SEASONBROCHURET H E A T R E

T H E A T R E

stjamestheatre.co.uk | 0844 264 2140

SEPT - DEC 2014

CONTENTS2

3

4 - 5

6 - 7

8 - 9

10 - 11

12 - 13

14 - 15

16 - 17

18 - 19

20 - 21

CORPORATE EVENTS

ONE STAGE

BREEDERS

UNCLE VANYA

ACCOLADE

THE SNOW DRAGON

ERIC AND LITTLE ERN

SUNDAY SHOWS

FOOD & DRINK AT ST. JAMES

SUPPORT ST. JAMES

ST. JAMES STUDIO

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SEPTEMBER- DECEMBER 2014The highlight of the second half of our 2014 season is undoubtedly the three ‘One Stage’ productions.

Last year we were approached by the charity, Stage One, whose aim is to encourage, develop and support new commercial theatre producers. They are the lifeblood of future British theatre and Stage One is a shining light, particularly for the three talented new producers who have been carefully chosen by the Stage One Board. Each will present a five week run of their production from September. The season will open with Breeders, followed by Uncle Vanya and finally, Accolade. Each of the producer’s exuberance and passion is already spreading throughout the St. James.

And as our season comes to an end, Christmas at the St. James wouldn’t be Christmas without another brilliant family show - The Snow Dragon, from the Tall Stories production company. But forthose wishing to enjoy an homage to some of the greatest comedy ever, we bring you Olivier award nominated Eric and Little Ern.

We are now also presenting Sunday shows and concerts to enable our patrons the opportunity to be entertained on a more leisurely day of the week . And of course, let’s not forget the packed programme of cabaret, music, comedy and theatre in the St. James Studio. But life at the St. James is more than just the show. We want you to have the best experience possible, whether it’s a drink at the bar, a pre-show meal in the Brasserie, or a rather more relaxed dinner in our excellent restaurant upstairs. And all of the above is available during the day too! We look forward to seeing you very soon - be it as a regular St. James customer or for the very first time.

Robert Mackintosh Executive Producer

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VIEW ST. JAMES FROM ANOTHER ANGLE

AGMS

SHOWCASES

PR MEETINGS

CONFERENCES

FILM SCREENINGS

PRODUCT LAUNCHES

AWARD CEREMONIESAWARD CEREMONIES

PRIVATE RECEPTIONS

TV BROADCAST FACILITIES

DID YOU KNOW WE’RE ALSO OPEN FOR...

ONE SEASON. THREE PLAYS. ONE STAGE

A brand new COMEDY, a reimagined MASTERPIECE and a thrilling REVIVAL make up

the One Stage Season at St James Theatre.

Launched by Stage One, the charity committed to developing and supporting new commercial

theatre producers, this season promises an exciting variety of high quality productions from

the next generation of theatre producers.

3 SEPTEMBER - 4 OCTOBER 2014

BREEDERSby Ben Ockrent

directed by Tamara Harvey

8 OCTOBER - 8 NOVEMBER 2014

UNCLE VANYAby Anton Chekhov

in a new version by Anya Reissdirected by Russell Bolam

12 NOVEMBER - 13 DECEMBER 2014

ACCOLADEby Emlyn Williams

directed by Blanche McIntyre

#ONESTAGE | @STAGEONENEWPROD

VIEW ST. JAMES FROM ANOTHER ANGLE

AGMS

SHOWCASES

PR MEETINGS

CONFERENCES

FILM SCREENINGS

PRODUCT LAUNCHES

AWARD CEREMONIESAWARD CEREMONIES

PRIVATE RECEPTIONS

TV BROADCAST FACILITIES

DID YOU KNOW WE’RE ALSO OPEN FOR...

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A NEW COMEDYby Ben Ockrent

Directed by Tamara Harvey

THE PATH TO PARENTHOOD ISN’T ALWAYS STRAIGHT

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Vicky Graham Productions in association with Tom O’Connell for QNQ present

BREEDERSBy BEN OCKRENTDirected by TAMARA HARVEY

3 SEPTEMBER - 4 OCTOBERAndrea and her wife Caroline have it all: great jobs, a loving relationship and a new home. There’s just one thing missing: a baby.

Amidst the drink-sodden traditions of a family Christmas, they have an idea: if nature can’t give them a child that shares both their genes, perhaps Andrea’s under-achieving brother Jimmy can? When he and his girlfriend Sharon agree, the four are forced closer than any family expects to be. Will this be the perfect solution? Or a recipe for disaster?

This hilarious new comedy offers a fresh take on family, tradition and procreation, questioning not only why we have children, but how.

‘Children should be raised by a mother and a father’ Come join the debate. #BreedersDebate, St. James Theatre, 15 September, 6.00pm. Admission Free. Reserve your ticket at the box office in person, or over the phone.

PERFORMANCE TIMESMon - Sat eves 7.30pmThurs & Sat mats 2.30pm

TICKETS£15, £37.50Premium seats are also available at £49.50

A NEW COMEDYby Ben Ockrent

Directed by Tamara Harvey

THE PATH TO PARENTHOOD ISN’T ALWAYS STRAIGHT

/BreedersPlay @BreedersPlay

Nicholas Burns Angela Griffin Jemima RooperTamzin Outhwaite

UV_StJamesDLad_V3.indd 1 23/05/2014 14:08

Emily Dobbs for Jagged Fence Productions presents

UNCLE VANYABy ANTON CHEKHOVIn a new version by ANYA REISS

8 OCTOBER - 8 NOVEMBER

A beautiful autumn day, rural England. A respected professor returns to his farmland estate which has been quietly managed without him for many years. He brings with him a new, beautiful, young wife and their arrival turns the lives of the residents and his family upside down. As everyone re-examines their choices, old wounds are reopened, passions are awakened and thwarted ambitions bubble to the surface, threatening the lives of everyone involved. Re-uniting the team behind the critically acclaimed, sell-out successes of The Seagull and Three Sisters, award-winning writer Anya Reiss reimagines this tragicomic masterpiece in a stunning new version for the 21st century.

HHHH “Fresh, sexy and downright perceptive” Daily Telegraph, Dominic Cavendish

(for Anya Reiss’ previous adaptation of The Seagull at the Southwark Playhouse)

PERFORMANCE TIMESMon - Sat eves 7.30pmThurs & Sat mats 2.30pmPreviews 8 - 12 October

TICKETS£19.50, £29.50, £39.50Premium seats are also available at £49.50

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Financial Times

‘EFFORTLESSLY CONTEMPORARY

AND FRIGHTENINGLY RELEVANT.

BEG, BORROW OR STEAL

TO GET A TICKET’

The Spectator

★★★★★‘A REVELATION’

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Nicola Seed presents

ACCOLADEBy EMLYN WILLIAMSDirected by BLANCHE MCINTYREDesigned by JAMES COTTERILLLighting Designed by PETER MUMFORDSound Designed by EMMA LAXTON

12 NOVEMBER - 13 DECEMBER

“Suspense filled, utterly authentic. It’s riveting viewing.” Variety*

“A stunning rediscovery. Firmly and favourably, between Rattigan and David Hare.” Whatsonstage*

London, 1950.

Private and public worlds collide when author Will Trenting’s knighthood attracts the glare of the British press. Will is forced to battle against the exposure of his secret life and the double standards of a society bent on destroying him.

Rising star Blanche McIntyre (Best Director 2013, UK Theatre Awards) directs Emlyn Williams’ tale of sex, scandal and blackmail. As relevant now as when it first shocked audiences in 1950, this gripping thriller was awarded Time Out’s Best Off West End Production and three Off West End Awards including Best Production when it was presented at the Finborough Theatre in 2011.

PERFORMANCE TIMESMon - Sat eves 7.30pmThurs & Sat mats 2.30pm

TICKETS£15, £29.50, £39.50Premium seats are also available

*Reviews from the Finborough Theatre production, 2011

From the company that brought you THE GRUFFALO

& THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE

The perfect show for ages 3+

brought you & THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE& THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE&

Snow_Dragon_210x99.indd 1 13/05/2014 12:11

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From the company that brought you THE GRUFFALO

& THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE

The perfect show for ages 3+

brought you & THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE& THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE&

Snow_Dragon_210x99.indd 1 13/05/2014 12:11

Tall Stories presents

THE SNOW DRAGON

9 DECEMBER - 4 JANUARY

HHHHH“If you are a kid, if you have kids, if you ever were a kid, go and see The Snow Dragon.” Three Weeks

HHHH“Foot-tapping songs and some moments of pure magic... A perfectly charming children´s show that manages to keep the older audience members entertained too” The Scotsman

Billy has everything a young goat could need – and more besides. On New Year’s Eve, Billy’s parents tell him about the legendary Snow Dragon, who will bring him even more goodies during the night.

But when Billy bumps into some wolves in the woods, New Year’s Day seems a long way off. Find out how Billy escapes – and whether the Snow Dragon will bring him a present. Has Billy been naughty or nice?

Story-telling, comedy and songs create a magical, mysterious world for everyone aged 3 and up, from the company that brought you The Gruffalo and last year’s Christmas hit The Snail and the Whale.

PERFORMANCE TIMESMon - Sun 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm*

*Please check www.stjamestheatre.co.uk for specific days

TICKETS£16, £18Family Ticket of 4 : £55 (each additional ticket is £13.75) Schools price from £7.50 (contact Box Office for details)

Based on the book by TOBY MITCHELL and ANNA LEWENHAUPT

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Seabright Productions presents

ERIC AND LITTLE ERNCreated and performed by IAN ASHPITEL and JONTY STEPHENSFeaturing classic material by EDDIE BRABEN, DICK HILLS and SID GREENDirected by OWEN LEWIS

16 DECEMBER - 11 JANUARY

HHHHH“Like Morecambe & Wise themselves, this is a wonderfully funny, genuine, and beautifully played two-hander” The Herald

This affectionate, moving and fantastically funny homage to the greatest comedy double act that Britain has ever seen vividly brings back warm memories of a bygone era.

Recreating some of the finest moments of Eric and Ernie’s television and stage performances, cherished moments from the archives sit alongside new material created by the performers. Together they make a brilliant comedy that recreates the all-ages appeal of Morecambe and Wise in their heyday, featuring classic material including the original Grieg Piano Concerto sketch and Eric’s take on Shakespeare.

The show returns to London for a strictly limited four-week Christmas season following its acclaimed 2013 premiere, for which it received an Olivier Award nomination as Best Entertainment.

PERFORMANCE TIMESTue - Sat eve 7.30pm*Sun eve 7.00pm*Wed - Sun mats 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4pm*

No performances on Wed 24 Dec, Thur 25 Dec, Thur 1 Jan

*Please check www.stjamestheatre.co.uk for specific days

TICKETS£20, £35 Quote XMASSPECIAL to get 4 top price seats for £120 (usually £140)

Premium seats are also available at £45

SUNDAYSHOWS

The Showstoppers present

SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICALSUNDAY 26 OCTOBERA brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at every single performance of this award-winning show. Each night, audience suggestions are instantly transformed into an all-singing, all-dancing production, with unpredictable and hilarious results!

With six years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see phenomenon, four sell-out West End seasons and an acclaimed BBC Radio 4 series to their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity.

Whether you fancy Sondheim on a ski lift, or Cole Porter in Poundland – you suggest it and The Showstoppers will sing it!

“Having now seen Showstopper! twice, I can testify that not only is each performance achingly funny, it’s a genuinely new full-length musical every time. Top-class creativity in action. Worth seeing again and again.” HHHHH Time Out London, Critics’ Choice

See website for further details

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NATALIE WEISSSUNDAY 2 NOVEMBERFor one night only witness Broadway Performer and Creator of ‘Breaking Down The Riffs’, Natalie Weiss, showcase her insane vocal talent in her UK solo concert debut! Produced by ILIADebuts in association with DrenHart Productions.

“Natalie Weiss has one of the most beautiful voices in the theatre industry. Her choices are always smart and calculated, and she is such a present and giving performer.” Michael Gioia, staff writer at Playbill.com

PERFORMANCE TIME 7:30pm

TICKETS From £20. VIP packages also available

S & S AWARDin association with Mercury Musical Developments

SUNDAY 23 NOVEMBER

The S&S Award Gala is a celebration of new musical theatre. A West End cast performs songs from the winning shows and a music industry personality presents the Award itself - to the best new unproduced musical of the year.

Previous galas included Michael Ball, Don Black, Janie Dee, Haydn Gwynne and Leigh Zimmerman - and the audience is even starrier! So come and take your place for a taste of the hits of tomorrow... today.

PERFORMANCE TIME 5:30pm

TICKETS See website for details on prices

Why not make this a Christmas to remember by celebrating at the St. James. Join us for:

• Christmas parties• Group bookings of up to 60

We have a delicious set menu especially for

Christmas* 2 Courses ONLY £24.50

3 Courses ONLY £26.50

For reservations please e-mail: restaurants@stjamestheatre.co.uk or call 0207 592 0348

C hr istmas at

*Available 10 Nov - 3 Jan

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The Carrara is located on the first floor, serving the finest of British cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Overlooking Victoria, the Carrara is perfect for lunch and pre-theatre dining as well as providing an excellent dining experience for non-theatre patrons.

The St. James Bar and Brasserie is located on the ground floor. It provides a luxurious place to relax and unwind with a cocktail or light bites.

Why not try our new Express lunch… choose a main and a drink for only £10

CARRARA RESTAURANT

BAR & BRASSERIE

2 Courses ONLY £24.50

3 Courses ONLY £26.50

C hr istmas at

*Available 10 Nov - 3 Jan17

SUPPORT ST. JAMES

Why not become a Friend of the St. James? Be our best friend!

For more information see our website or email friends@stjamestheatre.co.uk

FRIENDS OF THE ST. JAMES £24

Priority ticket allocation for full price tickets

Priority advance notice of our programme and on-sale dates

Regular updates by email

5% discount on food in the Bar & Brasserie

©Tom Cronin Photography ©Andrew Randall Photography

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BECOME PART OF AN EXPAN DIN G C ULTURAL HUB AND HE L P SUPPORT THE ARTS IN T H E 2 1 ST C ENTURY. . .

Priority advance notice of our programme and on-sale dates

Regular updates by email

5% discount on food in the Bar & Brasserie

As a St. James Club Member you will be allocated a personal contact for all bookings (tickets & hospitality) and invitations to

numerous events, plus scores of additional benefits. Get a tailored experience every time you contact us plus so much more...

SILVER£250

Tickets per year

2 x tickets x 2 shows per year

2 x tickets x 5 shows per year

2 x tickets x 10 shows

per year

Priority ticket allocation for full price tickets

10% discount on food at the Restaurant and in the Bar & Brasserie

Special members rate

Invitation to members nights (with pre-show drinks reception)

Invitation to Q&As, debates & talks

Opportunities to meet the cast

Invitation to the St. James annual celebrations

Press Night tickets allocation

Annual dinner / lunch with the Creative team

GOLD£500

PLATINUM£1,000

For further details please contact Carolina Busina – who is very happy to discuss over the phone, on email or in person over a coffee!

0207 654 9900 | carolina@stjamestheatre.co.uk

* All subject to availability

©Andrew Randall Photography

THE POLITICAL PARTY WITH MATT FORDE24 SEPTEMBER, 29 OCTOBER, 26 NOVEMBER 8pm | £12.50 / £15

Matt Forde hosts a comedy night combining topical stand-up and a big interview with a political heavyweight.

DAVID BEDELLA AND FRIENDS - PRIMETIME! 14 SEPTEMBER, 5 OCTOBER, 2 NOVEMBER, 7 DECEMBER7pm | £20 / £25

Olivier Award winner David Bedella, hosts a sophisticated evening of laughter, song, gossip & chat: featuring a live band and his many celebrity friends from the worlds of film, television, Broadway and the West End.

THE WONDERFUL MUSIC OF...ALL SHOWS 8pm | £17.50 / £20

SAT 18 OCTOBERThe Wonderful Music of Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw

SAT 1 NOVEMBERThe Wonderful Music of Herbie Hancock

SAT 15 NOVEMBERThe Wonderful Music of Scott Joplin and the Ragtime Masters

SAT 29 NOVEMBERThe Wonderful Music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Cannonball

MATT FORDE’S SPORTS PARTY11 SEPTEMBER, 16 OCTOBER, 20 NOVEMBER 8pm | £12.50 / £15

Sports-mad comedian and talkSPORT presenter Matt Forde hosts a brand new comedy chat show featuring some of the biggest professional names in sport as well celebrity fans and officials.

S T U D I O

S T U D I O

CABARET COMEDY

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1925): Screening with Live MusicFRI 31 OCTOBER6.15pm & 8.45pm | £15 / £17.50

A special Halloween screening of the original Phantom Of The Opera from

1925, accompanied by a live soundtrack. Unsilent Movies (Ric Elsworth – Percussion & Andrew Shirtliff – Piano) is a project dedicated to giving classic Silent Movies a uniquely modern soundtrack played live as the film is screened.

HENRY IV Part 1MON 29 SEPTEMBER - FRI 3 OCTOBER 1pm | £8 / £10 on the door

Henry Bolingbroke faces his greatest leadership challenge after his recent hostile takeover. Crisis management is needed. This timeless struggle for

power vividly plays out as a battle of the boardroom in this bold, fresh adaptation of Shakespeare’s favourite history play.

CITY STORIESMON 22 – TUE 23 SEPTEMBER 8pm | £15 / £17.50

City Stories is a new type of Cabaret Drama, a sequence of interwoven love stories and a love letter to London.Written and directed by award winning

playwright James Phillips and with original music composed by singer-songwriter Rosabella Gregory, City Stories is a magical journey through a magical city.

FRANCES RUFFELLE - PARIS ORIGINALFRI 3 OCTOBER8pm | £25 / £30

Frances Ruffelle’s last solo show in New York was named one of Playbill’s

Unforgettable Theatre Experiences of 2013. Now the Tony Award winning actress will perform her critically acclaimed, sell out solo show Paris Original.

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S T U D I O

S T U D I O

MUSIC THEATRE

T H E A T R E

T H E A T R E

stjamestheatre.co.uk | 0844 264 2140Photographer credits for front cover: Mike Eddowes, Johan Persson, John Haynes,

Andrew Billington, Nobby Clark, Phillip Gammon, Steve Ullathorne & Robert Workman

St. James Theatre, 12 Palace StreetLondon SW1E 5JA

BY TUBEThe nearest tube is Victoria. We are situated within a 5 minute walk of the station.

PARKINGFree parking after 6.30pm is available in nearby streets.

NATIONAL RAILVictoria Station is less than 5 minutes walk from the theatre.

BY BUSRoutes 16, 38, 52, 73, 42, 148 all pass by near the theatre.

HOW TO FIND US