All the latest news from Dincwear Pro Dancewear.

Strictly’s Karen Hauer and Gorka Márquez team up for new tour.

 

Strictly Come Dancing stars Karen Hauer and Gorka Márquez have announced that they are teaming up for a new tour.

The professional dancer will front Speakeasy, a new show that contains various styles, ranging from clandestine New York Speakeasy to the sultry Havana dance floors and from the Burlesque Cabaret Clubs of the mid-1900s to the glittering mirror balls of Studio 54.

As per the logline, Speakeasy will be a “delicious dance experience” where audiences can “Mamba, Salsa, Charleston, Foxtrot and Samba the night away”, with the show promising an “undercover world of elegance and iconic dance flavours.”

“Partnering again on a new tour with my good friend Gorka is so exciting, and we can’t wait for audiences up and down the UK to see what we’ve put together for them,” said Karen. “We’re bringing a new look and feel to this show; all-new music, dances, and a theme where we’ll be bringing you behind a secret door for an evening of total entertainment and escapism.

“We are also absolutely thrilled that for the first time, we will be taking our tour to the West End. It’s shaping up to be the most incredible adventure, and we can’t wait for people to join us on the journey.”

“I’m so excited to be going back on the road with Karen and seeing everybody across the UK. We’re going to immerse the audience in an undercover world of dance, and I can’t wait!” added Gorka in a statement.

The tour will begin on February 24, 2025, in Dartford, running through to the final show at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall on April 13, 2025. Further details can be found on the Speakeasy website, including information on Friday’s (April 26) pre-sale.

The tour dates for Speakeasy are as follows:

• February 24: Dartford Orchard Theatre
• February 26: Perth Concert Hall
• February 27: Aberdeen Music Hall
• February 28: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
• March 1: Blackpool Opera House
• March 2: Llandudno Venue Cymru
• March 4: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
• March 5: Hull City Hall
• March 6: York Barbican
• March 8: Gateshead Glasshouse ICM
• March 9: Sheffield City Hall
• March 12: Peterborough New Theatre
• March 13: Bradford St George’s
• March 14: Swansea Brangwyn Hall
• March 15: Warwick Arts Centre
• March 16: Manchester BWH
• March 18: Wycombe Swan
• March 19: Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
• March 20: Fareham Live
• March 21: Portsmouth Kings Theatre
• March 22: Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
• March 23: Cardiff New Theatre
• March 25: Buxton Opera House
• March 26: Bournemouth Pavilion
• March 27: Cheltenham Town Hall
• March 28: Ipswich Regent Theatre
• March 29: St Alban The Alban Arena
• March 30: Canterbury Marlowe Theatre
• April 1: Cambridge Corn Exchange
• April 2: Southend Cliffs Pavilion
• April 3: Bromley Churchill
• April 4: Northampton Derngate
• April 5: Guildford G Live
• April 6: Birmingham Symphony Hall
• April 8: Truro Hall for Cornwall*
• April 9: Bath Forum
• April 10: Basingstoke The Anvil
• April 11: Hastings White Rock
• April 12: Eastbourne Congress Theatre
• April 13: Leicester De Montfort Hall

The Rocky Horror Show, starring Jason Donovan, is heading to the West End later this year.

Jason Donovan as Dr Frank N Furter in The Rocky Horror Show

Jason Donovan, whose stage credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Grease, will star as Dr Frank ‘n’ Furter in the cult classic musical for the first time in the UK for over 25 years. He also played the role in Sydney in 2023.

Donovan commented: “I am thrilled to dive into the exhilarating role of Frank ‘n’ Furter with a fantastic new cast and Timewarp with audiences throughout the UK. We promise to deliver the freshest Rocky EVER, that audiences will not forget. So, buckle up, as the show promises to be a wild and wicked ride!”

First seen in June 1973 at the Royal Court, the piece has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages.

The Rocky Horror Show features tunes including “Sweet Transvestite”, “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and “The Time-Warp”. It follows squeaky-clean college kids Brad and Janet who take refuge in a mysterious house after their car breaks down and experience a night they will never forget.

Christopher Luscombe’s production runs in the West End at the Dominion Theatre from 6 to 20 September, following stints in Bromley (19 to 24 August) and High Wycombe (27 to 31 August).

It will then continue to Fareham, Malvern, Bath, York, Glasgow, Cardiff, Woking, Blackpool, Sheffield, Liverpool for the festive season (3 December to 4 January), Southend, Edinburgh and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Donovan is not currently scheduled to appear in Malvern, Woking and Liverpool, and on the following dates: 30 August, 28 October, and 4, 5 and 23 November.

Kym Marsh to star in 101 Dalmatians musical tour.

A touring musical version of 101 Dalmatians is hitting the open road later this year – and lead casting has been announced.

Based on the production that played at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in the summer of 2022 (though now reworked), the piece is written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris.

It tells the story of a couple who find themselves surrounded by a tidal wave of dogs – only for the canines in question to be then coveted by the notorious fashionista Cruella de Vil.

Taking on the role of de Vil will be Coronation Street legend Kym Marsh, who said today: “I’m over the moon to be joining the cast of 101 Dalmatians playing the iconic Cruella de Vil, has there ever been a more fabulous baddie?! Obviously she’s a million miles away from me in real life – and my dogs are very glad about that – but being able to bring to life my take on this renowned character is a real treat. Douglas and Johnny have written this brilliant new musical filled with songs I’m already finding myself humming under my breath. The 101 Dalmatians story spans generations and I’m sure young and old alike will absolutely love this production.”

The show will open in Wimbledon on 22 June 2024, before visiting Birmingham, Norwich, Canterbury, Leicester, Manchester, Belfast, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, Southend, Dublin, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Woking, Cardiff, Southampton, Aberdeen, York, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Oxford and Brighton.

Kym Marsh will not be appearing in Norwich, Canterbury, Leicester, Wolverhampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Oxford and Brighton.

Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile musical reveals its London cast.

Casting is confirmed for the London premiere of Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile.

Co-produced by The Roald Dahl Story Company, Leeds Playhouse (where it received its world premiere staging last December) and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, the family-friendly musical features a score by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab (who performs under the band name Sinkane), book and lyrics by Suhayla El-Bushra, and additional music and lyrics, orchestrations, arrangements and musical supervision by Tom Brady. It tells the tale of a hungry crocodile searching for a delicious child to snap up for dinner.

Appearing at Regent’s Park will be Joanna Adaran (marking her professional stage debut) as Trunky, Audrey Brisson (Into the Woods, Amélie The Musical) as Roly Poly Bird, Laura Buhagiar (Seize the Cheese: A New Musical) as Swing, Malinda Parris (The Little Big Things, & Juliet) as The Enormous Crocodile, Nuwan Hugh Perera (The Lord of the Rings, Life of Pi) as Humpy Rumpy, and Elise Zavou (Heathers, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World) as Muggle Wump/Teacher.

The show includes a “menagerie of mischievous puppets” by leading designer Toby Olié (who previously worked on 101 Dalmatians at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and also co-directs).

Additionally, the production features set and costumes by Fly Davis, choreography by Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu, lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun, sound design by Tom Gibbons, musical direction by Màth Roberts, associate direction by Tash Holway, and associate puppet design and puppet supervision by Daisy Beattie.

Phij Adams serves as music technologist and ambleton programmer, with Johnny Edwards as associate sound designer, James Hasset as season associate sound designer, Aundrea Fudge as voice coach, Avye Leventis as associate puppetry director, Emily Lim as developer and director, and Bryony Jarvis Taylor as casting director.

The Enormous Crocodile runs at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 17 May until 8 June 2024, with a press performance scheduled for 22 May.

Wicked becomes tenth longest-running show in West End history.

Wicked will become the tenth longest-running show in the West End.

The show, which continues its open-ended run at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, will play its 6762nd performance – overtaking No Sex Please, We’re British, which ran from June 1971 until September 1987, playing a total of 6,761 performances.

The musical, which has received over 100 global awards, features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, with the book by Winnie Holzman. Wayne Cilento handles musical staging, and Joe Mantello directs the production. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, it offers a unique perspective on the characters from L Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Currently forming the West End top ten are therefore The Mousetrap, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, The Woman in Black, Blood Brothers, Mamma Mia!, Cats, The Lion King, Starlight Express, and now Wicked.

A touring version continues through until January 2025, while a new film version will release its first part this autumn.

General News & Sighting

• Buckingham Palace announced that the King will take on his late mother’s patronage of The Royal Ballet.
• The nominees for the 2024 Tony Awards were announced. The candidates for “Best Choreographer” were: Annie B Parson for “Here Lies Love”, Camille A Brown for “Hell’s Kitchen”, Rick & Jeff Kuperman for “The Outsiders”, Justin Peck for “Illinoise” and Jesse Robb & Shana Carroll for “Water for Elephants”. The 77th Annual Ceremony will take place in New York on the 16th of June.
• Karen Hauer & Gorka Marquez announced their “Speakeasy” tour for 2025.
• Strictly star Amy Dowden announced that her new book “Dancing in the Rain” will be available in September.
• Musical Con has unveiled the full line up for 2024. It will star Todrick Hall, Layton Williams, Lucie Jones and Andre De Shields and take place in London on the 19th & 20th of October.
• Danielle Peazer and her partner Sonny Jay announced the birth of their baby daughter.
• Sadler’s Wells announced the 4 dance pieces shortlisted for the Rose International Dance Prize worth £40,000.
• Simon Cowell pressed the Golden Buzzer on dance group Cyberagent Legit on “Britain’s Got Talent”.
• “Heathers The Musical” has announced casting for its return to the West End and subsequent tour. The new London run will be at Soho Place from the 22nd of May until the 6th of July. Jenna Innes will play Veronica with Keelan McAuley as JD. The “Heathers” are played by Esme Bowler, Sedona Sky & Daisy Twells. The choreography is by Gary Lloyd.
• The manga musical “Your Lie In April” has announced a 12 week West End run at the Harold Pinter theatre from the 28th of June until the 21st of September.
• The Steps musical “Here and Now” has extended its run at the Alexandra theatre in Birmingham. It has choreography by Matt Cole & Jane McMurtrie and will open on the 9th of June.
• “Closer To Heaven” has announced the complete cast for its revival at the Turbine theatre in London. It will star Frances Ruffelle & Courtney Bowman and has choreography by Christopher Tendai. The show will run from the 31st of May until the 30th of June.
• Zoe Birkett will share the leading role with Karis Anderson in “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” from the 25th of June. The choreography is by Anthony van Laast.
• “Cabaret” has announced new cast members with Rhea Norwood joining as Sally Bowles and Layton Williams as the Emcee from the 3rd of June. The choreography is by Julia Cheng.

Future Dance Events News

• “Dorian: The Musical” will have its world premiere at Southwalk Playhouse from the 4th of July until the 10th of August. Alfie Friedman will play Dorian.
• The hit Broadway musical “Something Rotten” is coming to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the 5th & 6th of August, starring Jason Manford.
• The Edinburgh Fringe will host the world premiere of “I Wish You Well” – a musical parody based on Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski crash and ensuing legal battle. It will star Diana Vickers and have choreography by Dame Arlene Phillips and Tino Sibanda.
• “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is set to embark on a world tour in 2025. The new production will launch in the UK while its West End staging will continue its run at the Piccadilly theatre.
• The current touring production of “The Wizard of Oz” will return to the West End on the 15th of August at the Gillian Lynne theatre. The cast will be led by Aston Merrygold.
• The musical “Lizzie” will return to the Hope Mill theatre in Manchester from the 17th of October until the 11th of November. It is directed and choreographed by William Whelton with associate choreography by Yandass Ndlovu.
• “Mary Poppins” announced a new UK tour. It will star Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers and have choreography by Sir Matt Bourne and Stephen Mear. The show will open on the 4th of November at the Bristol Hippodrome.
• “Magic at the Musicals” will return to the Royal Albert Hall on the 22nd of September. Participating in the event so far are: “Hadestown”, “Mamma Mia”, “Six” & “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical”.
• “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” is set to return for a new tour starring Donny Osmond. It will open at the Edinburgh Playhouse on the 3rd of December. The choreography is by JoAnn M Hunter.
• “Heathers” will return for a new UK tour opening in Windsor on the 24th of July. The choreographers will be Gary Lloyd and Christopher Parkinson.
• A new musical featuring the work of Steps will open at the Alexandra theatre in Birmingham from the 9th of June until the 24th of November. The choreography is by Matt Cole.
• A stage musical based on Prince’s film and album “Purple Rain” is in the works with producer Orin Wolf.
• “Kiss Me, Kate” will run at the Barbican theatre in London from the 4th of June until the 14th of September. It will star Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J Block and be choreographed by Anthony Van Laast.
• “The Wizard of Oz” has confirmed the full cast for its tour of the UK and Ireland. The choreography is by Shay Barclay. The show will open in Liverpool on the 13th of December 2024.
• Nick Winston and Ryan Lee Seager will be directing and choreographing the world premiere of “Burlesque The Musical” – which has Christina Aguilera as an Executive Director. The show will open at the Manchester Opera House on the 13th of June 2024.
• “Mean Girls” is coming to the Savoy Theatre in June 2024.
• A touring musical version of “101 Dalmations” will open in Wimbledon on the 22nd of June 2024.
• “& Juliet” will embark on a UK tour from the 8th of July 2024. The choreographer is Jennifer Weber.
• “The Devil Wears Prada” has confirmed its West End run and UK premiere. It will be directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell and be cast by Jill Green. The show will open in Plymouth on the 9th of July 2024.
• “Starlight Express” is to return to London in the Summer of 2024. It will be choreographed by Ashley Nottingham.
• “Some Like It Hot” is coming to the West End in 2025. It will be directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw.
• Full casting has been revealed for the first UK and Ireland tour of “Aladdin”. Gavin Adams will star with Desmonda Cathabel as Jasmine. Sarah Benbelaid is the Assistant Dance Captain. The show will open in Edinburgh in October.
• The 2024 Mighty Hoopla Big Weekender has announced its line up led by: Natalie Imbruglia, Cascada and Gabrielle.

Auditions & Vacancies

• Dollie Henry’s BOP have an audition for new company members on the 24th of May from 1.00 – 4.00 pm in London. The audition is by registration only. You can email: bopjazzuk@gmail
• Gaz Davis of ATA is looking for male dancers for the 17th & 18th of June. The audition is on the 21st of May by invitation only. You can contact Gaz on: info@artistictalentagency.com
• Aaron Dwyer is holding auditions for a Summer production of “Footloose” at the Dance Attic in London on the 19th of May. You can sign up on the company website.
• The Central School of Ballet is looking for a Classical Ballet Tutor for male students. You can apply via the company website.
• Cabaret Rouge is looking for dancers this Summer in St Tropez. Contact: cabaretrouge@live.co.uk
• ZooNation is looking for dancers for the period of October until December. Visit the website for details.
• Locked Creative is looking for a male gymnast / dancer for a feature movie filming in London. For more information, go to: info@lockedcreative.com
• Auditions for the Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2024 will be held at Pineapple Studios in London on the 17th & 18th of June.

Dance Classes

• Jenni Inglis, Ellie Fergusson & Chloe Ferns are teaching at the Edinburgh Dance Academy on the 30th & 31st of July. You can book at: hello@eda.scott
• Adrian Gas & Josh Wharmby have their “Phase – Industry Programme” in London on the 25th & 26th of May. For more details contact: http://www.joshwharmby.com/phase
• Gaz Davis offers “The Programme” in August – by invitation only. More more details email: theprogrambygaz@gmail.com
• Strictly choreographer Jenny Thomas has a Lindy Hop workshop on the 15th of June from 11.00 am – 6.00 pm at Ashton Park School in Bristol. For more information email: ollieandhelen.lindyhop@gmail.com
• Danielle Cato is doing a class on the 19th of May at the Northern Theatre Arts.
• Keisha Atwell has a Jazz class at the Dance Box Summer Intensive on the 28th of August. You can book at: http://www.thedancebox.co.uk
• Josie Lee has an Intensive Training day from 12.00 am – 5.00 pm at Base Studios in London on the 30th of May. You can DM Josie to book your place.
• The Leicester College of Performing Arts (LCPA) has a 3 day Summer Intensive from the 30th of July until the 1st of August from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm. See the college website for further details.
• Bethany Kingsley-Garner and Thomas Edwards of UK Young Dancer are holding a Classical & Theatre Workshop in Glasgow on the 16th of June.
• Amy Ireland has weekly classes on Fridays at 10.00 am at the Pineapple Dance Studios in London.
• The annual TGS Summer Intensive takes place this year on the 22nd – 26th of July from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm daily. The dance teachers are: Jacob McIntosh, Leighton Jay Halliday, Charlie Bruce & Jordi Guitart. Email: jordi1962@gmail.com to book your place.
• Nafisah Baba is teaching a Contemporary class at Pineapple studios on Mondays from 8.15 – 9.45 pm.
• Keith and Judy Clifton have a new beginners class on Thursdays at the Grimsby Town Hall from 7.30 – 8.30 pm. Contact: keith.clifton@icloud.com
• Ryan Jenkins has partnered up with Mandy Allen to produce the iD – Company Summer School from the 12th until the 16th of August. For more information contact: info@the-idcompany.com
• Lizzie McConachie has a commercial class on Mondays at Pineapple Studios from 7.30 – 8.30 pm.
• Aimee Casey has an Adult Ballet class at Flame Studios in Cardiff on Fridays from 6.30 – 7.30 pm.
• Lucy Jane Adcock has 2 weekly classes at the Base dance studios in London on Sundays at 11.30 am and on Wednesdays at 10.00 am.
• Christina Andrea has a Commercial Edge class at Base Studios on Thursdays from 2.30 – 4.00 pm.
• Beth Ackroyd is doing an Adult Ballet class at the Fresh Ground in Battersea on Thursdays from 11.00 am – 12.00 pm. You can contact Beth on: beth.lauren@live.com
• Veronika Wiktoria is starting a Street Jazz class every Monday at 5.30 pm at the Base dance studios with Ralitsa Chepisheva.
• Lil J is offering a sassy Commercial class at the Pineapple Dance Studios on Tuesdays at 4.15 pm. You can book on the Pineapple app.
• Dominique Marinho is teaching a Beginners Heels class on Tuesdays at Pineapple Studios from 3.45 – 4.45 pm.

Film & TV

• The trailer and cast has been revealed for the Lion King prequel “Mufaia” with new music by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The movie will be in cinemas on the 20th of December.
• The film version of “Waitress” will be released in UK cinemas on the 20th of June. The choreography is by Lorin Latarro.
• We spotted the following dancers in Episode 2 of “Doctor Who”: Alex Sturman, Emily Rutter, Jenny Wickham, Katie Webb, Myron Birch, Oliver Wheeler, Pia Driver and Sean Moon. The choreography was by Jack Murphy and Nicole Alphonce.
• We spotted Pfion Vince, Chihiro Kawasaki & Tia Hockey in the latest Bacardi commercial.

Pro Dancer News Published by the Dincwear Pro Dancewear Team.

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