NEWS Archives - Page 31 of 78 - North West End UK

Cast Announced for The Wiz at Hope Mill Theatre

6Oct

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Cast Announced for The Wiz at Hope Mill Theatre

Following its sold-out, critically acclaimed production of ‘Rent’, Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre in association with Ameena Hamid Productions announces the cast for a radical new version of the 70s musical The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical “Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. Directed by Matthew Xia (‘Into the Woods’, Royal Exchange), The Wiz is a joyous retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s novel ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ reflecting contemporary African-American culture. Its 1975 Broadway premiere production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Matthew Xia said: “The Wiz is approaching its 50th anniversary, it now exists within the canon of mainstream musicals and it’s due time for some bold reinvention. Originally a funk and soul-based analogy for the African-American e...

Big cast announced for Wendy & Peter Pan at Leeds Playhouse

6Oct

By Paul ClarkeNo Comments

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Big cast announced for Wendy & Peter Pan at Leeds Playhouse

Leeds Playhouse have announced a big cast for their annual festive blockbuster which this year is Wendy & Peter Pan. Ella Hickson’s adaptation of the J M Barrie classic retells the story from the viewpoint of Wendy Darling and has been created in co-production with Japan’s Bunkamura Theatre. Amber James will play Wendy Darling and previously took the title role of Cressida in Greg Doran's Troilus & Cressida for the RSC. She’s been joined by Pierro Niel who plays the boy who refuses to grow up. This trip to Neverland is full of fun and flying set to an epic score by Japanese composer Shuhei Kamimura. Japanese video artistry will be cleverly combined with this classic British story to give the production a unique international shared vision. “This show comes ho...

Solo theatre show explores the legacy of Florence Nightingale

6Oct

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

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Solo theatre show explores the legacy of Florence Nightingale

Songwriter and performer Louise Jordan connects Florence’s work in the 19th century with the issues we continue to face today. Solo production Florence: the lesser known life and legacy of Florence Nightingale comes to Waterside in Sale on Friday 15th October. Through song and storytelling Louise puts the myth of ‘the Lady with the Lamp’ under the spotlight and explores Florence Nightingale’s work as a pioneering statistician who used data to call for government accountability, demanding equal healthcare for all. Louise said of Florence: “Florence Nightingale spent less than two years as a nurse during the Crimean War, yet she lived to the age of ninety. Whilst researching the production I was astounded at the volume and breadth of Florence’s work - she spent decades campaigning for...

All-female version of Shakespeare favourite set for the stage after Covid delay

3Oct

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

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All-female version of Shakespeare favourite set for the stage after Covid delay

A hugely anticipated modern version of a William Shakespeare classic is set for a busy run in Manchester – with all the roles played by women. The 21st century interpretation of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ will be staged at the Hope Mill Theatre, from October 6th – 16th, following on from two similar sold-out Shakespeare shows in 2018 and 2019. In a twist on the plot of the original play – which revolves around the marriage of Theseus, Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, the former queen of the Amazons – this reimagined version is set on Hipppolyta’s hen-do in a Manchester nightclub. Billed as ‘Canal Street’s explosive imagination meets the instability of Love Island and the classiness of the Real Housewives of Cheshire’, the play has been produced by HER Productions in partnership wit...

October Promises Music, Icons and Panto at St Helens Theatre Royal

3Oct

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

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October Promises Music, Icons and Panto at St Helens Theatre Royal

October promises St Helens Theatre Royal audiences a month of pop, panto and truly fantastic entertainment this October. Last month saw the Corporate Street venue revert back to full house audiences after a challenging 18 months – and theatregoers are steadily returning to enjoy live shows in the town. St Helens Theatre Royal has been granted the use of the Society Of London Theatre & UK Theatre’s ‘See It Safely’ mark. This certifies that the venue is complying with Government and industry Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of staff, performers, and audiences. The programme for October features Rat Pack classics from Liverpool singer Ray Quinn and friends; shows celebrating the music of Ariana Grande, Whitney Houston, Abba, The Eagles, George Michael, and ...

Sheffield Theatres announce Sleeping Beauty Casting

3Oct

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

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Sheffield Theatres announce Sleeping Beauty Casting

Sheffield Theatres and Evolution Pantomimes announce a new cast member for Sleeping Beauty at the Lyceum Theatre: comedy great, Janine Duvitski. Catherine Tyldesley has made the choice not to appear in panto at this time due to personal reasons, and Sheffield Theatres and Evolution Pantomimes fully support her in this decision. Janine Duvitski will be playing the role of Fairy. Best known for the memorable role of Jacqueline Stewart in Benidorm, Janine is adored by British comedy audiences. Janine will be joining Sheffield’s legendary Dame, Damian Williams, alongside actor, presenter and comic Ben Thornton (Cinderella), Lucas Rush (Damian’s Pop-Up Panto!, Rock of Ages), Hannah Everest (Gypsy) and Dominic Sibanda (Hairspray). The cast will be supported by a brilliant ensemble. ...

Have a theatrical staycation with Sunny Side Up

30Sep

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

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Have a theatrical staycation with Sunny Side Up

Prolific playwright John Godber returns to Oldham from Tuesday 19th – Saturday 23rd October with his latest play, Sunny Side Up. Written, directed and starring John Godber, with Jane Thornton, from the West End hit Scary Bikers, Sunny Side Up is the hilarious and moving account of a struggling Yorkshire coast B&B and the people who run it. Join down to earth proprietors Barney, Cath and Tina as they share their stories of awkward clients, snooty relatives and eggs over easy, in this seaside feel good rollercoaster which digs into what ‘staycations’ are all about. If you’re thinking of holidaying at home this year, why not book into the Sunny Side boarding house soon? John Godber is one of Britain's most prolific playwrights, with hits including: Teechers, Bouncers, Up N U...

Full casting announced for Mark Gatiss’ adaptation of A Christmas Carol

30Sep

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

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Full casting announced for Mark Gatiss’ adaptation of A Christmas Carol

Producer Eleanor Lloyd and Nottingham Playhouse have today announced full casting for Mark Gatiss’ brand-new adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol directed by Adam Penford. Originally scheduled to open in 2020 the production will premiere at Nottingham Playhouse on 29th October, ahead of its London premiere at Alexandra Palace on 26th November. Olivier award-winner Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, The League of Gentlemen, Doctor Who) stars as Jacob Marley in his own retelling of Dickens’ classic winter ghost story alongside Nicholas Farrell (Chariots of Fire, The Crown, The Iron Lady and 37 Days) as Scrooge; James Backway (Holes, The Taming of the Shrew, War Horse) as Fred; Angelina Chudi (Dear Elizabeth, Patricia Gets Ready (for a date with the man that used to hit her)) as Caroline; J...

Arthur Smith: SYD coming to Waterside Arts in Sale

29Sep

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

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Arthur Smith: SYD coming to Waterside Arts in Sale

Arthur Smith’s show SYD comes to Waterside Arts in Sale following highly successful season at Soho Theatre and a sell-out and critical acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe. Packed with big gags, hilarious stories and poignant reflections about an ordinary man who lived through extraordinary times; Arthur, accompanied by the mellifluous Kirsty Newton tells the story of his own father. Syd Smith fought at El Alamein, became a P.O.W., and ended the war in the notorious Colditz Castle in Germany. In the 1950s PC Syd patrolled London’s South Bank and met a gallery of characters, whom he tried his best not to arrest. Arthur tells this 20th century story with laughter and song and, quoting directly from his father’s hand-written journal, he splices time, memories and ...

Wicked celebrates turning 15 in London’s West End

28Sep

By Caroline WorswickNo Comments

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Wicked celebrates turning 15 in London’s West End

Wicked, the West End and Broadway musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, tonight (28th September 2021) celebrates 15 years at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre. The award-winning production will play a celebratory performance attended by the composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz together with a host of former cast members. Composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz said: “I'm thrilled to be in London and in the audience at the Apollo Victoria Theatre as Wicked celebrates its 15th anniversary. The amazing emotion and euphoria from the audience on the night the show resumed performances on Broadway made clear to us all the magic that only the shared experience of live theatre can deliver. I am so excited to feel the response from London...