Round-up of news and treats and other interesting things


This year's iteration of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2017 runs from 12 – 28 May and with it comes a substantial programme of circus, literature, classical and contemporary music, dance, family activities, performance, theatre, visual arts and The Adnams Spiegeltent that befits the fourth biggest arts festival in the country.
Eyecatching inclusions include
And speaking of theatrical highlights,
The full programme can be downloaded here.



Marisha Wallace, currently the alternate Effie in Dreamgirls, is to play Celie in a a charity gala performance of The Color Purple with the British Theatre Academy. The concert will play at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 21st May with musical direction by James Taylor and choreography by Mykal Rand.

Joining her in the company is Wendy Mae Brown (assuming she's not been too mentally scarred by touring in Ghost) as Sofia, Cavin Cornwall (Aladdin) as Mister, Tyrone Huntley (2016 fosterIAN nominee and Dreamgirls) as Harpo, Rachel John (another 2016 fosterIAN nominee for The Bodyguard) as Shug, Hugh Maynard (yet another 2016 fosterIAN nominee for Sweeney Todd) as Pa and Seyi Omooba (recently so electric Ragtime) as Nettie.


Open Auditions for Paines Plough
Monday 03 April, 1-4pm @ The Hat Factory, Luton LU1 2EY
Wednesday 05 April, 10am-5pm @ Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond TW9 2SA

Paines Plough are excited to announce their next round of open auditions in collaboration with their friends Revoluton Arts and the Orange Tree Theatre.

They’re looking to meet actors previously unknown to Paines Plough with a passion for new writing. You can apply in pairs for one of the dates from now until 10am on 21 March and then we’ll randomly select 15 duos to see in Luton and 30 duos for Richmond. They hope this means that everyone who wants to apply is able to, and that the selection process is fair to everyone.

In Luton, they’re only looking for actors who are originally from – or currently live – in Luton or wider Bedfordshire. If you’re not from Bedfordshire please do not apply for these open auditions.

Anyone is welcome to apply for the open auditions in Richmond.

Sounds good? Then read more here about how to apply…


Following an acclaimed, sold-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre, FRACKED! OR: PLEASE DON’T USE THE F-WORD will embark on a UK tour from April 2017. Alistair Beaton’s provocative new comedy takes us to an idyllic English village threatened by an energy company intent on drilling for shale gas. 

Anne Reid plays Elizabeth, a retired academic who finds herself transformed from obedient citizen to angry protestor. While her increasingly grumpy husband (James Bolam) longs for the quiet life, Elizabeth soars to fame via social media. Desperate to get planning permission, hard-nosed PR men team up with a corrupt local councillor to persuade the villagers that fracking is good. Elizabeth’s having none of it, and mounts the barricades.

This new razor-sharp black comedy by Alistair Beaton takes a timely look at the conflicted core of planetary energy and earthly power. A much-praised political satirist, Beaton’s television work includes the BAFTA-nominated The Trial of Tony Blair and Spitting Image, and plays such as the West End hit Feelgood.
James Bolam’s credits include New Tricks (BBC) and Glengarry Glen Ross (Donmar Warehouse, Olivier nomination). Anne Reid is acclaimed for her many award-winning roles including Hedda Gabler (Old Vic) and Last Tango in Halifax. They are joined by Michael Simkins, known for his many TV and West End roles, most recently Yes, Prime Minister and Hay Fever. Harry Hadden-Paton also joins the cast, and is well known for his roles on stage including The Pride, The Changeling and Flarepath, and on television in Downton Abbey.

Further casting includes: Waleed Akhtar, Andrea Hart, Sophie Khan Levy, Freddie Meredith, Steven Roberts and Tristram Wymark.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Wednesday 12 April 2017 – Saturday 22 April 2017
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/ | Box Office +44 (0)1483 440 000

Malvern Theatres
Monday 24 April 2017 – Saturday 29 April 2017
www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/ | Box Office +44 (0)1684 892 277

Theatre Royal, Brighton
Monday 1 May 2017 – Saturday 6 May 2017
www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/ | Box Office +44 (0)844 871 7650

Richmond Theatre
Monday 8 May 2017 – Saturday 13 May 2017
www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/ | Box Office +44 (0)844 871 7651

Theatre Royal, Bath
Monday 15 May 2017 – Saturday 20 May 2017
www.theatreroyal.org.uk/page/3010/Booking | Box Office +44 (0)1225 448 844

Cambridge Arts Theatre
Monday 22 May 2017 – Saturday 27 May 2017 
https://www.cambridgeartstheatre.com/ | Box Office +44 (0)1223 503 333













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