T H E AT R E
SEASON BROCHURE
T H E AT R E
MAY - D EC E M BER 201 5
stjamestheatre.co.uk | 0844 264 2140
CO N TEN TS 2-3
MCQUEEN
4-5
THE DREAMERS
6 -7
BALLET CENTRAL
8 -9
SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
10 - 11
PRODIGY
12 - 13
YOU WON’T SUCCEED ON BROADWAY IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANY JEWS
14 - 15
PURE IMAGINATION
16 - 17
STARDUST ROAD
18 - 19
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
20 - 21
FOOD & DRINK
22 - 23
MEMBERSHIP
24 - 25
RE:ACT & UNDER 26 SCHEME
26 - 27
ST. JAMES STUDIO
28 - 29
EVENTS / CORPORATE HIRE
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Hello and a warm welcome to the St. James. As usual, there is a lot going on in our two wonderful spaces and we continue to bring you a wide variety of theatre and performance, ranging from new plays to musicals to revue shows and just about everything in between! We are delighted to be hosting the world premiere of McQueen by James Phillips, a fascinating play which will take you on a journey in to the world of the fashion visionary Lee Alexander McQueen. We look forward to The Dreamers in late June and early July, a new musical telling the true story of WW1 hero Captain David “Reggie” Salomons, who led his regiment to the battlefields of Gallipoli in 1915. The show features a six-piece band, Virgin Soldiers, and a cast of 20 young men and women. Triple Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World comes to the St. James for just three weeks during July, celebrating twenty years since its first performance. Then Ballet Central and the National Youth Music Theatre return to the building following fantastically successful shows during the summer of 2014. Fresh from a tour of Israel and a sell-out West End performance, You Won’t Succeed on Broadway if You Don’t Have Any Jews will be capping off our summer programme. It promises to be a fun-filled evening for all the family as we journey through Jewish musical theatre history. Pure Imagination, the songs of Leslie Bricusse, will ease us in to autumn. Come and hum along to favourites such as What Kind Of Fool Am I, If I Ruled The World, Talk To The Animals, Thank You Very Much, Feeling Good and Goldfinger – all written by one of the most prolific, multi award-winning composers of our time. Stardust Road, a musical celebrating American composer Hoagy Carmichael, will premiere with us from 27 October. You’ll probably know many of Hoagy’s songs, which include Stardust, Georgia on My Mind, The Nearness of You and Heart and Soul, so do join us on this journey of American music from jazz, blues and ragtime in the 20s to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Christmas seems far away but has a habit of galloping up quickly! The whole family will be enthralled and entertained by Laura Eason’s adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic novel Around the World in 80 Days. Be sure to get your ticket for this exhilarating adventure! All the best for a wonderful summer,
Robert Mackintosh Executive Producer
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Robert Mackintosh, Amir Ltd, Hilary A. Williams, Deborah Negri and Julian Stoneman present
McQUEEN Written by JAMES PHILLIPS Directed by JOHN CAIRD
12 MAY - 27 JUNE A beautiful and haunting voyage into the visionary imagination and dark dream world of the late Alexander McQueen, fashion’s greatest contemporary artist. Award-winning British actor Stephen Wight will play the eponymous Alexander McQueen, alongside critically acclaimed actress, Dianna Agron, in her London stage debut. Also featuring Tracey-Ann Oberman, Laura Rees, David ShawParker, Sophie Apollonia, Amber Doyle, George Hill, Eloise Hymas, Jordan Kennedy, Rachel Louisa Maybank, James Revell and Carrie Willis. McQueen is a new play by James Phillips (The Rubenstein Kiss, The White Whale and City Stories), directed by John Caird (Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company) with production design by David Farley, choreography by Christopher Marney, video design by Tim Bird, lighting design by David Howe, sound design by John Leonard, wigs design by Linda McKnight. This is a moving, poetic and unmissable insight into the fairytale landscape of McQueen’s genius, as glimpsed at in his iconic fashion shows.
PERFORMANCE TIMES Mon - Sat eves Thur & Sat mats
7.30pm 2.30pm
TICKETS
£25, £35, £55, £65 For groups of 8+ a rate of £39.50 is available on the two top price ticket bands for Monday to Thursday performances. PLEASE NOTE: Age recommendation 16+ contains adult themes and language some may find offensive.
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Runner Bean Ltd presents
THE DREAMERS Words & Music by JAMES BEENY & GINA GEORGIO Produced by DEE KIRKWOOD Directed by MARK PIPER
30 JUNE - 11 JULY In the years that commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great War, two young musicians, James Beeny and Gina Georgio, have written a contemporary and inspiring musical called The Dreamers. Based on the true and moving story of little-known WW1 hero David ‘Reggie’ Salomons, the production will be making its London debut at the St. James Theatre this June. The show is performed by a cast of 20 young men and women who are joined on stage by six-piece band Virgin Soldiers. The story of the Great War is brought to life by on-screen narration from special guests Amanda Redman, Christopher Beeny, Sir Tim Rice, Philip Glenister, Sylvia Syms, Sue Holderness, Michael Buerk, Martin Bell, Pam Rhodes and Michael Simkins. “This is exactly what the centenary should be about, young people engaging, getting involved, playing their part. This music captures the essence of commemoration across the generations” Lady Lucy French, Director, St. James Theatre
PERFORMANCE TIMES Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Thurs & Sat mats 2.30pm
TICKETS
£15, £24.50, £29.50, Premiums £35
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Central School of Ballet presents
BALLET CENTRAL 18 JULY Ballet Central 2015 features a dazzling programme of ballet, neoclassical, contemporary and narrative dance. The company’s young and dynamic dancers will showcase their talent with a diverse performance of newly commissioned works and celebrated revivals. Choreographers for this year’s tour include international choreographer Christopher Bruce, Christopher Hampson (Artistic Director, Scottish Ballet), Kit Holder (Birmingham Royal Ballet), Christopher Marney (Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures), and Sharon Watson (Artistic Director, Phoenix Dance Theatre). Classical ballet fans will relish the Blue Ball Pas de Deux from Cinderella by company founder Christopher Gable and staged by Carole Gable, as well as La Fille Mal Gardée Pas de Deux and Pas de Quatre staged by Patricia Linton and Resmi Malko. This family-friendly show is ideal for dance enthusiasts as well as those new to ballet. Don’t miss this opportunity to see these highly talented and vibrant dancers as they launch their professional careers. “The young dancers sparkle and we sparkle and toe tap in return.” Dance Tabs (from Ballet Central’s 2014 tour)
PERFORMANCE TIME Sat eve
7.30pm
TICKETS
£18, £18.50, £19, £19.50
Concessions available for £14 & £15 Excerpts from Ballet Central can also be seen as part of Central School of Ballet’s End of Year Performance on Thursday 16 July (7.30pm), Friday 17 July (7.30pm) and Saturday 18 July (2.30pm). See website for further details.
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SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD Music & Lyrics by JASON ROBERT BROWN Directed by ADAM LENSON Musical Direction by DANIEL A. WEISS
22 JULY - 8 AUGUST Triple-Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World comes to the St. James Theatre for three weeks only. Celebrating 20 years since its first performance Off-Broadway with an all-new London production. Songs for a New World takes us on a vibrant, thrilling and moving journey through the lifechanging moments that define us. Jason Robert Brown’s unforgettable songs weave characters, locations and time periods together in one extraordinary evening... “It’s about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back.” Jason Robert Brown This special 20th Anniversary production features electrifying vocals from an award-winning cast and a stunning five piece band. Bringing Brown’s sensational score to life like never before… From the celebrated composer of The Last Five Years, Parade and Bridges of Madison County. “One of Broadway’s smartest and most sophisticated songwriters since Stephen Sondheim” Philadelphia Inquirer
PERFORMANCE TIMES Mon - Sat eves Weds/Thurs* & Sat mats
7.30pm 3pm *Check website listings for dates
TICKETS From £15
Original Orchestration by Brian Besterman and Jason Robert Brown Presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of New York.
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The National Youth Music Theatre presents
PRODIGY Book and Lyrics by JAKE BRUNGER Music and Lyrics by PIPPA CLEARY Directed by KATE GOLLEDGE Designed by DIEGO PITARCH Orchestration and musical direction by CANDIDA CALDICOT Choreography by DARRAGH O’LEARY Produced by JEREMY WALKER for NYMT
12 - 15 AUGUST SIX PERFORMANCES ONLY Amid a backstage drama of teenage hormones and parental pressure, five finalists gather to compete to be Britain’s best new classical music star. With a live televised final looming, emotions are running high. From bitter vendettas to unexpected romance, which of our competitors will rise to the top? After all, “there can only be one winner…”. A brand new British musical from the writing team behind The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. Founded in 1976, the award-winning NATIONAL YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE represents the very best in work with young people in musical theatre, leading Andrew Lloyd Webber to describe it as “the finest youth music theatre in the world”. www.nymt.org.uk Winners – Best Musical Production UK Theatre Awards 2014
PERFORMANCE TIMES Weds - Sat eves Fri & Sat mats
7.30pm 2.30pm
TICKETS
£18, £20, £25 Premium seats are also available at £30 Concessions and group bookings on request
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Collaborative Artists LTD presents
YOU WON’T SUCCEED ON BROADWAY IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANY JEWS Developed by COLLABORATIVE ARTISTS LTD Directed by DANIEL DONSKOY & MICHAELA STERN Choreography by CHRIS WHITTAKER Musical Direction by INGA DAVIS-RUTTER
25 AUGUST - 5 SEPTEMBER THE ALL NEW SHOW, RETURNING TO LONDON FROM A SUCCESSFUL RUN IN TEL AVIV You Won’t Succeed on Broadway if You Don’t Have Any Jews is a celebration of over 80 years of the Jewish contribution to Musical Theatre. The audience will be taken on a captivating musical journey from the 1930s to present day, with the fascinating and unique success stories of Broadway’s most famous composers.The biggest hits from every decade will be performed by seasoned West End performers, a dance ensemble and onstage band. From the early sounds of the Gershwins and Irving Berlin through to Showstoppers from contemporary musicals such as Rent, Hairspray and Parade, this is a one singular sensational show for all the family. “This show neither discusses Jewish suffering, nor is it political. It is simply a celebration of the enormous Jewish success in Showbusiness.” Daniel Donskoy
PERFORMANCE TIMES Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Thurs & Sat mats 2.30pm
TICKETS
From £15 (Family and concession rates available)
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Danielle Tarento presents the world première of
PURE IMAGINATION Directed by CHRISTOPHER RENSHAW Musical Direction, Orchestrations and Vocal/Dance Arrangements by MICHAEL ENGLAND
24 SEPTEMBER - 17 OCTOBER THE SONGS OF LESLIE BRICUSSE “Come with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination” Celebrate the songs of Leslie Bricusse, one of the most prolific and well loved film and musical theatre songwriters of our time. Whether writing alone or forming magical partnerships - including Anthony Newley, Henry Mancini, John Williams and John Barry - double Oscar and Grammy Award winner Leslie Bricusse’s music has touched us all in some way. He has composed over 1,000 songs and written the book, music and/or lyrics for more than 40 musical films and plays over a 60-year career. This heartwarming and uplifting show includes such favourites as What Kind Of Fool Am I?, If I Ruled The World, Talk To The Animals, Le Jazz Hot, Feeling Good, Goldfinger and many, many more.
PERFORMANCE TIMES Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Weds & Sat mats 2.30pm
TICKETS
£15, £30, £35, £40, premium £50 Concessions available at £5 off Band A tickets (usually £40)
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A Brand New Musical taking you on a journey through Hoagy Carmichael’s masterful musical score
Hoagy B. Carmichael, Robert Macintosh and Hilary A. Williams present
HOAGY CARMICHAEL’S
STARDUST ROAD
Directed by BROADWAY’S AWARD-WINNING SUSAN H SCHULMAN
27 OCTOBER - 21 NOVEMBER WORLD PREMIERE With a live band, and a West End cast of amazing singers and dancers, Stardust Road celebrates the life and loves of America: from the age of jazz, blues and ragtime in the 20s to the Golden Age of Hollywood. A brand new musical that takes you on a toe-tapping journey through legendary Hoagy Carmichael’s masterful score, capturing the rhythms and mood of early twentieth century America. SONGS INCLUDE Georgia on My Mind • Stardust • Heart and Soul • Up a Lazy River Two Sleepy People • In The Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening Old Buttermilk Sky • Skylark • Riverboat Shuffle • Old Man Harlem Rockin’ Chair • Memphis in June • The Nearness of You I Get Along Without You Very Well • Huggin’ and Chalkin’ and many more...
PERFORMANCE TIMES Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Weds & Sat mats 2.30pm
TICKETS
£15, £30, £35, £40 CONCESSIONS Seniors - Band A Tickets £27.50 on Mon - Wed eves & Sat mats Students / Unwaged / Victoria Privilege Cardholders £5 off every price band GROUPS 8+ - £5 off Band A tickets @stardust_road
Stardust Road
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Simon Friend and St. James Theatre Productions present
JULES VERNE’S
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS Stageplay by LAURA EASON Directed by LUCY BAILEY
26 NOVEMBER - 16 JANUARY PACK YOUR BAGS FOR A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. The majestic, mysterious and fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days. Join Fogg and his loyal valet, Passepartout, as they voyage from the misty alleys of Victorian London to the exotic subcontinent and the wild west in a race against the clock. Having been performed across the globe, this Christmas Laura Eason’s celebrated adaptation of one of the world’s most beloved tales arrives in London in a dazzling new production directed by Lucy Bailey. A cast of eight play over 100 characters in this imaginative, high-spirited escapade for all the family; including six trains, five boats, four fights, three dances, two circus acts and an elephant!
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Tues - Sat eves 7.30pm* Weds, Thurs, Sat & Sun mats 2.30pm* * Weekly performance schedules vary over the holiday period. Please check website for details.
TICKETS
£15, £25, £30, £35 Family rates and concessions available, please see website or contact box office for details.
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P R E & P O S T S H OW D I N N E R
Open until 10pm
Monday - Saturday
“A lovely atmosphere, excellent food”” Opentable Reviews
RESERVATIONS: restaurants@stjamestheatre.co.uk | 020 7592 0322
O P E N A L L DAY
Meet, Relax, Eat, Drink.
OPEN MON – SAT | 10AM - LATE
FRIENDS OF THE ST. JAMES Why not join the St. James Theatre family? Become our Friend!
Join us as a Friend for just £24 per year and get loads of fantastic benefits... •
FRIENDS SCHEME
FRIEND SCHEME £24 per year
Priority advance notice and booking (24 hours before public booking opens)
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10% discount on food in the Bar & Brasserie (excludes Carrara restaurant)
3
Automatically join the St. James Marketing lists for regular email updates
3
Free ticket exchange
3
Invitations to Friends nights
3
Access to special and unique show offers and discounts
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For further details on becoming a Friend simply get in touch with Jo McCarthy: 0844 264 2140 | friends@stjamestheatre.co.uk
“...a slick, smart arts complex that has already had two West End transfers” ES Magazine
“The St. James Studio has quickly become one of London’s most exciting venues for innovative, dynamic and accomplished cabaret performance work” Ben Walters
ST. JAMES THEATRE MEMBERSHIP An opportunity to help support the arts in the 21st century
As a St. James Theatre Member you will be allocated a personal contact for all bookings (tickets & hospitality) and invitations to numerous events, plus scores of additional benefits. All membership donations contribute to our in house productions. Get a tailored experience every time you contact us plus so much more… A few of our many
benefits include:
SILVER - £250 per annum (Total cost: £195 Total donation: £55)† •
Priority booking (48 hours before public booking opens)
•
Invitations to members nights (with pre-show drinks reception) and St. James Theatre annual celebrations
•
Table reservations in Bar & Brasserie in conjunction with booked tickets
GOLD - £500 per annum (Total cost: £295 Total donation: £205)† All benefits of Silver plus: •
Reserved studio seating*
•
£5 off (per ticket) TWO Band A tickets for every main house theatre production*
•
An acknowledgement of your support in the theatre programmes
PLATINUM - £1000 per annum (Total cost: £595 Total donation: £405)† All benefits of Gold plus: •
Opportunity to buy two press night tickets with an invitation for two to press night parties*
•
Invitations to one dress rehearsal per year*
•
Partner organisation discounts/offers
For further details on becoming a St. James Member please contact Jennifer Reischel on 020 7654 9900 or jennifer@entertainmentandmediagroup.co.uk and see our website at www.stjamestheatre.co.uk/support-us *Subject to availability
† The cost / donation is based on 10 visits per year.
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St. James RE:act is a new initiative designed to support emerging talent. We bring together writers, directors and theatre makers to create impulsive pieces, reacting directly to productions at St. James Theatre. Written in 24 hours, rehearsed at quick fire speed and performed in the St. James Studio, the night will reflect the diverse programming in both spaces.
UPCOMING RE:ACT EVENTS SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD TUESDAY 28 JULY, 8PM AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS DATE TBC
RE:act - McQueen
25
STUDIO
TURN BACK THE CLOCK 8 - 14 JUNE £20 / £25 Originally inShonour of Joyce TUD IO Grenfell’s centenary year, hidden in this comedy revue can be found some of her more delicate and poignant pieces. This gem of nostalgia from the golden age of revue is suitable for all. Delight in the truthful, funny and moving characters. Revel in the evocation of one of the greatest female entertainers of the twentieth century. STUDIO “Bravissio… a wonderful show that makes you cry as well as laugh and leaves you marvelling at Joyce Grenfell’s wit and wisdom” Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph “A delightful show to touch the heart as well as tickle the funny bone…” Warwick Thompson, London Metro Adapted and Performed by Cheryl Knight At the pianoforte, Directed and co-devised by Paul Knight
MISS-LEADING LADIES 5 - 30 AUGUST TICKETS from £15 Ria Jones and Ceri Dupree star in this stunning celebration of some of the greatest grand dames of stage and screen, adding their own unique family twist. From Ethel Merman to Doris Day, Marlene Dietrich to Danny La Rue, to name a few. This gene pool of rip roaring talent will lead you astray in their dazzling revue of these illustrious leading ladies. “Showstopping siblings proving why there is nothing misleading about their family talent in a show packed with songs, pizzazz and bags of heart” Leicester Mercury “Ria Jones, what a Maserati of a voice” Quentin Letts, Daily Mail
Directed by Sarah-Louise Young (Julie Madly Deeply, Fascinating Aïda, The Showstoppers)
CABARET COME DY
MUS I C
TH EATRE
THE RHYTHM OF LIFE REVERIE WITH BASTILLE DAY PARTY CY COLEMAN, A GLORIA ONITIRI AVEC LES HAMILTONS CELEBRATION IN FEATURING THE Tuesday 14 July SONG DECEMBER SONGS BY Free drink if you Friday 10 & MAURY YESTON come in costume! Saturday 11 July Sunday 12 & 19 July
THE POLITICAL PARTY WITH MATT FORDE Wednesday 24th June
YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND: SONGS FROM A 70S CHILDHOOD Saturday 27 June
INFIDELITY: THE STORIES OF RICHARD BAUSCH Tuesday 7 July
ZOE LYONS: MUSTARD CUTTER Thursday 25th June
IAN SHAW & SARAH JANE MORRIS Thursday 23 July
QA LIVE WITH PETER YORK & SPECIAL GUEST Tuesday 21 July
JUSTIN MOORHOUSE Friday 4 December
JULIA FORDHAM: SUMMER IN THE CITY Sunday 2 August
RAP GUIDE TO CLIMATE CHAOS Friday 31 July & Saturday 1 August
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E V E N T S
The St. James Theatre is also a highly popular events venue space for: MORE THAN JUST A THEATRE...
AGMs Presentations PR and product launches Networking events Team building training days Conferences Birthday parties Breakfast meetings Private dinners Bespoke private show packages …and much more! “We had such a great time and appreciate your warm welcome and assistance throughout. Rest assured we will be organising more of our events at St. James Theatre” Microsoft “We love holding the event at the St. James and it feels like its natural home now.” The S&S Award
FOUR UNIQUE SPACES
THEATRE
STUDIO
RESTAURANT
BAR & BRASSERIE
Past event clients include:
Parkinson’s UK, Google, RBS, 3i, Grosvenor House, BBC, Accenture, embassies, Coutts, English National Opera, Mastercard, Westminster City Council, Houses of Parliament, Tech Stars, Waterstones and John Lewis. To hire a space, please contact Events Manager Adam Bracegirdle on 020 7592 0320 or email adam@stjamestheatre.co.uk 29
T H E AT R E
HOW TOT H E A T R E FIND US St. James Theatre, 12 Palace Street London SW1E 5JA BY TUBE The nearest tube is Victoria. We are situated within a 5 minute walk of the station. PARKING Free parking after 6.30pm is available in nearby streets. NATIONAL RAIL Victoria Station is less than 5 minutes walk from the theatre. BY BUS Routes 16, 38, 52, 73, 42, 148 all pass by near the theatre.
stjamestheatre.co.uk | 0844 264 2140