World famous writer supports local Author

THE next instalment of local Author Graham Parry's award winning book series:- 'Alder' is due for release on 17 November 2020, and its launch is being heralded by a world famous, best selling Author. The new book:- 'Return to Alder' follows the exploits of Pippa and her trip to the magical kingdom of Alder, where she has adventures and returns with a key message for all.

Speaking of the book, Melling based writer Graham said:- "I am delighted there is a lot of anticipation for this new story and the continuing adventures in the mystical world of Alder. I am also delighted to announce that as with my original book, proceeds from sales will be given to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, to continue their important work; especially vital in these strange times"

Graham's original book, published in August 2019, was the recipient of:- 'The People's Book Prize Best Achievement Award' at its 2020 online ceremony, with Graham receiving the award from the organisation's Patron Emeritus, Best Selling Author, Frederick Forsyth, CBE.

Mr Forsyth, is the Author of 16 best selling novels including:- 'The Day of the Jackal,' 'The Odessa File' and 'The Negotiator,' so it was an amazing boost for Graham to here him say:- "As a former President of The People's Book Prize I'm utterly delighted that Graham Parry, a shining star to emerge from our ranks, is having his second book published already. I have every confidence a glittering career lies ahead for him."

Return to Alder is published by Blossom Spring Publishing and will be available online, and from all good book shops (when they re-open) from 17 November 2020. Alder Hey will receive 15% of the net proceeds of sales. Their work can be seen at:- AlderHeyCharity.Org.

DISNEY'S beloved Olivier Award winning stage musical Beauty and the Beast is to be re-imagined and re-designed in a completely new production staged by the original award winning creative team at:- The Bristol Hippodrome, in 2019, as part of a UK tour.  This amazing show is now heading to  the Liverpool Empire in 2021!

Spectacularly revamped in startling new designs which will use the latest theatrical innovations, this timeless romantic tale will be brought to life on the City venue's stage, from Thursday, 21 October 2021, until Saturday, 27 October 2021. Bursting with the charm and elegance audiences expect from Belle, the show will also feature the iconic songs, composed by:- Alan Menken, Be Our Guest and Beauty and the Beast in its soundtrack.

Tickets go on sale to ATG Theatre Card Holders, on Friday, 20 November 2020, with general sale opening on Thursday, 26 November 2020.

The original West End production of Beauty and the Beast opened at the Dominion Theatre in April 1997, playing over 1100 performances to more than 2 million people. It won the 1998 Olivier Award for Best Musical and enjoyed a hugely successful UK and Ireland tour in 2001.

While retaining the lush period sound of the Oscar winning and Tony® nominated score, this new production of Beauty and the Beast will be heard afresh with new choreography.

The structure and tone of the story and score; as conceived for the 1991 film by its executive producer and lyricist Howard Ashman with a continued evolution for the Broadway adaptation 3 years later; made Disney history. Only once before, in Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's previous film musical:- 'The Little Mermaid,' had a Disney film been structured like a stage musical where the songs are integral to plot and characterisation rather than only ornamental or digressions. This Menken / Ashman innovation is credited with the 1990's Disney animation renaissance that went on to create such film classics as Aladdin, The Lion King and Hunchback of Notre Dame and helped re-introduce the book musical form to popular culture.

Based on the 1991 film; the 1st animated feature ever nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture:- 'Beauty and the Beast' opened on Broadway, in April 1994 and garnered nine Tony nominations and one win. It played for more than 13 years on Broadway, closing in 2007. It remains to this day; 26 years after it opened, among the top 10 longest running shows in Broadway history. The live action retelling of the animated classic quickly became the highest grossing live action film musical of all time in 2017, a record only beaten by The Lion King live-action release in 2019.

8 time Oscar winner composer Alan Menken said:- "Beauty and the Beast is a testament to the genius of my late friend and collaborator Howard Ashman, but the show's richness comes from the combination of Howard's style and that of the brilliant Tim Rice, with whom I expanded the score to give voice to the Beast. It's clear that audiences the world over want to return to the world of Beauty, which continues to amaze and humble those of us who created it. As the show returns to the UK, I cannot wait to see how Rob Roth and this glorious creative team bring the whole universe of Beauty and the Beast to life once again."

Tim Rice said:- "Beauty and the Beast is a story and a show which resonates through generations, and it was a great pleasure to work with Alan to expand the score he and the brilliant Howard Ashman first created. I am thrilled that there will be a brand new production and that the newest theatrical wizardry will bring another layer of magic to the tale. It is great that the UK will host the premiere of the new production, as this country has always enjoyed a special affinity with the show."

Linda Woolverton said:- "I've found it so gratifying to have the liberty to go back in and tinker with the original book. I've trimmed, thrown out, re-conceived and spruced it up. I also made changes to the dialogue with an eye to gender equality and progressive cultural awareness. But Belle is still the intellectual feminist heroine she's always been."

Rob Roth said:- "I am so excited to premiere this new production of Beauty in the UK. The entire original creative team has reassembled, and we've re-imagined the visual aspects of the show completely, making full use of all the newest technologies in stage craft, lighting and costume construction. Many of these elements hadn't been invented when we 1t developed the show. So we are creating something brand new from this beloved 'tale as old as time.' I speak for the whole team when I say fortunate we all feel to be given the opportunity to re-imagine the show for the 21st Century."