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LIFT FESTIVAL 2024 | London, multiple venues

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LIFT, London’s bi-annual international festival of theatre, brings joyful, daring and unforgettable theatre from around the world to London, using the whole of the city as the stage.  Every two years, LIFT presents a festival full of bold and relevant culture, international perspectives, and thought-provoking performances. The festival’s adventurous-ness is theatrical yeast (The Guardian, 2018), meaning LIFT has done more to influence the growth and adventure of English theatre than any other organisation (Mark Rylance).  Whether it’s a much-loved venue, iconic landmark or unsung corner of London, LIFT gathers Londoners around incredible art.

LIFT’s mission is to create powerful, invigorating experiences that: challenge artistic, political and social conventions; champion artist advancement at home and abroad; lead sustainable internationalism; celebrate and connect London to the world.  This year is no different, with eight exciting shows happening all over London throughout the months of June and July 2024.

LISTINGS

The Land Acknowledgement or As You Like It – London premiere
Southbank Centre- Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall
5 – 7 June, 8pm
8 – 9 June, 3pm

Democracy From Where I Stand
The Dutch Church, City of London
8 June, 7pm

Bat Night Market – World Premiere
Science Gallery London
11 June – 14 June, 7pm & 15 June, 2pm
BSL performance 15 June

L’Homme Rare – UK Premiere
Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall
12 – 13 June, 7.30pm
Post show talk: 12 June
Audio Description available: 13 June

The Trials and Passions of Unfamous Women – World Premiere
Brixton House
14 June – 22 June 19:30
19 & 22 June 2pm
Press night: 17 June

Bacchae: Prelude to a Purge – UK Premiere
Sadler’s Wells Theatre
18 June – 19 June, 19:30
Post show talk: Tuesday 18 June

L’Animale – UK Premiere
Old Bailey, City of London
22 – 23 June 2pm & 4pm

ECHO (Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen) – World Premiere
The Royal Court Theatre
13 July – 27 July 6.30pm/7pm/7:30pm
Matinee performances: Sat 20 July & 27 July, 1.30 & Thurs 25 July, 2.30
Press night: 17 July 7:00pm
Post show talk: 18 July
Captioned and Relaxed Performances – 18 July, 7:30pm & 27 July, 1:30pm

Book now for all eight shows at LIFT’s website, playing 5 June – 27 July 2024.

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COOL RIDER | London, Palladium

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TuckShop, in association with Christopher D. Clegg and James DP Drury, has today announced additional casting of their reunion concert of Cool Rider at the London Palladium on Sunday 14 April at 7pm.  This loving, unofficial parody of the ill-fated movie Grease 2 (1982) had a surprisingly successful run in the West End in 2014, originally conceived and co-produced by Christopher D. Clegg and James DP Drury.

For this one-night-only concert performance, West End stars Aaron Sidwell (Lord of the Rings; Wicked) and Ashleigh Gray (Wicked; Only Fools and Horses The Musical) will reunite and reprise the lead roles of Michael Carrington and Stephanie Zinone.  RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Kitty Scott-Claus (Death Drop) takes on the role of ‘The French One’, while Grease 2 star Maxwell Caulfield (the original Michael Carrington) joins the faculty as Mr. Stuart.  An ensemble of West End talent joins them; some reprising their roles from the original West End run, and some from the musical’s crowd-funded Original Studio Cast Recording.

The cult film told the heady and daring love story of two unlikely lovers and their road to romance from bowling alley to burger joint, sing-along-a-sex education class to talent show, and long (beautifully lit) romantic motorcycle rides to a slightly incongruous ‘luau’ ending. Much like its musical prequel, the story follows the ancient High School motto: if you want the guy/girl, change your personality beyond recognition and wear overly tight leather in the finale.

From the company who brought you Death Drop; Miz Cracker in Who’s Holiday; GALS ALOUD and sell out drag pantos at the Harold Pinter, Trafalgar, and Phoenix theatres, the concert will be directed by Christopher D. Clegg, musical direction and orchestrations by Lee Freeman, choreography by Matt Krzan, original direction by Guy Unsworth, lighting design by Toby Darvill, costumes by Ryan Webster, and sound design by Will Thompson.Cool Rider was originally conceived and co-produced by Christopher D. Clegg and James DP Drury.

Playing at the London Palladium for one night only: Sunday, 14 April 2024, 7pm.

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HADESTOWN | London, Lyric Theatre

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The multi award-winning musical Hadestown will open at the Lyric Theatre, London, with performances from Saturday 10 February 2024. Following its sold-out run at the National Theatre in 2018, Hadestown won 8 Tony® Awards on Broadway in 2019, including ‘Best Musical’.  Blending modern American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz, the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Hadestown won the 2020 Grammy Award® for ‘Best Musical Theatre Album’.

Hadestown takes you on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back, intertwining two mythic love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone. Hadestown features music, lyrics, and book by acclaimed Grammy®-winning singer-songwriter and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winner Anaïs Mitchell, who originated Hadestown as an indie theatre project and acclaimed album. Mitchell then transformed the show into a genre-defying new musical alongside artistic collaborator and Tony® Award-winning director Rachel Chavkin.

The West End cast will include Dónal Finn (Orpheus), Grace Hodgett Young (Eurydice), Grammy® Award-winner Zachary James (Hades), Melanie La Barrie (Hermes), and Gloria Onitiri (Persephone). Bella Brown, Madeline Charlemagne, and Allie Daniel will play the Fates.  Lauren Azania, Tiago Dhondt Bamberger, Beth Hinton-Lever, Waylon Jacobs, and Christopher Short will play the Workers.  Lucinda Buckley, Ryesha Higgs, Miriam Nyarko, and Simon Oskarsson are Swings. Casting for the London production is by Jacob Sparrow.

The Hadestown creative team features Obie Award® winner and Chita Rivera Award® winner David Neumann (choreography), Tony Award® winner Rachel Hauck (scenic design), four-time Tony® Award nominee Michael Krass (costume design), two-time Tony Award® winner Bradley King (lighting design), Tony® Award winners Nevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz (sound design), Liam Robinson (music supervision and vocal arrangements), Tony® Award winners Michael Chorney and Todd Sickafoose (arrangements and orchestrations), and Ken Cerniglia (dramaturgy).

Playing at the Lyric Theatre 10 February – 4 August 2024.

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I’M EVERY WOMAN: THE CHAKA KHAN MUSICAL | London, West End

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Finally, London is getting a Chaka Khan jukebox musical, chronicling the singer’s extraordinary life. So-called “jukebox” musicals can get a bad name, but there’s no denying that recent UK-born jukebox musicals about Tina Turner, Cher, and The Kinks are big business. This new Chaka Khan musical is set open somewhere on the West End in the autumn of 2024: beyond that, everything else is secret. Until now!

The Prickle had the great privilege of being invited to an industry-only staged reading of the work-in-progress in London, in the presence of Ms Khan herself. Obviously, between now and the real thing, any number of things could change, but let it be said that the work-in-progress is already looking killer. Choreography by Del Mak (a newcomer to musical theatre) is at its most explosive in “I Feel for You”, in an overwhelming sequence that features cameos from Stevie Wonder (Ashley Samuels) and Prince (Hassan Sharif).

But it’s not just the dance and direction (Racky Plews) that astounds. Musical supervisor Ian Oakley also deploys Chaka Khan’s extraordinary back catalogue in the most surprising ways, including a devastating performance of “Pack’d My Bags” by deserting husband Hassan Khan (Duane-Lamonte O’Garro), and an extremely creepy performance of “Like Sugar” by the spiritual embodiment of cocaine (Luke Friend): trust me, it works.

Less persuasive is the slightly reductive “meta” framing device of the whole musical itself being about the development of the Chaka Khan musical, and how difficult it is to find someone to play Chaka Khan. However, there’s definitely something exciting about the tried-and-tested trope of three different actresses portraying different stages of the iconic singer’s life, all to reunite at the end for a massive ensemble sing-along of the title track, “I’m Every Woman”.

It’s unclear how much is going to stay the same and how much is going to change over the next year, but audiences can be sure of a dynamite show: keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale and book early.

Sign up to the mailing list on the official website.

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INTERVIEW: JIN HAO LI | Glasgow, BBC New Comedy Awards 2023

Interview

— Congratulations on winning the semi-finals of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2023. How did that feel?

Not to be gross, but the biggest takeaway was genuinely the friends I made. We all agreed to do this bit: when they announce the winner, if it isn’t you; bury your head in your hands in disgust and disappointment. Everyone committed. It was the funniest thing they filmed that night, and meant a lot more than if they just clapped for me.

— For someone who’s never seen you before, how would you describe your stand-up comedy style?

I would say it’s a warm hug that lasts too long.

— How did you get into stand-up?

The first live stand up show I saw was back home in Singapore. I was wearing my army uniform at the time and sat in the front row. I absolutely deserved getting roasted. But the biggest feeling that night was, if this is the standard that is acceptable to face the public, there is nothing to be afraid of.  So I did it the following week and once you start, you can’t really stop.

— What’s next for Jin Hao Li?

I’m building towards my first hour, which has to be excellent and immortalised. I’m working on two scripted projects at the moment: a sketch show, and a series that I’m writing with my friend Iris, about Chinese actors living in London.

Watch the BBC New Comedy Awards 2023 on BBC iPlayer.

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JOCK NIGHT | London, Seven Dials Playhouse

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The unique exploration of contemporary gay life and relationships, Jock Night, has been extended until Saturday, 11 November 2023, due to popular demand. Originally a a one night special at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre in 2017, Seven Dials Playhouse have received an overwhelming response to this full theatrical run of the show.

The play unfolds over a year of wild nights in Manchester’s vibrant Gay Village, casting a light on mental health, peeling back the veneer of modern gay culture, using comedy to highlight provocative issues within the LGBTQIA+ community, including a culture of chemsex and casual encounters.

David Paisley, best known for his role as ben Saunders in Holby City, leads the cast of Jock Night as Ben.  Sam Goodchild (Far Away; The Convert) and Levi Payne (Jekyll & Hyde) will join him reprising their roles from the 2019 run of Jock Night as Kam and AJ respectively. Joining them are George Hughes, making his London stage debut as Simon, and Matthew Gent (Phantom of the Opera; Les Misérables) who will be stepping into the role of Russell.

Adam Zane’s Jock Night is a raw, hilarious, and provocative comedy drama about contemporary gay life, love, and relationships following Paisley’s character, Ben, a Victoria Wood enthusiast in his forties, striving to find love.

Mike Lee, Producer of Jock Night, comments, “We are absolutely thrilled by the overwhelming response to Jock Night, our first show at Seven Dials Playhouse. Extending the show due to incredible demand is a testament to the compelling story that Jock Night tells.”

Playing at Seven Dials Playhouse 9 October – 11 November 2023.

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INTERVIEW: MIRIAM BATTYE | Edinburgh, Roundabout @ Summerhall

Interview

Manchester-based writer Miriam Battye (HBO’s Succession) explains the deeply personal origins of her latest work, Strategic Love Play (2023), running at the Edinburgh Fringe and London’s Soho Theatre.

– How would you describe Strategic Love Play (2023)?

It’s all one scene, one first date, two strangers who met on their phones. It’s highly unlikely that it will work out. But actually, if you stare at it, it’s very high stakes. It’s maybe the most romantic thing I’ve ever written.

– What inspired you to write this type of love story?

I wanted to work out why we all feel so hard done by in dating, and where on earth we get the wild idea it’s supposed to be gorgeous and easy. Why should it be? We’re all trying to package a gorgeous version of ourselves, and we’re also trying to not try – to present ambivalence.

– How do you feel dating has changed since the introduction of dating apps?

I think apps provided an incredibly effective solution to something that is genuinely painfully difficult. But I wonder if, maybe, it isn’t supposed to be painless. You’ve put your face in everyone’s phone and asked them to want you. And given them the brief idea that it’s totally their choice. You are totally available for their choosing.

– How is the cast?

We have the most gorgeous, top-tier cast. I worked with Letty Thomas on Scenes with girls (Royal Court, 2020), and I love what she does on stage: she is genuinely original, hilarious and stunningly powerful. And Archie Backhouse is a proper revelation.

– What are you most looking forward to, bringing this show to the Edinburgh Fringe?

I love the Fringe, I go every year as a punter. Throughout my career, I’ve done big TV shows, had my work ripped apart, got over it – but nothing is really more intimidating than the Fringe to me. It’s just a lot of people who care a lot about theatre. I want to astound people, reach out and grab their attention before they go on to the next thing.

Book to see Strategic Love Story at the Edinburgh Fringe and London’s Soho Theatre.

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PRIVATE LIVES | London, Ambassadors Theatre

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Noël Coward’s scintillating comic masterpiece Private Lives (1930) starring Nigel Havers and Patricia Hodge heads to the West End this Autumn, for a strictly limited 12-week run. The acclaimed Theatre Royal Bath production by award-winning director Christopher Luscombe premiered in 2021, prior to a UK tour in 2022.

Private Lives will be the first production to be staged in the now fully refurbished Ambassadors Theatre, following ATG’s multi-million-pound investment to improve facilities, customer experience, and access. The access improvement works carried out provide an access lift for the first time, the potential for 6 wheelchair spaces, accessible toilet facilities, and improved audio access to support the hearing impaired.

One of the UK’s most popular actors, Nigel Havers has been a favourite with audiences for nearly four decades. His roles on screen have encompassed Downton Abbey and Coronation Street, Chariots of Fire and The Charmer. Stage roles range from Art to Rebecca, to The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre and becoming a mainstay of the annual pantomime at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

One of our best-loved actresses, Olivier Award-winning Patricia Hodge OBE has starred in Travels With My Aunt, Relative Values, Calendar Girls, His Dark Materials, Noises Off and A Little Night Music. Her recent television credits include A Very English Scandal, Downton Abbey and Miranda.

Playing at the Ambassadors Theatre 31 August – 25 November 2023.

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DIVAS LONDON | London, The Prince Of Wales

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The Entertainment Providers (the team behind London’s sell-out, critically acclaimed Snow White And The Seven Merry Men in 2021 and Sinderfella in 2022) sashay back into the West End this summer, with a brand new party show, Divas London, at The Prince Of Wales Cabaret Venue (Drury Lane), for a three-week limited season.

Divas London is a brand-new, live, all-singing, all-dancing party show, celebrating the world’s greatest diva powerhouses: Whitney Houston; Aretha Franklin; Tina Turner; Cher; Celine Dion; Britney Spears; Beyoncé; Diana Ross; Amy Winehouse; Adele – all shall be represented. The show will also feature comedy tributes to the Spice Girls, Kate Bush, and – the Queen of Country – Dolly Parton.

The show will feature a top West End cast of male and female singers, emceed by a drag compère – the hilarious Simon Gross. Expect dazzling costumes and audience participation.

Ginny Lazzoni, General Manager at the Prince of Wales, says, “We are super excited for this opportunity to house this brand new party show for London, which is also perfectly in line with our new vision of the venue: we want it to be London’s number one night out. It’s a show not to miss.”

Audiences will be treated to a night of their classic diva anthems: “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”; “I’m Every Woman”; “If I Could Turn Back Time”; “Hot Stuff”; “Natural Woman”; “Material Girl”; “Think”; “Single Ladies”; “Proud Mary”; “Back to Black”; and many more.

Playing at the Prince of Wales Cabaret Venue 15 June – 2 July 2023.

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PANAMAX (2019) | Apple Podcasts

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It’s safe to say that The Prickle are massive fans of Unleash The Llama. So as you can imagine, we all got rather excited to hear they’ve brought out a brand new podcast. Only one episode up so far but it’s absolutely hilarious. Subscribe.

The deranged, epic story follows two naïve millennials: arrogant conspiracy theorist Oscar Ayers and naïve IT-technician Lowell Blair. Travelling around Panama, the pair are mistaken for drug-lords, and drawn into the brutal world of the Panamanian cartels. Recording their experience on their smartphones, the pair are plunged into a maelstrom of mistaken-identities, backstabbing and conspiracy that takes them all the way to a showdown at the Turner Prize awards ceremony.

PanaMax finds hope in the direst of situations, even if those situations are a direct consequence of one’s own ignorance. This series takes the British tradition of odd-ball character comedies that deal with social outsiders and dubious familial patronage – like Withnail and I – and combines it with the ‘caught on tape’ candour of An Idiot Abroad and the narrative drive of Narcos and Breaking Bad to deliver a sitcom that is as thematically and formally relevant as it is entertaining.

This is Unleash The Llama’s first foray into the world of audio, but it’s perfect for their outlandish, over-the-top sensibilities. The first episode isn’t even half an hour — it’s too well-edited — but it’s absolutely crammed with insanity. Subscribe.

Subscribe to PanaMax on Apple Podcasts.

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