BroadwayWorld.com UK Regional Stories

Longborough Festival Opera Music Director Anthony Negus Named CBE

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:28:03 PST

Anthony Negus has been named as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the King's Honours List. The honour is in recognition of his services to music with particular reference to his work at Longborough Festival Opera where he has been Music Director since 2000.

Among the highlights of his time with Longborough Festival Opera have been acclaimed cycles of Der Ring des Nibelungen in 2002/4, 2013 and 2024. For this year's edition of the Festival Negus conducts Tristan und Isolde and next year, as part of the celebrations of the theatre's 30th anniversary, he conducts a new production of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.

Andrew Mosely, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Longborough Festival Opera, said:

“On behalf of the trustees of Longborough Festival Opera, I warmly congratulate Anthony on receiving this richly deserved honour. He has played a central role in shaping the reputation of Longborough, particularly through his deep commitment to the works of Wagner and composers inspired by him. As Music Director, he has brought exceptional interpretative insight, musical authority and authenticity to our productions, most notably in the three Ring Cycles he has conducted for Longborough. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to coach and inspire singers and orchestral musicians have driven the artistic excellence for which Longborough is now renowned. Anthony's musical leadership has taken the company from a small festival to a respected destination for serious opera lovers, significantly enhancing its profile within the UK and achieving international recognition.”

Emily Gottlieb, Executive Director of Longborough Festival Opera, said:

“All of us at Longborough are thrilled for Anthony and this long-deserved recognition of his services to music and to the cultural life of the UK. He has hugely enriched the operatic landscape of this country and has quietly and steadily built an international reputation - in particular for his interpretation of Wagner and the late romantic German repertoire - which he has gained over the past 25 years as Music Director of Longborough Festival Opera, helping establish it as the ‘English Bayreuth'. On behalf of all of our staff, artists, orchestra, crew and the myriad people who have worked with Anthony over the years at Longborough, I offer our heartfelt congratulations. His modesty, enthusiasm, curiosity and infectious passion for his craft is tangible, and we are all richer for working with him. We greatly look forward to continuing our long association with Anthony as he steps into his new role of Conductor Laureate from 2027, conducting a new production of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.”

Critics have praised Negus's conducting at Longborough Festival Opera citing his authoritative interpretations, his ability to draw nuanced textures from the orchestra and the way he enhances the dramatic and emotional impact of productions. In 2025 Sir Nicholas Kenyon in the Telegraph noted “the outstanding musical direction of Wagner supremo Anthony Negus” in his review of Pelléas et Mélisande at Longborough.

Elsewhere, Negus has conducted Wagner around the world, including with Melbourne Opera, English National Opera, Glyndebourne, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. In Australia, Negus has regularly been invited to conduct Wagner,, including four hugely successful performances of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg in 2025 and two acclaimed Ring Cycles in 2023 for Melbourne Opera, where he was awarded for both productions the Outstanding Conductor Award atthe OperaChaser Awards.

Negus assisted Sir Reginald Goodall on The Valkyrie in 1970 at Sadlers Wells before working as a repetiteur at Wuppertal, Bayreuth and Hamburg. After joining the music staff of Welsh National Opera he conducted their production of Parsifal in 1983 aged 36 when Goodall fell ill. Wolfgang Wagner, Head of the Bayreuth Festival and the composer's grandson, came to a performance and said: “It is absolutely astounding what Anthony has done. I was impressed with the love he brought to all aspects of the opera. It was a great personal triumph for him”. With WNO, Negus assisted Pierre Boulez on Pelléas et Mélisande and at ENO, Reginald Goodall on Tristan und Isolde, Parsifal and The Valkyrie. In 2017 he was awarded the Goodall Award by The London Wagner Society for “his devotion to the works of Richard Wagner”.

About Longborough Festival Opera

Martin and Lizzie Graham started promoting opera in the grounds of their home in 1991 as Banks Fee Opera. Longborough Festival Opera has since grown into an established opera company, situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, with an annual season taking place in a purpose-built opera house seating 500.

The company is an independent charity that continues Martin Graham's legacy in the theatre he built in the grounds of the family home. It is not in receipt of public grant funding nor any revenue from the Graham family and relies on ticket sales and the generosity of members and audiences.

Throughout Longborough's history, Martin and Lizzie achieved what some might have said to be impossible: in 2013 they presented a full-length production of Wagner's Ring Cycle with minimal budgets but to great critical acclaim, establishing the Festival as a destination for Wagnerians in the UK and abroad. In 2019 the company embarked on a new Ring, culminating in another new full cycle in 2024.

Since the 1990s, Longborough has presented high-quality opera overlooking the beautiful Evenlode valley in Gloucestershire in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Conscious of its surrounding environment, the Festival is committed to sustainability and creative reuse with a tradition of repurposing, reclaiming and recycling objects to create transformative architecture, artwork and performances.

Learning and Participation are central to the work of the company. Longborough operates an Emerging Artist Programme offering solo roles and chorus positions in its world-class productions for singers at the beginning of their careers. Longborough's music staff also provide weekly singing lessons in its Singing Schools, with a new scholarship introduced in 2025 to offer recipients the opportunity to perform in the Longborough Youth Chorus in a production in the summer festival. Another schools scheme – Playground Opera – reimagines classic operas to make them accessible for children. Workshops with local secondary schools also take place every year, involving interactive sessions with live performances and discussions.

https://lfo.org.uk/

SIRENS: THE CONCERT SERIES to Open at The Emerald Theatre

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:25:10 PST

Sirens: The Concert Series will play The Emerald Theatre for six weeks only from Tuesday 30 June to Sunday 9 August 2026. Tickets are available now from universe.com/events/sirens-the-concert-series.

Five women. Twenty songs. One night you will not forget. Sirens brings together five elite female vocalists performing the songs and stories that defined a generation, a fearless celebration of female empowerment, from Madonna and Billie Eilish to Prince and Lady Gaga, Guns N' Roses and Alanis Morissette, reimagined through arrangements that exist nowhere else and performed with the precision of world-class musical theatre and the heat of a headline act. These five women do not ask for the room. They own it. Every song, every story, every moment built to move an audience that came for a great night out and leaves with something they were not expecting.

The show will feature Georgia Gagen (Ted Lasso, Heathers) as Angel, Dani Kobrin (Carrie) as Rodeo, Tilly Hart (Urinetown) as Venus, Natalie Amanda Gray (Recording Artist) as Firestarter. With a special guest starring as Renegade. Completing the company are covers Ashley J Hart and Georgia Pinkerton with swing Maisie Mandley.

Director Tara Overfield-Wilkinson said:
“I have been so lucky to work on lots of amazing West End and international shows over the years and just love seeing the impact a good show has on its audience. So I am extremely proud to direct this sensational production of Sirens and see how it affects and delights our audiences night after night. In Greek mythology, ‘Sirens' were dangerous, alluring creatures that used their enchanting voices and irresistible songs to lure passing sailors into treacherous rocky waters. Well now these ‘Sirens' have evolved into current rock and pop divas that sing their faces off to lure fun loving, party seeking audiences to The Emerald Theatre to enjoy a night of thrilling entertainment with incredible songs performed by five unbelievably talented women! See you there!!!”

Dollie Henry MBE, Staging & Choreography, said:
"Sirens is not just a concert; it is a celebration of female strength and sass! Come and watch five powerhouse performers take the stage by storm, bringing to life some truly memorable songs that share stories of love, loss, triumph, and everything in between. Whether you are coming with your girlfriends or bringing your man along for the ride, Sirens will thrill you, have you up on your feet singing along and dancing in the aisles. Sirens is a testament to the enduring spirit of women who refuse to be silenced. I am delighted to be staging and choreographing this soulful concert at The Emerald Theatre. Expect to be entertained and leave at the end of the night on a spirited feminine high!”

Book writer and lead producer Tegan Summer added:
“I conceived Sirens because women who reshape the world deserve a stage equal to their impact. It is one of the most meaningful, consuming pieces of work I have carried in my career and the West End is exactly where it belongs. I grew up watching women around me carry extraordinary strength that the world rarely stopped to honour. Sirens does just that. These women, their voices, their fire, their refusal to disappear, deserve to be centred, celebrated, and heard. Their stories are told through the world's greatest, most iconic pop, rock and soul anthems, and this incredible set of cast and creatives. This is the ultimate night out. I am proud and humbled to bring Sirens to the West End stage.”

Joining book writer and lead producer Tegan Summer, director Tara Overfield-Wilkinson and Dollie Henry MBE (Staging & Choreography) on the creative team are Paul Jenkins (Arrangements), Rob Kelly (Casting Director), Bleu Woodward (Resident Director), Justin Williams (Scenic Design), Gabrielle Brooks (Associate Producer), Adeyinka Akinrinade (Assistant Producer), Lu Herbert (Wardrobe), Rachael Ridley (Assistant Choreographer), Jack Shepherd for Full Affect Ltd (Lighting & Sound), Charlotte Thorogood (Stage Management) and Joshua Cole-Brown (Assistant Stage Management).

SIRENS: THE CONCERT SERIES to Open at The Emerald Theatre

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:25:10 PST

Sirens: The Concert Series will play The Emerald Theatre for six weeks only from Tuesday 30 June to Sunday 9 August 2026. Tickets are available now from universe.com/events/sirens-the-concert-series.

F**KING SWANS to Make World Premiere at Omnibus Theatre's 96' Festival

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:45:06 PST

Kelly Lamor Wilson and Elise Marra will present the world premiere of F**king Swans, a new play highlighting the intrinsic need to be wanted. The production is currently running at Omnibus Theatre as part of their 96' Festival celebrating queer stories and storytellers. F**king Swans celebrated opening night as co-headliner of the festival and runs through June 13, 2026.

F**king Swans illuminates the power of the decisions we make on a daily basis and the impact they have on the lives of those closest to us. Harper wants a divorce. Ronnie does not. Lindsey wants what's best for everyone. Carol just wants attention. These women have a lot of issues—but being queer isn't one of them.

Siubhan Harrison, Mikkie-Dené Le Roux, Kelly Lamor Wilson, and Emma Wilkinson Wright lead the all-female ensemble and creative team. Eugene O'Neill Semi-Finalist Elise Marra wrote the play and co-directs alongside Rhona Jack. Tony-nominated producer Kelly Lamor Wilson is producing alongside 2003 Productions. Tony Award winner Andrew Paradis and Michael Scott serve as executive producers.

Omnibus Theatre is a multi-award-winning independent theatre in Clapham, South London. A finalist for Fringe Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards in 2020 and 2023, an Off-West End Award winner in 2018 and 2020, and recipient of the Peter Brook/Royal Court Theatre Support Award in 2016, the theatre's ambitious programme focuses on classics reimagined, modern revivals, and new writing. Omnibus Theatre also provides a platform for LGBTQ+ work and aims to give voice to the underrepresented while challenging perceptions.

Since opening in 2013, notable in-house productions have included Woyzeck (2013), Macbeth (2014), Colour (2015), Mule (2016), Spring Offensive (2017), Zeraffa Giraffa (2017), Queens of Sheba (2019), The Little Prince (2019), RICE! (2021), The Human Connection (2021), The Girl Who Was Very Good At Lying (2021), FIJI (2022), SAD (2022), DRUM (2022), COMPOSITOR E (2023), ICE AT THE END OF THE WORLD (2024), and DRUM TOUR (2025).

My Legrand Love of London: MELISSA ERRICO – GIRL SINGER IN LONDON

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:07:18 PST

Certain cities become milestones in an artist’s life, the place away from home where, repeatedly, you find yourself at key moments of transition and self-discovery. New York is one for many – but I’m a native New Yorker, so it’s merely home for me. Paris is the one most American writers choose, where they escape to find themselves – but though I love Paris, it’s a place I visit to sing more than haunt with my soul.

My city is London. When I was a young girl in my teens in an internship at The Kings Head Pub, it was the place that I discovered, for the first time, that I loved the musical theater and could really sing its songs. Many early roles required me to play British girls like Eliza Doolittle on Broadway in “My Fair Lady,” Guenevere from “Camelot” with Jeremy Irons at The Hollywood Bowl and elsewhere, as well as George Bernard Shaw at The Irish Repertory Theater in New York – playing Candida, Major Barbara, Gwendolyn and, recently, Mrs. Patrick Campbell. For many years I found myself working in London at the Crazy Coqs nightclub in Soho, where I discovered myself as a cabaret singer. It was during that time, that I was overjoyed to sing at the memorial of my beloved mentor Michel Legrand at the Royal Festival Hall with the great musician James Pearson, artistic director of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. Then, having devoted myself for several years to the music of Stephen Sondheim, I found myself last July 12 in Cadogan Hall singing his New York for London—and to my delight gave his Manhattan to a West End crowd.

Errico at Cadogan Hall in 2025. Photo credit: Charlie Flint

Now, having spent the past few years of my life finding myself ever more ‘adjacent’ to the sweet and mysterious world of jazz, I’m coming back to London for the ultimate test of a jazz singer, invited to sing at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club on July 12, again, singing a program of Michel Legrand’s great swooning songs. To make the occasion even more piquant, it will overlap with my tennis-star husband Patrick McEnroe’s sixtieth birthday – which we will celebrate, one more curlicue, during the Wimbledon tournament, which has been a family regularity for the past thirty years, as Patrick has throughout that time either played in, or commented on it for American television. (Indeed, I’ll be on stage exactly at the same time as the Men’s Final match, so I’ll be singing to London just as he’s talking to America!) Every July has been a London, or rather a Wimbledon, July for us for so long – my three daughters have gotten used to traipsing over to Wimbledon in early summer. When they were small, we rented little houses and trampolines for them; now beautiful young women, they come restlessly for a few days, on their way to their own dance residences in Amsterdam and France, surrounded by artistic ambition and ambient boyfriends.

Still…. Ronnie Scott's! Oh, I’ve had great days at New York’s equivalent jazz club, Birdland, where I’ve been in Valentine’s residence for five straight years (Yes, I’ll be back in 2027!). But there, I’m singing something more like my usual – a mix of sultry-sexy crooning and stage soprano larking that led one critic to call me “a cross between Julie London and Julie Andrews.” At Ronnie’s, I know, I’m facing a legacy—I’m up against a roster of the big ones, the real jazz singers: Ella! Sassy! Peggy! And perhaps the one who haunts me most right now, the greatest British jazz singer, Cleo Laine, whose videos, with her in flowing, flowered Zandra Rhodes gowns, I watch ardently, not to say a little nervously.

I know that when Amy Winehouse wanted to show the world that she had jazz chops as well as pop chops, Ronnie’s was where she went to show them. Even my dear friend and supporter Gianni Valenti, the owner of Birdland, warned me, none too gently, that I had to play at the top of my game when I went to Ronnies. (It put me in mind of a moment a few years ago when, having been cast in a great part at the now legendary Kennedy Center – and yes, it was the Kennedy Center, then -- Sondheim festival, my classical pianist Dad said to me, “You’d better get to work! You’re good. But you’re not that good, yet.”) Fortunately, I’ll be supported– no, not supported, that sounds too small, partnered with is better, for ours is a musical marriage – the great Tedd Firth, who, like the greatest accompanists, makes the trip from jazz to cabaret concert and back effortlessly. (Tommy Flanagan and Ellis Larkins, Ella’s great accompanists, were solo geniuses, as Tedd is, too.)

But… what is it exactly that divides the jazz singer from the [concert-cabaret] Broadway singing that I started out with, doing the famously formidable score of “My Fair Lady” on Broadway in my twenties? Some of it, of course, is musical: you learn to play with the score rather than following it obediently; you back phrase and – front phrase? Is that a phrase? – weaving your own ‘reading’ of the song into the notes on the page. You improvise, to put it simply: something utterly forbidden when you’re on-stage, facing footlights.

But it’s more subtle than simply learning to swing; more artful than understanding improvisation. My first real jazz outing, scary as it was sublime, was at the Montreal Jazz Festival, where I found myself on stage in front of eight thousand people, while wearing an exceptionally low-cut gown – that I had chosen without perhaps enough, uh, forethought. (No regrettable malfunctions, just very revealing!) Yet, singing with the great jazz guitarist George Benson’s band, doing Stevie Wonder and my beloved Michel Legrand, the gifted, road-weary boys behind me somehow locked into a groove, a place where what I was singing and what the musicians behind me were playing became one thing, one musical atmosphere, one experience.

It was the oneness, the unity, of the music that thrilled me – and I think thrilled the crowd. And that, perhaps, more than any other single thing, is what makes jazz, jazz and a jazz singer different from all the rest. You have to land the notes, find the feeling, above all communicate the words… but the band in jazz is not there to support you; it’s there to embrace you, to create an atmosphere where you’re as entangled with the musicians as any electron is with another spinning electron. It’s no accident that Cleo Laine is unthinkable without the presence of her sax-playing husband, John Dankworth, as essential to her as those Zandra Rhodes gowns. Or that on Ella’s legendary 1974 recording at Ronnie’s, “Ella in London” she’s accompanied not only by the great Flanagan— but also has Joe Pass on guitar (!) and Bobby Durham on drums, all geniuses capable of supporting their own bands and appearing on their own. I’m lucky that way, too -- in addition to Tedd, I’ll have Michel Legrand’s own drummer Sebastian De Krom, David Archer on guitar, and Oli Hayhurst on bass.

That’s what separates jazz singing from the sound of the Broadway soprano— a commitment to the concept that musicians in concert can discover themselves as a single organism, in ways that startle even them. The thing happens! And when I think of that, suddenly, all these London Julys have a single shared purpose. All art – and for that matter all sport – ends up being a metaphor for family. For what my evergreen tennis analyzing husband and I have in common – and try to teach our daughters -- is a commitment to a common cause, to something in life that transcends your own immediate ego and becomes your life. You lose a lot in tennis and so you learn to value the company of the touring ‘family’ as much as the results of the tournament. You beat yourself up dancing ballet, as my daughters do – but you learn that it’s the unity of the corps that matters. And so, Mom, in her Zandra Rhodes-inspired flowered tribute gown, will try to weave a spell of common purpose with the brilliant musicians who support her, and put on a show worthy of those past singers whose ghosts, she hopes, stand to embrace her on stage at Ronnie’s.

Learn more about the artist at melissaerrico.com

Tickets to see Melissa Errico in London on July 12 are available on the Ronnie Scott’s website here.

Photo credit: Michael Hull

THE HIGHWAYMAN Will Embark on UK Tour

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:03:46 PST

Following a critically acclaimed premiere and award nominations, John Godber's thrilling theatrical adventure The Highwayman is set to ride again as it embarks on a major UK tour this autumn.

Written and directed by one of the UK's most celebrated playwrights, The Highwayman transports audiences to Yorkshire in 1769 – a region booming with opportunity, social climbing, gambling and gin. But where there's wealth, temptation is never far behind, and one notorious outlaw is determined to take his share.

From the writer of Bouncers, Teechers and Do I Love You?, this fast-paced new production blends Godber's trademark humour, sharp social observation and larger-than-life characters into a hilarious and exhilarating theatrical adventure."

The production also received nominations for Best Lead Actor and Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Broadway World UK Awards.

Featuring original music by Ruby Macintosh and performed by a dynamic ensemble cast, The Highwayman tells the story of John Swift, an ambitious rogue attempting to make his fortune in a world where survival often means breaking the rules. Part romantic adventure, part farcical history lesson and entirely entertaining, the production proves that history has never felt so modern or theft so attractive.

John Godber said, "The Highwayman is packed with adventure, romance, danger and laughter. It's a story about ambition, survival and the lengths people will go to when the odds are stacked against them. We can't wait to bring it back to audiences across the country."

The Highwayman tours throughout September, October and November 2026, visiting Harrogate, Lancaster, Peterborough, Scarborough, Huddersfield, Pocklington, Hexham, Richmond and Bolton.

Tour Dates and Venues

Harrogate
Harrogate Theatre
16th - 19th September
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Lancaster
The Dukes
23rd-26th September
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Peterborough
Key Theatre
28th-30th Sept
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Scarborough
Stephen Joseph Theatre
7th-10th October
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Huddersfield
Lawrence Batley Theatre
13th-14th October
Coming Soon!

Pocklington
Pocklington Arts Centre
15th-17th October
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Hexham
Queens Hall
28th-29th October
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Richmond
Georgian Theatre Royal
30th-31st October
Coming Soon!

Bolton
Octagon Theatre
3rd-7th November
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MURDER TRIAL TONIGHT to Return to Parr Hall

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:40:26 PST

A unique theatrical experience which turns the audience into a jury is returning to Parr Hall by popular demand. Murder Trial Tonight is back after four previous successful seasons with what's being described as the most gripping case yet – Death in the Family.

Presented by Tigerslane Studios, the ‘case' will be heard in Warrington on Thursday and Friday, April 1 and 2, 2027, when Parr Hall will be transformed into a courtroom.

Based on a chilling true story that shocked the world, the audience will hear of a devoted mother and wife who is found murdered in her own home – and a member of her family stands accused.

Ticket holders will discover what it's like to be a member of a jury during this captivating, complex and high stakes trial experience where justice must prevail.

Both the prosecution and defence will present their cases, cross-examine witnesses, and at the end it's up to them to unravel what really happened before deciding: ‘Guilty or not guilty...'

The experience will begin on screen, giving the ‘jury' the background to the tragic case. Then, the action will move to the stage for a live murder trial, immersing the audience in a fast-paced and realistic court case environment.

After weighing up all the evidence, it will then be up to the audience to determine the outcome by casting their verdict live via a QR code that can be scanned on their phones.

To raise the stakes, all will then be revealed at the end of the night as to what really happened on that fateful night. Question is – will they deliver the correct verdict?

Murder Trial Tonight – Death in the Family will take place at Parr Hall on Thursday and Friday, 1 and 2 April, 2027, and audiences can book their place on ‘jury service' now.

Cast Set For ALICE IN WONDERLAND at Riverside Studios and Soho Theatre Walthamstow

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 06:31:25 PST

Casting has been announced for Alice in Wonderland, returns to London this summer, following its UK premiere at the Marylebone Theatre in 2025 and its recent Easter season at Riverside Studios this spring.

The production will return to Riverside Studios in Hammersmith from Thursday 16 July to Sunday 2 August, with a press performance on Tuesday 21 July at 3pm, before moving to Soho Theatre Walthamstow from Wednesday 5 to Sunday 16 August, with a press performance on Friday 7 August at 2pm, as part of the venue's Summer Slam season, a programme designed to engage local audiences across East London.

Joining the company will be Ailsa Erskine (Be More Chill, Old Joint Stock; Aladdin, Adam Smith Theatre) in the role of “Alice” and Kate Malyon (Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear, National Theatre; Daddy Issues, BBC) in the role of “Cheshire Cat”.

Returning to Wonderland will be Clare Brice (Wicked: For Good, Universal; Doctor Who, BBC1) as “White Rabbit”, Honey Gabriel (Bossy, Zoo Co; Bard in the Yard, Will & Co) as “Hatter”, Sean Garratt (The Table, Blind Summit Theatre; Tao of Glass, Improbable Theatre) as Caterpillar/Dormouse, Tom Giles (Jack and the Beanstalk, Watford Palace; Emmerdale, ITV) as “Hare”, Skye Hallam (The Crown, Netflix; Heads or Tails, Brighton Fringe - Offie Nomination) as “Tweedle Dee”, Thomas Hewitt (Aladdin, UAE Tour; Jungle Book, Brighton Open Air Theatre) as “Cover Hatter & Hare”, Grace Hussey-Burd (Twelfth Night, Old Red Lion Theatre; Bridgerton, Secret Cinema) as “Cover Tweedle Dee & Dum”, Daniel Page (USHERS: The Front of House Musical, The Other Palace – Offie Lead Performance Nomination) as “Queen of Hearts” and Sophie Wilkinson (Miki, Slot Machine; Treasure Island, Hazlitt Theatre) as “Tweedle Dum.”

Tumble down the rabbit hole this summer into the fantastical world of Wonderland, where up is down and nonsense reigns supreme. Join Alice on her journey as she shrinks and grows, encountering peculiar characters at every turn. Will the mischievous Cheshire Cat guide her through the madness? Can the hurried White Rabbit help her uncover the secrets she's searching for? And could the Queen of Hearts cause her to truly lose her head?

Adapted by Penny Farrow and directed and designed by Nate Bertone, with co-direction and movement by Eva Sampson, this "delightfully imaginative retelling" (Broadway World) brings Lewis Carroll's much-loved classic to life with lighting by Jack Weir, sound by Ella Wahlström, and puppets designed by Chris Barlow and Nate Bertone with puppetry direction by Katriona Brown. With "gorgeous costumes" (The Times), enchanting puppet work, and a kaleidoscope of colourful characters, this is a production that promises to transport audiences of all ages into the fantastical world of Wonderland.

The production has established a growing audience in London across its runs at the Marylebone Theatre and Riverside Studios, building on its international success in Australia, where it has played to over 100,000 people.

Nate Bertone said: “I'm thrilled to be bringing Alice back to London this summer! Our cast and creative team have crafted a Wonderland that is vibrant, imaginative, and brimming with curious surprises around every corner. I'm delighted to welcome both new and returning company members to this magical adventure, and most importantly, to invite audiences of all ages to join us down the rabbit hole.”

Producers Emily Lunnon and Ramin Sabi of DEM Productions said: “We're thrilled to be bringing Alice and the whole gang of Carroll's brilliant characters back to London this summer, reaching new family audiences at the beautiful Soho Theatre Walthamstow alongside our return to Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. With many familiar faces returning alongside some exciting new additions, we can't wait to share this visually stunning production of a British classic across the capital.”

Pitlochry Festival Theatre to Launch EDINLOCHRY, Bringing Edinburgh Fringe Spirit to the Highlands

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:08:44 PST

This August, Pitlochry Festival Theatre is set to launch Edinlochry, an exciting brand-new celebration bringing the spirit of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to the Highlands for the very first time.

From 4-8 August Edinlochry will offer audiences a handpicked taste of the world's largest arts festival right here at Scotland's Theatre in the Hills, with an exciting mix of comedy, music, magic and more.

Bursting with creativity, spontaneity, and festival energy, Edinlochry is a chance to discover brilliant new and acclaimed work from artists featured at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, in the breathtaking surroundings of Pitlochry.

Exciting drama productions at the festival will feature Chatterbox, a humorous and touching semi-autobiographical one-woman show by Glasgow actress, comedian and writer Lubna Kerr which looks at the impact of the labels we are given as children, and how they persist into adulthood; Lauder a wonderful play celebrating the life of the legendary Scottish entertainer Harry Lauder, whose songs are beloved by audiences worldwide. Known for iconic hits like "I Love a Lassie", “Roamin' in the Gloamin'”, and “The End of the Road” Harty Lauder became the highest-paid performer in the world by 1911 and was also the first UK artist to sell over a million recordings.

The drama continues with Groomed, a bold and provocative drama, telling truly gripping stories with a complexity of emotions, rich, revealing and profoundly human; Absent, Betool Khedairi and Penny Black's acclaimed production based on Khedairi's a haunting and humorous portrait of life under restrictions in Iraq, Kidnap, a one-woman comedy based on the true story of Samia Rida's own kidnap to Saudi Arabia as a child. The show is a dark, challenging and defiantly funny exploration of multiculturalism, domestic abuse, having a disabled sibling, and how kidnap can involve a swimming pool.

Other drama's at the festival include Martin Kydd's acclaimed Our Martin in the Background which tells the beautiful story of two strangers whose lives are changed forever by a chance meeting at a railway station whilst working as extras on the set of Brief Encounter in 1945; Niki King: Time, a deeply connecting musical experience that explores universal truths of loss, fear and the power of love and connection, while reflecting on the concept of time itself and finally Homo(sapien), Conor O'Dwyer's darkly comedic monodrama about identity, sex, and the tribulations of growing up queer in a society that's both hateful and accepting.

As well as an exciting line up of drama, the festival will be showcasing several musical events including two must see events about two iconic female singers. Christine Bovill's Piaf Revisited is far more than a tribute show, it's a transporting, emotionally charged journey through the soul of French chanson, refracted through the legend of Édith Piaf and the life of Bovill herself. With her velvet voice, captivating storytelling, and effortless Stage Presence, Bovill doesn't merely sing Piaf, she resurrects her spirit while simultaneously making the music deeply personal. The festival will also include Cloudbusting, an evening of iconic songs from across Kate Bush's hugely successful catalogue of albums, performed with breath-taking vocals from Mandy Watson and superb musicianship from the live band.

Finally, straddling the line between arresting honesty and deft deception, Jason Suran has quickly become one of the most in demand mentalists in America. A skeptic himself, Suran firmly insists that he is not a psychic... all while guessing everything from the word in your head to the name of your first kiss and everything in between.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre's Artistic Director Alan Cumming said, “Why go to Edinburgh when Edinburgh will come to you?! After the success of our inaugural LGBTQ + festival Out in the Hills, and the continued success of our writers' festival Winter Words, I felt we were ready for another mini-festival at Pitlochry Festival Theatre!

And what better way to celebrate the creativity and fun that is the Edinburgh Fringe than to bring, in the week before it all kicks off, a bunch of past, present and future Fringe performers to Pitlochry and have a week of shows that captures all the fecundity and eclectism you'd expect when combing the fringe! A slice of the world's greatest arts shebang right here amidst the beautiful Highlands!”

Edinlochry runs at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 4-8 August.

Drew Dillon to Release First TAKE ME HOME Remix EP

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:49:00 PST

Acclaimed Northern Irish actor, writer and composer reimagines music from his original one-man musical ahead of a new remix series releasing on 19 June.

Northern Irish actor, writer and composer Drew Dillon will release the first remix EP from his original musical Take Me Home on 19 June, marking the next chapter in the evolution of a project that has grown from an intimate one-man show into a fully realised musical and original cast album available on streaming platforms worldwide.

Known to audiences for his screen and stage work, Dillon appeared in Kenneth Branagh's Academy Award-winning film Belfast, FX's Say Nothing and has built an extensive theatre career with credits including War Horse, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Playboy of the Western World, productions for The National Theatre, The Old Vic, Lyric Theatre Belfast and leading theatres across the UK and Ireland. Drew also appeared as fan favourite Macca in Hollyoaks (Channel 4)

Take Me Home began life as 34, a one-man musical written and performed by Dillon that explored identity, family, love and growing up gay in Belfast. The production was selected for The Lowry's prestigious REWRITES Festival, where it received industry attention for its heartfelt storytelling and contemporary musical theatre score.

The musical was developed with support from acclaimed director Bronagh Lagan, whose credits include major productions in London's West End and internationally, while award-winning production company Aria Entertainment, led by Katy Lipson, championed the work during its development. The original music was developed in collaboration with acclaimed musical duo Auburn Jam, helping shape the distinctive contemporary pop sound that has become a hallmark of the show.

Following its stage development, 34 evolved into Take Me Home, reflecting both the emotional core of the story and Dillon's vision for its future. The musical's journey continued with the release of the 34-track Take Me Home (Original Cast Recording), featuring music and lyrics written by Dillon and showcasing the show's unique blend of contemporary pop, musical theatre, folk, dance music and Northern Irish storytelling.

Now, Dillon is revisiting that material through a series of remixes designed to introduce the songs to new audiences while giving existing fans a fresh perspective on the music.

The first remix EP, released on 19 June, reimagines songs from the original score through a modern dance-pop and electronic lens, bringing the music from the theatre stage onto playlists and dancefloors while retaining the emotional honesty that made the original work resonate with audiences.

Speaking about the project, Dillon said:

"Take Me Home has been with me for many years now. It started as a very personal story that I never imagined would reach as many people as it has. From the Lowry presentation as 34, to developing the musical alongside Bronagh Lagan, Katy Lipson and Auburn Jam, and then releasing the cast album, it's been an incredible journey. These remixes are a chance to celebrate the music in a completely new way and hopefully introduce the show to listeners who may never have encountered it before."

As both an actor and musical theatre creator, Dillon continues to forge a unique career that bridges stage, screen and music. The release of the remix EP represents another milestone for a project that continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its Northern Irish identity and universal themes of belonging, acceptance and finding your way home.

The first Take Me Home Remix EP will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and all major streaming platforms from 19 June.

Bimini to Host ACID'S REIGN AFTER DARK One-Night-Only Late-Night Takeover at Pleasance London

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:45:47 PST

Relish Theatre will present Acid's Reign After Dark, a one-night-only late-night celebration hosted by acclaimed drag artist, musician, author and model Bimini, taking place at Pleasance London on Saturday 4 July 2026 following a performance of the explosive new queer musical Acid's Reign.

Part cabaret, part club night and part queer celebration, Acid's Reign After Dark invites audiences to continue the party long after the curtain falls, with a specially curated evening of drag, live performance, music and dancing.

The night begins with a performance of Acid's Reign at 7pm, before audiences are welcomed into a late-night takeover from 9pm. Bimini will host a cabaret showcase featuring special guest performers from 9.15pm–10.15pm, before taking to the decks for a silent disco DJ set. The evening runs until 2am.

The event arrives as Acid's Reign previews at Pleasance London ahead of a full Edinburgh Festival Fringe season at Forth, Pleasance Courtyard this August.

Written by Luke Howarth and Evie Fehilly, with an original score by Gabriel Chernick, Acid's Reign is a riotous drag climate musical packed with powerhouse vocals, live music and razor-sharp humour starring Victoria Scone, Scarlett Harlett, Gigi Zahir, Se Carr/Jamie Fuxx and Ash Weir.

Set between 2019 and the present day, the show follows a radical drag supergroup formed to tackle climate change whose ideals are put to the test when public interest fades, funding dries up and commercial success comes calling. Provocative, camp and fiercely entertaining, the musical explores activism, community and the power of performance through an unapologetically queer lens.

Leading the After Dark celebrations is Bimini, who rose to international prominence as a finalist on the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, winning four challenges and becoming the first contestant in the UK franchise to reach the final after lip-syncing in the opening episode. Since then, Bimini has built a career spanning music, fashion and publishing, releasing their bestselling book Release the Beast: A Drag Queen's Guide to Life, making their London Fashion Week runway debut with Art School London, and signing to Relentless Records. Their debut EP, When the Party Ends, was released in 2023 to critical acclaim.

Acid's Reign After Dark will feature drag royalty, live performance, surprise guests and a dancefloor open until the early hours.

STEP LIVE 2026 to Bring Hundreds of London Students to Cadogan Hall

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:02:25 PST

Hundreds of secondary school students and youth groups from across Greater London will take part in Step Live 2026 on Thursday 2 July, one of the biggest annual dance events specifically for secondary school students in the UK.

Step Live is the annual event run by Step into Dance, a youth programme run in partnership between Royal Academy of Dance and Jack Petchey Foundation. At a time where young people are facing increasing pressures on their mental health, Step into Dance provides an opportunity for young people to develop their confidence through dance and learn other transferable skills such as focus, creativity and teamwork.

At Step Live 2026, young people will take to the Cadogan Hall stage to perform a variety of dynamic dance routines that they have learnt on the Step into Dance programme.

Step Live 2026 will feature schools from a wide range of London boroughs including Camden, Bromley, Sutton, Greenwich, Southwark, Croydon, Wandsworth, Saffron Walden, Lambeth, Haringey andBarnet.

RAD's youth company SYNC will also be performing a hip hop theatre piece by Bethan Siddaway (who is a Step into Dance practitioner) called 'Murmuration'.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Step into Dance supports the development of dance for young people, reaching those from backgrounds that might not otherwise connect with dance. With one third of UK schools not teaching dance even though dance is part of the specified national curriculum, Step into Dance programme fulfils a huge need for a dance provision.

For more information and to book visit: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/event/step-live/

WE WILL ROCK YOU Cast Revealed at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:15:02 PST

Full casting has been announced for WE WILL ROCK YOU as Bilston Operatic Company celebrates 99 years at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre!

Written by Ben Elton and powered by the timeless music of Queen, WE WILL ROCK YOU became a phenomenon in London's West End, running for 12 years at the Dominion Theatre before touring the world to standing ovations and thunderous applause. Now, after 99 years, Bilston Operatic Company are rocking the Grand and head into their centenary year with an epic new production of the hit rock musical from Tuesday 29 September – Saturday 3 October 2026.

Bilston Operatic Company was established in 1927 with their debut production The Pirates of Penzance at Bilston Theatre Royal. The Company first performed at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in 1958 with Oklahoma! and WE WILL ROCK YOU will be the company's 64th production at the Grand.

That's the future forced upon the next generation on the iPlanet, where the ruthless Killer Queen has outlawed live music, aided by her henchman Khashoggi. Creativity is crushed, and only computer-generated sounds remain. But there is a prophecy: a Dreamer will rise, rediscover the lost instruments, and bring the power of rock back to the world. Enter Galileo Figaro and Scaramouche, two misfits who join the rebel Bohemians on a quest that leads to the ruins of Wembley Stadium – and to the guitar that can spark a revolution.

Connor Welch will play Galileo with Lara Pugh as Scaramouche. Connor is delighted to be joining Bilston Operatic Company for WE WILL ROCK YOU and is super excited to take on his dream role of Galileo. As a teenager, Connor performed in WE WILL ROCK YOU twice and so it feels like a full circle moment for him to perform the show once again, this time as leading man! Originally from Northumberland, Connor has called the West Midlands home since 2018 and has been performing on stages across the region ever since. Recent roles include Double J in Saturday Night Fever at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre earlier this year, Courfeyrac in Les Misérables, Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street, and Benny Andersson in an ABBA tribute band!

Lara Pugh is from Wolverhampton and is thrilled to be playing Scaramouche in We Will Rock You. Most recently, she appeared as Mommy Bear in Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Urleen in Footloose. Prior to these roles, Lara performed in Bilston productions of Peter Pan and Kinky Boots. Her first show with Bilston was The King & I when she was 6 years old and she is delighted to be returning to the stage with her Bilston theatre family once again.

Lara said; “I've been really enjoying the rehearsal process for We Will Rock You – it's been such a fun challenge getting to know Scaramouche and bringing her character to life. Working with the creative team has been amazing, and the whole company are an absolute dream to work with. I can't wait for audiences to see the show and experience the incredible music, energy and heart that makes We Will Rock You so special.”

Connor and Lara are joined by Stacey Lovett as Killer Queen, Jon Ranwell as Khashoggi, Alec White as Brit, Stacey Smith as Oz, Greg Yates as Buddy and Matt Elson as the Teacher.

The cast is completed by Issy Checketts, Darcy Tombs, Chloe Shipley, Olivia McDermott, Liv Duffield, Joseph Dowen, Martyn Davies, Katie Walker, Amy Evans, Lee Ellis-Powell, Elise Dunn, Chloe Shipley, Gemma Dempsy, Hope Telford-Jones, Jason Green, Amy Frost, Nick Harrison, Alison Inns, Nikki Jewell and Ruby Owen.

Elise Dunn will understudy Scaramouche and Katie Walker will understudy Killer Queen.

WE WILL ROCK YOU is directed by Tye Harris and choreographed by Adam Partridge. Musical Direction is by Gareth Howard with Sam Deakin as Assistant Musical Director.

Lucie Jones Will Reprise Role of 'Jenna' in WAITRESS UK Tour

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:05:42 PST

West End star Lucie Jones will return to reprise the role of Jenna in the UK and Ireland tour of the smash hit romantic musical comedy WAITRESS, playing King's Theatre, Glasgow, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield and Lowry, Salford.

Lucie Jones returns to Waitress having previously played Jenna in both the West End and on tour, for which she was nominated for Best Performer in a Musical at the What's On Stage Awards. Her numerous theatre credits include the role of Fantine in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre and as part of the Les Misérables Arena Concert Spectacular world tour, Jenna Rink in the world premiere of 13 Going On 30 – The Musical at the Manchester Opera House, Molly in Ghost at the Adelphi Theatre and the international tour, Genevieve in The Baker's Wife at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Elphaba in Wicked at The Apollo Victoria, for which she won Best Takeover at the What's On Stage Awards and West End Wilma Awards, Maureen in RENT at The Other Palace and UK tour, Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at Curve, Leicester and on tour, Victoria in American Psycho at the Almeida, Meatloaf in the international arena tour of We Will Rock You and Cosette in Les Misérables at the Queen's Theatre.

The production currently stars Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna, Sandra Marvin as Becky, Evelyn Hoskins as Dawn, Les Dennis as Joe, Dan Partridge as Dr Pomatter, Mark Anderson as Ogie, Mark Willshire as Earl and Dan O'Brien as Cal.

The company is completed by Will Arundell, Yochabel Asante, Alice Croft, Jamie Doncaster, Daniel George-Wright, Will Hardy, Bayley Hart, Olivia Lallo, Emma Lucia, David Mairs-McKenzie and Ellie Ruiz Rodriguez.

Emma Lucia is scheduled to play the role of Jenna for Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre (24-29 August) and Hull New Theatre (1-5 September).

Carrie Hope Fletcher's final performance will be Saturday 29 September 2026. Sandra Marvin's final performance will be Saturday 22 August 2026. Casting for the role of Becky for the rest of the tour to be announced.

WAITRESS is based on the 2007 movie written by Adrienne Shelly. Music and lyrics are written by GRAMMY award-winning, singer-songwriter sensation Sara Bareilles. With a book by Jessie Nelson, direction by Tony-award winner Diane Paulus and choreography by Lorin Latarro, Waitress has garnered multiple awards and nominations in both America and the UK, receiving acclaim from both audiences and critics alike.

Celebrating 10 years of production, WAITRESS opened on Broadway on 24th April 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where it ran until 5th January 2020. Waitress celebrated its official opening night at the Adelphi Theatre in London's West End on 7th March 2019. The show has gone on to global success with further productions in North America, Japan, Holland, a French language production in Canada, a Spanish language production in Mexico, and coming this spring of 2026 an Australian production in Melbourne and Sydney.

WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker in a small town, who dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a new life, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes to happiness. But Jenna must find the courage and strength within herself to rebuild her life. This beautiful musical celebrates friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

Janie Dee Named New Patron of Buxton Opera House

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:04:04 PST

Buxton Opera House has announced the appointment of its new patron, the celebrated British stage and screen actress Janie Dee. Janie's connection to the historic venue was established in 2021 when she starred in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, an acclaimed co-production between Buxton Opera House and Buxton International Festival, directed by Paul Kerryson. The Olivier and Evening Standard Award-winner, who has performed at leading venues across the UK and America, joins Lady Jasmine Cavendish, who has been a dedicated patron of the theatre for over 10 years.

Janie's prolific career spans work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre, and Shakespeare's Globe, alongside acclaimed artistic partnerships with legendary playwrights Alan Ayckbourn and Harold Pinter. Her extensive musical theatre credits range from Sondheim's Old Friends and Follies to Nicholas Hytner's celebrated 1993 production of Carousel, for which she won an Olivier Award. On screen, she has featured in high-profile projects such as ‘Official Secrets' alongside Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes and Matt Smith, ‘Chimerica', Phoebe Waller-Bridge's ‘Crashing' on Channel 4, and ‘The Burning Girls' for Paramount+.

Speaking about her appointment, Janie Dee said, “My connection to Buxton began with a knowledge of the Buxton International Festival. Then Paul Kerryson, who I had worked with on Hello, Dolly! at Curve, Leicester, invited me to play Desiree Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music at the Opera House. What I hadn't bargained for was that I would fall totally in love with the theatre and the place, the people, and the work I saw going on there. I'm now delighted to become a Patron of this beautiful and historic theatre.”

Paul Kerryson, CEO of Buxton Opera House, commented, “It has been my privilege to direct Janie as Anna in The King and I, Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! both at Curve, Leicester, and, more recently, Desiree Armfeldt in Sondheim's A Little Night Music here at Buxton Opera House. Over the years, I have come to know Janie as a true supporter of the arts and the profound effect they have on the community, especially young people. Janie is also an advocate of environmental issues and how we can make the world a safer healthier space.

“Her appointment marks another wonderful addition to this exciting new chapter for Buxton Opera House as we continue to build inspiring opportunities with and for our audiences, spark creativity, and support lifelong learning, helping people of all ages discover new skills, passions, and confidence. Janie's love for Buxton Opera House and her wealth of industry experience will undoubtedly help inspire local audiences, participants, and the next generation of theatre-makers.”

Professor Judy Simons, Chair of the Board, added, “We are thrilled that the multi-talented Janie Dee has agreed to become our Patron. Janie is a true star who inspires audiences and supporters of all ages with a love of theatre. It's a real privilege to welcome her to Buxton Opera House.”

Review: LA BOHÈME, The Grange Festival

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:15:20 PST

Puccini's tear-jerker La bohème is always a crowd-pleaser for any opera festival. This production at The Grange Festival is the first opera from French actor-turned-director David Geselson who created it for Opéra National de Nancy Lorraine in 2025. Featuring some strong singing and exquisite playing from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the production loses clarity by Geselson's focus on art and politics.

The production places the bohemians in the heart of Paris around the July Revolution of 1830, which focused on overthrowing the last vestiges of monarchy and bring democracy back to the people. Geselson uses projections of revolutionary texts from Victor Hugo and Baudelaire and artworks by Turner, Goya and Delacroix to try to connect this to the story, but the connection feels less than organic and often rather opaque.

Geselson’s director’s note suggests that Mimì's death is a triumph in the struggle for social freedom. But her death is not for a political cause; it is the tragedy of poverty. This can indeed be seen as a consequence of politics, but it is not a triumph and Puccini's treatment of her death is nothing other than an absolute tragedy.

Patrick Dow as Marcello and Rhian Lois as Musetta
Photo Credit: Richard Hubert Smith

The young cast give a very solid performance. Luke Norvell gives us a very lyrical rendition of "O soave fanciulla" as Rodolfo and his "Che gelida manina" is well balanced. Sparks do not quite fly with Chilean soprano Isabela Díaz as Mimì, but Diáz's performance radiates with emotion and expression. Her "Mi chiamano Mimì" is delicate and lightly playful, with clear growth in her vocal power (ironically) as she lays dying at the end of the opera.

It is clear that Musetta is the most fun character to play and Rhian Lois embodies all her wit, vim and diva-like tendancies. Her "Quando me’n vo" is bright and beautifully sung.

Patrick Dow is a more charismatic Marcello than is often seen, while Jamie Woollard shows a measured bass as Colline. Dan D’Souza could have more vigour as Schaunard, as the quartet of friends do not always radiate notable warmth when they are together.

Richard Farnes conducts the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in lively and energetic rendition of the score. There are points where the music overwhelms the voices on stage somewhat, but the sound is gorgeous throughout.

Photo Credit: Richard Hubert Smith

Act One is dominated by a projection of Delacroix’s Massacre onto a gauze curtain covering the whole stage. The effect is dramatic, but also distracting and lacking in connection. Muted lighting by Jérémie Papin creates atmosphere and the poetic quotations, also projected on the gauze, could refer to the theme of doomed love in the opera, but again distract from the music itself.

The final act is the most successful, as the whole cast seem to settle into their roles and there is a cohesion not seen in the rest of the production. A parade of figures holding lit candles slowly spreads across the stage, with the flames snuffed out as the last note fades. It is a deeply moving moment, but not enough to compensate for a rather muddled production.

La bohème is at The Grange Festival on 14, 20, 27 June and 1, 5, 11 July

Photo Credits: Richard Hubert Smith

Talawa Theatre to Host Black Carpet Showcase Celebrating 40th Anniversary

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:00:07 PST

The UK's leading Black British theatre company, Talawa Theatre Company, will host an evening event in October, honouring the artists, productions and pioneers who have shaped four decades of Talawa Theatre Company. Rolling out the Black carpet in celebration of its 40th Anniversary, Talawa will present an exclusive evening of live music, performance, dance, poetry and reflection in collaboration with leading arts venue Hackney Empire which is celebrating its 125th anniversary. The event recognises Talawa's enduring influence on the cultural landscape and its remarkable contribution to British and international theatre. The event will take place on Tuesday 13th October 2026 at 7pm.

With special guest appearances still to be announced, audiences can expect a journey through the company's rich history. Featuring excerpts from some of the most celebrated productions in Talawa's repertoire including The Importance of Being Earnest (1989), King Lear (2015), Run It Back (2019) and Play On! (2025), the showcase will trace the evolution of Talawa Theatre Company and the artists, stories and Landmark Productions that have shaped its legacy.

Talawa will also present an excerpt from its groundbreaking debut production The Black Jacobins (1986), which made British theatre history as one of the first major shows with an entirely Black cast. Originally directed by Talawa's first Artistic Director and Founder, Yvonne Brewster OBE, Talawa will commemorate her enduring impact on theatre, with the event taking place one year after her passing. The production's themes of resistance and self-determination continue to resonate with the mission that has defined Talawa's legacy.

Founded in 1986 by Jamaican-born director Yvonne Brewster OBE, actor Mona Hammond OBE, actor Dame Carmen Munroe and producer Inigo Espejel, Talawa was established to create opportunities for Black artists who were routinely excluded from Britain's major stages. Forty years later, the company stands as an Olivier Award nominee and finalist for The Stage Awards Producer of the Year 2026, having transformed the landscape of theatre through pioneering productions, talent development and cultural leadership.

Talawa's artistic director Michael Buffong comments, "For me, and Talawa, this is more than an anniversary, it's history in the making; one extraordinary night of theatre, culture and celebration, and we are inviting all to share this moment with us."

Hackney Empire's CEO Chris Sudworth adds, "Talawa has been a pioneering force in British theatre, championing Black creative excellence for over 40 years. I had the pleasure of partnering with the company at Birmingham Hippodrome for their 2024 large-scale tour Play On; and everyone at Hackney Empire is delighted to collaborate on this extraordinary, landmark event, as part of our own 125th anniversary celebrations."

As the centrepiece of TALAWA 86:26, the company's anniversary programme, the event welcomes alumni, industry leaders and friends. It pays tribute to a legacy of championing Black stories and talent while reaffirming Talawa's commitment to the next generation of theatre-makers – a mission reflected in the company's name inspired by the Jamaican saying "Mi likkle but mi talawa".

Talawa Theatre to Host Black Carpet Showcase Celebrating 40th Anniversary

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:00:07 PST

Review: CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, The Watermill Theatre

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:44:22 PST

The Watermill Theatre that has gone from strength to strength in recent years, being named The Stage’s 2026 Theatre of the Year. Now they fly into the summer with perhaps their most ambitious revival yet with the classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. If they can transport audiences to Middle Earth and PT Barnum’s circus, can they up the ante with a flying car?

A musical that’s often relied on the technical spectacle of the titular car, the question that stood when this revival was announced was how The Watermill’s intimate space could achieve such a feat. Fortunately this is where director (and The Watermill’s artistic director) Paul Hart’s ingenuity and creative vision shine. A production filled with charm and childlike whimsy, an air of nostalgia lingers as we follow down-on-his-luck inventor Caractacus Potts, his two children and Truly Scrumptious’s adventure with the strangely magical car. There’s also an air of emotional depth that makes this revival stand apart, but that’s just the beginning.

Katie Lias’s imaginative set takes inspiration from Caractacus’s inventions, a workshop-esque space adorned with gears, cogs and his eccentric contraptions. Complemented by Marc Parrett’s adorable puppetry, Jai Morjaria’s colourful lighting and Daniel Denton’s video design, they’re able to make the smallest of spaces feel larger than life. By the time the car takes flight at the end of act one, you can’t help but be spellbound by its sheer creativity.

Like The Watermill’s recent summer revivals, they make clever use of the outdoor space with a marquee for a madcap funfair sequence, capped off by the bombastic "Me Ol’ Bamboo" with exuberant choreography courtesy of Anjali Mehra.

A staple of the Watermill, this Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is anchored by a talented group of actor musicians who gorgeously reinterpret the Sherman Brothers’ classics including the titular song, "Hushabye Mountain", and "Truly Scrumptious". Christian Edwards's (who some may know as the theatre personality West End Producer) Caractacus Potts is full of charisma and softness as a doting father to Jeremy and Jemima, played with verve by Bodhi Allnutt and Aila McLeish at the performance I attended.

Lydia Louise meanwhile makes a confident professional debut as Truly Scrumptious, finding a balance of maternal warmth towards the Potts kids and a feisty independence that makes her romance with Caractacus understated yet believable.

When we reach Vulgaria, that’s when we get this production’s real scene stealers. Alexander Zane and Sam Pay make a hilarious double act as Vulgarian spies Goran and Boris, even taking time to interact with the audience with talks of the British stiff upper lip and the weather. Samuel Morgan-Grahame (Jesus Christ Superstar) and Mairi Ikegami bring laughs and a sinister edge as petulant tyrants Baron and Baroness Bomburst. Last but not least, a character who for generations has traumatised children, Susannah van der Berg’s Childcatcher carries more a pantomime villain edge while her intimidating presence can be felt through the first notes of her clarinet.

Whether you grew up with the 1968 film or are learning about it for the first time, this Chitty Chitty Bang Bang revival will whisk the whole family away. The Watermill Theatre’s ambitions continue to grow each year, but they prove that with a little bit of imagination, true theatrical magic can come from the simplest of things.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs at the Watermill Theatre until 13 September

Photo credits: Pamela Raith

Regional Independent Theatre Alliance Launches at Westminster Reception

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:53:05 PST

The Regional Independent Theatre Alliance (RITA) officially launched on June 10 at a Parliamentary Reception in Westminster, bringing together five independent regional theatres to advocate for greater recognition of the sector's economic and cultural impact.

The event, sponsored by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, marked the formal launch of RITA, a new alliance of independent, charitable, not-for-profit regional theatres that operate without day-to-day public subsidy.

The alliance's five founding members are Birmingham Hippodrome, Leeds Heritage Theatres, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, Newcastle Theatre Royal, and Norwich Theatre.

At the launch, RITA outlined three priorities for government: formal recognition of the independent not-for-profit theatre model within policy and funding frameworks, the establishment of a regular data-sharing relationship with government, and support for a national co-investment strategy for independent theatre.

RITA also unveiled new data highlighting the collective impact of its member organizations. Together, the five theatres represent more than 8,000 seats, more than 2.6 million annual attendances, more than £83 million in annual gross income, and a projected five-year economic impact of £781 million.

According to the alliance, its member venues also generate £52 million annually in audience spending for local businesses, contribute more than £27 million through local supply chains, and support more than £10 million of Arts Council England-funded touring activity.

"This launch is about bringing an awareness of RITA's Third Way model to Westminster and demonstrating how independent theatres are self-sustaining community pillars," said Dame Caroline Dinenage MP. "RITA's members are driving growth across the UK, creating jobs outside of London and powering cultural hotspots."

Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive and Creative Director of Norwich Theatre, said the alliance was created to provide independent regional theatres with a stronger voice in national policy discussions while highlighting what RITA describes as "the third way" between subsidized and commercial theatre models.

Representatives from Newcastle Theatre Royal, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, Birmingham Hippodrome, and Leeds Heritage Theatres also emphasized the role independent theatres play in supporting local economies, artist development, community engagement, and the national touring ecosystem.

About RITA

The Regional Independent Theatre Alliance is a coalition of independent, charitable, not-for-profit regional theatres. The organization launched publicly on June 10, 2026, and advocates for recognition of the sector's contribution to the UK's cultural and economic landscape.

Regional Independent Theatre Alliance Launches at Westminster Reception

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:53:05 PST

The alliance's five founding members are Birmingham Hippodrome, Leeds Heritage Theatres, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, Newcastle Theatre Royal, and Norwich Theatre.

About RITA

Photos: Inside Rehearsals for THE SWAMP DWELLERS at Utopia Theatre

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:57:28 PST

You can now get a first look inside rehearsals for The Swamp Dwellers at Utopia Theatre Creative Hub in Sheffield, UK.

Performed up close and in the round at Utopia Theatre's Sheffield city centre home, just 50 tickets are available for each of 14 performances of The Swamp Dwellers.

The production is directed by Mojisola Kareem, and features Jude Akuwudike as Makuri, Urielle Klein-Mekongo as Alu, Theo Ogundipe as Kadiye, Obi Maduegbuna as the beggar, Mr Culture as the drummer and Joshua Roberts-Mensah as Igwezu.

Kareem (Crown of Blood, Death and The King’s Horseman) has thoughtfully resurrected Nigerian Nobel laureate writer and activist Wole Soyinka’s early play, bringing it back to the UK stage for the first time in over half a century.

The one act play will be performed 29 June-11 July 2026 at the Utopia Theatre Creative Hub, just off Moor Street in the centre of Sheffield.

The Swamp Dwellers was last staged in the UK in 1975 at African Caribbean arts centre Keskidee in Islington, north London.

Joshua Roberts-Mensah and Obi Maduegbuna

Joshua Roberts-Mensah and Theo Ogundipe

Jude Akuwudike and Urielle Klein-Mekongo

Jude Akuwudike

Mr Culture

Obi Maduegbuna and Jude Akuwudike

Obi Maduegbuna

Theo Ogundipe and Jude Akuwudike

Urielle Klein-Mekongo

Urielle Klein-Mekongo, Obi Maduegbuna and Jude Akuwudike

Urielle Klein-Mekongo

THERE IS A LIGHT AND A WHISTLE FOR ATTRACTING ATTENTION to Launch UK Tour

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:35:56 PST

Play Nicely Theatre's one-woman show about coercive relationships and societal pressures on women, There is a Light and a Whistle for Attracting Attention, will tour Norwich, Buxton, Manchester, and London.

Using the breakdown of a marriage to explore preconceived ideas of romance and societal pressures to find a partner, one woman reflects on her former relationship. From the heady days of their first dates and early wedded bliss to when red flags become more frequent and power dynamics take over, she contrasts the fairy tale love stories from her youth with the slow-dawning reality of a coercive relationship, wrestling with self-blame and an inability to leave. There is a Light and a Whistle for Attracting Attention explores the pressures that shape intimacy, particularly for women, balancing humour and heartbreak as the narrator moves from self-doubt to hard-won clarity. The production is supporting Women for Women International, a charity that helps women survivors of war and conflict rebuild their lives.

The show's UK tour begins in Norwich at the Garage on the 17th July before stopping at the Buxton Fringe (20-21st July), Manchester Fringe (27-30th July) and The Hen & Chickens Theatre Bar in London (8-13th Sep).

IN THE COLD LIGHT to Make London Debut at Canal Café Theatre

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:44:36 PST

Scottish playwright George Grant is presenting In the Cold Light at Canal Café Theatre, in a sharp and intimate exploration of how we mourn—and what we leave unsaid.

The gravestones of two friends pull a journalist into an investigation he hopes will bury the past. Instead, it unearths the harsh reality of staying silent, confronting him with the one story he refused to tell.

In the Cold Light is written and directed by George Grant, and performed by George Grant and Clare Harbin.

Performances will take place on Tuesday, June 24 at 7:30 PM, Friday, June 26 at 7:30 PM, and Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 PM.

The running time is approximately 60 minutes, and the production is recommended for ages 15 and above. Performances take place at Canal Café Theatre, Delamere Terrace, Little Venice, London W2 6ND. Tickets are priced from £9 to £15, plus a £1.50 booking fee, and are available via the box office, online, or by calling 020 7289 6054.

Photos: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET in Rehearsal at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:30:13 PST

All new photos have been released from the rehearsal room for Million Dollar Quartet at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester. The show will return for an extended run this summer between Monday 15 June – Saturday 22 August. Check out the photos below!

On the night of December 4th 1956, four men walked into a recording studio in Memphis and made musical history. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley were brought together by pure chance for a jam session which would go on to shape the trajectory of rock ‘n’ roll music across the world.

In the studio egos collide, promises are broken and dreams take shape. As the men navigate ambition, rivalry and fame they create the soundtrack that will define an era. Experience the classic songs – “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Fever”, “Walk The Line”, “Hound Dog” (and many more) – in the thrilling atmosphere of that once-in-a-lifetime event.

Joining Darren Day, who will be playing the role of ‘Sam Phillips’, will be Connor Payne (Ruth The Musical at Wilton’s Music Hall, Assassins and A Man of No Importance, both with the Royal Academy of Music Musical Theatre Company) as ‘Elvis Presley’, Christopher Erasmus (Winghaven Park with Thomas Hopkins Productions, Beauty and the Beast with Upstage Productions) will play ‘Jonny Cash’, returning to his role of ‘Jerry Lee Lewis’ will be Joe Bence (Death Comes to Pemberley during it’s UK Tour, The Farm at Mercury Theatre, Colchester, Million Dollar Quartet at the Barn Theatre), Joey Bradick (Humbug at Waterloo Vaults, The Cavern Club on its UK Tour) will play ‘Carl Perkins’, in the role of ‘Dyanne’ will be Jenay Naima (MJ The Musical at Prince Edward Theatre, Silence! The Musical at Turbine Theatre, The Bodyguard Musical at the Theatre by the Sea), playing ‘Brother Jay’ will be Geraint Downing (Christmas Carol at the Old Vic, Lord of the Rings at the Watermill Theatre), in the role of ‘W.S. “Fluke” Holland’ is Josh Haberfield (Buddy The Buddy Holly Story with Awesome Music Ltd, Aladdin at the Lighthouse Poole, Beauty and the Beast with Paul Holman Associates Ltd).

Million Dollar Quartet will be directed by Jonathan O’Boyle with a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux. Choreography will be provided by Joanna Goodwin, Libby Watson will be on set & costume design with Alex Musgrave on lighting design and Nick Lodge on sound design, Lee Freeman will be musical supervisor.

Photo Credit: Alex Tabrizi

Million Dollar Quartet

Company

Million Dollar Quartet

Set Model

Josh Haberfied

Jonathan O'Boyle

Jenay Naima

Darren Day

Eimear Crealey, Darren Day, Joe Bence, Christopher Erasmus

Eimear Crealey, Connor Payne

Set Model

Cafe 1001 Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Two Day Celebration

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:25:37 PST

Cafe 1001 announced details of its anniversary celebration, a two-day event taking place on Friday August 28 and Saturday August 29 at its longstanding home on Brick Lane.

The programme opens on Friday, August 28 with a late-night event headlined by Charlie Dark (MBE), the DJ, producer, poet and co-founder of Attica Blues who has been shaping UK underground culture since the early 1990s. He is joined by long-time Cafe 1001 collaborator Chris Wheatley, with further artists still to be announced.

On Saturday, August 29 Cafe 1001’s residents take over for an all-day party, featuring Lucide, Gaby D’Annunzio, Hannah Lamb and Eman Pav. Across the weekend, residents, collaborators and guests come together to mark more than twenty-five years of music at the venue.

Luca Pilato, Creative Director states, “Cafe 1001 is one of those venues that belongs to the people who use it and has always evolved. We've had first dates turn into marriages celebrated at our venue, staff members have become resident DJs, customers have become lifelong friends, and generations have passed through our doors. This 25th birthday weekend is a celebration of everyone who has made Cafe 1001 what it is. After taking our programming on tour around the UK, it felt right to bring it all back home to Brick Lane: “The Homecoming”. We've invited artists and selectors who have a real connection to the venue, alongside a programme of cultural events that reflect the creativity and community that have defined Cafe 1001 for the last 25 years.”

The event follows a year-long European Hi-Fi Tour, a cultural exchange connecting Cafe 1001 with audio-focused spaces across the continent. Throughout 2026, the venue will partner with communities across Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Portugal and France, including exchanges with venues such as The Big Romance (Dublin), Kasheme (Zurich), PAAK Vinyl (Nijmegen), Unkompress (Berlin) and Boavista Social Club (Porto), with further collaborations to follow.

Founded on Brick Lane, Cafe 1001 has been part of London’s nightlife landscape for more than twenty-five years, fostering both emerging and established talent. The venue has supported early-career DJs and artists while hosting internationally recognised selectors and live acts across electronic and alternative music cultures. It continues to play an active role in London’s music scene through its community-focused programming.

ARTHUR and THERE'S A TIGER IN THE GARDEN to Headline Polka Theatre's Summer Season

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:10:19 PST

Polka Theatre has announced details of their complete Summer holiday season. Arthur will headline this Summer on Polka's main stage, the Y C Chan Theatre, in a co-production between Polka Theatre and The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath, created by Bucket Club.

From Saturday 20 June – Sunday 9 August, join the adventure in a magical new play with original songs, based on Arthurian legend and the quest for a better world, recommended for ages 6-12 years.

As Grace and Arthur's two worlds collide, their fates entwine, and together they must embark on the greatest quest they'll ever face to retrieve Excalibur. With the future of Britain depending on them – if only they can figure out how to work together….

Flock Theatre Makers', There's a Tiger in the Garden will be this Summer's Adventure Theatre show, running from Wednesday 8 July - Sunday 9 August, following sold-out, highly acclaimed tours. Using puppetry, imaginative design and music, Lizzy Stewart's Waterstones Children's Book Prize winning book is brought to life for children aged 3 – 7 Years.

Exploring the power of the imagination, we invite families to follow Nora as she discovers the wonders hidden beyond the shrubbery. Come and listen, play, engage and enjoy the brilliance of this story, brought to life for the first time, where Nora finds dragonflies as big as her head, plants that can eat you (and your toy giraffe) whole, a polar bear that likes fishing and maybe, just possibly, a tiger in the garden.

Alongside these two Summer productions, children of 6-18-months are invited to Blub, an underwater immersive sensory experience brought to life through light, music, movement and a coral reef, crocheted and knitted from 500,000 metres of wool - showing Thursday 13 - Sunday 23 August in the Adventure Theatre, by award-winning Austrian company theater.nuu.

The season is presented alongside a wide range of Creative Learning classes, workshops and activities at the venue, including workshops Little Garden Explorers, on Friday 7 August, where children and their grownups can step into the world of There's a Tiger in the Garden for a multi-sensory adventure, and Dance to the Beat! on Friday 14 August, where participants can move, groove and have fun in this lively music and movement workshop.

Polka's popular Summer Schools include: Youth Theatre Summer School from Monday 27 – Friday 31 July where budding actors can spend a week training and working with a professional theatre director; Puppet Summer School from Tuesday 4 – Thursday 6 August, where young makers can dive into the magical world of puppetry; and Musical Theatre Summer School Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 August where participants step into the spotlight to explore singing, dancing and acting to help bring stories to life.

Polka Theatre is also bringing back their Early Years Theatre Festival, Big Dreams on Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 September 2026, with an exciting programme of engaging UK and international shows, interactive events and free activities for young audiences and their families, including MC Grammar and Nick Sharratt's Once Upon a Drawalong.

Polka's Artistic Director Helen Matravers said, ‘I am delighted that this Summer we're able to bring to the stage brand new action-adventure, well-loved family storytelling and international sensory immersive theatre. It's such an eclectic offer with something for every age group of Polka's audience. The breadth of joy and play on stage is really exciting, and perfect for a Summer Holiday treat. We've got comedy, puppetry, live music and song, as well as an amazing Creative Learning offer of workshops, Summer Schools and sensory play – plus our bright and welcoming building is the perfect spot to come and play for free, have fun and spark some wonderful creativity for children during the holidays.'

Polka opened its doors in 1979, the UK's first theatre venue dedicated exclusively to children. Polka Theatre is one of just a handful of dedicated children's venues in the UK, presenting a year-round programme of shows produced by Polka and from visiting companies. Polka also offers a full programme of Creative Learning activities for ages 0–12, with over 21,000 children taking part in the last year. Polka enjoys flexible rehearsal and workshop spaces along with two performance spaces: the Y C Chan Theatre has a 300-seat capacity, and the Adventure Theatre can seat up to 90 depending on the show format.

Over the past year, Polka has worked with 143 schools through Creative Learning projects and has distributed over 9,000 free tickets to schools through their Curtain Up! scheme.

ARTHUR and THERE'S A TIGER IN THE GARDEN to Headline Polka Theatre's Summer Season

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:10:19 PST

From Saturday 20 June – Sunday 9 August, join the adventure in a magical new play with original songs, based on Arthurian legend and the quest for a better world, recommended for ages 6-12 years.

Over the past year, Polka has worked with 143 schools through Creative Learning projects and has distributed over 9,000 free tickets to schools through their Curtain Up! scheme.

1979: PERSIANALITY DISORDER By Sepideh Kaav To Be Performed At Edinburgh Fringe

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:49:58 PST

Iranian comedian Sepideh Kaav brings 1979: Persianality Disorder to Edinburgh Fringe 2026, a darkly funny stand-up hour about growing up Iranian, living abroad, and trying to make jokes in a world of constantly breaking news and broken irony.

With sharp jokes, personal stories, and a satirical eye on Iran, the West, war, and the performance of morality, 1979: Persianality Disorder explores the absurdity of being shaped by history while trying to survive the present.

Sepideh asks: What happens when politics isn't just something you follow, but something that colours your childhood memories? For Sepideh, it finds its way into everything, from first dates and awkward meetings with her boss to the way she sees the world. Can comedy make people look directly at the darkness they usually avoid? And is trauma funnier with a microphone?

Sepideh Kaav is an Iranian stand-up comedian based in Berlin whose work combines dark comedy, political satire and personal storytelling, often finding absurd connections between geopolitics, relationships, religion and everyday life.

At the University of Tehran, Sepideh was the editor-in-chief of a student periodical, writing critical and sometimes funny articles about the news. She was also arrested by the morality police, the Gasht-e Ershad or Guidance Patrol.

Her comedy has been featured on ARTE in connection with war and Iranian politics. She has performed her hour around Europe, including sold-out previews, and is bringing the developed hour to Edinburgh Fringe 2026.

The performance will take place from August 18-30th at the Main Room at Laughing Horse @ Coco Boho, 125b George St. Tickets can be purchased at the Edinburgh Fringe's website.

DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS To Be Presented By Curve Theatre

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:18:46 PST

Leicester’s Curve theatre has revealed this year’s festive production for children and families, a new stage adaptation of Kes Gray’s DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS, which will run in Curve’s Studio Theatre.

A Made at Curve and Rebel Sparks co-production, DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS is based-on the book of the same name by author Kes Gray, featuring illustrations by Garry Parsons and Nick Sharratt published by Puffin Books.

The new production is adapted for the stage by Sarah Middleton (PINOCCHIO, Nottingham
Playhouse) and co-directed by former Curve Resident Creatives Hannah Stone and Ria Ashcroft, co-leaders of theatre company Rebel Sparks. The festive show will be filled with new music and lyrics by Darren Clark, who recently composed music and lyrics for the Best New Musical Olivier Award- winning production of THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, with set and costume design by Abby Clarke (THE OWL WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS, Curve).

Information on open auditions for DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS will be shared onCurve’s website soon.

Make this Christmas one to remember with Daisy, her Best Friend Gabby and a plan that can only lead to trouble. Based on Kes Gray’s much-loved DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS, this brilliantly funny adventure is full of Christmas chaos for children and their grown-ups. Whether it is their first theatre trip, a special family outing or a treat with grandparents, this mischief filled Made at Curve production promises big laughs, brilliant storytelling and plenty of Daisy-sized fun. Bursting with energy and packed with seasonal silliness, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

All performances of DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS from 4 December will offer a more relaxed environment so as many children and families as possible can enjoy the show. Access performances at Curve are made possible thanks to sponsor David Wilson Homes.

Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said: “We are thrilled DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS will play in the Studio over the
festive period, bringing joy and Christmas magic to young people and their families. It is wonderful our incredibly talented former Curve Resident Creatives Hannah Stone and Ria Ashcroft are returning to LE1, having shared this tremendous idea with us and developed it at Curve....we are incredibly grateful they have chosen Curve to present this beautiful show, adapted by local writer Sarah Middleton and featuring new music by the terrific Darren Clark. It promises to be a brilliant and fun-filled Christmas adventure.”

The performance will run November 30 - January 3. Accessible performances include Captioned (Saturday December 19, 10:30am and 1:30pm and Tuesday December 22, 10:30am and 1:30pm), British Sign Language Interpreted (Sunday December 27, 1:30pm) and Audio Described (Friday December 11, 1:30pm with a Touch Tour from 12pm and Saturday January 2, 1:30pm with a Touch Tour from 12pm).

Tickets will be on sale to Made at Curve Circle, Champions and Patrons from
Tuesday June 16, to Curve Friends from Wednesday June 17, to Curve Loyalty Pass holders, Groups and Access Register customers from Thursday June 18 and on general sale from Tuesday June 23, all at 12pm. Tickets can be purchased on line, over the phone by calling 0116 242 3595 or in person.

DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS is suitable for children aged 3+ and their families.