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Steps musical to open in Birmingham later this year.

 

A new musical featuring the tunes of beloved group Steps will have its world premiere this autumn.

Here and Now, which follows the workers and patrons of a seaside superstore (full of shocks, surprises and thrills), is due to open this November in Birmingham. Penned by Shaun Kitchener, it is produced by the band, theatre company ROYO and music mogul Pete Waterman.

Steps explained: “We’ve been lucky to do many things together as a band, but the question we get asked again and again is ‘where is the Steps musical?’ Well…it’s finally here and we couldn’t be more excited. We’ve searched for the perfect story for our music and we’ve found it in the aisle of a seaside superstore where four friends set out on their own Summer of Love.

“It’s a story of friendship, romance and community; packed with our biggest hits and sure to have everybody laughing, crying and dancing in the aisles. We can’t wait to open the doors this year, and see you there!”

Choreography will be by Matt Cole, set design by Tom Rogers, costume design by Gabriella Slade, sound design by Adam Fisher and casting by Will Burton for Grindrod Burton Casting.

The band, composed of Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Ian ‘H’ Watkins’, Lee Latchford-Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee, have number one singles including “Tragedy”/”Heartbeat” and “Stomp”, as well as the likes of “One For Sorrow”, “Better Best Forgotten”, “5,6,7,8”, “Last Thing On My Mind”, “Love’s Got A Hold Of My Heart” and “Chain Reaction”. All the aforementioned are set to appear in the show.

The production is set to open at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre, running from 9 to 24 November 2024. Tickets go on sale 9 February 2024.

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Bonnie Langford to join Pixie Lott and Killian Donnelly in Made in Dagenham concert.

Bonnie Langford is set to join the cast of the tenth anniversary concert of Made in Dagenham.

Langford, who recently starred in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre and will co-host the 24th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards next month, will play Barbara Castle, the role originated by Sophie-Louise Dann in the West End production, alongside previously announced Pixie Lott (as Rita O’Grady) and Killian Donnelly (as Eddie O’Grady).

Press Media caught up with the trio of performers during a special photoshoot to talk about the concert staging as well as the current status of the gender pay gap over five decades after the famous 1968 strike at the Dagenham Ford factory:

Based on a true story and adapted from the hit film, Made in Dagenham is penned by Richard Bean with music and lyrics by David Arnold and Richard Thomas. Set in 1960s Essex, it follows Rita, a mother leading her friends in a protest against Ford’s Dagenham car plant after it lowers female workers’ pay.

Produced by Scott Garnham and Simon Schofield for Sisco Entertainment and directed by Shaun Kerrison, Made in Dagenham will be staged in concert at The London Palladium on Saturday, 16 March 2024. Tickets are on sale below.

Additional cast and creative team members will be announced shortly.

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‘Pioneering leader in dance world’ Emma Gladstone dies at 63.

Emma danced for 20 years with choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Arlene Phillips.

Emma Gladstone, a former artistic programmer at Sadler’s Wells and chief executive of dance festival Dance Umbrella, has been hailed as “a pioneering and highly respected leader in the dance world across the globe” after her death at 63.

She died at home on Monday after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family,

Gladstone was artistic programmer at Sadler’s Wells from 2005 to 2013, where she established the Jerwood Choreographic Research Programme, which aims to stimulate new thinking in choreography by enabling artists to think, dream and experiment freely.

Alistair Spalding, artistic director and co-chief executive of Sadler’s Wells, said: “I knew Emma in many of her guises – beautiful dancer, programmer, advocate, leader, producer and friend.

Emma Gladstone was made an OBE in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to dance.

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Royal Ballet School splits leadership role after management review.

The Royal Ballet School is to separate the role of artistic director and chief executive following a review of its management structure.
It comes as the Royal Ballet School artistic director Christopher Powney prepares to leave after 10 years in the post – two of which combined the responsibilities of chief executive.

He will depart in July, with chair of governors and former Almeida Theatre chair Christopher Rodrigues acting as interim chief executive with immediate effect.

In a statement, Rodrigues said: “Christopher’s decision to leave has given us an opportunity to review our management structure at any important time in the school’s history.

“As we approach our centenary, the continued development of the school and the scope of our ambition clearly demonstrate to us that the positions of chief executive and artistic director should be two distinct roles within our organisation for the foreseeable future.”

Rodrigues said distinguishing the positions would “strengthen” the Royal Ballet School team and secure the school’s “artistic and financial future”, continuing: “This is a very exciting and challenging time for all boarding schools, the more so far for us because we are also developing young elite athletes.”

Powney is a former artistic director of the Dutch National Ballet Academy has danced with Northern Ballet, English National Ballet and Rambert Dance Company, and first joined the Royal Ballet School’s teaching staff in 2000.

After time spent working abroad, he returned to lead the school in 2014.

The search for his replacement as artistic director is yet to start.

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General News & Sighting

• After 17 years on stage, Bethany Kingsley-Garner gave her farewell performance with the Scottish Ballet in “Cinders”.
• The 2024 Olivier Awards will take place on the 14th of April at the Royal Albert Hall with Hannah Waddington as the host. The creative director is Anthony Van Laast.
• Viviana Durante will step down as Artistic Director of the English National Ballet School at the end of the current academic year.
• “Giselle : Remix”, created by Jack Sears and Hannah Grennell, will run at the Pleasance Theatre from the 10th until the 27th of April. The show had a sell-out premiere at the Royal Opera House.
• The National Youth Dance Company, run by Sadler’s Wells, has selected its 2024 cohort of 32 dancers aged between 16 and 24. They will work with Oona Doherty on her new piece “Wall” which premieres at the Leeds Playhouse on the 13th of April before touring.
• The UK premiere of the musical “Becoming Nancy” is set to run at the Birmingham Rep from the 2nd of October until the 2nd of November.
• “Burlesque” musical announced its cast wth Jess Foley set to take on the role of Ali. The show will open at the Manchester Opera House on the 13th of June. It is directed and choreographed by Nick Winston with assistant choreographers Tommy Franzen, Ryan Lee Seager and Libby Watts.Yasmin Harrison is the Dance Captain.
• Tour dates have been revealed for the new Dolly Parton musical “Here You Come Again”. It will run in Leeds from the 11th of May until the 8th of June before touring.
• The complete cast and creative team have been revealed for the new musical “42 Balloons”. The choreography is by Alexzandra Sarmiento. The show will play at the Lowry in Salford from the 18th of April until the 19th of May.
• “Back To The Future” has extended its West End run until the 22nd of December.
• “Frozen” will finish in the West End on the 8th of September.
• Cesar Morales has been appointed as the next Artistic Director of the Santiago Ballet.
• Choreographer Emma Gladstone has passed away aged 63.

Future Dance Events News

• A new musical featuring the work of Steps will open at the Alexandra theatre in Birmingham from the 9th 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.
• Luba and Vito from Strictly headline a Charity Dance Show at Dudley Town Hall on the 9th of April at 7.30 pm. You can get tickets at: http://www.mpvtickets.com
• Casting for the UK premiere of “Bhangra Nation” has been announced. It will star Zaynah Ahmed and Gregory Armand. The choreography is by Rujuta Vaidya and Rebecca Howell. The show will run at the Birmingham Rep from the 17th of February to the 16th of March 2024.
• The European premiere of “Your Lie in April” will take place at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the 8th & 9th of April 2024. It will be directed and choreographed by Nick Winston. The casting director is Harry Blumenau.
• Nick Winston will be directing the world premiere of the new musical “Wild About You” at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the 25th & 26th of March 2024. It will star Eric McCormack.
• “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.
• “Standing at the Sky’s Edge” has confirmed the initial casting for its 2024 West End transfer. It has choreography by Lynne Page and will run at the Gillian Lynne theatre from the 8th of February 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.
• “Clueless The Musical” will have a developmental run at the Churchill theatre in Bromley from the 12th – 24th of February 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.
• “Bonnie and Clyde The Musical” has announced the initial cast and tour dates for 2024. Katie Tonkinson will star as Bonnie Parker.
• “Starlight Express” is to return to London in the Summer of 2024. It will be choreographed by Ashley Nottingham.
• The world premiere of the new British musical “Cable Street” is to open at the Southwark Playhouse on the 16th of February 2024. The choreography is by Melody Sinclair.
• “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.
• “Shucked” will open in the West End in 2024. The choreographer is Sarah O’Gleby.
• “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. The Dance Captain is Angeline Bell.
• “Hadestown” will open at the Lyric Theatre in the West End on the 10th of February 2024. The choreographer is David Neumann.
• 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.
• “Jesus Christ Superstar” will tour the UK in 2023/4 opening in Manchester this September. The choreography is by Drew McOnie.

Auditions & Vacancies

• Grayboy / P&O have auditions for dancers in London on February the 19th until the 22nd. You can email auditions@grayboy.com to receive the brief and application form.
• Auditions for the Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2024 will be held at Pineapple Studios in London on the 17th & 18th of June.
• The London Cabaret Club is holding an open audition for dancers on the 4th of February at 11.00 am.
• Rouge in Las Vegas is looking for dancers. Contact: sheer@shows-pro.com
• Thrive Dance is auditioning for female dancers on the 7th of February at the Chisenhale Dance Space in London. For more details visit: http://www.thrivedance.co.uk
• Ballet Cymru is holding auditions in Newport in January and February 2024. The deadline for applications is January 2024. For more details, contact: dariusjames@welshballet.co.uk
  

Dance Classes

• Bethany Kingsley-Garner has a Ballet masterclass at Move It on the 15th of March at 11.15 am.
• Melissa Brill has a Heels class on the 16th of February from 7.00 – 9.00 pm at the Phoenix Performing Arts in Canterbury. You can DM Melissa to book.
• Becky Grace has a Commercial Foundation class on Sundays at the Hub Studios in London from 4.00 – 5.30 pm.
• Debbie Paul has a Jazz Class at Move It on the 16th of March at 10.15 am.
• Hannah Rivron has a Jazz Workshop at the Movement Lab on the 4th of February from 1.30 – 3.00 pm.
• Maizie Keay has a Technical Jazz class at the Base Studios on the 4th of February from 1.00 – 2.30 pm.
• Sophie Ferrero and Christabelle Huddleston have an Intermediate/Advanced workshop on the 10th of February from 3.00 – 7.00 pm at the Manor in London.
• 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.
• Robin Windsor, Luke Miller, Grace Cinque-White and Alan Burkitt are raising funds for the Strictly Foundation with a dance workshop in London on the 25th of February from 11.00 am – 4.00 pm at the Dance Attic. You can book your place at: http://www.thestrictlyfoundation.com
• Lowri Beth Evans is teaching a Beginners Heels course at the Glow Up Studios in Cardiff for 4 weeks starting on the 9th of January from 7.00 – 8.00 pm.
• Hannah Cleeve has a new dance intensive for dancers aspiring to work professionally on the 21st – 23rd of February from 11.00 am – 5.00 pm at Flow Dance in Oval. For more information contact: hannahcleeve@outlook.com
• 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.
• Graziano di Prima has The Big Salsa Dance to raise funds for Child Bereavement UK on the 16th of February at the AO Arena in Manchester.
• 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
• Daniela Fabbricatore is teaching an Advanced Lyrical class at Move It on the 17th of March at 2.15 pm.
• Jordi Guitart will be teaching at Move It on the 16th of March at 3.30 pm.
• Weronika 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.
• Amy Ireland is offering a Beginners Tap class at Pineapple Dance Studios on Fridays at 10.15 am and a Commercial Tap class on Mondays at 8.30 pm.
• Dominique Marinho is teaching a Beginners Heels class on Tuesdays at Pineapple Studios from 3.45 – 4.45 pm.

Film & TV

• We spotted Austyn Farrell giving a farewell performance to his neighbours on Maidstone Road, supported by Jo Dyce and Zoe Purpuri.
• We spotted the following dancers performing on “The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals”: Charlotte Anderson, Martha Gimson, Dalvin Cory, Crystal Hantig, Jo Dyce & Danny Coburn. The choreography was by Mark Jennings and the agency was Mass Talent.
• We spotted the following dancers performing at the Joy Awards in Saudi Arabia: Sophia Turner, Alex Chambers, Michael Naylor, Kieran D-W, Renae Hughes, Mari Macleod, Kate Ivory Jordan, Joy Duckrell, James Mulford, Anders Nielsen, Mina Neighbour, Summer Villiers & Chloe Simons. The choreography was by Jay Revell, Ainsley Ricketts, Leanne Lee May & Millie Lund.
• We spotted Caitlin McCarthy in the new advertising poster for Reed.
• We spotted Abigail Dorrill in the new film “Daliland”.
• We spotted Emma Stansall, Devon Young, Jorgie Vaughan, India Hope, Shona Wilson, Lily Sandjakeddine, Prescilla Osegie, Steph Lee, Zadie Amelia & Becky Wong performing at the FIFA Football Awards.
• We spotted Sophia Turner and Lorna Brown on the new Charlotte Tilbury TV advert.
• We spotted Grace Upshall and Caitlin McCarthy on the new Coke Studio advert. The agency was Bame.
• We spotted the following dancers performing with Balvin in Paris: Chloe Simons, Sophia Turner, Zhane Samuels & Alexandre Novelli. The choreography was by Jay Revell and Millie Lund.

Pro Dancer News Published by the Dincwear Pro Dancewear Team.

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