Tuesday 7 June 2022
Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for Billy Elliot the Musical
Curve has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming Made at Curve production of Billy Elliot the Musical.
The first new UK production is directed by Nikolai Foster (A Chorus Line, Sunset Boulevard – At Home, West Side Story) and will run at the Leicester theatre for six weeks only from Thursday 7 July to Sunday 14 August. Press night will take place on Thursday 14 July.
The titular role of Billy Elliot, the miner’s son with a passion for ballet, will be performed by Leo Hollingsworth from Nottinghamshire, Alfie Napolitano from Northamptonshire, Samuel Newby from Hertfordshire and Jaden Shentall-Lee, whose family live in Leicestershire.
Billy’s dance teacher Mrs. Wilkinson will be played by West End and Broadway legend Sally Ann Triplett, whose iconic roles include Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (National Theatre and Theatre Royal Drury Lane) and Young Phyllis in Follies (Shaftesbury Theatre), as well as Martha in the recent Made at Curve UK tour of White Christmas.
Michael, Billy’s best friend will be performed by Bobby Donald, Lucas Haywood, Ethan Shimwell and Leicester’s Prem Masani, who will make his stage debut in the production.
All hailing from the East Midlands, Pearl Ball, Caitlin Cole, Lola Johnstone and Ellie Copping – who returns to Curve’s stage having previously appeared as Susan Waverly in the 2018 Made at Curve production of White Christmas - will share the role of Debbie, Mrs. Wilkinson’s daughter.
Joe Caffrey, who previously performed in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical, will join the cast as Billy’s Dad Jackie, while Broadway and West End sensation Rachel Izen will play Billy’s Grandma Edna. Luke Baker (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the Made at Curve UK tour of Grease) will play Billy’s older brother Tony and Jessica Daley (recently seen in Made at Curve productions of White Christmas and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber) will play Billy’s Mum.
The adult company will be completed by Craig Armstrong as George, Minal Patel as Big Davey, Cameron Johnson as Mr. Braithwaite, Micky Cochrane as Scab, Robin Paley Yorke as Lesley, Christopher Wright as Mr. Wilkinson, Michael Lin as Pit Supervisor, Jonathan Dryden Taylor as Posh Dad, William Atkinson as Older Billy and ensemble, and Steph Asamoah, Tori McDougall, Anna Rossa and Louie Wood as members of the ensemble.
The young company of ballet dancers and boxers, most of which are Midlands-based or have local family connections, will feature Willow Adamson, Maddie Seren Ashley, Oliver Back, Aneeka Kaur Bains, Ella-Rose Blackburn Price, Harvey Clarridge, Lily Corkill, Miley Dalton, Matisse Didier, Isabelle Francis, Ethan Galeotti, Rahul Gandabhai, Isla Granville, Uzziah Gray, Orlaith Rae Hunt, Ava Rose Johnson, Ava Mia Komisarczuk, Kyrelle Lammy, Lienna-Jean Langdon, Tahlia Maddox, Lorcan Murphy, Nesisa Mhindu, Sophia Pirie, Hayden Polanco, Gopal Thacker and Mirabelle Varakantam.
The Made at Curve production of Billy Elliot the Musical will by choreographed by Lucy Hind, with Musical Supervisor and Musical Director George Dyer. The set will be designed by Michael Taylor with costumes designed by Edd Lindley. Also joining the creative team are Lighting Designer and Curve Associate Ben Cracknell, Sound Designer Adam Fisher, Props Supervisor Lizzie Frankl, RYTDS Resident Assistant Director Lilac Yosiphon, Birkbeck Trainee Director Thyrza Abrahams, Associate Choreographer James Berkery, Dialect Coach Elspeth Morrison, Fight Director Kev McCurdy and Head Chaperone Helen ‘H’ Mclaren-Frost.
Children’s casting is managed by Jo Hawes, with adult casting led by Curve Associate Kay Magson CDG.
Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:
“We are beyond excited to share our extraordinary cast for Lee Hall and Elton John’s astonishing musical Billy Elliot, ensuring this summer in Leicester is truly memorable.“Billy Elliot is a musical filled with incredible characters, epic ideas and at its heart, the story of a young boy who has the passion and courage to dance down a different path from the one prescribed for him. We are thrilled to be working with our four Billys - Alfie, Leo, Jaden and Sam - and the entire young company - all hugely talented, brimming with energy and representing the very best young talent in the UK today.“And leading the entire company, theatre legend Sally Ann Triplett takes on the role of the inspirational teacher we all need in our lives, Mrs. Wilkinson. Joining Sally, we are proud to welcome a first-class company to Curve, totally 55 performers! This is by far the most ambitious show we have staged at Curve and there is no better time to present this musical which recognises the value of culture in our society, the importance of expressing your truest self and gives a voice to the courageous working-class communities who are depicted in Lee Hall’s astonishing play. All beautifully framed by Elton John’s electrifying score.”
Based on Stephen Daldry’s BAFTA-winning 2000 film starring Jamie Bell and Julie Walters, Billy Elliot the Musical features music from Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall. The musical first premiered at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre in 2005 and went on to win a host of international awards, including four Olivier Awards and ten Tony Awards.
Tickets for Billy Elliot the Musical at Curve be purchased on Curve’s website www.curveonline.co.uk, over the phone by calling 0116 242 3595 or in-person at Curve’s Box Office.
photo credit: Marc Brenner
Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson’s Epic Musical From Here To Eternity Returns to London
Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson’s epic musical From Here To Eternity is to get its first London revival in a newly revised production at Charing Cross Theatre.
‘From Here To Eternity’ will run from 29 October - 17 December.
Set in the two weeks leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, ‘From Here To Eternity’ is a compelling portrait of humanity, love, duty and redemption set against the backdrop of a beautiful and conflicted paradise.
Adapted from the classic novel by James Jones this breathtaking musical unites the writing talents of Tim Rice (lyrics), Stuart Brayson (music) and Donald Rice and Bill Oakes (book), and is directed by Brett Smock (Producing Artistic Director / The Rev Theatre Company).
From Here To Eternity marked Tim Rice’s first new stage musical for over 10 years. His extraordinary career includes winning 12 Ivor Novello awards, 4 Tonys and 3 Oscars, with smash-hit musicals including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Chess and The Lion King.
Director Brett Smock said: “After extensive development work on ‘From Here To Eternity’ in the US at The REV Theatre Company in New York and The Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine, we are thrilled to join forces with UK producer Katy Lipson/Aria Entertainment to present a powerful new production designed specifically for the intimacy of Charing Cross Theatre. Framed by a world on the brink of war, at a time when we are losing the last of the ‘Greatest Generation’, and with the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor just last year, it feels timely to revisit this fascinating series of events.”
Lyricist Tim Rice said: “It’s wonderful to have ‘From Here To Eternity back in London. Since its world premiere in the West End in 2013, there have been two excellent productions in North America, both directed by Brett Smock, and I’m delighted he’s bringing the latest iteration of the show back across The Pond. Katy Lipson and her team are the perfect partners: young, dynamic and energetic - like the fighting men of G Company. It’s been a treat to get back to the writing desk with Stuart, too.If you like your musicals soft and fluffy, this show is not for you. We have nothing to offer but danger, betrayal, heart-break, hope, blood, sweat and tears!”
Composer Stuart Brayson said: “Since my tiny acorn of an idea that the classic James Jones novel would make a good musical - and everyone thought I was mad - I’ve been fortunate to experience its remarkable journey from early workshops at the Bridewell Theatre to a West End run, a wonderful film of the production, a successful cast album and two terrific American productions. That’s not too shabby for a self-taught musician and working class lad from Gateshead!”
“Gentlemen rankers out on a spree
Damned from here to Eternity”
(Rudyard Kipling)
Cast to be announced.
Sam Ryder and Nathan Dawe join the star-studded line-up for Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard!
The UK’s biggest summer party just got even bigger! Capital Breakfast’s Roman Kemp, Sian Welby and Sonny Jay have confirmed on air this morning (Tuesday 7th June) that Sam Ryder and Nathan Dawe have joined the star-studded line-up for Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard, which takes place this Sunday 12th June at Wembley Stadium.
The stratospheric rise of the UK’s Eurovision hero Sam Ryder continues, as he gets ready to take to the world-famous Wembley Stadium stage at Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard. Sam – who topped The Official Big Top 40 chart last month with ‘SPACE MAN’ - is one of the hottest acts in the country right now following his phenomenal success flying the flag for the UK at Eurovision 2022.
Nathan Dawe is also confirmed to play the Ball, where he’s guaranteed to bring major summer party vibes to 80,000 Capital listeners. The multi-platinum-selling DJ and producer is responsible for huge hits including ‘Lighter’ featuring KSI, ‘Flowers’ feat. Jaykae and MALIKA, and his most recent release, ‘21 Reasons’ with Ella Henderson.
Sam Ryder and Nathan Dawe join the bill after Capital Breakfast’s Roman Kemp, Sian Welby and Sonny Jay revealed on air yesterday that Maisie Peters, who is currently supporting Ed Sheeran on his ‘+ – = ÷ x Tour’, will play Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard. The singer-songwriter is one of this year’s most hotly tipped rising stars and her set is not to be missed.
The countdown to Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard is officially on, and the only way in is to win – listen to Capital for the chance to join the sold-out crowd of 80,000 Capital listeners at the UK’s biggest summer party this Sunday.
Yesterday Capital revealed four-time GRAMMY Award-winning and seven-time BRIT Award-winning superstar Ed Sheeran will open the show on Sunday. Live DJ sets from Capital’s Marvin Humes and MistaJam will get the crowd in party mode from midday onwards when the doors open, before Ed Sheeran takes to the world-famous Summertime Ball stage at 2pm for a very special set. For those watching at home the Global Player live stream starts from 2pm.
Listen to Capital across the UK on FM, DAB digital radio, on Global Player on your smart speaker (“play Capital”), iOS or Android device and at capitalfm.com.
Watch Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard live on Global Player, this Sunday 12th June from 2pm.
Follow @CapitalOfficial and #CapitalSTB on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and keep it Capital for all the behind the scenes action and backstage gossip live from Wembley Stadium.
Monday 6 June 2022
Six in the West End to be Filmed Live from the Vaudeville Theatre
The producers of Six the Musical are pleased to announce that the original principal cast members of SIX will remain in (re)formation following next month’s sold out, open-air performances at Hampton Court Palace, swapping the cobblestones of their infamous ex-husband’s courtyard for the silver screen, with a cinematic capture of the production to be filmed at the Vaudeville Theatre.
The film, recorded for future release, will immortalise the hit West End production and feature the original West End Queens Jarnéia Richard-Noel (Catherine of Aragon), Millie O’Connell (Anne Boleyn), Natalie Paris (Jane Seymour), Alexia McIntosh (Anna of Cleves), Aimie Atkinson (Katherine Howard) and Maiya Quansah-Breed (Catherine Parr). Since the show’s first full run at the Arts Theatre in 2019, the ‘OG’ Monarchs have become synonymous with the show, earning an Olivier Award nomination for their roles, and winning a legion of loyal fans for their royal portrayals.
From Monday 27 June, performances of Six at the Vaudeville will be suspended for four nights to create a film that combines the best elements of live theatre and cinema, culminating in a performance on Friday 1 July for the show’s biggest fans - the Queendom.
The film of Six will be directed by Liz Clare, who most recently directed Adele - Live at the London Palladium.
A limited number of tickets for the performance on Friday 1 July will be made available to purchase via a public ballot, which opens at 10am on Friday 10 June via the production’s social media channels. Lucky winners will be given the opportunity pose on the purple carpet, pose for photos, and be part of SIX history - the ultimate bragging rights to the show’s most ardent fans.
Creators of Six Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss said: “Having our original Oliviers cast captured on film is just such an exciting, mind-blowing prospect. We are so thrilled that we are finally going to be able to share their incredible performances of our show with the whole world! Live captures are SUCH an important part of the world of theatre accessibility today - and we are so very grateful that we get this opportunity to share the six queens’ story this way.”
The seating capacity of the Vaudeville Theatre will be reduced to allow for the camera and sound equipment necessary to capture the performance. Some sightlines may be affected, and access seats will remain available for patrons who require them, subject to availability.
Six, which now has productions in London, on Broadway (for which it recently received eight Tony Award nominations), and tours across the UK, North America and Australia, is produced by Kenny Wax, Wendy and Andy Barnes, and George Stiles.
Performances at the Vaudeville Theatre, featuring the reigning West End cast will resume on Saturday 2 July.
photo credit: Idil Sukan
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