Theatre
“ You Are The Sun by HurlyBurly is a masterclass in how early years theatre should be created. " Zoe Pickering, Z-Arts Head of Programming HurlyBurly Theatre’s "You are the Sun" , is a folk inspired opera for babies and grownups that explores the magic of nature. Now on tour, "You are the Sun" combines the joy of gentle classical singing and sensory play and is an invitation to see beauty in the smallest things and to let plants be your guide. The interactive and playful set casts a magical spell with locally foraged plants, water, light and soil. parents are led by their babies to reconnect with the natural world. HurlyBurly Theatre make playful theatrical experiences for babies and adults with classical singing at their heart where babies are free to be themselves and grown-ups have a chance to relax, bond and play. Artistic Directors Sarah Forbes and Catherine Carter founded HurlyBurly in 2016 having become new parents themselves. Catherine & Sarah said: “ We believe in creating high quality experiences for very young children and their parents to introduce them to the magic of theatre in a safe stress-free space for them to explore at their own pace." "Over and again audiences comment on how mesmerised their children were by the music, the singing and the sensory play. For us as artists the experience never gets boring because every show is different depending on who is in the room with us. The babies become the performance - it is a great privilege to share this moment of vulnerability and adventure with new parents and their tiny children." The duo who originally trained as classical singers began to work together to create shows they wanted to experience at that time which are as much for new parents as they are for babies. Everyone is free to move around and interact with the performers and space in whatever way they choose. Parents are given a rare opportunity to sit back and relax enveloped in beautiful, soothing and mesmeric music. "You are the Sun" is created by Catherine Carter and Sarah Forbes with words and music by Catherine Carter and design by Kirsty Harris. The show’s development has been supported by The Egg (Theatre Royal Bath), Portsmouth Guildhall and Watermans Arts Centre as well as Arts Council England. Celebrate the gift of nature in this relaxed and playful opera for babies and grown-ups. Help to conjure a world out of breath, water, sunlight and soil in a magical musical adventure for 0 – 2-year-olds. You can find out more about HurlyBurly and the tour of "You are the Sun" at www.hurlyburlytheatre.com or on Facebook: @HurlyBurlyCo // Instagram and X @hurlyburly_co
Having gathered in the kitchen of their family home after the passing of their mother, three grief-stricken daughters must learn to navigate a new family dynamic. The play unravels a family history, moving from the present day to complex childhoods. Each sister reflects on their own relationship with their mother as secrets, rivalries and hidden feelings come bubbling to the surface. Will the sisters’ bond survive the emerging emotions and unfolding tensions? Tim McArthur’s newest play " A Word For Mother" premieres Upstairs at The Gatehouse with an all-female cast and creative team, between the 2nd and 26th May. This simmering family drama, inspired by McArthur’s upbringing, revolves around the intertwined history of four women, sisterly relationships and motherly love. Reunited by their mother’s unexpected passing, the bond between three sisters begins to strain: emotions boil over and childhood lies are revealed. How far does the apple fall from the tree? Puppeteer, singer and star of screen and stage, Louise Gold, plays matriarch Pru in this exploration of family dynamics. Gold is best known for her West End career and performances in multiple Muppets’ productions. Further credits include The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (Netflix), Fiddler on the Roof (The Playhouse) and Botticelli in the Fire (Hampstead Theatre). Gold is joined by a powerful cast of Abigail Moore (Kiss Me Quickstep, New Vic Theatre; Honour, ITV), Heather Johnson (The Widowing of Mrs Holroyd, The Orange Tree Theatre; Horrible Christmas, Birmingham Stage Company), and Melaina Pecorini (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Palace Theatre; The Big Red Bath, UK tour) as the trio of sisters Charity, Faith and Hope. Writer Tim McArthur is a local Highgate resident and performed in Upstairs at The Gatehouse’s first ever Christmas production in 1999. He comments, " The play explores many emotions including forgiveness, but at the end of the day it’s a play with heart and a celebration of the female dynamic. I have asked myself what do I want people to take away from the play." "I think for an audience to chat about grief as we don’t in this country. It’s still a taboo subject and yet when someone has a baby, we all go nuts for it. But if someone dies, we feel we all have to be sad, hide away and not express our emotions – that terrible British stiff upper lip scenario." The play is produced by Helen & Paul Matthews, for tickets and more information please go to: https://www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com/ Rehearsal Image above (c) Alexis Mumford
What (is) a Woman is a one woman show of astounding inventiveness, where one actress plays all the men. A new solo musical play with an illuminating script, nine original songs and stunning underscore, What (is) A Woman is the remarkable new production from critically acclaimed TV and West End actress, Andrée Bernard (Poirot, ITV; Hollyoaks, Channel 4; Only Fools and Horses, BBC One). It runs at London's Arcola Theatre this week. What (is) a Woman is set over four decades and tells one woman's story of love, sex, lies, and laughter. It touches on themes of identity, femininity, and gender dynamics in a heartfelt and often humorous way. The entire piece is written by Bernard and is the culmination of her years as an exemplary theatre practitioner (Hair, The Old Vic; Kiss Me Kate, The Old Vic and The Savoy Theatre; 6 Actors in Search of a Director, Charing Cross Theatre). As writer and performer, Andrée Bernard comments, " What it means to be a woman is a hot topic. I’m still figuring out how to do it and this play is an exploration of that. The piece speaks directly to audiences of today, asking what it really is to be a woman in an era of empowerment with raw, authentic and uninhibited writing. It is, at its heart, a very human journey ." She continues, " Things have changed for women: dating, romance, independence, acceptance, identity but to be honest, they’ve changed for men too. Being flawed, making mistakes and getting hurt are universal. That’s what I hope will resonate with the audience - with toe-tapping tunes along the way!" This is very much the now for Andree, she told me whilst we were chatting about that " I have always loved dressing up, started ballet at 3, and was in the school play at 6. As I grew older I developed a love for literature and studied Music and English Literature. I loved the works of Leonard Bernstein". I wondered how the play came about, and what is it like bringing in others, when you have written something are also performing it! " I had started to develop the idea Pre-Covid, but the hiatus the restrictions created for me meant a freedom. A freedom to be openly creative, there was no time pressure, no lines to learn for something else." "Writing is very insular, ideas flying around my head, to turn this into a play I had to pull together a creative team, others skilled in areas I am not, but between us extracting a synergy that gives us the play we have today. One which audiences will find completely different, genre defying. A play with music that will get their toes tapping, a play that deals with raw, topical ideas" That skilful creative team are award winning director Michael Strassen (Billy, Union Theatre [Best Director, Off West End Awards]; Assassins, Union Theatre [Best Production, Off West End Awards]). Michael is joined by choreographer Lucie Pankhurst whose credits span theatre, TV and film including the National Theatre, ENO, BBC, and Netflix, and by musical director Daniel Looseley, a recent graduate of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. I wondered if Andree had plans for the play; "I do hope that the run at The Arcola is very much the beginning and not the end. What's next? A tour, the West End, all options are open." Who knows who may be reading this, who may come and see the show? If you would love to, then "What (is) a Woman" runs at The Arcola Theatre from Tuesday 23rd April to Saturday 4th May for tickets and further information please go to https://www.arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/what-is-a-woman/
It is hard to believe it is now more than 40 years since Motown legends Lionel and Diana made music history with their 1981 hit Endless Love. Despite many requests they have never performed the song together again. Endless Love – The Show aims to put that right, You already know the words… so, singing voices at the ready and dancing shoes on, grab your tickets and let’s party All Night Long! Endless Love – The Show is a hit-packed, electrifying and emotional rollercoaster guaranteed to get audiences on their feet and singing at the top of their voices! Starring in the show, and singing these legendary songs are the brilliant Ryan Curtis and Leanne Sandy. Many regular theatre goers will recognise Ryan form his appearances in the hit touring show “Luther Live” as able back up singer to Harry Cambridge. Ryan said “I’m extremely excited to be part of Endless Love and performing as lead in this amazing production. The songs are timeless and a joy to perform, we can’t wait to have everyone “Dancing On The Ceiling” Ryan is no stranger to the stage having been backing vocalist for his Mother and 80’s icon Jacki Graham and still performs with her to this day. Leanne has toured the UK performing as Diana Ross in the smash hit show Magic Of Motown and is part of the popular groups Harmony 3 and Grapevine Soul. This all-new theatre production is filled with Pop, Soul and Motown classics with smash hits including I’m Coming Out, Dancing On The Ceiling, Chain Reaction, All Night Long, Upside Down, Say You Say Me, Can’t Hurry Love, The Boss, Penny Lover, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – and, of course, Lionel and Diana’s timeless ballad Endless Love along with others such as Hello, Touch Me In The Morning and Three Times A Lady. This wonderful tribute is the brainchild of Mark Carter who was musical director of the hugely popular and long-running Magic Of Motown for more than a decade. Mark has brought together an incredible cast and stellar group of live musicians to take audiences on an unforgettable journey that boasts 60’s soul, the glitz of disco, the fun of 80’s pop and some of the greatest love songs of all time. He said: “ Endless Love has been developed over many years and I am truly blessed to be working with some of the best people in the business to bring this all-new show to life. From the outset we wanted to create a truly joyful, feel-good show that celebrates the brilliance of Lionel Richie and Diana Ross as well as some of the greatest songs ever written." "We’ve gone to great lengths to recreate and deliver many of the live arrangements both Lionel and Diana have performed in their own touring productions over the years, as such, this has enabled us to create a bespoke show like no other. Together for the first time!….With hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s, from The Commodores and The Supremes to Lionel and Diana’s solo careers, we recreate musical magic for fans of these two iconic performers.” For more information where you can catch up with the tour, and find yourself dancing in the aisles if you can't manage dancing on the ceiling, please visit endlessloveshow.co.uk
Join Laura Murphy on a mission to serve herself up (in)appropriately for your consumption, in a bold, cinematic, acrobatic odyssey through the frontiers of mental health, queerness, rage and the 21st Century space race. Contemporary performance maker and circus artist Laura brings her solo show " A Spectacle of Herself ", fusing aerial rope, theatre and creative captioning to Battersea Arts Centre between 23rd & 27th April. Directed by Ursula Martinez, with Laura’s critical and cheeky signature mix of autobiography, lip-sync, video and aerial rope, A Spectacle of Herself navigates the personal and political, to seek out new worlds and ways to be seen. A Spectacle of Herself builds on the momentum from Laura’s debut show Contra, which interrogated personal, social and historical occupations of the female body and was a cult hit at Summerhall in 2019 earning a Total Theatre award nomination. Laura Murphy comments: " A Spectacle of Herself is a show about what it means to occupy space and the way in which different spaces transform how we are seen. As Kae Tempest recently described it, exceptional behaviour can make you a target, but in another context it can make you safe. My experience of theatre is a reflection of this, as it’s a space where my difference and the behaviours and characteristics I mask in daily life, are accepted and enjoyed." "So for me the often outsider identity of the circus performer extends beyond acrobatics, into performances of human emotion, neurodivergence and gender queerness, experiences and expressions that in many spaces still don’t feel acceptable. As an artist and writer, I often explore personal autobiographical experiences in contrast to and in relationship with broader social narratives." "Political events over the last three years have particularly led me to question myself, my identity and the place that I and others occupy in the world. With A Spectacle of Herself, I wanted to explore the link between mental health and personal identity, in tandem with these bigger scale political expressions of space-taking, including the "space race" led by billionaires to colonise Mars and the global climate disaster we are witnessing. Patriarchy and objectification are central themes in this work, given the way that space is often policed, organised and monopolised. " Laura Murphy is a genre defying queer and neurodivergent performance maker from Bristol. Her work is cross-disciplinary fusion of theatre, live art, aerial choreography, dance and verbal explosions, which integrate intimacy and spectacle. She is a circus next laureate and gained a total theatre award nomination for her first solo show Contra in 2019. The show went on to tour to 11 countries with subtitles in three languages, building enduring relationships between the company and the wider European circus sector. She is known for her innovative approach to circus performance and has recently collaborated with Scottee, Peaches, Terry O’Connor & Dickie Beau. She holds a PhD investigating aerial work’s potential as a critically engaged practice and its use as a vehicle for social and political propaganda and has taught practice as research at international circus institutions including Circomedia, the National Centre for Circus Arts & Stockholm University of the Arts. Laura is someone highly skilled in the crossover between circus and theatre skills. "A Spectacle of Herself" will more than likely be as successful as Contra. For your opportunity to see the show at Battersea, the link is here - bac.org.uk/a-spectacle-of-herself Image above (c) Holly Revell
2nd July 1982. Using a lawn chair and approximately 42 helium-filled weather balloons, truck driver Larry Walters defied all the odds (and FAA airspace regulations!) to make his lifelong dream a reality and fly sixteen thousand feet above Los Angeles. No, seriously. In a chair! 42 BALLOONS is an uplifting musical inspired by the highly improbable true story of how Larry, and his partner Carol Van Deusen, convinced their friends and family to help Larry achieve his dream of flying. Featuring an irresistible, 80s pop-inspired score, 42 BALLOONS questions how far you would go to make your dreams come true. Is the sky actually the limit, and what happens if it doesn’t all go to plan? Award winning producers Andy Barnes and Wendy Barnes from Global Musicals (SIX, The Choir of Man, Pieces of String, Lift) and Kevin McCollum from Alchemation (Mrs Doubtfire, SIX, Rent, Avenue Q) are delighted to announce details of the premiere production of Jack Godfrey's new musical 42 Balloons playing at The Lowry, Salford from 18th April – 19th May 2024, Joining the Charlie McCullagh (Bonnie & Clyde, Dr.Zhivago) and Evelyn Hoskins (Waitress, Gypsy, Spring Awakening) reprising their roles as ‘Larry’ and ‘Carol’ from the 2022 staged concert performances in the West End, will be Gillian Hardie (Kinky Boots, Blood Brothers, Bag Girls The Musical) as ‘Carol’s Mom’ and Lejaun Sheppard (The Book of Mormon, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) as ‘Ron’. The rest of the company will comprise Simon Anthony (Guys & Dolls, White Christmas), Jordan Broatch (You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Anyone Can Whistle), Maddison Bulleyment (SIX, The Bridges of Madison County), Athena Collins (SIX, Kin The Musical), Morgan Gregory (Elf, Newsies), Matt Jones (Pretty Woman, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory). Luke Latchman (Sunset Boulevard, Millennials), Rebekah Lowings (My Fair Lady, Ghost The Musical), Jamie Pritchard (Les Misérables), Laura Dawn Pyatt (SIX), Tinovimbanashe Sibanda (Guys & Dolls, Moulin Rouge!) and Natasha Wilde (2023 graduate). 42 Balloons has book, music and lyrics by Jack Godfrey whose other works include This is a Love Story (Dundee Rep) and Babies (Lyric). Jack Godfrey said, “I am so excited for the full production of 42 Balloons coming to the Lowry in April. It's been about six years since I started writing the show after discovering the incredible story of Larry's flight during a late night online deep dive, and it's extremely cool and slightly surreal to see it being realised as a full production for the first time. I'm extremely grateful for the amazing cast and creative team bringing the show to life and I can't wait to share 42 Balloons with everyone. ” Wendy Barnes said, “ It’s our passion to produce new musicals with original stories - and original scores - by emerging artists, and we can’t wait for audiences to discover 42 Balloons and fall in love with the show as much as we have. Jack’s created a beautiful musical inspired by a remarkable true story from the early 80’s and has written a pop score that stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the hits of that decade. ” 42 Balloons is produced by Andy Barnes & Wendy Barnes for Global Musicals & Kevin McCollum in association with The Lowry, Debbie Hicks, Sam Levy, S & Co and Kenny Wax. More information and ticket booking via https://42balloons.com/
"This is it. This is all there is. That's your lot really. Which is just as well. Because nobody can arrest your imagination" In 1994 the Criminal Justice Act effectively outlawed all raves... With a live DJ on-stage, the play follows Johnno McCreadie, a teenager living in a small suburban Scottish town at the time of the act. Beats is a coming-of-age story exploring rebellion, apathy and the irresistible power of gathered youth. Ned Campbell’s reimagination of Keiran Hurley’s 2012 critics award-winning play Beats will return to the King’s Head Theatre from 18th-27th April, following its recent sold-out run at the theatre. If you missed it the last time, or if you are determined not to miss it this time, for tickets and further information, please check out BEATS | What's On | King's Head Theatre (kingsheadtheatre.com) Kieran | Ned Campbell DJ Johnny Whoop | Tom Snell
‘ Off-the-wall, unhinged and deliciously devilish ’ Binge Fringe As Kaelan Trough and his husband prepare to celebrate the gender reveal of their as yet unborn child, they invite you (their nearest and dearest) to an unforgettable party. But as prosecco is drunk, things take a sinister turn. Kaelan vigorously recounts the events that led him here, slowly realising that he is merely a pawn in the machinations of a powerful, terrifying and sexy organisation and he will be lucky to escape with his life. Gay Witch Sex Cult is a fast paced, dark and hilarious, sticky, spooky horror comedy about gender reveal parties, demons from hell and, of course, a sex cult of gay witches written and performed by Andrew Doherty . The show is a queer-led, narrative character comedy which, whilst deeply silly, also touches on ideas of insecurity and loneliness. Taking inspiration from folk-horror, Andrew hilariously pays tribute to classics such as The Wicker Man and newer additions like Midsommar. Andrew Doherty is a queer comedy writer from Manchester, and co-founder of sketch comedy duo Megan from HR with his best friend Ambika Mod (BBC’s ‘This is Going to Hurt’, Netflix’s ‘One Day’, still sometimes replies to his WhatsApps). Their first show, Children Of The Quorn™ was a resounding success at the Edinburgh Fringe, where it received multiple 5 star reviews before transferring to Pleasance Islington. Since his best friend became a famous star, Andrew has been working on his first solo show whilst also performing at various comedy nights alongside Elf Lyons and Sami Abu Wardeh. He has also been filming a short comedy pilot for Sky and writing a series optioned with Drama Republic. In addition to this, Andrew spends his days as an RE teacher where he prays that his students don’t find out he has a show called Gay Witch Sex Cult. Following sell-out runs at VAULT Festival and Kings Head Theatre, where the show received a host of 5-star reviews and award nominations, Gay Witch Sex Cult is coming to the prestigious Soho Theatre for two nights Friday 19th and Saturday 20th April. For tickets and further information, please call the BOX OFFICE: 020 7478 0100 or their website Andrew Doherty: Gay Witch Sex Cult - Soho Theatre
The history of humankind lives on a timeline of exploration, and this is what's next... Middle-Weight Theatre is a UK tour of their brand-new original drama "What’s Next?." Based on historical events, What’s Next? is a compelling one-woman play about Harriet Quimby, a ground-breaking character in aviation history who broke cultural standards and reached new heights as the first woman to receive a pilot's licence in the United States. This thrilling new production sheds light on an often-overlooked historical milestone: the awe-inspiring adventure of the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel. Written by Matt Roberts and directed by Tom Stabb, What’s Next? will open in Bristol this April before embarking on a UK tour visiting cities across the country. Director Tom Stabb said: “ Seeing a new piece of theatre come together is always a special process. What’s Next? is no exception, literally elevating things to a whole new level .” Writer and producer Matt Roberts said: “ Harriet Quimby's story is an amazing and inspiring one - and I'm so happy I've been able to play a part in bringing her achievements to the attention of a modern audience." Playing the title role is Victoria Lucie(below), who made her West End debut playing Miss Casewell in London’s longest running play The Mousetrap. Other stage credits include The Night Pirates, (The Rose Theatre, Kingston and National Tour), The Importance of Being Earnest, Charleys Aunt, The Hound of the Baskervilles and many more with The Worcester Rep. Victoria Luce said: “ I am not only honoured to be asked to play such a strong and pioneering woman of history, but hugely excited to be reunited with old friends and new at Middle-Weight Theatre after performing with them in 2015.” For further information on the tour, tickets and indeed Middle-Weight Theatre please go to Middle-Weight Theatre Company (middleweighttheatre.com)
★★★★ " Catalyses laughter that cannot be contained" - Fest Magazine Jake Lambert is going on his first national tour " The Sunshine Kid " while also fitting in arena dates supporting Michael McIntyre. Described as " A joke machine " by The Telegraph, the show will see the comedian talk about trying to navigate his way through everyday life, why he has a fear of being normal, and asking why we all feel the need to ask strangers what breed their dogs are. Why is he calling his tour "The Sunshine Kid", a reason I definitely agree with, and it's not that other fallback we have (to strangers without dogs) talking about the weather. " It's about me and how I try to find the positives. Like I've noticed how people say negative things online, but if you ever have a chance to speak to them in real life they are not like that at all." " There seems to be anger for no reason. We are kind of trapped by the way we're expected to behave and if we could just break through those barriers. So The Sunshine Kid is me trying to stay optimistic and ask people to try to remain tolerant and understand other people." Though the first joke he remembers writing definitely shows a lack of tact and understanding from his mother! " The first joke I ever wrote was: 'My mum makes a mean dinner, last night's was Alphabetti Spaghetti that spelt out "you're adopted."'" As well as writing his own material, Jake also writes for other comedians, which means he can give a different slant on the material. " It's easier to write for others because I'll be writing for a TV show which means there's a specific topic. Writing for myself I have the choice of literally everything which is harder. It's like when the selection of chocolates is too large and you don't know what to pick, it's easier to decide if there's only a handful ." "I've written monologues for Tom Allen on The Apprentice: You're Fired and the opening monologue of the Royal Variety Performance for Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan. I've written for Mock The Week, Bake Off: An Extra Slice. It's fun to write for others because you get to think like them. I wrote for Romesh on The Ranganation and there's no other time I would get to write jokes as a dad of three with Sri Lankan parents! " Life is full of debut's for Jake at the moment, his debut tour and also his debut appearance on "Live at The Apollo". Somewhere as he says he had not performed before, but for a lad born in Slough. it had been his go to place for watching comedians. " I'd played lots of big venues because I'd supported Romesh Ranganathan, Seann Walsh, Jack Dee and Kevin Bridges, but never the Apollo. It was such an important stepping stone. When I was growing up it was where I'd go to see comedy – I saw Michael McIntyre there and now I'm supporting him ." " I think I bowed to the audience when I came out. But they remind you that it's a TV recording, so if anything goes wrong they can edit it. The only thing was you don't walk on from the side you walk straight on from the back with the microphone in your hand so there's no mic stand – you have to remember to stop walking. All you do when you're up there is try to ignore the voice in your head that says "this is what you pictured when you did your first ever gig."" If you would love an evening with "The Sunshine Kid" on his first tour, to take your mind off the angst and threats on WWIII for an evening, the details of his tour and how to get tickets can be found at www.jakelambertcomedy.com