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Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is proud to announce that Broadway and West End star KERRY ELLIS has joined the cast of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.

Award-winning Kerry will play Titania, Queen of the Fairies, in the town’s prestigious annual Shakespeare production.

She recently completed a headline run in Anything Goes at the Barbican in London and her other credits include Fantine in Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre, London, Nancy in Oliver! at the Theatre Royal and Grizabella in Cats at the London Palladium, taking over from Nicole Scherzinger.

She is perhaps best known for her role in the original cast of Wicked as witch Elphaba. After taking over the lead role from Idina Menzel she became the first West End actor to transfer the role to Broadway in 2009. She has also appeared as Meat in We Will Rock You and performed live with her long-time musical collaborator, Queen guitarist Brian May. In May, her fifth studio album – Kings and Queens – will be released after being produced by Mike Stevens, who has worked with Take That and ELO.

Kerry said: ’I am so excited to be joining the cast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to play Titania, Queen of the Fairies. This will be a new challenge for me and I cannot wait to get going on my first Shakespeare play.’

Producer Mike Groves said: ‘We are beyond delighted to have Kerry in our cast; she is a huge talent and it’s a real coup for Stafford to get someone of her international standing on board.

’We are looking forward to delivering something special in Stafford this summer.’

The production runs from July 23 – July 9 at the theatre.

PROGRAMME UPDATE
In accordance with guidance issued by the Government, Buckingham Palace and governing body UK Theatre, performances at the Gatehouse will continue as scheduled during the period of mourning for HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Theatres across the country will continue with their performances, but will be dimming their lights and observing a minute’s silence beforehand.
They will also be playing the National Anthem and opening books of condolences prior to performances as soon as possible as a mark of their respect to Her Majesty.
A statement from Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre said the theatre industry is “deeply saddened” by the news of the Queen’s death.
The message, from Stephanie Sirr and Jon Gilchrist, joint Presidents of UK Theatre and Eleanor Lloyd, President of SOLT, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“The theatre industry is thankful for all the support and patronage Her Majesty has shown throughout her lifetime. We would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family at this time of national mourning.”
They added that, in accordance with advice from the DCMS, scheduled theatre performances will go ahead during the official period of mourning.

Our brilliant cast for this year’s CINDERELLA pantomime can now be revealed. Who’s coming to have a ball with us?

First up is the absolutely fabulous HARRIET THORPE from, errrr, Absolutely Fabulous and loads more besides. Harriet will play the Fairy Godmother this Christmas and can’t wait to cast her spell on Stafford.

Then there’s our very own TOM VAUGHAN as Prince Charming. Fresh from ROMEO + JULIET where he met a sticky fate as the Prince of Cats, will Cinderella have a happy ending for Tom? (Hey, we can’t give away the plot already!)

AYA ELMANSOURI is our Cinderella; a ‘stunning new talent’ with the voice of an angel and a huge personality to match. We can’t wait to see Aya make her Gatehouse debut.

Next up is the hilarious RICKY K, who won the heart of the nation on Britain’s Got Talent and is sure to repeat the same trick in ST16 as Buttons.

Then there’s the multi-talented ALLAN JAY as the all-singing, all dancing, all-wisecracking Dandini, who makes sure everyone goes to the ball.

And finally, we’ve saved the ugliest to last – its JASON SUTTON and WILL PEACO as the Ugly Sisters (Boo! Hiss!). Will they give Cinderella time off to go to the ball? Will they charm the handsome prince? Will that glass slipper ever fit? What do YOU think?

Tickets are flying out for this spectacular pantomime, which runs from December 9-31. Group discounts are available and schools are welcome to give us a call to arrange a magical trip to the Gatehouse. Call 01785 619080 for details or book here

We’re delighted to announce that the brilliant TOM ALLEN will be at the Gatehouse on his latest tour.

The show is on February 4 next year and – to make things even better – that’s a Saturday night (boom!).

Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Monday, May 30, so get your reminders in your phones now.

Tom is back on the road with his brand new show Completely.  He has finally moved out of his parents’ house, which has been great news for him, better news for department stores and even better news for his latest stand-up tour as he’s eager to share his life updates, get your opinions on his vegetable patch and delve into the protocol of inviting friends with children for dinner.

The household name with his signature acerbic wit and riotous storytelling, Tom is the host of The Apprentice: You’re Fired and co-hosts Cooking With The Stars, Like Minded Friends podcast and he is also a regular on Bake Off: An Extra Slice and There’s Something About Movies.

Join Tom in Stafford on his brand new tour – his last one sold over fifty-thousand tickets, including his sell out show at The London Palladium where he recorded his special.

“Sharp badinage, sympathetic personal material and – not least – his abundant skills as a raconteur and host” – The Guardian

“A neatly judged mix of realism and ripe exaggeration delivered at a frantically camp pace” – The Times