Interview: Maddy Hill

Maddy Hill is currently starring as Titania and Quince in Simon Evans’ production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Southwark Playhouse.

This ninety minute version of Shakespeare’s play is performed by a cast of seven. It is described as “farce meets Shakespeare in the most exciting way”. The show is currently in previews ahead of press night on 6th June.

After A Midsummer Night’s Dream completes its run on 1st July 2016, Maddy will star as the title role in Matthew Dunster’s Imogen at Shakespeare’s Globe.

Maddy recently completed a two year run playing Nancy Carter in BBC1’s EastEnders. For her performance, in 2015 Maddy won Best Newcomer at the National Television Awards. On stage she previously appeared in As You Like It (Custom Practice/Lion & Unicorn) whilst her screen credits include U Want Me 2 Kill Him? and Hannah Wilson in Father Brown.

I recently spoke to Maddy about why she hopes audiences will relate to this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, how she feels about taking on the title role in Matthew Dunster’s Imogen and what it’s like to leave the EastEnders bubble… 

I love that this production is described as an “irreverent, mischievous and wildly creative” interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream! What did you think when you first heard about it?

For me I loved that Titania and Quince are so brilliant opposing… I wouldn’t have expected to play either of those parts ever – let alone now at this stage in my career. That was incredibly exciting. Taking such a well-known play and turning it on its head by trying to perform it with seven actors is the best thing you can possibly do with a play that everybody in the audience is going to know so well. There’s no doubt that they will never have seen anything like this before! 

Competition: Win a pair of tickets to A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Southwark Playhouse

We are giving away a pair of tickets to A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Southwark Playhouse starring Freddie Fox (Cucumber/Banana) and Maddy Hill (EastEnders). To enter the competition, simply sign up to West End Frame's mailing list below. 

The winner will be randomly selected at 10am on Monday 30th May 2016 (entries after this time will not be included). The prize is valid for preview performances between 31st May and 4th June. 

Even if you already subscribe to West End Frame's newsletter you still have to input your details below to enter this particular competition. You will not receive our newsletter twice (assuming you enter the same email address). Please read the terms and conditions below.

Review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Lyric Hammersmith

A Midsummer Night’s Dream 

Lyric Hammersmith

Reviewed on Tuesday 1st March 2016

★★★★

Filter’s unique approach to producing Shakespeare can be decidedly hit and miss. Their combination of experimental live music, free adaptation of text and dynamic staging was alienating in their 2014 production of Macbeth. Here, they are on much firmer ground – although not quite literally – with this raucous, unsubtle and unapologetically silly A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which first ran back at the Lyric in 2012 and has been revived this year, the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

Interview: Cat Simmons, starring in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Lyric Hammersmith

Cat Simmons is currently starring as Titania in the Lyric Hammersmith and Filter Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Co-directed by Sean Holmes and Stef O’Driscoll, the show has returned to the Lyric where it previously ran to acclaim in 2012.

The show is described as a “riotous reinterpretation of one of Shakespeare’s best loved plays”. With music from the London Snorkelling Team performed by Chris Branch and Keith de Barra, this classic tale of young lovers and warring fairies is given a unique and irreverent twist. 

Cat recently reprised her performance as Nancy in Oliver! at the Leicester Curve, having previously played the role in the UK touring production. 

Just a few of her extensive theatre credits include: Jane Wenham: The Witch of Walkern (Arcola/Watford Palace), Hopelessly Devoted (Tricycle/UK Tour), Whistle Down The Wind (Aldwych), Coming Home (Arcola), Lightning Child & Macbeth (both Globe), Decade (Headlong), Been So Long (Young Vic), Aladdin (Old Vic) and Fame (Cambridge). On screen she has played DC Kezia Walker in The Bill and Scarlett Anderson in Family Affairs.

I recently spoke to Cat about throwing herself into this bold reinterpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, pushing herself out of her comfort zone and what it was like to recently reprise her performance as Nancy in Oliver!...

This is a very bold reinterpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream! Did you know what you were letting yourself in for when you were offered the role?

Well I saw a Filter production of Twelfth Night at the Tricycle back in 2010 – I thought it was wild, anarchic and just crazy! The interpretations of the characters were fantastic and so fun yet still paid homage to the text – that’s what I liked about it, it put a new spin on a classic text. Going into the rehearsal room for this was a little daunting at first, most of the company had worked together quite a lot before. It has been a brilliant process! It has been so exciting – rock music… Shakespeare… comedy… breaking the shackles of all the conformities that go with this tradition…. I’m well up for it!

Rehearsal Pics: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Lyric Hammersmith

Rehearsal images have been released for A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Lyric Hammersmith. Check out the images below (click picture to enlarge).

Jonathan Broadbent, Ed Gaughan, John Lightbody, Victoria Moseley and Ferdy Roberts return to the cast and are joined by Hammed Animashaun, Andrew Buckley, Clare Dunne and Cat Simmons. Co-directed by Sean Holmes and Stef O’Driscoll, the production opens on 25th February (previews from 19th February) and runs until 19th March 2016. 

Full casting announced for A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Lyric Hammersmith

Full casting has been announced for A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Lyric Hammersmith.

Co-directed by Sean Holmes and Stef O’Driscoll, the production opens on 25th February (previews from 19th February) and runs until 19th March 2016. 

Jonathan Broadbent, Ed Gaughan, John Lightbody, Victoria Moseley and Ferdy Roberts return to the cast and will be joined by Hammed Animashaun, Andrew Buckley, Clare Dunne and Cat Simmons (pictured).

Matt Lucas, Elaine Paige & Hiran Abeysekera join BBC One’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Complete casting has been announced for Russell T Davies' adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream which will be broadcast on BBC One.

The one off TV event will star Maxine Peake (The Theory Of Everything) as Titania, Matt Lucas (Les Miserables/Little Britain) as Bottom, John Hannah (Four Weddings And A Funeral) as Theseus and Eleanor Matsuura (The Lady In The Van) as Hippolyta.

The cast also includes West End legend Elaine Paige (Evita/Cats) as Mistress Quince and West End Frame's May Star of the Month Hiran Abeysekera (Peter Pan) as Puck. Completing the cast are Richard Wilson, Bernard Cribbins, Javone Prince and Fisayo Akinade.

Review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Noël Coward Theatre

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Noël Coward Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 3rd October 2013

Lysander loves Hermia and Hermia loves Lysander. Helena loves Demetrius, Demetrius used to love Helena but now loves Hermia… yes it’s safe to say that we are all familiar with the story of Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream; London has seen countless productions over the years. However, this production, which is the latest play in Michael Grandage’s West End season at the Noël Coward Theatre, is certainly one of my favourites.

The new interpretation is very sexy and musically driven in places while certain sections have been cut, resulting in a speedy running time of two hours and twenty minutes. While this may disappoint traditionalists, it makes this incredible production perfect for Shakespeare newbies as the pace rarely slows.

Michael Grandage’s star-studded season has so far seen the likes of Daniel Radcliffe, Judi Dench, Ben Whishaw and Simon Russell Beale take to the stage, and for A Midsummer Night’s Dream the Queen of the West End, Sheridan Smith (who I have often described as the walking definition of the world versatile) has returned to her throne in another completely different role. It is interesting to see the star take on Titania, having previously played Hermia at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Needless to say Sheridan’s portrayal cannot be faulted, even when she lay still on a platform throughout a couple of scenes I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She is a performer who puts her all into every aspect of her performance, there really is nothing she cannot do.

Sheridan Smith nervous about taking on Hedda Gabler role

Everyone was delighted to hear the news that Sheridan Smith is returning to the West End to take on the title role in Hedda Gabler at The Old Vic this September. However she told Day & Night how nervous she is about taking on the role. She said  “I am so excited but also terrified. I think it’s the most scared I've been about a role. You have to push yourself out of your comfort zone and take risks. The key is to do your own version.”  

She also told them how she is constantly worried her success will come to an end. She said “I have to keep pinching myself and wondering how long will it last. I'm just so grateful to be in work, let alone to get such great jobs and people who trust me. You never know if you’re going to do well or not. You just have to do your best.”

This isn't Sheridan's only upcoming project, she will be appearing oppposite David Walliams as Titania in 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'. She has also recently completed filming a number of films and television series so we won't be able to turn on our TV without being dazzled by Sheridan, and I don't think she has to worry about anything coming to a end just yet!

Below is the trailer for one of Sheridan's films, Hysteria.

Sheridan Smith, David Walliams, Jude Law, Judi Dench plus more to appear in the Michael Grandage Company’s season at the Noel Coward Theatre

A bunch of in incredible actors including Sheridan Smith, David Walliams, Jude Law, and Judi Dench will appear in Michael Grandage Company’s theatre season which will take up residency at the Noel Coward Theatre between December 2012 and February 2014. There will be five productions in total: Privates on Parade, Peter and Alice, The Cripple of Inishmaan, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Henry V. This will offer 100,000 tickets for audiences at just £10.

Speaking about the season, Artistic Director Grandage, who will direct all five productions, and Executive Producer James Bierman, commented: “We are delighted to announce the inaugural season of work for the Michael Grandage Company – a programme comprised of new writing alongside the classical and 20th century repertoire. At its heart is a commitment to reach out to as wide an audience as possible with over 200 tickets for each performance at £10 and through our schools’ and access work we aim to appeal to new theatregoers and help build audiences for the future. This unique West End season brings together writers, actors and other artists in a single venture over 15 months dedicated to presenting work of the highest quality at affordable prices.”

In addition to renewing his commitment to making theatre affordable, which was previously seen when Grandage programmed 2009’s Donmar West End season at the Wyndham’s theatre with the same pricing structure as the intimate Donmar Warehouse, the season of work also picks up the passion for aiding young theatre professionals previously seen at the Donmar. Each show in the season will offer opportunities for young directors and designers to become involved as associates. More information about working with the company can be found at www.michaelgrandagecompany.com

Theatre fans are delighted as they now have the opportunity to see West End Star Sheridan Smith take on two new plays after it was announced earlier this week Sheridan would be taking on the title role in Hedda Gabler at The Old Vic. After the news was announced Sheridan excitedly tweeted 'Thanks guys, honoured to have been asked to play Hedda Gabler The Old Vic & Titania with Michael Grandage. Two great roles, nervous but excited!'

I think this is fantastic news! Many people have to limit the number of trips they make to the theatre due to ticket prices. This season will give the opportunity for people to see incredible actors take on iconic roles at an affordable price.

The Plays

Privates On Parade

by Peter Nichols. 

Music By Denis King

“Come see the privates on parade

You’ll say: how proudly they’re displayed”

Private Steven Flowers is posted to the Song and Dance Unit in South East Asia where serving under the flamboyant Captain Terri Dennis he discovers it takes more than just a uniform to become a man. 

Simon Russell Beale plays the cross-dressing Captain Dennis whose performances of Marlene Dietrich, Vera Lynn and Carmen Miranda form the centrepiece of Peter Nichols‘ award-winning comedy set against the murderous backdrop of the Malaysian campaign at the end of the Second World War.

Director Michael Grandage

Set and Costume Designer Christopher Oram

Lighting Designer Paule Constable

Choreographer Ben Wright

Peter and Alice

A new play by John Logan

“Of course that’s how it begins: a harmless fairy tale to pass the hours”

When Alice Liddell Hargreaves met Peter Llewellyn Davies at the opening of a Lewis Carroll exhibition in 1932, the original Alice in Wonderland came face to face with the original Peter Pan. In John Logan’s remarkable new play, enchantment and reality collide as this brief encounter lays bear the lives of these two extraordinary characters.

Judi Dench plays Alice and Ben Wishaw plays Peter in Logan’s first new play since Red, which went on to win six Tony Awards in 2010. 

Director Michael Grandage

Set and Costume Designer Christopher Oram

Lighting Designer (TBC)

Composer and Sound Designer Adam Cork

The Cripple of Inishmaan

by Martin McDonagh

“I shouldn’t laugh at you Billy … but I will”

Set on the remote island of Inishmaan off the west coast of Ireland, word arrives that a Hollywood film is being made on the neighboring island of Inishmore. The one person who wants to be in the film more than anybody is young Cripple Billy, if only to break away from the bitter tedium of his daily life. Martin McDonagh’s comic masterpiece examines an ordinary coming of age in extraordinary circumstances and confirms his position as one of the most original Irish voices to emerge in the second half of the twentieth century.

Daniel Radcliffe plays the title role in the first major London revival since its premiere at the National Theatre in 1996.

Director Michael Grandage

Set and Costume Designer Christopher Oram

Lighting Designer Paule Constable

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

by William Shakespeare

“The course of true love never did run smooth”

Lysander loves Hermia and Hermia loves Lysander. Helena loves Demetrius; Demetrius used to love Helena but now loves Hermia. When Hermia's father insists she choose Demetrius as a suitor she escapes with Lysander into the surrounding forest where Oberon and Titania, the King and Queen of the Fairies are having their own battle of love. As the human and magical worlds collide mischief and chaos erupt as love at first sight proves a reality for some and makes an ass of others.

Sheridan Smith plays Titania and David Walliams plays Bottom in this new production of one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies.

Director Michael Grandage

Set and Costume Designer Christopher Oram

Lighting Designer Paule Constable

Henry V

by William Shakespeare

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
”

Can the King of England hold his nerve to embrace his duty, command his men and lead his country to victory in France? Shakespeare’s great play of nationhood investigates the bloody horrors of war and the turbulence of a land in crisis.

Jude Law and Michael Grandage continue their collaboration that began with Hamlet in 2009. Law also appeared in the Donmar’s award-winning production Anna Christie, as part of Grandage’s final season as Artistic Director.

Director Michael Grandage

Set and Costume Designer Christopher Oram

Lighting Designer Paule Constable