2nd April 2019 – on the stage – THE COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBERY
On Stage for 5 days – THE COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBERY – a comedy play written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields of Mischief Theatre. The play premiered at the Criterion Theatre in London’s West End on 31 March 2016, marking the third production by Mischief Theatre to open in the West End following The Play That Goes Wrong and Peter Pan Goes Wrong (with all three running simultaneously during the Christmas 2016 season). The touring production at the Mayflower set out in August of 2018.
The show received five star reviews from many leading critics including The Telegraph, The Times, Radio Times, Sunday Telegraph and WhatsOnStage. Dominic Cavendish from The Telegraph said “Quite simply, this is the funniest show in the West End”, “You keep thinking this is as good as it gets – then it gets better”. The Times declared the production “Fast and fabulous comedy caper is a joyful night out.”
Here’s a link to the Overtures Review – https://overtures.org.uk/?p=17659
7th April – HENNING WEHN
Live on stage – for one night only – Henning Wehn, a German stand-up comedian and traveller based in London. Since 2003, Wehn has been the self-styled “German Comedy Ambassador in London”. After beginning his career as “warm-up act” to various comedians in London (including Stewart Lee for Comedy Vehicle), he established his own act on the British comedy circuit. Henning has often toured and performed with fellow German comedian Otto Kuhnle, who appeared on Wehn’s BBC Radio 2 series Henning Knows Best in 2012. This sold out performance was Wehn’s first appearance at this theatre.
8th April – THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
On the stage – for six days – The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs. It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80. In 1975 it was transformed into a film called ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history.
This was the show’s 13th visit to the Mayflower and this time Duncan James stars with Ben Adams and Joanne Clifton alongside Dom Joly as narrator.
14th APRIL – AN EVENING WITH ALFIE BOE
on stage – one night only – An Evening With Alfie Boe – MAYFLOWER – Alfie Boe is an English tenor and actor, notably performing in musical theatre. He is best known for his performances as Jean Valjean in the musical Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre in London, the Les Misérables: 25th Anniversary Concert in October 2010, and in the Broadway revival. He played the lead role in Finding Neverland on Broadway in 2016. As well, Boe shared a Tony Award with the other members of the ensemble cast of Baz Luhrmann’s revival of La bohème in 2003. He has sold over one million albums in the United Kingdom and this, on his first visit to the theatre, was an absolute sell-out.
15th APRIL – SOLID SILVER SIXTIES
On the stage – one night only – Solid Silver Sixties – MAYFLOWER – For over 30 years, the Solid Silver 60s Show has entertained the nation and celebrated the world’s most loved music. Known as an institution on the 60s circuit, SS60s is the original and premier sixties show, bringing you classic hits performed by the original hit makers. This year 60s favourites PETER NOONE, BRIAN POOLE and DAVE BERRY with VANITY FARE unite for what could be the last ever Solid Silver 60s Show. The Solid Silver Sixties Show brings together the decades’ biggest artists singing their greatest hits reviving fondest memories.
16th APRIL – AN EVENING OF ERIC AND ERN
Live on stage – one night only – AN EVENING OF ERIC & ERN – MAYFLOWER – From the Olivier nominated duo behind the hugely celebrated & critically acclaimed West End hit Eric & Little Ern. This is a brilliant homage crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches, that hit all the right notes! From Greig’s Piano concerto to Mr Memory, “Arsenal!” It’s a show full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, many of which were performed by the duo themselves during the seasons they played here at the GAUMONT, as well as the songs and sketches and of course a musical guest. This wonderful show, evokes memories of times when whole families would huddle around the telly on Sunday evenings.
17th April – ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
one night only – on stage – ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE – MAYFLOWER – The All You Need Is Love UK Tour featured the National Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. It’s The Beatles like you’ve never heard them before – over 40 of the Fab Four’s greatest hits performed alongside The National Philhamonic Concert Orchestra. A multi-media concert, that celebrates the incredible catalogue of songs from the best-selling and most influential band ever. This was its world premiere one day ahead of its London debut at the Cadogan Hall.
From humble beginnings in 1963 in Liverpool’s Cavern Club to Beatlemania and global chart domination; All You Need is Love dives into this astonishing body of work and coincided with a number of 50-year Beatle anniversaries: 1969 saw the release of the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine LP and Abbey Road – their 11th studio album – the group gave their final live performance on the roof of the Apple building in London’s Saville Row, and John Lennon privately told the rest of the band in September that he was leaving the group. The show stars Luke Roberts (Ringo Starr), Emmanuel Angeletti (Paul McCartney), John Brosnan (George Harrison) and Paul Canning (John Lennon).
20th APRIL – MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP
On stage – one day only – MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP – PEPPERLAND – MAYFLOWER – Mark Morris, an American dancer, choreographer and director whose work is acclaimed for its craftsmanship, ingenuity, humor, and at times eclectic musical accompaniments. Morris is popular among dance aficionados, the music world, as well as mainstream audiences. In 2001 his company moved into its first permanent headquarters in the United States, the Mark Morris Dance Center, in Brooklyn. Though now largely retired from performing, Mark Morris was long noted for the musicality and power of his dancing as well as his amazing delicacy of movement. His Dance Group has been called “the preeminent modern dance organisation of our time”, its members receiving “highest praise for their technical aplomb, their musicality, and their sheer human authenticity.”
Mark Morris celebrates the 50th anniversary of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band with an exuberant new dance work that revels in the eccentric charm and joyful optimism of The Beatles’ ground-breaking album. The production, a smash hit with audiences at its Liverpool premiere, features a score by long-time Morris collaborator Ethan Iverson, who leads a unique live music ensemble through innovative arrangements of iconic songs from the record including Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, With a Little Help From My Friends, A Day in the Life, When I’m Sixty-Four, Within You Without You, and Penny Lane mixed with imaginative original compositions.
24th APRIL – ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
on the stage – for four days – HORRIBLE HISTORIES – TERRIBLE TUDORS – AWFUL EGYPTIANS – MAYFLOWER – This, the fourth visit of The Birmingham Stage Company’s HORRIBLE HISTORIES to the theatre with two separate programmes – TERRIBLE TUDORS – From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, the legend (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors and the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed and thanks to 3D effects survive the Spanish Armada as it sails into the audience! This 2005 stage show was first seen at the Mayflower in 2006. AWFUL EGYPTIANS – a 2007 stage show making its first appearance at the theatre, tells the story of the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, and the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt. It’s the history of Egypt with the nasty bits left in!
30th APRIL – ANNIE
On stage – for five days – ANNIE – MAYFLOWER – This is the 7th professional production of Annie to visit the Mayflower and this time the ‘glorious revival’ (The Times) stars Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood. Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family. It has a Tony® award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow!
Read a review of this production – https://overtures.org.uk/?p=17843
5th May – BILL BAILEY – LARKS IN TRANSIT
May 5, 2019 – on stage – one night only – BILL BAILEY – LARKS IN TRANSIT – marks Bill Bailey’s fourth visit to the Mayflower and he pulls together travellers’ tales and general shenanigans from his 20 years as a touring comedian. He discusses politics, philosophy and the pursuit of happiness, complete with his trademark comic tangents, music and incredibly funny intelligence. The show’s description promises a symphony from a ringtone, the real story of Old MacDonald and a reimagined version of Stars and Stripes. Bailey celebrates international acclaim for his iconic comedy, including being heralded by The Telegraph as “the brainiest comic of his generation”.
9th May – WELSH NATIONAL OPERA
on the stage – for 3 days – WELSH NATIONAL OPERA – Thursday and Saturday – THE MAGIC FLUTE –
The mysterious Queen of the Night coaxes Tamino to rescue her beautiful daughter Pamina from the grip of the evil enchanter Sarastro. With a magic flute and a set of magic bells for protection he sets off on his journey aided by Papageno, the bird-catcher. But as they overcome a series of challenges, it becomes apparent that all is not what it seems – will they complete their quest and find true love? Welsh National Opera’s production transports you to a dream world where you’ll meet colourful characters including a newspaper-reading lion and a fish doubling as a bicycle. Combined with a witty story, moments of enchantment and Mozart’s sublime music, including the magnificent Queen of the Night aria, it adds up to an unforgettable opera experience for all ages.
Friday – ROBERTO DEVEREUX – Roberto Devereux has been accused of treason. In order to gain his freedom he simply has to present the ring his lover, Queen Elizabeth I, has bestowed upon him. But Devereux is secretly in love with Sara, who he refuses to renounce, leaving Elizabeth heartbroken and compelled to sign his death warrant. Roberto Devereux contains some of Donizetti’s most spine-tingling melodies including the emotional Vivi, in grato, a lei accanto performed by Elizabeth I as her world falls apart around her in a heart wrenching finale. WNO’s critically-acclaimed production has a dramatic intensity and a striking design guaranteed to leave your heart racing.
12th May – GEORGE, ROB LAMBERTI
Celebrating the vocalist of a generation, re-living a pantheon of hits like no other, GEORGE honours the music of George Michael from Wham! to his iconic solo career. This huge, electrifying and authentic live show features original members of George’s own globe-trotting live band alongside the National Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, with vocals from the sensational Rob Lamberti.
13th May – AN EVENING WITH KATHERINE JENKINS
Katherine Jenkins, a 39 year old, Welsh mezzo-soprano singer and songwriter making her third appearance at the theatre. She is a classical-crossover singer who performs across a spectrum of operatic arias, popular songs, musical theatre and hymns. After winning singing competitions in her youth, Jenkins studied at the Royal Academy of Music, modelled and taught voice. She came to wide public attention in 2003 when she sang at Westminster Cathedral in honour of Pope John Paul II’s silver jubilee. Since 2004, she has released numerous albums that have performed well on British and foreign charts. In both 2005 and 2006, her albums received Classic Brit Awards as Album of the Year. She has also been seen widely in concert, including performing for British troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. She has also sung at sporting events, on television shows and in support of many charities. In 2012, she competed on the U.S. television show Dancing with the Stars, finishing in second place, behind NFL Super Bowl champion Donald Driver.
Britain’s best-selling classical artist of the last 25 years, Katherine Jenkins OBE embarks on a new tour performing her favourite new songs plus tracks from her new album ‘Guiding Light’, accompanied by the London Concert Orchestra conducted by Anthony Inglis. It is an album which speaks of life, hope, acceptance and a universal spirituality, and for Katherine there is a sense of a greater purpose to her performance.
15th May – NORTHERN BALLET – THE GREAT GATSBY
On stage – for four days – NORTHERN BALLET – THE GREAT GATSBY – billed as the most glamorous party in town The Great Gatsby makes its first appearance as a ballet in Southampton. Northern Ballet’s 2013 production of this interpretation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic American novel is brought to life as dancers glide across the floor in Chanel-inspired costumes to a cinematic score by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, set in the decadence of 1920s New York and through dance tells the story of mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby, who has a penchant for lavish parties and beautiful women. As the sparkling façade of his world begins to slip, the loneliness, obsession and tragedy that lies beneath is revealed.
19th May – JULIAN CLARY – BORN TO MINCE
Live on stage – for one night only – JULIAN CLARY – BORN TO MINCE – In this outrageously camp show, (that he was going to call Bed Knobs and Knee Pads but was advised might not sell too well in Harrogate), renowned homosexual, favourite pantomime and one nighter star Julian Clary bared his soul as never before in the interests of light entertainment. He murdered some well known songs along the way, and read a sneak preview from his next memoir A Night At the Lubricant and made withering remarks about punters foolish enough to sit in the front row. You know the kind of thing. It’s the only life he knows.
20th May – THE MUSIC OF HANS ZIMMER V JOHN WILLIAMS
Live – in concert – one night only – THE MUSIC OF HANS ZIMMER V JOHN WILLIAMS. The London Concert Orchestra perform the very best epic scores from the two greatest film composers of all time. The full symphonic orchestra perform favourite scores including: Inception, Gladiator, Superman Man of Steel, Harry Potter, The Dark Knight Rises, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, The Da Vinci Code, Raiders of the Lost Ark.
22nd May – THE GUILTY FEMINIST: LIVE
On stage – one night only – Comedian Deborah Frances–White and her special guests Bridget Christie, Desiree Burch, Sophie Duker, with music from Grace Petrie, discuss topics “all 21st century feminists agree on” while confessing their insecurities, hypocrisies and fears that underlie their lofty principles. Deborah Frances-White is the 2016 Writers’ Guild Award Winner for Best Radio Comedy for her hit BBC Radio 4 series Deborah Frances-White Rolls the Dice. She is an Edinburgh Fringe regular, a screenwriter and is hugely in demand for her corporate seminars.
In 2017, The Guilty Feminist won two awards at the Luvvies – Best Entertainment Podcast (Silver) and Best Host (Silver).
23rd May – KING OF POP – NAVI
Live on stage – one night only – KING OF POP – NAVI. This production stars the world’s leading Michael Jackson tribute artist Navi, joined by MJ’s iconic guitarist – Jennifer Batten. Navi was chosen by Michael as his official body double and recently chosen by Hollywood to star in an upcoming major movie about the star. Jennifer was Michael’s “right-hand woman” for over 10 years, performing on 3 world tours. Together with an incredible band & dancers, Navi & Jennifer take you closer than ever dreamed to an original Michael Jackson concert.
24th May – ELVIS WORLD TOUR – SHAWN KLUSH
Live on stage – for one night only – ELVIS WORLD TOUR – SHAWN KLUSH. Direct from the USA, the world’s most successful Elvis tribute artist of all time returns to the UK starring America’s finest together in one show, Shawn Klush and Dean Z. Shawn Klush first exploded onto the UK scene when 6 million viewers tuned in to see him crowned ‘The World’s Greatest Elvis’ live on BBC One. Soon after, Shawn was also crowned the first-ever ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion’ in Memphis, Tennessee. Fellow champion Elvis tribute artist Dean Z (Winner of EPE’s the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in 2013) is an exciting, new addition to the show performing the earlier eras of the King with all the electrifying magic and, together with fabulous orchestra and production, helping create the greatest Elvis Spectacle on Earth!
25th May – MILKSHAKE! LIVE
Live on stage – one day only – MILKSHAKE! LIVE. Milkshake Monkey is determined to put on a musical, so spectacular, it will keep the theatre open forever! This won’t be easy, so he’ll need the help of his MILKSHAKE! friends. Working together, Milkshake! Monkey soon learns that with great friends anything is possible. Milkshake Monkey and friends put on their biggest and best live show ever! With plenty of laughter, great songs, funky dance routines, bags of audience interaction and bucket loads of fun, it’s the family show not to be missed. Cast includes Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Princess Knight, Floogals and two Milkshake Presenters.
28th May – THE BODYGUARD
On the stage – for TWO weeks – THE BODYGUARD, a 2012 stage musical written by Alexander Dinelaris, based on the 1992 film The Bodyguard, with the score featuring songs recorded by Whitney Houston including “One Moment in Time”, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and her cover version of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”. The show began previews at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End, on 6 November 2012, and officially opened on 5 December 2012. It opened its original tour here at the Mayflower in 2015.
The international, award-winning smash-hit musical based on the blockbuster film, The Bodyguard returned to Southampton again with Alexandra Burke as she makes a triumphant return to the role of Rachel Marron. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love. At matinee performances the role of ‘Rachel Marron’ will be played by Jenlee Shallow.
11th June – MATILDA The Musical
On the stage – for FOUR weeks- MATILDA The Musical is based on the 1988 children’s novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. It was adapted by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. The musical’s narrative centres on Matilda, a precocious 5-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis, who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school, and helps her teacher to reclaim her life. After a twelve-week trial run staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) at Stratford-upon-Avon from November 2010 to January 2011, it received its West End premiere on 24 November 2011 at the Cambridge Theatre and its Broadway premiere on 11 April 2013 at the Shubert Theatre.
Matilda has received widespread critical acclaim and box-office popularity, winning seven 2012 Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical—at the time, the most such awards ever won by a single show. At the 2013 Olivier Awards, the show jointly held the record with the play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time before both were overtaken by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in 2017 with 9 awards, however Matilda still holds the record for most Olivier awards won by a musical, tying with Hamilton in 2018. At the 2013 Tony Awards, the show won five awards, including the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical.
This was the first UK tour and commenced at Curve, Leicester on 5th March 2018 for three weeks and plays Southampton before its final dates in Norwich, where the tour ends on 17th August 2019. The adult cast included Elliot Harper as Miss Trunchbull, Carly Thoms as Miss Honey, Sebastien Torkia as Mr Wormwood and Rebecca Thornhill as Mrs Wormwood.
