New Alexandra Theatre - Breakfast at Tiffany's - 18.04.16 - 23.04.16

MATT BARBER TO STAR AS FRED OPPOSITE PIXIE LOTT’S HOLLY IN TRUMAN CAPOTE’S BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S

ADAPTED BY RICHARD GREENBERG

2016 UK & IRELAND TOUR AND WEST END SEASON

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED

AT BIRMINGHAM’S NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE FROM MONDAY 18th – SATURDAY 23rd APRIL

The full cast has been announced for the 2016 UK and Ireland Tour and the West End limited season of Truman Capote’sBreakfast at Tiffany’s, adapted by Richard Greenberg and directed by Nikolai Foster.

Matt Barber (Atticus Aldridge in Downton Abbey) will play Fred and Victor McGuire (the sit-coms Trollied and Bread) will play Joe Bell. They will be joined by Robert Calvert as Doc, Naomi Cranston as Mag, Charlie De Melo as José, Tim Frances as Rusty Trawler/Editor at 21, Andrew Joshi as Yunioshi, Melanie La Barrie as Mme Spanella, and Sevan Stephan as OJ Berman/Dr Goldman, with Katy Allen and Andy Watkins.

As previously announced, Pixie Lott will star as Holly Golightly for the UK and Ireland Tour, from 3 March to 30 April and 13 to 25 June, and at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket from 30 June to 17 September.

Truman Capote’s classic novella has been adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize-winning Finalist and Tony and Olivier Award-winning playwright Richard Greenberg (Take Me Out, Three Days of Rain), and contains memorable songs from the era as well as original music by Grant Olding (One Man, Two Guvnors, RSC’s Don Quixote). 

Based on Truman Capote’s beloved masterwork, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is set in New York in 1943. Fred, a young writer from Louisiana, meets Holly Golightly, a charming, vivacious and utterly elusive good-time girl.  Everyone falls in love with Holly – including Fred.  However Fred is poor, and Holly’s other suitors include a playboy millionaire and the future president of Brazil.  As war rages on in Europe, Holly begins to fall in love with Fred – just as her past catches up with her.

Artistic Director of Curve, Nikolai Foster said, "It's a testament to the beauty of Capote's imagination, the extraordinary characters he created and Greenberg's faithful adaptation, that alongside Pixie and Matt, we have assembled such an accomplished company of actors to bring this dazzling play to life. We are thrilled to welcome the company to Curve and our audiences in Leicester and on tour in the UK. Every week of 2016 will see a Curve production on a UK stage and we are thrilledBreakfast at Tiffany’s will be part of this commitment to sharing work that has been made at Curve." 

Breakfast at Tiffany’s will be directed by Nikolai Foster, the Artistic Director of Curve, with production design by Matthew Wright, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Mic Pool and wig design by Campbell Young.

Nikolai Foster is Artistic Director at Curve. Recent productions include Roald Dahl’s The Witches, Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, Wertenbaker's Our Country's Good and Shakespeare’s Richard III (all Curve), Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (West Yorkshire Playhouse), the 20th anniversary production of Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing (Curve and Nottingham Playhouse), Calamity Jane (Watermill Theatre, Newbury & UK tour) and a major new production of the Broadway musical Annie (West Yorkshire Playhouse & UK tour).

Breakfast at Tiffany’s will begin performances at the Curve, Leicester on 3 March 2016, before embarking on a UK & Ireland Tour.  There will be a 12-week season at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London’s West End from 30 June to 17 September 2016.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a co-production between the Curve and Colin Ingram, Peter Kane, William Sinclair and Michael Melnick & Finlay Gray. 

For more information, visit www.breakfastattiffanys.co.uk.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tiffanysonstage

Twitter:  @Tiffanysonstage

TOUR SCHEDULE 2016

*3 – 12 March                          LEICESTER                                 0116 242 3595   

                                                    Curve                                           www.curveonline.co.uk               

                                                   

*15 – 19 March                        CANTERBURY                            01227 787787

                                                    Marlowe Theatre                        www.marlowetheatre.com           

                                                                                                       

*4 – 9 April                               LEEDS                                         0844 848 2700

                                                    Grand Theatre                            www.leedsgrandtheatre.com

*12 – 16 April                           SALFORD                                    0843 208 6000

                                                    Lowry Theatre                             www.thelowry.com

*18 – 23 April                          BIRMINGHAM                           0844 871 3011 

                                                 New Alexandra Theatre               www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

*25 – 30 April                          SOUTHAMPTON                       02380 711811

                                                    Mayflower Theatre                       www.mayflower.org.uk

2 – 7 May                                 ABERDEEN                                 01224 641122

                                                His Majesty’s                                www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

9 –14 May                                 NOTTINGHAM                          0115 989 5555   

                                                    Theatre Royal                              www.trch.co.uk                              

16 – 21 May                          BATH                                  01225 448844 (on sale spring 2016)          

                                                    Theatre Royal                              www.theatreroyal.org.uk      

                                                                                                       

23 – 28 May                                 GLASGOW                                  0844 871 7647

                                                    Theatre Royal                              www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

30 May – 4 June                          EDINBURGH                               0131 529 6000

                                                    King’s Theatre                             www.edtheatres.com

6 – 11 June                                 HIGH WYCOMBE                        01494 512 000

                                                    Wycombe Swan                           www.wycombeswan.co.uk

*13 – 18 June                              DUBLIN                                       0818 719 377       

                                                    Bord Gais Theatre                       www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

*20 – 25 June                              PLYMOUTH                                 01752 267222

                                                    Theatre Royal                              www.theatreroyal.com

*30 June – 17 September            LONDON                                     020 7930 8800

                                                    Theatre Royal Haymarket             www.trh.co.uk

*Pixie Lott Dates

Booking Information:

ON SALE NOW

Performances: Mon 18 – Sat 23 Apr

Box Office: 0844 871 3011 (bkg fee)

Groups 10+: 0844 871 3031

Online: www.atgtickets.com/birmingham (bkg fee)

The Grange Players - See How They Run - 13.01.16 - 25.01.16

The Grange Players

Presents

See How They Run

By Philip King

13th January - 23rd January 2016

See How They Run is a Farce first performed in 1944 to entertain the troops and made its West End debut in 1945. It was later made into a film in 1955.

It was set shortly after the Second World War in the sleepy village Merton-cum-Middlewick at the Vicarage of Mr and Mrs Toop. The story is one of miss identities, miss understandings and missing uniforms!

The set had a lovely feel of homeliness with warm, rustic colours and plenty of doors for cast members to race in and out of. The lighting brought the room to life with wall lights casting shadows, drawing you into the living room and you could almost feel the warmth coming from the fireplace.

The costumes were authentic to the period and all blend nicely with the surroundings.

The staging of this piece reflected the dialogue - fast paced, lively and joyfully charming. There was great light and shade and the comedy was elegantly and perfectly delivered.

Suzy Donnelly played the ex professional actress Penelope Toop who is married to the Vicar Lionel (David Weller). She gave a striking performance and her eyes told a thousand words. When her old acting parter Clive (Rod Blisset) appears in the Village, Penelope's fun loving nature came to the forefront and the scene was set for a very entertaining evening!

David Weller as Lionel was the perfect Village Vicar. His soft approach was in contrast to his enthusiastic, full of life wife. His unfortunate encounter with an escaped German prisoner (Les Wilkes) brought his calm nature into question as he raced around the house in his underwear brandishing a metal poker.

Rob Blisset was a 'full of life' Clive, who was convinced by Penelope to take off his army uniform and wear her husbands clothes to go to a local theatre production of 'Private Lives' which they had performed in a few years earlier.

Liz Webster was the local gossip and dedicated church goer Miss Skillion. A drop of alcohol had never passed her lips until that night when a scene she had witnesses made her turn to the cooking sherry! After that she was no longer the stuffy lady disgruntled at Penelope decorating of the pulpit but a full of life, legs everywhere drunk who had to be put into a cupboard to keep her out of the way!

Rob Onions was the bumbling Humphrey's who had come to the Village to take the Sunday Service but ended up being embroiled into the evenings goings on. His one liners were wonderfully delivered and made the audience chuckle out load.

Andy Jones played Penelope's Uncle, the Bishop who arrived to stay with the couple that evening. His placid nature soon turned into bewilderment and it was extremely comical seeing his transformation.

Lorraine Samantha Allen portrayed her part of Maid Ida with charm. Her rolling of the eyes and little asides were perfectly undertaken. She was the downtrodden maid that had an eye for the men and she really got under the skin of the character and allowed the audience to empathise with her in her failed attempts to stop the misunderstandings from taking place.

The confusion was all ironed out at the end by Chris Walters as Sergeant Towers.

This is a well written play that was stylishly performed by The Grange Players.

The show runs until 23rd January 2016.

New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham - Sister Act - 12.09.16 - 17.09.16

ALEXANDRA BURKE

TO STAR AS

‘DELORIS VAN CARTIER’

IN THE NATIONAL TOUR OF CURVE’S 

ALL NEW PRODUCTION OF

PRODUCED BY JAMIE WILSON AND

DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY

CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD

AT BIRMINGHAM’S NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE FROM MON 12 – SAT 17 SEP

Jamie Wilson is delighted to announce that Alexandra Burke will star as ‘Deloris Van Cartier’ in the national tour of Curve’s all new production of the hit musical comedy SISTER ACT, directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood with musical supervision and arrangements by Tony award-winning Sarah Travis. SISTER ACT will open at Curve on Saturday 30 July 2016. Tour schedule attached with further dates and full casting to be announced shortly. 

Craig said “I am truly thrilled that Alexandra is going to be our leading lady in this all new production of Sister Act at Curve. Alexandra is such a fantastic singer and actress that I know she is going to be amazing. I couldn’t think of anyone better to play the role of the smart and funny Deloris’

Alexandra said “I’m over the moon to be given the opportunity to play the wonderful Deloris in Sister Act. It’s such an iconic role and a part I’ve always wanted to play. I love touring the UK and I’m thrilled to be working with Craig and his amazing creative team. I can’t wait to get started!”

Alexandra Burke can currently be seen starring as ‘Rachel Marron’ in the national tour of “The Bodyguard”, a part she also played in the West End. She originally rose to fame after winning the fifth series of The X Factor. Her debut number one single Hallelujah sold over one million copies in the UK, a first for a British female soloist. Burke’s first album, Overcome saw the release of her subsequent number one singles Bad Boys and Start Without You. In 2011 she embarked on her first solo tour and was invited by Beyoncé to support her I Am... Tour. Her second album, Heartbreak on Hold, was released in June 2012.

Based on the smash hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith, SISTER ACT tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a Convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

SISTER ACT features original music by the 8 time Oscar and Tony Award winner Alan Menken. Alan’s credits include the films and stage musicals of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”, “Aladdin”, “The Little Mermaid” and “Newsies” as well as “Tangled”, “Enchanted”, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, “Pocahontas” and “Hercules” on film.  His other credits include the film and stage production of “Little Shop of Horrors”. 

This all new production of SISTER ACT is directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood with musical supervision and arrangements by Sarah Travis. Set and costume design is by Matthew Wright, with lighting design by Richard G Jones and sound design by Richard Brooker.

Craig Revel Horwood is probably best known as a judge on BBC One’s “Strictly Come Dancing”. As a director and choreographer his many credits include the recent all-star concert of Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies” at the Royal Albert Hall, “Sunset Boulevard” at the Comedy theatre in the West End, the national tours of “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Spend Spend Spend” and “Chess” (also Toronto) and “The Witches of Eastwick”, “Martin Guerre” and “Copacabana”, all at the Watermill Theatre. Craig also wrote and directed a brand new show, “Strictly Confidential” that toured the UK starring familiar faces from Strictly Come Dancing as well as the annual arena tours of “Strictly Come Dancing”.  As a performer his West End Theatre credits include: 'Munkustrap' in “Cats” at the New London Theatre, “Miss Saigon” at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and ‘Harry’ in “Crazy for You” at the Prince Edward Theatre. Craig most recently starred as ‘Miss Hannigan’ in the national tour of “Annie”.

SISTER ACT has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, with a book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner and additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. Based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture “Sister Act” written by Jacob Howard.

Jamie Wilson Productions was formed in 2008 and has produced over 50 productions in the UK and internationally. These include Bruce Forsyth at the London Palladium, Robin Cousin’s Ice and most recently the critically acclaimed and box office hit Calamity Jane. As well as Sister Act, future productions include Tell Me on a Sunday with Jodie Prenger.

Curve is one of the UK’s leading producing theatres, achieving both audience and critical acclaim. Opened in 2008, Curve’s award-winning building offers a completely unique visitor experience. Led by Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, the theatre has become renowned for the quality of its home-grown musicals and drama productions with recent successes including Roald Dahl’s The Witches, Lionel Bart’s Oliver! Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire and Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole The Musical.

SISTER ACT UK TOUR 2016/17

www.sisteractuktour.co.uk

ALEXANDRA BURKE WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AS ‘DELORIS VAN CARTIER’ AT ANY MATINEE PERFORMANCES

SATURDAY 30 JULY – SATURDAY 13 AUGUST 2016

CURVE, LEICESTER - www.curveonline.co.uk

MONDAY 22 AUGUST – SATURDAY 27 AUGUST 2016

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE - www.leedsgrandtheatre.com

MONDAY 29 AUGUST – SATURDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2016

MANCHESTER PALACE - www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

MONDAY 5 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2016

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE - www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire  

MONDAY 12 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016

BIRMINGHAM NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE - www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-alexandra-theatre-birmingham

MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2016

BRISTOL HIPPODROME - www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome

MONDAY 26 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER 2016

MILTON KEYNES - www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre

TUESDAY 4 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER 2016

GLASGOW KING’S THEATRE - www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre  

MONDAY 10 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 15 OCTOBER 2016

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE - www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire

MONDAY 17 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER

HIGH WYCOMBE SWAN – www.wycombeswan.co.uk

MONDAY 24 - SATURDAY 29 OCTOBER 2016

TRURO HALL FOR CORNWALL – www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

MONDAY 31 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2016

IPSWICH REGENT THEATRE – www.ipswichregent.com

MONDAY 7 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2016

BELFAST GRAND OPERA HOUSE – www.goh.co.uk

MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER - SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2016

DUBLIN BORD GAIS - www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

ON SALE SOON

MONDAY 21 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2016

SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION – www.southendtheatres.org.uk

FURTHER DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

Booking Information:

Performances: Mon 12 – Sat 17 Sep
Box Office: 0844 871 3011 (bkg fee)
Groups 10+: 0844 871 3031
Online: www.atgtickets.com/birmingham (bkg fee)