Relaxed performance of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ announced

A Relaxed Performance of the National Theatre’s multi award-winning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will take place at the Piccadilly Theatre on Saturday 6 April at 2.30 pm, to coincide with World Autism Awareness Week.

Relaxed performances are specifically designed to welcome people who will benefit from a more relaxed environment, including people on the autism spectrum, or with sensory and communication difficulties, or a learning disability.  At this performance there will be a relaxed attitude to noise and movement in the auditorium and some small changes made to the light and sound effects.  These performances have previously been described as ‘the opposite of the quiet carriage on the train.’

It follows the success of previous National Theatre Relaxed performances for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-TIme including in the Cottesloe at the National Theatre (2012), on Broadway (2014), in the West End (2016) and on tour in Salford (2014), Southampton (2015), Birmingham (2017), Melbourne (2018) and Singapore (2018).

Lighting and special effects will be adapted for the performance, such as removing strobes and flashing lights and reducing very loud noises; and audience movement and interaction will be welcome. Parts of the Piccadilly Theatre foyer will be available as a quiet space to relax for those who need to leave and re-enter the auditorium during the show.  After the performance, the audience will be welcome to stay for a ‘Question and Answer’ session with the actors who will be in costume but out of character. There will be trained and welcoming staff around the theatre for the duration of the performance.

A visual story and supporting video will be available to download from the website from early March: curiousonstage.com. These materials were created in consultation with the Youth Patrons from the charity Ambitious About Autism.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, based on Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel, has been adapted by Simon Stephensand directed by Marianne, is the winner of seven Olivier Awards in 2013, including Best New Play, Best Director, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design.

The show tells the story of Christopher John Francis Boone, who is fifteen years old. He stands besides Mrs Shears’ dead dog, which has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in a book he is writing to solve the mystery of who killed Wellington. He has an extraordinary brain and is exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world.

Sam Newton (Alternate Christopher) plays Christopher Boone, the fifteen-year old maths genius with behavioural problems. The cast is completed by Julie Hale, as his teacher, Siobhan, Emma Beatie (Judy), Lynette Clarke (Ensemble), Eliza Collings (Ensemble), Kieran Garland (Understudy), Emma-Jane Goodwin (Understudy), Lucas Hare (Ensemble), Joshua Jenkins (Christopher) Gemma Knight Jones (Ensemble), Stuart Laing (Ed), Sean McKenzie (Ensemble), Joe Rising (Understudy), Craig Stein (Ensemble) and Rose Riley (Understudy).

The production is designed by Bunny Christie, with lighting designer Paule Constable, and video design by Finn Ross. Movement is by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett for Frantic Assembly, music by Adrian Sutton and sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph. The associate director is Katy Rudd.

It is produced by the National Theatre, Ambassador Theatre Group, Gavin Kalin Productions and Glass Half Full Productions.

Suitable for ages 11 years +

Relaxed Performance Information

Address: Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, London W1D 7DY

Tickets: £30

Tickets for the relaxed performance are bookable by telephone only via the National Theatre on 020 7452 3000 or via ATG Tickets on 0800 912 6971.*

*Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

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Cast and creative team announced for the world premiere of Kazu Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day

The Remains of the Day

Cast and creative team and tour details announced for world premiere of Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day, adapted for the stage by Barney Norris.

  • Cast to include Stephen Boxer and Niamh Cusack
  • 2017 Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day is adapted for the stage by Barney Norris, directed by Christopher Haydon and designed by Lily Arnold, lighting design by Mark Howland and sound design by Elena Peña
  • Commissioned by Royal & Derngate and co-produced by Royal & Derngate and Out of Joint in association with Oxford Playhouse
  • After its world premiere in Northampton the production embarks on a 10 week Out of Joint tour including Oxford Playhouse, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Salisbury Playhouse, Theatre Royal York, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Nuffield Southampton, Derby Theatre and Bristol Old Vic

The cast and full creative team, along with details of the Spring 2019 tour, has been announced today for The Remains of the Day, a co-production between Royal & Derngate, Northampton and Out of Joint, in association with Oxford Playhouse. The cast will be led by Stephen Boxer (Regeneration, Royal & Derngate) and Niamh Cusack (The Winter’s Tale, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse).

2017 Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro’s masterpiece has entranced generations as a novel and its story of memory, regret and undeclared love is now re-imagined for the stage for the first time by one of Britain’s most exciting young writers, Barney Norris (At First Sight, Oxford Playhouse; Visitors, Arcola Theatre – Critics’ Circle Award and Offwestend Award for Most Promising Playwright for Visitors, Arcola Theatre; Times best-selling novelist) in collaboration with Ishiguro himself.

Through the memories of a proud butler, we discover the shocking, morally compromised truth behind the manicured gardens and grand receptions of an English stately home. Years later, faced with a life half-lived, he sets out on a journey to find the friend from his past who might finally offer him redemption.

The Remains of the Day will be directed by Christopher Haydon (Twelve Angry Men, Birmingham Rep and West End; Fringe First and Offie-winning Grounded, Traverse Theatre Edinburgh, Studio Theatre Washington DC, national and international tour; On The Exhale, Traverse Theatre), who recently directed Royal & Derngate’s co-production of The Caretaker. The production will be designed by Lily Arnold (Rules for Living, Royal & Derngate; Yellow Face, National Theatre Shed). Lighting design is by Mark Howland (Soul, Royal & Derngate/Hackney Empire; Twelve Angry Men, Birmingham Rep and West End; several productions for English Touring Opera) and sound design is by Elena Peña (Misty, Bush Theatre; The Bear/The Proposal, Young Vic; The Caretaker, Royal & Derngate and Bristol Old Vic).

The cast will be led by Stephen Boxer as the butler Stevens. His credits include Stories, Macbeth and King Lear (National Theatre) and Regeneration (Royal & Denrgate and Touring Consortium Theatre Company). Kenton is played by Niamh Cusack whose stage credits include My Brilliant Friend at Rose Theatre Kingston and The Winter’s Tale at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. The cast also includes Stephen Critchlow, Pip Donaghy, Edward Franklin, Miles Richardson, Sadie Shimmin and Patrick Toomey.

The play will open at Royal & Derngate, Northampton in February, as part of the theatre’s Made in Northampton season, with a National Press night on Wednesday 27 February, and will tour nationally from March 2019. The tour venues will include Oxford Playhouse, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Salisbury Playhouse, Theatre Royal York, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Nuffield Southampton Derby Theatre, and Bristol Old Vic.

Kate Wasserberg, Artistic Director of Out of Joint, said: “Out of Joint are absolutely delighted to be working with Royal & Derngate and Oxford Playhouse to bring Ishiguro’s seminal story to stages around the country. We’re incredibly excited to be working with Barney and Chris to adapt this classic tale of love, loss and regret.”

James Dacre, Artistic Director of Royal & Derngate, added: “After several years of development, we can’t wait to bring the world premiere of the iconic story to the stage. We are thrilled to be working with playwright Barney Norris and delighted to be welcoming Christopher Haydon back to Royal & Derngate.”

The Made in Northampton season is sponsored locally by Michael Jones Jewellers.

#RemainsTour19

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Joe McFadden to star in Mark Goucher and Jason Donovan’s UK tour of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Joe-McFadden
Joe-McFadden

Joe McFadden

  • Joe Mcfadden to star in a brand-new production of the cult classic Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert
  • Producers Mark Goucher and Jason Donovan announce extension through to Spring 2020
  • Paul Kerryson will direct the show which will open in Dartford in September 2019 ahead of a UK And Ireland Tour

Mark Goucher and first-time producer Jason Donovan have today announced that actor and Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden will star in their brand-new production of the much-loved glittering hit musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The producers have also announced today that the tour will continue through 2020. The show, which was announced last year, will tour the UK and Ireland from September 2019. It marks Donovan’s first time as a producer, having performed in the cast of the original West End production and two subsequent UK tours. The producing team is completed by Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert will preview in Dartford from 5 September 2019.

Joe McFadden’s theatre credits include: House on Cold Hill (UK tour); The Missing (National Theatre of Scotland); Rainbow Kiss (Royal Court); Torch Song Trilogy (Menier Chocolate Factory); Rent (West End); Haunting Julia (Colchester Mercury/ UK Tour); She Loves Me (Chichester Festival Theatre); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (The Edinburgh Playhouse); A Life In The Theatre (Royal Lyceum Edinburgh); How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying; (Chichester Festival Theatre); 15 Seconds (Traverse Theatre ); Aladdin (The Old Vic); Entertaining Mr Sloane (Theatre Clwyd). Television credits include:  Holby City (BBC); Casualty (BBC); Heartbeat (ITV/YTV); Cranford (BBC);Sparkhouse (BBC/Red Productions); A Mortal God (BBC); Reverse Psychology (BBC); Judge John Deed (BBC/One Eyed Dog); The Glass (ITV1/Granada); The Law(ITV1/Pearson); Sex, Chips & Rock n’ Roll (BBC); The Crow Road (BBC/Union Pictures). Film includes:  Small Faces; Dad Savage; Zig Zag Love; The Trouble with Men and Women; Bumping The Odds.

Newly announced cities that the tour will visit include: Southampton; Plymouth; Nottingham; Dublin; Cambridge; Newcastle; Southend; Sheffield; Carlisle; Ipswich; Leeds; Oxford; Birmingham; Glasgow; Cardiff; Bristol.  Full listings are still to be announced.

Joe McFadden said: “I’m over the moon to be taking on this new and exciting challenge in a musical that I have been a massive fan of for such a long time. I’m looking forward to working with this wonderful production team, including Jason whose guidance I feel especially lucky to have given his previous experience with the production.  I can’t wait to take the Priscilla bus on the road and have a bonzer time making the role my own!”

Mark Goucher said: “Joe is great casting for Priscilla. He is a very strong musical theatre performer and will bring great charm and integrity to this new production of a great musical.”

Jason Donovan said: “So pleased to announce Joe be starring in our production. He’s a down to earth, talented guy who will bring enormous warmth to the role of Mitzi. I can’t wait to see him in heels doing those dance routines…. Awesome.”

The iconic hit musical has more glitter than ever before, featuring a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife, Finally and many more.

Based on the Oscar-winning film, PRISCILLA is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.

This brand new production comes from the team behind the critically acclaimed UK tours of Hairspray; with direction by Paul Kerryson, choreography by Tom Jackson-Greaves with designs by Phil R Daniels and Charles Cusick Smith, lighting design by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Ben Harrison.

PriscillaUKTour.com & PriscillaUKTour.co.uk

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Richard Eyre directs Penelope Wilton in a major revival of David Hare’s The Bay At Nice

Penelope Wilton

The Menier Chocolate Factory today announced a major revival of David Hare’s The Bay at Nice. Richard Eyre directs Martin Hutson, Ophelia Lovibond, David Rintouland Penelope Wilton. The production opens on 19 March, with previews from 14 March, and runs until 4 May. Tickets go on sale to supporters of the Menier on 21 January, with public booking opening at 9am on 28 January.

In Leningrad in 1956, Valentina Nrovka has been invited to the Hermitage to offer her opinion on the authenticity of a Matisse painting, as she knew the great artist personally. Her daughter Sophia, also a painter, meets her there to seek her mother’s help, both financially and politically. This first London revival of David Hare’s play, since its première at the National Theatre in 1986, explores a mother and daughter’s fight for personal ideals and domestic responsibilities, as well as the choices made both in life and art.

David Hare is an Olivier Award winning playwright and Academy Award nominated screenwriter. As a playwright his work includes Slag (Hampstead Theatre, Royal Court, New York Shakespeare Festival), The Great Exhibition (Hampstead), Brassneck (with Howard Brenton, Nottingham Playhouse), Knuckle (Comedy Theatre), Fanshen (Hampstead & ICA, National Theatre), Teeth ‘n ‘Smiles (Royal Court, Wyndham’s Theatre), Plenty (National Theatre, NYSF & Broadway), A Map Of The World (National Theatre, NYSF),Pravda (with Howard Brenton, National Theatre), The Bay At Nice (National Theatre), The Secret Rapture (National Theatre, NYSF & Broadway), Racing Demon (National Theatre, Broadway), Murmuring Judges (National Theatre), The Absence Of War (National Theatre), Skylight (National Theatre, Wyndhams, Vaudeville & Broadway), Amy’s View (National Theatre, Aldwych, Garrick, & Broadway), The Blue Room (Donmar, Broadway and Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Judas Kiss (Playhouse & Broadway), Via Dolorosa (Royal Court, Almeida, Duchess & Broadway), My Zinc Bed (Royal Court), The Breath Of Life (Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Permanent Way (Out of Joint & National Theatre), Stuff Happens (National Theatre & NYSF), The Vertical Hour (Broadway & Royal Court Theatre), Gethsemane (National Theatre), Berlin/Wall (National Theatre, Royal Court & NYSF), The Power Of Yes (National Theatre), South Downs (Chichester Festival Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre), Behind the Beautiful Forevers(National Theatre), Ivanov, Platonov and The Seagull (Chichester Festival Theatre and National Theatre), The Moderate Soprano (Chichester Festival Theatre and Duke of York’s Theatre), The Master Builder (The Old Vic), The Red Barn and I’m Not Running (both National Theatre).

Martin Hutson plays Assistant Curator. His theatre work includes Titus Andronicus, Julius Caesar (RSC), R and D (Hampstead Theatre), The Master Builder (The Old Vic), Taken at Midnight (Chichester Festival Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Libertine (Citizens Theatre), If Only, Antony and Cleopatra, A Marvellous Year for Plums(Chichester Festival Theatre), Butley (Duchess Theatre) and The Voysey Inheritance (National Theatre). For television, his work includes Tutankhamun, The Honourable Woman, The Passion, Foyle’s War and A Very British Scandal; and for film, Backdraft 2, Dragonheart: Battle for the Heartfire, Atonement and Virtual Sexuality.

Ophelia Lovibond plays Sophia Yepileva. Her theatre work includes Nightfall (Bridge Theatre), The Libertine (Theatre Royal Haymarket) and The Effect (Sheffield Theatres). For television her work includes Elementary, W1A, Inside No 9, Mr Sloane, The Poison Tree, Titanic: Blood and Steel and Messiah; and for film, The Autopsy of Jane Doe, Man Up, Guardians of the Galaxy, A Single Shot, Gozo, Eight Minutes Idle, Mr Popper’s Penguins, Chatroom, Nowhere Boy, Shadow in the Sun, Popcorn and Oliver Twist.

David Rintoul plays Peter Linitsky. His theatre credits include Much Ado About Nothing (Rose Theatre Kingston), Hamlet (Almeida Theatre/Harold Pinter Theatre), Nell Gwynn (Shakespeare’s Globe/Apollo Theatre), Remembrance of Things Past, The World Turned Upside Down, The Trojan War Will Not Take Place, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Rivals (National Theatre),  A Midsummer Night’s Dream (RSC/Garsington Opera), Richard II, Richard III (Phoenix Theatre), Map of the Heart (Gielgud Theatre),Dirty Dancing (Aldwych Theatre), An Ideal Husband (The Old Vic), Etta Jenks and Sergeant Ola and his Followers (Royal Court Theatre). Television credits include The Crown, In Plain Sight, Game of Thrones, the title role in Doctor Finlay, Injustice, Pride and Prejudice, The Cherry Orchard, Horatio Hornblower: Retribution, Hornblower: Mutiny, Poirot and Sweet Medicine; and for film, The Iron Lady, My Week with Marilyn, Unrelated, The Ghost Writer, Ironclad: Battle for Blood, Is Anybody There? and Agent Hamilton.

Penelope Wilton plays Valentina Nrovka. For theatre, her work includes Taken at Midnight – Olivier Award for Best Actress (Chichester Festival Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket), A Delicate Balance, Heartbreak House (Almeida Theatre), Hamlet (Donmar West End), The Family Reunion, The Chalk Garden (Evening Standard Award for Best Actress), John Gabriel Borkman, The Little Foxes, The Collection, The Lover, A Kind of Alaska (Donmar Warehouse) Women Beware Women (RSC), The House of Bernada Alba, Tess, The Secret Rapture, Betrayal (National Theatre), The Seagull (Barbican) and Long Day’s Journey Into Night (Young Vic). For television, her work includes Brief Encounters, South Riding, Downtown Abbey, Margot, Doctor Who, The Passion, Half Broken Things, Five Days, Celebration, Falling, Lucky Jim, Bob and Rose, Victoria and Albert, The Whistle-Blower, Wives and Daughters, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Talking Heads, The Borrowers and Ever Decreasing Circles; and for film, Zoo, The BFG, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2, Belle, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The History Boys, Pride and Prejudice, Match Point, Shaun of the Dead, Iris, Calendar Girls, Tom’s Midnight Garden, Carrington, The Secret Rapture, Blame it on the Bellboy, Cry Freedom, Clockwise, The French Lieutenant’s Woman, and the forthcoming Downton Abbey.

Richard Eyre’s extensive theatre includes Hamlet, Kafka’s Dick, Edmond (Royal Court), Comedians, Guys and Dolls, The Beggar’s Opera, The Government Inspector, The Futurists, The Changeling, The Voysey Inheritance, Racing Demon, Richard III, Night of the Iguana,  White Chameleon, Skylight,  Napoli Milionaria,  Sweet Bird of Youth, The Absence of War, John Gabriel Borkman, The Prince’s Play, Amy’s View, King Lear, The Invention of Love, Vincent in Brixton, The Reporter, The Observer, Welcome to Thebes, Liolà (National Theatre), The Crucible (Broadway), Mary Poppins (West End/Broadway), A Flea in Her Ear (The Old Vic), The Last of the Duchess (Hampstead Theatre), The Judas Kiss and The Dark Earth and the Light Sky, his own adaptations of Les Mains Sales, Hedda Gabler, Ghosts, Little Eyolf (Almeida Theatre), Private Lives, Betty Blue Eyes, Quartermaine’s Terms, Stephen Ward, Mr Foote’s Other Leg (West End), Long Day’s Journey Into Night (Bristol Old Vic and Wyndham’s Theatre), and The Last Cigarette, The Pajama Game, and The Stepmother (Chichester Festival Theatre). His television work includes The Insurance Man, Country, v, Tumbledown, Suddenly Last Summer, Changing Stages, Henry IV Parts I and II, The Dresser and King Lear; and for film, The Ploughman’s Lunch, Iris, Stage Beauty, Notes on a Scandal, The Other Man and The Children Act. He was Director of Nottingham Playhouse from 1973 – 1978, Producer of Play for Today for BBC TV 1978 – 1981, and Director of the National Theatre from 1988 – 1997. He has received numerous theatre and film awards and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Listings Information                                                                                                                     The Bay at Nice

Public booking opens on 28 January

Venue:                                Menier Chocolate Factory

Address:                             53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU

Press performance:         19 March

Dates:                                 14 March – 4 May

Times:                                For the performance schedule, please see the website

Box Office:                         020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website:                        www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

Tickets: Prices vary, as below from discounted preview tickets to premier seats. With the emphasis on ‘the sooner you book, the better the price’:

A meal deal ticket includes a 2-course meal from the pre-theatre menu in the Menier Restaurant as well as the theatre ticket.

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory

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Jerry Springer – The Opera Heads To Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre

Jerry Springer

A brand new production of JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA is coming to Manchester in August 2019 – almost 15 years since the show was last performed in the UK.

The controversial musical will entertain audiences over a four-week run at Hope Mill Theatre in Ancoats, from Thursday 8 to Saturday 31 August. Tickets go on sale on Monday 21 January at 10am.

JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA caused a storm when it came to the UK stage in 2002, and in this new revival it promises the same raucous energy with a revamped and fresh production for 2019!

Not for the faint-hearted or easily offended, expect chaos and debauchery to ensue in this smash hit musical based on the infamous talk show – The Jerry Springer Show.

From tap-dancing KKK members, to a provocative dancing stripper, to the ultimate battle of good vs evil between God and the Devil, nothing is off limits in this must-see production.

JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA is now being brought back to the stage as the first show from new production company, Northern Ricochet formed by James Baker (Parade, Yank), Tom Chester (Parade, Mamma Mia) and Bill Elms (Epstein The Man Who Made The Beatles, Twopence To Cross The Mersey).

Northern Ricochet was recently formed by the trio having originally met in 2016, when working together on the hit musical Parade at Hope Mill Theatre. Having struck a bond, they created a company to celebrate and aspire to passionately produce quality theatre in the north, for the north and using northern creatives, actors and voices.

The musical was previewed at the Edinburgh Festival in 2002, before going on to open at London’s National Theatre in April 2003, where it ran for six months. After moving to the Cambridge Theatre in the West End, it played to audiences for 18 months before going on a UK Tour in 2006. It was during this tour that the musical was last performed in Manchester.

During its original run, JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA made theatre history by receiving an unprecedented four awards for Best Musical at The Olivier Awards, The Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards, The Evening Standard Theatre Awards, and The What’s On Stage Awards.

After more than a decade out of the limelight, the multi award-winning show returned to the stage early last year with a six-week run Off-Broadway – which went on to be extended for a further three weeks due to public demand.

The first joint venture will see James Baker as director; Tom Chester as musical director; and Bill Elms as co-producer of JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA.

Director James Baker commented: “When Jerry Springer – The Opera first hit stages in the UK, it created a mass protest. It was unapologetic, uncompromising, fresh and original – and fused a highbrow form with a lowbrow subject matter. This fusion was what first attracted me. After getting through the protestors, I sat down and watched the best two hours of entertaining yet profound theatre I’d seen in years. It started a revolution.

 “Jerry was ground-breaking and placed a mirror up to the audience. A mirror of reflection and a possibility for us to learn something. The big question is, have we learned anything? Sadly not, and I’d argue we’re even more divided than before. Prejudice still remains within race, sexuality and equality. Just because we don’t see it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. I think we’ve just got better at pretending all is more harmonious. We’ve become even better actors than those in the Jerry show. Reality has become even more blurred.”

 JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA was written by Richard Thomas, who also wrote the music and lyrics, with the book and additional lyrics byStewart Lee and Richard Thomas. It is based on The Jerry Springer Show, which was first broadcast on television in 1991 and was on the air for 27 years. It tells the story of America’s favourite talk show host who suffers the worst day in his career when faced with some of the most challenging guests he’s ever met on set.

James Baker continued about the vision for Jerry Springer – The Opera in the current day: “Jerry Springer today means something very different to a modern audience. We’ve advanced so fiercely into a new digital age, past the all-you-can-eat chat show buffet. But where we’ve ended up is far more frightening. It’s time to hold that mirror back up. We are bringing you a fresh version of Jerry. One that is again a provocation but also a reflection of our times. We aim to create a movement.”

The lead role of Jerry Springer has previously been portrayed by actors David Soul of Starsky & Hutch fame and Michael Brandon, best known for his role in cop drama Dempsey & Makepeace.

And now JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA is coming back to UK audiences with a four-week run at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre.Full cast to be announced soon!

 If you see just one show this year make sure it’s this one! Join us for a Jerry revolution!!!

 Website: hopemilltheatre.co.uk

Facebook: /Jerry Springer Manchester

Twitter: @JSTOMANC #JERRYJERRY

LISTING INFORMATION

 JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA

Dates: Thursday 8 August – Saturday 31 August 2019

Times: Tue – Sat eves 7.30pm | Sat mat 2pm | Sunday 1pm & 5pm |Thu 29 Aug 2pm

 Hope Mill Theatre

113 Pollard Street,

Manchester,

M4 7JA

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FOLLIES IS ON FU*KING ITUNES

Follies

As you well know, the National Theatre executed a surprise, everyone-get-out-of-bed-right-now, fucking-hell-what’s-happening-are-we-all-dead-and-is-this-what-the-afterlife-feels-like album release.

Stephen Sondheim’s FOLLIES – 2018 National Theatre Cast Recording is here.

It’s all very exciting.

My thanks for your thoughts at this time and for those who contributed to the trolling of our Royal National Theatre.

But how did I feel at the end of this emotional 12 month dual carriageway?

One word: Overjoyed.

  1. Prologue – 10/10
  2. Beautiful Girls 10/10
  3. Don’t Look At Me 10/10
  4. Waiting For The Girls Upstairs 10/10
  5. Rain On The Roof / Ah, Paris! / Broadway Baby (Medley) 10/10
  6. The Road You Didn’t Take 10/10
  7. In Buddy’s Eyes 10/10
  8. Who’s That Woman? 10/10
  9. I’m Still Here 10/10
  10. Too Many Mornings 10/10
  11. The Right Girl 8/10 (a bit of a racket)
  12. One More Kiss 10/10
  13. Could I Leave You? 10/10
  14. Loveland 8/10 (semi-annoying)
  15. You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow / Love Will See Us Through (Medley) 10/10
  16. Buddy’s Blues 10/10
  17. Losing My Mind 9/10 (Imelda lite)
  18. The Story Of Lucy and Jessie 10/10
  19. Live, Laugh, Love 10/10
  20. End of Show 10/10

Anyway, FOLLIES returns to the National Theatre with previews from 12 February 2019, with many of the original cast including Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Peter Forbes returning to their roles. Alexander Hanson and Joanna Riding will join the cast in the roles of Ben and Sally. More information and tickets can be found here: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/follies

CD pre-orders will be available ‘soon’ let’s hope it isn’t another year.

Any questions? No? Good. You can buy FOLLIES on Itunes  or stream it right now

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First Look: Danny Dyer, Martin Freeman, John Heffernan and Gemma Whelan in Pinter Seven rehearsal

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Hollywood Star MATTHEW BRODERICK to make West End debut in THE STARRY MESSENGER

Hollywood star and multiple Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Matthew Broderick – renowned for roles including Ferris Bueller in the iconic movie and Leo Bloom in The Producers – is to make his West End debut in in The Starry Messenger by Kenneth Lonergan, the Academy Award-winning writer of Manchester-By-The-Sea.

The production, directed by Sam Yates (Glengarry Glen Ross), also stars Elizabeth McGovern, known to millions for her portrayal of Lady Cora in the multi award-winning drama series Downton Abbey. The Starry Messenger will begin performances at the Wyndham’s Theatre on Thursday 16 May (Press Night: Wednesday 29 May at 7:00pm) and play a strictly limited 13-week season.

In the vastness of the universe are we all just lonely souls under the same night sky?

Mark Williams is lost. An astronomer at New York City’s Planetarium, he feels a closer connection to the infinite, starry sky than to his job or even to his wife, Anne. Mark doesn’t believe in fate or divine intervention, but the universe has other ideas.

After a chance meeting with Angela, a young single mother, the stars appear to have aligned. But when a catastrophic event rips through their lives, Mark is forced to re-evaluate his life, his faith and his place in the universe itself.

This bittersweet, comic drama is an unblinking exploration of love, hope and understanding our place in the universe, by one of the most celebrated writers working today.

Further casting to be announced.

The Starry Messenger is produced by Simon Friend, Act Productions, Gavin Kalin and Howard Panter.

 

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Warner Classics and National Theatre Present Follies 2018 National Theatre cast recording

Follies Cast Recording

WARNER CLASSICS and the NATIONAL THEATRE announced the digital download and streaming release of Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical FOLLIES – 2018 National Theatre Cast Recording this Friday, January 18th.

The critically-acclaimed musical tells the story of the former performers of Weismann’s Follies, reunited for the first time in their theatre which is to be demolished the next day. Thirty years after their final performance, the Follies girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves. The show includes musical hits such as I’m Still Here, Broadway Baby and Losing My Mind.

Following its 2018 Olivier Award wins for Best Musical Revival and Best Costume Design and a sold out run at the National Theatre, the original cast and orchestra behind FOLLIES release its much-anticipated London Cast Recording. FOLLIES returns to the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre on February 12th 2019.

Director of FOLLIES and Associate of the National Theatre Dominic Cooke said: “Directing FOLLIES has been a privilege. It is a heart-breaking, universal piece and the National Theatre committed epic resources to realise it. The original company gave detailed, powerful performances and I’m delighted that we managed to record them for listeners to appreciate Stephen Sondheim’s peerless score, just as I’m working with an equally brilliant cast on the Olivier revival opening next month.”

FOLLIES – 2018 National Theatre Cast Recording was recorded at RAK Studios in London with world-renowned producer Nigel Wright, conducted by Olivier NomineeNigel Lilley and mixed by SMP Studios, Buckinghamshire. The soundtrack cast includes Julie Armstrong, Norma Attallah, 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 Mollyneux, 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.

FOLLIES Track Listing

  1. Prologue
  2. Beautiful Girls
  3. Don’t Look At Me
  4. Waiting For The Girls Upstairs
  5. Rain On The Roof / Ah, Paris! / Broadway Baby (Medley)
  6. The Road You Didn’t Take
  7. In Buddy’s Eyes
  8. Who’s That Woman?
  9. I’m Still Here
  10. Too Many Mornings
  11. The Right Girl
  12. One More Kiss
  13. Could I Leave You?
  14. Loveland
  15. You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow / Love Will See Us Through (Medley)
  16. Buddy’s Blues
  17. Losing My Mind
  18. The Story Of Lucy and Jessie
  19. Live, Laugh, Love
  20. End of Show

FOLLIES – 2018 National Theatre Cast Recording is available across digital download and streaming accounts now. Download and streaming link can be found HERE. CD pre-orders will be available soon.

“I love this show’s beautiful reflection on the lives of these characters and the choices they made.  I’m thrilled we were able to capture this original National Theatre cast last year, and I look forward to fans of Stephen Sondheim, the show and the cast enjoying this recording for many years to come.” stated Kevin Gore, President of Arts Music for Warner Music Group.

FOLLIES returns to the National Theatre with previews from 12 February 2019, with many of the original cast including Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Peter Forbesreturning to their roles. Alexander Hanson and Joanna Riding will join the cast in the roles of Ben and Sally. More information and tickets can be found here: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/follies

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Full Cast announced for the UK première of Martin Sherman’s Gently Down The Stream 

Gently Down The Stream

Robert Fox and Alex Turner, in association with Park Theatre and King’s Head Theatre, today announced the full cast for the UK première of Martin Sherman’s new play Gently Down The Stream, following a critically acclaimed run at the Public Theater in New York. Sean Mathias directs Jonathan Hyde, Ben Allen and Harry Lawtey. The production opens at Park Theatre on 18 February 2019, with previews from 13 February, running until 16 March.

This passionate new play by Olivier and Tony Award nominee Martin Sherman makes its UK debut 40 years after his celebrated modern classic Bent, which subsequently became a major film directed by Olivier and Tony Award nominee Sean Mathias, who directs this production of Gently Down The Stream, marking Martin Sherman’s 80thbirthday.

The play follows the remarkably moving and brilliantly funny love story of Beau, an older American pianist living in London, and Rufus, an eccentric young lawyer. Coming of age during the 70s, Beau’s attitude to love has been seasoned by a life of loving men in a world that initially refused to allow it. Not looking for a long-term relationship, Beau is naturally cautious when Rufus unexpectedly enters his world.  However, while the age gap feels unorthodox to Beau, it is immaterial to Rufus, who is from a new generation of gay men. Rufus has none of Beau’s doubts about the possibility of attaining happiness and love in the 21st Century and as he assimilates himself into Beau’s past and present, Beau learns to embrace Rufus as one of the most defining relationships of his life.

As generations intertwine, Gently Down The Stream reveals the journey of gay history and celebrates the men and women who led the way for equality, marriage and the right to dream.

Jonathan Hyde plays Beau. His theatre work includes Frost/Nixon, Julius Caesar (Sheffield Theatres), Travels With My Aunt (Menier Chocolate Factory), The King’s Speech (UK tour and Wyndham’s Theatre), Rattigan’s Nijinsky (Chichester Festival Theatre), King Lear, The Seagull (international tour), Jumpers, Sleep With Me (National Theatre), Antigone (The Old Vic), The Rehearsal, Scenes from an Execution (Almeida Theatre), Julius Caesar, The Alchemist, ‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore, Les Liaisons Dangereuses (RSC) and Macbeth (Lyceum Theatre). His recent television work includes A Very English Scandal, The Strain, Trollhunters, Tokyo Trial, Isaan Newton: The Last Magician, Spooks; and for film, Breathe, Crimson Peak, The Mummy, Richie Rich, Jumanji, Anaconda and Titanic.

Ben Allen plays Rufus. His theatre work includes Present Laughter (Chichester Festival Theatre), Antony and Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Oppenheimer, The Shoemaker’s Holiday (RSC), The Seagull (Manchester Library Theatre Company), Twelfth Night, The Taming of the Shrew, The Merchant of Venice, The Winter’s Tale, Henry V (Propeller) and ‘…and the darkness descended’ (Punchdrunk). Television work includes Barbarians Rising and Bonekickers.

 Harry Lawtey plays Harry. His theatre work includes The Country Wife (Chichester Festival Theatre). For television, his work includes Marcella and Wizards vs Aliens; and for film, City of Tiny Lights, Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

 Martin Sherman was born in Philadelphia in 1938. His early plays include Passing By, Cracks and Rio Grande, all presented by Playwrights Horizons in New York. His playBent was first presented at the Royal Court with Ian McKellen, then on Broadway with Richard Gere, revived at the National Theatre, again with Ian McKellen, and in the West End with Alan Cumming. It has since been performed in over sixty countries. Later plays include Messiah, A Madhouse in Goa, When She Danced (the last two starring Vanessa Redgrave in the West End), Some Sunny Day and Onassis. Rose premièred at the National Theatre, with Olympia Dukakis, before transferring to Broadway. He wrote the book for the musical The Boy From Oz. His screenplays include The Summer House, Alive and Kicking, Bent, The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone and Mrs Henderson Presents. He has been nominated for two Tonys, two Oliviers and two BAFTAS.

Sean Mathias is a theatre director, film director and writer. He has worked at the National Theatre, the West End, the Kennedy Centre, The Mark Taper Forum, Off-Broadway and many times on Broadway, as well as Paris, Sydney, Cape Town, Johannesburg, San Francisco and extensively in the UK. He has written a number of plays including the award winning A Prayer for Wings, and the screenplay for the award-winning BBC film The Lost Language of Cranes. In 2009/2010 Mathias was the Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Haymarket and his legendary production of Waiting for Godot played two seasons at the theatre, as well as touring the UK and internationally. In 2013 he directed and co-produced Two Plays in Rep, comprising Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and Pinter’s No Man’s Land on Broadway at the Cort Theatre. His production of No Man’s Land, starring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, was the highest grossing play in the history of the Wyndham’s Theatre. He has won multiple awards including the Standard Award, the Critics’ Circle Award, a Fringe First at Edinburgh and the Prix de la Jeunesse at Cannes.

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