Review: wonder.land at the National Theatre

wonder.land 

National Theatre (Olivier)

Reviewed on Wednesday 16th December 2015

★★★

Set in an avatar obsessed world, wonder.land is a modern day coming-of-age story delving into the differentiation between our online and offline lives.

Lois Chimimba stars as Aly who finds escapism from school bullies and family drama in an online world entitled wonder.land. The piece is strikingly relevant; I don't think a lot of people truly understand the level of stress technology puts upon younger people. 'Back in the day' you could avoid bullies by fleeing home to your parents after the school bell had rung, but in 2015 there's no escaping thanks to the virtual world which, accessible at the click of a button, can be a very dark place.

Carly Bawden to star as Alice in wonder.land at the National Theatre

The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye has revealed that Carly Bawden has been cast as Alice in wonder.land - a new musical inspired by Lewis Carroll’s iconic Alice in Wonderland - at the National Theatre. 

Bawden takes over from Rosalie Craig who starred in the show's Manchester run.

wonder.land is by Damon Albarn with book and lyrics by Moira Buffini. The production, which is directed by Rufus Norris, runs at the National from 27th November 2015 and is currently booking until 31st January 2016.

Big Interview: Carly Bawden, starring in McQueen at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Carly Bawden is starring as Dahlia in the West End transfer of McQueen by James Phillips, replacing Dianna Agron who played the role during the play’s premiere at the St James Theatre earlier this year. 

Most recently Carly starred as Squeaky opposite Catherine Tate in Jamie Lloyd’s revival of Assassins at Menier Chocolate Factory. In 2012 she received tremendous acclaim for starring as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady alongside Dominic West at the Sheffield Crucible. 

Carly’s theatre credits also include: Zenka in The Natives (Old Vic New Voices Festival), Polly Peachum in Dead Dog In A Suitcase And Other Stories (UK tour), Whitehands in Tristan & Yseult (UK/US tours), Polly/Lucy in The Beggars Opera (UK tour), Susan in The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (Kensington), Catherine in Pippin (Menier Chocolate Factory), Genevieve in The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg (Leicester Curve/Gielgud), Bella in Sleeping Beauty (Wakefield), Castiza in Vice (Arcola), Swallow in Whistle Down The Wind (UK tour) and The Mistress in Evita (UK tour).

Her workshop credits include: Mandy Rice-Davies in Stephen Ward (Sir Richard Eyre), Exstasis in Paradise Lost: Shadows & Wings (Rupert Goold), Lydia/Mary/Anne in Pride & Prejudice (Laurie Samson) and Althea in The Light Princess (Marianne Elliot).

I recently spoke to Carly about why she’s so excited to be joining the cast of McQueen, her favourite Alexander McQueen creations, why she likes to be kept on her toes and which song she would want to belt out at the top of a tree on a desert island… 

What drew you to McQueen? Did you manage to see it at the St James?

Yes! I actually managed to catch it during its last week – I went to the final matinee and thought it was pretty amazing. Then, having a read of the script I just became instantly attracted to it and felt like I really wanted to give it a go. I was also just bowled over by everyone involved in the show, especially Stephen (Wight) who I’m very excited to be working with. It’s so exciting to now be a part of the company!

Sneak peek at... West End transfer of McQueen

First images have been released for the West End transfer of McQueen. Check out pictures from the cast read-through below (click image to enlarge).

Following its premiere at the St James Theatre earlier this year, McQueen opens the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 27th August (previews from 13th August) for a limited run until 7th November 2015. Scenes have been rewritten and an interval has been added. 

Aaron Tveit to make UK stage debut in Assassins

Baz Bamigboye has announced that Broadway star Aaron Tveit will make his UK stage debut in Assassins at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

He will star as John Wilkes Booth in the production which is directed by Jamie Lloyd.

Further casting has now been announced. Click here for more.

The actor has starred in the Broadway productions of Hairspray, Next to Normal and Catch Me If You Can. He also starred as Fiyero in Wicked opposite Kerry Ellis as Elphaba during her run in the Broadway production and played Enjolras in the film adaptation of Les Misérables.

The cast also includes Catherine Tate, Carly Bawden, Simon Lipkin, Mike McShane, Andy Nyman, and David Roberts.

Theatre Gossip: My Fair Lady starring Dominic West for West End Transfer?

According to the Daily Mail, Sheffield Theatres' acclaimed production of My Fair Lady could transfer to the West End. Starring Dominic West as Henry Higgins and Carly Bawden as Eliza Doolittle, the production opened in the Crucible Theatre last month and continues until 26th January.

While nothing is yet confirmed, a London transfer could happen in May, when Dominic West is available to repeat his performance for a limited London season. According to the article West End theatre owners have been scrambling to stage the transfer. Everything is up for discussion while availability, rights - and a theatre - are being sorted.