“I come from a farm, from the forests and fields of green Ukraine. From the resettlement camps of Germany. From the beaches of the Adriatic. ...And the cool air of Inverness" The London premiere run of Matthew Zajac’s internationally acclaimed The Tailor of Inverness opens at the multi-award-winning Finborough Theatre for a four-week limited season on Tuesday 14th May and runs until 8th June. This is a long overdue opportunity for London audiences to see an unforgettable and critically-acclaimed story of displacement and survival in war-torn Europe. A powerful allegory for all victims of war, it is a true story of journeys, of how a boy who grew up on a farm in Galicia (then in Eastern Poland, now in Western Ukraine) came to be a tailor in Inverness… That is the story he told….but was the tailor really who he said he was? Mateusz Zajac’s life spanned most of the 20th century. Taken prisoner by the Soviets in 1939 and forced to work, he was freed in an amnesty after the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union and joined the thousands of Poles fighting with the British Army in North Africa and Italy. He was then resettled in Britain in 1948, joining his brother in Glasgow. Playwright and actor Matthew Zajac has worked as an actor for 42 years. He is Artistic Director of Dogstar, most recently directing The Stornoway Way by Kevin MacNeil and The Fallen Angels of the Moine by George Gunn. His other plays include The Sky Is Safe and an adaptation of James Robertson’s novel The Testament of Gideon Mack, due for production in 2025. As Matthew told me when we chatted, there were a couple of occasions that could have sparked his interest in the theatre. " It could have been using my granny’s bed recess in her kitchen as a mini theatre when I was a wee about 6. It had curtains and I remember performing a song for my mum, granny and aunty. But I’m more sure it when I was in The Crucible at Inverness High School when I was 17. It was such a powerful experience. It’s what made me decide to be an actor. " Often we use the world of theatre to escape the real world, but I wondered how Matthew felt discovering some of his father's back story was fiction. " For me, theatre is a crucial part of the real world. All the same, it’s more constructed than much of life outside it. Discovering secrets my dad kept made me a bit angry at first. But I got over that quite quickly and realised he’d given me a great story." It seems the play has been cathartic not only for him. " Yes, doing the show is cathartic for me. Fortunately, it seems to have a similar effect on the audience! I didn’t turn to the theatre to help me deal with what I learned about my dad. I was already planning to write a book about him. That was quite daunting and I’d spent over 20 years working on new plays, so I decided to write a play instead because I thought it would be easier! The book came later." What else can the audience look forward to? " A few laughs, a few tears, some fantastic fiddle music, drama, video, documentary, dancing, singing and a quite a lot of theatre in a very small space!" After delighting London audiences, the play will continue globetrotting more than the man if features with tours to France and Scotland in November, and before that a tour to Sweden. But your chance to see the play in London is now. The Tailor of Inverness is part of the Finborough’s Theatre’s #VoicesFromUkraine, a programming strand set up in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The play runs from 14th May until 8th June, for tickets and further information please go to www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office 020 7244 7439. Image above (c) Tim Morozzo

The world’s most critically acclaimed James Bond concert is back again to tour the UK from May to October 2024. This dedicated tribute band is known for its adrenaline-fueled and stirring concerts, and will be hosted by Miss Monepenny herself – Bliss, Caroline Bliss. With stunning vocal performances, exquisite musicianship, and detailed arrangements that stay faithful to the iconic spy film franchise, The James Bond Concert Spectacular takes audiences on a thrilling rollercoaster to rival the movies. Adding further dazzle to this striking night of musical entertainment, Caroline Bliss will be hosting the concert. Guiding audiences throughout the evening, as compere extraordinaire, Caroline Bliss will also be sharing wonderful anecdotes and memories from her time filming The Living Daylights and Licence To Kill. Having performed all over the world and previously selling out the West End and Indigo at the 02 Arena, The James Bond Concert Spectacular is set to excite and thrill on their latest UK tour. Bringing the music of this legendary series to life once more, director Warren Ringham comments, " The James Bond Concert Spectacular by Q The Music is a show that is created by Bond fans for Bond fans. It is a show with a palpable love of Bond and the 007 music with a level of enthusiasm and flair that you will really feel come out of the performance. " Warren is a man, born to music and especially film music. His Dad played with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and his aunt was the first professional trombone player with the Halle Orchestra. He remembers his childhood well, " I can remember being with my Dad as he was practising at home three to four hours every day. I also went with him on some of the recording sessions for film music. I think I was around nine when I first picked up a trumpet. " Warren is one of those lucky people who have managed to combine his love of Bond with his job to create these concerts, but what about the band? " The standard concert band only has ten players, we have upped that to thirteen to give that powerful sound you associate with the main Bond themes. But that is not all the audience have to look forward to, we also include some of the incidental music that is used throughout the films " I wondered if he had ever thought about accompanying a Bond film live as a concert? " It would be harder to arrange because Eon have the film rights, but as the late Sean Connery once said - 'Never, Say Never'!" " These concerts have become a great way of bringing Bond fans together, and after more than 60 years of Bond films, we feel we are keeping the music alive and taking it to new audiences at the same time. Whilst nothing can compare to the iconic original performances, there is also nothing like live music, and we always bring a passion and authenticity to our versions, which are faithful to the original arrangements to incredible levels of detail. The love of what we do, and the love of Bond, is infectious and undeniable!" One real treat of all Bond fans, on 13th October at Indigo at the 02, David Zaritsky (The Bond Experience) will act as compere, with special guest appearances from Maud Adams and Britt Ekland, who starred in The Man with the Golden Gun. For full details of the whole tour, please go to www.QTheMusicShow.com

A RIP-ROARING PREHISTORIC SCIENCE POP GIG FOR ALL AGES Audiences of all ages are invited to join famous palaeontologist Dr Jakob Vinther and a five-strong band as they enter the multi-coloured world of the dinosaurs in a sixty-minute show featuring a kaleidoscope of funky music, real-life stories and fascinating science. Dr Jakob Vinther, a palaeontologist at Bristol University, made the discovery around 15 years ago: that melanin (a pigment) is preserved in the feathers and skin of dinosaurs and can thus help determine their original colourings. Now he swaps the lab for the stage to tell the story of his discovery with the help of the real star of the show, Dee the Psittacosaurus - who is the most accurate model of a dinosaur ever made! Following a sold-out week at Bristol Old Vic in 2023. The Colour of Dinosaurs will play in Polka’s Main Theatre from 11th May – 9th June 2024, Recommended for 6-12 year olds and their families, The Colour of Dinosaurs brings together an amazing team of neurodivergent and disabled performers to bring the story to life and celebrate everyone’s identities, including disability, cultural identity, and of course, how much they love dinosaurs! Alongside Dr Jakob Vinter, the band is a collective of musicians and performers: Dom Coyote, Lloyd Coleman, Victoria Oruwari, Roxana Vilk and Harry Miller - playing themselves and sharing their own real-life experiences, their authentic responses to Jakob’s research and how they draw similarities from these dinosaur discoveries with themselves. Lloyd Coleman, composer/co-creator of The Colour of Dinosaurs explains, “ Jakob changed what the world knows about the colour of dinosaurs, and our show dives headfirst into the mind-blowing science behind his big discovery. You can also expect catchy tunes, emotional real-life stories and some incredible fossils… on top of asking why this stuff matters to us as humans. My bandmates and I are so excited to stomp our way into Polka this summer!” The Colour of Dinosaurs is directed by Dom Coyote and associate director Kyla Goodey, with music by Lloyd Coleman and writing by Malaika Kegode, and is based on the research of Dr Jakob Vinther. It is designed by Amy Pitt and Saskia Tomlinson, with lighting design by Chris Swain and sound by Joe D’souza and sensory design consultancy by Annie Davies. As Executive Producer for co-creator Otic, Liz Counsell explains, “ At the heart of this show is the belief that curiosity can triumph over fear, that everyone is equal and that all of our brilliant differences should be celebrated and bring us together, not push us apart. Each member of the cast explores various aspects of difference and identity, interwoven through the show... for instance, Lloyd has albinism, which is the inability to produce melanin and causes his vision impairment." "Victoria experiences synaesthesia, the extraordinary ability to associate music and sounds with colour - especially fascinating as she became blind in childhood. Dom talks and sings movingly about not fully knowing about his heritage and identity, and Harry and Rocky both touch on aspects of their lived experiences too. We were amazed at just how many profound conversations were prompted by Jakob’s study of ancient dinosaur fossils. But the show is really silly and fun too: It's a kaleidoscope of science, emotions, jokes and cracking tunes.” Tickets are on sale now via polkatheatre.com or call 020 8543 4888 Both images are from last year's sell-out performances at the Bristol Old Vic'

CARLOS ACOSTA’S BRB2 BEGINS SECOND UK TOUR WITH A NEW GLOBAL COHORT OF FIRST-CLASS EMERGING BALLET DANCERS In Spring 2023, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s (BRB) Director, the world-renowned Carlos Acosta, launched BRB2 - a new initiative through which BRB pro-actively seeks out some of the best young ballet graduates from across the globe. BRB2 features some of the brightest young stars in the ballet world, hailing from the UK, USA, Ukraine, France, Germany, New Zealand and Australia, and offers a unique opportunity for audiences to be the first to see ballet’s elite rising stars on stage. BRB2 is a magnet for the best UK and international talent, providing extensive training and professional experience, sending developed, professional dancers back into the dance sector and providing role models for the next generation. The two-year performance programme provides vital employment for the next generation of exceptional ballet dancers (aged 18-22) to transition from training into jobs at BRB or other leading ballet companies, impacting the dance sector worldwide. Now, after a hugely successful inaugural tour in 2023, BRB2 hits the road again with further performances of Carlos Acosta’s Classical Selection, a mixed programme of balletic highlights chosen by Acosta himself, visiting some venues for the first time. Opening in Cheltenham, the tour then visits Poole, Northampton, Canterbury and Peterborough. BRB2’s visit to Canterbury will mark the first time Birmingham Royal Ballet has performed in the city. Carlos Acosta said: “ Everyone was so delighted with how the inaugural year of BRB2 went. It's been a great year, watching the inaugural group of dancers grow and develop, and to welcome the second intake join and quickly establish themselves as vital members of the Company. Many BRB2 artists are already taking important roles in the current The Sleeping Beauty tour (over 41 shows this Spring) and I cannot be more thrilled that all of the initial intake will be joining the Company full-time at the end of this season. " It's not just about talent spotting though! My Classical Selection is a brilliant evening of ballet whether you are an established fan or looking for a way to discover what ballet is all about. ” The music for End of Time and Dying Swans will be performed live by Jeanette Wong (Head of Piano) and Antonio Novais (Principal Cellist). Jeanette will also perform two solo piano pieces by Ravel to accompany a brand-new duet, titled Mirrored, choreographed especially for BRB2 this year by Will Tuckett. The programme for the 2024 UK tour includes the world premiere of Mirrored, a wholly new duet created by William Tuckett for BRB2. Further pas de deux include Frederick Ashton’s Rhapsody - premiered at The Royal Ballet in 1980 by Mikhail Baryshnikov and Lesley Collier; August Bournonville’s most famous ballet La Sylphide; The love duet from Swan Lake - probably the most famous pas de deux in ballet; Carlos Acosta’s take on Fokine’s The Dying Swan which features two dancers instead of one (hence The Dying Swans plural) and is double the usual length; Marius Petipa’s Diana and Actaeon pas de deux; Ben Stevenson’s End of Time set to Rachmaninov's gloriously melancholic Sonata in G Minor (3rd movement). In the second half Gustavo Mollajoli’s A Buenos Aires celebrates the spirit of tango to music by Astor Piazzolla; the iconic Edith Piaf’s Je ne regrette rien choreographed by Ben Van Cauwenbergh, whose Jacques Brel-inspired humorous gala piece Les Bourgeois will also feature. Acosta’s choreography for the Carmen pas de deux promises to raise the temperature with Bizet’s heat-seeking score. Will Tuckett’s new duet Mirrored will captivate audiences before Jorges Garcia’s Majisimo closes out the programme, performed to Massenet’s music from Le Cid. Below Will Tuckett (c) Imogen Harvey

“One of the most awing and effective theatre productions on offer’ Forbes From May 8th to 12th, the Theatre Royal Brighton will host five spellbinding nights of enigma and intrigue. Scott Silven weaves an enchanting magical tapestry, inviting audiences to embark on a shared journey that delves into the unexplored corners of their minds, unlocking the true essence of wonder and human connection. Brighton Festival has announced that world-renowned illusionist Scott Silven and his acclaimed show Wonders will join this year’s programme. Direct from New York and making its debut in England, Wonders promises an electrifying journey through the extraordinary, inviting audiences to discover the power of wonder in their lives. Wonders goes beyond a traditional magic show, to an interactive, immersive experience that defies the limits of the mind and the boundaries of human connection. Audiences will not only witness but become an integral part of breathtaking illusions, discovering the boundless potential of their own imagination. By exploring the essence of wonder, Silven will guide us to look at the world, and ourselves, in a new and extraordinary way. Audiences leave the show feeling different. Renowned for enchanting audiences worldwide with his mesmerising performances on stage and screen, Scottish-born Silven has become a global sensation. His remarkable journey has taken him from a childhood inspired by the myth and mystery of the Scottish landscapes that surrounded him, to headlining some of the world's most iconic venues - from the Sydney Opera House to The Kennedy Center. Silven has also presented at world-leading institutions from Stanford to Yale and made celebrated appearances at top international festivals such as the Hong Kong Arts Festival, Sydney Festival, Melbourne International Festival, and the Singapore Festival of the Arts. Following four sold-out world tours and an acclaimed seven-year New York run, Silven is poised for a much-anticipated return to the UK when Brighton Festival hosts his first live performance in England in eight years and the English debut of his acclaimed show, Wonders. Scott Silven said: " I’m hugely excited to be returning to the UK to take Brighton Festival audiences on a journey of wonder. You’ll not only witness impossible illusions of the mind, you’ll discover the power of your imagination and become part of an unforgettable collective adventure. Get ready to challenge your perceptions, connect with your innermost self, and hopefully emerge inspired by the magic that awaits you within the jewel box of the Theatre Royal. Ready for an adventure? I can't wait to see you there.” Wonders is part of Brighton Festival 2024 – the largest annual curated multi-arts festival in England. This year’s Guest Director is the author and screenwriter, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, best known for 24 Hour Party People, Millions and his work on the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony. Inspired by Brighton’s optimistic spirit and his own interest in the world of magic, Cottrell-Boyce invites everyone to imagine a better world through a vibrant and colourful celebration of Hope and Wonder. To buy your tickets to see Scott Silven's "Wonder", please go to brightonfestival.org/whats-on/XO0-scott-silven-wonders/ .

Born from a savvy short sketch and returning to the stage following a hugely successful debut in 2023, Rock Paper, Scissors is a playful comedy of errors with a deeply dark twist and comes to The Hope Theatre between 7th and 11th May. Written and directed by Chess Hayden , this farcical thriller will uncover the rawness of human nature, where the game of Rock, Paper, Scissors is used to make life-changing decisions. Following Dylan and Lucy, best friends and housemates, this satirical journey of friendship, lovers and even manslaughter, will explore the trajectory of the pair’s relationship as they descend into unexpected chaos. As the situation escalates and the stakes get higher, this gripping production toys with themes of control and how much of life is ever really left up to chance? Based around human nature and the intricacies of our individual moral compass, this dynamic and delightful production is a riveting new comedy with a cutting edge script. Reprising the role of Lucy will be Emma Lo (Guardians of the Galaxy, Secret Cinema) and also returning to his role will be Jimmy Roberts as Dylan. Rejoining this terrific cast in the role of Jemma will be Megan Cooper (Love Talks, New Wimbledon Theatre, Othello, Birmingham Hippodrome). Director and Writer Chess Hayden comments, "We’ve all used a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to make inconsequential decisions, but what if the result changed your life? Or someone else's? This show is an exploration of morality grey areas whilst still staying true to the typical nature of farce; pairing absurdity with high stakes as the characters use the game to make momentous choices. We're absolutely delighted to have the second run of our show chosen as part of The Hope Theatre's final programme of 2024" Tickets are available from £10 on Tuesday 7th May and starting at £13 from Thursday 9th onwards. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thehopetheatre/e-qaljoy

“a mixture of magic, science and derring-do, you're like a sexy Doctor Who!”. David Walliams, judge on Britain's Got Talent International magic star Kevin Quantum embarks on his first ever UK theatre tour with MOMENTUM ; a show that rocks the audience with epic stunts and belly laughs. The new show is a chance to see spectacular new tricks and to witness, in person, some of the breathtaking magic he has performed on international TV. This includes an astonishing and death-defying grand finale – a blindfolded stunt featuring a gigantic Newton’s cradle and nine flaming cannon balls. Magic, this breathtaking trick took him to the final stages of Britain’s Got Talent Trained by the great Penn and Teller, the illusionist and inventor began his career as a physicist before moving into magic – an art where he has thrived for 15 years, as he says. " I got into Magic via reality TV! I was 24 years old, midway through my physics PhD when I had the opportunity to go on a Channel 4 show called Faking It. The idea was to learn a new skill in four weeks at a good enough level to fool a panel of expert judges. I had to learn to do magic." " What followed was three weeks in London learning from the best British magicians, a week in Las Vegas, including a masterclass with Penn & Teller, and a competition show where I had to convince Paul Daniels that I was an actual magician! A real whirlwind that completely changed my life and set me on a career path that I could never have imagined. Although I left formal Science research over a decade ago, in my theatre work I love to make shows that have crossovers between magic and science themes. Sometimes it’s in an act like the ‘flaming cannonballs’ stunt at the end of the show (based on a newton’s cradle desk toy) and other times it’s a scientific principle. "I realised early in my career that scientists don’t have a clue what’s going on at the tiniest levels in the universe – the Quantum levels. To describe what they saw they were using magic terminology like ‘disappear’ or ‘transform’. I thought this was hilarious at first, but I then I realised that’s the cross over between science and magic, the quantum level. So I adopted the name. And I regularly return to that level for inspirations for my presentations." That's one kind of inspiration for Kevin, but who are the other magicians who inspire him? " Easy - Penn & Teller. They are the best for me. Not just because they mentored me in the early days, but they effortlessly fuse their magic with science, social commentary, and politics which ultimately makes it more meaningful. Others have tried this, but none do it as well as they do. And they don’t skimp on the magic either. It’s top-drawer tricks, really fooling and well-rehearsed ." He also works as an illusion designer, most recently designing the magic for Alan Cumming’s recent Broadway play BURN. But what can audiences expect from his stage show? " Wonder, laughs and joy. I want people to see lots of impossible moments, many inspired by science, but also be sore from laughter. I love sketch comedy and possess an incredibly silly sense of humour, which is a big influence on my performances."  For more information about the Momentum tour please go to www.kevinquantum.com

The Home of Entertainment – The Heart of Brighton, Komedia Turns 30! This May, much-loved Brighton institution Komedia will celebrate its 30 th Birthday! From humble beginnings at a small venue on Manchester Street in Kemptown in 1994, to their home for the last 26 years on Gardner Street in the North Laine, Komedia has certainly been through its ups and downs but has managed to weather the storm, in an ever-changing landscape, where multiple independent venues are lost each year. Only yesterday I heard someone say he had been drinking at a venue on a Monday and when he went passed on the Tuesday it was shut & closed. Komedia was born from the minds of the directors of ‘Umbrella Theatre’, Colin Granger, Marina Kobler, and David Lavender. The company modelled the venue on the cabaret theatres they had seen while touring in cities such as Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Berlin. Lavender stumbled across the name Komedia in an international theatre magazine chose it as it had ‘ echoes of both comedy and media, and a sense of crossing boundaries .’ Komedia soon outgrew the Manchester Street venue and were soon on the hunt for new premises, which at one point even included a venue in Churchill Square. After much searching, in 1998, Komedia moved to Jubilee Shopping Hall (a former Tesco supermarket), the opening show was Disco Pigs featuring Cillian Murphy and in June 1999 Krater Comedy Club was born after the ‘crater like’ basement area was transformed into performance space. The larger venue has attracted a variety of established and up-and-coming acts over the years, often acting as launchpad for new talent. Comedy acts have included: Catherine Tate, Stewart Lee, Ross Noble, Alan Carr, Harry Hill, The Mighty Boosh, Johnny Vegas, Dave Gorman, John Bishop (below), Lee Mack, Jimmy Carr, Michael Mcintyre, Micky Flanagan, Rob Beckett, Alex Horne, Rob Delaney, Eddie Izzard, Greg Davies, Flight of the Conchords, Jack Whitehall, Dara O'Briain, Sarah Millican, Bridget Christie, Armando Ianucci, Zoe Lyons, Angela Barnes, Maisie Adams and Jen Brister. Music acts have included: Lewis Capaldi, KT Tunstall, Tom Odell, James Bay, IDLES, The XX, Kate Nash, Anna Calvi, Ghostpoet, Bonobo, Bat for Lashes, Arctic Monkeys, Foals, Mumford and Sons, Mulatu Astatke, James Blake, All Saints, Alabama Shakes, Shakaba Hutchings, Black Midi, AJ Tracey, Anish Kumar and The Mary Wallopers. In 2020 when COVID struck, the venue closed on the 18 th March 2020 and didn’t re-open until the 22nd May 2021. It was a time of ups and downs, as it was for many venues across the country. Despite being closed for over a year, shows having to move online, three floods, two new floors and a rollercoaster ride of emergency funding bids, Komedia managed to come out the other side, with a renewed sense of determination, rebuilding their programme from the ground up. Komedia Founders Marina and Colin said; “ It has been an incredible journey these past 30 years. The venue we created in Brighton in May 1994 was inspired by European Café Theatre venues and was something entirely new for Brighton and the rest of the UK; and it is thanks to all the brilliant staff and performers who have worked and still work for us, that we remain an independent, self-supporting venue which offers a wide choice of live entertainment, good service and welcomes people of all ages and from all walks of life. We look forward to seeing Komedia develop and thrive in the future. ” To celebrate their birthday, Komedia are putting on a week of special events running from Sat 4th May to Sun 12 th May, see the full programme here . They are also launching Komedia branded merchandise, featuring a custom illustration by Emily Wallace, which will be available to purchase in the venue from May onwards. Komedia are also giving one lucky person a ‘Golden Ticket’ meaning they can access any Komedia event for free for a full year (and they can bring a friend/family member too). Simply head over to their competition page here to find out how you can win before the 30th April! To see what Komedia has coming up, visit their website at www.komedia.co.uk/brighton

‘ An impressive knack for both observational wit and quirky flights of fancy’ - Evening Standard Join award winning comedian Paul F Taylor (as seen on Harry Hill’s Club Nite ) to take flight in a hot air balloon of hilarity, up and away from the realities of life into a world of whimsy as he brings his critically acclaimed, veritable daydream of a show to theatres from Middlesbrough to Southampton and lots in between. Paul F Taylor has always been a man that has thrown himself to the gods of chaos. Growing up, people often accused him of having his head in the clouds. Having recently been diagnosed with ADHD, perhaps it’s little wonder he’s not had his feet on the ground. Paul has appeared on Harry Hill’s Nite Club on Channel 4 and written for the award winning BBC Radio 4 sketch show Please Use Other Door. A winner of the prestigious New Act of the Year (NATYs) competition, he has since been nominated for Best Show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2017 and the A mused Moose Comedy Award for Best Show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. As well as having performed 11 shows at the Edinburgh fringe, Paul’s warm stage presence and cleverly written surreal material have seen him establish himself as a headliner in the UK and overseas. Along with his wife Rebecca Shorrocks, he is one half of sketch duo Short & Curly who enjoyed mass critical success at the Edinburgh Fringe as well as being nominated for Best Character and Sketch Act in the Chortle Awards. Now Paul questions his place in this world of distractions that is seemingly not built for people like him. As a new father he’s learning the hard way, having something that demands him to keep his focus, when he can’t, isn’t easy. But in this very serious world, maybe we can all benefit from having our head in the clouds a little now and then. If you would like to join Paul and find the clouds with the surreal rather than silver linings full details of his tour can be found at: - https://www.paulftaylor.co.uk/ / Twitter: @paulyftaylor / Instagram: @paulyftaylor  Image (c) Ed Moore