The Book's The Thing - A new theatre company hopes to reinvigorate local libraries through theatre. Librarian Theatre will tour productions to libraries across the UK in what founders Tom Cuthbertson and Kelly Eva-May, who are both actors, say will be the first touring company dedicated to visiting regional libraries. Its first production, an adaptation of Hamlet called The Book's the Thing, will tour in spring 2016 to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Cuthbertson said the company's aim was both to create accessible theatre and to support public library services by touring shows to areas that are less exposed to the arts.
Big Break - The world premiere of a play by Richard Bean, set in the world of snooker, and a new British musical feature in Sheffield Theatres' 2016 season. The line-up also includes revivals of plays by Samuel Beckett and Lorraine Hansberry. The Nap, a new comedy thriller by Bean, will star Jack O'Connell and be directed by associate director Richard Wilson. It will run in the Crucible from March 10 to 26 ahead of the World Snooker Championships that take place at the venue in April.
In The Lamplight - Disney has confirmed its musical adaptation of Aladdin will transfer to the West End next year. The musical - which opened on Broadway in February last year - will preview at the Prince Edward Theatre from 27 May 2016. Trevor Dion Nicholas will reprise his Broadway role as the Genie, though further casting is yet to be announced. Michael Kosarin serves as music director, set design is by Bob Crowley, while lighting is by Natasha Katz and sound is by Ken Travis.
Sound Matters - Gary Numan took the innovation in sound accolade at the Q Awards. "Sound is the thing that has always excited me the most, it's why discovering electronic music a lifetime ago was such a life-changing moment for me," he said. "I create sounds, noises, and then try to turn those noises into music, and that can be a challenge. To be recognised as innovative in that is really quite special." Duran Duran walked away with the icon prize. Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody was named classic single, tying in with the 40th anniversary of the song, originally released on 31 October, 1975.
(Jim Evans)
