Agency News

An OFFIE nomination for ROBERT MOUNTFORD

Thursday, 9th January 2025

Hats off ROBERT MOUNTFORD for his well-deserved OFFIE Best Supporting Actor nomination!   And it’s not too late to see Rob's delightful and inventive ‘Sir Andrew Aguecheek’ in TWELFTH NIGHT @orangetreetheatre as it’s on until 24th January.

Robert Mountford’s clubbable but baffled Sir Andrew Aguecheek - Mark Lawson - THE GUARDIAN****

Clive Francis turns in yet another scene-stealing display, this time as a rumpled Toby Belch who doesn’t seem to go anywhere without a hip flask. His exchanges with Robert Mountford’s Andrew Aguecheek, a bright young thing gone to seed, are a lesson in comic timing THE TIMES****

It is worth highlighting the comic talents of Clive Francis, who plays Sir Toby Belch, and Robert Mountford, who plays Sir Andrew Aguecheek. What a pair they are, playing off each other to create some of the funniest moments in the show with their physicality and skilled use of voice control. WEST END BEST FRIEND*****

Mountford’s timing excels itself with theatre business, as tin-helmeted he pratfalls cowardice. FRINGE REVIEW UK

Mountford finding a Lieutenant George energy that leavens his idiocy with an irresistible charm.  Great fun, but also a set up for a ferocious heartbreaker of a sting in that unforgettable denouement. BROADWAY WORLD

SIMON YADOO enjoys 4* and 5* reviews in WHAT WE TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT ANNE FRANK @marylebonetheatre

Sunday, 20th October 2024

4* GUARDIAN

5* TIMES

Simon Yadoo - probably my favourite performer in the show - brings a quiet intensity to the role of'Yerucham', whose unwavering faith becomes a focal point of tension.    From mumbling a prayer ashe washes his hands to his shuffling gait, his portrayal of a Chasidic Jew is magnificent.   He is alsofiercely intelligent and the master of the cutting remark...SECRET STAGE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
Yadoo is particularly fantastic in a performance that balances comedic + commanding with ease...ALL THAT DAZZLES

Malina, Catz, Howell, Myer-Bennett and Yadoo are nothing short of exceptional throughout, tackling complex dialogue and themes with such passion and skill that it is impossible to take your eyes off them for a second. They skillfully navigate Englander’s knotty discussions while beautifully exploring the individual motivations, beliefs and contradictions behind each character. CINERAMA

@marylebonetheatre until 23rd November

PETER JEFFRIES opens in LIE CLUB @etceteratheatre and UNHOLYLANDS feature film @belfastfilmfestival

Sunday, 20th October 2024

Exciting times for PETER JEFFRIES as his co-written intriguing new play LIE CLUB opens for a short London run @etceteratheatre transferred from Edinburgh Fringe Festival.    Until 27th October.   And looking forward, Peter also co-stars in THE UNHOLYLANDS feature film starring James Nesbitt and premiering at Belfast Film Festival on 9th November at 6pm.

EDINBURGH ’24: A thrilling 5* performance in MANIKIN from SANDS STIRLING

Saturday, 10th August 2024

I want to mark a thrilling and stellar performance by our Scottish client @sands_stirling in MANIKIN #TheWeeRedBar @edfringe In a week (due to previous cast illness) he’s moved from co-director to solo player in a first class script by nsd_95_ (Nathan Scott Dunn). 

Sands and Nathan have worked together and with others as @saltireskytheatre, for 8 award-winning years, producing Scottish working class classics like ‘1902’ You are welcome @ntsonline @traversetheatre @lyceumedinburgh @playpiepint @ACS @creativescots @trontheatre @citizenstheatre @bbcscotland to take a few steps round the corner to see and hear a brilliant and authentic voice of Scotland @saltireskytheatre.  

Plays Aug 9-13, 15-20, 22-25: Venue 506: 5pm. 

5* review below from EVERYTHING THEATRE https://everything theatre.co.uk/2024/08/review-manikin-edfringe-the-wee-red-bar/#:

MATTHEW SHARPE in KNEECAP ground-breaking feature and official Irish Oscar entry for Best International Film

Sunday, 4th August 2024

MATTHEW SHARPE is ’Sean' in KNEECAP

 - a 2024 comedy drama film describing the rise of Belfast-based hip-hop trio, Kneecap.   The film stars the band members as themselves, as well as Michael Fassbender.   VARIETY has also announced that

'Ireland has submitted “Kneecap” to represent them in the Oscars International Feature Film category, making it the first country to do so in the race to the 2025 Academy Awards.

The early — and widely-anticipated — move by the Irish Film and TV Academy is a solid vote of confidence for a film that became a sensation in Sundance, where it was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics, and has been amassing plaudits at festivals around the world over the last few months. The news of its submission was announced on Friday, the same day as the film’s U.S. release (it launches in Ireland on Aug. 8 and is expected to break box office records for an Irish film).’

Matthew is a native of Belfast where he gained at BA in Drama from Queen’s University. Since then he has worked across theatre, feature and short films and tv, including two seasons of BLOODLANDS (BBC) in a returning role. Matthew is also a highly skilled boxer and basketball player.

BETH LILLY premieres early May in THE SISTER BONIFACE MYSTERIES S3

Sunday, 28th April 2024

Yet another new look from versatile BETH LILLY - shortly starring in a guest lead role in THE SISTER BONIFACE MYSTERIES (Britbox/BBC) on UKTV.    Beth is fresh from award-winning work in MAKESHIFTS AND REALITIES at the Finborough Theatre (Best Ensemble) and a further clutch of great reviews for COCKFOSTERS at the Turbine Theatre.    Her theatre work also includes ‘Annie’ in THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG (UK No 1 tour) and THE GAME OF LOVE AND CHANCE (Arcola Theatre - to ecstatic reviews!).  Whatever next..?!

Trevor Nunn’s UNCLE VANYA @OrangeTreeThtr featuring SUSAN TRACY opens to 4 + 5* reviews

Friday, 8th March 2024

It's Chekhov, it's Trevor Nunn, it's the Orange Tree and SUSAN TRACY is  Vanya’s mother ‘Maria’ in UNCLE VANYA until April 13th

Susan Tracy as Maria steals all eyes when on stage with nuanced detailed reactions as Vanya’s passionate and somewhat neurotic mother

WEST END BEST FRIEND - 8th March 2024

Nunn has drawn an immaculate ensemble

THE GUARDIAN***** 9th March 2024

SALLY PAFFETT wins Best Performance In A Play at the 2024 OFFIE AWARDS

Tuesday, 27th February 2024

Huge congratulations @salpaf SALLY PAFFETT who has deservedly won Best Performance In A Play at the 2024 OffWestEnd Awards - THE OFFIES.    We also congratulate Benny Ainsworth, who co-starred and wrote the play, which was a finalist in the Best New Play category.   Also our ALEX LEWER who lit the production and Michael Parker the director.

NUALA McGOWAN plays in THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS at the MAC Theatre in Belfast

Saturday, 2nd December 2023

NUALA MCGOWAN 

is in the pink (pic centre) in THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS at the MAC Theatre in Belfast directed by Lisa May 

...and three strutting, pink, candy-striped piglets (Rivers, Nuala McGowan and Jack Watson), a subversive, close-harmony piggy power trio, who are deserving of their own show. It’s a terrifically fun escapade THE STAGE 4*

Nuala McGowan makes her own engaging contributions as Jem and Grandmother...LONDON REVIEWS

the porcine barbershop-harmonising trio—McGowan, Rivers and Watson—who sizzle like rashers in the pan in the show’s standout finale BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE

MIRANDA BRAUN absolutely insists on having a marvellous time whilst recording a leading role ‘Maya’ in series 2 of ENGLISH ROSE for BBC Radio 4 - now airing and on iPlayer!

Saturday, 2nd December 2023

MIRANDA BRAUN

insists on having a marvellous time whilst doing the serious business of playing a lead role in a major BBC R4 drama series. As she puts it ‘..this time was great - I wasn’t so nervous as with series 1 when I was virtually a rookie - this time I started to feel I know what I am doing!”. Well, the performance is transformative

RICHARD DERRINGTON may be the worst butler in the world, but he’s getting the best reviews!

Saturday, 25th November 2023

Appreciation across the board for the fine and funny work of 

RICHARD DERRINGTON 

in #SHESTOOPSTOCONQUER @orangetreetheatre.   

“a gloriously shakey servant” GUARDIAN****

“Richard Derrington’s wizened retainer...works a treat” THE TIMES****

And Richard Derrington makes he very, very most of Diggory the dishevelled manservant, doddering for England with every move provoking ripples of delight.  LIBBY PURVES - THEATRE CAT

Meanwhile, Richard Derrington, playing the flaky old butler Diggory, nearly steals the show, as he quivers his way perilously around. No wonder the characters go through so many brandies! EVERYTHING THEATRE ****

Diggory (latterly also Sir Charles Marlow), Richard Derrington, manages some blissful routines with a variation of Victoria Wood’s Two Soups: here Two Rum Punches shaken not stirred over Diggory’s betters, as well as recalling the octogenarian waiter in One Man, Two Guvnors THE FRINGE REVIEW

PAUL CARROLL opens in Brian Friel masterpiece FAITH HEALER

Friday, 8th September 2023

At the first stop on a UK tour for @londonclassic1 @paultcarroll @NewVicTheatre is off to a fine start at the New Vic Theatre.  This is the latest in a line of Irish classics in which Paul has appeared.  The first was @nottinghamplayhouse in Martin McDonagh’s black comedy A SKULL IN CONNEMARA.  This was followed @traversetheatre @RaptureTheatre by another McDonagh play THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE  and now FAITH HEALER - here is the opening press salvoe

He carries with him an air of mystery as he spills his truths, his half truths, and might not be truths to the audience. His performance is impressive, with all eyes watching every carefully considered footstep, ears taking in every spoken word.   It is a flawless delivery, that’s for sure.   Frank’s struggle with his gift, the ambiguity of his healing abilities, and his inner demons are portrayed with a raw intensity   BEFFSHUFF.COM

tour dates:

http://londonclassictheatre.co...

trailer:

;t=3s

and an interview with Paul for Irish World

https://www.theirishworld.com/...

DAVID HENRY - fine actor, singer and voice artist

Tuesday, 8th August 2023

I am very sad indeed to report the passing of our much loved and admired client David Henry. 

I first met David in 1990 when he brilliantly played the title role in UNCLE VANYA for Co-Producers (of which I was then co-Artistic Director) and I was delighted when many years later we worked together on a rehearsed reading and he approached me for representation. 

It would take too long here to list David’s acting achievements but suffice it to say they encompassed West End musicals including CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (in which he created the role of Baron Bombast) and MARY POPPINS and also CAROUSEL (amongst many productions at the NT including THE MADNESS OF GEORGE 111), theatre at Chichester, West Yorkshire Playhouse, RSC and extensively across the UK, award-winning audio work, many major feature films from THE KILLING FIELDS to ALI G IN DA HOUSE and tv from POIROT to AB FAB to name but a few. David used to say he was both Australian and South African as he grew up in both countries and he was often cast as characters from those places as a result - he was a gifted vocal artist.   

And David was no stranger to new and challenging work, playing Lear in LEAR/CORDELIA @1623theatre.co.uk and in Giles Cole’s THE WEATHERMEN at Brighton Festival as two of his latter projects.

Our sincere condolences to David's wife and family in Germany. David in later life was supported by the staff and friends of Denville Hall. 

Dear David - we’ll miss your wonderful optimism, warm personality, professionalism and fine acting and singing - you made a great contribution to our profession.

ADDY CAULDER JAMES has the title role in Sally Cookson’s CINDERELLA: A FAIRY TALE at Greenwich Theatre

Monday, 24th July 2023

@addycaulder 

ADDY CAULDER JAMES 

has landed a great debut role - the lead ‘Ella’ in Sally Cookson’s playful adaptation of a classic story;  CINDERELLA: A FAIRY TALE opening 18th August @greenwichtheatr.  Congratulations Addy!

GRACE DEAVALL is both Hero and Dogberry in MUCH ADO for Nottingham Shakespeare Company

Tuesday, 11th July 2023

GRACE DEAVALL in a heroic double is both Hero and Dogberry in Nottingham Shakespeare Company’s short, sharp, sparkling version of Shakespeare’s famous romantic comedies

Currently on tour in site-specific venues around the city and off to Stratford On Avon to play at The Dell as part of the RSC’s outdoor season on 20th August.

Grace Deavall is grace itself as the lovable Hero who is played in the style of an attractive tomboy. Deavall also doubles as the very comical Dogberry whose badly-chosen vocabulary is more than equal to any over-confident Facebook Keith or Karen EASTMINDLANDSTHEATRE.COM

https://www.rsc.org.uk/events/...

https://nottinghamshakespeare....

AKASH HEER cast as ‘Richard Parker (Tiger Head) in LIFE OF PI

Tuesday, 6th June 2023

We are delighted to announce that @AKASH0224 AKASH HEER will co-star in LIFE OF PI as ‘Richard Parker’ (Tiger Head) on the first UK No 1 tour of the Olivier Award-winning West End hit.   We send our warm congratulations to Akash and good wishes for a wonderful run opening 29th August @SheffieldLyceum and touring until mid-2024 - truly an epic voyage!  All tour details here:  

https://lifeofpionstage.com

TIM HARDY opens in THE JOURNEY TO VENICE @finborough

Wednesday, 1st March 2023

TIM HARDY has opened in a leading role opposite Annabel Leventon in a Norwegian classic THE JOURNEY TO VENICE.   Fresh from a successful run in his absorbing solo play The Trials Of Galileo at the Playground Theatre, this wonderful actor's career has included principal work with the UK's leading theatre companies alongside major movies and regular tv in popular drama and he is currently on view in DANGEROUS LIASONS (Starz) Bravo Tim!

Remembering JOHN HUDSON

Wednesday, 23rd November 2022

Our dear friend, admired colleague and valued client JOHN HUDSON has passed away peacefully after a short illness at the age of 67.   John was an outstanding talent who made a mark early in his career in such productions as WOMAN IN MIND in the West End and A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS on tv before changing direction for a number of years, developing his academic gifts and working in education.   And throughout, John continued to compose and play songs and indeed co-wrote and developed several musicals.  

John made a remarkable and seemingly effortless return to screen and stage acting as if he had never been away.   Most recently he garnered great reviews for his contained yet very funny ‘Horton’ in WHILE THE SUN SHINES at the Orange Tree Theatre - a production so successful that it was revived just a few months ago.     

Our sincere condolences to John’s partner, children, wider family and friends - his humour, intelligence and kindness and his wonderful acting talent will be very much missed.  

Warmest congratulations SEDONA ROSE nominated @BWW WEST END/UK STAGE AWARDS

Saturday, 19th November 2022

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Voting-Now-Open-For-The-2022-BroadwayWorld-UK-West-End-Awards-20221116.

Warmest congratulations to SEDONA ROSE @sedona_rose_ now short-short-listed for the Broadway World 2022 UK/West End Awards for her exhilarating and skilful turn-on-a-sixpence performance in CRIMES ON CENTRE COURT @newoldfriends @TheatreRBath #MischiefTheatre please take note! Looks like @Wise_Children have already taken note - thanks #EmmaRice!

”CRIMES ON CENTRE COURT is a delight from start to finish!   Fast and smart as a Cary Grant punchline, this talented team are genuinely funny, filled with old school pleasures and fresh foolishness.   This is the perfect mix of silly and skilled.   It is simply and impressively A GREAT NIGHT OUT!”  EMMA RICE

“Breakneck role and costume changes alongside generous helpings of verbal wit”  THE STAGE

TIM HARDY plays in THE TRIALS OF GALILEO at the Playground Theatre

Saturday, 5th November 2022

TIM HARDY revives his stellar 5* reviewed performance in THE TRIALS OF GALILEO written and directed by Emmy Award winner Nic Young @PlaygroundW10 

PLAYGROUND THEATRE
Latimer Rd London W10 6RQ

14th, 15th + 16th November 2022 at 7.30pm

It is the year 1610:  Galileo looks up to the heavens, and through his telescope finds incontrovertible proof that the planets revolve around the sun, in direct opposition to the teaching of the Church, that the Earth is the centre of the Universe.

1634: Galileo is ordered to stand trial before the Grand Inquisitor on charges of heresy

@HintofLIMEprod 

“From the moment that Hardy delivers the first line we know we are in the hands of a consummate performer.”
***** Fringe Review

“The superb Tim Hardy triumphs as Galileo. His acting is outstanding in a spellbinding story…”
***** edfringe.com, Norman Bissell

“It is as soul-breakingly bitter as it is heartbreakingly humorous.”
**** Three Weeks