layton williams and shane richie to star in everybody’s talking about jamie next spring- cabaret comeS to wales millennium centre starring john partridge, anita harris and kara lily hayworth
- once comes to cardiff for the first time
- we will rock you announces tour cast
- three new dance shows come to the centre including matthew bourne’s the red shoes, acosta danza – evolution and aj live
- wales millennium centre new shows include comedy, sci-fi and timeless music
- summer at the centre: three scorching musicals, environmentally and family fRiendly crafts, SEVERAL supper clwb NIGHTS, and the opening of teras
- gaia continues to wow visitors at the centre
- homeless theatre project behind the label reaches national lottery award finals
- performances for the curious autumn 2019 season IS ON SALE
layton williams and shane richie to star in everybody’s talking about jamie next springLayton williams and shane richie to star in everybody’s talking about jamie
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the smash-hit, critically acclaimed West End musical is coming to Wales Millennium Centre Monday 18 May 2020 – Saturday 23 May 2020 as part of its first UK tour, starring Layton Williams (Bad Education, Billy Elliot the Musical) as Jamie New and Shane Richie (EastEnders) as Hugo / Loco Chanelle. Both Layton and Shane will be reprising their roles from the West End production.
Jamie New is 16 and lives on a council estate in Sheffield.
Jamie doesn’t quite fit in.
Jamie is terrified about the future.
Jamie is going to be a sensation.
Supported by his brilliant, loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness into the spotlight. With catchy songs by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, and book and lyrics by writer Tom MacRae, this funny, fabulous, feel-good, musical sensation has been wowing audiences and critics alike.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be on sale to the general public 5 August 2019.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be at Wales Millennium Centre 18 – 23 May 2020
cabaret to embark on new uk tour starring john partridge, anita harris and kara lily hayworth
Bill Kenwright presents Kander and Ebb’s landmark musical Cabaret, which embarks on an extensive 2019 UK Tour, visiting Wales Millennium Centre 24 – 28 March 2020.
It’s 1931, Berlin is a haven of divine decadence and the legendary Sally Bowles is about to take stage at the infamous Kit Kat Klub. Cabaret features show-stopping choreography, dazzling costumes and iconic songs, including Money Makes the World Go Around, Maybe This Time, and Cabaret.
Starring as the enigmatic Emcee is John Partridge, winner of Celebrity Masterchef in 2018, well known to TV audiences as EastEnders’ Christian Clarke, and one of West End theatre’s most prolific leading men with credits including A Chorus Line, Chicago and La Cage Aux Folles.
Joining the cast of Cabaret is Anita Harris in the role of Fraulein Schneider. Anita first rose to fame as a singer in the 1960s, beginning a lifelong career as a performer and actress. Her most notable stage appearance was as Grizabella in the West End’s Cats.
Kara Lily Hayworth, who recently received rave reviews for her portrayal of Cilla Black in Cilla the Musical, will join the UK Tour of Cabaret in the role of Sally Bowles. Kara says “I feel so incredibly lucky!” to be taking on her absolute dream role.
Directed by critically acclaimed Rufus Norris, the production has enjoyed two smash hit West End runs at The Lyric and The Savoy Theatres.
Cabaret will be at Wales Millennium Centre from 24 – 28 March 2020
once comes to cardiff for the FIRST time
One of the most celebrated musicals of all time, Once will embark on its first major UK tour, making its Welsh premiere at Wales Millennium Centre 11 – 16 May 2020.
Based on the critically acclaimed and much-loved film, Once tells the uplifting yet yearning story of two lost souls – a Dublin street busker and a Czech musician, who unexpectedly fall in love. Celebrated for its original score, Once is a spell-binding and uplifting show of hopes and dreams.
Singer-songwriter, musician and actor Daniel Healy will return to the role of Guy after his performance in the West End, and will be accompanied by Emma Lucie as Girl, who’s theatre credits include Beautiful – The Carole King Musical and Once, both in the West End.
Following acclaimed runs on Broadway and in the West End, and having won awards across the world in including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, eight Tony Awards and an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music, this is the first UK tour of Once.
Once will be at Wales Millennium Centre 11 – 16 May 2020
we will rock you announces tour cast
We Will Rock You comes to Wales Millennium Centre in April next year and taking on the role of Galileo is Olivier Award nominee Ian McIntosh (Beautiful – The Carole King Musical; The Commitments), who will be joined by Elena Skye (Les Misérables; Kinky Boots) in the role of Scaramouche. Playing Killer Queen is Jenny O’Leary (Heathers; Rent), with Michael McKell (Macbeth; Blood Brothers) as Buddy. Adam Strong (Jesus Christ Superstar; Rock of Ages) will take on the role of Khashoggi, with David-Michael Johnson (We Will Rock You, Germany; Jesus Christ Superstar) reprising the role of Brit and Amy Di Bartolomeo (Bat Out of Hell; Priscilla Queen of the Desert) playing Oz.
Brian May said: “This is a stunning, state-of-the art, new-look production of WWRY – but of course the original story is now more relevant than ever. We’re confident WWRY fans will love revisiting the world’s first true Rock Theatrical, and a whole new generation will now discover the VIBE!”
Featuring 24 of Queen’s biggest hits and Ben Elton’s hilarious futuristic comedy writing, We Will Rock You boasts the scale and spectacle that marked the band’s legendary live performances. This global phenomenon will continue to be one of the most spectacular musicals to tour the United Kingdom & Ireland.
We Will Rock You will be at Wales Millennium Centre 6 – 18 April 2019
dance shows coming to the centre
New Adventures Announces the Return of Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes
Based on the film by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, and the Hans Christian Andersen fairy-tale, with music by Bernard Herrmann, The Red Shoes returns to The Centre in March 2020. The Red Shoes is a tale of obsession, possession, and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a battleground between the two men who inspire her passion.
Having won two Olivier Awards and dazzled audiences across the UK and the USA in a triumphant adaptation of the legendary film in 2016, Matthew Bourne returns on a 2019-2020 National Tour.
The Red Shoes will be at Wales Millennium Centre 31 March – 4 April 2020
Dance Consortium announces Acosta Danza in Evolution
Following a worldwide success of the film Yuli, Dance Consortium is delighted to announce their new show Evolution, which will be at Wales Millennium Centre 6 – 7 March 2020. The 2020 Spring performances follow Acosta Danza’s Evolution Autumn 2019 tour. This upcoming production is an exciting addition to Dance Consortium’s performance schedule by continuing the organisation’s commitment to bringing the best international contemporary audiences across the UK. This tour of Evolution marks Dance Consortium’s 46th tour since the year 2000.
The spring 2020 Evolution tour includes seven audio-described performances for blind and visually-impaired patrons.
Evolution will be at Wales Millennium Centre 6 – 7 March 2020
Strictly Come Dancing favourite AJ Pritchard dances his way to Wales Millennium Centre
AJ Pritchard dances at Wales Millennium Centre on 18 March 2020 in his new 2020 tour, following his debut tour in 2019. AJ Live 2020 will combine the best moments from Strictly you know and love, intertwined with new energy-packed choreography for all the family, from AJ and his pick of the best new dance talent in the UK
AJ Live will be at Wales Millennium Centre 18 March 2020
Wales mIllennium Centre hosts comedy, sci-fi and timeless music
Lost in Music
Get ready to recreate the magical 70s and let us take you on a musical journey straight to the heart of disco as Lost in Music comes to Wales Millennium Centre in November 2019. Relive some of the greatest songs of all time from artists such as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic.
Lost in music will be at Wales Millennium Centre 15 November 2019
Lenny Henry
Sir Lenny Henry embarks on a brand-new UK tour this autumn with Who Am I, Again? An Evening with Lenny Henry. Lenny will take the audience through a jam session of funny and sad memories and stories before being interviewed by friend, broadcaster and author Jon Carter, followed by questions from the audience.
Lenny Henry will be at Wales Millennium Centre 16 November 2019
William Shatner
Following a screening of the movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, William Shatner takes to the stage to share fascinating and humorous behind-the-scenes stories from playing the original Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek television series and movies. Fans will also have a chance to ask William their question during the audience-led Q&A.
William Shatner will be at Wales Millennium Centre 17 March 2020
Million Dollar Quartet
Million Dollar Quartet comes to Cardiff, following success in the West End, Las Vegas and Broadway. Inspired by the famous recording session that brought together rock’n’roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first time, this is a smash-hit musical featuring a score of rock hits.
Million Dollar Quartet will be at Wales Millennium Centre 21 – 25 April 2020
summer at the centre
Fun and Family Shows in Wales Millennium Centre’s Donald Gordon Theatre
Madagascar the Musical
Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto the stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime in Madagascar the Musical. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, you’ll have no choice but to ‘Move It, Move It!’.
Madagascar the Musical will be at Wales Millennium Centre 6 – 11 August 2019
Club Tropicana
Welcome to the Club Tropicana Hotel – the 1980s answer to Love Island – where the drinks are free and the whole family is invited to join the ultimate holiday musical, celebrating all that we love about the 80s. Starring Joe McElderry, Club Tropicana is set to the most iconic pop anthems of the era, performed live on stage, including: Just Can’t Get Enough, Take On Me, The Look of Love, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Relax and many more!
Club Tropicana will be at Wales Millennium Centre 13 – 17 August 2019
Annie
Starring Craig Revel-Horwood as Miss Hannigan and set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search…
Annie will be at Wales Millennium Centre 19 – 31 August 2019
Environmentally Friendly Family Crafts
From turning your old socks into sock-puppets, learning how to make your own gardens, using old plastics to make magical and mysterious creatures and making homes for bugs, join Wales Millennium Centre this summer for free family activity that teaches children how to help the environment while getting messy and having fun.
Supper Clwb continues
Supper Clwb – an evening of drag, musical theatre, burlesque or comedy, plus three small plates and two cocktails – are held every Saturday night at the Centre this summer until October.
Coming up in August…
| 3 August | David Mahoney curates an evening of splendid musical theatre songs. Singers include musical theatre performer Jonathan Radford, Tiger Bay star Vikki Bebb, and Only Men Aloud member Craig Yates, with piano accompaniment from Nicki Rose. |
| 10 August | Prepare for a fun-packed evening of British burlesque and variety entertainment led by John Celestus as MC, Hula Hoop, Kimmy Von Shimmy, Kheski Kobler and Oola Pearl. |
| 17 August | Join your bilingual host, Connie Orff for an epic, multigenerational event as she welcomes both her drag mentor – Pride in London host, Michael Twaits – and mentee, the hilarious Venetia Blind! Adding in the sensational Laura Nadia Hunt, this is a Supper Clwb not to be missed. |
| 24 August | Get ready for an evening of laughs as Leroy Brito leads a night of comedy at Supper Clwb. Featuring Clint Edwards, Esyllt Sears, Steffan Evans and headlined by Matt Rees. You’ll laugh your socks off. |
| 31 August | David Mahoney curates an evening of musical theatre featuring Tiger Bay star Vikki Bebb and two performers from male group Only Men Aloud: Tom Hier and Steffan Rhys Hughes, with piano accompaniment from David Dodge. |
Supper Clwb will be held at Wales Millennium Centre every Saturday night until October. Please note, this is subject to change.
Teras at Ffresh is open!
Teras, the Centre’s brand new outdoor dining area is open! Its first guest food vendors are Tukka Tuk which serves Indian street food, and Two Anchors, offering a mix of seafood options. Both are next to Ffresh and are open daily 12pm-10pm.
Gaia inspires visitors to The Centre
A reminder that installation artist Luke Jerram’s incredible touring artwork Gaia is the centrepiece of a six-week celebration of our planet at Wales Millennium Centre this summer.
Measuring a staggering seven metres in diameter, Gaia features detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface floating in 3D, giving visitors an astronaut’s view of our incredible planet. It’s free to see inside the Centre’s Glanfa foyer until 1 September.
homeless theatre project behind the label reaches national lottery award finals
Behind the Label, a creative theatre project for people who have experienced homelessness and low self-esteem is appealing for votes after reaching the finals of the 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards.
Behind the Label, run by the Theatre Versus Oppression charity in partnership with The Wallich and Wales Millennium Centre, offers people the opportunity to share their life experiences and culminates in an alternative theatre performance, created by the group over a four-month programme of workshops, support and training.
Dr Jennifer Hartley, founder of Theatre Versus Oppression, says:
“Most of our participants are battling alcoholism and drug addiction, some have suffered domestic and sexual abuse and others have mental health issues or learning difficulties. All have been labelled by society in some way or another and felt that nobody saw or cared about who they were behind those labels.
“They went on an amazing rollercoaster journey in 2018, taking ownership of their stories. They finished empowered, proud, with their self-esteem rebuilt and looking towards a future they could now have hope in – a future they believed could exist.
“To win a National Lottery Award would be the icing on the cake and we hope that everyone gets behind us to show our participants that they are far more than their labels may imply.”
Behind the Label is a finalist in the Art, Culture and Film category, beating over 700 other organisations to reach the public voting stage.
The project with the most votes will be crowned the winner and receive a £10,000 cash prize, an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy and attend an awards ceremony to be broadcast on BBC One in November.
To vote for Behind the Label go to lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards
OR use the hashtag #NLABehindtheLabel on Twitter.
Voting runs until midnight on 21 August.
still to come
Wales Millennium Centre
Performances for the Curious Autumn 2019 Season
More than 30 productions featuring new writing, circus, comedy, dance, spoken word, scratch performances, burlesque and drag will feature in the Centre’s Performances for the Curious autumn season, which champions experimental, contemporary new work and gives audiences an affordable but exhilarating glimpse of some of the latest developments in performance from Wales – in Welsh and English – and beyond. This season’s highlights include the premiere of The Invisible Woman, a one-woman, dark comedy developed in part at a scratch performance in the Spring 2017 season, and I Wish I Was a Mountain; a philosophical show tackling mindfulness and lots of questions big and small, made with Theatr Iolo for children aged 7+.
Wales Millennium Centre’s Performances for the Curious Autumn 2019 season runs 14 October to 29 December 2019. More information can be found at www.wmc.org.uk/curious
