Wednesday, 16 February 2022
2.22 A Ghost Story Announces 17 Week Transfer to Criterion Theatre
Producer Runaway Entertainment is delighted to announce that the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story will transfer for a second time to The Criterion Theatre where it will play a 17.5 week season opening on 7 May 2022. The production began its life last summer at the Noel Coward Theatre starring Lily Allen, Julia Chan, Hadley Fraser and Jake Wood. It then transferred to the Gielgud Theatre for 10 weeks from 4 December 2021. The production there starring Stephanie Beatriz, James Buckley, Elliot Cowan and Giovanna Fletcher completed its run on 12 February 2022. The cast for the transfer to the Criterion Theatre will be announced soon.
“A great spine-tingling night out!” Evening Standard
The West End theatre event of the year will return this summer by popular demand.
“It’s happening again...”
Following two record-breaking seasons at the Noel Coward and Gielgud Theatre with a host of acclaimed star performances, this edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller returns once again for a brand-new limited engagement at the Criterion Theatre.
2:22 is written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist, and is directed by Matthew Dunster. Look out for the clues to unlock the mystery in this brilliantly funny and intriguing play; it’s an adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear…
Danny Robins said: "I'm so damn thrilled that the 2:22 - A Ghost Story journey gets to continue. The response to the play so far has blown me away. Since I was a kid I've been obsessed by ghost stories, and I'm so glad that theatre audiences seem to feel the same way. My aim, writing the play, was to create a fun, spooky, thought-provoking night out, a show that leaves you buzzing, on the edge of your seat, questioning what you believe. If you haven't seen it yet, I hope you'll come down to the Criterion and see what you believe... if you dare!”
Matthew Dunster said: "This feels like an extraordinary journey for a new play. It sounds like an obvious thing to say, but even in this crazy time we’re living through, people really seem to want to see this show. Sell out runs with two exciting and surprising casts at two West End theatres; and now a run to look forward to at The Criterion where there’ll be more more surprises and more excitement. I just feel terrifically proud of Danny and all the team. And really grateful to the Up For It audiences who have been coming along.”
What do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?
“THERE’S SOMETHING IN OUR HOUSE. I HEAR IT EVERY NIGHT, AT THE SAME TIME"
Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they’re going to stay up... until 2:22... and then they’ll know.
“A slick, chilling, romp of a play” The Guardian
2:22 - A Ghost Story features set design by Anna Fleischle, costume design by Cindy Lin, lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph Sound, casting by Jessica Ronane CDG and illusions by Chris Fisher, co-direction by Isabel Marr.
2:22 - A Ghost Story is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Isobel David and Kater Gordon.
photo credit: Helen Murray
“A great spine-tingling night out!” Evening Standard
The West End theatre event of the year will return this summer by popular demand.
“It’s happening again...”
Following two record-breaking seasons at the Noel Coward and Gielgud Theatre with a host of acclaimed star performances, this edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller returns once again for a brand-new limited engagement at the Criterion Theatre.
2:22 is written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist, and is directed by Matthew Dunster. Look out for the clues to unlock the mystery in this brilliantly funny and intriguing play; it’s an adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear…
Danny Robins said: "I'm so damn thrilled that the 2:22 - A Ghost Story journey gets to continue. The response to the play so far has blown me away. Since I was a kid I've been obsessed by ghost stories, and I'm so glad that theatre audiences seem to feel the same way. My aim, writing the play, was to create a fun, spooky, thought-provoking night out, a show that leaves you buzzing, on the edge of your seat, questioning what you believe. If you haven't seen it yet, I hope you'll come down to the Criterion and see what you believe... if you dare!”
Matthew Dunster said: "This feels like an extraordinary journey for a new play. It sounds like an obvious thing to say, but even in this crazy time we’re living through, people really seem to want to see this show. Sell out runs with two exciting and surprising casts at two West End theatres; and now a run to look forward to at The Criterion where there’ll be more more surprises and more excitement. I just feel terrifically proud of Danny and all the team. And really grateful to the Up For It audiences who have been coming along.”
What do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?
“THERE’S SOMETHING IN OUR HOUSE. I HEAR IT EVERY NIGHT, AT THE SAME TIME"
Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they’re going to stay up... until 2:22... and then they’ll know.
“A slick, chilling, romp of a play” The Guardian
2:22 - A Ghost Story features set design by Anna Fleischle, costume design by Cindy Lin, lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph Sound, casting by Jessica Ronane CDG and illusions by Chris Fisher, co-direction by Isabel Marr.
2:22 - A Ghost Story is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Isobel David and Kater Gordon.
photo credit: Helen Murray
Monday, 14 February 2022
Waitress (Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Waitress (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 14th February 2022
★★★★
The dish of the day at the New Victoria Theatre this Valentines day is Waitress the Musical which follows Jenna Hunterson (Chelsea Halfpenny) an aspiring baker who wants nothing more than to escape her life and unhappy marriage. With the help of her colleagues and new gynaecologist, her dreams start to become possible as she bakes herself a new life. It's a heartwarming tale of romantic and platonic love, that is a sweet treat indeed.
Based on the film of the same name written by Adrienne Shelly, the stage version adds the extra ingredient of Sara Bareilles' score. Memorable, folky songs are a joy to watch and feature a number of gorgeous motifs which appear throughout. There is a great mixture of humourous numbers, as well as more emotional, reflective ones. The book by Jessie Nelson is dotted with wit and whimsy but occasionally feels a little underdeveloped with some moral ambiguity that is never resolved.
As leading lady, Chelsea Halfpenny is an utter delight in the role of Jenna. Vocally she is faultless and gives a beautifully nuanced performance full of charm and warmth. Her comedic timing is wonderful and she also brings Jenna's vulnerable side to life truthfully.
As her friends, Becky and Dawn, Sandra Marvin and Evelyn Hoskins are marvellous. Evelyn is completely adorable as Dawn, bringing the house down with her laughs and her completely frenetic performance that oozes humour. As her partner in crime, Ogie, George Crawford is completely stellar. His comedy chops completely shine and are matched by his great vocals.
As Dr Pomatter, Jenna's gynaecologist and love interest, Nathanael Landskroner is brilliantly bumbling. His chemistry with Chelsea is glorious to watch and he also matches her perfectly in terms of vocals and they really complement one another. The ensemble also work together like a well-oiled machine.
Just like the ensemble, Scott Pask's set and Lorin Latarro's fine-tuned choreography work seamlessly together. They are not only incredibly in sync with the whole show but are also greatly reflective of the story and emotions; with the set literally coming to life and expanding as Jenna finds herself.
Waitress is an intimate show which transfers wonderfully for touring venues. Despite its faults, it's almost baked to perfection. Excellent performances and major whimsy make it a stagey slice of sweetness that's well worth seeing.
Waitress plays at the New Victoria Theatre until 19th February 2022 and then continues its tour
photo credit: Johan Persson
Friday, 11 February 2022
New Production Images Released For Les Miserables UK & Ireland Tour 2022
New images have been released of the Les Miserables UK and Ireland Tour.
Les Miserables is currently performing in Dublin before visiting Southampton, Salford, Milton Keynes, Plymouth, Hull, Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich, Canterbury, Sunderland, Leeds and Cardiff.
The tour stars Dean Chisnall as Jean Valjean, Nic Greenshields as Javert, Katie Hall as Fantine, Ian Hughes as Thénardier, Will Callan as Marius, Nathania Ong as Eponine, Helen Walsh as Madame Thénardier, Samuel Wyn Morris as Enjolras and Paige Blankson as Cosette.
The cast is completed by George Arvidson, Aidan Banyard, Will Barratt, Adam Boardman, Rebecca Bolton, Emily Olive Boyd, Olivia Brereton, Earl Carpenter, Harry Chandler, Rebecca Ferrin, Aimee Good, Steven Hall, Jenna Innes, Tessa Kadler, Damian Kneale, Caleb Lagayan, Abel Law, Joseph McDonnell, Zabrina Norry, Emily Owens, Jordan Simon Pollard, Jamie Pritchard, Dean Read and Rebecca Ridout.
photo credit: Danny Kaan
Instructions For a Teenage Armageddon, Southwark Playhouse | Review
Instructions For a Teenage Armageddon
Southwark Playhouse
Reviewed on Thursday 10th February 2022
★★★★
Currently playing in The Little at the Southwark Playhouse, Instructions For a Teenage Armageddon is a solo show performed expertly by Rosie Day who also wrote the script (and the book on which it's based). With direction by Georgie Staight, it's an incredibly well written and performed social satire which broaches and discusses some incredibly emotional topics.
At 75 minutes long it's quite impressive how much Day is able to fit into this painful coming-of-age story and it really is an intense rollercoaster. The show is a series of monologues from a witty, introspective teenager who is trying to cope with the death of her sister as well as teen betrayal, manipulation, isolation and trauma. What is a very deeply dark show is made lighter by looking at it all through the main characters eyes as she frames each section with gaining a new scout badge.
The entire show uses quick, clever prose and black humour which consistently walks the line of being too much, but always adds to the story and characterisation of the leading lady. What's particularly striking about the show is that you're seeing real trauma of a child brought to life; and aside from the more intense topics broached, many aspects are, unfortunately, hugely relatable for girls and women everywhere. The idea of altering who you are to fit in to societal norms and hiding pain behind humour is something many people grow up doing, and the pressures on girls to look and act a certain way never seems to change no matter how many developments are made. At the end of the day Instructions For a Teenage Armageddon acts as a fable or a cautionary tale on why we need to support one another and have open and honest conversations about mental health amongst other things.
Instructions For a Teenage Armageddon is incredibly engaging throughout, with Rosie Day bringing every story to life brilliantly and giving an outstanding performance. The use of projections also adds another element and make it feel more well rounded. Isabella Pappas' on screen performance is particularly memorable. This is an extremely timely, intense show that is expertly performed.
photo credit: Mark Senior
Thursday, 10 February 2022
Full Main Stage Line Up Announced for the 2022 Gaiety Musical Theatre Festival
The Gaiety Musical Theatre Festival is pleased to announce the full main stage line up for this year’s festival at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire.
Britain’s Got Talent Winners Collabro, West End and Broadway star John Owen-Jones (Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera), direct from London’s West End Sophie Evans (Wicked, Wizard of Oz) and musical theatre star Lauren Samuels (Bend It Like Beckham, Grease).
They will join fellow headliners Kerry Ellis (We Will Rock You, Wicked, Oliver!), Lee Mead (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked, Legally Blonde the Musical), Cassidy Janson (&Juliet, Beautiful: The Carol King Musical, Avenue Q) and Marisha Wallace (Dreamgirls, Hairspray, Waitress) at Gaiety Musical Theatre Festival on Sunday 1st May 2022.
Gaiety Musical Theatre Festival, which will take place in the beautiful grounds of Ragley Hall in Warwickshire and is set to become a new highlight of the theatrical calendar.
This brand-new musical theatre event is a must-see for any theatre fan, with ten hours of spectacular entertainment across several stages, family fun at the fairground, and a profusion of excellent food, drink and delights in the festival village.
The London Musical Theatre Orchestra will accompany the star-studded main stage line-up.
Further artists to be announced.
Blood Brothers (Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
Blood Brothers (Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 9th February 2022
★★★★
Willy Russell's award winning musical Blood Brothers has been wowing audiences around the world for forty years and is also one of the few shows to have run for over 10,000 performances in the West End. It's a regular feature of the theatre touring circuit and 2022 is no exception as it once again hosts Bill Kenwright's brilliant production.
The emotive and dramatic show tells the story of Mrs Johnstone, a single mother in Liverpool who is bringing up a large family alone and has just found out she'll have more mouths to feed as she's expecting twins. She really can't afford this, so in a snap decision she gives away one son to a wealthy lady who cannot have children of her own. They make a deal that the brothers will never know of one another and won't be part of each others lives. But when the two boys meet accidentally aged seven, they form an instant connection becoming 'Blood Brothers'. The story follows them across the years as we see how economic background and nature vs nurture affects the pair; and how it leads to their eventual tragic demise which opens the show.
I think what makes this such an enduring show is a mixture of both its observations on human nature/privilege and the way it swings effortlessly from comedy to tragedy and takes you along on the journey so well. At times it can be melodramatic but it's balanced so well with deep genuine pain that you can see past it.
The show's cast are exceptional, with the core performers showing depth and growth and the rest of the cast nimbly juggling a variety of roles and supporting the action brilliantly. As the son Mrs Johnstone keeps, Sean Jones is outstanding as Mickey. His character development is masterful as he goes from a cheeky seven year old, to a teen learning to love (and dance), all the way to an adult struggling with addiction. Every second is believable and engaging and he's just fantastic. As the other brother, Eddie, Joel Benedict is charming and sweet. His character isn't as multi-layered as Mickey but he does a great job with what he's given and the pair bounce off of one another like real childhood friends. Carly Burns also gives a touching performance as the final addition to the friendship trio. Her portrayal as Linda is nicely nuanced and it's heartbreaking to see her role in the tragedy.
As Mrs Johnstone, the boys' birth mother, Niki Evans is unparalleled. Her portrayal is the definition of honest and the vocals which accompany it are magnificent. Her acting is incredibly natural and you don't doubt for a second that she's really experiencing the highs and extreme lows of her life. Niki's performance of Tell Me It's Not True is astoundingly moving and has the audience raring to give their final standing ovation.
The show is dated in parts but it kind of adds to the charm and history of it all. It's an exhausting journey of a musical but well worth a watch. Pack some tissues and get yourself along to your local theatre to witness the magic and misery that is Blood Brothers.
Blood Brothers plays at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 12th February 2022 and then continues its tour
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