production

THE MONGOL KHAN | London, Coliseum

Recommended

This lavish, large-scale production, with an ensemble of over 70 performers, has run for over 100 performances in Mongolia, and is now playing at London’s largest theatre for two weeks. It’s the first time any large-scale professional Mongolian production has been performed here: a testament to 60 years of Anglo-Mongolian relations and cultural exchange. Based on historical events, the show explores Mongolian culture and history through music, dance, dialogue and puppetry, with elaborate sets and costumes, all inspired by traditional nomadic culture and tradition.

The Mongol Khan was originally written in 1998 by renowned Mongolian writer and poet Lkhagvasuren Bavuu, and then revived in April 2022 at the Mongolian State Academic Theatre of Drama, to great acclaim, by Mongolian director Hero Baatar. The production has taken inspiration from historical events, archaeological findings, traditional nomadic dances, and the music of the ancient Hun culture of Central Asia from the Hunnu Empire period.

The production’s director, Hero Baatar, says: “Presenting a Mongolian drama in England is a significant historical event, and a unique cultural exchange: an opportunity to bridge cultural gaps and share the beauty of Mongolian theatre with an international audience. It’s a testament to the power of theatre and storytelling to transcend borders and bring people from different cultures together.”

Bordered by China and Russia, Mongolia is one of the world’s best kept secrets as a travel destination, with a vast unspoilt wilderness and extremely welcoming people. The Mongol Khan serves as an introduction to this country and its history to give would-be travellers a taste of the culture and history.

Playing at the London Coliseum, 17 November – 3 December 2023.

The Prickle - About transp

LES MISÉRABLES | London, Sondheim Theatre

Recommended

Cameron Mackintosh announced today that Killian Donnelly will return to Les Misérables as Jean Valjean in the critically acclaimed production at the Sondheim Theatre from Tuesday 31 October 2023, for 15 weeks only.  Due to sudden family reasons, Josh Piterman, who is currently playing the role, will return home to Australia. His final performances will take place on Saturday 21 October 2023.

Killian Donnelly returns to the role, having previously played Jean Valjean to critical acclaim in both the original West End production and the sell-out UK and Ireland tour of Les Misérables. This will be his first time playing the role in the new London production at the Sondheim Theatre.  His other theatre credits include the role of ‘The Phantom’ in The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre.

First staged in 2009, the 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables was co-directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, with designs by Matt Kinley, based on the original 1985 production. Following a successful UK and Ireland tour, producer Cameron Mackintosh moved the 25th anniversary production into the West End in 2019, replacing the original 1985 production. At the time, the original 1985 creative team of directors Sir Trevor Nunn and John Caird, plus designer John Napier, expressed their feelings of “profound” unhappiness and betrayal: “Everywhere it is being advertised [as] a new production. It is not a new production.” Nunn and Caird are both credited on the 25th anniversary production as “adaptation”.

Boublil and Schönberg’s magnificent iconic score of Les Misérables includes the classic songs: “I Dreamed a Dream”; “On My Own”; “Stars”; “Bring Him Home”; “Do You Hear the People Sing?”; “One Day More”; “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables”; “Master Of The House”; and many more.  Several of its songs have become real life anthems of revolution, wherever in the world people are fighting for their freedom. Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 53 countries and in 22 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular and contemporary musicals.

Killian Donnelly plays Jean Valjean at the Sondheim Theatre from Tuesday 31 October 2023, for 15 weeks only.

The Prickle - About transp

INTERVIEW: KYLE RAMAR FREEMAN (A Strange Loop)

Interview

Broadway’s Kyle Ramar Freeman stars in the London production of Pulitzer Prize-winning musical A Strange Loop, playing at the Barbican 17 June – 9 September, 2023.

– Congratulations on landing the lead role in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, A Strange Loop. How does it feel?

It feels amazing, and full circle that I get to be in this moment with this show. I am forever grateful for the experience, and the opportunity to tell a story that is so authentically itself; that millions of people will be impacted by for the years to come.

– So, do you prefer performing on Broadway or the West End? Be honest.

I would only say I prefer Broadway because my family and friends have access to see me perform more there than they would in London.

– A Strange Loop is very critical of conservative American Christianity, particularly in regards to homophobia. But also, the musical touches on that feeling of being abandoned by God. As a Christian yourself, has it felt difficult to be part of this production?

No, it has not been difficult to be a part of this production in that regard. But I have felt that way in my own life. And coming from a community within church that feels like home to you – but also is a place that does not really love your true self – is a tricky thing to navigate. However, it’s important for the show to speak on an experience that does not often get to be put in the spotlight. Especially for a fat black gay person to tell it, in its raw form, as we get to do in A Strange Loop.

– What’s next for Kyle Ramar Freeman?

The revival of The Wiz on Broadway is what is next for me! I will be the Lion, and I am so thrilled to be a part of the history of that magnificent show. I could not be more thrilled to start that journey.

See Kyle Ramar Freeman live at the Barbican Theatre 17 June – 9 September 2023.

The Prickle - About transp

INTERVIEW: Owen Chaponda, Merryl Ansah (The Lion King)

Interview

The award-winning West End production of Disney’s The Lion King will welcome Owen Chaponda (Back to the Future; The Colour Purple) and Merryl Ansah (Heathers; Crazy for You), who will step into the iconic roles of ‘Simba’ and ‘Nala’, this spring. This will mark their return to the show, both having previously performed in the ensemble in the West End production.

– Congratulations to both of you on winning these fiercely competitive roles. How did you react when you found out?

MA: I was at home and came running down the stairs screaming: my mum thought something was wrong! I just couldn’t believe it, but I was ecstatic, and still am.
OC: I called my mum straight away, and she just started screaming and bawling her eyes out!

– What challenges lie ahead for you?

OC: I’d say keeping the level of consistency that you need for such a demanding show, you have to be on your A-game and really give 100% every night.
MA: We’re doing this eight times a week, so we have to make sure that we are at our best every show.

– Why is Disney’s stage production of The Lion King still so popular, nearly twenty-five years after it opened?

OC: I think it’s the show’s authenticity, and the level of detail that goes into this production; it’s such an incredible piece of theatre.
MA: There really is nothing else like it; I think that’s why people come back time and time again.

– What are you most looking forward to about performing in the West End?

MA: I think for me it’s getting to inspire people, especially those who are coming for the very first time.
OC: I think being able to tell our stories, through these characters, is something I’m really looking forward to.

Owen Chaponda and Merryl Ansah will be roaring at the Lyceum Theatre from 9 May 2023.

The Prickle - About transp