St. James Theatre Season Brochure: Sept 2016 - Jan 2017

SEPT 2016 - JAN 2017

stjamestheatre.co.uk | 0844 264 2140

CO N TEN TS 2-3

THE PIANIST OF WILLESDEN LANE

4-5

THE LAST 5 YEARS

6-7

RENT THE MUSICAL

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SUPPORT US

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JUST THE TWO OF US / BRAVO AMICI

10 - 11

WAITING FOR WAITING FOR GODOT

12 - 17

STUDIO SHOWS

18 - 19

LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL

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REALLY USEFUL THEATRES GROUP

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BOOKING & VENUE INFORMATION

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BRASSERIE

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OPENING TIMES BAR: Open from 10am daily

(Sunday opening times are show dependent)

BRASSERIE: 5-8pm

12.30-3pm (main house matinee days) BOX OFFICE: 10am - 6.30pm (advance sales)

10am - 8pm (on-the-day sales)

Welcome. The St. James turns four this September,

and some of you may know that we are embarking on a period of change following the acquisition of the theatre

by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Really Useful Theatres Group earlier this year. It is a little too soon to tell you more about what is in store, but expect updates in the autumn and into 2017. Exciting times ahead!

Our autumn/winter season, already selling fast in both spaces, reflects how far we have come in four years as well as hinting at the theatre’s future direction. In the main house we begin with the return of early 2016 sell-out, The Pianist of Willesden Lane, the first production we have ever brought back. Mona Golabek’s account of her mother’s escape from Vienna on the Kindertransport, her survival of the London blitz and ultimate progression to concert pianist is heart-wrenching and heart-warming in equal measure.

As musical theatre becomes an ever-greater part of the programme, it is a special pleasure to welcome Jason Robert Brown to St. James to direct his contemporary classic The Last Five Years, starring Samantha Barks and Jonathan Bailey. Last year, Adam Lenson’s sensitive production of Jason’s Songs for a New World proved to be a hit, and this two-character tale charting the heady genesis and gradual death of young love is destined to be the same.

The revival of the game changing musical RENT, coming to St. James in December, coincides with the 20th anniversary of both the musical, and the untimely death of Jonathan Larson. Inspired by Puccini’s La Boheme RENT confronted challenging themes head on before its time. Bruce Guthrie’s production sees a hugely talented cast on multi-award winning Anna Fleischle’s set bring this powerful story to life in uncharacteristically intimate surroundings.

In the Studio we begin the season with Waiting for Waiting for Godot. Two actors understudying the roles of Estragon and Vladimir in Becket’s Waiting for Godot are waiting… to go on stage. Dave Hanson’s ingenious concept mirrors the absurdist tone of the original, with hilarious results. Our packed programme of comedy, cabaret and music resumes from late September with both familiar names and some exciting Studio debuts. Then from 11th November our EFG London Jazz Festival programme brings you 10 days of world class jazz.

We look forward to seeing you there.

James Albrecht, Creative Director

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HHHHH Londonist

HHHH HHHH HHHH Evening Standard

Financial Times

Jewish Chronicle

“A musical message of hope” Daily Telegraph

“Immensely moving” Financial Times

The

PIANISTof WILLESDEN LANE

HERSHEY FELDER PRESENTS with Samantha F. Voxakis, Karen Racanelli & Robert M. Birmingham

MONA GOLABEK IN

THE PIANIST OF WILLESDEN LANE Adapted & Directed by HERSHEY FELDER Based on the book The Children of Willesden Lane by MONA GOLABEK and LEE COHEN

7 SEPTEMBER - 22 OCTOBER RETURNS TO THE LONDON STAGE FOR A SPELLBINDING ENCORE Following the sold out success of its UK premiere earlier this year, The Pianist of Willesden Lane returns for six weeks only.

Set in Vienna in 1938 and in London during the Blitz, The Pianist of Willesden Lane tells the true story of Lisa Jura, a young Jewish pianist who is dreaming about her concert debut at Vienna’s storied Musikverein concert hall. But with the issuing of new ordinances under the Nazi regime, everything for Lisa changes, except for her love of music and the pursuit of her dream – as she is torn from her family and sent onto the Kindertransport to London.

Featuring the music of Grieg, Beethoven, Debussy, Bach, Chopin and more - all performed live on stage by Steinway concert artist and Grammy Award nominee Mona Golabek.

PERFORMANCE TIMES Tues - Sat eves

Weds, Sat, Sun mats

7.30pm* 2.30pm*

TICKETS

£15, £35, £40, Premium £45** Group and concession rates available.

Gala performance in aid of World Jewish Relief Fund Tuesday 13 September (£45 - 50% of which is donated to the charity) *No eve performance on Tues 11 Oct or matinee on Weds 12 Oct, with an additional matinee on Thurs 13 Oct. This is in observance of Yom Kippur. **A transaction fee of £1.50 will apply to all online and phone transactions.

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There are two sides to every love story

THE LAST 5 YEARS Written and Directed by JASON ROBERT BROWN

28 OCTOBER - 26 NOVEMBER THERE ARE TWO SIDES TO EVERY LOVE STORY Tony Award-winning Broadway composer Jason Robert Brown will helm a new London production of his acclaimed musical The Last Five Years, starring Samantha Barks and Jonathan Bailey.

The Last Five Years is an emotionally powerful and intimate musical telling the story of Jamie and Cathy, two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years.

As aspiring author Jamie gets the book deal of his dreams, actress Cathy struggles to get work and make sense of the way her career has turned out.

Can a couple once united by their dreams, stay connected as their paths begin to divide? Known for its unique structure, The Last Five Years sees their stories told in opposite directions; Jamie moving forwards and Cathy backwards through their relationship, meeting only briefly for a moment in time as their stories cross.

Originally produced for the New York stage by Arielle Tepper and Marty Bell. Originally produced

by Northlight Theatre, Chicago, USA. Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited.

PERFORMANCE TIMES Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Thurs & Sat mats 2.30pm

TICKETS

£10, £29.50, £49.50, Premium £59.50* Previews (28 Oct - 1 Nov): £5, £19.50, £39.50, Premium £49.50* Group and concession rates available. *A transaction fee of £1.50 will apply to all online and phone transactions.

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Robert Mackintosh and Idili Theatricals Limited for RENT 20th Anniversary Productions Ltd present

RENT THE MUSICAL

Book, Music and Lyrics by JONATHAN LARSON Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Ltd.

8 DECEMBER - 28 JANUARY Do not miss Bruce Guthrie’s brand-new production of the legendary, multi-award-winning rock musical RENT as it celebrates its incredible 20th anniversary.

This exhilarating landmark musical tells the thrilling story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive in New York City’s East Village in the thriving days of Bohemian excess.

Inspired by Puccini’s classic opera La Boheme, RENT features unforgettable music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson including the much-loved songs Seasons of Love, Take Me or Leave Me and La Vie Boheme. Winner of four Tony® Awards, six Drama Desk Awards and the hugely prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it ran on Broadway for an astonishing 12 years.

Featuring a brilliant cast that includes Layton Williams (Bad Education, Billy Elliot The Musical, Hairspray) and Lucie Jones (X Factor, Legally Blonde The Musical, Les Miserables), this is a rare chance to experience the searing emotion and breath-taking thrills of one of the all-time great musicals – book now to avoid disappointment!

PERFORMANCE TIMES Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Thurs & Sat mats 2.30pm

Please visit the website for Christmas performance times

TICKETS From £15*

Group and concession rates available *A transaction fee of £1.50 will apply to all online and phone transactions.

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SUPPORT ST. JAMES

Become a St. James Theatre Friend for just £24 or an Under 26 Member for £5 and receive discounts and much more.

UNDER 26

£5 Joining Fee Aged 16-25?

Well why haven’t joined our young person’s scheme yet?

Join our Under 26 scheme and get access to £5 tickets and special offers.

£24 Per Year

©Johan Persson

FRIENDS

Receive 24 hours priority booking alongside special offers, discounts, free ticket exchange and no transaction fee.

©Agnese Sanvito

Find out more at stjamestheatre.co.uk/support-us

T H E AT R E JBGB Events and St. James Theatre present

CLAIRE MARTIN T H E AT R E & JOE STILGOE: JUST THE TWO OF US MONDAY 3 OCTOBER

7.30PM | TICKETS £15 - £25, Premium £30* Following the enthusiastic audience reaction to their sold out St. James Theatre show in February, Claire Martin and Joe Stilgoe, two of the UK’s finest performers, return for an evening of unadulterated pleasures. The duo will delight with more songs, intimate duets, tales and anecdotes.

“Heart-warming to hear two artists performing standards and originals with such care, insight and sensitivity.” The Arts Desk Incognito Artists present

BRAVO AMICI MONDAY 10 OCTOBER

7.30PM | TICKETS £40, Premium £50* BRAVO Amici’s mix of handsome tenors and stunning divas perform an uplifting, moving collection of well-known classical and contemporary songs.

Combining the essential elements of pop, Broadway, the West End and opera, BRAVO Amici is a sublime example of the much-loved ‘classical crossover’ musical genre. With fans ranging from Sir Elton John to Royalty, these acclaimed stars have sold more than 3.5 million albums and have years of experience, worldwide. *A transaction fee of £1.50 will apply to all online and phone transactions.

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HHHHH “GLEEFULLY ABSURD” Critics Pick - Time Out New York

HHHHH “DELECTABLE” The New York Times

STUDIO Libby Brodie Productions presents the European premiere of

WAITING FOR UDIO WAITINGS TFOR GODOT

By DAVE HANSON Directed by MARK BELL STUDIO

30 AUGUST - 24 SEPTEMBER DIRECTED BY MARK BELL OF THE OLIVIER AWARD WINNING THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Two hapless understudies occupy their time backstage, trying to understand art, life, theatre and their precarious existence within it. Described as “delectable” by The New York Times and “gleefully absurd” by Time Out New York this brilliantly witty comedy ponders Beckett, showbiz and just what it’s all about.

Turns out the only people who truly understand Beckett’s Waiting For Godot are the understudies...

Starring: Simon Day from BBC’s beloved series The Fast Show with Laura Kirman and James Marlowe from smash hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong.

PERFORMANCE TIMES Mon - Sat eves 8pm Weds & Sat mats 3pm

TICKETS

£15, £25, £30* Previews (30 - 31 August): £5, £15, £20* (Audio described performance: Sat 17 Dec, 3pm) *A transaction fee of £1.50 will apply to all online and phone transactions.

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STUDIO

FERRIS & MILNES: LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS Sunday 25 September | 7pm | £20/£25 An explosion of colour, comedy, music and T U& D I Ofor all your flag waving! JoinS Ferris Milnes Proms favourites, and - as always with this delectable duo - expect the unexpected!

“The most exciting musical theatre double act to be discovered in years” West End Frame

STUDIO

THE POLITICAL PARTY WITH MATT FORDE Wednesday 28 September, 26 October & 30 November | 8pm | £15/£18

Matt Forde hosts his monthly sell-out comedy night combining up-to-the-minute topical stand-up with a wide-ranging STU interview with a political heavyweight.

“A first class comic” The Guardian

JAZZ DIVAS: ZOE FRANCIS Thursday 29 September | 8pm | £25 Zoe captures the meaning of the words with a delightful turn of phrase. Festuring Jim Mullen, Stan Sulzmann & Nikki Isles.

“Exquisite voice and considerable technique” London Jazz News

EVE FERRET: PIMLICO PATÉ Friday 30 September | 8pm | £20/£25 Eve shows us why she has been billed as ‘one of the most original performers on stage today’. Eve will bring her life enhancing mix of original songs and unexpected choice of material to St. James.

“Queen of Cabaret” Libby Purves Radio 4

CABARET COME DY

UDIO

MUS I C

TH EATRE

MOUNTAINS – A MUSICAL JOURNEY WITH TIM MCARTHUR Saturday 1 October | 8pm | £20/£25 Join international Cabaret Performer Tim McArthur, for his brand new show Mountains. A celebration of songs from the world of musical theatre, classics and new works.

“Critic’s Choice” The Times

NATIONAL YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE: PLATFORM A SHOWCASE OF NEW MUSICAL THEATRE WRITING Sunday 2 October | 7pm | £20/£25 In their 40th anniversary the NYMT presents the first in a series of Platform concerts showcasing outstanding young talent.

“The NYMT is a major incubator of new performing talent” The Stage

JANE SIBERRY - ULYSSES’ PURSE Monday 3 October | 8pm | £25/£30 Iconic and enigmatic; Jane Siberry is one of the world’s most unique and gifted singer/ songwriters. Blessed with a sincere integrity and emotional depth, her work has spanned 3 decades.

“Few artists consistently surprise and delight like Jane Siberry” Fanfare Magazine

THE CLOGGZ Tuesday 4 October | 8pm | £15 Drawing from tango, klezmer, jazz, circus, classical and latin American music, The Cloggz perform cinematic re-imaginings of material from a wide range of composers.

“When The Cloggz play it’s not so much a gig as a musical voyage. The result is mesmerizing” Brighton Argus

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STUDIO

TEARS, TREACHERY…AND JUST A LITTLE MURDER Wednesday 5 October | 8pm | £18/£23 The Greeks knew all there is to know about human passions. S And T they U Dwrote I O about them vividly in poetry and drama. The legendary Fenella Fielding and Stephen Greif make these emotions live again.

“By far the most moving was the veteran actress Fenella Fielding” Financial Times STUDIO

PHOEBE RAY Thursday 6 October | 8pm | £15/£17.50

Classically trained, but inclined towards the contemporary, Phoebe writes ‘beautifully bittersweet pop melodies’ (Indie Shuffle) expressing at all times an emotional honesty and lyrical sincerity.

STU “The voice of an angel” Chris Evans, BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show

HARRIET - ALBUM LAUNCH Friday 7 October | 8pm | £20 Harriet celebrates the much anticipated release of her self-titled debut album, with a special performance with her live band.

“Quite extraordinary…Every hair on my body is standing on end” Gaby Roslin, BBC Radio London

SIMPLY ALISON JIEAR Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 October 8pm/7pm | £20/£25 An evening of breath-taking cabaret, paying homage to our greatest cabaret and theatre composers.

“Always totally connected to her material” Jarlath O’Connel, The American

CABARET COME DY

UDIO

MUS I C

TH EATRE

GIRL FROM NOWHERE Tuesday 18 & Wednesday 19 October 8pm | £15/£17.50 This breath-taking new play stares straight at the collateral damage of a life led in search of a legacy, fusing electrifying live music with an extraordinary story that ‘packs a hell of a punch’.

“Breath-taking. A definite must-see” Everything Theatre

PEPI LEMER’S BACK2FRONT Thursday 20 October | 8pm | £20/£25 An explosive mix of Latin percussion, jazz improvisation and songs from around the world including compositions from the great Pat Metheny, with lyrics written by Pepi.

“The vocals of Pepi Lemer demonstrate her accuracy, fluency, and musical ability” Bridget Metcalfe, BBC Eastern Counties

DAVID LYTTLE TRIO Friday 21 October | 8pm | £15 MOBO Award and Urban Music Awardnominated David Lyttle shifts seamlessly between the personas of jazz drummer, recording artist, composer/songwriter, producer and record label owner.

“Sophisticated and sharp” Rolling Stone

THE BRIDES OF BLUEBEARD Saturday 22 October | 8pm £17.50/£22.50 The Bear is getting married. Again. And all of his previous wives have a habit of dying mysteriously… This is the centuries old folk tale Bluebeard re-wired for 2016.

“Highly imaginative… boisterous, sharp, witty and inventive” The Scotsman

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STUDIO RHONDA BURCHMORE – LEGS 11 WORTH THE CLIMB Sunday 23 October | 7pm | £20/£25 The Australian legend Rhonda will dazzle and entertain with her tales of life upon the S Tyour U Dheart I Owith her stage as well as melt extraordinary voice, charisma and dance.

“More sparkles than a galaxy spilling over with stars…the numbers were explosively delivered” The Courier Mail

STUDIO

JAZZ DIVAS: JESSICA RADCLIFFE Thursday 27 October | 8pm | £25 Classically trained singer Jessica Radcliffe, built her jazz credentials with NYJO and is now a fast rising jazz artist.

“Real depths of emotion in Jessica Radcliffe’s singing” The Hoste of Jazz

STU

THE VOICE MIX: MARCUS JOSEPH JOINS EMILY SAUNDERS Friday 28 October | 8pm | £17.50/£20 Emily Saunders welcomes special guest for the evening, saxophonist, spoken word artist and composer Marcus Joseph. Marcus brings a warm fusion of Jazz, reggae, hip-hop and spoken word to the mix.

“Absolutely Brilliant”

Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio 2

OLA ONABULE Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 November 8pm | £22.50/£27.50 Ola Onabule’s distinct and highly identifiable style unites jazz, soul and world music.

“A superb blend of raw rhythms from his African background” Rob Adams, Glasgow Herald 2016

CABARET COME DY

UDIO

MUS I C

TH EATRE

BEVERLY CRAVEN Friday 25 November | 8pm | £25/£30 BRIT Award winner Beverley Craven will be back on the road performing around the country in 2016 as she continues to promote her acclaimed latest album ‘Change of Heart’.

“Bear witness to a high class evening of beautiful songs and musicianship” So So Gay

KIKI DEE & CARMELO LUGGERI – AN ACOUSTIC JOURNEY Saturday 26 November | 8pm | £25/£30 Join Kiki and Carmelo for an acoustic journey of stories and song which include unique covers of songs by artists such as Kate Bush and Frank Sinatra and of course Kiki’s own hits.

“One of the great unfeted voices” The Guardian

LILY ATKINSON Monday 28 & Tuesday 29 November 8pm | £25/£30 Performing her own original songs at the intimate St James’ studio and backed by a live band, Atkinson’s sultry voice and natural charisma leave no doubt that this rising star is one to watch for 2017!

“This lady was born to sing” London Theatre 1

MARI WILSON – POP DELUXE Friday 2 & Saturday 3 December | 8pm £25/£30 The show features Mari’s unique interpretations of the songs of Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark, Sandie Shaw, Cilla Black and more of her own hits.

“Mari Wilson is one you really shouldn’t miss” The Gay Times

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STUDIO

STUDIO

STUDIO

STEPHANIE TRICK & PAOLO ALDERIGHI Friday 11 November | 8pm | £25 Flying in from the USA specially for this opening night of the London Jazz Festival at St.James, come two, brilliant classically trained, and outstanding stride, boogie and blues pianists.

“Stephanie and Paolo are an inspiration. Individually they are marvellous, but together their 4-handed stride is just remarkable.” Dick Hyman

2 PIANOS, 6 PIANISTS, 12 HANDS & 60 DIGITS Saturday 12 November | 2.30pm | £20 A concert of stunning, original performances and improvised piano magic, from 6 outstanding international jazz pianists. A range of piano styles, including Harlem stride, ragtime, boogie-woogie, gospel, blues, swing, be-bop & modal.

“A wild, exuberant, fun filled afternoon” The Hoste of Jazz

THE DARIUS BRUBECK QUARTET Saturday 12 November | 8pm | £25 Following a successful tour this year of Canada and acclaimed evenings at Ronnie Scotts and Pizza Express Jazz Club, Darius Brubeck brings his quartet to St. James for their debut appearance in the London Jazz Festival.

“The oldest of Dave Brubeck’s sons, plays stylish piano and knows the score” Evening Standard

WORDTHEATRE AND ALL THAT JAZZ REDUX...

Sunday 13 November | 4pm | £25 / £30 With new material and songs, world-renowned jazz pianist James Pearson improvises a completely original score. Cast includes: Lianne La Havas, Miles Jupp and Rhashan Stone.

“Evoked the overwhelming presence of Jazz on both sides of the Atlantic.” Isabell Gapp

FRIDAY 1 SATURDAY 19 N OV E M B E R

LOUISE MARSHALL & DEREK NASH Tuesday 15 November | 8pm | £25 Louise Marshall brings to St. James a fiery passion in singing the blues, soul and contemporary takes on the Great American Songbook and Derek Nash returns to St. James following his sell-out Masters of Mainstream performance last year.

“Derek Nash is one of the most versatile saxophonists” The Guardian

MILES DAVIS: FROM BOP TO BLUE Wednesday 16 November | 8pm | £25 Following a sell out From Bop to Blue at Pizza Express, Chris Ingham, no stranger to success at St. James and the London Jazz Festival, traces Miles’s musical journey that culminated with the “Kind of Blue” album.

“Rebop are one of the best bands in the country” Eastern Daily Press

ELAINE DELMAR Thursday 17 November | 8pm | £25 Elaine Delmar has long been established as a singer of the very highest calibre – with the voice, looks and personality that have captivated worldwide audiences.

“One of the ageless, evergreen singing stars that we have… as beautiful and talented as ever” Sir Michael Parkinson

SILJE NERGAARD Friday 18 & Saturday 19 November | 8pm £25 / £30 Norwegian songstress Silje Nergaard is returning to the UK. She will be performing tracks from her latest album alongside songs that span the length of her 25 year career. This is a rare chance to see a truly stunning and inspiring artist in concert.

“Captivating, intriguing, graceful” The Independent

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REALLY USEFUL THEATRES GROUP ADELPHI

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JOINTLY OWNED WITH NEDERLANDER INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

HER MAJESTY’S

NEW LONDON

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THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

FROM 24 OCTOBER

FROM 9 DECEMBER

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

SEE OUR CONCERTS AT www.rutlive.co.uk

FROM 20 MARCH 2017

HOW TO FIND US St. James Theatre, 12 Palace Street, London SW1E 5JA

BY TUBE The nearest tube is Victoria.

We are situated within a 5 minute walk of the station.

PARKING Free parking after 6.30pm is available in nearby streets.

NATIONAL RAIL Victoria Station is less than 5 minutes walk from the theatre.

BY BUS Routes 16, 38, 52, 73, 42, 148 all stop by near the theatre.

stjamestheatre.co.uk | 0844 264 2140 TO BOOK www.stjamestheatre.co.uk 0844 264 2140 (Calls cost 2p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge)

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Brasserie P R E - S H OW DINING

5 -8 P M | 1 2 . 30-3 PM ( M ATINE E

DAYS )

EXPRESS MENU 2 COURSES £15 // 3 COURSES £18 A

À LA CARTE MENU ALSO AVAILABLE BOOK YOUR TABLE ONLINE OR

BY CALLING BOX OFFICE

www.stjamestheatre.co.uk | 0844 264 2140