Interview: Roxanne Pallett

Roxanne Pallett is currently starring as Tyler in Neil LaBute's play Some Girl(s) at the Park Theatre. 

The production is currently in its final week at Park90 with the cast also including Charles Dorfman, Elly Condron, Carolyn Backhouse and Carley Stenson. Next year she will star as Holly in the UK tour of The Wedding Singer which opens at the Leicester Curve on 6th February.

Roxanne’s previous stage credits include Rock Around The Clock (UK tour), The Vagina Monologues & Ladies Day (both Royal Court Liverpool), Satin ‘n’ Steel (Oldham Coliseum), The Rocky Horror Show (UK tour) and On The Piste (UK tour). She played Jo Stiles in ITV1’s Emmerdale with her additional screen credits including Waterloo Road, Casualty, Crime Stories, It’s A Lot, Devil’s Tower, The Violators, Wrong Turn 6 and Habit.

I recently spoke to Roxanne about what drew her to Some Girl(s), why she always loves coming back to theatre and looking for variety… 

What made you say “yes” to this play?

Well I read the script and loved how thought provoking it was. It’s got a bit everything – one minute it makes you laugh and then it makes you feel quite reflective about your own life. It’s emotionally charged which I love as an actress and as an audience member. Everything about it grabbed me immediately. Obviously the Park Theatre is one of the best off-West End theatres in London so that was an added bonus! It was an incredible opportunity.

Casting announced for world premiere of This Little Life of Mine

This Little Life of Mine will receive its world premiere at the Park Theatre in October.

The musical will open at Park90 on 5th October (previews from 4th October) for a limited run to 29th October.  It is described as the "first musical drama to examine the real lives of modern Londoners, with the pressure of high expectation and the worry of underachieving". 

This Little Life of Mine is written by Michael Yale, who will also direct the production. Music is by Charlie Round-Turner with set and costume by Zahra Mansouri, choreography by Tracy Allsop, lighting by Joules McCready, video artistry by Jack Henry James and musical direction by Thomas Duchan. 

Review: Some Girl(s) at the Park Theatre

Some Girl(s)
Park Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 20th July 2016
★★★

Some Girl(s) follows a man who travels around America in an attempt to make amends with four old flames before he gets married. It comes as no surprise that these encounters throw up various emotional turmoils for all involved.

Casting announced for The Roundabout at the Park Theatre

Casting has been announced for The Roundabout by JB Priestley at the Park Theatre.

Marking the play's first major revival in eighty years, The Roundabout opens on 25th August (previews from 24th August) and runs until 24th September 2016. Hugh Ross directs.

The cast includes Steven Blakeley as ‘Comrade Staggles’, Lisa Bowerman as ‘Lady Kettlewell’, Bessie Carter as ‘Pamela Kettlewell’, Richenda Carey as ‘Lady Knightsbridge, Charlie Field as ‘Farrington Gurney’, Derek Hutchinson as ‘Parsons’, Annie Jackson as ‘Alice’, Ed Pinker as ‘Alec Grenside’, Brian Protheroe as ‘Lord Kettlewell’, Hugh Sachs (pictured) as ‘Churton Saunders’ and Carol Starks as ‘Hilda Lancicourt’.

Competition: Win a pair of tickets to see The Trial of Jane Fonda

We are giving away a pair of tickets to The Trial of Jane Fonda at the Park Theatre.

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 11th July 2016 (entries after this time will not be included). The prize is valid until 21st July 2016.

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.

Casting announced for The Burnt Part Boys

The European premiere of chamber musical The Burnt Part Boys will be staged at the Park Theatre.

The show will open on 11th August (previews from 10th August) for a limited run to 3rd September 2016, marking the first musical to be staged in Park90.

The Burnt Part Boys has music by Chris Miller and lyrics by Nathan Tysen, who co-wrote Tuck Everlasting which recently closed on Broadway. Book is by Mariana Elder. The Burnt Part Boys ran off-Broadway in 2010.

Big Interview: George Maguire

George Maguire is currently starring as Macheath in the world premiere of new musical The Buskers Opera at the Park Theatre. 

Written by Dougal Irvine, the show is in its final week with only limited tickets available. Lotte Wakeham directs with the cast also including Lauren Samuels and David Burt.

George won the 2015 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for originating the role of Dave Davies in The Kinks musical, Sunny Afternoon. George worked on the show from its very first workshop before going on to star in Sunny Afternoon’s run at the Hampstead Theatre and its subsequent West End transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre.

His theatre credits also include: Busker in Lift (Soho), Marc Bolan in 20th Centuryboy (Coventry Belgrade/New Woseley), Berger in Hair (Piccadilly), David in Bank (Kings Head), Richard Loeb in Thrill Me (Charing Cross), Joe Vegas in Fame (Shaftesbury), understudy Stu Clutterbuck in Tonight's The Night (UK tour) and Captain in Oliver! (Palladium).

I recently spoke to George about why he’s attracted to new work, what drew him to The Buskers Opera, his whirlwind journey with Sunny Afternoon and childhood dream of being in Les Mis…

You’ve become known for taking on new musicals – you went straight from Lift into Sunny Afternoon and now into The Buskers Opera. What attracts you to these kinds of projects?

New work is one of the main things that keeps me going. I’ve been very fortunate – I’ve never gone into a show which is has already been running and done a takeover. I’m very much about doing new musicals because, as an actor, it’s very exciting to be able to create a role and to be part of a piece which is brand new. Everyone in the rehearsal room was coming up with it for the first time which for me is one of the best things about acting. It’s nice to not just be told where to stand and what to do. New musical theatre is something we should be supporting, especially in London, and it’s amazing that there is so much more new writing around now.

Review: The Buskers Opera at the Park Theatre

The Buskers Opera
Park Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 4th May 2016

★★★★

Dougal Irvine's new musical The Buskers Opera feels at home at the Park Theatre. Taking us back a few years to the 2012 London Olympics, the musical - which is inspired by The Beggars Opera - is humorously relevant. There's never a dull moment; the drama begins when the Mayor's daughter gets pregnant by busker Macheath (George Maguire) who is also seeing another girl whose father is a 'puppet master' broadcaster.

Park Theatre announces new season

Artistic director Jez Bond has announced the Park Theatre's new season of work; including four world premieres, three UK premieres, two European premieres and a London premiere. 

Bond says, "As well as welcoming back names who have proven hugely popular with our audiences, we are thrilled to announce brilliant new talent who will be making their Park Theatre debuts, including Mark Gatiss and Hollywood star Anne Archer. 

"With a mixture of plays plus two musicals – a first for Park90 – I’m delighted to announce what I am sure will be a scintillating and varied programme. The first professional show I directed was a J B Priestley play and I consider him one of the master storytellers, so on a personal note, I’m absolutely thrilled we’re presenting his lost gem as part of our season!"

The Quiet House by Gareth Farr transferring to London

The Quiet House by Gareth Farr will transfer to London this summer.

Following its world premiere at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre between 26th May and 4th June, The Quiet House will open at the Park Theatre on 7th June for a limited run to 9th July 2016.

The Quiet House is Farr’s second play following Britannia Waves The Rules which premiered at the Royal Exchange Manchester in 2014. 

Described as a "funny, moving and unswervingly honest love story" The Quiet House is about a couple’s journey to start a family and inspired by Farr and his wife's own experience. The cast includes Michelle Bonnard as ‘Jess’, Tom Walker as ‘Tony’, Allyson Ava-Brown as ‘Kim’ and Oliver Lansley as ‘Dylan’.

Full casting announced for The Buskers Opera

Final casting has been announced for Dougal Irvine's new musical The Buskers Opera. 

The show opens at the Park Theatre on 5th May (previews from 28th April) for a limited run to 4th June 2016.

As previously announced, the cast includes Lauren Samuels as Polly Peachum, George Maguire as Macheath, Natasha Cotriall as Lucy Lockitt, John McCrea as Flitch, Maimuna Memon as Jenny Diver/Dissenter/Beggar and Giovanna Ryan as Susan/Beggar/Dissenter.

Joining the cast are: David Burt (original Enjolras in Les Miserables) as Jeremiah Peachum and Simon Dylan-Kane (Radio 4’s John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme) as Mayor Lockitt. Lotte Wakeham directs with musical direction by Sean Green, lighting by Christopher Nairne, sound by Andy Graham and musical staging/choreography by Lucie Pankhurst.

Lauren Samuels & George Maguire to star in new musical The Buskers Opera

MyTheatreMates have announced that Lauren Samuels (Bend It Like Beckham/We Will Rock You) and George Maguire (Sunny Afternoon/Lift) will star as Polly Peachum and Macheath and  in the world premiere of new musical The Buskers Opera.

Written by Dougal Irvine, the show opens at the Park Theatre on 5th May (previews from 28th April) for a limited run to 4th June 2016. 

Lotte Wakeham directs with musical direction by Sean Green, lighting by Christopher Nairne, sound by Andy Graham and musical staging/choreography by Lucie Pankhurst.

Review: 4000 Days at the Park Theatre

4000 Days
Park Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 22nd January 2016
★★

The concept behind Peter Quilter's new play 4000 Days is very powerful; whilst Michael lies in a coma, his stressed boyfriend and disapproving mother wait by his side at each other's throats. After regaining consciousness, it becomes clear Michael is suffering from memory loss and is left piecing together the last decade of his life. 

Interview: Rolan Bell

Rolan Bell is currently starring as King Gerard in Rapunzel at the Park Theatre.

Marking the Park Theatre’s third Christmas show, Rapunzel has book, music and lyrics by Jez Bond and Mark Cameron. The show runs until 2nd January 2016. 

Rolan was recently nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical at the 2015 Olivier Awards for his performance as Delray in Memphis The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre. He previously played Brit in the world arena tour of We Will Rock You before joining the London production as part of the final West End cast at the Dominion Theatre.

His theatre credits include: Coalhouse Walker in Ragtime & Flute in A Midsummer Night's Dream (both Regent's Park Open Air Theatre), title role in Fela (National Theatre), Jessie Owens in 1936 (Arcola Theatre), Ivan in The Harder They Come (Barbican/Playhouse/Theatre Royal Stratford East), Mr Haywood in An African Cargo (Greenwich Theatre), Morrell/Huskly Miller in Carmen Jones (Royal Festival Hall), Scar in The Lion King (Paris) and Wayne/Sergeant in The Canterbury Ghost (Southwark Playhouse).

On screen Rolan played Theo in 22 episodes of EastEnders and has also made appearances in Doctors and WPC 56. I recently spoke to Rolan about what drew him to Rapunzel, his whirlwind year in Memphis and what it was like to be part of We Will Rock You’s final West End cast…

Panto at the Park Theatre is always crazy! The show is completely different to what you’ve been up to recently, what drew you to the project?

After my first audition… actually after reading the script for the first time and looking at the role of King Gerard the lines just flew off the page. My imagination got going straight away and as soon as I starting reading the script I fell in love with the role, it felt so natural. When I met the guys in my audition it was so fun and laid back – it almost felt like we were enjoying ourselves as children. I knew that I would have a good time doing this, so how could I pass up an opportunity like that? It has been a lot of fun! It’s nice to work with people who are engaging their inner child to create something which entertains children.

Panto Review: Rapunzel at the Park Theatre

Rapunzel
Park Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 11th December 2015
★★

Once again the award for most bizarre panto of the year goes to the Park Theatre for their production of Rapunzel. I do respect Jez Bond and Mark Cameron for tearing up more and more of the panto rule book each year, but must also admit that for two hours I wondered if I had eaten one mince pie too many and fallen into some sort of weird panto nightmare.

Full casting announced for 4000 Days at the Park Theatre

Full casting has been announced for the UK premiere of 4000 Days by Peter Quilter.

Directed by Matt Aston, 4000 Days opens at the Park Theatre on 19th January (previews from 14th January) and runs until 13th February 2016. 

Maggie Ollerenshaw (Open All Hours/Coronation Street) and Daniel Weyman (Foyles War) will join Alistair McGowan in the show. Design is by Rebecca Brower with lighting by Tom Boucher, sound by Damian Caldwell and costume by Molly Syrett.

Competition: Win a pair of tickets to see African Gothic!

We are giving away a pair of tickets to African Gothic at the Park Theatre. 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 7th December 2015 (entries after this time will not be included). The prize is valid for Tuesday – Thursday performances between 22nd December 2015 and 23rd January 2016.

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.

PICS: Ian McKellen hosts Park Theatre gala

On Thursday 12 November, over 300 guests joined Park Theatre Artistic Director Jez Bond, theatre staff and volunteers at a gala fundraising dinner at Stoke Newington Town Hall, hosted in inimitable style by Ian McKellen. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North and a longtime supporter of Park Theatre’s work, attended with wife Laura Alvarez.

Broadcaster Clive Anderson led a lively auction for a luxurious selection of donated prizes, including money-can’t-buy experiences such as dinner with Benedict Cumberbatch and ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ evening of home cooking with Maureen Lipman. The auction alone raised £133,500, and the overall total raised from the evening was £215,000.

Review: Dinner With Friends at the Park Theatre

Dinner With Friends
Park Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 30th October 2015
★★★

When marriages break down many worry about children, property, finances and maybe broken hearts, but interestingly in Donald Margulies' play when Tom and Beth announce their divorce we see how it leads to their closest friends Gabe and Karen - who appear to have the perfect marriage - questioning their own happiness.

Park Theatre announces new season

As the Park Theatre enters its third year, Artistic Director Jez Bond has today announced its new season of work, including seven new writing world premieres alongside a number of revivals, and a brand new British musical.

Bond says, "At Park Theatre we are committed to presenting world class theatre, and collaborating with the finest existing and emerging talent right in the heart of Finsbury Park. Our last season delivered phenomenal successes with sell out runs for new plays The Gathered Leaves and An Audience With Jimmy Savile, and I’m confident that this new season of work will challenge, entertain and stimulate audiences old and new."