UK Theatre Network

Annie returns to the King’s Theatre in the final tour of this Chris Moreno production. Although a relatively modern musical (it was first staged in the 1970s), the show has become a classic, presumably in part due to its setting in the Great Depression of the 1930s.

What is interesting in this production is to see an ensemble with a variety of ages, shapes and sizes. From the young dancing girl physiques of The Boylan Sisters, to the more mature Mrs Pugh it was great to see some attempt at creating real characters in the smaller roles. One case in point is Ashley Knight as Drake the butler (and Apple Seller). His energy shone through in all the ensemble numbers and he made what could have been a rather bland role a standout performance. Of course no-one can mention the ensemble in Annie and ignore the cast of kids. The orphan girls are cast from local stage schools (in this instance Starstruck Stage School, Glasgow) and looked like they had been with the show forever. Special mention must go to Jessica Harvey as the youngster Molly. Her comic timing and winning smile would have won over even the toughest critic (actually, that might be me!) and along with the other girls showed a real grasp for the tight choreography for their numbers.

Amongst these kids we discover “Little Orphan Annie” – on opening night played by charming 10 year old Welsh girl Rachel Hall - as she scrubs the floors of the New York Municipal Orphanage, under the watchful eye of Miss Hannigan, played with relish by Su Pollard. Ms Pollard takes this opportunity to remind the audience of the singing voice that first set her on the road to stardom, with great renditions of “Little Girls” and the trio “Easy Street” alongside onstage brother Rooster (Philip Andrew) and his girlfriend Lily St Regis (Kerry George). Annie then finds herself at the home of billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks (warmly played by David McAlister) and his personal secretary Grace Farrell. As Miss Farrell, Simone Craddock was the vision of 1930s style and beauty – I’m sure at least half the costume budget must have gone on the coats, dresses and shoes for her character – and this was also true of her voice too, aside from a few accent issues (however this seemed to be an issue for many of the principals).

For a show that has been touring for a few years now, the tiredness definitely does not show on the set, or in the cast. This was a fresh and energetic production of a well-known story, with good leads and an excellent supporting cast. The band, under direction of James Dunsmore kept the music flowing at a great pace and for only seven pieces made the most of the music in the dance breaks to fill the King’s auditorium.

Many have fond memories of school productions of Annie, or watching the film on TV, so now is a good time to recapture those feel-good memories by enjoying this heart-warming production at the Kings Theatre until Saturday.

Listings

Tue-Sat Evenings – 7.30pm

Wed & Sat Matinees – 2.30pm

Tickets £10-£30

Box Office: 08448 717 648 (bkg fee)                  Web: www.atgtickets.com/glasgow (bkg fee)

Panto season is well underway – oh, yes it is!  The King’s Theatre, Glasgow lays on a fitting tribute to their late Prince of Pantomime, Gerard Kelly, with a spectacularly entertaining production of Snow White.

This is the first ever production of Snow White in over a century of shows at the King’s theatre.  Gavin Mitchell stepped into the late Mr. Kelly’s Doc Marten boots in the role of Muddles.  The character was delivered with great conviction and energy, winning over his new audience with a few hearfelt words about his old pal followed by a cheery “Hiya Gang” which will, no doubt, echo around the 100 year old venue for many years to come.  The performance was doubly impressive when you consider that Mitchell was originally cast as The Wicked Queen in this production – to say that these roles are poles apart would be as obvious as saying that 6 foot 3 inch Darius Campbell (playing Prince Lorenzo with natural style) makes the dwarfs look quite small!  Writer, Eric Potts, kept the wisecracks flowing at the optimum “10 jokes per minute” level and the audience were frequently in stitches.  Steven McNicoll played a hilarious Herman the Henchman while Barbara Rafferty got more boos than Agnews as The Wicked Queen.  Glasgow girl, Julie Matheson, played the title role showing admirable singing and acting talent.

The supporting cast, featuring those all important seven dwarfs, added to the spectacle of the production with fallabout slapstick from the diminutive co-stars and high energy dance routines from the talented ensemble cast.

All thought of cold weather and the “Big Freeze” was left at the front door as the bright costumes and colourful sets warmed the audience from curtain-up.  Music was upbeat and lively, if a little “electronic”, and featured the almost ubiquitous “Don’t Stop Believing” following the 2010 success of Glee.  All in all, a thoroughly uplifting and entertaining family show.

Treat yourself to some Christmas Cheer at the King’s this year!

Listings Info:

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Until Sun 9 January 2011

Tickets: £6 - £24.50 

Box Office 0844 871 7648 (Bkg fee)

Groups and Schools Sales 0141 240 1122

www.ambassadortickets.com/glasgow (bkg fee)

PRESS RELEASE

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

DIRECT FROM THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE

BUSTING OUT!

A Musical Comedy Touring To

King’s Theatre Glasgow, Wed 1^st Sept

The biggest Australian show since Priscilla, Busting Out! is a raucously entertaining, fun, funny, thoroughly theatrical, empowering and affirmative celebration of the female body.  It’s created by Emma Powell and performed by Emma and Bev Killick - two of Australia's most sensational performers.  Emma's career has been a glittering one in Musical Theatre (she played Rosie in the Australasian Tour of Mamma Mia) and Bev is one of Australia's most celebrated female stand-ups.

The show has been a fêted hit in Australia and New Zealand, famed for its dynamic inclusivity it has now played to over 250,000 people. The audience play a vital role in the proceedings (by appearing on a large on-stage screen and often actually on stage) which threatens, on occasions, to turn the entire theatre into an utterly disorderly house!  Emma and Bev’s up-front and out-there breast-based contortions are intercut with rousing song and dance sequences, hilarious sketches, a shadow play and brilliant stand-up comedy.

Yes, it's a wild night out but as Australian commentators have pointed out Busting Out!  is “an affirming lesson in body love and esteem without the soapbox” (The West Australian) and  it “makes women feel good about themselves and their bodies” (Sunday Mail Adelaide)

So, as Busting Out! re-asserts women’s ownership of their own breasts in their own terms …they satirise the female form as they celebrate it, they parody conventional stereotypes, and they “repeatedly ambush the audience with their audacity” (The Manly Daily).

If that sounds far too heavy by half, listen to a word of advice from one reviewer in Canberra.  He said, “if all you want is a laugh, you’ll be compensated many times over”.   So it only remains to dust off the puns.   Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to give all your support to an outstanding pair of fully-rounded performers with ample talents.  They’re stars and they’re big ones.  (And Emma and Bev aren’t so bad either).

PLEASE NOTE THIS SHOW IS RECOMMENDED 14+

Listings Info:

Following on from last year’s hugely popular Aladdin, the King’s Theatre and First Family Entertainment are delighted to announce spectacular casting for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a totally brand new show for Glasgow and Scotland’s traditional family pantomime experience!

Darius, a critically acclaimed West End actor and platinum-selling singer-songwriter, will be playing the role of Prince Charming in this his King’s Theatre debut.  On returning to Glasgow and performing at the King’s, Darius said: "2010 continues to be an exciting and busy year that has taken me from London to Paris and Capetown- it's great to end the year in the motherland in my home town of Glasgow."

Since being crowned the winner of ITV1’s Popstar to Operastar Darius has headlined in his debut Opera, as the youngest performer ever to play the bullfighting Escamillo in Carmen at the O2, in the biggest production of an Opera in the UK. He also became the first performer ever to appear on the Opera world stage who is not classically trained.

A King’s spokesperson said: “We are very excited about Darius joining us this Christmas for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It is a huge coup for us as a venue and we are delighted to be able to offer the people of Glasgow the opportunity of seeing one of their best loved performers back home in a much loved theatre”.

Even with over 100 years of Christmas experiences under its belt Snow White has never been performed at the King’s Theatre so this year’s pantomime will be like no other King’s pantomime you have ever have seen before – in fact, you will never have seen it before!  With a brand new script by Eric Potts, stunning new costumes, brand new sets and a stellar cast, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has all the elements to make this the most wonderful and magical pantomime in Scotland.  This year, the production is once again sponsored by Robinsons. The nation’s favourite family soft drink is supporting a national celebration of pantomime up and down the country and is delighted to be part of maintaining the traditional family experience at the King’s Theatre.

A cracking one act comedy.

A well directed, superbly acted comedy romp.

The play, about a down on his luck tramp called Stanley, is set in Brighton and is told in merely one act. When Tim, a hapless Londoner who has come to Brighton for a conference asks Stanley for directions the twists and turns of the night lead to chaos, mayhem and illegal activity. With a well written, tight script the play runs at a very good pace reaching to a satisfying conclusion. All of the audience loved this play. The writing is golden. I was a fan of the writers , Warren Drew's, previous work, The Common Good. So I did expect good things.

It has some cracking one liners including this: 'Tim - UK Gold is now called Dave...because everyone knows someone called Dave. Stanley - They should have called it c***. Everyone knows one of them!'

So perhaps to not go if you are easily offended. If however, you want to see a cracking play that you will laugh all the way through then go see this when it transfers to the West End.

Leaves you wanting more.

Four stars.

The sound of Motown is transported to Glasgow this week as the stars of the 60s take to the stage in this first class tribute concert.

There are a number of ways to bring the hits of the past to a stage show.  The success of the ABBA based hit, Mamma Mia!, has seen a resurgence of productions with a fresh story to tell weaving old songs around the drama.  But this is difficult to do well and easy to do badly.  Dancing in the Streets takes the simpler route by delivering a straight forward tribute concert (similar to Rat Pack – Live from Las Vegas) … and delivering it with some style.

The first thing to consider when conceiving a production like this has to be the theme.  In “Motown”, Director and Musical Supervisor, Keith Strachan, has tapped possibly the richest vein of musical hits in history!  With artists from Gladys Knight and the Pips to Diana Ross and the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, The Temptations, (the list goes on) … the hardest decisions must have been what to leave out of the show!  But you can be sure that the numbers in the show will be hits that everyone has a specific memory of.

And that’s what the audience pay their money for … memories.  They want to be transported to the time and place that each song meant the most to them.  Time travel isn’t just for Doctor Who, you know.  It was certainly a reality for the majority of the audience in Glasgow last night!  The reason the “Dancing in the Streets” time machine works so effectively is in the delivery of those Motown hits.  The first class cast sounded (and often looked) like the original artists.  Dance moves were faithfully reproduced, backup singers swayed and clicked and clapped and ‘shooped’ just like their 60s counterparts and the band faithfully reproduced the Motown sound on every track.  Overall production values were excellent, too, with a classically styled static set incorporating the live band, excellent lighting effects (probably far superior to the 60s originals but effective and atmospheric nonetheless) and more costume changes than London Fashion Week!

Transport yourself to Hitsville, USA in the 60s for £25.50 (or less) - bargain!

Listings Info:
King's Theatre Glasgow: Mon 15 Feb – Sat 20 Feb
Mon – Sat  at 7.30pm
Sat mat – 2.30pm
Tickets: £12 - £25.50
Box Office 08448 717 648 (Bkg fee)
www.ambassadortickets.com/glasgow (bkg fee)

The 25^th anniversary tour of Richard Harris’s “Stepping Out” opened at the King’s Theatre last night to a warm reception from an appreciative Glasgow audience enjoying a freshly refurbished auditorium.

The play is probably best known for its 1991 movie incarnation starring Liza Minnelli, Shelley Winters, Ellen Greene, Jane Krakowski and Julie Walters. The powerhouse nature of the movie cast indicates the ensemble nature of the piece where every character is equally important to the successful delivery of comedy and drama.

West-end dancer turned teacher, Mavis (Lucy Williamson), leads her mismatched adult tap class through the basics of dancing for fun and fitness.  She is a selfless character who enjoys teaching most when others enjoy being taught.  However, the class are an unruly (if well intentioned) lot formed from assorted misfits from varied backgrounds including overly eager Dorothy (Karen Traynor), overweight Lynne (Katie Kerr), larger than life Sylvia (Jessie Wallace) and largely silent Geoffrey (Brian Capron).  Pianist Mrs. Fraser (Rosemary Ashe) keeps mob rule at bay with carefully timed rubber bullets in the form of stinging one-liners!  The group are placed under pressure when Mavis accepts an invitation for the class to demonstrate one tap routine as part of a low key local charity event.  Bedlam ensues!

The play is highly entertaining as the witty script is delivered by well defined characters who each portray unique attributes that the whole audience can relate to.  The character of busybody Vera was particularly well played by Susie Fenwick who could clearly start an argument in an empty house.  Headliners Jessie Wallace and Brian Capron were highly entertaining employing physical comedy as much as sharp delivery of dialogue.  Director, Richard Baron, kept the play well paced throughout.

All in all this is a highly entertaining piece and well worth the ticket price.

Listings Info:

Tue 15 – Sat 19 Sep

Tue – Sat eves 7.30pm

Wed and Sat mats 2.30pm

Tickets: £11 - £25

Box Office 08448 717 648 (bk fee)

www.ambassadortickets.com/glasgow (bkg fee)

This celebration of Michael Jackson’s music and unique dance style has become something of a tribute in light of his untimely death last week.  Topical issues aside, the quality of this performance is good enough to turn your socks white and blow one glove off your hand!

Thriller Live delivers the MJ magic in spades with a loosely chronological review of his music from the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” through to his 1995 release “Earth Song”.  The presentation style was unusual for a stage show, delivering a documentary of Michael Jackson’s musical history and record breaking achievements rather than a more traditional biopic.  This lent itself to a focus on the music and dance rather than the star’s controversial live story.  With such a rich back catalogue of music to choose from over a 30 year period, the delivery did not disappoint the audience.  The deceptively simple fixed set proved to be incredibly dynamic as a huge movie screen featuring dazzling effects, movie clips and photos became transparent on several occasions to reveal the live onstage band.

The unique Jackson 5 sound was authentically reproduced from the off, but the glove (quite literally) came off in the second act as tens of millions of pounds of the worlds most expensive music promotion videos were reproduced live on stage!  The choreography, styling and effects of “Smooth Criminal” were just mind blowing with particular emphasis on the astonishing talents of Michael Anthony Duke.  A short, dedication was made to the ‘King of Pop’ before a very moving performance of “Man in the Mirror” by fellow lead vocalist Ian Pitter – the song likely to top the UK charts next week (it reached number 11 back in 1988).  Other MJ high notes were hit by TV’s Popstars finalist Hayley Evetts and talented fellow vocalists Peter Murphy and Dwayne Wint.  The signature fedora hat should also be tipped forward in recognition of the amazing talents of 11 year old Tyler McLean who played young Michael.

This production was so slick it had my “click track” senses tingling (particularly in reference to the backing vocals), however I was won over by astonishing solo vocals and high energy dance routines that followed the unique MJ style flawlessly through three decades of hits.  This show will have you moonwalking in the aisles.  Shamone!

Listings Info:

Thriller-Live

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

29 June to 4 July

Mon –Fri eves 7.30pm

Sat 4pm & 8pm

Tickets: £12 - £27.50

Box Office: 0844 871 7648(Bkg)

Ken Stott, Arthur Miller, Dorian Gray, Chitty Citty Bang Bang, Quadrophenia and that's just for starters...

This spring looks set to be an amazing time for all Scottish theatre goers as the King’s and Theatre Royal will be playing host to some phenomenal productions!

At the King’s there’s still time to book for the devilishly brilliant musical

The Witches of Eastwick (28 Apr – 9 May) starring Glasgow’s own Marti Pellow. Other season highlights include Quadrophenia (2- 6 Jun), a brand new production based on the iconic movie with music by Pete Townsend; Roald Dahl’s The BFG (1 – 5 Sep) a whizzcracking show which will excite Dahl lovers young and old; The Silver Darlings, directed by Kenny Ireland, (8-12 Sep), an epic adventure based on one of the most cherished Scottish novels of the 20^th Century; Chicago (5 – 10 Oct) will razzle and dazzle its way on stage with Gary Wilmott and Eastender’s Emma Barton (Honey Mitchell) and of course the ultimate classic adventure story Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (20 Oct – 14 Nov); this fantasmogorical award-winning musical is in Glasgow for 4 weeks only and stars Barbara Rafferty as Baroness Bomburst. Finally it’s never too early to book for the King’s panto and this year we present Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (4 Dec – 17 Jan), with a brand new script and never before seen sets and costumes.

At the

Theatre Royal we are delighted to announce we are one of only three British tour dates for Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge (2-6 June). This electrifying production boasts an outstanding cast featuring Scotland’s own Ken Stott and Hollywood star Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. A View from the Bridge is currently storming the West End and we are thrilled to be the theatre bringing this production to Scotland. Our series of drama continues with an exciting co-production by two of Scotland’s acclaimed companies, the Dundee Rep Ensemble and the National Theatre of Scotland with Peer Gynt (23 – 27 June). A raucous and radical interpretation of Ibsen’s classic Peer Gynt takes its audience on a truly wild and theatrical journey.

Other not to be missed shows include the stunning

Imperial Ice Stars with Cinderella on Ice (9 – 13 Jun); the much-loved family musical Annie (4 – 8 Aug); West End sensation Tim Flavin in Singin in the Rain (1 – 5 Sep); Matthew Bourne’s Edinburgh International Festival sell-out hit Dorian Gray (29 Sep – 3 Oct) and later in the year don’t miss one of the most popular Scottish plays of all time, The Steamie (2 – 7 Nov).

To

DOWNLOAD copies of both the King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal brochures please log on to

This oldest of the popular ballets is delighting audiences at the Kings this week.

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia presents this enchanting ballet based on the music of composer Leo Delibes.  Dr. Coppelius, a magician and toymaker, and his ‘daughter’, Coppelia, live in a small town.  All the men of the town are mesmerised by Coppelia who sits on a balcony all day giving no-one her attention, including Franz ... much to the chagrin of his fiancé, Swanilda.  Franz and Swanilda are soon to be married and tradition dictates that the happy couple should receive a special gift to commemorate the occasion.  Swanilda and her friends decide to satisfy their curiosity about Coppelius by investigating his house.  They discover a magical room full of mechanical life size toys and it appears that Coppelia is, in fact, a marionette, too!  Franz has an alternative motive to enter the house and scales the wall to be discovered by Dr. Coppelius.  Coppelius uses his magical power to try to transfer Franz's life force into Coppelia to bring her to life.  But Swanilda has tricked the Doctor by disguising herself as Coppelia!  She escapes with Franz and her friends.  On the day of the wedding Coppelius forgives the couple for their intrusion and the entire town celebrate the happy occasion.

When you consider that the company has undertaken this national tour with four distinct productions (Coppelia, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Giselle) the spectacle and presentation of Coppelia was breathtaking.  In particular, the costumes were quite stunning.  As Swanilda, Anna Snegina was captivating.  She seemed lighter than air on points and her partner work with Vyacheslav Kapustin as Franz in the third act made the impossible seem effortless.  Alexander Kuimov was a charismatic Coppelius throughout.  Conductor Anatoly Tchepurnoi empowered this emotional Delibes score and was unnecessarily modest during the company bow.

This production will be replaced on Wednesday by performances of Swan Lake and again on Friday by The Nutcracker the same company until the end of the week.

Performances:
Kings Theatre, Glasgow 

Mon 23 & Tue 24 Feb (Coppelia)

Wed 25 & Thu 26 Feb (Swan Lake)

Fri 27 & Sat 28 Feb (Nutcracker)

Mon – Sat eves 7.30pm

Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm

Tickets - £13 - £30.50

Booking Fee - 0870 060 6648 (bkg fee)

www.ambassadortickets.com