T H E AT R E
SEASON BROCHURE
T H E AT R E
MAR CH - AUG UST 201 5
stjamestheatre.co.uk | 0844 264 2140
CON TENTS 2 - 3
RUBY WAX: SANE NEW WORLD
4 - 5
REBECCA FERGUSON
6
- 7
THE THREE LIONS
8
- 9
MCQUEEN
10 - 11
THE DREAMERS
12 - 13
BALLET CENTRAL
14 - 15
SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
16 - 17
PRODIGY
18 - 19
FOOD & DRINK
20 - 21
MEMBERSHIP
22 - 23
ST. JAMES STUDIO
24 - 25
EVENTS / CORPORATE HIRE
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Hello and welcome, Some exciting news to kick things off - we are delighted that the St. James Theatre will host the world premiere of McQueen in May and June. The play is a journey into the visionary imagination and dark dream world of Alexander McQueen, fashion’s greatest contemporary artist. James Phillips and John Caird head up an impressive creative team – book now whilst there is still availability, this will be a big one! We’ve said a sad goodbye to our raucous hit comedy Bad Jews but we don’t plan to say goodbye to the laughs any time soon. Ruby Wax brings us her extraordinary show using knowledge from her recent Masters Degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and of course with a generous helping of spirited comedy. Then, lovingly poking fun at an incongruous gathering of well-known personalities, The Three Lions is a gloriously entertaining treat. Don’t miss either! The hugely talented Rebecca Ferguson will perform songs from her new album, Lady Sings the Blues in a series of concerts during March. What a treat it will be to see Rebecca – whose voice has been compared to that of Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Dusty Springfield – in such an intimate setting. We continue to commemorate the Great War this year: The Dreamers tells 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. During the summer months our main house programme consists of musical revue show Songs from a New World, the return of Ballet Central and the fantastic National Youth Music Theatre’s production of Prodigy. Don’t forget to keep an eye on our Studio programme too; there’s something for everyone. Warmest wishes,
Robert Mackintosh Executive Producer
1
Lakin McCarthy presents
RUBY WAX: SANE NEW WORLD Directed by JOANNA BOWEN Designed by ANDRZEJ GOULDING Lighting by TIM MASCALL Sound by TOM HACKLEY Produced by MIKE McCARTHY
2 - 14 MARCH “I’M HILARIOUS, TRUST ME.” Ruby Wax– comedian, writer, mental health campaigner – brings her one-woman show to the St. James Theatre following a sell-out UK tour in 2014. Ruby has based this new show on her No. 1 bestselling book Sane New World: Taming the Mind, which has enjoyed worldwide success since publication in 2013. Ruby Wax: Sane New World will help us understand why we sabotage our own sanity and provides a manual on how to survive the 21st century, using Ruby’s knowledge from her recent Masters Degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy at Oxford University - spiked with comedy. Using her signature humour, Ruby gives a tour of the brain and how to tame it: “We know so much about how the world works - but so little about how our own minds work. It’s like having a Ferrari on top of your head but no one gave you the keys.”
PERFORMANCE TIMES Mon - Sat eves Thurs & Sat mats
7.30pm 2.30pm
TICKETS £20, £25, £30
3
Presented in assocaition with Live Nation and the Agency Group
REBECCA FERGUSON 19 - 21 MARCH Sony Music and Jonathan Shalit OBE are proud to present soul diva Rebecca Ferguson performing her wonderful new album Lady Sings The Blues live for the first time. In the year when Billie Holiday would have celebrated her 100th birthday Rebecca Ferguson and her band will be playing her version of the iconic album in full. Rebecca Ferguson’s 2010 debut album Heaven was released to overwhelming critical acclaim and went on to sell a million copies. Critics compared her incredible voice to Aretha Frankiln, Nina Simone, Mary J Blige and Macy Gray, with The Times saying that her debut “scaled the heights of Dusty Springfield’s career high ‘Dusty in Memphis’”. Ferguson’s second album Freedom was released in October 2013 and found her honing her songwriting and performing skills into a record which, claimed The Metro, showed her voice to be ‘smoky, steeped in emotion and somehow more seasoned than her years’.
PERFORMANCE TIMES Eves
7.30pm
TICKETS
£25, £29 (VIP meet and greet seats available for £50)
5
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
THE TIMES
THE INDEPENDENT
THE SPECTATOR
Rosie Bowen for PBJ Management and Jenny Topper present
THE THREE LIONS Written by WILLIAM GAMINARA Directed by PHILIP WILSON Set & Costume Design by COLIN FALCONER Lighting Design by MALCOLM RIPPETH
24 MARCH - 2 MAY A FOOTBALLER, A PRINCE AND A PRIME MINISTER… This hilarious new comedy offers a behind-thescenes glimpse of diplomacy in action, revealing what really went on between David Cameron, David Beckham and Prince William in a Swiss hotel the night before England’s bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In spite of missed planes, mistaken identities, misunderstandings and sartorial challenges, they are determined to bring the beautiful game home. But when things start to go disastrously and deliciously wrong, three heads may not be better than one!
HHHH “A roaring success” Daily Telegraph “An exquisite piece of satire” The Spectator
HHHH “Masses of good jokes, this one’s a runner” The Times
PERFORMANCE TIMES Mon - Sat eves Thur & Sat mats
7.30pm 2.30pm
TICKETS
£15, £29.50, £39.50 & Premiums £49.50 Group rate available (£4.50 off Band A tickets (usually £39.50) for groups of 8+)
MEAL DEAL
2 course meal & a Band A seat for £54 3 course meal & a Band A seat for £58
7
artist. genius. icon. legend
Robert Mackintosh presents
McQUEEN Written by JAMES PHILLIPS Directed by JOHN CAIRD
12 MAY - 6 JUNE ‘I’ve got a 600-year-old elm tree in my garden. I made up a story: a girl lives in it and comes out of the darkness to meet a prince and becomes a queen.’ Alexander McQueen, 2008. McQUEEN is a journey into the visionary imagination and dark dream world of Alexander McQueen, fashion’s greatest contemporary artist. Set on a single London night, it is more than a bio-play. It is stepping into the fairy story landscape of McQueen’s mind, the landscape seen in his immortal shows, where with a dress an urchin can become an Amazon, where beauty might just help us survive the night. 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 and choreography by Christopher Marney, lighting by David Howe, sound by John Leonard and video and projection design by Tim Bird.
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 nudity, adult themes and language some may find offensive.
9
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
11
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.
13
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 7.30pm Thurs & Sat mats 3pm
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.
15
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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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
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 - £150 per annum
(Total cost: £95 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
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 receive special benefits including: •
Access to unique show offers and discounts
•
Priority advance notice and booking (24 hours before public booking opens)
•
10% discount on food in the Bar & Brasserie
For full details of all benefits please contact Jo McCarthy at Box Office on 0844 264 2140 or friends@stjamestheatre.co.uk and see our website at www.stjamestheatre.co.uk/support-us
“...a slick, smart arts complex that has already had two West End transfers” ES Magazine
“The St. James Studio is absolutely my favourite cabaret venue in London” Mark Shenton, The Stage
“The St. James Studio has quickly become one of London’s most exciting venues for innovative, dynamic and accomplished cabaret performance work” Ben Walters 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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STUDIO
JERRY’S GIRLS 3 - 15 MARCH 2.45pm, 7pm & 8pm* £15 - £27*
STUDIO
*Please check website for further details
Featuring songs from classic musicals including Hello Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage Aux Folles, Jerry’s Girls brings together an all-female cast to celebrate Jerry Herman’s special gift for writing songs that capture the spirit of the great American musical. Jerry’s Girls originally opened at Broadway’s St. STUDIO James Theatre in 1985 with a cast including Chita Rivera, who received a Tony-Award nomination for her performance. Starring Anna-Jane Casey (Billy Elliot, Chicago), Ria Jones (Cats, Les Miserables) and Sarah Louise Young (Fascinating Aida, Showstoppers!). Directed by Kate Golledge, choreographed by Matthew Cole and musical direction by Edward Court. Presented by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Guy James, the team behind the 2014 London premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s Marry Me a Little at the St. James Studio.
APARTMENT 40C 6-12 APRIL Mon - Sat eve 7.15pm Thurs mat 1.15pm Sat & Sun mat 2.15pm £18, £20 Written by Ray Rackham (book and lyrics) and Tom Lees (music), a poignant musical that explores how relationships are affected by the endless possibility of choice. Fresh from a criticallyacclaimed, sell-out run at London Theatre Workshop, Apartment 40C transfers to the St. James Studio for one very special week in April. The musical examines decades of love, happiness, regret and loss; chances taken and opportunities missed; and how it is sometimes impossible to make any kind of distinction between the past and the present, and what might become.
HHHHH “Unmissable” Everything Theatre “Rackham’s direction is littered with beautiful touches that subtly add a further dimension” The Stage
CABARET COME DY
MUS I C
TH EATRE
LONDON FESTIVAL OF CABARET 28 APRIL - 11 MAY
SCOTT ALAN T H E AT R E
T H E AT R E
SCOTT ALAN & CYNTHIA ERIVO Home Again
NICKY HASLAM
Spring will be a little late this Year
EMMA HAMILTON La Musique
PAUL BAKER Baker’s Dozen
JAMIE PARKER and Friends
THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY 15 - 20 JUNE Mon - Sat eve 8pm Thurs & Sat mat 3pm £15, £17.50 To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the publication of ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ European Arts Company returns with a thrilling adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s only novel. Written by Wilde’s grandson Merlin Holland and John O’Connor, this is the follow up to the sell out success of ‘The Trials of Oscar Wilde’. Set in the decadent world of Victorian London, a beautiful, narcissistic young man called Dorian Gray becomes infatuated by the exquisite portrait that Basil Hallward has painted of him. He makes a Faustian pact that he will remain forever young while the picture grows old. Combining drawing-room comedy and Gothic horror, this is a gripping and hugely entertaining theatrical event. “A perfectly judged rendering by European Arts Company”
The Times
Please Note: Sat evening special event in celebration of 125th year of publication of The Picture of Dorian Gray to be announced!
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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 25
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