These Theatre Thoughts

Orange Tree Theatre (OT) today announces the full cast for Oliver Goldsmith ’s She Stoops to Conquer . Artistic Director Tom Littler directs Freddie Fox and Tanya Reynolds as Charles Marlow and Kate Hardcastle, with David Horovitch and Greta Scacchi as Mr and Mrs Hardcastle, joined by Sabrina Bartlett , Richard Derrington , Guy Hughes , and Robert Mountford in this celebration of chaos and courtship. The production opens on 22 November, with previews from 18 November, and runs until 6 January.    Artistic Director Tom Littler said today: “We are delighted to welcome such a tremendous company for Oliver Goldsmith’s heartwarming and hilarious play. Two hundred and fifty years since it premiered, it remains one of the liveliest, sharpest, and most generous plays in the canon. She Stoops to Conquer brought laughter back into the 18 th century theatre, but it also introduced a new level of acute psychology and paved the way for Oscar Wilde, Noel Coward and more.” Oliver Goldsmith

  NEW VERSION OF SHAKESPEARE’S OTHELLO TO FEATURE THREE IAGOS Trish Wadley Productions today announces initial casting for a new version of one of Shakespeare ’s greatest tragedies, Othello . Martins Imhangbe will play the title role in this new production conceived by director Sinéad Rushe , which will feature Iago played collectively by three actors - Michael Fox , Orlando James and Jeremy Neumark Jones - and a cast of actor-musicians. Rose Riley plays Desdemona with further casting to be announced.  The production opens at Riverside Studios, London on 6 October, with previews from 4 October, and runs until 28 October 2023.  Producer Trish Wadley said: “I am thrilled to be bringing this show to Riverside Studios, working with such an inspirational and talented group of creatives. This imaginative and fresh take on Othello conceived by director Sinéad Rushe will allow audiences to be fully immersed in the story, and to understand how Iago is able to penetrate Othello’s m

Regional theatres are true gems that hold a lot more meaning than what meets the eye on stage. They're not just about plays and performances – they're about sparking creativity, safeguarding our heritage, and giving a voice to a colourful range of stories. These community theatres remind us of how art can bring us together, ignite our passions, and make us think. As we cheer for the big shows in the media, it's essential to remember how our local theatres quietly shape the soul of our neighbourhoods. Photo by Monica Silvestre Capturing the Essence of Creativity Think of regional theatres as workshops of imagination. They don't just entertain; they nurture creativity. With the freedom to experiment, local playwrights, actors, and directors push boundaries, telling stories that might never make it to the mainstream stage. It's a canvas where fresh ideas and innovative storytelling techniques are given a chance to flourish. A Haven for Emerging Talents Local theatres a

  Photo credit: Darren Bell My review of   The Way Old Friends Do  at The Criterion Theatre, on behalf of West End Best Friend:  You can’t beat a bit of Abba, and Abba tribute acts are always a draw. What’s that? It’s all been done? Here we go again, we know the start, we know the end? But wait! What about a drag Abba tribute act? It’s perhaps not a question you’ve ever asked yourself before, but by the time you reach the curtain call of The Way Old Friends Do , you’ll wonder why; Abba and drag just go together so well.  Read more at:  https://www.westendbestfriend.co.uk/news/review-the-way-old-friends-do-criterion-theatre

BRONCO BILLY - THE MUSICAL THE ALL-NEW WILD WEST-END MUSICAL TO MAKE UK PREMIERE STARRING WEST END FAVOURITE EMILY BENJAMIN AT THE CHARING CROSS THEATRE IN 2024 West End favourite Emily Benjamin, currently appearing as alternate Sally Bowles in Cabaret , will star in the award-winning new Wild-West End show Bronco Billy – The Musical, which will premiere in the UK in 2024. Bronco Billy - The Musical will play at the Charing Cross Theatre from 23 January until 7 April, with a press performance on 31 January.  Bronco Billy – The Musical is a rollicking new musical comedy based on the original Clint Eastwood motion picture. It’s 1979 and life is tough for a group of romantic fast-drawing, trick-riding, disco-dancing Wild West roustabouts and their travelling show, but things take an unexpected turn when Bronco Billy (leader of this rag-tag troupe) meets Antoinette Lilly, a determined Manhattan heiress on the run for her life. So begins a wild, zany ride in this thrillingl

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