Tag: Duke of York's Theatre

The Ocean at the End of the Lane set for West End return at Nöel Coward Theatre

The Ocean at the End of the Lane, the National Theatre’s award-winning show, will return to London’s West End this autumn at the end of its UK and Ireland tour.

Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, adapted by Joel Horwood and directed by Katy Rudd, this thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship will play for a strictly limited 7-week run at the Noël Coward Theatre from October 11 – November 25, 2023.

This first major stage adaptation of Gaiman’s work blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it. 

The Ocean at the End of the Lane production received its world premiere at the National Theatre in 2019.  It made its West End debut at the Duke of York’s Theatre in 2021. 

Gaiman said: “Ten years since my novel was first published, The Ocean at the End of the Lane won lots of awards and people loved it, then the National Theatre turned it into the most amazing play. I am thrilled, overjoyed and absolutely delighted that this glorious adaptation of my book is going to be returning to the West End on St Martin’s Lane. It makes audiences laugh and cry and wonder. If you wanted to see it, now is your chance.”

The 17-strong ensemble cast currently on tour, who will all transfer with the show to the West End, are: Charlie Brooks (Ursula), Daniel Cornish (alternate Boy), Trevor Fox (Dad), Emma-Jane Goodwin (understudy), Paolo Guidi (ensemble), Millie Hikasa (Lettie Hempstock), Lewis Howard (understudy), Kemi-Bo Jacobs (Ginnie Hempstock), Jasmeen James (understudy), Ronnie Lee (ensemble), Aimee McGoldrick (ensemble), Laurie Ogden (Sis), Keir Ogilvy (Boy), Domonic Ramsden (ensemble), Joe Rawlinson-Hunt (understudy), Risha Silvera (understudy) and Finty Williams (Old Mrs Hempstock). 

The creative team includes set designer Fly Davis, costume and puppet designer Samuel Wyer, movement director Steven Hoggett, composer Jherek Bischoff, lighting designer Paule Constable, sound designer Ian Dickinson, magic and illusions director and designer Jamie Harrison, puppetry director Finn Caldwell and casting director Naomi Downham. 

The associate creative team includes associate director Sophie Dillon Moniram, associate set designer Tim Blazdell, associate movement director Jess Williams, associate lighting designers Rob Casey (for Ammonite) and Tom Turner, associate sound designer Chris Reid, associate magic and illusions director John Bulleid and associate puppetry director Gareth Aled.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is currently on a 39-week UK and Ireland tour until October 7 before it transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre. 

Tickets: oceanonstage.com

Andrew Scott to star in Vanya at the Duke of York’s Theatre

Sherlock and Fleabag star Andrew Scott will headline Vanya, a new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece by Simon Stephens.

Directed by Andrew Yates and designed by Rosanna Vize, it will be performed at the Duke of York’s Theatre between September 15-October 21, following previews at Richmond Theatre between August 28-September 2..

Presented by Wessex Grove, Gavin Kalin Productions and Kater Gordon, the production reunites Scott and Stephens, who previously partnered on Sea Wall and Birdland; and Scott with Yates following their work together on the short film, The Hope Rooms.

Producers Benjamin Lowy and Emily Vaughan-Barratt from Wessex Grove also worked with Scott on Sea Wall and Hamlet, respectively.

Scott said: “Heartbreaking, hilarious, sexy, devastating- the genius and extraordinary humanity of Mr Chekhov just knocks me out. It’s a genuine honour and a singular challenge to bring this giant of a play to life in the West End in this new way and I’m so excited to be doing it alongside such brilliant, playful and talented people.”

For information and tickets, visit www.vanyaonstage.com

Sheridan Smith hits 100 shows as Duke of York’s Shirley Valentine

Shirley Valentine, the West End production of Willy Russell’s comedy, has celebrated 100 performances at the Duke of York’s Theatre.

The milestone was marked tonight after a century of shows starring Sheridan Smith, all selling out (including standing room).

Shirley Valentine is the joyous, life-affirming story of the woman (Smith) who got lost in marriage and motherhood, the woman who wound up talking to the kitchen wall whilst cooking her husband’s chips and egg. But Shirley still has a secret dream. And in her bag, an airline ticket. One day she may just leave a note, saying: ‘Gone!  Gone to Greece.’

The show’s producer, David Pugh, said: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think that in 100 performances every seat would be sold with every standing position filled. This is a phenomenal achievement for Sheridan Smith and Willy Russell and one as a producer I am so proud of.”

Shirley Valentine continues its run at the Duke of York’s Theatre until June 3, 2023, with limited seats available for the final weeks. Find tickets here.

SHIRLEY VALENTINE is written by Willy Russell, directed by Matthew Dunster, designed by Paul Wills, with lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph and is produced by David Pugh.