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.
NSYNC’s JC Chasez & Golden Globe Winner Jimmy Harry Announce New Musical Theatre Concept Album 'Playing With Fire'
Music lovers and theatre enthusiasts, get ready for something new! Center Stage Records is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of Playing With Fire, a brand-new musical theatre concept album crafted by NSYNC’s JC Chasez and Golden Globe winner Jimmy Harry. This highly anticipated project, inspired by Mary Shelley's classic novel Frankenstein, is set to be released on Friday, October 25, 2024.
This marks a major milestone for JC Chasez, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer, as it will be his first foray into the world of musical theatre. Known worldwide for his role in NSYNC, Chasez brings his distinctive voice and creativity to this exciting project, making it a must-listen for fans of theatre and pop music alike.
Teaming up with Chasez is renowned producer, composer, and songwriter Jimmy Harry, who has worked with some of the biggest names in music and secured a Golden Globe for his extraordinary talent. Together, they’ve crafted Playing With Fire, a concept album that will take listeners on an emotional journey, reimagining the themes of creation, ambition, and humanity at the heart of Frankenstein. The album also features the stunning vocal talents of Cardamon Rozzi and Lily Elise, adding new dimensions to this genre-blending project.
Stay tuned for more details as they are revealed on the official release date, October 25, 2024. This is one musical experience you won’t want to miss!
La Clique Returns to London for its 20th Anniversary Season- Tickets On Sale Now!
This Winter, La Clique returns to London for its highly anticipated 20th-anniversary season, running from November 6, 2023, to January 5, 2024. The award-winning show, known for its dazzling mix of circus, cabaret, and burlesque, is back with a star-studded cast and a whole new lineup of performances that will take your breath away. With tickets on sale now at lacliquetheshow.com, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!
La Clique’s 20th anniversary season promises an unforgettable spectacle, featuring some of the world’s most daring artists. Audiences can expect extraordinary stunts, gravity-defying performances, and sequins galore. The cast includes both new and returning favourites, making this season a perfect blend of legacy and fresh talent.
Among the new performers joining La Clique for the first time is hand-balancer Danik Abishev, known for his incredible ladder manipulation act. Roller-skating duo Isis Clegg-Vinell & Nathan Price will also make their debut, showcasing their breathtaking, death-defying stunts. Fans can look forward to the return of crowd-pleasers like aerialist Katharine Arnold, tension strap performer LJ Marles, and juggler Florian Brooks, ensuring that this season will be as thrilling as ever.
In celebration of two decades of global success, La Clique will offer 20 tickets per performance at just £25. And for the first time ever, La Clique Lates will take over Leicester Square every Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. This unique 70-minute show, with no interval, promises to be the hottest late-night event in London this winter.
As the 20th anniversary season kicks off, audiences are invited to experience the magic of La Clique at the Leicester Square Spiegeltent. The show’s groundbreaking mix of daring acrobatics, comedy, and cabaret has redefined variety for the 21st century, making it a must-see event. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the La Clique experience, this anniversary production is sure to be an unforgettable night out.
David Bates, The Spiegelmaestro, reflects on the milestone, saying:
We’re celebrating 20 years of La Clique with a lineup of world-class acts that span generations. It’s a season where legacy meets the latest talent, and we can’t wait to welcome new members to our family. Raise a glass to 20 years of La Clique!"
Get your tickets now and be part of this extraordinary celebration of cabaret, circus, and fearless performances!
photo credit: Jody Hartley
Wednesday 16 October 2024
Deafinitely Theatre Receives National Lottery Funding for 5 Years of their Youth Programme
Deafinitely Theatre has announced that they have been awarded £273,675 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support their Deafinitely Youth Theatre (DYT) programme over the next five years. Founded in 2010, DYT provides annual opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing young people aged 14-21 to explore their creativity in theatre. Led by industry professionals, the programme has supported over 400 young people through workshops, productions, theatre trips, and mentoring. Notable alumni include actors and creatives like Eloise Pennycott, William Grint, Claire Wetherall, and Strictly Come Dancing champion and DYT Patron Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE.
This significant funding will ensure that DYT can continue to provide free access to their youth theatre development programme, which empowers participants with theatre training, social skills, and confidence. Speaking about the grant, Paula Garfield MBE, Artistic Director of Deafinitely Theatre, said, "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this vital multi-year funding... Our Deafinitely Youth programme has remained the UK’s leading opportunity for deaf young people to explore their creativity, engage with theatre, and showcase their talents."
Deafinitely Youth Theatre is unique in offering fully accessible theatre training to deaf young people. Through residential weeks, theatre skills workshops, work experience placements, and more, DYT helps participants build confidence, explore their creative talents, and develop connections within the deaf community. The programme provides a safe and welcoming environment for young people to discover their artistic potential and develop a sense of deaf identity through theatre.
DYT alumni have spoken highly of their experiences. Eloise Pennycott, who participated in 2019, said:
They have been wonderfully supportive in my transition into an emerging creative, and it is so heartening to work with a company that puts deafness and sign language at the heart of theatre.
Current DYT member Jude Powell added:
Deafinitely Youth Theatre has deeply influenced my life, improving my acting skills and confidence... Deafinitely Youth Theatre will always hold a special place in my heart.
photo credit: Phoebe Capewell
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!
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