theatre

INTERVIEW: JAMAAL FIELDS-GREEN (MJ the Musical)

Interview

New York’s Jamaal Fields-Green took over the role of Michael Jackson in the smash hit London production of MJ the Musical 14 January, 2025.

— You’ve played Michael Jackson in MJ the Musical on Broadway, on the US national tour, and now on the West End. Does it feel different performing in London? Or is it really just the same as performing the show anywhere?

I’d say it’s a bit of both. There are actually slight differences in blocking across the companies. Thankfully, audiences all over the world have the same reaction to the show — the love and enjoyment is always there. But where London differs is the reservation the audience has during the show: it’s different from what I’m used to, but I like it. It allows us in the company to further engulf ourselves into the world we’re creating.

— What drew you to this particular role?

It’s Michael Jackson! Honestly, this role allows me to really exercise the ability to be a triple threat. I have to sing, act, and dance at a high level. Getting the chance to do that, while also leading a show, was an opportunity I couldn’t miss out on.

— What are the challenges of performing this show in London, versus performing in New York, or the rest of America? What do you miss?

Really, I would say just the location and the culture… being in a new country. It didn’t take me long to get used to the reserved audiences. Getting to stay in one spot is nice. I hadn’t had that in a while. Other than that, everything else is about the same.

— What’s next for Jamaal Fields-Green?

The world! I have a lot of plans and goals set for myself while I’m here in London. I want to do a play while I’m here, after my time with MJ is over. Between acting, singing and dancing, acting has always been the one I’ve felt most at home with. I have a lot of music on the way — I release music under the name “J. Hasan“. I recently started working on my newest short film, and we’re aiming to shoot it this summer. TV and film is another big thing I’ve been chasing for a while. Overall, I’m looking to grow was an artist, and further cement myself as a force in the industry.

MJ the Musical is playing at the Prince Edward Theatre 6 March 2024 – 13 September 2025.

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IN AND OUT OF LOVE | London, Hope Theatre

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Cockfosters (2023) was glorious fun at the Turbine Theatre, a venue which has sadly announced its premature closing after a difficult five years. But as one door closes, another opens, at the Hope Theatre in Highbury and Islington: In and Out of Love (2024), a new comedy two-hander, from the same writer-producer team of Tom Woffenden and Ana Emdin (plus designer Gareth Rowntree). It’s about a couple who go on holiday, after having broken up — with hilarious and disastrous consequences.

“It is funny, and it is a comedy,” explains director Saul Boyer, who also played the lead in Cockfosters during the 2024 run. “But I think what’s brilliant about the script is that it’s also unexpectedly moving. I’ve been enjoying rehearsals so much with this wonderful cast, because the couple’s relationship is so relatable.  It’s impossible not to see yourself reflected in their behaviour.  I can’t wait for audiences to see it.”

In and Out of Love stars Olivia Bernstone (ITV’s Finding Alice; Channel 4’s Humans) and Robert Kot (Frost/Nixon; Richard III). The play is written by Tom Woffenden, directed by Saul Boyer, and produced by Ana Emdin. Set design is by Gareth Rowntree, with lighting design by Ben Sayers and music by Arthur Sawbridge.

Welcome to Venice. One of the most romantic cities in the world. Well, unless you’re Sam (Robert Kot) and Ingrid (Olivia Bernstone). After booking the trip months ago, the couple arrive for their holiday together. Except they’re not together; they’ve broken up — and they’ve gone anyway.  In and Out of Love follows the unpredictable, beautiful and complicated journey love takes us on, in good times and in bad, for better or worse, till death do us part.  It’s going to be a long weekend.

Playing at the Hope Theatre, 22 – 26 October, 2024.

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INTERVIEW: TIM EDGE (ONE OF THE BOYS) | London, Playground Theatre

Interview

Tim Edge is the self-professed rabble-rouser and writer of his acclaimed debut play Under The Black Rock (2023). His second play, One of the Boys (2024), is running at the Playground Theatre in West London, 1 – 26 October, 2024.

…………………….

— What inspired you to write One of the Boys?

Having been brought up in a household surrounded by women, I have always been tuned in to female voices and struggles. Also, I have worked in high-pressure environments, like those depicted in the play, where inappropriate male attitudes and behaviours made me feel deeply uncomfortable. I wrote the play because sexism ruins lives and careers. Ideally, I want men to see the play, and to change their behaviour.

— Now that we are all working from home, the days of office sexism are behind us; aren’t they?

Not a bit of it! Although the headline characteristics of office sexism are less blatant, its effects and reach are more insidious; particularly through the use of social media. My daughters, who are making their own way in the workplace, tell me stories to indicate that much still needs to be done before women can feel secure and valued in all work settings.

— To what extent is One of the Boys in the same style as your last play, Under The Black Rock?

Obviously, it’s a very different subject matter — the Northern Ireland Troubles to the corporate world — but very much the same style; which I characterise as gasps, laughs, and a punchy plot that races along. Ultimately though, the play is designed to confront, to engage and to get people talking. Our audiences so far tell us that this is being achieved!

— What’s next for Tim Edge?

A break to re-set and re-charge! I’m delighted, though, that my production company has been able to offer opportunities to a number of talented actors and creatives over the last two years. On the writing front, a third play called That Look is in development. I am also writing a detective novel, inspired by the works of Raymond Chandler and Derek Raymond.

One of the Boys plays at the Playground Theatre in West London, 1 – 26 October, 2024.

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INTERVIEW: TOBIAS TURLEY (MAMMA MIA!) | London, Novello Theatre

Interview

Tobias Turley is the winner of ITV’s MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream, a British television talent competition documenting the search for two new, unknown musical theatre performers for Mamma Mia! in the West End.

— Congratulations on winning ITV’s MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream, with a prize that money can’t buy: joining the West End cast as Sky. How are you feeling?

I’m feeling great, thank you, I’m having such a blast in this show. It’s such an incredible feeling seeing so many months of hard work pay off and come to fruition. We started filming the TV show over a year ago now, so it’s very odd to see myself in the position I am currently in, but I am loving every second.

— Since opening in 1999, Mamma Mia! has gone on to be one of the most successful musicals in the whole world.  For you, what makes it so popular and so enduring?

This show is built on a foundation of incredible music. ABBA is timeless and beloved all over the world, so that’s a great start. But also it has a great script, incredible production design and amazing choreography. It’s a good mixture all round.

— Tell us about your character, Sky.

Sky is a charming, bubbly island boy. Who is head over heels for Sophie, but not completely sold on the idea of marriage just yet. He loves adventuring on the island, diving, surfing, very typical island behaviour. He’s very level headed, calm and collected but also incredibly light hearted. He’s a good egg.

— Anything else exciting in the pipeline?

The future is looking very exciting and I’m taking everything as it comes.  Being part of the show’s 25th anniversary celebration, with Björn Ulvaeus joining us on stage, was so special; the same anniversary of ABBA winning Eurovision with “Waterloo”, 50 years ago. I feel so incredibly lucky to be in the position I am in.

Tobias Turley is now performing in the West End production of Mamma Mia!, playing eight shows a week.

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MAMMA MIA! 25th anniversary | London, Novello Theatre

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On Saturday 6 April 2024, the original production of MAMMA MIA! celebrated its 25th anniversary, making it only the third musical in the history of the West End, to reach its Silver Jubilee.

Since premiering in London’s West End in 1999, the exhilarating smash-hit has become a global phenomenon, with a staggering 70 million people having seen it worldwide.

There was quite a celebration on Saturday night. On stage at the Novello Theatre, the cast were joined by Björn Ulvaeus from ABBA, Judy Craymer (creator and producer), Catherine Johnson (book writer), Anthony van Laast (choreographer), as well as original cast members Siobhan McCarthy (original Donna) and Lisa Stokke (original Sophie).

The party continued afterwards at the Palm Court in the Waldorf Hilton.

Playing at the Novello Theatre in London, 8 shows a week.

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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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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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THE MONGOL KHAN | London, Coliseum

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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.

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STARLIGHT EXPRESS | London, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, Starlight Auditorium

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Due to overwhelming demand, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express has already extended bookings through to 16 February 2025. Seen by over 20 million people across the world since its London premiere in 1984, Starlight Express will make its triumphant return to London from 8 June 2024 at the specially designed Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, a state-of-the-art cultural destination only 12 minutes from central London.

A true theatrical event, Starlight Express will fully immerse audiences of all ages inside a world of speed, song and storytelling as an incredible cast of 40 whizz around and above, performing some of musical theatre’s most beloved songs, including “AC/DC”, “Make Up My Heart”, “Light at the End of the Tunnel” and the iconic “Starlight Express”.

As a child’s train set magically comes to life and the engines race to become the fastest in the world, Rusty the steam train has little hope of winning until he is inspired by the legend of the ‘Starlight Express’. Casting and all further information regarding the production will be announced in due course.

The first show by Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, Sunset Boulevard is currently playing at the Savoy Theatre in London. Starlight Express will be the second show produced by Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, the new partnership of Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of some of the world’s most famous musicals, and Michael Harrison, critically acclaimed, award-winning international producer.

Playing at the Starlight Auditorium 8 June 2024 – 16 February 2025.

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INTERVIEW: DANIEL RAGGETT | London, Accidental Death of an Anarchist

Interview

Daniel Raggett explains his process for directing this new adaptation of Dario Fo’s comedy, Accidental Death of an Anarchist (1970), and how a 200-seat studio theatre production came to find a new audience on the West End.

– Congratulations on the West End transfer for Accidental Death of an Anarchist. How does it feel to have a show on the West End at this stage in your career?

This is a show that started off in a 200-seat studio theatre in Sheffield, and originally there were no plans beyond that. The most important thing about the West End run is that the show can be seen by more people. It is a piece of work I’m very proud of because it feels unique – a comedy that carries an important message at its heart – and clearly the fact it has returned for a third time means that people are responding to it.

– Accidental Death of an Anarchist is an Italian play from 1970, based on the true story of how a suspect in the 1969 Milan Piazza Fontana bombing fell to his death from a fourth-floor window of a police station during an interrogation. How can such a play make sense to an English-speaking, London audience, over fifty years later?

Crucially, there is a real case at the heart of the play: Dario Fo used the actual transcripts from the real event. But he was adamant that when productions were remounted, details should be adapted to reflect similar contemporary abuses – so that it speaks to the society outside the walls of the theatre, and the world in which the audience are watching the play. Dario Fo gave his personal blessing to Tom Basden’s adaptation before he died, because it does exactly this. Now, with the evidence of the Casey report, the relevance has only increased.

– Can you describe your directing style in a few sentences?

I don’t believe in a hierarchy. I think actors are a director’s greatest tool, and you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and that includes lighting, sound, and set. I’d also say my style is quite eclectic. I try to find the best process for that particular production, rather than having one process that fits everything.

– Some people say politics shouldn’t be theatrical, and theatre shouldn’t be political. What do you say?

From my point of view, politics is inherently theatrical – you just have to look at the Prime Minister’s Questions to see how much grandstanding and audience participation there is. More importantly, I’d argue that everything is political, including theatre. With this particular show, it isn’t our intention to lecture an audience but rather to convey a message. You may not even notice because you’re laughing so much – but, if we’ve done it right, it’ll stay with you.

Playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket 12 June – 9 September 2023.

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