A film that catapulted the careers of the celebrated actor and comedian Whoopi Goldberg and television presenter and entrepreneur Oprah Winfrey, The Color Purple continues to inspire four decades on. Written by Pulitzer Prize winning author Alice Walker, the novel turned film concerns itself with Celie, an African American teen brought up in early 20th century rural Georgia to harsh realities, however empowered by powerful sisterly bonds formed by those she meets along her life journey. Adapted for the Broadway stage in 2005 by playwright Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray – the musical staged version went on to win two Tony Awards. Now set to take to our screens on 26th January 2024, and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones with direction by Blitz Bazawule, The Color Purple returns with an all star cast including Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino!
Award-winning actor, Sir Jonathan Pryce, has today expressed his determination to help people affected by dementia, following his appointment as an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador. One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime. The acclaimed actor will use his voice and influence to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Society as a vital source of support for everyone affected by dementia.
A Spotlight On, a new streaming service aims to shine a light on everyone who makes theatre possible. Hosted by Radio and TV broadcaster Penny Smith, TV and West End theatre star Mel Giedroyc and deputy editor of The Stage, Matt Hemley, this highly anticipated platform launched last month.
TodayTix, the digital gateway to cultural experiences, is thrilled to announce the return of its 25 West End Shows at £25 campaign in London’s West End just in time for the summer season. Running from 22 May to 4 June, it features 25 of the hottest shows with tickets starting at £25.
The Society for Theatre Research is delighted to reveal the shortlist for the Theatre Book Prize 2023 in its 25thyear.
DICE, the live event discovery platform, has been named the primary ticketing partner for Alexandra Palace, one of the UK’s most celebrated and historic independent venues. It marks DICE’s biggest venue partner in the UK to date, with Ally Pally delivering events for capacities ranging from 1,000 to 50,000 across its Theatre, West Hall, Great Hall and award-winning Park.
In response to a need from venues for more budget and resources to promote contemporary theatre and new writing following the pandemic and during the cost of living crisis, house – a South East venue network – has launched new initiative Take Your Seats. The initiative aims to engage local audiences with their theatres, and provides venues with a strong programme of shows along with the tools and resources to promote them.
‘The Rest of Our Lives’ courtesy of Sara Teresa.
Following the record breaking success of VAULT Festival 2023, which welcomed more than 81,000 audience members to 553 shows, VAULT Creative Arts presents the second annual A Pinch of VAULT. More than 60 shows will appear in this year’s festival which will take place at The Glitch and Sino Thai in Waterloo, running from Wednesday 24th May – Sunday 18th June 2023. A Pinch of VAULT will feature four exciting weeks of brand new and work-in-progress theatre and comedy, giving audiences the chance to see performances for the very first time in an intimate setting. This year, the programme features two weeks dedicated to comedy [24th May – 4th June], and two weeks dedicated to theatre and performance [6th – 18th June] with tickets for all performances on sale now.
The Stage Debut Awards, the only awards dedicated to recognising breakthrough theatre talent, announces today that it will take place on October 1 2023, uniting the previous 12 month’s most exciting and up-coming performers and creatives in a special ceremony celebrating their outstanding professional debuts.
Today, Tuesday 16 May, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to announce details of the new Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 app, which will be available ahead of the festival. The app will include many navigational features which will support audiences in exploring the wealth of performance available at the Fringe. Users will be able to view and search full programme listings, book tickets on the go and use a ‘nearby now’ function to find shows starting soon, which are close to their location.