Bush Theatre News

Nuffield Southampton Theatres present the world premiere of SS Mendi: Dancing the Death Drill by critically acclaimed Cape Town-based Isango Ensemble. Part of 14-18 NOW, the UK's official arts programme for the First World War centenary, the production commemorates an untold tragedy from WW1 that took place off the coast of Southampton. Prior to rehearsals beginning Samuel Hodges, Director of Nuffield Southampton Theatres will visit Cape Town where the SS Mendi began its journey. Mark Dornford-May directs the production which opens at Nuffield Southampton Theatres on Wednesday 4 July with previews from Friday 29 June and performances until Saturday 14 July. Dubbed the 'Black Titanic', the sinking of SS Mendi was one of the worst maritime disasters in the 20th century in UK waters.

In a fractured and divided city, two men meet to recreate the killings of a famous gay serial killer - for their own pleasure...and the right price.

Defibrillator and Arcola Theatre, today announces cast for world stage premiere of Mike Bartlett's, Not Talking. Artistic Director of Defibrillator James Hillier directs David Horovitch (James), Gemma Lawrence (Amanda), Kika Markham (Lucy) and Lawrence Walker (Mark). The production opens at the Arcola Theatre on 1 May, with previews from the 25 April, and runs until 2 June.

In a production commissioned by the Finborough Theatre, the long-overdue rediscovery of the seminal feminist play by Sarah Daniels, Masterpieces opens at the Finborough Theatre for a four-week limited season on Tuesday, 24 April 2018 (Press Nights: Thursday, 26 April and Friday, 27 April 2018 at 7.30pm).

We'll be updating the list of nominees LIVE throughout this evening's Olivier Awards from London's Royal Albert Hall - winners are indicated IN BOLD!

Swedish Kaisa Hammarlund is cast as Alison in the London transfer of Fun Home at the Young Vic theatre from June 18.

The world premiere of Barney Norris' Nightfall, directed by Laurie Sansom, starring Ophelia Lovibond (Lou), Ukweli Roach (Pete), Claire Skinner (Jenny) and Sion Daniel Young (Ryan) will run at the Bridge Theatre from 28 April - 26 May 2018, with press night on 8 May 2018. Designed by Rae Smith, Nightfall will have lighting by Chris Davey, sound by Christopher Shutt with music composed by Gareth Williams.

THE RHYTHM METHOD is an extraordinary new contemporary British musical in the making - about the stuff that's difficult to talk about - sex, relationships and contraception. A run of just seven performance showcases with audience discussions at The Landor from Monday 14 - Friday 18 May 2018.

PlayPenn, the new play development organization which assisted in the development of the Tony Award-winning international hit OSLO by J.T. Rogers, has announced their 2018 New Play Development Conference plays and writers. The conference, which takes place July 10 through July 29, 2018 in Philadelphia, includes workshops and readings of six plays, at least two additional readings of works-in-progress, and forums for artists and theatre lovers.

French farce meets vibrant Bollywood song and dance in Tara Arts' sparkling new comedy The Game of Love & Chai, coming to Coventry's Belgrade Theatre 24-28 April. Penned by actor and comedy legend Nigel Planer (The Young Ones, Filthy Rich) this hilarious new show sees the Marivaux classic The Game of Love Chance retold in a contemporary British Asian context.

In a production commissioned by the Finborough Theatre, the long-overdue rediscovery of the seminal feminist play by Sarah Daniels, Masterpieces opens at the Finborough Theatre for a four-week limited season on Tuesday, 24 April 2018 (Press Nights: Thursday, 26 April and Friday, 27 April 2018 at 7.30pm).

Matthew Warchus' big-hearted, smash hit production of Charles Dickens' immortal classic A Christmas Carol returns to The Old Vic opening on 5 December, with previews from 27 November, joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).

Amplified Theatre announces the plays and company for it's unique new writing event Six coming to The Bunker in April.

Suzan Sylvester is delighted to be making a welcome return to Diane Samuels' heart-felt drama, Kindertransport, in the role of mother Evelyn having performed as daughter Faith in the 1993 premiere production.

Geva Theatre Center's 2017-2018 Season continues with the world premiere of One House Over, by Catherine Trieschmann and directed by Mark Clements, in the Elaine P. Wilson Stage from April 3 through April 29.

New York City staple Roundabout Theatre Company has just announced that Tony & Emmy Award winner Stockard Channing will return to the New York stage in the Off-Broadway premiere of APOLOGIA, by Alexi Kaye Campbell (The Pride). APOLOGIA will be directed by three-time Obie Award winner Daniel Aukin (Bad Jews, Skintight). Channing returns to the role of "Kristin" in Apologia following an acclaimed run in London's West End in 2017.

Boundless Theatre today announces the full cast for a major revival of Judy Upton's Confidence. First performed in 1998 at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Artistic Director of Boundless, Rob Drummer, directs the previously announced Tanya Burr in the role of Ella. She is joined by Anna Crichlow (Ruby), Vauxhall Jermaine (Edwin), Will Pattle (Dean) and Rhys Yates (Ben). The production opens at Southwark Playhouse on 25 May with previews from 23 May.

No matter where we are, our surroundings are a living consequence of the decisions we make. The organs that form the makeup of society are pumped by our actions, and this spirt flows through the city, being present wherever we go. However, if you look closely enough, you'll realise that not everyone is a positive effect to our environment. Some people are viruses, causing damage. It's not always intentional, but it's almost definitely destructive.

Amy Hodge directs Penelope Skinner's elegantly mysterious new play Meek, an unflinching vision which examines state control and self-control in an unknown theocratic society.  Meek will open at the Traverse Theatre as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe before embarking on a UK tour.   Full tour dates to be announced shortly.

3Women, the debut play by the award-winning comedian and writer Katy Brand, will premiere at Trafalgar Studios 2, starring the celebrated screen and stage actress Anita Dobson (Eleanor), alongside Debbie Chazen (Suzanne), Maisie Richardson-Sellers (Laurie), and Oliver Greenall (Waiter). Running from 15 May to 9 June 2018, with press night on 18 May, 3Women explores the relationships between three generations of the same family, brought together in one hotel room, in a darkly comic and pertinent exploration of what it means to be a woman.