Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Announce 2018 Season

  • Timothy Sheader and Liam Steel’s Olivier Award-nominated production of PETER PAN by J. M. Barrie returns in the final year of First World War Centenary Commemorations
  • Max Webster directs Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT, with original music by Charlie Fink
  • Maria Aberg directs the mean green monster musical, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken, based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith
  • DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE plays daytime performances for ages 3+
  • Full creative team confirmed for THE TURN OF THE SCREW including conductor Toby Purser and designer Soutra Gilmour

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre have today announced details of their 2018 season, which includes Peter Pan, As You Like It, Dinosaur World Live, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Turn of the Screw, a co-production with English National Opera.

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The season opens on 17 May 2018 with Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie (17 May – 15 June), a revival of their 2015 Olivier Award-nominated production, in the final year of the First World War Centenary Commemorations. For the wounded soldiers of WW1, imagination is their only escape. Yet as they’re transported to the fantastical lagoons and pirate ships of Never Land, allegories of the war they’ve left behind are ever present. George Llewelyn Davies, later killed in action in 1915, was one of the children who inspired J. M. Barrie to create the iconic character of Peter Pan. Remembering him, and a generation of Lost Boys, the production enchanted young and old alike during its original, critically acclaimed run. Kids go half price at most performances.

Directed by Open Air Theatre Artistic Director Timothy Sheader (Jesus Christ Superstar, To Kill a Mockingbird, Running Wild) and Liam Steel (Lord of the Flies, Into The Woods), set design is by Jon Bausor who recently won the UK Theatre Award for The Grinning Man (Bristol Old Vic). Costume design is by Jon Morrell, puppet design and direction by Rachael Canning, composition and sound score by Nick Powell, lighting design by Rick Fisher, sound design by Nick Lidster for Autograph, fight direction by Kate Waters, casting by Polly Jerrold and musical supervision/musical direction by Candida Caldicot. The Season Associate Director (Voice and Text) is Barbara Houseman.

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Also confirmed is the full creative team for The Turn of the Screw (22 June – 30 June), a co-production with English National Opera. Members of the ENO orchestra will be conducted by ENO Mackerras Fellow Toby Purser. Timothy Sheader directs with design by Soutra Gilmour, who previously designed Into the Woods at the Open Air Theatre / Public Theatre, New York. Lighting design is by Jon Clark, sound design by Nick Lidster for Autograph, and casting by ENO Head of Casting,Michelle Williams.

The story of unearthly encounters at a remote country house, and of a young governess desperate to protect her children, finds chilling new levels of suspense in this unique outdoor production of Benjamin Britten’s masterly reworking of Henry James’ classic novella.

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Next, Max Webster directs William Shakespeare’s As You Like It (06 July – 28 July). Returning to the Open Air Theatre following his production of Twelfth Night re-imagined in 2014, Max recently directed A Winter’s Tale (Edinburgh Lyceum), The Twits and King Lear (Northampton Royal & Derngate), and The Lorax, which is currently playing at the Old Vic.

In the mythical Forest of Arden, a world of transformation where anything is possible and anything permissible, two young people discover what it really means to be in love. Design is by Naomi Dawson who recently designed Dr Faustus (Royal Shakespeare Company) and Brave New World (Northampton Royal & Derngate). Movement direction is by Polly Bennett, original music composed by former ‘Noah and the Whale’ frontman, Charlie Fink (The Lorax), lighting design by Lee Curran (Jesus Christ Superstar) and sound design by Gareth Fry.

This warm, open-hearted production promises adventure, sibling rivalry, mistaken identity and romance – Shakespeare comedy as you like it.

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Playing daytime performances, Dinosaur World Live (14 August – 09 September), is a new interactive show for all the family (ages 3+). This 50-minute show is written and directed by Derek Bond (Sweet Charity / Little Shop of Horrors, Royal Exchange Manchester), puppet design is by Max Humphries and puppet direction by Laura Cubitt who, with Dinosaur World Live puppet consultant Toby Olié, previously worked on Running Wild at the Open Air Theatre. Set and costume design is by James Perkins, lighting design by John Maddox and sound design by Tom Mann.

Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs – including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus rex. Dinosaur World Live will announce further tour dates for 2018 in due course.

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The 2018 season concludes with the mean green monster musical Little Shop of Horrors (03 August – 15 September). Book and lyrics are by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken, based on the film by Roger Corman with screenplay by Charles Griffith.

For the misfits of Skid Row, life is full of broken dreams and dead ends. But there’s hope on the horizon for flower shop assistant, Seymour, when he discovers a mysterious new plant with killer potential.  Will his newfound fame and fortune win the attention of kind, sweet, delicate Audrey? Can he finally break free and be happy…whatever the consequences?

Making her Open Air Theatre debut, the production is directed by Maria Aberg. Maria’s recent work includes Dr Faustus, The White Devil, As You Like It, King John, The Gods Weep, Days of Significance (all Royal Shakespeare Company), Hotel (National Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (Royal Exchange Manchester), The Chairs (Theatre Royal Bath), Alaska (Royal Court) and Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox(Nuffield/Lyric Hammersmith). Design is by Tom Scutt whose credits include Jesus Christ Superstar (Open Air Theatre), King Charles III(Almeida/West End/Broadway), The Deep Blue Sea, Medea (National Theatre), Les Liaisons Dangereuses, The Weir (Donmar Warehouse) andConstellations (West End/MTC New York/Royal Court). Musical supervision is by Tom Deering (Jesus Christ Superstar, On The Town), lighting design by Howard Hudson (On The Town), sound design by Nick Lidster for Autograph and casting by Stuart Burt.

IT’S ALIVE at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre…somewhere that’s green!

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar opens at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, USA in April 2018. Timothy Sheaderdirects with design by Tom Scutt, choreography by Drew McOnie and lighting design by Lee Curran.

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Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Memberships are on sale now and priority booking for Members will open at 11am, 08 November. Visit www.openairtheatre.com/membership for more information.   Public booking opens at 11am, 06 December.

LISTINGS

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 2018 season:

Peter Pan

By J. M. Barrie

Directed by Timothy Sheader and Liam Steel

By arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity

Thursday 17 May – Friday 15 June

First preview: 17 May

Press Night: Thursday 24 May (7.45pm)

Performances:

Tuesday – Sunday @ 7.45pm (gates 6.15pm)

Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday @ 2.15pm (gates 12.45pm)

No matinee 19 or 23 May; extra matinee on Thursday 14 June

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Regent’s Park Theatre and English National Opera

The Turn of the Screw

Music by Benjamin Britten  Libretto by Myfanwy Piper

After a story by Henry James

Directed by Timothy Sheader

Friday 22 June – 30 June

First preview: 22 June

Press Night: Monday 25 June (7.45pm)

Performances:

Monday – Saturday @ 7.45pm (gates 6.15pm)

Wednesday & Saturday @ 2.15pm (gates 12.45pm)

No performance on Thursday 28 June; no matinee 23 June

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As You Like It

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Max Webster

Friday 06 July – Saturday 28 July

First preview: 06 July

Press Night: Wednesday 11 July (7.45pm)

Performances:

Monday – Saturday @ 7.45pm (gates 6.15pm)

Thursday & Saturday @ 2.15pm (gates 12.45pm)

No matinee 07 July

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Dinosaur World Live

Created by Derek Bond and Max Humphries 

 Tuesday 14 August – Sunday 09 September

Performances:

Monday – Wednesday:  2.15pm (gates 1.45pm)

Friday & Sunday: 10.30am (gates 10.00am) & 1.00pm (gates 12.30pm)

Saturday: 10.30am (gates 10.00am)

No performances 03 – 06 September; No 1pm performance on Sunday 02 September.

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Little Shop of Horrors

Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan Menken

Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith

Directed by Maria Aberg

 Friday 03 August – Saturday 15 September

First preview: 03 August

Press Night: Thursday 09 August (7.45pm)

Performances:

Monday – Saturday @ 7.45pm (gates 6.15pm)

Thursday & Saturday @ 2.15pm (gates 12.45pm)

No matinee 04 or 09 August

TICKETS

Peter Pan, The Turn of the Screw and As You Like It:   £25 – £55

 Little Shop of Horrors:  £25 – £59

 Dinosaur World Live:  All tickets £16.50 (£15 ticket + £1.50 booking fee)

 

 

 

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National Theatre’s MACBETH to tour to primary schools in Doncaster, London Sunderland and Wakefield

Macbeth

Macbeth

Following a successful tour to schools and performances in the Dorfman theatre earlier this year, in which nearly 5000 students saw Macbeth,the production now begins a tour this week to a further 31 schools and colleges across Doncaster, London, Sunderland and Wakefield.

Macbeth is adapted and directed for teenage audiences by Justin Audibert and the production is a bold contemporary retelling of one of Shakespeare’s darkest plays. Amid bloody rebellion and the deafening drums of war, Macbeth and his wife will stop at nothing to fulfil their ambition. Witchcraft, murder, treason and treachery are all at play in this murky world. The cast includes Nana Amoo-Gottfried, Shazia Nicholls, Gabby Wong, Stephanie Levi John, Adrian Richards, Tamara Camacho, Johndeep More and Kenton Thomas.

Speaking about the production director, Justin Audibert said ‘Macbeth is a tale of ambition, dark magic, violence and love; the perfect combination for an audience of young adults. We have made our version as exciting and visceral as possible, a truly sensory experience.’

The tour will begin by visiting 15 schools in London, followed by a further 16 schools across Doncaster, Sunderland and Wakefield, as part of the NT’s strategic touring programme.

Speaking about the schools tours the National Theatre’s Director of Learning, Alice King-Farlow said ‘At the NT we believe that all young people should have the opportunity to take part in theatre and drama while at school and so I am delighted that we’re touring Justin’s contemporary 90 minute adaptation of Macbeth to schools across London and in the North of England this year as part of our new national partnership programme.’

The Mohn Westlake Foundation supports nationwide Learning programmes for young people. Shakespeare for younger audiences is supported by The Ingram Trust, Archie Sherman Charitable Trust, Behrens Foundation, and Jill and David Leuw. The National Theatre’s Partner for Learning is Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

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 Education, Education, Education comes to Shoreditch Town Hall

Education Education Education
Education Education Education

Education Education Education

Award-winning theatre company The Wardrobe Ensemble has announced today that their smash-hit Edinburgh Festival production Education, Education, Education will come to Shoreditch Town Hall from 17–21 April 2018. Recipient of The Scotsman Fringe First Award and The Stage Edinburgh Award the production played through August to both sold out audiences and widespread acclaim at the Pleasance Dome and is currently on a UK tour.

Following their exploration of sex, relationships and intimacy in 1972: The Future of Sex, The Wardrobe Ensemble dissects education and responsibility at the dawn of Blair’s Britain in 1997 in Education, Education, Education. Recent winners of The Kevin Spacey Foundation Artists of Choice for theatre, The Wardrobe Ensemble use irreverent humour and inventive theatricality to confront issues that are most pertinent to the twenty-first century experience.

It’s May 1997. Tony Blair has won the election and Katrina and the Waves have won Eurovision. Channel 5 is a month old. No one knows who Harry Potter is.

At the local secondary school it’s a different story. Miss Belltop-Doyle can’t control her year 9s, Mr Pashley has been put in charge of a confiscated tamagotchi and Miss Turner is hoping that this muck up day goes more smoothly than the last. Things can only get better.

Education, Education, Education follows bright but disruptive student Emily Greenslade through the day, as she takes justice into her own hands with far-reaching consequences.

Education, Education, Education is The Wardrobe Ensemble’s love letter to the schools of the 90s and asks big questions about a country in special measures, exploring what we are taught and why, and where responsibility lies.

The cast of Education, Education, Education will include: Greg Shewring (Paul McIntyre), Ben Vardy (Tim Pashley), Kerry Lovell (Louise Turner), Jesse Meadows (Susan Belltop-Doyle), Emily Greenslade (Emily Greenslade), James Newton (Tobias) and Tom England (Hugh Mills).Education, Education, Education has been devised by The Wardrobe Ensemble and directed by Jesse Jones and Helena Middleton.

​Earlier this month The Wardrobe Ensemble also announced that it will now work in collaboration with international touring theatre company Complicité as part of their Complicité Associates programme. Work as part of this relationship will be presented in 2019.

Education, Education, Education is a co-production between The Wardrobe Ensemble, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, and Shoreditch Town Hall, supported by Kevin Spacey Foundation and Arts Council England. The production was rehearsed and developed at Royal & Derngate.

LISTINGS

A Wardrobe Ensemble, Royal & Derngate and Shoreditch Town Hall co-production:

Education, Education, Education
17 – 21 April 2018, 7.30pm
Press Night: 18 April 2018
Box Office: 020 7739 6176 / www.shoreditchtownhall.com

Directed by Jesse Jones and Helena Middleton
Written by The Wardrobe Ensemble
Design: Lucy Sierra
Lighting Design: Katharine Grant
Sound Design: Ben Grant
Dramaturg: Bea Roberts

Cast List:
Tom England- Hugh Mills
Emily Greenslade- Emily Greenslade
Kerry Lovell- Louise Turner
Jesse Meadows- Susan Belltop- Doyle
James Newton- Tobias
Greg Shewring- Paul McIntyre
Ben Vardy- Tim Pashley

 

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Hoxton Hall announces Spring Season celebrating creative women: Female Parts

Karena Johnson, Artistic Director of Hoxton Hall today announced its spring 2018 season, Female Parts. The programme presented in the centenary year of female suffrage is curated and produced by female artists from across the UK and internationally, placing women at the centre of a varied contemporary programme. The season opens with a Hoxton Hall world première production, Oranges and Elephants – an all-female musical by Lil Warren.

The season continues with Funny Women Awards: London Regional Final, and previous winner of the competition, Desiree Burch’s Unf*ckable; Vintage Misfits presents Afropean club night, Organic Nubians Club Night; and Patrizia Paolini returns with a one off, entirely female, special of Ms Paolini’s Phantasmagoria Cabaret. Also returning to Hoxton Hall is Jumoke Fashola with Jazz Verse Jukebox and The Swing Time Dance Company’s Spring Swing.

The season culminates with a trio of short monologues, produced by Hoxton Hall, which will run through March, A Mother and A Woman Alone both by Franca Rame and Dario Fo, and OneNess Sankara’s The Immigrant. These three confessional plays explore what it is to be a wife, mother and immigrant.

Artistic Director of Hoxton Hall, Karena Johnson said, “Female Parts is a season of curated and produced performances that place women at the centre and is a perfect way to open 2018, the centenary year of female suffrage. We’re thrilled to be welcoming so many talented artists, who also happen to be women to the venue; breaking new ground in producing an all-female musical and celebrating a contemporary theatre classic. Hoxton Hall is a fitting venue to welcome diverse women’s voices across music, theatre, comedy and cabaret having the unusual history of being led by women for the last 44 years. This wonderfully interconnected season shouts loud and proud with a host of roaring women and we’re so excited.”

Continuing their work with the participation programme, Hoxton Hall will be offering a series of workshops alongside the season, which include a response piece forOranges and Elephants, a Tonic Celebrates conversation with phenomenal women in theatre and they will host a Future Women debate on equality with young women to mark International Women’s Day.

Also supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, Hoxton Hall aims to encourage creatives from BAME backgrounds in the industry, welcoming three trainees into the venue to work in the technical department, directorial team and marketing and development department.

Karena Johnson is Artistic Director and CEO of Hoxton Hall. She has worked for 20 years as a theatre director, producer and champion facilitator of emerging artists; her pioneering career includes being Artistic Director of The Broadway in Barking, Director of Loud Talkin’, Acting Artistic Director of Contact Theatre in Manchester, Artistic Director of touring theatre company Kushite and five years as Head of Theatre Programming at Oval House Theatre. She has also been an Associate at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Nottingham Playhouse and NOW festival. Her work has been recognised with a TMA special award nomination for “theatre with cojones” for her Spin season at The Broadway an artistic response to the 2010 election and the local race between Labour and the official opposition the BNP.  Johnson has also won Arts and Business Award for Diversity and a Jerwood Young Directors Award. Her directing credits include The Royal Duchess Superstore (The Broadway in Barking, Half Moon Theatre), Forty (Hackney Empire), Sweet Yam Kisses (Lyric Hammersmith), Safe (West Yorkshire Playhouse), The Key Game (Riverside Studios), The Oddest Couple (Theatre Royal Stratford East) and Under Their Influence (Tricycle Theatre). She has also made a number of site specific works including the critically acclaimed Underneath – Nothing as Silent as Snow commissioned for the Black Seas Festival in the Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Crossings at the Liverpool docks, and Whose Blood performed in the Old Operating Theatre, London Bridge.

ABOUT HOXTON HALL
Nestled in the heart of lively Hoxton, the Grade II* listed Victorian Music Hall is rightfully known as the variety hall for the 21st century and is the home of contemporary performance. Since its re-launch in 2015 the stunning venue has hosted a range of productions from new writing, live music, immersive experiences and the best in stand-up, whilst also building a reputation for developing some of the most exciting emerging London talent; the Hall continues to nurture creators of the future through its flagship Youth Arts programme. Hoxton Hall celebrates Hackney’s grassroots talent, using a mix of professional artistic work and community engagement. Hoxton Hall are committed to ensuring that creativity is accessible to everyone regardless of background or circumstance in Hackney’s official creative hub.

 Hoxton Hall present

The world première of

ORANGES AND ELEPHANTS

Book and lyrics by Lil Warren

Director: Susie McKenna; Music and Arrangements: Jo Collins; Designer: Sara Perks

20 January – 10 February 2018

Press night: 23 January, 7.30pm

A new all-female musical about two rival female gangs in Victorian London. An Actor-Musician show blending Music Hall, Fairground and Musical Theatre storytelling.

The story follows Mary’s arrival in London and her introduction to gang life. How will she make her life expectancy of twenty-five when the two gangs are after owning her? Mary wants to be a Music Hall star. Nellie of The Elephants falls in love with Mary and they try to escape from thievery to the bright lights of Piccadilly.

This is a story of how important your wits are to survive if you are a poor woman in Victorian London. How you play the fame game set against a backdrop of a West End pickpocket turf war and an enormous divide between the rich and poor. “Same ol gravy, different flavour.”

Lil Warren has been creating for live performance for over twenty years. Her credits include Nine Lives, Ten Tales, Blackout (Soho Theatre), Lost Souls and Lunatics, Strange The Road (The Hope Theatre) and a promenade play The Changeling through Abney Park. She is currently working on a new play about the Miss World Competition. There is also a forthcoming film adaptation of Strange The Road.

Susie McKenna directs. She is currently Creative Executive Producer at Hackney Empire with the remit to develop new musical theatre for the venue – having left her role as Creative Director in January 2017. Her credits for Hackney Empire include Rudy’s Rare Records, Blues in the Night, Beau Jest, Sit and Shiver, Kat and Tameka Show, La Variété, Sing Out , Alter Ego, Once on this Island and Ha Ha Hackney. Other credits include A Midsummer Night’s Madness (National Black Theatre of Harlem, Hackney Empire Edinburgh Festival), A Christmas Carol (Arts Theatre London) and The Silver Sword (Coventry Belgrade Theatre, UK tour). Acting credits for theatre include Cats (Ambassadors Theatre), Ragtime (Piccadilly Theatre ), Chicago (Cambridge Theatre), The Witches of Eastwick (Drury Lane Theatre), Hair, The Rocky Horror Show, Jesus Christ Superstar and In The Midnight Hour (UK tour). For film her credits includes Jack and Sarah and Muppets Most Wanted.

Jumoke Fashola presents

JAZZ VERSE JUKEBOX

16 February & 9 March 2018

The eclectic Jazz Verse Jukebox returns to Hoxton Hall with a stunning line-up of wordsmiths and singers.

Jazz Verse Jukebox continues the age-old tradition of intertwining jazz improvisation and spoken word from some of the freshest female exponents on the scene. Plus a ‘Jukebox’ Open Mic for poets and singers. Hosted by, and with music from broadcaster/vocalist Jumoké Fashola.

Jumoké Fashola is the creator and host of Jazz Verse Jukebox. As a broadcaster she currently presents Inspirit with Jumoké Fashola on BBC Radio London. She previously presented The Ronnie Scott’s Radio Show. As a singer she has performed at venues including Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall and London Arena. She has also released a solo album The Condition of Being a Woman.

ABOUT JAZZ VERSE JUKEBOX

Established and upcoming spoken word poets and singers gather to share their artistry. Since its inception in 2009, Jazz Verse Jukebox, (the brainchild of Jumoké Fashola), has welcomed established poets & musicians such as Lemn Sissay, Soweto Kinch, Michael Horovitz, David Grant, Colin Salmon, Jacob Sam-La Rose and Katrina Naomi.

The Swing Time Dance Company present

SPRING SWING

17 February 2018

A fantastic opportunity for new or experienced dancers to learn in a unique setting.

Specialising in the Lindy Hop and the American Jitterbug, The Swing Time Dance Company has been running events and teaching for 20 years, offering fun and friendly swing dance tuition.

Led by UK open Lindy Hop Champion, Natasha Hall who dances Hollywood Style Lindy Hop. They set up the Swing Time Dance Company to provide high quality authentic dance teaching from the 1920s, 30s, 40s and 50s.

ABOUT THE SWING TIME DANCE COMPANY

The company specialises in Lindy Hop, the American Jitterbug that originated in Harlem in the late 1920s.  It is an energetic partnered dance that includes many Charleston steps as well as tricks, dips and aerial moves.  Collegiate Shag, the crazy college dance of the 30s, is a favourite along with the Balboa, a more refined and smoother dance with intricate footwork. They also teach original 50s line dances or strollers and classic routines like the Shim Sham and the Dean Collins Shim Sham.

With a beautiful and stylish collection of original clothes from the era they also enjoy bringing that period look to their appearance as well as to dancing.

Funny Women present

FUNNY WOMEN AWARDS: LONDON REGIONAL FINAL

22 – 23 February 2018

The awards that definitively answers the question ‘are women funny?’ – the Funny Women Awards – are now in their 15th year and take place this Autumn with heats around the country.

The Funny Women Awards have left a massive impression on the UK comedy scene. Previous winners and finalists include Bridget Christie, Zoe Lyons, Sara Pascoeand Katherine Ryan.

Since 2003 Funny Women has travelled the country in search of the stars of tomorrow, seeing over 3,000 contestants perform live at hundreds of heats. This year London’s Regional Final will take place at Hoxton Hall, the Funny Women Awards will also touch down in Dublin, Manchester, Exeter, Wolverhampton and Brighton.

Hoxton Hall and Jesus Paolini Park present

MS PAOLINI’S PHANTASMAGORIA CABARET

24 February 2018

Ms Paolini’s Phantasmagoria Cabaret is an unashamed celebration of theatre and comedy, which examines the issue of flitting between the real and inauthentic self.  Questions are asked of the id, the ego and the super-ego. Such as ‘Being wrong is right?’and ‘Urinating in the street is wrong, no?’….

Patrizia Paolini, the three gorgeous girls of Jesus Paolini Park, plus guest artists of a remarkable calibre make Phantasmagoria cabaret a highly engaging and original experience.

Patrizia Paolini is an award-winning theatre maker, performance artist, director and curator. Her work as a solo artist includes What Else? (Ovalhouse) and Where Are You From? (Ovalhouse, Camden People’s Theatre, UK and international tour). She has also collaborated with companies such as Wishbone, Dende Collective and the multi award-winning Ridiculusmus. Paolini is the founder of Jesus Paolini Park, their work includes Phantasmagoria (BAC, Exeter, Croydon Festival), Why Do We Dance? and Why Do We Dance? The Marathon (Battersea Arts Centre).

Upfront Comedy present

DESIREE BURCH: UNF*CKABLE

 2 March 2018

 Desiree Burch is a brash and provocative stand-up comedian, solo performance artist and storyteller from New York currently based in London. She takes a bull-in-a-china-shop approach to social anthropology – and riffs on the horrors of sleeping with someone born in the 1990s and being an expat amongst many other things. She is about to reach her biggest audience yet in the new series of Live at the Apollo. Age restriction: 18+

Vintage Misfits present

ORGANIC NUBIANS CLUB NIGHT

 3 March 2018

 Organic Nubians Club Night will take you on a musical journey of pure unadulterated Afropean sounds from the past, present and the future.

With Organic Nubian Explorers DJ Nubian Soul and DJ Marcia Carr playing beautiful Afropean earthly seeds such as Soul, R&B, Funk, Broken Beats, Neo Soul, Soulful House, Afro beats, Reggae, Disco and Classic Hip Hop all night to delight. Age restriction: 18+

 DJ Nubian Soul has performed as the main resident DJ for a Soul II Soul, Leicester Jazz, Blues & World Music Festival, Drop Beats not Bombs in Birmingham, UK Black Pride and Bruk Up. She has organised club nights around the UK including Sugahill (Preston/Liverpool), Urban Griot (Liverpool), Eclectik Lady (Birmingham), Soul Naturelle (UK) and Soulfly (London). She currently presents The Organic Nubian Show on Sonic Stream Radio. Her previous credits include The Upfront Showon BBC Radio Merseyside, The Expression Show on ELLE FM and Neonation Show on New Style Radio.

Hoxton Hall present

FEMALE PART SHORTS: A WOMAN ALONE

By Franca Rame and Dario Fo

In a translation by Gillian Hanna

Directed by Karena Johnson

13 March – 31 March 2018

Female Part Shorts press night:  15 March 2018, 7.30pm

A hilarious tragic farce about a housewife imprisoned in her own home by her ‘loving’ husband who incessantly calls her throughout the day to check on her. With no company except that of her injured hand wondering brother-in-law, she begins to make friends with the next door neighbour.

As she talks to her neighbour through the window, she suddenly comes to realisation her life isn’t as perfect as she thought, and that loving husband of hers is a pig like the rest of them.

A Woman Alone is a comedy that makes serious commentary on freedom, misogyny and power.

Produced by Hoxton Hall, A Woman Alone falls into Female Part Shorts series.

Hoxton Hall present

FEMALE PART SHORTS: THE IMMIGRANT

By OneNess Sankara

Directed by Karena Johnson

13 March – 31 March 2018

Female Part Shorts press night:  15 March 2018, 7.30pm

The Immigrant follows Ama, a highly accomplished Caribbean woman and space pioneer in her field. Instead of being praised as a role model she is portrayed as ruthless career woman who abandoned her child in order to pursue her career goals.

The Immigrant explores the guilt of a working mother amplified by distance. As she ponders the emotional cost of her choices and the judgement she faces from outsiders.

Produced by Hoxton Hall, The Immigrant falls into Female Part Shorts series.

OneNess Sankara is an award-winning singer, songwriter, lyricist, actress and director. She has performed at Glastonbury, Royal Festival Hall as well as on BBC, SKY and Choice FM. She has also performed as part of a poetry quartet, Best Kept Secret.

Hoxton Hall present

FEMALE PART SHORTS: A MOTHER

By Franca Rame and Dario Fo

In a translation by Ed Emery

Directed by Karena Johnson

13 March – 31 March 2018

Female Part Shorts press night:  15 March 2018, 7.30pm

Imagine you’re at home, after a long day at work, having dinner, mindlessly watching TV. As your eyes glaze over you hear a voice from the newsreader saying, “terrorist captured”, and the photo of the ruthless criminal flashes across your screen. Your heart suddenly stops as you realise that you know that ruthless criminal on your screen. Not only do you know him, he is your family member… even worse he’s your son!

A Mother tells the story of woman who discovers her son is a terrorist by seeing him on the news. As she watches the news she contemplates her part in his fate – Where did she go wrong in raising him?

Produced by Hoxton Hall, A Mother falls into Female Part Shorts series.

This season has been made possible by the generous support of Arts Council England, Foyle Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and Noël Coward Foundation.

Listings                                                                                                                              Hoxton Hall

130 Hoxton Street, London N1 6SH

www.hoxtonhall.co.uk

Twitter: @HoxtonHall

Facebook: /HoxtonHallTheatre

Instagram: hoxtonhall

Box Office:                          020 7684 0060

Monday – Friday, 12pm-6pm for advance sales and inquiries

Tickets for all shows are available to collect from the box office from one hour before the performance.

Concessions and group rates available, please contact the box office for more information.

SEASON AT A GLANCE

Hoxton Hall presents

ORANGES AND ELEPHANTS

Theatre

20 January – 10 February 2018

Press night:  23 January, 7.30pm

Jumoke Fashola present

JAZZ VERSE JUKEBOX

Theatre

16 February & 9 March 2018

The Swing Time Dance Company present

SPRING SWING

Theatre

17 February 2018

Tonic Theatre present

TONIC CELEBRATES

Theatre

21 February 2018

Funny Women present

FUNNY WOMEN AWARDS: LONDON REGIONAL FINAL

Theatre

22 – 23 February 2018

Funny Women present

FUNNY WOMEN (WORKSHOP)

May Scott Studio

24 February 2018

Hoxton Hall and Jesus Paolini Park present

MS PAOLINI’S PHANTASMAGORIA CABARET

Theatre

24 February 2018

Upfront Comedy

DESIREE BURCH: UNF*CKABLE

Theatre

2 March 2018

Vintage Misfits present

ORGANIC NUBIANS CLUB NIGHT

Theatre

3 March 2018

Hoxton Hall present

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY DEBATE

Theatre

8 March 2018

Hoxton Hall present

FEMALE PART SHORTS: THE WOMAN ALONE

Palmer Room & Theatre

13 March – 31 March 2018

Female Part Shorts press night:  15 March 2018, 7.30pm

Hoxton Hall present

FEMALE PART SHORTS: THE IMMIGRANT

Palmer Room & Theatre

13 March – 31 March 2018

Female Part Shorts press night:  15 March 2018, 7.30pm

Hoxton Hall present

FEMALE PART SHORTS: A MOTHER

Palmer Room & Theatre

13 March – 31 March 2018

Female Part Shorts press night:  15 March 2018, 7.30pm

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Sting’s The Last Ship to launch in Newcastle March 2018 ahead of major UK tour

Jimmy Nail Sting & Lorne Campbell
Jimmy Nail Sting & Lorne Campbell

Jimmy Nail Sting & Lorne Campbell – photo credit Mark Savage

The Last Ship – the acclaimed musical by the internationally renowned musician Sting – is to premiere in the UK when it opens at Northern Stage in Newcastle on 12 March 2018.

The production, which will star Jimmy Nail, has a TONY-nominated original score and lyrics composed by Sting. It will play a 4-week season in Newcastle before embarking on a major UK & Ireland Tour.

The production, which was initially inspired by Sting’s 1991 album The Soul Cages and his own childhood experiences, tells the story of a community amid the demise of the shipbuilding industry in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, with the closure of the town’s Swan Hunter shipyard.

When Gideon Fletcher returns home after seventeen years at sea, tensions between past and future flare in both his family and his town. The local shipyard, around which Wallsend has always revolved, is closing and no-one knows what will come next, only that a half-built ship towers over the terraces.

 The show is directed by Lorne Campbell, the artistic director of Northern Stage, with set design by the Tony Award-winning 59 Productions.

One of the country’s most exciting and acclaimed theatre directors, Edinburgh-born Lorne Campbell had his first professional job as an assistant director at Northern Stage, before returning as artistic director in 2013. A graduate of Channel 4’s Young Theatre Director scheme, he has previously worked with the Liverpool Everyman Playhouse, Bath Theatre Royal, Traverse Theatre and Greyscale theatre company, which he co-founded. Productions for Northern Stage include Get Carter, Dr Frankenstein and A Song For Ella Grey

This personal, political and passionate new musical from multiple Grammy Award winner Sting, is an epic account of a family, a community and a great act of defiance. With original music and lyrics by Sting, The Last Ship also features a few of his best-loved songs Island of Souls, All This Time and When We Dance.

This is the proud story of when the last ship sails.

Further casting to be announced.

The Last Ship is produced by Northern Stage in association with Karl Sydow and Kathryn Schenker.

2018 TOUR DATES

ON SALE FROM MONDAY 30 OCTOBER

Monday 12 March – Saturday 7 April

NORTHERN STAGE

northernstage.co.uk | 0191 230 5151

Monday 9 – Saturday 14 April

LIVERPOOL PLAYHOUSE

everymanplayhouse.com | 0151 709 4776

Monday 16 – Saturday 21 April

THE NEW ALEXANDRA, BIRMINGHAM

atgtickets.com/Birmingham | 0844 871 7647

 

Monday 23 – Saturday 28 April

ROYAL & DERNGATE, NORTHAMPTON

royalandderngate.co.uk | 01604 624 811

 

Monday 30 April – Saturday 5 May

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

leedsgrandtheatre.com | 0844 848 2700

Monday 7 – Saturday 12 May

NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE

nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk | 0115 941 9419

 

Monday 14 – Saturday 19 May

WALES MILLENIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF

wmc.org.uk | 029 2063 6464

Monday 28 May – Saturday 2 June

BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE, DUBLIN

bordgaisenergytheatre.ie | +353 1 677 7999

Monday 11 – Saturday 16 June

FESTIVAL THEATRE, EDINBURGH

edtheatres.com | 0131 529 6000

 

Monday 18 – Saturday 23 June

THEATRE ROYAL GLASGOW

atgtickets.com/Glasgow | 0844 871 7647

Monday 25 – Saturday 30 June

YORK THEATRE ROYAL

yorktheatreroyal.co.uk | 01904 623 568

 

Monday 2 – Saturday 7 July

THE LOWRY, SALFORD

thelowry.com | 0843 208 6000

 

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Playground Theatre, Peter Tate Interview: “Established and emerging artists will always be free to come here and try out new ideas.”

Back in 2001 Playground Theatre, London was founded as a space for artists to explore creative ideas, without being a fully-fledged venue. After restoration, with a budget of £270,000, the Playground Theatre is opening as a venue with a seating capacity of up to 200 with a flexible stage. This new dynamic theatre is in Ladbroke Grove and just ten minutes from Latimer Road tube station and it was recently announced that the Playground has been nominated for Peter Brook/Royal Court Theatre Support Award 2017.

peter[1].jpg

Peter Tate in rehearsals.

Peter Tate, who originally found the space, is co-director alongside Anthony Biggs, former artistic director of the Jermyn Street Theatre. The Playground’s premiere production, Picasso, stars Tate. He has had an extensive career as both an actor and businessman. Previously seen regularly at the National Theatre in leading roles whilst, at the same time, running successful commercial businesses.

The softly spoken 66-year-old explains that everything is on track. “Rehearsals are going well – one never wants to say too much at this stage,” he says. “It’s coming together really well. We are currently in technical rehearsals – it’s fine –  the actresses are great. Fingers crossed.”

What are the biggest trials of realising this ambitious venture? “The biggest challenge – and it is completely self-imposed: opening a new venue and this production at *about* the same time,” he says, laughing. “The fit out of the theatre has converged with the opening of the venue. Whilst rehearsing for Picasso I have been involved in helping to create the theatre at the same time. So, it is all hands-on deck!”

113474.jpg

As an industry, it is a miserable time and it seems potent that the inaugural production focusses on the life of Pablo Picasso, arguably the greatest artist of the 20th century but one who has been characterised as a misogynist. Tate is all too aware of the timing whilst working with a female heavy cast. “We have this Harvey Weinstein thing coming out of the closet and of course Picasso had a reputation for that kind behaviour… We are not sanitising what it is but we are very conscious that the situation is happening. Some of the material is challenging but the cast and creative team are all committed and responsive.”

He is, though, justly proud of what he has achieved. “Although we had a lot of success with the projects we developed here, there were many projects that were worthy of going into the public arena were left on the shop floor,” he says, “so now we can get that work off the ground and in front of audiences.”

How is The Playground different from other off-west end spaces? “We are very artist driven – we are not producer driven. I really want this place to be a home for artists to come here to use the space and knock an idea around. We take a fairly unique place in the London scene; an unconditional approach to collaborating. The reason for this theatre really is to create a place without pre-judgement and nowhere really has this ethos.”

The Playground will seek no charitable or government funding: investors paid for the building and initial production costs, but from now on it is meant to run on its revenues. Tate has a firm handle on proceedings. “Obviously now there is a huge amount of money going out now,” he admits, “there are five potential income streams’ and one of the aims is to be absolutely self-sufficient. We have a vibrant café bar, ticket sales, space rentals, one-off events that we are pushing and we will eventually have classical music concerts and a cinema.”

What sets this venture apart is the inclusive and ambitious plans for artist development, theatrical experiment and how deeply it’s plans are rooted in the local community. “I’d love the word to be out there that we are establishing this as a home for artists,” says Tate.

“There is a sense of home here. I’d like to say established and emerging artists will always be free to come and try out new ideas here.”

Picasso runs at The Playground from 5 November to 25 November, with previews from 1 November.

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Competition: – Win 2 x tickets to FOLLIES on Thurs 16 Nov 

Well, it’s that time of the year when I like to run a competition.

The prize in question is two tickets to the actual performance of FOLLIES at the National Theatre, London on Thursday 16 November. 

I repeat: the actual performance of the NT Live Broadcast of FOLLIES at our Royal National Theatre. Amazing.

New York, 1971. There’s a party on the stage of the Weismann Theatre. Tomorrow the iconic building will be demolished. Thirty years after their final performance, the Follies girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves.

Including such classic songs as Broadway Baby, I’m Still Here and Losing My Mind, Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical is staged for the first time at the National Theatre.

To win 2 x tickets to the performance on Thursday 16 November simply enter your name and email address in the sign up box below.

Closing date is Tuesday 14 November. And that is that.

Good luck.

Follies runs in the Olivier Theatre at the National until 3 January.

‘FYI’ Follies will be broadcast by NT Live to cinemas in the UK and internationally onThursday 16 November.

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The Ferryman extends run in the West End until 19 May 2018

The Ferryman
The Ferryman

The Ferryman – Artwork Design by Dewynters. Photo by Johan Persson

  • As the extraordinary demand for tickets continues, Jez Butterworth’s unanimously acclaimed The Ferryman, directed by Sam Mendes, will again extend its run at the Gielgud Theatre.
  •  The Ferryman is now booking until 19 May 2018.  Tickets for the new booking period go on sale today at9am.

The producers, Sonia Friedman Productions and Neal Street Productions, announced that Jez Butterworth’s The Ferryman,directed by Sam Mendes, will extend its run at the Gielgud Theatre for a second time.  The acclaimed production is now booking until 19 May 2018with tickets for the new booking period on sale today at 9am.

The Ferryman won widespread critical acclaim when it opened at the Royal Court and was the fastest selling show in the theatre’s history.  This phenomenal success has continued at the Gielgud Theatre where it has been playing to sold-out houses, with early morning queues on Shaftesbury Avenue for the £12 day seats each day.

Full casting for the new booking period will be confirmed soon.

Listings:

Gielgud Theatre
Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 6AR
Until 19 May 2018
Box Office: 0844 482 5130*
*calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your standard network charge
Online: www.TheFerrymanPlay.com
Monday to Saturday 7.00pm, Wednesday and Saturday matinees 1.30pm (no mid-week matinee on Wednesday 10 January).

Day seats will be available to purchase at £12 for every performance from 10.30am at the Box Office in person
Premium tickets are available

Age Guidance 14+ Contains strong language

Twitter: @TheFerrymanPlay
Facebook: /TheFerrymanPlay
#TheFerryman

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Dates and casting announced for new National Theatre season

National Theatre

Tickets go on sale for Rufus Norris’ Macbeth, with Rory Kinnear and Anne-Marie Duff, part of the Travelex Season with thousands of tickets available at £15

Cast announced for world premiere of The Great Wave, a co-production with the Tricycle Theatre, directed by Indhu Rubasingham

Full cast announced for UK premiere of Annie Baker’s John, directed by James Macdonald

30 years after the play’s rediscovery, Absolute Hell returns to the National in a new production directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins

Further cast announced for the revival of Amadeus

Tickets on sale for Justin Audibert’s new production of The Winter’s Tale for primary schools

Olivier theatre

MACBETH by William Shakespeare

Previews from 26 February, press night 6 March, on sale until 12 May with further performances to be announced

The ruined aftermath of a bloody civil war. Ruthlessly fighting to survive, the Macbeths are propelled towards the crown by forces of elemental darkness. Shakespeare’s most intense and terrifying tragedy is directed by Rufus Norris 25 years after his last Shakespeare production. Rory Kinnear and Anne-Marie Duff play Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Set design by Rae Smith, costume design by Moritz Junge, lighting design byJames Farncombe and sound design by Paul Arditti.

Hundreds of Travelex tickets available for every performance at £15.

Broadcast live as part of NT Live to cinemas worldwide on 10 May.

Lyttelton theatre

ABSOLUTE HELL by Rodney Ackland

Previews from 18 April, press night 25 April, on sale until 23 May with further performances to be announced

Bomb-blasted London. A Soho den in the hangover from World War II, where members drink into the darkness, night after night. Lying, fighting and seducing, these lost souls and bruised lovers struggle from the rubble of war towards an unknown future.

Rodney Ackland’s extraordinarily provocative play was condemned as ‘a libel on the British people’ when first performed in 1952. Now it emerges as an intoxicating plunge into post-war Soho; full of despair and longing. Joe Hill-Gibbins returns to the NT to direct a large ensemble in this new production.

Set design by Lizzie Clachan, with costumes designed by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting by Jon Clark, movement by Jenny Ogilvie, sound by Paul Arditti and the music director is Harvey Brough.

Dorfman theatre

JOHN by Annie Baker

Previews from 17 January, press night 24 January in repertoire until 3 March

The week after Thanksgiving. A bed and breakfast in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. A cheerful host welcomes a young couple struggling to salvage their relationship, while thousands of inanimate objects look on.

An uncanny new play by Annie Baker, whose Pulitzer Prize-winning The Flick had a sold-out run at the National in 2016. James Macdonalddirects the European premiere. Full cast includes Marylouise Burke, Tom Mothersdale, Anneika Rose and June Watson.

Design by Chloe Lamford, lighting design by Peter Mumford and sound design by Christopher Shutt.

Marylouise Burke is appearing with the support of UK Equity, incorporating the Variety Artistes’ Federation, pursuant to an exchange programme between American Equity and UK Equity.

New American Work programme supported by The Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, Lawton W Fitt & James I McLaren Foundation, Kathleen J Yoh and Time Warner Foundation, Inc.

THE GREAT WAVE a new play by Francis Turnly

a co-production with the Tricycle Theatre

Previews from 10 March, press night 19 March, playing until 14 April

On a Japanese beach, teenage sisters Hanako and Reiko are caught up in a storm. Reiko survives while Hanako is lost to the sea. Their mother, however, can’t shake the feeling that her missing daughter is still alive, and soon family tragedy takes on a global political dimension. Set in Japan and North Korea, Francis Turnly’s epic new thriller is directed by Artistic Director of the Tricycle Theatre Indhu Rubasingham in a co-production with the Tricycle Theatre.

Cast includes Kae Alexander, Rosalind Chao, Tuyen Do, Vincent Lai, Kwong Loke, Frances Mayli McCann, Kirsty Rider, Leo Wan andDavid Yip. Design by Tom Piper, video design by Luke Halls, lighting design by Oliver Fenwick, music by David Shrubsole, sound design byAlex Caplen, movement direction by Polly Bennett and fight direction by Kev McCurdy.

Rosalind Chao is appearing with the support of UK Equity, incorporating the Variety Artistes’ Federation, pursuant to an exchange programme between American Equity and UK Equity.

NINE NIGHT a new play by Natasha Gordon

Previews from 21 April, press night 30 April, playing until 25 May

Gloria is gravely sick. When her time comes, the celebration begins; the traditional Jamaican Nine Night Wake. But for Gloria’s children and grandchildren, marking her death with a party that lasts over a week is a test. Nine nights of music, food, sharing stories – and an endless parade of mourners.

Natasha Gordon’s debut play Nine Night is a touching and very funny exploration of the rituals of family. Roy Alexander Weise directs a cast including Franc Ashman, Oliver Alvin-Wilson, Rebekah Murrell and Cecilia Noble, with further casting to be announced. Design by Rajha Shakiry. Unallocated seating now available, more tickets released in January.

New productions on sale to public from 21 November

Updates on productions currently on sale

Olivier theatre

FOLLIES, book by James Goldman, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

In the repertoire until 3 January 2018

New York, 1971. There’s a party on the stage of the Weismann Theatre. Tomorrow the iconic building will be demolished. Thirty years after their final performance, the Follies girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves. Including such classic songs as ‘Broadway Baby’, ‘I’m Still Here’ and ‘Losing My Mind’, Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical is staged for the first time at the NT. Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton play the magnificent Follies in this dazzling new production. Featuring a cast of 37 and an orchestra of 21, the production is directed by Dominic Cooke (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom).

The cast includes Julie Armstrong, Norma Atallah, Josephine Barstow, Jeremy Batt, Tracie Bennett, Di Botcher, Billy Boyle, Janie Dee,Anouska Eaton, Liz Ewing, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Peter Forbes, Emily Goodenough, Bruce Graham, Adrian Grove, Fred Haig, Aimee Hodnett, Dawn Hope, Liz Izen, Alison Langer, Emily Langham, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, Ian McLarnon, Leisha Mollyneaux, Gemma Page, Kate Parr, Philip Quast, Edwin Ray, Gary Raymond, Adam Rhys-Charles, Jordan Shaw, Imelda Staunton, Zizi Strallen, Barnaby Thompson, Christine Tucker, Michael Vinsen and Alex Young.

Design by Vicki Mortimer, choreography by Bill Deamer, music supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, additional orchestrations by Josh Clayton, music director Nigel Lilley, lighting design by Paule Constable and sound design by Paul Groothuis.

Follies is sold out but tickets are available via Friday Rush, Day Tickets and possible returns.

Follies is supported by Swarovski and by the Follies production syndicate.

Broadcast Live to cinemas worldwide on 16 November.

SAINT GEORGE AND THE DRAGON a new play by Rory Mullarkey

In the repertoire until 2 December

A village. A dragon. A damsel in distress. Into the story walks George: wandering knight, freedom fighter, enemy of tyrants the world over. One epic battle later and a nation is born. As the village grows into a town, and the town into a city, the myth of Saint George, which once brought a people together, threatens to divide them.

John Heffernan plays Saint George with Julian Bleach as the Dragon. The cast also includes Suzanne Ahmet, Jason Barnett, Luke Brady,Paul Brennen, Joe Caffrey, Paul Cawley, Richard Goulding, Gawn Grainger, Tamzin Griffin, Ravel Guzman, Stephanie Jacob, Lewin Lloyd, Olwen May, Victoria Moseley, Conor Neaves, Amaka Okafor, Sharita Oomeer, Jeff Rawle, Kirsty Rider and Grace Saif.

Rory Mullarkey creates a new folk tale for an uneasy nation. Directed by Lyndsey Turner (Chimerica, Light Shining in Buckinghamshire), with design by Rae Smith, choreography by Lynne Page, lighting design by Bruno Poet, music by Grant Olding, sound design by Christopher Shutt, projection design by Betsy Dadd and fight direction by Bret Yount.

Hundreds of Travelex tickets at £15 available per performance.

This play is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Plays Award.

AMADEUS by Peter Shaffer

Previews from 11 January, press night 18 January, playing until 24 April

Following a sell-out run last year, Amadeus returns to the Olivier in 2018.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a rowdy young prodigy, arrives in Vienna determined to make a splash. Awestruck by his genius, court composer Antonio Salieri has the power to promote his talent or destroy it. Seized by obsessive jealousy he begins a war with Mozart, with music and, ultimately, with God.

Michael Longhurst‘s acclaimed production of Peter Shaffer‘s iconic play features live orchestral accompaniment by Southbank Sinfonia. Adam Gillen and Lucian Msamati reprise the roles of Mozart and Salieri. Cast also includes Sarah Amankwah, Fleur de Bray, Wendy Dawn Thompson, Nicholas Gerard-Martin, Christopher Godwin, Matthew Hargreaves, Adelle Leonce, Michael Lyle, Andrew Macbean,Alexandra Mathie, Eamonn Mulhall, Ekow Quartey, Hugh Sachs, Matthew Spencer, Everal A Walsh and Peter Willcock.

Amadeus is directed by Michael Longhurst with design by Chloe Lamford, music direction and additional music by Simon Slater, choreography by Imogen Knight, lighting design by Jon Clark and sound design by Paul Arditti.

Amadeus is produced in association with Southbank Sinfonia, and supported by the Amadeus production syndicate.

Lyttelton

NETWORK, adapted by Lee Hall, based on the Paddy Chayefsky film

Previews from 4 November, press night 13 November, continuing in the repertoire until 24 March

Howard Beale, news anchor-man, isn’t pulling in the viewers. In his final broadcast he unravels live on screen. But when the ratings soar, the network seizes on their new found populist prophet, and Howard becomes the biggest thing on TV.

Network depicts a dystopian media landscape where opinion trumps fact. Hilarious and horrifying by turns, the iconic film by Paddy Chayefskywon four Academy Awards in 1976. Now, Lee Hall (Billy Elliot, Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour) and director Ivo van Hove (Hedda Gabler) bring Chayefsky’s masterwork to the stage for the first time, with Bryan Cranston (All the Way, for which he won the Tony for Best Actor, Breaking Bad and Trumbo for which he was nominated for an Oscar) in the role of Howard Beale.

The cast also includes Charles Babalola, Tobi Bamtefa, Ed Begley, Alex Bonney, Tom Challenger, Richard Cordery, Isabel Della-Porta,Michelle Dockery, Kit Downes, Ian Drysdale, Michael Elwyn, Caroline Faber, Robert Gilbert, Pete Harden, Douglas Henshall, Tom Hodgkins, Tunji Kasim, Andrew Lewis, Beverley Longhurst, Evan Milton, Stuart Nunn, Rebecca Omogbehin, Patrick Poletti, Danny Szam,Paksie Vernon and Matthew Wright.

Set and lighting design by Jan Versweyveld, video design by Tal Yarden, costume design by An D’Huys, music and sound by Eric Sleichim and creative associate Krystian Lada.

A very limited number of additional on-stage seats are now available for Foodwork – an immersive on-stage dining experience.

Network is produced in association with Patrick Myles, David Luff, Ros Povey and Lee Menzies.

Production supported by Marcia Grand in memory of Richard Grand and by Kors Le Pere Theatricals LLC

PINOCCHIO by Dennis Kelly, adapted by Martin Lowe

With songs and score from the Walt Disney film by Leigh Harline, Ned Washington and Paul J Smith

Previews from 1 December, press night 13 December, on sale until 7 April

On a quest to be truly alive, Pinocchio leaves Geppetto’s workshop with Jiminy Cricket in tow. Their electrifying adventure takes them from alpine forests to Pleasure Island to the bottom of the ocean. This spectacular new production brings together the director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the writer of Matilda the Musical.

For the first time on stage, featuring unforgettable music and songs from the Walt Disney film including ‘I’ve Got No Strings’, ‘Give a Little Whistle’ and ‘When You Wish upon a Star’ in dazzling new arrangements, Pinocchio comes to life as never before.

Cast includes Joe Idris-Roberts (Pinocchio), Audrey Brisson (Jiminy Cricket), Annette McLaughlin (Blue Lady), Mark Hadfield (Gepetto),David Langham (The Fox), David Kirkbride (Coachman), Dawn Sievewright (Lampy), Gershwyn Eustache Jnr (Stromboli), together withStuart Angell, Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge, Stephanie Bron, James Charlton, Rebecca Jayne-Davies, Sarah Kameela Impey, Anabel Kutay, Michael Lin, Jack North, Clemmie Sveaas, Michael Taibi, Scarlet Wilderink and Jack Wolfe.

John Tiffany directs Pinocchio by Dennis Kelly, with songs and score from the Walt Disney film by Leigh Harline, Ned Washington and Paul J Smith newly adapted by Martin Lowe. Design and puppet co-design by Bob Crowley, lighting design by Paule Constable, music supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe, music direction by Tom Brady, movement direction by Steven Hoggett, puppetry and puppet co-design by TobyOlié, sound design by Simon Baker and illusions by Jamie Harrison.

Half-price tickets for under-18s are available for all performances (excluding £15 tickets).

There will be a relaxed performance of Pinocchio on 17 March at 1.30pm

Presented by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions.

Sponsored by American Express.

Dorfman theatre

BEGINNING a new play by David Eldridge

Playing until 14 November

It’s the early hours of the morning and Danny’s the last straggler at Laura’s party. The flat’s in a mess. And so are they. One more drink? Polly Findlay directs this new play by David Eldridge (Market Boy, Under the Blue Sky, In Basildon). Tender and funny, it’s an intimate look at the first fragile moments of risking your heart and taking a chance. Justine Mitchell plays Laura, Sam Troughton plays Danny.

Design by Fly Davis, lighting design by Jack Knowles, sound design by Paul Arditti and movement direction by Naomi Said.

BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES by Inua Ellams

a co-production with Fuel and West Yorkshire Playhouse

Previews from 20 November, playing until the 9 January

Following critically acclaimed seasons at the National Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse, Barber Shop Chronicles returns to the National Theatre this November.

Inua Ellams’ dynamic new play leaps from a barber shop in Peckham to Johannesburg, Harare, Kampala, Lagos and Accra. Newsroom, political platform, local hot spot, confession box, preacher-pulpit and football stadium.

For generations, African men have gathered in barber shops to discuss the world. These are places where the banter can be barbed and the truth is always telling.

The cast includes Fisayo Akinade, Hammed Animashaun, Peter Bankolé, Maynard Eziashi, Simon Manyonda, Patrice Naiambana, Cyril Nri, Kwami Odoom, Sule Rimi, Abdul Salis, David Webber, and Anthony Welsh all returning to reprise their roles.

Directed by Bijan Sheibani, with design by Rae Smith, lighting design by Jack Knowles, movement direction by Aline David sound design byGareth Fry, music direction by Michael Henry and fight direction by Kev McCurdy.

Barber Shop Chronicles is a co-production with Fuel and West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Barber Shop Chronicles is co-commissioned by Fuel and the National Theatre.  Development funded by Arts Council England with the support of Fuel, National Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, The Binks Trust, British Council ZA, Òran Mór and A Play, a Pie and a Pint.

At the Young Vic

THE JUNGLE by Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson

a Young Vic and National Theatre co-production with Good Chance Theatre, commissioned by the National Theatre

Previews from 7 December, press night 15 December playing until 6 January 2018

This is the place people suffered and dreamed. Okot wants nothing more than to get to the UK. Beth, wants nothing more than to help him. Meet the hopeful, resilient residents of ‘The Jungle’ – just across the Channel, right on our doorstep. Join refugees and volunteers from around the world over fresh-baked naan and sweet milky chai at the Afghan Café.

From Good Chance Theatre, a new play where worlds collide. In the worst places, you meet the best people.

The Jungle by Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson of Good Chance Theatre tells stories of loss, fear, community and hope. Europe’s largest unofficial refugee camp, the Calais ‘Jungle’ became a temporary home for more than 10,000 people at its peak – many desperate to find a way to enter the UK.

Commissioned by the NT in a co-production with the Young Vic The Jungle is directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, set design byMiriam Buether, costume design by Catherine Kodicek, sound design by Paul Arditti and lighting by Jon Clark. Opening at the Young Vic in December, cast to be announced.

Generously supported by Glenn and Phyllida Earle, Clive and Sally Sherling, and The Aziz Foundation

Shakespeare for younger audiences

The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare

a new version for young audiences by Justin Audibert and the company

Opening 14 February 2018

Justin Audibert directs a new production of The Winter’s Tale for primary schools and families, opening in the Dorfman theatre in February 2018 and touring to primary schools across London accompanied by a creative learning programme. This exciting new version of the play, adapted by Justin and the company, is the perfect introduction to Shakespeare for younger audiences, designed by Lucy Sierra with music by Jonathan Girling. Family workshops are available in February half-term.

Supported by The Ingram Trust, Archie Sherman Charitable Trust, Behrens Foundation, Jill and David Leuw, St Olave’s Foundation Fund

The National Theatre’s Partner for Learning is Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

In the West End

OSLO a new play by J. T. Rogers

The Lincoln Center Theatre Production at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Direct from a multi-award-winning season on Broadway and a critically acclaimed, sold-out run at the National Theatre, Bartlett Sher’s production of J.T. Rogers’ gripping political thriller Oslo in now playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre until 30 December 2017.

Oslo tells the true story of how two maverick Norwegian diplomats Terje Rød-Larsen, (Toby Stephens – Black Sails, Private Lives) and Mona Juul, (Lydia Leonard – Wolf Hall, Life in Squares) planned and orchestrated top-secret, high-level meetings between the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation, which culminated in the signing of the historic 1993 Oslo Accords. OsloThePlay.com 

In association with Ambassador Theatre Group / Gavin Kalin Productions / Glass Half Full Productions.

The National Theatre on tour

The NT will tour to 40 venues in 36 towns and cities across the UK, for a total of 115 playing weeks, until March 2019

WAR HORSE based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford, in association with the award-winning Handspring Puppet Company

The unforgettable theatrical event based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel is now on a 10th anniversary UK tour. Nick Stafford’s adaptation of this remarkable story of courage, loyalty and friendship features ground-breaking puppetry by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing, galloping horses to life on stage. War Horse is directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, designed by Rae Smith, with puppet direction, design and fabrication by Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company, lighting by Paule Constable, movement and horse choreography by Toby Sedgwick, video design by Leo Warner and Mark Grimmer for 59 Productions, songmaker John Tams, music by Adrian Sutton and sound by Christopher Shutt. Katie Henry is the revival director and Craig Leo is the associate puppetry director.  The resident puppetry director is Matthew Forbes and resident director, Charlotte Peters.

For tour venues and dates, visit warhorseonstage.co.uk.

War Horse in Salford and Sunderland is supported by The Garfield Weston Foundation.

HEDDA GABLER by Henrik Ibsen, in a new version by Patrick Marber

Following a sold-out run at the National Theatre earlier this year, Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, in a new version by Patrick Marber, directed by Ivo van Hove, is now touring the UK and Ireland visiting Leicester, Salford, Norwich, Hull, Aberdeen, Northampton, Glasgow, Wolverhampton, Woking, Nottingham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, York, Milton Keynes and Dublin. Set and lighting design for Hedda Gabler is by Jan Versweyveld, with costume design by An D’Huys and sound by Tom Gibbons. The associate directors are Jeff James and Rachel Lincoln. For tour venues and dates, visit heddagableronstage.com

Hedda Gabler in Salford and Wolverhampton is supported by The Garfield Weston Foundation.

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS by Duncan Macmillan

a co-production with Headlong

Following a critically-acclaimed, sold-out season at the National Theatre and in London’s West End, People, Places & Things is now on a major UK tour for Headlong in a co-production with the National Theatre, HOME and Exeter Northcott Theatre. People, Places & Things is written byDuncan Macmillan, and directed by Jeremy Herrin with Holly Race Roughan. The play features set designs by Bunny Christie, costumes byChristina Cunningham, lighting by James Farncombe, music by Matthew Herbert, sound by Tom Gibbons and video design by Andrzej Goulding. Touring to Bristol, Exeter, Southampton, Liverpool and Cambridge for dates, visit the website.

THIS HOUSE by James Graham

Jonathan Church Productions and Headlong present the National Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre production of This House, produced in the West End by Nica Burns, Neal Street Productions and Headlong. James Graham’s smash-hit political drama examining the 1974 hung parliament tours the UK for the first time. Directed by Jeremy Herrin, the production is designed by Rae Smith, with lighting design by Paule Constable, music by Stephen Warbeck, choreography by Scott Ambler and sound by Ian Dickinson. UK tour begins in February 2018 and tours to Leeds, Cambridge, Bath, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Birmingham, Salford, Plymouth, Norwich, Malvern, Guildford and Sheffield for dates, visit the website.

International

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS by Duncan Macmillan

produced in New York by the National Theatre, St Ann’s Warehouse, Bryan Singer Productions and Headlong

People, Places & Things is currently playing at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn until 3 December following a sold-out season at the National Theatre and in London’s West End. Denise Gough reprises her Olivier award-winning role in the American premiere of People, Places & Things at St. Ann’s Warehouse – a raw, heartbreaking and truthful performance about life spinning recklessly out of control. This American premiere marks the first collaboration between St. Ann’s Warehouse and the National Theatre.

For more information visit the website.

ANGELS IN AMERICA: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes by Tony Kushner

The great work returns to Broadway from February 2018. Angels in America will open at the Neil Simon Theater on 25 March. The NT production of Tony Kushner’s epic masterwork, Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes, returns to Broadway for the first time since its now-legendary original production opened in 1993. Starring two-time Tony Award® winner Nathan Lane and Academy Award® and Tony Award nominee Andrew Garfield, the cast of Angels in America will also feature Susan Brown, Denise Gough, Amanda Lawrence, James McArdle,Lee Pace and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett. Angels in America is directed by Marianne Elliott. Set design by Ian MacNeil, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Paule Constable, music by Adrian Sutton, sound design by Ian Dickinson, puppetry design is by Nick Barnes andFinn Caldwell (also Puppetry Director and Movement), movement direction by Robby Graham, and illusions by Chris Fisher. Angels in Americais produced by NT America, Jujamcyn Theaters and Elliott & Harper Productions. For more information visit angelsbroadway.com

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME based on the novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens

The NT’s Olivier and Tony Award®-winning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is now on an international tour, visiting the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore, with further international dates to be announced.  The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time recently completed a North American tour which took in 30 cities across the USA at a 25-date UK and Ireland tour.

The play is adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s best-selling book, and directed by Marianne Elliott. The production is designed byBunny Christie, with lighting design by Paule Constable, video design by Finn Ross, movement by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett for Frantic Assembly, music by Adrian Sutton and sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph. For more information visit http://www.curiousonstage.com/global/

National Theatre Live

NT Live currently screens to 60 countries across the globe.

Stephen Sondheim’s Follies directed by Dominic Cooke features a cast of 37 including, Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton. Broadcast live on 16 November.

Rory Kinnear plays Marx and Oliver Chris plays Engels in Young Marx directed by Nicholas Hytner and broadcast live from the Bridge Theatre on 7 December.

Benedict Andrews directs Sienna Miller and Jack O’Connell in The Young Vic production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Captured during its West End run and broadcast on 22 February 2018.

Nicholas Hytner directs Ben Whishaw, Michelle Fairley, David Calder and David Morrissey in Julius Caesar. Broadcast from the Bridge Theatre on 22 March 2018.

Rory Kinnear and Anne-Marie Duff appear in a new production of Macbeth, directed by Rufus Norris. Broadcast live from the National Theatre on10 May.

Simon Godwin’s production of Antony and Cleopatra with Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo will be broadcast live from the National Theatre. Date tbc.

Sky Arts is the sponsor of NT Live in the UK

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Bristol Old Vic Young Company present Simon Stephens’ award-winning tale of adolescence, Punk Rock

Everything human beings do finishes up bad in the end. Everything good human beings ever make is built on something monstrous. Nothing lasts. We certainly won’t…”

Tickets went on sale today for Bristol Old Vic Young Company’s next production, Simon Stephens’ Punk Rock, which will play in The Lantern at Colston Hall in January 2018.

In an old library of a private grammar school, a group of pupils feel the pressure of looming mock exams. As the tests creep nearer, the teenagers must balance the viciousness of adolescence and the expectations of adulthood; inevitably, something has to give.

Directed by Lisa Gregan (Young Company Director), this vital and immediate play tackles the moment in secondary school where it feels like your life hangs in the balance: Year 13. Simon Stephens’ play “evokes the twilight world of the teenager with scary vividness” (The Telegraph). Under a veneer of prosperity, these intelligent, engaged and well-educated young people are beginning to crack under the pressure. When it feels like your entire future depends on this very moment, how are young people expected to deal with the demands upon them?

Speaking today, Lisa said: “What is exciting about working with this gritty text, is the opportunity to develop a tight-knit company with a dynamic and creative group of young actors. Slipping into the characters’ very real and relatable shoes is an exciting theatrical challenge for members of our brilliant Young Company.”

Bristol Old Vic Young Company is one of the largest regional youth theatres in the UK, home to over 350 young people aged 5-25 from across the South West who take part in an ongoing programme of weekly sessions, theatre masterclasses, community projects and full-scale performances. They are a training ground for young people to find their voice, express creativity and make work that reflects the world they live in. They aim to maximise opportunities for involvement by keeping fees as low as possible and by offering financially assisted places to more young people than ever before.

Young Company is home to young people from every ward in the city, and continues to expand through satellite projects across Bristol, connecting with young people who find it difficult to participate in arts activity, to provide a rich education through the arts and develop deeper engagement with local communities across the city.

Punk Rock will be performed in The Lantern at Colston Hall as part of Bristol Old Vic’s Studio Walkabout season, which allows the Studio work to continue at alternative venues until Bristol Old Vic completes its redevelopment in Autumn 2018.

Presented by Bristol Old Vic Young Company
10-13 Jan 2018
Punk Rock
Part of Bristol Old Vic’s Studio Walkabout season

Press Night: Thu 11 Jan at 7.30pm

The Lantern at Colston Hall
7.30pm, 2.30pm (Sat mat)
£13/£9 conc

Tickets: bristololdvic.org.uk / 0117 987 7877

@BristolOldVicYC | #PunkRock

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