Tuesday 29 October 2024
'Come Alive!' The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular to take part in a special performance for BBC Children in Need 2024
For the second consecutive year, BBC Children in Need and The One Show are bringing back the Challenge Squad, a group of inspiring young people whose lives have been transformed thanks to BBC Children in Need funding. This year’s squad features 16-year-old Ethan from Bridgend, Wales, who lives with Hurler Syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting his growth, bones, hearing, and vision. Despite these challenges, Ethan found hope and passion through UCAN, a BBC Children in Need-supported arts charity for visually impaired youth, where he discovered a love for performing arts that has boosted his confidence and mental well-being.
On The One Show, Ethan learned from his mentor Alex Jones that he will take the stage in COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular during the 2024 BBC Children in Need appeal show, marking an incredible milestone in his journey. Directed by Simon Hammerstein and inspired by The Greatest Showman, the performance will feature all the beloved songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Ethan’s excitement was palpable as he shared:
I’m being a part of Challenge Squad because I want to do this to show disabled people that we don’t need to be on the sidelines anymore – we can be out there with everybody… Acting has given me my confidence, and now I want to give back, so if you can give anything, please do.”
The COME ALIVE! team also expressed their excitement, stating:
We are incredibly honoured to take part in BBC Children in Need 2024 and welcome Ethan into the COME ALIVE! family for this special performance. The magic of this show is all about embracing your true self and finding your voice, and Ethan's journey embodies that spirit spectacularly. We can’t wait to share this unforgettable moment with him and all the viewers tuning in for such a meaningful cause.”
Viewers can follow Ethan’s story on The One Show as he prepares for his big performance, leading up to the BBC Children in Need appeal on Friday, November 15, 2024. This heartwarming moment promises to be a highlight of this year’s fundraiser, showcasing the power of resilience and the incredible impact of community support.
photo credit: Luke Dyson
13 Going on 30 - The Musical Premieres in Manchester in 2025!
Get ready to be swept back into the whimsical world of 13 Going on 30 as it transforms from beloved rom-com to musical in a world premiere at Manchester Opera House. This limited season debut kicks off on September 21st, 2025, and promises a nostalgic, magical experience for fans and newcomers alike. Based on the 2004 hit starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, 13 Going on 30- The Musical is written by the original film’s writers, Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, and directed by award-winning Andy Fickman (Heathers, She’s The Man). Goldsmith and Yuspa have crafted a fresh adaptation for the stage, working alongside songwriters Michael Weiner and Alan Zachary (First Date, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) to give Jenna Rink’s story a new dimension.
The story follows 13-year-old Jenna, a quirky, awkward middle schooler who feels trapped in the struggles of high school social life. When she wishes to skip ahead to adulthood, Jenna magically wakes up “thirty, flirty, and thriving” with the glamorous job of editor at a high-end fashion magazine. But adulthood proves to be more complex than she imagined, and as Jenna uncovers the life she’s built, she goes on a journey of self-discovery, realizing what- and who- she left behind. With its signature mix of comedy, romance, and heart, 13 Going on 30 explores timeless themes of friendship, identity, and staying true to yourself, making it perfect for a new generation to experience on stage.
Goldsmith and Yuspa, who also wrote the musical’s book, are thrilled to revisit the story, marking the 20th anniversary of the original film. They shared their excitement, saying:
When we wrote the movie 13 Going on 30, we never dreamt that on the film’s 20th anniversary, we’d get the chance to see a whole new generation fall in love with Razzles and feel thirty, flirty, and thriving. It’s been a joy to work with ROYO, Revolution Studios, songwriters Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner, and director Andy Fickman to bring this story to life as a stage musical. We were thrilled by the audience’s response to our workshop last year, and now we can’t wait to officially open in Manchester at the legendary Opera House- the launchpad of so many iconic musicals. So bring your family, your friends, maybe a date, or just come alone- don’t be shy, we’re all nice. Hope you have as much fun seeing the show as we had making it!”
Tickets go on sale at exactly 1:30 PM on November 13th, so set your reminder to grab yours early for this must-see production. With the Manchester Opera House’s legacy as the launchpad of iconic musicals, anticipation is high for this adaptation to make its mark. The full casting has yet to be announced, but with a powerhouse team behind it and plenty of musical talent, 13 Going on 30- The Musical promises to captivate fans of all ages with fresh songs, heartwarming themes, and the classic charm of Jenna Rink’s journey. So bring your friends, family, or just yourself to join in on the fun, laughter, and a little bit of magic at 13 Going on 30- The Musical- an exciting new chapter for a modern classic.
Monday 28 October 2024
Dear Evan Hansen Extends UK Tour with Extra Dates for 2025!
Fans across the UK now have extra chances to experience the powerful story of Dear Evan Hansen as ATG Productions announces an extended four-week run due to popular demand. This award-winning musical- celebrated with Olivier, Tony, and Grammy wins- will reach additional cities with new dates, bringing this moving production to even more audiences. The tour, directed by Nottingham Playhouse's Artistic Director Adam Penford, premiered at the Nottingham Playhouse in September 2024 and has captivated audiences nationwide with its emotional depth and impactful story.
Dear Evan Hansen tells the story of Evan, a socially anxious high schooler whose desire to fit in leads him down a path of tangled truths and unexpected consequences. Ryan Kopel (Newsies) stars as Evan, delivering a nuanced performance alongside Lauren Conroy (Into the Woods) as Zoe Murphy and Alice Fearn (Wicked, Come From Away) as Heidi Hansen, Evan’s mother. Supporting them is an ensemble cast, including Helen Anker (Mamma Mia!), Richard Hurst (The Lion King), TikTok-discovered Sonny Monaghan as alternate Evan, Killian Thomas Lefevre (Bat Out Of Hell) as Connor Murphy, Tom Dickerson (Heathers) as Jared Kleinman and Vivian Panka (9 to 5 the Musical) as Alana Beck. The ensemble are Lara Beth-Sas, Will Forgrave, Daniel Forrester, Jessica Lim, Sonny Monaghan and Elise Zavou. This marking the first UK production to incorporate an ensemble cast.
This extended leg will visit Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (June 10-14), Birmingham Alexandra (June 17-21), Grand Opera House York (June 24-28), and Edinburgh Playhouse (July 1-5), with tickets available now at evanontour.com. The production’s team boasts a high-caliber crew, with design by Morgan Large, choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, lighting by Matt Daw, and a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, whose songs have become musical theatre icons.
In partnership with The Mix, a UK charity supporting those under 25, Dear Evan Hansen provides resources and outreach to audiences affected by its themes, addressing mental health issues relevant to young people today. This partnership reinforces the musical’s mission to encourage conversation, support, and awareness for sensitive issues central to the story.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the unforgettable world of Dear Evan Hansen, a journey of truth, forgiveness, and resilience that speaks to audiences of all ages. Don’t miss your chance to witness this celebrated musical on its extended UK tour- book your tickets soon, as demand continues to grow.
photo credit: Marc Brenner
Sunday 27 October 2024
THEATRE NEWS ROUNDUP 20th-26th October 2024
This week in the theatre world saw anniversaries, cast announcements, world premieres and pantomime news....
The highlight of the event was a powerful rendition of The Circle of Life, featuring five Rafikis from productions across Europe, sung in multiple languages.
The UK Theatre Awards 2024 celebrated excellence across British theatre, with Leeds Playhouse’s Oliver! leading the way, winning Best Musical Production and Best Performance in a Musical. Jenny Sealey OBE received the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre Award, and Polka Theatre was named UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre.
Celebrate Back to the Future Day with a special cameo appearance in the hit musical, and look forward to new international productions and exclusive backstage content.
Historalia Productions will premiere Anne Boleyn the Musical in August 2025, telling the Queen’s powerful story at her childhood home.
Anne-Marie Duff leads a star-studded cast in the revival of Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes at the Young Vic, directed by Lyndsey Turner.
Stalled is a powerful new musical premiering at King’s Head Theatre, exploring the intersecting lives of diverse characters with soul-stirring melodies and a commitment to inclusivity.
Matthew Bourne's award-winning show returns, bringing its poignant tales of love and longing on a nationwide UK tour.
The classic holiday musical White Christmas will play at The Mill at Sonning with a heartwarming story, featuring an all-star cast and timeless Irving Berlin hits like "Blue Skies" and the beloved title song.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical London premiere reveals its star-studded cast, bringing Rick Riordan's beloved characters to life in an epic musical adventure this November.
Celebrate the holidays with the Royal Ballet and Opera at Covent Garden, featuring stunning performances, festive events, delicious dining, and unique gift shopping.
The hit musical comedy embarks on a UK and Ireland tour in 2025, bringing the beloved TV show to life with a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud original score.
Starring Drag Race UK’s Ella Vaday as one of the Ugly Stepsisters and Maddy Erzan-Essien as Cinderella, the production promises a magical mix of comedy, puppetry, and audience participation.
Louis McCartney reprises his award-winning role, marking his highly anticipated Broadway debut in 2025.
See you next Sunday for another theatre news recap! In the meantime, keep an eye on our socials for live news and updates.
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