KOKO Foundation, the registered charity of London’s iconic venue KOKO, has announced the BAFTA, Olivier and EMMY award-winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch as new global ambassador for environmental advocacy.

Cumberbatch, known globally for his critically acclaimed performances in the Oscar winning The Power of The Dog, Netflix smash hit ERIC and as Doctor Steven Strange in the hugely popular Marvel Cinematic Universe, lives within the Camden borough where cultural institution KOKO has been bringing arts and entertainment to London for 124 years.

In this newly formed ambassador role, Cumberbatch will be supporting the KOKO Foundation’s efforts to ensure London can become a greener and more sustainable city, while helping with the Foundation’s environmental projects which have the potential to transform communities and inspire other cities globally.

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Stratford East today announces that it will open up the whole theatre to the public on Saturday 26th October 2024 to host a special day packed full of completely free entertainment, workshops and talks from top industry professionals, arts and crafts, facepainting, theatre tours and many other exciting activities suitable for all ages.

• Workshops include: BSL in Theatre with Deaf actress Caroline Parker; Improvisation Games and Scenes with Lizzie Winkler(Showstoppers, Free Association); Comedy for Kids by Hilarity Academy; Stage Combat from Fight It Out; and Lighting Design with Rob Pell-Walpole, Stratford East’s Head of Lighting.
• Q&A Talks from Jonathan Harvey (Writer,Beautiful Thing), Nadia Fall (Artistic Director), Stewart J. Charlesworth(Designer) and more.
• Heritage tours: A journey behind the scenes at Stratford East to discover the rich history of our much-treasured theatre and an opportunity to see our newly unveiled archive which has received a significant makeover.
• Plus activities throughout the day including facepainting, Disco Loco, Arts and Crafts from Delyth Taylor, a chance to be a part of Stratford East’s 140^th Anniversary celebratory short films, live music from Max Runham and patties from Island Vibez Kitchen.

Artistic Director, Nadia Fall, said: “We’re beyond thrilled to open the doors of our cherished Stratford East as we celebrate 140 years of history, creativity, and community. This open day is a chance to take a look behind the scenes of a theatre that has stood proudly in the heart of East London for over a century. We are a theatre for everyone, and this day is all about welcoming both new and familiar faces to experience the magic of how theatre is made. From talks and workshops to food and entertainment, there’s something for everyone—and the best part is, it’s all free!”

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Today, ten-time GRAMMY® and two-time Academy Award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer, Finneas announces the UK and European leg of his For Cryin’ Out Loud! : The Tour. Originally delighting fans with three intimate album special release shows in October 2024 celebrating the highly anticipated forthcoming record For Cryin’ Out Loud!, out October 4 via Interscope Records, Finneas continued his momentous touring return with the launch of For Cryin’ Out Loud! : The Tour in Auckland – marking his first headlining show in New Zealand – Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.

The four exclusive shows in 2025 are now met with fifteen performances throughout April and May of next year in Ireland, the UK, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. Produced by Live Nation, the new European shows mark Finneas’ largest headlining tour in the region. He previously performed at the Electric Ballroom in London, UK on August 30, 2023, and was also part of the Global Citizen Live event in Paris, France in June 2023​. For Cryin’ Out Loud! : The Tour is set to captive fans with Finneas’ timeless and emotive hits, unique cutting-edge sound, and his signature rich, warm melodies as he embarks on the 19-date tour.

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(c) Alex Brenner – no use without credit.

This year 49 nominees across eight categories were in the spotlight, representing performers, composers, designers, writers, lyricists and directors whose work premiered on stages across the UK in the previous year.

Scooping the Best West End Debut Performer award for his enormously compelling and vocally accomplished performance as Gabe in Next To Normal at Wyndham’s Theatre was Olivier Award nominee Jack Wolfe. As the only category decided by public vote – previous winners included Rose Ayling-Ellis (2023) and Jodie Comer (2022) – Wolfe emerged as the people’s West End favourite from a strong shortlist that included Will Close for Dear England; Billy Crudup in Harry Clarke; Toheeb Jimoh in Player Kings; Francesca Amewudah-Rivers in Romeo and Juliet; Ed Larkin in The Little Big Things; Grace Hodgett Young in Sunset Boulevard and Louis McCartney in Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
Such was the level of talent that Best Performer in a Play was awarded to both Ellie-May Sheridan for a scene-stealing turn in London Tide at the National Theatre and Louis McCartney, who was recognised for his menacingly mercurial performance in Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre. Also, the Best Performer in a Musical award was shared between Jeevan Braich for his vocal prowess and impressive roller skating skills in Starlight Express at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre and Grace Hodgett Young who won the award for her impressive performance in Jamie Lloyd’s hit revival Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy Theatre.

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SM Entertainment’s girl group aespa is expanding the scale of their second world tour, driven by their remarkable global popularity.

aespa recently unveiled the poster for their ‘2024 – 25 aespa LIVE TOUR – SYNK: PARALLEL LINE –’ on their official fan club community and social media platforms, generating excitement with a preview of their expanded tour.

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Brummie playwright Selina Thompson brings her bold new play Twine to The Yard Theatre in East London, shedding light on the racism embedded within the British adoption system while delving into the inner psyche of both the system and the adoptee. This complex play follows the journey of three characters—Bark, Sapling, and Seed—who are played by Muki Zubis, Nandi Bhebhe, and Angelina Chudhi. These characters represent personas of the unseen writer, Sycamore, as they navigate the emotional and psychological toll of adoption.

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Five-time GRAMMY ® Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®️ Inductee Janet Jackson kicked off the eagerly anticipated European leg of her Together Again Tour in Paris last night.

The global icon delivered an electrifying performance at the Accor Arena, Paris, on the first stop of her tour on the continent, which was extended following a highly successful and sold-out 35-date North American leg in summer.

Ms. Jackson will bring her electrifying show to the UK next, performing at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena tomorrow night (27 September), followed by two nights at London’s O2 Arena this weekend (28 and 29 September). The show picks up next week at Manchester’s Co-Op Live on 1 October before heading to Belgium, Germany and Amsterdam, Netherlands; and wraps in Glasgow OVO Hydro on 13 October. Tickets available now at janetjackson.com .

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The nominees for this year’s UK Theatre Awards have been announced. The UK Theatre Awards celebrate the very best of theatre across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Awards are given for creative excellence and outstanding work both on and off stage, including the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre Award and the coveted UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award. The winners will be announced at this year’s ceremony, taking place on Sunday 20 October at 8Northumberland Avenue, hosted by Faye Tozer.

With nominees from all four nations, this year’s shortlist showcases the creativity and originality of theatre across the UK. Nottingham Playhouse leads the nominations with acknowledgements across four categories; Best Performance in a Play, Excellence in Inclusivity, Excellence in Sustainability and the Workforce Award.

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The Lost Estate’s iconic Christmas Carol experience is back. The Great Christmas Feast, a festive essential in London’s winter calendar, is now on sale for 2024 and will run from the 8th November to 12th January in West Kensington.

Be transported to Victorian London, Christmas Eve 1843. Witness A Christmas Carol like you’ve never seen it before. Indulge in three courses of an extravagant Victorian feast.
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The Jamie Lloyd Company today announces the on sale dates for its new production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing starring Tom Hiddleston (Benedick) and Hayley Atwell(Beatrice), directed by Jamie Lloyd. The production opens at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Wednesday 19 February, with previews from 10 February, and runs until 5 April 2025.

Tickets for Much Ado About Nothing go on sale to those signed up for priority booking on Tuesday 8 October at 11am; general booking opens on Wednesday 9 October at 11am. Full cast and creatives to be announced.

Sign up for priority booking here or here. 

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