In The Spotlight | OUR HOUSE (Union Theatre) August - September 2015

The Union Theatre, established in 1998, is a small fringe theatre,  just a short walk from Southwark station on Union Street, London. Despite seventeen successful years and perhaps the most dominant presence in off-West End theatre, this week was to be our first visit to the small but perfectly formed '50 seater' under the railway bridge... 

Prompting a new feature, #InTheSpotlight and breaking a two month hiatus on the blog, The Union's production of Our House, the Madness musical does much to deserve recognition for pulling off an ambitious vision in such an intimate space. 

Our House at the Union Theatre. Photo by Darren Bell. 

Any production would pose it's own difficulties to stage at the Union, due to limited space, but in particular William Whelton's dynamic choreography shows no limitation and is presented with an abundance of energy from an enthusiastic ensemble.

Our House makes our first recommendation this month because it proves wholeheartedly that in London, great theatre isn't just on Shaftesbury Avenue - here it's just a short hop across the river and at a fraction of the cost...

Tickets can be bought online here. Performances are close to selling out, with best availability mid week, so snap up those final tickets! It's useful to know that all pre-purchased tickets are traded for a numbered ticket on arrival. The audience is called into the auditorium in groups of ten, so get there early for the best seats. Below is everything you need to know:

Our House plays until Saturday 12 September with a running time of 2hrs 15 mins. Tickets are £20, concessions £17. 

Cast List: Steven France, Alisa Davidson, Dominic Brewer, Sally Samad, Joseph Giacone, Joe Ashman, Claire Learie, Chanice Alexander-Burnett, Rhys Owen, Jay Osbourne, Joanna Bird, Alice Baker, Rachel Capp, Lauren Dinse, Reece Kerridge, Paul Flannigan, Zachary Worrall. 

Directed by: Michael Burgen

Choreographed By: William Welton

PIPE DREAM (Union Theatre) London Stage Premiere

Following the huge success of last year's all-male hit Pirates Of Penzance (winner of Best Off-West End Production) director Sasha Regan and choreographer Lizzi Gee have once again joined creative forces. This time for the London stage premiere of Pipe Dream - one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most overlooked pieces, almost 60 years after it's American premiere the production finally makes it to the London stage at the Union Theatre for a strictly limited period from 31st July - 31st August 2013.

This is a rare opportunity to see the seventh musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein which premiered on Broadway on 30th November 1955 at the Shubert Theatre where it received the largest advance ticket sales in Broadway history at that point $1.2 million. The production was nominated for 9 Tony Awards. Nowadays productions of this musical are extremely rare in America and now for the first time London audiences can experience Pipe Dream.

Original Playbill for the 1955 Broadway production starring Helen Traubel, 

William Johnson and Judy Tyler.

Inspired by "Cannery Row" and "Sweet Thursday" - the novels of John Steinbeck, the drifters and layabouts of Cannery Row are brought to life in this unlikely story of romance and hope set against the backdrop of a recovering America following the Second World War. After the success of classics such as Oklahoma! and Carousel, Rodgers and Hammerstein struck a new tone with Pipe Dream focussing on the outcasts and less fortunate members of society in their quest for a sense of belonging, acceptance and above all else, love.

The role of Doc will be played by Kieran Brown who most recently played the title role in the UK Premiere of Maury Yeston's Phantom (Ye Olde Rose & Crown, London). Other credits include Elphaba's Father and understudy for the Wizard and Doctor Dillamond in Wicked (Apollo Victoria), understudy for Raoul in Love Never Dies (Adelphi Theatre), Les Misérables (Palace Theatre) Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert (O2 Arena). 

The role of Suzy will be played by Charlotte Scott who most recently understudied and played the part of Kathy Seldon in Singin In The Rain at the Palace Theatre. Other theatre credits include understudy Glinda in Wicked (Apollo Victoria), understudy for Janet in the UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show, understudy Serena, Lambchops and Mabel in Fame (UK Tour), understudy Ariel Moore and Wendy Jo in Footloose (UK Tour) and understudy for Jemima, Rumpleteazer and Jellylorum in Cats (UK and Italian Tours).

The production also stars Virge Gilhrist as Fauna.

The ensemble are David Hayden (Mack), Nick Martland (Hazel), Matt Parsons (Ray), Christopher Connor (Eddie), Shane Landers (Jim), Mitchell Jarvis (Johnny), John Hicks (Joe), Joshua Lovell (George), Georgie Burdett (Marjorie), Catherine Sagar (Mabel), Michaela Cartmell (Millicent), Rebecca Fennelly (Agnes), Clare Duffy (Girl) and Alexandra Lloyd-Hamilton (Emma). 

Find out more in the promotional video:


PIPE DREAM
Directed by Sasha Regan
Choreographed by Lizzi Gee
Musical Direction by Christopher Peake
Designed by Earl Rose Hughes
Lighting Design by Tim Deiling

Evening Performances: Tuesday - Saturday at 7:30pm 

Matinees: Saturday/Sunday at 2:30pm

Tickets are priced at £19.50 (£17.50 concessions). To book call the Union Theatre Box Office on 0207 261 9876 or click here to book online.