Ovation, Chelmsford (2025)

09/10/2025

THE UK TOUR HEADS TO SOUTHEND-ON-SEA!

Original Theatre in association with Joshua Beaumont and Huw Allen present a star-studded production of Murder at Midnight, the brand-new comedy thriller from Torben Betts following his smash-hit success Murder in the Dark, at Southend’s Palace Theatre from Monday 13 to Saturday 18 October, as part of a UK tour.

Directed by Philip Franks, Murder at Midnight will star stage and screen favourites Jason Durr (Heartbeat, Casualty) as Jonny ‘The Cyclops’, Susie Blake (Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV, Coronation Street) as Shirley, Max Bowden (best known for his role as Ben Mitchell in EastEnders) as Paul and Katie McGlynn (Coronation Street, Hollyoaks) as Lisa. They are joined by Callum Balmforth as Russell, Peter Moreton as Trainwreck and Iryna Poplavska as Cristina, with Bella Farr and Andy McLeod as Police Officers/Understudies.

It’s New Year’s Eve in a quiet corner of Kent and a killer is in the house. We meet Jonny ‘The Cyclops’ - the notorious gangster, his glamorous wife, his trigger-happy sidekick, his mum - who’s seeing things, her very jittery carer, plus a vicar who’s hiding something, and a nervous burglar dressed as a clown. Throw in a suitcase full of cash, a stash of deadly weapons, and one infamous unsolved murder…what could possibly go wrong? Join the murder mystery with a difference. One house. Seven suspects…and a murder at midnight.

Written by acclaimed playwright Torben Betts and produced by the award-winning Original Theatre (Birdsong, Murder in the Dark, The Mirror Crack’d), Murder at Midnight is a gripping murder mystery filled with twists, chilling suspense and wickedly dark humour - guaranteed to keep you guessing until the final stroke of midnight.

The production heads to York, Eastbourne, Cardiff, Fareham and Bromley in 2025, before hitting the road again in 2026!

09/10/2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 'FUN, FUELLED & FILLED WITH HEART!'

Last night we were kindly invited along to Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society's latest production of The Band, a step back into the 90s, when Boy Bands, Top of the Pops, and pressing play/record on a cassette next to the radio was modern technology.

This was an evening of pure escapism from the off, a juke box musical filled with the back catalogue of Take That's greatest hits filling a packed auditorium with sublime vocals, honed choreography, and a show filled with a lot of heart!

Even though it could be described as a musical 'cheese fest' of a show, LODs have created an infectious night of pure enjoyment. The transitions were slick with the choreographed omnipresent 'Band' as the catalyst for progressing the story and changes of scenes.

Speaking of The Band, vocals don't get better than this. Matthew Wallace, Monty Irving, James Cohen, James Boatwright & Declan Wright embodied the persona of a '90s Boy Band with absolute precision. From their insane vocals, perfected choreography & character portrayals.

The 4 lead roles are split between 4 teenagers & 4 adults, which was a joy to watch, with Laura Seymour taking on the 5th as Debbie, who gelled the group together with her infectious performance.

Emma Woolner & Eva Tobin as Rachel, brought the story full circle with some beautifully emotive moments. Lianne Larthe & Crystalle Cox as Heather added well-needed comedy with wonderfully delivered sarcastic one-liners. Jenny People's & Alice Gough as Claire, brought an honesty & truthfulness to the story. With Michelle Taylor & Danielle Griggs as Zoe completing the group with a relatability that you couldn't help but smile when the group was all together.

A special mention has to be made to Paul Ward as the ever-changing Dave, with a dazzling array of wigs and characters.

This is a night of pure enjoyment and is definitely worth a trip to The Palace Theatre, Southend. The show is playing until the 11th October.

09/10/2025

PRINCIPLE CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR WORLD PREMIERE!

THE LOST BOYS, A NEW MUSICAL starring Caissie Levy as ‘Lucy Emerson,’ LJ Benet as ‘Michael Emerson,’ Ali Louis Bourzgui as ‘David,’ Benjamin Pajak as ‘Sam Emerson,’ Maria Wirries as ‘Star,’ Paul Alexander Nolan as ‘Max,’ Jennifer Duka as ‘Alan Frog,’ Miguel Gil as ‘Edgar Frog,’ Brian Flores as ‘Marko,’ Sean Grandillo as ‘Dwayne,’ and Dean Maupin as ‘Paul.’

THE LOST BOYS, A New Musical, begins preview performances Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Palace Theatre with an official opening on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Additional cast to be announced at a later date.

The new musical, based on the Warner Bros. Pictures film THE LOST BOYS, story by James Jeremias & Janice Roberta Fischer, will feature direction by two-time Tony Award winner Michael Arden (Parade, Maybe Happy Ending), a book by David Hornsby (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” writer/EP) & Chris Hoch, music & lyrics by The Rescues (Kyler England, AG, Gabriel Mann), choreography by Lauren Yalango-Grant (Parade) & Christopher Cree Grant (Parade), music supervision by two-time Tony Award nominee Ethan Popp (Tina, The Tina Turner Musical), orchestrations & musical arrangements by Ethan Popp & The Rescues, and Vocal Arrangements by The Rescues.

A teenage vampire movie that was ta**ry, pulpy and sexually charged, THE LOST BOYS was a critical and commercial success and has since achieved cult classic status by transcending the genre with its unique blend of horror and comedy. The film defined a new era within pop culture by shifting the depiction of vampires for a younger generation. THE LOST BOYS was the last word in the 1980’s as a teen vamp angst coming-of-age story: physical transformation, sexual awakening, and experimentation. The film appeals to multiple generations and helped pave the way for subsequent film and television projects like “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “True Blood".

09/10/2025

A WEST END DEBUT FOR ROMESH RANGANATHAN!

Romesh Ranganathan will make his West End stage debut in a new production of Alan Ayckbourn’s psychological comedy Woman in Mind, in a strictly limited West End run at the Duke of York’s Theatre from the 9th December 2025 until Saturday 28th February 2026.

Romesh Ranganathan will play Bill alongside the previously announced Sheridan Smith as Susan.

Also announced today are Louise Brealey as Muriel, Tim McMullan as Gerald, Sule Rimi as Andy, Chris Jenks as Tony, Safia Oakley-Green as Lucy and Taylor Uttley as Rick, and Katie Buchholz and Michael Woolfitt, who complete the company.

Following its West End run, Woman In Mind will then play at the Sunderland Empire from 4 March until 7 March 2026 and Theatre Royal, Glasgow from 10 March until 14 March 2026. Tickets on sale now.

www.womaninmindplay.com

Romesh Ranganathan said today “I’m honoured to be stepping onstage in a play for the first time (since primary school) alongside the incredible Sheridan Smith and company. It’s very much a mix of feeling excited about such an amazing experience as well as a real rich vein of extreme nerves. Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind is an amazing play and I look forward to helping to bring it to life. I’m also playing a doctor which means that my mum might finally feel something approaching pride.”When Susan sustains a bump to the head, her world splits in two—one mundane, one imagined—and the lines begin to blur. Ayckbourn’s groundbreaking play is a hilarious and gripping exploration of identity, family, and mental escape.

08/10/2025

TONIGHT WE ARE AT THE PALACE THEATRE, SOUTHEND!

This evening we have been kindly invited along to the opening night of Leigh Operatic's latest production of The Band. A new musical written by Tim Firth.

Set in Manchester in the 90s when 'Woolies' pick n' mix, boybands and latest chart single were the only things needed...oh and a Smash Hits magazine!

It’s 1992 and for five 16 year-old girls, ‘the band’ is everything. 25 years later, the group of girls, who were once inseparable, reunite in Prague to see their heartthrobs one last time, and try once more to fulfil their dream of meeting the boy band whose music became the soundtrack to their lives.

The Band features the music of Take That, one of Britain’s most successful boy bands of all time.

Songs include: Never Forget, Back For Good, A Million Love Songs, Greatest Day, The Flood, Flight My Fire, Shine and Rule The World.

Brought to life by the Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society, this feel-good production will leave you singing, dancing and reminiscing long after the curtain falls.

Stay tuned for our review coming out on our social media pages tomorrow. The production is playing through until the 11th October.

08/10/2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 'UTTERLY COMPELLING THEATRE!'

Last night we were lucky enough to be invited to Anne-Marie Casey’s adaptation of Little Women. A book loved by many, and for me, the 1994 film version holds a special place in my heart, so I was curious how this classic would transfer to the stage and I’m delighted to say the story was none the lesser for it.

The risk of any adaptation from a book is that crucial details or key character moments are missed, yet this adaptation avoids this. The story retains its rebellious spirit and the character development remains compelling throughout.

The opening scene with the four sisters set the scene, showcasing a bond between four very different “Little Women” that despite all that life is throwing at them, will stand together and ride the storm. The particularly tricky relationship between Jo and Amy was brilliantly portrayed from start to finish by the very talented Natalie Dunne and Jewell Hutchinson. The domestic idealism and moral anchor of Meg was a gripping performance by Jade Osward and the vulnerability and innocence of Beth, played by Megan Richard was beautiful, and her untimely end was very touching.

All relationships, however complex, were powerfully portrayed by the rest of the cast. Laurie, played by Perry Williams and John Brooke/Professor Bhaer played by Tom Richardson completed the pieces of the puzzle, with charm, innocence and strength of character. Marmee, Juliet Aubrey, rose to challenge of educating the girls to become the best version of themselves, whilst Aunt March, Belinda Lang, brought elegance and comedy to this wonderful character.

The wonderful acting was sometimes unseen due to some dark lighting, and at times the trees that framed the house were a little unstable, which can be distracting. However, with such great portrayals and a compelling story, this cannot dampen the performance.

The production is running at Chelmsford Theatre until the 11th October.

📸 Nobby Clark

Written by: Cassie Estall

08/10/2025

A NEW MUSICAL ANNOUNCED FOR LONDON’S KING'S HEAD THEATRE!

Tony Award winner Levi Kreis confronts the boy he left behind—one night, one reckoning.

Already Perfect is a searing and uplifting new musical by Tony Award winner Levi Kreis. As his Broadway show is about to be filmed for the archives, Levi unravels in his dressing room, ready to end it all. His sponsor, Ben, bursts in and through their confrontation, a bit of theatrical magic begins to occur: the room splits open and out steps the brash younger self Levi once was. Past and present collide in a theatrical self-reckoning as the two versions of Levi bring to life past memories and the three men morph through dozens of characters powered by a score that soars from gospel tambourine to tender ballad.

At once brutally honest and defiantly hopeful, Already Perfect asks what it takes to make peace with your story. With humour, music, and unflinching truth, it lands on a radical simplicity: there is nothing to prove: you are already perfect.

The production will play at The King's Head Theatre from 9th January until 15th February 2026. For full venue and ticketing information follow the links below.

https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/already-perfect-bnrd

08/10/2025

PIPPIN RETURNS TO LONDON THIS FESTIVE SEASON!

This classic production will receive a London revival as the production is announced for this Christmas period at Upstairs at the Gatehouse.

A dazzling troupe of travelling performers converge to tell the story of a young prince’s pursuit of purpose. Hypnotised by the glitz and glamour, Pippin chases glory in battle, temptation in love, and power on the throne only to discover that the brighter the bulbs, the darker the shadows. Broadway meets Bognor Regis in this reimagining of Stephen Schwartz’s (Wicked, Godspell) Tony Award-winning classic.

Annlouise Butt (Executive Director) & Isaac Bernier-Doyle (Artistic Director) Upstairs at the Gatehouse said “We love a non-traditional festive offering at the Gatehouse—shows that dazzle even as they disturb. Stephen Schwartz’s Pippin is just that: part fairy tale, part fever dream, a carnival of spectacle and unease. It’s a thrill to bring this cult classic back to the stage with all its smoke, sequins, and sly seductions intact.”

The production will run at the venue from the 11th December 2025 until the 11th January 2026.

08/10/2025

WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE A SNEAK PEEK INSIDE THE REHEARSAL ROOM!

Check out the sneak peek inside the rehearsal room for Elf the musical as it returns to spread festive cheer at the Aldwych Theatre for 10 weeks only from the 28th October 2025.

ELF the Musical stars Joel Montague, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Aled Jones MBE as Buddy, Jovie and Walter Hobbs respectively. Joining them are Rosanna Hyland as Emily Hobbs, Martyn Ellis as Santa/Mr Greenway, Lucinda Lawrence as Deb and Dermot Canavan as Store Manager with Mollie Cleere, Farirayi Garaba, Sophie Pourret, Lucy Rice, Biancha Szynal, Kyle Cox, Zack Guest, Ryan Jupp, Dominic Lamb, Danny Nattrass. The cast is completed by Sophie Camble as Swing, Amy Punter as Swing, Samuel John Humphreys as Swing and Michael Tyler as Swing.

The role of Michael Hobbs will be played by Ayrton English, Max Garlick, Harry Georgiou and Samuel Sturge.

Based on the beloved film, Elf is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not so great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole’s biggest misfit… and knows he’ll never belong. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York to find his birth father (who turns out to be quite high on the naughty list). After causing some merry mayhem in Manhattan, Buddy finally discovers the gift of family and falls in love. And when Santa’s sleigh crashes in Central Park, it’s Buddy who finds a way to save Christmas forever!

📷 Danny Kaan

07/10/2025

WE HAVE CASSIE AT CHELMSFORD THEATRE!

This evening we have been invited along to the press night of the uk tour of Little Women at Chelmsford Theatre. Playing at the venue until the 11th October.

Anne-Marie Casey’s masterful new adaptation of Little Women that breathes new life into one of the best loved novels of all time.

Step into the world of sisterhood, courage, ambition, as the March sisters - tomboy Jo, beautiful Meg, sensitive Beth, and spoilt Amy - navigate the challenges of the Civil War era, forging unbreakable bonds of love and family.

Inspired by author Louisa May Alcott’s own journey into womanhood, Little Women is as relevant today as it was at the time of its first release, proving that women can be bold, persistent, self-assured, and the heroes of their own story.

Following the recent success of the Greta Gerwig film, this beautiful new adaptation is a celebration of women, filled with laugher, tears and a theatrical, heartwarming lifting of the spirits.

Little Women stars Belinda Lang (Sister Boniface Mysteries, 2point4 Children), Juliet Aubrey (Middlemarch, Professor T, All Creatures Great and Small) with Natalie Dunne (Locked Up Abroad, The Girl On The Train) and Tom Richardson (Just Between Ourselves). Little Women is directed by Loveday Ingram.

Stay tuned for our review coming out on our social media tomorrow.

07/10/2025

THE SMASH HIT THE LAST LAUGH ANNOUNCES A RETURN IN 2026!

The Last Laugh is a “brilliant” (The Telegraph) smash-hit, West End play which imagines three of Britain's all-time greatest comedy heroes – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse, in a dressing room, discussing the secret of life, death, comedy and what it means to be funny… really funny!

“Lovingly written and directed” (Sunday Times) by the award-winning Paul Hendy, The Last Laugh features Damian Williams as Cooper, Simon Cartwright as Monkhouse and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle as Morecambe.

Warm, funny, nostalgic and poignant, The Last Laugh is “pure gold” and “pitch-perfect” (Mail on Sunday) and will have you laughing and crying in equal measure. If you’re a fan of comedy, this “irresistible, blissful blast of nostalgia and belly laughs” (Sunday Express) is not to be missed.

The Last Laugh will open at the Malvern Theatres on Tuesday 28th April 2026, and then plays venues including Plymouth, Shrewsbury, Portsmouth, Eastbourne, Torquay, Watford, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Barnstaple, Peterborough, Jersey, Darlington, Buxton, Nottingham, Wolverhampton, New Brighton, Leicester, and Tunbridge Wells.

Some dates are on sale now, for full venue and ticketing information follow the links below.

https://thelastlaughplay.co.uk/

07/10/2025

BLUE/ORANGE OFFICIALLY OPENS THIS WEEK AT GREENWICH THEATRE!

The Olivier and Evening Standard Award-winning Blue/Orange by Joe Penhall, one of this country's most important living playwrights, with theatre credits including Some Voices, Pale Horse and Mood Music, and screen credits from Enduring Love and The Long Firm to the Netflix hit Mindhunter.

Christopher has been confined to a psychiatric ward for a month. He wants out. The problem is he still thinks oranges are blue. His doctor, convinced he needs help, wants to section him.

The senior consultant thinks it’s all a question of culture: at home in Shepherd’s Bush Christopher will be amongst 'people who think just like him'. And besides, it costs taxpayer money to keep Christopher in care. Race, ethics, sanity and prejudice collide in Joe Penhall’s exquisitely sharp 'state of the nation' classic.

The production is running at The Greenwich Theatre until the 25th October, with tickets on sale now.

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