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Wicked movies halt filming amidst actor strike.

The filming of the Wicked movie has seemingly ceased with the commencement of the SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actor’s Guild) strike.

The strike, which prevents actors from working on or promoting US productions (including many being shot overseas), was called earlier this week over a number of disputes. Sticking points in the negotiations between the union and producers included residual payments for streamed shows (ie how much money creatives receive every time a show is watched on a streaming platform), as well as the use of AI in film and TV production.

The strike has naturally had an impact on UK soil. Wicked, led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and based on the beloved Broadway and West End musical of the same name, ceased filming today, with sets left deserted. It is unknown how long the strike will last.

Grande and Erivo have posted on social media in solidarity with the strikers, while Wicked alum Kristin Chenoweth, who is rumoured to be cast in the film, did likewise – while promising she “will be back!” in the UK soon. In response, Grande posted a bubble emoji, alluding to the bubble-flying character of Glinda, originated by Chenoweth on stage.

The relationship between SAG-AFTRA’s strike and productions based in the UK is far from straightforward – some UK-based productions are expected to continue filming due to their UK-based casts (who belong to UK union Equity), such as Game of Thrones sequel House of the Dragon. Equity, while expressing solidarity with SAG-AFTRA, has not introduced industrial action of its own. Other UK-based productions like the Beetlejuice sequel, are expected to be halted.

Reports had suggested that Wicked, which has been split into two film releases (the first set for November 2024), was already close to completion, having been shooting for a number of months in the UK. Whether the strike will cause delays to the premiere date are to be revealed in due course.

Based on the hit novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, Wicked tells the story of two unlikely university friends in the land of Oz, one destined to become Glinda The Good and the other, the Wicked Witch of the West. Wicked writers Winnie Holzman (book) and Stephen Schwartz (score) are collaborating on the screenplay.

2023 will also mark the 20th anniversary of the original Broadway production, while the show is currently in its 17th year in the West End, where it has been seen by 11 million people. A UK tour will also launch in late 2023, so it’ll probably be quicker to see it on stage than in cinemas.

The news comes after dramatic scenes at the London premiere of Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer last night, where cast members left the event at the moment the strike was called. How this may affect the live events and theatre industries remains to be seen.

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Over 500 fans of Kate Bush gather in red costumes and dance at Sydney Park to celebrate annual Wuthering Heights day.

Over 500 fans of Kate Bush gathered in Sydney Park on Saturday 15th July for the annual celebration of the singer’s hit song Wuthering Heights.
Every July, fans all across the globe get together in various cities to dance and celebrate what’s called The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever.

Hundreds of dancers in red flowing frocks gathered at Sydney’s inner city park to mimic the performer’s unique choreography from her 1978 music video for Wuthering Heights.
In the haunting video, Kate dances and sings in a red dress, with the track inspired by characters in Emile Brontë’s classic 1847 novel of the same name.

The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever celebrates the famous song worldwide in various places and coincides with Bush’s birthday.

The event takes place in 32 other cities across the world, over three different days.

Australia appears to have an abundance of Kate Bush fans, as another dance-off took place in Cairns on Saturday 15th July.
On July 29, fans from Brisbane and Canberra will take to their local park to recreate the choreography and celebrate Kate, while the Gold Coast and Adelaide will see it’s ‘Wuthering Heights day’ take place on July 30.

Organisers of the Sydney event set up an online fundraiser aiming to cover production costs for the event, with any money left over going to charity.

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The Hot Ice Show: Amore Amor Amour at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Arena.

Amanda Thompson knows how to put on a show. Now in her 28th season directing and producing Blackpool’s famous Hot Ice Show, she combines creative duties with running the Pleasure Beach, in whose arena the performance is housed.

But there’s no sign of her being distracted by the day job in this production, nominally themed around love and opening up for the summer with a display of technical expertise and dramatic verve to rival… well, pretty much anywhere, really.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have nearly three dozen of the world’s finest ice performers at your disposal, gathered together from across the globe to deliver what has to be one of the most impressive ice shows you could hope to see. Besides the stunning skating technique, there are plenty of acting, dancing and acrobatic skills on offer from this impeccably-rehearsed company, which includes Olympic and world champions among its number.

The Pleasure Beach has had lots of time to hone its ice show: the first one was performed in 1936 and its prestigious history includes the likes of Robin Cousins, fresh from his gold medal at the 1980 Olympics. But while longevity doesn’t necessarily bestow quality, this production has creativity in abundance.

What’s most striking about the succession of numbers, interspersing huge ensemble routines with beautifully presented individual and small-group offerings, is the attention to detail. The stunning choreography by Hot Ice veteran Oula Jaaskelainen is just one part of this seamlessly-worked machine. Extraordinary and lavish costumes by the in-house Stageworks team are tailor-made to look immaculate: sequins, rhinestones and feathers abound.

Jack Norman’s lighting adds another layer of spectacle, alongside a thundering score credited to six composers – the enigmatic Notable Stranger, Berenice Scott, Glen Gregory, Craig Hemmings, Rick Guard and Phil Rice. There’s a heavy reliance on rhythmic drum beats and sonorous, monastic-style vocals throughout, but they work superbly to complement the dynamic action on the ice.

Every trick in the book is thrown at the production, which means video projection of swelling seas and overblown moons, backlit silhouettes to add drama, and vast clouds of dry ice for extra atmosphere. In some contexts you might argue it’s all a bit melodramatic: here, it’s a fabulous, spectacular mélange.

Bits are borrowed from all over the place. There’s a male corps de ballet lifted from Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, a section set to Ravel’s Bolero that echoes Torvill and Dean, and even some Les Mis-style flag-waving. And if the storytelling gets a bit lost in the epic scale, then that ultimately becomes forgivable thanks to the sheer ambition of the project.

In the end, it’s more an abstract impression of all things love-related, rather than a narrative journey, but the visuals are sensational and the technical excellence undeniable. As I said, she sure knows how to put on a show.

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St Paul’s Cathedral to host dramatic dance show as ancient fair returns.

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St Paul’s Cathedral will be transformed into a stage for a spectacular dance show as one of London’s oldest events comes back to life. Performers from the US-based vertical dance company BANDALOOP will put on a series of show at the historic building combining aerial choreography, climbing and dance.

The shows, which will run between August 31 and September 2, are part of a reimagining of the City of London’s historic Bartholomew Fair which will also include a night-time art trail with streets and buildings illuminated with a series of projections bringing figures from the past back to life as well as live performances and art installations across the Square Mile.

Running from August 31 to September 16, the fair will update the traditional event which dates back to the 12th century and was last held in 1855.

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said: “We are reimagining the capital’s greatest event and creating something that is truly extraordinary – a new landmark London cultural spectacular.

“With fantastic free fun for everyone, we are bringing the extraordinary story of the City to life, attracting audiences from across the capital and beyond.

“From the Barbican Centre and the Museum of London, to our world class pubs, bars and restaurants, we look forward to welcoming you to the City – the birthplace of London.

“Building on our launch last year we are proud to showcase the Square Mile as part of our Destination City programme, creating a world leading visitor destination for everyone to enjoy.”

The city is increasingly trying to throw off its “nine to five” image and establish itself as a leisure destination.

It is also promoting its Culture Mile, which stretches from Farringdon to Finsbury Circus, and includes landmarks such as the Barbican and Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is seen as a potential rival to the South Bank.

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Strictly legends Aljaž & Janette return with brand new festive show DANCING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND.

Strictly legends Janette Manrara & Aljaž Škorjanec have announced that they will be returning to theatres across the UK with another hugely entertaining festive song and dance extravaganza, Dancing In A Winter Wonderland.
This brand-new offering follows on from last year’s sell-out debut festive spectacular A Christmas To Remember, where Janette & Aljaž made good on their promise to deliver the ultimate Christmas jukebox dance show.

Now, the dance stars and, of course, Santa Claus are coming to town for Dancing In A Winter Wonderland, a not-to-be-missed Christmas cracker of a show that’s set to be bigger and better for 2023.
Combining world-class choreography, fabulous costumes and amazing sets with the greatest hits of Christmas, Strictly’s most celebrated couple will once again be joined by a supporting cast featuring some of the UK’s very best dancers and singers as they countdown to Christmas Day.
Jam-packed with breathtaking dance routines and yuletide favourites for all the family, this feel-good production will also be Janette & Aljaž’s first shows since becoming parents.

The 17-date tour begins in Portsmouth on 21 November before visiting Truro, Leicester, Gateshead, Blackpool, Belfast, Southend, Cambridge, Glasgow, Liverpool, Cardiff, London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Bath.
Looking ahead to their new tour, Janette said: “We are so happy to be touring again with a brand-new family Christmas show. The reaction to last year’s show was truly special, so we’re creating an even sparklier winter wonderland for everybody to enjoy. We can’t wait to share it with everybody!”

Aljaž said: “Janette and I can’t wait to tour the UK again with Dancing In A Winter Wonderland, so get ready to shake your baubles and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with us on what promises to be a magical journey of festive song and dance.”

Tickets go on sale at 10am on 21 July ‘Click Here‘

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General News & Sighting

• In America, actors have gone on strike against the film and TV industry – the first time since 1980. This coincides with the strike by writers. The strike will shut down the production of films and TV shows that employ SAG (Society of Actors Guild) members across the world. The production of the “Wicked” musical movie, which is being filmed in the UK, has shut down with just days left to film.
• Strictly announced the 12 dancers participating in the Professionals Tour in 2024. They are: Dianne, Vito, Carlos, Karen, Neil, Nikita, Gorka, Luba, Graziano, Jowita, Michelle & Nancy.
• Janette Manrara & Aljaz announced their “Dancing In A Winter Wonderland” tour for later this year.
• Oona Doherty will be the guest Artistic Director of the National Youth Dance Company for 2023/4.
• The full cast for the premiere of the Stock, Aitken & Waterman musical “I Should Be So Lucky” has been revealed. It has been written and will be directed by Debbie Isitt and features choreography by Jason Gilkison. Kylie Minogue will appear digitally. The show is set to open in Manchester on the 2nd of November.
• Matt Doyle will star in “Sinatra The Musical” which opens on the 23rd of September at the Birmingham Rep. The dance arrangements are by David Chase with Carol Lee Meadows as Associate Choreographer. The Dance Captain is Lindsay Atherton.
• Casting has been announced for the UK premiere of “Rebecca” at Charing Cross theatre on the 4th of September. It will star Richard Carson, Lauren Jones & Kara Lane. The choreography is by Ron Howell.
• Full casting is set for “Here We Are” – the final musical by Stephen Sondheim – which premieres at the Shed in New York on the 28th of September. It has choreography by Sam Pinkleton.

Future Dance Events News

• The full company has been confirmed for the new International tour of “Hamilton” which will commence in Manila on the 17th of September. The cast is led by Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton.
• “An Officer and a Gentleman” is set to embark on a new tour in February 2024 starting in Birmingham. The choreographer is Joanna Goodwin.
• Leeds Playhouse will stage “Oliver” in the round from the 27th of November until the 27th of January 2024.
• “Diana the Musical” will open at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London, on the 4th of December. It will star Kerry Ellis and Maiya Quansah-Breed.
• “Standing at the Sky’s Edge” will run at the Gillian Lynne theatre from the 8th of February 2024. The choreography is by Lynne Page.
• New musical “Lizzie” has confirmed its tour dates plus a London run. It will open at the Hope Mill theatre in Manchester on the 30th of September with Lauren Drewvill playing Lizzie Borden. The associate choreographer is Yandass Ndlovu.
• “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” will embark on a UK tour from April 2024, opening in Southampton on the 30th of April 2024. The choreography is by Karen Bruce.
• “Shucked” will open in the West End in 2024. The choreographer is Sarah O’Gleby.
• The musical “Bonnie & Clyde” will be heading off on a tour of UK and Ireland in 2024, opening in Manchester on the 19th of March. It is directed and choreographed by Nick Winston.
• “Come From Away” announced a UK and Ireland tour beginning in Leicester on the 1st of March 2024. The production is being cast by Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher. The choreography is by Tara Wilkinson and Kirsty Malpas with Richard Hinds.
• Manchester’s Hope Mill theatre will stage the world premiere of “To Wong Foo – The Musical”, based on the 1995 film, on the 21st of October. The cast and creative team is to be announced. The casting is by Sarah Leung.
• “Hadestown” will open at the Lyric Theatre in the West End on the 10th of February 2024. The choreographer is David Neumann.
• The Chaka Khan musical “I’m Every Woman” announced plans to open in London. It will workshop in the West End in November. The director will be Racky Plews.
• The new musical “Starter for Ten” will premiere in Bristol next year at the Old Vic theatre from the 29th of February until the 30th of March 2024.
• “The King And I” will return to the West End in early 2024 starring Helen George and Darren Lee.
• “Sister Act – The Musical” will return to the Dominion theatre in the West End on the 15th of March 2024. It will star Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke. The choreography is by Alistair David.
• The lead cast has been unveiled for “We Will Rock You” opening in the West End. It will star Lee Mead and Brenda Edwards.
• The upcoming “Wicked” tour has announced its lead casting. Laura Pick will play Elphaba. The show will open in Edinburgh on the 7th of December. The choreography is by Wayne Cilento.
• “Jesus Christ Superstar” will tour the UK in 2023/4 opening in Manchester this September. The choreography is by Drew McOnie.
• “The Wizard of Oz” will embark on a UK tour at Liverpool Empire on the 13th of December. The choreography is by Shay Barclay.

Auditions & Vacancies

• The Eliot Smith Dance Company is holding an audition to recruit 2 ballet dancers and an apprentice to the company. The audition is by invitation only and will be held at the Gateway Studio in Gateshead on the 1st of August from 11.00 am – 4.00 pm. The deadline for applications is the 30th of July. For more information, contact: http://www.eliotsmithdance.com
• UCH Limerick is looking for dancers for its production of “Sleeping Beauty”. The audition is on the 23rd of July at the Dublin Studios from 1.00 pm. To register contact: auditions@robertckelly.ie
• Birmingham Royal Ballet is looking for a repetiteur. Have a look at the company website for details.
• Ballet Black is auditioning in America for new dancers for the 2023/4 season. For more information, contact: admin@balletblack.co.uk with “US Audition” in the heading.
• Bird College is looking for a Tap tutor, with a focus on Musical Theatre, to begin in September. Have a look at the website for more details.
• Emil Dale Academy is looking for freelance Ballet teachers. There is more information at: info@emildale.co.uk
• Sonia Sabri is looking for Indian dancers for a touring production. For more information, contact: info@ssco.org.uk
• Bird College is looking for a Musical Theatre tutor to work 3 days a week in September. Contact the College for further details.

Dance Classes

• The TGS Summer Intensive have announced that its teachers this year are: Charlie Keen, Charlie Bruce, Isaac Edwards, Travis Kerry & Jordi Guitart. The Intensive runs from the 24th – 28th of July at Hemingford Pavilion from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm daily. To book: jordiguitart1962@gmail.com
• Stacey Monahan has a Theatre Jazz class on the 26th of July from 5.00 – 6.00 pm at Pineapple Dance Studios.
• Lukas McFarlane & Ian Harris are teaching at the Dancezone Studios in Manchester on the 26th of July from 6.00 – 7.30 pm (Lukas) and 7.30 – 9.00 pm (Lukas & Ian). Email: workshopslukasmcfarlane@gmail.com
• Dominique Marinho is teaching a Beginners Heels class on Tuesdays at Pineapple Studios from 3.45 – 4.45 pm from the 1st of August.
• Jaye Richard Noel is starting a Commercial Hip Hop class from 8.00 – 9.30 pm on Wednesdays at Gymbox in Holborn. You can book via: heelsandfeels.com
• Natalie Twist has a “Sexy R n B” class every Wednesday from 8.00 – 9.00 pm at the Pineapple Dance Studios.
• Kimberly Wyatt Dance Academy has its Summer Showcase on the 21st of July at the Addlestone Community Centre. Doors will open at 5.30 pm with a show from 6.00 – 7.00 pm.
• Olivia Rose Shouler is doing a beginners choreography class on Wednesday from 7.00 – 8.25 pm at the Base Studios in London.
• Dane William Bates is doing a Summer Intensive on the 27th & 28th of July at Liverpool Central Studios from 9.00am – 3.00 pm each day.
  Daniela Fabbricatore is teaching at the CYD Super Convention on the Sunday: 9.00 am Jazz Fusion Advanced, 11.00 am Tap Intermediate & 2.00pm Jazz.
• Lowri Amelia Jackson has a Commercial workshop on the 13th of August at Pas De Deux Studios. Contact Freedom Dance to book.
  Anna Maria Barber is doing a Choreography class at Flow Dance in Oval every Tuesday from 7.00 – 8.30 pm.
• Hannah O’Brian is giving a Heels class on Wednesdays from 7.00 – 8.00 pm in Chelmsford. DM Hannah on her Instagram for details.
• Gemma Hoddy is giving a class at Base Studios on Thursdays from 5.30 – 6.55 pm.
• Nicolette Whitley is offering a dance class on Thursdays from 6.15 – 7.15 pm at the Inner Space in Nelwyn for £7. Reserve your space on: nicolettewhitley@outlook.com
• Anita Mannings has a Contemporary Jazz Class (Int) on Wednesdays from 8.30 – 9.55 pm at the Flow Dance Studios in Oval.
• Emma Levene is offering a General Ballet Core and Stretch Contemporary class at Forest Gate Community School on Thursdays from 7.00 – 8.00 pm. Email to book: doubletwistdance@gmail.com
• Michael Naylor is teaching a class on Thursdays at the Base Dance Studios from 2.30 – 4.00 pm. Book via the Base app.
• Alexandre Novelli is offering a Beginners Commercial for Adults class every Tuesday at her Novelli Studios from 6.00 – 7.00 pm.
• Amy Ireland has a Commercial Tap class at Pineapple Dance Studios in London on Thursdays at 12.15 pm and a Contemporary Jazz class at 1.15 pm. On Fridays Amy teaches Beginners Tap at 10.15 am.
• Nafisah Baba is teaching a weekly Lyrical Contemporary Intermediate / Advanced class at Danceworks in London every Tuesday from 8.00 – 9.30 pm.
• Lucy Jane Adcock is teaching a Show Tap class at Base Dance Studios on Wednesdays at 11.30 am.
• Poppy Tremlett is offering an Improvers Choreography class at Base Dance Studios on Tuesdays from 8.30 – 10.00 pm.
• Rachel Bolsworth is teaching an Absolute Beginners Heels class from 7.00 – 8.00 pm on Tuesdays and an Improvers Beginners Heels class on Monday from 8.30 – 9.30 pm at Pineapple Dance Studios.
• Hannah Cleeve is giving a Heels Technique class on Wednesdays from 1.00 – 2.30 pm each week at the Base Dance Studios.
• Kamila Zalewska is teaching at the Base Studios in London on Mondays from 4.00 – 5.25 pm for intermediate/advanced level. Book on the Base app.

Film & TV

• Jon M Chu, the director of the “Wicked” movie, stated that the release dates should be unaffected by the actors strike.
• We spotted the following dancers in the “Barbie” movie: Nikkita Chadha, Sia Dauba, Grace Durkin, Ellis Harman, Andy Monaghan, Hannah Nazareth, Freya Nicole, Shaun Niles, Ella Nonini & Josie Pocock.
• We spotted Summer Villiers in the new advert for Yazoo drinks.

View All The Strictly Stars Wearing Dincwear Dancewear

From all the news team at Dincwear Dancewear, See you all next week!

This post has been created by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.