Film, Television & Theatre January 2019 Film THE FAVOURITE: UK wide release, January 1st In the early 18th century, England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne occupies the throne, and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne's ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing, and Abigail sees a chance to return to her aristocratic roots. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Co-written and Executive Produced by Tony McNamara. Television LES MISERABLES adapted by Andrew Davies begins 30th December continues Sundays at 9pm on BBC1 Produced by Lookout Point Productions for BBC this star studded, truly epic series brings us Dominic West as Jean Valjean, David Oyelowo as the obsessed and villainous policeman Javert and Lily Collins as Fantine. Also starring Olivia Colman, Adeel Akhtar, Josh O’Connor, Erin Kellyman and Liz Carr. Series directed by Tom Shankland. “For the past 25 years, Andrew Davies has taken some of the greatest works of world literature…and whittled them down into sparkling, erudite, sexually charged little bundles of entertainment.” The Telegraph RAYMOND BRIGGS: SNOWMEN, BOGEYMEN & MILKMEN on New Year’s Eve - BBC2 at 9pm Filmed, produced and directed by Louise Lockwood for BBC, this portrait of Raymond Briggs is told through interviews with Raymond, specially commissioned animation illustrated by Chris Riddell, and contributions from friends, colleagues and admirers, including Andy Serkis, Nick Park, Steve Bell, and Posy Simmons. Like his stories, this is sometimes heartbreaking. It’s also a warm, tender, pencilly portrait of the creative process. Radio Times Photo © David Sandison ANDREW DAVIES: REWRITING THE CLASSICS – 30th December, 10:05pm BBC4 Controversial, witty, irreverent – Britain’s best known screenwriter, Andrew Davies, has created some of the most iconic small-screen dramas of the past 50 years. In this programme he looks back at the influence of his childhood in Cardiff and explores how he boils down and spices up his dramas – transforming our best-loved novels into prime-time television. ETHEL & ERNEST on New Year’s Eve – BBC2 at 7:30pm Based on the book by Raymond Briggs, this hand-drawn animated feature film (2016) tells the true story of Raymond's own parents Ethel and Ernest. Features the voices of Jim Broadbent (Ernest Briggs) and Brenda Blethyn (Ethel Briggs). FREE REIN: THE TWELVE NEIGHS OF CHRISTMAS – Netflix The Christmas special of Anna McCleery’s Emmy- winning children’s show is on Netflix now! As Bright Fields preps for its Mistletoe Ball, a broken ornament leads Zoe to a family secret, while Gaby finds herself at the mercy of new boss Mia. FREE REIN 35 AWR (35 HOURS) – S4C, Jan 6th, 9pm BAFTA-winner Fflur Daffyd’s latest Welsh-language project starts on S4C this January, and will be available on BBC iplayer shortly afterwards. A gripping eight-part thriller, the actions follows the 12 members of a jury in a murder trial as the clock ticks down… London Theatre SWEAT: Donmar Warehouse – until the 26th January 2019 Lynette Linton directs the UK premiere of Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize winning play SWEAT, which tells a tale of friends pitted against each other by big business, and the decline of the American Dream. "Lynette Linton’s superbly calibrated production excels from start to finish. Outstanding"★★★★★ Evening Standard ★★★★★ The Guardian, ★★★★★ WhatsOnStage, ★★★★ The Stage SWEAT NINE NIGHT: Trafalgar Studios – until 23rd February Writer and star Natasha Gordon makes history becoming the first black female playwright to be produced in the West End. ★★★★★ Evening Standard | ★★★★★ The Stage ★★★★ Time Out | ★★★★ The Guardian | ★★★★ Times | ★★★★ Daily Mail NINE NIGHT UNCLE VANYA: Hampstead Theatre – Until 12th January A sparkling new version written and directed by Terry Johnson. ★★★★ “Terry Johnson’s new version of Uncle Vanya – which he also directs – emphasises the crackling wit of the original, revelling in its dour comedy.” – The Stage | ★★★★ Time Out | ★★★★ The Telegraph UNCLE VANYA A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Old Vic Theatre – Finishes 19th January 2019. Returning to the Old Vic by popular demand - Matthew Warchus’ big-hearted, smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne, starring Stephen Tompkinson as Ebenezer Scrooge. Filling the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment, a unique staging immerses the audience in this uplifting story for everyone aged 8+. ★★★★★ – Time Out, ★★★★★ - Theatre Cat, ★★★★★ - What’s On Stage. ★★★★ - Evening Standard, ★★★★ - The Telegraph, ★★★★ - The Stage ‘Not even Scrooge himself could dislike this’ – The Telegraph. ‘Joyous and generous’ – The Stage Old Vic COMING CLEAN: Trafalgar Studios, 9th January – 2nd February 2019 Following a critically acclaimed run at the London’s King’s Head Theatre, Kevin Elyot’s first play transfers to Trafalgar Studios 2. Funny, fresh and packed with razor sharp wit, Kevin’s landmark drama questions the nature of fidelity and the limits of love. Directed by Adam Spreadbury- Maher. COMING CLEAN ONE JEWISH BOY – Old Red Lion - 11th December 2018 to 5th January 2019 Stephen Laughton’s bittersweet comedy takes a hard look at inherited trauma, anti-semitism, Prince, Bjork, babies, and the end of youth. ONE JEWISH BOY PARADISE – Hampstead Theatre - 7 December 2018 to 19 January 2019 Dusty Hughes’ new comedy looks at the cost of growing old and the joys of ageing disgracefully. With sound design by Harry Blake. PARADISE HANSEL & GRETEL: Uchenna Dance and The Place, Kings Cross – Begins Saturday 15th December The classic fairy tale gets a dance makeover. Our two heroes find themselves lost in a big city, overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and smells. Together the brave duo must outwit the adults to find their way back to their family in a show where kids are number one! This festive treat will delight the whole family and leave them grooving right up until Christmas Eve! The production is written by Gbolahan Obisesan. H&G UK Theatre THE BORROWERS: The Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol – Ends 20th January 2019 Below the floorboards of a large house in Bristol, we are plunged into the quirky, wonky, miniature world of young Arrietty and her family of Borrowers. However their quiet existence is torn apart by the arrival of a family of Human Beans and soon the quiet ticking of the grandfather clock is replaced by Hoovers, TVs and the sound of Tom Jones on the radio. Arrietty longs to see what life is like for the new family of giants and her friendship with the eight year old Eddie is the opportunity to do just that. Adapted by Bea Roberts. THE BORROWERS BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: Salisbury Playhouse – 1st December 2018 to 13th January 2019 This famous fairytale follows the story of Beauty who is taken prisoner by a prince who has been turned into a Beast. Eventually she grows to love the Beast, thus lifting a curse and turning him back into a prince. Written by Andrew Pollard, directed by Ryan McBryde. BEAUTY THE COMEDY ABOUT THE BANK ROBBERY: UK Tour – Ends 6th April 2019 The funniest show in the West End is now on tour. Mischief Theatre's smash-and-grab hit is a fast, fabulous comedy caper. With mistaken identities, love triangles and hidden agendas, even the most reputable can't be trusted. In a town where everyone's a crook, who will end up bagging the jewel? Tour Director Kirsty Patrick-Ward. THE COMEDY ABOUT THE BANK ROBBERY CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Northern Stage – Ends 5th January, 2019 Charles Dickens' classic story of ghosts, greed and goodwill is given boisterous new life in this thrilling production. Ding, dong, ding, dong, the bells are ringing and the clock is ticking because Scrooge is coming to town – and he’s meaner and greedier than ever. Bah Humbug! Can some infectious songs and a wild ride through the uncertain landscapes of Christmas past, present, future help him to discover the true meaning of Christmas? Adapted by Neil Bartlett. Northern Stage’s A Christmas Carol is the story you know and love (complete with all the trimmings) and will warm the hearts of everyone this winter. Christmas Carol CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Glasgow Citizens Tramway – Ends 6th Jan 2019 This bold, theatrical adaptation by Neil Bartlett captures the original heart of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale. The 5- star production was a sell out in 2014 and enchanted families and adults alike. They loved the inventive storytelling, atmospheric set design and live music. We think you will too. Citz SPYMONKEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Liverpool Playhouse – Ends 12th January The reviews are in for Spymonkey’s wild spin on A CHRISTMAS CAROL teaming with references to pop culture from “carollers singing Oops Upside Your Head [to] the Ghost of Christmas Future listening to a self-help podcast” (The Guardian). Designed by Alice Power, the Liverpool Echo said of the design “[it] positively glows with the yuletide feels.” A CHRISTMAS CAROL ORIGINAL DEATH RABBIT – Jermyn Street Theatre – 9th January to 9th February We all have our comfort blankets and coping mechanisms. And if yours happens to be wearing a full-sized rabbit onesie (with ears), what’s the problem? You’re not bothering anyone. At least, not until you’re photographed at the back of a child’s funeral. Dressed as a rabbit. And the photo goes viral. Music and Sound Design by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite. ORIGINAL DEATH RABBIT STOP AND SEARCH – Arcola Theatre – 9th January to 9th February A driver picks up a young man crossing Europe. Two police officers work a surveillance case. A passenger directs her taxi to the edge of a bridge.