Wednesday, 9 October 2024
Tom Fletcher’s There’s a Monster in Your Show to Return for New Tour
The cast for this tour includes talented puppeteers like Charlie Daniels, Josh Macrow, Ben Murrell, Ashton Owen, and Gil Sidaway. The tour will start at Watford Palace Theatre in October 2023 and is expected to visit over 50 venues across the UK, running through June 2024
Cast Announced for Spend Spend Spend Musical Revival
The Royal Exchange Theatre has announced the cast for its festive musical production of Spend Spend Spend, which will run from 23 November 2024 to 11 January 2025. The 1998 musical, with a book and lyrics by Steve Brown and Justin Greene, is based on the life of Viv Nicholson, famous for her big lottery win and extravagant spending. The production will be directed by Josh Seymour.
Leading the cast, Rachel Leskovac will star as Viv Nicholson, with Rose Galbraith portraying Young Viv. Rebecca Thornhill will take on dual roles as Viv’s mother and Mrs Waterman.
Alex James-Hatton will play Keith, Viv’s second husband, while Joe Alessi will portray her father George, and Lejaun Sheppard will appear as Johnny Love.
The ensemble cast includes Jamil Abbasi, Abigail Brodie, George Crawford, Ayesha Maynard, Rachel Moran, Alfie Parker, and Karen Wilkinson.
Director Josh Seymour shared his enthusiasm for the production, stating: “Spend Spend Spend is packed with hilarious and heartbreaking songs which will explode with energy when delivered by our brilliant cast and band. Audiences can expect a bittersweet rollercoaster of a story as we follow Viv through the highs and lows of life. She’s a great character to spend an evening with – wild, witty and warm.”
The creative team for Spend Spend Spend is comprised of a talented group, including Grace Smart as designer, Jack Knowles as lighting designer, and Richard Brooker and Nick Lodge as sound designers. Lucy Hind serves as choreographer and intimacy director, while Ben Ferguson takes on the roles of music supervisor, arranger, and co-orchestrator. Matthew Malone is the orchestral manager and co-orchestrator, and Livi van Warmelo will be the musical director.
The production also benefits from the expertise of Natalie Grady as voice and dialect coach, Jim Arnold as casting director, Elizabeth Laurence as Birkbeck assistant director, and Nickie Miles-Wildin as associate director.
Don't miss this captivating production of Spend Spend Spend, bringing Viv Nicholson’s unforgettable story to life on stage this holiday season!
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.
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