Julie Clare Productions
theatre people want to see
Play On!
UK Tour
What does it take for a woman to make it in a man's world?
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Meet Vy, a talented songwriter looking to make it big in the 1940's Harlem scene. She quickly learns from her uncle Jester that women will never be taken seriously in a man’s world. But, like many a strong hero, she refuses to accept defeat. Through her gender-fluid cunning, she meets club owner The Duke and sensational nightclub singer Lady Liv and is swept up in a syncopated symphony of melodies, mistaken identities and romance. Who will come out on top?
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Play On! is set in the jazz scene of New York's Cotton Club. This stylish retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, directed by Talawa’s Artistic Director Michael Buffong (A Kind of People, Royal Court; All My Sons, Talawa and Royal Exchange) fuses the thrilling music of Duke Ellington with street dance choreography. Prepare to be wowed by this musical spectacular that will have your toes tapping and hands clapping along to the timeless soundtrack.
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Play On! was conceived by Sheldon Epps, has a book by Cheryl L.West, and is lead produced by Talawa with J. Clare Productions and Chuchu Ngawu Productions. Other co-producers include: The Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Birmingham Hippodrome, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Wiltshire Creative.​​
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★★★★★
"There is no standout here as the cast all work together so well as a team and look like they are having a blast doing so. The applause is abundant and the standing ovation from the crowd is well deserved."
What's On Stage​
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★★★★★
“It is hard not to get swept up in the inherent joy and energy of this wonderful production. Play on? It certainly deserves to.”
Broadway World
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★★★★★
"Play On! Is a production to lift the spirits and get toes tapping, with a talented cast and, naturally, a top quality soundtrack - catch it while you can."
What's On Midlands​
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★★★★★
“Play On! is everything you’d want from a musical – irresistible songs, exuberant dancing, colourful characters and a great story.”
Reviews Hub​​
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★★★★
“Bold, joyful and jazzy”
The Stage​
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★★★★
“An incredibly upbeat show that provides the perfect tonic for a dark and miserable winter.”
All That Dazzles​
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★★★★
"What powers the show forward are the songs and the charm of the leads."
The Standard
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★★★★
"A perfectly uplifting transposition"
The Guardian​​
Trailers
Play On! Trailer
Vox Pops