Park Theatre has today announced its Autumn 2021 – Spring 2022 season which includes the London premiere of new musical Little Women, a work in progress showing of Tony! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] by Harry Hill and Steve Brown, and a host of Christmas delights for every age and taste.
The Autumn – Spring season at Park Theatre includes the London premiere of new musical Little Women, a work in progress showing of Tony! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] by Harry Hill and Steve Brown, and a host of Christmas delights for every age and taste.
With a score by Grammy Award winner Jason Howland, Little Women (11 Nov – 19 Dec) is a timeless and captivating story of self-discovery, heartache, hope and everlasting love. Based on the book by Louisa May Alcott and with book and lyrics by Allan Knee and Mindi Dickstein, directed by Bronagh Lagan (RAGS The Musical, Park Theatre), Little Women follows the adventures of the four March sisters growing up in Civil War America. For those that like their musicals more anarchic, Harry Hill and Steve Brown’s work-in-progress Tony! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] (22 – 24 October) is the story of how one man went from peace-loving, long-haired hippy and would-be pop star to warmongering multimillionaire in just a couple of decades. A hilarious tragedy of political intrigue, religion, power and romance that plays fast and loose with the facts.
Christmas comes to the venue with comedy, cabaret and Cratchit (7 Dec – 8 Jan): two shows from Julie Clare Productions and a new reimagining of A Christmas Carol with the eponymous Bob being visited by spirits of his own. Cratchit was streamed from the Old Red Lion last Christmas under the title December, and now receives its live premiere. ‘Tis the season to be ‘Julie’ in Julie Madly Deeply (20 Dec – 1 Jan), a charming and cheeky cabaret from Sarah-Louise Young (Fascinating Aida, An Evening Without Kate Bush) about showbiz royalty Dame Julie Andrews. Park Theatre are seeing out the year with the Yes Queens (23 & 30 Dec) a late-night romp full of seasonal silliness from the female-led improv comedy ensemble, featuring top UK talent from Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, Austentatious and Mischief Theatre.Completing the seasonal festivities is the riotous Five Little Christmas Monkeys (14 – 19 Dec), a show for children aged 2 – 6 from the makers of the smash hit Dogs Don’t Do Ballet.
Returning to Park Theatre with The 4th Country (12 Jan – 5 Feb) following Kate Reid’s Entropy (Script Accelerator 2019), Plain Heroines are a female led theatre company who make funny plays about difficult subjects. Set in 2019, it unearths a dark family history in a thought provoking look at modern Northern Ireland and who tells its stories. Also featuring this autumn/ winter are three relaxed Sunday morning sessions of classical music from the Ostara Chamber Players in Coffee, Croissant & a Concert (24 Oct, 14 Nov & 5 Dec)
Jez Bond, Artistic Director, said: ‘We can’t wait to bring the spirit of Christmas back to Finsbury Park with a top class selection of seasonal shows full of music, heart and laughter. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in our new season, with musicals, comedy, cabaret and drama in equal measure. It’s been fantastic to see audiences returning to our theatre and we need the support of booking audiences now more than ever as we strive to build a strong foundation for the future. We’ll be keeping some Covid safety measures in place over the winter so audiences can book with confidence and enjoy being back at the theatre for their Christmas treat.’
Park Theatre presents exceptional theatre in the heart of Finsbury Park, boasting two world-class performance spaces: Park200 for predominantly larger scale productions by established talent, and Park90, a flexible studio space, for emerging artists. In eight years, it has enjoyed eight West End transfers (including Daytona starring Maureen Lipman, The Boys in the Band starring Mark Gatiss, Pressure starring David Haig and The Life I Lead starring Miles Jupp), two National Theatre transfers, twenty-five national tours, five Olivier Award nominations, has won Offie Awards for Best New Play and Best Foodie Experience and won a Theatre of the Year award from The Stage. Park Theatre are grateful to all those who have donated to the Park Life fund, supporting the venue through the pandemic.
Listings information
Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP
22 Oct – 5 Feb
www.parktheatre.co.uk | 020 7870 6876*
*No booking fee online. Telephone booking fee applies.
Park Theatre are currently asking that audiences wear face masks and maintain social distancing. For up to date guidelines please visit https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/your-visit/welcome-back-visitor-safety-advice
Park200 22 – 24 Oct 2021
Tony! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] | Presented by Park Theatre
Written by Harry Hill and Steve Brown, directed by Peter Rowe
A work in progress
A reckless reappraisal of the life of former Bad Rumours front man and Britain’s first pop Prime Minister Tony Blair. The story of how one man went from peace loving, long haired hippy and would-be pop star to warmongering multimillionaire in just a couple of decades. A hilarious tragedy of political intrigue, religion, power and romance that plays fast and loose with the facts, owing as much to Citizen Kane as it does to The Marx Brothers - Karl and Groucho.
Throw in a cast of larger-than-life characters - Cherie Blair, Princess Diana, John Prescott, Peter Mandelson, Alistair Campbell, Osama Bin Laden, George W Bush, Saddam Hussein, Gordon Brown and of course that dodgy dossier.
A first-look at the new work in progress rock musical by comedian Harry Hill & Steve Brown.
“‘Look anyone will tell you, I’m a pretty straight sort of guy.” Tony Blair
Fri 2.30pm, Sun 3pm & 7.30pm | £12 - £10 | Running time: 2hrs 10 min (inc interval) | Age recommendation 15+
Park200 24 Oct, 14 Nov, 5 Dec
Coffee, Croissant & a Concert | Ostara Chamber Players in association with Park Theatre
Musicians: Sijie ‘Susie’ Chen (violin), Lucy Waterhouse (violin), Judith Busbridge (viola) and Penny Driver (cello)
Come along to Park Theatre for a social Sunday morning – with coffee, pastries and an hour of classical music. Born during lockdown, four local musicians formed an ensemble with a string quartet at its core. They wanted to find a way to fill the live music void, while building on the sense of community in the N4 area. As they embarked on a series of ‘Doorstep Concerts’, they discovered a growing audience who longed for the shared experience of live music, with all the joy and escape it can bring. We are thrilled to welcome them into Park Theatre so you can experience these accomplished musicians (between them regulars at the Royal Opera House, London Symphony Orchestra, London Mozart Players and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment) within the intimate setting of Park200.
Coffee & Croissant from 10.30am, 11am concert | £20, £10 (children U16) | Running time: 1hr
Park200 11 Nov – 19 Dec 2021
Little Women | Presented by Aria Entertainment, Hope Mill Theatre and Knockhardy Productions in association with Park Theatre
Based on the book by Louisa May Alcott, Score by Jason Howland, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, Book by Allan Knee, Directed by Bronagh Lagan
Press night: Wednesday 17 Nov 7pm
Little Women, a timeless and captivating story, is brought to life in this glorious musical based on Louisa May Alcott’s critically acclaimed book; with a beautiful score by Grammy Award winner Jason Howland. With book and lyrics by Allan Knee and Mindi Dickstein, Little Women follows the adventures of the four March sisters – Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy.
Jo, the second eldest of the March daughters and an aspiring writer, receives yet another rejection from a publisher. Her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells Jo she can do better by making her stories more personal. Begrudgingly, Jo weaves the story of how she and her sisters grew up in Civil War America – a tale of self-discovery, heartache, hope and everlasting love.
Perfect for all of the family, the classic story and stunning music embody the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears and a lifting of the spirit.
Mon – Sat 7.30pm, 3pm matinees Thurs (not 11th) & Sat, & Sun 19 Dec | £32.50 – £18.50, previews 11 & 12 Nov £18.50 | Running time: 2hrs 40 (including interval) | Age recommendation: 8+ I Child tickets £15 - £20 I Family ticket offer £60 - £70
Audio described Sat 11 Dec 3pm, touch tour 2pm
Captioned Sat 4 Dec 19.30
Park200 14 Nov 2021
Fit Wisdom
You’re Already Happy. You Just Don’t Know It. Get Happy First.
A seminar by Steve Richard Braithwaite
On this Fit Wisdom seminar we will inquire and identify what real happiness is. We will look at this world of changing expectations with a fresh perspective of understanding and reasoning.
Being happy, feeling good and finding peace is possible, once you know how.
Steve Richard Braithwaite author of Soul Ride is a regular guest speaker and educator for the NHS, Champneys and Vitality Health. Steve was born 1960 in Vancouver, Canada and has been on a journey of self-discovery and understanding since his early years when his grandparents introduced him to a variety of philosophies. Steve now identifies and accepts that it is the combination of mind, body and soul that creates the ultimate human experience. It is having a holistic approach to life that gives us the greatest happiness and contentment throughout our lives.
1.30pm | £35 | Running time: 3hr | Age recommendation 18+
Park90 7 Dec 2021 – 8 Jan 2022
Cratchit | Presented by Jack Maple & Brian Zeilinger-Goode for MZG Theatre Productions in association with Bag Of Beard and Park Theatre
Written and directed by Alexander Knott
Press night: Thurs 9 Dec 7pm
“Tonight, Bob Cratchit, you will see three ghosts...”
A bitterly cold winter in London Town, and as it turns out, Ebenezer Scrooge wasn’t the only person to be visited by spirits one bleak and haunted Christmas Eve.
In this thrilling new twist on a beloved Dickens classic, Bob Cratchit is taken on a time-bending journey through Christmas future. Written and Directed by Alexander Knott (Private Peaceful, Bristol Old Vic) the play was originally entitled December and was filmed and streamed from the Old Red Lion Theatre last year to great acclaim. Reworked, Cratchit now receives its live world premiere at Park Theatre this Christmas.
Mon – Sat 7.45pm, 3.15pm matinees Thurs & Sat, Wed matinees 15 & 22 Dec | £18, £16.50 concs, preview Tue 7 Dec £14.50, £10 Park Up (16 – 26 yrs) 7 – 14 Dec | Running time 90 mins | Age recommendation 11+
Captioned Sat 18 Dec 19.45
Park90 14 – 19 Dec 2021
Five Little Christmas Monkeys | Baby Panda in association with Park Theatre
Written by Andrea Sadler and David Duffy, directed by David Duffy
Cast includes Andrea Sadler
The makers of the smash hit Dogs Don’t do Ballet (Little Angel Theatre) bring the universally popular song Five Little Monkeys to life. Packed with bold, engaging puppets and music from dub reggae and funky rapping to classical ballet. Join Sue the Zoo Keeper as she struggles to get mischievous Little Monkey to bed and discovers that numbers are all around us. Keep an eye out as unexpected household objects transform into the doctor, warning “NO MORE MONKEYS JUMPING ON THE BED!”
Learn to love counting during a riot of music, numbers and clowning in a madcap monkey puppet zoo!
With puppets designed and made by award-winning artist and illustrator Frances Barry, and music composed by Rex Horan of the Neil Cowley Trio
Developed in collaboration with early-years numeracy specialists, Five Little Christmas Monkeys encourages curiosity about numbers and counting through playful humour and music.
10am & 11.30am, Sun 14.00 & 15.30 | £12.50 - £10, family ticket £40 | Running time 35 mins | Age recommendation 2-6
Park200 20 Dec 2021 – 1 Jan 2022
Julie Madly Deeply | Presented by Julie Clare Productions in association with Park Theatre
Written by Sarah Louise-Young, directed by and with contributions from Russell Lucas, musical direction by Michael Roulston
Cast includes: Sarah Louise-Young, Michael Roulston
Press night: Mon 20 Dec 7pm
’Tis the season to be ‘Julie’ with the return of this critically acclaimed Off Broadway and West End hit.
Adored by millions, Dame Julie Andrews is a genuine showbiz icon. This charming yet cheeky cabaret takes an engaging look at fame and fandom, through the eyes and voice of award-winning performer Sarah-Louise Young (Fascinating Aida, An Evening Without Kate Bush, La Soirée, Showstopper! The Improvised Musical).
Julie's songs from musicals including Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady are intertwined with stories and anecdotes about Andrews' own life, from her beginnings as a child star to the more recent challenges of losing her famous singing voice. What emerges is a delightfully funny and candid love letter to a true show business survivor.
Sarah-Louise is joined at the piano by long-term collaborator, Michael Roulston. Together they have appeared previously at the Crazy Coqs in their sell-out shows, Songs For Cynics, Songs For Lovers (And Other Idiots), Je Regrette! and Two Faced.
Mon – Fri 7pm (not 31 Dec), 3pm matinees Thurs & Sat 1 Jan | £32.50 - £18.50 | Child £15 - £20 I Park Up (16 – 26 yrs) £10 20 – 24 Dec I Running time: 2hrs 15 min (inc interval) | Age recommendation: 7+
Audio described Thurs 30 Dec 3pm
Park200 23 & 30 Dec 2021
Yes Queens | Presented by Julie Clare Productions in association with Park Theatre
Musical Directors: Jordan Clarke, Patrick Stockbridge
Cast includes: Ruth Bratt, Helen Foster, Monica Gaga, Sally Hodgkiss, Jinni Lyons, Maria Peters, Briony Redman, Heather Urquhart, Sarah-Louise Young
Yes Queens is the West End’s first female-led improvised comedy night. Featuring top UK impro talent from such Olivier Award-winning productions as Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, Austentatious and Mischief Theatre, it is interactive theatre at its best, with the audience playing a key role in a night of games, scenes, sketches and songs – all improvised from their suggestions.
Between them, they have also had multiple appearances/writing credits on BAFTA Award-winning television and radio shows including In My Skin, People Just Do Nothing and Mongrels (BBC3); The Goes Wrong Show (BBC 1), Man Down and Sally4Eva (Channel 4); I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, Trodd En Bratt, Sarah Millican’s Support Group and The News Quiz (Radio 4). They also regularly perform with top improvisation groups including: Comedy Store Players, Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, Whose Line Is It Anyway? Live, Hooplah, The Nursery, The Free Association, The Committee and Grand Theft Impro.
Thurs 23 & 30 Dec: 9.30pm | £12.50 - £10, Park Up (16 – 26 yrs): £10 | Running time: 1hr
Park90 12 Jan 2022 – 5 Feb 2022
The 4th Country | Presented by Plain Heroines and Park Theatre
Written by Kate Reid, directed by Gabriella Bird
Cast includes: Cormac Elliott, Aoife Kennan, Kate Reid, Rachael Rooney
Press night: Fri 14 Jan 7pm
Northern Ireland. 2019. Unfortunately for Niamh and Conor, life in Derry-Londonderry isn’t all leprechauns, Riverdance and whiskey. And the resurfacing of their dark family history is quickly becoming the least of their worries.
Direct from its five-star run at VAULT Festival (2020), The 4th Country takes a funny, poignant and thought-provoking look at life in modern Northern Ireland, and asks who should tell its stories.
Plain Heroines are a female led theatre company who make funny plays about difficult subjects. They return to Park Theatre following the development of Kate Reid’s Entropy with Park Theatre’s Script Accelerator 2019. Previous work includes January (White Bear Theatre), Three Days’ Time (Edinburgh Fringe) and Madwomen in the Attic (Edinburgh Fringe). The 4th Country was a finalist for the Charlie Hartill Award 2020 and Kate Reid was a finalist for the Royal Court Lynne Gagliano Writers’ Award 2019.
Mon – Sat 7.45pm, 3.15pm matinees Thurs & Sat | £12 / £15 / £20 previews 12 & 13 Jan £12 | Park Up (16 – 26 yrs) £10 I Running time: 80 mins | Age recommendation: 16+
Captioned Thursday 20 Jan, 7.45pm
No comments:
Post a Comment