Programmes & Plays in April 2008

Film

HOW SHE MOVE: Released 4th April, cinemas nationwide
Directed by Ian Iqbal Rashid. A Sienna Films production distributed by Paramount Vantage and MTV Films, HOW SHE MOVE was nominated for Grand Jury and Audience Choice awards at last year’s Sundance Festival and opened in the US earlier this year to rave reviews. Written by Annemarie Morais, HOW SHE MOVE stars Tre Armstrong, Rutina Armstrong and Cle Bennett.

Television

DOCTOR WHO: 6:20pm, BBC1, Saturday 5th April
The fourth series from lead writer and executive producer Russell T. Davies begins its run. Also featuring episodes written by Gareth Roberts, James Moran and Helen Raynor and episodes directed by Colin Teague.

Theatre

GOD OF CARNAGE: The Gielgud, continues
Yasmina Reza’s play is directed by Matthew Warchus, produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, music by Gary Yershon, design by Mark Thompson. Stars Ralph Fiennes, Tamsin Greig, Janet McTeer and Ken Stott.

SPEED THE PLOW: The Old Vic, continues until Saturday 26th April
The classic play about Hollywood deal-making written by David Mamet and directed by Matthew Warchus. Produced by the Old Vic, design by Rob Howell, lighting by Paul Bryan. Cast includes Kevin Spacey, Jeff Goldblum and Laura Michelle Kelly.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC: The London Palladium, continues
Directed by Jeremy Sams, with music and lyrics by Rogers and Hammerstein, book by Lindsay and Crouse, and produced by David Ian, The Really Useful Group and Live Nation.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, continues
Stage adaptation directed and co-written by Matthew Warchus. Produced by Kevin Wallace and Saul Zaentz; with set and costume designed by Rob Howell. Music by AR Rahman and Värttinä, lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus, and book by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus.

RANDOM: Jerwood Theatre, Royal Court, continues until Saturday 12th April
Written by Debbie Tucker Green and directed by Sacha Wares.

ARTEFACTS: Goes on National tour
Mike Bartlett’s ARTEFACTS goes on National tour: 7th & 8th April, The McCarthy Studio, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough; 10th – 12th April, Ustinov Studio, Bath Theatre Royal; 23rd & 24th April, Salberg Studio, Salisbury Playhouse; 30th April, Norwich Playhouse; 1st – 2nd May,  Mercury Theatre, Colchester; and 6th – 10th May, Drum Theatre Plymouth.

TINDERBOX: The Bush Theatre
Previews Wednesday 23rd April. Press night Monday 28th April. Runs until 24th May.
A revenge comedy by Lucy Kirkwood, directed by Josie Rourke.

NOUGHTS AND CROSSES: The Hackney Empire, from 1st – 5th April
The RSC production based on Malorie Blackman’s novel comes to London.

MINSK: Sanford Meisner Theatre, New York, 14th – 16th April & 21st – 23rd April
By Declan Feenan. Performed as part of the BritBits festival.

IN MY NAME: The Old Red Lion Theatre. Until Saturday 12th April
Steven Hevey’s debut play. Directed by John Howlett for Yaller Skunk Theatre Company. Cast includes Ray Panthaki and James Alexandrou.

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE: Studio 54/The Roundabout Theatre, continues
Director Sam Buntrock has recreated his production that started life at the Menier Chocolate Factory, transferred to the West End and has now opened on Broadway! The cast retains original members Jenna Russell and Daniel Evans, produced by the Roundabout Theatre.

HALF A SIXPENCE: Continues its national tour
Music and lyrics by David Heneker.

Harold Pinter’s THE LOVER AND THE COLLECTION: The Comedy Theatre, continues until Saturday 3rd May
Music and Sound by Ben and Max Ringham.

THE HOUR WE KNEW NOTHING OF EACH OTHER: National Theatre, continues until Saturday 12th April
With music by Mel Mercier.

DIARY OF A MADMAN: Lamda’s MacOwan Theatre, opens Saturday 29th March
Music & Lyrics by Conor Mitchell. Is on Tuesday 1st April at 2.00pm, Wednesday 2nd April at 7.30pm, Friday 4th April at 2.00pm and Saturday 5th April at 7.30pm.
 
CONTAINS VIOLENCE: Lyric Hammersmith, opens Monday 31st March
Sound by Ben and Max Ringham. Runs until Saturday 26th April.

WISDOM: The Manhattan Theater Club, New York, Monday 21st April
A reading of Simon Vinnicombe’s play.

Awards

Congratulations to Ayub Khan-Din for winning Best New Comedy at this year’s Olivier Awards for RAFTA RAFTA. The National Theatre’s production continues its UK tour in Bradford this month, while the US production previews off Broadway later this month.

Congratulations to Jimmy McGovern for THE STREET’s Best Drama Series win at the Royal Television Society Awards; congratulations to Heidi Thomas for winning the Writers Award for CRANFORD; and to Alexander Masters whose adaptation of his novel STUART: A LIFE BACKWARDS won Best Single Drama.