Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) today announced changes within its Casting Department, based at the company’s Charing Cross Road offices.

Bill Kenwright presents
Rufus Norris’s acclaimed production of Kander and Ebb's musical masterpiece

Cabaret

Rufus Norris’s much anticipated re-imagining of his double Olivier-award winning production of Cabaret is to star internationally renowned singer/songwriter Will Young in his musical theatre debut as the enigmatic Emcee. The production will play The Savoy Theatre in London’s West End from 3 October, following an exclusive four week tour.

Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre presents...
Les Misérables School Edition

Performed entirely by students
 

Robin Sebastian from Volcano has answered these questions exclusively for Richmond Theatre!

1. Is it exciting staging show which has never been performed as a full production before?

I am thrilled to be part of a little known Coward piece. This is a more reflective play but it is still packed with very witty lines. If only we could find another couple of Oscar Wilde plays as well, then I could die happy!

Actress Isla Blair, who plays M'Lynn, the mother of Shelby in this production of Steel Magnolias, comes to this engagement with a close association, at least in her imagination, with the character.

'I remember seeing the film of Steel Magnolias in which M'Lynn was played, marvellously, by Sally Field. I remember thinking what a wonderful part that is. I should like to play it one day. It was that character I felt most drawn to. She's a doting mother -and I'm a doting grandmother - and I can't conceive of going through what M'Lynn has to endure.'

Child stars are not supposed to grow old, and god forbid they do so gracefully. So it’s hugely refreshing to meet Hayley Mills, still going strong and working harder than ever as she takes the lead in the stage premiere of Ladies in Lavender.

Adapted from the popular period film starring Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, the play is set in a remote Cornish village where the lives of two sisters are turned upside down by the arrival of a young Polish violinist. For most actors, it’s the script that decides them on a job. For Mills, it was the music, taken from the original film score by Nigel Hess and performed by virtuoso Joshua Bell.

Star of Benidorm and I’m a Celebrity, Crissy Rock is searching for the region’s top speciality acts to star alongside her at the Liverpool Empire this October in Tonight’s the Night.

The Ambassador Theatre Group is giving young children throughout the country the chance to star in the most acclaimed production ever of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s lavish musical South Pacific, currently on a nationwide tour. 

The roles needing to be played by local children on tour are Ngana and Jerome, the illegitimate children of Emile de Becque.  Ngana (female) and Jerome (male) would need to be of a playing age between 7 and 11 years, black, mixed-raced Caucasian/black or similar dark skin tone, with some singing and movement skills.  The producers also need to find a female child to play Bloody Mary’s native helper, who would have the same skills and appearance as, and understudy both the roles of, Ngana and Jerome.

David Suchet will provide the voice of Aslan in Threesixty Entertainment's major new production of C.S. Lewis’s classic The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, which opens in the historic grounds of Kensington Gardens on 29 May with previews from 8 May. The production stars Sally Dexter, Forbes Masson and Brian Protheroe in the roles of the White Witch, Mr Tumnus and the Professor respectively and Carly Bawden, Rebecca Benson, Philip Labey and Jonny Weldon as the legendary Pevensie siblings.

Churchill Theatre Bromley celebrates the launch of Spamalot by working with top local restaurant Ferrari’s in order to recreate the famous Monty Python Spam sketch. This was set in the Green Midget Cafe in Bromley.

Stars of the show Bonnie Langford, Marcus Brigstocke and Todd Carty paid a visit to Ferrari’s Restaurant where a ‘spamtastic’ menu has been created especially to mark the occasion.

The stage at Churchill Theatre Bromley will be hotting up from Monday 30 July – Saturday 4 August, when Noel Coward’s recently discovered play Volcano comes to town. We caught up with starring actress, Jenny Seagrove.

We are celebrating the arrival in Bromley of the hilarious West End production of Bette and Joan by giving the first night a Hollywood theme throughout the theatre. Come dressed to impress for a red carpet experience to remember!

Earlier this year, Churchill Theatre Bromley launched a new service, working with local restaurants to enable them to showcase their products and services to our customers. This is intended to give you, our theatre-going audience, a choice of local restaurants to visit for pre or post show meals and also the chance to benefit from special offers just for you. Please see below this month’s featured restaurants and special offers:

Calling all dance groups, artists and dance enthusiasts from Bromley!

Be a part of the Big Dance in Bromley – one of London’s most exciting celebrations of dance this summer!

2012 is the centenary year of the tragic sinking of the world famous RMS Titanic and remembrance ceremonies are moving full steam ahead across the UK. As part of Liverpool's Titanic 1912-2012 programme of events West Kirby Light Opera Society are raising one of their most successful productions from the deep to commemorate this very special occasion. The multi award-winning Broadway production Titanic - The Musical, returns to the Liverpool Empire from Tue 5 – Sat 9 June 2012 for 5 performances only.

Originally scheduled for Saturday 14 July 2012, Momentous Musicals starring Gareth Gates (Joseph, Les Misérables) and Rachael Wooding (Jersey Boys, Hairspray) will now take place at New Wimbledon Theatre on Thursday 19 July 2012 to allow Gareth to join the cast of Loserville at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, which runs through to Saturday 14 July 2012.

The Liverpool Empire Theatre is thrilled that the Sea Odyssey will be passing the venue down Lime Street on 20 and 21 of April.

If you are coming to see I Dreamed a Dream – The Susan Boyle Musical on either Friday evening or Saturday Matinee please bear in mind the following important information:

The internationally renowned company Danza Contemporanea de Cuba make their first ever visit to the New  Victoria Theatre, Woking with just two performances on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 May.

Following overwhelming acclaim for their first ever major UK tour in 2010, Danza Contemporanea de Cuba bring a fresh, joyous and passionate programme of work which includes a rare opportunity to see the stand-out hit of 2010’s programme, George Céspedes’s Mambo 3XX1, a new piece, Sombrisa, by award-winning choreographer Itzik Galili and Carmen?! choreographed by the Director of Helsinki Dance Company, Kenneth Kvarnström.

Artistic Director Christopher Luscombe and Howard Panter of the Ambassador Theatre Group have announced that Theatre Royal Brighton Productions’ inaugural season will begin with the first major revival for forty years of Dandy Dick. Starring Patricia Hodge and Nicholas le Prevost, and directed by Christopher Luscombe, the show will be opening at the new company’s home in Brighton before embarking on a UK tour, and Richmond will be the first stop on that tour.

After a Howlin’ sensation on the launch of our brand new comedy club at New Wimbledon Studio, Howlin’ Comedy Club are pleased to announce the line up for the next show at the studio on Monday 30 April at 7.30pm.

Comedians this evening include Kevin McCarthy  who is considered the godfather of modern British stand-up, Eric Potts who has played parts in Coronation Street and Brookside, and recently starred, wrote and directed Dick Whittington here at New Wimbledon Theatre, Kerry Godliman, who was a finalist of the 2003 Babycham Funny Women competition and was one of the stars of the 2005 Channel 4 sketch show Spoons and  Andrew Bird, who has appeared in TV shows The Sack Race and Have I got News For You. After receiving rave reviews on the launch of the new comedy club, Howlin’ Comedy will be at New Wimbledon Studio on the last Monday of every month, showcasing some of the finest comedians in the UK.
 

Audiences are in for something very special as Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace return to the New Victoria Theatre, Woking with their breathtaking show, Midnight Tango from Tue 1 – Sat 5 May.

Woking audiences were first treated to this dazzling evening of dance as the popular pair visited the venue with their brand new show last year in May. The show was a complete sell out prompting the producers to add additional performances due to the phenomenal demand, and it is clear their popularity has not waned as the show is set to do the same this year, enjoying tremendous ticket sales with only limited amount of tickets remaining!

Following three triumphant years at the Savoy Theatre in the West End, Legally Blonde the Musical closes its case for the very last time this April. But do not fear as Elle, Bruiser and her sorority girlfriends will be coming to Woking for just two weeks, as the multi-award winning production continues its triumphant UK tour at the New Victoria Theatre from Mon 7 – Sat 19 May.

Following the success of last year’s course, the Creative Learning Department will be running a Creative Summer School for 12-16 year olds again this August. The week-long course is designed to give aspiring theatre-makers the opportunity to get involved in and inspired by the whole production process from conception to performance. Participants will work with professional theatre practitioners to devise, design, direct and produce an exciting piece of theatre, which they will then perform on the final day of the course.

Join top London stylist Ali Quinn, who has appeared on ITV's This Morning and Fiona Sanderson, owner of designer boutique feather & stitch for a complimentary style consultation. Refresh your wardrobe for spring/summer with clothes from renowned designers like By Malene Birger, Paige and American Vintage as well as exclusive labels from France and Scandinavia. Bring a girlfriend and have some fun! We'll pour you a glass of bubbly and give you 10% off a purchase of your choice.

‘Getting to Know You – Getting to Know Us’

From the Liverpool Empire Theatre in conjunction with classic musical The King and I

One of the greatest family musicals of all time, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I, visits Liverpool Empire from 3-7 April. To get to know our audiences a little better (and vice versa), we’re delighted to announce two exciting activities in conjunction with this spectacular show. 

Dinner and a show for £35 – That’s Spamtastic!

Don't miss the most infectiously funny musical of the millennium!

Monty Python's Spamalot is coming to Richmond Theatre from 2 - 7 April and we've teamed up with The Duke Public House and Dining Room to create the ultimate theatre experience.

Ambassador Theatre Group’s Creative Learning Department in the West End has teamed up with the University of the Third Age (U3A), a lifelong learning co-operative for those aged 60+, to present a day of workshops at the Piccadilly Theatre in London.

On 12 March, 101 senior citizen theatre enthusiasts travelled from all over the country to the West End to find out how live theatre works and to meet professionals in the field as well as their fellow learners. Attendees also enjoyed an evening performance of the Olivier Award nominated Ghost the Musical, where the show’s production team were also on hand to share their knowledge and expertise.

Richmond Theatre Comedy Master Class

Saturday 7 April, 10am-12pm

£10, book via Box Office on 0844 871 7651

A rip-roaring look at what it takes to write and perform comedy, taking inspiration from Monty Python and other comedy greats. In this session, you’ll explore how to write your own comedic material, improvise amusing scenes, and maximise comedic potential from a script in a performance. Perfect for those who enjoy performing and want to develop their skills.

Dining Partners

At the beginning of this year Churchill Theatre Bromley invited local restaurants to showcase their products and services to our customers. This is intended to give you, our theatre-going audience, a choice of local restaurants to visit for pre or post show meals and also the chance to benefit from special offers just for you. This month we are thrilled to announce that Cote Brasserie is joining this list.

I feel incredibly lucky to have been given the opportunity to experience the marketing internship scheme at Richmond Theatre. I am soon to finish my three month placement, which has taught me an incredible amount about arts marketing and I feel much more confident in embarking on the next steps of my career.

For over five decades The Osmond Brothers have been entertaining sold out crowds throughout the world and 2012 marks the year of their biggest ever UK Tour, coming to the New Victoria Theatre, Woking for one night only on Sunday 15 April.

The tour will take fans on a journey through their many unforgettable hits – from classics such as One Bad Apple, Down By the Lazy River, Let Me In and Love Me For a Reason to Crazy Horses and Long Haired Lover From Liverpool – the 1972 number one from Jimmy, who has recently appeared in London’s West End in Grease and Chicago.

Prepare yourselves for a show that’s truly horrible – as the Birmingham Stage Company bring those Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians to the New Victoria Theatre with Horrible Histories Live on Stage from Wed 11 – Sat 14 April.

These two astounding shows use actors and amazing Bogglevision 3D effects to help transport the audience back in time and experience what it was really like to live in Tudor and Victorian times in Britain and showing that history is far from boring!

The highly awaited and internationally acclaimed production of ShangHi by Cirque du Ciel comes to the New Victoria Theatre, Woking for just two performances from Sun 8 – Mon 9 April. Returning due to overwhelming demand to the UK , the must see circus extravaganza contains the finest acrobats representing the vibrancy and excitement of modern China.

The producers of Monkee Business the Musical said today: 'We are all deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Davy Jones. He was a wonderfully talented musician and his songs brought happiness to millions of people around the world. We hope that Monkee Business the Musical will be seen as it was always intended, a loving tribute to all of The Monkees and a celebration of their lives and careers. Our thoughts and prayers are with Davy's family and friends at this sad time.

'The Manchester run will be dedicated to Davy, his talent, work and music and the laughter and fun they created for the youngsters of the time, and subsequent generations who have discovered and loved them too.'

The Edinburgh Playhouse are currently accepting applications for their 2012 Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme. A 74 seat intimate studio space will be created within the Overtures Suite located in the Playhouse for the month of August. Following on from the successful inaugural year of The Playhouse on the Fringe we are looking for an eclectic mix of productions and all genres will be considered. Performance slots are available from 10am until 6pm. Limited run applications (1-5 performance dates) will be considered but priority will be given to productions who are applying for the full run (1 – 27 Aug).

Family Tour
Sat 31 March 10.30am

'What happens in the Prompt Corner?'
'Who Switches the lights on?'
'Where would the Queen sit if she came to the theatre?'
'...and is there a theatre ghost?'

Join us to take a peek behind the scenes and learn about the secrets of Richmond Theatre. In this fun and informative tour we’ll explore the building together, starting in the auditorium before moving backstage to see where and how the magic happens. During the tours we’ll also tell you all of the terrible truths about going to the theatre in Victorian times, and we encourage questions as we go along, so inquisitive young minds will certainly be satisfied!

This Easter, keep your little ones entertained with a range of workshops and activities for children aged 4-18

Comedy Masterclass
Sat 7 Apr, 10am-12pm
Ages 16-18
A rip-roaring look at what it takes to write and perform comedy, taking inspiration from Monty Python and other comedy greats.
£10, book via Box Office

Playful Puppets Project
Mon 2 – Tue 3 Apr, 10am-4pm daily
7-10 yrs
Join us for a fun-packed 2 days where you will make your own puppets, bring them to life create a story, write your own songs and put it all together to create a fantastic whirlwind puppet show!
£40, book via Box Office

Play Time!
Sat, 7 Apr, 10.30am-12pm
Fun, free, family arts and crafts and storytelling along a different theme every month.
Suitable for children aged 4+ and their families

Twickenham Operatic Society (TOpS) return in March for their annual visit to Richmond Theatre, following Guys and Dolls last year, with the perennial favourite Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!

Director, Gill Wade, shares a brief history of the show:

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! was originally entitled Away We Go, but expectations for the show to succeed were low as Hammerstein's last six shows had been flops and there were no well known names in the leading roles. Even the producer Mike Todd had walked out after Act One during the tryout in New Haven, but Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein were confident they had a hit on their hands and soon the New Haven audiences were as enthusiastic as they were and it became the hottest ticket in town.

The producers of Hair are sorry to announce that unfortunately the forthcoming UK tour will not be going ahead. Despite the best efforts of all involved to keep the production moving forward, it has become apparent that certain criteria could not be met and regrettably the show will not now open in Liverpool as originally planned. The producers would like to apologise to the many fans of this iconic show who had been greatly excited by its planned revival.

Now in its seventh thrilling year, The Agatha Christie Theatre Company presents a stylish new production of the queen of crime’s classic thriller Murder on the Nile, which will tour the UK with an all star cast in 2012 and appearing at New Wimbledon Theatre from Monday 2 April – Saturday 7 April.

Murder on the Nile stars Kate O'Mara, prolific stage actress and star of television hits including Dynasty and Bad Girls, Denis Lill, whose extensive TV career most recently includes ITV’s hit drama The Royal and Doctor Who, Susie Amy, star of 71 Degrees North and Footballers’ Wives, Chloe Newsome Coronation Street’s Vicky McDonald, Ben Nealon, fondly remembered as Capt Jeremy Forsythe from the long running ITV drama Soldier Soldier and 60s pop idol, Mark Wynter.

Zach Braff's hit play All New People has sold out venues in Manchester and Glasgow and smashed box office records, as reported by the Evening Times and STV.

The dead of winter, Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Charlie (Zach Braff), has hit rock bottom. Away from the rest of the world, this perfect escape is interrupted by a motley parade of misfits who show up and change his plans. A hired beauty (Susannah FIelding), a fireman (Paul Hilton), and an eccentric British real estate agent (Eve Myles) desperately trying to stay in the country all suddenly find themselves tangled together in a beach house where the mood is anything but sunny.

Currently showing at the Duke of York's Theatre in London for 10 weeks only.

This is the hottest ticket for 2012. Don't miss it!

Student mid week matinee rate £20

On 25 February, Sword Swallowers around the world will celebrate World Sword Swallowers' Day by doing what they do best -- Swallowing swords!

Sword Swallowers Association International (SSAI) President Dan Meyer announced the 6th annual World Sword Swallowers' Day to raise awareness of sword swallowers around the world. Founded by SSAI and co-sponsored by Ripley's Believe It or Not, World Sword Swallowers' Day is set for 25 February in conjunction with February as National Swallowing Disorders Month.

Special offer for Dreamboats & Petticoats, 2 courses for £10 from the menu below.

Starters

A hearty bowl of home-made soup of the day served a with warm, freshly baked baguette and butter

Chicken liver pate served with a salad garnish, mixed crackers and a cranberry dressing.

A bowl of nachos, served with sour cream and salsa and topped with melted cheese

Main Courses

Battered cod served with garden peas & french fries and garnished with a wedge of lemon and optional tartare sauce.

A classic homemade lasagne served with garlic bread and a salad garnish

Rich and creamy mushroom stroganoff served with wild basmati rice

Grilled chicken breast, wrapped in bacon and served with barbeque sauce, chips and a salad garnish

Desserts

Home-made rhubarb crumble.

Tangy fresh rhubarb topped with an all-butter crumble and served with Devonshire clotted cream.

Home-made apple pie served with custard

A choice of 3 scoops of  ice-cream. Choose from honeycombe, chocolate mint or clotted cream vanilla.

Please note the offer is valid for either a starter and main course or main course and dessert during Dreamboats & Petticoats.

The girls are back! Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph, the three leading ladies of BBC TVs most popular and fondly remembered sitcom, Birds of a Feather, come together to star in an all new stage production of the iconic show at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking from Mon 26 – Sat 31 March.

Birds of a Feather ran for nearly 10 years throughout the 1990s and chronicled the misadventures of the original Essex girl’s, sisters Sharon Theodopolopoudos and Tracy Stubbs (Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson) and their man-eating neighbour Dorien Green (Lesley Joseph). With three strong female characters as the leads, Birds of a Feather was one of the first of its kind and went on to become a massive hit with up to 27 million viewers – firmly placing itself in the classic comedy hall of fame.

The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia present two iconic classical ballets, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty when they visit the New Victoria Theatre, Woking from Thu 22 – Sat 24 March.

Formed in 1981, The Russian State Ballet of Siberia has quickly established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth. The soloists and corps de ballet are superb, and never fail to delight audiences with their breathtaking physical ability and dazzling costumes.

The company perform two ballets whilst in Woking, Swan Lake, often thought of the greatest romantic ballet of all on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 March at 7.30pm and the favourite fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty on Saturday 24 March at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

At Churchill Theatre Bromley we have already had two hugely successful national premieres this year, following this trend we are thrilled to be hosting the national premiere of classic British comedy, Doctor in the House on Tuesday 20 March. Prior to this, we will be giving our customers the rare opportunity to grill the cast and director! Joe Pasquale and Robert Powell alongside renowned director Ian Talbot will be in the hot seats, whilst the exclusive audience will be able to ask whatever they wish.

The event will take place on Thursday 1 March and Wednesday 7 March.

For further information please contact ticket services on 0844 871 7620.

Send your colouring entry to us before 20 March and be in with a chance of winning...

First Prize: Bob the Builder twin figure set & library of books

Second Prize:  Bob the Builder vehicle and programme

Download the colouring sheet here.

All entries will be displayed in the foyer during the show.

Send your entries to Marketing Dept, New Theatre, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AG.

Bob the Builder will be showing at the New Theatre Oxford on Sunday 25 March – book now!

Critically acclaimed, Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker! returns to New Wimbledon Theatre on 13th March to celebrate its 20th anniversary for one week only. It is renowned for being one of the most popular dance productions ever staged in the UK and, after an extremely successful run at Sadler's Wells, this spectacular production is back with a fantastic cast, Tchaikovsky's glorious score, Antony Ward's dazzling sets and costumes combined with sizzling choreography to create a fresh and charmingly irreverent interpretation of the traditional favourite.

 

Samantha Womack now confirmed for the role of Nellie Forbush on the nationwide tour of  Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific at New Wimbledon 20-31 March 2012

The most acclaimed production ever of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific followed a sold out London season with a record-breaking national tour, which continues to thrill audiences around the UK, is coming to New Wimbledon Theatre on 20 March.

The producers are now delighted to announce that, Samantha Womack confirmed she will continue to play, Nellie Forbush the naive American nurse that falls for plantation owner Emile de Becque. Samantha's most famous for her role as Ronnie in EastEnders and her previous theatre credits include Harold Pinter's Betrayal, the Donmar Warehouse production in the West End of Guys and Dolls (as Adelaide) and Sandy in Grease at the Dominion Theatre.

Dirty Dancing, the smash hit musical, continues its record-breaking success with an extension of its first ever national tour... Now coming to New Victoria Theatre, Woking, for three weeks only from April 2013.

The producers of the first ever national tour of Dirty Dancing are delighted to announce five new cities, now booking through to the summer of 2013. Dirty Dancing will appear at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking for three weeks only, from Tuesday 30 April – Saturday 18 May 2013.

Since the UK tour opened in Bristol on 1 September 2011, demand for tickets has been phenomenal, smashing box office records across the country and playing to packed houses in every city it visits.

'Samantha Womack gives the best performance of her career'
Baz Bamigboye, Daily Mail

***** 'That’s some enchanted evening! Faultless!'
Daily Mail

**** 'A musical masterpiece. It’s a revelation'
Mail on Sunday

'No lover of musical theatre should miss it'
Daily Telegraph

The most acclaimed production ever of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific follows a sold out London season with a record-breaking national tour, which continues to thrill audiences around the UK. The producers are now delighted to announce that Samantha Womack has confirmed she will be playing Nellie Forbush for additional dates on the tour, coming to the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, for two weeks from Tue 10 – Sat 21 July. Samantha will be starring as Nellie in Wimbledon, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Aylesbury, Nottingham, Leeds, Woking and Dublin, as well as the previously announced Southampton, Birmingham and Liverpool.

There is now limited availability for the remaining performances of Noises Off at The Old Vic.

Please check online or call our Ticket Centre on 0844 871 7628 from 10am on Mon 6 Feb.

You can still book for the West End transfer of Noises Off at the Novello Theatre

Please click here to book online.

We're sorry but we're currently undertaking essential maintenance to the Duchess of Malfi online booking process.

You can still book by calling 0844 871 7628.

We're currently undertaking essential maintenance to The Old Vic Tunnels booking process.

We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Playful Productions, Neal Street and Robert Fox Ltd present
The Chichester Festival Theatre Production of
South Downs
By David Hare
Director Jeremy Herrin
The Browning Version
By Terence Rattigan
Director Angus Jackson

•    The hit Chichester Festival Theatre production transfers to the Harold Pinter Theatre from 19 April  2012
•    Anna Chancellor and Nicholas Farrell reprise their roles in this double bill
•    Tickets go on sale today, Friday 3 February

Check out the interview here

Zach Braff recently sat down with ShortList Magazine to discuss All New People, why he loves England and more...

There are some celebrities that you genuinely believe could be your friend. After watching Garden State and all nine seasons of Scrubs, we were pretty much convinced that Zach Braff would make a pretty good start to our (still in progress) wolf pack.

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table are continuing their quest for the Holy Grail at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking from Monday 6 – Saturday 11 February.

In honour of their arrival, the New Victoria Theatre thought that Woking’s very own knights in shining hi-vis vests - the hard working McLaughlin & Harvey builders deserved a treat fit for a King!

So they took a short break from transforming Woking’s town centre to tuck into a very special round of sandwiches...or should we say Spamwiches!
 

Stage Experience presents...

Footloose

Now in its seventh year, and following in the footsteps of critically acclaimed productions including Oliver!, High School Musical, Fame and last year’s phenomenon, The Glee Club Experience, the Edinburgh Playhouse Stage Experience is looking for 120 of the city’s most talented performers for its production of Footloose this Summer.

Thea Sharrock is to direct Danny DeVito and Richard Griffiths as the ageing vaudevillian team Willie Clark and Al Lewis in Neil Simon’s award-wining comedy, The Sunshine Boys. Previewing from 27 April with press night on 17 May, The Sunshine Boys is booking at the Savoy Theatre for a strictly limited run until 28 July 2012.  The Sunshine Boys has designs by Hildegard Bechtler with lighting by Neil Austin and sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph. Further casting will be announced shortly.

Kings of comedy, Willie Clark (Danny DeVito) and Al Lewis (Richard Griffiths) aka The Sunshine Boys haven’t spoken to each other in years. When CBS call for the vaudevillian greats to be re-united for a nostalgic History of Comedy, past grudges resurface as they take centre stage once more. Ageing ailments aside, can this legendary double-act overcome their differences for one last show? Old rivalry and vintage hilarity abound in Neil Simon’s classic comedy of showbiz and friendship.

 

Step back in time to Bromley, Autumn 1940, and experience the courage and kindness of young children during the Blitz.

Little Bessie Smiley and her sisters are inspired to do ‘war work’ and secretly set about helping people who have lost everything during the Blitz. However, their ‘Secret Operation’ brings 4-year-old Bessie face to face with the scariest man in town, the ‘Grumpy old Grandad’, played by TV actor Brian Murphy.

Blitz & Bananas is a feature-length drama based on true wartime memories from the Bromley/SE London area, created by local filmmaker and family historian, Anna Littler.

Churchill Theatre Bromley is pleased to announce that it will be inviting local restaurants to showcase their products and services to our customers. This is intended to give you, our theatre-going audience, a choice of local restaurants to visit for pre or post show meals and also the chance to benefit from special offers just for you.

Please see below this month’s restaurants and special offers:

Ferrari’s

There are three reasons why Ferrari's in Bromley has succeeded and continues to excel; great Italian chefs, using only terrific ingredients and staff that genuinely care about every guest.

'Great food, great service. Well done Ferrari’s. I’ll be back!'
Matt Warren (Features Editor, Daily Mail)

www.ferrarisrestaurants.co.uk

Ed’s

Ed's is a unique independent steakhouse with two big passions: Top quality rare breed, 28 day aged beef for our critically acclaimed steaks and burgers and our Josper indoor bbq oven. They source the highest quality, locally-sourced ingredients to ensure your dining experience is a cut above the rest. Find out more, see what's new and book online at www.edswoodfirgrill.co.uk.

Dizzy’s Diner: 20% off food offer:
 
The legendary Dizzy’s Diner has been serving up great food, cocktails and entertainment in Beckenham for over 30 years. Dizzy’s is famous for its wholesome, American-style, mouth-watering food, huge cocktail menu, and for providing a unique place to celebrate a special occasion. Present your ATG Theatre Card and you will be entitled to 20% off food Sunday - Friday. Call 0208 650 6010 to book your table.

After almost 1000 West End manicures, perms and make-overs, Legally Blonde the Musical will have its final performance at the Savoy Theatre on Saturday 7 April 2012, when principal contracts end. The production now in its third year has transformed the Savoy Theatre into a pink haven for Elle and her sorority girlfriends. Legally Blonde the Musical opened in December 2009 to rave reviews and the show went on to win seven theatre awards including the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical. Legally Blonde the Musical continues its tour of the UK and plans are in place for an Australian production to open in Sydney later this year.

 

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!, one of the most popular dance productions ever staged in the UK, comes to Woking direct from London’s Sadler’s Wells for one week only from Tues 31 Jan – Sat 4 Feb.

The 20th Anniversary production is a feast for the senses – danced to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and with Matthew Bourne’s wit, pathos and magical fantasy in abundance this is a fresh and imaginative interpretation of the traditional favourite.

Matthew Bourne has been delighting audiences at the New Victoria Theatre for years with his witty and imaginative ballets including Swan Lake, with the all male chorus, Play Without Words, Edward Scissorhands, Dorian Gray and last year’s sell-out success Cinderella. Known for his masterful story-telling and inventive re-working of classic stories, Bourne’s interpretation of the wonderful tale of the Nutcracker! is a story for all the family.

Nutcracker! follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from a hilariously bleak night at Dr. Dross’ Orphanage for waifs and strays, through a shimmering, ice-skating, winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland.

Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and Olivier award-winning designer, Anthony Ward’s unforgettable sets and costumes combine with sizzling choreography to create a fresh, hip and charmingly irreverent interpretation of the traditional favourite that will delight all!

You can book tickets by calling the Box Office 0844 871 7645 (fees apply), Groups Booking Line 0844 871 7601 or online at www.atgtickets.com/woking.

Richmond Theatre Young Company has been set up to give young people aged 17 to 25 the opportunity to take an active role in the planning and creation of a theatre performance.  

Over the next few weeks, our budding theatre-makers will be taking part in a series of skills workshops, aiming to equip them with the tools that they will need to create a piece of theatre from scratch. The workshops not only cover acting, which is familiar to most of our participants, they are also opening up new avenues for them to explore. This week, the group will be exploring the process from the other side of the rehearsal room; the director’s chair. Richmond Theatre’s Course Director, Mhairi Grealis, herself a classically trained theatre director, will be introducing them to the principals of directing, and how to realise their vision for a production. Following that, we’ll be looking at writing for the stage, technical theatre and design, before the company go off to decide what form their first performance will take.   

The programme for the Young Company over the next few months will see regular rehearsal sessions taking place alongside inspirational masterclasses and theatre visits of the group’s choosing. Ultimately, the Young Company will work together as an ensemble to conceive, create, rehearse, design and produce an exciting piece of theatre, which they will truly be able to call their own. The company will present their finished work in July, onstage at the theatre as part of the Creative Learning Festival.   

Regular workshops take place at the theatre on Saturday mornings. If you are interested in finding out more, or joining the Young Company, e-mail Gaby Lewis at richmondcl@theambassadors.com.

Stage Experience

Following the success of last year’s production of West Side Story, we are delighted to announce that the Liverpool Empire Stage Experience project for 2012 is...Annie

The Liverpool Empire Theatre is searching for a talented cast of 120 young people to stage the full scale musical production of Annie!

Set in New York during the depression, the show tells the story of a feisty little girl named Annie. Despite being abandoned by her parents on the doorstep of a New York orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan, Annie remains optimistic that one day soon everything is going to turn out just fine... and that day might just be 'Tomorrow'! With the help of her friends, Annie escapes the clutches of Miss Hannigan and sets off out to find her parents. Her infectious nature soon finds her with a new four-legged best friend called Sandy, an offer of adoption from billionaire Oliver Warbucks and even a meeting with President FD Roosevelt! However Miss Hannigan and her scheming brother, Rooster, are soon back on her trail, determined to take her back to the orphanage.

Featuring the unforgettable songs It’s a Hard Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow, this musical is an all-time classic rags to riches tale.

Celebrating 8 years of fantastic productions and following the success of last year's production of Fame The Musical, Manchester will once again open its doors to the city's young performers, with another exciting Stage Experience! This year’s production will be Annie!

Annie is a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Van Morrison, a legendary artist with one of the most enduring and consistently impressive careers in musical history, returns to the Edinburgh Playhouse for one night only on 31 March 2012.

His own distinctive blend of R&B, soul and Celtic influences has earned him many awards, including six Grammys, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music.

Fans old and new should not miss this opportunity to see his welcome return to the Edinburgh Playhouse.

Tickets are priced £46 and £66 (front three rows £76) and go on sale Friday 20 January 2012 at 9am.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the booking line on 0844 871 3014 or from www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh

Marti Pellow, one of Britain’s great music icons, is to join the UK tour of Willy Russell’s smash hit musical Blood Brothers for two weeks only! Marti Pellow will play the role of the Narrator, alongside Maureen Nolan as Mrs Johnstone, exclusively at the Sunderland Empire from Tuesday 31 January until Saturday 11 February.

Brit and Ivor Novello Award winning singer songwriter Marti Pellow joins the touring cast of Blood Brothers direct from the West End production. Most recently he toured the UK for eight months playing the title roles in the hit musical Jekyll and Hyde. Having worked closely with some of the world’s most important musical composers such as Sir Tim Rice and Leslie Bricusse, Marti has built a highly successful theatre career starring in the West End, on Broadway and on National Tour in the smash-hit musicals Chicago and The Witches of Eastwick, and co-starring with Josh Groban in the TV and film special Chess in Concert. He also starred alongside Russell Brand, Morwenna Banks and Miranda Hart in the TV show The Abbey and was also very proud to have worked with Gil Cates at The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.

Marti first came to the attention of the British public as the lead singer of Wet Wet Wet, one of the most successful and highly acclaimed bands in British pop history. As both a solo artist and with Wet Wet Wet, Marti has had consistent chart-topping multi-platinum albums, with over 25 chart hits and three of the UK’s biggest number one singles, including Love is All Around which continues to be one of the top five highest selling singles and most played songs of all time in the UK. Marti’s latest solo album Love to Love, recorded for his own label, has become one of the biggest selling independent records of 2011.

Hailed as one of the best musicals of all time, Blood Brothers has triumphed across the globe. Scooping up no less than four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway, Blood Brothers is simply unmissable and unbeatable. This epic tale of Liverpool life has been running in London’s West End, since July 1988 and touring the UK since 1995.

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited, by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret. The memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Blood Brothers is directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright with designs by Andy Walmsley. Mark Howett is the lighting designer; Ben Harrison is the sound designer. Rod Edwards is the musical supervisor and Kelvin Towse is the production musical director.

Blood Brothers is at the Sunderland Empire from Tuesday 31 January – Saturday 11 February.

Monday 27 February – Music Night

Featuring Jamie Cullum, KT Tunstall, Eliza Doolittle, Beardyman and internationally renowned flamenco guitarist Rafael, have confirmed they will perform in the first ever Childish Things music night on Monday 27 February. They will be joined by Pete Lawrie, Oxford musician Theo Jackson and Douglas House guest and Childish Things regular, Ally Craig, for an evening of varied musical entertainment.

Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 February – Comedy Nights

The full line-up for the two comedy nights has yet to be finalised, but the cast so far for Tuesday 28 February includes Michael McIntyre, Jimmy Carr, Jason Byrne and the Comedy Store Players. Jo Caulfield, Jason Manford, Andi Oshi and Issy Suttie are confirmed for Wednesday 29 February and Out of the Blue, Marcel Lucont and local rising star Matt Richardson will be appearing on both nights. Other amazing acts are yet to be confirmed.

As always the audience will have a great night of comedy and music, at the same time as supporting the children and families that visit Helen & Douglas House hospice.

Mon 27:
Jamie Cullum
KT Tunstall
Eliza Doolittle
Beardyman
Rafael
Theo Jackson
Pete Lawrie
Ally Craig

Tues 28:
Jimmy Carr
Comedy Store Players
Jason Byrne
Out of the Blue
Marcel Lucont
Matt Richardson
Jarred Christmas
Holly Walsh

Wed 29:
Jason Manford
Andi Osho
Isy Suttie
Jo Caulfield
Out of the Blue
Marcel Lucont
Matt Richardson
Lloyd Langford

Today (13 January 2012) Siobhan Dillon and Mark Evans join the cast of Ghost the Musical to play Molly and Sam in Matthew Warchus’s stage musical version of the Academy Award® winning film. Ghost the Musical opened at the Piccadilly Theatre in the West End in June last year where it has subsequently been playing to packed houses. Siobhan Dillon and Mark Evans join Sharon D Clarke as Oda Mae Brown and Andrew Langtree as Carl who continue in the roles they originated on stage when the production premiered. Matthew Warchus’s stage production based on the Oscar® winning film is currently booking in at the Piccadilly Theatre in the West End to October 2012.

 

Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) today announced a co-producing partnership with West End and Broadway Producer, Tali Pelman.

From 16 January 2012, Tali will begin working with ATG as a Co-Producer with the objective of developing and producing productions for presentation within ATG venues.

Tali previously spent four years at ATG as in-house Producer where her production credits included The Mountaintop by Katori Hall (West End and on Broadway starring Samuel L Jackson and Angela Bassett), Keira Knightley and Damian Lewis starring in The Misanthrope by Martin Crimp, Kris Marshall, Joanna Page, and Robert Webb starring in Fat Pig written and directed by Neil LaBute, Felicity Kendal starring in The Last Cigarette by Simon Gray and Hugh Whitemore, John Hannah and Paul Hilton starring in Riflemind by Andrew Upton and directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Richard Coyle, Gina McKee, Timothy West and Charlie Cox starring in The Lover/The Collection by Harold Pinter and as Associate Producer for ATG, with Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon starring in Exit the King by Eugène Ionesco (Broadway).

Sean Foley’s production of Graham Linehan’s adaptation of the classic Ealing comedy has entered the record books at the Gielgud Theatre by taking just under £400,000 in a single week. The record was set between Monday 26 December and Sunday 1 January and confirms the show as one of London’s top hit shows.

The Ladykillers tells the story of the eccentric little old lady Mrs Wilberforce who lives alone with her parrots in a strange lopsided house in King’s Cross. Her life is turned upside down by the arrival of Professor Marcus and his four friends, who between them make up the most unlikely group of criminals. Planning the heist of a security van, they decide to use Mrs Wilberforce as cover and involve her unwittingly in the plot. Things do not go well and the Professor’s plan starts to unravel in spectacular and hilarious fashion.

This stage production of The Ladykillers has been adapted by Graham Linehan who is best known for his work on the TV comedy series Father Ted and The IT Crowd. In partnership with Arthur Mathews, Linehan has also written for Harry Enfield, Smith and Jones, Alexei Sayle, The Fast Show and Steve Coogan. Linehan’s solo writing credits include work with Chris Morris on Brass Eye, Blue Jam and Jam and co-writing the first series of Black Books with Dylan Moran.

Director Sean Foley is a multi award winning stage director whose work in the West End includes Do You Come Here Often, Play What I Wrote, Ducktastic, Pinter’s People and Joan Rivers: A Work In Progress. Foley has also adapted and will direct The Painkiller which will star Kenneth Brannagh and Rob Brydon at the Lyric Belfast later this year.

The cast for The Ladykillers includes the BAFTA winning Peter Capaldi who is best known for his role as Malcolm Tucker in the television series The Thick of It. He has appeared in over forty television series and films including most recently the ITV series The Suspicions of Mr Whicher.

Playing the role of Major Courtney is James Fleet who is most famous for his role as Tom in Four Weddings and a Funeral and Hugo Horton in The Vicar of Dibley. He has also appeared in numerous stage productions including most recently Richard Bean’s The Heretic at the Royal Court.

The part of Louis is played by Ben Miller, who is best known as one half of the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller, which has had more than ten television series since they formed in the late 1990s. Miller has also appeared in a variety of other TV series and films including Primeval (ITV), and The Parole Officer (with Steve Coogan) and Johnny English (with Rowan Atkinson).

Clive Rowe plays One Round. A hugely accomplished stage actor, Rowe is also well known for his role as Duke in the BBC Children’s drama The Story of Tracy Beaker. His stage roles include Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, and Feste in Twelfth Night at the Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park. Clive has also become renowned for his pantomime dames as part of Hackney Empire’s celebrated Christmas pantos.

The part of Harry is played by Stephen Wight. Stephen won the Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer in the Evening Standard Awards for his performances in Don Juan in Soho at the Donmar Warehouse, he also appeared in Dealer’s Choice both at the Menier Chocolate Factory and in the West End and made his National Theatre debut in 2004 in Sing Yer Heart Out For the Lads.

Finally the role of Mrs Wilberforce is played by Marcia Warren who has won two Olivier Awards for roles in Stepping Out and Humble Boy. She has multiple stage and screen credits including most recently the TV drama Hattie.

Simon Callow Is Back
Being Shakespeare

By Jonathan Bate
Directed By Tom Cairns

At Trafalgar Studios 1 In London's West End
From 7 to 31 March for Only 30 Performances
Ahead of Performances in New York and Chicago

Simon Callow will be returning to London's Trafalgar Studios 1 this March to reprise his highly acclaimed show Being Shakespeare for a strictly limited season from 7 to 31 March, before heading across the seas to appear at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York and then at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at the Broadway Playhouse. In Being Shakespeare, Simon brings to life Shakespeare's unforgettable characters as well as the real man behind the legend. The play had a record-breaking run in the West End last summer, following a hugely successful tour and staging at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2010.

The Magnificent Music Hall
Produced by Paper Moon Theatre
Returns for fifth annual appearance at New Wimbledon Theatre (with special guest Don MacLean)
Wednesday 18 January at 2:30pm

'A little of what you fancy does you good', as the song goes, and Music Hall star Marie Lloyd was right. The Magnificent Music Hall, produced by Jan Hunt of Paper Moon Theatre, returns for a fifth year – it is always so successful that we fancied a little more!

Jan Hunt, also the director and a performer, stages a spectacular feast of song, dance, music, magic and comic monologues, featuring artistes who were regulars on BBC TV’s long-running show The Good Old Days including Jan Hunt herself and Chairman Johnny Dennis, who helms this show. 'Music Hall has always been about involving the audience' says Johnny Dennis, praised for 'dispensing genial Pickwickian humour' (The Times). Johnny is an announcer at the Lord’s Cricket Grounds, and an authority on this game.

The Magnificent Music Hall will also feature as an opening sequence 'a real London Cockney opening' promises Jan, choreographed by Lucy Spencer with young performers from Laine Arts College in Epson. 'And I’ll always come up with one or two surprises' adds Jan.

Artistes on the bill include banjoist/violinst Andy Eastwood; soprano Marilyn Hill Smith who played the Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music and Romany, the Diva of Magic (and the only British performer to ever win the World Magic Seminar Gold Lion Award, Las Vegas 2011). Also in this show is Delia Del Sol, contortionist and aerial acrobatics, and Richard Gauntlet, master of comedy and comic escapology. In addition, special guest star Don MacLean, a star of BBC TV’s longest running children’s series Crackerjack, adds to the merriment.

'Jan Hunt’s brisk production, complete with traditional audience singalongs, mixes sentimental ballads with earthy humour'
The Times

Jan Hunt is a well-known voice in the world of British Music Hall. In addition to producing, directing and performing in Paper Moon’s Magnificent Music Hall productions across Greater London, she also produces, stages and performs in shows for The Players’ Theatre Club, who just celebrated their 75th Anniversary of recreating Victorian Music Hall this past November. This gala was followed in December by the Players’ sold-out fundraiser for Wilton’s, the UK’s oldest surviving music hall. Jan staged both these shows and earned high praise:

'The most original entertainment in London'
StageWon.com

'The X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing have the megawattage, no doubt; but the older generation has the guile.'
The Times

This is a show with definite appeal to an older audience who fondly recall Music Hall. Younger newcomers experiencing the joys of this jovial genre for the first time will be in for a treat: 'They just come and have jolly good singsong and a lovely afternoon' says Jan.

Jan has been affiliated with New Wimbledon Theatre ever since she first performed there at the age of eleven as a Graham and Nelson juvenile in the pantomime Robinson Crusoe. Jan more recently staged a segment of the Gala Centennial for New Wimbledon Theatre.  Her son Damian, who worked there, met his wife Lucy in a show there, and Jan says the New Wimbledon Theatre has always felt like a second home to her.  She lives in nearby Kingston.

An expert in the history and spirit of Music Hall -- particularly the life of Marie Lloyd -- Jan is often interviewed. She has been featured in an episode of Blighty’s How Britain Was Built, singing and dancing with David Dimbleby on the gorgeous stage of Thornton’s Music Hall in Leeds, and Jan was interviewed in a BBC series about Wilton’s Music Hall (full Jan Hunt bio available).

She knows how to bring this traditional British entertainment to life, for audiences who always enjoy it.

Fancy an afternoon of Music Hall?  It’ll do you good!

Award winning actress Eve Myles and Royal Shakespeare Company actress Susannah Fielding are confirmed to star alongside American actor Zach Braff (Scrubs and Garden State) in his UK stage acting debut of the new comedy, All New People. This witty play, written by Braff, will be directed by award-winning Peter DuBois.

Eve Myles is best known for her role as Gwyn in the BBC1 series Torchwood and has also appeared in Doctor Who, Belonging, Merlin and EastEnders. 'I'm delighted to have been cast as the character of Emma in such a well anticipated and funny play,' says Eve. 'Having concentrated on TV work recently I'm excited to be returning to the stage and I'm very much looking forward to working with Zach and Peter.'

Having made her name on stage as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, Susannah Fielding has recently been seen in TV shows including Wallander, Doctor Who and Pete Versus Life. 'I am very excited to be appearing on the West End stage in All New People,' says Susannah. 'With such a witty script and some fabulous lines, I am really looking forward to getting my teeth into playing the role of Kim.'

All New People will open at the Duke of York’s Theatre on 22 February 2012. Before arriving in London for 10 weeks, audiences in Manchester and Glasgow will get the chance to enjoy the play when it is staged at the Manchester Opera House, between 8 – 11 February and the King’s Theatre, Glasgow, between 14 – 18 February.

A contemporary comedy, All New People debuted at New York’s award-winning Second Stage Theatre packed out nightly in the 2011 season.

In the dead of winter, at his wealthy friends’ luxury Long Beach Island apartment, Charlie (Zach Braff) has hit rock bottom on his 35th birthday. Away from the rest of the world, this perfect escape is interrupted by a motley parade of misfits who show up and change his plans. A hired beauty, a fireman, and an eccentric British real estate agent desperately trying to stay in the country all suddenly find themselves tangled together in a beach house where the mood is anything but sunny, while Charlie just wishes they’d leave and let him get on with it.

Best known for the smash-hit TV comedy Scrubs – nominated for 17 Emmy Awards and watched by over 22 million people worldwide – writer, director and star of the award-winning Garden State, Zach Braff is a three time Golden Globe nominee and Grammy Award winner. Peter DuBois is the Artistic Director of Boston’s Huntington Theatre, and was awarded the Callaway Award for Excellence in Directing from the Society of Stage Directors, and recently won the Elliot Norton Award for Best Production from the Boston Theatre Critics Association. DuBois was resident director and former associate producer at New York's acclaimed Public Theater, and former artistic director of Alaska's innovative Perseverance Theatre Company. DuBois made his UK directorial debut in 2011 with Becky Shaw at the Almeida Theatre, which was nominated for an Evening Standard Theatre Award.

'Zach Braff scores with All New People, a morbidly funny play about the trendy new existential condition of being young, adorable and miserable.'
Marilyn Stasio, Variety

'Sensationally funny! The jokes are delivered with the precision of ace dart throwers in this slick and lively comedy.'
Charles Isherwood, NY Times

'All New People is a hipper, edgier take on the bantering comedies that were once the domain of playwrights like Neil Simon.'
David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter

Christmas has been and gone, it’s time to take down the decorations, but that doesn’t mean the festive spirit has left Richmond just yet. It’s been a fantastic panto run this year with Cinderella and although there’s only a week left you still have plenty of time to see the show if you happen to have missed it! Those of you who have already come along are sure to have noticed our sparkling set (with that much glitter it would’ve been hard to miss!) but you might not have thought about how it all gets put together. So, as a belated Christmas present for you, we’ve created a time lapse video of our technical crew putting it up. This is a rare chance to see how our stage is transformed over two days, thanks to our very hardworking crew, and we’ve squeezed it all into an exciting 3 minute video which you can view on our YouTube page. And for anyone who hasn’t seen the show yet but has booked tickets, this is a sneaky peek at what you have in store this week!

At St Mary’s University College, Twickenham we’re fully committed to providing opportunities for lifelong learning. We offer a range of postgraduate programmes including MA and MSc taught degrees, MPhil and PhD research degrees, as well as our strong teacher training programmes.

Whether you’re interested in developing your career prospects or studying a course for personal, cultural or intellectual reasons, you’ll benefit from our research active academic staff who’ll support you and encourage you to succeed.

We’re holding open events for people interested in postgraduate study at St Mary’s on Wednesday 1 February and Wednesday 16 May. At these events there’ll be the opportunity to meet academic staff who’ll be happy to tell you more about our programmes and answer any questions you may have. You’ll also have the chance to see our campus, as well as the facilities and resources that we offer.

So why not come along to one of these events and see for yourself how you can benefit from joining our vibrant postgraduate community?

Please see www.smuc.ac.uk/open-events for more information and to book a place.

Pe-ppa Pig, Oink, Oink!

Hardly a day goes by that I don’t sing the Peppa Pig theme tune to myself. At 27 I’m hardly the target market for Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt but the cute little characters and fun-to-snort theme tune have infected me as much as they have my 3 year-old niece and 5 year-old nephew.

If you have children of your own, or like me can borrow someone else’s, then you can use them as the perfect excuse to see Peppa’s new show at Richmond Theatre. On from Tuesday 24 – Thursday 26 January, it’s all clever puppetry and cute as a button sing-a-long songs, following Peppa and her friends on an adventure to follow the clues and find their treasure.

With a running time of 1 hour 20 minutes (including interval) the show whizzes by, but leaves quite an impression! See what fun previous audiences have had and hear from the team behind the show, or just oink along with some of Peppa’s fans.

As well as seeing Peppa’s show you can also play some fun games on  Peppa’s very own website and enter Richmond Theatre’s Peppa Pig competition to win one of three fantastic prizes: a Plush toy (George’s Dinosaur), a copy of Peppa's Noisy Boat Trip Sound Book or Nintendo DS Peppa Pig: The Game.

For the chance to win one of these oink-tastic prizes simply post your answer to the following question on our Facebook wall:

When does Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt come to Richmond Theatre? Oh, and don’t forget to tell us which of the three prizes you would most like to win.

We will contact three lucky winners through Facebook on Friday 20 January at 12pm.

Good Luck!

After much consideration we have decided to not produce a Stage Experience this summer. The summer weeks have been identified as the only available time in our 2012 calendar for the theatre to carry out refurbishment work of the circle auditorium, and unfortunately we cannot run a full scale Stage Experience at the same time.

We will look into producing a Stage Experience again in 2013 and beyond. If you are interested in learning more about either the theatre improvements or the Stage Experience please check our website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Extra date added on Thursday 8th March at the New Oxford Theatre.

Following 2010’s 150 date sell out tour of the UK & Ireland and best selling DVD This is the Show, Irish funnyman Dara O Briain hits the road again with a brand new show for 2012. Dara is one of the most recognisable faces of British TV, hosting Mock The Week, The Apprentice - You're Fired, Stargazing Live and starring in 3 Men in a Boat.

The Stage Newspaper has today published The Stage 100 – the industry bible’s annual guide to the 100 most influential people in UK theatre, now in its 16th year.

Theatre’s power couple, husband and wife team Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire, Joint Chief Executives and co-founders of Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) have topped the list for the third consecutive year.

ATG is the British commercial theatre success story. Performing to more customers than any other theatre company in the UK, selling some 11 million tickets this year, and with co-productions also in New York, across North America, Europe and in Australasia. Bucking current retail trends, ATG continues to achieve steady year on year growth, and boasts the UK’s largest theatre membership scheme, ATG TheatreCard, with 100,000 paid up members, and the UK’s most visited theatre website (Hitwise), with 114 million page views, 19 million unique visits per annum.

ATG has recently launched two major new production company initiatives. With Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell, Jerry Mitchell Productions will develop, create and produce new productions for London, New York and around the world; and under the Artistic Direction of Chris Luscombe, with Associate Directors Maria Aitken and Philip Franks, Theatre Royal Brighton Productions will present classic and new drama both on tour in the UK and in the West End.

ATG co-production highlights for the year included the European premiere of the multi award-winning Lincoln Center production of South Pacific at the Barbican, London, the world premiere of Ghost the Musical, Samuel L Jackson and Angela Bassett starring in The Mountaintop on Broadway, Legally Blonde the Musical winning 3 Olivier Awards (including Best Musical), Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! at Sadler’s Wells, London, The Rocky Horror Show in Europe and hit pantomimes starring the likes of David Hasselhoff and Dame Edna Everage.

A full list of ATG 2011 Highlights can be found below.

2012 is also set to be a landmark year as ATG celebrates its 20th Anniversary, new productions include All New People starring Zach Braff and the new ‘Austin Powers’ style musical Monkee Business (both of which premiere in Manchester prior to London), Ghost the Musical opens on Broadway in March, Legally Blonde the Musical debuts in Sydney in October and ATG welcomes the London 2012 Olympics.

Speaking about the opportunities that the Olympics will bring, Howard Panter said, 'The West End has a dedicated home-grown audience and London theatre will be very much open for business during the Olympics. Theatregoers from Greater London and around the UK will still be able to see a show in the Capital during 2012. There is also a great opportunity for us to showcase the West End to the world and to welcome potential new audiences that will be visiting London during the Games.'

Rosemary Squire added, 'ATG will be working closely with the Society of London Theatre and other theatre owners to continue to make ourselves accessible to everyone and we’ll be looking for support from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to help us reach London’s new visitors. We very much look forward to welcoming visitors to the Capital during 2012 and anticipate business being more buoyant than ever.'

Co-founded by Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire in 1992, the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd (ATG) is the largest owner/operator of theatres in the UK with 39 venues, an internationally recognised theatre producer and a leader in theatre ticketing services through ATG Tickets.

Current and recent ATG co-productions include Ghost the Musical, South Pacific, All New People, Monkee Business, Matthew Bourne's The Nutcracker!, Legally Blonde the Musical, Monty Python's Spamalot, The Misanthrope, West Side Story, Elling, Guys and Dolls, Sweeney Todd, Company, Exit the King and The Rocky Horror Show.

Following a record breaking West End season at the Garrick Theatre where it was nominated for Best New West End Musical 2010 by What's On Stage, David Essex stars in All the Fun of the Fair; his own musical set in a world of an authentic East End fun fair at Milton Keynes Theatre 7th – 11th February.

Legendary singer, actor, composer and lyricist David Essex and Boogie Nights creator Jon Conway invite you to their rolle rcoaster ride of a musical, underscored by a helter-skelter of David Essex hits such as Winter’s Tale, Hold Me Close, Gonna Make You a Star, Me and My Girl – Nightclubbing, Silver Dream Machine and Rock On with many new compositions written specially for the show.

Inspired by David’s album All The Fun of the Fair, the original storyline is a heart-warming tale about an East End fairground family with David playing fun fair owner Levi Lee, recently widowed and father of a rebellious teenage son, Jack. Dodgems and motorbikes, crafty cons and candy floss, fairground horses and fights, along with romance and rock and roll mean you’re sure to go on a roller coaster of a ride, but beware… all is not always fun at the fair!

Many of the West End cast return to the show, including Louise English (Me and My Girl) as Rosa, Tim Newman (Nominated Best Supporting Actor in a Musical 2010) as Jonny and Susan Hallam Wright as Mary. Together with exciting newcomer Rob Compton as Jack, they are directed by Nikolai Foster, acclaimed West End director of Flashdance and Associate Director of the West Yorkshire Playhouse, with musical staging by star of BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance, Drew McOnie.

Roll on up, see the main attraction, 
get your money ready, let's take a ride...

Book your tickets at Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office
Call 0844 8717652 or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

The Bingham is one of Richmond's chicest places to meet your friends pre-theatre. Its bar serves a great range of cocktails and bar meals, with panoramic views of the landscaped gardens and the River Thames.

The Bingham has 15 elegant bedrooms, all en suite, and individually designed. They feature bespoke art deco inspired furniture, luxurious furnishings and modern comforts, including flat screen digital TVs with DVD players, complimentary WIFI and built-in music systems with a dedicated music library, digital radio and ipod dock, in-bath rain dance power shower and toiletries from 'L'Occitane en Provence'

With The Tea Guild's Award of Excellence to its credit, and a host of other accolades, The Bingham's Afternoon Tea is the perfect light meal to enjoy before a stroll through town to the theatre. Served from 3.30 till 5.30 p.m. Monday to Saturday (and 4-7 p.m. Sundays).

Zumba Classes

Christmas is over, if all you have as a reminder is an unwanted, wobbly tummy, you should book into our Zumba Classes! For all you old and new to Zumba, skip, hop and dance your way to the classes to join the party!

Zumba is a dance fitness classes that fuses fabulous Latin based music with easy to follow movements. You’ll be doing movements you didn’t know your body could do! It’s exercise in disguise!

Every Wednesday at 6pm. Contact Maria to reserve your dancing spot on info@thedancerooms.co.uk or 07984 643 379.

Don’t forget your water, a towel and a smile!

Following the gigantic of feel-good 60s musical Dreamboats and Petticoats, Churchill Theatre are proud to host the world premiere of Save the Last Dance For Me.

In preparation for this sure-fire smash hit, Churchill Theatre will host a 60s-themed first night. All audiences members will be invited to dress in 60s attire, with the best dressed person to receive a fantastic prize!

All of the Front of House staff will be joining in, bringing the play to life. Get out your retro threads, your blue suede shoes and jive on down to the Churchill Theatre on Friday 13 January.

Fame - The Musical
Music by Steven Margoshes
Lyrics by Jacques Levy
Book by Jose Fernandez
Based on a concept by David DeSilva
(Title song Fame written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore)

By arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd. On behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.

We are now looking for budding performers and theatre technicians aged between 9 and 25 years old to take part in next year's project (please note technical team applicants must be aged 14+).

Stage Experience is an intensive two week theatre summer school giving young people from across the region the opportunity to train and perform on the north east's biggest stage. Under the guidance of a professional Director, Musical Director, Choreographer and Technical Team, 2 weeks of training and rehearsals, beginning on Mon 23 July, culminate in 4 performances on the Sunderland Empire stage (3 & 4 Aug).

Waltzing to Woking in the New Year is the stunning Johann Strauss Gala for one performance only on Sunday 22 January.

Raymond Gubbay presents a Gala that will transport you back in time to the age of the glittering ballrooms of 19th Century Vienna, combining an enchanting mix of music, song and dance.

The show features dances to exquisite Strauss favourites including; Tritsch Tratsch Polka, The Blue Danube Waltz, Die Fledermaus Overture, Radetzky March, Wiener Blut, Thunder and Lightning Polka, Pizzicato Polka, Perpetuum Mobile and The Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus.

The acclaimed Johann Strauss Dancers and Johann Strauss Orchestra embark on a brand new show for 2012 - with the stage set for the magic of the Viennese Ball. The Orchestra is directed in the traditional Viennese manner from the violin, by David Juritz, arias and songs performed by sparkling soprano Amy Freston and with the dancers dressed in exquisite period costumes - you are in for ball of an afternoon!

We are delighted to announce that Aylesbury Waterside Theatre's pantomime extravaganza next year is the swashbuckling Peter Pan, flying on to the stage Sat 8 - Sun 30 Dec 2012.

Get ready to fly away on a spectacular journey of wonder and excitement into the magical world of Neverland. Join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys in their thrilling adventure to save Tinkerbell from the villainous Captain Hook and his crew of dastardly pirates. With stunning special effects (including amazing flying!), sumptuous costumes, superb sets and a good helping of fairydust, Peter Pan will be the perfect treat for the whole family!

Tickets are on sale now and early bookers can take advantage of our special Early Bird offer. To snap up your tickets up or for more information call the Box Office 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee) or visit www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee). Don't forget this year's Christmas cracker Dick Whittington starring Jonathan Wilkes and Gillian Wright is still on sale for those who can't wait until next year!

Oo-ah me hearties, the New Victoria Theatre, Woking was a buzz with excitement on Monday 12 December as the New Victoria Theatre staff alongside some special guests celebrated the press night and opening of the show and with the cast and company of Peter Pan.  

Steve McFadden, Harry Derbidge, Andy Collins, Amy Bird and all the company of Peter Pan were joined by friends and family to enjoy a well deserved drink (and a mince pie or two) after the show. There was a very special guest in the audience as the nation's sweetheart, Barbara Windsor, came along to show her support to her on-screen son, Steve McFadden. Barbara, who is no stranger to Panto, starring as Fairy BowBells in Bristol last year was cheering and booing with the rest of us and joined the cast and company for some celebratory drinks after the show.

You will have to forgive me if this review seems more than usually inarticulate.

I have just emerged from Michael Frayn's comic masterpiece Noises Off and every few seconds I remember some incident from his inspired farce about a farce and start laughing uncontrollably all over again.

Indeed the taxi driver who drove me from the Old Vic to the Garrick Club where I am now attempting to write this notice kept giving me worried looks in his rear-view mirror as I cackled uncontrollably for no apparent reason. I half expected him to call a doctor and have his lunatic passenger sectioned.

It isn't the storybook bling of the Bow-Bells set, nor the saucy giant sausage, nor even the free 3-D glasses which, to shrieks and gasps, bring five minutes’ dazzling underwater projection of fish overhead. It isn't the lavishly hilarious costumes and dancing, even the amazing, commanding, breakdancing dwarf (Ben Goffe). It is not even the burping puppet turtle or the classic Twelve-days-of-Christmas chaos involving water-pistols and rubber chickens.

Fancy treating yourself or a loved one to a different Christmas gift this year?

Sunderland Empire is offering three extra special tours of the theatre on 22nd, 29th and 30th of December; a must have for all theatre lovers. This one off experience will include...

On Tuesday 20th December at 11am, our Snow White AKA Sarah Lark from BBC1's I'd Do Anything along with panto Friends will be making a very special guest appearance at McDonald's Restaurant in Bromley's Market Square.

Siobhan Dillon and Mark Evans are to join the cast of Ghost The Musical to play Molly and Sam in Matthew Warchus' stage musical version of the Academy Award® winning film. Ghost The Musical opened at the Piccadilly Theatre in the West End in June this year where it has subsequently been playing to packed houses. Siobhan Dillon and Mark Evans join Sharon D Clarke as Oda Mae Brown and Andrew Langtree as Carl who continue in the roles they originated on stage when the production premiered. Ghost The Musical is currently booking until 13 October 2012.

Jeremy Herrin will direct David Armand, Elizabeth Berrington, Katherine Parkinson, Steffan Rhodri, Reece Shearsmith and Kara Tointon in Alan Ayckbourn's classic comedy of manners and social embarrassment Absent Friends, previewing at the Harold Pinter Theatre (formerly the Comedy Theatre) from 26 January 2012.  With press night on 9 February Absent Friends, produced in the West End by Sonia Friedman Productions and Bob Bartner, is currently booking until 14 April. Designs are by Tom Scutt with lighting by Peter Mumford and sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph.

Claire Sweeney joins Les Dennis, and Ray Quinn to star in the international award-winning hit Legally Blonde The Musical at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from 31 Jan – 4 Feb 2012.

We are pleased to announce that the Rizzle Kicks are coming to the Leas Cliff Hall on Monday 7 May 2012.

The Edinburgh Playhouse and the producers of the smash hit Queen & Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You Queen have teamed up with Edinburgh’s Hard Rock Cafe to offer a fantastic theatre ticket and meal package.

Fresh from sell-out European arena tours, the international smash hit production of 60s musical Hair is set to tour the UK for the very first time. Starring Gareth Gates, Zoe Birkett and Amy Diamond, Hair will be appearing at the Churchill Theatre Bromley from Monday 16 to Saturday 21 April.

We have been advised by the producers of Dreamboats and Petticoats that their tour dates for Bristol Hippodrome are being brought forward from 26th - 31st March to 30th January - 4th February.

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre celebrated its First Birthday Party on Thu 24 Nov with nine excited contestants and an audience of keen party goers all gripped to see who would win a special one off part in this year’s sparkling family pantomime Dick Whittington, starring Jonathan Wilkes and Gillian Wright.