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{{Short description|Theatre in Southwark, London}}
{{More citations needed|date = January 2011}}
{{More citations needed|date = January 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox Theatre
{{Infobox Theatre
|name = Menier Chocolate Factory
|name = Menier Chocolate Factory
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}}
}}


The '''Menier Chocolate Factory''' is a 180-seat off-West End theatre, which comprises a bar and rehearsal rooms.
The '''Menier Chocolate Factory''' is a 180-seat [[Off-West End]] theatre, which comprises a bar and theatre offices.


It is located in a former 1870s [[Menier Chocolate|Menier Chocolate Company]] factory at 53 [[Southwark Street]], a major street in the [[London Borough of Southwark]], central south London, England, some 2.5&nbsp;km from the theatrical West End. The theatre stages plays and [[musical theatre|musicals]], live music and stand-up comedy. According to the ''[[Evening Standard]]'', it is "one of the most dynamic fringe venues in London".<ref>[http://www.tobyyoung.co.uk/297/menier_chocolate_factory.html Menier Chocolate Factory&nbsp;– Restaurant Reviews] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928021552/http://www.tobyyoung.co.uk/297/menier_chocolate_factory.html |date=28 September 2007 }}</ref>
It is located at the rear of a former 1870s [[Menier Chocolate|Menier Chocolate Company]] factory at 53 [[Southwark Street]], a major street in the [[London Borough of Southwark]], central south London, England, some 2.5&nbsp;km from the theatrical West End. The theatre stages plays and [[musical theatre|musicals]], live music and stand-up comedy. According to the ''[[Evening Standard]]'', it is "one of the most dynamic fringe venues in London".<ref>[http://www.tobyyoung.co.uk/297/menier_chocolate_factory.html Menier Chocolate Factory&nbsp;– Restaurant Reviews] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928021552/http://www.tobyyoung.co.uk/297/menier_chocolate_factory.html |date=28 September 2007 }}</ref>


==History and awards==
==History and awards==
The French company [[Menier Chocolate]] Company expanded overseas and built a five-storey factory and warehouse of brick with stone dressings in London between 1865 and 1874. It was listed [[Grade II]] in 1996.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1385925 |access-date=2 August 2014}}</ref>
The French company [[Menier Chocolate]] Company expanded overseas and built a five-storey factory and warehouse of brick with stone dressings in London between 1865 and 1874. It was listed [[Grade II]] in 1996.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1385925 |access-date=2 August 2014}}</ref>


The Menier Chocolate Factory was opened in 2004 in its current incarnation, the building having been derelict since the 1980s. It is run by artistic director David Babani.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/otherresources/interviews/DavidBabani.htm |title=Interview with David Babani, '&#39;British Theatre Guide'&#39;, 2007 |publisher=Britishtheatreguide.info |access-date=2 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923194802/http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/otherresources/interviews/DavidBabani.htm |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2005, the theatre received the Peter Brook/Empty Space Up and Coming Venue Award. In the same year, he and co-founder Danielle Tarento jointly won the ''[[Evening Standard Awards|Evening Standard]]'' Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer. Tarento left in 2006 to pursue a solo producing career, and was replaced by General Manager Thomas Siracusa.
The Menier Chocolate Factory was opened in 2004 in its current incarnation, it is within a purpose built space at the rear of the factory, connecting through the adjoining buildings. It is run by artistic director David Babani.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/otherresources/interviews/DavidBabani.htm |title=Interview with David Babani, "British Theatre Guide", 2007 |publisher=Britishtheatreguide.info |access-date=2 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923194802/http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/otherresources/interviews/DavidBabani.htm |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2005, the theatre received the Peter Brook/Empty Space Up and Coming Venue Award. In the same year, he and co-founder Danielle Tarento jointly won the ''[[Evening Standard Awards|Evening Standard]]'' Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer. Tarento left in 2006 to pursue a solo producing career, and was replaced by General Manager Thomas Siracusa.{{cn|date=October 2023}}


In 2007 the Chocolate Factory production of the [[Stephen Sondheim]] musical ''Sunday in the Park with George'' won five [[Olivier Awards]], including Best Actor in a Musical for [[Daniel Evans (actor)|Daniel Evans]] and Best Actress in a Musical for [[Jenna Russell]]. The pair went on to perform the lead roles when the production transferred to Studio 54 on Broadway in February 2008.
In 2007 the Chocolate Factory production of the [[Stephen Sondheim]] musical ''Sunday in the Park with George'' won five [[Olivier Awards]], including Best Actor in a Musical for [[Daniel Evans (actor)|Daniel Evans]] and Best Actress in a Musical for [[Jenna Russell]]. The pair went on to perform the lead roles when the production transferred to Studio 54 on Broadway in February 2008.{{cn|date=October 2023}}


In the 2009 Olivier Awards, [[Douglas Hodge]] won the trophy for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Albin in ''[[La Cage aux Folles (musical)|La Cage aux Folles]]''. The production also won the Best Musical Revival category.
In the 2009 Olivier Awards, [[Douglas Hodge]] won the trophy for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Albin in ''[[La Cage aux Folles (musical)|La Cage aux Folles]]''. The production also won the Best Musical Revival category.{{cn|date=October 2023}}


In 2010, the Chocolate Factory productions of ''A Little Night Music'' and ''La Cage aux Folles'' opened on Broadway, the former starring [[Catherine Zeta Jones]] and [[Angela Lansbury]] and the latter starring Douglas Hodge (from the original London production) and [[Kelsey Grammer]]. At the Tony Awards 2010 the shows won in the following categories: Best Leading Actress in a Musical &nbsp;– Catherine Zeta Jones for ''A Little Night Music''; Best Leading Actor in a Musical&nbsp;– Douglas Hodge for ''La Cage aux Folles''; Best Director of a Musical&nbsp;– Terry Johnson for ''La Cage aux Folles''; Best Musical Revival&nbsp;– ''La Cage aux Folles''.
In 2010, the Chocolate Factory productions of ''A Little Night Music'' and ''La Cage aux Folles'' opened on Broadway, the former starring [[Catherine Zeta Jones]] and [[Angela Lansbury]] and the latter starring Douglas Hodge (from the original London production) and [[Kelsey Grammer]]. At the Tony Awards 2010 the shows won in the following categories: Best Leading Actress in a Musical &nbsp;– Catherine Zeta Jones for ''A Little Night Music''; Best Leading Actor in a Musical&nbsp;– Douglas Hodge for ''La Cage aux Folles''; Best Director of a Musical&nbsp;– Terry Johnson for ''La Cage aux Folles''; Best Musical Revival&nbsp;– ''La Cage aux Folles''.{{cn|date=October 2023}}


The theatre continues to produce a mixture of musical and play revivals, new writing and comedy.
The theatre continues to produce a mixture of musical and play revivals, new writing and comedy.


==Productions==
==Productions==
{{sources|section|date=October 2023}}
'''2005'''
'''2005'''
[[File:Audrey II.JPG|thumb|Audrey II from ''Little Shop of Horrors'' in 2006]]
[[File:Audrey II.JPG|thumb|Audrey II from ''Little Shop of Horrors'' in 2006]]
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<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:Merrily_We_Roll_Along_in_2012.jpg|thumb|right|Merrily We Roll Along in 2012]] -->
<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:Merrily_We_Roll_Along_in_2012.jpg|thumb|right|Merrily We Roll Along in 2012]] -->
* ''[[Merrily We Roll Along (musical)|Merrily We Roll Along]]'' by [[Stephen Sondheim]] and [[George Furth]] 22 Nov – 9 March 2013. Subsequent transfer to Harold Pinter Theatre 23 April – 27 July<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael Billington | author-link = Michael Billington (critic) | newspaper = The Guardian | date = 28 November 2012 | title = A superb production by Maria Friedman | url = https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/nov/28/merrily-we-roll-along-review }}</ref>
* ''[[Merrily We Roll Along (musical)|Merrily We Roll Along]]'' by [[Stephen Sondheim]] and [[George Furth]] 22 Nov – 9 March 2013. Subsequent transfer to Harold Pinter Theatre 23 April – 27 July<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael Billington | author-link = Michael Billington (critic) | newspaper = The Guardian | date = 28 November 2012 | title = A superb production by Maria Friedman | url = https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/nov/28/merrily-we-roll-along-review }}</ref>
* ''[[Proof (play)|Proof]]'' by [[David Auburn]] starring [[Mariah Gale]] from March 2013 to April 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://officiallondontheatre.com/news/gale-has-menier-proof-169563/|title=Gale has Menier Proof|date=29 January 2013|newspaper=OfficialLondonTheatre.com|access-date=30 Oct 2017}}</ref>
* ''[[Proof (play)|Proof]]'' by [[David Auburn]] starring [[Mariah Gale]] from March 2013 to April 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://officiallondontheatre.com/news/gale-has-menier-proof-169563/|title=Gale has Menier Proof|date=29 January 2013|newspaper=OfficialLondonTheatre.com|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref>
* ''[[Travels with My Aunt (play)|Travels With My Aunt]]'' by [[Graham Greene]] during May and June 2013.<ref>{{cite news | author = Charles Spencer | newspaper = The Telegraph | date = 9 May 2013 | title = high-definition acting at its most enjoyable | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-news/10044719/Travels-with-My-Aunt-Menier-Chocolate-Factory-London-review.html }}</ref>
* ''[[Travels with My Aunt (play)|Travels With My Aunt]]'' by [[Graham Greene]] during May and June 2013.<ref>{{cite news | author = Charles Spencer | newspaper = The Telegraph | date = 9 May 2013 | title = high-definition acting at its most enjoyable | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-news/10044719/Travels-with-My-Aunt-Menier-Chocolate-Factory-London-review.html }}</ref>
* ''[[The Color Purple (musical)|The Color Purple]]'' by [[Alice Walker]] from 5 July to 14 September 2013.<ref>{{cite news | author = Robert McCrum | author-link = Robert McCrum | newspaper = The Observer | date = 21 July 2013 | title = The Color Purple is a feelgood show for a hot summer's night | url = https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/jul/21/color-purple-menier-chocolate-factory }}</ref>
* ''[[The Color Purple (musical)|The Color Purple]]'' by [[Alice Walker]] from 5 July to 14 September 2013.<ref>{{cite news | author = Robert McCrum | author-link = Robert McCrum | newspaper = The Observer | date = 21 July 2013 | title = The Color Purple is a feelgood show for a hot summer's night | url = https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/jul/21/color-purple-menier-chocolate-factory }}</ref>
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* ''[[Into the Woods]]'' by [[Stephen Sondheim]] and [[James Lapine]] from 1 July to 17 September<ref>{{cite news | author = Kate Kellaway | newspaper = The Observer | date = 17 July 2016 | title = Bittersweet Sondheim with a homemade look | url = https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/jul/17/into-the-woods-review-menier-chocolate-factory-sondheim }}</ref>
* ''[[Into the Woods]]'' by [[Stephen Sondheim]] and [[James Lapine]] from 1 July to 17 September<ref>{{cite news | author = Kate Kellaway | newspaper = The Observer | date = 17 July 2016 | title = Bittersweet Sondheim with a homemade look | url = https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/jul/17/into-the-woods-review-menier-chocolate-factory-sondheim }}</ref>
* ''[[Travesties]]'' by [[Tom Stoppard]] starring [[Tom Hollander]] from September 2016. Subsequent transfer to Apollo Theatre 3 February – 29 April
* ''[[Travesties]]'' by [[Tom Stoppard]] starring [[Tom Hollander]] from September 2016. Subsequent transfer to Apollo Theatre 3 February – 29 April
*''[[She Loves Me]]'' by [[Joe Masteroff]], [[Sheldon Harnick]] and [[Jerry Bock]] from 25 November to 4 March 2017. Starring [[Scarlett Strallen]].<ref>{{cite news | author = Susannah Clapp | newspaper = The Guardian | date = 11 December 2016 | title = The Sweet Smell of Success | url = https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/dec/11/she-loves-me-review-menier-chocolate-factory}}</ref>
*''[[She Loves Me]]'' by [[Joe Masteroff]], [[Sheldon Harnick]] and [[Jerry Bock]] from 25 November to 4 March 2017. Starring [[Scarlett Strallen]].<ref>{{cite news | author = Susannah Clapp | author-link=Susannah Clapp | newspaper = The Guardian | date = 11 December 2016 | title = The Sweet Smell of Success | url = https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/dec/11/she-loves-me-review-menier-chocolate-factory}}</ref>


'''2017'''
'''2017'''
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*''Love in Idleness'' by [[Terence Rattigan]] from 10 March to 29 April. Starring [[Anthony Head]], [[Eve Best]], [[Helen George]] and Edward Bluemel.<ref>{{cite news | author = Paul Taylor | newspaper = The Independent | date = 23 March 2017 | title = It brilliantly synthesises the two versions that exist of a play by Terence Rattigan | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/love-in-idleness-review-menier-chocolate-factory-terence-rattigan-a7641726.html}}</ref>
*''Love in Idleness'' by [[Terence Rattigan]] from 10 March to 29 April. Starring [[Anthony Head]], [[Eve Best]], [[Helen George]] and Edward Bluemel.<ref>{{cite news | author = Paul Taylor | newspaper = The Independent | date = 23 March 2017 | title = It brilliantly synthesises the two versions that exist of a play by Terence Rattigan | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/love-in-idleness-review-menier-chocolate-factory-terence-rattigan-a7641726.html}}</ref>
*''[[Lettice and Lovage]]'' by [[Peter Shaffer]] from 4 May to 8 July<ref>{{cite news | author = Ian Shuttleworth | newspaper = Financial Times | date = 18 May 2017 | title = Maureen Lipman and Felicity Kendal excel | url = https://www.ft.com/content/667a877e-3bc7-11e7-821a-6027b8a20f23}}</ref>
*''[[Lettice and Lovage]]'' by [[Peter Shaffer]] from 4 May to 8 July<ref>{{cite news | author = Ian Shuttleworth | newspaper = Financial Times | date = 18 May 2017 | title = Maureen Lipman and Felicity Kendal excel | url = https://www.ft.com/content/667a877e-3bc7-11e7-821a-6027b8a20f23}}</ref>
*[[The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ (musical)|''The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾'']] by [[Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary|Jake Bruger and Pippa Cleary]] from 14 July to 9 September.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/secret-diary-adrian-mole-musical-menier-chocolate-factory_43617.html|title=Menier Chocolate Factory to stage new production of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole musical|work=WhatsOnStage.com|access-date=2017-05-17}}</ref>
*[[The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ (musical)|''The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾'']] by [[Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary|Jake Bruger and Pippa Cleary]] from 14 July to 9 September.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/secret-diary-adrian-mole-musical-menier-chocolate-factory_43617.html|title=Menier Chocolate Factory to stage new production of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole musical|work=WhatsOnStage.com|access-date=17 May 2017}}</ref>
*''The Lie'' by [[Florian Zeller]] from 14 September to 18 November. Starring [[Samantha Bond]], [[James Dreyfus]], [[Tony Gardner]], Alex Gilbreath.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/the-lie-menier-chocolate-factory-florian-zeller_44192.html|title=Florian Zeller's The Lie to receive English language world premiere at Menier Chocolate Factory|work=WhatsOnStage.com|access-date=2017-08-23}}</ref>
*''The Lie'' by [[Florian Zeller]] from 14 September to 18 November. Starring [[Samantha Bond]], [[James Dreyfus]], [[Tony Gardner]], Alex Gilbreath.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/the-lie-menier-chocolate-factory-florian-zeller_44192.html|title=Florian Zeller's The Lie to receive English language world premiere at Menier Chocolate Factory|work=WhatsOnStage.com|access-date=23 August 2017}}</ref>
*''[[Barnum (musical)|Barnum]]'' by [[Cy Coleman]], [[Michael Stewart (playwright)|Michael Stewart]] and [[Mark Bramble]] from 25 November to 3 March 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2017/menier-chocolate-factory-revive-barnum/|title=Menier Chocolate Factory to revive Barnum|date=2017-08-21|work=The Stage|access-date=2017-08-23|language=en-US}}</ref>
*''[[Barnum (musical)|Barnum]]'' by [[Cy Coleman]], [[Michael Stewart (playwright)|Michael Stewart]] and [[Mark Bramble]] from 25 November to 3 March 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2017/menier-chocolate-factory-revive-barnum/|title=Menier Chocolate Factory to revive Barnum|date=21 August 2017|work=The Stage|access-date=23 August 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>


'''2018'''
'''2018'''


*[[Kiss of the Spider Woman (play)|''Kiss of the Spiderwoman'']] by [[José Rivera (playwright)|José Rivera]] and Allan Barker from 8 March to 5 May. Directed by [[Laurie Sansom]]. Starring [[Samuel Barnett (actor)|Samuel Barnett]] and [[Declan Bennett]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/casting-kiss-spider-woman-menier-chocolate-factory_45663.html?cid=relatedstories|title=Declan Bennett and Samuel Barnett cast in Kiss of the Spider Woman|work=WhatsOnStage.com|access-date=2018-03-20}}</ref>
*[[Kiss of the Spider Woman (play)|''Kiss of the Spiderwoman'']] by [[José Rivera (playwright)|José Rivera]] and Allan Barker from 8 March to 5 May. Directed by [[Laurie Sansom]]. Starring [[Samuel Barnett (actor)|Samuel Barnett]] and [[Declan Bennett]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/casting-kiss-spider-woman-menier-chocolate-factory_45663.html?cid=relatedstories|title=Declan Bennett and Samuel Barnett cast in Kiss of the Spider Woman|work=WhatsOnStage.com|access-date=20 March 2018}}</ref>
*''The Grönholm Method'' by [[Jordi Galceran]] from 10 May – 7 July. Directed by BT McNicholl. Cast includes [[Jonathan Cake]], [[Greg McHugh]], [[Laura Pitt-Pulford]] and [[John Gordon Sinclair]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/casting-gronholm-method-pitt-pulford-gordon-sinclair_46310.html|title=Laura Pitt-Pulford and John Gordon Sinclair to star in The Grönholm Method|work = [[What's On Stage]]|author= Ben Lewis|date = 16 April 2018|access-date=29 October 2021|language=en-GB}}</ref>
*''The Grönholm Method'' by [[Jordi Galceran]] from 10 May – 7 July. Directed by BT McNicholl. Cast includes [[Jonathan Cake]], [[Greg McHugh]], [[Laura Pitt-Pulford]] and [[John Gordon Sinclair]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/casting-gronholm-method-pitt-pulford-gordon-sinclair_46310.html|title=Laura Pitt-Pulford and John Gordon Sinclair to star in The Grönholm Method|work = [[What's On Stage]]|author= Ben Lewis|date = 16 April 2018|access-date=29 October 2021|language=en-GB}}</ref>
*''[[Spamilton]]'' by [[Gerard Alessandrini]] from 12 July – 15 September.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/spamilton-menier-chocolate-factory-casting_46822.html|title=Spamilton at Menier Chocolate Factory casting announced|access-date=2018-07-07|language=en-GB}}</ref>
*''[[Spamilton]]'' by [[Gerard Alessandrini]] from 12 July – 15 September.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/spamilton-menier-chocolate-factory-casting_46822.html|title=Spamilton at Menier Chocolate Factory casting announced|access-date=7 July 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>
*''[[Pack of Lies]]'' by [[Hugh Whitemore]] from 20 September – 17 November. Directed by Hannah Chissick. Starring [[Finty Williams]] and [[Jasper Britton]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/hugh-whitemore-pack-of-lies-revived-menier_47229.html|title=Hugh Whitemore's Pack of Lies revived at the Menier Chocolate Factory|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en-GB}}</ref>
*''[[Pack of Lies]]'' by [[Hugh Whitemore]] from 20 September – 17 November. Directed by Hannah Chissick. Starring [[Finty Williams]] and [[Jasper Britton]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/hugh-whitemore-pack-of-lies-revived-menier_47229.html|title=Hugh Whitemore's Pack of Lies revived at the Menier Chocolate Factory|access-date=17 August 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>
* ''[[Fiddler on the Roof]]'' by [[Jerry Bock]], [[Sheldon Harnick]] and [[Joseph Stein]] from 23 November – 9 March 2019. Directed by [[Trevor Nunn]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/menier-chocolate-factory-fiddler-roof_47403.html|title=Menier Chocolate Factory to stage Fiddler on the Roof this Christmas|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en-GB}}</ref>
* ''[[Fiddler on the Roof]]'' by [[Jerry Bock]], [[Sheldon Harnick]] and [[Joseph Stein]] from 23 November – 9 March 2019. Directed by [[Trevor Nunn]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/menier-chocolate-factory-fiddler-roof_47403.html|title=Menier Chocolate Factory to stage Fiddler on the Roof this Christmas|access-date=17 August 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>


'''2019'''
'''2019'''


*''The Bay at Nice'' by [[David Hare (playwright)|David Hare]] from 14 March – 4 May. Directed by [[Richard Eyre]]. Cast includes Martin Hutson, [[Ophelia Lovibond]], [[David Rintoul]] and [[Penelope Wilton]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/penelope-wilton-ophelia-lovibond-bay-nice-menier_48349.html|title=Penelope Wilton and Ophelia Lovibond confirmed for David Hare's The Bay at Nice at Menier Chocolate Factory {{!}} WhatsOnStage|website=www.whatsonstage.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-03-07}}</ref>
*''The Bay at Nice'' by [[David Hare (playwright)|David Hare]] from 14 March – 4 May. Directed by [[Richard Eyre]]. Cast includes Martin Hutson, [[Ophelia Lovibond]], [[David Rintoul]] and [[Penelope Wilton]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/penelope-wilton-ophelia-lovibond-bay-nice-menier_48349.html|title=Penelope Wilton and Ophelia Lovibond confirmed for David Hare's The Bay at Nice at Menier Chocolate Factory {{!}} WhatsOnStage|website=www.whatsonstage.com|language=en-GB|access-date=7 March 2019}}</ref>
*''[[Orpheus Descending]]'' by [[Tennessee Williams]] from 9 May – 6 July (co-production with [[Theatr Clwyd]]). Directed by Tamara Harvey. Cast includes [[Hattie Morahan]], [[Jemima Rooper]] and [[Seth Numrich|Seth Nimrich]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/wales-theatre/news/theatr-clwyd-2019-season-orpheus-descending_48018.html|title=Theatr Clwyd announces 2019 season and Menier Chocolate Factory co-production {{!}} WhatsOnStage|website=www.whatsonstage.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-03-07}}</ref>
*''[[Orpheus Descending]]'' by [[Tennessee Williams]] from 9 May – 6 July (co-production with [[Theatr Clwyd]]). Directed by Tamara Harvey. Cast includes [[Hattie Morahan]], [[Jemima Rooper]] and [[Seth Numrich|Seth Nimrich]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/wales-theatre/news/theatr-clwyd-2019-season-orpheus-descending_48018.html|title=Theatr Clwyd announces 2019 season and Menier Chocolate Factory co-production {{!}} WhatsOnStage|website=www.whatsonstage.com|language=en-GB|access-date=7 March 2019}}</ref>
*''[[The Bridges of Madison County (musical)|The Bridges of Madison County]]'' by [[Marsha Norman]] and [[Jason Robert Brown]] from 13 July – 14 September. Directed by [[Trevor Nunn]]. Cast includes [[Jenna Russell]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/cast-jenna-russell-full-bridges-madison-county_49223.html|title=Cast joining Jenna Russell in The Bridges of Madison County announced {{!}} WhatsOnStage|website=www.whatsonstage.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-26}}</ref>
*''[[The Bridges of Madison County (musical)|The Bridges of Madison County]]'' by [[Marsha Norman]] and [[Jason Robert Brown]] from 13 July – 14 September. Directed by [[Trevor Nunn]]. Cast includes [[Jenna Russell]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/cast-jenna-russell-full-bridges-madison-county_49223.html|title=Cast joining Jenna Russell in The Bridges of Madison County announced {{!}} WhatsOnStage|website=www.whatsonstage.com|language=en-GB|access-date=26 June 2019}}</ref>
*''[[The Watsons]]'' by [[Laura Wade]] from 20 September – 16 November. Directed by [[Samuel West]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/watsons-transfer-menier-chocolate-factory_49334.html|title=The Watsons to transfer to the Menier Chocolate Factory {{!}} WhatsOnStage|website=www.whatsonstage.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-26}}</ref>
*''[[The Watsons]]'' by [[Laura Wade]] from 20 September – 16 November. Directed by [[Samuel West]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/watsons-transfer-menier-chocolate-factory_49334.html|title=The Watsons to transfer to the Menier Chocolate Factory {{!}} WhatsOnStage|website=www.whatsonstage.com|language=en-GB|access-date=26 June 2019}}</ref>
*[[The Boy Friend (musical)|''The Boy Friend'']] by [[Sandy Wilson]] from 22 November – 7 March 2020. Directed by Matthew White. Transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre (Toronto, Canada) from March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=CEE444BE-30A6-4B42-86A5-0E7ED72AEF98&sessionlanguage=&SessionSecurity::linkName=|title=The Boy Friend|website=www.menierchocolatefactory.com|access-date=2020-02-12}}</ref>
*[[The Boy Friend (musical)|''The Boy Friend'']] by [[Sandy Wilson]] from 22 November – 7 March 2020. Directed by Matthew White. Transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre (Toronto, Canada) from March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=CEE444BE-30A6-4B42-86A5-0E7ED72AEF98&sessionlanguage=&SessionSecurity::linkName=|title=The Boy Friend|website=www.menierchocolatefactory.com|access-date=12 February 2020}}</ref>


'''2020'''
'''2020'''


*[[Indecent (play)|''Indecent'']] by [[Paula Vogel]] from 13 March – 15 March. Directed by [[Rebecca Taichman]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=3692EC9E-D57C-4F6B-A0F3-BDD2549FA22D&sessionlanguage=&SessionSecurity::linkName=|title=Indecent|website=www.menierchocolatefactory.com|access-date=2020-02-12}}</ref>
*[[Indecent (play)|''Indecent'']] by [[Paula Vogel]] from 13 – 15 March. Directed by [[Rebecca Taichman]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=3692EC9E-D57C-4F6B-A0F3-BDD2549FA22D&sessionlanguage=&SessionSecurity::linkName=|title=Indecent|website=www.menierchocolatefactory.com|access-date=12 February 2020}}</ref>


'''2021'''
'''2021'''
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{Official|http://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/}}
*{{Official|http://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/}}
*{{Official|http://www.meniervenues.com/}}

{{Theatres in London}}
{{Theatres in London}}


Latest revision as of 15:23, 2 September 2024

Menier Chocolate Factory
Exterior of the theatre
Map
Address53 Southwark Street
London, SE1
England, United Kingdom
Coordinates51°30′18″N 0°05′50″W / 51.5051°N 0.0972°W / 51.5051; -0.0972
Public transitLondon Underground National Rail London Bridge
TypeFringe theatre
Capacity180
Opened2004; 20 years ago (2004)
Website
menierchocolatefactory.com

The Menier Chocolate Factory is a 180-seat Off-West End theatre, which comprises a bar and theatre offices.

It is located at the rear of a former 1870s Menier Chocolate Company factory at 53 Southwark Street, a major street in the London Borough of Southwark, central south London, England, some 2.5 km from the theatrical West End. The theatre stages plays and musicals, live music and stand-up comedy. According to the Evening Standard, it is "one of the most dynamic fringe venues in London".[1]

History and awards

[edit]

The French company Menier Chocolate Company expanded overseas and built a five-storey factory and warehouse of brick with stone dressings in London between 1865 and 1874. It was listed Grade II in 1996.[2]

The Menier Chocolate Factory was opened in 2004 in its current incarnation, it is within a purpose built space at the rear of the factory, connecting through the adjoining buildings. It is run by artistic director David Babani.[3] In 2005, the theatre received the Peter Brook/Empty Space Up and Coming Venue Award. In the same year, he and co-founder Danielle Tarento jointly won the Evening Standard Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer. Tarento left in 2006 to pursue a solo producing career, and was replaced by General Manager Thomas Siracusa.[citation needed]

In 2007 the Chocolate Factory production of the Stephen Sondheim musical Sunday in the Park with George won five Olivier Awards, including Best Actor in a Musical for Daniel Evans and Best Actress in a Musical for Jenna Russell. The pair went on to perform the lead roles when the production transferred to Studio 54 on Broadway in February 2008.[citation needed]

In the 2009 Olivier Awards, Douglas Hodge won the trophy for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Albin in La Cage aux Folles. The production also won the Best Musical Revival category.[citation needed]

In 2010, the Chocolate Factory productions of A Little Night Music and La Cage aux Folles opened on Broadway, the former starring Catherine Zeta Jones and Angela Lansbury and the latter starring Douglas Hodge (from the original London production) and Kelsey Grammer. At the Tony Awards 2010 the shows won in the following categories: Best Leading Actress in a Musical  – Catherine Zeta Jones for A Little Night Music; Best Leading Actor in a Musical – Douglas Hodge for La Cage aux Folles; Best Director of a Musical – Terry Johnson for La Cage aux Folles; Best Musical Revival – La Cage aux Folles.[citation needed]

The theatre continues to produce a mixture of musical and play revivals, new writing and comedy.

Productions

[edit]

2005

Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors in 2006
Forbidden Broadway in 2009

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

  • Indecent from 3 September[41]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Menier Chocolate Factory – Restaurant Reviews Archived 28 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1385925)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
  3. ^ "Interview with David Babani, "British Theatre Guide", 2007". Britishtheatreguide.info. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
  4. ^ Reviews – Sunday in the Park with George (Menier Chocolate Factory), British Theatre Guide, 2005.
  5. ^ Jane Shilling (13 June 2012). "David Bedella tackles the role of Arnold Beckoff with sparkling conviction". The Telegraph.
  6. ^ Michael Billington (28 November 2012). "A superb production by Maria Friedman". The Guardian.
  7. ^ "Gale has Menier Proof". OfficialLondonTheatre.com. 29 January 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2017.
  8. ^ Charles Spencer (9 May 2013). "high-definition acting at its most enjoyable". The Telegraph.
  9. ^ Robert McCrum (21 July 2013). "The Color Purple is a feelgood show for a hot summer's night". The Observer.
  10. ^ Dominic Cavendish (27 September 2013). "This horribly amusing Broadway import is laced with a surprising softness". The Telegraph.
  11. ^ Michael Billington (2 December 2013). "a restless, comic-strip production that has a jaunty ebullience and two outstanding leads". The Guardian.
  12. ^ Charles Spencer (19 March 2014). "If you enjoy farce, you will have a ball at this revival of Ray Cooney's play about lies and assumed identities in a Westminster hotel". The Telegraph.
  13. ^ Jane Shilling (5 June 2014). "Broadway composer Andrew Lippa offers up a tantalising taster menu of his work that is sexy and sophisticated". The Telegraph.
  14. ^ Jane Shilling (6 July 2014). "you'll weep with laughter". The Telegraph.
  15. ^ Paul Taylor (11 September 2014). "A brilliantly funny tour de force". The Independent.
  16. ^ Dominic Cavendish (2 December 2014). "Darkly Entertaining". Daily Telegraph.
  17. ^ Dominic Cavendish (20 March 2015). "The jokes also on us". Daily Telegraph.
  18. ^ Ben Lawrence (14 May 2015). "Frenetically funny". Daily Telegraph.
  19. ^ Paul Taylor (17 July 2015). "An utterly delightful show". The Independent.
  20. ^ Paul Taylor (23 September 2015). "I'm still aching from the laughter". The Independent.
  21. ^ Dominic Cavendish (3 December 2015). "Sheridan Smith pulls off the impossible". Daily Telegraph.
  22. ^ Kate Kellaway (20 March 2016). "A devious must-see". The Observer.
  23. ^ Kate Kellaway (17 July 2016). "Bittersweet Sondheim with a homemade look". The Observer.
  24. ^ Susannah Clapp (11 December 2016). "The Sweet Smell of Success". The Guardian.
  25. ^ Paul Taylor (23 March 2017). "It brilliantly synthesises the two versions that exist of a play by Terence Rattigan". The Independent.
  26. ^ Ian Shuttleworth (18 May 2017). "Maureen Lipman and Felicity Kendal excel". Financial Times.
  27. ^ "Menier Chocolate Factory to stage new production of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole musical". WhatsOnStage.com. Retrieved 17 May 2017.
  28. ^ "Florian Zeller's The Lie to receive English language world premiere at Menier Chocolate Factory". WhatsOnStage.com. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
  29. ^ "Menier Chocolate Factory to revive Barnum". The Stage. 21 August 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
  30. ^ "Declan Bennett and Samuel Barnett cast in Kiss of the Spider Woman". WhatsOnStage.com. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
  31. ^ Ben Lewis (16 April 2018). "Laura Pitt-Pulford and John Gordon Sinclair to star in The Grönholm Method". What's On Stage. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  32. ^ "Spamilton at Menier Chocolate Factory casting announced". Retrieved 7 July 2018.
  33. ^ "Hugh Whitemore's Pack of Lies revived at the Menier Chocolate Factory". Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  34. ^ "Menier Chocolate Factory to stage Fiddler on the Roof this Christmas". Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  35. ^ "Penelope Wilton and Ophelia Lovibond confirmed for David Hare's The Bay at Nice at Menier Chocolate Factory | WhatsOnStage". www.whatsonstage.com. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  36. ^ "Theatr Clwyd announces 2019 season and Menier Chocolate Factory co-production | WhatsOnStage". www.whatsonstage.com. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  37. ^ "Cast joining Jenna Russell in The Bridges of Madison County announced | WhatsOnStage". www.whatsonstage.com. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  38. ^ "The Watsons to transfer to the Menier Chocolate Factory | WhatsOnStage". www.whatsonstage.com. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  39. ^ "The Boy Friend". www.menierchocolatefactory.com. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  40. ^ "Indecent". www.menierchocolatefactory.com. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  41. ^ Lawson, Mark (14 September 2021). "Indecent review – a brainy play staged with the panache of a musical". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
[edit]
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