Thursday, September 19

NEWS

Macbeth reboot set for this October
NEWS

Macbeth reboot set for this October

Tradition requires that a ‘ghost-light’ be left on while the theatre is dark, to ward off restless ghosts and protect its magic from harm. The lights are off, but the magic is not gone. A closed theatre is a perfect playground for mischievous spirits intent on wreaking havoc. Three witches usher, stage manage and execute the tragedy of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, two innocents trapped in a Truman-esque reality which is both virtual and brutal. This October, Big Telly Theatre Company invites audiences to draw their curtains tight, turn off the lights and enter the realm of the witching hour for an up close and personal theatrical reboot of one of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays. Directed by the theatre company’s founder Zoe Seaton, this atmospheric Macbeth is a timeless...
32 Above Brings a Taste of NYC to Liverpool
NEWS

32 Above Brings a Taste of NYC to Liverpool

As live performance begins again across the country, a series of socially distanced cabarets featuring West End stars and the city’s finest musical theatre performers will be staged in Liverpool this autumn. 32 Above is inspired by New York City’s iconic 54 Below and will take place at The Pillbox @ Frederiks on Hope Street, a street that is regarded as the heart of the Liverpool’s theatre scene.  Produced by Musical Director, George Francis (Amelie, Liverpool Everyman Rep Seasons, Miracle on 34th St) and friends. 32 Above promises an evening of song led by the house band featuring George Francis (Musical Director/Keyboard) Danny Miller (Bass) Emily Linden (Guitar) Rhys Jiang (Drums) sound design by Will Miney. The cabarets will initially take place over three dates thro...
Shakers – RTB Productions / Liverpool Theatre Festival
NEWS

Shakers – RTB Productions / Liverpool Theatre Festival

It was an absolute pleasure, as always, to catch up with producer Siobhan Noble of RTB Productions and get the lowdown on their upcoming production of Shakers, written by John Godber and Jane Thornton, as part of the Liverpool Theatre Festival. Like most involved in theatre, Noble has had to put many a well-made plan on the backburner in 2020, so when opportunity came calling from fellow producer Bill Elms to feature in this outdoor theatre spectacle she jumped at the chance and began kicking ideas round with fellow creatives Margaret Connell, Jennifer Vaudrey, and Danielle McLauren. In a moment of life imitates art – two of the crew work part-time in bars –a play presented by four waitresses, each under pressure in different ways, and which describes a typical night at a bar called ...
Back To The Future: The Musical Returns to The Stage in 2021
NEWS

Back To The Future: The Musical Returns to The Stage in 2021

It’s back! One of the most spectacular new musicals to hit the stage in recent years returns in 2021 following a run at Manchester’s Opera House which was dramatically cut short days after its official opening due to COVID-19. Back To The Future: The Musical will open at London’s Adelphi Theatre on the 14th May 2021, initially booking until the 19th December 2021. Welcome to Hill Valley! Take an electrifying ride back in time as the 1985 blockbuster film and pop culture phenomenon arrives in London’s West End as a groundbreaking new musical adventure! When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the p...
No Direction Home digital tour starting at Camden People’s Theatre
NEWS

No Direction Home digital tour starting at Camden People’s Theatre

In the first ever virtual stand-up comedy tour of the UK, a group of comedians from refugee and migrant backgrounds will use laughter to connect with audiences and speak of their experiences coming to and living in this country. The group, formed by Counterpoints Arts and Camden People’s Theatre in 2018, are coached by top stand-up comedian Tom Parry and known as No Direction Home. They have already performed live gigs in venues like the Southbank Centre with guest headliners such as Romesh Ranganathan, Lou Sanders and Sindhu Vee. Now, with lockdown keeping comedy clubs shut, they are heading off on a virtual tour across England, Scotland and Wales, telling jokes about themselves, their experiences and their lives in the UK. TV comic and stand-up Nish Kumar, who has guest h...
St Helens Theatre Royal To Change Christmas Pantomime Title Due To Pandemic But A Show Will Go On!
NEWS

St Helens Theatre Royal To Change Christmas Pantomime Title Due To Pandemic But A Show Will Go On!

Regal Entertainments announced today that their 2020 Christmas Pantomime at St Helens Theatre Royal has been changed, but a show will go ahead. The curtain was due to go up on Cinderella from Saturday 5th December ’20 – Sunday 3rd January ’21 and had previously announced Linda Robson in the lead role.  However due to the government restrictions now enforced on theatres, it makes the current title not financially viable to continue with, Cinderella is one of the biggest productions in pantomime and carries many additional costs. Pantomime producers, Regal Entertainments say they have worked tirelessly to look at alternative options for the festive season and they want to ensure that they can continue to provide top entertainment to its community and regular attenders this Christm...
‘Queen by Candlelight’ and ‘Power Ballads Live’ come to Manchester’s newest venue
NEWS

‘Queen by Candlelight’ and ‘Power Ballads Live’ come to Manchester’s newest venue

Manchester production company, Tightrope Productions Limited, is bringing two incredible sing-along shows to The DriveINSIDE Theatre - Manchester. It is the world’s first theatre that you drive inside and is Manchester’s newest entertainment venue. The DriveINSIDE Theatre is COVID compliant and provides an immersive experience for 800 people and seating for every audience member. Simply drive in, get out of the car on the driver’s side and take your seats to the side of your vehicle. Unlike other drive in venues, this one is covered by Europe’s largest megatent, so no need to worry about that famous Manchester rain - the show will go on! Managing Director of Tightrope Productions, Daniel Wood said: “Tightrope Productions is thrilled to be employing Manchester artists and musicians in...
Andrew Lancel To Open Liverpool Theatre Festival With One Man Comedy Play By Jonathan Harvey
NEWS

Andrew Lancel To Open Liverpool Theatre Festival With One Man Comedy Play By Jonathan Harvey

Swan Song, a comedy by Liverpool playwright Jonathan Harvey, will open a brand-new theatre festival in the city next week marking the return of live outdoor performance. Liverpool Theatre Festival will take place between Friday 11th September and Saturday 19th September 2020 in the grounds of St Luke’s Bombed Out Church and will help to kick-start the return of theatre productions in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. Swan Song is a one-man play written by Jonathan Harvey and starring Liverpool actor Andrew Lancel. The play will be directed by BAFTA award-winning director Noreen Kershaw. The show is produced by Liverpool Theatre Festival, in association with Bill Elms Productions and Quarry Street. credit Matt Ford Swan Song will officially start the nine-day run of Liverpoo...
Ian Rickson’s celebrated production of Uncle Vanya to receive broadcast release
NEWS

Ian Rickson’s celebrated production of Uncle Vanya to receive broadcast release

When the country went into lockdown in March and theatres were forced to close, Ian Rickson’s acclaimed production of Uncle Vanya was in the final weeks of its scheduled, sold-out run. The production had received Olivier nominations for Toby Jones (Best Actor Award), Ian Rickson (Best Director Award), Bruno Poet (Best Lighting Design Award) and Rae Smith (Best Set Design Award). Despite the entire team’s best efforts and wishes, the live production will not be able to return. However... Sonia Friedman Productions today is delighted to announce that Ian Rickson’s highly acclaimed production of Conor McPherson’s new adaptation of Uncle Vanya has been filmed on stage at the Harold Pinter Theatre in partnership with Angelica Films. The new film version of the production will be shown in cin...
Elephant’s Graveyard livestreams 17th – 19th September
NEWS

Elephant’s Graveyard livestreams 17th – 19th September

A circus longing to be famous meets a tiny town in Tennessee that wants something to break the monotony - in the end both get what they wish for with deadly results. The true tale of the only known lynching of an elephant, the award-winning Elephant’s Graveyard will be available to stream from Thursday 17th September. Set in September of 1914, the play combines historical fact and legend. Economic value, vengeance and public image tear up a community who were just looking for a show. Elephant’s Graveyard explores the deep-seated American craving for spectacle, violence and revenge. This timely, mesmerising tragedy resonates as it interrogates the repercussions that follow when the mob get what they demand.  Director Colin Blumenau comments, We shouldn't be feeling too sorry for o...