Bryan Hodgson

Soft Cell musical Tainted launches Kickstarter campaign

Features, News, West End
Tainted musical kickstarter

Marc Almond and Soft Cell have announced Tainted a ground-breaking new stage musical which is being supported by an ambitious Kickstarter campaign. “Tainted” is a brand-new piece of musical theatre with a book by Michael McManus and Charlie Ross Mackenzie, featuring songs from every stage of Marc Almond’s career, ranging from the famous to the unknown and previously unpublished. In a world tainted by bigotry and injustice, “Tainted” is a tale of acceptance, survival and love, set in a basement space in Soho, between 1944 and our own time, where everyone and anyone can be themselves. The name of the place may change – Le Grand Guignol, Gutter Hearts, The Pink Flamingo – but the ethos never will. There is no prejudice accepted here, no hatred and no blame. Just love, live and let live. “Tainted” has been through four workshops and private readings, including a full performance of Act … Read more

Full cast announced for Salad Days at the Union Theatre

News, Off West End
Salad Days Casting Union Theatre

  Julian Slade and Dorothy Reynolds’ classic British musical Salad Days will be presented at London’s Union Theatre from 16 August to 9 September 2017, sixty three years after its first London production. The cast of Salad Days will be led by Lowri Hamer as Jane and Laurie Denman as Tim. Both are making their professional debut having recently graduated from Guildford School of Acting. They will be joined by Maeve Byrne as Asphynxia, Darrie Gardner as Mrs Dawes, James Gulliford as Nigel, Emma Lloyd as Rowena, Lewis McBean as Tom/Fosdyke, Sophie Millett as Lady Raeburn, Karl Moffatt as Uncle Clam, Tom Norman as Boot, Stephen Patrick as The Inspector, Francesca Pim as Fiona, James Seickell as Troppo, Tom Self as The Tramp and Ashlee Young as Marguerite. Salad Days is the delightful story of recent graduates Tim and Jane in the midst of a sunny summer in 1954. Glum … Read more

REVIEW: Loserville, Union Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Off West End, Reviews
The cast of Loserville at the Union Thetare

With direction from Michael Burgen, musical direction from Bryan Hodgson, and choreography by Matt Kazan, this version of Loserville sparkles with enthusiastic effervescence, combining familiar comic stereotypes with excellent ensemble singing and dancing, and giving some excellent performers a chance to shine, all the while emphasising the inherent gifts provided by book, score and lyrics.

REVIEW: Whistle Down The Wind, Union Theatre ✭✭✭

Off West End, Reviews
Whistle Down The Wind At The Union Theatre

Regan’s sure and steady direction brings the piece to life with charm and warmth. From the moment the three siblings rescue three new-born kittens from drowning right through to the exploration of the burnt-out barn and the discovery of the stranger’s gift, the story unfolds from the viewpoint of a youngster. As the central siblings, Cathy, Nan and Charles, Grace Osborn, Imelda Warren-Green and Alex James Ellison are each splendidly natural, full of charm, and the banter and bickering to and fro of growing up.