Much Ado About Nothing

Oxford undergraduate and producer Jessica Campbell invited me to the Oxford University Dramatic Society's fantastic production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing at Southwark Playhouse.  This was one stop on an international tour from the creme de la creme of OUDS, produced by the legendary Thelma Holt CBE, in association with the Cameron Mackintosh Foundation.  They have already been to The Bodleian in Oxford and the Dell in Stratford Upon Avon and will be going to Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud and then to Japan's Saitama Arts Theatre; Bugei and the Kanagawa Arts Theatre, Kaat.

The OUDS have produced some of our best actors including Rowan Atkinson, Imogen Stubbs, Sir John Gielgud and the multi-talented Richard Curtis. I think there will be some members of this troupe who we'll definitely see again too!

The creative team were also all from Oxford, including brilliant direction from Max Gill.  Max had cleverly transfered the play to the mafia torn Sicily of the 1950's. Jay Anslow's atmospheric soundtrack was a tapestry of old Italian songs which could have been straight out of the Godfather, interlaced with more contemporary pieces, which reflected the emotions of the characters and heightened our awareness.  I spoke to the set and costume designer Anna Lewis, who told me that the set had to be carefully designed for transport to Japan.  She had dealt with the restraint expertly, creating exactly the right environment for Gill's gangster world, and the costumes were also fabulous!

The actor who stood out for me in this energetic and exciting production was Ruby Thomas, who played her viciously merry Beatrice with the expertise of a seasoned star.  Her sensual husky voice reminded me of a young Samantha Bond - no surprise that the audience hung on her every word.   Jordan Waller, her Benedick, gave a wild passionate performance - but why is it that they both believe the gossip woven around them and begin to fall in love ?  Oh how frail we mortals are!  Other performers of note were Rhys Bevan (Dogberry) who had impeccable comic timing, the innocence of Jessica Norman as Hero and the completely unmannered freshness of Jeremy Neumark-Jones as Claudio.  I was also very impressed by Matt Gavan's interpretation of Don Pedro.

Beatrice, Benedick and Claudio

Thelma Holt's Shakespeare tour is an annual event for the OUDS.  What a wonderful experience for these young actors and creatives - not only to be able to make a piece of exciting Shakespearean theatre but also to tour it, with that added opportunity of taking it to Japan.

The next stop on the tour is The Mill Studio at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford from 5th to 8th September, so do try and catch it before it goes off to Japan.  A link to Guildford, to buy tickets can be found here.

I leave you with Thelma Holt's words:

"I believe that in these tours we see British theatre's true insurance policy, the proof of a generation of great directors, producers and acting talent waiting in the wings."

The Audition

For every actor who ever went to an audition!

My friend Claire Chambers is the beautiful singer in this hilarious short film by Fay Stevenson for Rumbled Sunshine TV.

"Les Mis" a Hit in Hemel

George Watkins (Jean Valjean) and Casey Bird (Fantine)

I was invited to go to Boublil and Schonberg's "Les Miserables" performed by Hemel Hempstead Theatre Company, at the Boxmoor Playhouse.   I hadn't watched the musical since I went to see my friend Peter Polycarpou performing in the original West End production at the Palace Theatre in the 80's. I was only really sorry that Peter didn't come to Hemel with me, because I think he would have been astonished at the amazing accomplishment of this Schools Production of his beloved "Les Mis".

Director and Musical Director, Dan Cowtan, pulled off a very slick, exciting show with a huge cast of teenagers.  The twelve piece band he led were wonderfully classy too.   Dan was trained at the Royal Northern College of Music and his professionalism as a director shone through.  The sets were brilliantly simple and the costumes absolutely spot on.

Every kid on the stage gave their all, utterly, and this is what made this such an excellent  production.  George Watkins  (Jean Valjean) and Joshua Pellegrini  (Javert) carried the show with their passion and astonishingly rich powerful voices.  It seemed almost impossible to believe they were both about 18 - the professional gravitas of their performances was breathtaking!

James Penniston as Thenardier

I was also blown away by James Penniston's  wildly comic performance as Thenardier and his brilliant partner in crime Zoe Harbour, particularly their rousing "Master of the House" number.   You can't teach comic timing, it's born in the blood and they had oodles of it.  Casey Bird gave a vocally accomplished and moving performance as  Fantine and I was also very fond of Kelan Davis' electrically charged Enjolras and  Rachel Thomas's exquisite Cossette.

Lauren Seres (Young Eponine) and Zoe Harbour (Madame Thenardier) 

I had forgotten how incredibly operatic Les Mis is - how huge, with hardly a word of  dialogue - but how it has endured and lives inside us all now.   By the end of the show there wasn't a dry eye in the house.  Standing for the ovation, in the absolutely packed theatre, with tears streaming down my face, I was reminded what theatre was all about - this was sheer entertainment - we had gone to the barricades with them, one and all, and we would all go again if they asked us!

Kelan Davis (Enjolras) and seated Richard Edwards (Marius)

My GAP Yar Dramar

"Small but Fierce" has just started up a brilliant blog about her gap year- with all the trials and tribulations of trying to get into drama school.  It's very funny and full of useful info...

The link to it is HERE

Peter Polycarpou at the Garrick!!

Peter Polycarpou's podcast about all the West End musicals he's performed in.  Songs from these shows and many more of his favourites will be featured in his exciting night at the Garrick Theatre on 11th December called "Songs of My Life".

I've booked my tickets and can't wait!

For more information and to book your ticket you can follow this link here

The Turn of The Screw

Don't miss The Turn of the Screw at Barons Court Theatre, which runs until 27th November.  This is Ken Whitmore's adaptation of the well loved story by Henry James, presented by CP Productions.  The Barons Court Theatre is in the cellars of Curtains Up Pub, which is the perfect setting for this spine chilling horror story.  The production is directed and designed by Barry Addenbrooke,  music by Jonathan Webster,  costumes by Jackie Robinson and hair and make-up by Jessica Carlton Silva.

The truly original part of Barry Addenbrooke's production has been the casting of the two children - not children at all, but  Kristy Bruce as Miles and Frances Rose Knox as Flora.  With an echo of Dennis Potter's Blue Remembered Hills, we completely believe they are children and their powerful bond in this tragic nightmare is fraught with knowing looks and secrecy.  Kristy Bruce is haunting as Miles, with her glittering defiant eyes.  Frances Rose Knox is both enchanting and terrifying as Flora, with a dramatic power that recalls the possessed girl in the Exorcist.

Beautiful Helen Millwood plays Miss Grey, a young governess sent off to Bligh to care for two young children.  She plays the role with volatile sensitivity, drawing us into the story as she comes under the charm of Geof Sloan's despicable Mr Crimond and pulling us on through the turmoil of her mind as the play progresses.  Alison Liney's performance  as Mrs Grose, the housekeeper, had a real echo of Megs Jenkins performance  in the 1960's film of the novel The Innocents, clutching onto the rational in the maelstrom of emotions and fears that envelop the characters.

Tickets are selling out fast so do reserve a ticket through this link HERE

An Evening with Peter Polycarpou on 11th December at the Garrick

Peter Polycarpou will be entertaining us with songs that have inspired him and from shows he has performed in, on Sunday 11th December at 7.30pm at the Garrick Theatre.  

Peter has had an incredible career: a member of the original company in Les Miserables, creating the role of John in Miss Saigon, Ali Hakim in Oklahoma! with Hugh Jackman, Daniel in Imagine This, Phil in Love Story, Phantom in Phantom of the Opera and, of course, Chris Theodopolopodous in TV's Birds of a Feather. Most recently he has been appearing as the Beadle in the Chichester Festival Theatre Production of Sweeny Todd alongside Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton, due to transfer to the West End in 2012.

Guests appearing in the show are:  Hannah Waddingham, Pauline Quirke, Emma Williams, Claire Moore, Simon Bowman, Michelle Collins and Jos Slovick.  Peter will also be accompanied by a choir and principal ensemble.

The MD is Robert Emery and Choreographer Cressida Carre

To book tickets for this very special evening go to Nimax Theatres HERE

Audition time is here again!!

Mrs Worthington says:

Keep calm
Prepare your speeches before you send in your application
Get your applications in as soon as you can
Don't forget that some drama schools are by direct application and others by UCAS
Don't be afraid to ask for advice
Expect the unexpected...

Opening Doors at Soho Theatre

The first "Opening Doors", presented by Michael Peavoy, is on at Soho Theatre this Sunday 11th September at 6pm at 21 Dean Street London W1.

This is an evening of new musical theatre songs, sung by some of the most respected and exciting young performers London has to offer including:


Anna Francolini, Nigel Richards, David Durham, Richard Dempsey, Nicole Faraday, Adrian Grove, Stuart Matthew-Price, Chloe Hart, Cynthia Erivo, Michael Peavoy, Francesca Leyland, Aaron Lee-Lambert, Dominic Tighe, Daisy May-Cooper, Dani De Waal, Lottie Latham, James Gant, Alex Clatworthy, Mary Mallen, Robert Jackson, Keisha Amponsa Banson, Ste Clough and George Blagden 


The price of a student ticket is £5 (£15 full price).

For Further information and to book tickets go to this link HERE

RSC Classical Training Conference Workshops

The RSC are running a Classical Training Conference at Stratford from 16th to 18th September.  On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th there will be practical workshops and demonstrations open to the public.  The workshops are suitable for students of drama and actors over the age of 16.  For a list of these workshops and to buy tickets go to the link here.

Making Shakespeare - RSC Classes

From Monday 15th to Friday 19th August the Royal Shakespeare Company are running a wonderful course for young performers.  It is a week of  practical skills workshops with RSC practitioners, exploring how the RSC create performances on stage.  This is going to cover acting and directing and the week builds towards a short performance at the RSC's Waterside Space.  The days run from 10am, to 4pm.

It costs £125 for the week.  You can find out more about it on this link HERE.

Lend Me a Tenor

Anyone who loves musical theatre has to go and see this show!  It is in previews at the Gielgud Theatre at the moment and the press night is on Wednesday.  Book tickets at this link here.  The show is written by two Americans - Peter Sham (book and lyrics) and Brad Carroll (music) and is directed by the brilliant Ian Talbot.  This is the first big show for Sham and Carroll and it is already playing to standing ovations in the previews.

The leads are Matthew Kelly (Henry), Joanna Riding (Maria Merelli), Damien Humbly (Max), Michael Matus (Tito), Sophie-Louise Dann (Diana) and Cassidy Janson as Maggie.

It is based on a stage play by Ken Ludwig, which is extremely well known in the USA.  Although it means little to us here it makes not the slightest difference, this is an hilarious comedy full of heart.  I will say no more in case I give anything more away.

Masterclass at The Theatre Royal Haymarket

This month there are two excellent Masterclasses from the Theatre Royal Haymarket. the first is being held at the Brighton Festival Fringe today (17th May).   Richard Jordan, theatre producer, will be joining Caro Newling, co-director of Neal Street Productions (which she runs alongside Pippa Harris and Sam Mendes).  This producer panel will be demistifying the baffling production side of the industry, and you will be able to find out how to mount and promote a show - and what it might cost!

The next class on 19th May is being held at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, as usual.  This will be hosted by two of London's hottest young stars - Sienna Millar and Sheridan Smith.  They are both appearing in the Haymarket's FLARE PATH, by Terence Rattigan, and directed by Trevor Nunn.  They will be in discussion with leading theatre journalist Matt Wolf and taking questions from the audience.  This will be a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into a life in the spotlight and the rigours of appearing in the West End.

This event will be followed by a special fundraising afterclass, giving a select group the unique chance to join Sheridan and Sienna for an exclusive champagne tea.

For more details go to the Haymarket Masterclass Website

Performances, Auditions and Workshops with A Stage Kindly

This morning I received this message from Katy Lipson and Giles Howe, Producers of A Stage Kindly:

"This Thursday (7th) and the following Tuesday (12th) are very special dates in the Musical Theatre calendar, not least of all because A STAGE KINDLY are presenting their latest exclusive new-writing revue the ‘April Revue’.

There is a late-night performance on the 7th starting at 10pm, at London’s Little Opera House at The King’s Head Theatre Islington, and both a 3pm matinee and an 8pm show on the 12th - featuring extra material and even more performers at East London venue The Space.

The large cast of talented professional vocalists will be bringing to life some of the best material from a whole host of new musicals, especially selected from hundreds of submissions from all around the world, giving you an exclusive taste of what to look forward to from the hottest new writing talent.

The program of music spans the whole range of the Musical Theatre genre with some classic traditional musical comedy to the most cutting edge contemporary shows, proving once again that there is so much to enjoy beyond the West End!"

The director of the April revue Paul Taylor-Mills is also going to be working with A Stage Kindly on a series of workshops for performers.

A Stage Kindly also has auditions coming up for their forthcoming production – the UK Premiere of the hilarious American musical comedy SLAY IT WITH MUSIC. If you are a professional performer and would like to be contacted with audition details the producer's email address is: astagekindly@aol.com

To Book seats for the APRIL REVUE box office details are here:  www.astagekindly.com.

The Sondheim Student Performer of the Year

The judges for the Sondheim Student Performer of the Year have all been chosen now.  It will be hosted by Haydn Gwynne, whose song won the Styles and Drewe prize last year.  The prizes will be presented by Julia McKenzie, George Stiles and Antony Drewe (the composer/lyricist team behind Olivier Award winning Honk, Mary Poppins and Betty Blue Eyes).  The judging panel includes West End stars Anna Francolini and Kerry Ellis, music journalist from the Independent Edward Seckerson, Tony Award winning musical director and arranger Sarah Travis and Timothy Sheader, the Artistic Director of the Open Air Theatre Regents Park.

Students from twelve leading Drama Schools take part, and each performer has to sing a song by Sondheim and a new musical theatre number.  The award takes place at the Queen's Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue on May 22nd.  Tickets to this event can be obtained through this link here.

Finding Funding for Studying the Performing Arts

Not all Schools and Colleges for the Performing Arts are part of the government grant scheme and so once you get your treasured place to study dance, drama or music it can be difficult to get funding to support you.

Mrs Worthington has found a really good website to help you with this.  It is called Creative Choices and helps you find funding bodies for all artistic courses that may not be available to the usual funding sources. It also gives you lots of other help with career choices, finding jobs etc.  There is a link to it here

A Gap in Musical Theatre Training

David James, who runs the BML Librettists Workshop, told me that as far as he knows there is nowhere in this country that you can train to be a choreographer or director of musical theatre.  Directing and choreography in musical theatre requires very special skills which we should be teaching.  Now that the musical theatre world is growing in Britain it about time we designed courses to equip young creatives.  If anyone reading this blog knows of a course that covers this do let me know - because so far I have yet to find one!

Arts Ed Dance Show

Arts Ed School is presenting their Spring dance show for years 7 - 13 from 21st to 25th March.  To book tickets for this go to the link here.  Places for Arts Eds shows fill up very quickly!

RADA Spring Productions

Major drama schools do not always have open days so the best way to see what they are like before your audition is to go and see a show there.  The Spring productions at RADA are on over the next two weeks and as usual there is some really exciting and inspirational theatre on offer:  THE BROTHERS SIZE by Tarell Alvin McCraney from 15th to 26th March, A WASTE OF TIME by Robert David MacDonald from 16th to 26th March and THE CRUCIBLE by Arthur Miller from 17th to 26th March.   The link to their website to book tickets is here.

Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclasses

Free Masterclasses for young actors and theatre practitioners are being held at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.  This month they have Sophie Thompson (18th March), Bunny Christie on the Designers Perspective (25th March) and a special Shakespeare Masterclass at the V & A (also on 25th March).   Sometimes, if you are lucky you may be invited to join the masterclass.  I watched a wonderful class with Clive Rowe, where 8 young performers were put through their paces in musical theatre and had the chance to show their work to agents.  Sign up and join on the website here.