The Turbine Theatre has today announced that it will be running a specially curated festival of live entertainment for all the family from 26 August – 19 September.
First up is a revival of American tribal love rock musical Hair which celebrates the sixties counterculture in all its barefoot, long-haired, bell-bottomed, beaded and fringed glory. In this specially produced concert version directed by Arlene Phillips, get ready to groove to an infectiously energetic rock beat with songs like “Aquarius,” “Good Morning, Starshine,” “Hair,” “I Got Life,” and “Let The Sun Shine.” Exploring ideas of identity, community, global responsibility and peace, Hair remains relevant as ever as it examines what it means to be a young person in a changing world.
The star-studded cast includes: Matt Croke (Aladdin and Funny Girl), Danielle Fiamanya (The Color Purple, & Juliet), Jordan Luke Gage (Bat Out of Hell, & Juliet), Grace Mouat (SiX and & Juliet), Millie O’Connell (SiX, Be More Chill), Jodie Steele (Heathers, SiX), Layton Williams (Everyone’s Talking About Jamie, Ren)
Arlene Phillips said: “I am thrilled to be directing this small but mighty open-air concert of Hair. Now more than ever we need music that lifts our spirits and feeds our souls to remind us that theatre is alive. I believe that a musical with a strong political message is important not just to give us hope, but to inspire a future generation.”
Paul Taylor-Mills, Artistic Director, The Turbine Theatre, said: “I’m always impressed by my artists ability to make work happen in what has always been a difficult industry to work in. The surprises of 2020 have made this challenge even greater. The Turbine on the Jetty Season is only possible because of the patience, expertise and fearlessness of the incredible companies and artists that have worked with me over the last couple of weeks to get this off the ground. The project is a mammoth undertaking and to say I’m thrilled with the variety of work on offer is an understatement. Even against the odds The Turbine Theatre continues to programme classic work in a fresh way and support both seasoned artists and provide a platform for new voices. Please do come and support us. The arts needs you more than ever, there is no other way of putting it.”
And as if that wasn’t exciting enough, the Thameside season also includes a new open-air series. Presented on a safe and socially distanced jetty next to the iconic Battersea Power Station, The Turbine on the Jetty series will feature a number of performances that is perfect for the whole family. Check out the schedule below:
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – 26 – 29 August 2020 (Various Times)
Horrible Histories is coming to the Jetty with its West End production of Barmy Britain. It’s the history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!
One Duck Down – 30 August 2020 (2pm)
Winner of Family Show of the Year at Vault Festival.
7000 rubber ducks. Seven Seas. One big adventure!
Inspired by a true tale (featured on Blue Planet II) that saw 7000 rubber ducks cast adrift in a mighty storm.
Jam packed with music, clowning and puppetry and with a set and props which are recycled from the lost and found of rubbish both on land and at sea, join us on an ocean clear-up adventure that would make David Attenborough proud.
The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons – 31 August 2020 (8pm)
A spectacular high-pitched celebration of timeless music from one of the biggest selling groups of all time. Featuring cast members from the smash-hit musical Jersey Boys.
Bard in the Yard – Saturday 6 September 2020 (2pm)
Bard in the Yard is a solo show about William Shakespeare being stuck in a plague quarantine in London in 1605… Quite literally stuck. Help the Bard rekindle the fire of his Muse in this whirlwind of a play “delivered to perfection” (The Telegraph) for the times by Will & Co!
The Final Countdown – 8 September 2020 (8pm)
The Final Countdown is a spectacular rock and pop concert featuring some of the greatest Power Ballads from the 1980s.
Aesops Fables: The Harvest Festival – 9 September 2020 (2pm)
Harvest time is nearly here and there’s still so much work for the animals to do. Can they put their disagreements aside and get the job done in time for the festival?
Macbeth: Sleep No More – 9 September 2020 (8pm)
“All hail Macbeth that shalt be King hereafter…”
Eight simple words from three mystic women – that’s all it takes to tempt a once-great man to ruin…
Vivienne de Vil in ‘With One Look’ – 11 September (5pm)
Confidant to the stars, Vivienne de Vil celebrates some of the leading ladies of musical theatre, spilling some of their deepest secrets and singing their iconic songs!
Black Sails – 12 September 2020 (2pm)
Double Trouble Theatre Co. presents Blacks Sails! A pirate summer pantomime full of songs, sword fights and fun for all the family.
Great Expectations – 12 September 2020 (5pm)
1803. Pip, a seven year-old orphan boy, visits his mother’s grave.
A frightening encounter with an escaped convict begins a series of events that will change his life forever.
Written by one of England’s greatest authors, Charles Dickens, Great Expectations is the profound and complex story of Pip’s journey through life.
Some of his most memorable characters – the terrifying Magwitch; Joe Gargery, the kind and generous blacksmith; the eccentric Miss Havisham; the cold and beautiful Estella; Mr Jaggers the pompous lawyer and Pip’s wise friend, Herbert Pocket – are vividly brought to life in this anarchic and joyful telling of this glorious tale.
Using Dickens’ original text (well, mostly!) David Mynne’s skilful, one-man performance of this epic story is deft, daft, delightful …and definitely Dickens!
Be prepared to be scared and amazed, to cry and laugh!
The Femmes – Vintage vocal Harmony Trio – 13th September 2020 (2pm)
The Femmes are a vintage inspired vocal harmony trio. With more fizz than a glass of champagne, these starlets will whisk you back to the 1940s and then take you through the years, giving each decade a “Femme makeover”. Expect Hollywood Glamour, nostalgia and toe-tapping tunes that will guarantee to get you in the mood for a glorious weekend.
Roles We’ll Never Play – 13th September 2020 (8pm)
A dazzling cast come together for a special night with the glorious Thames as our backdrop! After massive success we can’t wait to bring our concert back in September.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona – 15th September 2020 (8pm)
World-renowned Shakespeare company bring their hilarious production of this hidden gem to this exciting new festival.
West End Rocks! Feat. Vocal Extreme – 16th September 2020 (8pm)
Featuring vocalists from London’s West End shows such as We Will Rock You, Rock Of Ages, Bat Out Of Hell and Beautiful! – The Carole King Story, this show will take you on a rollercoaster ride with some of the biggest rock hits and power ballads ever written, all sung in 3-part harmony.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical – 17th September 2020 (8pm)
Experience Olivier Award-Winning, spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest in an intimate, stripped back open-air performance!
The Barricade Boys – 18th September 2020 (8pm)
Direct from London’s West End, THE BARRICADE BOYS are theatre lands most exciting new vocal group. Powerhouse vocals, slick dance routines and an incredible array of music.
Catfish The Musical: In Concert – 19th September 2020 (8pm)
Two strangers online write a musical about two strangers online. Catfish the Musical explores the highs and lows of social media and modern dating in a one-act, black mirror, cinematic drama.