Mark Ludmon

Mark Ludmon has been a journalist for over 20 years, specialising in writing about theatre and the arts as well as bars, pubs and drink. He has been on the theatre judging panel for London’s Olivier Awards and has a masters degree in English literature, specialising in Elizabethan and Jacobean drama. He has an MA in theatre research, criticism and dramaturgy from the University of London’s Royal Central School of Speech & Drama. You can find him tweeting about theatre as @MarkLudmon and writing about theatre at markludmon.com.

More cast join Ben Whishaw as date set for ticket sales

News, Off West End
Almeida Against with Ben Wishaw

Further casting has been announced to join Ben Whishaw in the world premiere of Christopher Shinn’s new play Against at the Almeida Theatre. Adelle Leonce, Naomi Wirthner and Elliot Barnes-Worrell are the latest additions to the production which is being directed by Ian Rickson. The Almeida has also announced that tickets will go on sale to the public on May 25 at 10am, with priority booking for Almeida Members on May 16 at 10am. Elliot Barnes-Worrell played Horatio in the Almeida production of Hamlet starring Andrew Scott although he was unable to join the current cast in the West End. He was a series regular as Easter in ITV’s 2016 drama, Jericho, while his theatre credits also include Man and Superman at the National Theatre and Richard II, Henry IV Parts I & 2 and The Two Gentlemen of Verona for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Adelle Leonce was part of … Read more

Mark Gatiss joins actors and comedians in coming-out show

Events, LGBT, News, West End
Mark Gatiss leads celebrity coming out show

Mark Gatiss and other actors and comedians are lined up to take part in a charity gala presentation of a show about coming out. They will take the stage at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End for Outings, a powerful, funny and confessional collation of over 20 true-life tales. It will play one night only on Monday 26 June, 2017. The show premiered to huge acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and has since delighted audiences on tour around the UK. It was created by award-winning writers after a campaign for submissions that was supported by Stephen Fry among many others. Now Outings comes to the West End for the first time, in an exclusive one-night gala presentation in aid of the LGBT+ helpine charity Switchboard. Alongside Gatiss who is a patron of Switchboard, the cast of over 20 – each telling a different story – will include comedians … Read more

Traverse boosts team with new associate director

News, Regional
Gareth Nicholls

Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre has appointed a new associate director to help develop new work and direct productions. Gareth Nicholls, who has directed acclaimed shows at Citizens Theatre and The Tron Theatre in Glasgow, will work alongside artistic director Orla O’Loughlin and fellow associate director Zinnie Harris. His duties will include working on the dramaturgy of in-house commissions, overseeing open submissions, directing a range of ambitious new work, contributing to creative learning projects and assisting in both year-round and Edinburgh festival curation. He will also direct a production for this August’s festival. He said: “The Traverse has been fundamental to the development of theatre in Scotland for decades, encouraging, challenging and emboldening artists to say what they want to say in vibrant and uncompromising new ways. It champions the strongest voices and supports the brightest talent to tell stories that cut straight to the heart of what it means to be … Read more

Cast announced for Nativity! The Musical in Birmingham and on tour

News, Touring
Casting announced for Nativity The Musical UK Tour

West End stars are among cast announced for the world premiere of the musical of hit film Nativity! at Birmingham Rep and on tour. Daniel Boys will play Paul Maddens, a primary school teacher trying to put on a nativity show against the odds, while Simon Lipkin will play over-enthusiastic classroom assistant Mr Poppy. Sarah Earnshaw, who was part of the original London cast of Wicked, will play Paul’s ex-girlfriend, Jennifer Lore. They will be joined by Andy Barke, Jamie Chapman, Jemma Churchill, Gary Davis and Katia Sartini. Further casting and children’s casting are to be announced soon. Nativity! The Musical will be at The Rep from October 20 to November 12 before going on tour. It is in association with Jamie Wilson, Entertainment One Films, Ramin Sabi and Belgrade Theatre Coventry. Based on the 2009 comedy starring Martin Freeman and Marc Wootton, the musical will feature songs from the … Read more