PRODUCTION NEWS
Jodie Whittaker to star in The Duchess at Trafalgar Theatre
Returning to the stage for the first time in over a decade, Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) takes on the iconic role of a lifetime in Zinnie Harris’ acclaimed contemporary production of The Duchess.
This powerful adaptation of John Webster’s classic The Duchess of Malfi opens for a strictly limited 11-week West End season at the Trafalgar Theatre from 5 October – 20 December.
Jodie Whittaker said: “I’m beyond delighted to return to the stage after over a decade, and even more so to lead Zinnie Harris’ incredibly powerful adaptation of John Webster’s harrowing drama. Zinnie has so brilliantly propelled The Duchess of Malfi into contemporary culture, which is what originally drew me to the piece. Being able to portray the Duchess’ tragic and captivating story on stage every night is a true honour.”
The Duchess is produced by Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Eilene Davidson Productions and Fiery Angel.
Kiss Me, Kate Gala Night Glamour
There was glitz and glamour on the red carpet this week, as Trafalgar’s brand new production of Cole Porter’s classic musical, Kiss Me, Kate, held it’s Gala Night at the Barbican Theatre.
Kiss Me, Kate stars the multi-award-winning Adrian Dunbar (Ridley, Line of Duty) making his musical theatre debut as Fred Graham / Petruchio and Broadway musical superstar and Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block (Into The Woods, The Cher Show, 9 To 5) making her West End debut as Lilli Vanessi / Katharine.
The Daily Mail’s Patrick Marmion called it a ‘sexy, sassy revival’. He said: ‘Opening in London last night, Bartlett Sher’s lip-smacking revival, starring Line of Duty’s unlikely heartthrob Adrian Dunbar and Broadway diva Stephanie J Block, is a candy store of great songs, hot dancing, smart gags and glorious characters.’
The Telegraph critic Marianka Swain said: ‘Mother of God! Adrian Dunbar can actually sing! I would freely admit that he acquits himself well in this glorious Golden Age spectacular. This cleverly retuned classic show has all the makings of a sizzling summer hit.’
The Guardian were equally glowing in their review calling it an ‘exhilarating revival’ and The Independent called it a ‘supremely silly evening of summer escapism’ and a ‘perfectly pitched revival’ as they also followed suit in giving in four stars. Tim Bano wrote: ‘It’s becoming something of a formula: Cole Porter musical plus a couple of big stars, plus lavish set, equals lovely bit of summer escapism at the Barbican.’
The show runs at the Barbican until 14 September.
Imagine Theatre
UK Pantomime Awards at G Live
Huge congratulations to the Imagine team for their two wins at this week’s UK Pantomime Awards at G Live! Imagine won in the categories of Best Sisters and Best Lighting! ✨✨
Children’s audition – off we go!
Imagine’s first children’s panto auditions are already complete! The team headed up to Llandudno on 9 June and cast the first 24 of approximately 500 children they will work with this year. There are more auditions next week in Reading, Glasgow and Leicester. It’s the first open auditions in Glasgow for years, and Imagine have been blown away by the response. With over 350 children expected on the day, that means lots of planning and logistics behind the scenes to get through that number in one morning before afternoon recalls! There’s a further three more audition days in July with the rest all happening during September. You can find out more about the open auditions here.
Are you ready for Hen Night Horror?
As we type, Imagine’s co-production of Hen Night Horror is moving onto stage with it’s final dress rehearsals at Glasgow Pavilion before heading out on a Scotland tour throughout late June and into July.
Up and coming Podcast Episodes
- Episode 81 – 21 June – Behind the scenes at the UK Pantomime awards 2024. Get all the gossip from the night, and join Martin as he chats to some of the winners and attendees from the night.
- Episode 82 – 5 July – What do they do? The Role of the Musical Director with Miles Russell – Martin and Miles talk about Mile’s career, the importance of the Musical Director and musical choices within panto.
- Episode 83 – 19 July – Remembering Paul Burnett. Back in the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s Paul (father of Radio 1 DJ Paul Burnett) was a prolific Musical Director, conducting the Royal Variety Performance and working with all the big variety stars including Morecambe and Wise on their summer seasons and pantomimes. He also happened to be a family friend of Sarah, Imagine’s Joint CEO. Join Martin and Paul’s daughter Caroline as we look back over Paul’s life and the shows and pantomimes he worked on.
