Jessica Martin News

The Playground Theatre is to re-open next week with a programme of music, theatre and a pantomime starring national treasure Su Pollard. The West London venue initially re-opened in September but was forced to close again in November owing to changes in Government guidance.  Lift Off Live, a celebratory evening of live theatre and music accompanied by cocktails, will launch the programme on 3rd December. 

In honor of 100 years of the 19th Amendment and women’s right to vote,  Multicom Entertainment Group, has acquired “Into Light,” a new and timely film about turn of the century suffragist Inez Milholland.

The Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zédel recently reopened its doors and on Tuesday 15th September at 9.30pm 'The Crazy Coqs Presents' return with their monthly concert series of shows each with a different musical theme, presented by lyricist Mark Robert Petty and with Musical Direction by Tom Knowles.

The Show Must Go Online today announce the full cast for their upcoming livestreamed reading of William Shakespeare's Richard III, made up entirely of returning actors from the previous six readings.

Crazy Coqs, Soho's unique live entertainment venue within the Brasserie Zédel complex, announces a new online initiative: Stay at Home with Crazy Coqs.

Since opening at the Union Theatre in February BLITZ! has played to packed houses, but the run must end on 7th March. Directed by Phil Willmott and featuring a stellar cast, the production has not been professionally staged for 20 years and has made a very welcome return to London.

Revival Blitz! forms part of Phil Wilmott's Essential Classics season, which commemorates the 75th anniversary of VE Day. A Lionel Bart musical set in the heart of London's East End, Blitz! (also directed by Wilmott) tells the story of two neighbouring families - the Blitzsteins and the Lockes - against the backdrop of World War II.

Lionel Bart's BLITZ! is running now at the Union Theatre in Southwark. The new production, directed by Phil Willmott, will run until 7th March 2020 as part of this year's commemoration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

One of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Mark Rothko's signature style helped define Abstract Expressionism, the movement that shifted the center of the art world from Paris to New York. American Masters — Rothko: Pictures Must Be Miraculous, premiering nationwide Friday, October 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings), pbs.org/americanmasters and the PBS Video app, is an intimate portrait of the celebrated painter whose luminous canvasses now set records at international auctions. Interviews with Rothko's children, Kate and Christopher, as well as leading curators, art historians and conservators present a comprehensive look at the artist's life and career, complemented by original scenes with Alfred Molina in the role of Rothko. Molina performs segments from Rothko's diaries, and the documentary features clips from the six-time Tony-winning play Red. Great Performances will premiere Red nationwide on Friday, November 15 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings), pbs.org/gperf and the PBS Video app as part of the series' third annual “Broadway's Best” lineup of acclaimed theatrical productions.

LezFest, the popular and ever-evolving interdisciplinary program of performance by queer female and non-binary artists, will return for its eighth session on Sunday, December 16. Previously known as SheFest and WeFest, this twice-annual event will include performances by 12 artists in The Broadway theater of the Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway.

The Playground Theatre today announces the world premiere of Fanatical, a musical by Matt Board and Reina Hardy, set to open in the autumn of 2018 with a company that includes Suanne Braun (Stargate/Red Dwarf/Mamma Mia/Cabaret)). The announcement is made in conjunction with a crowdfunding campaign, which also launches today.

The Playground Theatre today announces further casting for Gregory Evans' Shirleymander, which receives its UK premiere at the end of May. Joining Jessica Martin, who plays the former leader of Westminster Council, will be Jack Klaff , Omar Baroud and Amanda Waggott with other cast yet to be announced. Anthony Biggs's production will run from May 23 to June 16.

The Playground Theatre today announces the world premiere of Fanatical, a musical by Matt Board and Reina Hardy, set to open in the autumn of 2018 with a company that includes Suanne Braun (Stargate/Red Dwarf/Mamma Mia/Cabaret)). The announcement is made in conjunction with a crowdfunding campaign, which also launches today.

The Playground Theatre today announces further casting for Gregory Evans' Shirleymander, which receives its UK premiere at the end of May. Joining Jessica Martin, who plays the former leader of Westminster Council, will be Jack Klaff , Omar Baroud and Amanda Waggott with other cast yet to be announced. Anthony Biggs's production will run from May 23 to June 16.

Electric Dream Factory, a new XR content studio and production company formed by feature film producer Lacey Leavitt and VFX artist Joe Jacobs, is excited to announce the premiere of their first VR short: Arcadia Flats. 

On 14th June 2017 a massive fire swept through the twenty-four-story Grenfell Tower block of public housing in West London, killing seventy-one people. What has followed since these tragic events has highlighted the huge social housing crisis across London and the rest of the UK. To coincide with the first anniversary of the fire The Playground Theatre, situated barely five minutes walk from the burnt-out building, is to stage the dramatisation of another social housing scandal that rocked the country.

From the Academy Award-winning team comes a lushly scored retelling of Victor Hugo's epic story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a hero. A sweeping score by Alan Menken and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences of all ages will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.

50 SHADES OF PRIDE is this month's theme for Pride Arts Center's monthly variety showcase - to include standup comedy, dance, drag and a fashion show.

From the Academy Award-winning team comes a lushly scored retelling of Victor Hugo's epic story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a hero. A sweeping score by Alan Menken and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences of all ages will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.

Emerging local playwright, Georgina Harriss, is set to premiere her first full-length play this January at Melbourne's quirky, intimate theatre, The Butterfly Club.