Back to Productions TWELFTH NIGHT & RICHARD III This production began performances on 2nd November 2012 and closed on 10th February 2013. Rylance back doing what he does best. Refreshing, challenging. A crowning glory Daily Telegraph Twelfth Night Outrageous high comedy ensues as the pangs of unrequited love affect the unforgettable characters of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. While the lovelorn Duke Orsino plots to win the heart of the mourning Olivia ( Mark Rylance ), an alliance of servants and hangers-on scheme against the high-handedness of Olivia’s steward, the pompous Malvolio ( Stephen Fry ). When Orsino engages the cross-dressed Viola ( Samuel Barnett ), who has disguised herself as a young man under the name Cesario, to plead with Olivia on his behalf, a bittersweet and hilarious chain of events follows. Richard III Richard Duke of Gloucester ( Mark Rylance ) is determined that he should wear the crown of England. He has already dispatched one king and that king’s son; now all that stands in his way are two credulous brothers and two helpless nephews – the Princes in the Tower. And woe betide those – the women he wrongs, the henchmen he betrays – who dare to raise a voice against him. Monstrous, but theatrically electric, Richard is Shakespeare’s most charismatic, self-delighting villain, revelling at every moment in his homicidal, hypocritical journey to absolute power. Star’s crooked King is a captivating crowd-pleaser Evening Standard Sonia Friedman Productions in association with Shakespeare Road Productions , 1001 Nights , Bob Bartner & Norman Tulchin , Rupert Gavin and Adam Blanshay present Shakespeare's Globe production of “TWELFTH NIGHT ” & “RICHARD III ”. His genius is in its element. Fit for a king The Independent CAST RICHARD III MARK RYLANCE – Richard III LIAM BRENNAN – Clarence/Lord Mayor PETER HAMILTON DYER – Brakenbury/Catesby PAUL CHAHIDI – Hastings/Tyrrell JOSEPH TIMMS – Lady Anne Grey TERRY MCGINTY – River/Scrivener/Blunt/Holy Man SAMUEL BARNETT – Queen Elizabeth MATT HARRINGTON – Dorset/Bishop of Ely/Guard ANGUS WRIGHT – Duke of Buckingham JETHRO SKINNER – Murderer 1/ Cardinal/Ratcliff/Halberdier/Guard COLIN HURLEY – King Edward IV/Stanley KURT EGYIAWAN – Duchess of York/Richmond MATTHEW SCHECHTER – Prince Edward HAYDN SIGNORETTI – Duke of York TWELFTH NIGHT LIAN BRENNAN – Orsino MATT HARRINGTON – Curio/Officer/Olivia's Servant KURT EGYIAWAN – Valentine/Officer SAMUEL BARNETT – Viola TERRY MCGINTY – Sea Captain/Priest COLIN HURLEY – Sir Toby Belch PAUL CHAHIDI – Maria ANGUS WRIGHT – Sir Andrew Aguecheek HAMILTON DYER – Feste Peter MARK RYLANCE – Olivia STEPHEN FRY – Malvolio PAUL CONNOLLY – Antonio John JOSEPH TIMMS – Sebastan JETHRO SKINNER – Fabian CREATIVES TIM CARROLL – Director JENNY TIRAMANI – Designer CLAIRE VAN KAMPEN – Music DAVD PLATER – Lighting

Back to Productions KING CHARLES III – BROADWAY This production began performances on 10th October 2015 and closed on 31st January 2016. Rupert Goold’s superb production The Guardian The Queen is dead: after a lifetime of waiting, the prince ascends the throne. A future of power. But how to rule? This “bracingly provocative and outrageously entertaining new play,” ( The Independent ) explores the people underneath the crowns, the unwritten rules of our democracy, and the conscience of Britain’s most famous family. This is undoubtedly one of the most stimulating plays of the year Evening Standard Following its critically acclaimed run at the Almeida Theatre and in the West End, the Olivier Award-winning Best Play, King Charles III , will open on Broadway this fall starring Tim Pigott-Smith reprising his much-raved-about role as King Charles III. Directed by Rupert Goold , Mike Bartlett ’s play about Britain’s future king began previews October 10, 2015 at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street, NYC). Stuart Thompson and Sonia Friedman Productions present “KING CHARLES III”, starring Tim Pigott-Smith as King Charles III Play of the year. A crowning achievement Mail on Sunday CAST TIM PIGOTT-SMITH – King Charles III CREATIVES RUPERT GOOLD – Director TOM SCUTT – Designer JON CLARK – Lighting PAUL ARDITTI – Sound

Back to News & Press Journalist Yasmin Alibhai Brown writes about Bend it Like Beckham and diversity in The Independent Saturday, 6 June 2015 The dynamic diversity of our history should give us courage During the election, right-wing politicians, hacks and proprietors divided Britons so they could get to rule over us I had been feeling sad and hopeless, but a letter from an 87-year-old and a musical rekindled my optimism this week. Mr Albert Drew, of Loughton, Essex, responded to my last column in which I tried to understand the rich: “[They] are not just satisfied with their money. Once greed kicks in, it is like a disease without a cure. I hope this helps,” he wrote. Albert helped more than he knows. He didn’t see me as a “coloured” stranger but a kinswoman, who, like him, cannot accept the proposition that some must make and keep billions so the rest can get to pick up crumbs from under their tables. On Tuesday, we went to see Bend it Like Beckham, the musical. The film was released in 2002 and became an international hit. It is an affecting story of two ordinary teenage girls, one white, one Asian, who want to be football stars. The writer and director Gurinder Chadha, was a local Southall girl, who too had big dreams. This version is joyful but more political, responding perhaps toUkip and those who bemoan diversity. In an early scene, men and women of all ethnicities, including Polish plumbers, dance lustily, defiantly. Though they face racism, migrants are robust and determined and the locals accommodate them and sometimes love them. Read the full article here . Up Up

Back to Productions MARIA FRIEDMAN LIVE This strictly limited production ran from 22nd April until 27th April 2002. ​ ​ ​ ​ Sonia Friedman Productions presents “MARIA FRIEDMAN LIVE ”. ​ ​ CAST MARIA FRIEDMAN CREATIVES SIMON LEE & JASON CARR – Musical Direction and Arrangements MATTHEW O'CONNOR – Lighting Designer SCOTT GEORGE – Sound Designer

Back to News & Press Initial casting announced for the West End transfer of Oklahoma! Wednesday, 23 November 2022 Reprising their roles in the West End after appearing at the Young Vic are Raphael Bushay (Mike), Arthur Darvill (Curly McLain), James Patrick Davis (Will Parker), Stavros Demetraki (Ali Hakim), Greg Hicks (Andrew Carnes), Rebekah Hinds (Gertie Cummings), Anoushka Lucas (Laurey Williams), Marie-Astrid Mence (Lead Dancer), Liza Sadovy (Aunt Eller) and Patrick Vaill (Jud Fry). Further casting for the show will be announced shortly. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! at Wyndham’s Theatre will begin with previews on 16th February, with an opening night on 28th February, until 2nd September 2023. For more information and to book, click here . Up Up

Back to News & Press Rehearsals begin for Neil Simon's award-winning comedy The Sunshine Boys Tuesday, 20 March 2012 Thea Sharrock’s production, which begins rehearsals today, previews at the Savoy Theatre from 27 April with press night on 17 May. The Sunshine Boys, which is booking for a strictly limited run until 28 July 2012, is designed by Hildegard Bechtler with lighting by Neil Austin, music by Adrian Johnston and sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph. The Sunshine Boys is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Richard Willis and Tulchin Bartner Productions. Kings of comedy, Willie Clark and Al Lewis aka ‘The Sunshine Boys’ haven’t spoken to each other in years. When CBS call for the vaudevillian greats to be re-united for a television special, past grudges resurface as they take centre stage once more. Ageing ailments aside, can this legendary double-act overcome their differences for one last show? Old rivalry and vintage hilarity abound in this classic comedy of showbiz and friendship. Danny DeVito (Willie Clark), who will make his West End stage debut in The Sunshine Boys, won both a Golden Globe and an Emmy award for his portrayal of Louie De Palma in the US hit comedy Taxi, a role he played for five years. His extensive film credits include Martini in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, a role he also played on stage, Terms of Endearment, Romancing the Stone, The Jewel of the Nile, Junior, Twins and Ruthless People. He appeared as the Penguin opposite Michael Keaton’s Batman in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns. Later this year DeVito will voice the title character in Universal Pictures’ animated feature The Lorax, based on the book of the same name by Dr. Seuss. As a film director DeVito’s credits include Matilda, The War of the Roses and Hoffa. This autumn DeVito returns as Frank Reynolds in the eighth season of the acclaimed American cult comedy, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Richard Griffiths (Al Lewis) won the Olivier and Tony Awards for Best Actor for his portrayal of Hector in The History Boys at the National Theatre and on Broadway, a role he also played on screen. Griffiths has previously been directed by Thea Sharrock in Equus at the Gielgud Theatre and on Broadway, and Heroes at the Wyndham’s Theatre. His other theatre credits include The Habit of Art for the National Theatre and Rules of the Game and Galileo for the Almeida Theatre. His Royal Shakespeare Company credits include The White Guard, Once in a Lifetime, Henry VIII and Volpone. His recent television credits include Episodes, Ballet Shoes and Bleak House all for the BBC but he is most well known on television for playing D.I. Henry Crabbe in Pie in the Sky. On film Griffiths played the unforgettable role of Uncle Monty in the British black comedy, Withnail and I. His other film credits include the role of Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter films, as well as Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Hugo, Private Peaceful, Stage Beauty, Sleepy Hollow and The History Boys. Rebecca Blackstone (Miss MacKintosh) trained at RADA. Her theatre credits include Lucille in Cool Hand Luke at the Aldwych, The Country for Salisbury Playhouse and Lauren in Midlife Crisis for Coalition Theatre, part of Old Vic New Voices. Nick Blakeley (Eddie) trained at Bristol Old Vic. His theatre credits include 13 and A Woman Killed with Kindness for the National Theatre, Millennium for Old Vic New Voices and The Country Wife for Bristol Old Vic. His television credits include Doctors for the BBC. Peter Cadden’s (Voice of TV Director) theatre credits include King Lear for West Yorkshire Playhouse, A Flea in Her Ear and Pygmalion for the Old Vic, Ohio Impromptu for the Beckett Festival at the Barbican and Gate Theatre Dublin and Measure for Measure for the Peter Hall Company at Bath Theatre Royal. Johnnie Fiori’s (Registered Nurse) theatre credits include Vernon God Little at the Young Vic, Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre, the title role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Thoroughly Modern Millie and 125th Street both at the Shaftesbury Theatre and The Wiz for the Hackney Empire. Fiori made her operatic debut in Robert LePage’s version of 1984 for the Royal Opera House. Adam Levy’s (Ben Silverman) theatre credits include Henry V and Edmond for the National Theatre, Henry IV Part I, Richard II and Beauty and the Beast for the Royal Shakespeare Company and Angels in America for the Lyric Hammersmith and on tour. For Regent’s Park Theatre his credits include Oh! What a Lovely War, As You Like It and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. His television credits include Rome, Lewis and Coronation Street. On film his credits include Gladiator, Mercenaries and Being Considered. William Maxwell’s (Patient) theatre credits include Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar and Nicholas Nickleby for the Royal Shakespeare Company and A Flea in Her Ear for the Old Vic. His television credits include Nearest and Dearest, Brookside, Z Cars and Strike Out of Time. On film his credits include Cicero, The Temple Project and The Ploughman’s Lunch. The Sunshine Boys was first produced on Broadway in 1972 and was later adapted for film and television. Sam Levene and Jack Albertson played Lewis and Clark in the stage premiere directed by Alan Arkin. Neil Simon’s 1975 Academy award-winning film adaptation starred George Burns as Lewis and Walter Matthau as Clark and was directed by Herbert Ross. Woody Allen and Peter Falk played the vaudevillian pair in the television version, directed by John Erman. Playwright and screen writer Neil Simon’s career has spanned more than five decades during which he has written over 30 plays and 20 screenplays. His first Broadway play, Come Blow Your Horn, opened in 1961. Shortly after, his second, Little Me, earned him his first Tony Award nomination. In 1966 Simon had four shows running on Broadway at the same time - Sweet Charity, The Star-Spangled Girl, The Odd Couple and Barefoot in the Park. He has won three Tony Awards - Best Author for The Odd Couple, Best Play for Biloxi Blues and Best Play for Lost in Yonkers - and been nominated for seventeen. Simon has also won an Evening Standard Award for Barefoot in the Park, the Golden Globe for Best Motion Screenplay for The Goodbye Girl and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Lost In Yonkers. He has also written the books for several musicals including Sweet Charity. Thea Sharrock’s production of 13 has recently completed a run at the National Theatre where she previously directed After The Dance for which she won the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Revival, Happy Now? and The Emperor Jones. The Sunshine Boys reunites Sharrock with Richard Griffiths who she directed in Equus both in the West End and on Broadway and in Heroes at the Wyndham’s Theatre. Her other theatre credits include Cause Célèbre for the Old Vic and The Misanthrope at the Comedy Theatre. Sharrock was previously Artistic Director at the Southwark Playhouse (2001-2003) and the Gate Theatre (2004-2006). Up Up

Back to News & Press The Government's insurance scheme is not fit for purpose – certainly not for live theatre Thursday, 5 August 2021 Neither West End shows nor live performances all around Britain will take much heart from this threadbare official scheme Read Sonia Friedman’s full Telegraph article. Up Up

Back to News & Press The Ferryman announces new cast as the hit play extends for the third time Tuesday, 28 November 2017 Rosalie Craig (As You Like It, The Threepenny Opera, The Light Princess and London Road , National Theatre) will play Caitlin Carney, Owen McDonnell (Single-Handed, RTÉ/ ITV; Paula, BBC) will play Quinn Carney and Justin Edwards (The Thick of It , BBC; The Man Who Invented Christmas; The Death Of Stalin ) will play Tom Kettle. Also joining the company will be Stella McCusker as Aunt Maggie Far Away, Siân Thomas as Aunt Pat, Declan Conlon as Muldoon, Dean Ashton as Frank Magennis, Terence Keeley as Diarmaid Corcoran, Sean Delaney as Michael Carney, Francis Mezza as Shane Corcoran, Kevin Creedon as JJ Carney, Laurie Kynaston as Oisin Carney and Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Shena Carney. Catherine McCormack will continue in her role as Mary Carney, as will Charles Dale as Father Horrigan, Mark Lambert as Uncle Pat and Glenn Speers as Lawrence Malone. As previously the full company comprises 37 performers: 17 main adults, 7 covers, 12 children on rota and 1 baby. The new company will give its first performance on 8th January 2018. The Ferryman , directed by Sam Mendes , will run at the Gielgud Theatre until 19 May 2018. The production won widespread critical acclaim when it opened at the Royal Court and was the fastest selling show in the theatre’s history. This phenomenal success has continued at the Gielgud Theatre where it has been playing to sold-out houses, with early morning queues on Shaftesbury Avenue for the £12 day seats each day. The play has been nominated for four honours at this year’s Evening Standard Awards including Best New Play, Best Director for Sam Mendes , Best Actress for Laura Donnelly and the Emerging Talent Award for Tom Glynn-Carney . The Ferryman is directed by Sam Mendes , designed by Rob Howell , lighting by Peter Mumford , sound and original music by Nick Powell , with the new cast directed by Tim Hoare . Up Up

Back to News & Press Specially commissioned film of Uncle Vanya to be released for screen Thursday, 3 September 2020 When the country went into lockdown in March and theatres were forced to close, Ian Rickson ’s acclaimed production of Uncle Vanya was in the final weeks of its scheduled, sold-out run. The production had received Olivier nominations for Toby Jones (Best Actor Award), Ian Rickson (Best Director Award), Bruno Poet (Best Lighting Design Award) and Rae Smith (Best Set Design Award). Despite the entire team’s best efforts and wishes, the live production will not be able to return. However… Sonia Friedman Productions and the BBC have partnered with Angelica Films to create a sumptuous re-interpretation of Ian Rickson ’s stage production. Marrying the intimacy of film with the electricity of live performance, the team has made this far more than simply a film of the play. The new film version of the production will be shown in cinemas ahead of broadcast on the BBC (date tbc) with further distribution details to be announced soon. This makes it the first UK stage production closed by the Coronavirus pandemic to have been filmed and produced for the screen. Directed for screen by Ross MacGibbon , the film reunites nearly all of the original cast of the production that was in its final weeks when the country went into lockdown in March and theatres were forced to close. Only Ciarán Hinds was unavailable and his role has now been taken by Roger Allam (A Number, Endeavour, The Moderate Soprano ). “Sonia Friedman (SFP) and Sally Angel (Angelica Films) said: “Collaborating on filming Ian Rickson’s extraordinary production of Uncle Vanya has been a wonderful and inspiring experience. Despite all the challenges involved in filming this production (with no social distancing on screen), the results are testament to a brilliant and dedicated cast and crew led by Ian himself alongside Ross MacGibbon. It is such a privilege that we are able to bring this beautiful production to a wider audience after its run was cut so brutally short by the Covid-19 pandemic in March. We would also like to thank SFP’s loyal coproducers who have so generously allowed us to pursue this vision for the filmed production and enabled it to become a reality”. The filming took place under strict Covid-19 secure, independently drawn up protocols, with the cast self-isolating and undergoing regular tests and the crew in masks, PPE and socially distancing throughout the process. As live performances are unable to resume, if you are a current ticket holder, you do not need to do anything as your point of purchase will be in contact to arrange a credit note or refund, but we encourage you to sign up to hear when Uncle Vanya will be broadcast on the BBC. Toby Jones (The Detectorists, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy ), Richard Armitage (The Hobbit, The Stranger ), Rosalind Eleazar (The Personal History of David Copperfield, Deep Water, The Starry Messenger ), Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education, Downstate) , Anna Calder-Marshall (LOVE, Evening at the Talk House, Male of the Species ), Dearbhla Molloy (The Ferryman, Dancing at Lughnasa, Juno and the Paycock ), Peter Wight (The Birthday Party, Hamlet, The Red Lion ) and Roger Allam (A Number, Endeavour, The Moderate Soprano, The Thick of It ), all star in McPherson’s witty and timely adaptation of Chekhov’s classic. The production ran at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 14th January 2020 with an Opening Night on Thursday 23rd January 2020. In the heat of summer, Sonya (Aimee Lou Wood) and her Uncle Vanya (Toby Jones) while away their days on a crumbling estate deep in the countryside, visited occasionally only by the local doctor Astrov (Richard Armitage). However, when Sonya’s father Professor Serebryakov (Roger Allam) suddenly returns with his restless, alluring, new wife Yelena (Rosalind Eleazar) declaring his intention to sell the house, the polite facades crumble and long repressed feelings start to emerge with devastating consequences. Olivier Award-winner Conor McPherson’s stunning new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece, Uncle Vanya, is a portrayal of life at the turn of the 20th century, full of tumultuous frustration, dark humour and hidden passions. Uncle Vanya is the eleventh collaboration between Ian Rickson and Sonia Friedman Productions , with previous productions including Rosmersholm, Jerusalem, The River, Betrayal and The Children’s Hour . The stage production of Uncle Vanya was designed by Rae Smith , with lighting by Bruno Poet , music by Stephen Warbeck , sound by Ian Dickinson and casting by Amy Ball CDG . The original production was presented by Sonia Friedman Productions , Gavin Kalin Productions , Rupert Gavin , Patrick Gracey/Scott M. Delman , 1001 Nights Productions , Tulchin Bartner Productions in association with Len Blavatnik , Eilene Davidson Productions , Louise & Brad Edgerton . Up Up

Back to News & Press Funny Girl starring Sheridan Smith to be screened in cinemas across the UK Tuesday, 31 July 2018 Michael Mayer ’s production was filmed during the final week of its run at the Manchester Palace Theatre by Digital Theatre , and will be released in cinemas by Trafalgar Releasing . Darius Campbell played Nick Arnstein to Smith’s Fanny Brice, and they were joined by Nigel Barber (Florenz Ziegfeld), Zoë Ann Bown (Mrs. Meeker), Martin Callaghan (Mr. Keeney), Jennifer Harding (Emma), Rachel Izen (Mrs Brice), Joshua Lay (Eddie) and Myra Sands (Mrs. Strakosh); with Rhianne Alleyne , Kit Benjamin , Lloyd Davies , Flora Dawson , Joseph Dockree , Abigayle Honeywill , Brontë Lavine , David Mcintosh , Peter Nash , Gillian Parkhouse , Tom Partridge , Nova Skipp , Alexandra Waite-Roberts , Sam Wingfield and Alexandra Wright . “Fanny Brice was an extraordinary woman who broke the mould for female entertainment, not only that, she was a brilliant comic! Her lack of vanity and her goofiness made her unique and very special, and the role was an utter joy to play. I’m beyond excited to be able to share our production of Funny Girl with audiences across the UK.” Sheridan Smith " Sheridan Smith gives the performance of a lifetime in this unforgettable production of Funny Girl . We are excited to give audiences the opportunity to see the show in cinemas across the UK. We look forward to collaborating with Digital Theatre, Sonia Friedman Productions and the Menier Chocolate Factory." Alice De Rosa, Director of Distribution for Trafalgar Releasing “Funny Girl has been a true collaboration for all those involved, and yet again as we prepare to share the production with cinema audiences across the UK. It’s a privilege for Digital Theatre to have become part of the remarkable story of this production, working with so many fantastic collaborators and to have been able to capture this unforgettable star turn from Sheridan Smith.” Robert Delamere, Founder of Digital Theatre With music by Jule Styne , lyrics by Bob Merrill and book by Isobel Lennart , the Broadway smash which skyrocketed Barbra Streisand to stardom, was revived with Sheridan Smith playing Fanny Brice, who rose from the Lower East Side of New York to become one of Broadway's biggest stars under producer Florenz Ziegfield. While she was cheered onstage as a great comedienne, offstage she faced a doomed relationship with the man she loved. With a score featuring now-classic songs such as "People", "You Are Woman, I Am Man" and "Don't Rain on My Parade", this new production was a must-see theatrical event. ‘A winningly exuberant performance. The most brilliant comic actress at work today.’ Sunday Times ‘Michael Mayer’s vivacious production has wit, charm and energy, sparkly choreography, and a strong, ebullient cast.’ Financial Times 'Sheridan Smith is one of British Theatre’s truly golden performers – a versatile star who thrills with her ability to be simultaneously touching and hilarious. Here she’s on glorious form.' Evening Standard ‘An unforgettable star turn… Smith is hilarious, glorious, touching. With a performance that is all-singing, all dancing, all-joking and, somehow, all-soul too.’ The Times Sheridan Smith reprises her smash hit performance in the role of Fanny Brice. Her other theatre work includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Michael Grandage Company at the Noel Coward Theatre), Hedda Gabler (Old Vic), Flare Path (Theatre Royal Haymarket – Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress, Evening Standard Theatre Award and Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Actress), Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre – Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical), Tinderbox (Bush Theatre), The People are Friendly (Royal Court) and Into the Woods (Donmar Warehouse). For television, her credits include Clean Break, Ratburger, The Moorside Project, Blackwork, The C Word, Cilla, The Widower, The 7.39, Dates, Mr Stink, Mrs Biggs (BAFTA Award for Best Actress), Accused, Scapegoat, Little Crackers, Jonathan Creek, Gavin & Stacey, Larkrise to Candleford, Grown Ups, Love Soup, Two Pints of Larger and a Packet of Crisps, The Royle Family and Wives and Daughters ; and for film, The More You Ignore Me, The Huntsman, Powder Room, Quartet, Tower Block and Hysteria . She released her self-titled debut album Sheridan in November 2017 and embarked on a subsequent sell out tour. Following runs at the Menier, in the West End and on tour, Darius Campbell plays Nick Arnstein. His theatre work includes in the West End, Chicago, Guys and Dolls, Gone with the Wind , and From Here to Eternity ; Carmen (Europe and 02) and The History of the Big Bands (tour). Also a recording artist, his first single Colourblind went to #1 in the UK singles chart. Michael Mayer directs. His West End credits include Spring Awakening (Lyric Hammersmith and Novello Theatre) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Shaftesbury Theatre). For Broadway his work includes The Terms of My Surrender, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Tony Award nomination for Best Director), On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, American Idiot (Drama Desk Award for Best Director of a Musical), Spring Awakening (Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Drama Desk Award for Best Direction of a Musical) and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Drama Desk Award nomination for Best Direction of a Musical). For television, his work includes Smash and Alpha House , and for film his credits include A Home at the End of the World, Flicka and Chekhov's The Seagull . He made his Metropolitan Opera debut with a celebrated new production of Rigoletto . Up Up

Back to News & Press New Cast Members Announced for The Ferryman Thursday, 31 August 2017 Maureen Beattie , Charles Dale , Laurie Davidson , Sarah Greene , William Houston , Ivan Kaye , Mark Lambert , Catherine McCormack , Fergal McElherron and Glenn Speers will join the company from October 9th 2017. The original company will give its final performance on October 7th 2017, following which the cast will be comprised of: Maureen Beattie – Aunt Maggie Far Away Charles Dale – Father Horrigan Laurie Davidson – Shane Corcoran Fra Fee – Michael Carney Stuart Graham – Muldoon Sarah Greene - Caitlin Carney William Houston – Quinn Carney Ivan Kaye – Tom Kettle Mark Lambert – Uncle Patrick Carney Carla Langley – Shena Carney Catherine McCormack – Mary Carney Fergal McElherron – Frank Magennis Conor MacNeill – Diarmaid Corcoran Rob Malone – Oisin Carney Dearbhla Molloy – Aunt Pat Carney Glenn Speers – Lawrence Malone Niall Wright – JJ Carney As previously, the full company comprises 37 performers: 17 main adults, 7 covers, 12 children on rota and 1 baby. The Ferryman , directed by Sam Mendes , will run at the Gielgud Theatre until 6 January 2018. The production won widespread critical acclaim when it opened at the Royal Court and was the fastest selling show in the theatre’s history. This phenomenal success has continued at the Gielgud Theatre where it has been playing to sold-out houses, with early morning queues on Shaftesbury Avenue for the £12 day seats each day. The Ferryman is currently booking until 6th January 2018. The Ferryman is directed by Sam Mendes , designed by Rob Howell , with lighting by Peter Mumford , and sound and original music by Nick Powell . Up Up

Back to News & Press Sonia Friedman responds to the UK Government's Emergency Support Package Saturday, 4 July 2020 Today, the UK Government announced a £1.57 billion emergency support package as a fund to help the arts. In response, Sonia Friedman said: “I’m deeply relieved and immensely grateful that the Government has heard the urgent warnings from across the cultural sector, and responded with this significant rescue package that is so desperately needed. This historic fiscal support recognises that the arts are not an added extra, but a national necessity that enrich all our lives in countless ways. We take them for granted at our peril. I welcome this vital intervention from the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Oliver Dowden, DCMS and the Treasury at a critical moment for our industry. This fund will go a huge way to ensuring there is a theatre industry still standing when it is safe to resume performance and open our doors again. All of us in the arts are absolutely aware that we are not alone in facing a crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We recognise the myriad challenges ahead in all areas of our nation’s social, public and economic life and we know we are not a special case. Far from it: we want to play our part in the recovery, and we sincerely believe that today’s commitment to the arts represents both good fiscal sense and a deep faith in the power of the arts. Our country’s artists and arts organisations are uniquely positioned to provide ways of imagining our country’s future. It is in our nation’s theatres, in our dance and concert halls, our opera houses, circuses, our village fetes and our comedy clubs that we will come together, to share our stories, make sense of our experiences, escape our daily worries and imagine our futures. Put simply, our cultural life will help us to heal. Today is only the first step towards cultural recovery, but it is an essential one – and offers hope and confidence that we can take many more steps. Today’s package offers a lifeline to arts organisations in existential danger, and should act as a springboard to a re-opening, when it is safe to do so. We will need guidance from Government on that front, as we navigate a route through their roadmap towards safely resuming live performance, and we stand ready to help in whatever way we can and this money will ensure that we can play our part when the time is right. We appreciate that this commitment represents a show of faith in our sector, and as arts workers, we will endeavour to return that investment and meet the social responsibilities that follow from it. There will be challenges along the way – not least ensuring that this relief money is distributed equitably and efficiently in a way that preserves a rich and complex cultural ecosystem and protects venues, companies and individual artists alike, including the hundreds of thousands of freelancers that sustain and fire our industry. Many have been hard-hit by recent shutdowns, and I know today’s announcement will be a big relief. We owe it to them to ensure it delivers as such. They have helped make the case for this major milestone. Together, as a sector, we can now begin mapping out our respective paths to the re-opening, recovery and renewal of our glorious theatre industry. We stand ready to open our doors, as soon it is safe to do so, that we might share space once again, reflect on the traumas we’ve endured and dream up an almighty celebration on the other side of this.” Up Up