Michael Vale News

Rehearsal images have been released for the National Theatre's production of Sally Cookson's magical retelling of Peter Pan, ahead of its limited run at Troubadour White City Theatre, a brand-new venue, just minutes from Westfield in West London.

Today the National Theatre announced the 24 strong cast of Sally Cookson's magical retelling of Peter Pan as rehearsals get underway for its limited run at Troubadour White City Theatre, a brand-new venue, just minutes from Westfield in West London.

The National Theatre has announced 15 productions of new plays and fresh adaptations by leading writers.

Get set for an awfully big adventure as the National Theatre's magical retelling of J M Barrie's PETER PAN, a thrilling story for audiences of all ages devised by the companies and directed by Olivier Award-winner Sally Cookson (Jane Eyre, A Monster Calls), will open at Troubadour White City, a new theatre in West London, this summer.

Blumhouse Productions' Jason Blum reneged on his claim that there are no women who can direct horror films, and Australian director Donna McRae should be on his radar.   Her recent narrative film Lost Gully Road, competing for the AACTA award for Best Indie Film, the Australian Oscars, just took the top prize at the LA Femme International Film Festival, on Sunday, October 14th in Los Angeles.  

The Old Vic is currently hosting the stage adaptation of Patrick Ness' piercing novel A Monster Calls, directed by Sally Cookson. Let's see what the critics had to say.

After being turned into a film, Patrick Ness' award-winning novel A Monster Calls becomes a visceral stage play. It analysed the depths of grief and loss in a teen, Conor (Matthew Tennyson), who's slowly losing his mum to cancer. He's visited by a Monster (Stuart Goodwin) who tells him stories and explains the complications of being human.

The Classical Theatre of Harlem (Ty Jones, Producing Artistic Director), Pemberley Productions and Dr. Barbara Ann Teer's National Black Theatre are proud to present Sancho: An Act of Remembrance. This timely theater production celebrates the extraordinary life of Charles Ignatius Sancho, an African man who was born on a slave ship and rose to prominence as a noted abolitionist, composer, social satirist and man of refinement in 18th century English society. Sancho makes his mark in history by becoming the first British-African to cast a vote in England in 1774.

The Classical Theatre of Harlem (Ty Jones, Producing Artistic Director), Pemberley Productions and Dr. Barbara Ann Teer's National Black Theatre are proud to present Sancho: An Act of Remembrance. This timely theater production celebrates the extraordinary life of Charles Ignatius Sancho, an African man who was born on a slave ship and rose to prominence as a noted abolitionist, composer, social satirist and man of refinement in 18th century English society. Sancho makes his mark in history by becoming the first British-African to cast a vote in England in 1774.

Kneehigh's Asylum is back in a Festival of Pandemonium. Summer's most joyously subversive festival of theatre returns from 2 August to 22 September with three thrillingly inventive shows, all staged in the company's award-winning purpose built tent, situated in the beautiful surroundings of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall.

'Heard the one about the black guy born on a slave ship in the early 18th century? He ended his days running a grocery store in Westminster. That was after a career as a famous musician, composer, author and actor. And in 1774 he became the first black Briton to vote. Never heard of him? Neither had I, until I discovered Thomas Gainsborough's portrait of the extraordinary Charles Ignatius Sancho, in 2007, in a book by historian Gretchen Gerzina called Black England. 

Following two sold-out, off-Broadway runs in New York, Out of My Comfort Zone, a new rock musical about self-identity, gender, love, stereotypes, cyber-bullying, and friendship, will premier in London at The Redbridge Drama Centre. Written by husband-and-wife team Ivy Vale (book, lyrics and music) and Rick Reil (music), Out of My Comfort Zone will be presented and staged by The Redbridge Musical Theatre Company for three performances at Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, London, E18 2RB, from March 1-3, 2018.

The Royal Opera House's 2017/2018 Cinema Series continues with director David McVicar's production of Giuseppe Verdi's RIGOLETTO, with libretto by Francesco Maria Piave after Victor Hugo's play, Le roi s'amuse.

The 2017/2018 Cinema Broadcasts from London's Royal Opera House, which screen in over 50 cinemas across the United States and Canada, are available for advance online viewing for editorial or review purposes.

The Dallas Opera is proud to announce its spectacular 2018-2019 Season, "Swept Away," consisting of five captivating mainstage productions, including a passionate Puccini pairing during the month of March, designed to melt the last blast of winter, followed by the company's first-ever Falstaff.

If you think you will be watching the same 'Beauty and the Beast' movie you've seen recently starring Emma Watson or the version where you heard Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson's voices during the end credits, you're in for a different yet as magical treat.

Three years after its Bristol Old Vic debut, Sally Cookson's fervently theatrical reimagining of Charlotte Bront 's novel returns to the National Theatre as part of a UK tour with a new cast, but with its collective spirit intact.

Sally Cookson's past work includes inventive adaptations of Peter Pan, Hetty Feather and La Strada. Her acclaimed version of Jane Eyre, which first appeared at Bristol Old Vic in 2014, completes its 2017 UK tour with an encore run at the National Theatre from 23 September.

Touring in the North of England for the first time - following its success at Vault Festival, London and Brighton Festival, 2017 - this high octane performance obliterates the line between epic theatre and energetic gig.

Sally Cookson's adaptation of Charlotte Bront 's masterpiece Jane Eyre returns to the NT's Lyttelton Theatre from 26 September - 21 October 2017 following a critically acclaimed season at the National Theatre and a major UK tour. Below, check out an interview with star Nadia Clifford, who plays the title character!