Latest Articles - Page 214 of 657

Black is the Color of My Voice – Stratford East

12Jun

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Black is the Color of My Voice – Stratford East

"Black is the Color of My Voice" is a captivating one-woman theatre production, both written and performed by the incredible Apphia Campbell. The show is inspired by the real life of Nina Simone and the show takes the audience on an emotional journey of reflection and revelation. Entering the performance, I knew little about Nina Simone's life and was only familiar with her famous hit "I Put a Spell on You." The production centers on Simone conversing with her late father, sharing poignant stories from her life and expressing her profound grief. Through these conversations, the audience gains insight into Simone's transformation from a young piano prodigy to a powerful voice in the Civil Rights Movement. The show effectively highlights Simone's impact as an activist, emphasising ...

12Jun

By Tracey BellNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

The Syndicate – Sheffield Lyceum

We all dream of the big lottery win but The Syndicate at the Sheffield Lyceum just falls short of hitting the theatre jackpot. Written by the supremo of creating relatable characters Kay Mellor completed the writing of this just before her death in May 2022. The Syndicate is directed by her well known daughter, Gaynor Faye, who also plays Kay, the Lottery representative. One winner from this production is the set and costume designer Bretta Gerecke. The first Act set is the shop building the characters are employed at and has multiple playing areas that allow for mood and tone. It is full and detailed and effortlessly transforms into the more clinical house interior of Stuart’s swanky new home in Act Two. A definite nod to the loss of comfortable familiarity to a harder less embracing new ...

Twelfth Night – Shakespeare North Playhouse

12Jun

By NewsdeskNo Comments

North West

Twelfth Night – Shakespeare North Playhouse

As we approach the second anniversary of the opening of the Shakespeare North Playhouse, we can begin to assess its impact both within the local area and upon the wider northern theatrical scene. By teaming up with Not Too Tame, an independent theatre company based in Warrington for this version of ‘Twelfth Night’, we can see their intent to use of local voices to retell Shakespearean stories in an accessible way, an endeavour that was only partially successful in this production. Shakespeare’s tale of misunderstanding and cross dressing has undergone a renaissance in its popularity over the last decade, with the opportunity for directors to overtly queer the storyline and allow LGBTQ+ themes to be explored in the writing in an effective and sympathetic way. Whilst Director Jimmy Fairhu...

12Jun

By Adam WilliamsNo Comments

North West

Long Story Short – King’s Arms, Salford

The issue of crime and punishment has been discussed by writers and thinkers for thousands of years. There is, of course, Dostoevsky’s famous novel but it is a subject whose very nature makes it ideal for drama. Where there is a crime, there is a victim, a perpetrator and the associated emotions of for each of guilt, remorse, sadness and heartbreak. These five short plays by Ward J Harries were all linked by this theme, and each had a differing perspective on the issue. They all came across as work-in-progress pieces, that do need some fine tuning, but the basic ideas behind each play were engaging. There were times when some of the writing veered too much towards melodrama and theatrical artifice. Yet there were some genuinely powerful moments of theatre when a true emotion or conflict...

12Jun

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

Chicken – Pyramid Arts Centre

Soup Productions proudly presented an intimate and original piece of Warrington Theatre at the versatile Pyramid Arts Centre. Writer and Director Mike Pirks recently caught my attention with his phenomenal script of ‘Smiler’ in February this year. So, I was thrilled to be asked to return and review his latest creation of ‘Chicken’ alongside ‘The Pride Monologues’. Pirks stated that’s his latest works were the most important stories he had ever told and that he was honoured to have been given the chance to put these pieces together. The show runs during Warrington Pride month and has been chosen as a part of the Culture Warrington’s Pride Programme running for two nights only. Jake Liken is the creative producer for communities at Culture Warrington who felt that this creative piece w...

Jane McDonald: “With All My Love Tour is the one i’m most proud of”….And it’s not even started yet.

11Jun

By NewsdeskNo Comments

Interviews

Jane McDonald: “With All My Love Tour is the one i’m most proud of”….And it’s not even started yet.

The title “National Treasure” is one readily bandied about these days, but warm-hearted and witty Yorkshire lass Jane McDonald has to be one of the truest examples out there. Jane’s story is a great example of a girl done good; first captured 25 years ago on BBC docusoap The Cruise, Jane became an overnight sensation – and has spent the years since forging a hugely successful career as a singer and TV personality. Her solo shows have captivated audiences up and down the country, and now she’s back preparing to hit the road once more with an all-new tour With All My Love this autumn. The new tour, Jane’s biggest to date, starts with two nights at Blackpool’s iconic Opera House, stops off at The London Palladium and will close with what promises to be an extra special tour finale at...

11Jun

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

Casting announced for brand-new UK tour of Dear Evan Hansen with a little help from TikTok

The full cast is announced for the brand-new production of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy award-winning Best Musical Dear Evan Hansen. Ryan Kopel (Newsies) will play the iconic role of Evan Hansen, alongside Lauren Conroy (Into The Woods) as Zoe Murphy and Alice Fearn (Wicked, Come From Away) as Evan’s mum, Heidi. They will be joined by Helen Anker (Mamma Mia!) as Cynthia Murphy, Richard Hurst (The Lion King) as Larry Murphy, Killian Thomas Lefevre (Bat Out Of Hell) as Connor Murphy, Tom Dickerson (Heathers) as Jared Kleinman, Vivian Panka (9 to 5 the Musical) as Alana Beck and Sonny Monaghan (discovered via TikTok) as alternate Evan. This is the first production of Dear Evan Hansen in the UK to perform the show with an ensemble. The ensemble are Lara Beth-Sas, Will Forgrave, Dan...

Production photos released for Three Men In A Boat at the The Mill at Sonning Theatre

11Jun

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

Production photos released for Three Men In A Boat at the The Mill at Sonning Theatre

Jerome K. Jerome’s classic Victorian memoir, Three Men In A Boat has been gloriously adapted by celebrated star of stage and screen, Clive Francis (The Crown, A Clockwork Orange, Entertaining Mr. Sloane) preserving the timeless humour and infusing it with a fresh and vibrant touch for contemporary audiences. This warm and witty play invites you on an uproarious journey down the meandering waters of the Thames with the delightful trio of friends Harris, George, and Jerome, as they set sail on an unforgettable adventure through the English countryside, each twist and turn bringing a fresh dose of laughter and unexpected encounters. So, pack your bags, grab your oars, and prepare to be swept away by the camaraderie, and mischievous antics of this unforgettable trio, as they navigate not ju...

Sheffield Theatres Announce Initial Snow White Casting

11Jun

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

Sheffield Theatres Announce Initial Snow White Casting

Today, Sheffield Theatres and Evolution Productions announce the principal cast for Snow White at the Lyceum Theatre. Catherine Tyldesley (Strictly Come Dancing, Coronation Street) will be playing The Wicked Queen. Catherine joins legendary Dame Damian Williams, with further principal cast and ensemble to be announced later this year. Once again, the show will be written and directed by Paul Hendy (Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella) and produced by the award winning, Evolution Productions, the same team behind last year's fabulous panto, Beauty and the Beast. As always, the Lyceum Panto promises to be top-quality family entertainment packed with laugh-out-loud thrills, stunning costumes, lavish sets, fabulous music and all your favourite jokes. Damian Williams is celebrating his sev...

Leeds Playhouse seek young stars as they launch an open casting for Coraline – A Musical

11Jun

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

Leeds Playhouse seek young stars as they launch an open casting for Coraline – A Musical

Leeds Playhouse is working with leading casting directors Keston & Keston to find young stars to play the lead role in Coraline – A Musical which opens in 2025 Candidates who will be asked to supply a self-tape must be 9-13 years old at the date of audition and live within approximately an hour’s commute from Leeds or Manchester. This is a paid role, and the Playhouse welcomes female and female-identifying young people and with additional access requirements. The closing date for applications is 30th June 2024. “Coraline is a curious, brave and resourceful young person. She is an unlikely but inspiring hero whose curiosity about the world matches her courage to face her biggest fears,” says Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining, who will be directing the productio...