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9/3/2020 0 Comments

Influencer Strong: Body transformations for influencers

Helping influencers feel strong in mind, body and on social media...

Do you want to get fit and achieve your health goals but don’t have much time? Do you struggle to stick to healthy eating and exercise? 

Influencer Strong is here to help with Mind and Body transformations for influencers with 30 days
plans to help you get on track with your diet and fitness. 


We’re searching for 10 influencers to experience a 30-day body transformation challenge (worth £100): ​ instagram.com/influencerstrong 

What’s included....

✅ Simple meal plan to follow
✅ 15-30 minute workouts from home, videos & instructions to all exercises
✅ Ongoing support from @GreenHealth PT via a private facebook group for the full 30 days
✅ Weekly check-ins via email

There will also be a competition for the best content with the winning influencer bagging a bespoke 8 week online... worth £250. 

Plus all influencers will be able to earn commission from any referrals which result in sales following their completion of the programme.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE LAUNCH GROUP FOR FREE? COMMENT BELOW AND FOLLOW US INSTAGRAM.COM/INFLUENCERSTRONG 
Please note: In return for the 30-day challenge, we would ask that you post at least twice a week on your instagram stories during the month and at least one dedicated post per week on your strongest channel Instagram/ Twitter / Facebook  tagging @influencerstrong @greenhealthpt @mamameiblog 
The person with the best content and coverage will win the 8 week transformation plan as well. 



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4/24/2020 0 Comments

2.6 Challenge: Charities need your help to raise vital funds

​Have you heard about the 2.6 challenge? 
No….Well here is some info to get you up to speed....
Sunday 26 April was the scheduled date for the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon, the 40th edition of the world’s greatest marathon. It is a huge event in the charity fundraising calendar. Every year for the past 13 years, the London Marathon has set a world record for an annual one-day fundraiser, with an incredible £66.4 million raised for good causes in 2019 and more than £1 billion raised since the first race in 1981. The 40th Race has now been  postponed to Sunday 4 October, but  the original date of Sunday 26 April  resonates very strongly with the  many thousands of runners, charities,  spectators and TV viewers who’ve  been counting down to Marathon Day,  with the BBC planning network  programming over the weekend. 
 Thousands of fundraising events across the UK have been cancelled due to Covid-19 with a devastating impact on charity income that means many charities are facing closure.
 
“An estimated £4 billion in income will be lost across the UK charity sector “
 
In response, the organisers of the biggest mass-participation sports events across the country have come together to create a new campaign to raise vital funds to help save the UK’s charities.
Who would you be doing it for 
Dark Horse theatre company premier original work, with an ensemble of 8 exceptional actors with learning disabilities and non – learning disabled actors from the wider industry. They produce work to tour nationally that is visually impactful and has a reputation of surprise, innovation and the ability to reverse expectations.
Dark Horse is also a leading vocational trainer of actors with learning disabilities and develops skills in preparation for work in the industry.
As you can imagine the current lock down has had a massive impact on the attendees of Dark Horse and preparations for shows. No performance means no generated income. It is vital that charities like these continue the great work and opportunities that they provided to the learning disabled. 

Launch Date: Sunday 26th April – what should have been the date of the 40th edition of the London Marathon.

How you can help: The 2.6 Challenge is open to anyone of any age – the only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing. The 2.6 Challenge is a simple and fun way for everyone to do their bit to help save the UK’s charities.
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Get Involved
This is a challenge for all ages and abilities.  All you need to do is think of an activity based around the numbers 26 or 2.6 that suits your skills and complete it on or from Sunday 26 April.
This could be something as simple as pledging to run 2.6 miles as your daily exercise to doing 26 minutes of yoga or juggling for 26 minutes (or maybe just 2.6 minutes) non-stop. Not able to get out your house or flat for now – you can do your 2.6 challenge anywhere inside too!   There are no rules, apart from the Government guidelines on how to exercise safely during this time. Whatever you can do, you can be a part of it – the main thing is to get active, have fun and pledge whatever you can. 
 
What we need from you
1.       Film your activity or take a picture
2.       #TwoPointSixChallenge
3.       Tag Dark Horse (why not give us a follow too).
4.       Tag a friend OR 2 …. Pass the challenge on!
5.       Donate if you like
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/DarkHorse2.6
 
How you can find us
Facebook - Dark Horse Theatre 
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3/10/2020 0 Comments

GET 'ON YOUR FEET!': Broadway show congas to the North of England

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ON YOUR FEET! the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan congas into Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 23 to Saturday 28 April 2020.
 
Telling the inspiring true love story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, ON YOUR FEET! charts their journey; from its origins in Cuba, to the streets of Miami and finally to international superstardom. It features some of the most iconic pops songs of the era, includingRhythm is Gonna Get You, Conga, Get On Your Feet, Don’t Want To Lose You Now and 1-2-3.
 
Directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde), with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and book by Academy Award® winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), ON YOUR FEET! will star Philippa Stefani (Rent, In The Heights) as Gloria and George Ioannides(Annie, Mamma Mia, An officer and a Gentleman) as Emilio.
 
Gloria Estefan has sold over 100 million records worldwide and is the most successful Latin crossover performer in the history of pop music. In addition to her 38 number 1 hits across the Billboard charts, Gloria recorded the Oscar-nominated song Music of My Heart and has received numerous honours and awards over the course of her illustrious career. Emilio Estefan is a founding member of the pioneering Miami Sound Machine, who created a brand new Latin crossover sound, fusing infectious Cuban rhythms with American pop and disco. Combined, they have won a staggering 26 Grammy awards.
 
The Tony Award® nominated show ran on Broadway for two years, playing for over 750 performances; it is currently on a two-year US tour.
 
On Your Feet! is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 23 to Saturday 28 April 2020
Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700

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3/10/2020 0 Comments

THE GOOD OLD DAYS AT CITY VARIETIES: The Wombles' Mike Batt and Bernie Clifton star at Music Hall

Singer-songwriter, Mike Batt, and all-round entertainer, Bernie Clifton, top the bill this March in The Good Old Days at City Varieties Music Hall.
 
Best known as the founding member of The Wombles - Britain’s biggest selling singles group of 1975 - Batt is a singer-songwriter, arranger, record producer, director, conductor and author, working across a wide range of art-forms and genres.
Having achieved initial success as a solo singer he went on to write hits for revered artists including Art Garfunkel (Bright Eyes), Elkie Brooks (Lilac Wine), Steeleye Span (All Around My Hat), Sarah Brightman and Steve Harley (The Phantom Of The Opera), as well as co-writing with Sir Tim Rice and producing for David Essex the seasonal hit, A Winter’s Tale.
In 1995 he discovered teenage violinist Vanessa Mae; producing and composing her 4m selling album The Violin Player. He also discovered singer Katie Melua with whom he sold 11m records worldwide on his own label, Dramatico. He has conducted many of the world’s great orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic, London Philharmonic and Sydney Symphony.
In addition to his many multi-platinum awards he has received five Ivor Novello awards and was created Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) by The Queen in the 2013 Birthday Honours List. 
As well as being a talented singer, Bernie Clifton is probably most famous for his outrageous props… The Nun, The Diving Suit, The Biscuit Tins, The Cat on his Back, and of course The Ostrich; his unique style has taken him around the world in a career spanning 60 years.
Countless TV appearances, summer seasons, pantos and several Royal Variety Performances have cemented his place as a true comedy ‘legend’. 
 
The Spring season is as follows:
 
When:  Friday 20 and Saturday 21 March 2020
Who:     Mike Batt headlines the opening weekend alongside guest Chairman Richard Gauntlett. Joining them will be magician and comedian Mel Harvey, ventriloquist Emily Brown and vocalists Rosie Ashe and Mickie Driver. 
 
When:  Friday 27 and Saturday 28 March 2020
Who:     Comedian and entertainer, Bernie Clifton, tops the bill. The show will be presented by special guest ChairmanDavid Graham. Also appearing are vocalists Judith Hibbert and Jan Hunt, Andy Eastwood on ukulele and magician Scott Penrose.
 
Each show features the City Varieties Orchestra under the masterful direction of Mr David Smith.
 
The Good Old Days was a BBC television light entertainment programme produced by Barney Colehan which ran from 1953 to 1983. Filmed at The Varieties, the show recreated an authentic atmosphere of the Victorian–Edwardian music hall with songs and sketches of the era performed by present-day performers in the style of the original artistes. Compered by Leonard Sachs, the show featured more than 2,000 performers over the course of its run, including Les Dawson, Barbara Windsor, Bruce Forsyth, Eartha Kitt, John Inman, Ken Dodd and Barry Cryer. The original series has recently enjoyed a re-run on BBC4.
 
Book online at cityvarietiesmusichall.co.uk or call box office on 0113 243 0808
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2/25/2020 0 Comments

CABARET MUSICAL: Famous movie on stage at Leeds Grand Theatre + John Partridge Interview | Blog Up North

Kander and Ebb’s landmark musical CABARET returns to Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 March 2020.


Directed by Rufus Norris and produced by Bill Kenwright, CABARET tells the tale of a young American writer, Cliff Bradshaw, and his relationship with English cabaret performer Sally Bowles. It features some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre, including Money Makes the World Go Round, Two Ladies, Maybe This Time and Cabaret.

John Partridge, winner of Celebrity MasterChef 2018, well known to TV audiences as EastEnders’ Christian Clarke, and one of West End theatre’s most prolific leading men (A Chorus Line, Chicago, La Cage Aux Folles) fronts this production as the enigmatic Emcee. Kara Lily Hayworth, best known for her critically acclaimed portrayal of Cilla Black in Cilla the Musical, will star as Sally Bowles, and the role of Fraulein Schneider will be played by singer and screen icon Anita Harris (Follow That Camel, Carry on Doctor, Grizabella in Cats (West End)).
 
Since its Broadway premiere in 1966 - and the famous movie version starring Liza Minnelli and Oscar-winner Joel Grey -CABARET has won a staggering number of stage and screen awards, including eight Oscars, seven BAFTAs and 13 Tonys. Norris’ production has enjoyed two smash hit West End runs and has picked up two Olivier Awards.
 
Cabaret is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 March 2020
Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700
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INTERVIEW: Cabaret's John Partridge speaks to Blog Up North about playing the iconic role of Emcee... 

The star of stage and screen tells us why he fought for his current role in classic musical Cabaret and why it might be the last chance to theatre fans to see him on stage.

Hi John. You’re touring in the UK in Cabaret. For anyone who doesn’t know the musical, what’s it about?
Cabaret is the story of a young novelist, Clifford Bradshaw, who comes to Berlin and meets Sally Bowles at the Kit Kat Klub. The story really unfolds from there. 

When you put it like that, it sounds like the set-up for a standard love story, but being set during the rise of the Nazis in Weimar Germany, there’s much more going on, isn’t there?
There is. It was written more than 50 years ago and it deals with extreme political themes: antisemitism, far-right politics, how far our political landscape can change in a short amount of time. To be taking this show around the country right now as our own political landscape is so volatile, delicate and fractured, feels extremely timely and relevant, maybe even more so than when the show premiered. 
It is so skillfully crafted. The story is so strong in this show that it could be a play on its own. It really is hard hitting; it is not what you expect it to be. You must expect the unexpected when you come to see Cabaret because it really is something else. When you leave the theatre it stays with you.

You’re playing the iconic role of the Emcee. How are you finding him?                             
He’s a showman, he’s an orator and he’s extremely fun to play. He is really a metaphor for the wider political climate in Weimar Germany at that time. We only ever see him in the Kit Kat Klub; a scene plays out and then I come on to educate, inform and entertain, to confirm to the audience what it is they’ve just seen. 
He holds up a mirror and reflects back not only what has been seen on stage, but also the audience’s reaction to it. The mirror I’m holding up right now is massively important. We should all be looking at ourselves and examining how we progress, not just here but with humanity in general, how we are able to still function as individuals with our own views, opinions and ideas, yet come together for the common good. There is something exhilarating about taking this show around the country right now. It’s quite extraordinary.

You deliberately asked the show’s producer, Bill Kenwright, if you could play this role. Why was that?
I turned 48 this year and the time was very much now. I had to grab this one. As an actor there are very few roles that you are absolutely right for. Most of the time you wear a wig, put on a costume and you make yourself fit. Sometimes that’s successful, sometimes that’s not so successful. But there are a couple, if you’re lucky, of roles that fit. I feel the Emcee is somebody I know well, somebody that I understand and somebody that my skillset, my life experience and my performance experience – the good, the bad and the ugly of it – I can wrap up in this role. That is very rare. 
And I lived in Berlin for 10 years. I know Berlin very well. I met my husband there. I speak German fluently. I’ve actually been to the Kit Kat Klub, which is still alive and well and fully functioning in the heart of Berlin. I have been on many occasions. So I bring all of that to this production too. I used every crayon in my pencil case, because I feel that that’s what I’m able to do.

How are you finding performing alongside Kara Lily Hayworth, who plays Sally Bowles, and Anita Harris, who plays Fraulein Schneider?

I think Kara is an amazing talent and in some ways she’s still undiscovered. She’s a beautiful actress, very naturalistic. Watching Kara and seeing her work in the rehearsal room, that’s when I thought “This girl is special.” She can listen, she can take the notes, she can apply the direction; you’d think that’s an easy thing to do, but it really isn’t. I think she’s very special and I think people will really love her performance as I do.
And my darling Anita Harris! People, I think, will be very surprised to see her in this role. It is an extremely moving performance and very different from what people will have seen her do in the past. I really feel this is one of the greatest portrayals of this role ever. I really do. 

There are rumours this might be theatre fans’ last chance to see you in a musical. Is there any truth in that?
The food side of my life has really grown since Celebrity MasterChef. My very first book comes out at the beginning of next year and I’m immensely proud of that. It’s called There’s No Taste Like Home. My food story has really helped me reconnect with myself and I’m keen to develop that side of my life. In order to do that, I need to invest time in it. Plus I’m married and I have a husband that I adore and I never see.
I went into Cats when I was 16 and now I’m 48. I’ve been doing this for 32 years. I’ve done over 20 West End shows. I’ve done over 30 major musicals. I’ve done a lot of it and touring is hard work. 
Also, I’ve been sober for over two years now. It has had a profound effect on me. In some ways I think I used to enjoy acting and performing because I enjoyed the escapism of it. I enjoyed being somebody else because I wasn’t sure who I was. In becoming sober, I have learned a lot about the person that I was running away from. I’ve realised that he’s not quite as bad as I thought he was. My desire to step into other people’s shoes and other people’s lives has lessened.
So I’m not saying I will never act again, but I’m taking my foot off the pedal. I am approaching my 50thyear, so I have to ask, “What do I want for the next 10 years of my life?” I at least want the option to examine other possibilities. In order to do that I need to give myself a little bit of time. 
But there is one other role that I am going to play next year. I can’t tell you anything about that right now... I’m really excited about it, though! 
 
 How do you feel about touring the North of England? 
(Cabaret is on tour in Chester, Hull, Sunderland, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield) 

I’m a northern boy and once I get off the M1 and up the M6 I feel like I’m home. So that’s great for me. I love being there.

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2/18/2020 0 Comments

Reasons to be cheerful - A Smile Club tours up north and it's not what you think

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Welcome to Smile Club. Life’s so much better when you smile. Everyone knows that. So go on – give us a smile.
    
Set in a dystopian world in which a government drive exists to tame unruly women, Smile Club is a darkly comic one-woman show performed and written by Andrea Heaton (Fidget Theatre), with writer Adam Z. Robinson (Shivers, The Book of Darkness and Light.). Produced by Red Ladder Theatre Company and directed by Artistic Director Rod Dixon (Mother Courage and Her Children/The Damned United), this pertinent, thrilling and sharply satirical new play will tour nationally to theatres and community venues in March and April, opening at Leeds Playhouse on Thursday 5 March.
      
Smile Club follows Lisa, a Smile Club attendee. She’s been through it all and she now knows – beyond a shadow of a doubt – that nobody likes a girl who makes a fuss; nobody likes a girl who can’t take a joke. She also knows that life is simpler when you let things go. And she certainly has. All of it. Join Lisa as she presents the perks and rewards of being a Smile Club Member. Hear about her descent into dejection, rage, and bloody violence, before her remarkable transformation into the smiley, well-adjusted human you see before you today.
      
Writer and performer Andrea Heaton says: “Smile Club started as an idea from an anecdote from a friend about a man who wouldn’t allow a woman through the barrier of a train station until she’d given him a smile. It takes place in a dystopian near-future where women are routinely sent for smile treatment to correct their behaviour, wearing them down to the point of giving in and accepting the status quo. The play is inspired by movements such as MeToo and Everyday Sexism, as a way of voicing anger about the way women are treated, but it’s darkly funny and thrilling. We can’t wait for you to join the club.”
    
Red Ladder Theatre Company is one of Britain’s leading national touring companies, dedicated to producing high quality work which contributes to social change and global justice. It is a champion of new writing, particularly that which challenges or agitates and gives a voice to those who are often unheard on our stages. Through Red Ladder Localit tours quality productions into community spaces and non-theatre venues. Recent work includesGlory (UK tour) Mother Courage and Her Children (50th anniversary production); The Damned United(UK tour); The Shed Crew (world premiere production); Wrong ‘Un, The Parting Glass, The Life and Soul and Playing the Joker (Red Ladder Local).


Smile Club, Bramall Rock Void, Leeds Playhouse
5 – 7 March. Press night Thursday 5 March, 8pm
Box office: 0113 213 7700; leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Tour listings
Leeds Playhouse 5 – 7 March.
Theatre Royal Wakefield 8 March
Cast, Doncaster 11 March
Harrogate Theatre 12 and 13 March
Theatre Deli, Sheffield 14 March
The Dukes, Lancaster 17 March
Hunslet RLFC, South Leeds Stadium 18 March
Arts Centre Washington, Sunderland 19 March  
Square Chapel Arts Centre, Halifax 20 March
Rockingham Centre, Hoyland, Barnsley 21 March
Hawksworth Wood Village Hall, Leeds 24 March
Gipton WMC, Leeds 25 March
Shaw Lane Sports Club, Barnsley 26 March
Queen’s Mill, Castleford 27 March
St John’s Parish Hall, Barnsley 28 March
Grove Hall, Pontefract 29 March
Hull Truck Theatre, Hull 31 March
Lincoln Drill Hall, Lincoln 1 April
Torch Theatre, Pembrokeshire 2 April
Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristoli 3 and 4 April
The Cluntergate Centre, Horbury, Wakefield 5 April

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2/16/2020 0 Comments

PHOENIX DANCE THEATRE REVIEW: Black Waters at Leeds Playhouse

Drawing inspiration from real historical events,Black Waters is an emotionally evocative new production from Phoenix Dance Theatre that explores the long-lasting effects of British colonial forces.
In the late 18th century, 130 slaves were thrown overboard from the Zong as the ship owners attempted to profit from their life insurance. More than 100 years later, Indian freedom fighters were incarcerated in the Kala Pani prison for speaking out against the regime. Black Waters reflects on these two moments in history, showing how people can find value, inspiration and hope in even the bleakest of times.
Co-choreographers Sharon Watson, Artistic Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre, and Shambik Ghose and Dr Mitul Sengupta, Artistic Directors of Kolkata-based Rhythmosaic, cleverly combine contemporary dance with Kathak dance – one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance, traditionally attributed to ancient travelling storytellers.
Sharon explained: â€œBlack Waters is not about recreating these two events through contemporary dance, but is an exploration of place, worth and belonging, which can often be conflicting for people of colour.”

Theatre review of Black Waters By Phoenix Dance at Leeds Playhouse, West Yorkshire 
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BLACK WATERS by @phoenixdancetheatre on stage now @leedsplayhouse... no need for an elaborate set as the dancing is so powerful and the stark setting amplifies the human expression and emotion of the performers offering hope in a bleak world. ❤️❤️❤️ I absolutely loved the combination of #contemporarydance with #indianclassicaldance ... the perfect intertwining of two #danceforms ???? The show draws inspiration from real historical events, Black Waters is a new production from Phoenix Dance Theatre that explores the long-lasting effects of British colonial forces: https://www.blogupnorth.co.uk/where-to-go-eat-stay-and-connect-up-north/contemporary-dance-black-waters-at-leeds-playhouse #review #pressnight @mamameiblog @yorkshirefamilies @coached_by_katy #leeds #leedsplayhouse

A post shared by BlogUpNorth (@blogupnorth) on Feb 12, 2020 at 2:00pm PST

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2/16/2020 0 Comments

YORKSHIRE PARTY STORY FEATURES IN NEW PLAY: SAY YES TO TESS

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Leeds-based theatre company TheatreState in association with Leeds Playhouse present SAY YES TO TESS, a new musical inspired by theatre-maker Tess Seddon’s real-life experience of standing in the 2017 General Election for the Yorkshire Party in Leeds North East. The production will open at Leeds Playhouse this March ahead of a major UK autumn tour. 


Recovering from a break-up that sent her back home to Yorkshire, 30-year-old Labour supporter Tess discovered the Yorkshire Party. Their seemingly eccentric fight for Yorkshire devolution and love of amateur dramatics made them perfect material for a play. But the more Tess researched, the more she found herself questioning the UK’s centralised power system and lack of meaningful representation, choosing to join them and stand herself.


SAY YES TO TESS is a hilarious first-hand account of our weird and wonderful democracy. Tess knocks on doors, speaks at hustings and begins to believe in her power to change things. Until she is told to drop out to protect Labour’s votes.


Written by Tess Seddon with catchy, original songs by Harry Blake and co-directed by the pair, this true story-turned-musical teeters between hilarious absurdity and powerful hope. SAY YES TO TESS is a fun, accessible and entertaining musical for people who don’t think politics is for them.


Leeds Playhouse Artistic director James Brining said: “We are really proud that this has been developed through Leeds Playhouse’s Artist Development programme, Furnace. Tess ran for election whilst undertaking her placement as Resident Director here at the Playhouse and it is fantastic to have been part of the whole journey and continuing that support and commitment to and progression for local artists in Leeds. SAY YES TO TESS explores prescient themes like apathy, political representation and independence with wit, originality and integrity whilst also being a great night out. It’s certainly got my vote!”


Tess Seddon said: "Harry and I met through Leeds Playhouse in 2017 and instantly had such fun playing around with all the mad things that had happened to me. It's a strange thing turning your life into a musical! I'm so excited to be telling this unique Northern story and continuing this journey with Leeds Playhouse. At a time of huge political divides, I hope SAY YES TO TESS will bring people together to reimagine the system no matter what Party they believe in."


This is a musical about hearing every voice.Notoriously terrible singer Tess plays herself alongside talented actors, singers and musiciansJonathan Dryden Taylor (The Butterfly Lion, Chichester Festival Theatre), Danielle Henry (My Brilliant Friend, National Theatre) and Max Runham (Reasons To Be Cheerful, Graeae) who play characters including her aggressive housemate, estranged father, theatre friends in London and ever enthusiastic Yorkshire Party members.


Set and costume design by Rūta Irbīte (previously shortlisted for Linbury Prize), lighting by Amy Mae Smith (There Are No Beginnings, Leeds Playhouse) and movement direction by Rachel Fullegar (Leeds-based GraceFool Collective) with Access Consultancy by Nickie Miles Wildin(Cutting It, Royal Exchange).


Each performance of SAY YES TO TESS will feature integrated audio description and touch tours are available for every performance if booked 24 hours in advance.
  
SAY YES TO TESS, Bramall Rock Void, Leeds Playhouse 
26 March – 4 April, Press night 27 March, 8pm
Box Office 0113 213 7700, Book online leedsplayhouse.org.uk
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2/11/2020 0 Comments

A Jane Austen Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice like no other...

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It is a truth universally acknowledged that there have been countless versions of Pride and Prejudice. But this is an Austen adaptation like no other.


Drawing on more than two-hundred years of romantic pop history, Tron Theatre Company and Blood of the Young’s unique take on a beloved novel – Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of) – comes to the Playhouse’s Courtyard Theatre from 25-29 February, bringing music and laughter to the Bennet sisters’ drawing room.


This is not just the story of Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, Kitty and Lydia, their myriad romances and their meddling mother though. This is an irreverent reimagining by six young women with their own stories to tell.


Men, money and microphones are fought over in this affectionate all-female adaptation of Jane Austen’s unrivalled literary classic, presented by Leeds Playhouse and The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh. Written by Isobel McArthur and directed by Paul Brotherston, music, mayhem and raucous ribaldry replace the gentle romantic parlour games of the Regency original.


Let the ruthless matchmaking begin!
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2/4/2020 0 Comments

CONTEMPORARY DANCE: Black Waters at Leeds Playhouse

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Drawing inspiration from real historical events, Black Waters is an emotionally evocative new production from Phoenix Dance Theatre that explores the long-lasting effects of British colonial forces.
In the late 18th century, 130 slaves were thrown overboard from the Zong as the ship owners attempted to profit from their life insurance. More than 100 years later, Indian freedom fighters were incarcerated in the Kala Pani prison for speaking out against the regime. Black Waters reflects on these two moments in history, showing how people can find value, inspiration and hope in even the bleakest of times.
​

Co-choreographers Sharon Watson, Artistic Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre, and Shambik Ghose and Dr Mitul Sengupta, Artistic Directors of Kolkata-based Rhythmosaic, cleverly combine contemporary dance with Kathak dance – one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance, traditionally attributed to ancient travelling storytellers.

Sharon explained: “Black Waters is not about recreating these two events through contemporary dance, but is an exploration of place, worth and belonging, which can often be conflicting for people of colour.”

Black Waters, Quarry, Leeds Playhouse
12 – 15 Feb. Press performance: Wed 12 Feb, 7.30pm
Box office: 0113 213 7700;leedsplayhouse.org.uk


MORE INFO... 



Sharon Watson is the seventh and longest-standing director of Phoenix Dance Theatre. She trained at the London School of Contemporary Dance and was one of the first female Principal Dancers invited to join the then all-male award-winning Phoenix Dance Company. She toured with the company from 1989-97, returning in 2009 as Artistic Director. Sharon is a previous trustee of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and current trustee of The Place and Leeds Playhouse. She is also an artistic advisor for the Central School of Ballet. She is committed to improving diversity within the arts by supporting the creative voices of women and black and ethnic minority artists.


Shambik Ghose is a Dean’s Scholar from LeedsBeckett University and BA Dance lecturer at LeedsCity College. He has worked with, among others, the Royal Danish Ballet, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Beijing Dance LDTX, Dancecentrum in Sweden, Innoprom in Russia and India, and Attakkalari Biennial.  




Dr Mitul Sengupta is a National Scholar in Kathak Dance, awarded by the Indian Ministry of Culture, and a Fellow in Kathak Dance at the Kalakritti Sanskritti Foundation in New Delhi. A research scholar at the University of Calcutta, she has helped to raise the profile of movement therapy in India. She began dancing at the age of five, going on to train with great exponents of Kathak Dance, as well as leading lights in Classical Jazz and Classical Ballet. She is currently a teacher, choreographer and artistic director of Rhythmosaic School and Dance Institute.


Leeds Playhouse opened nearly 50 years ago. It is a cultural hub, a place where people gather to tell and share stories and to engage in world class theatre. The Playhouse makes work which is pioneering and relevant, seeking out the best companies and artists to create inspirational theatre in the heart of Yorkshire. From large scale spectacles to intimate performances, the Playhousedevelops and makes work for the stage, found spaces, touring, schools and community venues. A dedicated collaborator, Leeds Playhouse works regularly with other organisations from across the UK and engages with some of the most distinctive and original voices in theatre today
Through its Artistic Development programme Furnace, it develops work with established practitioners and finds, nurtures and supports new voices. It cultivates artists by providing creative space for writers, directors, companies and individual theatre-makers to refine their practice at any stage of their career.
The Playhouse’s sector-leading Creative Engagement team works with over 10,000 people aged 0 – 95 every year through a range of weekly workshops and exciting creative projects using theatre to open up possibilities, reaching out to refugee communities, young people, students, older people and people with learning disabilities. At the Playhouse there is always a way to get involved. 
Leeds Playhouse’s Spring/Summer 2020 season is taking place back in the redeveloped theatre following a £15.8 million transformation. The new building offers improved access to and around the theatre, a new city-facing entrance and a new studio theatre, the Bramall Rock Void.
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