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Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Hamilton - Thursday 17 April, 2pm, touch tour 1pm, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton The Forsythe Programme - Saturday 19 April, 2.30pm, Sadler's Wells, London Unicorn - Saturday 19 April, 7.30pm, Garrick Theatre, London The Capulets and the Montagues - Saturday 26 April, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.10pm, The Lighthouse, Poole Oliver! - Saturday 26 April, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Gielgud Theatre, London Company - Saturday 26 April, 7.30pm, Buxton Opera House To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)
Today, Danny is joined by Lizzy Roper, a comedian, actress, DJ, the face of Aunt Bessie´s and more. Her grandfather was a Londoner, but her father was born in Spain. When the civil war erupted, they became refugees. Lizzy was born and raised in Whetstone. Lizzy´s career has included numerous stage roles and parts in 63 movies and TV shows, including Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road. As well as a significant period doing stand up alongside Lenny Beige, Matt Lucas, Sasha Barron Cohen, David Walliams and more. She shares some interesting stories, including why she had to learn Middle English to get her equity card, a funny Pink Panther story and tales of an eclectic mix of celebrities, including Tom Baker, John Hurt, Barry Cryer, Leo Sayer and Robbie Williams. If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos. KEY TAKEAWAYS By the age of 5 Lizzy was already imitating entertainers she saw on TV. She was born to act. In the late 80s, early 90s, London was still affordable, even for struggling actors. London is really a series of little towns that are patched together. In the West End, wherever you look, history hits you in the face. Once you have lived outside of London for a while you forget that the city has its own behavioural norms. The Gielgud Theatre had two previous names. The Regency Rooms was known for its cabaret comedy, but a lot of big bands also played there. Acting in a soap opera requires a different skillset. The insights Lizzie shares about how they make 2.5 hours of TV in under a week are fascinating. BEST MOMENTS “If I go back up there, they tell me I sound like a Cockney t**t.” “It took me a while to get London.” “Do you remember that wonderful word “profit share” that translates to profit loss?” “My acting career took off by going through the back door of Cabaret comedy stand up.” “When I met you, you were running the asylum at the time.” “I know I can do a bit of stand-up, but I could not be a street performer.” “There´s something magical about Liverpool.” “Hollyoaks, it's more dangerous than a Mexican drug cartel.” “I haven´t got the London code anymore.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1575301 https://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/client/lizzie-roper HOST BIO Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can. CONTACT AND SOCIALS https://instagram.com/dannyjhurstfacebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 https://twitter.com/dannyhurst https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720
Earlier this week Mickey-Jo had the enormous privilege of attending the opening night performance of OLIVER! which has made a triumphant return to the West End with a new production at the Gielgud Theatre. This staging of the show, produced by Sir Cameron Mackintosh and directed by Sir Matthew Bourne, was first seen in 2024 at Chichester Festival Theatre and features Simon Lipkin as Fagin with Shanay Holmes as Nancy and Aaron Sidwell as Bill Sykes alongside a hugely talented cast of young performers. Check out this full review for Mickey-Jo's thought's on the dark new production of the show and why he thinks it's aiming to be in the West End for the long haul... • 00:00 | introduction 02:40 | synopsis / material 10:56 | production 20:34 | performances • About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
Laura grew up in Belfast, Ireland, and trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. She won the ‘Best Actress' Olivier Award and was further nominated for a Tony Award and Evening Standard Theatre Award for her portrayal' of ‘Caitlin' in the critically acclaimed production of Jez Butterworth's THE FERRYMAN, directed by Sam Mendes. The "triumphant, bold piece of theatre” appeared at the Royal Court and Gielgud Theatre in London before transferring to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on Broadway. Laura now stars in THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA on Broadway, a new play by Butterworth and Mendes. Donnelly reprises her role from its debut on the West End which saw her earn a ‘Best Actress' Olivier nomination. Other stage highlights include her role as ‘Other Woman' in THE RIVER (West End and Broadway) written by Butterworth and directed by Ian Rickson, THE WASP (Trafalgar Studios), PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME! (Donmar Warehouse), JUDGEMENT DAY (Almeida Theatre) ROMEO AND JULIET and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (both at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre) and DANCING AT LUGHNASA (Lyric Theatre, Belfast). For television, Laura starred alongside Gael Garcia Bernal in a Marvel Studios one-off Halloween special called WEREWOLF BY NIGHT (Disney+) and as ‘Amalia True' in HBO's fantasy series THE NEVERS also starring James Norton, Eleanor Tomlinson, Olivia Williams and Nick Frost. She is also known for playing 'Jenny Fraser' in the Golden Globe nominated drama, OUTLANDER. Further credits include the International Emmy Award winning series, SUGAR RUSH (Channel 4), THE FALL (BBC) starring Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson, MERLIN (BBC), the ABC production of MISSING, the BAFTA award-winning drama OCCUPATION (BBC), BRITANNIA (Amazon Studios), HEX (Sky One) and BEST (BBC). Laura's film credits include Fox Searchlight's TOLKIEN, THE PROGRAM (StudioCanal), HELLO CARTER (Bankside), DREAD (Seraphim Films), INSATIABLE (Kirby Films) and RIGHT HAND DRIVE (Pine Road Pictures). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of Style DNA I go on a Style journey with Actress, TV presenter, Philanthropist and Entrepreneur … the gorgeous Geordie girl Donna Air. Donna rose to early fame aged 10 as an actress in the children's television series Byker Grove, a popular show set in the Newcastle area. She went on to form the pop duo Crush which found some success in the late 1990's. Her career has spanned presenting MTV, to the Big Breakfast as well as appearing in numerous films and TV dramas. Donna is currently performing in the award winning ghost story 2:22 at the Gielgud Theatre alongside James Buckley, Stacey Dooley and Joe McFadden…The play, written by Danny Robins is a supernatural thriller that has received critical acclaim for its intense and gripping narrative with the story revolving around a couple who hear strange noises in the new house and begin to suspect it might be haunted… I for one, can't wait to see Donna's performance. Success came early in life for Donna and we chat about her teenage years in Newcastle “geared around her Saturday night outfits”…in time this passion transferred to her pop video or performing clothes. She reminisces about her youthful inability to control her clothing spending, particularly whilst touring in America. We discuss her love of strong female characters and how inspiring they are…not to mention the fact that slowly there are more female roles for women post their 30's…finally! Donna clearly loves beautiful clothes, whilst not being remotely materialistic, but she laughs about how in the past these beautiful things have slipped through her fingers …how she would give away her clothes and accessories to friends and how her daughter Freya, now 19, keeps asking her where pieces are that she is wearing in old photographs that she would love to wear now…all since long gone! Thank you @donnaair for sharing your stories and your insights so generously.
Candida is an MD (musical director), composer and arranger whose world across the globe on musicals and plays. Her work includes: As composer: The Little Prince at the Taunton Brewhouse The Tempest and The Hostage at the Southwark Playhouse Buckets at the Orange Tree Theatre As an MD: Woyzech, Old Vic with John Bodega King Lear, Duke of York's Playhouse with Ian McKellen To Kill A Mockingbird, Gielgud Theatre with Matthew Modine and Race Spall A Strange Loop, West End and Barbican, the show received 11 Tony Nominations The Hills of California, Harold Pinter Theatre, directed by Sam Mendes The Lehman Trilogy, National Theatre, West End, Broadway and International Tour Candida talks about her recent involvement in The Lehman Trilogy, both in the UK and Internationally. A show portraying the 163-year journey of the Lehman brothers, from Henry Lehman arriving from Ellis Island all the way to its dissolution during the 2008 financial crisis. Candida was the live pianist playing the score that accompanied the brilliant performances of the actors as they took the audience on a pulsating ride through the financial world. She discusses how the show evolved from the first day, putting the score together, working with Sam Mendes, Nick Powell and the original cast (Ben Miles, Simon Russell Beale and Adam Godley) on creating one of the most spectacular shows of all time. If you get the chance to see this show in the future I implore you to see it! Thank you Candida! Stay tuned to for part 2! Oliver Gower Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261 Instagram: @goweroliver For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com Please Like, Download and Subscribe! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/uncensored-critic/message
For this Musicals Magazine Podcast, Edward Seckerson meets Christine Allado, fresh from lending her shining soprano to the Old Friends celebrating Stephen Sondheim at London's Gielgud Theatre. Some may remember her opposite Rob Houchen in the TV documentary The Making of a Classic, chronicling the genesis of West Side Story, but onstage the Filipino actress is best known as Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds – and sometimes Eliza – in Hamilton, and Tzipporah in Prince of Egypt. She's about to give her Julie Jordan in a concert staging of one of the greatest musicals ever written – Carousel.
In the last weeks of Opening Night, Hadley Fraser kindly sat down with us to talk about his experience with the show and to look back on some of his recent credits too. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, Hadley has proven himself to be one of the most versatile actors on the West End stage, taking on principal roles in both musicals and classic plays. Hadley has also worked extensively in regional theatre, championing venues like Chichester Festival Theatre, Sheffield Crucible and Manchester's Royal Exchange. During Josie Rourke's tenure at the Donmar Warehouse, he also worked closely with the Donmar team on a number of shows including Coriolanus, Saint Joan and City of Angels. The Donmar was also where he met his now-wife: Olivier nominee Rosalie Craig with whom they share a daughter. The couple still occasionally work together, most recently on a livestream of Stuart Matthew Price's Before After and we look forward to seeing the pair on stage again soon.In this new interview, Hadley Fraser opens up about his experience as a performer and as a creative. He talks to us about his current experience of putting together Opening Night with Ivo Van Hove and discusses the importance of taking risks, even when in a difficult financial climate. He admits he was aware the show would split opinion but remained intrigued by the avant-garde director's vision of the show and shares his admiration for Wessex Grove Productions, Rufus Wainwright and Ivo Van Hove. As he prepares to take his final bows next month, he remains grateful for the time spent with this company as he looks ahead to life after Opening Night.Opening Night runs at Gielgud Theatre until 18th May with tickets available NOW.
Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Madagascar The Musical - Friday 19 April, 7pm, New Theatre Oxford Opening Night - Saturday 27 April, 2.30pm, Gielgud Theatre, London Hadestown - Saturday 27 April, 2.30pm, Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London Guys & Dolls - Saturday 4 May, 2.30pm, Touch tour 12.25pm, Bridge Theatre, London Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - Thursday 9 May, 2pm, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What's On email newsletter do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)
After a largely negative critical response and reports of audience members walking out en masse, it was announced earlier today that OPENING NIGHT would conclude its limited run at the Gielgud Theatre prematurely.The show, based on the 1977 John Cassavetes film of the same name, has been directed and conceived by Ivo Van Hove with an original score by Rufus Wainwright and Sheridan Smith starting in the leading role.Find out more about the news, what might be next for the Gielgud and what this tells us about the state of musical theatre in today's new episode...•00:00 | introduction01:41 | statements / my thoughts12:14 | what happens next?•About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 70,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
The simply sublime Sheridan Smith spills the beans on treading the boards in new play Opening Night, at London's Gielgud Theatre. And the awesome Eddie Marsan gives us the lowdown on new Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black, which is released in cinemas this Friday, 12th April.Join Chris, Vassos and the team every weekday for laughs with the listeners, the greatest guests, and a pinch of the papers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mickey-Jo loves to follow critical discourse in the theatre and one of the most polarising recent openings in the West End was a new musical called Opening Night, which opened last month at the Gielgud Theatre. The show, based on the 1977 John Cassavetes film of the same name, has been directed and conceived by Ivo Van Hove with an original score by Rufus Wainwright and Sheridan Smith starting in the leading role. After Mickey-Jo's 1* review, check out what some of London's most prominent critics and publications had to say about the show... • About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows both in New York, London, Hamburg, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
In this episode, we'll take you on a journey through a diverse line up of captivating shows, including the divine comedy of Sister Act to the poignant gay drama of Breeding, and from the unforgettable Opening Night to the world premiere of Wild About You. Plus, don't miss our exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with cast members Joel Harper-Jackson and Elizabeth Ayodele from the smash-hit Standing at the Sky's Edge.
Join hosts Nick Hutson and Hannah Budd on a captivating journey through London's theatrical landscape as they dive into the vibrant worlds of Opening Night at the Gielgud Theatre and Priscilla: The Party at the Outernet Venue. In this episode of MusicalTalk, Nick shares his first impressions of Priscilla, delving into the glitz, glamour, and unexpected surprises of this iconic musical. Opening Night, a new musical starring Sheridan Smith, featuring music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright with a book and direction by Ivan Van Hove, takes center stage in their discussion, as they examine its adaptation from the film by John Cassavetes. Should a musical about a play that makes no sense also make no sense? As they contrast the two productions, Nick and Hannah explore the polarities between the shows, from the classic elegance of Opening Night to the flamboyant extravagance of Priscilla. Nick's fresh perspective on Priscilla sparks an engaging discussion on the unique appeal of the production and its enduring popularity. Amidst the exploration of themes and performances, the hosts ponder the question: Does promenade theatre lend itself to musicals? Drawing from their experiences and observations, they analyze the immersive nature of Priscilla and its impact on audience engagement.
This week saw the opening night of the West End's newest musical... OPENING NIGHT at London's Gielgud Theatre. The show, based on the 1977 film of the same name, has been directed and conceived by Ivo Van Hove with an original score by Rufus Wainwright and Sheridan Smith starting in the leading role. Check out Mickey-Jo's thoughts on this show in today's new video review... • About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows both in New York, London, Hamburg, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
Queer The Music: Jake Shears On The Songs That Changed Lives
For our last episode of this current series we celebrate the brilliant 'Going To A Town' by singer, songwriter Rufus Wainwright. The song, which was the first single from Rufus's 2007 album 'Release the Stars', has garnered huge critical acclaim and has been covered by artists from George Michael to Lily Allen however its critique of the United States and the war in Iraq provoked strong negative reactions in audiences and when he performed it he says “I would sing it often and get booed”. Listen to Jake and Rufus' insightful conversation where they cover the meaning and making of the song, it's reception, what it means to be a gay artist, his influences and his encounter with George Michael. Rufus' first musical of John Cassavetes' 'Opening Night' opens on the 26th of March at the Gielgud Theatre in London - it is directed by Ivo van Hove and stars Sheridan Smith. Thank you to our sponsors... Factor's delicious, ready-to-eat meals make eating better every day easy. Head to factormeals.com/queerthemusic50 and use code queerthemusic50 to get 50% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga sit down with our Deputy Culture Editor, Nick Clark backstage at the Gielgud Theatre. The West End and Broadway legends are currently starring in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends. This is taken from The Standard Theatre Podcast, click here to find out more.For all the latest news visit standard.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this enlightening episode of "How To Be 60," Kaye and Karen sit down with Dr. Who star, Bonnie Langford, the versatile star who first captured hearts as a child actress. Bonnie opens up about the complexities of growing up in the limelight, the challenges of maintaining authenticity while aging in the public eye, and the delicate balance of personal privacy against a life of fame. Bonnie is currently starring in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends at The Gielgud Theatre. Get in touch with your stories, suggestions and feedback at podcast@htb60.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nick Hutson and Andrew Keating discuss their thoughts on Old Friends - the Stephen Sondheim tribute concert now playing at the Gielgud Theatre. Then Nick digs out, from the MusicalTalk Time Machine, an unreleased discussion on girls in musical theatre - in honour of the new version fo Calnedar Girls - now touring the UK.
If there was a huge asteroid hurtling toward Earth threatening to destroy life as we know it and you could see one more show before you die, what would it be? It can be anything you want - a show you've seen before, one that you wish you'd seen, or something you've made up entirely. What would be YOUR Last Show on Earth? This is the podcast in which we ask a special guest the big, BIG question that nobody ever needed or bothered to ask. Our guest this episode is George BlagdenGeorge Blagden is an English actor who has enjoyed a successful career in theatre, film who also enjoys a nice sideline in voiceovers and audiobooks.He is married to fellow actor Laura Pitt-Pulford and they have a young son called Arlo. He is best known for his role as Louis XIV in the French-produced television series drama Versailles as Grantaire in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables and Athelstan in the television series Vikings. He has narrated many audiobooks including the Penguin Classics audiobook version of Homer's The Odyssey and an immersive audiovisual tour for the Circus Maximus in Rome written by Margaret George for the BARDEUM mobile app. (We don't know what this is either). Theatre credits include Tartuffe, Into the Woods and the role of PJ in the 2018 revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical comedy, Company, at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End.(Disclaimer - Due to the nature of the George's Last Show choice this episode does feature some very fruity language...apologies. If you are easily offended by the F word, please send your complaints to us and they will be duly ignored).Links:George's Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_BlagdenClips of George in Versailles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncAdzmaYgUwTrailer for the 2018 production of Company https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-vAv1VZuMgHosted by John Owen-Jones and Alistair BrammerMusic written by John Owen-Jones and Alistair BrammerMusic performed by John Owen-Jones, Alistair Brammer and John QuirkRecorded & edited by John Owen-Jones and Alistair BrammerA 2023 John Owen-Jones Associates Productionwww.johnowenjones.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From London's Theatreland, we're joined by Broadway and West End stars Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga at the Gielgud Theatre. The duo are performing in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends, devised by Cameron Mackintosh, and directed by Matthew Bourne.Nick Curtis and Nick Clark review Hamnet, which is now on at the Garrick theatre. Then, Nancy Durrant and our chief theatre critic review Lynn Nottage's Clyde's at the Donmar Warehouse.We join tributes to acclaimed West End producer and stage impresario Bill Kenwright, who has died.Our hosts also discuss the news that Cruel Intentions and The Hunger Games are coming to the London stage.And finally, we've got an email address! We'd love to hear from you what you think of the show - and the shows - so that we can get to know our fellow theatre-lovers better. Drop us a line at theatrepod@standard.co.uk.Listen to our episode about Mlima's Tale here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Since arriving into the UK 20 years ago, Damian Humbley has become one of the most eminent figures on the musical theatre scene. After taking over the role of Walter in The Woman in White at the Palace Theatre, Damian has since taken on roles such as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Charley in Merrily We Roll Along and is now appearing in the all-star cast of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends. A lifelong Sondheim aficionado himself, he tells us about his love of Sondheim and how amazing it feels to be working alongside such established talents on Old Friends. In this exclusive interview, Damian Humbley looks back over his career, telling us about how the theatre scene has changed and is continuing to evolve. After recently starring in The Great British Bake Off musical, we hear him talk about how it's becoming increasingly challenging creating shows that are as commercially successful as they are critically. After the show premiered in Cheltenham, the show made its way to the Noel Coward Theatre where it had a modest run and gained new fans as well. Old Friends also marks the first time Damian has returned to the Gielgud theatre having previously starred in the acclaimed but short-lived production of Lend Me a Tenor. It's interesting to hear Damian provide his insight and analysis of what is currently happening across the theatre landscape as he looks ahead to the next 20 years of his career. He remains committed to creating high quality pieces of art and shares his hopes of working on more Sondheim pieces going forwards.Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends runs at the Gielgud Theatre until 6th January 2024
Tony and Olivier winner Lea Salonga is back In The Frame and back in the West End, starring in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre. Devised and produced by Cameron Mackintosh, Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends has direction and musical staging by Matthew Bourne, side by side with Julia McKenzie, with choreography by Stephen Mear. Lea come to London direct from Broadway where she was starring in Here Lies Love for which she is also a producer. Lea left the Philippines as a teenager when she was cast as Kim in Miss Saigon. She originated the role in the West End and on Broadway to tremendous acclaim, winning Olivier and Tony Awards for her performance. Lea also has a long association with Les Misérables, having played both Eponine and Fantine in London and New York, including for the musical's 10th and 25th anniversary concerts. Just a few of Lea's other theatre credits include: Eliza in My Fair Lady (Manila), The Witch in Into The Woods (Singapore), Grizabella in Cats (Manila), Kei Kimura in Allegiance (Broadway), Helen in Fun Home (Manila), Erzulie in Once On This Island (Broadway), Grace Farrell in Annie (Hollywood Bowl) and Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd (Manila/Singapore). Lea has worked extensively in film and television and famously provided vocals for the title role in Disney's Mulan I (1998) and Mulan II (2004) as well as for Princess Jasmine in Disney's Aladdin (1994), earning her the official title of a Disney Legend! Away from the stage, Lea is a judge on the Philippines' version of The Voice and has sold 19 million albums worldwide, making her one of the best-selling Filipina artists of all time. Lea recorded her first episode of In The Frame last year whilst preparing for the UK leg of her Dream Again concert tour which included a special performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Recorded backstage at the Gielgud Theatre, in this episode Lea discusses all-things Stephen Sondheim and delves into some of the material she sings in Old Friends. Lea also speaks about her whirlwind year, her relationship with her voice and towards the end of the interview she discusses the incident which took social media by storm when some fans found their way to Lea's dressing room on Broadway earlier this year. Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends runs at the Gielgud Theatre until 6th January 2024. Visit www.sondheimoldfriends.com for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.
Musical theatre legend Bonnie Langford performs Stephen Sondheim's I'm Still Here from the musical Follies, in tribute to the late composer and lyricist. The actress, singer and dancer reflects on her career from West End child star to appearing in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends, the starry revue show running at London's Gielgud Theatre. Documentary filmmaker Maysoon Pachachi makes her feature film debut with Our River…Our Sky, set in Baghdad during the winter of 2006, three years after the US-led invasion. Maysoon's film reflects on how those who remained tried to get on with their lives in a city riven by sectarian violence. “Nuns are always box office, aren't they?” said film director Michael Powell and he was right. His 1947 classic Black Narcissus, about missionary nuns in the Himalayas, is being screened around the country; The Sound of Music ran at Chichester Festival Theatre over the summer and midwife nuns will soon return to our screens in Call the Midwife. Critic David Benedict and Samira Ahmed discuss the attraction and importance of nuns in art. Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Paula McGrath
This week, Conversations with Friends star Alison Oliver joins Nick Curtis to talk about playing the title role in Portia Coughlan which opens soon at the Almeida Theatre.We review Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre, which stars Lea Salonga, Bonnie Langford, and sees Broadway legend Bernadette Peters make her West End debut.Also, our verdict on Close Up: The Twiggy Musical, directed and written by Ben Elton. A musical about the life of Lesley Hornby - later dubbed 'Twiggy' as her modelling career took off.Plus, everything you need to know about the 67th Evening Standard Theatre Awards.For more news head to standard.co.uk/culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Just before Mickey-Jo left for New York, he caught a press performance of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends, a new show helmed by producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh in tribute to the great composer / lyricist. The show, which is playing at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End, London, stars Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga alongside a hugely talented cast including Janie Dee, Jac Yarrow, Joanna Riding, Clare Burt, Damien Humbley, Bonnie Langford, Bradley Jaden, Jason Pennycooke, Gavin Lee, Jeremy Secomb and more! Check out the new review to find out why this show meant so much to Mickey-Jo and what he thought about it... • About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows both in New York, London, Hamburg, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
Christine Allado and Adrian Hansel are currently starring as Meat and Brit in the West End revival of We Will Rock You.Returning to London 21 years after its premiere at the Dominion Theatre, We Will Rock You is currently playing to sold-out houses at the London Coliseum where it's playing a 12-week limited season. Some of Christine's theatre credits include Tzipporah in The Prince of Egypt (Dominion Theatre), Peggy & Maria in Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre), Vanessa in In The Heights (Kings Cross Theatre) and Dovee in Here Lies Love (National Theatre). Later this year Christine will star in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre.Some of Adrian's theatre credits include Samuel in The Distance You Have Come (Cockpit & Apollo Theatres), Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls (Sheffield Crucible), Seaweed J Stubbs in Hairspray (Shaftesbury Theatre), alternate Four Eyed Moe in Five Guys Named Moe (Marble Arch Theatre) and Ken in Ain't Misbehavin' (Southwark Playhouse). We Will Rock You runs at the London Coliseum until 27th August 2023. Visit www.wewillrockyoulondon.co.uk for info and tickerHosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.
Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Spirit of Invention - Saturday 8 July, 11.30am, The National Archives, Kew, Richmond Luxury and Power - British Museum, Wednesday 12 July, 6pm, British Museum, London Robin Hood - The Legend, Re-Written, Saturday 15 July, 2.15pm, Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park, London Trigger: Teabreak and Rebecca Louise Law: The Place Between - Friday 21 July, 11.30am, Milton Keynes International Festival The Crucible - Saturday 22 July, 2pm, Gielgud Theatre, London To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What's On email newsletter do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)
Join Natalie and Darren in this thrilling episode of Theatre Audience Podcast as they explore a diverse range of theatrical experiences. They start with the Olivier Award-winning musical sensation, Groundhog Day, at The Old Vic. From the creative minds behind Matilda The Musical, this comic parable of love, hope, and transformation features Andy Karl reprising his Olivier Award-winning role as Phil Connors, alongside the wonderful Tanisha Spring as Rita Hanson, is a must-see.Frances Ruffelle and Norman Bowman take centre stage next in Frankie & Beausy at Cozy Coqs. Frances, known for originating the role of Eponine in Les Misérables and Norman, currently starring as Sam in the hit musical Mamma Mia!, share their incredible talents in this intimate performance. With Frances's Tony Award-winning background and Norman's recent feature film role alongside Jude Law, their chemistry and artistry shine.Prepare for an unforgettable one-man show experience with Wolf by Lewis Doherty. Natalie delves into the captivating storytelling and mesmerising performance that has audiences on the edge of their seats. With a unique blend of humour, suspense, and masterful character portrayals, Wolf delivers an exhilarating theatrical experience.Lastly, they delve into the timeless classic, Arthur Miller's The Crucible, currently playing at the Gielgud Theatre. Darren highlights the standout performances by House of the Dragon star Millie Alcock as Abigail, Caitlin FitzGerald as Elizabeth Proctor, Brian Gleeson as George Proctor, Karl Johnson's brilliant comedy timing as Giles Corey, and Nia Towle's portrayal of Mary Warren. With brilliant staging by Es Delvin and atmospheric lighting by Tim Lutkin and thrilling sound by Tingying Dong. The cast's exceptional talent brings to life the enduring relevance of this powerful play.There's also a mention to the much anticipated West End transfer of Mrs Doubtfire to introduce the interview Natalie hosted with some of the cast which will feature in a future podcast.Tune in to this episode of Theatre Audience Podcast and join Natalie and Darren as they share their insights, passion, and love for the vibrant world of theatre. From musical sensations to intimate performances and thought-provoking dramas, this episode has it all. Don't miss out on this theatrical journey filled with laughter, inspiration, and exceptional performances and all over a nice iced tea.
Natalie and Darren discuss a plethora of theatre we've seen in February and recommendations of what's on in February/ March. Productions reviewed in this episode include: Best of Enemies at Noel Coward Theatre, Back to the Future at Adelphi Theatre, Noises Off at The Pheonix Theatre, To Kill A Mockingbird at Gielgud Theatre, Frantic Assembly's Othello at Lyric Hammersmith, Smoke at Southwark Playhouse.
The abuse team headed out to see London West End's new play by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Bartlett Sher ‘To Kill a Mockingbird' at the Gielgud Theatre based on Harper Lee's famous and award-winning novel. They discuss the themes of the play.
Danny Robins is an award-winning writer, broadcaster and journalist. His podcast series, The Battersea Poltergeist, become the No 1 drama podcast in the world. It was made for the BBC and combined drama and documentary to tell a real-life ghost story, starring Toby Jones and Dafne Keen. Danny is now adapting it for TV with Hollywood producers Blumhouse. His latest drama, The Witch Farm starring Joseph Fiennes and Alexandra Roach is available on the BBC now. Danny's new BBC podcast series Uncanny, tells individual stories of paranormal encounters, from ghosts to UFOs and is another multi-million download hit. Danny's play 2:22 – A Ghost Story, a supernatural thriller starring Lily Allen, opened in the West End in August 2021 and is still running at the Gielgud Theatre. Danny Robins is guest number 237 on My Time Capsule and chats to Michael Fenton Stevens about the five things he'd like to put in a time capsule; four he'd like to preserve and one he'd like to bury and never have to think about again .Follow Danny Robins on Twitter: @danny_robins & Instagram @dannyrobinswithoneb .Follow My Time Capsule on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook: @MyTCpod .Follow Michael Fenton Stevens on Twitter: @fentonstevens & Instagram @mikefentonstevens .Produced and edited by John Fenton-Stevens for Cast Off Productions .Music by Pass The Peas Music .Artwork by matthewboxall.com .This podcast is proud to be associated with the charity Viva! Providing theatrical opportunities for hundreds of young people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aaron Sorkin's award-winning adaptation of much-loved Harper Lee novel To Kill A Mockingbird, is finally coming to London's Gielgud Theatre. In this week's Chops, Jen catches up with Pamela Nomvete and Gwyneth Keyworth, who play Calpurnia and Scout in the new production, to find out what it's like to play such beloved roles, how Sorkin has brought the play into the 21st century, and whether or not Scout is a revolutionary, rather than simply an innocent narrator.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/standardissuespodcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
12th March - A trip to the Gielgud Theatre to see Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird and a lot of clapping. Oh by the way, the comment about 'Radish' is a reference to Auf Wiedersehen Pet and Timothy Spall was ace in that! Much love and gratitude, Belle x
Dan Looney (TW:@dan_looney)(IG:@dan.looney)(LI:@dan-looney)is a founder of the DLAP Group which is an award-winning corporation focusing on commercial entertainment across the globe. Comprised of ten subsidiary companies: DLAP Production, DLAP Management, DLAP Accountancy, DLAP Programming, DLAP Venues, DLAP Tickets, DLAP Agency, Creative Rights International, Fourth Wall Live and Ace Pantomimes. The company has won four Olivier awards for its co-production of Stephen Sondheim's musical, Company at the Gielgud Theatre in London's West End. It also received the Best Musical Award at the 2019 Deagu International Musical Festival in South Korea for their production of The Wedding Singer. DLAP produced the world premiere stage adaptation of The Last King of Scotland, based on the award-winning novel by Giles Foden (Sheffield Crucible Theatre) and the UK premiere of Kander and Ebb's musical-whodunnit, Curtains, starring Jason Manford (UK Tour and Wyndham's Theatre, West End) as well as The Last Five Years (Garrick Theatre, West End). DLAP's hit production of the 80's rock musical Rock of Ages toured the UK and Berlin in 2018-2019 and is currently playing on its second major UK Tour. DLAP has also produced the 30th Anniversary production of Fame! the musical on tour in the UK, internationally and in the West End (Peacock Theatre), as well as The Wedding Singer on tour in the UK throughout 2017 and at the Wembley Park Theatre in London in 2020, starring Strictly Come Dancing's Kevin Clifton. The company produced the legendary Broadway star, Chita Rivera Live in Concert at Cadogan Hall in 2019 and Phantom of the Opera In Concert at Beau Sejour, Guernsey. In 2020, DLAP launched a major new IP acquisition and development company, Creative Rights International, backed by venture capitalist Patrick Bradley of Station12 and in paertnership with InFine Theatre. The company controls a large portfolio of theatre, film and TV IP which it exploits globally. DLAP formed a new live events and concerts company, Fourth Wall Live, with renowned concert producer, Darren Bell. Fourth Wall produced the Live in London season at the London Hippodrome Casino in December 2019. 2021/22 concerts include Bonnie & Clyde In Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), The Greatest Showman's Keala Settle as well as Shoshana Bean, Jenna Russell and Jessica Vosk (all at London's Cadogan Hall). DLAP most recently formed Ace Pantomimes with seasoned pantomime producers, Immersion Theatre.
Dan Looney (TW:@dan_looney)(IG:@dan.looney)(LI:@dan-looney)is a founder of the DLAP Group which is an award-winning corporation focusing on commercial entertainment across the globe. Comprised of ten subsidiary companies: DLAP Production, DLAP Management, DLAP Accountancy, DLAP Programming, DLAP Venues, DLAP Tickets, DLAP Agency, Creative Rights International, Fourth Wall Live and Ace Pantomimes. The company has won four Olivier awards for its co-production of Stephen Sondheim's musical, Company at the Gielgud Theatre in London's West End. It also received the Best Musical Award at the 2019 Deagu International Musical Festival in South Korea for their production of The Wedding Singer. DLAP produced the world premiere stage adaptation of The Last King of Scotland, based on the award-winning novel by Giles Foden (Sheffield Crucible Theatre) and the UK premiere of Kander and Ebb's musical-whodunnit, Curtains, starring Jason Manford (UK Tour and Wyndham's Theatre, West End) as well as The Last Five Years (Garrick Theatre, West End). DLAP's hit production of the 80's rock musical Rock of Ages toured the UK and Berlin in 2018-2019 and is currently playing on its second major UK Tour. DLAP has also produced the 30th Anniversary production of Fame! the musical on tour in the UK, internationally and in the West End (Peacock Theatre), as well as The Wedding Singer on tour in the UK throughout 2017 and at the Wembley Park Theatre in London in 2020, starring Strictly Come Dancing's Kevin Clifton. The company produced the legendary Broadway star, Chita Rivera Live in Concert at Cadogan Hall in 2019 and Phantom of the Opera In Concert at Beau Sejour, Guernsey. In 2020, DLAP launched a major new IP acquisition and development company, Creative Rights International, backed by venture capitalist Patrick Bradley of Station12 and in paertnership with InFine Theatre. The company controls a large portfolio of theatre, film and TV IP which it exploits globally. DLAP formed a new live events and concerts company, Fourth Wall Live, with renowned concert producer, Darren Bell. Fourth Wall produced the Live in London season at the London Hippodrome Casino in December 2019. 2021/22 concerts include Bonnie & Clyde In Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), The Greatest Showman's Keala Settle as well as Shoshana Bean, Jenna Russell and Jessica Vosk (all at London's Cadogan Hall). DLAP most recently formed Ace Pantomimes with seasoned pantomime producers, Immersion Theatre.
Author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher trained as an actor, but with several bestselling novels under her belt and her hit podcast Happy Mum Happy Baby featuring guests stars such as the Duchess of Cambridge, she has had little time to take to the stage in recent years. Now she stars in the West End in Danny Robins's terrifying new play 2.22 A Ghost Story at London's Gielgud Theatre. During lockdown, Femi Fadugba's debut novel, which combines his expertise in quantum physics with a thrilling time travel story set in Peckham, became a bestseller and was quickly snapped up by Netflix for a film adaptation. Ben Norris combines his skills as a poet, actor and playwright in The Choir of Man, a new feelgood show in the West End, which uses hits by the likes of Sia and and Guns'n'Roses to celebrate the power of community. After an incredible story from listener Helen Kirkham on last week's show about the devastating accident that almost took her life, we reunite Helen with someone very special. Darling Buds of May, Matilda and Call the Midwife actor Pam Ferris chooses her Inheritance Tracks: You Are My Heart's Delight by Richard Tauber and Bonde by Ali Farka Toure with Ry Cooder. And we have a Thank You from Topsy Kennedy. Producer: Tim Bano
Stephanie Beatriz is known by many as Rosa in the hit US comedy TV show Brooklyn 99 but has also featured as a voice in the new Disney film; Encanto.Stephanie is the first of three guests in a 3 part special for The Andy Jaye Podcast, all focussed around a new West End production called 2:22 A Ghost Story. Beatriz has a starring role in the spine-tingling super-natural thriller, showing in the Gielgud Theatre in London.In this conversation, Beatriz talks about her role in 2:22 but also talks about her time as Rosa on Brooklyn 99 and the new film too, Encanto.The Andy Jaye Podcast is produced by The Driven Media Group - a Paramex Digital brand. If you would like to contact the show, email hello@drivenchat.com. Find our entire back catalogue of conversations in all the usual podcast places. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In the seventh episode of the Wheelie Stagey podcast, Kerrie reflects on the unexpected joy of getting out of one's comfort zone and being scared silly with her trip to 2:22 A Ghost Story back in August. Following phenomenal demand, the play will be returning with a new cast (Giovanna Fletcher, Elliot Cowan, James Buckley & Stephanie Beatriz) at the Gielgud Theatre from 4th December to February 12th 2022.Tickets are available at www.222aghoststory.comBlog: www.wheeliestagey.wordpress.comTwitter/Instagram @wheeliestageyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WheelieStageyBlog/Wheelie Stagey Artwork by Steve MundeyTheme & Incidental Music by Ashley MA Walsh
In celebration of the RSC Podcast's 15th Anniversary, artistic directors Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor remember the surreal week they spent performing The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) at the Gielgud Theatre in London in the wake of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Featuring memories of how the country came together; how all the performing arts suffered at the box office; how we were the only West End show to perform during Diana's funeral; how news traveled via Town Crier; the joy of meeting Bernard Shaw (not George Bernard Shaw); and how something always happens when we perform in London. (Length 18:17) The post Remembering Princess Diana appeared first on Reduced Shakespeare Company.
And now in audio described arts, let's have a look at a thrilling finale to the award-winning trilogy about Henry VIII's advisor, Thomas Cromwell. On your latest A View On Access, Tim Calvert takes a look at The Mirror and the Light, the final chapter of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall Trilogy adapted for stage. You can catch the audio described performance of The Mirror and the Light at the Gielgud Theatre on Tuesday 9th of November. For full access information contact Access@delfontmackintosh.co.uk or call 0344 482 5137 AVOA is written, presented and produced by Tim Calvert of Calvert Creative Concepts for RNIB Connect Radio and The Audio Description Association. For more information or to get involved email aviewonaccess@gmail.com Image shows Nathaniel Parker (Henry VIII) and Ben Miles (Thomas Cromwell) in The Mirror and the Light production. (Photo credit: Marc Brenner)
Hilary Mantel's Man Booker Prize-winning novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies were brought to the stage in 2014 by the Royal Shakespeare Company, adapted by Mike Poulton and directed by Jeremy Herrin. The third in the series, The Mirror and the Light, has opened at the Gielgud Theatre, again directed by Herrin but this time adapted by Mantel herself with Ben Miles, who has played the central character of Thomas Cromwell across all three plays. Also returning is Nathaniel Parker as King Henry VIII. BTG Editor David Chadderton spoke to him on the morning of the press night performance about the production, as well as about playing real people (from King Henry to Gordon Brown and Albert Speer), lockdown, playing Bond (in a manner of speaking) and just a little bit of politics. The Mirror and the Light began previews at London's Gielgud Theatre on 23 September 2021, opened on 6 October and is booking until 23 January 2022. For more information about the production, see the web sites of The Mirror and the Light or The RSC. To keep up-to-date with Nat's work and blog posts, see his web site. (Nathaniel Parker as Henry VIII in The Mirror and the Light - Photo by Marc Brenner)
Steve is an ex rugby playing welsh tenor, with a BA (Hons) Performance Art Degree specialising in choreography from Middlesex University. Most recently Director of Musical Theatre at Birmingham Ormiston Academy. Performing highlights Mr Braithwaite in the original cast of Billy Elliot, Frank Shultz in Show Boat at the Royal Albert Hall and The Beadle in Sweeney Todd at the Royal Festival Hall. As the presenter and choreographer of the BBC 2 award winning documentary Our Dancing Town, he saw four towns in Yorkshire, coming to together, celebrating the power of community through dance. Choreographic credits includes The Beggar's Opera (Royal Opera House), Ariadne auf Naxos (Garsington Opera Festival and Den Norske Opera, Oslo), Orpheus in the Underworld (Royal Academy of Music), La Rondine (Opera Holland Park) and The Mikado (Scottish Opera). Teaching and choreographic credits include MA Music Theatre at Royal Central School of Speech, Mountview Academy of the Arts, Music Theatre Academy, National Youth Music Theatre, Youth Music Theatre UK, Chichester Festival Theatre Youth Company and Belfast based Music Theatre 4 Youth. Steve is the patron of Dance Syndrome and The London Ballet Company and the recipient of the ‘Acting for Others' bursary from Dancer Career Development Recent credits include: Choreographer for ‘Save the Cinema' Film starring Samatha Morton, Johnathon Price, Choreographer La Traviata and Un Ballo In Maschera: Opera Holland Park Dancer: Paddington Bear 2.Directing credits include: The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, The Drowsy Chaperone, Little Women (BOA), The Famous Farter (Welsh Millennium Centre), Something Old, Something New, (The Musical Academy, London) Whistle Down the Wind (Taylor and Labey), The Addams Family and Evita, Carmarthen Youth Opera. *Cuckoo's Nest (Lost Theatre), Oliver!, The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe, Peter Pan, (Chichester Festival Theatre), God of Carnage (Manchester), Diary of a Nobody (Jerwood Space), Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore Carl Rosa Opera (Australia and US Tour) Mind the Gap (Canal Cafe), Nine and Pajama Game (Arts Educational).Choreographic credits include: The Mikado, Scottish Opera,*Silly Kings, National Theatre of Wales, *Pirates of Penzance, Scottish Opera and D'Oyly Carte, Gioielli della Madonna (Holland Park), Yeoman of the Guard, Iolanthe (BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall), Ariadne auf Naxos and Mirandolina (Garsington Opera), Ariadne auf Naxos (Den Norske Opera, Oslo), The Beggar's Opera (Royal Opera House,Linbury Theatre), Carl Rosas' Gilbert and Sullivan season 2007 at the Gielgud Theatre, The Amazing Chinese Conjuror (Almeida Opera), The Merry Widow (UK/South Africa), Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore Carl Rosa ( UK/USA), Dr Faustus (Chichester Festival Theatre), SwanSong (National Theatre Studio), The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds), Nunsense (Bridewell Theatre), Into the Woods, Dearly Beloved, The Rose and the Ring (Rose Bruford University), Sing Sherman Sing (Soho Theatre), La Bond (The Talk of London). Awards:* Our Dancing Town, Winner RTS Best Reality Document * Cuckoo's Nest, Winner of New Musical Festival at the Lost Theatre.*Silly Kings, Welsh Theatre Critic Awards for Best Young People Production*Pirates of Penzance, Manchester Theatre Critic Awards Nomination for Best Touring Production.
Hello, hello Am-Dram-Fam, and welcome to the award-nominated podcast, In this episode, we talk about Lucie's pick for Album of the week - Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (The Sensational 2020 Live Recording) [Live from the Gielgud Theatre, London] We see what 'Album of the week' Jaz picks next. Tom gives us a special review in the Movie Musical Section of Cindrella on Disney+. We have a community over on Facebook, so please come and join us for a chat. https://www.facebook.com/groups/148894559115729/ So take a seat as the show is about to start and we will see you at the end at the stage door. Please rate and review us on iTunes or our Facebook page Yours From The 'It's all an act' Team - www.itsallanact.co.uk Intro and Outro Credit - www.Joepurdue.com It's all an act Logo - Joe Foskett Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (The Sensational 2020 Live Recording) [Live from the Gielgud Theatre, London] - https://spoti.fi/3tCaIPi Ragtime: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) - https://spoti.fi/3vJFNTc
This week Bradley can be seen as Thomas Percy in the online streaming of Treason The Musical at Cadogan Hall. Bradley is well known for his long association with the West End production of Les Misérables. He originally joined the show as an understudy for Enjolras and Jean Valjean. He then took over as Enjolras and later returned to the show as Javert. Bradley played Enjolras once again for the All Star Staged Concert at the Gielgud Theatre before originating the role of Javert in the new West End production at the refurbished Sondheim Theatre. During the pandemic, Bradley played Enjolras in Les Mis' socially distanced West End run. Bradley's theatre credits also include: Fiyero in Wicked (International Tour/West End), After You (London Coliseum - Live Stream), Lt. Joseph Cable in South Pacific (Cadogan Hall), understudy Sam & Carl in Ghost The Musical (UK Tour), understudy Shrek in Shrek The Musical (West End), Jakes Blue in The Blues Brothers (Edinburgh Fringe), Dean Martin in The Rat Pack (Edinburgh Fringe) and Cecco in Stiles & Drewe's Peter Pan (West Yorkshire Playhouse). Bradley is starring in Treason The Musical, a new musical drama based on the notorious gunpowder plot of 1605. The show features music and lyrics by Ricky Allan and book by Kieran Lynn & Ricky Allan. Treason The Musical is streaming online between Friday 12th and Sunday 14th March 2021. Visit www.treasonthemusical.com for information and tickets. In this episode, Bradley discusses the transformation he went through prior to joining Les Mis & becoming a leading man, swapping between Enjolras & Javert, how he has dealt with the past twelve months and lots more!Follow Bradley on social media @bradleyjaden Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @Andrew_Tomlins Thanks for listening! Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.
Hello, hello Am-Dram-Fam, and welcome to the award-nominated podcast, In this episode, we talk about Jaz's pick for Album of the week - Hair the Musical We see what 'Album of the week' Lucie picks next. Tom gives us a special review in the Movie Musical Section. We have a community over on Facebook, so please come and join us for a chat. https://www.facebook.com/groups/148894559115729/ So take a seat as the show is about to start and we will see you at the end at the stage door. Please rate and review us on iTunes or our Facebook page Yours From The 'It's all an act' Team - www.itsallanact.co.uk Intro and Outro Credit - www.Joepurdue.com It's all an act Logo - Joe Foskett https://soundsofbroadway.com/ Stuart Brown - stuart@soundsofbroadway.com Hair (The New Broadway Cast Recording) - https://open.spotify.com/album/4ALVyY1OJCf30LCBwhkzOd Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (The Sensational 2020 Live Recording) [Live from the Gielgud Theatre, London] (Spotify) - https://open.spotify.com/album/6qc89HEULXZXh15j4LXGqN
Sebastián Capitán Viveros is an actor and musician. He released his first Hip Hop album Solely Soul IV Conciousness in 2017 and is currently working on his second album. Last year, Seb performed in Sweat at the Donmar Warehouse and Gielgud Theatre. Sebastián can be seen on screen in Spider-Man Far From Home. We talk about music, consciousness and honesty.
Les Miserables gala opening performance at SondheimTheatre and backstage interview with actor Ciaran Bowling who plays Grantaire. The Prince of Egypt at Dominion Theatre and backstage interview with actor Jay Marsh. The Upstart Crow at Gielgud Theatre.
Episode 11. Girl from the North Country at the Gielgud Theatre with a pre-opening night backstage dressing-room interview with Ferdy Roberts who plays Dr Walker and post-opening night dressing-room interview with Gemma Sutton who plays Katherine Draper. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical at the Dominion Theatre. Off the Top London Show with Jason Kravits.
Rachel John is currently playing Mrs Neilsen in Girl from the North Country at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End. You may have previously seen her as Angelica in the Original London Cast of Hamilton, for which she received an Olivier nomination. Her other credits include The Bodyguard, Memphis, We Will Rock You and Sister Act. You can follow Backstage With… on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to find out which stage door we’re going through next.
We celebrate the first episode of StageDoorCast with a brief detour into Eurovision where Richard reveals his voting intentions and the boys both wonder how the UK can do better. Then it's back to the job at hand as we consider Man of La Mancha at the ENO. Green Room Productions recent "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Wyllyotts Theatre Potters Bar and the glorious "Company" which has just finished its run at The Gielgud Theatre in the West End. We also ask the difficult question, "Are prices too high" and "are Patrons no longer getting value for money". Subscribe for more episodes and mail us with ideas and adverts for your own production to: mail@stagedoorcast.co.uk
The Penultimate episode of Series 2! Elise takes Scott to a press night that could just be the worst experience of his life. We also chat musicals we love and hate (including YOURS too!) AND we have a stupendous guest in the form of musical theatre legend John Owen Jones to chat his new album Spotlight, Les Miserables at the Gielgud Theatre and more! Get ready for some serious fangirling...
For this episode, we are joined by the amazing Mel Giedroyc - comedy hero, TV star and all-round absolute legend!She doles out sage advice on everything from handling teenagers to performing at Edinburgh. We talk about the time she sang with Limahl in an airport, and cover othr highbrow topics like weeing in the bath. Then it's time for the return of the segment no one asked or expected to hear again: Bin Chat.Like us, Mel is a great humanitarian, so she is appearing on our stupid podcast in aid of Comic Relief. Please give them some money - to donate £5 text the word DONATE to 70205.T&Cs: Texts will cost your donation plus your standard network message charge and 100% of your donation will go to Comic Relief. We won't let Helen spend any of it on earrings. You must be 16 or over, just like with driving mopeds and doing sex. Please do ask the bill payer’s permission. For full terms and conditions, more information or to donate any amount you like online please go to comicrelief.com. Your home may be at risk if you drink too much white wine and give all your money to Comic Relief in the hope Lenny Henry will come round and tell you you're a great humanitarian.Red Nose Day is back on Friday 15 March - so why not do a bake sale or get someone to sponsor you for sitting in a bath of baked beans? Or just give them some money, as above, and enjoy the smuggery without the hassle. Mel is appearing in Company at the Gielgud Theatre until the end of March - tickets are on sale now. The Scummy Mummies book is OUT NOW! We hope you like it, and if you do, we'd love an Amazon review!**SEE US LIVE** Come to our live comedy show! We are on our way to Sheffield, Barnsley, Kettering, Hackney, Chipping Norton, and more... To buy tickets, and for more dates, visit ScummyMummies.com.We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. Please send your confessions to scummymummiespodcast@gmail.com and visit us at ScummyMummies.com. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe!Thank you for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Jonathan Bailey is currently playing Jamie in the West End production of Company at the Gielgud Theatre. The part, originally Amy, is one of five roles in the show that’s been gender-flipped. In this episode Jonny talks about how the show was modernised during the workshop process, the importance of queer roles existing without social commentary and how shy he went whilst working with Stephen Sondheim. To find out about the upcoming gala performance of Company in aid of the LGBTQ+ charity, Albert Kennedy Trust, click here. You can buy tickets to Company on TodayTix here. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow the podcast on Twitter Instagram or Facebook for an extra look behind the scenes. There’s even more to find at backstagewith.com
Mike Bartlett's play Snowflake is at The Old Fire Station in Oxford. It centres around a father who is awaiting the return of his daughter who walked out of his life 2 years before. Will she return? Why did she leave? Who is the young woman who arrives while he's waiting? It's a play for Christmas with warmth at its heart Mowgli: Legend Of The Jungle is the latest version of The Jungle Book just released on Netflix. Directed by Andy Serkis and starring motion-capture animals with famous voice actors, what USP makes it different from the previous versions. Prize winning Mexican author Emiliano Monge's novel Among The Lost is a grim tale of 24 hours in the lives of 2 human traffickers in Latin America. How can an author breathe life into and make us care for two merciless criminals Rachel Maclean's show at London's National Gallery is The Lion and The Unicorn a video work based around the Scottish Independence referendum of 2014. If you are a fan of Bruce Springsteen, you will LOVE Springsteen on Broadway, a recording of his solo Broadway solo concert series which ran for 236 shows. If you're not, is it possible that you might be won over? Our reviewers were; find out why. Tom Sutcliffe's guests are Natalie Haynes, Linda Grant and Nikesh Shukla. The producer is Oliver Jones Podcast Extra Natalie recommends Company at The Gielgud Theatre in London, Hadestown at London's National Theatre, Good Grief Charlie Brown at Somerset House and the TV series Community Nikesh recommends The Good Place and Go Ahead In The Rain by Hanif Abdurraqib Linda recommends Mansfield Park by Jane Austen Tom recommends going to see Monarch OF The Glen at London's National Gallery
This week Mel and Bush are backstage at the Gielgud Theatre, where Mel is currently starring in Company. They talk about the joys of liquorice for performers, what role Bush could take up in the West End, and Mel teaches Bush how to order an interval drink. All of that, plus some white dressing gowns. Hear more fun like this every Saturday at 1pm on Magic.
In this week's episode - Nick shares his thoughts on Company now playing at the Gielgud Theatre and Michael Gordon Shapiro talks to Thomas F Arnold and Ben Philipp about their musical - The House Of Edgar - that was this year's Pick of the Fringe.
This week Vicki and James review 'The Ferryman' at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End. But was it worth the trip? tune in to find out! If you would like us to review your show please contact us at 15minutetheatre@gmail.com or tweet us @15minutetheatre. If you like us then please rate and review us on Itunes, it really helps!
Tom Glynn-Carney is an actor who studied at Guildhall and he's great. He was/is in Dunkirk and is also in a fabulous play called The Ferryman by Jez Butterworth at the Gielgud Theatre in London. Really good fun to record. Black Irish of Montserrat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZNEloGC1oI The Ferryman http://theferrymanplay.com/ Dunkirk http://www.dunkirkmovie.com/ Rate and review and share and subscribe. Easy Peasy.
Playwright Jez Butterworth and director Sam Mendes, two of the biggest names in theatre, discuss The Ferryman, one of the hottest plays of the year. The pair, who had previously worked together on Bond, reveal how a mutual love of football resulted in this latest collaboration.In a Front Row special John Wilson goes behind the scenes at the Gielgud Theatre as the cast and crew prepare to open in London's West End.The play is set in rural Derry in 1981 against the backdrop of the Troubles. The Carney family are preparing for the harvest feast when unwelcome visitors bring news of the discovery of a body forcing patriarch Quinn to confront the IRA past he had tried to escape. Northern Irish actress Laura Donnelly tells John the true story from her family's history that inspired the play and film star Paddy Considine discusses making his stage debut as part of a huge cast including a baby, a real rabbit and a live goose.Presenter: John Wilson Producer: Marilyn Rust.
On Friday night after the performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Gielgud Theatre in London, I started recording the sounds of London. I started the recorded while walking from the theatre to the Piccadilly Circus tube station, and kept recording for 22 minutes, down into the station, through the turnstiles, down to the platform, onto the Piccadilly line west, off at Earl’s Court and up to Earl’s Court Road where I stopped recording. It was was a bustling night: the streets were full of people and sounds. You’ll hear music, tube announcements, the sounds of the street. Listening to it now, it’s an intriguing was of reliving the experience; much better and richer than a photograph. I think the sounds alone the way are distinctive enough that you should be able to follow along. The journey runs between 10:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. London time on May 13, 2016.
There’s A Playwright In My Soup! Nick Randell joins multi-award winning playwright, author, script writer and actor, Terence Frisby, at his home in West London, to chew the fat and talk about his successful career to date. There’s A Girl In My Soup, his long-running comedy that opened in 1966 at the Gielgud Theatre (formerly The Globe), ran for over 1,000 performances, before becoming a worldwide smash hit with long runs on Broadway, Paris (with Gérard Depardieu), Berlin, Stockholm, Sydney, Rome (starring the Italian singer-songwriter-actor, Domenico Modugno) and more. His script of the successful 1970 film (which starred Peter Sellers and Goldie Hawn)won the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain Award in 1970 for Best British Comedy Screenplay. But was Terence ultimately happy with what ended up on screen? A charming and candid interview, covering… Television - Adam Adamant/Lucky Fella/That’s Love (the last of which won the Gold Award for Comedy at the 1991 Houston International Film Festival). Theatre - There’s A Girl In My Soup/Kisses On A Postcard (a musical - telling of his experiences as an evacuee as a 7-year-old from London to Cornwall during World War Two), Rough Justice (gripping courtroom drama starring Tom Conti about the fall-out from the death of a brain-damaged baby). Radio - It’s Not Fair And Don’t Be Late (from which Kisses On A Postcard derives - won The Giles Cooper Award for BBC Radio Four and was broadcast no less than ten times in a few months on both BBC Radio 4 and BBC World Service). Print - Kisses On A Postcard/Outrageous Fortune (*an autobiographical story about his fifteen years as a litigant-in-person in the High Court following his spectacularly awful divorce and custody battle). Frisby has also worked extensively for 40 years as actor, director and producer. SNS Online continues to offer an eclectic range of quality programming - free to download - to all like-minded people out there in cyber-space. These shows are independent podcasts produced to the highest professional standards and are non-profit making. So please enjoy, download and share these shows on all your lovely social media - as essentially that is our advertising! And please, please, please...offer feedback on the 'SNS Online' FB page or Twitter(ScratchNTweet). Big kiss, ScratchNSniffers! - Nick Randell X *A donation has been made to Families Need Fathers EXTRAORDINARY LIVES. ONLINE.
Libby Purves meets crossword setter John Halpern; historian and travel writer John Julius Norwich; journalist Mary Kenny and actor Imogen Stubbs. John Halpern is a crossword setter. His work features in the Guardian (under the name Paul), the Financial Times (as Mudd) and the Times (Anon). His new book, The Centenary of the Crossword, starts with the story of Arthur Wynne - a journalist from Liverpool who created the first crossword on December 21 1913. The book includes inside information about how crosswords are compiled, tips for solving different types of clues and examples of puzzles from prominent setters around the world. The Centenary of the Crossword is published by Andre Deutsch. John Julius Norwich is an historian, travel writer and broadcaster. The only son of Lady Diana and Duff Cooper, his new book features correspondence from his mother between 1939 and 1952. The letters recount her experiences during the Blitz and life with her society friends Evelyn Waugh and the Mitfords. Darling Monster - The Letters of Lady Diana Cooper to Her Son John Julius Norwich is published by Chatto & Windus. Mary Kenny is an Irish journalist, author, playwright and broadcaster. She has written for over 25 newspapers over a career spanning four decades. In her new book she recalls her life from her days as a young reporter for the London Evening Standard to coping with the responsibility of being a full time carer for her husband. Something of Myself and Others is published by Liberties Press. Imogen Stubbs is an actor and writer. She discovered her passion for acting while studying at Oxford University. She is best known for her stage performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, notably as Desdemona in Othello opposite Willard White which was directed by Trevor Nunn. She is currently starring in Strangers on a Train by Craig Warner at the Gielgud Theatre, London. Producer: Paula McGinley.
Catherine Nagle’s ‘Memories’ shows at the New Space Gallery, at 76 Queens Crescent. Monday is the best night for the Electric Ballroom -Tickets are £28.50. The Banff Mountain Film Festival featuring world renowned film-makers in a celebration of adventure, the environment, mountain culture and the outdoors at Union Chapel on Thursday 28th February Tickets are £13.50. On Friday 1st March, the Wellcome Collection has FREE activities and performances exploring the voice, tickets must be booked in advance. Helen Mirren features in the world premiere on ‘The Audience’ at the Gielgud Theatre in Soho. Ticket cost £10 to £58. Call: 0844 482 5130. The British Library’s Spring Festival celebrating fashion, design and film starts 1st March – fanzines, fashion magazines, wildlife sounds and Russian postcards. Read & Researched by: Mainga Bhima Edited by: Sophie Atkinson New Space Gallery :: Electric Ballroom :: Banff at Union Chapel :: Gielgud Theatre :: Wellcome Collection :: British Library :: Back to Camden Community Radio :: Follow Camden Community Radio on Twitter :: File Download (3:49 min / 4 MB)
Lend Me a Tenor is a terrific new musical that started life in Utah, and ended up on the stage of the Gielgud Theatre this summer. We trace its journey, and that of its creative team, Peter Sham and Brad Carroll, and along the way we learn about what makes a good collaboration, the transition from […]
On The Guest List this week Anne-Marie Minhall talks to actor Timothy Spall who is currently starring alongside Johnny Depp in Timothy Burton’s new movie ‘Sweeney Todd’ Also on the show is on one of Britain’s best loved comedienne Jo Brand , who is about to play the role of the policeman in Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Pirates of Penzance’ at the Gielgud Theatre in London….