LONDON – Conor Mitchell’s darkly comic children’s opera retells a familiar story: ‘who was the Pied Piper? and ‘Why did the rats all dance to his tune?’ This world premiere from the award-winning Belfast Ensemble brings opera home to Northern Ireland. Musically extraordinary, this cautionary tale explores themes of nature, nurture and just desserts. The Musician is stylishly staged using the latest in technological innovation, a … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2021: The Musician – A Horror Opera for Children by The Belfast Ensemble

LONDON – The cast has been announced for Talking Gods, a digital season of five reimagined Greek myths by Arrows & Traps. Nicolle Smartt (Good Omens and Doctor Who, BBC; Upon the Edge, DeCantillon) will star in tale of sisterhood Persephone, the first play in the Talking Gods series. Appearing in Orpheus, the second play which delves into control and toxicity, will be Christopher Neels (They … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2021: Cast announced for digital festival Talking Gods

LONDON – Much-loved and multi-talented stage and screen actor Shane Richie (EastEnders; The Entertainer; One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here) will take on the role of the titular tragic clown in the digital revival of Justin Butcher’s absorbing solo show, Scaramouche Jones. Filmed in a London theatre, and available to stream on Stream.Theatre from Friday 26th March to … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2021: Shane Richie to star in digital revival of ‘Scaramouche Jones or the Seven White Masks’

LONDON – Offering a £10,000 commission, the Arch 468 Hope Prize is now open for submissions for a new play that offers a vision of hope. Hope is the fuel that drives every innovation, every attempt to advance the sum of human knowledge, every revolution and every leap of faith. Arch 468 are working to ensure that hope is not allowed to fade from public discourse. … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2021: Arch 468 announce £10,000 commission for play offering vision of hope

LONDON – The world premiere of the highly-anticipated new musical Vanara will take place at Hackney Empire this October. Following two workshop performances, and an acclaimed concept album featuring some of the biggest names in musical theatre, the ground-breaking production will open in London for a strictly limited season before embarking on a UK-wide tour in 2022. Casting will be announced in due course. As disaster … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2021: Vanara at Hackney Empire

LONDON – Bringing something fun, playful and outrageous back to learning, Tract + Touch’s Wig Show is a participatory romp through voice and identity for children. The four quick 2-3 minute videos are a free resource and the perfect way to tap into some silliness and playfulness to enjoy from home, from school, during lockdowns and beyond. Wig Show’s crazy vocal warm-up and workouts are an … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2021: Wig Show by Tract + Touch