the role of Tina, with Rolan Bell as Ike Turner. This critically acclaimed production offers a powerful portrayal of Tina’s life, showcasing both her rise to global superstardom and the personal struggles she overcame along the way.
The pop-up exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see these significant costumes up close while celebrating Tina’s extraordinary influence on music and fashion. Highlights include costumes from the musical numbers “Fool in Love,” “Disco Inferno,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” and more. Fans can also experience the pulse-pounding soundtrack of Tina’s greatest hits live on stage at the Aldwych Theatre, where TINA – The Tina Turner Musical continues its run.
Covent Garden, known for its thriving arts scene and home to over 20 theatres, is the perfect setting for this unique exhibition. Visitors can browse the Market Building, enjoy shopping and dining, and explore Covent Garden’s iconic Piazza. The area also boasts more than 1,400 al fresco dining seats, making it ideal for a full day of theater and entertainment. Partner restaurants, including SUSHISAMBA, The Ivy Market Grill, and VyTA, offer special pre- and post-theatre menus.
In addition to celebrating Tina Turner’s legendary career, the exhibition has partnered with Women’s Aid, an organization Tina passionately supported. A survivor of domestic abuse herself, Tina Turner wanted her musical to authentically reflect her experiences, and this partnership aims to raise awareness about domestic abuse. The exhibition will include information about the charity’s mission and the impact of domestic violence on survivors, alongside opportunities to donate and support their cause.
The TINA – The Tina Turner Musical Costume Exhibition runs from 15th October to 10th November 2024 at Covent Garden’s Central Avenue, Market Building. Visitors can also enter for a chance to win tickets and backstage experiences for the musical by following QR codes and interactive boards throughout the exhibition.
Produced in the West End by Stage Entertainment in association with Tina Turner, this vibrant exhibition is a must-visit for both Tina Turner fans and theatre lovers alike.
Final cast announced for Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper!
The full cast has been revealed for the highly anticipated adult pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper!, written by Jon Bradfield and Martin Hooper, with songs by Bradfield. Directed by Andrew Beckett, the show will run from 23 November 2024 to 11 January 2025 at Charing Cross Theatre, following the record-breaking success of last year’s Sleeping Beauty Takes A Prick!, which sold over 14,000 tickets and became London’s biggest adults-only pantomime.
Leading the cast is Keanu Adolphus Johnson as the poor, gay, and extremely horny Jack Trott. Johnson, who recently made waves in Backstairs Billy and dazzled audiences in Kinky Boots, brings his vibrant energy to this outrageous role. He’ll be joined by Matthew Baldwin, the reigning “Queen of Adult Panto,” who returns to reprise his role as Dame Dolly Trott, the sharp-tongued, quick-witted matriarch with a heart of gold. Baldwin is renowned for his commanding panto performances, described by critics as “one of the classiest Dames in the business.” Also joining the cast is Chris Lane as Dale, the friendly fairy, and Jordan Stamatiadis as the wickedly lascivious landowner, Lady Fleshcreep.
New faces in the production include Laura Anna-Mead as the lovable Simple Simone, Joe Grundy making his professional debut as Reverend Tim, and ensemble members Laura Buhagiar, Caitlin Swanton, and Fin Walton, who returns after his performance in Sleeping Beauty Takes A Prick!.
The story follows Jack Trott, who lives with his scandalous mother, Dame Dolly, on a dilapidated dairy farm in the quaint Yorkshire village of Upper Bottom. As Jack embarks on his cheeky quest to find something truly “giant,” he must also contend with the evil Lady Fleshcreep, navigate a 10-mile drought of potential Grindr dates, and find hilarity along the way. With its outrageous songs, glittering choreography, fabulous set design by David Shields (winner of Best Set Design at the National Panto Awards), and more innuendos than you can swallow, this panto promises to deliver a night of side-splitting laughter and risqué fun.
The show’s creators, Bradfield and Hooper, are known for their string of acclaimed gay pantomimes, which found a loyal following at the now-closed Above The Stag Theatre. The team behind Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper!—including director Andrew Beckett and set designer David Shields—are dedicated to keeping the tradition alive, now at a larger venue, with their unique brand of big-hearted, sophisticated smut.
Bradfield says, “It’s been a joy to work with this hilarious family of collaborators. We started in the smallest theatres, and last year it was thrilling to see that there’s a bigger audience out there for our particular brand of outrageous, queer fun.”
This new production is set to be the wildest adult pantomime in London this winter, offering a raucous night out with dazzling designs, saucy humour, and laugh-out-loud moments that you won’t forget. With all the fun of a traditional pantomime but with a deliciously naughty twist, Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper! is not one for the kids, but it’s perfect for adults looking for a hilarious, queer night out during the festive season.
Tickets for this must-see show are on sale now—don’t miss the chance to experience the madness for yourself!
photo credit: Johan Persson
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