The award-winning Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company are currently in their last week of rehearsals of ‘Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure’ before performing for a week-long run at the Lichfield Garrick from Tuesday.

Rather than the Disney story we are most familiar with, SCMTC are performing George Stiles & Anthony Drewe’s modern re-telling of the tale. This version is a fully staged musical production and has many differences to the more commonly performed pantomime version.

There are special effects aplenty in this production including flying, fairies and crocodiles; a challenge that the entire company are wholely embracing.

This production promises to take you on a magical trip to Never Land, where you never grow old. JM Barrie’s timeless tale of the boy who refused to grow up is reborn as a spectacular musical with a score by Stiles & Drewe, as Peter Pan whisks the Darling family’s children beyond the stars to his island where there are “no tedious distances between one adventure and the next”.

After last year’s success with ‘Half a Sixpence’, Peter Pan sees the creative team reuniting for a second offering. The production team includes: Director Faye O’Leary, Musical Director Sheila Pearson and Choreographer Maggie Jackson.

“Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure” is being performed nightly at the Lichfield Garrick, Tuesday 27th – Saturday 31st October, with both Friday and Saturday matinees. Tickets are available on 01543 412 121 or by visiting http://www.lichfieldgarrick.co.uk/shows/peter-pan

This October half term, The Old Rep are putting on a string of events that will entertain and delight your whole family. From Julia Donaldson favourite, The Scarecrows’ Wedding, to a Halloween spectacular Dracula: The Kisses, and FREE pirate themed activities at the Library of Birmingham, The Old Rep are making this half term one to remember!

For further information or to book for any of The Old Rep’s half term events, please call the Box Office on 0121 359 9444 or visitoldreptheatre.co.uk (online booking fee applies).

The Silver Sword
Thu 22-Sat 24 October
Ideal for age 7+
FREE World War Two exhibition
Thu 22 October Post-show discussion featuring Jane Serraillier

Join Ruth, Edek and Bronia in this gripping tale of hope against all the odds, set against the backdrop of wartime Europe, produced by Sell A Door Theatre. Ian Serraillier’s The Silver Sword was named as one of the top 50 children’s books ever by The Times. This new adaptation includes original songs, handmade puppets and innovative storytelling techniques. History comes alive this half term, with World War Two artefacts from Birmingham Museum. Try on an air raid warden’s hat and learn what life was like on the home front!

Tickets £14 (Conc £12, Schools £8.50)

The Scarecrows’ Wedding
Sunday 25 October 1pm & 4pm
Ideal for age 3+
FREE craft sessions one hour before each show

Fun for all the family, Scamp Theatre’s heart-warming adaptation of the bestseller by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, is bursting at the seams with wit and wedding bells. Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay are excellent scarecrows. Harry loves Betty and Betty loves Harry – so they decide to get married and Harry sets off in search of wedding day essentials.

“Enchanting and hilarious. Bags of sheer family fun” The Stage
“Charming and cheerful. These scarecrows will make every child smile” Daily Mail

Tickets £12 (Conc £10, Family £40)

Treasure Island Pirate Fun Day, The Library of Birmingham

Friday 30 October 12pm-4pm
Ideal for age 4+
FREE pirate themed activities

Join the Pirate Crew at the Library of Birmingham, as The Old Rep launch their Christmas production of Treasure Island! Enjoy a wealth of swashbuckling activities, from free craft sessions in the Children’s Library meeting room, to pirate storytelling on The Story Steps, and Treasure Island drama workshops in the Beat Box.

All of these events are completely free of charge, and will be taking place in the Library of Birmingham between 12pm-4pm. Follow@TheOldRep on Twitter for further details!

Dracula: The Kisses

Friday 30 October 7pm
Ideal for age 14+
Bar open from 6pm to catch up and connect

Warm up for Halloween with Dracula: The Kisses from physical theatre innovators Scary Little Girls. This wildly entertaining romp explores sexuality, religion, politics and feminism, without compromising on the dark, daft fun that is quintessential Dracula. With a lush and lavish steam-punk design and an all-female cast of nine, Scary Little Girls take this gothic classic in unexpected and unimaginable directions.

Dracula: The Kisses will be presented alongside two new works in development: an all-male physical theatre piece created by young men from Birmingham and beyond, and piece called Wonderwoman: The Naked Truth, exploring combining motherhood with a career in theatre in a light-hearted way.

Tickets £12 (Conc £8)

Lichfield-based duo ‘Chris and Dan’ performed to a packed audience to launch the Lichfield Garrick’s Community Stage on Tuesday (22 September)

The Lichfield-based duo includes local actor and musician Chris Buckle, who is also a member of the Lichfield Garrick theatre’s team. Chris and Dan entertained the audience with their take on classic contemporary songs and hits from the musicals.

Local acoustic act, Dan and Chris were the first of many artists who are booked to use the free space.

Chris Buckle commented: “We’re so proud to be the first act to perform on the new Community Stage. Our acoustic set was well received and it was such a buzz to play in front of an audience. The stage is a great opportunity for local performers and we would encourage everyone to have a go.”

The space located on the top floor of the theatre has been introduced by Artistic Director, Tim Ford, to encourage local artists, schools and community groups to showcase their work to a wider audience, free of charge.

Tim Ford commented: “Chris and Dan were brilliant, showing just what Lichfield has to offer. So, if you’re a musician, poet, dancer or even a stand-up comedian, we want to hear from you and give you the chance to develop your performance skills.”

Selected acts and groups will be given a slot on the Community Stage, usually before or after a Theatre or Studio performance. To apply to perform on the Community Stage, please email tim.ford@lichfieldgarrick.com

To find out more about the Lichfield Garrick’s Community Stage and to see who is booked to perform, visit http://www.lichfieldgarrick.com

A brand new Piano Bar has been unveiled at the New Alexandra Theatre, following the latest phase of a £1million investment plan in the venue.

A total of £250,000 has been spent by Ambassador Theatre Group redeveloping the two separate bar areas in the Station Street theatre to give the impression of one larger luxurious area, in a move to dramatically improve the theatre’s public spaces.

With delicious speciality cocktails, wines and champagnes to suit every occasion, the Piano Bar is also home to a Baby Grand Piano to entertain audiences in a luxurious and relaxing setting.

Since 2013 the £1million investment has seen:

• Brand new seats and carpets in Stalls and Dress Circle including ProBax Technology.
• A new orchestra pit which can be covered with additional seating rows when not in use, maximising the connection between artist and audience.
• Extensive improvements back of house including a new flying system, sound desk and fire-alarm.
• A more welcoming open-plan box office.
• Improvements to the Easy Access entrance on Station Street for greater accessibility for wheelchair users.
• Newly refurbished and increased capacity dress circle toilet facilities.

General Manager of the New Alexandra Theatre, Andrew Lister said: “Since 2013, over £1million has been spent on the New Alexandra Theatre as part of ATG’s ongoing investment to ensure we can continue to offer a World Class theatre experience in the heart of England.

“As one of the leading venues in Birmingham city centre, I am sure our customers will greatly welcome these ongoing developments. We look forward to unveiling the new face of the New Alexandra Theatre to you very soon.”

IN CELEBRATION OF THE 21^ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATION’S FAVOURITE MOVIE

 At the New Alexandra Theatre from Monday 28 September to Saturday 3 October 2015

TWO OF TELEVISION’S LEADING MEN TAKE ON ICONIC ROLES IN A MAJOR NEW STAGE PRODUCTION

 BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

Starring IAN KELSEY AS ANDY DUFRESNE

 PATRICK ROBINSON AS ELLIS ‘RED’ REDDING

On announcing he was to bring to an end to his role as practice manager Howard Bellay in BBC One’s Doctors, there was immediate speculation as to what would be next for IAN KELSEY, who, having hardly been off our screens for over two decades, has become one of TV’s best loved and most prolific leading men.

Ian leaves his starring role in a closely guarded story line this November to play Andy Dufresne, a banker who having been handed a double life sentence for the brutal murder of his wife and her lover, finds himself incarcerated in the notorious Shawshank penitentiary.

Ian’s other major TV roles have included four years in BBC One’s Casualty playing Patrick Spiller, three years as Dave Glover in Emmerdale, two years as Matt Brewer in Down To Earth, six years as DI Richard Mayne in Blue Murder and in the final series of Where The Heart Is as Jack Clayton. His remarkable list of credits have also seen him in Touching Evil, Murder in Mind and Hotel Babylon to name but a few. As a leading man in London’s West End, Ian’s stage credits include Billy Flynn in Chicago and Danny Zuko in Grease.

Joining Ian is television’s PATRICK ROBINSON, whose impressive TV career has also spanned more than two decades. Patrick is best known for his role as staff nurse-turned-consultant Martin ‘Ash’ Ashford in BBC’s Casualty, a role which he first played from 1990 to 1996, before he returned for a guest appearance in a two-part special in 1998. He then reprised his role in 2013 for a year.

Unflinching in his protests of innocence, Andy strikes up an unlikely friendship with the prison fixer Red, played by Robinson, and things take a slight turn for the better. However, when Warden Stammas decides to bully Andy into subservience and exploit his talents for accountancy, a desperate plan is quietly hatched…

PATRICK ROBINSON’s other TV work includes Midsomer Murders and The Bill, and, in 2013 Strictly Come Dancing where he got to the semi-finals. In 2003 he appeared in action film Belly of the Beast alongside Steven Seagal. Patrick’s stage roles include the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Romeo and Juliet as their first ever black Romeo. Other stage credits include Dangerous Corner at London’s Garrick Theatre andFesten at the Almeida and the West End’s Lyric Theatre for Bill Kenwright, and War Horse at the New London Theatre.

Presented by Bill Kenwright, this new production will be directed by award-winning Broadway director David Esbjornson, adapted by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, with design by Gary McCann and lighting by Chris Davey.

Based on the 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by celebrated author STEPHEN KING, the play examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum security facility. The 1994 feature film, regularly voted the number one all-time movie, starred Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis ‘Red’ Redding and was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor for Freeman.

Stephen King is one of the most popular authors of contemporary literature and has written 54 published novels which have sold more than 350 million copies around the world, many of which have been adapted into feature films.

David Esbjornson is an award-winning international director and his work includes the Broadway debut and West End production of Driving Miss Daisy starring Vanessa Redgrave, James Earl Jones and Boyd Gaines, for which David received the What’s On Stage award for Best Revival. In 2005, he directed the West End premiere of Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men, produced by Bill Kenwright and starring Rob Lowe.

Performance Details

The Shawshank Redemption

Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre

Monday 28^th Sept to Saturday 3 October

0844 871 3011

http://www.atgtickets.com/Birmingham

‘BRING IT ALL BACK’ – The Ultimate 90’s Show is an exciting professional theatre production coming to mac Birmingham on 16th October. The show has been touring theatres across the UK throughout 2015 and the last chance to see this professional, fun and highly entertaining show is at mac this Autumn! The show features an entirely professional cast of singers and dancers performing renditions of your favourite 90’s hits!!

This tribute is performed live on stage; recreating famous 90’s artists in an exciting fully staged show, filled with harmony vocals and amazing choreography. The show is produced by Midlands-based production company, ‘Performance Productions’, owned by professional producers and choreographers, Lorraine O’Leary and Victoria Stevenson. Victoria says, “This year’s tour has been a huge success with all audiences up on their feet dancing and singing along. We look forward to bringing the show to mac in October.”

The show includes renditions of great 90’s classics from the Spice Girls, Britney, Take That, Steps, Five and many more.

Bring It All Back has most recently enjoyed a night playing at the Leicester Square Theatre in London’s West End. The staff at the theatre said “We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The show is great!”

Bring It All Back provides a fun, exciting, and most of all, entertaining evening for audiences of all ages to enjoy. Book tickets now at mac Birmingham by calling 0121 446 3232 or book online at http://www.macbirmingham.co.uk.

The Old Rep are on the hunt for local young actors to appear in The Silver Sword, presented by Sell A Door Theatre Company. This brand new adaptation of Ian Serrallier’s classic novel, which marks the 70^th anniversary of World War Two, will be performed at The Old Rep from 22 – 24 October.

 Join Ruth, Edek and Bronia Balicki in this gripping tale of hope against all the odds. They meet 14 year old Jan who, years before, had been given the family’s precious Silver Sword by their father as proof that he is alive. The Balicki family have been torn apart by the Nazis, but these brave children begin their journey on foot, with the Silver Sword providing all the faith they need. This is when the true adventure begins, crossing the paths of people from every nation, as well as animals such as Jimpy the cockerel, Bistro the chimpanzee and Ludwig the dog.

The Old Rep are looking for four 16 year old supernumerary actors to play children in the schoolroom scenes of The Silver Sword. These four actors and/or actresses will need to look younger than their actual age so that they can pass for schoolchildren. There is no gender preference for the roles, so all budding actors are free to apply.

Although these roles will be voluntary, non-speaking parts, they represent an exciting opportunity for young people from Birmingham to be involved in a national touring professional theatre production.

These actors will be required for a single rehearsal either on Wednesday 21 or Thursday 22 October. They will also need to be available for all performances of The Silver Sword from 22 – 24 October, which include two matinee shows on Friday 23 October.  

If you would like to audition to be in The Silver Sword at The Old Rep, you will need to produce a short video clip. In this clip you only need to show a full length shot and headshot of yourself, then introduce yourself and state your date of birth and height. Please send your video clip toemma.cann@oldreptheatre.co.uk.

Following a sting of excellent Edinburgh Fringe comedy previews earlier this year, and near sell-out performances by Lee Nelson and Chris Ramsey coming up in October, The Old Rep is playing host to comics Gareth Richards and Jarlath Regan onSaturday 12 September, at 7:30pm.

This duo appears as the first of two Best of The Fest double bills at The Old Rep this season, featuring the best new comedians from this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

Join Gareth Richards, Fosters’ Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee, for his solo show of hilarious stand-up, silly jokes and gorgeously low-key comedy songs.

Since moving to the UK in 2013, Jarlath Regan has headlined at every major comedy club and won multiple awards for his global hit podcast An Irishman Abroad. He was a finalist in the BBC and Channel 4 New Comedy Awards and travelled the world performing at the Montreal, Melbourne and Chicago comedy festivals.

Tickets £10
Box Office 0121 359 9444
Online http://www.oldreptheatre.co.uk (booking fee applies)

Critically acclaimed London Classic Theatre celebrate their 15^th anniversary by presenting a new production of Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends at The Old Rep, from Monday 21-Saturday 26 September.

Following a hugely successful spring/summer tour, London Classic Theatre’s Artistic Director Michael Cabot has announced a 14 week extension of Absent Friends. In their most ambitious programme to date, the company will opened a second leg of Absent Friends on 19 August 2015, followed by a 12-week UK & Ireland tour of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot from 9 September 2015.

Acerbic and painfully funny, Absent Friends explores friendship, marriage and what it ultimately means to be happy.  Alan Ayckbourn was once again ahead of his time when he wrote Absent Friends in 1974. Described as the ‘first cringe comedy’, Ayckbourn was finding the humour in embarrassing situations long before Alan Partridge, and David Brent in The Office. In one of his finest plays, Ayckbourn’s craftsmanship and acute social observation have never been sharper or more relevant.

Absent Friends follows unfulfilled housewife Diana, whose preparations for a tea party (to cheer up the bereaved Colin) descend into absolute chaos. Paul, her bullying, self-absorbed husband, has recently had a dalliance with Evelyn, the glamorous wife of his friend and incompetent business associate, John.  The party is completed by long-suffering Marge, who has left Gordon, her hypochondriac spouse, ailing at home. Preparations for the party spark tensions and open old wounds.  As lingering resentments and deep-rooted jealousies surface, an unexpectedly cheerful Colin strolls into the mayhem.

The Old Rep is putting on a string of special events to celebrate Absent Friends and mark the 15^th anniversary of London Classic Theatre. On Tuesday 22 September, join a post-show discussion with the cast of Absent Friends and Artistic Director, Michael Cabot. Also, on Thursday 24 September, get dressed up and head to The Old Rep for a post-show 1970s themed party, complete with live music and mini vintage fair! Seventies Night at The Old Rep is open to the public from 9pm.

Absent Friends plays at The Old Rep from 21-26 September. Tickets are £17.50, with concessions at £15 and special group discount of £12. Opening night tickets, on Monday 21 September, are a bargain at just £10 each! To book, call the Box Office on 0121 359 9444 or visit http://www.oldreptheatre.co.uk (online booking fee applies).