Wednesday 9 October 2024
A Life-Affirming Musical: Come From Away on Tour REVIEW | New Wimbledon Theatre
Come From Away
New Wimbledon Theatre
Come From Away is an extraordinary and heartwarming celebration of humanity, compassion, and community spirit. This remarkable musical, based on the true events following the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, chronicles the story of a small town that welcomed over 7,000 stranded passengers when 38 planes were unexpectedly diverted to Gander, Newfoundland. The 100-minute production, performed without an interval, captivates audiences from the first note to the final bow, leaving you inspired and deeply moved by the resilience and kindness of strangers.
The show, created by the brilliant team of Irene Sankoff and David Hein, debuted in 2013 before premiering on Broadway in 2017 to critical acclaim. It went on to win a Tony Award for Best Direction and has become a worldwide phenomenon; after (devastatingly) closing in the West End, the show is currently touring the UK and touching the hearts of countless theatergoers. What makes Come From Away unique is that it doesn’t dwell on the tragedy itself; rather, it highlights the powerful goodness that arose in response. It’s a story that everyone needs to see- a true testament to the strength of human spirit and the way communities can come together in times of need.
The cast of Come From Away is a masterclass in ensemble performance, with each of the twelve actors seamlessly taking on multiple roles, transitioning between characters with just a subtle change in voice, posture, or costume. Sara Poyzer is great as Captain Beverly Bass, commanding the stage with poise and delivering a stirring rendition of 'Me and the Sky,' a poignant ode to the barriers women face in aviation and beyond. Jamal Zulfiqar’s dual roles as Kevin and Ali are portrayed with depth and sincerity, while Nicholas Pound brings a steady warmth to Mayor Claude Elliott. Bree Smith, as Hannah, delivers an emotionally charged performance that resonates deeply, and Rosie Glossop’s Bonnie has an endearing authenticity that reflects the compassionate spirit of Gander’s residents. Daniel Crowder and Kirsty Hoiles, as Nick and Diane, exude heartfelt chemistry, and Amanda Henderson’s portrayal of Beulah is both humorous and touching, embodying the very essence of Newfoundland hospitality. Natasha J. Barnes is wonderfully endearing as newbie news-reporter Janice, while Mark Dugdale brings great light and vocals to Kevin T. Oliver Jacobson and Dale Mathurin provide some of the most humourous moments of the show and complete the universally perfect cast.
Howell Binkley’s brilliant lighting design transforms the relatively simple set into myriad locations, evoking a sense of intimacy and immediacy that brings the story to life. The lighting shifts subtly to reflect both the tension and warmth of each scene, helping audiences feel every moment of hope, uncertainty, and joy. Kelly Devine’s choreography is equally impressive- fluid and organic, it mirrors the natural rhythms of life in Gander and the mingling of so many lives, capturing the bustling energy of the community while maintaining a focus on small, authentic human interactions.
The music, with its Celtic-inspired score composed by Sankoff and Hein, is the heartbeat of the production. From the powerful opening number, 'Welcome to the Rock,' to the joyful 'Screech In,' the songs are infused with East Coast flair, featuring lively fiddles, bodhrans, and an ensemble that sings and plays with palpable passion. Under the direction of Andrew Corcoran, the music beautifully conveys both the emotional highs and lows, transporting audiences to Newfoundland with its driving rhythms and haunting melodies.
More than just a musical, Come From Away is an experience that reminds us of the inherent goodness within people. The uplifting message is amplified by the Pay It Forward initiatives that the production actively supports. These activities, organised by Lydia Greatrix, in honour of her friend and Come From Away superfan Laura Townsend, which include partnerships with local charities and community outreach, bring the show’s message of kindness off the stage and into the real world. By championing causes that encourage generosity and connection, Come From Away continues to “pay forward” the generosity of Gander, ensuring that its legacy of compassion extends far beyond the theatre.
In the end, Come From Away is not just a must-see show- it’s a life-affirming testament to the power of people and the enduring strength of community. It’s a reminder that, even in the face of unimaginable darkness, human decency shines through, and strangers can become friends. This is a show that will leave you laughing, crying, and wanting to be a better person- a story that every single person should experience, especially in today’s world.
If you would like to donate to future pay it forward events, check the Just Giving page here.
★★★★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 8th October 2024 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Craig Sugden
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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.
Tuesday 8 October 2024
Matilda the Musical to Embark on New UK and Ireland Tour
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has exciting news for musical theatre lovers: Matilda The Musical will launch its second major tour across the UK and Ireland in October 2025. The tour kicks off at Curve Theatre in Leicester on October 6, 2025, and will run simultaneously with the show's West End production.
Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda The Musical tells the inspiring story of a determined young girl who uses her vivid imagination to overcome life's challenges. The musical has achieved remarkable success, amassing over 100 awards, including an impressive 24 Best Musical accolades. Audiences can look forward to hearing iconic songs such as "Quiet," "Naughty," "When I Grow Up," and "Revolting Children." Additionally, a film adaptation released in 2022 is available on Netflix, broadening the show's reach even further.
Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and direction by Matthew Warchus, the production also boasts a talented creative team, including Rob Howell (set and costume design), Peter Darling (choreography), Christopher Nightingale (orchestrations and musical supervision), Hugh Vanstone (lighting), Simon Baker (sound), and Paul Kieve (special effects and illusions).
In a recent interview, Minchin reflected on the show's enduring popularity: “When we first started working on the show, our aim was to make a lovely little jewel of a musical for the RSC’s Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. We never imagined that all these years later it would still be running in the West End, have been made into a film, and is now about to embark on its second tour of the UK and Ireland. I’m deeply proud of Matilda The Musical, and every single talented person who continues to work on it with passion and enthusiasm.”
The tour will celebrate its 15th anniversary at Curve Theatre, where it will run until October 25, 2025. Following that, it will continue to various venues, including the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford (October 30 to November 23), the Liverpool Empire (December 2 to January 4, 2026), Theatre Royal Plymouth (January 13 to February 7), Sunderland Empire (February 11 to 28), Edinburgh Playhouse (March 4 to 22), and Manchester Palace Theatre (March 26 to April 25). Additional dates are expected to be announced in the future.
Priority booking for RSC and Theatre Members/Friends, as well as ATG+ Members, opens at 10 a.m. on October 22, 2024, with general ticket sales starting on October 24, 2024, for most venues (with exceptions for Curve and Theatre Royal Plymouth). Details regarding casting and other creative aspects of the tour will be revealed later.
photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Full Company Announced for West End Premiere of Titanique
Titanique has announced its full cast for the highly anticipated West End run at the Criterion Theatre, starting on December 9, 2024, with a press night scheduled for January 9, 2025. This musical combines the music of Celine Dion with the beloved film Titanic, featuring iconic songs like “My Heart Will Go On,” “All by Myself,” and “To Love You More.”
Originally premiering off-Broadway in June 2022, Titanique has garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards, including seven major accolades in the 2022/23 theatre season, such as three Lucille Lortel Awards and the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical. Co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle, and Constantine Rousouli, the show has seen a successful run in New York before making its way to London.
The cast includes Darren Bennett (as Victor Garber / Luigi), Lauren Drew (as Céline), Jordan Luke Gage (as Cal), and Rob Houchen (as Jack), among others. The ensemble is filled with talented performers, including Daytime Emmy nominee Stephen Guarino and WhatsOnStage Award nominees Charlotte Wakefield and Kat Ronney.
Producers Eva Price and Michael Harrison expressed their excitement about bringing this production to the UK and highlighted the blend of humour, heart, and talent in the cast. Directed by Tye Blue, with choreography by Ellenore Scott, Titanique promises to deliver a unique theatrical experience that celebrates both the music of Celine Dion and the story of Titanic.
Sing Street Musical Set for UK Premiere Next Summer
Sing Street: A New Musical is set to make its UK premiere at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre next summer, with performances running from 8 July to 23 August 2025 and a press night on 18 July. Based on John Carney’s much-loved 2016 coming-of-age film, the musical tells the story of a 16-year-old Dubliner in the 1980s, who forms a band to escape his struggles at home and win the heart of a girl.
The stage version, which was first seen in Boston and New York before the pandemic, has a book by Enda Walsh, with music and lyrics by Gary Clark and John Carney. The show will be directed by Rebecca Taichman, who helmed the earlier versions, with choreography by Sonya Tayeh and set design by Bob Crowley. Casting for the UK production is being overseen by Stuart Burt.
Rachel O’Riordan, artistic director of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, shared her excitement for the upcoming production, highlighting the show's exploration of the impact of music and creativity. She remarked, "It’s about people’s contact with creativity and rebellion, and also music taking you out of yourself and where you are."
Composer Gary Clark expressed his deep connection to the story, recalling his own experience of forming a school band in the early 1980s. He explained, "Sing Street holds a very special place in my heart. We had so much fun creating the original songs for the movie and rekindled that spirit for the additions that we’ve written especially for this production."
O’Riordan also noted that this will be a new version of the show, crafted specifically for its UK premiere, rather than a remount of the New York production.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience this heartwarming and high-energy musical when Sing Street hits the Lyric Hammersmith stage in summer 2025!
Toyah Willcox Joins NOW That’s What I Call A Musical as a Special Guest
Exciting news for music and theatre lovers! Punk legend and Strictly Come Dancing 2024 contestant Toyah Willcox has been announced as a special guest star in NOW That’s What I Call A Musical. Toyah will appear in Edinburgh, bringing her iconic energy to this hit-packed show. Additionally, pop sensation Sonia has expanded her 2025 tour dates, adding performances in Manchester and Glasgow to her list of venues.
NOW That’s What I Call A Musical is a brand-new British musical written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans and directed by Strictly's own Craig Revel Horwood. The show kicked off its major UK and Ireland tour in September 2024 at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre and has been delighting audiences ever since. Celebrating 40 years of the beloved NOW That’s What I Call Music compilations, the musical is filled with timeless hits from artists like Blondie, Tears For Fears, Eurythmics, and Spandau Ballet. It’s a nostalgic celebration of the biggest chart-toppers, taking audiences on a musical journey back to the 80s and 90s.
Toyah Willcox, known for her legendary hits like It’s a Mystery and I Want to Be Free, is a force in music, TV, and theatre. With over 13 Top 40 singles, 25 albums, and a successful acting career, she’s a perfect fit for this feel-good musical. Her theatre credits include roles in The Rocky Horror Show, Calamity Jane, and Cabaret. Her addition to the cast brings even more star power to an already exciting production.
Toyah will join an array of guest stars in the show, each performing the songs that made them NOW icons. Throughout the tour, audiences will also see performances by Sinitta, Sonia, Carol Decker, and Jay Osmond in various cities. These special guests, along with the talented core cast, will be belting out the hits that have defined decades of pop music.
Set in Birmingham, the musical follows two school friends, Gemma and April, as they navigate life from their teenage years in 1989, dreaming about Rick Astley, to their dreaded school reunion in 2009. The story blends humour, drama, and a lot of '80s nostalgia as it explores friendship, love, and all that hairspray!
For those who grew up with NOW That’s What I Call Music as the soundtrack to their lives, this musical is a must-see, packed with feel-good vibes and sing-along moments. Make sure to check your local listings to catch Toyah Willcox and the rest of the cast when the show comes to a theatre near you. Whether you’re reliving your favourite hits or discovering them for the first time, NOW That’s What I Call A Musical promises a fun and unforgettable night out!
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