We completed a showcase tour of COME DANCE WITH ME – A NEW PLAY WITH ADDED STRICTLY COME DANCING in September / October 2019. Then the pandemic struck before we could take our plans further.
Just after the pandemic receded we did a four handed A QUESTION OF ERROL FLYNN by Karen Lynne which we also plan to revive as it received great reviews.
We are currently working on a 6 episode treatment of COME DANCE WITH ME for TV – we realised that there were many more stories to tell and have had great encouragement from TV professionals to take it further!
There are exciting plans for this major new TV event.
A show for all the family about a real life family. A dramatic and funny play with added Strictly Come Dancing.
Here are some of the dance sequences from the play version in a VERY rough digital capture at South Hill Park
COME DANCE WITH ME saw an exploratory tour in East Anglia just prior to Covid. Our intention had been to do something similar with A QUESTION OF ERROL FLYNN but the pandemic put that on pause for 2 years.
We premiered A QUESTION OF ERROL FLYNN at SIR JOHN MILLS THEATRE Ipswich Suffolk 17th – 28th May 2022.
We plan to tour both shows and stream a capture of the live performance of A QUESTION OF ERROL FLYNN.
This dark but funny play spans 1938 to 1951, including the tumultuous years of the Second World War, as the two young girls go through extraordinary circumstances and challenges in their quest for a better life.
It’s a roller coaster of emotions and awe inspiring dance numbers.
So expect remarkable and show-stopping dancing, expertly choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing’s, Richard Marcel, who has worked with Madonna, Kylie, Britney and Olivia Colman, to name but a few.
Suitable for family audiences from age 11 years upwards.
Come Dance With Me takes a warm-hearted poignant family saga and adds the glory of ballroom and golden Hollywood era dance styles: the darker side of Victoria Wood’s humour – with added Strictly Come Dancing!
Photo: Will Simpson willsimpson.co“I urge you to support this play Come Dance With Me. It shows how a working-class kid has to battle to make it in the world of Ballroom. This story could have been my story – and it’s the story of anyone who struggles against disadvantage to find their success in the world”
Len Goodman.
Featuring Strictly Ballroom and Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers style routines, the show is based on the true story of two battling sisters.
Lillian wants to be a professional dancer and Joy wants to own a string of shops. They both have dreams, but who will get what they want?
Come Dance With Me is based on a true story of the Hauxwell family who lived in Darlington.
However it could be any family, any time, any place.
This dark, but funny play, spans 1938 to 1951, including the tumultuous years of the Second World War, based on Karen Lynne’s own family.
Meet the Hauxwell family: Mother Vi, Father Harry, their two young girls Lillian and Joyce – all of whom go through extraordinary circumstances and challenges in their quest for a better life.
Suitable for family audiences from age 11 years upwards.
Co author Karen Lynne is the Granddaughter of Vi and Harry Hauxwell, the father and mother in the play, and is the daughter of Lillian one of the female leads.
The play has three strong roles for Women.
Karen is also related to the late Hannah Hauxwell, who was the subject of a series of many books and documentaries, about her struggles as a Farmer in the Yorkshire Dales
This epic and ambitious play with dance deals with some of the hardest challenges that people have to face in life – such as: aspiration, and the obstacles of bereavement, disability, becoming a young carer for a parent, and the pressures when members of the family fall out.
This working class family lives from hand to mouth – so each setback is a real challenge in a time when working class families suffer disadvantage.
Because when they have a disabled member of the family they can also feel socially excluded.
However – the play is darkly funny – and they face all adversity with great strength and humour.
And the show is very much about Family: Parents – and what they give us, and how we deal with loss.
It is based on true events.
The 8 characters all aspire to a better life – but will they get what they want?
The Characters:
The main characters, in this cast of eight, are two young working class sisters and their mother and father – all with big dreams:
Lillian: A beautiful sensitive young girl dreams of being a professional dancer. “It’s people that matter – not things.”
Joy: Is tough and no nonsense and wants a chain of shops and is ruthless in her ambition. “You don’t have to worry about others if you’ve got money!”
Harry: Is a hardline and hardworking socialist. He wishes for his own Bike Shop offering hand made bikes. Attacked for not standing for the King, when the National Anthem is played, says: “When he stands for me – I’ll stand for him!”
Vi: teaches Ballroom Dancing but loses the ability to move and ends up as a wheelchair user. She wishes for a full time Dance School. “There’s no such word as: “can’t!”
Jim: Is Lillian’s dancing partner. Easy going and sensitive and works on the Railways.
George: Is a bundle of fun and survives being married to Joy! He is a Boiler Maker.
Wilf: Is a young lad from a broken home who is a bit dodgy. He is however an excellent dancer.
Dorothy: Is Wilf’s girlfriend – hard nosed and wants the good life – and a brilliant ballroom and lindy hop dancer.
“A really useful document of an engaging piece of theatre which made me sad to have missed the tour. Video of stage productions are always difficult as they can never really represent the sweat and steam of the live performance.
This one, wisely concentrates on the whole stage picture in order to capture the breadth and vitality of the dancing. And the dancing is terrific. From the breathless set pieces to the little interpolations and even the natural movements of the cast within scenes seem to breathe dance. As it should be; this is a show about dance and the story hinges on dancing.
And the interweaving of the elements of family drama and historical record sits easily within the framework of the dance. I loved the easy naturalness of the company dealing with a script that flowed through time and space.
A fascinating human drama and outstanding performances from the whole cast. This video demonstrates that this company can handle projects of some scale and ambition.”
PETER JOHN COOPER – EX ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF OXFORDSHIRE TOURING THEATRE COMPANY – POET NOVELIST AND PLAYWRIGHT
TOUR DATES COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019
Albany Theatre Coventry PREMIERE 25th September 2019
EAST ANGLIA TOUR:
Norwich Playhouse Norwich Norfolk September 2019
Corn Hall Diss Norfolk October 2019
Marina Theatre Lowestoft Suffolk – Matinee / Evening Show – October 2nd
The Cut Halesworth Suffolk October 2019
South Hill Park Bracknell Berkshire October 2019
Apex Theatre Bury St Edmunds Suffolk October 2019
Premiere tour was in 2019.
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Sam Archer is playing Jim – he has been leading man in many NEW / ADVENTURES (formerly ADVENTURES IN MOTION PICTURES) productions including creating the role of Edward Scissorhands for the stage. He was at the Royal National Theatre in the Wise Children production of: WUTHERING HEIGHTS and is currently touring America with the show.
He was Prince in SWAN LAKE, Lermontov in RED SHOES and Pilot in CINDERELLA – to mention a few!
He TOURED for Emma Rice playing Young Peregrine in WISE CHILDREN.
He played The Prince (and George) in THE HAPPY PRINCE, The Place. Dum / Dance Captain, WONDER.LAND, National Theatre & Théâtre du Châtelet, Rufus Norris & Damon Albarn.
Steph Elstob is playing the leading role of Lilian – she has performed for Michael Clark Company, Bermuda Civic Ballet and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures as well as an international tour of The Bodyguard the musical and Kiss Me, Kate for Opera North. She is touring with partner Sam Archer in the US in the Wise Children production of Wuthering Heights.
TV: She was seen in VICTORIA (ITV) as famous ballerina ‘Marie Taglioni’.
FILM: On screen Steph has also danced in Anna Karenina, Avengers – Age of Ultron, Beauty and the Beast, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Mr Selfridge and The Hour.
Karen Lynne co author and co producer will be playing her own Nana Vi –
Karen has been in many new plays playing Catherine Cookson in John Miles’ TOM AND CATH, Gracie Fields in SING AS WE GO, Flo Manero in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER and working with Topol in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at the Palladium and on tour. She has co written COME DANCE WITH ME with Graham Howes. The pair also co wrote a play about Gracie Fields called SING AS WE GO which was an honest and very controversial look at a considerable woman which toured nationally to Number One venues.
Karen has also written: NEVER GOODBYE about Vera Brittain and A QUESTION OF ERROL FLYNN about Errol Flynn.
Hannah Wood is Joy – Hannah is a stalwart of BBC Radio Rep and has been heard in many plays on radio – including being heavily featured in THE HOME FRONT playing the role of Matilda James (series regular).
TV includes: Downton Abbey (ITV),
STAGE: The House of Bernarda Alba (Kings Head Theatre),
Hannah has extensive voice over credits, including TV adverts for Gumtree, Always, Dreams Beds and Calpol. She has also narrated documentaries for Channel 5 including Don’t Tell The Doctor, and Not So Sweet Sixteen.
Hannah has played Joy in two different versions COME DANCE WITH ME in development!
Luke Jasztal is playing George and Jock and has been seen in many Musicals: Pharaoh in JOSEPH tour and toured in MAMMA MIA! UK AND INTERNATIONAL TOUR, THE BODYGUARD . Elwood, BLUES BROTHERS – APPROVED, AMPM Ltd, Ross, FRIENDS: THE OPERA, currently starring in Mamma Mia in the West End.
Stage includes: Horatio in HAMLET for The Rose Theatre, Berowne in LOVE”S LABOURS LOST, Valentine in TWELFTH NIGHT,
Soloist/Royal Academy of Music Choir, ELTON JOHN & RAY COOPER CONCERT,
Feature Film: Russell, DIRTY MONEY.
Tim Hodges is playing Wilf. Tim was most recently featured in MAN OF LA MANCHA (With Kelsey Grammar), STRICTLY BALLROOM at the Piccadilly Theatre. HALF A SIXPENCE (Chichester/Noel Coward), Hyde in JEKYLL AND HYDE (Old Vic), OLIVER! (Curve Theatre, Leicester.)
He has also been seen in many Adventures in Motion Pictures shows: Hot Rod/Luca/Bruno in THE CAR MAN (UK, Ravenna and Sadler’s Wells), Bill Boggs/Jim Upton in EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (international and UK tours and Sadler’s Wells), Italian Escort/Private Secretary in SWAN LAKE (UK and international tour),
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Palace), DIRTY DANCING (UK tour), CHICAGO (Cambridge), CATS (UK and Portuguese tour),WE WILL ROCK YOU (Dominion) and MURDEROUS INSTINCTS (Savoy).
Holly Harcourt is Dorothy and Dance Captain on COME DANCE WITH ME.
Nigel Fyfe is playing Harry
Nigel Fyfe: Theatre includes:
Tony/Alex/Nick, THE COMEDIES, Jermyn Street Theatre, Morris, DRESS DOWN FRIDAY, Southwark Playhouse, John Fenwick, TELO, Bread and Roses Theatre, Jackie, THE TRIP, Southwark Playhouse,
Claudius, HAMLET, The Rose Playhouse, Bankside, Ferdinand, LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST, Rosemary Branch Theatre, Ira Provitt, IRA PROVITT AND THE MAN, Clean Break, Vershinin, THREE SISTERS, The White Bear Theatre,
Facet 3, COMPULSION, Edinburgh Fringe, Mark, A MAN MEETS A MAN, Paddington Arts, Uncle Karl, THE TRIAL, Edinburgh Fringe
Leading ex Strictly Choreographer Richard Marcel is choreographing the dance sequences. He’s worked with Madonna, Kylie, Britney, and Olivia Colman to name but a few ..
Holly Harcourt and Tim Hodges Photo Will Simpson
Missing Pieces Theatre Show Ltd.
We aim to: “Challenge preconceptions in an entertaining way”.
COME DANCE WITH ME – Not everybody gets what they want …
An entertaining show with amazing dancing from eight top flight actor dancers – but also the play highlights some important issues that deserve to be aired around the role of women in society, disability, and the plight of young carers – and the effects of all this on the whole family’s aspirations.
Touring in 2019 we developed and featured Educational and Disability Workshops based around the themes of the play at select venues.
In 2020 we intend to develop our outreach to communities near each venue. This will be offered to seniors, young carers, young disabled, and schools – which will give the play context and resonance for a modern audience.
The themes of the play explored include: aspiration, disability, being a young carer, and loss.
However, it also has a hopeful message, and positive outcome.
We look at Ballroom Dancing in the workshop and learn a short Cha Cha Cha routine.
Here is some feedback from our workshops in 2019:
“My 12 year old granddaughter and myself really enjoyed ourselves. We learned some Cha Cha steps and a mini routine and had greater understanding of how difficult it can be. The workshop leaders were open and friendly making us feel at ease. they answered our questions and took time to make sure we understood when we were a little confused.”
“We got some insight into the difficulties faced by disabled people and young carers and some shared their moving stories. Excellent workshop.”
Some participants from our Workshop at Diss.
Real local amateur dancers are also offered the chance to be in a class in the opening of the play!
The workshop was devised by us in collaboration with Young Disabled performers, Carers Trust and a School.
The content wass written by Top Education Professionals.
The workshop puts into modern context the experience of the young daughters in the Second World War who aspire to great dreams.
When their Mother loses the ability to move and they lose their Father they are forced to care for her in a time when there was little help or sympathy for disabled people.
The workshop also looks at the World of Strictly and it’s antecedents.
Participants also learned a Cha Cha Cha routine!
Carer’s Trust Letter of Support:
“Carers Trust is delighted that Missing Pieces Theatre is staging workshops to accompany their upcoming tour of COME DANCE WITH ME.
The daily challenges faced by young people who care for a loved one are all too real, but they are rarely shown in mainstream theatre and entertainment. That’s why COME DANCE WITH ME and the accompanying workshops are so important. They will enable many young carers to meet other young people facing similar challenges and the play itself will reflect the lived experience of young carers.
We are delighted that Missing Pieces Theatre will be getting in touch with our Network Partners in each tour venue area so they can encourage as many young carers as possible to attend workshops and see a performance which reflects aspects of their own lives.”
Matt
Matt Whitticase | Senior Communications and Marketing Manager – Carers Trust
Mobile: 07875720623
Landline: 01473 879561
Email: grahamahowes@me.com
https://youtu.be/6K1KvGrAHw0
Richard Marcel Website: https://www.richardmarcel.com/
We are producing new writing for Theatre and TV.
We have had expressions of interest from some large Film and TV companies for COME DANCE WITH ME – the television series!
“Strictly Come Dancing” is a BBC Television developed format, which started in 2004, developed from the original “Come Dancing”, which began in 1950.
“Strictly Come Dancing” is now a huge worldwide phenomenon known in other countries as: “Dancing with the Stars” and other variants. It has been mounted in 42 territories around the world!
Before “Strictly Come Dancing” there was “Come Dancing” .. before that a Family at War … come and fill in the “Missing Pieces”!
And whatever happens – Come Dance with Me!
Would you like to see more … talk to us!
Graham Howes Karen Lynne Artistic Directors
THANKS:
Our thanks to William Simpson for his brilliant digital art used to create settings which enabled to nimbly move from reality to dreams to social dancing emporiums!
Thanks to Callum Macdonald for stunning lighting design and Stuart Brindle for relighting on tour and acting as a brilliant project manager on tour and resolving any local difficulties.
Mary Hunt was our amazing Costume Designer and also toured with us above and beyond the call of duty she and her team ensured the smooth running of all things costume.
You can reach Graham or Karen at:
01473 879561 or mobile: 07875720623
Email: grahamahowes@me.com
Facebook: Missing Pieces Facebook site for up to the minute information
https://www.facebook.com/MissingPiecesTheatreShow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missing_pieces_theatre/
