Thursday 15 December 2011

Panto Progress...

We're into the final stretch of our Jack and the Beanstalk tour, and our production is constantly growing and changing, with more and more ad libs and general jollity!

As our shows and get-ins and -outs get slicker, so we have been entrusted with more important clients. Jim Holmes, our director and co-owner of Chaplins as a whole, arrived unannounced to review one of our shows and check up on us, and had nothing but good things to say. He is a joy to work with, and has a great deal of confidence in our troupe.

J&B has been a great experience, and the Chaplins tour is good honest hard work, but I am looking forward to my first Christmas with my in-laws!

I know full well how blessed I am that since graduating I have never yet had a time where I don't know what my next theatrical engagement will be.

As for the new year, I look forward to performing in my one-woman charity cabaret WORKSOP TO THE WEST END - watch this space!

Saturday 26 November 2011

Jack and the Beanstalk

So after a week of intense rehearsals, we performed our first show today. The hosts were delighted, saying that we had easily topped last year's panto!

Also, an exciting development for my troupe; we have been hand selected to perform at Chaplins' most important corporate event - a major industry gathering at the Union Club, deep in the heart of London’s media and theatre land. This is doubly complimentary, as my troupe is based in deepest, darkest, rural oxfordshire, which means we've been chosen over all of the London-based troupes!

I am very blessed to have extremely talented, funny and friendly cast-mates:
Emma Corboz


Chris Townsend

Dominic Parker

Tuesday 20 September 2011

UPDATE: Cast list for SONG BY SONG at the White Bear

Exciting stuff,

So don't be fooled into thinking that SONG BY SONG will be the same show at the White Bear as it was at the Canal Cafe Theatre...
We have TWO new cast members!
The charming Jonny Muir, and our musical maestro Katy Lipson herself!

So, this is the team:

 Charlotte Bradford is passionate about storytelling, pioneering new music and writing and cabaret. Recent credits include, Bitesize, April Review and Feast of Snacks at The Kings Head and The Space. In 2010, Charlotte appeared in the Sondheim at 80 prom in The Royal Albert Hall and has recently started to branch out into Cabaret. She has written and performed her one woman show Songs my Dad said I should Sing at The Battersea Barge and the Leicester Square Theatre. Charlotte's singing talent has been recognised by The Haymarket Masterclass Scheme (she has been mentored by West End and Broadway stars Janie Dee and Clive Rowe) and also by the BBC. Charlotte trained at East 15 Acting School, and studied music with Colin Sell (of "I'm Sorry I haven't a Clue" fame) and Stephen Douse.


Caroline Hardman is pleased to be performing with Aria Entertainment in her first production as a newly-wed! A 2011 Italia Conti graduate, Caroline's theatre credits include, amongst others: Bette Midler in Burlesque; IC Centenary at the new Wimbledon theatre, April Revue at the Kings Head and The Space,  Glee S’Cool 2, directed by Paul Taylor-Mills, Joanne in company at the Avondale Theatre, Baptista in complete works theatre company's TIE tour of The Taming of the Shrew, and Holly in The Wedding Singer; Countdown at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Recent film credits include: Taboo, a wax productions film and mission, written and directed by Nadia Barbu. When not performing, Caroline is a composer and lyricist both individually and in collaboration with other writers such as Christopher Burr, and Framelight Media's Doug Berwick.

 
Jonny Muir was born in South East London and now lives in Chichester. An early passion for acting and singing led Jonny to study Musical Theatre at The Arden School of Theatre in Manchester, where he graduated with a 1st class Honours degree. Roles at The Arden include: Paul in Red, Hot and Cole, understudy Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance and Twimble in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Since graduation in July this year, he has worked as an assistant on projects for Chichester Festival Youth Theatre. Jonny’s ambition is a career in Musical Theatre, and welcomes this opportunity to perform with Aria Entertainment. 


 Katy’s diverse experiences in the arts include, theatre production; working as a Musical Director, accompanist, vocal coach, composer, singer and piano vocalist. As well as running Aria Entertainment, a promotion, management and production company, Katy also runs the A STAGE KINDLY new musical theatre initiative which has brought to life the music from over 50 new International musicals. As a Musical Director Katy has worked on, News-Revue, Bitesize, The April Revue, Glee-S’cool, The 12 Tenors, No 1 UK Tour Hot Flush, Don't Cry Butterfly, Debut, Encore, Bravo, Ballets Russes, Once On This Island, Cinderella, Soviet Zion and Turkish Delight - The Opera. She has produced over 10 shows with A STAGE KINDLY; most recently a 7 week run of new musical SLAY IT WITH MUSIC. With Aria, she is currently making preparations for a production of The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas at The Union Theatre and with A STAGE KINDLY a one off concert GALA which will play on October 9th at Greenwich Theatre. She will then go on to Musically Direct the UK Tour of It's A Wonderful Life and Puss in Boots in Scotland. She is thrilled to launch Aria Entertainment with these showcases and it is an honour to work with so many talented performers. 

Finally, allow me to introduce our fabulous staging director:
 
Matthew Gould - Director
Matthew spent many years as a performer in shows like Les Miserablés, Cats, Joseph, Sweet Charity and Tommy. For the last 15 months he has focused primarily on Directing and Choreographing. Recently he has had plays in London, Manchester, Leeds and Preston. The play The Fan starring Jenny Logan and Janice Day closed recently having been at the John Gielgud Theatre, RADA as part of the Camden Fringe Festival. In July of this year he was asked to Direct and Choreograph a promotional DVD for a new Martial Arts stage show In the Gutter looking up at the Stars. This will go into full production next year. Also he is director on a new musical being created about the Colombian community in Elephant and Castle by Eminor Productions and is also the Director / Choreographer on a new musical called Heroes which features the music of David Bowie. Heroes will be going into production in early 2012. 
Matthew has recently been at The Landor Theatre choreographing the critically acclaimed production of Ragtime. He is also looking forward to many productions with Aria and Katy Lipson. 

Sunday 18 September 2011

Song by SUNG - Canal Cafe down, White Bear to go!

Last night's performance of SONG BY SONG was greeted by a warm and receptive audience, and what a lovely, intimate venue to perform in!

I was glad to catch up with a number of friends who were in the audience, including the composer of HUNGRY SEA, the lovely Teresa Howard.


"Teresa’s writing career has crossed media as a playwright, scriptwriter, librettist and lyricist. She received a prestigious Writing Fellowship at Winchester School of Art and has worked for the Literary Department of the Royal Court Theatre.
Teresa created and wrote a TV drama series for Talisman Films, London. Her plays have been performed across the UK, including GROCK at Chichester Festival Theatre.
Her focus over the last few years has mainly been musical theatre, collaborating with the award winning composer and orchestrator Steven Edis. Their Pre-Raphaelite musical POSSESSED, has had workshops and showcases at Greenwich Theatre, The Arts Theatre London and Oxford Playhouse, featuring star performers Peter Polycarpou, Anna Francolini and Joseph Millson. Songs from this show have also been performed at international festivals and cabaret shows, including Josie Lawrence’s TRYING IT ON at the Menier Chocolate Factory and A Stage Kindly’s APRIL REVUE at the Kings Head.
Her most recent show is a musical theatre adaptation of Dodie Smith’s I CAPTURE THE CASTLE with Steven Edis, which had a workshop and concert reading at the Royal Academy of Music in 2011, directed by Karen Rabinowitz, and there are now plans to produce the show in 2013 at a regional theatre in the UK. Teresa is also in the process of creating an Anglo/Indian musical theatre show.
Teresa is a member of MMD and the Book, Music and Lyrics (BML) Workshop facilitated by David James, Tim Sutton and David Firman."

 As well as a good chin-wag, Teresa had brought a wedding present! So now my husband and I have a beautiful set of teacups and saucers, for Sunday tea! 

To find out more about HUNGRY SEA, its musical POSSESSED, or its composers Teresa Howard and Steven Edis, why not follow Teresa's Blog PUTTING IT TOGETHER

Watch out for SONG BY SONG's transfer to The White Bear Theatre, Kennington.

Monday 15 August 2011

Song By Song cast and preview of set list!

So here's the cast for the Saturday Night performance of SONG BY SONG:

CAROLINE HARDMAN
CHARLOTTE BRADFORD

VICTORIA BODEN
FRANK LOMAN



Wednesday 10 August 2011

Song By Song

Aria Entertainment presents 'Song By Song' - 5 nights, 16 singers, 50 great songs with a new show each night!
Featuring work by Jonathan Larson, Flaherty and Ahrens, Maltby and Shire, Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Pasek and Paul this evening will showcase a unique group of performers each night.

Tuesday 13th - Dom Hodson, Ben Vivian-Jones, Kimberly Blake
Wednesday 14th - Kendra McMillan, David O'Mahony, Victoria Butler
Thursday 15th - Constantine Andrews, Hayley Sheldon, Rhys Owen
Friday 16th - Rebecca Cole, Adam Bayjou, Ross Barnes
Saturday 17th - Frank Loman, CAROLINE HARDMAN, Victoria Boden, Charlotte Bradford


With Direction by Matthew Gould and Musical Direction by Katy Lipson
13th-17th September, 7.30pm £12/£10

Aria Entertainment was set up by Theatre Producer and Musical Director Katy Lipson, in order to present high caliber pieces of theatre. One of Aria’s visions is to support artistes and provide a platform for them to develop their talents.
Visit them online at: www.aria-entertainment.com

Tuesday 26 July 2011

Graduation and the New Wimbledon Theatre

So the end of a three-year marathon is drawing near, but thoughts of graduation are dwarfed by the Centenary show which is looming!


I am lucky to have a wide spectrum of performance opportunities within this show, from being a dead ancestor in ADDAMS FAMILY, to a Beverly Sister in SINATRA, and, most excitingly, embodying Bette Midler herself in her show-stopping number 'Showgirl Must Go On' from the BURLESQUE section!

I have got to say my favourite part was Bette - with a gorgeous white chiffon dressing gown, with feathered neckline and flowing sleeves, complete with a pink boa and gold turban to boot. Fabulous does not even begin to cover it!

Add to that the indulgence of having a stage full of Las Vegas showgirls framing you and providing sterling BVs and you can see how this number is a performer's dream.

I count myself very blessed to have been a part of this show, and am so grateful for my time at IC - I have improved ten-fold, discovered my identity as a performer and made some solid-gold friendships.

Photos to follow!


Friday 3 June 2011

Production Assistant

Some interesting news; I've been invited to snatch a glimpse of the world on the other side of the casting table, and as such am currently acting as production assistant for A Stage Kindly (primarily their upcoming production of SLAY IT WITH MUSIC this August!)

So far it's an enlightening experience; I have been dealing with PR companies, press releases, listings, reviewers and 'spreading the buzz'.

This promises to be an epic show, so remember to book early, as tickets are selling fast!

SLAY IT WITH MUSIC
Written by Paul Katz and Michael Colby
Produced by A Stage Kindly Ltd.
The Space - www.thespace.org.uk / 020 7515 7799
19th July – 7th August , 7:30pm
Matinees Sat & Sun at 3pm
(no Mondays)
£13/£11



Monday 30 May 2011

What a GLEEful show

Last night's show at the Lost Theatre, Vauxhall, was a rip-roaring success. With an incredibly warm and enthusiastic audience, a whole bunch of fresh talent, and a few new friends, I found GLEE S-COOL 2; BACK TO COOL a thoroughly enjoyable experience.



Some of the mash-up highlights were Hallelujah/Telephone by Kimberly Blake, and Respect/Someone Like You by Zara Kadir.

Of the 3 MDs, I was lucky to have Katy Lipson to arrange my mash-up of Save Tonight and She Will Be Loved.

Also worth noting was Lillie Collier, who as an emcee has great warmth and a quick wit!



Saturday 28 May 2011

Workshop of our new musical play...

The information about the new kids' musical play 'The Rainbow Collector' by myself and the charming Christopher Burr is largely hush-hush - it's very early days yet.

HOWEVER, I can let slip one tasty tidbit:
The Rainow Primary School has expressed interest in hosting the workshop premiere of our musical play sometime in 2012...


Watch this space!

Monday 23 May 2011

GLEE S-COOL is back with a vengance!

After a brief rain-check, I'm pleased to announce that the sequel to Paul Taylor-Mills' smash hit show GLEE S-COOL will be staged at Lost Theatre, Vauxhall this coming Sunday.

The show, named GLEE S-COOL 2; BACK TO COOL? is a Glee extravaganza;
Have you ever wondered what school would be like if P-O-P was the new P.E and G.L.E.E is the equivalent to a G.C.S.E? Set in the fictional halls of Glee School, students and their stunning headmistress reflect on their time a Glee School, now that the end of term is fast approaching.



With a 30-strong cast, some awesome chorus numbers, and a whole bunch of iconic songs of the last 30 years mashed up in original and exciting ways, The Lost Theatre is the place to be this Sunday Evening! I'm pleased to be performing, as a part of the '3rd Year', a unique arrangement of Save Tonight (by Eagle-Eye Cherry) and She Will Be Loved (by Maroon 5) - MD'd by the beautiful and talented Katy Lipson.

Come and meet the class of 2011 and let them treat you to some of pops most iconic songs presented in a way that you never thought they could work. With a host of over 20 West Ends stars and a few cheeky surprises, this is an evening not to be missed! By the time class is dismissed, everyone will want to stay for detention!

Director: Paul Taylor-Mills
Musical Directors: Katy Lipson, Steven Luke Walker and Ross Leadbeater
Choreographer: Jodie-Lee Wilde

Tickets are £12/£15 and are available from: www.ticketweb.co.uk or on 0844 847 1680


See you all there!

Thursday 21 April 2011

Glee S-Cool postponed...

I've just been informed that Paul Taylor-Mills' smash hit run of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS has been extended, and the whole production moves to the Landor in Clapham North in just 12 days.

However, this happy news means he's completely tied up with restaging and, indeed, re-casting the show, so he's given Glee a raincheck until he can give it his full attention.

Watch this space...

Wednesday 20 April 2011

The Lost Theatre, Vauxhall

Happy news:

off the back of APRIL REVUE, director Paul Taylor-Mills has asked me to perform in the second of his successful Glee concerts: GLEE S-COOL; BACK TO COOL

So the place to be on Sunday May 8th is The Lost Theatre, Vauxhall.

BOOKING INFO TO FOLLOW :)

Wednesday 13 April 2011

APRIL REVUE @ The Space

What a ride April Revue has been!

Two very different line-ups under one title; the second, at The Space, was such a rewarding experience. The Space is a beautiful venue to perform in, with a healthy capacity but an intimate feel. The audience was an even spread of composers, industry professionals and MT enthusiasts. Warm and receptive, they helped to make it a night to remember.



Through April Revue I have met an incredible parade of people, performers, directors, composers, producers, you name it - all good contacts, but most importantly, all good friends.

Videos and stage shots to follow!

Friday 8 April 2011

After the King's Head...



Thursday 7th's performance of April Revue was a rip-roaring success, with an incredible line-up and a large and receptive audience! There was lots of positive feedback and I very much enjoyed meeting composers Teresa Howard, Steven Edis and Tim Prottey-Jones.
However, if want to see for yourself, toddle on over to The Space on Tuesday 12th at 3pm and 8pm! There is also a video on the media page.
BOOK NOW to see me perform live in 'April Revue'


A Stage Kindly


Click here to book

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Thursday 24 March 2011

APRIL REVUE: House of Mirrors and Hearts

In APRIL REVUE, I'll be playing Lily in 'The Passing of Seven Years' from Eamonn O'Dwyer's beautiful new musical THE HOUSE OF MIRRORS AND HEARTS
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Sunday 20 March 2011

TABOO

Filming has just finished on 'Taboo', the dramatic new short film directed by Stuart Banham; Taboo is a short film about a girl (Lily) who has issues with love and the opposite sex, due to her mum being abused by her father. Taboo follows Lily's journey as she seeks to overcome her fear through counseling. Her fears are met and she finds love, fulfillment and a soul mate, but unwittingly breaks a serious taboo

Sunday 6 March 2011

My MISSION, if I choose to accept it...

I'm starring in Nadia Barbu's short film MISSION, as the character Amy. We're in the middle of a run of night shoots in New Malden - and in this weather it's freezing! There's been lots of sneaking around in wooded areas with a shovel, knife and a bin liner...

Sunday 20 February 2011

Exciting New Project: April Revue

I've been cast in the latest of A Stage Kindly's prestigious musical theatre revues, this one simply titled 'April Revue' Due to perform at London's Little Opera House, The King's Head in Islington, Thursday April 7th at 10pm

Sunday 13 February 2011

Reflections on COMPANY

The run of 'Company' has been a roaring success. I very much enjoyed playing Joanne; never have I felt such power and freedom in a role - because she's so different to my own personality!