London Theatre News Today: Tuesday 14 January

The shortlist for the National Campaign for the Arts’ (NCA), Hearts For The Arts Awards 2020 was today announced.

The awards celebrate the unsung heroes of Local Authorities who are championing the arts, often within a climate of severe financial challenges. Nominations were received from across the UK for each of the four categories: Best Arts Initiative; Best Arts Project – Community Cohesion; Best Arts Project – Arts, Health and Wellbeing; Best Arts Champion; and Local Authority or Cultural Trust Worker Best Arts Champion – Councillor.

The shortlist was judged by representatives from some of this year’s partners in the awards: Culture Counts, Local Government Association, Wales Council for Voluntary Action, National Campaign for the Arts, UK Theatre and Voluntary Arts Wales.

Samuel West, Chair of the National Campaign for the Arts, said: “What a shortlist. We were delighted to receive so many nominations from across the UK, and we’d like to thank our partners this year for working so hard to make this happen. The breadth of projects and people nominated show that the arts are well-rooted in our communities, despite increasingly difficult times for local authority funding. I am so happy that Hearts For The Arts is able to celebrate the creativity, ingenuity and tenacity of those on this year’s shortlists.”

The winners of the Hearts For The Arts Awards 2020 will be announced on 14 February and will be selected from the shortlist by a panel of key arts industry experts and practitioners, including Susie Dent (lexicographer, etymologist, host of Countdown’s Dictionary Corner), Gary Kemp (actor, musician, songwriter, founder member of Spandau Ballet), Kirstie Wilson (Kirklees Council, winner 2019 Hearts for the Arts Best Local Authority Arts Champion – Officer) and more. 

To find out which nominees were shortlisted, please visit Hearts For The Arts.

It was announced today that Louise Redknapp and Brian Conley will be returning to Dolly Parton’s 9 To 5 The Musical at the Savoy Theatre. 

Louise will return to the show from Monday 10 February in the role of Violet until the show ends its West End run on 23 May (excluding 12 – 28 March), while Brian will return on Monday 2 March as Franklin Hart Jr. They will be joining Chelsea Halfpenny as Judy Bernly, Natalie McQueen as Doralee Rhodes and Bonnie Langford as Roz Keith.

Based on the brilliant cult film, 9 To 5 The Musical follows Doralee, Violet, and Judy – three workmates who are constantly pushed to the edge by their sexist, narcissistic boss. But what will happen when they turn the tables and dream up a scheme to make the office as it should be? This legendary pop and country musical is the perfect cure for January blues so tumble outta’ bed and stumble to this sensational West End musical!

Sadler’s Wells today announced the four newcomers who will be joining the second intake of the Young Associates programme for young choreographers aged 18-24 years.

Olive Hardy, Vidya Patel, John-William Watson and Magnus Westwell will be supported by Sadler’s Wells for two years in a programme which aims to nurture the next generation of talent, deepening their understanding of their own artistic practice, whilst gaining valuable insight into dance production.

The initiative provides a crucial first step into their career as choreographers as they receive a tailored programme of professional development and support, including the opportunity to present their work as part of the Sadler’s Wells artistic programme. Congratulations to all four young choreographers!