Dad, Husband & Business person specialising in Digital Marketing since 2004👨🏼💻
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Rob Stanway
Stoke-on-Trent Pride Returns this Saturday 21st June 2025
Stoke-on-Trent Pride Returns to Hanley Park This Weekend OVER TEN THOUSAND PEOPLE are expected to turn out as Stoke-on-Trent Pride returns to Hanley Park this Saturday, 21st June, promising a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ identity, community and culture. Organisers are preparing for one of the biggest Stoke Pride events to date, with over 140 stalls expected across the park. These will showcase a mix of local charities, health organisations, sports clubs, public services, and retailers.
Bat Out of Hell – The Musical to Return for UK Tour in 2025 - At The Theatre
The award-winning Bat Out of Hell – The Musical, featuring the iconic hits of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf, is set to return for a UK tour starting in January 2025. Following its successful tour across the UK, Ireland, and internationally from 2021 to 2023, this reimagined production will begin performances on 6 January 2025 at the Edinburgh Playhouse and continue through to 20 September 2025 in Northampton.
New production images have been released for CABARET at the Kit Kat Club
Below. CABARET – featuring Rhea Norwood as Sally Bowles and Layton Williams as The Emcee, along with Sally Ann Triplett and Fenton Gray. They will perform until September 21, 2024. The cast includes Michael Ahomka-Lindsay, Wilf Scolding, and others, with Nic Myers playing Sally Bowles once a week. Directed by Rebecca Frecknall, with designs by Tom Scutt and choreography by Julia Cheng, the show is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions and Underbelly.
First Look: Rehearsal Images Released for 101 Dalmatians featuring Kym Marsh as Cruella de Vil
The highly anticipated new musical 101 Dalmatians has released its first look at rehearsal images, showcasing Kym Marsh in the iconic role of Cruella de Vil. The production is set to tour the UK and Ireland from June, bringing the beloved tale to audiences across multiple cities.
Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent Announces Return of Popular Panto Trio for Dick Whittington
The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent has announced that the beloved panto trio of Jonathan Wilkes, Christian Patterson, and Kai Owen will reunite for this year’s production of Dick Whittington. The pantomime is set to run from Friday, 13 December 2024, to Sunday, 5 January 2025. Jonathan Wilkes, a favourite among Stoke audiences, will lead the cast as Dick Whittington. This year marks a significant milestone for Wilkes as he celebrates 20 years since his first pantomime at the Regent Theatre.
The Haunting - New Vic Theatre
Rating: ★★★★ Playing at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme (until 15th June) is an exceptional production that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Written by Hugh Janes, adapted from several of Charles Dickens’ short stories, The Haunting tells the story of Lord Gray; returning to his childhood home upon the passing of his father.
One Man, Two Guvnors - New Vic Theatre
Rating: ★★★★ New Vic Theatre have struck comedy gold with this current in-house production; presenting this outrageous, laugh-out-loud, perfectly written comedy – playing for a month in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Set in 1963, One Man, Two Guvnors (by Richard Bean) is a fast-paced and simply hilarious story of an out-of-work Francis Henshall, who finds himself with not one job, but two! The chaos that ensues provides for 2 hours of exceptional entertainment.
Come From Away - UK Tour Review
Rating: ★★★★★ It’s the story of humanity that saw a small island take in and embrace 7000 visitors at the height of the 9/11 chaos. Based closely on interviews with residents of Newfoundland, Come From Away (which is currently on UK Tour) is lighting up Liverpool with hope – to nightly standing ovations. From the very opening, a large cast swiftly move through a journey of 100 minutes – taking you along for the ride. There’s no interval, but unlike others, this suits the pacey feel of the show.
Edward Scissorhands
Rating: ★★★★★ Our (almost) 20 year love for this iconic and masterful ballet adaption only grows stronger with this UK Tour revival of Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands. It is billed as: “Based on the classic Tim Burton movie and featuring the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Bourne and his New Adventures Company return to this witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world.
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory - UK Tour Review
Rating: ★★★★★ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells the story of young Charlie Bucket, who wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s mysterious and magical chocolate factory, along with four other children. The visit unveils a world of wonder and life lessons. Currently on its UK tour – this spectacular adaptation brilliantly captures Roald Dahl’s enchanting world. The show is a visual feast, with audio-visuals that are nothing short of spectacular.
Titanic The Musical sets sail across the UK & Ireland
Presented by Danielle Tarento in association with Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Harmonia, Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W Batman, it is 10 years since the show made its critically acclaimed debut at Southwark Playhouse in London.
Tour Dates announced for Frantic Assembly's new production
Full tour dates have been announced for Frantic Assembly’s new adaptation of Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, a collaboration between internationally celebrated poet, playwright and broadcaster Lemn Sissay OBE and Frantic Assembly’s Artistic Director Scott Graham (Othello, Lovesong, Beautiful Burnout).The new production will premiere at Theatre Royal Plymouth from 12 – 16 September 2023, before embarking on an extensive UK tour arriving at The Lowry, Salford from 14th – 18th November 2023.
In Pictures: Hamlet for young audiences
Introducing young audiences to the world of theatre, an energetic retelling of one of Shakespeare’s most well-known tragedies Hamlet is now playing at the Dorfman Theatre until 28 March 2023 following a 6-week schools tour across England. This version is adapted for audiences aged 8–12 years old by Jude Christian (Dick Whittington, National Theatre) and originally directed by Tinuke Craig (The Colour Purple, Vassa).
Mark Rylance to star in the critically acclaimed Dr Semmelweis in the West End
Mark Rylance returns to the West End this summer in Dr Semmelweis opening at the Harold Pinter Theatre on 11 July, with previews from 29 June, and running until Saturday 7 October. The critically acclaimed Bristol Old Vic production, directed by Tom Morris, opened in 2022, and sees Rylance reprise the title role.
MJ The Musical to open in 2024
MJ will begin performances in the U.K at the Prince Edward Theatre, London from Wednesday 6 March 2024. Tickets go on-sale in the U.K. on Wednesday 24 May 2023. For more information and to sign up for exclusive fan pre-sale ahead of the general on-sale, go to mjthemusical.com. He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry is heading to the West End in the Tony Award®-winning new musical.
In Pictures - The Play That Goes Wrong Stunt Rehearsals
The new cast of The Play That Goes Wrong begin performances at the Duchess Theatre on Tuesday 4 April 2023 and here they are in what can only be imagined as absolutely insane rehearsals. The new cast – the majority making their West End Day-Boos – includes Rolan Bell as Robert, Daniel Cech-Lucas as Chris, Luke Dayhill as Jonathan, Lucy Doyle as Sandra, Gavin Dunn as Trevor, Iona Fraser as Annie, Keith Ramsay as Dennis, and Ross Virgo as Max.
Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities breaks Cirque Du Soleil London records
The European debut run of KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities has broken the attendance record for Cirque du Soleil in London, having sold over 216,200 tickets since opening at the Royal Albert Hall on 13 January. Breaking the historic record previously set by the show OVO in 2018, KURIOS received rave reviews throughout its run and and has become the most popular Cirque du Soleil show to visit London. KURIOS leaves London to move to Rome, opening back under the big top on 22nd March.
Dixon and Daughters : Rehearsals begin at National Theatre
Dixon and Daughters is a co-production with the National Theatre and Clean Break, the ground-breaking company producing theatre with and about women affected by the criminal justice system. It opens for performances in the Dorfman theatre from 15 April Róisín McBrinn (Artistic Director, Gate Theatre, Dublin) returns to Clean Break, where she was formerly Joint Artistic Director, to direct this powerful story of family and forgiveness, written by Deborah Bruce.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow to open in the West End 2023
World Premiere of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. A new story live on stage. Based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW, a new play written by Kate Trefry, will receive its world premiere in late 2023 at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End, directed by Stephen Daldry with co-direction by Justin Martin.
Heathers - New Production Images
These new production images celebrate the new cast who started their run at The Other Palace on 21st February. The show is now booking until 3 September 2023. Click here to buy tickets... Donning the blue blazer, and stepping into the lead role of geeky teen, turned popular girl will be Miracle Chance (Be More Chill), as Veronica Sawyer. Beside her, freezing our brains in the role of Jason ‘J.D’ Dean is Ellis Kirk (Dear Evan Hansen).
Cast Announced for TONY! The Tony Blair Rock Opera
Written by Harry Hill and Steve Brown ‘Look anyone will tell you, I’m a pretty straight sort of guy.’ Tony Blair A reckless reappraisal of the life of former Ugly Rumours front man and Britain’s first pop Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Cast announced for Around the World in 80 Days at Theatre by the Lake
Stefan Adegbola will take on the iconic role of Phileas Fog in a brand new production of Around the World in 80 Days, which opens 31 March at Theatre by the Lake (Lake District). Stefan is well known as a stage actor, with performances in shows such as Titus Andronicus at the RSC, The High Table at the Bush Theatre and Richard III with Headlong Theatre Company.
First look: Courtney Bowman & Andy Barke join Pretty Woman
New production images have been released for PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL at the Savoy Theatre starring Courtney Bowman as Kit De Luca and Andy Barke as Happy Man/Mr Thompson. Aimie Atkinson and Danny Mac continue their roles as Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis respectively, with the production booking until April 2023. Book tickets click here…
Sneak Peak - Bristol Old Vic's The Nutcracker - At The Theatre
The Nutcracker – A look inside rehearsals. Take a sneak peek at Bristol Old Vic’s new Christmas show. With only a few weeks to go before previews begin for Bristol Old Vic’s The Nutcracker, take a look inside rehearsals with photography from Geraint Lewis. Bristol Old Vic presents its latest bold and wild Christmas show.
Cast Announced for London Workshops of new musical SUPERYOU
FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR LONDON WORKSHOPS OF NEW ROCK MUSICAL ‘SUPERYOU’ AHEAD OF WEST END TRANSFER Having made its debut performance at the UK’s first MusicalCon in October, where it was an audience hit, the producers of new rock musical SUPERYOUwith book, music and lyrics by Lourds Lane are delighted to announce the full cast for the London workshops starting on 22 November, with presentation performances on 7 and 8 December ahead of a West End transfer.
Hope Mill Theatre: Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Production images has become available for Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella musical at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre. The smart and beautiful young Ella lives in the care of her wicked, self-absorbed stepmother Madame and her two stepsisters Charlotte and Gabrielle. In another part of the kingdom, Prince Topher is trying to find himself and learn his place in the world.
Rehearsal shots from Leicester Curve's "The Wizard of Oz"
There’s no place like Curve this Christmas as the theatre reveals the full cast and rehearsal pictures of its festive musical “The Wizard of Oz”.
Greatest Days - More dates announced for Take That Musical
Adam Kenwright is delighted to announce new tour dates for The Official Take That Musical– GREATEST DAYS, with a book by award winning playwright Tim Firth. The musical will embark on a major UK and Ireland tour from 5 May 2023 and will coincide with the summer 2023 release of the official movie version of this smash-hit musical, starring Aisling Bea and Jayde Adams. GREATEST DAYS celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Take That’s first ever UK Number 1 single Pray.
Rebecca Lock completes the cast of ELF THE MUSICAL
AT LONDON’S DOMINION THEATRE FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED 8-WEEK SEASON FROM 14 NOVEMBER 2022 Renowned theatre actress Rebecca Lock will play Emily Hobbs in ELF, the smash hit musical which returns to London in a new production at the Dominion Theatre for a strictly limited 8-week season. Rehearsals for ELF begin today in anticipation of previews from 14 November and an official opening on 24 November 2022, with the season finishing on 7 January 2023.
Horrible Histories visits Birmingham, Manchester & London this December
“HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS” – The story of how Christmas came to be what it is today – in Horrible Histories style! When you think of Christmas, many things usually come to mind – family, joy, goodwill, presents… – but how about Oliver Cromwell (fact)? Or Henry VIII (fact)? When Christmas comes under threat from a jolly man dressed in red, it’s up to one young courageous boy to save the day – but can he save Christmas?
A Song For You - Artz Productions
★★★★ A brand new comedy musical has been staged for the first time, within the local area that the inspired events took place. For one week only at the Stoke-on-Trent Repertory Theatre, the ambitious Artz Productions have achieved an enormous feat – having written, directed and musically accompanied their own, original full length show. And what a show it is.
World premiere of ‘The Throne’ - opening tonight at Charing Cross Theatre
The world premiere of ‘The Throne’ a majestic new comedy by award-winning TV and film screenwriter John Goldsmith, starring Mary Roscoe, Charlie Condou and Michael Joel Bartelle, opens tonight at Charing Cross Theatre. ‘The Throne’ Directed by Anthony Biggs is at Charing Cross Theatre 23 June – 30 July. 2002: the year of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, and Dudley Goring Comprehensive School is in a state of eager anticipation about the arrival of a very important visitor.
COME FROM AWAY to CLOSE on Saturday 7 January 2023
London, Friday 1 July: The multi award-winning London production of global hit musical Come From Away will extend in the West End from September until the end of the year before holding its final performance at the Phoenix Theatre on Saturday 7 January 2023.
The CARD - Claybody Theatre
★★★★★ A jubilant, site-specific success In the grand and most suitable setting of a recently restored town hall ballroom, you will find (if you’re quick!) a delightful, modern twist on a literary classic. For 10 days at Fenton Town Hall in Stoke-on-Trent, established local theatre company Claybody Theatre are presenting their latest offer: The Card by Arnold Bennett and adapted by Deb McAndrew.
Marvellous - New Vic Theatre
★★★★ The long awaited theatre production of Marvellous has finally taken to the stage in a fashion that is fitting to the man on which the play is based. Neil “Nello” Baldwin has spent his life overcoming obstacles and it’s not difficult to see why his story was turned into a BBC film in 2014. This extraordinary man has been a clown, an impossibly brilliant Stoke City kit man, a friend of celebrities and politicians and many other things to many other people.
We Will Rock You - UK Tour
Based on the unrivaled music of QUEEN, We Will Rock You is the West End sensation that has ruled the world of “rock musicals” for the past 20 years. Written by Ben Elton, the musical tells the story of the last remaining bohemians. Set on the iPlanet – a futuristic, soulless world – Galileo, Scaramouche and the last of their kind are spiritually drawn to rock, individuality and freedom.
Dick Whittington - Mitchell Arts Centre 2021
★★★★ Back at the Mitchell Arts Centre in Hanley is TLC Productions with this year’s offer: Dick Whittington! This is a beautiful intimate theatre in Hanley with free parking nextdoor (at Tesco – using the theatre’s parking registration service). It already makes alot of sense, but there’s much more… This fabulous pantomime is outstanding from start to finish, with all the perfect panto ingredients to give you and your family two hours of great fun.
Six The Musical - At The Theatre
“Remember us from your GCSE’s?”. Six is the remarkable (still relatively new!) musical based on the story of the six wives of Henry VIII. It has a new palace these days… head a few steps up The Strand and you’ll find the Vaudeville Theatre waiting for you – a fitting home for the Queens. There’s an electricity in the auditorium before the show, the anticipation of a production that we know already lives up to it’s hype.
Heathers the Musical - UK Tour Review
★★★★☆ Fierce, funny, shocking and iconic are all words you would use to describe “Heathers the Musical” – a brand new UK Tour, having been gaining momentum within London fringe and subsequently bossing it’s way into the West End, originally a 1989 film. In a toxic high school heirarchy, the Heathers are IT – nobody would dare to bother them and everyone lives in fear of them. They are the true bosses of Westerberg High, particularly Heather Chandler who dominates with her side-Heathers.
'The Show Must Go On' to be broadcast on SKYARTS
After a record-breaking sell-out run at The Palace Theatre, and over 600,000 views worldwide from the online stream, THE SHOW MUST GO ON! LIVE AT THE PALACE THEATRE will broadcast on SkyArts on Sunday 18 July at 8pm. Sky Arts is free for everyone to watch on Freeview Channel 11.
Hairspray - UK Tour
★★★★☆ Hairspray returns to UK Tour for 2021, with some new and some familiar faces! If you don’t know Hairspray, you really should. Tracy Turnblad (magnificent professional debut from Katie Brace) finds herself on her favourite TV show, but it’s not long before she notices that black people can’t dance with the white people. She’s the most unlikely hero, but with a little help manages to take one big step to defeat segregation on live TV.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Rob
Contact Rob, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack