Review: Ghost The Musical - Piccadilly Theatre London

GHOST THE MUSICAL

PICCADILLY THEATRE

Tuesday 28th February 2012: The first thing that strikes me during the opening of Ghost The Musical is how very cinematic it is. Projections onto a front gauze, revealing the apartment Sam and Molly are moving into, which is constructed from moving LED video walls.

Rob Howell’s set looks good, all three video walls move, along with Hugh Vanstone’s automated lighting rig which flies in throughout. Add to this travelators, street signs that pop up from the floor, cat ladders flying in and it makes for a stunning visual feast.

Sam Wheat (Mark Evans) and Molly Jensen (Siobhan Dillon)
Photo by Matt Crockett

This production, directed by Matthew Warchus, has more or less the same storyline as its movie counterpart, and if you haven’t seen Ghost the movie, where have you been? I’ll be completely honest here, I prefer this stage version over the movie any day. In movies, you can use camera trickery to create the illusions of ghosts and objects flying, but in the reality of the stage, it’s a whole different ball game.

This is where the illusions of Paul Kieve play a very important and incredibly effective part. The way Sam’s hands move through objects, how he goes through a closed door and various other technical wizadry is on show in front of you, and it is breath taking how they make the characters just appear in front of you. A huge well done to the production team on this one.

Musically, Dave Stewart has written some good songs, some which have an industrial feel to them in keeping with the locations of downtown Brooklyn and the city district, and of course the legendary Unchained Melody is present, along with the potters wheel.

Siobhan Dillon sings beautifully as Molly, showing real emotion in her vocals along with her acting, playing opposite Mark Evans, who is also outstanding in this production as Sam. Sharon D. Clarke just blows you away as Oda Mae Brown – the infamous character played by Whoopi Goldberg in the film – as the psychic entrusted by Sam to help him. Add to this a very strong ensemble, notably Ashley Knight as the hospital ghost, and you have one cracking cast.

Sharon D. Clarke (Oda Mae Brown)
Photo by Sean Ebsworth Barnes

Ghost The Musical is hugely successful and I can see why. The set, the visuals, lighting, music and ensemble all combine to make this a fantastic show to watch. If I did star ratings, then this would get five stars, you have got to go and see it.

Ghost The Musical

Currently booking until 20 April 2013
Piccadilly Theatre, Denman Street, London W1D 7DY
Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm,
Thursday & Saturday matinees at 2.30pm
Box Office 0844 871 7618
Ticket prices £25 - £67.50
www.ghostthemusical.com

OLLY MURS & TINIE TEMPAH send video messages for this years massive V FESTIVAL 2012

V FESTIVAL

www.vfestival.com

LEGENDS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE POND SET TO ‘ROCK’ V FESTIVAL THIS SUMMER

ROCK ICONS STONE ROSES AND THE KILLERS HEADLINE THIS YEAR’S V FESTIVAL

***TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 2^ND MARCH AT 10AM***

V Festival 2012, sponsored by Virgin Media, is back for its seventeenth year and is set to be another cracking line up. Legendary Mancunian rockers The Stone Roses and V Festival favourites The Killers are today announced as headlining V Festival’s Virgin Media stage. Taking place across the V weekend of 18^th and 19^th August 2012, the original Madchester foursome and the returning US rockers will be joined by a host of superstars to make this year’s V Festival, one to remember.

Following last year’s ‘American Revolution’ with performances from Eminem and Rihanna, feisty US rapper Nicki Minaj will be gracing the fields of Hylands & Weston Park, and after his show stopping set in 2011 David Guetta will be joining her on the bill.

An exciting line up of acts old and new have been brought together to entertain music aficionados and festival debutantes alike. Lucky fans with tickets to this summer’s hottest festival will also see performances from the likes of Snow Patrol, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Tinie Tempah, two-time Brit Award winner Ed Sheeran, Example, Tom Jones, Keane, Madness, James Morrison, Nero, Emeli Sandé, Friendly Fires, Happy Mondays, Professor Green, Olly Murs, plus many more to be announced across four stages at the two festival sites in Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire.

Returning Essex boy Olly Murs said: "Coming back to play at V Festival for a second year is fantastic! I've been going to the festival as a punter for years, so performing there is always going to be special - especially on that main stage. I'm bringing my full 10 piece band with me this year, it's going to be immense - I can't wait"


Watch his video message below

The hugely successful Glee Club Comedy Tent also makes its return as the festival’s fifth stage this year, with side-splitting performers including Doc Brown, Justin Moorehouse, Kevin McCarthy, Natan Caton, Gary Delany, John Fothergill and many more to be announced in the lead up to the festival.

Festival Director, Simon Moran comments: “We’re really delighted with the line-up this year. We have a great mix of artists topping a bill that will see the welcome return to live performance of Manchester’s finest export, along with some of the biggest acts in the music industry today including The Killers, Tinie Tempah, Ed Sheeran and the legendary Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds.

“The mix of established and exciting breakthrough acts promises to give festival goers a cracking weekend.“

Over the festival weekend there’ll also be sets from Noah & The Whale, Ben Howard, Rizzle Kicks, Frank Turner, Labrinth, Maverick Sabre, The Enemy, Miles Kane, Dappy, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Pixie Lott, Lissie, Shed Seven, The Ting Tings, The Human League, The Proclaimers, The Stranglers, Reverend and the Makers, Inspiral Carpets, The Rifles, DJ Fresh Live.

Tinie Tempah’s pal Labrinth said "So happy that I'm going to play V festival!  Can't wait to get out there and rock the crowd. V Fest is special! See you there!!!!"

The glamorous V Style camping will also see a return this year. V Style got a great reception last summer and will once again give festival fans the chance to get the best of both worlds – being able to dance the days away with their favourite artists before chilling-out, in luxury, in ready built Pod Pads, Cloud Yurts, Hearthworks Tipis and pop-up hotel rooms.

Festival Director, Bob Angus comments: “As in previous years, we want to again emphasise how important it is for fans to buy their tickets from official outlets listed on VFestival.com. This will ensure they don’t miss out on what promises to be the hottest ticket this summer.”

Tickets go on sale from Friday 2^nd March at 10am with fans advised to visit www.vfestival.com, where all official outlets are detailed. V organisers again stress to fans that purchasing tickets from unofficial outlets could lead to disappointment.

STONE ROSES - THE KILLERS - SNOW PATROL - NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS - NICKI MINAJ - DAVID GUETTA - TINIE TEMPAH - ED SHEERAN - EXAMPLE - TOM JONES - KEANE - MADNESS - JAMES MORRISON - NERO - EMELI SANDÉ - FRIENDLY FIRES - HAPPY MONDAYS - PROFESSOR GREEN - OLLY MURS - NOAH & THE WHALE - BEN HOWARD - RIZZLE KICKS - FRANK TURNER - LABRINTH - MAVERICK SABRE - THE ENEMY - MILES KANE - DAPPY - RODRIGO Y GABRIELA - PIXIE LOTT - LISSIE - SHED SEVEN - THE TING TINGS - THE HUMAN LEAGUE - THE PROCLAIMERS - THE STRANGLERS - REVEREND AND THE MAKERS - INSPIRAL CARPETS - THE RIFLES - DJ FRESH

HAIR UK TOUR - Planned tour not going ahead - Official statement from producers

HAIR UK TOUR

The following is an official statement from the producers:

HAIR UK TOUR

The producers of Hair are sorry to announce that unfortunately the forthcoming UK tour will not be going ahead. Despite the best efforts of all involved to keep the production moving forward, it has become apparent that certain criteria could not be met and regrettably the show will not now open in Liverpool as originally planned. The producers would like to apologise to the many fans of this iconic show who had been greatly excited by its planned revival.

-Ends-

Hair UK Tour was to star Gareth Gates, Zoe Birkett and Amy Diamond, and was due to open at the Liverpool Empire Theatre on Tuesday 10 April 2012.

New video from RIZZLE KICKS - Traveller's Chant - now online

RIZZLE KICKS

From the bright lights of New York's Times Square to a deserted beach in Thailand, go travelling around the world with the latest video from hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks.  The 3^rd single from their debut album “Stereo Typical” is a laid-back melodic track compared to the first two singles ‘Down With The Trumpets’ and ‘When I Was Younger’.  After working with Rizzle Kicks on their debut music video back in 2010, Toby Lockerbie is back again with his 6^th music video for the band.  Directing and filming the whole video himself, Lockerbie takes you on a visual tour across the globe from cities to oceans and back.

Following a #1 UK single last year with Olly Murs for ‘Heart Skips A Beat’, 2012 is gearing up to be a busy one for Rizzle Kicks AKA Jordan and Harley.  After being nominated for a BRIT this year they took to the stage to perform with Olly Murs at this year’s awards to an overwhelming response.  Most recently they performed ‘Mama Do The Hump’ on The Jonathan Ross Show last weekend which is definitely one to watch.

The pair are currently on a nationwide tour that has already had an amazing response and they are yet to play hometown Brighton followed by two nights at Shepherds Bush Empire.

Watch Rizzle Kicks perform “Mama Do The Hump” on Jonathan Ross: http://bit.ly/RZ-JonathanRoss

Twitter: http://bit.ly/RizzleKicks-Twitter

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/RizzleKicks-FB

February

29 Newcastle - Digital

March

1 Leeds - Uni

2 Manchester - Academy

3 Preston – 53 Degrees

8 Oxford - Academy

9 Bristol - Academy

10 Falmouth - Pavillion

11 Portsmouth – Wedgewood Rooms

13 Brighton – Concorde 2

14 Brighton – Concorde 2

15 London – Shepherds Bush Empire

16 London – Shepherds Bush Empire

PHILIP SAYCE new album STEAMROLLER out today & April UK Tour

Philip Sayce 

embarks on UK Tour in April

photo by Masaki Koike

Follows album release today - 27^th February 2012 

Following the release of his new album Steamroller TODAY, released through Provogue Records, rocker Philip Sayce will be touring the UK in April.

The eagerly anticipated tour sees him play London, Sheffield, Manchester and Glasgow, after a month-long tour throughout central Europe.

Welsh-born Sayce is one of the best live guitarists on the planet, carving out an international career in the world of blues, rock and funk with his six-string guitar. For four years he toured with the legendary Jeff Healey and he has also played for the likes of Melissa Etheridge and Uncle Kracker. Not only does he have a loyal UK fan base but his contemporaries in the business regard him as one of the best.

This tour is the first opportunity for fans to hear tracks from Philip’s latest rocking album Steamroller and will see him return to loyal UK fans who last saw him early in 2011. Demand was so high for the last shows that Philip has come back home to blow the roof off venues up and down the country. 

To book tickets, visit www.philipsayce.com

Steamroller available to buy now from http://tinyurl.com/7gcl2go

If you only see one gig this year, make sure it is Philip Sayce – Raw, loud and powerful rock at it’s best!

April 16^th                   London                      Dingwalls

April 17^th                   Sheffield                   Plug

April 18^th                   Manchester             Academy

April 21^st                   Glasgow                    Garage

Former Pussycat Doll KIMBERLY WYATT to join cast of Rock Of Ages the Musical for one night only!

Kimberly Wyatt to appear in 

Rock of Ages for one night only

Pussycat Doll will appear on the Shaftesbury Theatre stage
Get top price tickets for only £39.50 HERE

ROCK OF AGES, the award winning, smash hit ‘Mix tape’ musical that has taken the UK by storm is proud to announce that Kimberly Wyatt will be performing with the cast on stage on Friday, 2^nd March.

The former Pussycat Doll and judge of Sky1’s hit dance show Got To Dance will appear on stage in both the matinee and evening performances, joining the full cast line up including Justin Lee Collins and Shayne Ward.

ROCK OF AGES’ London show has already started to attract somewhat of a cult appeal with audiences returning on numerous occasions to sing along with the hits of the 80s.

Since the show opened at the end of September, over 150,000 people have experienced the tale of love, lust, laughter and lycra. The show has also become a huge hit on Broadway and will get the Hollywood makeover as the movie version hits the screens in the summer.

Kimberly says…” Performing with Rock of Ages will be my first time performing in a West End show – how fun it’s going to be !!!”

ROCK OF AGES THE MUSICAL has become an instant smash in the West End with critics and celebrities alike dusting down their leather, back-combing their hair and waving their lighters in the air to ‘London’s Greatest Guilty Pleasure”.

“If you’ve forgotten what it feels like to play air guitar in public,

then this is the place for you” (Dylan Jones, Editor, GQ)

For more information and to book tickets please visit: www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk

Shakespeare's Globe Productions of Richard III and Twelfth Night transfer to West End

SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE PRODUCTIONS OF

RICHARD III

AND

TWELFTH NIGHT

TO TRANSFER TO WEST END

Mark Rylance will return to the Apollo Theatre to play the title role in Richard III and Olivia in Twelfth Night when Tim Carroll’s Shakespeare’s Globe productions transfer to the West End later this year.  Joining Rylance will be Stephen Fry as Malvolio in Twelfth Night and Samuel Barnett and Johnny Flynn.  Tickets for the 13 week run at the Apollo Theatre go on sale today (27 February 2012).  Further casting will be announced shortly.

Designs are by Jenny Tiramani and music is by Claire van Kampen who along with Tim Carroll are the creative team behind the Globe’s original 2002 version of Twelfth Night.  The productions, which will be designed using original Shakespearian practices, will run at the Apollo Theatre from 2 November 2012 – 3 February 2013.  Press day will be on Saturday 17 November 2012 (Richard III at 1.30pm, Twelfth Night at 7pm).

Sonia Friedman Productions in association with Shakespeare Road, 1001 Nights and Tulchin/ Bartner Productions present Shakespeare’s Globe productions of Richard III and Twelfth Night.

Richard III

The cast for Richard III includes Mark Rylance (Richard III), Samuel Barnett (Elizabeth), Liam Brennan (Clarence), Johnny Flynn (Lady Anne), Colin Hurley (King Edward) and Peter Hamilton Dyer.

Richard Duke of Gloucester (Mark Rylance) is determined that he should wear the crown of England. He has already despatched one king and that king’s son; now all that stand in his way are two credulous brothers and two helpless nephews – the Princes in the Tower. And woe betide those – the women he wrongs, the henchmen he betrays – who dare to raise a voice against him.  Monstrous, but theatrically electric, Richard is Shakespeare’s most charismatic, self-delighting villain, revelling at every moment in his homicidal, hypocritical journey to absolute power. 

Richard III will be performed in an all-male Original Practices production, exploring clothing, music, dance and settings possible circa 1593.

Twelfth Night

The cast for Twelfth Night includes Mark Rylance (Olivia), Samuel Barnett (Sebastian), Liam Brennan (Orsino), Johnny Flynn (Viola), Stephen Fry (Malvolio), Peter Hamilton Dyer (Feste) and Colin Hurley (Sir Toby Belch).

In the household of Olivia (Mark Rylance), two campaigns are being quietly waged – one by the lovelorn Duke Orsino against the heart of the indifferent Olivia; the other by an alliance of servants and hangers-on against the high-handedness of her steward, the pompous Malvolio (Stephen Fry). When Orsino engages the cross-dressed Viola to plead with Olivia on his behalf, a bittersweet chain of events follows.  Filled with a cast of unforgettable characters, Twelfth Night combines cruelty with high comedy and the pangs of unrequited love with some of the subtlest poetry and most exquisite songs Shakespeare ever wrote.

This revival of the Globe’s 2002 award-winning Twelfth Night will performed in an all-male Original Practices production, exploring clothing, music, dance and settings possible circa 1601.

Multi award-winning actor Mark Rylance was last in the West End at the Apollo Theatre playing John ‘Rooster’ Byron in the critically acclaimed production of Jerusalem, a role he also played at the Royal Court and on Broadway.  Previously in the West End he played Valere in La Bête, Hamm in Samuel Beckett’s Endgame and Robert in Boeing-Boeing.  His other theatre work includes many productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre and the Glasgow Citizens.  During his time as Artistic Director of Shakespeare's Globe his work as an actor included the title roles in Henry V and Hamlet as well as Cleopatra in Antony and Cleopatra and Olivia in Twelfth Night, a role he will now recreate ten years on.  His film and television work includes The Other Boleyn Girl, Prospero’s Books, Angels and Insects, Leonardo and David Kelly in C4’s The Government Inspector for which he won the BAFTA Best Actor Award.  

Samuel Barnett created the role of Posner in Alan Bennett’s The History Boys, performing in the original production at the National Theatre, on Broadway and on the international tour. Barnett recently played opposite Jamie Parker in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead at Chichester Festival Theatre and the Theatre Royal Haymarket.  His other National Theatre credits include Women Beware Women and His Dark Materials.  He was also seen in Dealers’ Choice in the West End.

Liam Brennan, a member of the original, widely acclaimed 2002 Globe production of Twelfth Night, will recreate the lovelorn Duke Orsino.  Brennan was a regular in Rylance’s Globe company where his credits include Measure for Measure, Edward II and Macbeth. His extensive credits at the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh include A View From The Bridge, Othello and The Lieutenant of Inishmore.

                                                                    

Johnny Flynn has recently completed the West End run of Jerusalem playing Lee opposite Mark Rylance.  He was a regular member of Edward Hall’s Propeller theatre company, acting in several productions including Twelfth Night.  His other theatre credits include Richard Bean’s The Heretic for the Royal Court. Flynn is also a successful recording artist, whose albums include Been Listening and A Larum.

Stephen Fry will play Olivia’s steward, Malvolio in Twelfth Night. Fry’s screen credits include Sherlock Holmes II, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, Gosford Park, Peter’s Friends and Wilde, in which his portrayal of Oscar Wilde earned him a Golden Globe Best Actor nomination.  His many television drama and comedy credits include the BBC’s recent adaptation of The Borrowers, The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff, Kingdom, Jeeves and Wooster, Black Adder and several series of A Bit of Fry and Laurie.  He has also appeared in many critically acclaimed and much loved documentaries.

Peter Hamilton Dyer’s theatre credits include Frontline and King Lear. His other stage credits include Richard II and The Moonstone at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Mansfield Park for Chichester Festival Theatre and The Bacchae for Shared Experience. His television credits include The Curse of Steptoe and Silent Witness.

Colin Hurley was in the original 2002 company of Twelfth Night.  He will soon be seen again as Cardinal Wolsey in the Globe’s touring production of Anne Boleyn and previous credits for the Globe include All’s Well that Ends Well, Macbeth and Measure for Measure. His other theatre credits include Equus for Chichester Festival Theatre, The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre and Loot at the Lyric Hammersmith.

Richard III and Twelfth Night will run in repertoire at Shakespeare’s Globe from 14 July -14 October 2012 prior to their West End transfer. 

LISTINGS INFORMATION           

Theatre:                          Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES

Dates:                             2 November 2012 – 3 February 2013 

Press performances:       Saturday 17 November 2012 (Richard III at 1.30pm, Twelfth Night at 7pm)

Performances:                Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm

                                      Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm

                                      Sunday 3pm

                                      Please refer to the website for performance schedule and repertoire

Prices:                            £25 - £55 to include £1 theatre restoration levy

Day Seats at £10 each will go on sale from the Box Office, in person only, from 10am on the day of each performance

                                      £10 standing to include £1 theatre restoration levy

Educational rates and concessions are available

Apollo Theatre Box Office:   0844 412 4658

Website:                           www.nimaxtheatres.com

GUNS N' ROSES announce UK arena tour in May 2012

GUNS N' ROSES

One of the greatest rock bands of all time are back with the most anticipated tour of 2012. After selling out arenas around the globe in 2011, Guns N’ Roses – “the most dangerous band in the world” - are storming the UK this Spring.

It all coincides with the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honour they nabbed as soon as they were eligible. And, as with everything related to Axl Rose and his cohorts, this tour is guaranteed to cause a stir.

Never far from controversy, but always true to the music, GNR are still the most talked about hard rock band of the past 20 years.

G ‘n’ R will be taking the ‘Night train’ to travel the country with gigs in Paradise cities Nottingham, Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London in May. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 2^nd March through www.aeglive.co.uk & Ticketmaster UK

Tour dates:

19 May Nottingham Arena

20 May Liverpool Echo Arena

23 May Newcastle Metro

25 May Glasgow SECC

26 May Birmingham LG Arena

29 May Manchester Arena

31 May London The O2

In a career spanning more than two decades, Guns N’ Roses have become one of the biggest bands, not only in the world, but in musical (and more importantly, rock ‘n’ roll) history. They have sold over 100 million albums worldwide and are considered one of the most influential rock bands the world has ever seen.

After rising to fame in the late 80’s and gaining worldwide recognition with their hit single Sweet Child of Mine in 1988, the band went on to release five albums including the double Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II which was the first in history to walk off with both top spots on the Billboard chart. VHI has also named Welcome to the Jungle ‘Best Hard Rock Song’ - a fitting accolade for such a rock anthem. Guns N’ Roses’ most recent release, and fifth studio album, Chinese Democracy went straight to the top of the charts in thirteen countries, as well as going platinum in 15.

The band’s live shows are always hotly anticipated and demand for tickets is never less than overwhelming, showing that their longevity in the spotlight is by no mistake and is very-much deserved. Don’t miss your change to witness the legendary Axl Rose and co live in the UK.

Tickets on sale from Friday 2^nd March at 9am from www.aeglive.co.uk & Ticketmaster UK

Review: Horrible Histories - Barmy Britain - Garrick Theatre, London

Birmingham Stage Company present
Horrible Histories 

Barmy Britain

Garrick Theatre

Friday 24th February 1pm: Horrible Histories - Barmy Britain has landed at the Garrick Theatre, London and I went along to todays performance for a history lesson of a different kind... The safety curtain raised, and we saw the setting of a big whicker basket centre stage, and two smaller at the bases of lamp posts which had costumes strewn over them.

Photo by Jane Hobson

We are taken back in time for an episode of Roman Mankychef, where we learn how to impress our guests with putrified fish guts and roasted dormouse. Along with the sound effects, it is very funny to watch.

There are a fair few characters brought to life in this production, such as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, Florence Nightingale and General Earl Haig. Benedict Martin is brilliant to watch with his rubbery Mr Bean style face, especially in the part of Alan Sugar in the 'World War Apprentice' - this was hilarious.
Lauryn Redding is in top form, doing many voices, and makes a fine Anne Boleyn. Lauryn's facial expressions, along with comedy timing really are a treat to watch on stage.
Add to this lots of singing, dancing, audience sing-a-longs and competitions, and this makes for a very entertaining production from both performers.

It is only an hour long, but it goes through at a good pace. You learn all about the various characters, and you will remember how many wives Henry VIII had with a great little song to sing along to, and the fate of Guy Fawkes in the quiz show 'Who Wants To Blow Up Parliament?'

Photo by Jane Hobson

Do you know how many crimes you could be hung for? Well you can find out when you go and see this. A thoroughly entertaining show for kids and adults of all ages. Don't miss it!

Read our interview with Lauryn Redding HERE

Dates: From Tuesday 14^th February 2012

Times: Wednesday – Friday 1pm; Saturday 10.30am, 12 Noon; Sunday 3pm, 5pm

Press Performance: Friday 24^th February, 1pm

Tickets: £14.50, £12.50 & £10

Box office: 0844 482 9673

Running time: 1 hour

Recommended age: 6+

Website: www.barmybritain.com

KEV ORKIAN to headline the new HOWLIN COMEDY CLUB at New Wimbledon Studio - 26th March 2012

HOWLIN Comedy Club 

At New Wimbledon Studio

New Wimbledon Studio will be hosting a new comedy club which will have you HOWLIN with laughter on the last Monday of each month.

HOWLIN Comedy Club will launch on Monday 26th March at 8pm. This new and exciting project is a regular night where some of the finest comedians will take part in entertaining a variety of audiences. Comedians at the launch include; Miles Crawford (MC), ( presenter for BBC 1’s Inside Out and Radio Presenter for The Big L) , Phil Butler ( star of the major BBC documentary A Funny Business), Kev Orkian, a regular at HOWLIN Comedy Club, and played the hugely popular Idle Jack in 2011’s Dick Whittington at New Wimbledon Theatre and John Moloney (winner of the Best Live Performer award for two years running at the London Comedy Festival).

On John Moloney:
"An excellently-paced hour of stand-up and musical whimsy - go and see this hilarious and quite unique exponent of comedy."
The Scotsman

On Kev Orkian in Dick Whittington:
“There’s strength and depth in the comedy department, with Kev Orkian bringing energy and a touch of anarchy to the part of Idle Jack” Metro

Kev Orkian

Kev Orkian, is one of the world’s finest stand-up comic musicians who has toured with a variety of orchestras and appeared at the Sydney Opera House. He has had many roles in leading West End shows including, Fame at the Victoria Palace, Me and My Girl, Grease concert tour, Buddy Holly tour, Happy Days and Boogie Nights. Kev has also supported many household names on tour including Jim Davidson and Ronnie Corbett just to name a few. Kev now travels the world with his one man tour which has sparked rave reviews and appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe festival in 2010. Kev recently finished his role as Idle Jack in the New Wimbledon Theatre’s production of Dick Wittington where he was hugely popular with audiences and received critical acclaim.

Phil Butler joined the UK comedy circuit in 2001, where he is now found closing the show at all the major comedy clubs such as Jongleurs, Highlight and The Comedy Club. Phil also had the great honour of performing for our British troops in Iraq, Kosovo, Bosnia, Croatia and several times in Afghanistan. Phil has also appeared in many TV shows including, BBC documentary A Funny Business, Hotel Babylon (BBC1) and The Des O'Connor Show (ITV).

Miles Crawford is a regular act on the comedy circuit and has appeared on P&O Cruises and acted as a support Act for Luther Vandross. Miles has performed at many comedy clubs including, Jongleurs, Fosters, The Comedy Store and Hard Rock Café, as well as presenting popular TV shows including Inside Out (BBC1), The National Lottery, Stand Up Live (Sky) and Night Fever (five).

John Moloney has been a professional comedian for over 20 years, and has become one of Britain's most in-demand comedy acts. He has entertained audiences across the globe with his crafted, intelligent and original stand-up routines. He has won numerous awards and was winner of the Best Live Performer award for two years running at the London Comedy Festival and was nominated for ‘Best Live Stand-Up’ at the British Comedy Awards.

The HOWLIN Comedy Club is brand new to New Wimbledon Studio and will be a regular event on the last Monday of each month, showcasing some of the best shows from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the finest comedians on the circuit.

“We are very excited to be bringing a regular comedy club to our Studio and also to be continuing our relationship with the fabulous Kev Orkian who was such at hit at this year’s Panto. The Studio is well known for its Edinburgh comedy previews each Summer, and long may they continue, but with Howlin’ Comedy Club we will bring the cream of the comedy crop to Wimbledon all year round”. - Sam Bain, General Manager, NWT

HOWLIN Comedy Club will be opening on Monday 26th March at 8pm at New Wimbledon Studio.

Listings Information:

Date: Monday 26th March (and then the last Monday of every month)
Time: Monday evening – 8.00pm
Ticket Price: £12.50 (concessions) - £15.00
Book online: http://www.atgtickets.com/Howlin-Comedy-Club-Tickets/8/2196/

Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7646
Groups Bookings: 0844 871 7696
Access Bookings: 0844 871 7677

New Wimbledon Studio
The Broadway
Wimbledon
London
SW19 1QG

Due to huge demand KANYE WEST and JAY Z add 4 more UK shows to 'Watch The Throne' European tour

KANYE WEST AND JAY Z 

ADD 4 MORE UK SHOWS TO 
‘WATCH THE THRONE’ EUROPEAN TOUR

AWARDED GRAMMY FOR ‘BEST RAP PERFORMANCE’ FOR ‘OTIS’

"It’s rare that a show of this magnitude lives up to its hype, but Kanye and JAY Z actually managed to exceed it. From the Tron-inspired laser show to the hydraulic-powered stages at either end of the ACC to the pyrotechnics, it was a visual masterpiece. And then, of course, there was the music." -National Post

Friday 24th February 2012– Due to phenomenal public demand, Superstars Kanye West and Jay Z have added a further 4 UK shows to their previously announced ‘WATCH THE THRONE’ European tour. They will be performing an additional 3 shows at London’s O2 and an additional date at Manchester Arena. JAY Z and Kanye West WATCH THE THRONE tickets are on sale NOW priced at £60.00/£49.50/£39.50 London and £55.00/£47.50 Regional (subject to booking fee) and will be available from Ticketmaster UK & http://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/jay-z-and-kanye-west-watch-the-throne-tickets?c=pr_ext_watchthethrone_150212

After the phenomenal success of their chart topping album WATCH THE THRONE, a 35 date sold out, critically acclaimed US tour and hot on the heels of their huge success at the 2012 Grammy Awards, winning the award for ‘Best Rap Performance’ (for their track ‘Otis’), the duo’s collaboration ‘The Throne’ will embark upon a European tour that will visit arenas in the UK, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Belgium, Germany and Ireland.

For this project, music icons and pop culture visionaries JAY Z and Kanye West joined their extraordinary talents to form the group ‘THE THRONE’ and released the most anticipated album event of 2011, WATCH THE THRONE.   On Monday, August 8^th last year, THE THRONE’S extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime, Platinum selling Roc-A-Fella / Def Jam Recordings / Roc Nation album collaboration, WATCH THE THRONE, debuted at number 1 and has garnered several Grammy nominations.

The longtime friends and music innovators inspired each other to new heights with their collaboration on WATCH THE THRONE recorded in person at various locations around the world. Over a year in the making and a truly global affair, the duo recorded in London and Bath in the UK, Abu Dhabi, Sydney, Paris, and New York City.  The album features production from The RZA, The Neptunes and Kanye’s longtime collaborator Mike Dean. The short list of featured vocals includes Frank Ocean, Beyoncé, Curtis Mayfield and Mr. Hudson.  The lead track, “OTIS,” brilliantly weaves Otis Redding’s “Try A Little Tenderness.”

The production is classic Kanye West soul, with the two MCs trading couplets over a sample manipulated the way only West can. “Sounds so soulful, don’t you agree?” intones JAY Z, and the two launch into a treatise on swagger, claiming their rightful place at the top. Since the track’s release, the flood of praise for the track has been nothing short of deafening. Entertainment Weekly declares the track “the most well-executed rap song of the year.” “Otis” can be streamed at watchthethrone.com/otis.

Both JAY Z and Kanye West have each appeared as guests on the other's stage, and now they come together for never-before-seen performances not only from their collaboration, WATCH THE THRONE but also songs from their classic catalogue. 

"This show demonstrated how much can be accomplished with a few small decisions: as on the album, JAY Z and Mr. West worked smart, not big."  "The collaboration isn’t merely a power-sharing arrangement or a union of equals but an application to be rap’s greatest duo." – New York Times

"It's a wonder to behold -- and a throne well worth watching." – LA Times

WATCH THE THRONE EUROPEAN 2012 TOUR

MAY 2012

Friday              18         O2 Arena, London

Sunday            20         O2 Arena London

Monday            21         O2 Arena, London

Tuesday           22         O2 Arena, London

Thursday           24         Zurich Hellenstadion, Switzerland

Saturday           26         Herning Arena, Denmark

Monday             28         Oslo Telenor Arena, Norway

Tuesday            29         Stockholm The Globe, Sweden

JUNE 2012

Friday               1          Paris Bercy, France

Saturday           2          Paris Bercy, France

Sunday             3          Antwerp Sportpaleis, Belgium

Tuesday            5          Frankfurt Festhalle, Germany

Friday               8          Dublin O2 Arena, Ireland

Monday            11         Manchester Arena

Tuesday           12         Manchester Arena

Wednesday      13         Birmingham LG Arena

Additional dates to be added

Tickets go on sale 9am on Friday 24^th February priced at £60.00/£49.50/£39.50 London and £55.00/£47.50 Regional (subject to booking fee) and are available from Ticketmaster UK & http://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/jay-z-and-kanye-west-watch-the-throne-tickets?c=pr_ext_watchthethrone_150212

US comedian Henry Phillips makes UK debut supporting Doug Stanhope on his biggest-ever 37-date UK tour

Henry Phillips

"His arsenal of catchy tunes and deadpan delivery annihilates relationships, political correctness and pop culture."  Los Angeles Times

"Phillips has a sharp eye for absurdities and petty degradations" The New Yorker

American comedian Henry Phillips will make his UK debut supporting Doug Stanhope on his 37-date, longest ever UK tour.

Opening on Tuesday March 6 in Bolton, the tour will end with Doug’s return to HMV Hammersmith Apollo, where he played his biggest eversold-out gig in 2011.

Henry Phillips has been seen performing his twisted songs and stories on Comedy Central, ABC’s ’Jimmy Kimmel Live’ and NBC’s ’Late Friday’. 

He can also be heard regularly on morning and satellite radio, performing such songs as ’The Guitar Pill’ and ’She’s Talking Again’. 

His nationally released CDs, fusing mellow folk-rock ballads with psychopathic lyrics have earned him 

mention in Billboard magazine’s ’Critic’s Choice’, as well as acclaim from Moby, who refers to Phillips as "Disconcertingly Funny". 

His biographical comedy film, "Punching the Clown", received the Audience award at the 2009 Slamdance Film Festival.

Doug Stanhope has named his dog Henry Phillips.

www.henryphillips.com

DOUG STANHOPE 2012 TOUR DATES

Tickets available from Ticketmaster UK

Tuesday 6 March - BOLTON Albert Halls

Wednesday March 7 - AYLESBURY Waterside Theatre

Thursday March 8 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Journal Tyne Theatre

Friday March 9 - PETERBOROUGH Cressett Theatre

Saturday March 10 - TUNBRIDGE WELLS Assembly Hall Theatre

Sunday March 11 - YORK Grand Opera House

Tuesday March 13 - WOLVERHAMPTON Wulfrun

Wednesday March 14 - SUNDERLAND Empire

Thursday March 15 - SOUTHPORT Southport Theatre and Convention Centre

Friday March 16 - BRADFORD St George’s Hall

Saturday March 17 - CHESTERFIELD Winding Wheel

Sunday March 18 - SALFORD The Lowry

Tuesday March 20 - NOTTINGHAM Just The Tonic

Wednesday March 21 - STOKE ON TRENT Victoria Hall

Thursday March 22 - BOURNEMOUTH Pavilion Theatre

Friday March 23 - ST ALBANS St Albans Arena

Saturday March 24 - CANTERBURY Marlowe Theatre

Sunday March 25 - MILTON KEYNES Milton Keynes Theatre

Tuesday March 27 - EDINBURGH The Playhouse Theatre

Thursday March 29 - ABERDEEN The Music Hall

Friday March 30 - GLASGOW King’s Theatre

Saturday March 31 - INVERNESS Eden Court

Tuesday April 3 - LEEDS City Varities

Wednesday April 4 - LEICESTER Just The Tonic

Saturday April 7 - PORTSMOUTH Guildhall

Sunday April 8 - BRISTOL Hippodrome

Tuesday April 10 - CARDIFF St David’s Hall

Wednesday April 11 - DARTFORD Orchard Theatre

Thursday April 12 - SOUTHEND Cliff’s Pavilion

Friday April 13 - BASINGSTOKE Anvil

Saturday April 14 - CAMBRIDGE Cambridge Corn Exchange

Monday April 16  - LIVERPOOL Liverpool Philharmonic

Tuesday April 17 - LINCOLN Engine Shed

Wednesday April - 18 READING Concert Hall

Thursday April 19 - DORKING Dorking Halls

Saturday April 21 - LONDON HMV Hammersmith Apollo

Review: Hormonal Housewives - New Wimbledon Theatre

Hormonal Housewives

Thursday 23rd February 2012: The first thing that hits me when I walk into the New Wimbledon theatre is the fact that I am only the third or fourth man in the audience amongst 600 women, here to see the comedy Hormonal Housewives.

We are presented with an open stage, with a huge video screen backdrop, and 3 chairs with pink jackets over them. That is is for the set for this show, very basic and all media driven. Margi Clarke, Laura Checkley and Julie Coombe enter to 'Here Come The Girls' by the Sugababes, dressed in black, then the music shifting to Club Tropicana to welcome us to the Hormonal Housewives Holiday Camp.

This is where we get inundated with very tiring and dated jokes about men, why men are no good, why women don't like or need men, etc etc. The problem with this sort of humour is that it went out in the 80's, and that is where it should stay. Female comedians we know and love today, like Jo Brand, Andi Osho, Gina Yashere, and Sarah Millican would get slated for using this kind of material, and that is why they don't. It simply doesn't work.

Hormonal Housewives is a series of sketches which follows the lives of three women as they battle against weight gain, weight loss, mood swings, wine, PMS, men, going to the gym, waxing, stretch marks, men, chocolate, upper-lip hair, chocolate, men, chocolate and all the other joys of being a 21st Century girls.
Act one is very slow and seems to drag, especially the scene in the court house when a woman used 'that time of the month' to get away with a crime. And as there is no set, just the video screen, there isn't an awful lot to look at which adds to the boredom of the scene.
The waxing scene on the other hand redeems itself and is a funny end taking us into the interval.

Act two picks up pace, and is overall funnier, with the three women in pink velour tracksuits doing zumba fitness and using aerobics balls, the use of props and speeding up the action does wonders for this show, and a very funny moment happens when they are stretching and funny noises happen.
The sketch where they are teenagers is very funny, Laura Checkley standing out with her funny voice and mannerisms, and for me is the best amongst them to watch.
For the finale, they dress up as Kylie, Madonna and Cher and get the audience up dancing, possibly the highlight of the show.

The audience enjoyed it, but for me act one needs a lot of work. It seems slow and is rarely funny.
In complete contrast, act two comes to life and shows off the acting skills and humour that the show should be all about, not trashy like Loose Women in heat!

Hormonal Housewives is at NewWimbledon Theatre until Saturday 25th Feb then touring.

Milton Keynes Theatre 26 Feb  @7.30pm                     Box Office 0844 871 7652
Dartford, Orchard Theatre 28 Feb @7.30pm                Box Office 01322 220000
Cardiff New Theatre 29 Feb & 1st March @8pm         Box Office 029 2087 8889

MARCH 2012

Shrewsbury Theatre Severn 2nd March @ 7.30pm    Box Office 01743 281281
Harlow Playhouse 3rd March @ 7.30pm                      Box Office 01279 431945
Liverpool Empire 5th March @7.30pm                         Box Office 0844 871 3017
Wakefield Theatre Royal 6th March                               Box Office 01924 211 311
Grimsby Auditorium 7th March @7.30pm                   Box Office 0844 871 3016
Manchester Opera House 8th March @ 7.30pm         Box Office 0844 871 7660
York Grand Opera House 9th March @ 7.30pm          Box Office 0844 847 2322
Sheffield City Hall 10th March                                        Box Office 01142 789 789
Derby Assembly Rooms 12th Mar @ 7.30pm              Box Office 01332 255800
Birmingham Alexandra Theatre 13th March                Box Office 0844 847 2302
Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre 14th March            Box Office 01892 530613
Worthing Pavilion 15th March @ 7.30pm                    Box Office 01903 206 206
Dunstable The Grove 16th March  @7.30pm              Box Office  01582 602080
Carlisle Sands Centre 17th March  @ 7.30pm             Box Office 01228 625222
Ipswich, Regent Theatre 19th March                            Box Office 01473 433100

Woking New Victoria Theatre
20 &21 March @ 7.30pm                                               Box Office 0844 871 7645

Southend Cliffs Pavilion 22nd March @ 8pm              Box Office 01702 351135
Basingstoke The Anvil 24th March                                Box Office 01256 844244
Aylesbury Waterside 25th March                                  Box Office 0844 871 7627
Torquay Princess Theatre 26th March @ 7.30pm      Box Office 0844 871 3023
Hayes Beck Theatre 27th March                                   Box Office 020 8561 8371
Malvern Festival Theatre 28th March                          Box Office 01684 892277
Lowestoft Marina Theatre 29th March @ 7.30pm    Box Office 01502 533200
Hastings White Rock 30th March @ 7.30pm              Box office 01424 462288

APRIL 2012

Redhill Harlequin 1st April @ 8pm                               Box Office 01737765547
Darlington Civic 2nd April                                              Box Office 01325 486555
Bridlington Spa 3rd April  @ 7.30pm                           Box Office 01262 678258
New Brighton Floral Pavilion 4th April @ 7.30pm    Box Office 0151 666 0000
Rhyl Pavilion 5th April  @ 7.30pm                               Box Office 0870 330 0000
Buxton Opera House 10th April                                   Box Office 0845 127 2190
Bradford St. George's Hall 11th April  @ 7.30pm     Box Office 01274 432 000
Hull New Theatre 12th April                                         Box Office 01482 300 300
Whitley Bay Playhouse 13th  & 14th April @ 7.30pm       Box Office 0844 277 2771
Southport, Theatre and Convention Centre 16th April     Box Office 01704 5000
Lichfield, Garrick Theatre 17th  & 18th April              Box Office 01543 412121
Nottingham, Concert Hall 19th April                            Box Office 0115 989 5555
Yeovil, Octagon Theatre 20th & 21st  @ 7.30pm       Box office 01935 422884
 Bromley, Churchill Theatre 22nd April                        Box Office 020 8464 7131
 Swindon, Wyvern Theatre 24th & 25th April             Box Office 01793 524 481
Stevenage Gordon Craig Theatre 26th April  @7.45pm    Box Office 01438 363200
Brighton, Theatre Royal 27th & 28th April @ 7.30pm      Box Office 0844 871 7627
Reading, The Hexagon 30th April                                          Box Office 0118 9606060

May 2012

1st May DATE TBC
Kings Lynn Corn Exchange 2nd May  @ 7.30pm               Box Office 01553 764864
High Wycombe Swan 3rd May                                             Box Office 01494 512 000
Crawley Hawth Theatre 4th May                                         Box Office 01293 553636
Stoke, Regent Theatre 5th May                                            Box Office 0870 060 6649
Weston Super Mare Playhouse 8th May                            Box Office 01934 645544
 Wellingborough Castle 9th May                                         Box Office 01933 270 007
Croydon, Ashcroft Theatre 10 May                                     Box Office 020 8688 9291
Southsea King's 11 May                                                        Box Office 023 9282 8282
Watford, Colosseum 12 May 8pm                                       Box Office 0845 075 3993.
Richmond Theatre 13 May                                                    Box Office 0870 060 665

Interview with... Horrible Histories - Barmy Britain's LAURYN REDDING direct from London's West End

Barmy Britain

Lauryn Redding is an actress and musician currently starring in Horrible Histories - Barmy Britain at the Garrick Theatre, London alongside Benedict Martin. We had a quick chat with Lauryn to find out more about her and the show...

Hi Lauryn! We last caught up with you following your tour with Horrible Histories – Romans and Egyptians. What was that like?

It was a blast. We got to perform to fantastic audiences and spend time in many cities and towns. (some I’d never heard of!) Don’t get me wrong, it was hard work, but once I got into the swing of things it was second nature. Met some fabulous people, performed in amazing theatres and all in all, an irreplaceable experience.

What is your best memory from the Horrible Histories tour?
Hmmmm..The best memory would have to be performing in the York Grand Opera House. It was a personal conquer for me as York is my home town. Second best memory would have to be our sound guy falling in the river in Brecon! He was fine, but it kept us all laughing for weeks!

Horrible Histories - Barmy Britain in rehearsals
Lauryn Redding and Benedict Martin

What’s your role in Barmy Britain? Can you tell us a bit more about the show?
I am playing Queenie, a travelling player along with my fellow actor Benedict Martin who is playing Rex. The show is a two hander, it involves a lot of costume changes, a lot of props and A LOT of organised chaos! The show takes you throughout history, from the Romans through to World War 1 in 1 hour.. So as you can imagine, it’s a go go go!

Will it be touring at all?
As far as I know, there is currently no plan for a tour. We are currently based at the Garrick Theatre and won’t be moving for a while..we hope!

What have rehearsals been like preparing for Barmy Britain? 
The rehearsals have been a lot of fun! Which is how I think rehearsals should be. We only had a two week rehearsal period, but as me and Ben have both worked with the Horrible Histories shows before we had a bit of a head start. The rehearsals basically involved a lot of laughing, head rubbing and cups of tea.

Did you always plan on being an actress? What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t working on the stage?
I’d always wanted to be an actress. I remember when I was in year 3 at school we had to write what we wanted to be and I said Actress. I was told I should be a vet. Little did they know I’m allergic to cats and no good at science. So its probably a good job I went with my gut instinct! If I wasn’t an actor I really don’t know what I’d have done job wise. I’d like to have been a firewoman but I don’t like fire. Maybe a Marine biologist and live in the Maldives.

What plans have you got for 2012? Any other productions we might be able to catch you in?
No other productions lined up yet unfortunately, but I am hoping this show will open a few doors. Until then, I am going to enjoy every minute on that stage. London audiences are lovely!

Who is the biggest influence for your work?
Julie Walters and Victoria Wood are my absolute female inspirations. Their comic timing and characterisations are just exquisit. I am influenced by a long list of actors and performers, but for this specific show I’ve watched a lot of Blackadder, Rowan Atkinson is a comic gem.

What tips would you have for any young aspiring actors to get into theatre? 

Work hard, play hard(ish) and remember, there are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going. So stick at it and play on your individuality and personal strengths. There is after all, only one you! Oh, and if you ever feel dishearted ring your mum! (That’s what I do!)

Interview by Melissa Phillips

Dates: From Tuesday 14^th February 2012

Times: Wednesday – Friday 1pm; Saturday 10.30am, 12 Noon; Sunday 3pm, 5pm

Press Performance: Friday 24^th February, 1pm

Tickets: £14.50, £12.50 & £10

Box office: 0844 482 9673

Running time: 1 hour

Recommended age: 6+

Website: www.barmybritain.com

MR SCRUFF returns to London's Koko on 19th May following sell out show at the weekend

MR SCRUFF

LONDON KOKO

Saturday 19^th May

Following another sold out show at London’s Koko at the weekend - read our review HERE, Mr Scruff returns for his regular residency on Saturday 19^th May, his 14^th consecutive show.

A lot of things have happened since a young Andy Carthy started answering to the name Mr Scruff – making a name for himself under the shadow of Manchester’s mid 90s club scene. Not only has he released four critically acclaimed albums, with countless tours and club events he has cemented his now legendary DJ status. This is a DJ that can sell out the 1500 capacity London KoKo armed only with his records, some turntables and a few spare packets of teabags!

Mr. Scruff will be at the controls for 6 hours, serving up a melting pot of jazz, soul, hip hop, funk, disco, deep house, reggae, dubstep, afrobeat, latin, electrofunk and plenty of goodies that don’t fit into any category... and no lumps of fat or gristle! With such a lovely mixed crowd & great atmosphere, these Koko gigs always sell out, so be sure to get your tickets in good time. Oh, and you can even get a brew!

His new Ninja Tune singles 'Wobble Control' & 'Feel It' are out now, Click here to see the videos 

You can listen to Mr. Scruff’s 6 hour February Koko set below.

More info, including biog/faq at www.mrscruff.com
Mr. Scruff Facebook page 

Mr. Scruff Gigs

Feb 2012
Fri 24th	The Magnet	Liverpool	£13 advance
Sat 25th	Stylus	Leeds	£12 adv/£14 door
Mar 2012
Fri 2nd	'Illuminate' at the British Library	London	SOLD OUT
Sat 3rd	Keep It Unreal	Manchester	£11adv/£12door
Thu 15th	Roisin Dubh	Galway	€18/16members
Fri 16th	Button factory	Dublin	€22.50
Sat 17th	Pavilion	Cork	€12adv/€15door
Sun 18th	Dolans	Limerick	€12.50
Apr 2012
Sat 7th	Keep It Unreal	Manchester	£11adv/£12door
Thu 12th	Snowbombing	Mayrhofen
Wed 18th	Teatro Parenti (Elita Festival)	Milano
Fri 20th	VK	Brussels	€15adv/€18door
Fri 27th	Melkweg	Amsterdam	€12
May 2012
Sat 5th	Keep It Unreal	Manchester	£11adv/£12door
Fri 11th	Southport Weekender 25th Anniversary	Minehead	SOLD OUT
Sat 12th	53 Degrees	Preston	£10nus/12general
Sat 19th	Koko	London	£20 *

*Doors 9.30pm- 3am. Available at www.gigsandtours.com / 24 hr cc hotline: 0844 811 0051