Take a sneaky peek at the upcoming season at Glasgow's King's Theatre and Theatre Royal!
Preview by Sharman Prince
Backstage Pass
were lucky to be treated to a fantastic sneak preview of the highlights of the
glittering selection of shows forthcoming to Glasgow's two primary theatres last
night. The evening was jovially presented by Glasgow stalwart Des Clarke whose humour and warmth
unified the evening and who interacted easily with both audience and the
special guests who appeared to give the audience a sneaky glimpse into the
upcoming productions.
"East is East" was previewed next
and we were treated to actress Sally
Bankes talking along with her producer about a play that has become
somewhat iconic and which remains relevant given its themes of family and
cultural divides in 1970s Salford. Ayub
Khan Din's semi-autobiographical play about life in a multi-cultural family
will star Pauline McLynn who
recently appeared in "Eastenders" and will run at the Theatre Royal Aug 10-15.
One of the
world's most popular choreographers Matthew
Bourne made an appearance and discussed his new tour of "Sleeping Beauty" which will run at
the Theatre Royal 17-21 November.
Bourne, in discussion with Clarke, talked about his approach in taking a simple
story-line that most people think they know and to add a twist that creates a
new, excitement element that is inherently theatrical and dramatic whilst
retaining the power of story-telling through movement alone. Bourne also commented
on his links with Glasgow where he first worked with a group of young men on
his production of "Lord of the Flies" and how it felt like 'coming'
home' for him. The world-famous choreographer also hinted at his next project
which is to be based on a classic British movie about Ballet.
Next we were
treated to a lovely rendition of the classic "I Don't Know How To Love
Him" from "Jesus Christ
Superstar" which is coming to the King’s
October 5-10. The classic, epic rock musical will star Glenn Carter in the title role, a role he has portrayed in the West
End, on Broadway and in the 2000 Really Useful film. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate,
Kara Swinney, understudying the role
of "Mary Magdalene", sung to a simple piano accompaniment showcasing
her broad, emotive vocals. The production is an impressive one and features one
of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's
most exciting scores.
Nigel Havers and Christine Kavanagh treated us to an impromptu performance of
part of the Oscar Wilde classic "The
Importance Of Being Earnest". Proving that Wilde's comedy is
still as powerful as ever the duo managed to convey the joy and effervescence
inherent in a production that uses a framing device of an amateur company
performing Wilde's play to facilitate the more mature actors performing such
youthful roles whilst creating a new take on a true classic. Additional
material is written by Simon Brett and promises to be a charming and funny
event. Sian Phillips is also starring in the production that will run November 24-28 at the Theatre Royal.
The new Elvis
Presley-inspired musical "Love Me
Tender" will run at the King’s
theatre 3-8 August and will star Mica
Paris in a production that took ten years to mount. Loosely based around
the Broadway musical "All Shook Up", the plot centres around a
romance between a tomboy mechanic and the stranger who rides into town. The
production will feature many of the hits of the "King of
Rock-n-Roll".
Producer Adam Spiegel, who is producing
"Love Me Tender", is also presenting the hilarious Mel Brooks musical
"The Producers” which will star
Jason Manford, Ross Noble and Olivier award winner David Bedella in a show about a producer and his accountants plot
to make money by creating the worst musical ever made. Based on Brooks’ film
and featuring "Springtime For Hitler" the show will, no doubt, be a
riot from start to finish and runs Jun
15-20 at the Theatre Royal.
The penultimate
preview was for the forthcoming King’s theatre pantomime which, this year, is
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs".
Starring Des Clarke, Gregor Fisher and Juliet Cadzow the 51st King’s panto will, no doubt, be as
successful as the previous 50. In a humorous, relaxed chat with Clarke both
Fisher and Cadzow reminisced about the panto legends they had worked with and
how the legacy of pantomime is an enduring one. The pantomime will run from December 4 to January 10 2016 with a
special, relaxed performance on January 8.
The final
preview of the evening was for the classy musical "Dirty Rotten
Scoundrels". Star Michael Praed
presented a number from the show and, given his effortless, elegant performance
will probably be worth the ticket price alone. The touring production will also
feature Noel Sullivan, Carley Stenson and Mark Benton and may be one of the classiest productions around,
despite its subject matter of two conmen and the trouble that ensues following
the appearance of a beautiful woman in their midst. Based on the classic film
that starred Michael Caine the show will, I am sure, be a highlight at the King’s Theatre running 23-27 June 2015.
Given such a wonderful
variety in this fantastic highlight selection there is undoubtedly something
for everyone at the King’s theatre or the Theatre Royal this coming year.
