Category: Theatre Casting News

Armstrong’s RepresentAsian 2025 casts Tony Nominee Conrad Ricamora to join its cast for one-night fundraising concert

By Hamza Jahanzeb

4 September 2025

The Founder and Casting Director, Benjamin Armstrong, has announced a special guest from the other side of the Atlantic for RepresentAsian: An Evening of Asian Talent. ThenWest End concert – for one night only on Monday 13th October, 2025 at the Lyric Theatre – will now also include Conrad Ricamora (How to Get Away With Murder), who I had the pleasure to see in Here Lies Love (the Imelda Marcos-inspired Musical on Broadway). See below a snap I took from the curtain call!

Conrad Ricamora in Here Lies Love (2023)

At a time when there is a dearth of Asian talent (as well as rising fascist sentiments across the UK), it is so critical to support initiatives that encourage more representation in the world of theatre.

The concert is to also help fund a scholarship for young, Asian individuals to train in the arts, and widen the talent pool partnering up with The Boury Academy, in collaboration with Conrad Ricamora’s “The Right To Be There” initiative.

Conrad Ricamora

CONRAD RICAMORA recently originated the role of Abraham Lincoln in the Broadway hit Oh, Mary!, earning a Tony Award nomination. He is currently filming The Devil Wears Prada 2 and will next appear in Killer Films’ The Last Day, opposite Alicia Vikander and Victoria Pedretti. On television, Ricamora is known for How To Get Away With Murder(ABC), The Resident (FOX), and Dying for Sex (FX) opposite Michelle Williams. His film credits include the Emmy-nominated, Gotham Award-winning Fire Island. A veteran of New York theater, he has appeared in Here Lies Love(originating his role at The Public Theater), The King and I, Little Shop of Horrors, and Soft Power, earning Lortel and Drama Desk Award nominations. He is also a two-time Grammy Award nominee as a principal vocalist on Broadway cast recordings.

Conrad Ricamora had the following to share: “I’m honored that RepresentAsian reached out and invited me to be part of this incredible night in London. The work they’re doing with The Boury Academy — creating real opportunities for young Asian artists — resonates deeply with me. Partnering with them feels like a natural extension of my own scholarship fund, The Right to Be There. I’m thrilled to be making my West End debut while joining forces across the Atlantic to invest in the next generation of talent.” Armstrong says “Representation matters a great deal to me, as a mixed race individual, and I want to give back to the Asian community. Providing access and opportunities to young people is how to widen the talent pool, strengthen representation and hopefully inspire others to commit to inclusivity and diversity in the arts. I can’t wait to share this show with a West End audience.”

The creative team includes Ben Armstrong (Founder and Casting Director), with designs by Ghostlight Productions, and further creative team members to be confirmed. Produced by Aixa Amarante Productions

Book your tickets: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/representasian-an-evening-of-asian-talent/

Find out more about The Boury Academy: https://www.thebouryacademy.co.uk/

09/04/2025
EXCLUSIVE: Shobna Gulati returns to the West End stage in transfer of National Theatre’s lauded production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest

One of Lancashire’s finest actors, writers and dancers to play Miss Prism in stage adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest at the Noël Coward Theatre on St. Martin’s Lane.

By Hamza Jahanzeb

31 July 2025

It’s Shobna Gulati’s world and we’re all living in it, right?

Gulati is a British household name, from Oldham in Lancashire, and a stalwart of Britain’s most recognisable actors who returns to the West End stage this Autumn.They last performed on the Apollo Theatre stage in 2018 for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and last year at the Dorfman (National Theatre) in Tanika Guptas Tupperware of Ashes. Shobna is to play the role of Miss Prism in Oscar Wilde’s Importance of Being Earnest joining already announced Olly Alexander (Algernon Moncrieff), Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Jack Worthing), Hugh Dennis (Rev. Canon Chasuble), Kitty Hawthorne (Gwendolen Fairfax), Jessica Whitehurst (Cecily Cardew), Hayley Carmichael (Merriman/Lane) and Stephen Fry (Lady Bracknell).

Their talent knows no bounds, as they have traversed the worlds of dance, television and theatre. Gulati’s last turn at the National Theatre was at the Dorfman Theatre, playing Indira in Tanika Gupta’s A Tupperware of Ashes. Their full theatre and television credits are mightily impressive and include: dinnerladies, Coronation Street, Doctor Who, Hullraisers, Midsomer Murders, My Name Is Leon, Inside No 9, Vera, Mr Bigstuff, Mamma Mia, Grease, Anita & Me, Richard II, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice and most recently on stage at the Leeds Playhouse in Through It All Together.

This ‘bold and brash Wilde reboot’ (★★★★ The Times) will run for a limited season at the Noël Coward Theatre, a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre, in a co-production with Sonia Friedman Productions, from 18 September 2025 until 10 January 2026. Also described as a ‘sparkling new production’ (★★★★★ Daily Mail), it is directed by Max Webster remarked for being a joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy.

Max Webster had the following to share:

“Oscar Wilde was a master of elegance, rebellion, and razor-sharp wit. With this cast we’re embracing the play’s subversive heart in a way that feels utterly now. I’d like to think Wilde would be delighted – and perhaps even a little scandalised – by this bold, joyful take on his most iconic comedy.”

Being sensible can be excessively boring. At least Jack thinks so.

While assuming the role of dutiful guardian in the country, he lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy takes on a similar facade.

Unfortunately, living a double life has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to love. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.

Max Webster is an award-winning theatre director, specialising in spectacular new work, opera and live music events. Recent acclaimed productions include Macbeth (Donmar Warehouse/West End), Life of Pi (Sheffield Theatres/West End/Broadway), Henry V (Donmar Warehouse) and The Lorax (Old Vic). He was Associate Director at the Old Vic from 2015 until 2019 and at the Donmar Warehouse from 2020 until 2024.

‘This exuberant production’ (★★★★ The i) also features the work of set and costume designer Rae Smith, lighting designer Jon Clark, sound designer Nicola T. Chang, movement director Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, composer DJ Walde and casting director Alastair Coomer CDG. They are joined by associate director Aaliyah McKay, associate set designer Tim Blazdell, associate costume designer Johanna Coe, associate lighting designer Hector Murray and associate sound designer Chris Reid. Completing the creative team are, physical comedy advisor Joyce Henderson, intimacy coordinator Ingrid Mackinnon and dialect coach Hazel Holder.

Webster’s ‘Wilde party of irresistible anarchic charm’ (★★★★ The Guardian) was first performed in the Lyttelton Theatre from 21 November 2024 until 25 January 2025. Following a sold-out run at the National Theatre, it was subsequently released to cinemas worldwide through National Theatre Live. Over 165,000 people in the UK have watched ‘this joyous production’ (★★★★ The i).

*Over 20,000 tickets are available for under £30 across the upcoming West End run*

The National Theatre production of The Importance of Being Earnest is co-produced with Sonia Friedman Productions.

In association with No Guarantees, Playing Field and Winkler & Smalberg.

🎟️: What’re you waiting for, get yer’ tickets here: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/the-importance-of-being-earnest/

Also, Shobna Gulati’s memoir: Remember Me? published a few years ago can also be purchased here: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/shobna-gulati/remember-me/9781914240584/

07/31/2025
CASTING NEWS: Cast announced for the UK premiere of Bhatia and Dada’s ‘Speed’ at the Bush Theatre, including Arian Nik (Count Dracula, Daddy Issues) and Nikesh Patel (The Devil’s Hour, Indian Summers)

(Photo credit: Arian Nik by David Reiss, Shazia Nicholl by James Corrigan)

A nurse, a delivery driver, and an entrepreneur walk into a speed awareness course…

Abz is the UK’s leading expert on road safety and the most in-demand course facilitator north of the M25.

In an entirely average hotel basement somewhere in Birmingham, three speedsters are summoned to his class with a choice: change your ways or lose your licence.

But a routine training course quickly veers into a tumultuous group therapy session as they are forced to confront the real question: why are you all so angry?

The full cast and creative team of the Bush Theatre’s play Speed – described as a break-neck journey through the daily annoyances and deep-buried secrets that leave us spinning – have been announced.

Hilarious and heartfelt, this world premiere production reunites writer Mohamed-Zain Dada and director Milli Bhatia after the wild success of the Olivier Award-nominated, Blue Mist (Royal Court). The cast is Arian Nik, Shazia Nicholls, Nikesh Patel, and Sabrina Sandhu.

Speed

Written by Mohamed-Zain Dada

Directed by Milli Bhatia

Set and Costume Designer – Tomás Palmer

Sound Designer – XANA

Lighting Designer – Jessica Hung Han Yun

Movement Director – Theophilus Bailey

Fight Director – Bret Yount

Cast – Arian Nik, Shazia Nicholls, Nikesh Patel, Sabrina Sandhu

4 April – 17 May 2025

Monday – Saturday at 7.30 pm

Wednesday matinees – 16, 23, 30 April, 1, 7, 14 May at 2.30 pm

Saturday matinees – 12, 19, 26 April, 3, 10, 17 May at 2.30 pm

Relaxed performances – Saturday 19 April, 2.30 pm & Thursday 8 May 7.30 pm

Captioned performances – Wednesday 23 April, 7.30 pm & Saturday 3 May 2.30 pm

Audio-described performances and touch tours – Saturday 26 April 2.30 pm & Thursday 1 May 7.30 pm

Milli Bhatia is a stage, screen, and radio director, and dramaturg from East London. She is an Associate Artist at Synergy and was Associate Director at The Royal Court Theatre. Before this, she was a Trainee Director and then a Literary Associate at The Royal Court, Associate Artist at The Bush Theatre, Resident Assistant Director at Birmingham Rep and Creative Associate at The Gate Theatre. Her training includes The National Theatre Director’s Programme, and The Old Vic 12.

Milli is a two-time Olivier Award nominee, for her productions of seven methods of killing kylie jenner and Blue Mist, both premiered at The Royal Court Theatre. She has also been nominated for Off West End Awards, Visionary Arts Awards, EE Awards, and Asian Media Awards, and her work has received West End and international transfers, including to The Public Theater NYC, Woolly Mammoth DC, Riksteatern and The Swedish Biennale (Dramaten). Her work in theatre also includes Chasing Hares (Young Vic), King Troll (The Fawn) (New Diorama), My White Best Friend and Other Letters Left Unsaid (Royal Court/Bunker), Macbeth:Something Wicked (Donmar tour), Liberation Squares (Nottingham Playhouse/Brixton House/National tour), Dismantle This Room (Bush Theatre/Royal Court), Maryland and Baghdaddy (Royal Court).

Mohamed-Zain Dada, who goes by the name Zain, is a playwright and screenwriter. His first writing credit, Emily (Glitched) In Paris was for the Royal Court Theatre’s Living Newspaper series in March 2021. He is an alumnus of BBC Drama Room’s 2022-23 cohort and NFTS x Left Bank Pictures’ inaugural Diverse Writer’s Room Programme 2024. Zain’s debut play, Blue Mist premiered at the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court Theatre in October 2023 to four and five-star reviews and was nominated for an Olivier Award. His second play,Dizzy premiered at the Sheffield Playhouse (co-produced by Theatre Centre).

Shazia Nicholls plays Faiza. Shazia has just finished performing as Mrs Quickly in The Merry Wives of Windsor directed by Blanche McIntyre for The Royal Shakespeare Company. Before arriving in Stratford Shazia starred in The Duchess of Malfi for The Globe at The Sam Wanamaker Theatre and The Inquiry at Chichester Festival Theatre. Screenwise, Shazia recently wrapped Alfonso Cuarón’s latest series Disclaimer for AppleTV+ opposite Cate Blanchett and HeYeon Jung. Prior to this, Shazia was on stage in Margaret Perry’s Oliver award-nominated play Paradise Now! at the Bush Theatre. She can be seen in Peter Kosminsky’s, Darkness Rising, and Call the Midwife for the BBC. She is perhaps best known for her role in the critically acclaimed series, Dr Foster opposite Suranne Jones. Other credits include The National Theatre’s Antony and Cleopatra, The Winter’s Tale, and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth.

Arian Nik plays Samir. Arian trained at Mountview Academy. Theatre credits include: Blue Mist (Royal Court), Sokhan Begoo (Royal Court), Kabul Goes Pop: Music Television Afghanistan (Brixton House), and The Village (Stratford East). TV and Film credits include: Daddy Issues (BBC), Film Club (BBC), Missing You (Netflix), Passenger(ITV), Count Abdulla (ITV), Giant (AGC Studios), Allelujah (Pathé), andArtemis Fowl (Disney).

Nikesh Patel plays Abz. He stars in the upcoming Amazon feature film Picture This as ‘Akshay’ opposite Simone Ashley. He also recently starred in the second season of The Devil’s Hour for Amazon. Other recent highlights include series 3 of the BBC/HBO hit show Starstruck, playing the lead role of ‘Tom Kapoor’ opposite Rose Matefeo and in the feature film The Critic directed by Anand Tucker. Other highlights include ‘Kash’ in Mindy Kaling’s ten-part Four Weddings and a Funeral(Hulu) and ‘Foaly’ in feature film Artemis Fowl, directed by Kenneth Branagh (Disney). Nikesh trained at the Guildhall School of Drama and was named one of the 2010 Screen’s UK Stars of Tomorrow.

Sabrina Sandhu plays Harleen. Sabrina trained at the Television Workshop. Her television credits include The Syndicate (BBC), Dodger(BBC/NBC Universal), Maternal (ITV), and the guest lead in Not Going Out for the BBC. Most recently, she starred in the critically acclaimedDinosaur (BBC/HULU) by Two Brothers, and the second series of the smash hit We Are Lady Parts (Working Title). On stage, Sabrina’s credits include Pritti Pasha in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo in London’s West End, I Dare You at the Nottingham Playhouse/Leicester Curve, If We Were Older for the National Theatre and East Is East for the Nottingham Playhouse. Sabrina has worked on several projects for BBC Radio and won the Best Debut Performance award at the BBC Audio Drama Awards for her work onBlack Eyed Girls (BBC Radio 4).

Speed is generously supported by Charles Holloway OBE.

Tickets

Tickets for Speed are priced from £25 (concessions available), with £15 ‘Count Me In’ seats available at every performance and can be booked at bushtheatre.co.uk or the Box Office on 020 8743 5050.

With a Bush Theatre season ticket, the more shows you book, the more you save.

Bush Theatre members get the best benefits, including discounts on tickets and savings at the bar. Free memberships are available for under 30s, students and local residents. See the Bush Theatre’s website for details.

02/21/2025
Theatre News: Principal Cast announced for the UK premiere Of Stephen Sondheim’s final musical “Here We Are” at the National Theatre, including Chumisa Dornford-May, Jane Krakowski and Richard Fleeshman

The National Theatre today announces further casting for their forthcoming UK premiere of Here We Are, the final musical by the legendary Stephen Sondheim with a book by Tony Award-nominee David Ives (All in the Timing/Venus in Fur). After receiving its world premiere and a sold-out run in New York in 2023, this unmissable musical comedy will receive a new production in the Lyttelton theatre. Inspired by two of Luis Buñuel’s iconic films, Here We Are is directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello (WICKED /Assassins).

Joining this new production in London are Chumisa Dornford-May (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), Richard Fleeshman (Ghost, Company), Harry Hadden-Paton (Downton Abbey), Cameron Johnson (Guys & Dolls), Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), Martha Plimpton (Sweat) and Paulo Szot (South Pacific).

They join the previously announced cast Tracie Bennett (Follies) and Denis O’Hare (Tartuffe), who reprise their roles from the original production in New York, and Rory Kinnear (No Time to Die) who will be joining this new production in London. Further casting to be announced.

Leo and Marianne Brink have found the ideal spot to take their friends. With great reviews, impeccable service and an extensive menu it seems like nothing could go wrong. But after a series of strange events interrupt their meal, they soon realise they’ve bitten off more than they can chew.

Director Joe Mantello will stage a new production with set and costume designer David Zinn, choreographer Sam Pinkleton, orchestrations Jonathan Tunick, additional arrangements Alexander Gemignani, conductor Nigel Lilley, lighting designer Natasha Katz, sound designer Tom Gibbons and casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor.

Playing in the Lyttelton theatre from 23 April to 28 June 2025.

Tickets are on sale now, nationaltheatre.org.uk

12/13/2024
Theatre News: Giant returns in 2025 with West End Transfer; Lithgow and Levey to reprise roles

Brian and Dayna Lee, Stephanie Kramer and Nicole Kramer, Josh Fiedler and Robyn Goodman, today announce a 14 week limited run for the Royal Court Theatre’s production of Mark Rosenblatt’s GIANT at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End. Directed by Nicholas Hytner (Straight Line Crazy, La Belle Sauvage) and designed by Bob Crowley, the sold-out hit which has just completed its run at the Royal Court premiered at the theatre in September 2024. The West End transfer will run from 26 April 2025 – 2 August 2025, with an opening night on 1 May 2025. For priority booking please sign up here gianttheplay.com.

Tony and Golden Globe-winner John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Crown) will reprise his extraordinary performance as Roald Dahl with Olivier Award-winner Elliot Levey (Cold War, Patriots, Good) returning as Tom Maschler. Further casting to be announced.

I wanted to put you bang in the picture. Appraise you of the difficulties. Because, in case you hadn’t noticed, he’s a human fucking boobytrap. And now, guess what, surprise surprise, boom!”

A world-famous children’s author under threat. A battle of wills in the wake of scandal. And one chance to make amends…

It’s the summer of 1983, The Witches is about to hit the shelves and Roald Dahl is making last-minute edits. But the outcry at his recent, explicitly antisemitic article won’t die down.

Across a single afternoon at his family home, and rocked by an unexpectedly explosive confrontation, Dahl is forced to choose: make a public apology or risk his name and reputation.

Inspired by real events, GIANT explores with dark humour the difference between considered opinion and dangerous rhetoric offering a complicated portrait of a fiendishly charismatic icon.

The production features lighting design by Anna Watson, sound design by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite and casting by Arthur Carrington. General Management is by Short Street Productions Ltd and Mark Rubinstein is Executive Producer for the West End Production.

Mark Rosenblatt says: “Premiering GIANT, my first play, at the legendary Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Downstairs has been a wonderful, dizzying and life-changing experience. Had its journey ended there, it would have been plenty. But to have Nick Hytner’s superlative production now transfer to the West End to be experienced by a wider audience is far beyond my every expectation.”

John Lithgow says: “For over sixty years, the Royal Court Theatre has been the cradle of great new playwriting. Along with writer Mark Rosenblatt and director Nick Hytner, they have launched another remarkable new play. I am happy and proud to be a part of its first trip out into a wider world.”

Brian and Dayna Lee say: “Since first reading Mark’s debut play, we have been anticipating audiences experiencing his extraordinary work. After sold-out houses and a thrilling debut at the Royal Court, we are ecstatic to bring GIANT to the West End with the astonishing John Lithgow as Roald Dahl. Along with our partners Stephanie Kramer & Nicole Kramer and Josh Fielder & Robyn Goodman, we are looking forward to audiences having the opportunity to experience this bold, brave and pivotal piece of theatre that stays with you long after the curtain comes down.”

David Byrne, Artistic Director of The Royal Court says: “Mark Rosenblatt’s GIANT is an astounding debut play brought brilliantly to life in Nicholas Hynter’s thrilling production. I am incredibly proud to have had GIANT as part of my first season at the Royal Court, with both Mark and Nick making their Royal Court debuts. With the exception of our famous Monday night rush seats, GIANT sold every available ticket for its premiere run at the Royal Court before its first preview. I am therefore delighted that it is transferring to the West End, led by the incomparable John Lithgow, so that more audiences can get the pleasure of experiencing this gripping new play.”

The Royal Court’s production of GIANT will be produced in the West End by Brian and Dayna Lee, Stephanie Kramer and Nicole Kramer, Josh Fiedler and Robyn Goodman.

★★★★★ – The Times

★★★★★ – The Observer

★★★★★ – Mail on Sunday

★★★★★ – The Standard

★★★★★ – Sunday Express

★★★★ – The Guardian

★★★★ – The Independent

★★★★ – The Daily Mail

★★★★ – The Financial Times

★★★★ – The i News

★★★★ – TimeOut

★★★★ – The Daily Express

GIANT is generously supported by a lead gift from Charles Holloway, OBE.

11/21/2024
THEATRE CASTING NEWS: National Theatre Announces Full Casting For The First Major Stage Adaptation Of The Beloved Novel

By Hamza Jahanzeb – 26 September 2024

The Royal National Theatre today announced the full casting for a major stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s best-selling book Ballet Shoes by Kendall Feaver (The Almighty Sometimes), in the Olivier theatre from 23 November 2024. The festive family show will be directed by Katy Rudd, who returns to the National Theatre following The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

Announced today are Stacy Abalogun (Ensemble), Yanexi Enriquez (Petrova Fossil), Philip Labey (Ensemble), Katie Lee (On Stage Swing), Sharol Mackenzie (Ensemble), Pearl Mackie (Sylvia), Nuwan Hugh Perera (Ensemble), and Katie Singh (Ensemble). They will join previously announced cast including Eryck Brahmania (Ensemble), Cordelia Braithwaite (Ensemble), Michelle Cornelius(Ensemble), Sonya Cullingford (Winifred), Jenny Galloway (Nana), Courtney George (Ensemble), Georges Hann (Ensemble), Nadine Higgin (Theo Dane), Helena Lymbery (Doctor Jakes), Xolisweh Ana Richards (Ballet Dancer + Ensemble), Sid Sagar (Jayan Saravanan), Grace Saif (Pauline Fossil), Justin Salinger (GUM/Fidolia) and Daisy Sequerra (Posy Fossil).

The synopsis for Ballet Shoes reads as follows:

In a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters – Pauline, Petrova and Posy – are learning who they are and what they want to be. Under the watchful eyes and guidance of their guardian Sylvia, Nana, and some unlikely lodgers, they fight to pursue their individual passions. But in a world that wasn’t built for women with big ambitions, can they forge a future, keep their family together, and even learn a dance or two along the way?

Directed by Katy Rudd with set designer Frankie Bradshaw, costume designer Samuel Wyer, choreographer Ellen Kane, composer Asaf Zohar, dance arrangements and orchestrations Gavin Sutherland, lighting designer Paule Constable, sound designer Ian Dickinson for Autograph, video designer Ash J Woodward, casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor, dialect coach Penny Dyer, voice coaches Cathleen McCarron and Tamsin Newlands, associate choreographer Jonathan Goddard and staff director Aaliyah Mckay.

Ballet Shoes will play in the Olivier theatre from 23 November 2024 to 22 February 2025, with the press performance on 5 December 2024. Recommended for ages 7+.

Tickets are on sale now, nationaltheatre.org.uk

09/26/2024
CASTING NEWS: Santi and Naz casts its leading ladies – starring Farah Ashraf and Aiyana Bartlett

The Thelmas (who recently celebrated their 10th anniversary) are delighted to announce casting and the London run of Santi and Naz, the story of two young friends – one Sikh, one Muslim – told against the backdrop of the partition of India.

Following its tour 8 Oct – 8 Nov, it will come to Soho Theatre 21 Jan – 8 Feb. The Santi and Naz tour starts at Wardrobe Theatre in Bristol and will perform in Hayes, Glasgow, Nottingham, Bedford, Birmingham, Norwich, Newcastle, Bolton, Leicester and Derby.

Casting has been announced: Farah Ashraf as Naz
and Aiyana Bartlett as Santi.

Farah Ashraf

Aiyana Bartlett

In 1945, two years before the partition of India, two young women – one Sikh, one Muslim – stand fast against circumstances that would separate them. Santi and Naz are best friends who only think about stealing books, swimming in the lake and spying on the local hottie. But as social unrest spreads and families and communities are torn apart, neither understands how their religions are set to divide them, having lived side-by-side all their lives. Then when Naz is betrothed to a tailor in Rawalpindi and her feelings for Santi become complex and confusing, the girls reach cross-roads with terrible consequence. Santi & Naz contributes to a conversation about postcolonial legacy whilst giving a fresh perspective on female friendship, coming of age and coming out.

Santi & Naz shows the years just before the partition of India which was set in motion by the dissolution of the British Raj and split the country into Hindu and Sikh-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan, displacing over ten million people and leaving over one million dead. It has been described as the greatest humanitarian crisis of modern times, and the effects of the division can still be felt today. The show premiered at VAULT Festival in 2020 and played at the Pleasance at Edinburgh Festival Fringe after winning the Charlie Hartill Fund in 2023.

Writer Guleraana Mir said, “Santi & Naz is full of joyous moments, playfully shining a light on a moment in time that is actually a major part of British history; one that is rarely seen on stage or taught in schools. The play speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like they have no control over what’s happening to them in the world. It’s for friends and lovers, families and history buffs, and for those who know little about the Partition of India, but would like to.”

The Thelmas is a female-led touring company who explore the social, political and cultural stories that matter, in a fresh and surprising way. They are led by director Madelaine Moore, whose productions include Santi & Naz, Ladykiller and Algorithms, and writer Guleraana Mir, whose work includes Santi & Naz, Coconut and Doctors (BBC One). Santi & Naz is a collaboration with writer afshan d’souza-lodhi (Hijabi (r)evolutions/It’s not about the Burqa), has music by Tom Penn and has been made in consultation with Eleanor Newbigin, Senior Lecturer in the history of modern South Asia at SOAS, University of London. The Thelmas celebrate their 10^th anniversary in August 2024.

Casting has been announced as Aiyana Bartlett as Santi and Farah Ashraf as Naz. Aiyana is a recent graduate of Oxford School of Drama and has recently been seen in Testmatch (Orange Tree Theatre) and A Hundred Words For Snow (Gothenburg English Studio Theatre). Farah is a queer, British Pakistani actor, writer and spoken word artist whose credits include Pink Rabbit (Theatre 503) and Play Without A Title (New Diorama).

Running Time: 70 mins
Suitable for ages 12+ (themes of violence)

Promotional poster for Santi and Naz

Company information

Written by Guleraana Mir and afshan d’souza-lodhi

Story concept by Guleraana Mir and Madelaine Moore
Directed by Madelaine Moore
Associate director Vikesh Godhwani
Produced by TheThelmas
General manager Courtenay Johnson

Designed by Sascha Gilmour                                        Movement director Rakhee Sharma

Composer and sound design by Tom Penn                 Lighting design by Laura Howard
Technical stage manager Brent Tan

Cast

Santi Aiyana Bartlett     Naz Farah Ashraf

Listings information
8 October – 8 Nov

8 – 10 Oct
The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol
The Old Market Assembly, 25 West Street, Old Market,
Bristol BS2 0DF
7.30pm | £12
thewardrobetheatre.com | 0117 902 0344

11 – 13 Oct
The Beck Theatre, Hayes
Grange Road, Hayes UB3 2UE
Fri 7.30pm, Sat & Sun 6pm | £25
www.becktheatre.org.uk | 0343 310 0044

16 – 17 Oct
Tron Theatre, Glasgow
63 Trongate, Glasgow G1 5HB
7.45pm | £12.50
www.tron.co.uk | 0141 552 4267

19 Oct
Nottingham Playhouse
Wellington Circus, Nottingham NG1 5AF
nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk | 0115 941 9419

22 Oct
The Place, Bedford
Bradgate Rd, Bedford MK40 3DE
7.30pm | £16
www.theplacebedford.org.uk

25 – 26 Oct
Birmingham Hippodrome
Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 4TB
www.birminghamhippodrome.com | 0844 338 5000

29 Oct
Norwich Theatre Playhouse
42-58 St Georges St, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1AB
7.30pm | £15 (£12.50 U26s)
www.norwichtheatre.co.uk | 0160 363 0000

31 Oct
Northern Stage, Newcastle
Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 7RH
7.30pm | £12
www.northernstage.co.uk | 0191 230 5151

2 Nov
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Howell Croft South, Bolton BL1 1SB
2.30pm & 8pm | £14.50 www.octagonbolton.co.uk | 01204 520 661

7 Nov
Attenborough Arts Centre, Leicester
University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA
7pm | Pay What You Can £20 – £5
www.attenborougharts.com | 0116 252 2455

8 Nov
Derby Theatre
Theatre Walk, Derby DE1 2NF
8pm | £17 (£14 U26s)
www.derbytheatre.co.uk | 01332 593939

21 Jan – 8 Feb 2025
Soho Theatre
21 Dean St, London W1D 3NE
Mon – Sat 6.45pm
Sat matinee 3pm | £22 – £13
www.sohotheatre.com | 020 7478 0100

09/25/2024
CASTING NEWS: New play by Bhatia and Bhattacharyya ‘King Troll (The Fawn)’ announced – starring Zainab Hasan, Ayesha Darker and more

Finalist for the 2023 Women’s Prize for Playwriting, King Troll (The Fawn) is a dark and otherworldly thriller about two South Asian sisters, desperate to escape the border regime without losing their humanity.

Is that even possible on this island?

A dystopian exploration of migrant experiences in all their complexity. This world premiere production stars Diyar Bozkurt (The Turkish Detective), Ayesha Dharker (Coronation Street), Zainab Hasan (Antigone, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Dominic Holmes (Black Superhero, Royal Court) and Safiyya Ingar (The Witcher).

This play is Sonali Bhattacharyya and Milli Bhatia’s third collaboration as writer and director, following Chasing Hares and Liberation Squares. The duo first worked together on a Kali workshop and reading of King Troll (The Fawn) in 2021 and are delighted to be able to share a full production with audiences this Halloween season.

Riya and Nikita navigate the increasingly authoritarian island where they live in wildly different ways. Insecure, stateless, both desperate for somewhere to call ‘home’. Riya is offered the chance to create an advocate in the form of a homunculus, or fawn, and sees a chance to elevate herself above the cruelty meted out to others. Nikita tries to keep her saviour complex in check as she negotiates the challenges and hypocrisy of the third sector, where she supports migrant teenagers. Her deep connection with one client forces her to confront the limitations of her work. King Troll is about the troll that lives within all of us – whispering ‘me, not us’, and definitely ‘me’ first.

Speaking about the production, Sonali Bhattacharyya says “For the first few drafts, I tried to reflect the increasingly racist and authoritarian changes to immigration legislation in the story of Riya and Nikita, but each time I came to a rewrite, things had grown worse than I could have imagined. So I decided to push the story beyond day to day reality and fully embrace the horror. That’s when the fawn, the king of all trolls, was born.”

King Troll (the Fawn) is brought to NDT by Kali Theatre, who have been developing and presenting thought provoking contemporary theatre by women writers of South Asian descent for over 30 years.

PEOPLE

Writer: Sonali Bhattacharyya

Director: Milli Bhatia

Starring: Diyar Bozkurt, Ayesha Dharker, Zainab Hasan ,

Dominic Holmes & Safiyya Ingar

Designer – Rajha Shakiry

Associate Designer – Yimei Zhao

Lighting Designer – Elliot Griggs

Sound Designer – XANA

Movement Director – Iskandar Sharazuddin

Fight Director – Bret Yount

Casting Director – Arthur Carrington

Assistant Director – Neetu Singh

Production Manager – Chris Burr

Stage Manager – Alexandra Kataigida

Co-commissioned by New Diorama Theatre

LISTINGS

Show: King Troll (The Fawn)

Venue: New Diorama Theatre 15 – 16 Triton Street, Regent’s Place, London, NW1 3BF

Dates: 4 Oct – 2 Nov 2024

Times: Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Sat mat 3pm

Tickets: £22 full price (Previews £16, £3 unemployed/on strike)

https://newdiorama.com/whatson/king-troll-the-fawn

Captioned: Thur 24 Oct, 7:30pm

Relaxed: Thur 31 Oct, 7:30pm

Babes-in-Arms: Thur 31 Oct, 2pm

09/06/2024
CASTING NEWS: New play by Tanika Gupta ‘A Tupperware of Ashes’ announced – starring Meera Syal, Shobna Gulati, Zubin Varla and more

The National Theatre today announced a new productions for its South Bank stage this autumn: the world premiere of Tanika Gupta’s A Tupperware of Ashes in the Dorfman theatre from 25 September until 16 November 2024.

Meera Syal (Behind the Beautiful Forevers) will perform in the world premiere of Tanika Gupta’s A Tupperware of Ashes in the Dorfman theatre in the National Theatre’s Autumn 2024 season . The play is billed as a ‘vivid and heart-breaking family drama about life, immigration and the Indian spiritual cycle of death and rebirth’ and is to be directed by Pooja Ghai (Lotus Beauty, The Empress).

The plot centres the ambitious Michelin-star chef, Queenie who is used to having the last word. But when her children notice gaps in her memory and her grip on reality loosening, they are faced with an impossible choice. As Raj, Gopal and Kamala battle to reconcile their life-long duty to their mother, the ramifications of their decision take on a heartbreaking permanence.

Tanika Gupta (A Doll’s House, Lyric Hammersmith) and Pooja Ghai (Artistic Director of Tamasha Theatre Company) reunite for their latest collaboration, following the critically acclaimed The Empress.

The cast includes Shobna Gulati, Meera Syal, Zubin Varla, Raj Bajaj, Natalie Dew, Marc Elliott, Stephen Fewell and Avita Jay

Director Pooja Ghai is joined on the creative team by set and costume designer Rosa Maggiora, lighting design is by Matt Haskins, music composed by Nitin Sawhney, sound designer Elena Peña, illusions director and designer John Bulleid, movement director Anjali Mehra, fight and intimacy directors Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown for Rc-Annie Ltd, casting director Naomi Downham and staff director Layla Madana

More information: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/a-tupperware-of-ashes/

?Dates performances will be playing: 25 September — 16 November 2024.

Ticket booking opens 23 May 2024, Members can book from 14 May.

Ticket prices:

Monday – Saturday evenings and matinees:
£20, £35, £49, £64

Previews 25 – 30 September:
£20, £29, £39, £49

For concessions and discounts, see Ways to save

Please note the 6.30pm start time on the following performances: Tue 15 Oct, Thu 17 Oct, Tue 22 Oct and Thu 14 Nov.

05/07/2024
CASTING NEWS: MEAN GIRLS: The Musical cast announced for Savoy Theatre run – starring Lucca Chadwick-Patel, Grace Mouat, Aka Mitchell and more!

Get in, losers, MEAN GIRLS *is* coming to London!

The producers of the forthconibgn screen-to-stage adaptation of MEAN GIRLS in the West End – Lorne Michaels, Sonia Friedman Productions, and David Ian for Crossroads Live – are delighted to announce the full cast and creative team . The musical comedy (based on the Paramount Pictures film of the same name which was released 20 years ago this April) will debut at the West End’s Savoy Theatre on 5 June 2024.

Lucca Chadwick-Patel (MAMMA MIA!, Legally Blonde, My Beautiful Laundrette) as Kevin Ganatra, captain of ‘The Mathletes’. Daniel Bravo (Cruel Intentions, Witness for the Prosecution) takes on the role of Aaron Samuels ‘one of the most popular guys’ at North Shore High.

Charlie Burn (Les Misérables, Disney100 UK tour) will play Cady Heron who after growing up in the African savanna returns to suburban Illinois and joins North Shore High. The Plastics are Georgina Castle (Dirty Dancing, Elf the Musical) as the charming but ruthless Regina George, with Elèna Gyasi (SIX – UK tour, Treason the Musical – UK tour) as Gretchen Wieners and Grace Mouat (Before After, The Great British Bake Off Musical) as Karen Smith.

Elena Skye (Les Misérables, Kinky Boots) and Tom Xander (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Book of Mormon) play best friends Janis Sarkisian and Damian Hubbard.

Ako Mitchell (The Sound of Music, Black Superhero) will play North Shore Principal Mr Duvall, while Ms Norbury – the role originated in the 2004 film by MEAN GIRLS creator Tina Fey – will be played by Zoë Rainey (Made in Dagenham, An American in Paris) who also plays the roles of Mrs George and Ms Heron.

They are joined by Tia Antoine-Charles, Georgia Arron, Liam Buckland, Shonah Buwu, Baylie Carson, Freddie Clements, Siobhan Diffin, Clíona Flynn, Fergie Fraser, Angus Good, Jenny Huxley-Golden, Holly Liburd, Corey Mitchell, Mervin Noronha, Aharon Rayner, Trézel Sergeant, Josh Singleton, Annie Southall, Lillia Squires, Tommy Wade-Smith and Holly Willock.

It’s gonna be a little bit dramatic…

Broadway’s hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team including writer Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), composer Jeff Richmond (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon), opens at the Savoy Theatre this summer.

Meet The Plastics –Regina, Gretchen and Karen. They rule North Shore High and will burn anyone who gets in their way. Home-schooled Cady Heron may think she knows a thing or two about survival of the fittest thanks to her zoologist parents, but high school is a whole new level of savage. When Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung.

Expect iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs. Grab your friends and your cool mom, this is going to be fetch – and YES London, we’re making it happen!

The reign begins June 2024. If you want to sit with us, book your tickets and don’t forget… on Wednesdays, we wear pink.

Joining the award-winning creative team for MEAN GIRLS in the West End are Scott Pask – Scenic Design, Katrina Lindsay – Costume Design, Kenneth Posner -Lighting Design, Brian Ronan – Sound Design, Finn Ross and Adam Young – Video Design, Josh Marquette – Hair Design, Mary-Mitchell Campbell – Musical Supervision, and Natalie Gallacher for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting – Casting.

MEAN GIRLS is now booking to 16 February 2025 with over 45,000 tickets at £40 and under, and over 140,000 just-released tickets available. The access performances currently on sale are as follows – Audio Described on Saturday 7 September at 2.30pm, Captioned Performance on Saturday 14 September at 2.30pm and British Sign Language on Saturday 21 September at 2.30pm.

MEAN GIRLS had its world premiere in 2017 at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C and opened on Broadway in April 2018 at the August Wilson Theatre to ecstatic responses, where it played to packed houses. The show then went on a hugely successful US tour in 2019 and is currently on its second US tour. The MEAN GIRLS musical film adaptation from Paramount Pictures was released globally in cinemas in January 2024 and was the #1 film at the Box Office in multiple countries including the UK and US.

Originally released in 2004, 20 years ago this April, MEAN GIRLS has had a profound impact on pop-culture for nearly 20 years. Tina Fey’s hilarious and relatable portrayal of high school life struck a chord with audiences across the globe and the film’s whip-smart satire, iconic catchphrases, and unforgettable characters made it a phenomenon that remains a cultural touchstone to this day.

Working with ATG’s Creative Learning Department, MEAN GIRLS will be providing a selection of matinees for schools and community groups who otherwise may not be able to access the show. To complement this, workshops and Q&As will be made available to these groups that centre around anti-bullying and empowerment. A weekly ticket access scheme will also be announced closer to performances.

03/27/2024